As the school year winds down, summer road trip season ramps up! This summer, motorists can rely on the AAA Road Trip Starter Pack - a series of tips and resources for travelers to hit the road with peace of mind.

Nearly 93 percent of Memorial Day travelers traveled by car this year, and AAA Western and Central New York expects that trend to continue with road trips being very popular this summer. Air travel continues to increase, but the traditional family road trip is a summer tradition that is here to stay. With limited international travel opportunities, many travelers will stay in the United States this summer. 

Top destinations for local road trippers
According to AAA Western and Central New York’s Route Production department, which handles maps, TripTiks, and AAA TourBooks, coastal destinations and national parks are popular this summer season with local travelers. Top destinations include:

• Orlando Theme Parks – Disney and Universal
• Myrtle Beach, SC and Outer Banks, NC
• National Park Trips (Mount Rushmore, SD, Yellowstone, MT, Grand Canyon, AZ)
• Cape Cod, MA and Bar Harbor, ME

The AAA Road Trip Starter Pack is designed as a pre-trip checklist for motorists before they head out on a road trip.

AAA Membership, don’t hit the road without it
When planning a road trip, AAA membership offers up many helpful tools along with peace of mind:

• 10% off labor costs ($50 limit in some areas) at AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities
• Access to expert travel advisors who can help with planning, mapping routes with TripTiks, finding local attractions in TourBooks, booking hotel/dining reservations, and buying travel insurance
• Exclusive discounts at retailers, restaurants, attractions and so much more nationwide

Getting a vehicle ready for a road trip
Before any long road trip, AAA recommends getting a vehicle inspection to check key components like the battery, engine, tires, brakes and fluid levels. AAA surveyed consumers and found that 21 percent do not have a trusted repair shop or mechanic. To help consumers, AAA created its Approved Auto Repair program over 45 years ago. AAA Approved Auto Repair shops must meet and maintain specific criteria like technician certifications and training, facility cleanliness and outstanding customer service. Plus, there are over 7,000 locations across North America. 

Road trips are all about the journey and the destination
Road trips are unique from other types of travel because the journey itself is as important as the destination. AAA has produced TripTiks since 1938. Now digital as well, the route maps ensure travelers have information at their fingertips. Also, the interactive AAA Digital TourBooks help travelers by featuring detailed destination information, must-see attractions, sample itineraries, and more.

AAA’s COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Map helps vacationers travel smart
Despite steps in the right direction, COVID-19 is still a very real part of the world, and it’s important to travel safely and smartly. CDC guidelines are updating as vaccinations increase and each state has their own guidelines. AAA created its COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Map to help people navigate local and state travel restrictions that may still be in place.

Be prepared in case a road trip ready vehicle breaks down
Even a vehicle that passes a pre-trip inspection could run into trouble on the road. In fact, AAA expects to respond to 9.4 million calls for help this summer, and most of those will be for dead batteries and flat tires. Motorists can contact AAA by calling or texting “HELP” to 1-800-AAA-HELP, submitting a request via the web, or using the AAA mobile app (available on Google Play or in the App Store). 

All the benefits of AAA membership in the palm of a hand
The AAA mobile app, available on Google Play or in the App Store, has everything travelers need while on the open road. Road trippers will have access to...

• Their digital membership card that can be used for discounts
• Roadside assistance request 
• Gas and electric charging station locator
• TripTik routes, local attractions, campground locator and listings for AAA Diamond designated restaurants and hotels

AAA’s expert travel consultants can help travelers plan their perfect getaway – simply stop by a AAA branch, call (888) 320-3163, or visit:

AAA Travel