Sep-Oct 2024Hertz

ADVERTISEMENTHertz-Car-imagePlanning Your Road Trip The open road is calling and a relaxing road trip can be the perfect escape.
Hertz-yellow-boxWhy a Road Trip?Road trips are a popular option because they are budget-friendly and allow you to customize your vacation based on your interests and schedule. But we don't want to think about budgets and schedules, right? We need to escape and relax! Don't worry, we'll get there. But first, make sure your vehicle is as ready for this trip as you are.Hertz-Car-Care-imageGETTY IMAGESHertz-yellow-box2Before You GoThe first step to a truly relaxing road trip is to make sure you're free of any worries about potential car trouble. Get your vehicle ready for the trip with a tune-up at a AAA Owned Car Care location or a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility. AAA Members save on service with a 10% discount of repair labor (up to $75). Find a location near you. Make sure your AAA Membership is up to date before you go so you'll have peace of mind knowing Roadside Assistance is there should you need it.
PRO TIP: RENTAL CAR SAVINGS WITH AAA!If you're not confident in your own vehicle or want to avoid adding mileage, consider renting a vehicle for the trip. Renting is also a great option if you'd like more cargo space, need four-wheel drive for winter or mountain driving, or just for the fun of driving a new-to-you vehicle.AAA Members can get up to a 20 percent discount off base rates (excluding taxes, fees and options) and other valuable member benefits, like free use of a child safety seat and a free additional qualified driver when you reserve your Hertz vehicle through AAA. Plus, AAA Members can join the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards^® program for free and earn points toward free days and upgrades. Visit AAA.com/CarRental to see all the Hertz benefits available exclusively to AAA Members.Hertz-National-Parks-imageHertz-yellow-box3Planning Your Road TripBefore you map out your road trip, think about destinations and activities that interest you. Want to visit a national park or quirky attractions? Or, are you craving the ultimate unwinding experience, a luxurious spa? Once you've determined the type of place you'd like to go, you can look for an enjoyable route to take you there. If you need inspiration, visit AAA.com/RoadTrips, where you can search for pre-planned road trips by region. Looking to stay closer to home? Simply type your state into the search box to find fun and scenic drives near you. You can also search for attractions, resorts, national parks and road trips at AAA.com/TripTik.
Need more inspiration? Visit AAA.com/TripCanvas and search national parks or a destination you may want to visit for expert insights on where to go, what to see and nearby accommodations. Dividing RuleHertz-October-imageDividing Rule-2Hertz-yellow-box4Seasonal OptionsScenery is key to making a drive trip enjoyable and relaxing, so consider the season in your planning.

Spring offers a lovely time to see flowers in bloom along with milder temperatures depending on the destination.

Summer is a popular time for road trips, just remember that the most popular destinations may be more crowded.

For an autumn trip, research the ideal time for viewing fall foliage in your chosen region and plan seasonal activities along your route.

In winter, escape slushy streets and bleak landscapes with a winter-themed vacation spot such as a ski resort and enjoy a leisurely drive through snow-covered scenery on the way there.

Once you've decided on your road trip route, plan your stops along the way. A wellness-enhancing break every couple of hours to do something enjoyable, even if it's just stopping to snap a selfie at a scenic overlook is a great option. You can find restaurants, attractions and gas stations along your route in the AAA Mobile App. And speaking of gas, take the guesswork out of your fuel budget before your trip with AAA's Gas Cost Calculator. Members save at least 5 cents a gallon at participating Shell gas stations by enrolling in the Fuel Rewards program at AAA.com/Shell. If you're planning an overnight stay, look for AAA Diamond-designated hotels, all of which must pass rigorous inspections by AAA's professional inspectors to make sure you have a clean and comfortable experience at any budget level. You can find AAA Diamond hotels at AAA.com/Hotels.
Hertz-Packing-imageHertz-yellow-box5What to Bring on Your Road TripNow that you know where you're going, it's time to stock your vehicle with everything you'll need to make sure your road trip is relaxing and enjoyable.

Pack sanitizing wipes to cleanse your hands after touching gas pumps.

Hopefully you won't need them, but it's always a good idea to keep a first aid kit and some basic roadside emergency equipment in the trunk of your car, especially if you're traveling to a remote area. AAA's Premium Traveler Road Kit covers all the bases with items such as a jumper cable, flashlight and a 45-piece first aid kit.

If you're using a navigation app, a car mount will allow you to see your phone while keeping your eyes on the road. And speaking of directions, be sure to print out or download your route so you have a backup if you're traveling through an area with no service.

Bring a cooler filled with healthy snacks (or whatever you like; you're on vacation!) and beverages. If your route includes scenic areas where you can stop for a picnic, pack picnic supplies and have lunch in the great outdoors with bonus points for social distancing.

Create a playlist ahead of the trip to set the mood while you're driving, or download audiobooks or podcasts to listen to as you enjoy the scenery. You can create and even theme your playlist based on your road trip.

The aroma of your last fast food order may not create a spa-like driving experience. Bring a few small plastic shopping or trash bags and clip an aromatherapy air freshener with a relaxing essential oil to your air vent to maximize your road trip relaxation.

Try to unplug. Resist the urge to check email and post updates during your trip. It's not really an escape if you're still tethered to work or social networks.

Take a phone charging cable to charge your phone while you drive—especially if you are using a navigation app on your phone because they can deplete a phone charge faster than normal usage.

Finally, be flexible. Allow plenty of time to enjoy your planned stops as well as the unexpected stops and plenty of time for breaks along the way—especially if you are driving a long distance.
Hertz-yellow-box6Get On The Road Faster With HertzFor this road trip or the next, be sure to take advantage of the exclusive benefits for AAA Members. Join the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards^{^®} program for free and earn points toward free days and upgrades. Plus, you can skip the line and go straight to your car and save time when you drop the keys at return. AAA Premier Members can join at the Hertz Five Star^{^®} Status and earn more points. Restrictions apply. Visit AAA.com/CarRental to see all the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards^{^®} benefits available.Fall FavoritesContentsNews & EventsVisit Sevierville TN10 Terrific Road Trips for FallHertzClearwater Jazz HolidayFall Sports TicketsAAA Discounts ExtensionDiscover Nashville's Hot ChickenDirecTVSpooky and Strange House NoisesThe Stanley Hotel StayMost Haunted Places to Visit in U.S.AAA SavingsUser Guide