Summer Road Trip Tips

Summer is the perfect time for a road trip, and we have some tips! Whether it’s a day trip to the coast or a week- long adventure – having the right essentials will make the journey go smoothly and more fun! If you need anything for your Summer road trip, stop by your local AAA OR/ID Travel Store where members save every day.

You can also find all the resources you need in one convenient location at AAA.com/MAPS. Here you can find pre-planned routes of AAA’s most popular road trips and day by day itineraries with the Road Trip feature. In addition, you can take all the information you trust on-the-go with the all-new digital Tourbook guides.

Travel tip: Pack a paper map – just in case you lose your GPS signal.

And… don’t forget to download the AAA Mobile app for the best gas prices, TripTik routing, and Discounts & Rewards partners wherever your journey takes you.

Summer Road Trip: Here are 8 travel essentials to consider

1. Benchmark Road and Recreation Atlas

 
Member price $23.50

These comprehensive recreation guides highlight parks, campgrounds, historic sites, RV parks and boat launches with an index to locate destinations quickly.

The details on the maps include rest areas, exit numbers, point-to-point roadway mileages, campgrounds, RV parks, road surface, cities, and elevations. Also included are metro-area maps of large cities, scaled to enhance detail and make navigation easier within the city.

Also available WA, CO, AZ, CA, MT.

2. BioBand Motion Sickness Acupressure Strap

AAA Member Price $10.95

Don’t let motion sickness put a damper on your road trip. The Bio Band acupressure wrist band helps control the queasiness that can come with winding roads – like trips to the beach or up in the mountains – without drugs or side effects. It also helps with rough seas – think charter fishing excursions – and air turbulence. Adjusts for maximum comfort and effectiveness, and only one is needed. Safe for adults and children.

3. Microfiber Travel Towel

Member Price $26.50

A microfiber travel towel is a must-have for every road trip. This multi-purpose essential can be used as a quick-dry towel for the beach, pool, lake, or as a blanket to stay warm in a chilly air conditioned car or RV. It’s one travel essential I always have in my car!

A lightweight full-size towel (3’x5’ ) it folds down to the size of a water bottle and weighs under 11 oz – and the handy included mesh storage bag can be used for toiletries, sunscreen, phones, or keys.

Available in cobalt, mocha and moss.

4. Lewis N. Clark Triple Braid Travel Clothesline

Member Price $7.99

A travel clothesline is great for drying items like wet swimsuits or towels after a day at the beach, water park or camping.

The adjustable triple-braid design grips clothing without clothespins and stretches up to 6 feet, accommodating a variety of locations, including cars, RV’s and campsites. The Velcro straps can be wrapped around fixtures such doorknobs, towel bars – even tree branches.

Includes a nylon storage pouch.

5. Tilley Airflo® Hats

                           

Style #LTM6                                                Style #LTM3
Member Price $76.99-79.99

Packable and guaranteed for life, the Tilley Hat is a must for summer travel. These hats can be folded or flattened for packing without losing their shape and are made of durable UPF 50+ nylon sun protection fabric, making it the perfect hat for hot summer days.

The LTM6 Airflo® Broad Brim hat combines unique Airflo® technology with a water repellant finish and broad brim to offer protection come rain or shine. The LTM3 Airflo® is made of the same technology – has a smaller brim with snap up sides.

All Tilley hats have a secret: A hidden pocket secured with Velcro to stash some extra cash, keys – or whatever little thing you want to keep safe and sound.

6. Eagle Creek Pack It™ Quick Trip

AAA Member Price $17.95

Minimize exposure at rest areas, public parks and more by making a ‘stay healthy kit’. The Eagle Creek Quick Trip Bag – with three zippered compartments – is perfect to help separate and organize PPE items like masks and sanitizer wipes.

Its compact size makes it easy to keep close at hand in the center console or car door side pocket. It’s also great for organizing snacks or first aid supplies!

7. Doggie Organizer

AAA Member Price $17.95

Keep your best friends’ needs for a romp on the beach, walk in the park or a weekend getaway in this convenient organizer that buckles around any headrest. Large interior compartment holds 24 cups of dry food. 3 side pouches hold a water bottle, bowl, and doggie accessories. And wait, there’s more: it includes a built-in dispenser for poo bags!

8. AAA Premium Traveler Road Kit 

AAA Member Price $44.99

Be sure to bring your AAA Card and always have an emergency road kit (like the AAA Premium Traveler Road Kit) in your car. 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!

Shop all your favorites at our AAA Travel Store

Join us for our next Travel Smart, Pack Right event!