SEE PAGE 3
Vol. 5 No. 7
EAST CENTRAL OHIO REGION
JULY 2013
BOOK BY 7/31 & SAVE AS MUCH AS $100!
ULTIMATE ALASKA
Don’t be myopic when it comes to sunglasses
PER ROOM
Winter Wonderland Tour • Feb 20–March 2 An extraordinary chance to glimpse the Northern Lights, the Iditarod Sled Dog Race and Alaska’s winter wildlife & wilderness!
See the “real” grandeur of Alaska that its summer visitors never see!
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LASKA IN FEBRUARY? Crazy, right? Make that “crazy awesome”! In today’s lingo that translates into unique, unusual and you-need-to-experience-itto-believe-it! It’s true: AAA’s Ultimate Alaska Winter Wonderland tour does depart on Feb 20, right in the middle of Old Man Winter’s reign. But that’s exactly what makes this trip so special. This is when the true Alaskans reclaim their stunning state from the hordes of summer tourists who descend upon it like so many mosquitoes (also absent in winter!). And it’s also the time of the wondrous natural phenomenon known as the Aurora Borealis.
And what can make it even more special are the discounts available to AAA members who book & deposit through July 31, 2013: Premier members save $100 per room, Plus members save $75 and basic AAA members save $50 off the regular AAA Member Rate. Begin in the interior city of Fairbanks with a nighttime excursion in search of the beguiling Aurora Borealis. This natural light display in the sky can vary in brightness from barely visible to the naked eye to bright enough to read at night. The Northern Lights were named after the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora, and the Greek name for the north wind, Boreas.
THESE BOOTIES ARE MADE FOR RACING! — The Iditarod’s fleet-footed, 4-footed participants sport protective paw pads.
Visit Chena Hot Springs Resort, more than a century old and equally famous for its healing mineral waters and for Aurora Borealis displays visible 200 nights a year on average. You’ll ascend area hills for Northern Lights viewing; being 60 miles from Fairbanks, the resort’s free of light pollution, making it ideal for far-off aurora and up-close wildlife viewing opportunities. The next morning, settle into comfortable seats aboard the Alaska Railroad, whose cars feature grand picture windows and open-air vestibules — excellent for unobstructed photos of the Great Land. In winter, the land along your full-day route to Anchorage takes on a quiet, mystical character. Enjoy an entire day at leisure to explore Alaska’s largest city... or opt to flightsee through the Chugach Mountains or try dog sledding with an Iditarod musher. Motorcoach via the scenic Seward Highway, arguably one of the most beautiful stretches of highway in America, past Chugach State Park’s 3,000foot-high mountains jutting up on your left. On the right, the sprawling, sometimes 4-milewide flats of Turnagain Arm stretch like a plain to the oppoULTIMATE ALASKA continues on page 8
Travel | Insurance/Financial | Automotive | Member Savings | AAA.com
PREPARING THE NEXT GENERATION OF AUTO TECHS
Just as sunscreen protects your skin, sunglasses shield your eyes from harmful UV rays. Sunglasses made with your prescription offer that protection while also providing your eyes with the correction they need. The AccuFit Digital Measurement System — found exclusively at LensCrafters — considers your unique features to ensure the best possible placement of the prescription in your sunglasses lens. When selecting sunglasses made with your prescription, look for lenses that best suit your lifestyle and activities: Green or gray lenses are best for bright sunlight. Brown or blue lenses improve contrast, making them a good choice for sports. Yellow lenses are ideal for early mornings and late afternoons because they make your surroundings appear brighter. A light brown lens is perfect for cloudy days when you still need protection from damaging UV rays. And anytime you’re dealing with glare, polarized lenses are the way to go. Check out the amazing selection of sunglasses made with your prescription at your local LensCrafters. Stylish frames from Ray-Ban, Coach, Prada, and Oakley—can be fitted with prescription lenses to keep you looking “cool” in the summer heat. Visit LensCrafters for The Semi-Annual Sale where you will save 50% off lenses with a frame purchase. PLUS, for a limited time, valued AAA members get an extra $5 OFF when you Show Your Card & Save®. Hurry, offer expires 9/9/2013. Visit www.AAA.com/visionsavings for details.
New travel guides for AAA Mobile iPad app
Top Destinations, a new generation of member-exclusive and downloadable AAA travel guides, was released in June as part of an update to the AAA Mobile iPad app. Series titles feature engaging and interactive designs with photos and color maps, original guide content and expert recommendations to point users to the best experiences top travel destinations have to offer. Included functionality enables users to save favorite details for referencing, trip-planning and sharing via Facebook and Twitter. “These new travel guides are unlike any other member travel information product,” said AAA East Central President Jim Lehman. “They pinpoint the very best things to see and do at member-preferred destinations and enable users to make the most of their visits to these locations.” The initial six titles are Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Diego, Chicago, New York City and Orlando, Fla., and others soon will be added. Non members can view select sections in each, and a valid membership number is required for full access.
AAA senior driving site wins industry award
AAA’s SeniorDriving.AAA.com senior driver safety website received an award of distinction in a recent competition sponsored by the International Academy of Visual Arts. The academy seeks to promote innovative thinking about the changing nature of media. Members include communications and advertising professionals from organizations such as Condé Nast, Disney, Time Inc. and Lockheed Martin. “Nearly half of senior drivers worry about losing their freedom and mobility,” said AAA East Central President. Jim Lehman. “This award reflects AAA’s commitment to be the leading source of information, tools and resources for senior drivers and their families.”
Set sail for savings with Royal Caribbean Cruises
Summer is sizzling onboard Royal Caribbean Cruises with signature features and amenities like onboard rock-climbing walls, waterparks, ice skating rinks, world-class dining and Broadway style entertainment. And AAA Travel is adding some scorching hot extras like prepaid gratuities, specialty restaurant dining, complimentary spa treatments and onboard value savings booklets when you book and deposit a balcony or higher category stateroom on 5-night or longer Royal Caribbean sailings by July 31, 2013. SEE PAGE 9
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AAA MOTORIST
Pack AAA savings into your summer vacation Exclusive discounts on hotels, theme parks, car rentals and more
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At AAA.com/travel, AAA’s round-theclock online vacation center, you’ll find
AAA MEMBER SERVICES
Triptiking, Tourbooks, Maps, Address Change, AAA Plus
APPROVED AUTO REPAIR: 216-606-6332 aar@aaaec.com
AUTO BUYING SERVICE: 800-446-7433 BAIL BOND SERVICE: 216-606-6640, 216-606-6000 (After 5 p.m.) 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
IRA's: 888-728-3230 LEGAL REIMBURSEMENT: 216-606-6864
Lodging Discounts
Travel Discounts
AAA DIRECTORY
800-441-5008 membersvccntr@aaaec.com
rom the Statue of Liberty to the Golden Gate Bridge, the country is bursting with fun, familyfriendly vacation destinations. But making memories that last a lifetime can be expensive. Before you pack your bags, it’s important for you to plan ahead, set a budget, build some fun into your travel time and prepare the car. Decide early in your vacation planning which items are splurge-worthy and where you can save some money. AAA membership provides extensive discounts to make a summer getaway more affordable. Here are just some of the many travel-related discounts available to AAA members: AAA members who stay at AAA preferred hotels receive discounts ranging from five to 15 percent off the best available rate and the comfort of a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. A direct comparison of hotel rates offered on competing sites showed that AAA.com offered the lowest hotels rates available 69 percent of the time. Preferred hotels include Best Western, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, the Hilton Family including Hampton; Marriott brands including Renaissance; and Starwood Hotels & Resorts including Sheraton and Westin. Use the AAA Diamond Ratings to identify properties that meet your needs.
JULY 2013
administration@aaaec.com
MOTORIST, Northeast Ohio Region: 216-606-6700 motorist@aaaec.com
SAVE BIG — AAA membership makes summer getaways more affordable. everything needed to research, plan, reserve and book an air, land or sea vacation — whether it’s a weekend getaway, a romantic cruise or the trip of a lifetime. Click on Hot Deals to save on an ever-changing selection hotel, flight and flight & hotel specials. Simply enter your origin and destination to see what’s currently on sale.
Car Rental Discounts
Hertz, AAA’s exclusive car rental partner, recently acquired the Dollar Thrifty Auto Group and AAA’s partner-
ship agreement has been expanded to include both brands. The addition of the Dollar Thrifty brands to the AAA car rental portfolio provides members with more choice for economy rentals. AAA members will now receive a 10% discount on published Dollar retail rates, and an 8% discount at Thrifty Car Rental on all car classes when booked in advance. In addition, members can receive a 10% discount on navigation units (GPS). Hertz offers members a wide variety of money-saving discounts and exclusive offers using a Hertz/AAA CDP Number (your club code – 215). AAA member benefits include the guaranteed best rate available at time of reservation by booking channel. AAA members now enjoy all the benefits of Hertz Gold Plus Rewards membership absolutely free and earn points towards free rental days.
Attraction Tickets
AAA offers discounted admission tickets to dozens of the most popular theme parks and attractions for a summer getaway. Choose from world-class destinations like Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Studios Orlando, amusement parks like Cedar Point, Dollywood, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, zoos, waterparks and more. Visit AAA.com/ Tickets for a complete list of Print at Home and Tickets by Mail.
NEVER BEEN EASIER TO SAVE
Get easy, on the go access to AAA services including, Roadside Assistance, Maps, Directions and Travel Planning, and Member Exclusive Discounts with AAA Mobile, our free, all in one app for iPhone and Android smartphones. Visit AAA.com/mobile for more information. Travelers can find AAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants in the printed TourBook® guides available at AAA offices, the eTourBook guides at AAA.com/ebooks, online at AAA.com/Travel.
PERSONAL ACCIDENT INSURANCE: 216-606-6194 PUBLIC AFFAIRS: 216-606-6702 PUBLIC RELATIONS: 216-606-6712 SCHOOL SAFETY PROGRAMS: 216-606-6022 TRAFFIC LAWS & TRAFFIC SAFETY: 216-606-6022 TRAVEL AGENCY: 800-354-8761 www.AAA.com
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
JULY 2013
AAA MOTORIST
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Preparing the next generation of auto techs East Central Ohio Region Official publication of AAA East Central Published monthly (except bimonthly Aug./Sept., Nov./Dec.) by AAA East Central 1972 Wales Rd. NE#1, Massillon, OH 44646-4110 330/ 833-1084 USPS 0679-850 Periodicals Postage Paid at Massillon, OH Postmaster: Send address changes to AAA Motorist East Central Ohio Region P.O. Box 6150 Cleveland, OH 44101 Subscription Rate: $1 included in Primary Membership dues. All others: $2/year. Publisher ................................James E. Lehman Managing Editor............................. Douglas O’Neil Business Manager ..................... Sherry A. Madison Editorial Office/Advertising Inquiries 5700 Brecksville Road, Independence, OH 44131 216/606-6704 e-mail: motorist@aaaec.com
AAA EAST CENTRAL Chairman: ................................................Richard S. Hamilton Vice Chairman:....................................... James E. Broome, Jr. Vice Chairman:....................................... Douglas W. Caldwell Vice Chairman:.........................................Mary Lynn Laughlin Vice Chairman:.................................... Martha Hartle Munsch OFFICERS: President: ................................................... James E. Lehman Treasurer & CFO: ...........................................Michael R. Pratt Secretary: ................................................Robert H. Compton GOVERNING BOARD OF DIRECTORS Glenn B. Bachman, James E. Broome, Jr., Steve D. Bullock**, Douglas W. Caldwell, Charles O. Casto, Edward C. Coaxum, Jr., Robert S. Collins, Robert H. Compton, Jon E. Denney, Debra A. Dinnocenzo, Floyd R. Ganassi**, Richard S. Hamilton, James H. Kanicki, Mary Lynn Laughlin, William Duff McCrady, James M. McDonnell**, Thomas V. McKernan Jr., Martha Hartle Munsch, Gary K. Munsie, Terrence L. Walton** EAST CENTRAL REGION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Debra A. Dinnocenzo, Chairman, Neil D. Bassi, Vice Chairman, Carol Asam, Christian Asam, Jack A. Barkley, William E. Bierer**, Ellsworth T. Bowser**, Peter Burton, Marianne B. Campbell, Charles O. Casto, Michael A. Cochran, Daniel J. Collins Jr.**, Robert S. Collins, Robert H. Compton, James J. Dodaro, Jack G. Ellis, Floyd R. Ganassi**, 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, Leonard L. Scheinholtz**, James C. Stump, Jr., James F. Ward *ex officio **emeritus directors
OHIO MOTORISTS REGION BOARD OF TRUSTEES John B. Hexter, Chairman, James H. Kanicki, Vice Chairman, Keith Boales, Thomas G. Brick**, Steve D. Bullock*, Edward C. Coaxum, Jr., Audrey T. Cole, 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, James H. Purtz, 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, Ray Martinez, James Purtz, 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, Thomas R. McCartney, Jeannie Michel, Sally O’Donnell, John Ourant, Rod Rafael, Ronald Shell, Clark Smith, Robert Stephenson, II, Richard Stephenson, Dayne Thomas, Ryan Wallick, Michael Welsh Copyright ©2013 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.
The 2013 Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills competition By Richard Hamilton Chairman, AAA East Central ehicles are becoming more complex every year, and so is the need for a skilled workforce to service them. One hundred of the nation’s best young automotive minds recently converged on the Motor City to compete for the title of the nation’s top high school technicians. Held June 9-11 at Ford World headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan, the 64th Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills Competition National Finals featured the top high school automotive technology students from all 50 states. Each state was represented by a two-student team and their high school instructor. Designed to showcase career opportunities in the automotive service sector, the annual event matches high school students in a side-by-side contest to repair deliberately and identically disabled vehicles. Most have logged hundreds of hours of preparation getting ready to battle their tech-savvy peers. When the dust settled, the duo of Logan Boyle and Cody Collins, under the guidance of instructor Drew Barnes from Vale High School in Vale, Oregon, claimed the crown as America’s top auto technicians. With jobs in the auto industry on the rise, up over 30 percent since last April according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills challenge serves as a springboard for students to launch their careers. And as automotive technology evolves, so does our perception of auto technicians.
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Richard Hamilton If you’ve looked under the hood of a late model car recently, you’ll understand why today’s auto repair techs must not only be proficient with a socket wrench, they must be equally well versed in computer and electronics systems. Skilled technicians today require more knowledge than an automotive engineer of 15 years ago and the industry needs to attract dedicated young people to keep America’s 250 million vehicles operating safely and trouble-free. AAA’s partnership with Ford is also working to change attitudes; break down barriers and open doors that might otherwise be closed to this career path. This year’s finalists included two female competitors making a run at the national title, in what has been a traditionally
male-dominated field of endeavor. The road to Dearborn began in January when nearly 13,000 high school juniors and seniors took an online exam testing their automotive technology knowledge followed by state competitions all across the country. It culminated with a race against the clock and each other to identify glitches and repair deliberately-installed “bugs” in identical 2013 Ford Explorer XLTs. In addition to awards that included trophies and tools, the students competed for a share of the nearly $12 million in scholarships available through the state and national competitions. This year’s national champions also earned a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gain hands-on experience during a job shadow experience with Wood Brothers Racing’s legendary 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Fusion team and driver Trevor Bayne, winner of the 2011 Daytona 500. One of the highlights of the week-long internship was serving as honorary pit crew at the Coke Zero 400 in Daytona Beach. AAA’s commitment is to provide motorists with solutions for all their automotive needs and that includes ensuring they have reliable, quality auto repair options both now and in the future. The Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills competition is just one of the ways that AAA and Ford are creating an awareness of career opportunities in the automotive service industry and promoting the development of an educated workforce, well equipped to respond to increasingly sophisticated auto repair challenges.
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Everything you need in the palm of your hand AAA eTourBooks for on-the-go travel information
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lanning a summer road trip? Let AAA’s digital travel guides lead you to your vacation destination. These awardwinning e-publications help you navigate the big cities or hike the national parks with AAA’s team of professional travel editors. AAA members have relied on the printed TourBook® guides for nearly a century. Now they can pack a wealth of AAA travel information on the portable wireless devices you are already carry. Available exclusively for AAA members at AAA.com/ebooks, AAA eTourBook guides provide detailed trip-planning information for top travel destination locations across North America, including national parks. AAA now publishes 101 eTourBook titles and these destination-specific guides contain listings for AAA Approved and Diamond Rated lodgings and restaurants, AAA travel editors’ picks for attractions, nightlife, and events, suggested 3-day itineraries,
insider tips and images, and more. Some titles even include maps displaying key local areas and highway networks. The Washington, D.C., eTourBook guide includes a color-coded map for the city’s Metrorail system. Member downloads of eTourBook guides recently surpassed 250,000 and the 10 most frequently requested titles are Orlando, Fla.; Washington, D.C.; New York; San Francisco; Las Vegas; national park titles for Grand Canyon and Yellowstone; Boston; Seattle; and Honolulu.
The Las Vegas title recently received Digital Book World’s top Publishing Innovation Award for non-fiction content. Free to members, guide content is refreshed daily to ensure you have access to the most up-to-date travel information when you download a title. Each one is provided in the file formats designed for today’s digital technology. Sync files to your Kindle, Nook or Sony Reader, or download directly to your iPad or smartphone, to put everything you need for your next trip in the palm of your hand. Just go to AAA.com/ebooks on your personal computer, click the “Destinations” button and select a title. If you do not already have a user name and password, you can register on the login page. Download the file to your personal computer and transfer it to a compatible e-reader device. Some devices may require the use of thirdparty software, such as iTunes. Tap into the possibilities with AAA eTourBook Guides at AAA.com/ebooks.
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Tips to expedite your insurance claim Making sure your insurance claim goes smoothly
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iling an insurance claim can seem like an overwhelming task, but it doesn’t have to be. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners has put together the following tips to help policyholders facilitate the process: Know your policy — Your insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance company. Know the terms of that contract, including what’s covered, what’s excluded and the amount of any deductibles. File claims as soon as possible — Call your agent or your insurer’s claims hotline as soon as possible. Your policy might require notification within a certain time frame. Provide complete, correct information — Be certain to give your insurance company all the information they need. Incorrect or incomplete information will only cause a delay in processing your claim. Keep copies of all correspondence — Write down information about your telephone and in-person contacts, including the date, name and title of the person you spoke with and what was said. Also, keep a record of your time and expenses. Ask questions — If there is a disagreement about the claim settlement, ask the insurer for the specific language in the policy that explains the reason why the claim was settled in that man-
Your policy should cover the cost of temporary repairs, so keep all receipts. Also, maintain any damaged personal property for the adjuster to inspect. Don’t make permanent repairs — An insurance company may deny a claim if you make permanent repairs before the damage has been inspected. Try to determine what it will cost to repair your property before you meet with the claims adjuster — Provide the claims adjuster with records of any improvements you made to your property. Ask the claims adjuster for an itemized explanation of the claim settlement offer. Don’t rush into a settlement — If the first offer made by an insurance company does not meet your expectations, be prepared to negotiate. If you have any questions regarding the fairness of your settlement, seek professional advice.
MAKING A CLAIM — When an emergency strikes you don’t want any additional problems. ner. If this disagreement results in a claim denial, make sure you obtain a written letter explaining the reason for the denial and the specific policy language under which the claim is being denied. If you have a dispute with your insurer about the amount or terms of the claim settlement, you should con-
tact your state insurance department for assistance. Make temporary repairs to protect property from further damage — Your auto/homeowners policy might require you to make temporary repairs. If possible, take photographs or video of the damage before making such repairs.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Trust AAA to steer you right on all your current and future Auto, Home and Life insurance needs. Combining your coverage with one insurance company could make a significant difference in your premium. Call 866.802.8210, or visit AAA.com/insurance for more information or to schedule a comprehensive Insurance review.
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AAA identifies motorists’ breaking point on gas prices Most offset high gas prices with driving or lifestyle changes
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alf of U.S. adults consider gas prices to be “too high” when they reach $3.44 per gallon, indicating a potential breaking point on gas prices, according to a new consumer price index developed by AAA. Roughly two-thirds of Americans (62 percent) are offsetting high gas prices by changing their driving habits or lifestyle. The report presents the findings of a national telephone survey conducted on March 28-30. AAA combined the answers from 974 respondents to determine the potential consumer breaking point for high gas prices. “It was not long ago that motorists were shocked to pay more than $3 per gallon for gasoline, but now that is standard at stations nationwide,” said Jim Lehman, president AAA East Central. “Today’s average consumer feels the tipping point on on fuel prices is closer to $3.60 per gallon, and rising costs are forcing many motorists to change their driving habits.” AAA’s gas-price index tracks consumer attitudes by determining at what price the cost of gasoline becomes too high. The results from the open-ended survey demonstrate how attitudes can be expected to change as prices rise above significant milestones: • 46 percent believe gas is too high when the price reaches $3.00 per gallon; • 61 percent believe gas is too high
THE NEW NORMAL — Gas prices have stayed above 3.00 per gallon for the past two years. when the price reaches $3.50 per gallon; • 90 percent believe gas is too high when the price reaches $4.00 per gallon. “It is possible there is a new normal in terms of consumer attitudes now that gas prices have remained above $3 per gallon for more than two years,” notes Lehman. “Most people have resigned themselves to paying higher gas prices and are cutting back on driving, shopping and dining out to save money.”
Consumers report changing their driving habits or lifestyle in a number of ways to offset recent gas prices, including: • Driving less – 86 percent; • Reducing shopping or dining out – 71 percent; • Driving a more fuel efficient car – 54 percent; • Delaying major purchases – 53 percent; • Working closer to home – 39 percent; • Carpooling – 33 percent;
• Using public transportation more regularly – 15 percent; • Other – 18 percent. Younger consumers ages 18-34 are more likely to offset recent gas prices by working closer to home or using public transportation more regularly than adults ages 35 and up (48 percent vs. 35 percent and 25 percent vs. 10 percent, respectively). These results could suggest a generational shift in terms of attitudes towards driving, but it is too early to say whether these attitudes would continue into the future. Gasoline prices have been averaging around $3.60 per gallon, but prices currently vary by more than $1 per gallon nationwide. While the national average has not surpassed $4.00 per gallon since 2008, the national average has remained above $3.00 per gallon for 28 consecutive months. PRICE CHECK
AAA members searching for lowest gasoline prices should look no further than their own personal computer or mobile device. AAA’s Fuel Price Finder at AAA.com, shows local prices and station locations within a ten-mile radius of your address. On the road, use the AAA Mobile app for iPhone and Android to display local prices and station locations. For more information or to download AAA Mobile, visit the AAA Mobile solutions page at AAA.com/mobile.
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MUSH!
MUSH!
Hurry in s! g n i v a s g i b r o f MEMBERS SAVE 1 OF 3 WAYS Premier...... $100 Plus ..............$75 Basic ............$50
ULTIMATE ALASKA
PER ROOM...NEW BOOKINGS ONLY
Winter Wonderland Tour • Feb 20–March 2 site shores of Cook Inlet, where mammoth sloping mountains abruptly stop their flat expanse. Each turn reveals another scenic wonder! Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see wildlife close up and then the Alaska Sealife Center for an indepth look above and below the water. Spend 2 nights and a full day at leisure at the luxurious Alyeska, Alaska’s only 4-diamond hotel & restaurant and its premier year-round resort. Nestled in a lush valley surrounded by mountain peaks, hanging glaciers and spectacular ocean views, the Alyeska offers luxurious accommodations and convenient access to the magnificent Alaskan wilderness. Relax at the on-site spa or take advantage of optional activities such as
dog sledding, snow machining (Alaskan for “snowmobiling”), flightseeing, downhill skiing or showshoeing. An included tram ride offers spectacular views of the valley. Back in Anchorage, tour the historic downtown and lakes Hood & Spenard. Visit the Alaska Zoo for a behind-thescenes tour. End the day at the Mushers’ Banquet festivities and dinner for participants (the human ones, at least!) of the world-famous Iditarod Sled Dog Race. See the winner’s trophy, meet & mingle with mushers and enjoy a great meal all in one evening. Meet 4-time Iditarod champion Martin Buser at his Happy Trails Kennel. Hear personal stories while glimpsing the grandeur Alaska has to offer along
BOOK & DEPOSIT THROUGH 7/31/13 the Iditarod Trail. Return to Anchorage to visit the Iditarod Headquarters and see firsthand a replica Iditarod Trail station. Next morning, grab a great spot along 4th Avenue for the city start of the Iditarod festivities. See mushers from all over the world and enjoy a variety of other Iditarod-related activities. In the afternoon, catch some of the many fascinating cultural opportunities on offer at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Venture north on your last day, stopping in Wasilla (hometown of Alaska’s best known ex-governor) for the day’s on-your-own lunch items. At Willow, the official Re-Start of the Iditarod Dog Sled Race, watch the mushers and their teams dash off on their arduous 1,131-
mile journey to Nome. Ultimate Alaska’s before-discount AAA Member Rate of $2,955 is per person double occupancy, is subject to availability and includes roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, luggage handling, sightseeing transportation/admissions, 14 meals, the services of a AAA Tour Manager (if the minimum-participation goal is met), an in-Alaska guide and hand warmers. Ask a AAA Travel Agent about available addon airfare from your gateway city. Given the popularity of last year’s departure, don’t wait to reserve your spot! Call 1-800-354-8761 or visit AAA.com/ GoAlaska now.
a Alasky! o G / A.cotme itinerar A A t i s Vi comple for
MOOSE NOT BE TOO COLD! — Don’t let winter temps prevent you from enjoying this once-in-a-lifetime adventure; you’ll surely be rewarded with sights that will warm your heart!
JULY 2013
AAA MOTORIST
PAGE 9
Member Benefits • Exclusive Offers
1-800-354-8761 • AAA.com/travel
AAA Member Exclusive
REALLY RED-HOT R E M M U S FREE EXTRAS SIZZLING ON RCI CRUISES: Prepaid Gratuities! Specialty-restaurant Dining! Complimentary Spa Treatments! Onboard-value Savings Booklets!
AND MORE!
SHIPS REGISTERED IN THE BAHAMAS
Book & deposit on a balcony stateroom (or higher level) on 5-night-orlonger Royal Caribbean sailings...
between Aug 1 & Sept 30, 2013:
• Prepaid gratuities for 1st & 2nd guests per stateroom (up to $24 per night) • Dinner for 2 in an onboard specialtydining restaurant ($50 value)
between Oct 1 & Dec 31, 2013:
• 2 Passport to Savings onboard-value booklets per stateroom ($350 value each) • 1 complimentary spa treatment per stateroom ($100 value) • Prepaid gratuities for 1st & 2nd guests per stateroom (up to $24 per night) • Dinner for 2 in an onboard specialtydining restaurant ($50 value)
And, if the RCI cruise you choose is ALSO a AAA Vacations® sailing, you may also get... • Priority check-in to avoid time-consuming lines • In-stateroom chilled Champagne upon arrival • Up to $50.00 shipboard credit per stateroom DATE
NTS
SAMPLE AAA VACATIONS® SAILINGS SHIP
ITINERARY
8/31
7
Vision of the Seas
Scandinavia & Russia: Roundtrip from Copenhagen DK
9/7
7
Oasis of the Seas
Eastern Caribbean: Roundtrip from Ft Lauderdale FL
9/8
7
Freedom of the Seas
Eastern Caribbean: Roundtrip from Pt Canaveral FL
9/15
7
Brilliance of the Seas
Canada/New England: Roundtrip from Boston MA
10/12 7
Oasis of the Seas
Western Caribbean: Roundtrip from Ft Lauderdale FL
10/13 7
Allure of the Seas
Eastern Caribbean: Roundtrip from Ft Lauderdale FL
11/3
7
Allure of the Seas
Western Caribbean: Roundtrip from Ft Lauderdale FL
11/3
7
Freedom of the Seas
Eastern Caribbean: Roundtrip from Pt Canaveral FL
11/9
7
Oasis of the Seas
Western Caribbean: Roundtrip from Ft Lauderdale FL
12/1
7
Allure of the Seas
Western Caribbean: Roundtrip from Ft Lauderdale FL
12/1
7
Independence of the Seas
Western Caribbean: Roundtrip from Ft Lauderdale FL
Sizzling Summer offers end 7/31/13 NEW BOOKINGS ONLY. NOT COMBINABLE WITH ANY OTHER OFFER.
Choose from hundreds of cruises at AAA.com/cruises. For AAA Vacations® cruises, look for departures with the AAA logo!
PAGE 10
AAA MOTORIST
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
JULY 2013
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
Italy’s Charming Hill Towns
AAA MEMBERS SAVE $350.00 BY BOOKING THROUGH 7 / 31 / 13
Tuscan & Umbrian Countryside
PER PERSON
mcv Take the road less traveled
Cincin! Rome • Orvieto • Spoleto Bevagna • Montefalco Assisi • Florence • Siena Monteriggioni • Volterra San Gimignano • Montalone Feb 28–March 10 AAA Member Rate: $4,349
These are included! • Cooking class in a 16thcentury Umbrian farmhouse • Home-cooked meal with a local family in Umbria • Sample local sausage, wine & cheese in a hill town, the “Balcony of Umbria” • The Guarnacci, 1 of the most famous Etruscan museums
Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Cleveland–Rome, Florence/Pisa–Cleveland), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, hotel luggage handling (1 per person), 16 meals, air & hotel taxes (subject to change) and in-Italy guide. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Visit AAA.com/GoItaly for details. AAA Member Choice Vacations© door-to-door transfer service not available on this departure.
CONVENIENT CRUISING FROM CLEVELAND Avoid potential hassles at the airport. Instead, motorcoach to your cruise! Park for free at a pick-up point, then relax & ride AAA’s convenient “Cruise Express” motorcoach to Baltimore’s pier to board Grandeur of the Seas!
2013 NEW ENGLAND & CANADA Oct 17-25 • from $1,130
2014 BAHAMAS July 11-18 • from $1,297
Portland & Bar Harbor, Maine Saint John, New Brunswick Halifax, Nova Scotia 3 full days at sea
Port Canaveral, Florida CocoCay, Bahamas Nassau, Bahamas 3 full days at sea
2014 CARIBBEAN Jan 21-31 • from $1,081
San Juan, Puerto Rico Tortola, British Virgin Islands Charlotte Amelie, St Thomas USVI Philipsburg, St Maarten 5 full days at sea
ENJOY AT LEAST 9 MARKETS & MORE!
4 nights in Nuremberg 3 nights in Munich
2014 BERMUDA Aug 29–Sept 4 • from $1,030 King’s Wharf, Bermuda 2 full days at sea
2014 CARIBBEAN March 8-18 • from $1,199
2014 NEW ENGLAND & CANADA Oct 2-10 • from $1,169
Cozumel, Mexico Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands Falmouth, Jamaica; Labadee, Haiti 5 full days at sea
Portland & Bar Harbor, Maine Saint John, New Brunswick Halifax, Nova Scotia 3 full days at sea
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 and government fees. Ship’s registry: Bahamas. Visit AAA.com/motorcruise for itinerary details & pick-up points.
German Christmas Markets
2014 CARIBBEAN Nov 1-11 • from $1,167 Cozumel, Mexico Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands Falmouth, Jamaica; Labadee, Haiti 5 full days at sea
Experience the Old World tradition of welcoming the festive Christmas season at public marketplaces large and small. Dec 2-10 • AAA Member Rate: $2,959 AAA Member Rate includes roundtrip flights (Cleveland-Frankfurt, Munich-Cleveland), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, motorcoach transportation, hotel taxes/service charges, hotel baggage handling, 13 meals, Neuschwanstein tour, services of a AAA Tour Manager (if minimum-participation goal is met) and in-Germany escort. Visit AAA.com/GoEurope for details. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.
JULY 2013
AAA MOTORIST
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
PAGE 11
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
FREE airport parking & FREE motorcoach on unique cruise! Once in a great while an amazing opportunity comes along that you just can’t ignore; THIS is one of those! And, as is usually the case with once-in-a-blue-moon situations, time's of the essence. Celebrity Cruises and AAA present a unique Eastern Caribbean (St Maarten, St Thomas, Tortola) & Bermuda cruise vacation featuring:
FREE 9-DAY PARKING AT PARK ’N FLY® NEAR CLEVELAND HOPKINS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT... AN 8-NIGHT CRUISE ON CELEBRITY SUMMIT TO THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN & BERMUDA... FREE ONE-WAY RETURN MOTORCOACH TRANSPORTATION FROM CAPE LIBERTY, NEW JERSEY! An offer like this won’t last long, so you must contact a AAA Travel Agent as soon as possible to maximize your chance of securing this unbelievable opportunity.
Eastern Caribbean & Bermuda • April 26–May 4 9-day airport-area parking ($69 value) .............FREE Airport-to-pier transfer in San Juan .....................................................$30 Port charges & government fees........................................................$331 8-night cruise on Celebrity Summit (balcony stateroom) .......from $704 Return motorcoach transportation ($175 value) .......... FREE AAA Member Rate ...... from $1,065 + 1-way air to San Juan Rate/offer is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes 9-day parking (1 per stateroom) at Park ’N Fly® near Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, airport-to-pier transfer in San Juan, cruise accommodations (balcony stateroom), onboard entertainment, most onboard meals, AAA Vacations® amenities (listed on photo at right), port charges, government fees and 1-way motorcoach transportation (Cape Liberty NJ–Cleveland). Ship’s registry: Malta. Visit AAA.com/motorcruise for detailed itinerary. Ask about available add-on 1-way airfare (Cleveland–San Juan).
ADDITIONAL AMENITIES! Priority Check-in $50 Shipboard Credit per stateroom AAA MEMBER EXCLUSIVES! 24 / 7 Member Care 48-hour Best-price Guarantee
PAGE 12
AAA MOTORIST
JULY 2013
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.
CRUISING HAWAII THE BEST WAY TO SEE IT ALL...AT YOUR OWN PACE!
AAA’s unique 9-night Hawaiian vacations feature a 2-night pre-cruise stay in Honolulu, an Oahu tour (featuring the USS Arizona Memorial & more) and a 7-night cruise of 4 islands — Oahu, Maui, Hawaii & Kauai. AAA Member Rates Jan 9-18: from $1,705 Jan 30–Feb 8: from $1,809 Feb 27–March 8: from $1,809
DOUBLE DELIGHT FROM AAA & RCI!
2 vacations in 1
Pride of America
© CHAD MCDERMOTT / FOTOLIA.COM
Rates are per person (double occupancy), are subject to change/availability at time of booking and include hotel/pier transfers, 2 nights at the Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa, USS Arizona Memorial/Pearl Harbor tour, 7-night cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals and government taxes/fees. Ship’s registry: USA. Ask about available add-on airfare.
PASADENA
CALIFORNIA New Yearʼs Getaway including reserved seats for the worldfamous Tournament of Roses Parade!
New Orleans
Western Caribbean
3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS
8-DAY / 7-NIGHT CRUISE
City tour, including Katrina-impacted sites Mississippi River cruise on the steamboat Natchez Louisiana swampboat tour Mardi Gras World Demonstration & dinner at the New Orleans School of Cooking
Serenade of the Seas $25.00 per person onboard credit Cozumel, Mexico George Town, Grand Cayman Falmouth, Jamaica 3 full days at sea
MARCH 27–APRIL 5 • AAA MEMBER RATE: from $1,499 Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip airport/hotel/pier transfers, 2-night hotel accommodations/taxes/service charge/baggage handling (1 piece per person), 5 meals (on land), cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals, government fees and services of a AAA Tour Manager (if minimum-participation goal is met). Ship’s registry: Bahamas. Visit AAA.com/travel for more details. Ask about available add-on airfare.
Dec 29–Jan 3 AAA Member Rate: $3,955 Start in LA, touring historic Farmers Market, glitzy Rodeo Drive and star-studded Hollywood. At the Chinese Theatre (née Grauman’s, then Mann’s), see celebrity signatures immortalized in cement. Follow the bronze medallions studding Hollywood Boulevard’s Walk of Fame. At Hollywood & Highland, a shopping & entertainment complex housing the new home of Academy Awards extravaganzas, enjoy a great view of the iconic HOLLYWOOD sign from the upper level. Continue to downtown LA if time permits, then relax and get acquainted with your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner at at a bayfront restaurant in Long Beach. Day 2 takes you to Pasadena to see floats in the final stage of parade preparation; watch volunteers & professionals hand-apply flowers. Tour Burbank’s Warner Brothers Studios for a behind-the-scenes look into making films and TV shows; be alert for star sightings! Return to your hotel to relax poolside or enjoy beachside paths for walking, jogging and biking. Dining on your own allows you to explore Long Beach. On Day 3, drive to Simi Valley’s Reagan Presidential Library & Museum, the nation’s largest and most elaborate; see a full-scale Oval Office replica, Air Force One, a re-created White House state dinner and numerous videos & displays. Drive the Pacific Coast Highway through exclusive Malibu to fun & funky Santa Monica; explore its
variety of sights in your free time. Attend an exclusive New Year’s Eve party in Long Beach on the magnificent Queen Mary — a luxurious setting for sophisticated dining, dancing and bidding farewell to 2013 in grand style. Usher in 2014 with a toast from the best seat in Long Beach for a gigantic fireworks display off the ship’s stern! Day 4 finds you in Pasadena, at your reserved seat for the Roses Parade — 60 flower-covered floats, marching bands, equestrians. Stop at Victory Park to view the floats up close. Enjoy lunch in see-&-be-seen West Hollywood, then drive to your all-suite hotel on San Diego’s waterfront. Explore this unique city on Day 5; see Cabrillo Monument atop Point Loma, with commanding views of the Pacific, the harbor and the city skyline. Drive through Mission Bay, continue to Old Town (California’s birthplace) and La Jolla, a chic beachside hideaway where you’ll have time to explore. Established in 1868, Balboa Park is the country’s oldest and one of its largest city parks. Take a guided tour on a doubledecker bus at San Diego Zoo, then board the luxurious Lord Hornblower, designed to resemble the grand steamships that once plied the harbor; enjoy entertainment, dancing and a sit-down dinner while cruising past glittering harbor lights under radiant stars in the sky before debarking at the Embarcadero. All too soon, fly home on Day 6.
Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Cleveland–Los Angeles, San Diego–Cleveland), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, hotel luggage handling (1 per person), 10 meals (including 2 dinner cruises), 2 cocktail parties, reserved parade seat, taxes/gratuities on included items, local tour manager and services of a AAA Tour Manager (if participation goal is met). Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.
JULY 2013
AAA MOTORIST
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1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
Napa Valley & San Francisco
New Mexico Balloon Fiesta
So many delights in one tour — from San Francisco’s endless charms to the natural splendor of the Muir Woods redwoods. Cross Golden Gate Bridge to enjoy 5 vineyards (participate in a “Blend Your Own Merlot” event) and 3 nights at Tuscanstyle Vino Bella Resort in Napa. Savor a 4-course dinner on the Napa Valley Wine Train. With your hotel at Fisherman’s Wharf as your base, tour San Francisco’s famous landmarks, cruise by ferry across the bay and enjoy free time for shopping and exploring. 2 meals. Oct 7-12 • $1,949
Explore Albuquerque, the Land of Enchantment’s largest city. At the International Balloon Fiesta, witness the mass ascension of hundreds of balloons. Explore landmarks along Route 66, visit Old Town & its Plaza and tour the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Ride Sandia Peak’s Aerial Tramway and visit an artisanal winery. See the Balloon Fiesta’s evening “Glowdeo” & fireworks. Explore historic Chimayo village, artistic Taos and charming Santa Fe. Take a guided desert wilderness hike with llamas! 14 meals. Oct 9-15 • $2,309
AAA MEMBER RATES are per person (double occupancy), are subject to availability at time of booking and include roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, motorcoach sightseeing & admissions as indicated and more. Ask about available add-on airfare. Visit AAA.com/USA for complete itinerary details.
GO WILD! Spectacular South Africa
APRIL 24–MAY 9 INCLUDES AAA TOUR MANAGER WITH YOU THROUGHOUT AFRICA!
AAA MEMBER BENEFIT SAVE $200.00
28 MEALS AAA MEMBER RATE $8,439
PER PERSON
AAA.com
Linking you & your next vacation!
CRUISES • FLIGHTS AAA FEATURED VACATIONS HOTEL/MOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS RENTAL CARS • AAA DRIVE TRIPS TOURS – DOMESTIC & INTERNATIONAL LAST-MINUTE SAVINGS
Research & book travel arrangements from the comfort of your home – 24/7.
Johannesburg • Soweto • Blyde River Canyon • 3 Rondavels • Bourke’s Luck Potholes • Kruger National Park • Port Elizabeth • Knysna • Oudtshoorn • Stellenbosch • Cape Winelands • Cape Town • Victoria Falls • Zambezi Cruise
TRAVEL WITH SOMEONE YOU TRUST.®
APRIL 24–MAY 14 AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
Bunratty Folk Park Medieval banquet in a 15th-century castle Cliffs of Moher Flying Boat Museum Killarney National Park, including Muckross House
Ring of Kerry, the Skellig Experience & Moll’s Gap Waterford Crystal tour Russborough House Dinner & song at a pub Dublin: tour & free time ...AND MUCH, MUCH MORE!
Oct 13-20 • AAA Member Rate: $1,399 Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, guided motorcoach sightseeing, entrance fees, 11 meals (including Bunratty Castle medieval banquet/entertainment & Merry Ploughboy pub dinner/entertainment), in-Ireland tour director, hotel luggage handling (1 piece per person), hotel taxes & service charges. Ask about available add-on airfare. Visit AAA.com/GoIreland for itinerary and more information.
PROGRAMS OPERATED BY CIE TOURS INTERNATIONAL Edinburgh • Spean Bridge Woolen Mill • Loch Ness cruise • Highland evening • Culloden Battlefield • Blair Athol Whickey Distillery • Edinburgh Castle • Ferry to Northern Ireland • Belfast: Titanic Center • Dublin: Book of Kells, canal dinner cruise • Rock of Cashel • Blarney Castle & Woolen Mills • Killarney: “jaunting car” • Ring of Kerry • Skellig Experience • Sneem • Moll’s Gap • River Shannon ferry • Cliffs of Moher (pictured) • Medieval banquet • AND MORE! Nov 9-19 • AAA Member Rate: $1,699 Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, guided motorcoach sightseeing, entrance fees, 16 meals (including medieval banquet, canal dinner cruise), in-Ireland tour director, hotel luggage handling (1 piece per person), hotel taxes & service charges. Ask about available add-on airfare. Visit AAA.com/GoIreland for itinerary and more information.
INCLUDES AAA TOUR MANAGER WITH YOU DOWN UNDER!
OUTBACK
30 MEALS AAA MEMBER RATE $9,439
to the
GLACIERS
AAA MEMBER BENEFIT SAVE $400.00 PER PERSON
Melbourne • Alice Springs • Ayers Rock • Great Barrier Reef (catamaran & glass-bottom boat rides) • Cairns • Sydney • Christchurch • Franz Josef Glacier • Queenstown • Milford Sound Cruise • Mt Cook National Park • Optional Tours Available Before-discount rates are per person (double occupancy), are subject to availability and include roundtrip flights from Cleveland, roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, sightseeing per itinerary, accommodations, in-country guide, meals as indicated, government taxes/fees and AAA Tour Manager (if minimum-participation goal is met). Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Visit AAA.com/GoAfrica and AAA.com/GoAustralia for complete itinerary and important pre-travel information. AAA Member Choice Vacations© door-to-door transfer service not available on these departures.
PAGE 14
AAA MOTORIST
JULY 2013
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel LEAVE YOUR CAR AT HOME!
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
Rates are per person, 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.
NEW YORK STATE RAIL & SAIL
FALLINGWATER FOLIAGE
Enjoy 2 train rides and 3 cruises on this exploration of scenic northern New York. Start in the Thousand Islands/St Lawrence River area, tour the dense woods of the Central Adirondacks and wind up at 32-mile-long Lake George. Includes boat ride to Boldt Castle & Heart Island, Amtrak’s Maple Leaf (train from Syracuse to Albany), “Railroads on Parade” exhibit, North Creek Depot Museum, train through the Central Adirondacks (North Creek to Saratoga), Saratoga Springs tour, Turning Stone Casino, 9 meals (including Thousand Islands dinner cruise and Lake George luncheon cruise) & more.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s progressive architecture is combined with the spectacular natural beauty of Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands on this fall weekend. Includes tours of 2 Frank Lloyd Wright homes (Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob), accommodations, 4 meals & more.
Aug 26-30
AAA Member Rate: $1,069
WASHINGTON DC Sept 5-8
AAA Member Rate: $659
Bring a camera to capture DC’s most memorable sights. A full-day tour features many of the national capital’s most interesting and historic attractions. Includes full-day DC sightseeing, half-day Arlington tour, illuminated monuments tour, Flight 93 Memorial (Shanksville PA), 5 meals & more.
Oct 12-13
DATE
AAA Member Rate: $319
AAA MEMBER RATE
Aug 10........ TARA & GROVE CITY OUTLETS: Clark PA..........$78 Lunch & tour of Tara–A Country Inn. Daffin’s Candies. Premium Outlets.
Aug 24.......GRAND CANYON OF THE EAST: Castile NY ......$117 Letchworth State Park tour. Letchworth Museum. Lunch at Glen Iris Inn.
MUSIC & RAILROADS OF WEST VIRGINIA
Sept 7 .............. NIAGARA FALLS: Ontario, Canada.............$119
Ride through the “wild & wonderful” Mountain State on the Cheat Mountain Salamander scenic train. Visit the National Radio Astronomy Observatory; see one of the world’s largest telescopes. Attend shows at the American Mountain Theater and the Gandy Dancer Dinner Theatre. Enjoy “Bluegrass with a Twist” dinner show. Includes Blackwater Falls visit, 5 meals, entertainment & more.
Sept 21 ..............COVERED BRIDGES: Geneva OH ................$85
FRENCH TOAST TOUR: MONTRÉAL & QUÉBEC
Oct 7 ..................3 RIVERS CRUISE: Pittsburgh PA ................$89
Sept 30–Oct 2
Oct 7-11
AAA Member Rate: $539
AAA Member Rate: $1,189
Tour the Canadian province of Québec: Explore the only walled city in North America, visit Notre-Dame Basilica and experience the region’s French culture and cuisine. Includes Thousand Islands cruise, tours of Québec City & Montréal, Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica, Montmorency Falls, Marie’s Bread Oven, Woodcarver’s Museum, Notre-Dame Basilica, 9 meals & more. Passport required.
Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Sightseeing. Passport or passport card required.
Guided tour of bridges. Grand River Cellars Winery. Robinson’s Apple Barn.
Sept 28 ................OHIO AMISH: Holmes County ..................$83 Buggy ride. Schrock’s Amish Farm. Der Dutchman. Heini’s Cheese. Amish Flea Market. Luncheon cruise with entertainment by Sputzy. 3 hours at Rivers Casino.
Oct 19...................THE WILDS: Cumberland OH ...................$95 Safari through wildlife preserve. Carnivore Conservationi Center. Lunch.
Oct 26.................LOAFIN’ AROUND: Mayville NY.................$99 Bread & salad making classes. Chef-prepared lunch. Bake sale. Samples. Shopping.
Ò HAPPY HOLIDAYSÓ TOURS
HOLIDAYS IN BRANSON MO
Nov 13-18 • AAA Member Rate: $1,099
Enjoy the “Live Music Show Capital of the World” as it puts on its holiday best at 5 included holiday shows (Johnny Mathis, Tony Orlando, Brett Family, Dutton Family, Daniel O’Donnell). Includes show tickets (1 per show), Titanic exhibit admission, College of the Ozarks, Branson Lights tour, Fantastic Caverns, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 9 meals & more.
OGLEBAY FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Nov 24-25 • AAA Member Rate: $299
Enjoy more than 1 million holiday lights on display at the Oglebay Resort in Wheeling WV. Includes accommodations at Wilson Lodge, guided lights display tour, Winter Fantasy, animated Holiday Light & Sound Extravaganza, Mansion Museum, Carriage House of Glass, Garden Center & Greenhouse, Behind the Scenes tour, Cabela’s shopping, 2 meals & more.
KALIGHTOSCOPE CHRISTMAS
Dec 6-7 • AAA Member Rate: $359
Louisville’s Galt House Hotel is noted for its KaLightoscope Christmas, a holiday attraction of larger-than-life light sculptures up to 24 feet high. See a life-size gingerbread village (world’s largest) and the Mistletoe Marketplace of crafts & curiosities. Visit the Kentucky Derby Museum for its "Reindeer Games." Includes Galt House accommodations, KaLightoscope admission, “Reindeer Games,” 2 meals (including “Colors of the Season” holiday dinner show) & more.
FRANKENMUTH CHRISTMAS
Dec 14-15 • AAA Member Rate: $279
Visit Bronner’s (world’s largest Christmas store) and see the Silent Night Chapel on this holiday weekend to this Bavarianthemed village in Michigan. Includes Bavarian Inn Lodge accommodation, city tour, Bronner’s CHRISTmas Store, 2 meals (including dinner at the Bavarian Inn) & more.
1-day Holiday Excursions WARTHER’S FESTIVAL OF TREES
Dover OH Nov 16 • AAA Member Rate: $85 Annual Christmas tree festival. Lehman’s. Smucker’s. Amish lunch.
HOLIDAYS AT TARA
Clark/Hermitage/Grove City PA Dec 13 • AAA Member Rate: $69 Tara–A Country Inn. Kraynak’s Christmas display. Wendell August Forge.
JULY 2013
AAA MOTORIST
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1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
LEAVE YOUR CAR AT HOME!
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
AAA MASSILLON Motorcoach Tours Rates are per person, are subject to availability at time of booking and include roundtrip deluxe 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 (from the Massillon, New Philadelphia and/or Alliance areas, depending on tour).
Shipwrecks & Shorelines Aug 20-23
Mackinac Island MI
AAA Member Rate: from $759
More than just Michigan’s charming Mackinac Island, this intriguing and unique getaway includes a glass-bottom-boat shipwreck tour, a visit to a National Marine Sanctuary, a search for treasure and time to relax. Wind up summer with a new learning experience, lake breezes and the timeless beauty of the Great Lakes region. Also enjoy lunch on your own at the famous Tony Packo diner in Toledo OH, a night in Bay City MI, a horse-drawn carriage ride and Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island and Edsel Ford's estate in Grosse Pointe Shores MI. 6 meals.
“Country Living” Fair in Columbus
Sept 13
AAA Member Rate: $117
Grace Kelly: Beyond the Icon Eastern Pennsylvania
Nov 11-13
AAA Member Rate: from $488
Trace the path actress Grace Kelly took from Philly to Monaco, from starlet to princess. Based on a display at London’s Victoria & Albert Museum, this exhibit at Doylestown’s James A Michener Museum in bucolic Bucks County provides unprecedented access to her personal objects. Also see works by renowned Impressionist and Modernist artists in the museum’s permanent displays. Includes the Flight 93 national memorial in Shanksville, a historic mansion in New Hope and lunch in Hershey. 4 meals.
“Once” — The Musical
Nov 14
Playhouse Square, Cleveland
AAA Member Rate: $132
Meet the contributors that make Country Living magazine such a huge success! Pick up ideas on table decorating, country color and room style designs. Makeover and inspiration are what this fair is all about. You’ll also have time to hop in to the Ohio Historical Society and enjoy the exhibitions. And, as guests of the Historical Society, our group will have special consideration mid-day which will allow a private air-conditioned room where we can sit down, relax and rejuvenate ourselves for the remainder of the afternoon. We’ll even provide a boxed lunch to carry you through the day. This trip was a sellout last year and guarantees to be again this year! The crowds were so large that we’ve added the Early Bird option and start our shopping BEFORE the general public! 2 meals.
Winner of 8 Tony Awards in 2012 (including Best Musical), “Once” features an impressive ensemble of actor/musicians who play their own instruments onstage. “Once” is the enchanting, bittersweet tale of a Dublin street musician who’s about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young Czech woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. It’s an unforgettable story about going for your dreams...not living in fear...and the power of music to connect all of us. Nominated for a total of 11 awards and well worth their merit. Enjoy dinner and a show all in one package, and let AAA “park the car.” 1 meal.
Sept 30–Oct 4
Dec 5
Washington DC, Manassas & Quantico
AAA Member Rate: from $859
Here’s a unique opportunity to enjoy the patriotic sites you expect to see in our nation’s capital PLUS lesser-known, less-visited but fascinating gems in next-door Virginia — Manassas’s Civil War Battlefield, Quantico’s National Cemetery & National Museum of the Marine Corps and Occoquan’s quaint riverfront on the Potomac as well as the outlets at Potomac Mills. 8 meals.
“Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz” Playhouse Square, Cleveland
AAA Member Rate: from $128
Long before Dorothy from Kansas arrives in Munchkinland, 2 girls meet in the land of Oz. One — born with emerald-green skin — is smart, firey and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these 2 grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good makes for great musical entertainment. Enjoy dinner and a show all in one package, and let AAA “park the car.” 1 meal.
It’s not too soon to reserve these holiday tours! Cleveland Pops
Straight No Chaser
First Noel
Dec 1 • AAA Member Rate: from $112
Dec 14 • AAA Member Rate: from $122
The Cleveland Pops Orchestra with Carl Topilow, Cleveland Pops Chorus and pianist-showman Rich Ridenour perform music of the season. “Piano Man” Ridenour will delight young and old alike with his vast repertoire of Christmas songs and medleys. Maestro brings his brightly colored vest, flashy socks and light-up tie for this special event just once a year, and it is amazing. The music is traditional Christmas and performed with flair. Guest musicians surprise audiences every year — and a few children are pulled from the audience to entertain the crowd and test their skills. Dick Goddard’s adorable puppies and kittens add to the mayhem. It’s one big Christmas fest, and we’ll be their in plenty of time to enjoy it all!
The quirky, talented and funny 10-member a cappella You Tube sensations return to Cleveland! The gentlemen of Straight No Chaser have sold out its Christmas show in Cleveland each of the last 4 years. If you want to be amazed and entertained by this uniquely sophisticated phenomenal young group, don’t hesitate at all — book now before you miss your chance to experience their voices, their humor and their story from Indiana University to a budding career at Cedar Point and a surprise recording deal; they’ll warm your heart! This is more than just Christmas music; it’s toe-tapping feel-good entertainment the entire family will enjoy and remember for years to come!
Nov 14-15 AAA Member Rate: from $289
Playhouse Square, Cleveland
Playhouse Square, Cleveland
Lancaster PA
Start your Christmas the traditional way – but before the crowds become overwhelming. Come with AAA to Pennsylvania’s bucolic Amish Dutch country, where the always popular American Music Theatre’s all-new 2013 holiday show features your favorite seasonal and sacred Christmas songs. It’s musical splendor and enchantment brought to life by marvelous talent from across the country supported by the American Music Theatre Orchestra. And there’s more! Visit the National Christmas Center, enjoy a Christmas shopping trip at Lancaster’s historic Central Market and savor a special candlelit dinner. 3 meals.
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AAA Emergency Road Service: Understanding your coverage
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his is an overview of Emergency Road Service coverage for Basic members. Additional benefits and services are available for those with AAA Plus, AAA Plus RV, or AAA Premier membership. Contact your local office or call the TeleService Center at 412363-5100 or 1-800-441-5008 for details.
making the call to obtain service In case of an automotive emergency, call the AAA number listed on your AAA membership card. You’ll be connected to our 24-hour ERS dispatch center or the AAA club in the area from which you are calling. To help speed our response, be prepared to: 1. Provide your name, your membership number and the club code listed on your membership card. 2. Give the exact location of your vehicle and the nature of the trouble. 3. Describe the year, make and color of vehicle disabled. 4. If possible, provide a telephone or cell phone number where you can be reached. (Helpful hint: Keep your cell phone number in your wallet or attach it to the phone for easy access) if you cannot be with the vehicle Except for situations involving a highway emergency, the member must initiate the request for service and identify any person who will serve as the member’s designated agent. Depending on the type of service requested, your designated agent may be required to assume the responsibility of signing a release form. Your designated agent also must have possession of your current AAA membership card, the owner’s card and keys and be with the vehicle at the time service is rendered. Service to unattended vehicles is at the sole discretion of the service provider. cancel unnecessary calls If the requested service is no longer needed and the AAA service representative has not yet arrived, please call AAA immediately, as each service call is charged to AAA and against the member’s record. service inclusions 1. Mechanical First Aid. The AAA emergency service representative will make minor mechanical repairs or adjustments to place a vehicle in driving condition. If needed and available, parts and the labor cost to install them are to be paid for by the member. If the vehicle cannot be put into condition to proceed under its own power within a reasonable length of time, towing service as described in item 5 will be provided. 2. Flat-tire Service. If the vehicle’s spare tire is inflated and serviceable, it will be installed in place of the vehicle’s flat tire. If not, towing provisions will apply. Note: Tire rotation, installation/ removal of tire chains and snow
gible for service. Commercial vehicles (excluding taxis and limousines) are eligible for services. Motorcycles are ineligible for all services. weather emergencies During severe weather conditions, AAA reserves the right to suspend service temporarily if the vehicle is already in a place of safety, such as a private or public garage, driveway, etc. AAA will provide service to the vehicle after the weather emergency is over.
tire changeover are not emergency road services. 3. Battery Service. A battery boost will be provided in an attempt to start the vehicle. If it cannot be started in this manner, towing provisions will apply. 4. Fuel Delivery Service. A limited supply of fuel will be delivered to a member’s disabled vehicle enabling the member to reach the nearest service station. The member will be charged for the fuel at current pump prices. 5. Towing Services. When your vehicle cannot be safely driven after attempting any of the listed emergency services, your vehicle will be towed (once per breakdown) to the facility rendering the service, or up to three miles in any direction from the point of disablement at no charge. Charges for service that exceeds the benefits listed will be at the prevailing hourly or mileage rate for the region where service is provided. In instances when your vehicle becomes disabled while towing a light-duty trailer, service will be provided for the trailer. You will be required to pay for trailer towing. 6. Extrication/Winching. Your vehicle will be pulled out of a ditch by being extricated/winched when it can be safely reached from a normally traveled or established thoroughfare (driveways must be cleared of snow or ice). If special equipment, additional service personnel or vehicles are required, the associated costs will be at your expense. 7. Lockout Service. If your keys are locked inside the vehicle, service will be sent to gain entrance. If your keys are lost, broken or the service provider cannot gain entrance to your vehicle, locksmith service up to $60 or, if a AAA locksmith is not available, reimbursement for locksmith service up to $60
will be provided. In cases where the vehicle cannot be made operable, towing services will be provided according to our towing provision. 8. Service Limitations. Members requiring more than four road service calls during their membership year will be charged for the fifth call and each succeeding call at the time of service. 9. Emergency Check Acceptance. Members’ personal checks are accepted for emergency service and repairs by affiliated emergency road service stations for the exact amount of expenses up to $250. This program covers only emergency service and repairs to put a member’s vehicle in safe running condition. A valid membership card must be presented in addition to other identification required by the station. 10. Special Assistance. When your vehicle cannot be made operable upon providing the services listed in this brochure, AAA will assist you in finding the nearest open place of repair. If a repair facility cannot be located, we will assist you in obtaining lodging or alternate transportation, which will be at your expense. types of vehicles serviced Service applies to all properly licensed and inspected four-wheeled motor-driven vehicles of the passenger, pleasure or recreational type - provided that services can be safely delivered. If specific towing equipment is requested, but not required to safely transport the vehicle, the associated cost will be at your expense. Dual-wheel campers/motor homes are eligible for all services except towing, extrication/winching and tire service. Dual-wheel unloaded pick-up trucks are eligible for all services except tire services. Rented passenger vehicles are eli-
alternate service If you have followed the procedure to obtain emergency road service, and AAA service is not available, you may obtain your own service, pay for it and submit the original receipt to your AAA club within 60 days. Reimbursement will be based on the prevailing commercial rate for the region where the vehicle was disabled. In instances where the AAA contractor access is legally restricted (toll roads, limitedaccess highways), reimbursement will be provided for all covered services. If AAA service was available but not requested, reimbursement may be limited to the amount the club would have paid normally for the covered service. AAA will make no reimbursements on charges incurred when a member’s vehicle is removed from the street or under direction of the police because of illegal parking or other traffic violations. Members having more than four road service calls during their membership year are not eligible for alternateservice reimbursement. member’s risk Before servicing any vehicle when there is a possibility of damage to the vehicle or other property as a result of the service, a service representative will inform the member that the member must assume the risk of damage. Any such circumstances should be fully recorded on a release form. While AAA-affiliated service providers are selected to provide the best emergency road service to our members, such providers are independent contractors and are not agents of AAA. AAA assumes no responsibility for any injuries to persons or property, including damage to the member’s vehicle, as a result of an emergency road service request. AAA will make every reasonable effort to work out a settlement between a member and an affiliated service provider of the member’s claim for damages resulting from unsatisfactory emergency road service. Contact the TeleService Center within 10 days of the incident so that a prompt investigation can be made while all facts are available. ©2013
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Some surprising news on distracted driving A landmark study quantifies distracted driving By Tom Vanderbilt ew people have devoted as much time and intellectual energy to the problem of distracted driving as David Strayer, a professor of cognition and neural sciences at the University of Utah. Strayer has studied the issue for more than a decade, bringing his findings to forums ranging from state legislatures to The Oprah Winfrey Show. His latest research for the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, takes a novel approach. After fitting drivers with electrode caps to record brain activity, researchers measured their reaction times and hazard-detection accuracy both in a driving simulator and on the road. After analyzing the data, Strayer created a “category 1 through 5” scale to define how much certain tasks distract drivers. His findings may surprise you. • Phone conversations had much the same effect whether the driver used a hand-held or hands-free device (2.45 versus 2.27 on the 5 point scale). • Listening to an audio book required more attention (1.75) than did the radio (1.21). • Speech-to-text systems were much more demanding—a “category 3” distraction. • The highest level of distraction (5.0) came while drivers worked on complex math and memory exercises.
prompted AAA to support Strayer’s work. Jake Nelson, AAA director of traffic safety and research, says these findings don’t warrant a call for a ban on voice-activated technology. “We simply want to say, hey, we’ve learned something new here that we want to sit down and talk about,” he says. Tom Vanderbilt (tomvanderbilt.com) also writes for The Wall Street Journal and Smithsonian. His most recent book is the New York Times bestseller Traffic: Why We Drive the Way We Do (and What It Says about Us).
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THE STRAYER SCALE
Levels of distraction on a scale of 1 (least distracting) to 5 (most distracting):
OFF THE CHARTS — Researchers measured reaction times both in a driving simulator and on the road. What in the real world of driving is even remotely similar to these tests? Strayer wondered the same thing. Then he recalled a new car he test drove that included a system for buying movie tickets. “You’re not sure what’s playing, what times are available, what theaters,” he says. “You reserve your seat, give your credit card info—that entire series of operations is going to be at least a category 3, and it wouldn’t surprise me if
some of those pushed into category 4.” All of this is happening while your eyes are on the road. But, as the phenomenon of “inattention blindness,” or the ability to miss something right in front of you, has shown, people who seem to be paying attention can be distracted. “Eyes off the road is a bad thing,” says Strayer. “It’s just that eyes on the road doesn’t mean it’s safe.” It’s the increasing availability and complexity of in-car technologies that
• Single-task condition: 1.00 • Listing to the radio: 1.21 • Audio book: 1.75 • Conversing with friend on hands-free
mobile phone: 2.27
• Conversing with friend on a hand-held
mobile phone: 2.45
• Interacting with a speech to text device:
3.01
• Driving while doing a series of math and
memory tasks: 5.00 WHERE AAA STANDS
The club supports legislative bans on texting while driving, and bans on wireless use for drivers under 18. AAA also urges all drivers to accept personal responsibility to be alert and attentive on the road.
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Princess Cruises launches Royal Princess Expect to be treated like royalty on Princess’ newest ship
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soaring atrium, a dramatic over-the-water SeaWalk, an intimate dining experience surrounded by a soft curtain of light. The all-new Royal Princess set sail in June with a host of innovations that enhance and expand on the classic Princess Cruise experience. The 3,600 passenger Royal Princess is an intoxicating mix of classic Italian ambience, gourmet dining and stellar entertainment aboard a floating resort where you can relax or revel to your heart’s content. Passengers descend a pair of marble spiral staircases to the Piazza “the social hub of the ship.” The cavernous threedeck-high atrium is 50 percent larger than current Princess ships. Lounge lizards can congregate at Crooners, a Rat Pack-era martini bar, while tea lovers will be drawn the unique Tea Tower, complete with a tea sommelier and a choice of 250 blends. Staterooms are generous with a contemporary and inviting décor. Each one features Egyptian cotton linens, pillowtop mattress, a refrigerator and 37” flat screen television with movies, cable and satellite programming. All outside cabins feature Princess’ trademark balcony staterooms, perfect for saluting the sunset. Royal Princess encompasses many of the hallmark features that define the Princess experience, while introduc-
A SHIP OF STATE — Royal Princess is redefining the Princess cruise experiexperi ence. ing a few new ones all her own. One of the ship’s most striking features is the SeaWalk, extending 28 feet over the starboard side on the top deck. Hovering 128 feet above the ocean, this dramatic glass-bottomed walkway offers unparalleled views. Directly adjacent to the SeaWalk passengers will find a host of lounging options, beautiful palm trees, and two fresh water pools flanking an island. At night, the top deck transforms into the Water and Light Show with dancing
fountains synchronized to music and lights. The computerized fountain features 85 water jets, shooting streams of water 33 feet into the night sky. Movies Under the Stars, Princess’ signature poolside theater, features a 30 percent larger screen coupled with a high-tech visual and audio system for an unforgettable open-air movie-going experience. Passengers can enjoy movies, sporting events, and concerts complete with complimentary popcorn. Princess Live! raises the curtain on a
whole a new era of cruise ship entertainment. The onboard television station features game shows, interactive cooking shows, art house films, enrichment classes, murder mysteries, and “Meet the Experts” presentations from the crew. Royal Princess will also introduce another industry first — a dedicated pastry shop. Indulge your passion for fresh-baked goodies throughout the day, including croissants, pastries, hot desserts, freshly baked waffles and French toast at breakfast. Chef’s Table Lumiere is a spectacular new dining event that moves the Chef’s Table experience light years into the future. Guests will be magically surrounded by a curtain of light — providing a soft wall of privacy that envelopes a custom-made glass table located in the Concerto Dining Room.
IF YOU GO
Royal Princess’ maiden season will include cruises on the line’s signature 12-day Grand Mediterranean itinerary throughout the summer, followed by Eastern Caribbean cruises beginning in the fall. FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please see this issue’s Departures Guide or AAA.com/cruises for special values on Princess Cruise vacations.
Stones still rolling after half a century of music Rock Hall chronicles 50 years of Satisfaction
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ick Jagger and Keith Richards met for the first time at Wentworth Primary School in 1951. Jagger asked Richards what he wanted to do when he grew up and Richards replied, “that he wanted to be like Roy Rogers and play guitar.” The pair reconnected in 1960 over a mutual love of Chicago style Rhythm and Blues. Guitarist Brian Jones borrowed the name from a Muddy Waters’ tune and the group, which by now included Ian Stewart on keyboards, played their first gig on July 12, 1962, at London’s storied Marquee Club. Bassist Bill Wyman and drummer Charlie Watts joined the band shortly thereafter. Five decades later the Stones are still rolling. The legendary career of the “World’s Greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll Band” is being chronicled in Rolling Stones: 50 Years of Satisfaction at Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. “The Rolling Stones are the epitome of rock and roll,” said Greg Harris, president and CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. “This first-ever exhibit gives us an opportunity to tell the story of one of the definitive rock and roll bands. This experience should be on every music fan’s destination list this summer.” The exhibit, which opened May 24, and runs until March 2014, celebrates the Rolling Stones’ incredible longev-
Charlie Watts’ mariachi shirt, and the late Brian Jones’ custom Vox teardrop guitar. This electric guitar is the one most associated with Jones, who played it onstage in 1964 and 1965. A companion exhibit at the Museum’s Library and Archives will focus specifically on Rolling Stones’ tour production from 1975 to 1981. Highlights include a set list, photographs, stage drawings, fabric samples, lighting cues and more. Also featured are handwritten notes, used to help determine which of the 1981 performances would be best suited for the live concert film, Let’s Spend the Night Together. Throughout the exhibition’s run, the Museum will host a range of free public programs that explore the legacy of the Rolling Stones, including interviews, films, and special lectures.
GATHERING NO MOSS — The Rolling Stones are the world’s oldest surviving Rock ‘n Roll band. (Image credit: Mark Seliger.) ity and contribution to popular music, from their earliest days playing small clubs, to their era-defining recordings like “Paint It Black,” “Satisfaction,” three Grammy awards and sold-out global tours. Through the use of artifacts, film, text and interactive technology, generations of music fans can get up close and personal with rare items from nearly
every aspect of the Stones’ astonishing fifty years at the top. Many of these totemic items and artifacts have never been seen before by the public. The collection, which takes up two-and-a-half floors of the Museum, includes Mick Jagger’s Steel Wheels green leather jacket, Keith Richards’ Rosewood Fender Telecaster,
IF YOU GO
Rolling Stones: 50 Years of Satisfaction will be on view at the Rock Hall of Fame and Museum from now through March, 2014.The Museum is open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; 9:00 p.m. on Wednesdays. Museum admission is $22.00 for adults, $17.00 for seniors (60+), $13 for children (9-12). AAA members can purchase discounted $17.99 tickets in advance at AAA.com/Tickets.
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Check tires before the rubber hits the road Take some time for your tires this summer driving seasom
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efore you grab the family and hit the highway, make sure your vehicle is ready to roll. And the first place to check is actually what rolls — your tires. Often ignored — except when they are flat — tires are one of the most important components on any vehicle, with an enormous effect on braking, steering, comfort, handling and fuel efficiency. “Today’s tires are designed so well, you never really think about them,” says Theresa Palang, public relations manager for Yokohama Tire Corporation. Palang says most people get confused because there are so many types and performance categories. Tires are defined according to whether they are summer, all-season or winter tires. Summer tires offer excellent handling in dry and wet conditions. All-season tires are designed for varying road conditions that include moderately cold or low temperatures. Winter tires are best for conditions that call for improved cold weather and snow/ice performance. To best match the type of tire with your driving needs, look for the performance category that meets your requirements the most: • Ultra high-performance: Delivers superior high-speed traction and control with a firmer, sportier feel. • High-performance: Engineered to
FLAT OUT — Over one million motorists will call AAA this summer because of tire problems. provide crisp handling, responsive feedback and allow the tire to operate at higher speeds. • Touring: Provides the ride and noise comfort of a standard passenger car tire. “There’s a lot to consider when deciding on tires,” explains Palang. “You have to take into account how you drive, weather and road conditions, and how you want the vehicle to perform. “Plus,
there are new tire technologies, and special compounds designed to balance tread life, all-season handling and fuel economy.” Driving smart and maintaining your tires can save money at the gas station. Here are some from tips from AAA and Yokohama: • Keep your tires properly inflated. Once a month, when the tires are cold check tire pressure with a reli-
able tire gauge. Makes sure you check all five tires. AAA has found one of the most frequently overlooked items on a vehicle is the spare. Be sure the valve stems have a cap to keep out dirt and seal against leakage. • Tires must be replaced when the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch to prevent skidding and hydroplaning. An easy test: place a penny upside down into a tread groove. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to buy new tires. • Tire alignment should be checked once a year. Misaligned tires can cause the car to scrub, which lowers mileage and creates unnecessary tire wear. By educating yourself about tires and how to maintain them, you will be able to save money and fuel, vastly improve your vehicle’s handling, and better prepare yourself for the road ahead. THE ROLL TRUTH
The U.S. Energy Department has reported that every pound of tire under inflation wastes 4-million gallons of gas in the U.S. each day. FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit AAA.com for information on all things automotive including tips on buying, operating and maintaining a vehicle.
aroundtown TOUR OF THE VALLEY — (July 12-14) The Tour of the Valley is Ohio’s largest cycling event with 350 racers expected for 21 races in three towns over three days. There will also be live music, tasty food and family-friendly entertainment. Time trials begin in Ellsworth, with Saturday’s road race in Columbiana, and Sunday’s criterium staged in Downtown Youngstown. Come enjoy this test of America’s best cyclists. Please check www.tourofthevalley.com for exact times, race details and course maps. GREAT MOHICAN POW-WOW — (July 12-14) Learn Native American culture and lifestyle, fellowship and competition at the 29th Annual Great Mohican Pow-Wow. Enjoy native foods, music, storytelling, dance and drum competitions, demonstrations and more. Experience top native artisans, craftsmen and traders. Admission: $8; $4, children 6-12; free for children under 5. Two-day and threeday passes are also available for purchase. Held rain or shine with free parking. Event location: Mohican Reservation Campground, 23270 Wally Road, Loudonville. For more information, visit www.mohicanpowwow.com or call 800-766-2267. REVOLUTION ON THE TUSCARAWAS — (July 13-14) The Brigade of the American Revolution presents a Revolutionary experience at Fort
Laurens featuring artillery demonstrations, civilian life, camp life demonstrations, and two mock battles with many other activities held throughout the day. A special ceremony will also be held at the Tomb of the Unknown Patriot of the American Revolution. Event location: Fort Laurens Museum, 11067 Fort Laurens Road Northwest, Bolivar. Admission: $7; $3, children 5-14. For more information, visit www.fortlaurens.org. YOUNGSTOWN STATE UNIVERSITY SUMMER FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS — (July 13-14) Celebrate the fine and performing arts at the 15th annual Summer Festival of the Arts at and around Youngstown State University. With over 70 juried fine artists and craftspeople exhibiting and selling their handcrafted work, the event also brings over 50 different performing arts groups performing music, dance and theater selections. An ethnic festival at the same location brings over 20 different ethnic groups displaying memorabilia, and selling food. A children’s art tent and numerous displays and activities from YSU departments and other arts-related groups makes this event a fun and family friendly weekend. The Summer Festival of the Arts and most adjacent activities are free of charge. Hours: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Event location: YSU, 1 University Plaza, Youngstown. For more information, call 330-941-2307 or visit www.ysu.edu/sfa. BALLOON CLASSIC AND JACKSONBELDEN FOOD FEST — (July 19-21) The 2013 Balloon Classic/JacksonBelden Food Fest, part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival, is just around the corner! There will be dozens of food and beverage vendors, musical entertainment, mobile tours, and children’s activities, in addition to more than 60 giant balloons, many in the shape of your favorite cartoon characters. After the sun sets on Friday night, stick around for the beautiful Balloon Glow show. And don’t miss the fantastic fireworks extravaganza on Saturday night! Event location: Kent State University at Stark/Stark College. For a schedule of events, visit www. profootballhoffestival.com. OHIO CHAUTAUQUA — (July 23-27) The old-fashioned red-and-whitestriped Chautauqua tent returns to Coshocton for five days. This year’s theme is “When Ohio was the Western Frontier.” Each evening performers will explore the lives and legacies of those who helped shape Ohio’s rich heritage. Featured historical characters include Johnny Appleseed; Margaret Blennerhassett; Iroquois leader Chief John Logan; Lewis and
Clark Expedition member York; and Oliver Hazard Perry. Admission is free. Event location: Coshocton County Fairgrounds, 707 Kenilworth Avenue, Coshocton. For more information, visit www. ohiohumanities.org/ohio-chautauqua.html. GREATER YOUNGSTOWN ITALIAN FEST — (August 2-4) Get a taste of Italian heritage and culture at the 28th annual Greater Youngstown Italian Fest, featuring great food and plenty of entertainment for the whole family. The times are Friday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Location: Central Square. Downtown Youngstown. Visit www.youngstownitalianfest. org for complete schedule. ZOAR HARVEST FESTIVAL AND ANTIQUE SHOW — (August 3-4) Celebrate the harvest at the 40th Annual Zoar Harvest Festival and Antique Show. Peruse the booths of antiques dealers and see period craftspeople demonstrate their skills. Enjoy the juried craft show and the art show, exhibit and sale. Tour the scenic Zoar village, including all the historic house museums. Enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride and more. Admission: $7; free for children 12 and under. Hours: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.historiczoarvillage.com.
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