Health Hack: How Travel Can Transform Your Physical and Mental Well-Being
(BPT) - Getting older is a gift, one that can bring joy, wisdom and the opportunity to enjoy life's next chapter. While it can naturally also be associated with health challenges, new research has suggested that travel helps people age well at every stage of life. In the AARP 2025 Travel Trends survey, 85% of adults 50-plus agree travel is beneficial for their physical health and 95% say travel is beneficial for their mental health. So, whether you are hoping to decompress, looking for more social interaction and mental stimulation, ready to explore new destinations or ramp up your physical activity, immersing yourself in travel can boost your longevity.
"Travel isn't just a passion for those 50-plus, it's a path to healthier aging," said AARP Services Director of Travel Steve Guilday. "While the cost of taking a trip may be a hindrance, an AARP membership offers meaningful savings that support both your well-being and your wallet, making it easier to travel smarter and feel better doing it."
You can plan your trip … by taking advantage of these AARP member benefits.
Choose Your Destination
Spending time with family and friends is a top motivator for travel in 2025, so why not go back to your roots with Ancestry? AARP members can discover the cities, regions, or countries of their family origin and save 30% on the first year of an All Access or a World Explorer subscription. With access to records and online tools to search, you can save and share your family history. If you're new to Ancestry, you'll receive the discount on the first year of your subscription only. For those with an existing account, you'll receive the discount when you renew your subscription for a year. Unlocking your origin provides an exciting and unique roadmap for your next vacation destination.
Speaking of destinations, you can explore the world with ease because Grand European Travel is here to guide you to the ideal destination for your dream getaway. From Europe to Asia, Africa to Australia, you can discover all the sights these places have to offer by using your AARP member benefits to save up to $100 per person. For a limited time, save up to 15% off on Fall Travel with Grand European Travel! Lock in a great deal on select August - October departures to destinations around the globe during their annual Fall Travel Sale. Ends 5/29/25.
Travel Wisely
Traveling well doesn't mean there aren't ways to save throughout your trip. Whether you need to rent a car once you reach your destination or you don't want to put the miles on your own car, AARP members can save up to 35% off base rates when choosing the Pay Now option at reservation or up to 30% off when you choose to Pay Later at the pickup counter with Avis. Plus, members receive a 3% credit to apply to future rentals, a free upgrade on compact through full-size car class bookings (subject to availability) and an additional driver at no extra cost. For a limited time, AARP members can also save an extra $15 through the end of June on rentals of three days or more when spending $175 or more.
For extra savings while on the road, link your AARP membership with your Exxon Mobil Rewards+™ account to earn extra points on everyday purchases like fuel, car washes and convenience store items, plus 2x the points on fuel on member days. AARP members who are new to the Exxon Mobil Rewards+ program also get a 500-point welcome bonus after their first fill-up. Every 100 points equals $1 in savings redeemable on fuel, car washes or store items. Use the Exxon Mobil Rewards+™ app or your phone number and PIN at the pump once linked.
Wherever you roam, a comfortable and relaxing place to stay will be top of mind as soon as you arrive at any of the 9,000+ Wyndham Hotels & Resorts properties. AARP members save 10% off the best available rate and for a limited time, you can stay 2+ nights and save 15% off Wyndham Hotels like La Quinta, Baymont, and Days Inn. Book by June 30 and stay by September 1.
Prepare Properly
Well before your departure, make a list to ensure you've tackled all of your "away from home to-dos" so you can enjoy your travels stress-free. If you have pets, for example, make a plan for boarding or a pet sitter if they won't be traveling with you. Be sure to review your pet insurance policy to make sure they are covered for qualifying care for any unexpected injuries and illnesses, emergency vet visits, or routine prescription meds and supplements. If you don't have pet insurance or are looking to make a change, AARP members can save 10% on monthly premiums for the lifetime of their pet's policy with Fetch Pet Insurance.
Preparation can also include getting in the right frame of mind. Travel can significantly benefit your mental health by providing stress relief, boosting well-being, and promoting personal growth. Use your member benefits to help support your mental health while on vacation and maintain it after with access to free self-guided programs and self-care strategies from Dario. In the guided programs, you have access to activities, meditations and games that can help strengthen your mental health journey. With Dario, you can find content and tools that may help you relieve stress, sleep better, lift your mood and more.
Finally, make sure you don't miss a spectacular landmark or brilliant sunset with a new pair of glasses. An AARP membership can help members explore their destination in style with 20% off frames + 50% off prescription lenses with the purchase of a complete pair of eyewear and 30% off non-prescription sunglasses at LensCrafters.
Try traveling as your new health hack and save by using your AARP membership. Learn more about additional discounts for AARP members by visiting https://www.aarp.org/membership/benefits.
AARP and its affiliates are not insurers, agents, brokers or producers. AARP member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details.
Source: BrandPoint
BREAKING NEWS: Crown Equity Holdings, Inc. Announces Partnership

