Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Car & Motorcycle
The quintessential American road trip is practically a right of passage. Despite high fuel
costs, this is the way to see the parks. Be aware that soft-shelled vehicles (like Jeeps) do
not provide safe storage for food in bear country and parks require vehicles to have proper
bear-proof canisters to carry food. Car and motorcycle drivers will need the vehicle's re-
gistration papers, liability insurance and an international driving permit or domestic li-
cense.
AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATIONS
The following offer 24-hour roadside assistance, free maps and trip planning help.
American Automobile Association
(AAA; 800-874-7532;
www.aaa.com
)
The main
US auto club. It has reciprocal membership agreements with several international auto
clubs (check with AAA and bring your membership card).
Better World Club
( 866-238-1137;
www.betterworldclub.com
)
A smaller alternative,
which donates 1% of earnings to environmental cleanups and offers ecologically sensitive
choices for services.
DRIVER'S LICENSE
Visitors can legally drive in the USA for up to 12 months with their home driver's license.
However, an International Driving Permit (IDP) will have more credibility with US traffic
police, especially if your home license doesn't have a photo or is in a foreign language.
Your automobile association at home can issue an IDP, valid for one year, for a small fee.
You must carry your home license together with the IDP.
To ride a motorcycle you need a US state motorcycle license or an IDP appropriate for
motorcycles. Helmets are required in most states.
RENTAL
Car rental rates in the towns around Yellowstone vary considerably throughout the year,
with summer weekends bringing the highest rates. See the individual towns in the Around
Yellowstone and Around Grand Teton chapters for car rental company contact details.
Jackson, Billings, Bozeman and Cody have the best selection of rental companies and
thus slightly lower rates. All the airports have car rentals. The major companies are
Hertz
(
www.hertz.com
)
,
Avis
(
www.avis.com
)
,
Thrifty
(
www.thrifty.com
)
and
National
(
www.nationalcar.com
)
.
While renting an RV can save money in accommodations and dining out, higher RV
campsite fees and the cost of gas can quickly negate these savings. Between gas consump-
