Savvy Vacations

Get more for less

A recent poll indicates 45 percent of Americans plan to spend less money on their summer vacations than in previous years. High gas prices and a soft economy have led to families tightening their belts this year. But, less money doesn’t have to mean less fun. AAA offers these money-saving ideas and great deals to make your 2008 getaway better than ever—while sticking to a budget.

Before You Go

You can start on the road to saving before you begin your journey with these money-saving tips and tools.

AAA Approved Auto Repair
Receive a free 24-point inspection at any AAA Approved Auto Repair facility to ensure your vehicle is running at its best. Be sure that your tires are inflated according to manufacturer’s guidelines for maximum fuel performance.

AAA Hotel Discounts
Book hotels before you leave at AAA.com/Hotels or your nearest AAA office. In independent research by Harris Interactive, AAA offered the lowest total price for a 3-day stay 64 percent of the time compared to Expedia, Travelocity and hotel websites. If not pre-booked, be sure to show your AAA card to get up to 20 percent off the best rate available at partner hotels.

Pick up free AAA Maps, TripTiks® and TourBooks
Visit AAA.com or your local AAA office to map out the most efficient routes.

Fuel Cost Calculator
Determine your fuel costs before you go and find the best gas prices at stations along the way at www.fuelcostcalculator.com.

Show Your AAA Card & Save Save on dining, shopping, theme parks, entertainment venues and more. Visit AAA.com/Save for a complete listing.

Attraction Ticket Savings
Members save on hundreds of attractions when purchased in advance from their local office.

AAA Platinum Plus Visa Card
Swipe your AAA Platinum Plus® Visa® Card “at the pump” and get up to a 5 percent gas rebate.

On the Road

Avoid the hidden costs that add up!

Pre-purchase attraction tickets and pre-book lodging to receive exclusive savings. Visit AAA.com or your local AAA office.

Bring along a case of soda and water before you go to avoid purchasing more expensive drinks at convenience stores. 

Pack lots of individual serving snacks, such as pretzels, peanuts and other goodies for on-the-road snacking.

Pre-set a “souvenir allowance” for kids before you go to avoid impulse buys. A great way to provide a keepsake of the journey is to give each child a “scrapbook” to fill in along the way.

Check out the fuel gauge report at www.fuelgaugereport.com to find the best gas prices along the way. Consider purchasing meal plans at theme parks to save on in-park dining.

Sunscreen, sunglasses and sand toys are more expensive at local beach shops. Purchase these before you go.

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10 Tips to Save Gas and Money

If you own more than one car—especially if one of your vehicles is a less fuel-efficient truck, SUV or van—use the more energy conserving vehicle as often as possible.

Consolidate trips and errands to cut down on driving time and keep needless miles off the odometer.

Check your vehicle owner’s manual. If your vehicle does not require premium or mid-grade fuel, purchase less expensive regular unleaded gas.

Lighten the load. Don’t haul extra weight in the passenger compartment, trunk or cargo area of your vehicle. A heavier vehicle uses more gasoline.

Slow down. The faster a vehicle travels, the more gas it burns. Driving faster than posted speed limits is dangerous and increases stress. Leave enough time to reach your destination at the proper speed.

Find one location where you can take care of all banking, grocery shopping and other chores. “Comparison shop” by phone, online or through newspaper advertisements.

Avoid quick starts and sudden stops. This wastes fuel, is harder on vehicle components, and increases the odds of a traffic crash.

Routinely maintain your vehicle. Keeping tires inflated, moving components properly lubricated, and ignition and emission systems operating properly will help your vehicle achieve maximum fuel economy and extend its useful life.

Shop for low gasoline prices locally, but don’t waste gas driving to a distant filling station to save a few cents.

Know the correct starting procedure for your car. Don’t rev a cold engine to warm it up. Avoid extended idling to warm up the engine.