Why We Joined AAA for Travel Benefits and Why We Canceled Our Membership

Years ago we traveled from Boise to Nashville. AAA had a tool called triptik that provided turn-by-turn directions. One year ago, we began planning a cross-country trip and positive memories of that that trip sent me back through their door. After a discussion with the travel agent, we subscribed to a one year membership. A year later we canceled our membership.

Two differences separate the earlier trip from this one.

The Nashville trip was one month long, and all we desired to plot out was our movement from town to town. When we got tired of driving we found an place to park and called it a day. Because we had our young daughters with us we usually tried to find a place with a pool or near a park so they could release energy. AAA supplied us with the requested map and some brochures that identified spots of interest along our route.

Thirty years later, we desired a more complete triptik which included more specific information and a map that guided us to where we would stay at each stop. Unlike travels in the past where we drove until we got tired, this time we didn't want to drive long distances in one day and hoped to save money by staying places sponsored by Harvest Host and Passport America.

The second difference is the cursed and blessed technology available. I discovered all the same resources are at my disposal that are used by the travel agent. This became a curse because with my OCD tendencies, hours were absorbed in front of the computer to plan the perfect trip. For the better part of the year, our travel map morphed and changed. The final product was a blessing because now that we are on the road, all we have t o worry about is driving and then we relax and explore whatever our destination has to offer.

AAA is an excellent resource for the price! However, it is not the only resource. Below I have outlined the pros and cons to help you decide if it will fulfill you need.

Pros

• A travel agent will prepare a triptik for free with a membership
• The website offers many discounts
• Information is provided about activities and sights at each destination
• They provide roadside assistance for cars and RVs. During the year of our active membership, we used them to tow our car when we had a flat. It was a positive experience.
• The burden of planning is handed to someone else making it a true vacation.
• Their website is accessible from anywhere, providing updated and relevant trip information with the touch of a button.
• The most valuable asset of AAA was their map. After entering locations, it generated a route. With a click of button, icons appeared to show gas stops, RV resorts, activities, and restaurants. I used it quite a bit in the beginning of my planning but discovered the choices were limited and now wonder if they only advertise for business that subscribe to them. Though it was a nice feature, when my membership ended, I never missed it.

Cons

• When visiting with the travel agent we were asked what we wanted to do and see. Since we were going places we had never seen before, we didn't have answers. Since I had to do the research about each state, I simply started the process and then followed it through to t he end.
• The discounts offered were similar to what we could find through Good Sam, AARP, Groupon, and our Credit Card benefits, etc. In fact, I discovered if I search "coupons and the name of state" Google will provides many opportunities to save money. I also search "free and inexpensive activities near me" for random stops and exploration.
• Google searches also alerted us to events occurring in real time: a flea market, rodeo, an evening concert in the park, an open mic comedy club and so much more.
• Our insurance offered similar roadside assistance and coverage. 
• Since our planning spanned a long period of time, I could make adjustments quickly on my own without making phone calls to a travel agent who was accommodating, but the process was cumbersome.

The ability to plan the trip on our own offered control and increased our understanding of what each state has to offer. It was the right decision for us. You decide what works for you. You do you!

Happy Travels.

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Brenda Mahler writes about travel and all articles are available for free on her travel blog on Facebook which link back to Vocal Media.

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