If you’re thinking of a family road trip this summer there are a number of things that can help you have peace of mind when you’re loading everyone up into the car and AAA is here to help. Find out the nine ways that your AAA membership can assist planning the ultimate family road trip by saving you time, money and frustration.
1. Consult a AAA Travel Agent
Before you do anything you need to know where to go. What better way to start planning your trip than to sit with one of our AAA Travel Agents? AAA Travel Agents charge no service fee to plan your road trip and are able to give insight on location, routes and attractions that will excite you and your family and help you save money in the process. If you are in need of more inspiration check out the AAA Road Trips page for tons of pre-built trips for you and your family to choose from.
2. Grab a AAA TripTik®
AAA has you covered for planning your route with our AAA TripTik®. This tool was designed to give turn by turn directions from points A to Z and everywhere in-between. TripTiks have been a staple of AAA Travel and have helped assist members on their journeys for many, many years. Adapting with the changes, TripTiks now show illustrations of the route, give construction delays and even have the capability to show rest areas, hotels, points of interest and gas stations. Whether you get your AAA TripTik® online or sit down with an agent to route it out, a TripTik is a must have for your road trip.
3. Mapping It Out
While at your local AAA Travel Store, grab a 2020 AAA Roadmap and have an agent highlight your route! With complimentary roadmaps of the 50 United States, U.S. Regions, Canadian Provinces and International maps, you’ll know exactly where you’re going. And, be sure to stock up on AAA TourBooks of the U.S. and Canada to find out the best attractions, eateries and hotels for your trip!
4. Renting a Car
Before heading out on the road you may need to evaluate if your car is reliable enough and large enough to accommodate all your needs. If you feel leaving your personal vehicle at home is in everyone’s best interest, you may need to rent a car. Finding a rental car through AAA is a safe, fast and hassle-free. If that wasn’t enough, AAA has preferred partnerships with rental companies like Hertz that will save you on everything from price rates to GPS and car seats! And, if another passenger is able to drive and also has a AAA membership, Hertz will waive the Additional Drivers Fee. Ask one of our agents to book your rental car or book online.
5. Car Maintenance
If you do plan on using your own vehicle make sure it’s good to go! AAA members will save loads by getting an oil change and a 39-point inspection from one of our AAA Car Care Plus centers or AAA Approved Auto Repair centers.
6. AAA Gas Cost Calculator
If you have a budget set for your trip, the best way to stay on track is with the AAA Gas Cost Calculator. The calculator makes it easy for you to plan ahead on expenses by entering in your departing and destination points and the make, year and model of your car. The calculator will then estimate how much you’ll be spending on gas for a one-way and round trip. Planning made easy.
7. Shell Fuel Rewards
If you want to save money in your budget on gas (who wouldn’t?), one of the greatest ways to achieve that is by using your AAA membership with the Shell Fuel Rewards® program. Save at least 5¢/gal, up to 20 gallons, every fill at participating Shell stations through the end of 2020. All you need to do is enter your phone number at the gas pump or in-store before you fill up and the points are automatic! A simple way to save and one less thing to worry about on your family road trip!
8. Save During Your Stay
Did you know you can show your card and save outside of a AAA? Some hotels and attractions that are partnered with AAA don’t require you to book ahead of time at a AAA location, so you can still save with us on the fly!
9. Roadside Assistance-Travel with Someone You Trust
Last, but certainly not least, don’t forget to take along your AAA membership card so if you and your family run into a roadside problem, AAA will get you up and running in no time so you can get back to enjoying your journey. Find out your AAA emergency roadside coverage with our AAA app or online.
Considering a AAA membership? Learn more about our membership benefits.