Driving Enthusiasm

AAA’s beloved TripTik has gone digital!

On the Road

Curious about gas prices on your trip? The AAA Gas Calculator will help you plan and budget for your trip.

Want to create a TripTik? Visit triptik.aaa.com to get started.

“You can look at the route, figure travel times, and see attractions along the way,” says Jamie Johnson, a retail manager with AAA, who runs two stores in the area. But now you can create the TripTik – a trip mapping plan – on your own.

Even though Wallethub chose Cincinnati as one of this year’s best summer travel destinations, that doesn’t mean we don’t still want to get out of town.

“We’re seeing people plan trips in the 5-hour timeframe,” Johnson says. “They’re staying close to home but still finding a lot to do.”

One perennial favorite is the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area.

Johnson notes that both Indianapolis, with its great zoo and children’s museum, and Columbus, home of COSI, are also popular spots this year.

“They are great ideas for family vacations, or even day trips,” says Johnson.

Of course, Western Michigan is another top spot.

“That west coast, from Ohio all the way up to Traverse City is just full of people from Cincinnati!” says Johnson.

Though nearby cities and Lake Michigan are a draw, they aren’t the only vacation options.

“People love parks,” says Johnson. “More people are going now to Hocking Hills in Ohio and Red River Gorge in Kentucky.”

Looking for something off the beaten path? Johnson mentions Madison, Ind. “It has a great park (Clifty Falls State Park) and fun downtown with restaurants, shops, and lots to do.”

No matter where you’re headed, AAA is reminding drivers to “slow down and move over,” for emergency vehicles and tow trucks. It is part of AAA’s effort to ensure the safety of service technicians, tow truck operators, and first responders who put their lives at risk each time they respond to a member’s call for help.

“Drive safely and have patience,” Johnson says. “You don’t have to be the first one there.”