Huntington sept oct 2016 by AAA East Central

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Vol. 21 No. 5

OHIO/WEST VIRGINIA • HUNTINGTON/PARKERSBURG REGION

Celebrity’s Modern Luxury meets AAA’s Value

SEPT./OCT. 2016

SSM

AAA Insurance Named “Brand of the Year”

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

TURN TO A TRAVEL AGENT FOR STRESS-FREE TRAVEL

AAA Insurance has earned “Brand of the Year” status in the auto insurance category, according to the 2016 Harris Poll EquiTrend® study. “To be recognized as the highest-ranked auto insurance brand in the nation is a great honor for AAA,” says Jim Lehman, AAA East Central President and CEO. “AAA Insurance provides value to members with great customer service and peace of mind at home, on the highway or when preparing for the future.” AAA Insurance received the highest numerical Equity Score among auto insurance brands included in the 2016 Harris Poll EquiTrend® Study, which is based on opinions of 97,120 U.S. consumers ages 15 and over surveyed online between December 22, 2015 and February 1, 2016. Individual opinions may differ. “Highest Ranked” was determined by a pure ranking of a sample of auto insurance brands. “AAA is proud to offer American drivers auto insurance coverage they can trust,” continued Lehman. “AAA is committed to providing our members with exceptional products and services, and AAA’s Insurance offerings are a natural extension of this commitment.”

AAA News Delivered Right to Your Inbox

Get up to $500 in airfare savings when you book a Celebrity cruise!

etting to the departure port when you’re going on a cruise is an unavoidable element that often gets overlooked — and it can be a significant part of your vacation’s cost. That’s why AAA Travel and Celebrity Cruises® have teamed up to offer an extraordinary — but limited-time — opportunity to save as much as $500.00 per person on roundtrip economy-class airfare between your airport gateway city and your cruise departure port. To take advantage of this substantial savings, book an oceanview or higher stateroom and make a deposit at any AAA East Central travel agency location on any 2016 or 2017 sailing of 10 nights or longer with Celebrity Cruises. This offer will only be available for a limited time, so act now. Restrictions may apply. The remarkable airfare savings are just the start of what’s sure to be an equally remarkable cruise vacation. Discerning cruisers choose Celebrity because it’s the world’s leading premium cruise line; they choose it for its stylishly designed accommodations, globally inspired menus crafted by James Beard– featured chefs, amenities and activities to keep you busy (if you like) from morning until night and a level of service that is unsurpassed. But they also choose Celebrity because of a feeling. A sense that every aspect of every Celebrity cruise — every meal, activity, shore excursion and staff interaction — matters. That’s what makes Celebrity what it is and, ultimately, what sets it apart from other cruise lines. That’s Modern Luxury.SM

Your stateroom is a place to call your own. From ocean view to veranda and all the way up to the unforgettable Suite Class experience, you’ll discover that — regardless of size, layout or design — every effort has been made to ensure that you’ll feel right at home. Peaceful, comfortable and stylishly appointed, all staterooms provide you with a private retreat in which you can relax and renew. On a Celebrity cruise, you have up to 12 distinct restaurants to satisfy every one of your food moods. From Continental to Italian, sushi to French and everything in between, dining with Celebrity is an international experience all its own. Add in food-and-wine-pairing dinners expertly curated by sommeliers, craft cocktails and an extensive craft beer selection, and a meal on a Celebrity ship is sure to satisfy more than just your hunger; it satisfies your desire to dine on something new and delicious at every meal. With 1 staff member for nearly every 2 guests, Celebrity’s personal service anticipates your every need. Unobtrusively. Intuitively. Your stateroom attendant, your personal connection to the ship, is always there with a smile and a helping hand. In your stateroom, out by the pool, in the Canyon Ranch SpaClub® or anywhere at all at anytime, Celebrity’s onboard family goes the extra mile to ensure every aspect of your cruise turns out just the way you want it. From twicedaily stateroom service with a chocolate at turndown to providing a well-stocked minibar, everything’s customized for you. That’s the main reason why veteran cruisers choose continued on page 16

Learn about the latest AAA specials and get the most value from your membership when you sign up for the monthly AAA e-Update newsletter. Each newsletter includes information about your AAA member benefits, along with savings offers, automotive tips, travel ideas and more. After your first newsletter, you decide which additional e newsletters you’d like to receive. Interested in learning about Travel specials? Get the Travel e-News, with exclusive getaway packages and offers. Or get the Insurance Insight, with information to help you protect your valued possessions. There’s no cost to you, and you can discontinue your AAA e-newsletter subscription at any time. Visit AAA.com/enews to sign up today.

Forget the Stamp with AutoPay With AutoPay, you can avoid late payments and a lapse in your AAA membership. You’ll still receive a paper bill, and you can update your membership prior to making a payment. The credit or debit card you leave on file will be charged the amount of the bill. Any payments from your card will be debited 10 to 15 days before your renewal date. Simply logon to your account at AAA.com and select “Enroll” under Billing Information, or call the Member Service phone number on the back of your membership card to sign up.

Free Junior Associates — Priceless Protection for Teens If your teen has reached driving age, don’t let them go it alone. AAA members can extend their AAA coverage for dependents age 16 to 18, with a free Junior Associate membership. They’ll carry their very own AAA card, and are entitled to AAA benefits and services including 24/7 roadside assistance, exclusive savings at AAA Discounts & Rewards, AAA Mobile solutions and more. Members can add Junior Associates by calling or visiting their local AAA office or, by clicking on AAA.com/JuniorAssociate. (All Associate Members must reside at the Primary Member’s address, and proof of age may be required).

GO WITH THE FLOW WITH UNIWORLD & AAA MEMBER REWARDS VISA® CREDIT CARD

Photo courtesy of Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection.

Travelers are discovering that a river cruise can be an extraordinary way to experience the world, transforming an ordinary vacation into an eyeopening and life-altering experience. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is renowned for its extraordinary itineraries, one-of-a-kind ships, stylish décor, superb cuisine and thoughtful, all-inclusive hospitality. And this August through September, book any 2017 Uniworld itinerary and save when you book using your AAA Member Rewards Visa® credit card. SEE PAGE 7.

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AAA MOTORIST

Three good reasons to buy Cruise Insurance Sail away with Allianz Global Assistance

ou’ve been planning your cruise for months. You’ve stocked up on sunblock, stowed away your passport and ironed your best Hawaiian shirt. But have your purchased travel insurance? It may seem like just one more expense, but experienced travelers know insurance is essential to protect their investment. Here are three reasons you need to buy travel insurance for your next cruise. Cruise lines have strict trip cancellation policies — Think your cruise company will understand when your plans change suddenly and you have to make an emergency trip cancellation? Probably not. They count on having their cabins filled when the ship leaves the dock, so many cruise lines have very strict cancellation policies. In many cases, no refunds will be issued for trip interruptions, lost tickets, flight delays, no-shows or missing the check-in before departure. Even making a minor change to your travel plans may be considered a trip cancellation. It’s tough but that’s the way it works. That’s why cruise lines strongly recommend passengers buy cruise insurance. Consider an insurance policy that covers trip cancellations and trip interruption. Medical emergencies happen on cruise ships, too — When you’re lounging on the sun deck, it’s easy to forget you’re hundreds of miles from the nearest hospital. Even if you’re in perfect

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 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

NO WORRIES — Cruise vacations should be all about having fun. Craig Lenihan photo courtesy Royal Caribbean Cruise Line.

health, you can never predict when you might break an ankle, suffer a heart attack or come down with the flu. Ships’ doctors are equipped to provide prompt medical care, but for serious health emergencies, passengers may need to be airlifted to the closest medical facility. You don’t want to see the bill for that, trust us. Medical evacuations can cost up to $80,000. Some cruise travel insurance plans include coverage

AAA BRANCH OFFICE LOCATIONS ATHENS, OH 130 E. State St. ...................740-593-6677

for accidents or medical emergencies. Cruise travel insurance lets you relax — The whole reason you wanted to go on a cruise vacation was to leave life’s worries on shore. But it’s tough to relax if you’re worrying about bad weather, illness, lost luggage, missed flights, theft, international emergencies or that big deadline at work. A good cruise travel insurance policy will offer coverage for the unexpected. Go with Allianz Global Assistance — It’s worth it to review insurance plan carefully before you buy, because not all plans have the same coverage. Most of the major cruise lines offer their own protection plans, but while they are experts in providing a great cruise experience, they’re not insurance experts. Allianz Global Assistance is AAA’s preferred travel insurance provider. When you trust Allianz Global Assistance to insure your cruise you’re getting the protection only a global leader in the industry can provide. In some situations, Allianz Global Assistance provides better benefits than the cruise lines. For instance, most cruise line waivers do not cover cancellations within 24-72 hours of departure. Clients who cancel their cruise during this period are subject to pay the full cancellation penalty and will, at the most, receive vouchers. With Allianz Global Assistance, you receive cash refunds for covered reasons. If you find yourself in need of an $80,000 medical evacuation, Allianz Global Assistance can guarantee payment immediately for covered reasons, while cruise line operators won’t typically reimburse you until after you return from the trip. Do you have an $80,000 line of credit? FOR MORE INFORMATION

For information about insurance for your next cruise, contact your AAA Travel Agent or visit AAA.com/travelinsurance.

BRIDGEPORT, WV 138 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 482 Suncrest Towne Centre Drive ...... 304-598-7470 PORTSMOUTH, OH 1414 Twelfth St. ................740-354-5614 VIENNA, WV 1100 Ninth St., Unit D........304-295-7101 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

AAA MOTORIST

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Turn to a travel agent for stress-free travel Online bookings losing their luster for time-challenged travelers 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 E. Lehman 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

e-mail: motorist@aaaec.com

AAA EAST CENTRAL Chairman ................................................ Richard S. Hamilton Vice Chairman.........................................James E. Broome, Jr. Vice Chairman............................................... Gregory E. Grim Vice Chairman..........................................Mary Lynn Laughlin Vice Chairman..................................... Martha Hartle Munsch OFFICERS: President ....................................................James E. Lehman Executive Vice President ............................... Thomas J. Ashley Secretary .................................................. Robert H. Compton Treasurer .......................................................Robert S. Collins GOVERNING BOARD OF DIRECTORS Glenn B. Bachman, Neil D. Bassi, James E. Broome, Jr., Steve D. Bullock**, Charles O. Casto**, Edward C. Coaxum, Jr., Robert S. Collins, Robert H. Compton, Jon E. Denney, Debra A. Dinnocenzo, Gregory E. Grim, 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 Neil D. Bassi, Chairman, Robert S. Collins, Vice Chairman, Carol Asam, Christian Asam, Jack A. Barkley, William E. Bierer**, Ellsworth T. Bowser**, Peter Burton, Marianne B. Campbell, Michael A. Cochran, Daniel J. Collins Jr.**, Robert S. Collins, Robert H. Compton, Debra A. Dinnocenzo, James J. Dodaro, Jack G. Ellis, Charles W. Groce, Richard S. Hamilton, Mark Henschen, Luke Howe, Richard Kallenborn, Herbert G. Koenig, Mark S. Mansour, W. Duff McCrady, Martha Hartle Munsch, W. Lee Oswalt, III, Michael Parkes, John D. Petruso, Louis Pomerico, Jacob N. Skezas, James C. Stump, Jr., James F. Ward **emeritus directors

Huntington Regional Board of Directors William H. Blenko, Noel P. Copen, Earl W. Heiner Jr., Samuel Kapourales, Charles Lanham, Robert M. Levy, 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, Nikki Bowman, James B. Bruhn, Wayne J. Northey, Sharon Sakacsi, Harold J. Shamberger, Thomas Shamberger, Thomas H. Van Landingham, Monte Williams Parkersburg Regional Board of Directors Charles O. Casto, Joe C. Hushion

Copyright ©2016 by AAA East Central. Publication of an advertisement in the AAA Motorist does not constitute an endorsement of the product or service by the AAA Motorist or by AAA East Central, except in the case of products and services which are being offered by AAA East Central.

By Richard Hamilton Chairman, AAA East Central ith all of the travel resources available on the Internet, consumers have a bewildering number of choices. But is booking your travel on your own online always the best or least expensive option? According to a recent survey by AAA, a majority of Americans see value in using a travel agent. Eighty-five percent find travel agents provide cost-effective, trouble-free, personalized vacation planning. Why are more people returning to travel agents? Time-challenged consumers may be one reason for the shift. Some simply do not have the time or comfort level to do their own research and planning. Others prefer the personalized service and confidence that comes from letting a professional do the work. They value the expertise that a travel agent brings to the table. While online travel sites certainly have their place, there’s a vast difference between a buying a ticket and creating a vacation. If you’re not familiar with the terrain finding the right information can be an exercise in frustration. Blackouts, restrictions and hidden fees are not always obvious to the casual consumer and mistakes can be costly. Then there is the process of putting all the pieces together — airlines, hotels, travel insurance, ground transportation, sightseeing — the list can be daunting. A simple phone call or visit

Richard Hamilton to a travel agent helps you avoid endless hours of searching online. Today’s travel counselors are skilled at creating maximum value for their clients. Many specialize in cruises or escorted vacations, or destinations like Disney. They know about all those insider deals, upgrades, perks, hidden restrictions, and the best departures from your hometown. Travel agents have access to dedicated reservation systems where they can compare rates and itineraries at multiple airlines, cruise lines and hotels. In other words they have the connections that can really assist you as a traveler. Just as importantly in the event something does go wrong, they can

advocate on your behalf. Delayed and cancelled flights, missed connections, lost reservations, weather emergencies; they’ve seen it all before and handled the problem. When you book online, you could be out there on your own. Seasoned travelers will tell you that top-notch travel agents have an edge over online vendors and are well worth their modest fees. Travel agencies only began charging fees after airlines stopped paying commissions, but they do still earn commissions from tour operators, hotels, and cruise lines, which can offset user fees altogether. In many cases, the total cost for making all your arrangements through a travel agency will be less than doing it yourself online. A new study funded by Carnival Corporation for the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) and conducted by market research firm TNS Global found that travel agents save consumers an average $452 per trip, and four hours in travel planning. One of North America’s largest travel agency networks, AAA offers a full suite of travel solutions including custom branded products like AAA Vacations® that are designed with members in mind, competitively priced and available nowhere else. Whether your perfect escape is sailing away on a cruise, a stay at an all-inclusive resort, or exploring new cultures, AAA Vacations® has the perfect itinerary, special perks and amenities, a Best Price Guarantee and 24/7 customer care.

membersonly Make your college move with Penske Truck Rental Penske offers a course in moving 101

illions of students shift their belongings back to colleges and universities each year and students will soon begin their annual trek back to school. Moving is never easy but there are things you can do to make it better for everyone involved. Whether you’re a senior or a sophomore, the experts at Penske Truck Rental have a curriculum to help make you or you college-age student make the move: Don’t wait — August is a peak month for moving for both students and families. Reserve a truck before they’re all rented out — at least two weeks prior to your move. For most students, a 12- or 16-foot truck is a perfect fit for contents of a college residence or small off-campus apartment. If you can, try to move on a weekday — weekends are always the busiest moving days. Pack in increments — Start early to avoid the stress of last-minute rushing. It’s OK to leave a box open in case you need something you’ve packed inside it.

Pack smart — Label boxes as you pack. First, list the room that the contents belong in, and, if necessary, a few details such as “glass,” “fragile” or “dishes.” Load your heaviest items on the truck first to create a sturdy base, then start stacking on top. Boxes, packing tape, bubble pack, moving blankets, and hand trucks are also essential to keeping your belongings safer and making your move easier. Think safety — A moving truck is taller, wider and heavier than cars or SUVs. So, drive a bit slower and take extra care when making turns, driving under overhangs or near low tree branches. Always check the mirrors before backing up or making any lane changes. Take it easy, until you become accustomed to operating the vehicle. Penske offers 24/7/365 emergency roadside assistance in case you have a problem. Make it fun — Keep a positive attitude during the move — play music, spring for pizza after all the work is done and don’t let frustration get to you. Penske moving trucks have CD

players, radios, air conditioning and cell-phone outlet chargers — all the things necessary for a comfortable, enjoyable ride. Go green and save green — Save on expenses and be kinder to the environment by moving together with someone from your area. Check with your residence life office on campus to help find someone to share the load. Pack a go bag — With most belongings packed tightly away, create a travel bag for moving day to keep important paperwork, credit cards, identification, change of clothes, drinks and snacks close at hand. Whether you need a truck for moving across the country or down the street, Penske Truck Rental offers significant savings for AAA members. Save 12 percent on one-way & local truck rentals and 12 percent off moving supplies and accessories. (Offer only applicable to daily fixed rate and any mileage charges. Book online and save up to 20 percent on one-way rentals at PenskeTruckRental.com.)

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Some life lessons about life insurance Five things people tend to get wrong By Robin Jones trike up a conversation about life insurance and you might get some attempts to change the subject. Most people don’t want to talk about—or even think about—the topic. But it’s not just the “D” word that keeps people from thinking about life insurance. Other misperceptions also prevent many of us from getting coverage. Here are a few notions that are worth reconsidering. I have my company’s group life insurance, and that’s all I require. Employer-based life insurance is helpful, but it’s often not enough to meet your personal financial goals. For starters, the limits of employer-based life insurance are generally one to two times your annual salary. If you have others who depend on you financially, many experts recommend that your coverage be worth five to eight times your salary. Second, employer-based life insurance coverage may end the minute you stop working for that employer—so if you’re laid off or decide to leave that job, you’ll be without coverage until the benefits from your new job kick in. A personal life insurance policy complements what your employer provides. Only the breadwinner needs coverage. A spouse who cares for the home may not get a traditional paycheck, but his or her work is critical. Without the homemaker, the surviving spouse would likely have to pay for day care

to relatives, a life insurance policy can help ensure they can pay off any debts. I’m too young to need life insurance. You’ll get the lowest rates on life insurance when you’re young and healthy. Rates go up every year, and you run the risk of developing a medical condition that will make life insurance more expensive or unattainable. Establishing a life insurance policy as soon as you can afford to, and locking in low rates for as many years as possible, is smart. I have enough life insurance. Be aware that as your life circumstances change, the amount of life insurance sufficient to cover your personal needs may also shift. Major life events such as marriage, having kids, or buying a house usually call for additional coverage. Most insurance companies suggest an annual policy review with your agent to ensure your coverage reflects any significant changes in your life.

NO REGRETS — Carefully weigh your options when considering life insurance. Paul Emberger photo courtesy AAA Public Affairs. FOR MORE INFORMATION and hire someone to help with numerous household chores. To determine life insurance limits for a spouse who works in the home, consider everything he or she does, calculate the cost of hiring someone to do those tasks, and multiply that amount by how many years the breadwinner would need to support the kids financially. I have no dependents, so there’s no

reason for me to buy life insurance. When you die, someone has to pay for your funeral and burial costs, which can amount to $10,000 or more. These expenses are called “final needs,” and your agent can help you set up a lowcost life insurance policy that will cover them. Also, remaining debts will generally be settled against your estate. If you want to leave your home or valuables

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. AAA – your trusted insurance advisor.

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Member Benefits • Exclusive Offers

Smooth sailing, big savings

1-800-354-8761 • AAA.com/travel

Book in August & September to save more! Don’t miss the article on Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection in this issue!

with AAA and Uniworld Dream destinations. Spectacular surroundings. Leisure and luxury. It’s easy to understand why so many vacations are now voyages. Cruise Lines International Association projects that nearly 24 million passengers will set sail in 2016. That is up more than a million bookings over 2015. The growing popularity of river cruises accounts for many of the new names appearing on passenger lists. AAA can help you navigate all the decisions that turn a dream cruise into an affordable reality. Members receive exclusive savings on sailings onboard Uni-

world Boutique River Cruise Collection. Its fleet of 19 elegantly appointed ships cruise the world’s most scenic rivers. This August through September, book passage on any 2017 Uniworld itinerary and save. Get an additional $250 discount per person ($500 per couple) when you use your AAA credit card to pay at least your deposit for bookings made through Sept 30, 2016. Early-booking savings are available on bookings made through Oct 31, 2016, if you pay the balance at booking. Set sail knowing you got a great deal. Your AAA Travel Agent can help you plan your river cruise and learn more about AAA Vacations amenities on

SAMPLE SAVINGS! Just how much can you save on a river cruise? Uniworld’s Gems of Northern Italy cruise, from Venice to Milan, is a popular choice. Here’s a savings snapshot for that 10-day cruise ($3,749 per person). AAA Member Savings*

person

couple

Double AAA Member Savings $250 Early-Booking Savings (paid in full) $400 EXTRA Savings (using your AAA credit card) $250

$500 $800 $500

TOTAL SAVINGS FOR AAA MEMBERS

$900

$1,800

select departures. Find out more about the AAA Member Rewards Visa credit card at AAA.com/creditcard.** ®

*Terms and Conditions: Offers valid for any 2017 sailings. Rate and savings listed in U.S. dollars. Rate is cruise/tour only, per person, based on double occupancy for the Gems of Northern Italy (March 31, 2017, departure, Category 5, River Countess). Includes port charges but does not include airfare, savings, taxes, or fees. Rate may vary by itinerary, stateroom category, and departure date. Double AAA Member Savings of $250 per person for bookings made Aug 1 – Sept 30, 2016. Early-Booking Savings available on bookings made through Oct 31, 2016, if the balance is paid in full at the time of booking. Savings may vary by itinerary and category of accommodations. Extra savings of $250 per person (or $500 per couple) when you use your AAA credit card to pay at least your deposit for bookings made through Sept 30, 2016. Promo code 1AAACC02 must be used at time of booking to receive savings. **For information about rates, fees, other costs and benefits associated with the use of the AAA Member Rewards Visa® credit card, visit any AAA branch or www.AAA.com/creditcard and refer to the disclosures accompanying the online credit application. AAA credit card programs are issued and administered by Bank of America, N.A. Visa and Visa Signature are registered trademarks of Visa International Service Association and are used by the issuer pursuant to license from Visa U.S.A., Inc. ©2016 Bank of America Corporation.©2016 American Automobile Association.ARSLGYGJ

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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Take a brewery tour and a tasting as well as a farewell dinner at Munich's famous Hofbrauhaus.

Nov 30–Dec 8 •

AAA Member Rate: $3,695 FE

PER ROOM, DOUBLE OCCUPANCY NEW BOOKINGS AUG 1-31

YELLOWSTONE

More wildlife, fewer people than in summer! “HOT” aptly describes AAA’s Yellowstone in Winter escorted tour...as well as the park’s incredible natural phenomena — geysers, mudpots and vents. Seeing this national park’s iconic sights in person can be a life-altering and humbling experience. They’re not just as good as you’ve imagined; they’re better...and even more so in winter! It may be the best season to take in Yellowstone’s many natural wonders. Hordes of summer tourists disappear and, except for hibernating bears, wildlife viewing is at its peak. The park’s a magical landscape of frozen waterfalls and grazing bison under an incredible star canopy. AAA’s 5-night adventure kicks off in Salt Lake City, at Temple Square to hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. A scenic drive brings you past Great Salt Lake and Ogden, Utah’s original settlement. Cross Idaho and enter Montana and the park gateway town of West Yellowstone. Since most park roads close in winter, luxury snowcoaches are the way to go. Relax in a warm, comfortable cabin while you glimpse wildlife. You may even get into a “buffalo jam” when a herd decides the snow is too deep and the easiest way to travel is on a plowed road! See the Fountain Paint Pots as well as Firehole Falls. Marvel at Old Faithful, the park’s most celebrated geyser, erupting about every 90 minutes. Journey to the Wild West town of Jackson Hole WY at the base of the rugged Teton Mountains of Grand Teton National Park. At the nearby National Elk Refuge, a horse-drawn sleigh brings you into a sprawling valley where thousands of elk gather. Then it’s on to the National Museum of Wildlife Art. Ride through rugged Snake River Canyon, surrounded by soaring peaks. In Utah, tour the site of the 2002 Winter Olympics, cradled in the Wasatch Mountains. Cap off your tour with a farewell dinner in Salt Lake City.

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PER ROOM, DOUBLE OCCUPANCY NEW BOOKINGS AUG 1-31

ALASKA

“Once-in-a-lifetime experience!” “Unexpected spectacles!” “Warm welcomes and hospitality!” “Unparalleled natural beauty!” Superlatives like those are commonplace among those who return home after having enjoyed AAA’s Ultimate Alaska Winter Wonderland tour. This tour combines hands-on experiences (opportunities to guide a dog sled), world-famous events (watching the Iditarod and dining with mushers), natural phenomena (viewing the Aurora Borealis), cultural exposures (visiting a Native American heritage center) and deluxe accommodations (2 nights at Alaska’s only AAA 4 Diamond resort) and more. Alaska in winter? This tour does depart Feb 23, in the middle of Old Man Winter’s reign. But that’s exactly what makes it special. This is when true Alaskans reclaim their state from hordes of summer tourists who descend upon it like mosquitoes (also absent in winter!). And it’s also the time of the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. Once you experience all of the exhilarating sights, sounds, aromas, textures and flavors of Alaska on this tour, you’ll wonder why you ever gave the winter weather a second thought! The tour’s centerpiece is the world-famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, a nearly-1,000-mile competition from Willow to Nome. Meet mushers and their eager-to-run dog teams. Watch the ceremonial start in Anchorage, then head out the next day for the official re-start across ice-covered Willow Lake. Fairbanks • Trans-Alaska Pipeline • Alaska Railroad • Talkeetna • Anchorage • Seward • Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center • Alaska Sealife Center • Seward Museum • Girdwood • Alyeska Tram • Alaska Zoo • Mushers’ Banquet • Happy Trails Kennel • Iditarod HQ • Ceremonial Start of the Iditarod • Visit AAA.com/travel for a complete itinerary. Alaska Native Heritage Center • Iditarod Re-start

AAA Member Rate: $3,999

Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Columbus-Fairbanks, Anchorage-Columbus), roundtrip airport/ hotel transfers, motorcoach transportation, accommodations, 14 meals, luggage handling (1 bag/ person), Alaska tour escort and services of a AAA tour manager (if minimum participation is met). Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

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$100.00 OFF

Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip airport/hotel transfers (within limited parameters), motorcoach transportation, accommodations, 9 meals, luggage handling (1 bag/person) and services of a local tour guide. Ask about available add-on airfare.

Iditarod Race, Northern Lights, Alaska Railroad and more!

Feb 23–March 5 •

AAA Member Rate: $1,450 FE

Feb 4-9 •

AAA Member Rate: $3,995 D

$50.00 OFF

Dec 30–Jan 5 •

Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Columbus–Los Angeles, San Diego–Columbus), roundtrip ATURE airport/hotel transfers, motorcoach transportation, accommodations, 11 meals, luggage handling (1 bag/person), taxes/gratuities for included features and services of a AAA Tour Manager in California (if participation goal is met). Additional airline fees for CA O TI baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. VA

Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes flights (Columbus-Frankfurt, Munich-Columbus), roundtrip airport/hotel ATURE transfers, motorcoach transportation, accommodations, 13 meals, luggage handling (1 bag/person), taxes/gratuities for included features and services of a AAA Tour Manager in Germany (if participation goal is met). Additional airline fees for bagCA O TI gage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Passport required.

Reagan Library • Dinner at LA Prime on the 35th floor of your hotel • Rodeo Drive & Hollywood • Views of the iconic Hollywood sign • Celebrity homes in Bel Air & Beverly Hills • Behind-the-scenes Warner Brothers tour • New Year’s Eve party on the Queen Mary • LA: Farmers Market, Disney Concert Hall, Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels • Olvera Street, original heart of the Mexican community • Pacific Coast Highway • Reserved seat for Roses parade • Universal Studios CityWalk • San Diego: Cabrillo Monument, Mission Bay, Old Town, La Jolla, Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo • USS Midway aircraft carrier • Winery tour & tasting • Sunset dinner cruise on San Diego Bay

Visit Neuschwanstein, the palace upon which Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle is modeled.

& the Tournament of Roses Parade!

Enjoy the Christmas markets (and other aspects) of Nuremberg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Bamberg, Bayreuth, Regensburg, Augsburg, Munich

PER ROOM, DOUBLE OCCUPANCY NEW BOOKINGS AUG 1-31

Experience fun and flavorful Old World holiday-season traditions!

$50.00 OFF

German Christmas Markets

California New Year' s Getaway

PER ROOM, DOUBLE OCCUPANCY NEW BOOKINGS AUG 1-31

$50.00 OFF

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

1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel MEMBERS SAVE $340.00! S

& DROMOLAND CASTLE

HERITAGE

ATURE

IRISH

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per room, double occupancy New bookings with deposit Aug 1-31

SPECIAL INCLUSION “You’ll never plough a field if you only turn it DROMOLAND over in your mind”; and, in keeping with this Irish CASTLE proverb, you’ll never appreciate the actual beauty, Enjoy a farewell dinner at this elegant and luxurious charm and fun of the Emerald Isle if you only fairytale castle hotel! dream about it. Let AAA help you bring that dream to life on its “Irish Heritage & Dromoland Castle” escorted tour.

Limerick • Bunratty Castle: medieval banquet • Cliffs of Moher • Foynes Flying Boat Museum • Killarney National Park • Ring of Kerry • Valentia Island: Skellig Experience • Sneem • Moll’s Gap • Blarney: Castle, Woollen Mills • Cobh • Waterford • Wicklow Mountains • Dublin • Irish National Stud • Dromoland Castle

March 14-22 •

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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

AAA MOTORIST

AAA Member Rate: $2,418

Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, 13 meals (including medieval castle banquet/entertainment, Kileen House in Killarney, MerryPloughboy Pub dinner/entertainment, Dromoland Castle farewell dinner, 2 table d’hôte dinners and more), motorcoach sightseeing, hotel service charges & luggage handling (1 bag per person) and professional tour director in Ireland. Ask about available add-on airfare. Passport required. Tour operated by CIE International. VIsit AAA.com/GoIreland for itinerary and more information.

$ 50

Who doesn’t like being “carded”? AAA members get a $50.00 Disney Gift Card (per room, double occupancy) from AAA Travel when you book & make a deposit on a 5-night or longer Walt Disney World® Resort vacation package between Aug 1 & 31.

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AAA MOTORIST

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Rome & the Amalfi Coast

Ask about other nondiscounted departure dates.

ATURE

AAA Member Rate: $3,849

PER ROOM, DOUBLE OCCUPANCY NEW BOOKINGS AUG 1-31

March 2-11 â&#x20AC;˘

Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Columbus-Rome), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, motorcoach transportation, accommodations, 13 meals, luggage handling (1 bag/person), professional tour guide in Italy and taxes/gratuities for included features. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Passport required.

Premier: $800 Plus: $775 Classic: $750

MEMBERS SAVE!

Experience a wonder-filled journey through southern Italy and embrace its rich scenery, art, culture, food and wine. Begin with a guided tour of Classical Rome that reveals its iconic treasures, followed by an in-depth guided visit of the spectacular Colosseum. See the Piazza Venezia, the Roman Forum, the Circus Maximus and the Arch of Constantine. Enjoy contemporary Rome at the Piazza Navona. Next, travel amid the breathtaking timeless scenery of the Amalfi Coast. From the seaside town of Sorrento to the Benedictine monastery perched atop a mountain at Montecassino and the ancient Greek temples of Paestum, each day brings a another delightful experience. Learn a few Italian phrases from your guide and explore the charming town of Amalfi. At Minori, sample some local specialties at a familyowned limoncello (a lemon-flavored liquor) factory. Enjoy a full day on your own to relax or take an optional cruise to Capri for a tour of this enchanted isle. Enjoy a surprising stop to learn how buffalo milk mozzarella cheese is made and visit the renowned National Archaeological Museum in Naples. Along the way, discover the ruins of Pompeii and stop at a local winery at the foot of Mt Vesuvius.

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ÂŠ Peter Cox / Fotolia.com

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

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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Get up to $100.00 in perks!

NOW’S THE TIME!

Book & make a deposit by AUG 31 on a 2016 7-night-or-longer air-inclusive Pleasant Holidays vacation to HAWAII, MEXICO or the CARIBBEAN and enjoy:

$50 SAVINGS FROM AAA TRAVEL per room, based on double occupancy • new bookings Aug 1-31, 2016

PLUS

SIVE THIS EXCLU NEFIT! E MEMBER B

$50.00 CERTIFICATE* toward purchase of optional sightseeing or activity, per booking

*At select Caribbean destinations, a $50 discount may apply (instead of a $50 activity voucher).

AAA Member Rate: $3,399

Ask about other nondiscounted departure dates.

ATURE

PER RO CUPANCY DOUBLE OCOK S NEW BO ING AUG 1-19

Feb 18-24 •

Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Columbus-Reykjavik), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, motorcoach transportation, accommodations, 10 meals, luggage handling (1 bag/person), professional tour guide in Iceland and taxes/gratuities for included features. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Passport required.

Premier: $700 Plus: $675 Classic:OM$650

The “land of fire and ice” is a place of many wonders, including the rare opportunity to see the spectacular aurora borealis, or northern lights. The bright dancing lights of the aurora are actually collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun that enter the earth’s atmosphere. As early as 1616, the astronomer Galileo Galilei used the name aurora borealis to describe them, taking the name of the mythical Roman goddess of the dawn, Aurora, and the Greek name for wind of the north, Boreas. On this 5-night guided tour, spend your evenings gazing at the night sky in search of that once-in-a-lifetime moment when the elusive and dazzling lights dance and swirl above you. And there’s much more! Explore Thingvellir National Park, the nation’s most historic area. Gaze at the spectacular Gullfoss waterfall, one of the world's most incredible cascades. At Eyjafjallajökull Volcano Visitor Center, learn about life during and after the dramatic 2010 volcanic explosion. Explore Skogar Folk Museum and see traditional turf-built homes. Walk on a black volcanic sand beach. See Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon filled with floating icebergs. Relax in the warm, mineral-rich water of the natural geothermal pool the Blue Lagoon.

MEMBERS SAVE!

Iceland’s Magical Northern Lights

AAA MOTORIST

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AAA MOTORIST

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Escape from winter and into a furnished Florida home for 4 weeks!

Images representative of available homes. No 2 homes are identical, but styles & amenities are similar. CATEGORY

2017 ARRIVAL–DEPARTURE

175 Rosemary St

3 BR - Plus

Feb 6–Mar 6 or Mar 6–Apr 3 $5,055

18106 Lake Worth Blvd

3 BR - Premium

Jan 14–Feb 11

$4,634

18106 Lake Worth Blvd

3 BR - Premium

Feb 11–Mar 11

$5,435

18191 Regan Ave

3 BR - Standard

Jan 7–Feb 4

$3,877

18191 Regan Ave

3 BR - Standard

Feb 4–Mar 4 or Mar 4–Apr 1 $4,897

18154 Brazil Ave

3 BR - Premium

Jan 7–Feb 4

18154 Brazil Ave

3 BR - Premium

Feb 4–Mar 4 or Mar 4–Apr 1 $5,435

18279 Caddy Ave

3 BR - Premium

Feb 4–Mar 4 or Mar 4–Apr 1 $5,435

ADDRESS

Just because you don’t own a home in Florida is no reason you can’t be a “snowbird” and live the leisurely (and warm!) life-style of the Sunshine State for 28 nights (Saturdayto-Saturday weeks) in 2017. AAA Travel has just what you need: 4-week Saturday-toSaturday rentals of a roomy furnished vacation home in peaceful Port Charlotte! On the southwest Gulf Coast just 100 miles south of Tampa and 65 miles north of Naples, Port Charlotte is a premier ecotourism destination that’s off the beaten path and free of crowds, yet offers sailing, boating, fishing, birding, shopping, dining, arts & more. One of Sail magazine’s 10 Greatest Places to Sail, the Charlotte Harbor area offers nature adventures like canoeing/kayaking on 53 trails, exploring 5 national wild-life refuges and discovering prime birding opportunities. There are more than 70 parks & preserves, 16 golf courses and numerous sporting events and recreational facilities. Cultural pursuits include visual arts, theater, dance and music (Port Charlotte is home to the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra). No wonder Money magazine called it Best Place to Retire. Choose from a selection of attractively landscaped homes, and use yours as a base from which to explore the local area’s uncrowded beaches and/or the many attractions within comfortable driving distance. Or just settle in, take advantage of the screened-in swimming pool and laugh at winter back home! Get away from it all...or invite family and/or friends to share some Florida fun with you. These 3-bedroom/2-bathroom (some with 2.5) homes can comfortably sleep 6 (bedding/linens provided). They feature fully equipped kitchens (dishwasher, stove/oven, refrigerator/freezer, microwave) and dining areas for everyone to gather in...screened-in heated pools for swimming, lounging and loafing! Living rooms feature entertainment centers (with cable). Optional weekly cleaning/linen service is available for an additional fee. Imagine not having to shovel snow this winter...and watching the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico instead. Forget about bundling up just to go to the corner store... ATURE and slipping into a soothing pool after dining on your patio instead. With AAA’s help, you can look forward to winter this year; CA O TI contact a AAA Travel Agent now or call 1-800-354-8761!

AAA RATE

$4,299

Rates vary by home selected, are subject to availability at time of booking and include accommodations, taxes & fees and pool heating fee. Visit AAA.com/HomeRentals.

Rockin’ in Reno!

Courtesy of Western Leisure

Frankie Avalon • Jon “Bowzer” Bauman • Freddy Cannon Johnny Tillitson • Rocky & the Rollers

Rrate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, motorcoach transportation for included sightseeing, 6 meals, luggage handling (1 bag/person) and taxes/gratuities for included features. Ask about available add-on airfare.

ATURE

AAA Member Rate: $925

April 30–May 4 •

’50s, ’60s and ’70s. There will be prizes for dancing and costumes and a trivia contest to add to the fun! Enjoy a day to explore all the amenities of the Grand Sierra Resort, including shopping, restaurants, a driving range, movie theaters, bowling, a pool and a sandy beach as well as casino gaming. (You may opt to purchase a 9:30am–4:30pm tour — Historic Virginia City with the Virginia & Truckee Railroad.) After a fun day, return to the hotel for “Bowzer’s Rock & Roll Party with Bowzer & the Stingrays”! More than a nostalgic trip into the past and the height of rock & roll, it’s your chance to see a true cultural icon doing what he does best. Enjoy a sightseeing journey to Carson City, the Nevada state capital, and then on to picturesque Lake Tahoe for a lunch cruise on the MS Dixie.

more. Shuttle service from GSR to downtown and the National Automobile Museum is provided; tickets to the museum are also included. See more than 200 eye-popping cars. Return to GSR for the afternoon show, “Living Legends of Rock & Roll with Freddy Cannon & Johnny Tillitson.” Freddy is an American rock & roll singer whose biggest international hits included “Tallahassee Lassie,“ “Way Down Yonder in New Orleans“ and “Palisades Park.“ Johnny enjoyed his greatest success in the early ’60s, scoring 9 Top Ten hits on the pop, country and adult contemporary Billboard charts, including “Poetry in Motion“ and the self-penned “It Keeps Right on A-hurtin.’“ Enjoy music and dancing at the “Sock Hop Dance Party with Rocky & the Rollers,” who have toured for more than 35 years and performed with artists from the

Near Lake Tahoe, in the heart of the Truckee Meadows, lies the Grand Sierra Resort (GSR). With nearly 2,000 rooms; a 100,000-square-foot casino; the largest and most open casino floor in northern Nevada; 11 dining options and plenty of fun for family and friends with FunQuest, Grand Adventure Land and bowling; GSR is the perfect place for a rockin’ good time. Enjoy an included buffet dinner on your first night at the hotel. Afterward, sit back and enjoy Frankie Avalon, acclaimed for “Just Ask Your Heart,“ “I’ll Wait for You,““Bobby Sox to Stockings,“ “A Boy without a Girl,““Venus” and others. Explore vibrant Reno, which has undergone a rebirth — with a revitalized downtown, the River Walk area on the Truckee River, updated dining & gaming and much

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

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

FEATURED VACATIONS

GENERAL TRAVEL DISCLAIMER: AAA Travel Agency makes every effort to provide accurate, up-to-date prices as of press time and cannot assume responsibility for typographic errors. Rates/offers are per person based on double occupancy, unless otherwise indicated, and are subject to availability and airline/operator changes. International rates/offers are subject to currency fluctuations and additional tax & security charges. Rates that include airfare include all taxes, government fees and surcharges. Additional restrictions may apply. Rates/offers are available at all AAA East Central travel agency locations. For tour details, contact AAA or visit AAA.com/travel. FEATURED VACATIONS are specially priced, unique departures; therefore, tour operators, cruise lines and other travel providers often exclude them from additional discounts or specials they offer. FEATURED VACATIONS include services provided by third-party tour destination service companies; see your AAA Travel Agent for details.

____________________________________________________________

ATURE

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

ATHENS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 740-593-6677 CHILLICOTHE. . . . . . . . . . . . 740-702-3838 GALLIPOLIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 740-446-0699 HILLSBORO . . . . . . . . . . . . . 937-393-3489 HUNTINGTON . . . . . . . . . . . 304-529-7107 IRONTON. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 740-532-3242

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are specific cruise, motorcoach or air tour vacations created or selected by AAA Travel for their value, amenities and/or inclusions.

Look for the FEATURED VACATIONS logo to identify out-of-the-ordinary offerings... and be sure to visit AAA.com/FeaturedVacations to see the latest offerings.

Car-free, carefree adventures

ATURE

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Rates are per person (double occupancy for multiday tours), are subject to availability at time of booking and include roundtrip motorcoach transportation from the Portsmouth area, accommodations (for multiday tours, based on double occupancy), sightseeing/admissions, taxes/gratuities for included features, baggage handling (for multiday tours), meals as indicated and the services of a AAA Tour Manager. Visit AAA.com/USA for complete itinerary details and pick-up points.

LEAVE YOUR CAR AT HOME!

FOR MOTORCOACH TOURS, PLEASE CALL 1-800-887-1976 Historic Lebanon, Christmas Shopping & Lights Nov 26 •

AAA Member Rate: $115

Enjoy a stop at the Kings Mill General Store & Christmas Shop. The Cincinnati Enquirer wrote: “Inside its creaking floors, tinkling holiday tunes, the smells of vanilla....that’s the kind of place the Christmas Shop is.” There are dozens of decorated trees and thousands of ornaments. Next stop is the historic Golden Lamb Inn, host to a dozen US Presidents and countless celebrities over the years. Ohio’s oldest inn is in picturesque Lebanon, used in the filming of Harper Valley PTA and Milk Money. Check out the gift shop for special gift items. Enjoy shopping time in Lebanon’s unique gift shops. Fill your bags with holiday gifts at Cincinnati Premium Outlet stores like Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Maidenform, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Aeropostale, 20 different shoe stores, Yankee Candle and Direct Tool Factory Outlet, among others. After dinner (on your own), take a driving tour of Light Up Middletown, which is becoming one of the largest displays in southwestern Ohio. Enjoy thousands of Christmas lights and festive music as you circle Smith Park Lake in the comfort of your coach. 1 meal.

Courtesy of Washington.org

AAA MOTORIST

Springtime in Washington DC

March 30–April 2 •

AAA Member Rate: $799

Travel to Lanham MD for the first overnight of your 3-night stay. At Arlington National Cemetery, meet your guide and board the ANC Tour Bus to see the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns and the resting places of President John F & Jackie Kennedy, and other notables. See the nearby Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima statue) while here. Visit the Capitol Visitor Center, then tour the US Capitol, followed by exterior tours of the US Library of Congress and the Supreme Court building. Take the Pink Blossom Tidal Basin Stroll, with photo opportunities of the cherry trees, while visiting the FDR, Jefferson and Martin Luther King Jr memorials. After dinner, return to the hotel. Meet your guide at the White House Visitor Center and stop for a White House photo opportunity; then drive up Embassy Row on the way to the Washington National Cathedral (pending availability). This unique building stands taller than the Washington Monument and is the sixth largest church in the

world. Situated on 57 acres, it took 83 years to build. Next, visit your choice of Smithsonian Institution museums while at the National Mall. Then visit The National World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial. After dinner, enjoy an Illuminated Monument Tour before returning to the hotel. Depart for home with lots of patriotic memories of our nation’s capital. 6 meals.

ADDITIONAL DEPARTURES Aug 21............ Reds vs LA Dodgers: Cincinnati OH ................................. $109 Sept 10-18 ..... 2-Nation Vacation: New England & Nova Scotia ......... $2,299

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AAA MOTORIST

Members are “insiders” at their local AAA office Why it pays to work with AAA professionals

hether you’re planning a vacation to Disney World or jet-setting across the globe, AAA can help smooth the trip planning process. AAA East Central’s 82 branch offices provide members with a wealth of free and discounted services, including travelplanning information you won’t find anywhere else. Domestic Maps, TripTik® Travel Planner, and AAA TourBook® Travel Guides are all free for AAA members. AAA travel specialists have the knowhow and the experience to help members map the best route for road trips, find information on things to do and choose the best places to stay around your destination. Let them create a customized itinerary for you, with extras like detailed maps and guides providing local and regional information. Choose from over 1.5 million rooms at AAA Diamond rated properties — where members can save up to 20 percent. In addition to the convenience and savings on trip planning, AAA members receive discounts at hundreds of retail locations and attractions. Our in-branch attraction ticket sales offer members sizeable discounts on admissions to places like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Legoland Florida, Hersheypark, Discovery Cove, Cedar Point, Kings Island, and Busch

PERSONAL SERVICE — AAA East Central’s 82 branch offices offer travel planning services and more. Gardens. More discount tickets are available at AAA.com that members can purchase and print out online. For trips that take you farther away from home, AAA members receive special benefits on a variety of cruises, tours, and packages when they use the AAA Travel Agency. Pick up the AAA Visa® TravelMoney card, a worry-free way to manage your money at home or on the road. It’s a prepaid, reloadable debit card that can be used to make purchases at millions

of Visa merchants. TravelMoney cards offer convenience, security and flexibility, with emergency replacements if lost or stolen, zero liability on fraudulent charges and easy budgeting. Use it at various ATMs worldwide. When you need a little spending money for your trip abroad, AAA specialists can help you order a TipPak. Perfect for purchasing snacks, paying cab fares and leaving tips, TipPaks make for an easy transition at your destination. Simply call your local office

ahead of time to check availability and reserve your currency. Larger denominations of foreign currency are also available. (TipPaks and currency are not available in West Virginia, but currency may be obtained on AAA.com.) Branch offices can also assist you with travel insurance. Agents can help you choose the best insurance plan, whether it’s for a single trip or you’re looking for annual coverage. Passport photo services are available at select AAA branches at a cost of $8 plus tax for members and $16 plus tax for non-members. International Driving Permits are an inexpensive, easy to obtain through AAA, and they’re honored as identification in more than 150 countries. The permit contains your name, photo and driver information translated into 10 languages. Finding your local AAA office is as easy as logging onto AAA.com and clicking on “AAA Locations” at the top right of the page.

BEFORE YOU GO

Visit AAA.com for services, discounts and other products available at your local branch. Remember to register your account online for additional deals and programs exclusive to members.

Make the most of your AAA membership Matching the right AAA membership with your lifestyle

here’s no one-size-fits-all vehicle or vacation out there. Everyone’s needs are different; that’s why AAA offers several types of membership. Your benefits will only increase with each level, giving you the freedom to choose the membership option that fits your budget and works best for you. Classic, Plus & Premier – Three levels of protection — AAA Classic Membership covers 24-hour roadside assistance, free printed and online maps, TourBook and eTourBook guides, TripTik Travel Planner on AAA.com, plus AAA savings on hotels, Hertz car rentals, restaurants and attractions. Members save even more at the AAA Discounts & Rewards online shopping portal. ProtectMyID Essential is AAA’s no cost identity-theft monitoring service that includes daily credit monitoring, fraud resolution support and more. AAA Plus Membership offers all the Classic AAA membership benefits with enhancements including: • Up to 100 miles of extended distance towing; • Free fuel and delivery – to get you to the nearest service station; • Up to $100 in vehicle locksmith services; • Extrication/winching – two trucks and two drivers, if needed; • Free International maps and select

•

FREEDOM TO CHOOSE — AAA lets you match your membership to your driving habits and travel preferences. European travel guides. AAA Plus RV Membership offers all the benefits of AAA Plus, extended to cover eligible RVs like your motor home, boat trailer, pickup truck with camper, and motorcycle. For the most comprehensive package of AAA benefits and services, choose AAA Premier Membership. Premier members enjoy a wealth of added privileges, including: • One emergency tow per household per year of up to 200 miles; •

•

Available 24-hour concierge services; $1,500 Trip Interruption protection; One day free emergency rental car reimbursement, with tow; Toll free number for dedicated service; $10,000 Identity Theft Insurance; Up to $500 car return protection; Processing Fees for Airline and Rail Ticket fee waived;* Up to $300,000 Travel Accident Insurance from AAA Travel; Up to $150 vehicle and $100 home lockout service;

Notary fees waived on personal documents;* • Free Hertz Gold Plus Rewards membership with enough Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Bonus Points for two free weekend rental days after first Gold rental. * Discounts on select services available only at AAA East Central branch locations. For complete details on Premier services, review the AAA Premier Guide to Member Services. All in the family: Primary and associate memberships — Share peace of mind with everyone in your household with a AAA membership for each family member. Primary membership means you are either the first or sole AAA member within your household. Associate memberships are for eligible individuals residing in the primary member’s household, namely the primary member’s spouse (or one adult age 18 or older) and dependent children ages 16 through 23. Associate members receive the same benefits as primary members. THE CHOICE IS YOURS

Add associate members, or upgrade your existing AAA membership to a higher level at any time. For more information, contact your local AAA office, visit AAA.com, or call the Member Service Center at 1.800.441.5008.

AAA MOTORIST

•

PAGE 15

PRIVACY STATEMENT

AAA East Central •

Your privacy is important to us AAA East Central and its affiliates are proud to have been providing top-quality AAA member services, benefits and products for more than 110 years. We greatly appreciate and value the trust that you and more than 2.7 million other AAA members, customers and consumers have placed in us. We will protect that trust by respecting the privacy of all of our members and nonmember customers/consumers.

Gathering information In order to provide you with the services, benefits and products that you want from us, and to insure that you receive the very best services and benefits and the highest quality products, we collect the following personal information about you: • Information we receive from you, such as information you give us orally or in writing on applications (including membership applications) or other order forms; • Information about your transactions with us, our affiliates or others; and • Information we receive from an outside source, such as a consumer reporting agency. In addition, if you visit our Internet web site at www.AAA.com, the web server automatically recognizes and records information about your Internet usage, such as the referring (immediate preceding) web site, Internet workstation address, date and time of log-in/ log-out, site pages visited, time spent per page, files downloaded and search criteria used. If, during your visit to our web site, you voluntarily provide personally identifiable information such as an e-mail address, information to complete or submit an application or form online or other information (such as survey information or content of e-mail), we will collect such information. To better serve you, we may use a feature of your Internet browser called a “cookie” (an entry placed in a file on your computer’s hard drive or in your browser memory) to enhance your browsing experience and to permit you to request data and conduct business transactions through the web site. You should also be aware that other online retailers, partners, third-party Internet sites and third-party services accessible through our web site have separate privacy and data collection policies and practices which are independent of and may be different from our policies and practices. Please be alert for, and be sure to review, such separate policies and practices when you encounter them as you move between the links of our web site.

Handling of gathered information In the course of our normal service and business operations, we use and may share or disclose all of the information that we collect, as described above. However, since some of the information we gather and share or disclose is not publicly available, we take care to insure that your nonpublic personal information is protected from unauthorized access or use. We restrict access to nonpublic personal information about you to those employees who need to know that information in order to provide services, benefits and products to you. Where we select and use agents and service/product provider partners to deliver or offer services, benefits and products to you or to us, we restrict access to nonpublic personal information about you to such persons and firms who commit to properly use and protect your nonpublic personal information. We maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with applicable federal regulations to guard your nonpublic personal information. We do not share or disclose your non-public personal information in violation of any applicable law or regulation.

Sharing information among our Affiliates and Partners In the course of our normal service and business operations, or when we think it may benefit you, we may disclose all of the information that we collect, as described above, within our family of AAA-affiliated companies and business lines. Our family of AAA-affiliated companies and business lines includes AAA East Central, AAA Ashland County, AAA Massillon Automobile Club, AAA Travel Agency, AAA East Central Insurance Agency, Inc., Ohio Motorists Holding Company, Ohio Motorists Life Insurance Company, Auto Club Driving Schools, Inc., AAA Kentucky Driver Training Center, Inc., Tri-State Foundation for Safety and Education, Inc., Ohio Motorists Safety Foundation, and Automobile Club of Southern California and its affiliates/ subsidiaries, including Interinsurance Exchange of the Automobile Club, Automobile Club of Southern California Life Insurance Company, Auto Club Casualty Company, Auto Club Indemnity Company, Automobile Club Inter-Insurance Exchange, Auto Club Family Insurance Company, ACSC Management Services, Inc., Club Exchange Corporation, Auto Club Insurance Holdings, LLC, Auto Club Insurance Company of Florida, AAA Club Services, LLC, Auto Club Enterprises, Automobile Club of Missouri, Alabama Motorists Association, Inc., AAA Northern New England, Tidewater Automobile Association of Virginia, Incorporated, AAA Texas, LLC, AAA New Mexico, LLC, AAA Hawaii, LLC, Pleasant Travel Holding Company, LLC, Pleasant Holidays, LLC, and Hawaii World, LLC. The sharing of information among affiliates is permitted by law. Some of our affiliates may receive personal health care information (such as information received from medical or health care providers) or consumer credit information (such as information reported by a consumer reporting agency). Such affiliates do not share such personal health care information or credit information with our other affiliates.

AAA Travel Agency

We may disclose all of the nonpublic personal financial information we collect (other than consumer credit information) as described above to companies that perform operational services related to your membership and/or transactional accounts with us. We may disclose all of the nonpublic personal financial information we collect (other than consumer credit information) as described above to companies that perform marketing services on our behalf or to other financial institutions with whom we have joint marketing agreements. The sharing of nonpublic personal financial information with these types of companies is permitted by law.

Sharing information with Third Parties From time to time, we may allow nonaffiliated companies to extend offers of products and services to AAA members and nonmember customers/consumers when we feel that such products and services might be of special value or of particular interest to you. We may disclose nonpublic personal information about you to the following types of third parties: • Financial service providers, such as banks and bank holding companies, depositary and thrift institutions, credit unions and other consumer lenders; securities broker-dealers; investment companies; financial and investment advisers; insurance companies & agents; and others that offer financial products and services to consumers; • Nonfinancial companies such as airlines, cruise lines, hotels and resorts, car rental companies and other travel vendors; retailers; direct marketers; and others that offer goods and services to consumers; and • Others, such as the American Automobile Association, Inc. and other nonprofit organizations. We may also disclose nonpublic personal information about you to nonaffiliated third parties as required or permitted by law.

Your preference/opt-out rights If you prefer not to receive future AAA special value-added offers and notifications of products, services and special savings opportunities from us or our joint marketing partners, you may direct us not to send or contact you with such offers or savings opportunities. (If you are a AAA member, you will continue to receive the AAA Motorist/Traveler publication and annual membership renewal information and billing statements.) If you prefer that we not disclose non-public personal financial information about you to nonaffiliated third parties, you may opt out of those disclosures – that is, you may direct us not to make those disclosures (other than disclosures required or permitted by law). An opt-out request by any member on a membership account, or by any party on a joint transactional account, will apply to all Primary and Associate Members on the membership account, and to all parties on the joint account, within the same household. If you wish to exercise one or both of the preference and opt-out rights described above, you must do so in writing by filing a AAA Marketing Preference/Disclosure Optout Form with us. To request that a copy of the AAA Marketing Preference/Disclosure Opt-out Form be sent to you, write to: AAA Member Records, 5900 Baum Blvd, Pittsburgh PA 15206-3854. We will continue to respect your privacy even after your AAA membership or other relationship with us ends. Please note, however, that AAA is a national association of independently chartered local AAA motor clubs and organizations. If you relocate to a AAA service territory assigned to a AAA club or organization other than AAA East Central, your AAA membership may be transferred to such other AAA club or organization. Such other AAA club or organization will have its own separate privacy and data collection policies and practices which are independent of and may be different from our policies and practices. Such separate policies and practices will govern the future handling and disclosure of your personal information. © 2016 AAA East Central ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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AAA MOTORIST

Celebrity

cont from pg 1

Celebrity year after year. For all these reasons and more (see box below), it’s clear that Celebrity Cruises is the brand to choose for the ultimate modern luxury vacation... and, with roundtrip economy-class airfare savings of up to $500 per person, it’s equally clear that AAA Travel is the best place to arrange it!

AAA members save up to $500 per person on roundtrip economy airfare on Celebrity Cruises of 10+ nights; offer available for a limited time. Visit your local AAA Travel Agency or call 1-800-354-8761.

A half-acre of real grass! Sink your toes in and experience the great outdoors.

Private, Spacious Verandas More veranda staterooms than any other premium line. Enjoy breakfast or a private picnic on yours.

In-depth Destination Experiences 290 sought-after worldwide destinations including the best of Europe, plus overnight stays in 53 must-see cities.

Globally Inspired Cuisine A culinary journey with 12 distinctive restaurants and menus crafted by a Michelin-starred chef.

Suite Class This experience features personal butlers, a private restaurant, an exclusive lounge and the ultimate in luxurious amenities and services.

Superlative Service A guest-to-staff ratio of nearly 2 to 1 means you’ll be pampered at every turn.

Sexy, Stylish Spaces Creative architects and designers infused Celebrity ships with a modern style that rivals any boutique hotel.

Entertainment 18 new shows in 18 months bring your vacation to life.

Perfect Partners The first Authorized Apple Specialist at sea — and Canyon Ranch®, Bravo’s Top Chef and more.

Awards & Recognition A long list of awards confirms Celebrity’s standing among the world’s best cruise lines.

Add $15 per person per day.

Add $45 per person per day.

•

THE PERKS TO CHOOSE FROM:

Classic Beverage Packages (for 2) Unlimited Internet (for 2) Prepaid Tips (for 2) $150 Onboard Spending Money (per person)

Don’t Forget Family & Friends!

Each guest in your stateroom (after the first 2) gets a free Classic Nonalcoholic Beverage Package and a free 40-minute Internet Package.

Here’s just a sample of the many available Celebrity sailings

What is Modern Luxury? The Lawn Club

Book an oceanview stateroom (or higher) and also enjoy...

Ship

Infinity Constellation Equinox Equinox Eclipse Eclipse Eclipse Infinity Equinox Eclipse Infinity Equinox Eclipse Infinity Silhouette Constellation Solstice Eclipse Silhouette Equinox Infinity Equinox Reflection Equinox Eclipse

Date

Nights

10/27/16 11/02/16 11/18/16 12/09/16 12/11/16 12/21/16 01/08/17 01/22/17 02/10/17 02/19/17 02/19/17 02/20/17 03/05/17 03/05/17 04/23/17 05/02/17 05/07/17 05/07/17 05/07/17 05/08/17 05/17/17 05/18/17 05/29/17 05/30/17 06/04/17

10 12 10 10 10 12 14 14 10 14 14 11 14 14 14 10 10 12 12 10 11 12 11 12 14

Ships’ registry: Malta & Ecuador

Itinerary: Embarkation/Debarkation

Southern Caribbean: Roundtrip from Ft Lauderdale FL Eastern Mediterranean: Civitavecchia IT to Istanbul TK Ultimate Caribbean: Roundtrip from Ft Lauderdale FL Ultimate Caribbean: Roundtrip from Ft Lauderdale FL Southern Caribbean: Roundtrip from Miami FL Southern Caribbean: Roundtrip from Miami FL Exotic Southern Caribbean: Roundtrip from Miami FL South America: Valparaiso CHILE to Buenos Aires ARG Ultimate Caribbean: Roundtrip from Ft Lauderdale FL Exotic Southern Caribbean: Roundtrip from Miami FL Rio at Carnival: Roundtrip from Buenos Aires ARG Mardi Gras & Caribbean: Roundtrip from Ft Lauderdale FL Exotic Southern Caribbean: Roundtrip from Miami FL South America: Buenos Aires ARG to Valparaiso CHILE Transatlantic: Ft Lauderdale FL to Amsterdam NETH Mediterranean: Civitavecchia IT to Barcelona SP Hawaii: Honolulu HI to Vancouver BC Ireland & Iceland: Roundtrip from Southampton UK Scandinavia & Russia: Roundtrip from Amsterdam NETH Western Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Barcelona SP Pacific Coastal: San Diego CA to Vancouver BC Italy, France & Film: Roundtrip from Barcelona SP Western Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Civitavecchia IT Eastern Mediterranean: Barcelona SP to Civitavecchia IT British Isles & French Open: Roundtrip from Southampton UK

All of these AAA Vacations®– branded departures feature these exclusive amenities: Priority Check-in $100 onboard credit per person 24 / 7 Member Care Best Price Guarantee

Don’t you deserve Modern Luxury?

AAA MOTORIST

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Go with the flow on a Uniworld Boutique River Cruise An Old World experience on Europe’s original highways

iscerning travelers have discovered river cruises are an extraordinary way to experience the Continent. Europe’s rivers drift past pastoral valleys, medieval villages and fairytale castles. Historic waterways like the Danube, the Seine and the Rhine flow into the heart of sophisticated Baroque capitals that grew around a millennium of river trade. Breathe in the fragrance of Monet’s garden in Giverny, or soak up the indelible magic of the City of Light. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises are renowned for meticulously crafted ships, stylish décor, superb cuisine and thoughtful, gracious service. Lavishly appointed river view staterooms and suites blend old-world elegance, with innovative technology and ultra-luxurious amenities like handcrafted Savoir of England beds and Egyptian cotton sheets. Marble baths are stocked with L’Occicitane en Provence and Hermès bath and body products, plush towels from Christys of England, and cozy waffle robes. Travelers will also appreciate the value. Uniworld offers a truly all-inclusive river cruise experience including shore excursions and world-class gourmet cuisine. Enjoy unlimited fine wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, and bottled water, complimentary Wi-Fi, gratuities for all onboard and onshore services, and transfers on arrival and departure days. This all-inclusive pricing means

ONE ROOM, A THOUSAND VIEWS — Germany’s Middle Rhine River is lined with castles. Photo courtesy Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection. you can safely plan your vacation budget in advance, and save money when you get there. River cruising also means no packing or unpacking and no sea days. With an average capacity of just 130 guests, there are no lines to get on or off the ship. Distance between ports can be less than an hour and the ships usu-

Getting straight As in back-to-school traffic safety

he new school year is about to begin and AAA East Central reminds motorists to slow down and watch out for school-age pedestrians. Slow down and obey the speed limits in school zones and watch for children. School zone speed limits are in place to save lives. Motorists need to be especially vigilant during the morning and afternoon hours when children are walking to and from school and getting on and off the school bus. As children take to the streets for the new school year, their morning and afternoon commutes can be dangerous. According to the National Highway Traffic Administration, one-fifth of all children 14 years of age and younger who die in motor vehicle crashes are pedestrians. On average, one pedestrian is killed in the United States every two hours. How can we prevent this from happening? Motorists are encouraged to stay alert in areas where children are present, paying special attention during the morning and afternoon hours while children are coming to and from school. Look out for children who may potentially dart out into the street, particularly while driving in school zones, around playgrounds, approaching school buses

that are loading or unloading children, or in neighborhoods. Children are often distracted by thoughts of playtime or are unable to accurately judge traffic situations while on their journey home, so it’s imperative that motorists keep this in mind and focus solely on the act of driving. Having a heightened sense of awareness of children and following the practices below will help to keep your drive and children safe: • Slow down in or near school and residential areas; • Drive with your headlights on, even during the day, so children and other drivers can see you; • Look for clues such as AAA School Safety Patrol members, crossing guards, bicycles, and playgrounds which can indicate children could be in the area; • Scan between parked cars and other objects for signs that children could dart into the road; • Practice extra caution in bad weather or times of limited visibility; • Always stop for school buses that are loading or unloading students. Remember, School’s Open – Drive Carefully. You can make a difference just by staying alert and taking extra care where children are present.

ally dock in the middle of town, so the charming squares, magnificent cathedrals, bustling marketplaces are often just a short stroll away. Their culinary journeys are just as compelling. Savor duck confit and caviar d’Aquitaine in Bordeaux, or taste a Riesling in the village where the grapes were grown. Uniworld’s farm-to-

table cuisine features fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers’ markets and artisanal producers, to ensure every meal embodies the unique character of each region and season. Each itinerary is filled with a range of included onshore excursions. Take in all the “must see” sights and attractions or venture well off the beaten path. Delve deeper into local customs and culture on Uniworld’s “Go Active,” “Do as the Locals Do,” and “Gentle Walking” tours with local experts as your guides. Spend the day in an Alsatian village or bicycle alongside the Danube River. Discover the Budapest that locals love, or unearth Vienna’s imperial history. Tour the medieval gem of Regensburg, and marvel at the magnificent castles along Germany’s Upper Middle Rhine Valley. Travel to the quaint, hilltop towns of Burgundy and Provence, past lush vineyards, and the sun-drenched fields immortalized by Van Gogh and Cézanne. From your vantage point on deck, you’ll experience Europe from a perspective only a river cruise can provide.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please see this issue’s Departures Guide, or your AAA travel professional for special values on Uniworld cruise vacations.

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AAA MOTORIST

Driving into floodwaters can be a deadly decision How floodwaters can turn cars into death traps

n June, a devastating flood hit portions of West Virginia resulting in at least 23 deaths. Dozens of roads were shut down, and bridges across the state were swept away. Now, engineers at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Australia have discovered just how easily cars can be washed away by even the smallest currents — and just how dangerous driving into floodwaters can be. A team at the UNSW Water Research Laboratory has been testing how small and large cars behave when they encounter flash floods, replicating scenarios faced by many stranded motorists, but doing so in an especially configured test tank in Sydney. “What was surprising was just how little water it took to make even a large vehicle unstable,” said principal engineer Grantley Smith, who led the research. “They became vulnerable to moving floodwaters once the depth reached the floor of the vehicle. Even in low water depths and slow flow speeds, floodwaters had a powerful enough force to make them float away.” The tests were the first to use real vehicles. Previous experiments to understand the force of floodwaters have relied on using vehicle miniatures, rather than actual cars. Even the engineers were surprised how easily cars weighing more than a ton quickly became buoyant and unstable.

AFTER THE FLOOD — Stranded motorists travel by boat down a flooded road. Photo by: David Valdez/FEMA. A small car like a Toyota Yaris, whichs weighs 2,300 lbs., was moved by water only 6 inches deep and with a flow speed of just 2.2 mph. It completely floats away in less than two feet of water. Even a 5,500 lb. Nissan 4WD can be rendered unstable by floodwater just under 18 inches high, and a similar flow speed. Once the water reaches 36

inches, the four-wheel drive can completely float, and needs almost zero force to move it by hand. By contrast, an able-bodied adult is much more stable in flowing water than the 4WD vehicle. Part of the reason is that modern cars are so airtight that they float more easily when encountering water. Another factor is that drivers often

underestimate the power of moving water. “People don’t realize that even slow-moving water packs a powerful punch,” said Smith. “Water is heavy: each cubic yard weighs 1,650 lbs. If a house is exposed to floodwaters 6 feet deep and 60 feet wide — traveling at a steady 3 feet per second — the force is equivalent to being hit by a 40-ton semitrailer every 15 seconds.” This research highlights the fact that floodwaters are dangerous and can sometimes be deadly. Watch for flooding conditions any time there has been heavy rain, even in places where water does not usually accumulate. Never drive around barricades during a flood. Water levels can be deceiving even if you are familiar with the roads. The best advice is don’t drive through standing water. There may be debris, tree branches, or power lines in the water, or the roadway or bridges may have been washed away. AAA advises motorists to prepare themselves and their car. Motorists are advised to monitor weather conditions and follow advice from authorities. If it is not safe to travel or you don’t have to travel, don’t drive. FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

Headlights are critical to safe seasonal driving How to see and be seen this fall and winter

oor visibility, especially at night, is a serious driving hazard. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about half of deadly accidents occur at night, despite the fact that nighttime driving accounts for only 25 percent of overall traffic. And it may be your headlights and not your eyes that are to blame. A 2015 study by the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center concluded that the halogen headlights found on more than 80 percent of vehicles may fail to safely illuminate unlit roadways at speeds as low as 40 mph. As warm weather fades and days grow shorter, road hazards such as wet leaves, frost, and glare from sunlight during morning and evening rush hours can make driving more hazardous. Preparing your vehicle is critical and headlights are a part of seasonal maintenance. Follow these tips to help maintain safety and improve visibility on the road this fall: • Drive with your lights on. If daytime visibility is limited, turn on your headlights. Use this rule of thumb: wipers on, lights on. It’s also the law in many states. • Check your headlights by parking on

•

A VISION THING — The 2106 Hyundai Tucson has available high-efficiency LED twin-projector headlights and integrated LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs). Photo: Hyundai Motor America. a level surface facing five feet from a building wall or your garage door. If the circles of light are bright and white, they are in good, working condition. Yellow or dim lights should be replaced. Headlight bulbs can dim up to 20 percent in two years so check yours every year. Consider upgrading to high-performance halogen bulbs that are up to 50 percent brighter than

worn standard bulbs. Always change headlights in pairs before they burn out. • Misaligned headlights can be distracting and dangerous. Headlights pointed as little as one degree too high can make a huge difference to oncoming drivers. Ask your technician to check and correct the aim of your headlights. • If the lenses on a vehicle’s headlights

•

are cloudy, consider a headlight restoration kit, which restores headlight lenses to like-new condition and light output. Wash headlight lenses when you wash your windshield. You’ll see better at night and in poor weather conditions. Make sure all vehicle lights are working. Have a friend turn on your headlights and signal lights while you walk around your vehicle. Use your low beams in fog. High beams reflect off the moisture droplets in the fog, making it harder to see. If you have fog lights on your vehicle, use them, in addition to your low beams. Fog lamps are aimed lower so not as much light scatters. Reduce the brightness of the instrument panel light to a comfortable yet effective level to reduce glare. Replace your wiper blades. Worn, torn or inefficient blades can leave streaks, a film and an inconsistent view of the road that can limit vision or delay judgment.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

AAA MOTORIST

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AAA MOTORIST