BRYCE OR BUST!

AAA Travel Tips for Fans Heading to Florida for Phillies Spring Training

PHILADELPHIA, PA (March 4, 2019) – Philadelphia baseball fans are still reveling in the team’s newest acquisition – Bryce Harper – the largest free agent signing in baseball history – and the impact he’ll have on the Phillies and the City of Philadelphia for the next thirteen years!

Opening Day is just about three weeks away, but that’s a long wait for some fans to see the newest Phillie.  Many fans are inquiring about and planning last minute travel to Clearwater Florida to cheer on the team and welcome the Bryce Harper.

AAA Mid-Atlantic offers a few travel tips for fans:

Tickets:

AAA Members save 15 percent or more on all Ticket Monster sporting event tickets, including the spring training and regular season game tickets. To purchase tickets, AAA members can visit AAA.com/Ticketmonster and enter their valid 16-digit membership number at checkout to receive their discount.

Airfare:

Spectrum Field, the Phillies Spring Training facility, is approximately 7 miles from St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport (about a 20 minute drive).  The inventory is there, however last minute air travel is typically much more expensive.  The sooner you can book the better.

Hotel:

Hotel options are plenty and available for all price points, however booking now may be within the non-cancellation period, meaning charges (typically one night’s stay) for any cancellations.

Road Trip:

There are nearly 1,100 miles between Philadelphia and Clearwater, making for a roughly 18-hour drive.  If you’re up for hitting the road, make sure your vehicle is too. AAA recommends the following tips to get your car road trip ready:

• Windshield Wiper Blades – Worn, cracked or rigid windshield wiper blades will not adequately remove rain, grime and other debris that can obscure driver vision. If the wiper blades are sufficiently deteriorated, the metal wiper blade frame could contact and damage the windshield.
• Tire Pressure – Check and adjust tire pressure, including the spare. Always inflate tires to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended settings - not the maximum pressure molded on the side of the tire.
• Tire Tread – Check the tread depth by inserting a quarter upside down into a tire groove with Washington’s head facing outward. The tread should cover part of Washington’s head. If any of the area above Washington’s head is visible, it’s time to start shopping for new tires.
• Battery – Have your battery checked, especially if it is over three years old. Winter’s cold breaks down the battery internally and accelerates the rate of corrosion on battery terminals.
• Winter Vehicle Emergency Kit – When driving long distances in winter weather conditions, pack an emergency kit before heading out. Include deicer, shovel, ice scraper, sand or kitty litter (for traction), a blanket, extra gloves and hat, non-perishable snacks and water, and have a backup power source for your cell phone.

All AAA Car Care Centers in the Philadelphia 5-County/South Jersey and Delaware regions will check your vehicle’s battery and tires for free, even if you’re not a AAA member.

AAA Tips for Avoiding Travel Headaches and/or Scams:

• Making your travel plans with a travel agent is a good idea, especially when there are so many potential scams.
• Use your credit card when purchasing to give yourself a good way to have money returned if you need to cancel.
• Read hotel/airline policies carefully so you understand what cancellation policies entail.
• Call the air/train/bus company you will use to get there personally. Leaving your reservations and hard earned dollars up to an emailed confirmation number can be risky. Do the same with hotel reservations. Try to talk to a live person who can confirm what you’ve just paid for.

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Mailing Address:
7777 Brewster Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19159

AAA provides automotive, travel and insurance services to 57 million members nationwide and more than three million members in Pennsylvania.  AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.  The not-for-profit, fully tax-paying member organization works on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android.  For more information, visit www.AAA.com.