How to Take Your Vacation Planning to the Next Level—for Free
AAA Travel Advisors offer personalized vacation planning, exclusive travel perks, and more to save you time, stress, and—yes—money
Some things are better left to the pros, and vacation planning is definitely one of them. Instead of spending hours searching for the best destinations and deals, why not leave it to a seasoned professional?
Travel agents are making a comeback—and it’s not just because they can score you great discounts. You also get the peace of mind of having a trusted expert on your side, guiding you through every step of your trip.
If you’re nodding your head, read on. We tapped five AAA Travel Advisors to get the inside scoop on how they can help ensure you get the most from your next vacation. The best part? Their expert services are free for members.
“We advocate for members before, during, and even after their trip,” says AAA Travel Advisor Julia Hohman. “My clients love that if a delay or issue comes up, I’m working on the backend to resolve it quickly without disrupting their trip.”
Exclusive travel deals to stretch your budget
AAA has long-established relationships with world-renowned hotels, resorts, tour companies, and cruise lines. These travel partnerships offer not just exclusive discounts for AAA members but also plenty of extra perks and freebies.
“We can combine travel partner rates with other deals and promotions,” says Krista Whorton, AAA vice president of Leisure Travel. “It’s incredibly satisfying to hear when those savings allowed a member to splurge on extras that made the trip even more special.”
Thanks to the savings you’ll score by booking with AAA travel partners, you might find yourself upgrading your vacation with something unforgettable. Think luxurious spa day, private tour of Rome’s Colosseum, or helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon.
A personalized itinerary crafted by a travel pro
Whether you prefer an action-packed schedule or a more relaxed itinerary, AAA Travel Advisors serve as your vacation planning partners, tailoring every detail to ensure you make the most of your trip. They’ll craft personalized itineraries that align with your unique travel style, interests, and budget.
“I especially love customizing itineraries for first-time travelers,” says AAA Travel Advisor Kelly Connor. “In big cities like New York and London, the options can be overwhelming even for frequent travelers. I like to start by recommending a cool neighborhood or district with lots of local charm.”
Expert tips to elevate your vacation
There’s nothing worse than hearing about an amazing travel tip after your trip has ended. It pays to do a little homework ahead of your travels and talk to people who are intimately familiar with your destination. That includes your local AAA Travel Advisors.
“Our training takes us to amazing places,” says AAA Travel Sales Manager Ashley Duhamel. “While we’re [traveling], our focus is on learning how members can maximize their time, because that’s really the most precious asset on vacation.”
A trusted partner to handle the details
International trips often require a lot of planning. AAA Travel Advisors possess an attention detail to that most of us could never achieve, staying on top of each destination’s mandatory entry requirements and any travel advisories. This ensures that your vacation goes off without a hitch.
“When a member is traveling overseas, the last thing you want is for some overlooked document to disrupt their trip,” says AAA Senior Travel Advisor Melissa Norris. “We stay up to date on each country’s entry process and any advisories or restrictions that could potentially impact our members. We don’t leave anything to chance.”
AAA Travel Advisors handle everything from trip insurance to expedited passport renewal so that you can focus on more exciting tasks—like finding the best taco joint in town and making sure your vacation ’fits are Instagram-ready.