Smiling couple walking around Sagrada Familia church at Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
travel resources

Wherever you may go, AAA Travel helps to keep you informed, prepared & protected.

Travel is open and a world of endless possibilities awaits you! Wondering where to visit on your next adventure or need travel inspiration? Simply contact our knowledgeable AAA Travel Agents who can help you choose the right destination for the best vacation experience or start by exploring an interactive global map of what's required for countries around the world.

Already booked? See the latest travel & visa requirements.

Review the numerous helpful resources below to ensure you're prepared for your upcoming adventure. And, be sure to save this page to your favorites for your future travels!

Passports and International Driving Permits

If you plan to travel outside the United States, a passport or passport card is required by the U.S. Department of State for both departure from and re-entry to the U.S. If you do not have a passport, you should apply as soon as possible.

Many countries require at least six months of passport validity before they will allow you to enter or issue you a travel visa. If you have less than six months remaining on your passport, you should renew it as soon as possible.

Don't delay! You should submit your passport renewal or apply for a new passport several months in advance of your planned departure as it typically takes 10-13 weeks for processing, sometimes more depending upon the situation.

Passport Photo Member Benefit: Most full-service AAA Branch locations will provide a set of passport photos for free or at a nominal charge, depending on your level of membership.

Learn more about passport services offered at AAA.

If you have urgent international travel within 14 calendar days, you may request to schedule an appointment with a Passport Agency or Center.

If you need your passport or travel visa as soon as possible, AAA Members can take advantage of exclusive AAA rates on expedited passport and courier services online with RushMyPassport.

Benefits include the ability to:

  • Avoid common mistakes that may typically cause a delay
  • Save time by skipping the long lines and hold times
  • Know where your passport or travel visa is in the process

Learn more about RushMyPassport offered through AAA.

AAA is one of only two private entities in the U.S. authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue an IDP (International Driving Permit), also commonly referred to as an International Driving License or International Drivers Licence.

An IDP is a valid form of identification in 150 countries worldwide and contains your name, photo and driver information.

Learn more about IDP services offered through AAA.

What To Know When Traveling

Planning and packing properly can facilitate the screening process and ease your travel experience at the airport. Know what you can pack in your carry-on and checked baggage before arriving at the airport by visiting the TSA - What Can I Bring? website.

Be sure to review your flight confirmation documentation for any travel protocols or requirements.

Wearing a mask is optional on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation in the U.S. and in most countries. Click here to confirm any travel requirements for your destination.

AAA’s trusted network of preferred cruise partners has implemented safety protocols and continues to provide quality and memorable vacation experiences.

Be sure to review your cruise confirmation documentation for any travel protocols or requirements.

AAA has trusted preferred tour partners who work closely with an established network of specific hotels, restaurants, ground handlers, and venues in the local communities you will be visiting. 

Be sure to review your tour confirmation documentation for any travel protocols or requirements.

Members can save up to 10% or more with AAA rates while earning hotel loyalty points at AAA preferred partners, including Best Western, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott and MGM Resorts.

With the AAA Diamond Program, you can be certain properties meet a high standard for cleanliness, comfort and hospitality - whether it’s a budget hotel or luxury resort. Look for the 'Best of Inspected Clean' badge or filter property results with the 'AAA Best of Inspected Clean' option when booking online at AAA.com/Hotels.

AAA preferred travel partner Hertz offers exclusive member benefits, including savings of up to 20% off the base rate, a free additional driver, free use of a child safety seat and more. Rent internationally and get savings of up to 10% and a free additional driver. Learn more at AAA.com/CarRental.

AAA Members can join Hertz Gold Plus® Rewards for free - which allows you to skip the counter and go straight to your vehicle, plus earn points for free rentals. Learn more or join today at AAA.com/HertzGold.

Keep in mind that rental car demand can exceed the supply in many locations, so be sure to reserve well in advance and consider pre-paying your rental.

Discount applies to pay later base rate. Taxes and fees are excluded. Visit AAA.com/CarRental for complete terms and conditions.

AAA has partnered with Allianz Global Assistance to offer comprehensive travel insurance plans to help you protect your travel investment with coverage for accidents, illness, medical emergencies, canceled flights, lost luggage, missed ports of call, and even options for river cruise high or low water interruptions and more. Trip protection could save you thousands if something goes wrong before or during your cruise, tour, hotel stay or vehicle rental. 

With SmartBenefits®, you can take advantage of hassle-free, automatic claims and payments* for qualifying flight delays of more than a few hours.

Before you decide on a plan, you should know:

  • It's best to purchase travel insurance through AAA when you book your trip because it offers the most options for coverage. 
  • Even if you didn’t book your travel with AAA, you can still add an insurance plan through us.
  • While it may be tempting to purchase a cruise or tour operator-offered insurance plan, the benefits they offer may not be what you need. Be sure to consider all your options before you make a purchase decision.

To compare plan options or purchase insurance, contact your AAA Travel Agent or visit AAA.com/TravelInsurance for an online quote.

*Restrictions apply. Visit AAA.com/TravelInsurance for complete terms and conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Although most travel suppliers no longer require proof of vaccination, each cruise line and tour operator has different policies. Be sure to review your cruise or tour confirmation documentation for any travel protocols or requirements. If you are affected by a change in policy, contact your AAA Travel Agent for rescheduling options.

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service that allows you to enroll your trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to receive safety information while traveling and help the embassy contact you in an emergency.

Learn more or enroll your trip in the STEP service.

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is a visa waiver program that launched at the end of 2022. The U.S. is included on the list of countries requiring an ETIAS for travel authorization for U.S. citizens to any of the 26 countries in the Schengen Zone in Europe.

Learn more about the ETIAS program or apply for an application.

Information and links are from the ETIAS program website and are provided as helpful resources to aid in travel planning. The ETIAS program is still in the implementation phase in the EU and dates, participating countries, voluntary or obligatory traveler participation, and program requirements may change at any time and without notice. 

AAA recommends you keep photos of your passport, travel itinerary, travel insurance plan, and any medications, immunization and vaccination records on your cell phone or digital device and that these devices be password protected. In the event these are not accessible, it is also advisable to leave copies at home or with someone you trust. 

Most airlines allow online check-in beginning 24 hours before the flight’s scheduled departure time. It can be 48 hours before the flight for some international airlines - check with your airline. Complete the online check-in and print your boarding pass or use the airline's app for digital boarding passes.

Be sure to reconfirm flights prior to leaving your home and put all your travel and health documents together in one place in your purse or carry-on.

When to arrive at the airport:

  • For international departures, arrive at the airport 3+ hours prior to your flight.
  • For domestic departures, arrive at the airport 2 hours prior to your flight.
  • If your flight is during a peak travel time, like a holiday, you may need to allow additional time to avoid the stress of rushing and longer security lines.

TSA PreCheck® is a program, designed for domestic travel, that expedites traveler screening through participating TSA security checkpoints at more than 200 airports with 85+ participating airlines nationwide.

Benefits - Dedicated screening line with no need to remove your:

  • Shoes
  • Belt
  • 3-1-1 Liquids
  • Laptop
  • Light Jacket

With the program, you simply add your KTN (Known Traveler Number) to your airline reservation to enjoy faster, more seamless screening.

Learn more or apply online at TSA PreCheck® | Transportation Security Administration.

Eligibility: U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents.

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program, designed for international travel, that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Program members enter the United States through automatic kiosks at select airports.

Benefits:

  • No processing lines
  • No paperwork
  • Access to expedited entry
  • Available at major U.S. airports
  • Reduced wait times

Learn more or apply online at Global Entry | U.S. Customs and Border Protection (cbp.gov).

Eligibility: U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and select foreign nationals.

You can make your travels more rewarding with the AAA Cashback Visa Signature® Card.

Learn more about the AAA Cashback Visa Signature® Card or apply online today.

Equal Credit Opportunity Lender.

AAA Vacation Triple Check®  is a free service that ensures you take advantage of all savings and member benefits when you book with AAA Travel.

We help you stretch your vacation budget with all the money-saving opportunities available to you, including combinable in-market offers, exclusive AAA Member benefits, AAA Vacations® Amenities and more.

If you didn't receive this when you booked or would like to request a Triple Check for a future trip you're planning, contact your AAA Travel Agent today.

Couple planning trip at home with map and laptop

Helpful Resources

AAA TourBook® Guides

AAA Travel Agency Website

Airport Parking & Travel Discounts

Allianz Travel Insurance

Domestic & International Car Rental

Free Lost Wallet & Identity Theft Protection

Online Map Gallery

U.S. Department of State

U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Well-Traveled with AAA Digital Magazine, Webcasts & Podcasts

AAA’s Travel With Confidence webpage is a guide to help you understand some of the key requirements in order for you to travel on your intended itinerary. This information does not replace the specific information provided by travel suppliers or governmental and other relevant authorities. The Auto Club Group has partnered with Sherpa to provide worldwide travel requirements and visa information for you. While Sherpa makes its best efforts to keep the information updated, policy changes and travel requirements may occur at any time without notice. The Auto Club Group is not responsible for the completeness and accuracy of this information; neither The Auto Club Group, nor any of its employees or agents may under any circumstances be held responsible or liable in any way for any claim, loss, damage, cost, expense or liability whatsoever that may result from your access to, or reliance on, the information provided on this page. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet all entry requirements and have all the valid travel documents necessary to enter in, exit from, or transit through, each country/region on your itinerary as they may vary based on your country of nationality and other factors. The final determination of entry into or transit through is the decision of the government and officials of the country to which you are traveling.