Booking a vacation should be a fun experience. Imagine you’re planning a dream getaway to celebrate a milestone birthday or anniversary, and — uh oh — there's information overload with dozens of options of where to go, what to book and how to vacation on a budget. Booking a hotel may be frustrating, with rates going up and down. And what’s this about flight delays and cancellations? Do you need travel insurance? Is it cheaper to book a flight and a hotel together? Where do you find the best vacation package prices anyway?
And, yikes, how do you keep this all in your head? What do you do if something goes wrong on a trip?!
In short: Let someone else handle the details. Booking a vacation package through AAA makes planning easy. For more than 125 years, AAA has been a trusted travel resource, offering exclusive savings, personalized service and options for every type of traveler. Whether you’re dreaming of a relaxing cruise, an adventurous group tour or a customized itinerary, AAA’s vacation packages deliver convenience, value and, best of all, peace of mind.
"The benefits of booking a vacation through AAA are priceless,” says Pamela Noya, a AAA Travel Agent in Miami, Florida. "We offer endless expertise and fully customizable experiences based on each client’s request. We work within the client’s budget to make dream vacations come to life. The best part is not having to worry. AAA takes care of every minute detail of a trip, and our customer service team is always here to answer questions and work through changes, delays or cancellations, which would otherwise fall on the individuals."
By booking a vacation package with AAA, you gain access to a wide range of options tailored to your preferences, not to mention the special perks with AAA membership, and you'll have one point of contact to handle any updates or trip changes.
1. The Value of AAA Membership
While traveling alone has its benefits, you don’t have to be solo on your trip-planning journey if you don’t want to. AAA can be your not-so-silent partner, adding value to any trip. To take advantage of everything from travel knowledge to discounts and perks, whether on AAA Tickets or AAA's travel credit card (terms apply), consider becoming a AAA member.
AAA members enjoy exclusive perks, such as travel insurance through Allianz Global Assistance, a highly regarded company to offer AAA-only SmartBenefits℠ like 24/7 member care and Missed Port of Call in addition to medical emergencies and trip cancellation and baggage protection, according to agents. Should you be stuck for another reason, Allianz covers unforeseen disruptions, such as natural disasters, unexpected closures or local emergencies through Trip Interruption.
2. Vacations and Tours: Explore Trip-Planning with AAA's Preferred Partners
One of the best ways to ensure a great experience is by choosing trusted companies, and AAA can help. You can research popular vacations and tours on your own with AAA Trip Canvas, a travel tool that’ll allow you to filter by destination, operator and tour type. You can also choose to connect with a AAA Travel Agent online for assistance, as many times they can help you get even more savings and benefits with these partners. In fact, AAA’s Preferred Partners, including cruise lines and tour operators, are carefully vetted and collaborate with AAA Travel Agents to provide exceptional service. Many of these partners open bookings two or more years in advance, according to Noya, so planning at least nine months ahead is recommended to secure the best vacation packages.
“Travel Agents are able to provide member-only discounts and perks for all types of travel and cruises. We have a special relationship with companies that allow us to negotiate special rates for groups as well as shipboard credits, upgrades and exclusive amenities. AAA ensures an overall better vacation value without hidden fees.”
3. Types of Vacation Packages Offered by AAA
From guided vacations that take the stress out of planning to independent travel packages designed for personalized adventures, AAA ensures your trip is exactly what you envision. Types of vacation packages include ocean and river cruises, cruise tours that combine land and sea experiences, and small group adventures for those seeking unique and intimate journeys. Maybe you’re someone who wants to explore a variety of landscapes by rail or cruise or have a particular focus by city (holidays in New York City, anyone?), country (Costa Rica) region or season (Colorful New England)? Whatever you want to see or do, there’s a unique vacation package for you.
However, don’t be intimidated if you don’t know where to start; just ask. AAA Travel Agents have “been there, done that,” and know what to suggest.
4. Using AAA Travel Agents to Book Vacation Packages
Working with a local AAA Travel Agent is one of the best ways to travel — not only to take advantage of AAA's expert advice and benefits but also to simplify the planning process. These knowledgeable travel advisors can help you navigate options, whether you’re booking a last-minute trip or planning well in advance.
“AAA is always here to help; we are able to find last-minute deals at a client’s request,” Noya says. “However, we highly recommend booking in advance, especially if it is a bucket list destination such as Alaska, Galapagos, Antarctica, etc."
Travel can come with challenges, but AAA can help make the process smoother. If you’re traveling internationally, it’s important to understand your destination, whether you need proof of a confirmed hotel booking or require an International Driving Permit (IDP). AAA Travel Agents can assist with travel insurance or necessary documents like passports, visas, and travel authorizations such as the UK ETA and ETIAS in the EU. So whether you’re planning a short getaway or a longer vacation, AAA’s expertise and resources make the process easier. With AAA handling the details of your vacation package and ensuring there’s one point of contact, you can focus on enjoying your trip and turning your travel dreams into reality.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vacation Packages
1. What is included in a vacation package?
A vacation package bundles multiple parts of your trip into one single price. Typically, this includes your flights and hotel. Many packages also offer options to add car rentals, airport transfers and even tours or activities. It’s all about making your travel planning simpler and more convenient!
2. Is it better to book a vacation package or separately?
Often, yes! AAA can get special rates that aren't available to the public and then pass those savings on to you when you book a package. While it's always a good idea to compare, you'll frequently find that a package deal offers the best value for your money.
3. How do I find the best vacation package deals?
Finding a great deal is part of the fun! Here are a few tips:
- Join AAA. Existing AAA members avoid processing fees and enjoy special savings and benefits.
- Be flexible with your travel dates: Traveling mid-week or during the shoulder season can unlock significant savings.
- Book early when you can: Planning ahead often gives you access to the best prices and availability.
- Consider last-minute deals: If you're flexible, you can sometimes find incredible prices on trips departing within the next few weeks.
4. What is the best time to book vacation packages?
For the best selection and pricing, a good rule of thumb is to book a vacation package about nine months ahead, especially if you're traveling during the holidays or a peak season like summer. However, if your schedule is flexible, you can snag fantastic last-minute deals one to four weeks before your desired departure date.
5. Can I customize my vacation package?
Most packages offer a degree of flexibility. You can often choose from a range of different hotels, select your preferred flight times, upgrade your room or add exciting activities and tours to build a trip that’s perfectly suited to your style and budget.
6. What happens if I need to cancel my vacation package?
Cancellation policies vary depending on the components of your package (flights, hotel, etc.). It's super important to read the terms and conditions before you book. Consider vacation packages with travel protection or insurance options that provide more flexibility and peace of mind in case your plans change.
7. Is booking a vacation package safe?
Yes, booking through AAA is a secure way to plan your trip. It consolidates your bookings, payments and confirmations in one place, making it easier and safer to manage your travel details.