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Vol. 7 No. 1

EAST CENTRAL OHIO REGION

JANUARY 2015

AS TO ARTWORK: © DISNEY

Increase in Associate Age Limit Approved

LOOK

at what you can get during

DISNEY MONTH

New year brings new savings and gifts for Disney vacations

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EEING IS BELIEVING, and when you get a gander at AAA Travel’s long list of savings and gifts for booking a 2015 Disney vacation in January, you’ll believe becoming a member was one of the best moves you ever made. (See what we mean in detail in the sidebar on page 20.) If you’re looking to make this a Disney year for your family and/or friends, then January is the month to plan, book and deposit on Walt Disney World ®, Disney Cruise Line® or Adventures by Disney® vacation packages. Look no further than AAA Travel; we’ve got many Disney experts with years of experience. Our knowledgeable travel agents will see to it that you get the vacation you’ve always dreamed of, along with the great savings and gifts available during Disney Month (for the first 200 rooms booked).

AAA Disney Month savings & gifts: Stay at least 5 nights at a Walt Disney World® Deluxe resort and get all of this: $75 off, a framed print of Cinderella Castle (featuring 4 collectible Disney character pins), up to 4 water park admissions, 2 minigolf rounds and a keepsake photo album! You can also get $50 off at a Moderate resort and $25 off at a Value resort.

Disney Cruise Line® A Disney cruise offers “me time” for adults, and fun for kids and family time for all. Every voyage includes Disney’s attention to detail and world-class hospitality. Activities & entertainment include Broadway-style shows, deck parties and Port Adventures at every destination. Adults can escape to adults-only luxurious spa treatments, intimate dining, exciting night clubs & a pool. Led by trained counselors, kids enjoy Character Greetings, arts & crafts, games and themed parties. Most cruises Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida include a stop at Disney’s private island paraThis beloved Orlando destination truly has dise, Disney’s Castaway something for everyone in the family — from Cay. young to old and from active to maybeUP TO AAA Disney Month not-so-active. The Magic Kingdom® Park, $100 OFF savings & gifts: Get Epcot,® Disney’s Hollywood See $100 (balcony), $50 Studios® and Disney’s page 20 Disney Cruise Line® for (outside) or $25 (inAnimal Kingdom® Adventures details. side) off staterooms, Theme Park abound by Disney ® UP TO plus 2 Disney Cruise with unforgettable $75 OFF Line® duffel bags and rides, high-quality Walt Disney Duffel Bags 2 DCL logo beach bags! entertainment and World® Collectible Pin Sets unique experiences. Resorts Fantasia Gardens Minigolf Adventures by Disney® Disney’s Blizzard Blizzard Beach or Typhoon A very magical world Beach and Disney’s Lagoon admission awaits your exploration; Typhoon Lagoon water Photo Albums Disney’s guided group parks keep you cool, while Beach Bags vacations are the way to Downtown Disney Area, Disney’s ALL OFFERS FOR 1ST go — in the USA and all BoardWalk, Cirque du Soleil – La 200 ROOMS around the world. KnowlNouba and ESPN Wide World of Sports ONLY! edgeable keep you entertained and well-fed. continued on page 20

GIFTS

Travel | Insurance/Financial | Automotive | Member Savings | AAA.com

HANDS FREE IS NOT RISK FREE

Here’s a bit of good news for young adults living at home while attending college or starting their careers. The Governing Board of Directors of AAA East Central has approved an increase in the maximum associate age to 23, from 22, effective January 1, 2015. This associate age limit continues to apply to dependent children living in the same household as the primary member. AAA member research suggests that more young adults are living at home longer, to finish their educations or to start careers. Many are struggling with student loan debt or a stagnant job market. Increasing the associate age to 23 allows these young adults living at home to stay on their parents’ AAA memberships as associate members for one additional year before converting to their own primary membership at age 24. “We realize that in today’s economy, young adults are often struggling to start their careers,” states AAA East Central President Jim Lehman. “We are delighted to announce this change which continues to make AAA membership affordable to them and their parents while ensuring their continued access to the broad array of AAA products and services.” The Governing Board of Directors of AAA East Central also approved a revised dues structure and rates. For more information please see the article on page 6.

AAA Battery Service Gets You Back on the Road Winter can wreak havoc on your car’s battery. If your vehicle won’t start and you suspect your battery may be the problem, call 800-AAA-HELP and ask for AAA Mobile Battery Service. A technician equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostics will test the battery of the disabled vehicle. This technology eliminates the guesswork out of whether a boost will get your battery running and you on the go, or if a new battery is required. If a new battery is needed, you can have one installed right on the spot. Members even receive a discount when they purchase their replacement battery through AAA. Visit AAA.com/battery for details. (Service not available in all areas.)

Follow us on Facebook! AAA East Central’s Facebook page features the latest information on member savings and more. Frequently posted topics include: AAA.com website features, travel specials, online discounts, gas price information, safety tips, car care advice and upcoming events. Visit Facebook.com/AAAEastCentral to start following AAA East Central today.

Save today with AAA Discounts & Rewards Is your New Year’s Resolution to save money? Look no further than AAA Discounts & Rewards, an online shopping portal exclusively for AAA members. This innovative shopping experience on AAA.com offers deep discounts and daily deals from approximately 30,000 participating online merchants nationwide. You could save on a winter coat from Macy’s, ice skates from The Sports Authority or even a snow blower from The Home Depot. In addition to discount offers, you’ll earn reward points to redeem for extra savings. To begin using AAA Discounts & Rewards today, register online at AAA.com/discounts. Registration is completely free — a valid AAA membership and email address are all you need. Then shop, save and earn on national and local brands, tickets, travel, restaurants and retailers.

Save Cold, Hard Cash on the Hottest Destinations Cast like stepping-stones across an iridescent blue sea, the islands of the Caribbean are famous for their palm-fringed beaches and perpetual sunshine. Find your place in the sun this winter with exciting Caribbean vacations from AAA Travel and Pleasant Holidays. AAA members who book & deposit a 5-night or longer Caribbean getaway by Jan. 31, 2015, can save up to $100, plus receive a special gift from AAA Travel. SEE PAGE 7.


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AAA MOTORIST

New look, new features for 2015 AAA TourBook® Popular on-the-go guides are free for members

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espite an ever-increasing amount of websites and apps available for travelers, AAA TourBook guides continue to be a popular resource for members year after year. They’re free, easy to carry, and packed with great information for all kinds of trips. Updated annually, AAA TourBooks have evolved by expanding geographical regions, enriching content and supporting social and technological shifts such as WiFi service, pet acceptance and sustainability issues. New features in the 2015 TourBook guides include: The “Guided Tour” icon indicates if a guided tour is available for a particular attraction. Mass transit information is listed for seven additional cities: Charlotte, Orlando, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Seattle, Tampa and Vancouver. Points of Interest Index now includes nightlife suggestions. TourBook guides are like traveling with a friend who is from the area. The books are loaded with firsthand expertise from our professional travel editors and inspectors. Love to plan? Kick back and pore through the destination overviews, followed by pages of hotel, restaurant and attraction listings. Get a sense of the big picture with history and visitor information and references like the Annual Events, GEM Attraction Index and Points of Interest.

AAA MEMBER SERVICES

TripTiks, Tourbooks, Maps, Address Change, AAA Plus

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

ADD TO YOUR READING LIST — The 2015 AAA TourBooks are available in print and digital format. Or, when time is short, leave the legwork to AAA’s travel experts. Turn to trip planning shortcuts like the Must Do: AAA Editor’s Picks, 1-Day Itineraries and Top Picks for Kids, available for many destination cities. Use the hotel, restaurant and attraction location maps throughout the guides for a bird’s-eye view of the places you plan to stay, dine and play in rela-

®

Upgrade your membership to AAA Plus® and experience a higher level of benefits! Extend your benefits for even more driving security Basic Membership

AAA Plus® Membership

Towing

Back to the AAA station that comes to your rescue or Anywhere up to 100 miles. up to 3 miles to a destination of your choice.

Emergency Road Service When Out of Gas

Free delivery of emergency gas. Member will be charged for fuel at current pump price.

Free delivery of emergency gas. Fuel is free.

One service vehicle and one driver.

Two service vehicles and two drivers (if needed) at no extra charge.

Off-Road Rescue Service

AAA DIRECTORY

800-441-5008 membersvccntr@aaaec.com

Reach for the sky with AAA Plus Benefit

JANUARY 2015

Lock & Key Service

Free service call (to gain entry) and up to $60 for Free service call (to gain entry) and up to $100 for locksmith charge. Towing benefit applies if necessary. locksmith charge. AAA Plus towing benefits applies if necessary.

When AAA Emergency Road Service is not Available

Reimbursement according to published limits

Get more out of your membership! Visit your local AAA office, AAA.com, or call the Member Service Center at 1-800-441-5008

Full amount reimbursed for covered AAA services (as long as costs are based on commercial rates.)

DEC 15

tion to landmarks and one another. Plus, overview and detail maps from the AAA Road Atlas series are included for easy route planning — all in one guide. Use the overview map to get the lay of the land, then use the individual maps to plan your route. Before your next trip, stop by your local AAA East Central office or visit AAA.com to request your 2015 edition TourBook guides. There are 33 titles to choose from, covering the United States and Canada. AAA TourBook guides are free, and exclusively for members.

AAA eTourBooks

AAA also offers more than 100 free eTourBook guides designed for today’s mobile devices. The eTourBook guides provide detailed trip-planning information for top travel destination locations across North America. Each one is packed with detailed destination information. There are Editor’s Picks for essential experiences including events and attractions, recommended one- and three-day itineraries, and top picks just for kids. Some titles even provide maps displaying key local areas and highway networks. For example, the Washington, D.C., eTourBook guide includes a color-coded map for the city’s Metrorail system. The eTourBook content is refreshed daily to ensure you receive the most up-to-date travel information. Sync files to your tablet, or download directly to your iPad or smartphone to put everything you need for your next trip in the palm of your hand. The eTourBooks are available free, exclusively for AAA members at AAA.com/ebooks. If you do not already have a AAA.com user name and password, you can register on the login page before downloading your eTourBook. You must have an eReader app installed on your device to view the AAA eTourBook guides.

Northeast Ohio AAA Offices 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, Borders 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


JANUARY 2015

AAA MOTORIST

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New research sheds light on driver distractions 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.......................................... ames 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, Mona N. Generett, 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 *ex officio **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**, Khai H. Lim, Marvin E. Montgomery, Peter C. Ohlheiser, Sara E. Stashower *ex officio **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.

Hands-free technology is not risk free By Richard Hamilton Chairman, AAA East Central he next time you chat with a voice-activated gadget, ask it about the dangers of distracted driving. Just don’t do it while you’re behind the wheel. A brave, new world of integrated, voice-driven communications is transforming your vehicle into a rolling portal for voice, data and social media. Hands-free technology lets you make phone calls while you’re negotiating rush-hour traffic, or tune your radio using voice commands. But let the driver beware: Despite these ostensible benefits, hands-free technology does not minimize all driver distraction. A growing body of evidence suggests that hands free is not risk free. A new study by the University of Utah and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, took a close look at what happens when drivers use hands-free devices. The study builds on earlier research into what is known as cognitive distraction—a kind of mental overload that occurs when we try to take on too many tasks at once. In the University of Utah’s initial report, researchers found that drivers using voice commands to send

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Richard Hamilton and receive text messages experienced significant levels of mental distraction, which compromised their performance behind the wheel. This time around, the team investigated why, exactly, hands-free technologies are distracting, and what can be done to alleviate the mental demands they place on drivers. They found that not all distractions are created equal. Listening to a text or an email, for example, is less demand-

ing than composing a message, just as voice-activated tasks of short duration are less distracting than those that consume longer periods of time. Distracted driving is a serious public safety issue that has the full attention of AAA. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an estimated 3,300 people in the United States were killed—and 421,000 injured in 2012—in crashes involving distracted drivers. What’s more, driver distractions are increasing exponentially. The number of vehicles with built-in infotainment systems on U.S. roads is expected to swell from 7 million today, to 370 million by 2020. It’s not all bad news. The new research concludes that automakers and suppliers can reduce distractions and the risks they pose by making voice-based systems less cumbersome, more accurate and easier to use. The challenge facing motorists is thinking more intelligently about the benefits and risks associated with these devices, and the choices they make behind the wheel. Yes, we have the technology to send a text message, or check in with social media while driving, but that doesn’t mean we should do it, or ignore the risks.

membersonly

New Year – New AAA Membership Find the level of benefits right for you

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new year brings with it new possibilities. It’s the perfect time to review your AAA membership level and make the most of your benefits. AAA gives you the freedom to choose the membership option that fits your budget and lifestyle.

Basic, Plus & Premier – Three levels of protection

AAA Basic Membership covers 24-hour roadside assistance, free printed and online maps, TourBook and eTourBook guides, TripTik Travel Planner on AAA.com, plus AAA savings on hotels, restaurants, attractions, Hertz car rentals, and online and instore retailers. ProtectMyID, an identity-theft monitoring service, is the newest AAA member benefit. AAA Plus Membership offers all the basic AAA membership benefits, with enhancements including: • Up to 100 miles of extended distance towing • Free fuel and delivery – to get you to the nearest service station • Up to $100 in vehicle locksmith services • Extrication/winching – two trucks and two drivers, if needed • Reimbursement for pre-approved non-AAA roadside services AAA Plus RV Membership offers

all the benefits of AAA Plus, extended to cover eligible RV’s like your motor home, boat trailer and motorcycle. For the highest level of AAA benefits and services, choose AAA Premier Membership. Premier members enjoy a wealth of added privileges, including: • One emergency tow per household per year of up to 200 miles • Free professional concierge service • $1,500 Trip Interruption protection • One day free emergency rental car reimbursement, with tow • 24/7 global emergency assistance • Dedicated AAA Premier toll-free line • Up to $500 car return protection • $35 flight reservation fee waived* • Member discount plus an extra 15% savings at AAA Travel Store* • Free worldwide emergency medical assistance • Notary fees waived on personal documents* • One free passport photo session per member* • Free Hertz Gold Plus Rewards membership with 1,000 Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Bonus Points, second day rental free on a two-day emergency rental (with tow) and discounts on Hertz rentals. * Discounts on select services available only at AAA East Central branch locations. For complete details on Premier

services, review the AAA Premier Guide to Member Services

All in the family: Primary and Associate memberships

Share AAA membership with each family member in your household. Not only does AAA membership protect you when you drive, but also as a passenger in a non-member’s vehicle. Primary membership means you are either the first or only AAA member within your household. Associate memberships are for eligible individuals residing in the primary member’s household, namely the primary member’s spouse (or one adult age 18 or older) and dependent children ages 16 through 23. Associate members receive the same benefits as primary members. Dues amounts for AAA Plus are in addition to Basic dues, and require all members in the household to be enrolled. AAA Premier and AAA Plus RV dues cover all family members, and are in addition to Basic and AAA Plus dues. You can add associate members, or upgrade your existing AAA membership to a higher level at any time. For more information, contact your local AAA office, visit AAA.com, or call the Member Service Center at 1.800.441.5008.


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AAA MOTORIST

JANUARY 2015


JANUARY 2015

AAA MOTORIST

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the U.S. To help you watch over your identity, AAA is now offering members ProtectMyID® identity theft monitoring provided by Experian®. You can choose to enroll in the Essential plan with no charge to you as a AAA member—a $79 value, or get even more benefits with the Deluxe package—including ChildSecure® for $8.95 a month. Monitoring your identity has never been more important.

Enroll today.

AAA.com/IdTheft or call 877-440-6943

ProtectMyID Essential and ProtectMyID Deluxe are provided by Consumerinfo.com, Inc., an Experian company. To be eligible to enroll in either ProtectMyID Essential or ProtectMyID Deluxe, you must be 18 years of age or older and a current valid AAA Member. Products subject to change or termination at anytime without notice. Certain terms, conditions and restrictions apply. Valid AAA membership required of time of enrollment. © 2014 AAA.

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AAA MOTORIST

JANUARY 2015

Boosting coverage to protect your belongings Valuable info about sublimits and scheduled coverage By Robin Jones pon arriving home from vacation, you discover that burglars broke in and stole your grandmother’s diamond ring, a piece that was appraised at about $5,000. The loss is certainly an emotional one, as you know you’ll never recover the ring’s sentimental value. But given the amount of personal property coverage you have in your homeowners insurance policy, you figure you’ll at least be able to recoup its monetary value. However, when you call your insurer to report the loss, you get an unwelcome surprise: Your policy caps payments for the theft of jewelry. Rather than the ring’s $5,000 worth, you’ll get just the maximum amount allowed—often around $1,000.

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Many people find out too late that their insurance has “sublimits” within the overall limit for certain items. That means that even if you have a total of $200,000 or more of personal property coverage, you might only get a fraction of that, depending on the type of loss. For example, sublimits are common for the theft of items such as jewelry, firearms, or silverware. But be careful: Sublimits often also apply for items such as money, collectibles, and personal computers, regardless of the type of loss. What’s more, a basic homeowners policy won’t always cover every type of loss. For example, many policies won’t cover the loss of a precious stone if it falls out of a ring and is lost. However, almost every insurer will allow you to purchase more coverage

DUES ADJUSTMENTS SET FOR AAA MEMBERS

The Governing Board of Directors of AAA East Central has approved the following dues rates summarized in the table below, effective February 1, 2015. These rates standardize dues across all AAA East Central regions, including the adoption of “per member” pricing of AAA Plus. Dues amounts for AAA Plus are in addition to Basic dues, and require enrollment of all AAA members living in the household. AAA Premier and AAA Plus RV dues continue to cover all family members and are in addition to Basic and AAA Plus dues. • Basic Primary $49 • Basic Associate $25 (per member) • AAA Plus Primary $33 (per member)* • AAA Plus Associate $8 (per member)* • AAA Premier $35 (Family)** * Requires enrollment in Basic • Plus RV $35 (Family)** ** Requires enrollment in AAA Plus

for valuable items. Most insurers have two options: scheduled coverage and increased policy sublimits.

Scheduled Coverage

Insurers often recommend scheduled coverage, also known as a personal articles floater (a.k.a. PAF), for particularly valuable items. You list each asset, along with a description and value, on a “schedule,” which also notes the coverage for each item in the event of a loss. Scheduled coverage is good for something you wear every day, such as a wedding ring, because the potential for loss is greater. Pros: Some companies offer scheduled coverage with no deductible. Also, in general, more types of loss are covered, including what insurers call a “mysterious disappearance.” Cons: The process usually requires you to get your valuables independently appraised. Also, premiums are generally higher for scheduled items than those for an increased sublimit.

Increased Policy Sublimits

With increased policy sublimits, you simply pay extra on your homeowners insurance premium or purchase an endorsement to raise the limit for a particular category of valuables. Increased limits are good for people who own many nice items,

but none that have a particularly high value. For instance, if you have a cabinet full of fine china you’d like to protect more thoroughly, but it doesn’t seem worthwhile to insure each piece, you can increase the sublimit total from, say, $1,500 to $5,000. Pros: The process is easier than the one for scheduled items, and premiums for raising the limit(s) tend to be less expensive. Cons: There is still a limit on how much can be paid out for each item, and pieces are usually covered in fewer situations than with scheduled coverage. Consider making a new year’s resolution to take inventory of your valuable items and assess whether to purchase more coverage. While a higher payout won’t bring back a family heirloom, it might help cushion the feeling of loss.

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.


JANUARY 2015

AAA MOTORIST

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1-800-354-8761 • AAA.com/travel

Capturing your dreams. Creating memories.

There’s a lot not to like about COLD. The snow, ice and wind of winter...and almost everyone has, had or is catching a COLD. But there’s at least one thing to love about COLD — AAA Travel’s “cold” remedy of limitedtime savings & gifts for 5-night-or-longer 2015 vacations at Caribbean properties available through our preferred travel partner Pleasant Holidays. Just book & deposit Jan 1-31, 2015. Escape the cold with up to $100 in savings...and a pair of attractive heavyweight cotton velour AAA Travel beach towels, which you can spread out on the silky white sands in front of your resort. Choose a property that comfortably suits your vacation budget and travel style from the variety available on practically every Caribbean island. Will you be traveling as a couple...a family with ALLINCLUSIVE children...a group of friends and/or relatives? Do you RESORT! prefer the value and conveniences of an all-inclusive RIU PALACE, ARUBA resort or the comforts of a more traditional hotel setting? Will you stay on-site all during your stay or include off-site touring and sightseeing as part of your experience? Whatever your answers, there are resorts to fit your needs. All-inclusive resorts provide the best of both worlds — value and convenience. One price covers nearly everything — all meals & drinks (including alcoholic beverages), nonmotorized water sports, daily activities for adults & children, nightly entertainment and tips & hotel taxes. Additional all-inclusive indulgences include on-site gourmet restaurants, premium-brand drinks, 24-hour room service and in-room liquor & mini-bars. Riu Palace (above) on Aruba’s sandy Palm Beach NO PASSPORT is a majestic resort providing breathtaking sea views HERE! and inviting warm breezes combined with comfort and luxury. Guests have a wealth of choices for daily activities and nightly entertainment. 450 rooms. Babysitting. Casino. Fitness center. Full-service spa. Kids’ program. Pool. 5 restaurants. Swim-up bar. Wi-Fi.

Jamaica’s Moon Palace Grande (below) sits along Ocho Rios’ longest beach and offers waterfalls, 2 FRENCHMAN’S REEF, ST THOMAS USVI thrilling lighthouse waterslides, plunge pools and a rope bridge. After a $50 million renovation, it features refreshed rooms, common areas and a FlowRider® Double wave simulator. 705 rooms. Full-service spa. Kids’ program. 5 pools. 5 restaurants. Swim-up bar. Wi-Fi. If an all-inclusive atmosphere isn’t for you, consider a comprehensive property such as Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort (above right) on St Thomas, breathtakingly perched on a cliff above the coral-blue waters of Charlotte Amalie, capital of the US Virgin Islands. This contemporary resort exudes a luxurious Caribbean elegance with MOON PALACE GRANDE, JAMAICA the benefit of 2 resorts in 1, with clifftop or beachfront views. Unwind with signature bedding and first-class ALLINCLUSIVE service & amenities. 478 rooms. Babysitting. Fitness RESORT! center. Full-service spa. 4 pools. 6 restaurants. Swimup bar. Wi-Fi.

Of course, there are far too many resorts to list and describe here, but you can explore all of them by logging on to AAA.com/Pleasant or by consulting a travel agent at your nearby AAA Travel location. MORE OFFERS ON NEXT PAGE

New bookings with deposit Jan 1-31, 2015. 5 nights or longer. Savings & 2 towels per room, based on double occupancy.

Don’t have a passport and/or the time necessary to get one? Don’t fret. US citizens can travel without one to several American territories in the Caribbean. All you need is a valid government-issued ID (driver license) and a certified copy of a state-issued birth certificate. And you’ll feel at home because English is widely spoken, and US dollars are the official currency. PUERTO RICO. Capital city San Juan boasts a charming historic dis-

trict with pastel-hued houses and imposing fortifications. Stretches of enticing beaches lined with hotels and resorts both contemporary and old-style abound. Explore El Yunque, the rain forest of the interior, or embrace local culture & cuisine in villages all over the island.

ST THOMAS, US VIRGIN ISLANDS. The most populous and most popular of the US Virgin Islands, St Thomas offers the vibrancy of Charlotte Amalie, which brims with duty-free shopping, historic & cultural landmarks and friendly locals. The rest of the island retains a secluded sense of Caribbean paradise, with glorious beaches.

ST JOHN, US VIRGIN ISLANDS. Two-thirds of St John is a national park. Its comfortable pace is perfect for enjoying the island’s worldrenowned beaches such as Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay and Salt Pond Bay. A nature lover’s favorite, St John offers hiking, camping, specialty shopping and breathtaking views. ST CROIX, US VIRGIN ISLANDS. St Croix’s Danish influence is perfect for visitors who prefer a laid-back experience. Historic Frederiksted and Christiansted offer quaint shops, charming pastel buildings and refreshing cultural diversity. From horseback riding to playing golf on 3 scenic courses, you’ll find something to suit your tastes.

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Member Benefits • Exclusive Offers


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AAA MOTORIST

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1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel Capturing your dreams. Creating memories.

© SELLINGPIX / FOTOLIA.COM

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

New bookings with deposit Jan 1-31, 2015. 5 nights or longer. Savings & 2 towels per room, based on double occupancy.

In addition to AAA’s limited-time offer (above), many resorts ALSO qualify for a 2015 AAA Vacations /Pleasant Holidays Double Member Benefit — $100 off! Choose from select 4- and 5-star (Pleasant Holidays rating system) properties in Anguilla, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Curacao, Grenada, La Romana, Martinique, St Barths, St Croix, St Kitts & Nevis, St Martin, St Vincent & Grenadines and Turks & Caicos. Some samples include... ®

BAHAMAS

Rosewood at Baha Mar •

CAYMAN ISLANDS

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman •

Grand Cayman Beach Suites

MARTINIQUE

Le Cap Est Lagoon Resort & Spa •

Hotel Plein Soleil

PUERTO RICO

Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve •

ST LUCIA

The BodyHoliday LeSport •

TURKS & CAICOS

Beaches Resort Villages & Spa •

Riu Palace Paradise Island

W Retreat & Spa, Vieques Island

Windjammer Landing Villa Resort Seven Stars Resort

Plus, 4- and 5-star resorts in any other Pleasant Holidays Caribbean destination not listed above qualify for a $100 activity credit voucher.

Irish Pubs

&Folklore

ESCORTED TOUR OPERATED BY CIE TOURS INTERNATIONAL

Sláinte!

New reduced rate!

Cheers!

Feel like a local at friendly pubs full of the craic — Ireland’s unique mix of news, gossip, fun, entertainment and enjoyable conversation! Tour Dublin: St Stephen’s Green, Georgian squares, O’Connell Street, Famine Memorial & more. Quaff a pint at the Guinness Storehouse • Meet the owners of a working beef/ sheep/horse farm. • Tour medieval Kilkenny, then explore it on your own. • Visit the House of Waterford; watch craftsmen transform molten glass into elegant tableware. • Kiss the “Stone of Eloquence” at Blarney Castle. • Browse at Blarney Woolen Mills...or visit a pub instead! • Circumnavigate scenic Dingle Peninsula and sample a local brew at Dingle Brewing Company. • Sit down to dinner & traditional entertainment (including step-dancing) in Killarney. • Ferry across the Shannon to view the Cliffs of Moher. • Stop in Galway on the way to Connemara. • Overnight in attractive Westport. • Cross over to Achill Island and see the Deserted Village (stone cottages abandoned around the time of the Famine). • Tour Kilbeggan Distillery and enjoy an Irish coffee. • Enjoy storytelling at Dublin’s oldest pub. • Spend a day on your own in Dublin, using included vouchers for an open-top bus tour and a visit to Old Jameson Distillery.

May 12-21 •

AAA Member Rate: $1,899 $1,809

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, motorcoach sightseeing, itinerary attraction admissions, local taxes, hotel service charges & baggage handling (1 bag per person), walking-tour audio headsets, 15 meals (including Kate Kearney’s Cottage Irish Night, “Food, Folk & Fairies” dinner show at Brazen Head Pub and 3 table d’hote dinners) and in-Ireland professional guide & driver. Ask about available add-on airfare.


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1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel 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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers 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

____________________________________________________________

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. AAA 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. AAA 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.

Avoid potential airport hassles: Motorcoach to and from your cruise! Park for free, then relax & ride AAA’s convenient “Cruise Express” motorcoach right to your ROYAL CARIBBEAN ship!

Grandeur of the Seas from Baltimore! EASTERN CARIBBEAN March 3-13 from $1,203

BAHAMAS June 26–July 3 from $1,180

EASTERN CARIBBEAN April 28–May 8 from $1,167

EASTERN CARIBBEAN Nov 1-11 from $1,180

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 $524.25 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 new ANTHEM OF THE SEAS and 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 • fr om $1,705 BAHAMAS: Port Canaveral FL • Nassau, Bahamas Cococay, Bahamas • 3 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.

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.

Special inclusions: “Rome by Night” tour...Vatican museums & St Peter’s... a family-style Tuscan feast...and a serenaded gondola cruise in Venice! Experience Whisper headsets, designed for better communication between you and your guides throughout your tour. Enjoy regional wines with every dinner.

Oct 19-31 •

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.


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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Car-free, carefree adventures 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.

LEAVE YOUR CAR AT HOME!

WASHINGTON DC SPRINGTIME

TWO TRAINS TOUR — WV, VA, MD

Bring your camera to capture the most memorable sights of our nation’s capital. An experienced guide takes you on a full-day tour to some of DC’s most interesting and historic attractions. Includes full-day guided sightseeing of DC, half-day tour of Arlington VA, Illuminated Monuments Tour, Flight 93 National Memorial (Shanksville PA), 2 meals and more.

Travel to West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland 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.

April 16-19 •

AAA Member Rate: $639

June 19-21 •

AAA Member Rate: $559

NEW ENGLAND’S SCENIC RAILROADS July 13-18 •

AAA Member Rate: $1,239

Enjoy some of the most dramatic natural scenery in the East as you travel on 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.

SPRING IN HOLLAND MI May 11-13 •

AAA Member Rate: $599

Explore this Dutch-themed town. See tulips (weather-dependent), windmills, wooden shoes and more. Visit artsy Saugatuck and take a ride along Lake Michigan’s dunes. Visit Fredrick Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, where magnificent artwork is displayed throughout the beautiful gardens. Includes Nelis’ Dutch Village, Windmill Island Gardens, Saugatuck Dune Rides, Fredrick Meijer Gardens tram tour, 4 meals (including a Holland Princess dinner cruise) and more.

BOSTON POPS ON CAPE COD Aug 6-12 •

AAA Member Rate: $1,619

See New England at its best on this excursion to Cape Cod. Hear the fabulous Boston Pops Orchestra, marvel as you watch a humpback whale broaching and take in the beauty of Cape and 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.

1-DAY FUN-DAY TOURS

FLANAGAN’S SHENANIGANS: FREDONIA NY March 14 • AAA Member Rate: $99

”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 guest 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.

4-act “traditional” Irish wake with jokes, songs, corned beef & fun!

BURTON TEA TOUR: GEAUGA COUNTY OH June 5 • AAA Member Rate: $75

Quintealia’s Tea Parlor. Middlefield Cheese. End of Commons Store. Sunrise Farm.

LOAFIN’ AROUND: MAYVILLE NY June 20 • AAA Member Rate: $99

Cooking classes. Bake sale. Samples galore. A foodie’s delight!


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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

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

Member-only savings!

Premier ...... $200 Plus............. $150 Basic........... $100 Book & deposit by 1/31/1 5. per room, based on double occupa ncy

ALASKA BY LAND! July 8-17 •

AAA Member Rate: $5,825

Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes flights (Cleveland-Fairbanks, 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.


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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Enjoy extra-special amenities & $400.00 toward airfare! LIMITED-TIME OFFERS ON 2015 AAA MEMBER APPRECIATION CRUISES

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN on Celebrity Reflection — June 19-29 Modern Luxury • Timeless Ports • Limited-time Offers! SM

1 — FREE Classic Beverage Package for 2 2 — FREE Prepaid Gratuities for 2 3 — FREE Shipboard Spending Money Enjoy all 3 offers when you book a Concierge Class stateroom or higher

OR

Airy spaces with all the right tasteful details. Restaurants where design is just as important as cuisine. Intuitive service with a keen eye for detail. Doing as much (or as little) as you choose. More than you expected? Celebrity Cruises believes every moment of your vacation should be measured by just how far it takes you SM from ordinary. That’s Modern Luxury — and you’ll experience it on Reflection, newest of the Solstice® Class ships (“a new benchmark in cruise ship design” by the International Interior Design Association). Modern rubs shoulders with timeless in the many enticing ports of call on this cruise — from Italy’s ROME (Civitavecchia), SICILY (Messina) and NAPLES to Greece’s MYKONOS, RHODES, SANTORINI and ATHENS (Piraeus) to Turkey’s EPHESUS (Kusadasi). Experience their natural beauty, fascinating history and unique cultures sailing roundtrip from Rome on a voyage that’s simultaneously relaxing and invigorating. And, if you book a balcony stateroom (or higher) while this limited-time offer is still available, you’ll also enjoy these far-from-ordinary amenities on this June 19 AAA Member Appreciation Cruise around the Eastern Mediterranean: $400.00 airfare credit† (when you purchase your flights through AAA) • $75.00 onboard credit In-room bottle of wine • Onboard martini tasting • Compact high-quality binoculars Only AAA members can get these extras from AAA Travel — and only for a limited time. Concierge Class staterooms are exceptional veranda accommodations set in the most desirable locations and are designed for those who believe the little details make a big difference. Enjoy fresh flower arrangements, Hansgrohe® showerheads, enhanced breakfast room-service menus, plush 100% cotton bath sheets, personalized concierge service, complimentary daily canapés and a pillow menu. Spa-inspired AquaClass® staterooms feature private verandas, complimentary access to the soothing Persian Garden and the spacious Relaxation Room, a spa concierge to help arrange spa treatments and plentiful in-stateroom amenities including a Hansgrohe® “shower tower,” aromatherapy selections and daily delivered bottled waters and teas. Dine in your own highly rated restaurant, Blu, AAA MEMBER RATE featuring a “Clean Cuisine” menu. from $2,643 per person Ask your AAA Travel Agent about extending your stay in Rome before ADDED MEMBER VALUES * and/or after your cruise. $400.00 AIRFARE CREDIT

per person, when purchased through AAA Travel (1st & 2nd passengers per stateroom only)

SHIPBOARD CREDIT — $75.00

per stateroom • for beverages, spa, shops, etc

IN-STATEROOM BOTTLE OF WINE 1 per stateroom

Europe Cruises: Choose 2 of the 3 offers when you book a balcony stateroom

OR

Alaska Cruises: Choose 1 of the 3 offers when you book a balcony stateroom Ask your travel agent for complete details.

ONBOARD MARTINI TASTING 2 vouchers per stateroom

COMPARE AND SAVE! STATEROOM TYPE

AAA MEMBER RATE

CELEBRITY INTERNET RATE**

Balcony ................... from $2,643 .................$2,938 Concierge Class ...... from $2,813 .................$3,288 AquaClass® ............. from $3,023 .................$3,248

AAA Travel professionals ready to help!

Rates are per person (double occupancy), are subject to availability at time of booking and include 10-night cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals, government taxes/fees ($399.25), $75 shipboard credit per stateroom, in-cabin bottle of wine and martini tasting vouchers (2 per stateroom). Ship’s registry: Malta. Ask about available add-on pre- and/or post-cruise hotel stays. Visit AAA.com/GoEurope for more information.

*valid for balcony and higher-level staterooms

**based on rate as of 12/10/14 on CelebrityCruises.com

COMPACT HIGH-QUALITY BINOCULARS 1 per stateroom • view scenery from the ship

IN-PERSON PLANNING ASSISTANCE

ALASKA on Celebrity Millennium — May 22-29 or Aug 14-21 Book a balcony stateroom (or higher) on either of these Alaska Northern Glacier cruises and you’ll enjoy these amenities:

COMPARE AND SAVE! STATEROOM TYPE: SAIL DATE

AAA MEMBER RATE

CELEBRITY INTERNET RATE**

Balcony: 5/22.................. from $1,635 .................$2,060 Balcony: 8/14.................. from $2,075 .................$2,400 Concierge Class: 5/22..... from $1,705 .................$2,250 Concierge Class: 8/14..... from $2,145 .................$2,950 ® AquaClass : 8/14............. from $2,355 .................$3,050 Rates are per person (double occupancy), are subject to availability at time of booking and include 7-night cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals, government taxes/fees ($436.19), $50 shipboard credit per stateroom, in-cabin bottle of wine and martini tasting vouchers (2 per stateroom). Ship’s registry: Malta. Ask about available add-on pre- and/or post-cruise hotel stays. Visit AAA.com/Alaska for more information. **based on rate as of 12/10/14 on CelebrityCruises.com

$400.00 airfare credit† (must purchase flights through AAA) $50.00 onboard credit • In-room bottle of wine Onboard martini tasting • Compact high-quality binoculars Only AAA members can get these extras from AAA — & only for a limited time. Experience the real Alaska, where mountains are taller, rivers are mightier and wildlife is more plentiful. It’s a rugged, untamed wilderness where forests go on forever and summer days never end...a pristine wilderness of ice-blue glaciers and snowcapped peaks. Sail from Vancouver BC to Seward, with daytime visits to Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneau and Skagway. You’ll also cruise through the spectacular Inside Passage and along Hubbard Glacier. † 1st & 2nd passengers per stateroom only


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DOWNTOWN BANFF

BANFF SPRINGS

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Fly to Calgary and drive into the Canadian Rockies to Banff. Enjoy 5 nights at Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa. Ride Banff Gondola for panoramic vistas. Visit thundering Bow Falls and cruise serene Lake Minnewanka. Enjoy a day in Banff on your own; you could play a round on Banff Springs’ golf course, take an unforgettable helicopter sightseeing tour or relax on a river float trip. Banff offers shopping and dining opportunities – as well as an occasional moose! Cross the Continental Divide on the way to Yoho and Banff national parks. See Takakkaw Falls, Emerald Lake and Lake Louise (“Jewel of the Rockies”), where you may ride the gondola. Spot wildlife along Columbia Icefields Parkway to Athabasca Glacier and turquoise Peyto Lake. Cap off the week at the famous Calgary Stampede, a celebration of cowboy life, chuckwagon races, rodeos, parades, fireworks and more. Enjoy the thrilling Grandstand Show from reserved seats.

JULY 5-11

SAVE $50

per person!

Canadian Rockies and the Calgary Stampede

Book & deposit Jan 131

AAA MEMBER RATE: $2,999

LAKE LOUISE

Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Cleveland-Calgary), roundtrip airport/ hotel transfers, accommodations, services of a AAA Tour Manager (if minimum-participation goal is met), 9 meals, motorcoach sightseeing and baggage handling (1 per person). Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Passport required.

WHAT MAKES THIS TOUR EXTRA-SPECIAL? RELAXING IN 1 GREAT HOTEL “HOME” FOR 5 NIGHTS!

Located in Banff National Park, the Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa offers a mountain lodge hotel, a great steakhouse restaurant and a full-service spa, all in one outstanding location. This ideal vacation spot is located on Banff Avenue, the main street in the town of Banff. Surrounded by mountains, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy.


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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Sizzlin’ Western USA Tours: MEMBERS SAVE $50.00! SAVINGS PER PERSON WHEN TOUR IS BOOKED & DEPOSITED BY 1/31/15. AAA MEMBER RATES SHOWN. VISIT AAA.COM/USA FOR ITINERARIES, INCLUSIONS AND OTHER INFORMATION.

GRAND CANYON & ARIZONA ADVENTURE

SAN FRANCISCO & NAPA WINE COUNTRY

Fly to Phoenix and ride to the luxurious Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa. Explore scenic backMAY 17-24 • $2,465 country on an exciting 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 — cowboy-style! 11 meals. Air included.

Here’s a tasty tour from scenic Carmel-bythe-Sea and the Monterey Peninsula to San JUNE 18-24 • $3,495 Francisco and Napa Valley. See landmarks of the City by the Bay — Twin Peaks, Golden Gate Park, Cliff House, the Presidio and Fisherman’s Wharf. Cross Golden Gate Bridge to visit Mediterranean-flavored Sausalito and the redwoods at Muir Woods; ferry back across San Francisco Bay. Tour & sip samples at 4 wineries (enjoy a chef-prepared picnic lunch at one!), blend your own Merlot and savor an elegant dinner aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train. 8 meals. Air included.

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

PACIFIC NORTHWEST

© SNEHIT / FOTOLIA.COM

Tour a silver mine in Wallace ID (once the “Silver Capital of the World”) and the SmokeJUNE 21-27 • $1,939 jumpers Aerial Fire Depot. Visit artsy Big Fork MT and enjoy a float trip on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. Stay at an Old World–style lodge in Glacier National Park. Cruise on 2 lakes. Travel “Going to the Sun” Road amid snowy peaks and virgin forest. Ride a vintage Red Jammer Touring Car. Cross the Continental Divide. Take America’s longest gondola up to Silver Mountain. Visit Lake Coeur d’Alene. Dine on Spokane’s River Queen paddle boat. 11 meals.

From San Francisco to Seattle, see wonders along the Pacific. Explore the City by the Bay JULY 19-25 • $1,815 and California’s Wine Country. See redwoods on the Avenue of the Giants and in Redwood National Park. Enjoy rides on a jet boat on Oregon’s Rogue River and a dune buggy at the National Dunes Recreation Area. Tour Portland and its renowned rose gardens. Marvel at the Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah Falls and Mt St Helens National Volcanic Monument. In Seattle, dine atop the Space Needle and tour the world’s largest building, a Boeing assembly plant. 9 meals.

BEST OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

YELLOWSTONE EXPERIENCE

© SCOTT BUFKIN / FOTOLIA.COM

© ANDREANITA / FOTOLIA.COM

So many delights in 1 tour — from the endless charms of San Francisco to the natural JULY 23-31 • $3,699 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.

Our first national park’s first explorers were called liars when they described its otherAUG 10-16 • $1,765 worldly 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.

AMERICAN MAJESTY

COLORADO TRAIN ADVENTURE

From Salt Lake City to Denver, take in some of America’s favorite national landmarks. Hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (choir schedule AUG 29–SEPT 6 • $3,485 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 South Dakota’s Black Hills. 15 meals. Air included.

This Centennial State tour features rides on the Pike’s Peak Cog Railway, the Royal Gorge SEPT 12-19 • $2,145 Route RR, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic RR and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge RR. Tour the US Air Force Academy and marvel at the rock formations of the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. Ride the country’s steepest incline and walk on the world’s highest suspension bridge at Royal Gorge. Visit Great Sand Dunes and Mesa Verde national parks. See the monoliths of Colorado National Monument. Visit the CO Railroad Museum in Golden. 15 meals.

NEW MEXICO BALLOON FIESTA

CANYON COUNTRY EXPERIENCE

Explore Albuquerque, the Land of Enchantment’s largest city, then a 3-night stay in OCT 4-9 • $3,265 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.

Eroded for eons by wind & water, the colorful canyons of AZ, UT and NV captivate all who OCT 13-19 • $1,415 visit. Begin in the Entertainment Capital of the World — Las Vegas! Enjoy an afternoon & evening on your own before departing for Kingman’s Route 66 Museum. Marvel at the magnificence of the Grand Canyon; enter the Navajo Nation and see Monument Valley from a 4WD vehicle. Enjoy a sunset jet boat ride on the Colorado River followed by a BBQ dinner. Visit 4 national parks — Arches, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon and Zion — and 2 state parks too! 11 meals.


JANUARY 2015

AAA MOTORIST

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1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

AAA MASSILLON Motorcoach Tours

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).

The Amazing Chase: Mystery Tour

Downton Abbey at Biltmore Estate

It’s part tour, part scavenger hunt, all fun and complete with prizes! This fun-filled “mystery tour” will take you to a place that you probably don’t know as well as you might imagine. This mystery tour should be enjoyed in teams. There will be no extreme feats of strength or talent...you won’t be required to eat anything strange...and, most important, you’ll have a AAA Tour Manager to coach you along the way if you really get stuck. It’s all about visiting a place, learning more about it, seeing the sights, enjoying the venues, testing your creativity and being adventurous. 3 meals.

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.

May 10-11 • $297

FANS DOWNTOOF ABBEY W N LOVE TH ILL TOUR! IS

May 13-16 • from $799

© PBS

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.

DIRTY DANCING This smash-hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, 2 fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds, who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. The story is a coming-of-age drama that documents a teenage girl’s relationship with a dance instructor whom she encounters during her family’s summer vacation. Originally a low-budget film with no major stars, Dirty Dancing became a massive box office hit. This production features hit songs, including “Hungry Eyes,” “Hey Baby,“ “Do You Love Me?“ and the heart stopping “(I’ve Had) the Time of My Life.“ Matinee. From $109. MARCH 18 From Niles & Boardman MARCH 21 From Massillon & New Philadelphia

VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE Siblings Vanya and 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 their quiet country home with a revelation — and a boytoy named Spike — in tow. Existential, Chekhovian despair and familysquabbling has never been as funny as this Tony

Award –winning comedy that questions our ability to age gracefully in an era of iPods and Twitter. This is a comedy play without musical entertainment. Held in the newly remodeled Allen Theatre, all seats are equidistance from the stage and make you feel as though you are a part of the action. Dubbed as a “nonsensical vacation from life’s oppressive normalcy,” come and enjoy the laughs with us. Matinee. From $109. APRIL 16 From Massillon & New Philadelphia ®

APRIL 18 From Niles & Boardman

KINKY BOOTS Kinky Boots is the exhilarating Broadway musical that will lift your spirits to new high-heeled heights! Winner of 6 Tony awards, this inspirational story follows a struggling shoe factory owner who works to turn his business around with help from Lola, a fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos. Together, this unlikely pair finds that they have more in common than they ever dreamed possible...proving that when you change your mind about someone, you can change your whole world. Inspired by a true story, Kinky Boots features a joyous, Tony winning score by Cyndi Lauper that grew from and a hilarious, uplifting book by 4-time Tony winner Harvey Fierstein. Join the sold-out audiences who’ve discovered why the best way to fit in is to stand out! Evening. APRIL 16. From $109. ®

®

®

DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Here’s the classic story of Belle, a young woman in a 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. Evening. APRIL 26. From $129.

I LOVE LUCY LIVE ON STAGE ®

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-thescenes 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


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AAA MOTORIST

JANUARY 2015

Princess Cruises showcases Alaska’s coolest attractions Glacier experiences you won’t want to miss

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ith breathtaking coastal scenery and abundant wildlife an Alaska cruise gives you a front row seat to the wonders of nature. Princess Cruises’ 2015 Alaska program offers a multitude of ways to experience the “Great Land,” with more sailings that include Alaska’s “must see” destination — Glacier Bay National Park. The incredible solitude and size, coupled with the sound and fury of “white thunder” make Alaskan glaciers one of the greatest shows in all of nature. Princess’ signature “Voyage of the Glaciers” includes two glacier experiences with visits to Glacier Bay National Park, plus either Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord. Glacier Bay is home to 12 tidewater glaciers and from your vantage point on deck, you can watch icebergs being born. Mammoth slabs of ice “calve” off the face of a glacier and crash into the sea. The bay’s Muir, Johns Hopkins and Margerie Glaciers are among the world’s most active. Margerie Glacier at the end of the bay, is an ice age relic, 21-mileslong and 25 stories high. Crumpled and crenellated its nearly vertical face allows cruise ships to get so close that you can almost reach out and touch it. Known as the “Galloping Glacier,” Hubbard Glacier is a gigantic ice formation that flows into breathtaking Disenchantment Bay. The largest tidewater glacier in North America mea-

the mountainside. Visitors can witness enormous chunks of ice crashing into the fjord, or catch a glimpse of a humpback whale breaching the waters near the bay. Princess’ Inside Passage cruises from Seattle and San Francisco feature dramatic glacier viewing in either Glacier Bay National Park or Tracy Arm. Located approximately 50 miles south of Juneau, Tracy Arm Fjord twists and weaves through the Tongass National Forest. Waterfalls topple from the sheer, moss covered cliffs framing the narrow, 30-mile-long channel, while Harbor seals lounge on the ice floes drifting in a milky green sea. Tracy Arm’s crown jewels are the twin Sawyer glaciers that form a monolithic wall of ice where the mountains meet the sea.

IF YOU GO

SOLID ICE — Princess brings more passengers to Glacier Bay than any other cruise line. sures 76-miles-long and looms nearly 400 feet over passing cruise ships. Hubbard Glacier is mother to a flotilla of electric-blue icebergs that crack and growl in the bay. The glacier’s intense blue color is due to its age. Over the eons ice gradually loses its oxygen and becomes pure frozen hydrogen. College Fjord was discovered in 1899 when members of the Harriman

Expedition made their way into the northwest corner of Prince William Sound. The fjord is home to five tidewater glaciers — glaciers that terminate in water, plus five large valley glaciers, and dozens of smaller ones. Members of the expedition named them after their Ivy League Alma maters and sister schools. The glaciers appear as a collection of frozen rivers cascading down

Princess offers 24 tour options for a complete Alaska land and sea experience. All cruisetours include a seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers sailing with a visit to Glacier Bay National Park. Alaska tours include up to four nights in the Denali National Park area and stays at Princess’ own wilderness lodges. FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please see your AAA Departures Guide or log on to AAA.com/cruises for special values on Alaska cruise vacations.

Senior drivers getting older and wiser behind the wheel Most support greater scrutiny in the license-renewal process

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merica’s population is aging, and as we age, we’re continuing to drive. Research has shown that today’s older drivers are spending more time behind the wheel. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 84 percent of Americans 65 and older still drive, compared to barely half in the early 1970s. Seniors also represent the fastest growing driving demographic. By 2020 there will be more than 40 million licensed drivers ages 65 and older.

Although seniors have an overall crash rate comparable to that of 20- and 30-year-old drivers, age related health issues also make them the most vulnerable, with a higher death rate per mile driven than any other group. Today’s older drivers are keeping their licenses longer to maintain their mobility, independence, and quality of life. Losing the ability to drive can be a traumatic experience — and it’s often hard to know when it’s time to hand over the keys. Even so, an overwhelming majority of senior drivers support

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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.

greater scrutiny in the license-renewal process for themselves and their peers. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety’s latest report on aging Americans, more than seven out of 10 drivers age 65 and older favor policies that require drivers age 75 and older to renew their license in person. They also support requirements that seniors pass a medical screening to remain licensed. “These findings indicate that older Americans tend to support policies to keep themselves safer behind the wheel, making them key allies in their mission to keep driving–smarter and longer.” says Peter Kissinger, President and CEO of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.” The AAA Foundation’s report Older American Drivers and Traffic Safety Culture also found: • Nearly 80 percent of drivers over age 75 favor medical screenings for drivers ages 75 and older; • Nearly 90 percent of older drivers (65 and older) reported no crashes in the last two years and no moving violations; • 65 percent of drivers age 75 and older reported never using a cell phone while driving compared to only 48 percent of the younger “older” drivers (those age 65-69) who never use a phone when behind the wheel.

“With nearly nine out of ten seniors aged 65 and older still driving, it appears that additional years behind the wheel not only make drivers older, but wiser,” said Jake Nelson, AAA’s director of traffic safety advocacy and research. “As older adults live longer and spend more time behind the wheel, it’s promising to see a trend towards a more pro-safety culture with increasing age.” The AAA Foundation is currently taking a long-term look at aging drivers with a study that will systematically monitor the driving habits of more than 3,000 senior drivers over the next five years.

GREY MATTERS

AAA’s award-winning senior driving website SeniorDriving.AAA.com is filled with resources designed to keep senior drivers on the road for as long as safely possible and mobile thereafter. SeniorDriving.AAA. com provides convenient, online access to a wealth of free interactive material, including AAA Roadwise Review, a computer-based screening tool that allows older drivers to measure changes in their functional abilities scientifically linked to crash risk.


JANUARY 2015

AAA MOTORIST

PAGE 19

Experience Great Britain’s most memorable views Natural wonders and new additions to London’s skyline

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here’s nothing quite like the view from the top. In Britain you can look up from a glacial-carved glen, or look down upon the glorious Lake District. If that sounds a little too strenuous, catch a lift to the top of ‘The Shard’ or take a spin on the London Eye. Along with the ride, the famed observation wheel offers some of London’s most dramatic views. Riders can see up to 25 miles in all directions, as far as Windsor Castle on a clear day. On your 30 minute ‘flight’ you’ll see The Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral, ‘the Gherkin’ and more. London isn’t short of spectacular viewpoints, but the view from The Shard may be the most spectacular one of all. At just over 1,000-feet-tall, the new, 87-story skyscraper is not just the tallest building in London, but the tallest in Western Europe. High-tech ‘tell:scopes’ will help you learn about the landmarks you’ll see from every side. You won’t want to leave any stone unturned at Stonehenge. Britain’s prehistoric icon is shrouded in druidic lore and speculation about its origins continues to this day. Some claim it was sacred monument or a temple. Others believe it was neolithic computer for calculating astronomical events. What’s not up for debate is Stonehenge’s power

CHALK TALK — The white chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters on the Sussex Heritage Coast. to inspire and mystify. Britain’s Lake District is a scenic masterpiece that has inspired poets like Coleridge, and Wordsworth. Wastwater is a sublime, 3-mile long ribbon of glass caressed by scree-strewn mountains and some of England’s highest peaks. Its remote location only adds to the appeal.

For as long as anyone can remember the South of England’s white chalk cliffs have welcomed home weary seafarers. The most dramatic of these are the Seven Sisters along the Sussex Heritage Coast. Located about 80 miles from the White Cliffs of Dover, they are often used as a stand-in for their more famous neighbor in TV and movies, because

they lack Dover’s streaks of black flint. The ‘classic’ view from Seaford Head provides a sweeping panorama of their alabaster beauty. Edinburgh’s legendary cityscape blends graceful Georgian and gothic architecture with a rugged, volcanic terrain. And there’s no better place to see it than from Calton Hill. From here you get an almost 360 degree view of the city that takes in the castle, the Old and New Towns, Arthur’s Seat and the sea beyond. You can also admire an array of neoclassical monuments located right on Calton Hill. Wales’ 750 miles of coastline offer some of the most picturesque and unspoiled scenery in all of Britain. The view over Three Cliffs Bay on the south coast of the Gower Peninsula, describes a perfect semi-circle of sea cliffs and stark white beach framed by unusual rock formations. Scattered over the landscape are historic reminders of past — castles, medieval churches, iron-age fortifications, and prehistoric standing stones. FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please see this issue’s Departures Guide or visit AAA.com/Europe for Great Britain and European vacation values from AAA Travel.

It’s just another day in Paradise Island Sun, sand and surf are all better in the Bahamas

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ess than 200 miles from Miami, the Bahamian archipelago embraces some 700 islands scattered over 100,000 square miles in the Atlantic. Only about twenty are inhabited and life on the Family or Out Islands offers a marked contrast to the fast lanes of Nassau and Freeport. Nassau, the historic Bahamian capital, is known for it beautiful beaches and rich pirate history. Take a carriage ride past West Indian style buildings, in subtle shades of pink, and peach, or climb aboard a glass-bottom boat that reveals an incredible diversity of rainbow-colored marine life. Back in the 17th century, pirates actually ruled Nassau and Blackbeard, the most notorious pirate of them all, declared himself Nassau’s magistrate. Today, Nassau’s pirate past is remembered at Pirates of Nassau, a popular downtown attraction that occupies nearly an entire block. Visitors can tour a full-scale pirate ship, a dungeon and a pirate lair. The Queen’s Staircase is Nassau’s most visited attraction. Carved out of solid limestone by slaves in the late 18th century, the 102-foot staircase was named in honor of Queen Victoria. The climb up the 65 steps culminates near Fort Fincastle, perched atop Bennet’s Hill overlooking the city. Constructed in 1793, the unusual fort is shaped like the prow of a ship.

PARADISE FOUND — The 3,600-room Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island is one of the largest in the world. Just west of the wharf, The Pompey Museum of Slavery and Emancipation displays photographs, artifacts and replicas depicting the history of slavery in The Bahamas, and the 1834 emancipation. A short walk from the duty-free shops on Bay Street, the Straw Market is the ultimate destination to bargain for Bahamian souvenirs such as handwoven straw hats, bags, mats, and

conch shell jewelry. Paradise Island — the Bahamas’ glittering resort mecca — is connected to Nassau by two 600-foot bridges. Sometimes called the Las Vegas of the Caribbean, the just over one square mile island is known for its azure waters, and wide expanses of white sand framed by swaying palms, sea grapes, and casuarinas. The exotic screen locale for James

Bond films like Dr. No and Thunderball, Paradise Island is home to some of the Caribbean’s best entertainment and resorts like the sprawling 3,400-room Atlantis. This unique, ocean-themed destination features a variety of accommodations, all built around a 141-acre waterscape comprised of over 20 million gallons of fresh and saltwater lagoons, pools and habitats. Home to the largest open-air marine habitat in the world, there are over 50,000 marine animals in lagoons and displays, including The Dig, a maze of underwater corridors and passageways features a Mayan temple and journey through ancient Atlantis. Aquaventure is a non-stop water experience consisting of 18 thrilling water slides, a mile-long lazy river ride with high intensity rapids and wave surges, and never-before-seen special effects. Dolphin Cay, the resort’s interaction and education center, is one of the largest dolphin habitats in the world. Have your picture taken with these intelligent creatures while standing waistdeep in the water.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please see this month’s Departures Guide or log on to AAA.com/TravelPlanner for great Caribbean and Caribbean cruise vacation ideas from AAA.


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AAA MOTORIST

Disney Month

Disney Month savings & gifts

continued from page 1

and friendly Adventure Guides bring you and your entire family closer to some of the world’s most popular destinations through authentic cultural experiences with local experts. And with VIP admissions and VIP access to activities, you and your family can see the world in a whole new way. Expect hassle-free travel, spectacular dining and exceptional hotels. Disney Month savings: $100 off any 2015 Adventures by Disney® vacation. Act now: Savings & gifts end Jan 31! The peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re getting the best and the most value for your hard-earned

vacation dollar makes all the difference in the world in how you experience and enjoy your Disney time. Whether you’re at a Walt Disney World® Resort theme park, aboard a ship of the Disney Cruise Line® or on a family-friendly Adventures by Disney® guided tour, your vacation will be one you’ll never, ever forget...and neither will your children or grandchildren. Priceless memories are a great reason for a Disney vacation, and getting extra goodies is a bonus! January’s cold, but it’s the hottest month to book Disney vacations; “snow way” you want to miss Disney Month’s sizzling savings and gifts!

January’s the absolute best time to plan & book 2015 Disney vacations at AAA! Hotel, cruise and tour availability for the year will never be better. And, in addition to travel agent expertise in booking Disney vacations, AAA offers special savings and gifts when you book & deposit by 1/31/15. Visit your local AAA Travel, call 1-800-354-8761 or log on to AAA.com/Disney.

Walt Disney World® Resorts — 5 nights or more • $75.00 off Deluxe properties, PLUS... + 1 pin set: 4 colorful detachable enameledmetal collectible pins (Tinker Bell, Goofy, Mickey Mouse, Cinderella) mounted beneath plastic on a matted full-color print of Cinderella Castle in a black frame (14.75” x 12.75”) + up to 4 gift cards for 1 day at Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon water park (expires 9/20/15) + 2 gift cards for 1 round of minigolf at Fantasia Gardens (expires 9/20/15) + 1 photo-safe, acid-free album: 50 sleeves for up to 200 4” x 6” photos, with memo area $50.00 off Moderate properties

Make their Disney dreams come true in 2015!

JANUARY 2015

$25.00 off Value properties Disney Cruise Line® — any number of nights • $100.00 off balcony staterooms, $50.00 off outside staterooms, $25.00 off inside staterooms, PLUS... + 2 DCL logo zippered red nylon duffel bags (approximately 23” x 10” x 12” — and expandable to approximately 28” x 10” x 12”) with simulated-leather handles (to carry by hand/shoulder) and interior pocket + 2 DCL logo canvas beach bags (approximately 10.5” x 16”) with carrying straps Adventures by Disney® — any number of nights • $100.00 off

AS TO ARTWORK: © DISNEY

Each offer is per room and limited to the first 200 rooms, based on double occupancy. New bookings with deposit Jan 1-31, 2015, for travel in 2015. Gifts have no cash value. Items available upon final payment. Not combinable with any other offer.

Membership for Them...

Peace of Mind for You. You always want the best for them. So give them the benefits of AAA membership. With roadside assistance, vacation planning, maps, travel guides, exclusive savings, and much more, they can rely on AAA almost as much as they rely on you. To add an associate to your membership, or to buy a gift membership, call or visit your local AAA office, or AAA.com.


JANUARY 2015

AAA MOTORIST

PAGE 21

Legoland Florida celebrates the world’s favorite toy Theme park is stacking up a pile of new attractions

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entrally located between Tampa and Orlando, Legoland Florida is just 45-minutes from Orlando’s major attractions and the Gulf and Atlantic beaches. Located in Winter Park near Lakeland, this life-size celebration of the ubiquitous LEGO brick, occupies the former site of Cypress Gardens, Florida’s very first theme park. The park, which is geared toward children between two and twelve, is chuck full of interactive rides and shows and those amazing LEGO® models. Nearly all of the rides and attractions are hands-on, so parents and kids can push, pull, pedal, program, steer, squirt, splash, craw, climb, drive and build their way through more than 100 acres of non-stop fun. Dubbed the “Toy of the Century” by Fortune Magazine, Fun Town offers families a firsthand look at how LEGO bricks are made from factory to finish. The newest attraction is Buddy’s Character Corner in Fun Town’s newlyrestored Magnolia Mansion overlooking scenic Lake Eloise. Families can interact and take pictures with fan favorites like Buddy, Max, the LEGO Friends and even Emmet from The LEGO Movie. DUPLO Valley, which opened last May, brings LEGO’s line of preschool building toys to life with new farmthemed attractions like the DUPLO

YOU CAN MAKE IT THERE — Nearly all of the rides and attractions are hands-on. Train, DUPLO Tractor and DUPLO Splash & Play. It’s the perfect place for parents to play and relax with their toddlers. Guests can construct a LEGO car that they can test against the competition on the digitally timed track in the Imagination Zone. See a giant LEGO replica of Albert Einstein’s head, or program cutting-edge, computerized LEGO MINDSTORMS® robots. Miniland USA is the heart of every Legoland Park, and home to nine

or soar on the AQUAZONE Wave Racers and on Project X, the life-size LEGO roller coaster. The World of Chima, which opened in 2013, features he Quest for Chi, an interactive water ride where no one leaves dry. Riders squirt water canons at targets that include LEGO characters and anyone else who happens to be near the ride. Great care has also been taken to preserve historic Cypress Gardens — the soul of the park. The gardens have been completely restored with a collection of native plants and a range of exotic species that include an enormous Banyan tree planted here as a seedling in 1939. A five-story LEGO themed hotel opening this summer, will feature 152 brightly colored themed rooms and suites, thousands of LEGO models and interactive play areas.

remarkably themed areas that represent miniature versions of American landmarks. A LEGO version of New York City features iconic sights like The Statue of Liberty, Grand Central Station and a 21-foot Empire State Building. Miniland Florida includes the Kennedy Space Center and an interactive Daytona International Speedway racing experience where guests can race LEGO brick cars. LEGO TECHNIC® the most “intense” zone in the park, lets you zoom, splash

BRICK BY BRICK

Over the past 65-years, LEGO has made more than 400 billion blocks, or about 62 LEGOS for every person on the planet. FOR MORE INFORMATION

AAA members save up to $15 on singleand two-day admission to Legoland Florida when they purchase tickets at any branch office. Discounted combo tickets for Legoland and Legoland Water Park are also available.

EXPERIENCE THE PREMIER ADVANTAGE

Premier takes your AAA membership to the next level with access to new services and benefits that will give you added peace of mind whether you are at home or on the road. AAA Premier has many added privileges, including all of these exciting services and benefits: • Expanded Emergency Roadside Assistance, including one tow of up to 200 miles to the destination of your choice. • Up to $150 Locksmith and $100 Home Lockout service. • One–Day Complimentary Rental Car when your car is towed in conjunction with AAA covered tow. • 24-hour Concierge Service. • Free delivery of emergency gas, plus the fuel is also free.

PLUS MUCH MORE! To upgrade your membership, call or visit your local AAA office or AAA.com, or call the Member Service Center at

1-800-441-5008


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AAA MOTORIST

JANUARY 2015

It’s peephole driving season in the snowbelt Failure to remove snow or ice can cause injury or accidents

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igh heels, CD cases, credit cards and bare hands have one surprising thing in common — they’ve all been employed at some time by motorists to scrape ice and snow off their car windows. There’s nothing worse than running out of your home, late for work on a frosty morning, to be confronted by a windshield thick with ice and frozen wipers. Driving with iced-up windows is not only dangerous, but it is also against the law in most places. Slippery roads and reduced visibility are the two main causes of accidents after a storm. So what do you do to clear car windows when temperatures tumble below freezing? Auto glass experts recommend always using a proper ice-scraper or de-icer, to avoid damaging the glass, to remove ice from car windows. If you use a commercial de-icer, use a pumpoperated de-icer spray instead of an aerosol can. It’s better for the environment. Never use hot water. There is a huge difference in the temperature of the hot water people use and the windshield in freezing conditions. This thermal shock may even cause the windshield to shatter. Glass is very hard but it’s not very malleable so it doesn’t permit rapid uneven expansion.

Never drive your vehicle before the windows are defrosted. To prevent your car windows from fogging up set your vents to the fresh air position. You can also speed up the process by opening a window as soon as you enter the vehicle. Chunks of ice or snow that fly off of vehicles can become dangerous projectiles. Snow from your front bumper can blow onto your windshield, while snow from the roof will blow back and reduce your ability to see vehicles behind you, as well as their ability to see you in low light conditions. Keeping your windshield clean will make it easier to see road conditions ahead. Keeping your headlights and taillights clean, will make it easier for others to see you.

NOT EVEN A PEEP — Peephole driving presents many dangers to the driver and other motorists sharing the road. A recent poll revealed that no less than 38 percent of motorists resorted to using their bare hands in vain attempts to clear ice off the windshield. Almost half (45 percent) said they’ve used a credit card to chip it away, and 41 per cent admitted struggling to shift the cold stuff using just a glove! More alarming is that another 13 percent of those polled confessed to

pouring hot water over their windscreens, risking serious damage to the glass, not to mention depositing pools of water on the ground, which can freeze and create a hazard. Maybe you’ve noticed vehicles with just enough snow and ice chipped away from the windshield to allow some limited visibility. This phenomenon is known as peephole driving.

TURN ON YOUR HEADLIGHTS

Whenever daytime visibility is less than perfect, turning on your lights allows you to see, and just as important, to be seen by others. Use this rule of thumb: wipers on, lights on. It’s also the law in many states. FOR MORE INFORMATION

Visit AAA.com for information on all things automotive including tips on buying, operating and maintaining a vehicle.

aroundtown 15TH ANNUAL ANTIQUE MOTORCYCLE SHOW — (January 10-May 31) This year’s two-wheel show of antique motorcycles features Seldom Seen Cycles, nearly 30 rare motorcycles manufactured from 1905-1979, including a 1919 Reading-Standard V-Twin, a 1956 Lilac V-Twin, and the world’s oldest running Harley Davidson from 1905. Racing bikes include a 1957 Triumph Twin Engine Dragster, and a 1968 JacksonRotrax Speedway bike. Admission: $8.00 (adults); $5.00 (senior citizens age 65+); $5.00 (children ages 7-12). For information, visit packardmuseum.org. Location: National Packard Museum, 1899 Mahoning Avenue NW, Warren. BLUE MAN GROUP — (January 13-14) Blue Man Group is best known for their wildly popular theatrical shows and concerts that combine music, comedy and multimedia theatrics to produce a totally unique form of entertainment. People of all ages agree that Blue Man Group’s show is a wildly outrageous experience guaranteed to be an outing you will never forget. Performance on two nights, at 8:00 p.m. Tickets: $38-$63. For tickets and information, visit packardmusichall.com or call (330) 841-2931. Location: Packard Music Hall, 1703 Mahoning Avenue NW, Warren.

OHIO COLLAGE SOCIETY EXHIBITION — (January 24 - March 15) Make plans to attend the 9th annual exhibition of the Ohio Collage Society. The times are 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This will be first time it will be held at the Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way East, Massillon. Contact: (330) 833-4061. HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS — (January 29) The Globetrotters’ one-of-akind family show features stars such as Big Easy Lofton, Flight Time Lang and Moose Weekes — along with many other fan favorites, including female stars TNT Maddox and T-Time Brawner. The famous “Magic Circle” gets underway at center court, as the players take turns in a mesmerizing showcase of blazing ball-handling prowess. For the next 90-plus minutes, the Globetrotters exhibit a captivating assortment of trick shots, high-flying dunks, and precise timing — with a side-splitting array of comedy guaranteed to entertain both the young and the young at heart. For tickets and information, visit covellicentre.com. Location: Covelli Centre, 229 East Front Street, Youngstown. WYNONNA & FRIENDS: STORIES & SONG — (January 30) Come experience Wynonna Judd’s timeless tales and artistry as she takes you on

the revolutionary journey of her 30-year career. Hear the stories that inspired her to record songs like “My Strongest Weakness,” create the tours and make music history. Joined by her three-piece band including her husband, producer and award-winning artist Cactus Moser, they will take you inside the hits and history of this iconic artist. For information, visit stambaughauditorium.com. Call (330) 259-0555 for tickets. Location: Stambaugh Auditorium, 1000 Fifth Avenue, Youngstown. DAYMOND JOHN — (February 3) One of the country’s most sought-after marketing experts and motivational speakers, Daymond John is founder of the urban apparel brand, FUBU, and a member of Shark Tank, ABC’s entrepreneurial business show. FUBU, launched from John’s home in 1992, became synonymous with the Hip-Hop lifestyle when John convinced fellow Queens native LL Cool J to wear his clothing for a promotional campaign. The event is free but tickets are required and will be available beginning at 8 a.m. on Monday, January 12. No phone or email reservations will be taken. Tickets will be limited to four (4) per person, and can be picked up at the Main Hall information desk. Time: 7:30 p.m. Location: Kent

State University at Stark, University Center, 6000 Frank Avenue NW, North Canton. BRAD PAISLEY — (February 6) Brad Paisley’s extended Country Nation World Tour arrives in Youngstown for a night of country music. Paisley is a critically acclaimed singer, songwriter, guitarist and entertainer whose talents have earned him numerous awards, including three Grammys, two American Music Awards, 14 Academy of Country Music Awards and 14 Country Music Association Awards. His latest single, “Perfect Storm,” is from his chart-topping 2014 album, Moonshine in the Trunk. Performance at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $45-$65. For tickets and information visit covellicentre. com. Location: Covelli Centre, 229 East Front Street, Youngstown. THE LEGACY OF FERDINAND BRADER — (through March 15) This exhibition showcases folk artist Ferdinand A. Brader’s large-scale, detailed drawings, which tell a story of life throughout the Pennsylvania and Northeast Ohio countryside in the late 1800s and provide a rich look back at our American family heritage. For information, visit cantonart.org. Location: Canton Museum of Art, 1001 Market Avenue North, Canton.


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Your identity theft prevention checklist Protect your personal information with these steps

I

dentity theft can create real and serious problems for any victim. The best defense is to protect yourself from the start. Taking precautions and being proactive can decrease the risk of becoming an identity theft victim. Criminals use victims’ data to empty their bank accounts, make purchases, take out loans, open utility accounts, gain employment and even secure medical treatment. Due to the wide-ranging nature of the crime, it’s important that you take an active part in safeguarding all of your personal details. Secure Your Paper Documents: Keeping your Social Security card, passport, mortgage statements and tax information locked securely in your home will cut down on your identity theft risk in the event a burglar breaks into your home. Many criminals look for old bank statements or bills in your garbage, so make sure to cross-shred these documents before disposing of them. Watch Your Mail: Always make sure you get your mail as soon as possible. If you are not going to be around, ask for a hold on your mail. For outgoing mail, always send your bills/payments from your local post office. Never leave them in your mailbox to be picked up because there could be enough information for an identity thief to use.

details. Legitimate companies never ask for financial details via email, so do not respond, and contact the business immediately to alert them to the situation. Don’t Reveal Too Much Online: Social networking websites are becoming more popular among criminals who use Facebook and Twitter to meet potential victims and peruse their information. Avoid posting details such as your mother’s maiden name, your address, place of birth, and workplace. It may be fun to tweet that you’re on vacation or at a concert, but this information may also alert criminals that you’re not home, giving them the opportunity to break in potentially undetected. PROTECTMYID MEMBER BENEFITS

MORE SECURE — ProtectMyID® can help catch identity theft and fraud when it happens. Don’t Carry More Than You Need: Having a back-up credit card is good for emergencies, but walking around with four credit cards, a check book and your Social Security card will put you at greater risk of identity theft if your purse or wallet is lost or stolen. Carry the bare essentials with you when you leave your home and know what type of payment system you plan to use. Update Your Computer Security

AAA East Central members are eligible for two identity theft monitoring products: ProtectMyID Essential and ProtectMyID Deluxe. ProtectMyID Essential is free to all members over the age 18 as part of their AAA East Central membership. ProtectMyID Deluxe provides all of the features of Essential plus additional benefits at a deeply discounted member rate. For more information, and to subscribe to ProtectMyID Essential or Deluxe, simply go to AAA.com/ID or call 1.877.440.6943. To enroll, you must have a valid email address and be 18 or older.

Settings: Phishing scams, Trojans and key-stroke programs are common ways criminals trick you into revealing personal information. Protect yourself by making sure your security and antivirus software is up-to-date. Avoid responding to emails from senders you don’t recognize. Many criminals send emails that appear to be from a legitimate source, such as a bank or utility company, and ask for personal account

Women now in the drivers seat on new car buying Carmakers respond to growing clout of female customers

M

en and women often disagree about which gender has better driving skills, but changing gender demographics are having major implications on vehicle design, energy consumption and road safety. There are now more women than men on the road in the United States, driving automakers to launch models and features aimed at female buyers. “As women become the dominant car buying segment, auto makers and suppliers need to change their product development strategy,” advises Olivia Price-Walker, Visionary Innovation Senior Consultant with the consulting firm Frost & Sullivan. “The rise of the female car purchaser is broadening some car categories and OEMs will win by developing products and strategies that are directed at women.” By some estimates women now buy or influence the purchase of 80 percent of new vehicles, and they tend to place more emphasis on design, comfort, safety, quality of materials, storage and sustainability. It’s a trend that began with smaller city cars and has migrated to traditionally male categories such as luxury and SUVs. The Porsche Macan for example, is a luxury compact crossover targeted at affluent women buyers. Mercedes Benz recently added a fragrance dispenser to its flagship S-Class.

LADIES FIRST — Ford’s “kick-gesture” power liftgate was designed for female drivers who often have their hands full. Earlier attempts at building a “ladies car” usually failed because they focused more on style and less on substance. The 1955-1956 Dodge La Femme was offered in Heather Rose and Sapphire White paint finishes and came with a stowaway pink calfskin purse that coordinated with the pink rosebuds on silver-pink upholstery and pale pink vinyl trim. Accessories included a compact, lipstick case, comb, and change purse. Marketing materials

proclaimed La Femme was made “By Special Appointment to Her Majesty... the American Woman.” Not surprisingly, buyers give it a “pink slip.” According to a recent gender and car buying study by AAA Auto Buying program partner TrueCar, vehicles with an over 50 percent ratio of female buyers include more down-to-earth models like the Honda CRV, Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Rogue, as well as Volkswagen’s Beetle and Eos convertible models.

“Female car buyers really gravitate toward smaller, more fuel-efficient cars and crossovers,” said Kristen Andersson, Senior Analyst at TrueCar. In Japan, they’re finding out that if you want to sell a car that women love, it helps to have a woman sell it. Nissan’s Ladies First dealerships provide nursing rooms and spacious children’s play areas, while a female staff that includes sales consultants and technicians works with customers. The Volvo YCC — a concept car designed almost exclusively by women — incorporated useful amenities like run flat tires, interchangeable seat covers and a headrest designed to accommodate a ponytail. It also included features that would appeal to men, too, including a better line of vision, user selectable ride height and computerized parking assistance. AAA AUTO BUYING PROGRAM

If you are in the market for a vehicle, the AAA Auto Buying program provides unbiased new and used car pricing information free of charge to AAA members through AAA’s preferred supplier TrueCar. To save money and get the upfront price on your next new car, visit the AAA Auto Buying Program at AAA.com/AutoBuying. Mobile users can download the AAA Auto Buying Tools App at AAA.com/Mobile.


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AAA MOTORIST

JANUARY 2015


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