How I Saved Nearly $200 in One Weekend with My AAA Membership
From fun activities to hotel perks, here’s how I enjoyed a weekend of savings and priceless relaxation
As a lifetime DC-area resident and longtime AAA member, I love sharing my favorite activities, hot spots, and hidden gems across the Washington DC metro area, or DMV with my followers on TikTok and Instagram. So, when AAA challenged me to save as much money as possible in a single weekend using my member benefits, I was ready to show everyone how AAA is more than just roadside assistance—it’s a passport to everyday savings.
Throughout the years, I’ve relied on AAA’s towing and flat tire services more times than I’d like to admit. But it wasn’t until recently that I realized just how many other ways I could use my membership. From hotel stays and cruises to flower deliveries and yoga classes, AAA offers discounts and special benefits for nearly every part of your life.
Planning the perfect DC staycation
I’d been wanting to plan a staycation in DC for a while, and when I discovered that AAA members receive 10 percent off Hilton hotels, I decided it was time to treat myself to a weekend of savings, rest, and relaxation—all in the DC area.
AAA partners with several major hotel chains, including Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, and Choice. But I’m a Hilton girl at heart, so I browsed options on AAA.com and instantly fell in love with The Morrow Hotel by Hilton. With its serene blue aesthetic and luxurious touches, The Morrow has the calming vibe I was craving. The hotel’s location in the trendy NoMa neighborhood, with easy access to the Metro and local hot spots, was the cherry on top. Even better? With my AAA member discount, I saved $67.40 on the reservation.
Taking in cherry blossoms and cruise views
To add a fun activity to my staycation, I went back to AAA.com to explore member-exclusive ticket deals. My trip coincided with the spring’s annual National Cherry Blossom Festival, making it more difficult to decide between a scenic walking tour or a Potomac River lunch cruise. Since I’m always happiest on the water, I chose to book the cruise—and saved $27.20, or more than 17 percent, on my ticket just for being a AAA member.
When the weekend finally arrived, I kicked off my staycation with the cruise, which departed from the wharf in Southwest DC. The District was dressed in its seasonal best, with everything draped in shades of pink for the festival. The boat was beautifully decorated with cherry blossom arrangements, and even the cocktails were cherry blossom themed. The three-course lunch on board was delicious, the staff was friendly, and the views of the city from the water gave me a whole new appreciation for my hometown.
Although I’ve lived in the DC area all my life, I’ve never actually walked around the Tidal Basin to see the cherry blossoms up close. I loved watching everyone soak in the beauty of the blooms—and I couldn't resist bringing some of that magic home. I ordered a bouquet from 1-800-Flowers right from my phone and saved $32.50, or 25 percent, using my AAA membership. The flowers were beautiful, and I appreciated them even more because I was able to indulge without breaking the bank.
Checking in and slowing down
After a full day of sightseeing, I headed to The Morrow Hotel to check in and unwind. I spent a cozy night in, enjoying the plush room with amazing sheets and luxe accents and recharging for the next day’s adventures.
The following morning started with a room service breakfast of waffles, a parfait, and fresh orange juice—which was delightful! Feeling refreshed, I decided to keep the wellness vibes going and used my 10 percent discount through AAA partner Active&Fit Direct to take a yoga class right from the comfort of my hotel room. My savings came to $31.98. I’m new to yoga, and I found it to be such a great experience that I may just keep it up with online classes at home.
My stay was so comfortable, enjoyable, and affordable that I'm already planning another staycation there for my birthday.
Exploring NoMa with a good story
NoMa is one of DC’s most vibrant neighborhoods, full of colorful murals, cozy coffee shops, hidden gems, and a ton of new eateries. To soundtrack my walk, I used my AAA membership to get two free months of Audible—a savings of $29.90. And to make sure I didn’t miss a word of my audiobook while exploring the bustling city streets, I treated myself to a new pair of Samsung noise-cancelling earbuds. Thanks to my AAA membership, I saved $10—that’s 30 percent.
. . . . .
Over the course of 48 hours, I tried new things and experienced my hometown through a different lens. And along the way, I saved nearly $200—all thanks to my AAA member benefits. This staycation reminded me that AAA is more than just peace of mind on the road; it’s about enhancing everyday experiences, both near and far. I can’t wait to keep exploring all the ways my membership can serve as my passport to savings—and inspire others to do the same.