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How Members Clubs Became the Next Big Thing in Travel

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. s-clubs-became-the-next-big-thing-in-travel.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 15:17 GMT by Travel + Leisure
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How Members Clubs Are Redefining Modern Travel

In the past decade, the travel industry has seen a seismic shift from point‑based loyalty programs to purpose‑driven members clubs that offer curated, experience‑centric benefits. A recent piece in Travel + Leisure (“How Members Clubs Are Changing Travel”) explores how these clubs—ranging from luxury hotel alliances to niche lifestyle communities—are reshaping the way people plan, book, and enjoy their trips. The article draws on a mix of industry data, expert interviews, and real‑world case studies, painting a picture of a travel landscape that rewards not just staying in a hotel, but living a distinct lifestyle while abroad.

1. From Accumulated Points to Curated Experiences

Traditional frequent‑flyer programs, such as Delta’s SkyMiles or United’s MileagePlus, still form the backbone of many travelers’ itineraries. Yet the article argues that the next evolution lies in the rise of “experience clubs,” which offer more than free nights or seat upgrades. These clubs curate everything from private tours and dining reservations to behind‑the‑scenes access at festivals and pop‑up events.

“The line between a hotel’s loyalty program and a lifestyle club is blurring,” writes Travel + Leisure journalist Lisa K. M. S. “Members are no longer just chasing points—they’re chasing moments.” (See the Travel + Leisure feature on “The Rise of Experience‑Based Loyalty Programs” linked within the article.)

The piece cites a 2023 survey of 1,500 frequent travelers, finding that 67 % said they would pay an extra $150–$300 per year for a membership that promised exclusive, tailored experiences rather than simple discounts.

2. The All‑Inclusive Model: From Luxury Resorts to “Club” Airports

One of the most striking trends highlighted is the expansion of all‑inclusive clubs that combine lodging, transportation, and curated activities under a single membership. The article profiles the Hilton Grand Vacations and Marriott’s ‘Marriott Rewards + Club’ programs, which now include “members‑only lounges at select airports” and “priority boarding on partner airlines.” These bundles appeal to high‑spending travelers looking for frictionless itineraries.

“Airports are becoming the new clubhouses,” notes the piece. “Members enjoy lounges that mirror the design of their favorite hotel brand, with the same concierge service and even complimentary beverages.” (The article links to a separate Travel + Leisure profile on “How Airport Lounges Are Evolving.”)

The article also touches on niche clubs such as the Blue Moon Travel Club, which offers members free access to the world’s most remote islands, and the YOTTA Club, a tech‑centric community that connects members with the latest boutique accommodations and immersive experiences.

3. The Power of “Private” – From Private Jets to Private Islands

While the term “private” often conjures images of charter jets, the article explores a broader trend: the commodification of exclusivity. It introduces the Private Jet Club (PJC), which offers members a flat‑rate membership for on‑demand private flights. PJC’s pricing model—$3,000–$5,000 annually—covers a certain number of hours, with additional flights billed at a premium. The club’s members report that the ability to fly on a “just‑in‑time” basis outweighs the allure of traditional loyalty points.

Another example is the Tranquil Retreat Club, which partners with boutique resorts across the Caribbean to provide members with “all‑inclusive” stays, including access to private beaches and exclusive cooking classes. The club’s membership fee is $2,200 per year, and members are often praised for the “seamless, almost invisible luxury” of their travels.

4. How These Clubs Are Structured: Tiered, Points‑Based, and Membership‑Only

A key takeaway from the article is that not all clubs operate the same way. Some, like Marriott Bonvoy, maintain a tiered structure that rewards guests with free nights, early check‑in, and room upgrades. Others, such as the Club Marriott and Hotel.com’s Club, have moved toward flat‑rate memberships that guarantee a set number of nights per year, often with “experience credits” that can be used for curated tours, museum tickets, or dining experiences.

“It’s the ‘membership‑only’ model that’s gaining traction,” the author notes. “These clubs provide a predictable cost for luxury travel, turning uncertainty into an opportunity for personalization.” (Link: Travel + Leisure “Membership‑Only Clubs: The Future of Luxury Travel?”)

The article also delves into data from the U.S. Travel Association, which shows that 43 % of affluent travelers now belong to at least one experience‑based club, up from 27 % in 2017. The rise in membership correlates strongly with a desire for “unique, personalized, and hassle‑free experiences.”

5. The Role of Technology

Tech integration is another cornerstone. Many clubs use AI‑driven concierge apps that suggest itineraries based on a member’s past travel, preferences, and real‑time availability. For example, the Jetset Concierge app recommends off‑peak flights and exclusive dining options, all booked through a single dashboard. In addition, blockchain is being tested for loyalty tokenization—turning points into tradable, cross‑platform assets.

6. A Look Ahead: What’s Next for Membership Clubs

The article concludes by projecting future trends. “Hybrid models that blend loyalty points with membership credits are likely to dominate,” writes the author. “We also expect to see more partnerships between traditional hotel chains and boutique lifestyle brands, creating multi‑dimensional memberships that extend beyond travel.”

Readers are encouraged to explore the Travel + Leisure “Guide to Choosing the Right Travel Club” for a side-by-side comparison of benefits, costs, and member testimonials.

Bottom Line

In sum, the Travel + Leisure article portrays a travel ecosystem in flux, moving away from simple points accumulation toward integrated, membership‑centric experiences that offer exclusivity, convenience, and personalization. Whether you’re a seasoned globe‑trotter or a weekend wanderer, the proliferation of these clubs means that the next time you book a flight or reserve a hotel, you might also be unlocking a suite of experiences that go well beyond the ordinary.