On the Road to Cheap Traveling

When it comes to summer travel, whether by car, plane or cruise ship, time spent researching potential discounts is time well spent.

Explore AAA and AARP’s offerings, and by the time you hit the road, you can get an “A” in saving money. Definitely worth checking out so you can have more to spend on souvenirs as every little bit adds up.

Grafton residents who prefer the personal touch can visit an AAA office in Worcester or Auburn, or check out the auto club online. Many may think of AAA as just a place to call if your car is stuck.

But you can save up to 35 percent on shopping, car rentals, hotels and restaurants, get free maps and tour books, or TripTiks, basically a mapped-out route with all the amenities and points of interest taken care of for you. AAA will even test your battery for free before the big journey begins.

If you are road tripping, don’t forget the local stops you can make before heading out: For snacks and drinks to go in a cooler in the backseat, visit , Pecorino cheese shop, or s;. Check out for books and CD for the long ride. And, if you have kids, earplugs at may be in order!

For those 50 and older, AARP members can also have access to roadside assistance such as AAA offers, plus you can save on vacation lodging such as Best Western, Hampton, Hyatt and LaQuinta hotels, saving as much as 20 percent. Or, there is a ten percent discount offering at some AARP-affiliated resort rentals such as Wyndham Worldwide.

Car rentals from major names such as Enterprise, Avis, Budget and Hertz also come with a discount at up to 25 percent through AARP. And if you’re cruising, check out if you can cash in on any cabin upgrades if you are on Norwegian, MSC Cruises or Blount Small Ship Adventures.

When Grafton’s in your rearview mirror and you head for your vacation destination, whether near or far, taking time to research how you can shave your budget makes for a happier vacation for you and your bank account.