|
What the top 10 travel clubs offer their members
(MONEY Magazine) – Like these top 10, most clubs specialize one way or another -- in geographic areas, in luxury or budget accommodations, or in travel packages. Listed prices are the annual membership fees or the cost of coupon books. -- America at 50% Discount ($19.95 for the first year, $24.95 thereafter; 800-248-2783). Discounts of 50% at 1,400 U.S. hotels and up to 50% at chains (2,500 hotels). Other deals include as much as 65% off on weekly stays in 2,000 condos in the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean; up to 25% on car rentals; up to 40% on cruises; 25% on restaurants; and a 5% air travel rebate. -- Concierge Card ($70 plus $4.50 shipping; 800-346-1022). A small program that offers up to 50% off on 800 upscale hotels and condos worldwide. Other discounts: 30% to 60% on cruises and a 5% rebate on selected air fares, Alamo rental cars and cruises booked through the Concierge travel agent. -- Entertainment Publications (800-285-5525). A series of 124 travel discount directories targeted to varying needs, with more than 75,000 participating merchants, including Travel America at HalfPrice ($32.95); HalfPrice Europe ($42); 119 city editions in the U.S. and Canada ($25 to $45); and editions for Israel and London ($41.95 each). -- Great American Traveler ($29.95; 800-548-2812). Fifty percent off at 1,850 hotels (200 outside the U.S.). -- International Travel Card ($36; 800-342-0558). Discounts of 50% at 2,500 hotels around the world are listed in the ITC-50 directory. -- Privilege Card ($49.95 plus $12.50 for each additional card; 800-359-0066). Discounts up to 50% at 5,000 hotels and on condos, cruises, ski packages and theme parks through an in-house travel agency. -- Quest International ($99; 800-325-2400). Fifty percent off at more than 2,000 hotels in the U.S., the Caribbean, Mexico, Canada and Europe. It also works with another company to give members up to 50% off on cruises and condos. -- See America (410-653-2616). This club offers the International Golf Directory ($49.95) and See America at 50% Discount ($99.95) -- a directory of 1,500 hotels in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and New Zealand. -- Solid Gold ($33, $42 Canadian; 604-874-0821). As much as 50% off at 400 hotels in Canada and the U.S., plus discounts at Canadian restaurants, parks and auto services. -- Travel World Leisure Club ($50; 800-444-8952). Discounts of up to 30% at restaurants and hotels, 25% on rental cars and 14 major cruise lines, and 5% to 40% on air fares. -- E.M.G. |
|