What we calculate

This tool estimates first-year and ongoing net value by comparing realistic savings against total membership costs — including fees most clubs don't highlight upfront.

Realistic vs. advertised discounts

Travel clubs often advertise savings of 10–60%. In practice, blackout dates, limited inventory, and booking restrictions reduce actual savings. We use your "realistic discount" estimate and layer on restriction penalties to model this.

Friction & restriction penalties

• Blackout dates — peak periods where club rates aren't available
• Limited inventory — popular destinations booked out through the club
• Flexibility — rigid change/cancellation policies on club bookings
• Hassle factor — extra time/effort to book through the club vs. direct

Combined friction is capped at 25% to prevent unrealistic over-penalization.

Exit risk & refund loss

Many memberships have short refund windows, non-refundable initiation fees, or cancellation penalties. We estimate the money at risk if you decide to cancel.

Scoring (0–100)

• Net value: up to 40 points
• Break-even difficulty: up to 20 points
• Refund flexibility: up to 15 points
• Restriction severity: up to 15 points
• Price transparency: up to 10 points

Important disclaimer

Results are estimates based on the assumptions you enter. Actual savings depend on availability, specific destinations, booking timing, and membership terms that may vary. This is not financial or legal advice.