travel

7 Road Trip Tips: How to Save on Your Next Getaway

Marti Gonzalez
Marti Gonzalez 2 Min Read
Parents are arranging their car trunk with a suitcase while the mother holds their young child, preparing for their journey

-- Updated April 2026 --

Article summary:

Turn every road trip into a smarter, stress-free adventure with AAA Member benefits designed to save you time and money at every turn.

  • Unlock exclusive discounts on hotels, attractions and more
  • Save on car rentals with Hertz and other trusted partners
  • Earn fuel savings through the Shell® Fuel Rewards® program
  • Plan efficient routes with AAA TripTik® tools
  • Access trusted, AAA-approved places to stay
  • Enjoy peace of mind with roadside assistance
  • Maximize every mile with expert travel planning resources 

 

AAA Members can turn every road trip into a smart, stress-free adventure with exclusive AAA Member benefits, partner discounts, fuel rewards and trusted accommodations. Follow these seven tips to save big, skip the hassle and make every mile unforgettable.

1. Map and plan your route

Use the free AAA Mobile App and TripTik Travel Planner to map your route, find hotels, restaurants, attractions and member discounts and filter for hotels, dining and points of interest. Need inspiration? Check out Rediscover America for road-trip ideas and tips to elevate your next adventure.

2. Use AAA TripCanvas & TourBook Guides

AAA Trip Canvas puts expert travel planning and inspiration at your fingertips. Explore destinations with trusted recommendations, curated attractions and AAA Diamond-designated hotels and restaurants ensure quality stays— plus exclusive AAA Member savings. Access digital TourBook guides with articles, videos and practical tips and easily save and book hotels, restaurants and more as you plan.

3. Score Hertz rental car perks

Planning your road trip is exciting—especially when picking the perfect vehicle. Renting lets you save wear and tear on your own car while choosing a ride that fits your needs. AAA Members booking through Hertz can save up to 20% on the base rate, 10% on prepaid fuel, get up to four free additional drivers, enjoy a complimentary child safety seat, and access other perks that stretch your road trip budget. Plus, join Hertz Gold+ for free and get a free day after your first Gold rental. Book at AAA.com/CarRental

4. Tune up your vehicle before you go

Prevent breakdowns with a pre‑trip inspection at AAA Car Care. Skilled technicians perform a thorough multi-point check of your vehicle and send results straight to you via Digital Vehicle Insight (DVI) — including detailed photos, videos and technician notes for full transparency. Book your appointment today to ensure your car is safe, reliable and road-ready for every journey.

5. Find roadside attractions and discounts

Detours turn ordinary trips into unforgettable adventures. Use the AAA Mobile App to discover national parks, museums, state parks, scenic byways and other attractions offering exclusive member discounts. And don’t forget the savings theme parks, shows, movies, concerts, dining and more. Browse nearby points of interest, plan unique stops along your route or see the full list of savings and special offers here.

6. Save on fuel

Gas prices fluctuate, but your savings don’t. AAA Members can link their membership to the Shell® Fuel Rewards® program at Shell for discounts on every fill-up — enough to cover a free lunch or souvenir on a long trip. For pit stops, Love’s Travel Stops offer snacks, clean restrooms, pet-friendly areas, showers and travel essentials, keeping passengers comfortable and trips stress-free.

7. Book AAA-designate hotels and campgrounds

AAA Diamond hotels meet rigorous inspection standards for clean, comfortable and reliable stays. Ratings range from one to five Diamonds, with higher ratings offering more amenities. Members can save with AAA rates while earning hotel loyalty points at properties like Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt and select Choice Hotel brands. Search for hotels and discounts via AAA.com, on the AAA Mobile app or AAA Trip Canvas. Prefer camping? AAA has you covered. Explore sites here

Road Trip Planning FAQs

Pack with comfort and convenience in mind—think reusable water bottles, snacks, a phone charger, a first-aid kit, sunglasses and a lightweight blanket. Don’t forget entertainment like playlists, audiobooks or travel games to keep everyone engaged on long drives.

Set a daily spending estimate that includes lodging, food, fuel and activities. Build in a small buffer for unexpected expenses so you can enjoy the trip without worrying about every dollar.

Break up driving time with scenic stops, short walks or local experiences. Rotating drivers (if possible) and planning fun pit stops can help reduce fatigue and keep energy levels up.

Starting early in the morning can help you avoid traffic and make the most of your day. Traveling during off-peak seasons or midweek can also mean fewer crowds and better availability.

Explore, discover, wander...

More adventure, more savings, more AAA

From routes to rest stops and member-only savings, AAA make road trips effortless.

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