To ensure you receive the best service possible,
please enter your zip code below:
Bracing yourself for miles of wear and tear on the family car while on vacation this summer? Maybe it’s time to switch things up. Here are five reasons to leave your own car at home and rent a vehicle for vacation this year:
Your car may deserve a little vacation, too. Prolonged driving takes a toll on our favorite mode of transportation, and maintaining a car is expensive: According to the 2021 AAA “Your Driving Costs” study, the average annual cost of owning and operating a new vehicle is $9,666, or $805.50 per month.
When you rent a car for vacation, you log those hefty vacation miles on the rental, rather than your own car. And that may mean you can put off trading in your car for another year or two.
If weaving through big-city streets is part of your epic summer adventure, the family minivan—while perfect for trips to soccer practice, school and work—might not be the best car. When you use a rental vehicle for vacation, you can get a smaller ride that’s still big enough for the family and luggage, yet gives you more maneuverability and fuel-efficient gas mileage.
If you’re taking a long sightseeing vacation or driving cross country, you may want more legroom or even a few extra seats so the kids can spread out. A bigger rental, like a large SUV, provides the extra space that your usual vehicle doesn’t.
Legroom is one of the most complicated measurements that goes into designing a vehicle, so make sure you do a “test sit” before deciding on what to rent for a long drive.
If you’re in the market for a car or truck, renting a vacation car can be the perfect way for the family to test a new ride. You can get input from your crew and give the vehicle a much more thorough test drive than you’d get at a car dealership.
Maybe you’re considering an electric vehicle (EV) for your next purchase. Companies like Hertz have EVs in their rental car fleets. Ask about driving range (average number of miles you can go on a charge) and remember that an EV won’t be stopping at gas stations, so plot out the location of charging stations—there are 5,700 public charging stations in the United States. You can use your AAA Mobile app to find one on your route.
If it’s a long drive to your vacation destination, you may want to save time by flying—and then rent a car when you arrive. Given the true cost of driving your car long distances (including high gas prices), this option may be more affordable than you think.
Member discounts
Save up to 20% and get a free child seat rental.
‡Offer valid through 4/30/2025. Offer valid for Classic/Basic Memberships only. Pricing valid at member join only. Offer excludes Motorcycle coverage. Payment of full AAA Membership dues is required upon renewal. Offers, terms, conditions and restrictions apply and are subject to change without notice. Not combinable with any other offer. Offer not valid in FL, GA, MI or PR. A member can add one eligible family member for free for up to one year. Additional Associates are half price. Associate memberships are available to the Primary member’s spouse, one other adult living in the household, and their children living at the same residence or away at school. Associate members must have the same type of membership as their Primary member, with the exception of Motorcycle. Associate membership expires on the renewal date of Primary member.
Upon activation and with proper identification, AAA will provide regular AAA services and full privileges for the new member. Roadside benefits begin three days after payment of dues. Some restrictions apply. Roadside assistance is provided by independent facilities contracted by AAA. Coverage in taxis, limousines and other ride-sharing conveyances is excluded. Visit AAA.com/MemberHandbook for details about member benefits, including any limitations or restrictions. Offers, terms, conditions and policies are subject to change without notice. Savings partners subject to change. Source: 2023 AAA U.S. Market Track national surveys. Includes service vehicles owned by clubs and service vehicles owned by third parties under contract with AAA to provide services to AAA members. Taxes, fees & options excluded. Terms apply. Partners and offers are subject to change and restrictions apply. For a complete list of offers, visit us online at AAA.com/Save or your local AAA office.
