Hit the Road for Less: Spring Break Road Trip Savings

Article overview

• Plan your route with ease: AAA provides assistance with mapping out your perfect road trip, ensuring you take the most scenic and efficient routes.

• Save at the pump: Access savings on gas through your AAA Membership to keep your travel costs lower.

• Rental car discounts: Get deals on rental cars and hit the road in style, whether it’s a convertible or an SUV.

• Stress-free travel: With AAA by your side, you can travel worry-free knowing you have reliable support for whatever the road brings.

Spring Break is just around the corner. For many of us, that means packing bags, cranking up the playlist and hitting the open highway.

However, costs can add up quickly. Between fuel prices, vehicle maintenance and snacks for the crew, the budget can get tight before you even reach your destination. That is where your AAA Membership becomes your best travel companion. Beyond roadside assistance, your card unlocks a suite of discounts designed to make your journey smoother and more affordable.

Whether you are planning a cross-country adventure or a quick weekend getaway, here is how you can leverage your membership to save money and stress this spring.

Pre-trip prep: Getting the right wheels ready

Before you even load the GPS, you need to make sure your vehicle is up to the task. A breakdown is the quickest way to ruin the vacation vibe. You generally have two options: prep your own car or rent one that fits your adventure.

Is your car road-trip ready?

If you plan to take your own vehicle, safety comes first. A quick check-up can prevent major headaches miles away from home. AAA Members can visit Car Care Centers and AAA Approved Auto Repair Shops where you can check your brakes, tires, fluid levels and battery health.

Members often receive discounts on labor or parts at these locations, ensuring your car is in top shape without breaking the bank. It gives you the confidence to tackle those winding mountain roads or long stretches of desert highway.

Choosing the best car for your adventure

Sometimes, your daily driver isn't the best road trip car. Maybe you want to save mileage on your personal vehicle, or perhaps your compact sedan isn't big enough for the whole family plus luggage. This is where renting becomes a smart option.

Through the AAA partnership with Hertz, you can find the perfect car rental for a road trip.

• For the adventurer: Rent a Jeep and take the doors off for an immersive beachside drive.

• For the family: Load everyone into a spacious SUV with plenty of room for coolers and suitcases.

• For the budget-conscious: Grab a fuel-efficient hybrid to keep gas costs low.

Plus, AAA Members get exclusive benefits with Hertz, such as waived young renter fees (ages 20-24), the free use of one child, infant or booster seat and up to 20% off base rates.

Saving while you drive: Fuel, food and furry friends

Once you are on the road, the daily expenses are where the budget usually takes a hit. Fuel and food are necessities, but they don't have to cost full price.

Fueling up for less

Gas prices fluctuate, but your savings don't have to. When you stop at Shell stations, you can save on every fill-up. By joining the Fuel Rewards® program and linking your AAA Membership, you save significantly at the pump. Over a 1,000-mile trip, those cents off can add up to a free lunch or an extra souvenir.

The pit stop strategy: Love’s Travel Stops

Road trips run on snacks. Instead of paying premium prices at random convenience stores, look for Love’s Travel Stops. They are a haven for travelers, offering more than just fuel savings.

AAA Members can save on snacks to keep the "hangry" passengers at bay. But Love's offers more than just food:

• Clean restrooms: A non-negotiable for comfortable travel.

• Pet-friendly areas: If you brought the dog, Love's offers safe areas to take your furry friend out for a stretch.

• Travel essentials: Forgot your toothbrush? Need a cozy blanket for the passenger who is always cold? Love’s has toiletries, showers and electronics for when your charger inevitably breaks at the worst time.

Knowing you have a reliable, discounted place to stop takes the guesswork out of "where should we pull over?"

Post-trip cleanup: washing away the road grime

After hundreds of miles, your car will wear the evidence of your trip. Bug splatters on the windshield, dust on the bumper and crumbs in the backseat are signs of a good time, but you probably don't want to keep them around.

Getting a professional wash is the best way to reset your vehicle for daily life. Fortunately, finding a car wash discount is easy with your membership. AAA partners with several top-tier car wash services to give you the best road trip discount on cleaning.

Where to find a discount car wash near you

Depending on your location, you can utilize your membership at several major chains. If you're searching for a " discount car wash near me," check these partners first:

• Jet Brite Car Wash: Known for their high-tech tunnel washes that get you in and out quickly with a sparkling shine.

• Whistle Express Car Wash: A great option for a thorough exterior clean and powerful vacuums to handle the interior mess.

• ZIPS Car Wash: With locations across the country, ZIPS offers premium wash options that protect your paint and leave a spot-free finish.

Using these partners ensures you aren't paying full price to get your car looking like new again. It is the satisfying final step of a successful spring break.

Peace of mind on every mile

The best part of a road trip is the memories you create. It’s the singalongs, the scenic overlooks and the laughter shared over a bag of chips. AAA is there to handle the logistics so you can focus on those moments.

So, go ahead and map out that route. Book that hotel. Rent that convertible. With AAA, you are ready for whatever the road brings this spring break.