Huntington

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Vol. 18 No. 1

OHIO/WEST VIRGINIA • HUNTINGTON/PARKERSBURG REGION JAN./FEB. 2013 Introducing AAA Club Rewards on AAA.com

AAA has just launched AAA Club Rewards an exciting new online discount program that significantly expands the discounts and savings available to every member!

The AAA Club Rewards shopping portal provides members with deep discounts and everyday savings on entertainment, electronics, home improvement, apparel, restaurants, pet care and more. AAA members can choose from approximately 30,000 participating merchants nationwide — including brands like Macy’s, Best Buy, The Home Depot, and more.

In addition to discount offers, members also earn reward points on most purchases you make that you can accumulate and use to purchase products from your favorite participating merchants.

Shop online, by phone, and/or in-store (via a printed coupon). Registration is completely free — a valid AAA membership and email address are all you need. Visit AAA.com/discounts to sign up and start saving today.

& SAVINGS S T IF G E IV S U L C EX BERS! ...ONLY FOR MEM

DISNEY MONTH at AAA is all about the JOY! AS TO ARTWORK: © DISNEY

AAA Travel’s absolute best month for Disney member values is here!

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t’s time you thought differently about January. Sure, it’s often frigid & dark, but it’s also the very best time of the year for AAA memberonly savings & values on Disney vacations — a great time to lock in a 2013 getaway full of warmth & brightness to dash memories of January bleakness.

At AAA, January snow gives

way to Disney “dough” — the exclusive “goodies” only members enjoy by staying at a Walt Disney World® on-site resort.

AAA will give 300 members who book & deposit a new 2013 AAA Vacations ® package of 5 or more nights some great extras.

Here’s how it works: • DELUXE: Be one of the first 100 to choose a Deluxe resort

AS TO ARTWORK: © DISNEY

More Disney magic feels great!

EXCLUSIVE AAA EAST CENTRAL OFFER!

Up to $50 per room off select Walt Disney World Resort hotel stays of 5+ nights plus a select assortment of gifts (photo albums, event tickets, tote bags) ®

®

Deluxe properties: $50 discount. Moderate: $25 discount. Book & deposit on a 2013 AAA Vacations package by 1/31/13 (travel by 12/31/13). New bookings only. Not combinable with other offers. Per room.

EXCLUSIVE 2013 AAA MEMBER BENEFITS!

WALT DISNEY WORLD® RESORT — select AAA Vacations packages AAA Vacations Diamond Savings Card • AAA Diamond Parking Disney’s Story Time Experience • Preferred Fireworks Viewing Location Hertz Complimentary Child Seat DISNEY CRUISE LINE® Special photo packages for inside & outside staterooms (1 per stateroom) ADVENTURES BY DISNEY® 5% discount off land packages purchased at the nondiscounted regular rate ®

®

®

AND...ENJOY SEVERAL OTHER LIMIT ED-T IME VALUE-ADDED BENEF ITS F ROM DISNEY! SEE DETAILS & RESTRICTIONS ON PAGE 8.

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

SEAT BELT USE IS AT AN ALL-TIME HIGH

(Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, for example) and get $50 off regular rates as well as a 50-sheet Disney Photo Album and 2 passes each for Walt Disney World® minigolf, Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, Typhoon Lagoon Water Park and Cirque du SoTM leil’s “La Nouba” — all in a practical canvas tote bag!

• MODERATE: The first 100 opting for a Moderate resort (Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, for example) receive a $25 discount, a photo album and 2 mini-golf passes in a tote.

• VALUE: The first 100 to select a Value property (Disney’s Arts of Animation Resort, for example) take home a photo album in a canvas Disney tote.

This blizzard of bonuses does not end there; enjoy a pile of exclusive member benefits (see box at left and visit AAA.com/ Disney). Plus there’s a flurry of Disney’s own limited-time offers with Walt Disney World® Resort, Disney Cruise Line® and Adventures by Disney® packages (see page 15 for details/ restrictions).

Right now’s the absolute best time to plan & book 2013 Disney vacations at AAA. Hotel, cruise and tour availability for the coming year will never be better. And our expertise continued on page 15

Go with AAA Mobile

If you’re one of the many who celebrated the holiday season with a new SmartPhone, there’s no better traveling companion than AAA Mobile.

Available for Apple and Android devices this free mobile app combines the old AAA Discounts, AAA Roadside and AAA TripTik Mobile apps into a single, enhanced platform offering member services and information. Key features include location-based road service requests, map-based displays, member discount locations and more. AAA Mobile also features turn-by-turn narrative directions, and provides voice guidance to your next maneuver. For more information or to download AAA Mobile, visit the AAA Mobile solutions page at AAA.com/mobile.

3rd Day Free at Universal Orlando®

Your 3rd day is free at Universal Orlando when you purchase a 2-day ticket at AAA now through June 16, 2013. Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure are filled with thrills and excitement for every member of the family. Tickets are valid through June 30, 2013.

Discount tickets available for purchase only at AAA branch offices or online.

Hot Destinations & Free Tablet Offer

Find your place in the sun with exciting vacations to Hawaii and the Caribbean from AAA Travel and Pleasant Holidays. Cast like stepping-stones across an iridescent blue sea the Caribbean is famous its palm fringed beaches and perpetual sunshine. The Aloha State welcomes travelers with steaming volcanoes, lush tropical foliage and the seductive sway of the hula. AAA members who book an air inclusive, 7-night or longer Hawaiian or Caribbean vacation will receive a free Google Nexus 7 Tablet. With a stunning 7-inch display and all-day battery life, Nexus 7 is the perfect travel companion. (New bookings only for travel by May 31, 2013. Total minimum package value of $3,000). SEE PAGE 7

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AAA MOTORIST

Read, plan, go with the 2013 AAA TourBook® guides They’re free, easy and packed with great information

W

ith so many handy resources for travelers — from websites and apps, to printed guidebooks — why do members request AAA TourBook guides by the million, year after year? The answer is simple: They’re free, easy and packed with great information!

If it has been a while since you last looked at a TourBook you’ll discover a redesigned layout, handy navigation tools and vibrant new content that make travel planning simple. AAA TourBooks are more concise, easier to read — even easier to carry!

For more than eight decades, AAA’s annually updated TourBooks have evolved by expanding geographical regions, enriching content and supporting social and technological shifts, such as Internet service, pet acceptance and sustainability issues. Best of all, they’re free for the asking as part of your AAA membership.

Easier to use — Kick back and pore through the fascinating destination overviews, followed by pages of hotel, restaurant and attraction listings. Get a fix on the big picture with history and visitor information and references like the Annual Events, GEM Attraction Index and Points of Interest.

Or, when time is short, leave the legwork to AAA’s travel experts. Turn to trip planning shortcuts like the Must Do: AAA Editor’s Picks, 1-Day

AAA DIRECTORY INTERNET WEB SITE: www.AAA.com AAA MEMBER SERVICES

triptiks, tourbooks, maps, license, address change

412-363-5100 or 1-800-441-5008 AAA MOTORIST: 412-365-7017 APPROVED AUTO REPAIR 412-365-7411 or 1-800-233-9733 EMERGENCY ROAD SERVICE 412-362-1900 or 1-800-222-4357

EXPRESS TRAVEL RESERVATIONS

airline tickets, tours, cruises, rental cars

412-363-7283 or 1-800-354-8761 INSURANCE SERVICES: PA/WV: 1-800-207-7947 OH: 1-800-589-8308.

MEDIA RELATIONS: 412-365-7157 PUBLIC AFFAIRS: 216-606-6701 SAFETY: 412-365-7211 DRIVER EDUCATION 800-329-2415 TDD for the hearing-impaired: 412-363-7144

NEW LOOK BETTER BOOK — The 2013 AAA Tourbooks are available now at AAA offices.

Itineraries and Top Picks for Kids, available for many destination cities. We’ll help you make the most of your trip with inspiring photos and informative content you can trust.

Easier to carry — Some TourBook guides that previously contained multiple destinations have been split into smaller regions — a better fit with member travel patterns. That means fewer pages to carry, focused just on the places you’re visiting.

Give Yourself an Upgrade— to the highest level of protection available! Get more from your membership. Upgrade to AAA Premier. With expanded roadside assistance — and a host of other benefits — AAA Premier is a smart choice.

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

1-800-441-5008

JANUARY 2013

Easier to navigate — Save yourself the effort of checking multiple resources to get the lay of the land or find your way. Use the hotel, restaurant and attraction location maps throughout the guides for a bird’s-eye view of the places you plan to stay, dine and play in relation to landmarks and one another. Plus, to help you navigate the roadways, we’ve added overview and detail maps from the AAA Road Atlas series for easy route planning — all in one guide. Use the overview map to get the lay of the land, then use the individual maps to plan your route.

Easier to plan — We’ve loaded these new guides with firsthand expertise from our professional travel editors and inspectors. Our 1-Day Itineraries and Must Do: AAA Editor’s Picks enhance the destination city sections, while AAA Inspector Notes are highlighted in the restaurant listings.

Easier to travel — Now there’s no need to consult multiple travel resources to find your way to and around your destination. The 2013 TourBook guides are like traveling with a friend who is from the area and knows it like the back of their hand!

See for yourself — Before your next trip, stop by your local AAA office or visit us on AAA.com to request copies of the 2013 edition TourBook guides — available free, exclusively for members.

Then prepare to enjoy your easiest, more enjoyable travel planning experience yet.

AAA BRANCH OFFICE LOCATIONS ATHENS, OH 130 E. State St. ...................740-593-6677 BRIDGEPORT, WV 169 Barnett Run Rd............304-842-2221 CHILLICOTHE, OH 141 W. Main St. ..................740-702-3838 COLUMBIANA, OH 118 South Main Street.......330-482-3836 EAST LIVERPOOL, OH 516 Broadway ....................330-385-2020 GALLIPOLIS, OH 360 Second Ave. .................740-446-0699 HILLSBORO, OH 125 W. Main St. ..................937-393-3489 HUNTINGTON, WV 1126 Sixth Ave. ..................304-523-6423 IRONTON, OH 624 S. Fourth St..................740-532-3242 JACKSON, OH 126 E. Gay St. .....................740-286-5077 LOGAN, OH 82 W. Main St. ....................740-385-8595 MARTINSBURG, WV 284 Retail Commons Parkway. .............................304-263-4619 MORGANTOWN, WV Morgantown Commons 6520 Mall Rd.......................304-983-6480 PORTSMOUTH, OH 1414 Twelfth St. ................740-354-5614 VIENNA, WV 1100 Ninth St., Unit D........304-295-7101

AAA e-TOURBOOKS

AAA’s trusted travel information is now available in portable electronic formats that can be synced with today’s most popular mobile e-reader devices for onthe-go use. AAA now offers over 100 free, eTourBook guides, with content that is refreshed daily to ensure you receive the most up-to-date travel information. They’re available exclusively for AAA members at AAA.com/ebooks.

WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE, OH 334 E. Court St. ..................740-335-3950 WAVERLY, OH 217 W. Emmitt Ave. ...........740-947-7775 WEIRTON, WV 3126 West St. .....................304-748-1616 WHEELING, WV 846 National Rd. . ..............304-233-1810

JANUARY 2013

AAA MOTORIST

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Saving lives one click at a time Ohio/West Virginia Huntington/Parkersburg Edition Official publication of AAA East Central Published bi-monthly by AAA East Central 1414 Twelfth Street Portsmouth, OH 45662-5614 USPS 0016-186 ISSN 1074-097X Periodicals Postage Paid at Portsmouth, OH and additional mailing office Postmaster: Send address changes to AAA Motorist South Central Ohio 1414 Twelfth St., Portsmouth OH 45662-0371 Subscription Rate: $1 included in Primary Membership dues. All others: $2/year.

Publisher.................................... James J. McGrath Managing Editor ............................Doug O’Neil Ohio Editor ............................. Babbette L. Bays Editorial Offices 1414 Twelfth Street Portsmouth, OH 45662-4235 5900 Baum Blvd, Pittsburgh PA 15206-3854 412-365-7017 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.J..McGrath Executive.Vice.President:............................. .James.E..Lehman Treasurer.&.CFO:............................................ Michael.R..Pratt Secretary:............................................ Raymond.M..Komichak 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,.

Robert.L..Anderson,.George.J..Anetakis,.Carol.Asam,.Christian.

Asam,.Jack.A..Barkley,.William.E..Bierer**,.Ellsworth.T..Bowser,.

Louise.R..Brown,.Peter.Burton,.Marianne.B..Campbell,.Charles.

O.. Casto,. Hans. P.B.. Christensen,. Michael.A.. Cochran,. Daniel.

J..Collins.Jr.**,.Robert.S..Collins,.Robert.H..Compton,.Terence.

Conner,. James. J.. Dodaro,. James. O.. Doersam,. Jack. G.. Ellis,.

J.. Terrence. Farrell,. Floyd. R.. Ganassi**,. Mona. N.. Generett,.

Charles.W..Groce.,.Richard.S..Hamilton,.Mark.Henschen,.Luke.

Howe,. David. W.. Hunter**,. 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**,. John. L.. Sellstrom,.

James.C..Stump,.Jr.,.James.F..Ward *ex.officio **emeritus.directors Central West Virginia Regional Board of Directors Wayne.J..Northey,.William.C..Wymer Huntington Regional Board of Directors William. H.. Blenko,.William. C.. Campbell,. Noel. P.. Copen,. Earl.W..

Heiner. Jr.,. Samuel. Kapourales,. Charles. Lanham,. Robert. M.. Levy,.

Thomas. J.. Maxwell,. James. H.. Morgan,.William. D.. Stark,. Maurice.

G..Taylor.Jr. Marion County Regional Board of Directors Robert.H..Martin Northern West Virginia Regional Board of Directors Carol. Asam,. Christian. Asam,. Forest. Bowman,. James. B.. Bruhn,.

Sharon.Sakacsi,.Harold.J..Shamberger,.Thomas.H..Van.Landingham,.

Wayne.J..Northey,.Monte.Williams Parkersburg Regional Board of Directors Charles.O..Casto,.Joe.C..Hushion,.Art.Oliver.Jr. Weirton Regional Board of Directors George. J.. Anetakis,. George. M.. Molnar,. Joyce. C.. Pashke,. James.

White Copyright ©2013 by AAA East Central.

Seat belt use climbs to an all-time high

By Wayne Northey President, AAA West Virginia eat belt usage in America reached record levels in 2012, with nearly nine in ten motorists now choosing to buckle up. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) annual National Occupant Protection Use Survey, seat belt use has increased steadily — climbing from 15 percent in 1984 — to 86 percent in 2012.

Organizations like AAA have made tremendous strides in raising awareness and passing meaningful legislation, but it only serves to underscore the magnitude of the problem that remains.

Fifty-two percent of the 21,253 passenger-vehicle occupants killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2011 — the last year that statistics are available — were unrestrained at the time of the crash.

The laws of physics can be unforgiving. The rapid deceleration that occurs at the moment of impact increases an occupant’s “crash weight” exponentially. A 60-pound child unbelted in the back seat of a car traveling at 30 miles per hour, will impact the windshield with the same force as a young elephant — about 2,700 pounds — if involved in a sudden collision.

Restraints keep people and vehicles moving together, retaining the occupant within the safety structure of the cabin after the initial impact has occurred.

Unrestrained occupants will continue to travel until they collide with, or are ejected from the vehicle — something that is almost always deadly.

S

Wayne Northey Crashes often involve secondary impacts and rollovers, where the effect on passengers is very much like being in a washing machine during the spin cycle. Seat belts help keep occupants safely strapped inside the vehicle until all of the crash energy has dissipated.

Research shows that the risk of fatal injury to front-seat, passenger-car occupants is reduced by 45 percent, and the risk of moderate to serious injury is reduced by 50 percent when seat belts are worn correctly. According to NHTSA, seat belts save more than 13,000 lives every year.

Even in today’s era of active safety systems and crumple zones seat belts remain the single most effective traffic safety device for preventing death and

injury. Air bags are designed to work with seat belts, not replace them. If you don’t wear a seat belt, you could be thrown into a rapidly deploying frontal air bag, which could injure or even kill you. If your vehicle has a passenger side air bag, it is essential that children 12 and under ride properly restrained in the back seat.

It’s also important that seat belts be worn correctly. The lap belt and shoulder belt should be secured across the pelvis and rib cage, which are better able to withstand crash forces than other parts of your body. Place the shoulder belt across the middle of your chest and away from your neck. Adjust the lap belt across your hips below your stomach.

Never put the shoulder belt behind your back or under an arm.

The NHTSA survey found that seat belt use continues to be higher in states with primary belt laws. These permit law enforcement to issue citations solely on the basis of not using a seat belt, rather than requiring additional violations. Nationwide, 32 states and the District of Columbia have primary laws on the books.

AAA believes that uniform state laws, consistent enforcement and educating the public about the proper use of seat belts and restraints are essential to preventing vehicle injuries and deaths.

We strongly support primary seat belt laws in all states because they increase usage, save lives and reduce the societal and economic consequences of a crash.

Accidents will happen, they just don’t have to become tragedies.

membersonly

Make CDs part of your investment strategy AAA Deposit Program offers a full range of CDs and IRA CDs

W

hat’s your investment strategy?

Growth?

Income? Asset preservation? Any investment strategy should start with a goal — for instance, saving for retirement or funding a child’s education. Your choice of investments to reach this goal will depend upon your time horizon as well as your appetite for risk.

For most people, their appetite for risk decreases with their investment time frame. In other words, the nearer you are to your goal, the more you’ll want to reduce risk in your portfolio. And that’s where Certificates of Deposit (CDs) come in. Compared with more volatile investments; CDs offer a combination of access, liquidity, safety, and growth potential that make them an ideal choice for those looking to reduce risk in their portfolios.

• Access — You can purchase CDs in a variety of maturities with terms ranging from three months to ten years — making it easy to access funds

when you need them. Keep in mind, however, that there is a penalty for early withdrawal, so you’ll want to plan your timing to match your specific needs.

• Liquidity — CDs offer a greater variety of short-term investment horizons, making them an excellent choice for anyone seeking both security and liquidity.

• Safety — CDs can be an ideal foil to the volatility of higher-risk assets such as stocks. Prices of bonds and bond mutual funds also react to changes in market interest rates. With a CD, however, you can lock in a rate and not worry about losing your principal. And finding the safest place to save is just as important. Deposits through AAA are FDIC insured up to the maximum allowed by law.

• Growth potential — If you need a dependable return on your money, but don’t need your money for a period of time, CDs can be an excellent investment choice. You can also make your savings work harder for you: open

multiple CDs with different maturity dates. It’s called “CD laddering” and it’s a great way to take advantage of the best CD rates for longer terms and ensure you have liquidity and flexibility when you need it, since one or more CDs will always be approaching maturity.

So, whether you’re investing for the short-term, or looking to lower risk in a longer-term portfolio as you approach your goal, consider including CDs as part of your investment strategy.

The AAA Deposit Program through Discover Bank offers a full range of CDs and IRA CDs with terms from 3 months to 10 years as well as Money Market and Online Savings Accounts.

AAA members enjoy preferred rates on 12, 24 and 60-month CDs and IRA CDs. Open an account online in minutes at AAA.com/Deposits or contact us 24/7 at 1.888.728.3230.

Legal Disclaimer: The article and information provided herein are for informational purposes only and are not intended as a substitute for professional advice.

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JANUARY 2013

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JANUARY 2013

Why insurance premiums are increasing Natural disasters, low interest rates important factors

I

nsurance premiums are a function of three factors: The perception of future risks, recent catastrophic claims and the return available on investment. Hurricanes (like Sandy) and even the devastating Japanese earthquake and tsunami in 2010 affect insurance premiums in the United States.

That’s because insurance companies routinely purchase reinsurance coverage from large reinsurance companies who have been increasing their rates.

Yes, insurance companies are just like you: They assess the risks they can cover, and then buy their own insurance to protect themselves against very large but unlikely events that would overwhelm their reserves.

We saw a similar tightening in 2001, following the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center. The direct costs themselves were significant, but reinsurance companies also increased their rates to cover their own risks and ensure clients were protected in case of acts of war, chemical strikes, etc.

Fortunately, their worst fears weren’t realized, but prudent insurers are in business to cover the worst-case scenario, and so they had to plan and set premiums accordingly.

Fast forward to today, though, and we have a different phenomenon at work.

Reinsurers had just started to climb out of the substantial capital shocks of 2008 and 2009 when they got hit with the Japan tsunami. But as they work to

NEGATIVE RETURN — Low interest rates are having an adverse effect on insurance premiums. replenish their reserves, insurers all over the world have been forced to reckon with a new reality: Low interest rates.

Insurance companies make money in two ways: Bringing in premiums, and investing the “float.” Normally, insurers break even or even run a slight loss on premiums. This keeps premiums affordable, but is only possible because they can invest their accumulated reserves at a profit.

Ten years ago, an insurance company could get 5 or 6 percent on a portfolio of Treasuries. Now that same

insurer struggles to get 2 or 3 percent on a AA-rated bond portfolio, and U.S. Treasuries — the traditional mainstay of conservatively run insurance companies, may well be generating a negative real return after inflation.

Something has to give.

That’s what we’re seeing now: Actuaries have no choice but to increase premiums to cover anticipated payouts in light of the new lower interest rate environment. To do otherwise risks insolvency, which does no service to the insured at all, and even defeats the

purpose of insurance.

The tightening of the reinsurance market, combined with adjustments to account for the lower returns on assets, is now making its presence felt on Main Street Insurance markets tend to cycle along with other industries. As reinsurance pools of capital get replenished, or as interest rates rise, allowing carriers to generate more revenue from the “float” rate increases tend to moderate, and new carriers spring up to compete for business.

So if you are seeing rates increase, it’s more a matter of prudence in the face of risk and low returns on capital, which impacts all carriers everywhere.

As a result rates increase to make sure there are enough in reserves to cover future claims. No one is exempt, and it’s a bigger issue than any single insurance agency, carrier, or insurance line.

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 800.207.7947, or visit AAA. com/ insurance for more information or to schedule a comprehensive Insurance review. AAA – your trusted insurance advisor.

JANUARY 2013

AAA MOTORIST

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Member Benefits • Exclusive Offers

1-800-354-8761 • AAA.com/travel

Add sun & fun — and a FREE Google Nexus 7 — to your winter...

Capturing your dreams. Creating memories.

Enjoy Hawaii or the Caribbean with Pleasant Holidays & AAA!

Give yourself (and your family and/or friends) something fun to look forward to this spring...and earn a fun reward in the process! AAA and Pleasant Holidays will give you a FREE Google Nexus 7 tablet computer when you book & make a deposit on a qualifying vacation to Hawaii or the Caribbean!

To qualify, purchase your roundtrip air travel through AAA; travel anytime between now and May 31, 2013; stay 7 nights or longer; and meet the minimum vacation value level of $3,000 (excluding the cost of the flights).

With a stunning 7-inch display and allday battery life, the thin & light Google Nexus 7 is the perfect portable travel companion. With up to 32GB of storage and the option to add mobile data, you can take even more of your favorite content with you — to Hawaii or the Caribbean, for example!

That tablet sure can come in handy

when you’re on vacation; maybe you’re looking for a restaurant to try, where the best souvenirs can be found, what the weather will be like the next day, how late the ferry runs, what’s happening back home. The possibilities are endless...and

GET A FREE TABLET COMPUTER To get a FREE Nexus 7, book & deposit on a Hawaii or Caribbean Pleasant Holidays vacation by 1/31/13.

Package must include roundtrip flights and a hotel stay of 7+ nights; the minimum value of the land-only portion must be $3,000. Travel by 5/31/13. New bookings only.

Not combinable with any other offer.

once you have it, you’ll wonder how you ever got along without it!

You could probably say the same about your Hawaiian or Caribbean getaway: Once you luxuriate in the warmth of the sun...or relax in the balmy breezes...or succumb to the laid-back life-style, you may ask yourself how you could have ever hoped to get through spring without escaping to the paradise you’re in!

When it comes to Hawaii and the Caribbean, you can trust Pleasant Holidays (PH) to create a vacation custom-made just for you. From 5-star luxury to family-friendly value, PH enhances your vacation with value-added extras such as free nights, complimentary room upgrades, rental car discounts and more. Their size & scope give them unique purchasing power that allows them to pass exceptional savings on to you. PH also offers the ultimate assurance with round-the-clock customer service and a choice of travel protection CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

AAA MEMBER-ONLY VALUES — FIND THEM FAST! Disney ....................................................... pages 1 & 19, 8

Through 1/31/13: Save $50 at select Walt Disney World deluxe-level resorts ($25 at moderatelevel resorts); depending on the resort, they also receive photo albums, admission tickets (minigolf, Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park, Typhoon Lagoon Water Park and Cirque du Soleil’s “La Nouba” ) and a canvas Disney tote bag. AAA members enjoy exclusive benefits at Walt Disney World , on Disney Cruise Line sailings and on Adventures by Disney escorted tours. ®

TM

®

®

®

Pleasant Holidays ............................................. pages 7-8 ®

Through 1/31/13: Get a FREE Google Nexus 7 on air-inclusive, 7-night-or-longer Hawaiian or Caribbean vacations. New bookings only. Minimum value of land-only portion (excluding airfare): $3,000. Travel by 5/31/13. Not combinable with any other offer.

AAA Member Choice Vacations ................pages 9, 10, 13 ®

Through 1/31/13: PAGES 9 & 13 — Save $50 per member. PAGE 10 — Premier members save $650, Plus members save $600 and Basic members save $550. Per room, based on 2 to a room.

AAA Featured Vacations to the American West .... page 12 Through 1/31/13: Save $50 per room.

Trafalgar ............................................................... page 13 Limited time: Save up to $1,100 per couple to Europe.

Princess Cruises .................................................... page 13 1/15/13–2/15/13: Book a cruise to receive $325 Princess Onboard Value Booklet and $100 per person reduced deposit.

AAA Vacations Cruises......................................... page 13 ®

Year-round: Best-Price Guarantee. 24/7 Member Care Help Desk. VIP Priority Check-in. $100 Onboard Credit per stateroom.

PLEASE REFER TO THE APPROPRIATE ARTICLE OR ADVERTISEMENT (BY PAGE NUMBER ABOVE) FOR COMPLETE DETAILS & RESTRICTIONS FOR EACH BENEFIT/OFFER.

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AAA MOTORIST

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

JANUARY 2013

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Add sun & fun — and a FREE Google Nexus 7 — to your winter...

Enjoy Hawaii or the Caribbean with Pleasant Holidays & AAA! CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

plans. Ask a AAA Travel Agent for details on seasonal added values, including resort & spa credits, complimentary room upgrades, kids-stay-free-&-eat offers, complimentary phone calls, Internet and more.

Many Caribbean resorts offer all-inclusive vacations; one price covers your meals, drinks, activities, nightly entertainment, nonmotorized water sports, tips and more.

Here’s just a sample (Feb 12-19, 2013) of the kinds of properties available to you:

BOLONGO BAY BEACH RESORT

Slip on your flip-flops, relax and have fun at this casual resort tucked in a cove on St Thomas in the US VIrgin Islands (no passport required for US citizens!). This intimate resort with 62 beachfont rooms is a place for good times with great people. Play all day on complimentary nonmotorized water sports. Set sail at sunset on the resort’s 53-foot catamaran.

AAA Member Rate: $3,183

WESTIN ST MARTIN

This resort is nestled into a lush hillside on the French side of St Maarten and is embraced by miles of blue hues, acres of tropical colors and white-sand beaches. Its 308 luxuriously appointed guestrooms and 6 suites include a balcony and oversize bath. The resort boasts oceanfront restaurants and the largest freshwater infinity-edge pool on the island (including a swim-up bar & hot tub). Roll the dice or try your luck at the table-games-&-slots casino.

AAA Member Rate: $3,209

OUTRIGGER REEF ON THE BEACH

After a $110 million top-to-bottom transformation, this re-invented hotel demonstrates a new vision of hospitality. A distinctive, refined resort on Waikiki, it has a renewed look combining timeless traditions with modern elegance while embracing the spirit of the sea. Guestrooms are warm & welcoming and include free Internet and long-distance calls.

AAA Member Rate: $3,220

WESTIN KA’ANAPALI OCEAN VILLAS

On 26 oceanfront acres on North Ka’anapali Beach, this 4 Diamond property offers a unique blend of resort & villa-style living with all the comforts of home and the amenities of a world-class resort.

Energize in lagoon-style pools, relax at Spa Helani and enjoy fine restaurants & markets.

AAA Member Rate: $3,971

All rates shown are per room based on double occupancy, are subject to availability at time of booking and include accommodations.

JANUARY 2013

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ART!

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

•

FOOD!

•

WINE!

The romance of Italy comes to life on this tour. Explore the lakes region your way when you choose between a scenic boat ride on Lake Maggiore or a visit to a local farm for a cheese & wine tasting. Explore the rugged coast and remote fishing villages of the Cinque Terre. Spend 4 relaxing nights in a Tuscan villa. Discover the hilltop town of San Gimignano. Experience medieval life at the Palazzo Davanzati. Visit a winery in the countryside and learn the secrets of Tuscan cuisine. Wander a Florentine food market. Spend 2 wonderful nights in Venice.

Explore Lake Orta, one of Italy’s hidden treasures. Travel by boat to your welcome dinner on Isola dei Pescatori. Explore Lucca’s piazzas and medieval streets. These are Italy’s treasures!

Special inclusion: A serenaded gondola cruise — with Prosecco! — on Venice’s canals!

Experience the benefits of Whisper headsets, designed for better communication between you and your guides. Enjoy regional wines included with every dinner.

This 13-day vacation has everything you’ve always wanted in a trip to Italy. Enjoy multiplenight stays in Rome, Florence, Venice, the Amalfi Coast and Stresa in the Lakes District.

Discover the treasures of Classical and Christian Rome. Walk in the footsteps of the ancient Romans in Pompeii. See Renaissance gems in Florence’s Academy Gallery, including Michelangelo’s “David.” Visit Locarno, Switzerland, and cruise to Isola dei Pescatori, one of the scenic Borromean Islands. A guided walking tour of Venice illustrates how this city gained its wealth and power. Enjoy the magic of the Italian Lakes District in the captivating resort of Stresa. Stop at a winery & farm in the heart of Tuscany to sample local wines and specialities for an included lunch. Sail to enchanting Capri and explore this island paradise.

Special inclusions: “Rome by Night” tour...Vatican museums & St Peter’s...a pasta factory ...a family-style Tuscan feast...and a serenaded gondola cruise in Venice!

Experience the benefits of Whisper headsets, designed for better communication between you and your guides throughout your tour. Enjoy regional Italian wines with every dinner.

Aug 31–Sept 11 AAA Member Rate: $5,710

Oct 12-24 AAA Member Rate: $5,800

Rate is per person double occupancy, is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Columbus-Milan, Venice-Columbus), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, hotel accommodations, guided motorcoach sightseeing, entrance fees, 17 meals, in-Italy tour director, air & hotel taxes (subject to change) and vendor travel protection.

Visit AAA.com/GoItaly for itinerary and more information. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

Rate is per person double occupancy, is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Columbus-Rome, Milan-Columbus), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, hotel accommodations, guided motorcoach sightseeing, entrance fees, 21 meals, in-Italy tour director, air & hotel taxes (subject to change) and vendor travel protection. Visit AAA.com/GoItaly for itinerary and more information.

Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

includes 4 nights in a Tuscan villa!

AAA MEMBER BENEFIT SAVE $50.00 PER PERSON

AAA MEMBER BENEFIT SAVE $50.00 PER PERSON

AIR-INCLUSIVE FLORIDA ISLAND VACATIONS

Anna Maria

APRIL 16-21 • AAA MEMBER RATE: $1,739

Anna Maria is a gem of an island untarnished by crowds that descend upon Florida’s other Gulf Coast jewels. Indulge in 5 nights at Tradewinds, a charmingly cozy Old Florida–feel resort. Its romantic old-fashioned pastel apartment cottages line a private street ending at a palm-fringed pool and a pier jutting into Sarasota Bay. Steps away, a private beach beckons you to the turquoise water you’re coming for. Each cottage has a full kitchen, bedroom and bathroom with tub/shower, a queen sleeper sofa and a private front porch or verandah.

Under 8 miles long and about 1 at its widest, Anna Maria is tethered to Bradenton by 3 bridges. What this eye-pleasing islet lacks in size is more than made up for by an unpretentious, relaxing atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to lose yourself — the secret of a truly satisfying vacation. From a setting teeming with windsurfers, kayakers, jet skiers and boaters to a sleepy & quaint Old Florida tableau, Anna Maria appeals to Type A’s seeking to “grab the gusto” and to Type B’s who say “doing nothing is fun.”

A special feature of AAA’s package is the opportunity to select 2 activities from 4 options.

You may opt for the Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota...OR a Segway tour of Coquina Beach & Longboat Key. On another day, the BeachHorses experience (limited space; first come, first serve) starts with a sunset horseback beach ride; then the horses glide into the water and swim...OR choose the Pirates Spring Training Center tour. Of course, there’s always fishing, biking, water sports, golfing and tennis.

For a slow-down-fast vacation, dispense with driving, unless you’re talking golf carts or bikes; a free trolley gets you where you need to go. So slip off your shoes for seashore strolling and enjoy swaying palms & pines, shimmering blue-green waters, a rusALL PHOTOS: BRADENTONAREA CVB/TOM SHELBY tic wooden pier and funky beach bars!

TM

Rate is per person double occupancy, is subject to availability at time of booking and includes flights (ColumbusTampa), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, cottage accommodations, 2 special attraction/activity excursions, 1 meal, all taxes/gratuties for included features and a AAA Tour Manager in Florida. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

Amelia

APRIL 15-20 • AAA MEMBER RATE: $1,439

Just off northeast Florida’s coast lies Amelia Island, beckoning visitors to enjoy its warm hospitality and mild climate. With pristine beaches, abundant wildlife and calm waters, Amelia has been a beloved destination for generations. Many celebrities (modern-day entertainers as well as prominent political figures throughout history) have chosen this area as their exclusive getaway. See what makes this little (13 miles long by 4 miles wide)barrier island named for Princess Amelia, daughter of George II of Great Britain, so special.

Spend 5 relaxing nights at a beachside boutique-style hotel property with easy access to the beach and historic sites. One morning you’ll enjoy a relaxing and informative cruise. It’s a great way to get an overview of the area and to get to know those traveling with you! Afterward, continue the fun at the included lunch at a popular waterside restaurant. On another day, choose one of these included tours (transportation provided): • Enjoy a 5-mile horseback ride along the beach. Gentle horses & spectacular scenery make for a wonderful way to start the day!

• Step aboard a Segway and journey through the subtropical vegetation of Ft George Island, one of the East Coast’s most ecological and historic sites. Hear about the island’s lost tribes, natural resources and coastal critters from eco-guides who show you the “real” Florida.

After a day to enjoy the countless options outside your door (including 7 golf courses), choose one of these included tours (transportation provided): • Marvel at the serene beauty of creeks and wetlands on a guided nature tour by kayak.

• Venture out with a seasoned captain to catch some of the sea’s finest fish. Includes instruction/equipment. Impress everyone with your “big fish” story or tale of the one that got away!

Rate is per person double occupancy, is subject to availability at time of booking and includes flights (ColumbusJacksonville), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, hotel accommodations, 2 special attraction/activity excursions, 6 meals, all taxes/gratuties for included features and a AAA Tour Manager in Florida. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Catch the ALOHA SPIRIT

Save on European Escapes!

AAA’s special 9-night Hawaiian vacation features a 2-night pre-cruise stay in Honolulu, a tour of the USS Arizona Memorial and a 7-night Pride of America cruise featuring 4 islands (Oahu, Maui, Hawaii & Kauai).

AAA Member Rates April 11-20: from $1,825 Oct 10-19: from $1,721 Nov 7-16: from $1,774 Rates are per person (double occupancy), are subject to 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.

MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS!

UP TO $650 OFF per room, based on 2 to a room $

650

PREMIER

$

600

PLUS

$

550

BASIC

To get discount, book & deposit by 1/31/13.

ALPINE LAKES & SCENIC TRAINS Switzerland, Italy

ATHENS . . . . . . . . . . . . 740-593-6677 CHILLICOTHE .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..740-702-3838 GALLIPOLIS. . . . . . . . . . 740-446-0699 HILLSBORO. . . . . . . . . . 937-393-3489 HUNTINGTON . . . . . . . . 304-529-7107.

IRONTON . . . . . . . . . . . 740-532-3242 JACKSON . . . . . . . . . . . 740-286-5077 LOGAN. . . . . . . . . . . . . 740-385-8595

PARKERSBURG/VIENNA. . . .304-295-7101 PORTSMOUTH. . . . . . . . 740-354-5614 WASHINGTON.C.H. . . . . 740-335-3950 WAVERLY . . . . . . . . . . . 740-947-7775 EVENING/WEEKEND EXPRESS RESERVATIONS CENTER

1-800-354-8761

____________________________________________________________

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.

Irish Heritage 5 full days of the best of Ireland!

Cliffs of Moher Bunratty Castle River Shannon Ferry Flying Boat Museum Ring of Kerry Blarney Castle Waterford Crystal Glendalough Dublin

Arrive in Zurich for a dinner cruise on Lake Zurich. At Gstaad, board the Golden Pass panoramic train for breathtaking views on the way to Montreux. Continue to Zermatt village at Matterhorn’s base. Ascend Gornergrat Mountain via Europe's highest mountain railway. Ride the worldrenowned narrow-gauge Glacier Express, the world’s most charming express train. Marvel at the beauty of this route through the heart of the Swiss Alps. Explore the splendors of St Moritz during an overnight. Journey through Bernina Pass, traveling one of the world’s most scenic railway lines en route to Tirano, Italy. A ferry ride across Lake Como reveals the stunning beauty of this home to famous Hollywood stars. Drive through scenic hills & villages toward exciting Milan; a local introduces you to this capital of the Lombardy region. Visit the Duomo and the Vittorio Emmanuele II Gallery. Feast your eyes upon frescoes by Leonardo and a sculpture by Michelangelo at Castello Sforzesco. Enter the stunning Scala Opera House. In Lucerne, amble through romantic Old Town and explore the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake.” Ascend Pilatus via the world’s steepest railway (48% gradient); at the top, soak in the magnificent view.

AUG 9-18

AAA MEMBER RATE: $5,529

Rate is per person based on double occupancy, is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Columbus-Zurich), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, 13 meals, sightseeing per itinerary, air & hotel taxes (subject to change) and trip cancellation waiver. Visit AAA.com/travel for complete itinerary. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

BRITISH LANDSCAPES England, Scotland, Wales

Feel the vibrant energy of England, hear the unique sounds of Scotland and see the rolling countryside of Wales on a trip that combines the exploration of dramatic history and natural wonders.

In London, the cosmopolitan and historic capital of Britain, see Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and the Changing of the Guard. Enjoy a live theater performance. Visit Oxford, home of the famous university. Overnight in Ruthin Castle in north Wales; enjoy a typical Welsh-style dinner with traditional entertainment. Travel through the picturesque English Lake District to charming Grasmere, home of poet William Wordsworth.

Continue to Scotland’s Gretna Green, where generations of runaway couples came to marry. Discover Edinburgh (“Athens of the North”), rich in scenic beauty and culture. Tour its castle, home of the Scottish crown jewels and glimpse what life is like for royals at Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official residence in Edinburgh and once the home of Mary, Queen of Scots. Be entertained by Highland pipers & dancers at a banquet of local recipes; a highlight is the Ceremony of the Haggis.

Cross Scotland’s rolling Border region back to England and see Hadrian’s Wall, once the northern border of the Roman Empire. Stroll through medieval York; visit its famous Minster. Journey to Stratford-upon-Avon, your home for 2 nights; visit Shakespeare’s birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s thatch-roofed cottage. Tour one of Britain’s most treasured castles with more than 1,000 years of history; conclude your castle visit with a private 3-course dinner. No visit to Britain is complete without seeing Stonehenge. Explore picturesque villages in the idyllic Cotswolds region.

CLIFFS OF MOHER

May 12-19 • AAA Member Rate: $1,679 Rate is per person double occupancy, is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, hotel 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 addon airfare. Visit AAA.com/GoIreland for itinerary and more information.

Breathtaking vistas paint the canvas of your trip of a lifetime through Switzerland & Italy. Explore dramatic railways and scenic lakes; enjoy cultural experiences in charming villages in the heart of Europe.

SEPT 26–OCT 5

DUBLIN’S HAPENNY BRIDGE

AAA MEMBER RATE: $4,519

Rate is per person based on double occupancy, is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Columbus-London), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, 15 meals, sightseeing per itinerary, Whisper headsets designed for better communication between you & your guide, air & hotel taxes (subject to change) and trip cancellation waiver.

Visit AAA.com/travel for complete itinerary. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

MOTORCOACH TOURS: 1-800-887-1976

Rates are per person (double occupancy when lodging is required), are subject to availability at time of booking and include roundtrip transportation, accommodations (when indicated), baggage handling (where applicable), AAA Tour Manager and more.

Call 1-800-887-1976 for single- or triple-occupancy rates. Visit AAA.com/usa for complete itinerary details and pick-up points.

Our Nation’s Capital Springtime in Washington DC April 4-7 • AAA Member Rate: $649 Travel to Sterling VA for an overnight. At Arlington National Cemetery, see the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns and the resting places of JFK and other notables. See the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima statue). Visit the Capitol Visitor Center and tour the US Capitol. Visit the Tidal Basin (take photos of the cherry blossoms, if they’re out) and the FDR, Jefferson and Martin Luther King Jr memorials. Enjoy an Illuminated Monument Tour with stops at the Air Force Memorial and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts with drive-by views of the Pentagon, Capitol and other monuments, memorials and buildings. Enjoy a White House photo opportunity, then visit one of the Smithsonian museums. Explore Union Station’s shops and food court. See the WWII, Vietnam, Lincoln and Korean War memorials, paying homage to veterans who’ve defended our freedom. 6 meals.

fiery and misunderstood. The other was beautiful, ambitious and very popular. Learn how they grew to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch. On Broadway and around the world, Wicked has worked its magic on critics and audiences alike.

It has won 35 major awards, including a Grammy and 3 Tonys. Enjoy a fast-food lunch stop and dinner at Cracker Barrel on your own.

Northern Indiana Amish Culture & More June 25-27 • AAA Member Rate: $389 Travel to Nappanee IN for a welcome reception and a 2-night stay at the Inn at Amish Acres. Enjoy a threshers dinner, served familystyle, in the century-old Restaurant Barn before seeing the “Plain & Fancy” show. This gentle but spirited musical comedy brought the first national attention to the unique customs, stern morals and picturesque dress of the Amish. More than 3,000 shows have been performed in the majestic 1911 Round Barn Theatre. Travel to Shipshewana IN to enjoy the Midwest’s largest flea market, where you can find hundreds of vendors selling everything from fresh fruit to handcrafted furniture. The Shipshewana Quilt Show starts at noon (separate $8 entrance fee, if you wish to attend) or enjoy some shopping in the downtown area for crafts and quilts. 4 meals.

Mystery Tour to ???

July 10-12 • 7 meals • AAA Member Rate: $619 We can’t tell you much, but one thing’s for sure; You’ll start off day one with an exciting tour.

The middle and end both consist of great meals; And you’ll explore a high hill and maybe some deals.

Music of the Delta & Memphis Rock & Soul June 10-13 • AAA Member Rate: $669 Travel to Harrah’s Casino in Tunica MS with dinner at the Paula Deen Buffet. A guided tour of Clarksdale MS includes area history of American Indians and settlers, Tennessee Williams and Civil Rights events. Visit the Delta Blues Museum, dedicated to the history & heritage of the Delta Region, “the land where the blues began.” Visit Hopson Plantation, site of the first cotton crop commercially produced entirely by machinery; see a collection of Delta memorabilia and agricultural displays. Tour Tupelo’s Elvis Presley’s Birthplace & Museum, a modest 2-room house is where the King of Rock & Roll was born on Jan 8, 1935. Travel to Memphis TN to tour Graceland; this one-of-a-kind experience will lead you on Elvis’ fascinating journey from the cultural changes that led to the birth of rock & roll to Elvis’ superstar status. Dine in the legendary blues district on Beale Street, with free time to explore. 6 meals.

Wicked at the Ohio Theater June 15 • AAA Member Rate: $135 Travel to Columbus to see “the best musical of the decade,” according to Entertainment Weekly. As if beautiful Ohio Theatre, with its 21-foot-high chandelier and Spanish-Baroque design, wasn’t worth the trip alone, you’ll also enjoy the 2pm matinee of Wicked. Before that girl from Kansas arrived in Munchkinland, 2 young girls met in the Land of Oz. One, born with emerald-green skin, was smart,

Day two will focus on elegant things; Like silver and gold and jewels found in rings.

Once again, great food comes into play; And you can play too at the end of the day.

For the last day, leisure’s the key; Kick back, relax and enjoy the beauty.

Be entertained before the afternoon’s done; Come along on this trip that's packed full of fun.

ADDITIONAL 2013 TOURS Scioto Downs Gaming: Columbus OH July 13 • AAA Member Rate: $59 Harper’s Ferry & the Civil War: WV, MD, PA Aug 7-9 • AAA Member Rate: $559 West Virginia Highlights with Hatfield History Sept 10-12 • AAA Member Rate: $669 Autumn in New England: CT, RI, MA, NH, ME, VT Oct 5-13 • AAA Member Rate: $1,799 “A Country Christmas” at Opryland Hotel: Nashville TN Dec 5-8 • AAA Member Rate: $899 Greenbrier Holiday: White Sulphur Springs WV Dec 7-8 • AAA Member Rate: $359

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JANUARY 2013

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

SAVE $50!

PER ROOM WHEN YOU BOOK & DEPOSIT BY 1/31/13

Southwestern Canyonlands Eroded for eons by wind and water, the colorful canyons of Arizona, Utah and Nevada captivate all who visit. See the stunning Red Rocks of Sedona, the magnificence of the Grand Canyon, the backcountry of Monument Valley, the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park and the sandstone cliffs of Zion National Park. Enjoy Grand Canyon National Park lodging, guided tour and IMAX Theater. Take an “adventure cruise” through Antelope/Navajo Canyon. Visit Lake Powell and spend 2 fun nights in Las Vegas.11 meals.

June 12-20 • AAA Member Rate: $2,725

Pacific Coast Enjoy a stunningly scenic journey exploring America’s majestic northern Pacific coastline and its vibrant cities, including Seattle, Portland, San Francicsco and more! Along the way, take a sunset dinner cruise on Seattle’s lakes, a dune buggy ride at Oregon Dunes National Park and a jet boat ride on the Rogue River! Visit Mt St Helens, Portland’s Rose Gardens, Multnomah Falls, the Columbia River Gorge, Mt Hood & Timberline Lodge, Redwood National Park, Sonoma’s wine country and much more. 17 meals.

June 16-25 • AAA Member Rate: $3,325

THE AMERICAN WEST

Where the sun sets ...and the fun rises!

Rates are per person based on double occupancy, are subject to availability at time of booking and include roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, motorcoach sightseeing & admissions as indicated, services of a AAA Tour Manager and more. Ask about available add-on airfare. Visit AAA.com/USA for complete itinerary details.

Yellowstone Experience America’s first national park’s first explorers were called liars when they described its otherworldly features and wildlife.

From Salt Lake City, visit Antelope Island State Park. At Yellowstone, head straight for Old Faithful! Visit the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. Taking a wildlife safari (with sunset picnic) with opportunities for wildlife sightings. Enjoy the “Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone,” the Grand Tetons, the cowboy town of Jackson, a Snake River float trip and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (schedule permitting). 12 meals.

Aug 5-11 • AAA Member Rate: $1,835

American Majesty From Salt Lake City to Denver, take in some of America’s favorite landmarks in between. Visit Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone NP (Old Faithful & Mammoth Hot Springs), Devil’s Tower National Monument, Mt Rushmore National Memorial (evening light ceremony), Ft Laramie National Historic Site and the Buffalo Bill Historic Center. Float down the Snake River and ride a Jeep safari through the Black Hills. Hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (schedule permitting). See Crazy Horse Monument. 15 meals, including a chuck wagon dinner.

Grand Canyon Adventure Luxuriate in Red Rock Country at the Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa. Take a Pink Jeep backcountry tour. Ride first class on the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams to your national park lodging just a quarter-mile from the South Rim. Visit Glen Canyon Recreational Area and a night at Lake Powell Resort. A tour highlight is your guided half-day float trip on the Colorado River! Motorcoach to the Luxor Hotel on the Strip in Las Vegas. Flirt with Lady Luck, relax by the pool or take in a top-notch show on your free full day in Vegas. 9 meals.

Oct 4-10 • AAA Member Rate: $2,195

Napa Valley & San Francisco 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 Tuscan-style Vino Bella Resort in Napa. Savor an exquisite 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 • AAA Member Rate: $1,949

Aug 31–Sept 8 • AAA Member Rate: 2,735

Best of Northern California

New Mexico Balloon Fiesta

Explore San Francisco, the redwoods at Muir Woods, Mediterranean-style Sausalito and the wine country of the Sonoma and Napa valleys (and dine on the Napa Valley Wine Train).

Ride Amtrak’s California Zephyr to the scenic shores of Lake Tahoe and cruise its crystal-blue waters aboard a paddlewheeler. Venture to Yosemite National Park, then take the Pacific Coast Highway to Monterery, Carmelby-the-Sea, 17-Mile Drive, Big Sur, San Simeon (Hearst Castle), Salinas Valley and Silicon Valley. 14 meals.

Calling all train lovers! Join this multi-train Great American Rail Adventure in the Centennial State. Enjoy unforgettable rides on the Pike’s Peak Cog Railway, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Marvel at the awesome natural rock formations in the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, the spectacular landscapes at the Colorado National Monument in Grand Junction and the dizzying height of the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park in Cañon City. 15 meals.

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.

July 25–Aug 2 • AAA Member Rate: $2,859

Sept 14-21 • AAA Member Rate: $2,095

Oct 9-15 • AAA Member Rate: $2,309

Colorado Train Adventure

JANUARY 2013

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Celebrity Cruises and AAA Vacations ® offer some of the best values at sea & great benefits unavailable elsewhere!

VIP Priority Check-in does not grant priority boarding

$100 Onboard Credit per stateroom

DATE NTS SHIP

ITINERARY

5/27 11 Reflection

Eastern Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Rome

5/29 12 Equinox

Western Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Barcelona

6/1 12 Constellation Scandinavia & Russia: Roundtrip from Amsterdam 6/3 11 Infinity

British Isles: Roundtrip from Harwich

6/3 12 Silhouette

Eastern Mediterranean: Rome to Venice

6/7 10 Reflection

Eastern Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Rome

6/8 14 Infinity

Scandinavia & Russia: Roundtrip from Southampton

6/10 12 Equinox

Western Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Barcelona

7/4 12 Equinox

Western Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Barcelona

7/5 10 Infinity

Norwegian Fjords: Roundtrip from Southampton

7/6 14 Eclipse

Iceland & Fjords: Roundtrip from Southampton

7/7 12 Constellation Scandinavia & Russia: Roundtrip from Amsterdam 7/8 11 Reflection

Eastern Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Rome

7/9 10 Silhouette

Eastern Mediterranean: Rome to Venice

7/19 10 Reflection

Eastern Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Rome

New bookings only. Offers listed available only on AAA Vacations departures. Combinable with exclusive AAA Member Benefits; ask your AAA Travel Agent or visit AAA.com/travel for details & restrictions. ®

Includes Wildlife Safaris Oct 5-18 Visit AAA.com/Africa for itinerary & information.

AAA Member Rate $8,499

Enjoy 2 valuable benefits EXCLUSIVELY for members BEST-PRICE GUARANTEE

If you find a better rate for the exact same cruise itinerary & experience within 24 hours of booking, AAA Vacations ® will match the lower rate...and you’ll receive a $50.00 future-travel credit certificate.

24 / 7 MEMBER CARE

Get peace of mind whenever you need emergency assistance while traveling — a toll-free domestic number and collect-call instructions for international travelers.

A special kind of cruise stands apart from all others — a AAA Vacations cruise available only from AAA Travel. It delivers unique features designed to ensure you have the best vacation experience. Compare a AAA Vacations cruise against the same cruise offered elsewhere; see how much more your vacation dollar gets you at AAA. Even if you find the same cruise (without AAA Vacations benefits, of course!) at a lower price somewhere else within 24 hours of booking your AAA Vacations cruise, AAA will match that rate and give you a $50.00 future-travel voucher... guaranteed! ®

®

®

®

AAA MEMBER BENEFIT SAVE $50.00 PER PERSON

Rate is per person double occupancy, is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (ColumbusNairobi), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, guided sightseeing, entrance fees, 34 meals, in-Africa tour director, hotel luggage handling (1 piece per person), hotel taxes & service charges, services of a AAA Tour Manager (if participation goal is met), air taxes & fees/surcharges and vendor cancellation waiver & insurance. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Castles along the Rhine A Uniworld Boutique River Cruise

Photo courtesy of Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel, celebrating the fairytale beauty and romantic spirit of the Rhine River aboard the SS Antoinette.

Travel in ultimate style & comfort to UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Amsterdam to Basel Cologne • Koblenz • Boppard • Rüdesheim Castle Vollrads Wine Tasting • Speyer Germersheim • Strasbourg • Breisach Alsatian Wine Road • Colmar • Riquewhir Oct 20-27 • AAA Member Rate: from $3,129 Rate is per person double occupancy, is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip airport/ship transfers, 7-night cruise accommodations/entertainment/meals (7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners, including Captain’s Welcome Gala & a Farewell Dinner), 9 excursions (including 2 “Choice Is Yours” options with English-speaking local experts), wine/ beer/soft drinks at onboard lunches & dinners, bottled water in stateroom, 24-hour coffee/tea bar, Cruise Manager, English-speaking staff, $50 per person onboard credit, headset system on shore excursions, use of bicycles throughout cruise, onboard local entertainment, “The European City: Middle Ages to the Present” lecture, exclusive Epicurean Adventurer Program,™ exclusive Go Active program, all transfers on arrival & departure days. Ask about available add-on airfare.

JANUARY 2013

Disney Month at AAA in booking Disney vacations is no hollow claim: AAA East Central has been officially recognized by Disney as Club of the Year for 2011 (the 2012 winner won’t be announced until later this year).

That means you can be confident that the assistance and service you’ll get can be trusted to be among the best available. AAA Travel Agents know Disney inside & out and can help you create the vacation you and your family have always dreamed of — and they can enhance it with special member benefits and extras you may not have even expected!

The peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re getting the best — and the most — value for your hard-earned vacation dollar makes all the difference in the world in how you experience and enjoy your Disney time. Whether at a Walt Disney World® Resort theme park, aboard a ship of the Disney Cruise Line® or on a family-friendly Adventures by Disney® guided domestic or international tour, your vacation is sure to be

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one you’ll never, ever forget.

Remember: January has only 31 days.

Contact AAA now; “there snow way” you want to miss Disney Month!

ONLY IN JANUARY AT AAA!

Walt Disney World ® Resort in Florida Come where elephants fly, teacups spin and fairytales come true – the Walt Disney World® Resort, including New Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom® Park and experience Disney storytelling in a magical new way! Your family will create memories that will last happily ever after.

During January’s Disney Month, ask your AAA Travel professional about a special Disney Gift Card* offer when you buy a select AAA AS TO ARTWORK: © DISNEY Vacations ® package 1/3/13 through 1/31/13. *The Disney Gift Card can be used at select participating locations at Walt Disney World® Resort, Disneyland® Resort, Disney Cruise Line®, Disney Store locations in the US, DisneyStore.com, DisneyPhotoPass.com, Disney Vacation Club®, Adventures by Disney® and Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. It is not redeemable for cash, will not be replaced if lost or stolen without required proof of purchase, and it is subject to the terms & conditions of the Disney Gift Card Program. The Disney Gift Card cannot be used toward the purchase of a real estate interest in a Disney Vacation Club® Resort. The Disney Gift Card is issued by Disney Gift Card Services, Inc. Gift cards may not be used toward the purchase of Disney Dollars or Disney Gift Cards. Other restrictions apply. Use of gift card is acceptance of its terms & conditions. Visit DisneyGiftCard.com for complete terms & conditions and for more information about the Disney Gift Card program.

Disney Cruise Line® Master storytelling, world-class entertainment and legendary Disney hospitality all come together on the Disney Dream, creating experiences designed to delight everyone in the family. From an exhilarating ride on the first water coaster at sea, to dazzling stage shows, themed deck parties and fireworks at sea, this incredible ship will delight all who step aboard. Combine this with a visit to Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island paradise, and it’s a vacation dream come true.

AS TO ARTWORK: © DISNEY Sail on Disney Dream and receive a $50 Onboard Credit* when you book a Verandah Stateroom on a 3- or 4-night Bahamian cruise between 1/1/13–1/31/13 for sailings departing 5/2/13–9/26/13.

AS TO ARTWORK: © DISNEY

NOTE: For AAA Member Benefits — Advance reservations are required for the preferred fireworks, reservation voucher and valid Theme Park admission required. One viewing per person. Entire party must be present for admission. Space is limited and subject to availability. Fireworks schedules vary by season and certain block-out dates apply to this benefit during holiday periods. Inclementweather conditions may affect outdoor entertainment. Disney Story Time — advance reservations required; reservation voucher and valid Theme Park admission are also required. Seating is limited and subject to availability. Operates on select days of the week and certain block-out dates apply. One voucher per room. One Diamond Savings Card per package, nontransferable and void if sold.

Diamond parking is subject to availability and a voucher is required. Block-out dates apply; nontransferable and void if sold. Photo package: inside stateroom receives two 8"x10" photos and one 6"x8" photo. Outside staterooms receive four 8"x10" photos and three 6"x8" photos. Valid for sailings 1/1/13–12/31/13. Benefits are per stateroom. All benefits are subject to change without notice.

Other restrictions and exclusions may apply. Magic Moments Savings based on the nondiscounted price for the same room at a participating hotel paid by non-AAA members and is applicable to the room-only portion of the package. Limited number of packages available with these savings. Guests must be AAA members with a valid AAA membership card when booking. Valid AAA membership card must be presented at check-in. Gifts (totes, miniature-golf tickets, Cirque du Soleil tickets and water park tickets) are limited to 100 per room based on deposit dates, new bookings only beginning 1/1/2013.

*Applicable to AAA/CAA travel agencies. Must book between 1/1/13 & 1/31/13 and mention booking code ADM at time of booking. Valid for verandah stateroom categories 4A-7A. New bookings only. Offer cannot be combined with any other offers/discounts. One shipboard credit per stateroom. Excludes category with restrictions VGT and concierge/suite stateroom categories. Changes to the vacation date or category may result in loss of offer. Offer for Guests who previously booked, cancelled and then rebooked are not eligible. Shipboard credit is nonrefundable and nontransferable. See Disney Cruise Line® website for cruise details and applicable terms & conditions. This offer can be combined with existing AAA benefits. **Benefits valid only for AAA/CAA members who pre-purchase their vacation package through a AAA/CAAA Travel Agency. Benefits valid for Disney Cruise Line® sailings through 12/31/13. Benefits are per each valid stateroom booked and are nontransferable. All benefits & services are subject to change without notice. Other restrictions & exclusions may apply.

Adventures by Disney® There are literally thousands of adventures out there just waiting to be experienced. Let Adventures by Disney® be your guides, your storytellers, your local experts and your masters of hassle-free guided group travel. They’ll take you where you want to go. Bring you closer to the places you visit. See every last detail. And make sure every moment, for everyone in your family, is a moment you’ll want to remember again and again.

AAA members can get $100 off* the land package price of an Adventures by Disney® AS TO ARTWORK: © DISNEY vacation when they book before 1/31/13. *AAA/CAA members who book any available Adventures by Disney® departure between 1/1/13 & 1/31/13 for travel before 3/30/14 will receive $100 off the total land package price per reservation. Land packages are subject to availability. Excludes specialty departures. Valid on new bookings only. Offer valid for AAA/CAA members only, subject to verification. Not transferable or redeemable for cash in whole or in part. Void where prohibited. Offer subject to change without notice. Terms, conditions and restrictions apply. This offer is combinable with the AAA member benefit.

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AAA MOTORIST

JANUARY 2013

E15 gasoline could create problems for your car Less than 5 percent of vehicles approved to use new blend

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AA East Central is urging regulators and the fuel industry to halt the sale of E15 gasoline until there are more protections for motorists. A recent AAA survey found a strong likelihood of consumer confusion, as well as the potential for voided warranties and vehicle damage. An overwhelming 95 percent of consumers surveyed have not heard of E15, and nearly half (44 percent) said they did not know if the fuel was approved for use in their primary vehicle. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved E15 for sale last June, a gasoline blend that contains 15 percent ethanol.

“It is clear that millions of Americans are unfamiliar with E15, which means there is a strong possibility that many motorists may improperly fill up using this gasoline and damage their vehicle,” said John Nielsen, AAA’s Director of Automotive Engineering and Repair.

“Bringing E15 to the market without adequate safeguards does not responsibly meet the needs of consumers.”

Consumers will find orange-andblack signs at the pump that state the new fuel blend is approved for use in all flex-fuel vehicles and 2001 model year and newer cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty passenger vehicles and SUVs. But AAA polled auto manufacturers and found only about 12 million or less than 5 percent of the more

HIGH FRUCTOSE FUEL — The higher blend of ethanol in E15 could cause engine problems. than 240 million light-duty vehicles on the road today are equipped to use E15. AAA automotive engineering experts believe that sustained use of E15 in both newer and older vehicles could result in significant problems, such as accelerated engine wear and failure, fuel-system damage and false “check engine” lights for any vehicle not intended by its manufacturer to use E15.

Unsuspecting consumers could end up with engine problems not covered by

their vehicles warranty. Five manufacturers (BMW, Chrysler, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen) are on record saying their warranties will not cover fuelrelated claims caused by the use of E15.

Seven more (Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo) have said that the use of E15 does not comply with the fuel requirements specified in their owner’s manuals and may void warranty coverage.

“The sale and use of E15 should be suspended until additional gas pump

labeling and consumer education efforts are implemented to mitigate problems for motorists and their vehicles,” said Brian Newbacher, director of public affairs for AAA East Central.

“Consumers should carefully read pump labels and know their auto manufacturer’s recommendations to help prevent any problems from E15.”

AAA thinks fuel producers and regulators can do a better job of educating consumers about the potential risks.

This outreach should include a consumer education campaign and more effective pump labels, among other potential safeguards to protect consumers and their vehicles. AAA also recommends additional testing to conclusively determine the impact of E15 use on vehicle engines and fuel system components.

A SHORT LIST

The only vehicles currently certified by automakers to use E15 are flex-fuel models, 2001 model-year and newer Porsches, 2012 model-year and newer GM vehicles and 2013 model-year Fords. These approvals extend only to cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty passenger vehicles (SUVs). The use of E15 is expressly prohibited in heavy-duty vehicles, boats, motorcycles, power equipment, lawn mowers and off-road vehicles.

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BECAUSE SO MUCH DEPENDS ON YOUR BATTERY

We’ll come to you wherever you are, test your battery and if necessary, install a new one at a special members-only price.We offer a 72-month limited warranty including 36 month FREE replacement throughout North America! No one beats that.

1-800-AAA-HELP

AAAAAA.com/battery

JANUARY 2013

AAA MOTORIST

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How to avoid being blinded by the light Reducing the dangers of driving in the dark

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ith winter’s arrival, most people find themselves spending more time driving in the dark. While you can’t change the fact that there are fewer daylight hours, you don’t have to be hampered by poor visibility.

Almost one in three drivers reports difficulty seeing when driving at night.

Motorists have to deal with light-pollution from headlamps, street lighting and service stations that play havoc with their night vision. Other contributing factors include more traffic, higher-mounted headlights on trucks and SUVs, and an aging population more susceptible to glare.

Poor night vision can also be caused by the sun. The human eye contains photoreceptors, which have pigments that change shape when struck by light.

This process is known as “bleaching.”

Very bright light — like sunlight — can bleach so many of these pigments in a photoreceptor that it cannot respond to any other visual stimuli for a while, which means your eyes can have trouble adjusting to the dark. The longer your eyes are exposed to the sun, the worse your night vision becomes.

There also are things you can to enhance visibility while driving at night:

THE LIGHT THAT BLINDS — Your night vision can be temporarily lost with a burst of bright light.

Clean your windshield — Light is refracted through a dirty windshield, which intensifies glare. In addition, a clean windshield will have less reflection. This includes the inside of your windshield since chemicals from the

Five myths about travel agents dispelled I thought technology replaced travel agents. What’s the real story?

There are plenty of misconceptions about travel agents, and their demise is one of them. Travel professionals are just as busy as ever — by some national estimates, nearly half of all trips are booked through an agent.

It costs more to book through a travel agent. Actually, it’s the opposite.

Travel agents often are aware of deals and discounts not available to average travelers. While agents do earn small commissions, those are paid by travel companies when agents book their products.

Agents try to sell unnecessary things.

Successful agents will always put the customer’s needs first. They ask ques-

tions and based on that information, advise you of relevant options.

Remember, they’re usually looking at you as a potential long-term client and want to make sure you’re satisfied.

It’s easier to book through the Internet. The Internet is marvelous for research and AAA.com is a robust source of information — but travel professionals save time, money and trouble. They sort through the options to provide value and quality.

Internet pricing is less expensive.

That might have been the case when online travel was a brand new phenomenon. But as the marketplace has matured, prices have leveled off.

In fact, hidden “online service” fees have been an issue in recent years.

plastic in the interior build up and create a haze. Clean your headlights as well. Even a thin layer of grime can reduce the light headlights emit by as much as 90%.

Adjust your mirrors — Sit in the driver’s seat, and tilt your head until it rests against the window. Adjust the driver’s side outboard mirror until you can see the rear fender at the edge of

the glass. Then tilt your head to the right until it’s at the center of the car.

Adjust the passenger side outboard mirror until you can see the rear fender at the edge of the glass. Change the rearview mirror to its night setting by flipping a small lever at the bottom of the mirror. These adjustments will reduce blind spots, and prevent the bright spots in trailing cars’ headlights from shining directly into your eyes.

Avoid flash blindness — Your night vision can be temporarily lost with a burst of bright light — a phenomena known as “flash blindness.” When oncoming headlights shine into your eyes, look down and to the right. Use the right side of the road for tracking your lane instead of the left side.

Avoid looking directly into streetlights or brightly lit areas.

Dim your dash lights — The dimmer the light inside the car, the better you can see outside. Your instrument panel should just be bright enough for the instruments to be readable.

HAVE YOUR VISION CHECKED

Age makes eyes more sensitive to glare.

The American Optometric Association recommends that everyone under age 40 have a thorough eye exam at least every three years; drivers 41 to 60, every two years; and drivers over age 60, every year.

Get More...

Out of Your Membership with

AAA Plus!!

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s a AAA basic member, you enjoy countless valuable benefits — from roadside assistance to travel services, member discounts, and access to financial and insurance services.

And there’s more! When you sign up for AAA Plus membership, you’re eligible for all of the benefits of basic membership, plus enhanced and extended services, including:

n Up to 100 miles of free towing n Free emergency fuel n Up to $100 emergency locksmith services n Extended extrication service n Extra Trip Interruption Protection coverage

Get more out of your membership

Call or visit your local AAA office or AAA.com, or call our Member Service Center at 1-800-441-5008

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AAA MOTORIST

JANUARY 2013

Curaçao is like Amsterdam on the beach Tiny Caribbean island is a unique port of call

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spicy gumbo of nationalities and cultures Curaçao is one of the Caribbean’s most sophisticated capitals. Located between Aruba and Bonaire, about 35 miles north of Venezuela, the largest of the Netherlands Antilles is just 38 miles long and 2 to 7.5 miles across. Days are filled with sunshine and the beaches curve like brilliant, white smiles along the coast.

Beach lovers can revel in over 35 beaches ranging from tiny Playa Lagun, to Seaquarium Beach lined with plush resorts. Visitors can choose between intimate rocky coves surrounded by massive cliffs, or smooth crescents of powdery sand. Most are scattered along the sheltered southwestern coast, where the turquoise waters are calm and clear. Diving enthusiasts can explore the Mushroom Forest, an underwater jungle of 10-foot, mushroom-shaped star coral.

Visitors who would rather remain on dry land can hike or drive in Christoffel Park, filled with kadushi cactus, wild orchids, tamarind and divi-divi trees.

There are eight hiking trails, ranging from an easy stroll, to a challenging hike to the top of Mt. Christoffel. Those who stop to feed the iguanas may quickly find themselves surrounded by 50 or more hungry reptiles.

The island’s original inhabitants were Caquetios Indians and their 1,500-year-

explore the town’s many historic sites including the Postal Museum, which dates from 1693, and the Mikvé IsraelEmanuel Synagogue, the Caribbean’s oldest continuously operating synagogue.

Diners can sample Caribbean and Latin inspired dishes such as stob (lamb or goat stew) cactus soup, fish chowder and a polenta-like favorite called funchi in the many open-air cafes and roadside snèks.

Willemstad is divided by Saint Anna Bay and the two sides are connected by the Queen Emma Bridge, a floating pontoon bridge known locally as the “Swinging Old Lady”. When a ship wants to enter the harbor, a siren sounds and the bridge is swung open to let the ship pass.

POSTCARD PERFECT — The 17th century Dutch Colonial buildings along the Handelskade, Willemstad’s waterfront promenade. old drawings can still be seen on the walls of the Hato Caves. The name “Curaçao” is thought to have come from Portuguese sailors who called it Ilha da Curação or Island of Healing. In 1634, the Dutch West Indies Company claimed the island and Peter Stuyvesant was installed as governor.

Dutch is still the official language but most residents speak Papiamento among themselves. Spoken only on the so-called ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao) Papiamento is an eclectic

mixture of Portuguese, Spanish and Dutch spiced with English, African and Indian idioms.

Curaçao’s crown jewel — the capital city of Willemstad — is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving some 765 heritage buildings, including Fort Amsterdam, and the Governor’s Palace.

The Dutch Colonial buildings along the Handelskade mirror 17th and 18th century Amsterdam, with added Caribbean accents like verandas, fretwork and a bright palette of pastels. Visitors can

IF YOU GO

Curaçao is a popular cruise port and there are about 220 cruise ship calls each year, bringing some 300,000 visitors to the island. Among the lines that call in at the island’s two cruise ports are Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Princess Cruises, Celebrity, Cunard and Holland America.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please see your AAA Departures section or visit AAA.com/cruises for special values on Caribbean cruise vacations.

New Martinsburg AAA branch is open for business Ribbon cutting held for new location in The Commons

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AA East Central has been on the move lately. The Martinsburg West Virginia office reopened in December at its new location in The Commons, one of the area’s premier shopping centers. AAA members and customers can take advantage of all the expert services and member benefits they expect from AAA, including auto travel, insurance, and a full-service travel agency, in more convenient and functional surroundings with expanded customer amenities.

This is the third change of address for the Martinsburg location. The original office was located on West Martin Street, and moved to North Queen Street in 1985. Located just off Exit 12 of I-81, The Commons is home to such retail giants as Best Buy and Target. AAA opened the office on December 3rd, and held a Grand Opening celebration December 10, with long time AAA East Central Board Member Carol Asam formally cutting the ribbon.

“What began over 100 years ago as an idea by a handful of farsighted motorists has grown into a remarkable success story,“ said Asam. “AAA East Central’s 82 branch offices now serve over 1.5 million members annually. Our goal is to provide a truly memorable member

GRAND OPENING — AAA East Central regional board member Carol Asam (third from left) cuts the ribbon to open the new AAA Martinsburg branch office. Joining her at the December 10, 2012 ribbon cutting ceremony are left to right: Wayne Northey, AAA West Virginia Regional President; Jennifer Caskey, AAA Travel Agent; Theodosia Dellinger, AAA Insurance Agent; Tammy Gardner, AAA Auto Touring Counselor; and Carol’s husband Irwin Asam. (photo by John McVey) experience in all of our branch locations. We invite Martinsburg area mem-

bers to come in and see this impressive new facility and take full advantage of

our top notch travel, auto travel, insurance, and financial services.”

Martinsburg and the eastern panhandle of West Virginia is the fastest growing region of the state. AAA West Virginia Regional President Wayne Northey said it was time for AAA to enhance its facilities and relocate to meet the needs of a growing membership base, and to reflect a geographic shift in the area’s population. “Our new office is not only more welcoming, it was designed to meet current member service trends,” said Northey.

“The updated space provides a better working environment for employees, better street level visibility and offers improved access for members.”

“It is bright, it’s airy and it’s new,” said AAA Insurance Agent Theodosia Dellinger. “The new office is quieter with more natural light and more efficient workspaces. Calling it a improvement would be an understatement.”

There are currently about 28,000 AAA members in the Martinsburg area and 140,000 members in West Virginia.

“This new office is much more than just bricks and mortar,” Northey said.

“I see it as an investment in the future of Martinsburg that will benefit members and their families for years to come.”

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