4 Ways to Discover a New City with Tour Discounts from AAA
Get the lay of the land on a guided trolley, open-air bus, cycling or walking tour that offers immersive adventures and AAA member savings
Exploring a new city can be exhilarating, but it’s easy for even seasoned travelers to feel overwhelmed on a first-time visit to a city. But never fear: It’s easier than you might think to learn the layout of a city and its landmarks with the perfect tour.
We dive into the top four ways to quickly orient yourself with new surroundings, with options from trusted AAA partners and top-rated local groups. With a little research, you can decide whether to join a group on a guided tour or wander with a solo tour as you tailor your journey to your unique interests.
Ready to uncover the hot spots and hidden gems that await you at your next destination? Let's get started!
1. Ride a trolley through the urban core
In addition to their classic old-world appeal, trolleys provide an easy and efficient way to get a feel for a new city. With stops conveniently located along popular tourist routes, trolley tours allow you to relax in classic comfort as you take in the most iconic sights and hop on and off for deeper exploration at your leisure.
Offering discounted tickets for AAA members, the Old Town Trolley Tours takes visitors on guided excursions through eight U.S. city centers, including Nashville, DC, and Savannah. Glide past scenic parks, historic districts, and vibrant neighborhoods as expert trolley conductors provide commentary and overviews to bring each location to life.
2. Pedal your way to adventure
For those who prefer to explore with the wind in their hair, bike tours are an eco-friendly option for riders of any age and fitness level. Cycling through the city streets, you can avoid traffic jams and cover good ground while stopping at your own pace to take photos and sample the local culture.
If the self-guided bike rentals available in most major cities aren’t your cup of tea, AAA partners with VBT Bicycling Vacations to provide directed tours through more than a dozen U.S. cities, as well as several international destinations. With VBT’s knowledgeable guides leading the way, you’ll enjoy fascinating insights, invigorating perks, and eco-friendly peace of mind as you explore your surroundings.
3. Master the terrain from an open-air bus
Big Bus Tours is one AAA partner that offers a sightseeing experience that’s both exhilarating and immersive. Open-air bus tours are the perfect option for first-time visitors who want to cover a lot of ground—without sacrificing comfort.
From an elevated vantage point, you can take in a bird’s-eye view of each new place, while convenient hop-on/hop-off options give you the flexibility to explore a specific neighborhood or area before continuing on your merry way.
4. Stroll down memory-making lane
Of course, walking tours remain one of the most popular ways to get to know a new city. What makes walking tours so appealing is their ability to provide a more intimate and in-depth exploration of the city, putting travelers up close and personal with the culture, history, and architecture of each place they showcase.
That’s why AAA’s wide range of walking tour partners cater to history buffs, foodies, outdoor enthusiasts, families, and every type of traveler in between. Moreover, these partnerships ensure safety and quality in each experience.
There are practically endless options for discovering a new place according to your own interests, preferences, and activity level. Whether you choose to ride, pedal, or meander, kicking off your journey with a lay-of-the-land tour will give you valuable context and a deeper appreciation for everything your new home away from home has to offer.