AAA also has discounts for Disneyworld ranging from 15% to 20% on rooms.

Triple A, all the way.
Join, offlady.
I have the Premier card in my wallet and won't leave home w/o it.

I've been a member since 1977. I used to drive the Las Vegas-LA corridor with a beat up old toyota and had to be towed so often they sent me a notice that I should consider getting a new car. I could not have agreed with them more but I have made such good use of my membership (discounts, etc) that when it is time for renewal I don't even think about it. I just renew. The peace of mind is worth it.

A couple of years ago I was doing some solo sight-seeing in AZ. I was outside Sedona and pulled over at a trail-head to snap some pics. It was very hot so I decided to leave the air conditoner running full blast for the couple of minutes I got out of the car, at the same time I felt it was prudent to lock the car so my valuables would not walk off. Key in ignition,car running, car locked, purse in car - not good. It was a Sat. afternoon. I got into town and all locksmiths were closed as were service stations. (I thought they'd be quicker than AAA so I checked them first). I was so extremely glad for AAA. It took them 45 minutes to come out and they apologized for the delay - they'd had a number of other calls. I will never cancel my membership now. Also, I ALWAYS get there travel books before trips and often use the discount when booking hotel rooms.

I agree with everybody else. But as with everything else, AAA isn't the way it used to be. For one thing, there's a limit on the roadside assistance now, which I don't like. You can only call them so many times a year before they charge you for it. But hopefully, you won't need them that many times in a year! And they can only tow you for so many miles before they charge you for it.

As far as for travel, the travel books are always good but I haven't used one in years, what with the wealth of info on this site as well as other travel websites. I find that Internet rates for hotels and rental cars are usually much better than AAA rates. About the only thing I still use are the free maps, which are great!

I've belonged to AAA for years, and use them for certain things. I use their hotel discounts quite often, unless I can use Entertainment for half off. I like knowing that they'll come out and change a flat for me, though I've never needed the service. I don't find their travel books to be very up-to-date and don't trust their recommendations as I once did. I have the basic plan, and it's well worth the money spent.

when I had a car, they heroically came to my rescue when I had a flat tire on a very busy part of Lake Shore Drive, for that alone I would recommend them.

I might have missed it, but how much does AAA cost a year? I see all the 'benefits' but I don't see any costs. How can I evaluate a service without knowing the cost. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Rocky, I think my "basic plan" here in NC is about $35 or so.

Sorry ... the basic plan, according to the AAA website, is $42, with a $10 enrollment fee. I think my DH paid the last bill ...

Thanks for the information bonniebroad. I'll check out the website for more specifics.

Count me as another person who likes the maps. I like the guide books, too; I don't take their diamond rating very seriously, but like to review the price ranges, etc., for restaurants.

Given what you may do on your own with help here and at tripadvisors, I would say not very helpful.
M

If you figure one tow or jump a year, it pays for itself...The discounts & info can also be good depending on your destination. Typically it is 10% on hotels, but you may also receive other offers.

Safety Net: All of the above is true - check your local situation for auto service; unfortunately when it is hot, cold or rainy, they get a lot of calls. However, they stay in touch. Over the years, they have helped tow, change tires, unlock cars and help frightened teens and especially college kids unlock car when parents not around and when away at school. Additional membership comes in their stocking every year. Discounts are good, too!

As a younger person, I was sceptical of AAA. Experiences with autos breaking down a long ways from home have made me a strong supporter of AAA. For instance, my wife's transmission died while driving on the rural eastern shore of Maryland. She was eight months pregnant with baby number 3 and I could not pick her up as my truck could not hold two toddlers in car chairs. A tow truck sent by AAA picked her up, dropped the car off at our repair place, and delivered her to our door.

Sorry mikemo, but I have to disagree (respectfully and civilly, of course).

It probably depends on the type of travelling you do. Personally, I like to "wander" on road trips and often do not make advance reservations because I don't know where or when I will be stopping. So the guide books are VERY helpful in calling ahead when I do figure out the where and when. Kind of hard to ask in a forum while you are on the road.

The guides are also very helpful in finding some interesting places to see -- and for general information on state and cities.

Sounds like it's a thumbs up for AAA. Is their roadside service useful even with car rentals?

Offlady - it doesn't matter what car you have or who's car you have. As long as you're a member, they'll come to assist you. They don't ask who's car it is.

I'm sure this differs everywhere, but does anyone like their auto insurance rates??

They help with rental cars. When I got locked out of the car it was a rental and when I called AAA I couldn't even tell them the manufacturer of the car, only the color (very helpful, of course). You will be asked to show your membership card to verify you are a current member.