Before you leave home, use this checklist to prepare your vehicle, secure your home and take other precautions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable vacation.
Request a free TripTik® (For members only) and free maps and TourBooks.
If you're camping, request free CampBook guides.
Call AAA for lodging and car rental reservations at special AAA member discounts.
Check with AAA for discount tickets to attractions you plan to visit.
Have your vehicle thoroughly inspected and preventative maintenance work done. See "Prepare Your Vehicle" section for more on this topic.
Purchase luggage and other travel accessories at a discount through eTravel Store.
As you travel, look for the Show Your Card & Save sign and present your AAA membership card for discounts at participating retailers.
If you have car trouble, call 1-800-AAA-HELP for emergency assistance. This number works anywhere in the U.S. and Canada, 24 hours a day, every day.
If You Are Flying...
Purchase your airline tickets from AAA Travel Agency and receive $100,000 free flight insurance. Click here for the nearest location.
Call AAA for lodging and car rental reservations at AAA discount rate.
Request free maps and TourBooks for the places you will visit.
Check with AAA for discount tickets to attractions you plan to visit.
Arrange for baggage protection insurance through AAA Travel Agency.
Purchase luggage and other travel accessories at a discount through eTravel Store.
If You Are Traveling Internationally...
Work with a AAA Travel Agency counselor to arrange airline, cruise, tour, lodging and car rental reservations. Click here for the nearest location.
Request maps and travel guides for the areas you will visit.
Purchase trip cancellation insurance through AAA Travel Agency.
Stop by AAA to get low-cost photos for your passport or visa (photos are free for AAA Plus members).
Purchase your International Driving Permit at AAA
Purchase luggage and other travel accessories at a discount through eTravel Store.
Secure Your Home
Ask a house sitter to care for your home while you are away. Give the sitter a tour of your home, detailed instructions for taking care of your home, your travel itinerary and emergency phone numbers.
Leave dogs and cats at the kennels. Make reservations well in advance. Arrange care for other pets.
Group houseplants according to light and water needs and arrange for their care during your absence.
Lock all doors and windows at your home.
Give your home that "lived in" look. Have someone alter the lights and window coverings periodically, or use an automatic timer to activate lights and a radio while you are away.
Ask the Post Office to hold your mail. Give them a week's notice.
Stop delivery of the newspaper. Again, give a week's notice.
Store valuables in your bank's safe deposit box.
If you leave a car at home, park it in the garage or at a friends house, or have someone move it periodically while you are away.
Arrange for lawn care.
Unless you have a house sitter, disconnect the telephone or forward your calls.
Make arrangements for utility bills and others that come due while you are away.
Leave phone numbers where you can be reached with your neighbors and house sitter.
Prepare Your Vehicle
Check the following items to ensure your care is road ready. Most of these tests can be performed by Approved Auto Repair facilities, and by most other auto repair facilities.
Pressure test the engine's cooling system to check for leaks.
Replace contaminated coolant and add anti-freeze to protect to -30F
Check hoses for cracks, bulges or loose clamps.
Check belt condition and tension.
Check all fluid levels.
Test the battery charge and fluid level (unless sealed).
Load test the battery to determine its cranking ability.
Check for clean and tight battery terminal connections.
Check the charging system for proper output. Check the electrical system and lights.
Check the engine's tune, including the fuel and ignition systems.
Change engine oil and oil filter. Ensure proper weight and type for the season.
Check the air conditioning system, including compressor, belt and refrigerant level.
Inspect the condition, tread depth and pressure of each tire.
Check the condition and inflation of the spare tire.
Check brake linings, pads, drums, discs and brake fluid level.
