Autotour: An organized road trip to travel at your own pace
An autotour, also called self-guided tour and self-drive tour, lets you travel at your own pace, without group schedules, while still benefiting from structured organization. This formula combines freedom, flexibility and budget control through included services, such as a car rental or RV rental and accommodations. Do you dream of scenic routes, passing landscapes and spontaneous stops? Here’s everything you need to know about autotours.
What is an autotour?
Who is an autotour for?
Autotours are ideal for travellers who love to drive and explore, whether for a couple road trip, a family road trip, or solo. They offer organization, freedom and peace of mind — without the constraints of group travel.
What does an autotour include?
Autotours are personalized based on your travel dates and budget, and may include:
- Car, RV or motorcycle rental
- A personalized itinerary based on your dates, destinations and the number of kilometres you want to cover each day
- Accommodations throughout the route
- Travel documents (exclusive to members)
- Suggestions for attractions and restaurants
Exclusions:
- Fuel costs
- Meals
- Optional excursions
- Travel insurance
Good to know: Autotours prepared by CAA-Quebec are created with the help of the TripTiks® Travel Planner. You can access the electronic version online, print it as a PDF or download it to your phone or tablet.
Comparison chart: Autotours vs. solo road trips
Criteria | Autotour (via agency) | Road trip (fully independent) |
|---|---|---|
Accommodations | Pre-booked | Day by day |
Itinerary | Optimized by experts | Self-planned |
Assistance | Roadside assistance and emergency line included | None |
Price | Fixed package | Variable |
What are the best destinations for an autotour?
North America lends itself perfectly to autotours. So does Europe, where many itineraries are easily explored by car:
- Germany, including the treasures of Bavaria
- Belgium
- Spain and Andalusia
- Switzerland
- Ireland
Why choose a CAA-Quebec autotour?
Here’s what makes CAA-Quebec autotours a distinctive and reliable choice for your road trips:
- Personalized TripTiks® itinerary favouring scenic and safe routes
- Alerts for major construction zones and suggested detours
- Recommendations for certified restaurants and attractions
- Insurance advice
CAA-Quebec members enjoy exclusive benefits: 24/7 roadside assistance, free travel documents and CAA Dollars rewards.
Autotour insurance: what you need to check
“To avoid paying for coverage you already have, first check whether your personal insurance or credit card already includes protection for damages and theft on rental vehicles. If not, consider the coverage offered by the rental company.”
Suzanne MichaudVice President, Insurance, CAA-Quebec
Pre-departure checklist for your autotour
Before hitting the road, make sure you have:
- A credit card for the rental deposit
- A valid driver’s licence + IDP if required
- An offline navigation app (CAA-Quebec TripTiks®, Maps.me or Google Maps)
- Car charger/USB adapters
FAQ – Autotours
Q1. Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) for an autotour?
It depends on your destination. Check the Travel Advice and Advisories from the Government of Canada, under the Laws and Customs tab, for more information. CAA-Quebec is the only Quebec-authorized body to issue international driving permits. Visit a Travel Centre or complete the IDP application form.
Q2. Can I choose the car model?
You can choose a vehicle category, but not a specific model.
Q3. What happens if my vehicle breaks down?
You have access to CAA-Quebec Assistance 24/7 across North America and even internationally.
Q4. Do I need to speak the local language to get around?
A basic level is enough — your GPS will handle the rest.
Contact our team
As you plan your trip, draw the expertise of our travel counsellors.
Travel with peace of mind
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