May 9, 2023
10 min. read
Make the most of summer, no matter where you are, with the help of CAA.
The sun is bright, the breeze is warm, the patio furniture is set, and your out of office is on. It’s finally summertime. Make 2023 the year you and your family check off every item on your summer bucket list.
Whether you’re hitting the road or playing tourist in your own town, CAA is there to help you maximize your adventures this summer season. Here’s how.
At the lake.
Prepare ahead of time There’s no such thing as being over-prepared. Pack those lake essentials — like bug spray, sunscreen and snacks — well in advance and take note of what you may need to purchase (think: boat safety kit or rechargeable lighting for your deck). And, as a CAA Member, don’t forget to register for Maple virtual care, so you can have access to a Canadian-licensed health practitioner1, no matter where you are.
Plan fun activities Grab a few Super Soakers and floaties (whether you’ve got kids or not). Splurge on a floating dock or even a putting green. You may just find your spot by the lake the most popular in the vicinity. And for the inevitable inclement weather, pack rainy day activities, such as board games, puzzles and paint kits to keep everyone entertained.
On a day trip.
Strategize your route Day trips are a ton of fun, but trying to please everyone can be a challenge. How about letting each person pick a stop, so everybody feels included? Or have the kids plan the whole day. To avoid spending most of the day in the car, pick a destination within, say, a couple of hours’ travel time and check beforehand for any roadwork or diversions that could result in getting stuck in traffic. Tip: use TripTik® 3 to get directions, explore maps, find gas stations and plan your stops.
Pack light Take only the essentials: water bottles, sunscreen, hats, bug spray. Keep in mind that children require lots of snacks (so does the driver). To fight off boredom, organize car ride games and allow a bit of screen time — and don’t forget the chargers.
Plan for breaks Schedule stops along the way to let the kids (and pets) blow off steam. Satisfy everyone’s hunger and save money by making a pit stop at CAA partner locations like New York Fries or Swiss Chalet®. Not sure who’s a partner? Download the CAA Mobile App™, so you can check along the way.
CAA hack: If you have a flat tire4, are locked out of your car5 or need a battery boost6, CAA Roadside Assistance has your back. Simply call 1-800-CAA-HELP, text RESCUE to 222247 or go to roadside.caasco.ca to request roadside assistance.
Staycation ideas.
Play hometown tourist So-called tourist traps may be kitschy, but people do keep flocking to them. Why? Because they are fun! Embrace a visitor’s attitude and go for it. Is there a hop-on-hop-off bus tour in your city? Hop on! Or, if you’d rather stay away from busy crowds, explore different neighbourhoods on two wheels and know that you’re covered by CAA Bike Assist® 7 in the event that you get a flat.
Splurge a little Plane tickets and hotel rooms are a big chunk of a travel budget. Consider setting aside some of that money for a local luxury — say, tickets to a show, dining at a fun “splurge-worthy” restaurant, or perhaps a day at the spa or the gym? Relish the fact that you’re still saving money, even if that’s not the real pay off. Bottom line: It’s really about you.
CAA hack: Save money by using your CAA Membership when you purchase tickets from CAA partners such as Mirvish Productions.
On a road trip.
Get organized before you go Road trip planning can sometimes feel like a daunting task. Start with a list of everything you’ll need on your trip before you get packing. When loading up your gear in your vehicle, ensure that the items you need most are at the top for easy accessibility (such as a first aid kit). And don’t forget to set up insurance before your road trip, so your family — and vacation — are protected.
Pack fun backseat diversions Fend off that inevitable “Are we there yet?” from the kids by organizing drive-by scavenger hunts, I Spy and Truth or Dare. Other attention-diverting tactics are books and car-friendly games purchased online via the CAA eStore.
CAA hack: CAA Members can save on car washes, litres of fuel and select purchases at participating Shell locations* (road snacks, anyone?).
ENTER FOR THE CHANCE TO WIN THE ULTIMATE SUMMER ADVENTURE You and your family deserve to make the most out of your summer adventures. Whether you have another trip in the books for this year or are planning the next, CAA wants to support your wanderlust. We’re hosting a contest with a prize any fun-seeker would find hard to resist:
ONE (1) $1,500 CAA Travel voucher
ONE (1) Eight-day Park’N Fly Valet voucher
ONE (1) luggage set
Contest launches July 19, 2023. Keep an eye out for details on how to enter! Ready to have the best summer yet? CAA can help.
Terms & Conditions
*Offer is valid until February 28, 2025 at participating Shell Locations for current members of the CAA Club Group (“CAA”). The Offer provides a discount of 3 cents per litre when a qualified customer purchases any grade of Shell fuel (the “Discount”). The discount shall apply to a maximum purchase of 1,000 litres per calendar month per CAA Membership number. The Offer also provides a 10% discount on car wash purchases by a qualified customer for personal use; and a 10% discount on convenience retail purchases made by a qualified customer for personal use, not including any tobacco products, lottery tickets, alcoholic beverages, gift cards, prepaid credit cards, phone cards, all printed materials or documents (including newspapers, magazines, books, maps, flyers, guides and all other written publications or documents), all items, goods, rights or services sold that are produced by, sold on behalf of, or otherwise obtained from any governments, regulatory bodies, governmental agencies or Crown corporations, including all postage and stamps, permits or licenses (including fishing, hunting, sporting or camping), and transportation tickets or fares (including ferries, bus or train), any other goods or services specified from time to time or as excluded by law, and any products ordered on-line and delivered via a third-party delivery service (collectively the Discount and the applicable offers, referred to as the “Offer”). No cash value. Any discounts shall be calculated on the pre-tax amount and may be combined with other offers at Shell’s sole discretion. A valid CAA Membership number must be presented at time of purchase. “Valid Members” means Members of Participating Clubs who meet the terms and conditions of the Member Offer and other terms, conditions and limitations imposed by Shell, acting reasonably and as posted on Shell or an Affiliate’s website or otherwise made available to the public for review, in order to ensure compliance with Applicable Laws and for the purposes of avoidance of customer fraud, abuse or misconduct, at any time and from time to time for participation in, or the benefit of, the Member Offer. Members using an existing Shell commercial business or “fleet” payment card are excluded from the Offer. Shell reserves the right to make changes to this Offer and to terminate the Offer at any time, for any reason and without notice. Additional restrictions and conditions may apply. Please contact your regional CAA club if you experience any difficulties getting your member discount(s). Trademarks and registered trademarks are property of their respective owners. Shell trademarks are owned by Shell Brands International AG.1 Members may be paired with emergency room physicians, family doctors, or nurse practitioners, who can diagnose, treat, and prescribe for medical conditions at their medical discretion. Additional fees may apply.
2 To earn and redeem CAA Dollars, you must be a current CAA Member in good standing. For more information on CAA Dollars, please visit [www.caasco.com/caadollars](https://www.caasco.com/blog/Local/www.caasco.com/caadollars).
3 ®TripTik trademark is the property of, and use is granted by, the American Automobile Association.
4 Dual-wheel vehicles needing service on an inside tire require a licensed specialist. Member may be required to obtain their own service and submit to CAA for consideration of a refund.
5 The registered owner must be present while vehicle is being serviced by a locksmith. This will count as one (1) service call. An unsuccessful locksmith service that results in a towing service call will count as one (1) service call.
6 Available with CAA Roadside Assistance only.
7 Each CAA Bike Assist® service call counts as one of your allotted service calls during your membership year and is subject to the same towing distance limits applicable to your membership. Service will be provided to cyclists where there is permitted vehicle access and based on seasonal availability.
Logos and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open July 19, 2023 at 12:00:01 a.m. ET/CT and ends at 11:59:59 p.m. ET/CT on August 12, 2023 to legal residents of Ontario/Manitoba who are 18 years of age or older. TWO (2) prizes available: (One (1) prize per each club territory of CAA South Central Ontario and CAA Manitoba): ONE (1) $1,500CAD CAA Travel voucher, ONE (1) 8-day Park’N Fly Valet voucher (valued at approximately $200CAD); and ONE (1) Luggage set (valued at approximately $350CAD). Total prize valued at approximately $2,050CAD. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Math skill test required. Rules.
Park’N Fly is a registered trademark of 1884901 Alberta Ltd.