Travel News

Drive America With AAA
Through the years, the American road trip has been the subject of numerous books and movies. Timeless tales like Travels With Charley: In Search of America, John Steinbeck’s recollection of a 1960s drive trip with his poodle; and the road-movie hit Thelma and Louise, put a memorable spin on the drama and adventure of road trips.

If you’re in the mood to create your own great American adventure, AAA can help. AAA Travel helps plan drive trips for more than 50,000 families every year. Before you jump in the car and head for the open road, check out AAA Drive Trips at aaa.com/drivetrips. These flexible two- to five-day drive itineraries cover some of North America’s most interesting and popular travel destinations — from “Cape Cod” to “Cosmopolitan Quebec” to the “Grand Pacific Northwest” and “National Parks in the West.” AAA Drive Trips provide a great way to explore special interests on routes like “Civil War Sites”, “Grapefruit League” or “Grand Ole Music.” Follow the “Turquoise Trail” in New Mexico, “Las Vegas Route 66” or Colorado’s “San Juan Skyway.”

Each trip includes itineraries, a route map, photos, estimated driving times and mileage, places to eat, play, and save money along the way. And, where overnight stays are suggested, the itinerary links directly to AAA Approved hotel listings on aaa.com, where you can access easy online reservations at great AAA rates. If you decide to create your own custom drive trip, AAA Arizona can provide area maps, personalized driving directions, travel information, and lodging reservations — at local offices and on aaa.com. Your road trip may not become the subject of a classic book or movie, but you’ll make plenty of classic memories to last a lifetime.

Planning Your Drive Vacation
Because it’s not peak season, now is the perfect time to start planning your drive vacation. Road-trip planning can be complicated, which makes starting early that much more important. AAA provides members three options for planning a drive vacation: visit a AAA office near you, call our Auto Travel Center toll-free at 800-352-5382, ext. 4802, or click here for online trip planning.

AAA offers members this unique service at no cost, as part of your membership. And, our North American Travel Specialists can help you plan a drive vacation to any destination in the United States and Canada. Bring along our famous TripTiks, maps and TourBooks and other materials to help make your trip a success. To start planning your drive trip today, visit aaa.com/drivetrips, or stop by the nearest AAA Arizona office. Get out there and explore our wonderful country. Celebrate the glory, beauty and history that make our land so great. It’s just a TripTik away!


The Winning Disney Memorable Moment
Congratulations to Zeke Chavez on receiving a Limited Edition “First Day” Commemorative Pin.

I was 13 years old and in 8th grade, and the school I went to had a school trip to Disneyland. My father and mother could not come up with the money (at that time, in 1973, it was about $40). So I told all my friends and teachers that I wouldn’t be going. Little did I know that someone, to this day I don’t know who, paid for my ticket. I was really surprised and happy to be going. When I told mom and dad about it, they thought I was joking and didn’t believe me. Well, they checked into it and found that I wasn't kidding and gave me the “OK” to go. I asked and asked, “Who was the angel who paid for my ticket?” I guess I will never know, because I’m 48 years old now and mom and dad have passed on. How I got to Disneyland is my most memorable moment. I had the most fun when I was there; it was fantastic. To the angel: Thank you.

Book your next Disney Vacation with AAA and save!


Grand Canyon by Rail Days
From the early days of western migration to today, with more than 4 million annual visitors, the Grand Canyon has been an important part of tourism development for Arizona. The beauty and significance of the Grand Canyon were recognized a long time ago. In 1882, Senator Benjamin Harrison introduced the first bill to create Grand Canyon National Park. As President in 1893, Harrison created the Grand Canyon Forest Reserve, which is the beginning of what we know today as Grand Canyon National Park. Grand Canyon Railway made its first journey to the South Rim on September 17, 1901, and the park was formally established by an act of Congress on February 26, 1919.

For many of us who live in Arizona, a visit to the Canyon is an annual event. To help plan your next trip, AAA and Grand Canyon Railway will host Grand Canyon by Rail Days from March 1 through 31. During Grand Canyon by Rail Days, AAA members can visit any AAA office to learn more about the history and services of Grand Canyon Railway. Displays will be set up in the offices with details about the travel values available to members.

AAA offers two discount programs for members. First, save 10 to 20 percent on rail-only fares, hotel accommodations, restaurant and gift shop items. Or, save to 20 to 32 percent on a “Rails To The Rim” package, which includes vintage coach-class train travel from Williams to the South Rim, live Old West entertainment, guide-narrated motorcoach rim tour with lunch, two nights at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams, two breakfasts and dinners at Max & Thelma’s Restaurant, a $20 railway gift shop certificate per adult, and a discount coupon book for area stores and attractions. Stop by any AAA Arizona office during Grand Canyon by Rail Days, and we’ll help you on your way to the Canyon.

AAA members save on Grand Canyon Railway, book online today!


Go Off the Beaten Path during Mahalo Days
The windward coast of Oahu may as well be in another universe, since few ever venture from the invigorating environs of Waikiki to this area of lush green valleys and steep mountain edges. Hollywood’s long-time love affair with Kauai showed us Jurassic Park scenery, but it never took us on an amazing tubing adventure through Lihue’s old sugar cane plantation. And while Maui boasts some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, a hike in the West Maui Mountains reveals panoramic island views that can’t be seen from a beach chair.

During Mahalo Days at AAA from March 1 to 31, Pleasant Holidays and their hotel partners are rolling out the red carpet with package deals to the Hawaiian Islands that include free nights, food and beverage credits and much more. Plus, AAA members who stay five of more nights receive a $30 certificate toward the purchase of an optional island activity.
Hawaii has so many places to explore, things to do and sights to see, that you never know where to start. This trip, let AAA and Pleasant Holidays help you see more of Hawaii. As the leading travel company serving the Aloha State since 1959, Pleasant offers everything you need to plan your ideal trip to Hawaii including discount flights, the best resorts and hotels and pre-arranged activities.

For more information about planning your next Hawaii vacation shop online or stop by one of our AAA offices during Mahalo Days and meet Mary Dring, our Pleasant Holidays Hawaii expert. While you’re there, plan your next vacation to Hawaii and receive up to $100 in additional savings.

HIGHROADS March-April Home