The Secrets to Stress-Free Summer Travel—Straight from the Pros

You’ve been looking forward to your summer escape. But you’re so not looking forward to the stress that sometimes comes along with travel: crowds, delays, mishaps. There’s a reason people often come back from a trip saying, “I need a vacation from my vacation.” But you don’t have to be one of them. 

We’ve tapped experts from AAA and beyond for simple, practical tips to stay organized and avoid common travel headaches—no matter how you travel.

Road trips: Plan smart, spend less

Ahh, the Great American Road Trip. Setting out on the open road with a path plotted but a willingness for rewarding detours along the way.

Prepping your vehicle 

A road trip can go awry quickly if you break down miles from help. That’s why the first step in preparing for your summer adventure should be ensuring your vehicle is road-trip ready, says Dax Haak, director of car care operations for AAA.

Your summer vehicle safety checklist should include everything from inspecting tire tread depth and testing battery life to checking fluid levels, hoses, belts, brakes, and more, Haak says. You’ll also want to be sure the air conditioning is in good working order. Your best bet is to take your vehicle to a AAA Tire & Auto Service center or AAA Approved Auto Repair shop for a safety inspection. 

And remember to pack an emergency supply kit, including jumper cables, tire inflator or sealant, a first-aid kit, flashlight, and emergency contact information.

Gassing up—and saving money 

With gas prices fluctuating, it helps to save where you can. AAA’s Gas Price Finder can help you locate the lowest gas prices near you or along your route as well as estimate fuel costs for your trip. AAA also partners with Shell and Love’s Travel Stops to save you money on every tank of gas—just for being a AAA member. 

The AAA Mobile app can also help you locate nearby gas stations, compare prices, and find the nearest EV charging stations.

Route planning 

Be sure to download the AAA Mobile app, recommends Matt Bert, a AAA travel advisor in Wichita, Kansas. With it, you can plan your route using the TripTik travel planner—AAA’s digital trip-planning tool that maps routes, highlights points of interest, and helps organize stops along the way—and even save it for use offline in case your travels take you somewhere without a reliable GPS signal. You can also find AAA-approved restaurants and book hotels directly in the app.

Air travel: Stay ahead of delays and disruptions

Long TSA lines, flight delays, and lost luggage are issues many air travelers worry about. And while you can’t control everything, there are steps you can take to make your trip smoother. These flight travel tips can help you stay one step ahead.

Booking and timing your flights

Book your airfare early if you want a specific class of service—such as first class or preferred economy—or the best selection of seats, says Cacki Jones, a AAA travel advisor based in Cincinnati. 

Choosing earlier flights can also help reduce the chance of delays. Jones recommends avoiding the last flight out at night; if your flight is canceled, you may be left with few options and could be stuck overnight. 

Packing strategy 

If you’re going for a short stay—or have mastered the art of packing light for a longer trip—it’s best to travel with carry-on luggage only, says Jones. Not checking a bag reduces your wait time at the airport and lowers the risk of the airline misplacing your luggage. 

Whether or not you’re traveling carry-on only, keep all essentials in your personal item that goes under the seat in front of you—not in your carry-on bag stored overhead, which could be gate-checked at the last minute. These essentials should include a change of clothes, medications, identification, credit cards, cash, health insurance card, phone and phone chargers, glasses and/or contact lenses, and anything else you may need if you’re separated from your luggage for a day or two.

ID and security 

If you’re an American traveling domestically, you are now required to have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport, to board a plane. If you don’t yet have a REAL ID, plan to get one before you fly. For international travel, you’ll need a passport valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates, Jones points out. Be sure to keep your passport or REAL ID easily accessible while traveling.

Cruises: Get more value, avoid unwelcome surprises

With the cruise ship acting as your all-in-one hotel, transportation, and entertainment hub, cruises can be a relaxing way to travel. Still, it’s important to understand what’s included in your cruise fare to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Cruise fares and budgeting 

“Your basic cruise fare comprises your cabin, taxes, port fees, three meals a day at the complimentary dining spots, and included entertainment,” Bert says. “But I don’t think a lot of people know that complimentary drink are usually limited to coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and some juices. Beyond that, fountain drink, soft drinks, mocktails, and, of course, any kind of beer, wine, or cocktails are all chargeable if you don’t purchase a drink package.”

Another added cost is excursions, as they are typically not included in the base fare, with the exception of some river cruises.

To keep your budget in check, plan which amenities you’re likely to use, calculate how much they will cost if purchased a la carte, and then compare those totals with the packages offered by the cruise lines. You might decide you’d be better served by purchasing the Wi-Fi package to stay in touch with family and friends back home, or a drink package so that you don’t have to worry about running up a costly bar tab. 

Keep in mind, too, that cruise lines do run specials, and there are different fare levels to choose from, Bert notes. “When you go onto AAA.com/cruise, you might see different rates for the same cruises, and those would have different levels of amenities included,” he explains. 

When to book 

Cruises—and popular cabins—do sell out, so it’s best to book as early as possible, Bert says. You should also book excursions as soon as you have your confirmation number, your deposit is paid, and excursions are open for booking.

“There are only so many helicopter rides or whale-watching excursions available in Alaska, or whatever the most popular excursion in your destination,” Bert says. “So, if you have a bucket-list excursion you want to do, be sure you book early.”

An added benefit to booking excursions in advance? Cruise lines will often offer a discount for doing so—anywhere from 5% to 25%, according to Bert. Once you’re on board, prices typically go up.

You should also make reservations for specialty onboard restaurants as early as possible (this varies by cruise line), particularly if you want to dine during peak seating times, he adds. 

Train travel: Sit back and savor the journey

Sometimes, a train is simply the most practical mode of transportation—and sometimes it’s the more scenic route. Whatever your reason for riding the rails, here are some train travel tips to help make the journey more relaxing.

Booking your tickets  

Unlike with air travel, train passengers typically aren’t assigned a specific seat on a train. However, if you want to secure a first-class seat on a longer journey or a roomette on an overnight train, it’s best to book early. Purchasing well in advance can also help you get a better fare or secure tickets during in-demand travel times.

“We sell tickets for almost 50 weeks out, and when you buy that far in advance, you have the best chance of getting the lowest fare,” says Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari. 

You can also contact a AAA travel advisor to book an independent rail package of three cities or more, a rail getaway, or an Amtrak Vacations package, and take advantage of AAA savings and special member benefits—such as $50 off a booking for a package of five nights or longer. 

Arrive early 

You don’t have to arrive at the train station as early as you would at the airport since there are typically no security lines to navigate. Still, that doesn’t mean you can show up at the last minute. Magliari suggests arriving 45 minutes before departure time if you’re not checking luggage and one hour if you are. 

Packing smart 

Carry-on limits are usually more liberal on trains than on planes. Amtrak, for example, allows each passenger to bring one personal item of up to 25 pounds and two carry-on items of up to 50 pounds each. Policies on other train lines and in other countries may vary. 

No matter where you’re traveling, it’s essential to tag each bag—whether you’re checking it or not, Magliari advises.

International travel: Don’t overlook the details

Your long-awaited trip abroad is finally on the horizon. You’ve purchased your airfare, booked your hotels and tours, and even started to research restaurants online. Add in a little shopping for new clothes, and you’re ready to go. 

What to double-check before departure 

You may think you’ve taken care of everything, but traveling to a foreign country requires handling several important details. First up: Check the expiration date on your passport—and that of anyone traveling with you—well in advance. Keep in mind that many countries require that passports be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.

If your passport is still valid but needs to be renewed before your trip, Jones suggests renewing it online because it’s often faster. You’ll need a digital passport photo to do so, which you can get at your local AAA Store. AAA Classic and Plus members receive discounts on their passport photos, while AAA Premier members receive them at no cost. You can also renew your passport by mail. If your passport has expired, or you’re applying for the first time, you’ll need to apply in person, which typically takes longer.

Also, check your destination requirements to see whether you’ll need a visa or other documentation for any of the countries you plan to visit. 

Finally, review the US Centers for Disease Control Travelers’ Health pages for any recommended vaccinations or precautions for your destination. 

International Driving Permits (IDPs) 

If you plan to drive abroad (outside of Canada and Mexico), you should carry an International Driving Permit (IDP), sometimes referred to as an international driver’s license. It includes your name, photo, and a translation of your driver’s license information into multiple languages. An IDP allows you to drive legally in more than 150 countries and is valid for one year. It must be carried along with your US driver’s license. 

AAA is one of only two organizations authorized by the US Department of State to issue IDPs. Download and complete an application, and then bring it to your nearest AAA Store along with a valid US driver’s license, two original passport photos (also available at AAA stores), and a $20 permit fee. You can also apply online. 

Money matters 

You’ll also need to get your wallet ready for your travels. Start by deciding which credit cards to bring. Jones recommends having more than one type of card (such as Visa, MasterCard, or American Express) in case a particular type isn’t accepted where you’re dining or shopping. It’s also a good idea to notify your credit card companies of your travel plans and confirm whether they charge foreign transaction fees.

Even if you plan to withdraw local currency from an ATM at your destination, it’s wise to bring a small amount of local currency with you for immediate expenses, such as tips, food, and small purchases where credit cards may not be accepted, Jones adds. AAA offers more than 80 foreign currencies, which you can order online or by visiting your local AAA Store.

Final tip: Tap the right apps and experts 

Keep vital information at your fingertips and stay organized by downloading and using the AAA Mobile app as well as the apps for your airline, tour provider, hotel, travel insurance, and other key travel services.

Consider turning to an expert for help with more complex trips. AAA travel advisors can assist with everything from booking airfare and hotels to helping you choose the right cruise or tour—and helping you protect your trip investment with the right travel insurance at the right price.

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From prepping your vehicle to getting your documentation to booking early, these travel tipsunderscore a simple truth: The secrets to stress-free travel are careful planning and attention to detail. It’s these small steps, taken one by one, that lead to smoother, more relaxing travel—and, ultimately, a more rewarding vacation.