Not Your Father’s AAA!
Think AAA and you think of road maps sent in the mail for a family vacation. But the American Automobile Association has come a long way from its roots during the birth of the automobile era as a means to take a vacation. Although “drive-travel” still plays a central role in the AAA’s services, the Club offers a wide range of travel services up to and including arranging your dream trip to Tahiti.
And despite high gas prices, drive travel is up 35%.
Here on the South Coast, one of the first automobile clubs started in Newport, Rhode Island in 1900 as the Rhode Island Automobile Club. In 1902, it was one of nine auto clubs that met in Chicago to form AAA. Back then not only were there fewer than 23,000 automobiles on the roads nationally, but 17 million horses.
From a club that demonstrated the fun side of travel, holding “hill climb” contests and “reliability runs,” it grew into one of 50 clubs in the AAA national federation.
Places to go, things to do
The top destination this spring is the cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C.
Discounts, discounts, discounts
AAA has long offered Roadside Assistance as part of its membership. And they’re famous for their discounts on everything from restaurants to retail to vehicle maintenance on national brands.
But there’s a practical side to AAA discounts, too. Four major vision companies offer 30% off a complete pair of eyewear, including sunglasses. There’s an AAA prescription savings program for up to 24% off prescriptions. And Newport Audiology Centers offer 40% off hearing aids, a two-year battery supply with purchase, and a complimentary hearing evaluation.
Speaking of kids
AAA’s INsider program for 13- to 15-year-olds offers the same AAA retail and service discounts—for free.
So whether you’re looking for help booking that weekend getaway, heading to the movies, or filling a prescription, think AAA. It’s not your parents’ automobile club anymore.
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