7 Tips for an Eco-Friendly Road Trip
Get a Tune-Up
Schedule a tune-up to ensure your vehicle is ready for the road. Routine maintenance tasks like changing your oil, checking tire pressure, inspecting tire condition and topping off fluid levels can have a big impact on fuel economy—and your peace of mind. Find a AAA Approved auto repair shop near you at AAA.com/AutoRepair.
Rent a Fuel Efficient Vehicle
Consider renting an eco-friendly vehicle for your road trip. Hertz’s Green Traveler Collection (available in select cities) offers a line of hybrid vehicles with lower carbon emissions and greater fuel economy, which translates to more savings for you and the environment. Browse options and take advantage of your exclusive AAA member benefits at AAA.com/Hertz.
Chart Your Route in Advance
Keep your emissions low by planning your route in advance. AAA’s online TripTik Travel Planner (TripTik.AAA.com) makes it easy to find attractions, hotels and campgrounds. Consider adding short scenic detours along the way.
Appreciate Nature at a National or State Park
No drive is complete without a nature stop or two. From white, sandy beaches to cliffside trails and inland hikes, there's a State or National Park for every adventure. TripTik.AAA.com now supports adding national parks and forests to your trip!
Camp Under the Stars
Spending a night out under the stars is a great way to practice a sustainable road trip. Pack only what you need and set up camp at one of the thousands of campgrounds across the US. Whether you want to camp at the top of a mountain, in a redwood forest, or right on the beach, camping is an eco-friendly way to travel.
Choose Eco-Friendly Hotels
Look for AAA Approved accommodations with the ECO Friendly icon, which indicates that the property is recognized by a green certification program. Browse the full selection at AAA.com/TravelGuides/Hotels.
Drive Mindfully
One of the easiest ways to make your road trip more eco-friendly is to modify your driving habits. Use cruise control, keep speeds reasonable (fuel economy is said to peak at around 50 mph on most vehicles), and avoid rapid acceleration or hard braking. Little changes can have a big impact on long road trips across the country.
(Many campgrounds remain closed due to COVID-19. Check the campgrounds' websites for updates.)
