Travel Club Membership Explained
You pay to join, and the club promises better rates. Here is how to check whether the promise holds.
Get Free Trip QuotesA travel club membership is a product in its own right: you pay to join, and in return you get access to rates or services that are supposed to be better than what the public sees. Some people use them well. Others pay for a membership they rarely use, or find the “member” rates are no lower than a regular booking site.
How Paid Travel Club Membership Works
- The fee. An upfront joining fee, a yearly or monthly fee, or both. Some ask for several years in advance.
- The access. A members-only booking portal or phone line, sometimes with a fixed list of partner resorts.
- The promise. Lower prices, “wholesale” rates, bonus nights or upgrades. These are claims to test, not facts to accept.
- The fine print. Blackout dates, limited availability, booking windows, transfer rules and what happens to unused benefits.
Questions to Ask Before You Join
- What is the total cost of the travel club membership over the years I will hold it, including renewals?
- Can I see member prices for my own dates and destinations before I pay?
- Are taxes, resort fees and booking fees included in the prices you show?
- Which destinations and dates are actually available, and how far ahead must I book?
- Can I cancel, and will I get money back? Where is that written?
- Can the membership be transferred, sold or passed on, and at what cost?
What the FTC Says About Travel Clubs
The Federal Trade Commission notes that the words “vacation club” can mean different things: some clubs work much like a timeshare, while others promise discounts on travel or lodging. Its advice is to confirm exactly what you are buying, ask why a deal is only available today, and get the true total cost, including fees, taxes and travel, before you agree. Read the FTC’s own page: Timeshares, Vacation Clubs, and Related Scams.
If you were invited to a presentation with the promise of a free trip, read our page on travel club membership scam warning signs first. If you have already signed, see cancelling a travel club.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a travel club membership usually include?
Typically a login to a booking site or a phone desk that shows “member” prices on hotels, resorts, cruises or packages. Some add newsletters, concierge help or travel credits. The details vary widely, so ask for the full list of benefits and their conditions in writing.
Can I try a travel club before paying?
Ask. Some offer a trial or a look at sample rates before you join. If a seller will not let you compare real prices for your own dates before you pay, treat that as a warning sign.
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