You may have been wondering if an AAA Membership is worth the cost. The Automobile Club of America (AAA) was founded on March 4, 1902, when nine automobile clubs banded together in Chicago to form a national organization. Their goal was to improve the traveling experience for those who owned cars. Remember, at this time, horse and buggy was the standard mode of transportation, and the concept of a modern four-lane highway was far in the future. They were an early publisher of road maps designed especially for cars, rather than bicycles, and in 1915 they established the roadside assistance program that they are best known for today. I have been a member for more than three decades and I can tell you that the cost of their annual membership has far outweighed my annual cost. Their towing service has been very reliable and has gotten me out of a jam more than once. The 200-mile tow provided in the Premier membership is worth the cost even if you only use it once in your lifetime. There are few things in life more frustrating than being stranded far from home with a car that either has been wrecked or simply won’t start.
I have also taken advantage of their tourbooks for finding hotels and attractions, as well as their maps. Today, almost everything is on the internet, so that likely is less of an incentive for many, but I happen to enjoy reading and I have a well-worn set of tourbooks that I keep in the trunk of my car as a quick reference and then I use my phone to pin down specifics.
I have also made good use of AAA’s Discounts and Rewards program. Many restaurants offer a Triple-A discount and almost every hotel does, as well. In fact, I have found the the AAA hotel rate is generally the best offered by most hotels, except for AARP in some cases. Your employer may have a group discount set up with a hotel which may give you a better rate, and if you work for the government, you have it made with their discount! For independent schlubs like me, the AAA rate works just fine in most cases. There is also an AAA Mobile App that will let you know which merchants in your area offer a discount. Even if you never need their roadside assistance (which I hope you never do!), you should be able to easily pay for your membership with their discount program. If it is related to travel, AAA likely has a discount for it, ranging from free passport photos for Plus and Premier members, to car rental discounts to free notary service!
One other benefit I have taken advantage of is AAA’s travel agency. One notable experience was when we were looking for a cruise for my wife’s parents’ 50th wedding anniversary. The local agent listened to what we were looking for and then offered a Mississippi River cruise on a paddleboat. It was perfect, and the price was reasonable. They raved about that trip for years afterward! Our travel agent made us look like geniuses.
A lot of things have changed since I first took the wheel of my parents’ big Ford station wagon… gas prices have gone up, the National 55 m.p.h. Speed Limit has thankfully been repealed and the internet has completely changed the landscape in which we get information. One thing that hasn’t changed for me, was the value of my AAA membership. As someone who loves to drive, I can appreciate an organization who shares my interest in highway travel. As long they continue to support motorists, I will remain a Premier member. Even though most insurance companies offer roadside assistance and other benefits, I have still found it to be a sound investment. It’s worthwhile to take the time to see if AAA can benefit you and in my opinion, it is a great deal and well worth the cost of membership!
We have lot of cool T-shirts made especially for road trips!
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