Fall is here and if your plans include a fall road trip, now is a great time to get organized. AAA travel & packing expert, Anne McAlpin, has put together five quick tips to get you started.
Fall Road Trip Tips
1. Do Your Research
With travel restrictions in some areas, it’s important to research your route in advance. Know before you go what rest areas, gas stations and restaurants are open and plan accordingly. Need maps or help with your travel plans? Contact a AAA Travel Agent or check out AAA’s trusted TripTik Travel Planner at AAA.com/triptik – which allows you to create a personalized map using the online system. Don’t forget to download the AAA Mobile app for the best gas prices wherever your journey takes you.
2. Check Your PPE
Be sure you have several face masks and plenty of hand sanitizer for your entire trip. A new PPE item in the AAA Travel Store is the Pacsafe™ Neck Gaiter. This multi-purpose gaiter can be worn two ways: as a face cover or around your neck as a scarf. Made of cotton/polyester jersey fabric, it has Polygiene Stay Fresh Technology which inhibits the growth of bacteria in fabric. And it adds a layer of warmth, perfect for cool fall days!
Pacsafe™ Neck Gaiter: AAA Member Price $19.75
3. Have at least one ‘contactless’ Credit Card
It’s always important to travel with two different credit cards in case one is canceled for fraud, one is lost, etc. In addition, it’s more important now than ever your credit cards should be ‘contactless’ to lessen touch points and help keep you safer when using them.
4. Organize Your Glove Compartment
Start by removing everything from your glove compartment and wiping down the inside with a damp cloth. Sort through items and toss anything that’s not needed. Organize maps and paper items (and don’t forget a pen) in a re-purposed travel document holder or a Glove Box Organizer like this one from the AAA Travel Store. This organizer has two front card pockets to store roadside assistance and reward cards and has 7 expanding file compartments that are perfect for holding coupons and vehicle repair receipts.
And… pack a few plastic bags in your glove compartment for trash like PPE wipes, etc.
Glove Box Organizer AAA Member Price $8.50
5. Be Prepared for Your Fall Road Trip
Be sure to bring your AAA Card and have an emergency road kit (like the AAA Premium Traveler Road Kit, AAA Member Price $44.99) in your car at all times. While you can make your kit yourself, the AAA Road Kit contains all the basics. These include jumper cables, a flashlight, first aid supplies, and more!
AAA Premium Traveler Road Kit AAA Member Price $44.99
Attend our next packing event!
Now is a great time to prepare for your next fall road trip. Join AAA and Travel Expert Anne McAlpin and learn travel tips you should know. With thirty years of travel experience, Anne will be covering:
- Organizing your money, passport and travel documents
- Packing personal care items
- How to choose the best day-bag
- And more!
RSVP for an Upcoming Event
Visit your local AAA Travel Store
You can pick up all of the above items, and more, at your local AAA Travel Store.