Member Savings

Most people probably don’t think of their vacation as a type of currency, but you can easily renew next year’s AAA membership with savings enjoyed on this year’s family vacation. Ride along with the Smiths¹, a family of four, as they take a one-week vacation to Florida from their home in Lansdale and see how much they can save on their trip.

First, in order to save wear and tear on the family car, they have decided to rent a Hertz full-sized car and start their savings by presenting their membership card for the Show Your Card & Save® discount. The base rate for a weekly rental on a mid-size car would be approximately $326.58 including taxes. But, with the AAA discount and a free upgrade coupon to a full-size rate was reduced, and the family saved $70.66. Before leaving for Florida, Mrs. Smith purchased a few pieces of clothing from Casual Corner® and saved $17.40, which is 20% off the regular priced merchandise. The Smiths bought their Universal Studios Escape tickets from AAA and saved seven percent on each ticket for a total savings of $13.64. They also purchased $1,000 in No-Fee American Express® Travelers Cheques and saved $10.00. On the way to Florida, they spent the night at an Embassy Suites, where the regular room rate is $139 per night. However, with their seven percent AAA discount, the hotel room was only $129.27, a savings of $9.73.

Upon arrival in Orlando, Fla., the Smith family stayed at the Quality Suites, located near Universal Orlando. Based on a five-night stay at a regular nightly rate of $99, the family saved $49.50 with a 10 percent AAA discount. During their visit to Universal Studios Escape, the Smiths purchased souvenirs that cost $80 and saved $8 with the 10 percent member discount on merchandise. They also visited Sea World and saved $20.33 on tickets purchased at the gate – a 10 percent discount. Their savings continued to add up when they dined at the Hard Rock Café in Orlando, where, with a 10 percent member discount on a dinner costing approximately $60, they saved another $6.

After nearly a week, it was time to pack up the car for the two-day drive back home. Along the way, the Smiths stayed at a Clarion and saved 10 percent, or $6.99, off the $69.95 room rate.

Add up the Smiths’ total vacation savings - $212.25 Compare that figure to the AAA plus renewal dues - $101 for a primary plus membership with one Associate for the Smiths through AAA East Penn. Their savings paid for their membership.

But there’s more. During the past year, AAA East Penn members collectively saved over $500,000 by using their AAA membership card to claim discounts at Show Your Card & Save® retail partners across the country. To find out how your AAA membership card can save you money, pick up a SYC&S Savings guide at your local AAA office.

¹ The Smiths are a fictitious family, however, the savings are real, based on reservations made and current pricing policies for AAA members.

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Published in the July/August 2001 issue of the AAA Traveler.