American Automobile Association travel marketplace
The American Automobile Association Travel Marketplace is an annual series of in-person and virtual travel planning events designed to help holidaymakers access expert advice and essential travel resources. Organized by AAA, the marketplace connects travelers with U.S. government travel information such as International Driving Permits, real-time safety data, and airport security guidance from federal agencies.
In 2026, the marketplace is especially timely amid major global events like the FIFA World Cup in North America and the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations. Let’s dive in!
AAA marketplace traveler tools
AAA Marketplace events give travelers direct access to tools that simplify trip planning, including guidance on obtaining International Driving Permits, which are required in more than 150 countries. Attendees also receive up-to-date safety briefings based on the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisory levels, helping them understand security conditions abroad before departure.
This direct integration of official travel information makes planning complicated international journeys easier for visitors.
Marketplace and travel security
Another key feature of the AAA Travel Marketplace is its focus on airport and document preparation with experts on TSA PreCheck and REAL ID requirements. Presentations at events explain the latest Transportation Security Administration guidelines so passengers can navigate security lines more smoothly at airports across the United States.
These sessions aim to reduce stress for holidaymakers traveling domestically or internationally in 2026.
Marketplace and mileage updates
The AAA Travel Marketplace also offers practical details like the updated IRS standard mileage rate of 72.5 cents per mile for vehicle travel in 2026. This information helps travelers who use personal vehicles for business, medical trips, or vacation driving to calculate tax-deductible travel costs.
By sharing this and other money-saving tips, the marketplace supports smarter planning and budgeting before vacations begin.
Intentional travel trends
Travel trends discussed at the AAA Travel Marketplace reflect a shift toward more meaningful trips in 2026, with a majority of Americans planning vacations around life milestones like birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries.
A survey from AAA and Bread Financial shows that about 76 percent of people planning travel this year cite significant personal events as their primary motivation. Younger generations, especially Gen Z and Millennials, are leading this trend and are more likely to use travel advisors and planning tools when booking.
Role of travel advisors
Nearly half of travelers planning trips in 2026 say they have worked with a travel advisor to secure the best deals and manage logistics, according to AAA data. These professionals help holidaymakers save time, handle complex itineraries, and provide support if challenges arise during a trip.
The presence of travel advisors at Marketplace events underscores AAA’s emphasis on personalized planning assistance.
Connecting safety and planning
At the heart of the AAA Travel Marketplace is a commitment to traveler safety by sharing official federal insights, including travel advisories and enrollment in programs like the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
These resources help U.S. citizens connect with their nearest embassy or consulate while overseas in case of emergency or changing conditions. These safety briefings are integrated into planning sessions so travelers feel informed before departure.
Preparing for major events
AAA designed the 2026 Travel Marketplace to help travelers anticipate logistical and security challenges tied to major events like the World Cup and the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations. These events are expected to boost travel demand and require coordination between transportation hubs, government agencies, and travel providers.
Marketplace programming gives visitors insights on how to plan for crowds, travel routes, and timing during busy travel windows.
Digital tools and inspiration
Beyond in-person events, AAA’s broader travel ecosystem includes digital planning tools like Trip Canvas that help holidaymakers design itineraries and find inspiration online. These platforms showcase hotels, attractions, and route ideas tailored to travelers’ interests and timing, streamlining the journey from concept to booking.
AAA’s integration of digital resources with the Marketplace supports both detailed planning and spontaneous decision-making.
Travel and discounts value
AAA members enjoy exclusive deals on hotels, cruises, and rental cars that can be booked directly through AAA Travel or at Marketplace events, offering plans that often include member-only savings.
Partnerships with major hotel brands and rental companies help travelers stretch budgets for trips across the United States and beyond. These benefits make AAA Travel Marketplace events a valuable stop for budget-minded holidaymakers planning spring, summer, or year-round adventures.
Membership and guidance perks
AAA’s longstanding reputation as a trusted source of travel advice means travelers can combine Marketplace insights with ongoing support before, during, and after trips. Members can access travel insurance options, destination guides, and real-time travel alerts that further protect and inform their plans.
This comprehensive suite of services positions AAA as more than an event host but as a year-round resource for travel management.
Marketplace impact on planning
The AAA Travel Marketplace is reshaping how Americans think about travel by blending expert advice, official government information, and personal trip goals into one coherent planning experience, an approach that echoes what the Davos spotlight reveals about travel’s direction in the Trump era.
It brings complex pieces like security requirements, safety advisories, and milestone-driven motivations into a single framework that’s easier for holidaymakers to navigate. This creates a travel planning landscape where preparation, safety, and personal meaning are all prioritized.
Future of American travel planning
In 2026 and beyond, the AAA Travel Marketplace is likely to expand its role in American travel planning by responding to evolving traveler preferences and external conditions like technology and global events.
Connecting in-person resources with digital tools and federal partnerships makes AAA a central hub for the construction of meaningful, well-informed travel experiences. As holidaymakers continue seeking purposeful trips in the years ahead, this marketplace may become an even more trusted fixture in travel planning culture.
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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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