Saving on car rentals

If you are a Costco member, Costco Travel is a good place to start. You can search through major rental car companies and have coupons automatically applied.

You should book early, then a week (or a few days) before your trip, check the site again for lower prices. If you're flying at a slow season, prices might drop for last-minute travel. The savings are significant enough to take the time to do this (from $190+ to $150+ plus a class upgrade!). Don't forget to look at higher class levels. Sometimes, they are cheaper than classes below them (for example, a standard car might cost less than a midsize one).

Just don't forget to cancel your previous reservation, because a no-show or double-booking reservations is a jerk move.

Transportation discounts with AAA

Yes, AAA is the automobile association, but it does have lots of discounts on public transit, including:

• Airport parking - Expresso airport in Oakland airport and Sky Park in San Bruno for SFO
• Amtrak
• RV rental
• Hertz
• Penske truck rental
• Supershuttle (though you might be able to get better deals online)

And even tours, like:

• Grand Canyon Railway
• Gray Line
  

AAA Discounts for California Toursits

AAA membership is a must-have tool for bargain travelers. For starters, you get better deals at hotels with your card, which covers your membership fees.  In addition to hotel savings, you can get discounts to the following entertainment places:

San Francisco Bay Area

• Asia Art Museum
• Gray Line
• Great America
• Oakland A's
• Pier 39 - Get your Fun Pack at the California Welcome Center (free two-hour parking, discounts in restaurants, and bay cruises)
• Six Flags Marine World and Water World

Los Angeles Area

• Knottsberry Farm - admission adn some merchandise
• Legoland
• Universal Studios

San Diego Area

• San Diego Wild Animal Park
• San Diego Zoo 
• Seaworld

For more savings, see aaa.com/savings. Or just try your luck and ask for AAA discounts. You'd be surprised at how the card is accepted at the oddest places, including fastfood restaurants. 

Car rental discounts

If you have AAA membership, you can discount with:

• Hertz
• 10% off fuel purchase
• 10% off prepaid rates
• 50% off Gold Club membership
• Free additional authorized driver 

For other rental agencies, book from the AAA site.