AAA

I’ve been a AAA member since I learned to drive. I realize that nowadays people don’t need many of the services that AAA membership provides beyond getting a boost, changing a flat tire or getting a tow. Back before everyone had a GPS or a smartphone with Google maps, AAA members could call ²⁴⁄₇ and speak with a live person to get driving directions or a heads-​up about construction work. It’s been years since I’ve called them for that kind of stuff, but I still use their travel services when planning a road trip, for no extra charge, always at the Ralph Avenue location. They’ll create for you a «Triptik» which is a pocket-​size series of maps that highlights your personalized route, and give you all the «Tourbooks» for each state you’ll be driving through. The Tourbooks list attractions, restaurants and motels including AAA ratings (not Unilocal ratings!), hours, fees, discounts. You can walk into an AAA store and walk out with this stuff, or order it online and they’ll mail it to you. They’ll also book flights, hotel stays, do Passport photos, insurance, etc.