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Overworked and Under-Traveled?
Take a Road Trip
It’s time to close your laptop or stop scrolling your phone and get out on the open road with our top traveling tips. From planning to budgeting, learn how to prioritize your free time with Hertz and AAA.
More than 50 percent of American employees feel overworked or overwhelmed while at work, according to an ABC News poll. Furthermore, NPR reports that of the employees who take advantage of paid time off (many don't), around 30 percent work remotely while they're on vacation. That's a recipe for stress and possible burnout, both of which can affect job performance and overall health.
With that in mind, it might be time to stop making excuses and start making plans if you want to make the most of your vacation time and fully switch off. So, step away from your desk and get behind the wheel to explore the world outside of your workplace. Even if you're juggling deadlines, heavy workloads and 40- to 60-hour work weeks, you can – and should – prioritize your free time. Check out these tips for exploring the open road, and striking that perfect balance between work and play.
It can be difficult to clear your schedule, and it can become even more complicated when you try to coordinate with friends' or family’s schedules. Don't be afraid to take the opportunity to try a growing trend among travelers — solo travel. Whether you want to take a vacation abroad or a road trip closer to home, traveling alone offers a variety of benefits. When traveling solo, you get to:
• Be a little selfish and go anywhere you want to go.
• Get to know interesting people you probably wouldn't interact with when traveling in a group.
• Hang out in your hotel room, or lounge by the pool all day if you want.
• Skip the drama that may accompany your regular crew.
• Step outside your comfort zone.
Maybe you really can't take off an entire week. If that's true, taking at least a couple of days off can provide a much-needed break. Add a Friday or a Monday — or both — to the weekend, and it gives you a decent amount of time for exploring the open road. Pick destinations near your city or book a flight and rent a car to explore new territory. Some of the most popular destinations for long weekend getaways include:
• Chicago
• Las Vegas
• New York
• Orlando
Wherever you decide to go, it's important to know how to get there and how to navigate between destinations. Take advantage of AAA’s digital trip-planning tools.
• Online AAA TripTiks help you do everything, from getting directions and checking road conditions to looking at maps. It will even choose roads based on whether you want the fastest route or a scenic drive. Remember to be mindful of road closures and other restrictions before hitting the road.
• The AAA Mobile App helps you locate gas stations, restaurants and hotels while on the go, or easily request roadside assistance.
• AAA Road Trips offers hundreds of specially designed routes and plenty of inspiration.
The right set of wheels makes the open road a joyful adventure. If you don't own the perfect vehicle for the job, consider renting a vehicle with everything you need for the journey. You can save wear and tear on your vehicle or choose from options with more room for luggage. Whether you want to ride with the top down or cruise in luxury, there’s a vehicle option for everyone.
There's nothing like the thrill of the wind rushing through your hair and the scenery flying by as you embark on your adventure. Have fun and stay safe with a few simple tips:
• Rest up: The National Sleep Foundation recommends getting seven to nine hours of sleep to help prevent dangerous drowsy driving.
• Know your limits: Some people can drive for 12 hours without any problems while others need a break after several hours of driving. Know your limits and plan accordingly.
• Research your destination: Whether you're taking a day trip, a long weekend, or an extended vacay, research the location you plan to visit and any attractions or accommodations along the way to help ensure you choose safe destinations.
Your membership is the key to unlocking valuable savings on Hertz rentals, including every day savings of up to 20% off the base rate, additional savings during limited-time offer periods, a free qualified additional driver, the young renter fee waived for qualified drivers, free use of one child safety seat, and loss damage limited to $5,000. Plus, members can join the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® loyalty program for free and earn points toward free days and upgrades. Restrictions apply. Taxes, fees and options are excluded.
To reserve your Hertz vehicle, visit AAA.com/CarRental today.
