How to save on your next road trip with CAA
3 Minute Read
Summary
- CAA Members save 3¢ per litre at Shell and 10% on snacks on the road.
- Save up to 10% at hotels like Comfort Inn and Hampton Inn & Suites.
- Plan ahead to reduce travel costs and help keep road trip budgets predictable.
Whether you’re driving down a long ribbon of highway or cruising across country lanes, road trips can be a great way to travel on a budget. But as the kilometres rack up, so can the price of your getaway. Whether it's a one-day trip or a cross-country adventure, we all look for ways to cut costs.
If you’re worried about your budget on your journey, we can help. Thankfully, reducing expenses on road trips is easy—all you need is a little forward thinking and your CAA Membership.
Here are our top 10 tips on how to save money on a road trip.
Spend less at the pump
When fueling up on your road trip, head to a participating Shell station across Canada, as CAA Members save 3¢ per litre. Simply swipe your CAA Membership card or use Shell EasyPay™ in the Shell app.
With Shell locations nationwide, you can access savings wherever you travel. Use the Shell app or the CAA website to find participating Shell stations nearby.
Save on snacks and drinks
What's a road trip without snacks? From chips and chocolates to refreshing drinks, you'll want to ensure that your road trip munchies are sorted. Stock up on all your favourite road snacks with a 10% discount on in-store products at participating Shell stations.
Discounted passport photos and easy International Driving Permits
Driving in another country? Don't forget to renew your passport! CAA Members get free or discounted professional passport photos at CAA Store locations.
If you need an International Driving Permit (IDP), you can also head to your local CAA Store to get your I.D. photos taken for less. IDPs are available exclusively at CAA Stores.
Car rentals for less
Whether you need more seats for a big group of friends and lots of luggage, want a more fuel-efficient set of wheels or wish to avoid wear and tear on your own vehicle, a car rental can be a wallet-friendly choice.
Plus, with exclusive benefits through CAA Travel, you can rent from a preferred Partner like Enterprise, National, or Alamo for two free additional drivers, free unlimited mileage, and more.
Inexpensive meals on the go
A quick meal can be a lifesaver for cranky kids or exhausted adults. Whether it’s burgers or poutine, use your CAA Membership to save 10 per cent on food along the route at Rewards Partners like Harvey’s and New York Fries.
Need a break from the car? Sit-down restaurants like East Side Mario’s, Montana’s and Kelseys also offer 10 per cent savings to stretch your money further on your long haul.
Use the CAA App to locate participating restaurants along your route.
Save on your hotel sleep
After a long day on the road, nothing feels more luxurious than a hotel bed—but staying in a hotel when you’re on a budget can really add up.
Luckily, CAA Members can save up to 10 per cent or earn CAA Dollars at a variety of accommodations along your route. Use your card to book with Mariott Hotels and Resorts, Comfort Inns, Hampton Inn & Suites and more to get exclusive benefits on your overnight stay.
Map it out
To avoid costly tolls and gas-eating wrong turns, plot your route in advance. You don’t want to drive all the way to the coast, only to find you need a costly ferry to take you the rest of the way.
Your car will also run at optimal fuel efficiency at a specific speed—typically between 50km/h and 80km/h —so the more your route allows this, the longer your gas will last. This is just one of the many ways you can save on fuel by driving smart.
Pack a cooler
Making meals ahead is another way that a little bit of forethought can save you money on the road. Whether it’s a delicious trail mix to snack on or sandwiches from home, you can keep the cash in your wallet without compromising on having food in your stomach.
Save even more with a CAA Gift Card to Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo and IGA, and earn 5% back in CAA Dollars on your purchase.
Ready to hit the open road? Don’t forget your CAA Membership
If you’re ready to save on your trip, the keys are in your hands—you just need your CAA Membership. With discounts on shopping, dining, fuel and more, your Membership will help you stretch your dollar as far as you drive.
