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Vol. 7 No. 4
MEMBERS SAVE! Premier .......... $600 Plus .................. $500 Basic ................$450
New bookings with deposit April 1-30, 2015. Savings are per room, double occupancy.
EAST CENTRAL OHIO REGION
SPECTACULAR
SOUTH AFRICA
Bucket-list tour has 2 photo safaris, Victoria Falls, Cape Town and more!
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AFARI is Swahili for “journey.” This sin& diamond center and South Africa’s largest gle word readily conjures up endless city. A visit to informal settlements in Soweto images of exotic animals, peoples and (South West Township) includes lunch with places. And, on AAA’s Spectacular South locals at a shebeen (house tavern). Ponder the Africa escorted adventure (April 14-30, 2016), nation’s divisive past at Liliesleaf — Nelson you won’t be disappointed! Mandela’s arrest site and the liberation moveAnd to make it easier to bring these images ment’s former center and place of refuge. to life, AAA has conjured up member-only disTravel through the spectacular Drakensburg counts of as much as $600 when you book & Mountains and the wondrous red sandstone deposit through 4/30/15. The specific discount of Blyde River Canyon on the way to South you’ll enjoy is tied to your AAA membership level Africa’s largest game reserve, Kruger National and is per room (double occupancy). AAA PrePark. A local expert leads you on a full-day mier members save $600, AAA Plus members search for the Big 5 — elephant, buffalo, lion, save $500 and Basic AAA members save $450. leopard and rhino. Watch carefully from your Explore wild and wonderful locales comfortopen-air safari vehicle; you may also see impaably and confidently as a group with your fella, zebra and giraffe. Relax with a picnic lunch, low AAA travelers and an experienced guide surrounded by the beauty of Kruger National from AAA Member Choice Vacations® from Park. the moment you arrive in South Africa. Fly from Jo’burg to George and, at FeatherThis 15-night tour is jam-packed with great bed Nature Reserve, cruise on a lagoon to the opportunities to view — and in some cases, Heads — sandstone cliffs near Knysna, the cumeet — wildlife “up close and personal.” Sidle linary capital of oysters and other delectable up to penguins braying like donkeys, enjoy saseafood. Board a 4x4 vehicle and travel deep faris (from an open-air vehicle and from atop into the forest for lunch among ancient milkan elephant’s back!) and “capture” lions, leopwood trees. Then travel on to the national osards, rhinos and more with your camera! trich capital; continued on page 16 From Johannesburg to Soweto to Cape Town to Victoria Falls, you’ll meet local people (children at a township school, adults in a Zimbabwean village) THIS and gain a better unCOULD !BE derstanding of southern YOU Africa’s diverse cultures, social challenges and unique ways of life. We took the South Africa trip through AAA: “Magnificent” is how we And the places you’ll describe it to everyone! Breathtaking...and so professionally organized/ visit! In the wealthiest led. Though we’ve since traveled to the Amazon, Germany and China, province, cosmopolitan Ed & Carlene Behanna we’d return to Africa with AAA in a heartbeat! Jo’burg bustles as a gold
APRIL 2015 Glasses.com Joins AAA Discounts & Rewards
Travel | Insurance/Financial | Automotive | Member Savings | AAA.com
WHEN MOBILITY TURNS TO MAYHEM ON THE ROAD
Glasses.com is an online retailer of prescription and non-prescription glasses and sunglasses, carrying a wide-range of styles and brands such as Oakley, Ray-Ban, Burberry, Maui Jim, and more. They make finding and getting your perfect pair of glasses easier than ever, with proprietary 3D virtual try-on technology and making custom lenses in their in-house lab. They offer quick turnaround on prescription lenses and incredible savings compared to other retail stores. As part of the Luxottica brand they have a commitment to providing world-class customer service, backed by customer-friendly guarantees and return policies. AAA members will receive 25% off the total order and free basic lenses or 25% off lens upgrades on orders of $200 or more, exclusive of tax. On orders below $200, AAA members will receive 15 % off the total order and free basic lenses or 15% off lens upgrades. Visit them online at AAA.com/glasses.
Adidas Outlet Store Newest AAA Discounts & Rewards Partner Adidas Outlet Store is one of the newest AAA Discounts & Rewards partners. Members will receive 20% off their entire purchase at 102 locations nationwide. The Adidas Outlet Store offers a wide selection of premium performance and lifestyle apparel, footwear and accessories, at great prices for the entire family. Products range from athletic shoes, to apparel and other sports gear designed for comfort, flexibility and style. An industry leader for almost 80 years, their trademark three stripes have become an insignia of quality and innovation.
Auto Pay Saves You Time & Money With AAA East Central’s Auto Pay annual renewal option, you’ll never need to worry about your membership lapsing and being stranded without a valid AAA card. Sign up, and your membership renewal will automatically be charged to your credit card or debit card each year. We’ll even send you a reminder before billing your card. And for a limited time, save $10 on next year’s membership renewal when you enroll in Auto Pay at AAA.com/renew, or at any AAA East Central branch office. Auto Pay automatic renewal can be added to your membership at any time, regardless of your membership expiration/renewal date. You’ll rest easy knowing your AAA membership is always there providing uninterrupted service. And, you always have the option of canceling at any time. For more information, visit or call your local AAA East Central office, or call the AAA Member Services Center at 1.800.441.5008.
New Drive Trips Added to TripTik Travel Planner Several new itineraries recently were added to integrated Drive Trips selections in the desktop and app versions of TripTik Travel Planner bringing the total number to 71. New additions include southern parts of Arizona, Florida, Illinois and Texas; several new sections of Route 66; Green Bay and Door County, Wis.; Illinois and Indiana state capitals; and Vancouver, Victoria and Coastal Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Each trip provides photos and descriptive information, detailed maps, segmented driving directions and recommended stops at AAA-listed attractions. Additional routes are planned.
Hot Destinations & Cool Deals Ready for an all-inclusive vacation to one of Mexico’s sunny beach resorts? Pleasant Holidays has been making destinations like Cancun, Riviera Maya, and Cozumel more memorable for over 50 years. Book and deposit your all-inclusive tropical getaway from Pleasant Holidays before April 30, 2015, and take advantage of $100 savings per room, (double occupancy) from AAA Travel. SEE PAGE 7.
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AAA MOTORIST
ChildSecure™ helps monitor your children’s identity ProtectMyID® Deluxe — Identity protection for the entire family
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ou may think identity theft could never happen to you, but each year millions of Americans become victims. What’s worse is that a growing number of identity theft victims are children. Thieves can use a child’s Social Security number to open bank and credit card accounts, apply for a loan or government benefits, rent an apartment, or set up utility service. Children can have their identity stolen by family members or family acquaintances, but identity thieves are often perfect strangers who specifically target children knowing it can take a long time before the crime is discovered. Fortunately, parents who are AAA members and sign up for the ProtectMyID® Deluxe identity theft monitoring program can enroll their children, as well. The program is a new benefit for members. Enrolling in ProtectMyID® Deluxe is critical step to help protect the identity of you and your minor children. ProtectMyID® Deluxe, a comprehensive Identity Theft Monitoring product by Experian®, is just $8.95 a month—a 56 percent savings for AAA members and associates. The ChildSecure™ feature of the ProtectMyID® Deluxe product helps detect identity theft of your children by searching for an Experian credit report, monitoring the report, and alerting you if someone applies for credit or opens
APRIL 2015
AAA DIRECTORY AAA MEMBER SERVICES
TripTiks, Tourbooks, Maps, Address Change, AAA Plus
800-441-5008 membersvccntr@aaaec.com APPROVED AUTO REPAIR: 216-606-6332 aar@aaaec.com
AUTO BUYING SERVICE: 800-446-7433 DRIVER IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS: 216-606-6121 EMERGENCY ROAD SERVICE: Cuyahoga County: 216-606-6000, ers@aaaec.com Ashland, Ashtabula, Geauga, Huron, Lake, Lorain, Portage, Mahoning, Stark, Trumbull, and Tuscarawas: 800-AAA-HELP
INSURANCE AGENCY: 216-606-6194, 800-343-4851 insuranceservices@aaaec.com
MOTORIST, Northeast Ohio Region: 216-606-6700 motorist@aaaec.com
PUBLIC AFFAIRS: 216-606-6702 PUBLIC RELATIONS: 216-606-6712 TRAFFIC SAFETY PROGRAMS: 1-800-845-0375 TRAVEL AGENCY: 800-354-8761 www.AAA.com
Northeast Ohio AAA Offices YOUNGEST VICTIMS — Children and adolescents have become a fast growing segment of identity fraud victims. credit accounts using your children’s personal information. How could a child have a credit report? Most commonly it is because his or her parents added them to their credit card accounts as an authorized user. When you enroll your children in ProtectMyID® Deluxe, their information
is used to monitor for the presence of an Experian credit report. Parents must provide the following information for each child: first and last name, date of birth and Social Security number. Your children’s information is used only to verify their identities and to begin monitoring new credit information. Once a child is enrolled, their privacy and security are of the utmost importance. For that reason, parents are not allowed to view any of their children’s personal information—such as Credit Reports—until their own identity can be verified. Because there is no definite way online for parents to prove that they are the parent or guardian, parents are required to fax documentation as proof. Once this information is received and verified, parents can obtain a hard copy of the child’s information in the mail. This process assures that no one else can access this sensitive information.
SIGNS YOUR CHILD IS A VICTIM
· Telemarketers or collection agencies call for your child; · Your child receives bills, Social Security statements or pre-approved credit card offers; · Your child is denied the request to open their first bank account; · Your child can’t open a mobile phone account, qualify for college loans, or can’t get a driver’s license. FOR MORE INFORMATION
ProtectMyID® Deluxe is another way AAA offers its members peace of mind. For more information about the Identity Theft Monitoring member benefit, visit AAA. com/ProtectMyID or call 1-877-440-6943. ProtectMyID Essential and Deluxe is provided by ConsumerInfo.com, an Experian company.
ALLIANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330/823-9820 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330/821-2323 2322 South Union Ave., 44601 ASHLAND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 419/289-8133 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 419/289-2222 1074 Commerce Parkway, 44805 ASHTABULA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/997-5586 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/998-1008 2835 North Ridge Rd. East 44004 INDEPENDENCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216/606-6300 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216/606-6080 5700 Brecksville Rd. 44131 LAKE COUNTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/974-0990 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/205-9090 6980 Heisley Rd., Mentor 44060 LYNDHURST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/473-0700 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/473-0747 5356 Mayfield Rd. 44124 MAHONING COUNTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330/726-9083 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330/726-0622 1275 Boardman-Canfield Rd., Boardman 44512 MASSILLON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330/833-1084 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330/833-1084 1972 Wales Rd, 44646 MIDWAY MALL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/324-2090 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/324-3423 1839 Midway Mall, Elyria 44035 NORWALK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 419/668-1622 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 419/668-1622 275 Benedict Ave. Norwalk 44857 PORTAGE COUNTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330/296-3406 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330/296-3406 2641 Rte. 59, Ravenna 44266 SOLON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/248-9000 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/248-1808 34050 Solon Rd. 44139 STRONGSVILLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/783-3395 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/783-3396 17220 Royalton Rd. 44136, The Great Escape Plaza TRUMBULL COUNTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330/652-6466 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330/652-6466 937 Youngstown-Warren Rd., Niles 44446 TUSCARAWAS COUNTY TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330/343-4481 1112 Fourth St., New Philadelphia 44663 . . . . . . . 330/343-4481 WESTLAKE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/788-3102 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/788-3103 149 Market St., Crocker Park, Westlake 44145
APRIL 2015
AAA MOTORIST
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Forget It; Drive On — Anger management for motorists When mobility turns to mayhem on the road East Central Ohio Region Official publication of AAA East Central Published monthly (except bimonthly Aug./Sept., Nov./Dec.) by AAA East Central 1972 Wales Rd. NE#1, Massillon, OH 44646-4110 330/ 833-1084 USPS 0679-850 Periodicals Postage Paid at Massillon, OH Postmaster: Send address changes to AAA Motorist East Central Ohio Region P.O. Box 6150 Cleveland, OH 44101 Subscription Rate: $1 included in Primary Membership dues. All others: $2/year. Publisher ................................James E. Lehman Managing Editor............................. Douglas O’Neil Business Manager ..................... Sherry A. Madison Editorial Office/Advertising Inquiries 5700 Brecksville Road, Independence, OH 44131 216/606-6704 e-mail: motorist@aaaec.com
AAA EAST CENTRAL Chairman ................................................ Richard S. Hamilton Vice Chairman.........................................James E. Broome, Jr. Vice Chairman............................................... Gregory E. Grim Vice Chairman..........................................Mary Lynn Laughlin Vice Chairman..................................... Martha Hartle Munsch OFFICERS: President ....................................................James E. Lehman Executive Vice President ............................... Thomas J. Ashley Secretary .................................................. Robert H. Compton Treasurer .......................................................Robert S. Collins GOVERNING BOARD OF DIRECTORS Neil D. Bassi, James E. Broome, Jr., Steve D. Bullock**, Charles O. Casto**, Edward C. Coaxum, Jr., Robert S. Collins, Robert H. Compton, Jon E. Denney, Debra A. Dinnocenzo, Pamela C. Fritz, Gregory E. Grim, Richard S. Hamilton, James H. Kanicki, Charles J. Kelly** , Mary Lynn Laughlin, William Duff McCrady, James M. McDonnell, Thomas V. McKernan Jr., Martha Hartle Munsch, Gary K. Munsie** EAST CENTRAL REGION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Neil D. Bassi, Chairman, Robert S. Collins, Vice Chairman, Carol Asam, Christian Asam, Jack A. Barkley, William E. Bierer**, Ellsworth T. Bowser**, Peter Burton, Marianne B. Campbell, Michael A. Cochran, Daniel J. Collins Jr.**, Robert S. Collins, Robert H. Compton, Debra A. Dinnocenzo, James J. Dodaro, Jack G. Ellis, Charles W. Groce, Richard S. Hamilton, Mark Henschen, Luke Howe, Richard Kallenborn, Herbert G. Koenig, Mark S. Mansour, W. Duff McCrady, Martha Hartle Munsch, W. Lee Oswalt, III, Michael Parkes, John D. Petruso, Louis Pomerico, Jacob N. Skezas, James C. Stump, Jr., James F. Ward **emeritus directors
OHIO MOTORISTS REGION BOARD OF TRUSTEES James H. Kanicki, Chairman, Audrey T. Cole, Vice Chairman, Keith Boales, Thomas G. Brick**, Steve D. Bullock, Edward C. Coaxum, Jr., Gary S. Cowling**, Jon E. Denney, Richard S. Hamilton, John B. Hexter, James H. Kanicki, Mary Lynn Laughlin, John D. Leech**, Marvin E. Montgomery, Peter C. Ohlheiser, Sara E. Stashower **emeritus directors ALLIANCE REGIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS Glenn L. Akins, Keith Brown, Roy Clunk, Janet Culp, Mark Henschen, Gregory King, Terence Taylor, Andrew Zumbar MASSILLON REGIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS Wendy Blosser, Jeffrey Bushman, Karen Crites, Douglas Lab, Robert Marks, William Schumacher, James Snively, Robert Yund TUSCARAWAS REGIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS William Andreas, Terry Bates, William Belknap, II, James Carrothers, Michael Cochran, Chris Helbing, Chris Hensel, John Herzig, Blair Hillyer, Rex Hostetler, E. L. Loader, Jeannie Michel, Sally O’Donnell, John Ourant, Rod Rafael, Ronald Shell, Clark Smith, Robert Stephenson, II, Dayne Thomas, Ryan Wallick, Michael Welsh Copyright ©2015 by AAA East Central. Publication of an advertisement in the AAA Motorist does not constitute an endorsement of the product or service by the AAA Motorist or by AAA East Central, except in the case of products and services which are being offered by AAA East Central.
By Richard Hamilton Chairman, AAA East Central ggressive driving — intentional, dangerous behavior that jeopardizes the safety of everyone — is a serious problem on America’s roads. According to data from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety it’s a factor in up to 56 percent of fatal crashes. Less common — but far more frightening — is road rage, deliberate, uncontrolled anger that can lead to violence and even death. What aggressive driving and road rage have in common is that they’re both unpredictable, can ignite instantly, and can occur at any time. The AAA Foundation study found that events precipitating violent outbursts are often remarkably trivial. The traffic episode that turns ugly is rarely the result of a single incident, but rather the cumulative effect of a variety of stress factors. A poll by the Washington Post found the number of drivers who admitted to feeling “uncontrollable anger toward another driver” doubled between 2005 and 2013. So, how do we avoid road rage in others, and in ourselves? When you merge into traffic, make sure you have plenty of room to enter traffic without cutting someone off. If someone cuts you off, take the high road and give them plenty of room. When someone wants to pass, be courteous—move over and let them by. Never pass another driver, and then slow down to teach them a lesson.
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Richard Hamilton Always allow adequate room between you and the car in front of you. Never tap your brakes or lose your temper if you’re being tailgated. Illuminate your turn signal, pull over and allow them to pass. Nothing provokes another driver more than rude or obscene gestures. Keep your hands on the wheel and avoid making any gestures that might provoke other drivers. Never honk your horn at someone who’s driving slower than you want them to, or who doesn’t move quickly enough through a traffic signal. It can set off an altercation or potentially cause a collision. Even when it’s unintentional a traffic
mishap can cause a driver to “snap” and the situation becomes dangerous. What should you do if your personal safety is at risk from a hostile motorist? Steer clear — Stay calm and never respond to drivers who cut you off, tailgate, or try to intimidate you. Give angry or aggressive drivers plenty of room. Do not, under any circumstances, pull off to the side of the road and try to “settle things”. Avoid eye contact — Looking or staring at another driver can turn an impersonal encounter between two vehicles into a blood feud. And once it gets personal, things can get out-of-hand fast. Forget about winning. No one wins in a crash. Get help — Never underestimate an irrational driver’s capacity for mayhem. If you think someone is following you or trying to provoke a confrontation, call the police on your cell phone. Drive to a safe public place such as a busy retail plaza, police or fire station. This will often discourage a would-be assailant from following you. Do not go home until you’re certain the aggressor is gone and it’s safe. Robert Ingersoll, the noted 19th century orator once said, “Anger blows out the lamp of the mind.” Remember, someone else’s driving has nothing to do with you personally. Concentrate instead on the safety of you, your passengers and your vehicle. Stay cool, get out of the way and let other drivers deal with their own issues. Make FIDO your mantra: Forget It; Drive On.
membersonly
Going the extra 100-miles for members AAA Premier offers 200-miles free towing & more
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ith a multitude of advanced benefits and services AAA Premier takes the traditional benefits of AAA membership and supersizes them. Benefits like Roadside Assistance with up to 200-miles of free towing; Car Rental Reimbursement; and up to $100 Home Lockout services. Just as AAA Plus expands basic AAA coverage, Premier is an enhancement to AAA Plus. It’s all about having the freedom to select the membership option that works for you. And AAA Premier is AAA to the maximum. Members who want to go the distance will find that AAA Premier can deliver one tow of up to 200-miles per household, in addition to up to 100miles on remaining tows per membership year. If your vehicle needs to be towed, AAA Premier steps up by reimbursing you with up to $55 in rental car fees. Premier members are entitled to a free Hertz Gold Plus Rewards membership,
and when you rent from Hertz (in conjunction with a tow) you’ll receive the second day free on a minimum two-day emergency rental, courtesy of Hertz. Suppose your trip is delayed or interrupted due to a collision, mechanical failure, vehicle theft, illness, injury or even severe weather. You’re more than 100-miles from home, and what do you do? AAA Premier members are eligible for up to $1,500 Trip Interruption benefits toward the cost of transportation, accommodations, meals or related expenses. Premier is so generous it even pays up to $500 to return your vehicle to your home if these issues result in the use of substitute transportation. With free Global Emergency Assistance, the next time you’re on a domestic or international vacation one call is all it takes to arrange medical provider referrals, prescription replacement, lost ticket and document replacement and emergency translation services.
While traveling on a domestic or international trip of at least 100 driving miles from home AAA Premier provides “24-7” Concierge Service, for assistance in securing tickets, reservations, golf tee times, and more. Premier members also save at AAA offices, with free passport photos and notary service on personal documents; waiving the $35.00 AAA Travel Agency flight reservation fee; and up to $300,000 Travel Accident Insurance when travel arrangements are made through AAA. AAA Premier is available at an annual fee of just $35 per household, in addition to the members’ basic and AAA Plus membership dues. Premier can be added at any time to an existing membership (benefits subject to 7-day waiting period). To upgrade to AAA Premier, call or stop by your local AAA branch office, or contact the Club’s Member Service Call Center at 800.441.5008. Visit AAA.com/premier to review a comparison of AAA Basic, Plus and Premier benefits.
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Water loss myths — After the flood You might be surprised at what is—and isn’t—covered By Robin Jones iven how much water modern homes require for their appliances and plumbing systems, it shouldn’t be a surprise that water damage routinely tops the list of the most common homeowners insurance claims, far outpacing fire and extreme weather damage. What can be surprising, though, is what your insurance company will and won’t cover when it comes to water damage. To help clear up some of the confusion surrounding water losses and homeowners insurance, here are some common myths and realities. Myth: If my home is flooded in a natural disaster, my homeowners policy will cover the damage. Reality: This is about as cut-anddried as it comes: Private insurance companies do not cover losses resulting from weather-related flooding. However, you can buy separate insurance through the federal government’s National Flood Insurance Program. There’s even a good chance that if you live on a flood plain, your mortgage lender will require this when you buy a house in a flood-prone area. Not sure whether your home is on a flood plain? The Federal Emergency Management Agency maintains floodhazard maps; you can look up your area on the FEMA website. Myth: My insurer will pay to repair the damage to my home if a sewer or drainpipe backs up and causes my sinks
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HIGH WATER — Water damage routinely tops the list of homeowners insurance claims. and toilets to overflow. Reality: Depending on where you live and the origin of the backup, your insurer may not cover this type of loss. In some regions, for example, insurance companies will pay for repairs if the pipes that backed up are on your private property, but not if the backup is on city or county land (in which case, the municipality may be responsible for any necessary repairs to your home). In other regions, insurance companies don’t include this type of coverage in their base policies but will allow you to purchase an endorsement for the cover-
age. Talk with your insurance agent to find out what’s included in your policy. Myth: If my roof starts to leak during a rainstorm, my insurance will cover any resulting damage. Reality: Unfortunately, unless that leak comes as a result of wind or a fallen tree branch damages your roof, it may not be covered. Insurers consider a leaky roof to be maintenance-related and usually won’t cover it. Myth: My insurance won’t pay for flooding damage to my floors or walls if a pipe or appliance in my home suddenly springs a leak.
Reality: Good news—this is one of the things most insurance companies do cover. In fact, some insurers may also cover what they call “access,” or the cost of getting to the burst pipe. So if your plumber has to jackhammer through the foundation to make the repairs, your coverage might pay for that part of the claim. Insurers, however, won’t pay to repair a burst pipe or appliance. In addition, if your insurer believes that the leak resulted from a lack of upkeep—say you had a slow leak that you didn’t do anything about—it may deny your claim. Having a water damage claim is no fun. Managing emergency services, repairs, and sometimes, additional living expenses can drain your time and resources. That’s why it’s important to know what’s covered and ways to prevent damage from happening. If you do have a loss, be sure to contact your insurance company immediately.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Trust AAA to steer you right on all your current and future Auto, Home and Life insurance needs. Combining your coverage with one insurance company could make a significant difference in your premium. Call 866.802.8210, or visit AAA.com/insurance for more information or to schedule a comprehensive Insurance review.
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Member Benefits • Exclusive Offers
1-800-354-8761 • AAA.com/travel
Savings per room (double occupancy). New bookings with deposit April 1-30, 2015, for travel in 2015: 7-night minimum stay & must include airfare.
Coastal Mexico’s all-inclusive resorts spoil you with attentive service, gourmet cuisine, state-of-the-art spas, challenging golf and exceptional vacation values. Explore the
CANCUN
aquamarine waters of Cancun and Riviera Maya, walk along the gold-sand beaches of Los Cabos and shop and dine along the beachfront of Puerto Vallarta and Riviera
PUERTO VALLARTA
$1,550
$3,610
Nayarit. Whether you pick a Caribbean/ Atlantic or a Pacific all-inclusive resort, you can’t go wrong! Contact AAA and book your getaway with Pleasant Holidays.
COZUMEL
$2,339
HUATULCO
$1,811
The Hard Rock Hotel is a nonstop, highenergy resort near Cancun’s entertainment center. Overlooking the turquoise-blue Caribbean, this stunning hotel offers newly renovated guestrooms, each with a double Jacuzzi.® Flanked by the Caribbean Sea and Nichupte Lagoon, it’s a short stroll from Cancun’s main attractions. Family program. Steam room. Theme parties.
Ideally situated in Puerto Vallarta’s hotel zone, the all-inclusive Hilton Puerto Vallarta Resort provides easy access to modern area malls. Admire breathtaking views overlooking Banderas Bay. Each room featurs high-speed internet access, generous work surfaces and signature beds. Snorkeling. Spa services. Steam room. Activity desk. Children’s play area.
Light. Luxury. Love. The only hotel of its kind on picturesque Cozumel, Secrets Aura Cozumel offers luxurious suites featuring king-size beds (or 2 double beds), private terrace or balcony, full marble bahrooms with Jacuzzi,® complimentary mini-bar and much more. Adults only. Archeological tours. Marine National Park close by. Onsite dive center. Pier. Spa services.
Dreams Huatulco sits on Tangolunda Bay, one of the largest of 9 bays, and overlooks dazzling golden beaches and the sapphire waters of the Pacific. The resort features swimming pools, 6 gourmet restaurants, 6 bars serving unlimited premium beverages, 24-hour room service, plus endless day & evening activities for all ages, including a supervised Explorers Club for kids.
RIVIERA NAYARIT
RIVIERA MAYA
MAZATLAN
CABO SAN LUCAS
$1,141
$3,114
Iberostar Playa Mita, standing tall on Mexico’s Pacific coast near beautiful Punta de Mita, offers a relaxing and all-inclusive atmosphere complete with mouth-watering international dishes and endless activities for guests of all ages. Plush accommodations feature 24-hour room service and a laid-back elegance perfect for relaxing with family and friends.
Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort is surrounded by large, sun-dappled swimming pools, a palm-fringed sugar-white sand beach and lush tropical gardens. All rooms and suites are spacious, elegantly furnished and filled with luxurious amenities to relax, soothe and welcome guests. Just 30 minutes from Cancun. Family program. Spanish lessons. Bike trail. Cooking lessons.
$1,753 The award-winning Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort is a jewel overlooking the Pacific Ocean. With its own magnificent beach, it’s an ideal setting for relaxation, yet it’s within easy access to Mazatlan’s Golden Zone. Graceful architecture, gorgeous surroundings and beautifully decorated oceanview suites provide every comfort and convenience.
$2,117 Riu Palace brings a different kind of style to the all-inclusive vacation. Enjoy luxurious facilities, a full range of sporting and leisure options, personalized service and gourmet food at the brand-new fusion cuisine restaurant, Krystal. The resort features 642 tastefully decorated junior suites with breathtaking views. Guests enjoy exchange privileges with Riu Santa Fe.
Sample rates shown are per room (double occupancy) for a 7-night stay ( June 13-20, 2015) and do not include flights or airport/hotel transfers.
For these and many other all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and elsewhere, visit AAA.com/PleasantHolidays.
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AAA MOTORIST
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
Get up to $100.00 in perks!
NOW’S THE TIME!
Book & make a deposit by APRIL 30 on a 2015 7-night-or-longer air-inclusive Pleasant Holidays vacation to HAWAII or the CARIBBEAN and enjoy:
$50 SAVINGS FROM AAA TRAVEL per room, based on double occupancy • new bookings April 1-30, 2015
PLUS
SIVE THIS EXCLU NEFIT! E MEMBER B
$50.00 CERTIFICATE* toward purchase of optional sightseeing or activity, per booking
*At select Caribbean destinations, a $50 discount may apply (instead of a $50 activity voucher).
Get a great seat in the...
FAN CAVE SUITE! JULY 10 • 7:10pm Indians vs Oakland Athletics
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$159 PER PERSON
HURRY! TICKETS LIMITED! *WEATHER PERMITTING
APRIL 2015
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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers Walk on the GREAT WALL! Enter the FORBIDDEN CITY! Explore one of the world’s most important capitals and meet BEIJINGERS at home & in school!
SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS
• PEKING DUCK & “HOTPOT“ DINNERS • FAMILY-HOME VISIT & HOME-COOKED MEAL • KUNG FU ACADEMY VISIT & DEMONSTRATION
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Enjoy the comfort & security of an escorted experience — a comprehensive, informative & personal look at this rapidly growing city and an in-depth introduction to its fascinating culture. See landmarks & learn customs for nearly a week; then enjoy an entire day independently exploring & indulging your interests — art, history, cuisine, shopping, photography, parks & zoos — it’s all up to you, with suggestions, advice, directions, etc, from your expert guide! Marvel at ancient & modern, urban & rural, rich & poor, simple & sophisticated, serene & chaotic. Beijing’s unique combination of seemingly contradictory elements may well change your understanding of this city & nation...and provide moving memories that last a lifetime.
Sept 17-24 • AAA Member Rate: $3,425 Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (ClevelandBeijing), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, 12 meals, in-China guide, sightseeing/admissions, baggage handling (1 per person), driver & escort gratuities, AAA Tour Manager (if minimum-participation goal is met) & government taxes/ fees. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Visit AAA.com/GoAsia for itinerary. 4 UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES — THE GREAT WALL AT BADALING, THE IMPERIAL PALACE (FORBIDDEN CITY), THE SUMMER PALACE AND THE TEMPLE OF HEAVEN • TIANANMEN SQUARE • 2008 SUMMER OLYMPICS SITE • LAMA BUDDHIST TEMPLE • HUTONG MARKET VISIT, HOME VISIT & HOME-COOKED MEAL • BELL & DRUM TOWERS TEA CEREMONY JADE FACTORY • PEDICAB RIDE • KUNG FU DEMONSTRATION & STUDENT INTERACTION • TRADITIONAL PEKING DUCK & HOTPOT DINNERS • & MORE!
Wild, Wild Westerns © ANDREANITA / FOTOLIA.COM
GRAND CANYON & AZ ADVENTURE
NEW MEXICO BALLOON FIESTA
Fly to Phoenix and ride to Sedona’s beautiful Poco Diablo Resort. ExSEPT 20-27 • $2,645 plore scenic backcountry on an ex® citing off-road Pink Jeep tour. Visit the IMAX Theater at Williams, then ride the Grand Canyon Railway (first class) to the canyon’s South Rim. Spend 2 nights there in a national park lodge, then ride the vintage Verde Canyon Railroad. Explore Old Town Scottsdale, marvel at intriguing plants at the Desert Botanical Garden and Western art at the Heard Museum. Enjoy a memorable farewell steakhouse dinner — cowboystyle! 11 meals. AIR INCLUDED.
Explore Albuquerque, the Land of Enchantment’s largest city, then a OCT 4-9 • $3,265 3-night stay in charming Santa Fe. Visit historic Chimayo village. Enjoy artsy Taos and the impressive Rio Grande Gorge. Take a fun salsa-making class. Ride Sandia Peak’s Aerial Tramway. At the International Balloon Fiesta,® witness the mass ascension of hundreds of balloons. Explore Rte 66, Old Town Albuquerque, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and Acoma Pueblo. See the Balloon Fiesta’s evening “Glowdeo” of illuminated balloons & fireworks afterward! 11 meals. AIR INCLUDED.
From Salt Lake City to Denver, take in some of America’s favorAUG 29–SEPT 6 • $3,485 ite national landmarks. Hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (choir schedule permitting). Visit Grand Teton and Yellowstone parks (including Old Faithful & Mammoth Hot Springs), Devil’s Tower, Deadwood, Mt Rushmore (during the day and again in the evening for its inspiring lighting ceremony), Crazy Horse Monument, Custer State Park, Ft Laramie National Historic Site, Cody’s Buffalo Bill Historic Center and Cheyenne. Take a wildlife Jeep® safari through SD’s Black Hills. 15 meals. AIR INCLUDED.
AAA Member Rates for all tours are per person (double occupancy), are subject to availability at time of booking and include accommodations, sightseeing admissions, taxes/gratuities for included features, baggage handling (1 bag per person) and meals as indicated. (Select tours also include roundtrip flights from Cleveland and roundtrip airport/hotel transfers. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; ATURE contact your travel agent for details.) Visit AAA.com/travel for itinerary CA O details. TI
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Our first national park’s first explorers were called liars when they AUG 10-16 • $1,765 described its otherworldly geysers & bubbling mudpots and its free-ranging bison, elk, moose, bears & wolves. Begin at Salt Lake City and travel through scenic Idaho to Yellowstone. Enjoy Old Faithful & many other natural landmarks, as well as the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. A Wildlife Safari includes a picnic dinner. Also enjoy Grand Teton National Park, the cowboy town of Jackson, a Jenny Lake cruise, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (schedule permitting) and more! 12 meals.
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So many delights in 1 tour — from the endless charms of San FranJULY 23-31 • $3,699 cisco to the natural splendor of the redwoods at Muir Woods to the opulence of Hearst Castle. Cross Golden Gate Bridge, enjoy the Mediterranean ambiance of Sausalito, sample wines at Napa Valley vineyards, savor lunch aboard the Napa Wine Train. Ride Amtrak’s scenic California Zephyr to Lake Tahoe. Visit the ghost town of Virginia City NV. Dine & dance on a riverboat paddlewheeler. Marvel at Yosemite’s wonders. Explore coastal Carmel, Big Sur and Monterey. 14 meals. AIR INCLUDED.
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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
are specific cruise, motorcoach or air tour vacations created or selected by AAA Travel for their value, amenities and/or inclusions.
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GENERAL TRAVEL DISCLAIMER: AAA Travel Agency makes every effort to provide accurate, up-to-date prices as of press time and cannot assume responsibility for typographic errors. Rates/offers are per person based on double occupancy, unless otherwise indicated, and are subject to availability and airline/operator changes. International rates/offers are subject to currency fluctuations and additional tax & security charges. Rates that include airfare include all taxes, government fees and surcharges. Additional restrictions may apply. Rates/offers are available at all AAA East Central travel agency locations. For tour details, contact AAA or visit AAA.com/travel. FEATURED VACATIONS are specially priced, unique departures; therefore, tour operators, cruise lines and other travel providers often exclude them from additional discounts or specials they offer. FEATURED VACATIONS include services provided by third-party tour destination service companies; see your AAA Travel Agent for details. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for more details or visit the air carrier’s website for baggage allowance and fee information.
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MENTOR .......................... 440-205-9090 NEW PHILADELPHIA......... 330-343-4481 NILES .............................. 330-652-6466 NORWALK........................ 419-668-1622 RAVENNA ........................ 330-296-3406 SOLON ............................ 440-248-1808 STRONGSVILLE ................ 440-783-3396 WESTLAKE ....................... 440-788-3103
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ALLIANCE ........................ 330-821-2323 ASHLAND ........................ 419-289-2222 ASHTABULA ..................... 440-998-1008 BOARDMAN ..................... 330-726-0622 ELYRIA ............................ 440-324-2090 INDEPENDENCE ............... 216-606-6080 LYNDHURST ..................... 440-473-0747 MASSILLON ..................... 330-833-1084
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Look for the FEATURED VACATIONS logo to identify out-of-the-ordinary offerings.
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Rates are per person (double occupancy for multiday tours), are subject to availability at time of booking and include roundtrip motorcoach transportation from the Cleveland area, accommodations (for multiday tours, based on double occupancy), sightseeing/admissions, taxes/gratuities for included features, baggage handling (for multiday tours), meals as indicated and the services of a AAA Tour Manager. Visit AAA.com/USA for complete itinerary details and pick-up points.
”JOSEPH“ & MORE IN LANCASTER PA June 5-7 •
AAA Member Rate: $499
Sight & Sound Theatre brings back one of its most popular shows, “Joseph,” to Lancaster. Since 2010, more that 10 million guests have enjoyed this production, which is as colorful and captivating as Joseph’s famous coat. The production takes you from the tents of Canaan to the stunning palaces of Egypt, and is an inspirational story for all. Includes tickets to 2 performances (“Joseph” and “Les Miserables”), guided tour of Lancaster’s Amish region, Kitchen Kettle Village, accommodations, 4 meals and more.
TWO TRAINS TOUR — WV, VA, MD June 19-21 •
AAA Member Rate: $559
Travel to WV, VA and MD on this fun tour featuring 2 train rides through scenic mountain valleys, historic farms and lush greenery. Also visit Winchester VA, hometown of singer Patsy Cline, and learn more about her life and career. Includes Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad, Western Maryland Railroad, Harper’s Ferry National Park, Patsy Cline tour, 4 meals and more.
NEW ENGLAND’S SCENIC RAILROADS July 13-18 •
AAA Member Rate: $1,239
Enjoy some of the East’s most dramatic scenery from 2 different trains through the notches of the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Experience area history at Boston’s Old North Church, Old Ironsides and historic Mt Washington Hotel. Cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee and wander through picturesque villages. Includes Conway Scenic Railway Notch Train, Winnipesaukee Turkey Dinner Train, MS Mt Washington lake cruise, Mt Washington Hotel tour, Wright Museum, Boston tour, Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, Old North Church, USS Constitution, Turning Stone Casino, 10 meals and more.
LEAVE YOUR CAR AT HOME!
WASHINGTON DC
Sept 10-13 •
AAA Member Rate: $599
Bring a camera to capture the most memorable sights of our nation’s capital. A full-day tour with an experienced guide features some of DC’s most interesting and historical attractions. Includes guided sightseeing (full day in DC, half-day in Arlington VA), Illuminated Monuments tour, Flight 93 National Memorial (Shanksville PA), 5 meals & more.
MUSIC & RAILROADS OF WV Sept 18-20 •
AAA Member Rate: $569
Travel on the Cheat Mountain Salamander and the Cass Scenic Railroad through WV’s mountains. Visit the National Radio Astronomy Observatory and one of the world’s largest telescopes. Enjoy shows at American Mountain Theater and Gandy Dancer Dinner Theatre. Includes train rides, observatory, shows, Blackwater Falls, entertainment, 5 meals and more.
MACKINAC & UPPER PENINSULA MI Sept 21-25 •
AAA Member Rate: $879
Explore the beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, see the second largest waterfall east of the Mississippi and visit an island where time stands still. Includes ferry to Mackinac Island, carriage tour, Tahquamenon Falls, Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, Soo Locks cruise, Soaring Eagle Casino, Frankenmuth, 7 meals (including lunch at the famous Grand Hotel) and much more.
1-DAY FUN-DAY TOURS BURTON TEA TOUR: Geauga County OH June 5 •
AAA Member Rate: $75
BOSTON POPS ON CAPE COD
Quintealia’s Tea Parlor. Middlefield Cheese. End of Commons Store. Sunrise Farm.
See New England at its best. Hear the Boston Pops Orchestra, watch a humpback whale broaching and take in the beauty of Martha’s Vineyard. Includes Boston city tour, Quincy Market, Plymouth city & waterfront tour, Cape Cod tour, 1 reserved seat at “Pops by the Sea” concert, Martha’s Vineyard tour (with roundtrip ferry), whale-watching cruise, Heritage Plantation, 12 meals (including traditional lobster bake) & more.
Cooking classes. Bake sale. Samples galore. A foodie’s delight!
Aug 6-12 •
AAA Member Rate: $1,619
CAROL BURNETT AT CHAUTAUQUA Aug 21-22 •
AAA Member Rate: $459
See this legend, icon and comic genius at Chautauqua Institution. Share in the joy, history and aura of this amazing woman — in person with video clips and stories galore. Will she open the show with an impromtu question-&-answer session with the audience? Will she perform her trademark Tarzan yell? Find out with us! Includes reserved seating for show, walking tour of Chautauqua Institution, Tom Ridge Environmental Center, 3 meals (including lunch at the famous Athenaeum Hotel) & more.
LOAFIN’ AROUND: Mayville NY June 20 •
AAA Member Rate: $99
INDIANS VS PIRATES: Pittsburgh PA July 5 •
AAA Member Rate: $189
Pre-game picnic & PNC Park tour. Reserved outfield box seat. Autographed baseball.
3 RIVERS CRUISES: Pittsburgh PA July 17 or 24 •
AAA Member Rate: $99 each date
JULY 17: Luncheon cruise featuring a Frank Sinatra Tribute. 3 hours at Rivers Casino. JULY 24: Luncheon cruise featuring a Neil Diamond Tribute. 3 hours at Rivers Casino.
MADE IN AMERICA WITH FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT: Elma NY July 25 •
AAA Member Rate: $105
Wright’s Graycliff Estate. Made in America Store. Vidler’s 5 & 10.
TARA & PREMIUM OUTLETS: Clark & Grove City PA Aug 1 •
AAA Member Rate: $79
Lunch & tour of Tara–A Country Inn. Daffin’s Candies. Premium Outlets.
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ALASKA BY LAND! See the incredible, inspirational interior of the Last Frontier on this 9-night escorted tour — unforgettable experiences not on cruises! Traditional salmon bake & a sternwheeler river cruise in Fairbanks 4-hour adventure flying over the Arctic Circle, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and the Yukon River 7-hour Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali National Park, looking for grizzlies, moose & more...with an overnight in the park Meet a 4-time winner of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race and his canine crew Visits to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation & Begich Boggs Visitor centers 2-hour river float trip in Kenai Fjords National Park A ride on Girdwood’s Alyeska Tram — from sea level to 2,300 feet! Special welcome & farewell dinners with your fellow travelers
July 8-17 •
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AAA Member Rate: $5,825
Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes flights (ClevelandFairbanks, Anchorage-Cleveland), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, motorcoach sightseeing, accommodations (Fairbanks, Denali, Anchorage, Seward: 2 each, Girdwood: 1), 17 meals, luggage handling (1 bag/person), gratuities for included features (includes driver, escort), in-Alaska escort and AAA Tour Manager (if minimum-participation goal is met). Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.
“Ultimate Caribbean” cruise... Add roundtrip airfare for just $199! 10-night cruise accommodations on Celebrity Equinox roundtrip from Ft Lauderdale to St Thomas, St Kitts, Barbados, Dominica and St Maarten Add-on roundtrip airfare from Cleveland while seats last: $199 per person (limited to 2 passengers per stateroom; other restrictions may apply) $50 per stateroom shipboard credit • In-stateroom bottle of wine Onboard martini tasting Nov 20-30 AAA Member Rate: from $1,745
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Balcony rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip airport/pier transfers, 10-night cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals, government taxes/fees ($356.62) and $50 shipboard credit per stateroom. Ship’s registry: Malta. Ask about discounted add-on airfare (roundtrip from Buffalo, Cleveland, Columbus, Louisville, Philadelphia or Pittsburgh) available for a limited time. Visit AAA.com/travel for complete itinerary and important pre-travel information.
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Upgrade from a balcony to a Concierge Class stateroom for $100 per person! Personalized concierge service • in-room sparkling wine on arrival • in-room flowers & fruit & evening hors d’oeuvres delivered daily • luxury bedding • pillow menu • personalized stationery • tote bag • umbrella for onboard use • private bar (custom-stocked for a fee) • massage showerhead • plush robes • oversize towels • salon-quality hairdryer • a selection of shampoos/lotions/soaps • express luggage delivery • early embarkation/disembarkation • priority seating in main dining room & specialty restaurants • make-up/turndown service • expanded room service menu (24 hours) • shoeshine valet Balcony enhancements include a table for 2, cushioned chairs and high-power binoculars for onboard use.
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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers Meet these Celtic ‘Cousins’
Get swept away... by Ireland’s SOUTH
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Dublin tour with a local guide Farmhouse tea & scones Sheepdog skills demonstration Horse-drawn “jaunting car” ride in Killarney Storytelling session in Newmarket-on-Fergus Walking tour of Trinity College Book of Kells Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens Open-top bus tour of Dublin Blarney Castle’s “Stone of Eloquence” Blarney Woolen Mills Dingle Brewing Company Walking tour of Galway King John’s Castle Cliffs of Moher
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CLIFFS OF MOHER
AAA Member Rate: $1,475
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Avoid potential airport hassles: Motorcoach to & from your cruise! Park for free, then relax on AAA’s convenient “Cruise Express” motorcoach right to your ship!
Grandeur of the Seas — from Baltimore Canada & New England.....Oct 1-9 ................. from $1,085 Eastern Caribbean ..............Nov 11-21 ............ from $1,140 AAA MEMBER RATES are per person (double occupancy), are subject to availability at time of booking and include roundtrip motorcoach transportation, cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals; taxes, fees and port expenses of up to $358.16 per person are also included. Ship’s registry: Bahamas. Visit AAA.com/motorcruise for itinerary details & Cleveland area pick-up points.
Be among the first to cruise on the brand-new Anthem of the Seas! Get $25 shipboard credit! Experience comfort & convenience: This Anthem sailing includes a 1-night before-cruise hotel stay near Cape Liberty NJ (and a short driving tour of New York City).
Feb 5-13, 2016 • from $1,705 Port Canaveral FL • Nassau, Bahamas • Cococay, Bahamas Plus 3 relaxing days at sea AAA MEMBER RATE is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip motorcoach transportation, 1-night pre-cruise hotel accommodations, cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals and $25 shipboard credit per stateroom; taxes, fees and port expenses of $365.70 per person are also included. Ship’s registry: Bahamas. Visit AAA.com/motorcruise for itinerary details & Cleveland area pick-up points.
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Highlights • Dublin Canal Cruise Dinner • Bunratty Castle Medieval Dinner • Loch Ness Scenic Cruise • Cliffs of Moher • Killarney Jaunting Car • Whisky Distillery Tasting/ Tour • Sheepdog Demonstration • Book of Kells • Blarney Stone • St Andrews • Ring of Kerry • Edinburgh Castle
BLARNEY CASTLE, IRELAND
Sept 19-30 AAA Member Rate: $2,468 Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes hotel accommodations, guided motorcoach sightseeing, entrance fees, 17 meals and in–country tour director. Visit AAA.com/GoIreland for complete itinerary and more information. Ask about available add-on airfare. Passport required. Escorted tour operated by CIE Tours International.
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Glacier Discovery
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers CHICAGO
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An entertaining music-themed journey to 3 of America’s most fascinating tune towns that features an Amtrak train ride from Memphis to New Orleans!
GLACIER NP
Nashville — Music City USA
GLACIER NP SEATTLE
Stay at Gaylord Opryland Resort, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and see a live performance at the Grand Ole Opry.
Memphis — Birthplace of Rock n Roll
Tour Sun Studios and visit the Staxx Museum, the Rock n Soul Museum and Elvis Presley’s Graceland estate.
New Orleans — Birthplace of American Jazz
Walk through the French Quarter and the Garden District and visit Bourbon Street and Jackson Square.
Glacier National Park Discovery Aug 1-10 •
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Retrace portions of the Lewis & Clark Trail on Amtrak’s Empire Builder from the “Windy City” to the “Emerald City” and explore the “Crown of the Continent” in between! Begin in Chicago; take a city tour before boarding Empire Builder at magnificent Union Station. Start your rail journey with Mississippi River views and glimpses of the Twin Cities skyline. Enjoy breakfast and lunch onboard as you cross into Montana to Glacier National Park. Tour in a 1930s “jammer” with a canvas roll-top; rebuilt in 2001, these vehicles climb Going-to-the-Sun Road. Cross into Canada to visit Waterton Lakes National Park, part of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, a World Heritage Site. Enjoy 2 nights at Glacier Park Lodge. Your other in-park home for 2 nights is the Swiss-themed Many Glacier Hotel on Swiftcurrent Lake. Reboard the Empire Builder for Seattle. See the city’s many gems, including lively Pike Place Market. Cap it all off with an ascent of the iconic Space Needle for breathtaking views!
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Amtrak Music Cities of America
AAA Member Rate: $3,935
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Sept 17-24 •
AAA Member Rate: $2,299
Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, Amtrak coach service (Memphis–New Orleans), 10 meals, local guide, motorcoach sightseeing, baggage handling (1 per person) and gratuities for restaurant servers & hotel bellmen. Ask about available add-on airfare.
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1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
Explore Down Under
LA CHANCST BOOK T E TO TOUR!HIS
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Cairns, catamaran ride
Melbourne, Opal Centre
Great Barrier Reef
Phillip Island Little Penguin colony
Winery tour & tasting
Glass-bottom boat ride
Christchurch
Overnight in Mt Cook National Park
Daintree Rainforest/
Tranz-Alpine Express train ride Franz Joseph Glacier Queenstown, gondola to dinner Milford Sound cruise “Middle Earth” touring
Herding/shearing demo
Mossman Gorge, meet Aboriginals Uluru/Ayers Rock, Champagne toast Alice Springs, Aboriginal drummers Dreamtime tour, bush dinner
Steamship cruise, farm life tour
Dine with a NZ Family Sydney & Opera House Koala Park & Opal Collection Sydney Harbour dinner cruise
Unique add-on options — including a camel ride, a jet boat ride and a night out in Sydney — are also available. Talk to your AAA Travel Agent for rates and availability.
Oct 15–Nov 4 •
AAA Member Rate: from $10,524
Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes flights (ClevelandCairns, Sydney-Cleveland plus flights in Australia & New Zealand), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, hotel luggage handling (1 bag per person), taxes/gratuities/government fees for included features, 31 meals, professional guide in Australia & New Zealand and the services of a AAA Tour Manager (if minimum-participation goal is met). AAA Member Choice Vacations® door-to-door transfer service is ATURE unavailable on this departure. Visit AAA.com/GoAustralia for complete itinerary and important pre-travel information. Additional airline fees for CA O baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. TI N
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This 11-night vacation has everything you’ve always wanted in a trip to Italy. Enjoy multiple-night stays in Rome, Florence, Venice, the Amalfi Coast and Stresa in the Lakes District. Discover the treasures of Classical and Christian Rome. Walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans in Pompeii. See gems of the Renaissance in Florence’s Academy Gallery, including Michelangelo’s “David.” Visit Locarno, Switzerland, and cruise to Isola dei Pescatori, one of the Borromean Islands. A guided walking tour of Venice illustrates how this city gained its wealth and power. Enjoy the magic of the Italian Lakes District in the captivating resort of Stresa. Stop at a winery & farm in the heart of Tuscany to sample local wines and specialities for an included lunch. Sail to enchanting Capri and explore this island paradise.
Oct 19-31 •
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AAA Member Rate: $5,779
Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Cleveland-Rome, Milan-Cleveland), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, hotel accommodations, guided motorcoach sightseeing, entrance fees, 20 meals, in-Italy tour director and air & hotel taxes (subject to change). Visit AAA.com/Italy for itinerary and more information. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.
PHOTOS: CINDY STAYCHEFF
$100 onboard credit on these ® AAA Vacations sailings! The AAA Vacations® Celebrity Cruises sailings below entitle you to priority check-in and $100 shipboard credit per stateroom. All AAA Vacations® cruises feature AAA’s 24 / 7 Member Care Assistance Service and 24-hour Best-Price Guarantee. Be sure to ask a AAA Travel Agent about all available offers and promotions when you choose a AAA Vacations® Celebrity Cruises departure.
AAA VACATIONS® AMENITIES DATE
6-2-15 6-9-15 6-14-15 7-3-15 7-10-15 7-15-15 7-25-15 8-1-15 8-8-15 8-8-15 8-21-15 8-22-15 9-11-15 9-11-15 9-13-15 9-14-15
NIGHTS
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SHIP
ITINERARY
Equinox Silhouette Eclipse Silhouette Reflection Silhouette Eclipse Equinox Eclipse Silhouette Reflection Silhouette Reflection Solstice Eclipse Silhouette
Italy & Greek Isles: Barcelona to Piraeus British Isles: Roundtrip from Amsterdam Scandinavia & Russia: Roundtrip from Southampton Scandinavia & Russia: Roundtrip from Amsterdam Eastern Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Civitavecchia British Isles: Roundtrip from Amsterdam Scandinavia & Russia: Roundtrip from Southampton Italy & Greek Isles: Roundtrip from Barcelona Scandinavia & Russia: Roundtrip from Southampton British Isles: Roundtrip from Amsterdam Eastern Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Civitavecchia Scandinavia & Russia: Roundtrip from Amsterdam Eastern Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Civitavecchia Alaska: Seattle to Vancouver Canaries & Azores: Roundtrip from Southampton Western Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Civitavecchia
Offers available only on AAA Vacations® departures. Combinable with AAA Member Benefits; ask a AAA Travel Agent or visit AAA.com/travel for details/restrictions.
PRIORITY CHECK-IN*
ONBOARD CREDIT**
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*does not grant priority boarding **per stateroom
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1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
Downton Abbey at Biltmore May 13-16 • from $799
The nation’s largest private residence, Biltmore Estate hosts a unique exhibit (“Dressing Downton: Changing Fashion for Changing Times”) and rooftop reception especially of interest to fans of the PBS miniseries Downton Abbey. See period costumes from the show. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes estate tour, lunch at its on-site restaurant, a tour of charming Asheville and time at Chimney Rock Park. 7 meals.
NASCAR Race Day June 14 • from $190
Grab your breakfast box and ride to the Michigan international Speedway and the Sprint Cup Series – Quicken Loans 400! Enjoy the activities and visit haulers in the gated area. Two guests will win a chance to stand trackside during driver introductions. Sit at Turn 1 or Center Grandstand. $10 food voucher. Snack box for ride home. Ask about available options: pit passes and trackside driver introduction. (Free race day parking at and coach pick-up from Massillon only.)
Meet Jack Hanna & The Wilds June 18-19 • from $279
Visit one of the world’s largest, most innovative conser-
vation centers; The Wilds is an unforgettable experience encountering rhinos, cheetahs, giraffes and other rare or endangered species in natural habitats. This 10,000-acre sanctuary is devoted to the rescue and recovery of some of the world’s most outstanding creatures, operates in conjunction with the Columbus Zoo and is advised by Jack Hanna. Experience the center and shop in the Gift Market. Your visit to the Columbus Zoo isn’t just a “visit”; it’s an immersive experience. Since his rise to stardom, Jack rarely has time to visit the place that he calls home. You not only get to see him but also meet him, touch some of the animals, have a photo taken and hear animal humor and wisdom directly from Jack. 3 meals.
Thousand Islands July 9-11 • from $599
Travel to this archipelago of 1,864 islands straddling the USCanada border in the St Lawrence River as it emerges from Lake Ontario. Visit the village of Alexandria Bay NY. Enjoy a 22-mile roundtrip cruise (with lunch) through American and Canadian waters to see magnificent summer homes of the rich & famous and learn about the cultural, historical, geological and environmental aspects of the area. See Twin Pine Treehouse on Cherry Island, Millionaires Row, Devil’s Oven, Hopewell Hall, Boldt Castle, the Summerland group of islands, Grenadier Island, the Canadian Palisades, Thou-
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AAA Member Rates are per person, are subject to availability at time of booking and include roundtrip motorcoach transportation, accommodations (for multiday tours, based on double occupancy), sightseeing/admissions, taxes/gratuities for included features, baggage handling (for multiday tours), meals as indicated and services of a AAA Tour Manager. Visit AAA.com/USA for complete itinerary details and pick-up points (Massillon, New Philadelphia, Alliance, Niles and/or Boardman, depending on tour).
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sand Islands SkyDeck observation tower on Hill Island, the Whirlpool Channel, Tom Thumb Island, Fiddler’s Elbow and Smuggler’s Cove. Enjoy a visit to a local winery. Do some sampling and souvenir shopping at the River Rat Cheese Company and at the Made in America store. 3 meals.
Chautauqua Time
Aug 17-19 • from $639 Enjoy a stay at Chautauqua Institute’s historic Athenaeum Hotel. An included pass lets you participate in all activities offered on the grounds during your stay. Richard Engel, Chief Foreign Correspondent for NBC News, is among the speakers. And, as always, the Chautauqua Symphony, optional educational classes and all forms of recreation make this more than a tour; it’s a vacation away from it all, to pick and choose what you like to do on your own time. 6 meals.
Mackinac: Shipwrecks & Shorelines Sept 1-4 • from $649
Enjoy a quiet retreat on Mackinac Island. Visit Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary. View shipwrecks near Bay City. Roam the island’s streets by carriage or foot. Take a sunset walk on the boardwalk. Shop and explore to your heart’s delight. The island brims with small-town charm and more to do than you ever thought possible. 6 meals.
2015 PLAYHOUSE SQUARE THEATER SERIES
Each package includes roundtrip motorcoach transportation, a pre-show meal, show ticket, services of a local AAA Tour Manager and taxes/gratuities. Book an individual performance and pay in full at time of reservation ...OR... select 3 performances (or more) and deposit $25 per person per booking. This reserves your place on the tour, but your final payment will not be due for each of those performances until 45 days prior to departure; this allows you to guarantee your place without having to pay in full immediately. Substitutions permitted after first notifying AAA of a name change. Packages are nonrefundable 45 days prior to departure. $25 penalty for processing any cancellation by passenger.
VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE Siblings Vanya & Sonia are contentedly discontent to pass into their twilight years sipping coffee and watching for herons. However, their unremarkable but stable lives are about to be upended when their fading B-movie-star sister descends upon the, with a revelation (and a boytoy named Spike) in tow. This Tony Award –winning comedy questions our ability to age gracefully in an era of iPods and Twitter. This is a comedy without musical entertainment, dubbed as a “nonsensical vacation from life’s oppressive normalcy.” Held in Allen Theatre, all seats are equidistant from the stage, making you feel you’re part of the action. From $109. ®
APRIL 18 • MATINEE From Niles & Boardman
provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped in a spell placed by an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, this eye-popping spectacle has won the hearts of more than 35 million people worldwide. This classic musical love story is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets & costumes and dazzling production numbers including “Be Our Guest” and the beloved title song. The story is warm and fuzzy, and the music takes on a life all its own. From $129. APRIL 26 • EVENING From Massillon & New Philadelphia
I LOVE LUCY LIVE ON STAGE ®
DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Here’s the classic story of Belle, a young woman in a
Take your seat as a member of the Desilu Playhouse studio audience awaiting the filming of 2 hilarious and oh-so-familiar I Love Lucy episodes. A charming host entertains and enlightens you about the behind®
the-scenes filming process of this brand-new thing called “television.” Lucy, Ricky, Fred and Ethel are then presented live on stage and in color for the very first time! The truth is in the title – in this Broadway comedy, everybody really does love Lucy. From $99.
MAY 16 • EVENING From Niles & Boardman MAY 17 • MATINEE From Massillon & New Philadelphia
CINDERELLA Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella is the Tony® Award–winning Broadway musical from the creators of The Sound of Music is delighting audiences with its contemporary take on a classic tale. This lush production features an incredible orchestra, jaw-dropping transformations and all the moments you love — the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball and more — plus some surprising new twists! With songs like “In My Own Little Corner,” the jaunty and exciting “Impossible,” the gorgeous love ballad “Ten Minutes Ago” and the hilarious “Stepsister's Lament,” Cinderella steps from the pages of make-believe to inspire more than visions of knights in shining armor. From $109.
JULY 23 • MATINEE From Massillon & New Philadelphia
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Spectacular South Africa
by near-vertical cliffs. Ride a thrilling cable car to its top for breathtaking views. (When a thin strip of cloud forms over the mountain, locals call it their “tablecloth.”) Explore charming towns on the Cape Peninsula, where strong winds known locally as the Cape Doctor blow away impurities and clean the air. Stop for a visit with the penguins at Boulders Beach and explore Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, home to more than 5,000 species of plants native to South Africa. Enjoy a traditional African dining experience. In the unlikely event you haven’t
Log on to AAA.com/GoAfrica, visit a AAA Travel location or call 1-800-354-8761.
MEMBERS SAVE! Premier .......... $600 Plus .................. $500 Basic ................$450
April 14-30 •
UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES! SEE & PHOTOGRAPH... wild animals such as elephants, leopards, rhinos, lions, impala, buffalo, zebra, giraffe • Victoria Falls, 1 of the world’s wonders
RIDE ABOARD...
an elephant • an ostrich an open-air safari vehicle a 4x4 deep into the forest a cable car up Table Mountain
CRUISE ON...
the Zambezi River • 2 lagoons the Chobe River
EXPLORE...
Kruger National Park • Soweto an ostrich farm • wine country Featherbed Nature Reserve
INTERACT WITH...
students in a township school penguins at Boulders Beach villagers at Victoria Falls African elephants up close
AAA Member Rate: $8,379
VICTORIA FALLS
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Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Cleveland-Johannesburg), in-Africa flights, roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, sightseeing per itinerary, accommoATURE dations, in-Africa guide, 28 meals and taxes & government fees. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Visit CA O AAA.com/GoAfrica for itinerary and important pre-travel information. TI VA
New bookings with deposit April 1-30, 2015. Savings are per room, double occupancy.
been totally blown away by this point on the tour, get set! Fly to Zimbabwe for a walking tour of Victoria Falls (the indigenous name Mosi-o-Tunya means “smoke that thunders”), 1 of the world’s 7 greatest natural wonders. The full width of the Zambezi River plummets in a single vertical drop into a chasm 5,604 feet wide. The depth of the chasm, called the First Gorge, varies from 260 feet at its western end to 354 feet in the center. Stay at the Edwardian-style Victoria Falls Hotel, the “grand old lady of the falls” hotel, built in 1904. Take a leisurely cruise on the Zambezi, witnessing the majestic African sunset. In the morning, enjoy an elephant-back safari, then lunch with a local family and meet residents of their village. An included excursion to Botswana’s Chobe National Park, home to an abundance of wildlife and game, is another highlight of this vacation! Glimpse wildlife from both your river cruise boat and open-air land vehicle. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity no lover of wildlife and natural scenic beauty should miss.
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tour a working ostrich farm and, if you choose, ride one of these flightless and largest of living birds. After that, a goblet (or 2!) of great wine may be in order. Fortunately, the Cape Winelands region is next. South Africa has produced wine since 1659; at Stellenbosch, one of the region’s oldest European settlements, enjoy wine and chocolate tastings. One of the world’s most multicultural cities, Cape Town hugs a visually stunning harbor with a mountain forming a dramatic backdrop. With its plateau more than 3,300 feet high, Table Mountain is surrounded
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APRIL 2015
Save some green with the AAA Green Car Guide It’s easy being green at AAA.com/greencar
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here are two really good reasons to consider a green car: to save money and to save the planet. Reducing automotive emissions and boosting fuel economy offer huge benefits for society, including improvements to the environment, public health, and energy security. According to the EPA, cars and light trucks are responsible for 17 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions. And even with lower gas prices, buying a high-MPG car is still the most effective way to spend less money on fuel. But car buyers looking for fuel efficiency, low emissions, and solid driving performance are often confronted by unfamiliar terminology and a bewildering array of choices in terms of fuels and technologies. AAA’s Green Car Guide is designed to help consumers make informed choices about hybrids and low emission vehicles. Developed by the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center (ARC), it not only defines what a green car is, but explains the differences between various types of green vehicles, so potential buyers are able to determine which green car best matches their lifestyle. Filled with information on plug-in hybrids (PHEV), battery electric vehicles (EV), partial zero emission vehicles (PZEV), compressed natural gas pow-
ered vehicles (CNG), clean diesels (TDI) and fuel economy leaders, the 140-page guide features reviews and rankings of vehicles ranging in price and size from the Tesla S to the Nissan Leaf, Audi A7 TDI and the Chevrolet Spark. For those who don’t know a ULEV from a PZEV, the guide also explains: • Differences between technologies and the advantages and disadvantages of each; • EV charging 101; • Fuel economy tips, alternative fuels and automotive acronyms. “The Green Car Guide is a resource for car buyers and enthusiasts seeking information on fuel-efficient vehicles and low-emission technologies,” said ARC Manager Megan McKernan. “It provides consumer-friendly data and real-world evaluations to help car buyers make informed choices.” ARC engineers and specialists evaluated the more than 80 green vehicles in the guide in 13 categories (including emissions, mpg, acceleration, handling, interior noise, ride quality, and cargo capacity). Each category is scored on a basis of 0-10 points. Scores are totaled to determine top vehicles. Then, each vehicle’s total score is divided by its as-tested price to determine its cost per point for best value. The guide lists vehicle specifications, test scores, data and observations in a summary of the
car and lists their strengths and weaknesses. Launched in 2013, the online version of AAA’s Green Car Guide has been significantly redesigned and enhanced to improve the user experience and visual appeal. The updated website provides a searchable repository of green vehicles and features, with quick-search links that show top-rated vehicles by characteristic, comparisons of selected vehicles and enriched content. There is also a section on what green technologies buyers can expect to see in the near future.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
To view the Green Car Guide online or to download the .pdf version visit www.AAA.com/greencar.
Breathtaking! This isNiagara Falls! Two nights from $154* CAN PP/DB including meals... 2 full breakfasts, dinner at
Coco’s Steakhouse, and superb dinner high atop Skylon’s Revolving Dining Room overlooking the Falls. Ask about our Niagara Attractions Package... From $124* CAN PP/DB.
Call Now! 1-800-263-9393 holidayinnniagarafalls.com Niagara Falls, Canada *Rates are per person, double occupancy. Prices valid Sun to Thurs. Holidays, weekends higher. Tax extra. Free parking. Rates valid to May 14, 2015. Child add-ons, whirlpool suites, gift certificates also available. *Subject to exchange rates. Visit www.holidayinnniagarafalls.com for details.
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Coco’s overlo
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Princess Cruises unveils ‘North to Alaska’ cruise vacations Live like a local with a host of new onboard experiences
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rom world-famous Alaska seafood to learning about life as a lumberjack, Princess is bringing the last frontier onboard. Princess Cruises is launching North to Alaska!, a series of onboard offerings that fully immerses guests in the Great Land experience. Created in partnership with local experts, North to Alaska! features a variety of authentic Alaska culinary, educational and entertainment experiences designed to delve deeper into America’s last frontier. The program includes expanded Alaska seafood offerings, with signature dishes from local chefs and restaurants; unique interactions with Alaskans; and onboard festivals where you can eat, learn and celebrate like a local. North to Alaska! debuts in May 2015 on Princess’ Alaskan cruises. The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute has partnered with Princess to feature authentic Alaska cuisine — including King Crab, King Salmon and fresh Halibut, and more — prepared by Princess chefs specially-trained to capture a true taste of the North. On select evenings onboard specialty restaurants will also offer regional Alaska cuisine. Some of the best Alaskan eateries will bring their signature dishes onboard, including crab cakes from Tracy’s King Crab Shack in Juneau; fish tacos from Ketchikan’s Alaska Fish House; and the Mermaid Burger from the Skagway Fish
Kids and teens will explore their adventurous side with activities including a Jr. Ranger program, and panning for gold. Experience the thrill of the Gold Rush during the Klondike Festival. Onboard activities include sled-racing presentations, penny whistle classes, traditional dance performances, an arts and crafts show, and more. The festival culminates with the Midnight Sun topdeck party, complete with entertainment, games specialty drinks and this being Alaska — the actual midnight sun. In total, seven Princess ships offer more than 120 Alaska cruise departures during the summer May to September season, originating from San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver B.C. and Whittier (Anchorage), Alaska.
THE LAST FRONTIER — Alaska’s Inside Passage is a maze of channels and bays. Company. The winning dish from the 2014 Great Alaska Seafood Cook-off, pan-seared Alaska salmon with root vegetable hash and mushroom tea, created by local chef Travis Haugen of Southside Bistro, will be featured in the main dining rooms. Guests will also be regaled with tales of life in Alaska and “a day in the life” hands-on interactive activities. From the popular Discovery Channel program “The Deadliest Catch,” Captain
David Lethin and his shipmates from the Aleutian Ballad will relate their truelife adventures and experiences in the Bering Sea in pursuit of crab. Guests will learn the history of logging from a local lumberjack and participate in an axe-throwing competition. New York Times best-selling author Nick Jans recounts the compelling saga of Romeo the wolf and the effect he had on the people of Juneau, as told in his book “A Wolf Called Romeo.”
IF YOU GO
Interested in seeing even more of the Great Land? Princess cruisetours offer a complete land and sea Alaska experience, ranging from 10 to 15 nights. All cruisetours include a seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers sailing including a visit to Glacier Bay National Park, plus up to four nights in the Denali National Park area at Princess’ riverside wilderness lodges. Please see this month’s Departures Guide or log on to AAA.com/cruises for great vacation ideas from AAA.
Fiberglass inspired fantasies forgotten by time Remembering those fantastic plastic vehicles from the past
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rom Corvettes to dune buggies, kit cars, customs and production models, fiberglass has been part of the automotive landscape for more than half a century. Invented in the 1930s, fiberglass was first used as heat insulation. Lightweight, easy to work with, and immune to rust, designers and engineers began seeing its potential as a structural material for everything from boats and airplanes to furniture and lighting. The 1946 Scarab Experimental was the world’s first vehicle with a fiberglass body. Designed by aviation pioneer William B. Stout, the aerodynamic Art Deco-inspired body closely followed the construction of an aircraft fuselage with a short, streamlined nose and a tapering upper-body. Many credit the Scarab as the first minivan. Most people associate fiberglass cars with the Chevrolet Corvette, and General Motors was the first major automaker to take advantage of fiberglass’ simple and inexpensive construction techniques. Introduced in 1953, the first 15 Vettes were actually built by hand in the back of a garage in Flint Michigan. While the Corvette remains the best known, a number of fiberglass sports cars were being launched around the
FIBER ART — Ford’s first fiberglass bodied car was the 1955 Mercury D-528 “Beldone” concept. same time, including the 1954 Kaiser Darrin 161, and the Woodill Wildfire. The 1955 Mercury D-528 concept car was the first fully operational car built by Ford using a fiberglass body. By the early sixties the car ended up in Hollywood, where it acquired a new stage name “Beldone” and appeared in films like the 1964 Jerry Lewis comedy “The Patsy” among others. The 1963 Studebaker Avanti was a
rare combination of safety and speed. It broke 29 speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats and was the first American production model fitted with front disc brakes. A team headed by legendary designer Raymond Lowey sculpted the stylish fiberglass body. About 4600 Avantis were produced before Studebaker abruptly shut down their South Bend production facility in 1964. Since then, the Avanti has been resur-
rected several times by a succession of entrepreneurs who manufactured small numbers of Avanti replicas most recently in 2006. During the 1960s, a cottage industry of do-it-yourself kit cars, and replicas sprang up in California and elsewhere. Customizers like Ed “Big Daddy” Roth took full advantage of the ability of fiberglass to mold to any shape by creating avant-garde hot rods like the Outlaw in 1959. Roth worked by applying fiberglass over a hand-made plaster mould. The 1964 Meyers Manx is recognized as the original fiberglass Dune Buggy. Inventor Bruce Myers learned to work with fiberglass while building surfboards and bolted his fiberglass body to a Volkswagen Beetle chassis. Volkswagen has never built a fiberglass production model but they deserve honorable mention as the donor vehicle for a variety of fiberglass kit and limited production models like the Devin, Coyote, the outlandish Bradley GT and the Brazilian made Puma GT. FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit AAA.com/auto for information on all things automotive including tips on buying, operating and maintaining a vehicle.
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Southwest landscape is a symphony made of stone Go Canyoneering in America’s National Parks
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illions make the trek to Arizona each year to experience the Grand Canyon. Nature’s most astonishing spectacle is both exhilarating in its grandeur, and humbling in its scale. Mornings and late afternoon are the best time to admire the Canyon’s vast dimensions and shifting palette of colors, but few realize that it’s just one of the region’s many canyons, all equally rich in color, history, beauty, and splendor. Located on Navajo tribal lands, the towering buttes of Monument Valley are familiar to movie buffs as the locale of classic John Ford Westerns like Stagecoach and The Searchers. John Ford Point marks the legendary director’s favorite camera location; the place where 500 million years of mesas, and sandstone pinnacles, provide a spectacular backdrop to what John Wayne called “where God put the West.” Perched high above the Colorado River in southern Utah, Arches National Park is punctuated with oddly eroded sandstone pinnacles, balanced rocks, and spires. The name comes from the world’s largest concentration of natural arches — more than 2,000 sandstone arches covering some 73,000 acres — along a 40-mile scenic drive with numerous overlooks. Capitol Reef National Park is characterized by slot canyons, ancient petroglyphs, and a 100-mile long bulge in the
revealing a rocky palette of rose, coral, amber and vermilion. Zion National Park follows the winding Virgin River surrounded by red and gold stone monoliths that climb more than 2,000-ft high. Located at the junction of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin and the Mojave Desert, Utah’s oldest national park is known for its soaring temples, sculpted sandstone and spectacular views. Famous hikes include the Narrows, Subway and Angel’s Landing, which is definitely not for people with a fear of heights. The Zion Canyon Shuttle runs through the most traveled area of the park stopping at nine locations including the Temple of Sinawava and the Court of Patriarchs, three sandstone monoliths named after the Old Testament patriarchs Abraham, Issac, and Jacob.
A DELICATE BALANCE — Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. earth’s crust known as the Waterpocket Fold. Scenic Highway 12 takes travelers into some of Utah’s most mesmerizing landscapes with extraordinary views of the Capitol Reef, the Circle Cliffs, and the Henry Mountains. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument sprawls over 1.9 million acres of rose-colored Navajo sandstone, wild rivers and thousand-year-old pinyon trees. It’s a landscape so remote it was the last area in the continental United States to be mapped.
Bryce Canyon’s natural amphitheaters are etched into the side of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. The smallest of Utah’s five national parks houses thousands of oddly humanoid red rock spires known as hoodoos. The Bryce Amphitheater displays many of the parks best-known formations, including the much-photographed Thor’s Hammer, and the Queen’s Castle. Watching the sun come up at Sunrise Point is a ritual here as a fine mist climbs the canyon walls in response to the morning sun,
Zion National Park FOR MORE INFORMATION
See the Departures Guide or log on to AAA.com/USA for more vacation ideas from AAA Travel.
aroundtown BILL ENGVALL — (April 10) Finding humor in everyday situations has made Bill Engvall one of the top comedians today, and among the busiest. Bill was part of the enormously successful Blue Collar Comedy concert films. Comedian Gary Brightwell will open for Engvall. Gary’s humor has been featured on NBC’s “Friday Night,” A&E’s “Comedy on the Road,” “An Evening at the Improv,” and a PBS comedy special entitled “Can We Be Serious.” Two shows at 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 to $70. For tickets and information, call (330) 454-8172 or visit cantonpalacetheatre.org. Location: Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Avenue N, Canton. ORGANIST DAVID HIGGS — (April 12) One of America’s leading concert organists, David Higgs is also chair of the Organ Department at the Eastman School of Music. He performs extensively throughout the U.S. and abroad. Performance time is at 4:00 p.m. For information and tickets, visit stambaughauditorium.com or call (330) 259-0555. Location: Stambaugh Auditorium, 1000 Fifth Avenue, Youngstown. OPEN HOUSE TOUR — (April 12) Tour the John Stark Edwards House, one of the oldest structures in Trumbull
County and home to the Trumbull County Historical Society. Tours run from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and admission is free. For information, call (330) 394-4653 or visit trumbullcountyhistory.org. Location: John Stark Edwards House Museum, 303 Monroe Street NW, Warren. APRIL 1865: A MONTH THAT CHANGED AMERICA — (April 16) The Civil War nears its end, the Confederate capital of Richmond falls, the Army of Northern Virginia surrenders, and President Lincoln is assassinated. “April 1865: A Month That Changed America” is part of Mahoning Valley Historical Society’s Bites & Bits program, and is presented by Curator of Education, Traci Manning. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., the presentation starts at noon and and admission is free. Bring a lunch or order a $6 lunch special from Overtures at (330) 744-9900. For information, visit mahoninghistory.org or call (330) 743-2589. Location: Tyler History Center, 325 West Federal Street, Youngstown. TAP AT THE PACK BEER FESTIVAL — (April 18) VIP Admission of $65 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. includes beer tasting, cigars, Sunrise Inn Pizza, and live entertainment. General Admission of $45 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. includes beer tasting, food
vendors and live entertainment. From 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. enjoy live entertainment by The Midlife Chryslers with Michael Stanley, with beer available for purchase. Make sure to bring a designated driver. For information and a list of participating brewers, call (330) 841-2931 or visit riverrockattheamp.com. Location: Packard Music Hall, 1703 Mahoning Avenue NW, Warren. FASHIONS FOR COMPASSION — (April 19) See some of the latest and hottest fashions at this 31st annual fashion show that benefits the Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County. Lunch and beverages provided. Tickets are $35. For information, call (330) 539-5300 or visit awlrescueme.com. Location: Mahoning Golf and Country Club, 710 East Liberty Street, Girard. BARBERSHOP CHORUS CONCERT — (April 25) The Schoenbrunn Valley Barbershop Chorus presents its annual show. Performance begins at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $6, $11, and $12.50. For tickets and information, visit tusc.kent.edu/pac or call (330) 308-6400. Location: Performing Arts Center at Kent State Tuscarawas, 330 University Drive NE, New Philadelphia. TIME TRAVELER — (April 25) The number one Moody Blues tribute
band performs with the Chagrin Falls Studio Orchestra. Performance starts at 8:00 p.m. For tickets and information, call (330) 841-2931 or visit backatthepack.com. Location: Packard Music Hall, 1703 Mahoning Avenue NW, Warren. SISTER ACT — (April 27) When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put into protective custody in the one place cops are sure she won’t be found: a convent. Soon it’s nun-on-the-run time but she finds salvation in the heavenly power of her newly found sisterhood. Based on the mega-hit film, “Sister Act” it features a score inspired by Motown. Performance time is at 8:00 p.m. For tickets and information, visit youngstownsymphony.com or call (330) 744-0264. Location: Powers Auditorium, DeYor Performing Arts Center, 260 West Federal Street, Youngstown. BATTLE OF MAGICIANS — (May 2-3) Now in its 24th year, the “Battle of Magicians” Annual Magic, Comedy and Illusion show features six magic acts from around the world. It’s Las Vegas in Canton! Performance times are Saturday at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. For information and tickets, visit battleofmagicians.com. Location: Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Avenue N, Canton.
APRIL 2015
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Fast forward your membership experience with Hertz Named Best Car Rental Company by Business Travel Awards
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ertz was named Best Car Rental Company at the Business Travel Awards 2015; one of the travel industry’s most esteemed events. Hertz won the acclaim of judges for “its on-going ability to constantly review the car rental market for what its customers really want, and adapt and innovate accordingly.” Some examples include Hertz’ 24/7 technology; their unique Hertz Collections like the Green and Prestige collections; and their award-winning Gold Plus Rewards customer loyalty program. The global enhancements to Hertz’s Gold Plus Rewards® loyalty program allow AAA members to fast forward their membership experience anywhere they rent a car, worldwide. One of the benefits of AAA membership is the special package of savings available when you rent from Hertz. Enjoy discounts on published daily, weekly, weekend and monthly rates when including your designated AAA Discount Code (CDP#215) in your reservation and presenting your membership card or Hertz Member Discount Card (CDP Card) at the time of rental. It is now easier for Gold members to move up and enjoy additional benefits in Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® Five Star® and Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® President’s Circle®. Here are a few upgrades made to the program:
PUTS YOU IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT — Hertz is the only car rental company endorsed by AAA. Quicker Enrollment: Customers can now enroll in Gold Plus Rewards right at the counter when they pick up their rental. Hertz Gold Choice®: Provides renters with the peace of mind knowing their car will be ready and waiting for them, and the freedom to choose something different on the spot. Mobile Gold Alerts: Gold members can receive messages sent to their phone with up-to-the-minute informa-
tion that let them know which car they’ll be driving and where their vehicle is parked. Faster Rentals: Allows Gold members to skip the counter at over 50 airports around the world. And at over 4,000 locations worldwide, renters can simply show their driver’s license and pick up their keys. More Ways to Earn Points: In addition to earning points on rental charges, Gold members earn with services
like Hertz NeverLost®, Fuel Purchase, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, insurance coverage options, and more. Once enrolled, members can earn one point per dollar spent on all qualifying rentals. The program features AnyDay Rewards with no black-out dates, allowing members to use points at any time. Members also have the flexibility to use their points when it is convenient for them as Gold Plus Rewards points do not automatically expire. Each time a member rents a car that earns points or redeems points, their points renew for an additional two years. AAA members can sign up at AAA. com/Hertz or Hertz.com. Premier Members must sign up at AAA.com/ Hertz in order to validate Premier level of membership. AAA Basic & Plus Members receive 675 Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Bonus points — enough for One Free Rental Day, after their first Gold rental. AAA Premier Members will receive 1,100 Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Bonus points — enough for Two Free Weekend Rental Days, after their first Gold rental! YOUR KEY TO HERTZ SAVINGS
Your Hertz CDP# is your key to exclusive Hertz savings and benefits. The CDP#215 the same as your club code, the threedigit number that appears on the front of your membership card.
The perfect companion for your perfect vacation TripAssist Family Care Plan protects your travel investment
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ou’d like to believe that your trip will go as planned. But if something happens, you want to be prepared. TripAssist Family Care Plan, AAA’s newest travel insurance product, covers more of the unexpected for less. With features like comprehensive trip cancellation and primary emergency medical coverage, 24-hour travel assistance, the Family Care Plan from Allianz Global Assistance, is the perfect companion for your perfect vacation. Plus — no charge for covering kids 17 and under when traveling with parents or grandparents — and no surprise processing fees! This makes travel insurance premiums more affordable, for families with young children. Should your luggage fail to arrive when you do, the plan now offers increased baggage protection. Baggage loss and damage coverage is $1,000 — double that of comparable packages. Baggage delay coverage has been increased to $300, a 50 percent improvement over previous plans. TripAssist Family Care also provides expanded trip cancellation and interruption coverage. It protects your travel investment if your trip is delayed or cancelled for a covered reason, such as a major injury, jury duty or other unforeseen circumstances. Recent additions
STAY COVERED — If something happens, you want to be prepared. to this plan include reimbursement of Frequent Flyer miles and associated airline fees, and vehicle return coverage if your road trip is interrupted. Medical treatment on your domestic or overseas vacation may leave you with high, out-of-pocket expenses. TripAssist Family Care includes $25,000 in primary medical coverage for emergency medical costs during your travels. There’s no need to file claims with your
regular health insurer first. Emergency medical evacuation can be a lifesaver when traveling to a destination where health care is not up to U.S. standards. TripAssist Family Care will reimburse you for transportation costs to the medical facility and back home, up to $500,000. An array of optional benefits helps you tailor a plan to your own specific needs. TripAssist Family Care Trip+ offers
double the limits for select benefits, including missed connection coverage, travel delay, emergency medical coverage and transportation, and baggage loss/damage or delay. With Rental Car Damage Protector you won’t have to worry about using your personal car insurance company. For just a few dollars a day it provides primary coverage for covered collision, loss and damage, along with 24-hour emergency assistance. The Required to Work option provides trip cancellation and interruption coverage when your plans change for a variety of work related issues. The Cancel Anytime option offers greater flexibility than a traditional trip cancellation policy because it allows you to cancel your trip for almost any reason that the Family Care Plan does not already cover and receive 80% of a non-refundable trip costing up to $10,000 back in cash.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Several factors can affect the cost of any travel insurance policy. Before deciding on a plan, be sure you understand what you’re buying and what each policy does and does not cover. For more information, visit AAA.com/travelinsurance.
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AAA MOTORIST
APRIL 2015