travel

Money-Saving Travel Tips That Can Stretch Your Budget

Mart-Travis-Gonzalez
Marti Gonzalez 3 Min Read
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Your vacation is just around the corner, and you’ve worked hard to save for it. Here are some money-saving travel tips that can help you make those hard-earned dollars go even further.

1. Look for preferred lodging

AAA preferred hotel partners offer members discounts and valuable add-ons like free breakfast, parking and loyalty program perks. Preferred hotel partners include the many different brands owned by Best Western Hotels & Resorts, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott and MGM Resorts International.


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2. Rev up the car rental savings

Save with rental car discounts through Hertz, Dollar and Thrifty. Plus, get additional benefits like free car seats. You can also get discounts on airport parking and transportation through The Parking Spot. In addition to saving 10% on near-airport parking and free online reservations, AAA Members now receive two free days of airport parking when joining the Spot Club loyalty program. Or, if you need a ride to a local airport, Go Airport Shuttle can take you there.


Mother and son enjoying big meal outside on sunny day

3. Save on dining and entertainment

If you’re traveling within the U.S., you’ll find plenty of deals and discounts on an array of restaurants at AAA.com/Dining. Save on concerts, sporting events, city day passes and more with discounts at AAA.com/Tickets.

4. Cruising for value

When you take a cruise, you get transportation from port to port, food, accommodations and entertainment all for one up-front price. Your AAA Member discounts make it even better.


Family hiking during the day at Arches National Park

5. Enjoy free days at the park

The U.S. National Park Service offers free entry on certain days each year, including the first day of National Park Week in April and National Public Lands Day in September.

6. Off-season may be key to finding the cheapest places to travel

You can find great deals and lower prices in general when traveling during the shoulder season or off-season. Plus, you avoid crowds and contribute to the ongoing support of local economies.

7. Pay in local currency

Pick countries where the dollar is strong. Once there, pay in the local currency if asked when using your credit card, to minimize costs.


Woman leaning back on edge of pool, relaxing

8. Ask about affordable luxury

Many posh hotels, including select AAA Diamonds, offer day passes for access to their spas, pools and other facilities. If you’re a member of a hotel chain’s rewards program, inquire about using their day-pass benefits while traveling.

9. Find value in vacation packages

The convenience and efficiency of vacation packages can often save you time and money.

10. Skip the excess baggage fee

If you’re cruising or traveling internationally, you can ship your goods home with Lugless. AAA Members save 15%, which will get your luggage, skis, golf clubs, boxes and more to your destination safely.

11. Purchase travel insurance

Travel insurance can often reimburse you for a trip that has been canceled or delayed, and it can help protect you in other ways, too.

Get the inside scoop on travel deals

Learn about specific AAA travel discounts and benefits when you work with a trusted AAA Travel Agent.

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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.