How to Save Money for Your Next Vacation

An African American family of four packing their car for a trip to the beach or pool, with cooler, umbrella and toys. The teenage boy is carrying pool noodles and the 10 year old girl is watching the father put a picnic basket into the car.

Here are seven ways AAA and our trusted travel partners can help you save money on your next family road trip.

1. Map and Plan with AAA

Whether it’s a drive across the country or just a trip around town, getting your family from here to there is a breeze with AAA’s TripTik Travel Planner (AAA.com/TripTik). Set map filters to find hotels, campgrounds, restaurants, discounts and attractions along your route. Need general inspiration? Browse pre-planned itineraries on AAA.com/RoadTrips.

2. Pick up a AAA TourBook Guide, Map and Atlas

For an integrated travel planning experience, pick up a AAA TourBook guide that includes approved attractions, member discount information, calendars of events and in-depth destination overviews for more than 80 top destinations.

Destination overviews feature must-do activities, top picks for kids and recommendations for nightlife, shopping and dining. You can also stop by your local AAA office for AAA sheet maps. They provide state, regional, vicinity and city coverage including points of interest, approved AAA GEM attractions, scenic byways and rest areas.

3. Score Rental Car Perks with Hertz

Instead of putting extra miles on your own vehicle, consider renting an SUV with plenty of cargo space. AAA Members get all sorts of benefits when booking with Hertz, including discounts of up to 20 percent off base rates.

Other perks include free child safety seats (one per rental), waived fees for young renters ages 20-24 and no charge for up to four additional drivers (as long as they’re qualified with AAA Membership). Visit AAA.com/Hertz for details and current promotions.

4. Tune up for the Trip

If you plan to take your own vehicle, get it road trip ready with a tune-up at your local AAA Car Care location. We put you in the driver’s seat with our digital vehicle inspection — AAA Digital Vehicle Insight (DVI). Sent directly to you, our DVI features photos, videos and technician notes about your vehicle’s health. Reserve your Car Care appointment at AAA.com/CarCare.

5. Brake for Fun — and Discounts

Every good road trip incorporates some stops for fun and play. Find fun things to do along your route—including national parks, state parks, museums and gardens—by using the TripTik Travel Planner or the AAA Mobile app. The AAA Mobile app helps you locate attractions offering AAA discounts, too. Visit AAA.com/Discounts for even more savings.

6. Fill Up with Shell Fuel Rewards

AAA Members who enroll in the Fuel Rewards Program can save at least 5 cents per gallon (up to 20 gallons) at participating Shell stations.

And getting the discount couldn’t be easier. Once you’ve registered online (AAA.com/Shell), enter your phone number at the gas pump or in-store before filling up to automatically apply the discount.

7. Trust AAA Inspections at Hotels and Campgrounds

Overnighting it? Look for hotels with a AAA Diamond designation. AAA Diamond designations are awarded only to properties that pass a rigorous, in-person inspection process.

You can trust that every AAA Diamond property offers a clean and comfortable experience. Search Diamond hotels and hotel discounts at AAA.com/Travel or check the AAA TourBook guides. Prefer to sleep under the stars? AAA also maintains a list of campgrounds. Visit AAA.com/TravelGuides/Campgrounds.