AAA Maps: Detailed Driving Directions, and More

I remember when it was unthinkable for anyone to embark on a road trip without AAA maps. Even if you owned a detailed atlas, you would feel unprepared if you didn't stop by your local AAA and say, "I'm driving to Denver. Gimme the works!"

Well, as much as we like the MapQuest Road Trip Planner and other modern creations, we still love the tried and true.

There's something exhilarating about walking into AAA and requesting printed maps for all the states you'll be driving through.

There's also something special about telling your AAA representative where you're driving and having them issue you TripTiks with your exact route highlighted.

Now, some folks prefer to visit MapQuest or Google Maps, play around with different possibilities, and then print out lots of pages with exact directions. There's something to be said for having complete control of the route you take.

Well, now you can maintain control while still getting all the benefits of AAA maps. The AAA TripTik Travel Planner lets you map your route right on screen.

When you're finished, you can print a full-color, deliciously detailed TripTik. There's no charge, and you don't even need to be an AAA member.

You'll get turn-by-turn driving directions along with color maps. Your directions will include construction information and weather advisories that warn you of possible delays.

The advisories will also let you know about long stretches with no rest stops, photo enforcement cameras, and other inconveniences.

So, if you've come to think of AAA maps as a thing of the past, think again. Create a route online, generate a PDF containing detailed route information, and then print in color before your next road trip.

I think you'll be surprised at how helpful these driving directions really are.