Jamestown by AAA East Central

TEEN DRIVER DISTRACTION MUCH WORSE THAN WE THOUGHT SEE PAGE 3

JAMESTOWN REGION

Vol. 62 No. 6

If Disney’s in the cards for your family in 2015, get up to $100.00 in GIFT CARDS from AAA! PARKS CRUISES D GUIDES R U TO COMBOS

Auto Pay Saves You Time & Money AAA East Central’s Auto Pay annual renewal option is the perfect way to ensure your membership won’t lapse. And for a limited time, save $10 on next year’s membership renewal when you enroll in Auto Pay at AAA.com/renew, or at any AAA East Central branch. Your renewal will be automatically charged to your credit or debit card each year, and we’ll send a reminder before billing your card. Auto Pay automatic renewal can be added to your membership at any time, regardless of your membership expiration/renewal date. You’ll rest easy knowing your AAA membership is always there providing uninterrupted service. And, you always have the option of canceling at any time. For more information, visit or call your local AAA East Central office, or call the AAA Member Services Center at 1.800.441.5008 or 412.363.5100 in Pittsburgh.

Change the way you buy a car

AAA Travel is your “go to” source for absolutely everything Disney!

shopping, dining and more at select locations hen a Disney vacation is what your throughout the Walt Disney World® Resort. It family craves, go to AAA Travel can also be used nationwide at Disney Store, first! Over the years, AAA has DisneyStore.com and beyond to shop for toys, helped millions of Americans apparel, DVDs, music, collectibles and more. create lifelong memories and save lots of hardAnd it can be used for earned vacation dollars. reservations at Disney And this month (June Resorts, aboard Disney 1-30) is no different. Cruise Line® and for We’re offering Disney vacation needs such as Gift Cards worth up to shopping, dining and $100 to members who more. book and make a nonrePart of what makes a fundable deposit on any Disney vacation “suc6-night-minimum 2015 cessful” is the trust you Disney vacation. And it’s have in your travel arvalid not only when you stay at the Walt Disney Walt Disney World Resort — $50 (“Deluxe” resort) • $25 (“Moderate” resort) ranger. Because AAA has ® been arranging Disney World® Resort...but also Disney Cruise Line® — $50 balcony stateroom • $25 oceanview stateroom vacations for decades, when you sail on a Disney Adventures by Disney® — $100 per room you can be confident Cruise Line® ship...or enWalt Disney World® + Disney Cruise Line® combination vacation $50 balcony stateroom • $25 oceanview stateroom our agents are knowljoy an Adventures by DisAll accommodations based on double occupancy, 6-night-minimum stay in 2015. 1 card per room. edgeable about the latney® guided domestic or est developments (ask international tour. You about the new Magic Bands!)...which resorts can even combine a Walt Disney World® Resort and rooms (as well as ships and staterooms) getaway with a Disney Cruise Line® sailing! will best suit your needs...and the best ways to save money and time (via special programs One Card, A World of Possibilities! such as the Disney Dining Plan). Contact AAA A Disney Gift Card can be used at Disney today and travel with someone you trust! Theme Parks for tickets, hotels, entertainment,

PARKS

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CRUISES

GUIDED TOURS

See packages, offers & details on pages 10-11.

If you’re in the market for your next car, the AAA Online Auto Buying Program wants to change the way you feel about car buying: • Our online shopping tools allow you to easily compare models and features on a variety of trim levels, showing you upfront dealer pricing information and any special financing and incentives before you set foot in a dealership. • Or you can start at the AAA Car Buying Resource Center, where you can find great car deals, learn about low-interest rates and cash back offers, discover great lease programs, and get great buying and leasing advice. • Discover your Guaranteed Savings off MSRP and learn what others paid for the car you want so you know when you’re getting a great deal. • Search for used cars by the features you want and free CARFAX reports are available on most used vehicles. • Our Certified Dealers are prescreened for quality customer service, so enjoy a better car buying experience while saving yourself time and money. Ease the hassle of shopping for your next car, and start your search with the AAA Auto Buying Program today! Visit AAA.com/autobuying for more details.

Keep your contact information up to date Have you moved recently or changed your status? AAA relies on having your correct address, telephone number, and email as our primary means to stay in touch and keep you informed about the AAA benefits, services, and news that may be important to you. To update your information, or change your address call AAA Member Services at 1.800.441.5008 or 1.412.363.5100 in Pittsburgh.

Hit the Road with Hertz this Summer and Save! Hertz wants to make your driving vacation more affordable with up to 20% discounts and an array of AAA member benefits that will stretch your travel budget. From now through July 31, 2015, save an additional 10% on weekly rentals of Economy – Premium car classes at participating Hertz locations when you include Promotions Code #301302 in your reservation. So go ahead with your vacation plans! You deserve it…and it’s affordable! Contact your local AAA travel office, visit AAA.com/hertz or call 800-6543080 to reserve your Hertz vehicle and save!

Celebrate the Season in San Antonio San Antonio really lights up for the holidays and AAA Travel’s 4-night San Antonio Holiday getaway mixes seasonal splendor with Lone Star State signature attractions. Highlights of the Dec. 4-8 tour include the Alamo, Texas Hill Country, the LBJ Ranch, German-flavored Fredericksburg, and the River Walk, which will shine more brightly than ever with holiday lights and luminarias. SEE PAGE 7.

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Protecting your nest egg from fraudsters Put some safeguards in place to protect your assets

or many Americans, it’s hard to eke out a living and secure a nest egg for retirement. Fortunately, there are plenty of financial experts offering advice on how to save for the “golden years.” But that’s definitely not the case when it comes to skilled professionals with solutions on how to safeguard your life savings from identity theft. If you are retired or are close to retirement, protecting your nest egg from identity thieves is more vital today than ever, as is becoming aware of the different scams fraudsters use to separate you from your money. Here are some steps to preserve your investments: If you get a call from someone you don’t know to donate funds to a surefire investment opportunity, hang up the phone. A legitimate financial institution won’t just call you out of the blue with a windfall opportunity. Find a secure place to store Social Security numbers and medical information. Carry only necessary information in your wallet. If you get checks in the mail, such as Social Security, arrange to have them deposited directly into your bank account. Identity thieves are known to watch seniors’ mailboxes. Love your family members, but be aware that the majority of identity theft against seniors can be attributed to friends, family members or caretakers. It’s sad, but true, that the people closest

JUNE 2015

AAA DIRECTORY INTERNET WEB SITE: www.AAA.com AAA MEMBER SERVICES • ADDRESS CHANGE triptiks, tourbooks, maps, license 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: 1-800-207-7947 MEDIA RELATIONS: 412-365-7274 SAFETY: 412-365-7211 TDD for the hearing-impaired: 412-363-7144

AAA BRANCH OFFICE LOCATIONS

PROTECTING YOUR ASSETS — Identity thieves often target seniors. to you have the highest probability of taking advantage of you. Place limits on the amounts that anyone can withdraw from your bank accounts without actual verification of who they are. For example, someone authorized to pull money from your account could use an ATM without having to go inside the bank to see a teller. Monitor your credit reports regularly. Check for erroneous information and to spot identity theft. Checking your credit reports can also help you monitor how you spend money.

As we age, we generally become more vulnerable to fraud. Getting older sometimes makes it harder to make effective and safe financial decisions. It can’t hurt to put some safeguards in place right now to protect your hardearned assets. As a smart first step, AAA members can sign up for ProtectMyID® identity theft monitoring, an online program that simply requires computer access and an email address. It’s a member benefit with two levels of protection: ProtectMyID Essential and ProtectMyID Deluxe. It’s just another way AAA offers members peace of mind. For more information on how to get started, visit AAA.com/protectmyid or stop by a local AAA office for details. ProtectMyID Essential and Deluxe are provided by ConsumerInfo.com, Inc., an Experian company.

FINDING FRAUD: WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

Credit reports and credit statements are often the first places evidence of fraud shows up. If you only look at your reports once a year for free, you may miss warning signs, and identity theft could go unchecked for months. Signs of fraud that may appear on your credit report: • New credit accounts you don’t recall opening; • A home address for a location where you’ve never lived; (your credit report includes your current and past residences) • Late or missed payments on accounts you’ve always paid on time; (payment history is a key portion of the report) • Entries indicating you have a judgment or collections action against you. Check your credit accounts at least once a month for signs of fraud, including: • Charges you don’t recall making; • Withdrawals, transfers or cash advances you didn’t authorize; • Notices of account changes you didn’t request, such as a credit limit increase or the addition of another person as an authorized account user.

Altoona 1634 Valley View Blvd. ............................. 814-946-1277 Butler 138 Clearview Circle .................................... 724-287-2713 Cranberry The Village Shoppes, 20510 Rt. 19 .......... 724-772-1122 Erie 6660 Peach St. Unit #2 .............................. 814-866-0246 Franklin 491 Allegheny Blvd, Suite 200 .................. 814-432-3960 Greensburg Eastgate Shopping Center 5142 Route 30, Suite 135 ......................... 724-834-8300 Grove City 24 Pine Grove Village Dr. .......................... 724-458-8930 Harborcreek 4430 Buffalo Rd. ........................................ 814-897-9508 Hermitage 1749 E. State St.......................................... 724-981-9141 Indiana 1169 Wayne Ave........................................ 724-349-4193 Jamestown (New York) 111 W. Fifth St., Jamestown, N.Y.. ........... 716-488-1981 Kittanning Franklin Village Mall. ............................... 724-543-1924 Lewisburg 530 1/2 North Derr Drive . ....................... 570-524-7455 Lower Burrell/New Kensington Area Crossroads Plaza 2503 Leechburg Rd.................................... 724-339-4440 McKean County (Bradford) 587 South Ave. .......................................... 814-368-3113 Meadville 18939 Park Avenue Plaza Unit #7 ............ 814-724-2247 New Castle 40 East St.................................................... 724-658-8551 Niagara-Orleans 7135 Rochester Rd, Lockport, NY. ............ 716-434-2865 Pittsburgh–Century III Area (Pleasant Hills) 9 Clairton Blvd. (RT 51). ........................... 412-655-6100 Pittsburgh–Downtown 538 Smithfield St. ...................................... 412-338-4300 Pittsburgh–East Liberty/Shadyside 5900 Baum Blvd. ........................................ 412-365-7196 Pittsburgh–Monroeville 2725 Mosside Blvd. .................................... 412-858-4640 Pittsburgh–North Hills Area (Ross Township) 4790 McKnight Rd. .................................... 412-367-7600 Pittsburgh–Robinson Township Robinson Town Centre 1760 Park Manor Blvd. ............................. 412-809-2800 Pittsburgh–South Hills Area (Bethel Park) 160 Ft. Couch Rd. ...................................... 412-833-5203 Rochester 300 Adams St. ............................................ 724-775-8000 St. Marys 1375 Bucktail Rd. ...................................... 814-834-7838 Somerset 110 N. Center Ave. .................................... 814-443-6526 Sunbury 1001 Market Street. .................................. 570-286-4507 Uniontown 111 W. Main St. ......................................... 724-438-8575 Warren 2285 Market St. ......................................... 814-723-6660 Washington 196 Murtland Ave. .................................... 724-222-3800 Waynesburg 184 Greene Plaza, US 21 & I-79 ................ 724-627-3434 Wexford-Wexford Plaza 10548 Perry Highway ................................ 724-933-3000 White Oak/McKeesport Area Oak Park Mall, 2001 Lincoln Way ............ 412-675-3400

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Teen driver distraction much worse than we thought An eye-opening look into the causes of teen crashes Jamestown Region Official publication of AAA East Central Published monthly (except bimonthly Aug./Sept., Nov./Dec.) by AAA East Central 111 West Fifth St., Jamestown NY 14701-5035 USPS 002-112 ISSN 0898-4158 Periodicals Postage Paid at Jamestown NY Postmaster: Send address changes to AAA Motorist Jamestown Region c/o AAA, 111 W. Fifth St., Jamestown NY 14701-5035 Subscription Rate: $1 included in Primary Membership dues. All others: $2/year.

Publisher.....................................James E. Lehman Managing Editor ....................... Doug O’Neil Editorial Office 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 Neil D. Bassi, James E. Broome, Jr., Steve D. Bullock**, Charles O. Casto**, Edward C. Coaxum, Jr., Robert S. Collins, Robert H. Compton, Jon E. Denney, Debra A. Dinnocenzo, Pamela C. Fritz, Gregory E. Grim, Richard S. Hamilton, James H. Kanicki, Charles J. Kelly** , Mary Lynn Laughlin, William Duff McCrady, James M. McDonnell, Thomas V. McKernan Jr., Martha Hartle Munsch, Gary K. Munsie** EAST CENTRAL REGION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Neil D. Bassi, Chairman, Robert S. Collins, Vice Chairman, Carol Asam, Christian Asam, Jack A. Barkley, William E. Bierer**, Ellsworth T. Bowser**, Peter Burton, Marianne B. Campbell, Michael A. Cochran, Daniel J. Collins Jr.**, Robert S. Collins, Robert H. Compton, Debra A. Dinnocenzo, James J. Dodaro, Jack G. Ellis, Charles W. Groce, Richard S. Hamilton, Mark Henschen, Luke Howe, Richard Kallenborn, Herbert G. Koenig, Mark S. Mansour, W. Duff McCrady, Martha Hartle Munsch, W. Lee Oswalt, III, Michael Parkes, John D. Petruso, Louis Pomerico, Jacob N. Skezas, James C. Stump, Jr., James F. Ward **emeritus directors

By Richard Hamilton Chairman, AAA East Central e all know that cell phones and texting are a lethal combination when people pair those activities with driving. Now a comprehensive analysis of teen driver crashes has uncovered new evidence that distracted driving poses an even greater threat to young drivers. A thought provoking new report released by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, found that distraction was a factor in 58 percent of crashes studied — four times the official estimates based on police reports. The AAA Foundation partnered with the University of Iowa to conduct the study, which collected video, audio and accelerometer data captured on in-vehicle event recorders. Researchers analyzed the final six seconds leading up to a crash culled from nearly 1,700 dash-cam videos. They found distraction played a role in 58 percent of all crashes. Estimates by the National Highway Transportation Safety Association (NHTSA) cite distraction as a factor in just 14 percent of teen driver crashes.The most common forms of distraction precipitating a crash were interacting with passengers and using cell phones. Researchers found that drivers manipulating a cell phone had their eyes off the road for an average of 4.1 out of the final six seconds leading up to impact. They also failed to react in

Richard Hamilton more than half of rear end collisions, meaning they crashed without braking or steering. Teen drivers tend to get distracted easily — especially when their friends are in the car. The AAA Foundation study found interacting with one or more passengers was a factor in 15 percent of studied crashes. NHTSA data shows that a teenage driver is 2.5 times more likely to engage in risky behaviors when driving with one teenage passenger and three times more likely with multiple teenager passengers. In 2013, the most recent year that statistics are available, nearly 1-million drivers ages 16-19 were involved in police-reported crashes, causing nearly 383,000 injuries and 2,865 deaths. AAA

believes understanding and eliminating known risk factors could prevent many of these tragedies. Communities with nighttime and passenger restrictions have a 20 percent lower death and injury crash rate for 16-year-old drivers. Graduated driver licensing (GDL) laws allow new drivers to gain practical experience in a relatively safe environment by restricting their exposure to risky situations. Thirty-three states have laws that prevent cell phone use for teens and only 18 have passenger restrictions meeting AAA’s recommendations. Parents can play a critical role in preventing teen driver distraction. AAA recommends teaching your teens about the dangers of using devices while driving and restricting passengers during the learning-to-drive process. Teens tend to model their driving behavior on their parents, so always try to be the driver you want your teen to be. This groundbreaking new report is challenging long held assumptions and shifting the conversation about teen driving behaviors. The unprecedented use of naturalistic driving data and indepth video analysis offers compelling evidence that a much higher percentage of teen drivers are distracted in crashes than previously understood. More importantly, it will serve as a comprehensive resource for legislators, educators, law enforcement and state agencies to use in crafting policies and practices that will save and protect young lives.

membersonly

Hertz — They’re in your neighborhood Bringing the car rental experience to your doorstep

Regional Board of Directors Susan V. Abdella, Gordon W. Black, Hans P.B. Christensen, Alison Churchill, Charles Heinz, Bradley E. Long, Dennis H. Lundberg, Samuel P. Price Jr., Philip E. Ruslink, John L. Sellstrom, Beverly Ungerer

Jamestown Office: 111 W. Fifth St. Jamestown NY 14701-5035 (716) 488-1981

Notice to AAA Members regarding AAA Insurance Services: Due to Statutory restrictions, AAA East Central is prohibited from offering products and services to AAA members residing in the State of New York.

Copyright ©2015 by AAA East Central. Publication of an advertisement in the AAA Motorist does not constitute an endorsement of the product or service by the AAA Motorist or by AAA East Central, except in the case of products and services which are being offered by AAA East Central.

ummer vacation season is in full swing and AAA estimates that over 90 percent of Americans are planning to drive to their destinations. One way to avoid adding those extra miles on your personal vehicle is by letting Hertz get you there. The same great service you’re used to getting at the airport is conveniently located near you. With over 2,700 off-airport locations, Hertz makes it easy for you to take advantage of a special package of perks and benefits available exclusively to AAA members. Hertz is transforming its locations worldwide in a complete rethinking of what a car rental location and experience should be. Hertz 24/7, for example, is a revolutionary new “selfservice” rental experience available any time, day or night that allows customers to rent a wide variety of vehicles near their home or work and for any length of time — hourly, daily, or weekly. There are plenty of good reasons why a vacation car rental makes sense.

Some motorists prefer to reduce wear and tear on their personal automobiles along with the added depreciation. Those with leases may be approaching their annual mileage restriction and want to avoid hefty excess mileage charges. Or, perhaps your current vehicle is in need of some expensive maintenance and repairs to make it road worthy for a long driving trip. Gas prices have been creeping upward lately and more than 75 percent of the Hertz fleet averages 28 plus mpg. Hertz also offers a slew of environmentally friendly vehicles in its Green Traveler Collection to help you save fuel and save the planet as well. It features a variety of alternate fuel vehicles, including Electric Vehicles, Clean Diesels, Compressed Natural Gas vehicles and hybrids. Traveling with family and all their assorted gear may call for a larger vehicle such as a SUV or conversion van. Or maybe you just feel like living large with the Hertz Dream and Adrenaline Collections, a stunning selection of the world’s finest sport

and luxury automobiles. When you rent from your local neighborhood Hertz office you’ll enjoy all the benefits Hertz offers AAA members, including free unlimited mileage on most rentals and discounts up to 20 percent on daily, weekend, weekly and monthly rentals. Exclusive AAA member benefits include free use of a child, infant or booster seat and additional qualified AAA drivers are free. Plus, members receive 10 percent off the Fuel Purchase Option. Purchase a tank of gas from Hertz at local prices and eliminate the hassle of trying to find a gas station before returning your car! AAA members enjoy free Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® membership, Hertz’ industry standard rewards program. You get the added convenience of pickup & delivery service at participating locations.* Book today at AAA. com/hertz or by calling the AAA dedicated number, 1-800-654-3080. *Pickup and delivery service available within a 15-minute drive of participating locations.

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1-800-354-8761 • AAA.com/travel

Celebrate the season with a Texas twist!

SAN ANTONIO H LIDAY T

exas is known for doing things in a big way. And the Christmas season is no exception — especially in San Antonio, often called the “American Venice,” a nod to the vibrant activity on and along the placid San Antonio River, meandering invitingly through downtown and providing a pleasant setting for outdoor cafés and restaurant terraces. That charming waterway takes on a whole new festive character during the holiday season; untold numbers of twinkling lights, eye-catching Christmas decorations and the soft glow of more than 2,500 luminaries of the Fiesta de las Luminarias turn the River Walk into cruise takes you along the River Walk to admire a winter wonderland (of warmth!) the many holiday decorations. for all ages. Enjoy a spectacular dinner at picturesque AAA Travel’s 4-night “San AnSandy Oaks, an orchard complex known for its tonio Holiday” getaway combines olive trees, oil and skin-care products as well all the splendor of the Christmas as its hospitality; learn about its history before season with many of the area’s hisindulging in a Texas-inspired tasting menu with toric, scenic and cultural attractions. local wines. It’s a fascinating adventure into a In Stonewall in the nearby Texas Hill Country, region of the Lone Star visit LBJ Ranch (where President Johnson was State featuring Latino, born, lived, died and was buried) German and cowboy and view the “Texas White influences. House.” Then explore Tour downtown German-flavored Fredwith a local guide ericksburg, enjoying before heading out to its seasonal festivities beautiful Mission San and decorations. José, established by Back in San AntoCatholic priests in 1720 nio, enjoy free time to serve the CoahuilteAAA Premier............. $275 to further explore its can Indians. AAA Plus................... $250 charms. Browse for Back in town, a visit one-of-a-kind goods to the Alamo brings to AAA Basic ................. $225 at El Mercado Mexican life a storied struggle SAVINGS PER ROOM (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY) Marketplace. Then visit against impossible NEW BOOKINGS — JUNE 1-30, 2015 the South Texas Heritage odds during the Texas Center, an interactive museum Revolution. A former mission itself, dedicated to sharing the stories of the Alamo (Spanish for “poplar”) has San Antonio’s people and the land that has shaped their lives. existed under 6 flags of independent In the evening, travel to Bandera, the “Cowboy Capital of the nations and served as a garrison for 5 World,” for a traditional and memorable Texas barbecue with different armies. lively entertainment at an authentic dude ranch beautifully decoReturn to the present and be surrated for the holiday season. rounded by holiday cheer during a rivDo the holidays in a big way this year — Texas-style! erboat ride on the winding Paseo del Rio. This relaxing narrated

Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes flights (Buffalo–San Antonio), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, motorcoach transportation, accommodations, 6 meals, luggage handling (1 bag/person), taxes/gratuities for included features and services of a AAA Tour Manager in Texas (if minimumparticipation goal is met). Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

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AAA Member Rate: $1,779

Dec 4-8 •

MEMBERS SAVE!

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MORE HOLIDAY VACATIONS ON THE NEXT PAGE!

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Over the next few days, set out from Nuremberg to the historic and charming Bavarian towns (and their Christmas markets, of course!) of Rothenburg ob der Tauber (with its well-preserved medieval center), Bamberg (its Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site), Bayreuth (best known for its association with composer Richard Wagner, who lived here for a time) and Regensburg (whose Old Town is also a UNESCO World Heritage site). Journey to Munich, Bavaria’s capital; enjoy a sightseeing tour, a Christmas market and dinner at Ratskellar Restaurant. An excursion to Neuschwanstein, the palace upon which Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle is modeled, is a memorable experience. Continue on to Kempten (Germany’s oldest town) and Augsburg (a university town) to explore their holiday markets. Return to Munich for a brewery tour/tasting and a farewell dinner at the famous Hofbräuhaus.

Experience Old World holiday-season traditions! Germany’s many unique Christmas markets and fairs, a tradition begun in the Late Middle Ages, are popular because of their enchanting festive atmosphere. Aromas of roasting chestnuts, savory sausages and freshly baked goods fill the air. Festively decorated, boutique-lined streets and stalllined town centers brim with locally handmade, high-quality crafts, toys, wood carvings and delicate ornaments. Enjoy this escorted tour’s convenience and efficiency by spending 4 nights in Nuremberg and 3 in Munich. You’ll comfortably “settle in,” taking short rides each day to the markets and landmarks surrounding the 2 base cities; forget about packing and unpacking each day! Start in Nuremberg, with a tour featuring views of the imperial castle (Kaiserburg) and the site of the Nuremberg Rallies. Then visit your very first Christkindlmarkt.

Dec 2-10

German Christmas Markets

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SAVE $50!

Book & deposit June 1-30 PER ROOM (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY)

Before-discount AAA MEMBER RATE ($3,349) is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes flights (Buffalo-Frankfurt, Munich-Buffalo), roundtrip airport/hotel 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 minimum-participation goal is met). Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

California New Year' s Getaway Dec 29–Jan 4

SAVE $50!

Book & deposit June 1-30

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PER ROOM (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY)

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Start in Los Angeles, seeing its historic Farmers Market, the Disney Concert Hall, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels and LA Live. Stop at Olvera Street, the original heart of the Mexican community. Get acquainted with your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner at LA Prime on the 35th floor of your downtown hotel. Day 2 takes you to glitzy Rodeo Drive and starstudded Hollywood. At Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, see celebrity signatures immortalized in cement. Follow the bronze medallions on Hollywood Boulevard’s Walk of Fame. At Hollywood & Highland, a shopping & entertainment complex, enjoy a great view of the iconic HOLLYWOOD sign from the upper level. Enjoy a narrated tour of celebrity homes in Bel Air and Beverly Hills. At Burbank’s Warner Brothers Studios, take a behindthe-scenes look at making films and TV shows; be alert for star sightings! Return to your hotel with time to explore more of LA on your own. On Day 3, drive to Simi Valley’s Reagan Presidential Library & Museum; see a full-scale Oval Office replica, Air Force One, a re-created White House state dinner and numerous videos & displays. Drive the Pacific Coast Highway through exclusive

Malibu to fun & funky Santa Monica; explore it in your free time. Attend an exclusive New Year’s Eve party in Long Beach on the magnificent Queen Mary; enjoy sophisticated dining, dancing and bidding farewell to 2015 in grand style. Day 4 begins in Pasadena, at your reserved seat for the Tournament of Roses Parade with its flowercovered floats, marching bands and equestrians. Afterward, visit Universal Studios CityWalk for lunch before heading to San Diego and your all-suite hotel near the city’s waterfront. Explore this unique city on Day 5; see Cabrillo Monument atop Point Loma, with commanding views of the Pacific, the harbor and the city skyline. Drive through Mission Bay, continue to Old Town (California’s birthplace) and La Jolla, a chic beachside hideaway where you’ll have time to explore. Established in 1868, Balboa Park is the country’s oldest city park and one of it largest. Take a guided tour on a doubledecker bus at the worldfamous San Diego Zoo. On Day 6, visit the USS Midway Museum, the longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century. Travel to a winery for a private tour & tasting, followed by a sunset dinner cruise on San Diego Bay.

Before-discount AAA MEMBER RATE ($4,019) is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Buffalo–Los Angeles, San Diego–Buffalo), roundtrip 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 minimum-participation goal is met). Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

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

JUNE 2015

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Walt Disney World® Resort! The 4 Walt Disney World® Theme Parks make the real world seem far away, and makebelieve as real as the smile on your face. Experience storybook wonder as favorite Disney classics come to life at Magic Kingdom® Park. Discover big fun and cultures from around the globe at Epcot®. Create your own adventure and explore the realm of creatures who inhabit our world...and our imagination...at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. Immerse yourself in the world of movies, music and shows at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®. Wherever you go, the only limit to the fun is your imagination. Prepare to be awed, inspired, thrilled and enchanted. From fantasy and discovery to spotlights and roaring adventure, the magic of Walt Disney World® Theme Parks will come alive all around you.

7 nights at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort or other on-site “Moderate” property and 8-day Theme Park tickets AAA Member Rate: from $3,184 for a family of 4

Sample rate is subject to change/availability at time of booking and based on Aug 8-15, 2015, for 2 adults & 2 children (5 & 10 years old). Ask about available add-on airfare, ground transportation, Disney Dining plan and other options.

$100.00 gift card per room Adventures by Disney®! A very magical world awaits your exploration; Disney’s guided group vacations are the way to go — in the USA and around the world! Knowledgeable and friendly Adventure Guides bring you and your entire family closer to some of the world’s most popular destinations through authentic cultural experiences with local experts. And with VIP admissions and VIP access to activities, you and your family can see the world in a whole new way! Expect hassle-free travel, spectacular dining and exceptional hotels. Choose from a vast selection of domestic and international itineraries. Costa Rica Family Vacation: This 7-day/6-night activity-filled guided land tour includes visits to & stays in Tortuguero National Park, Arenal, Guanacaste and San José. Enjoy a rainforest aerial tram ride, a Tortuguero cruise, a pineapple plantation visit, a zipline adventure, whitewater rafting, a private catamaran excursion, a traditional-crafts demonstration and much more. AAA Member Rate: from $14,436 for a family of 4 Sample rate is subject to change/availability at time of booking and based on Aug 8-14, 2015, for 2 adults & 2 children (5 & 10 years old). Ask about available add-on airfare, ground transportation and other options.

Valid for new booking with nonrefundable deposit made June 1-30, for 2015 travel. 1 gift card per room (double occupancy).

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Disney Cruise Line®! The difference begins the instant you step aboard. You and your family are greeted as honored friends by Cast Members. Be wowed by Disney magic and pleasantly surprised by all that’s included – aboard all four Disney Cruise Line® ships. Let’s start with the kids: From toddlers to teens, each has wondrous spaces dedicated to them, with oceans of activities, amazing entertainment and immersive Disney experiences — and Disney Cruise Line® kids’ programs (all complimentary) feature some of the longest hours at sea so you can enjoy some “we” time or some “me” time, knowing the kids are having a blast. When the family comes together, it’s world-class Disney entertainment at every turn. And the magical details you’d expect from the cruise line that knows families best. Broadway-caliber shows, fireworks at sea, first-run films and a dazzling variety of unique dining experiences. No, these aren’t extras. They’re what you should expect. And while you should expect big things, you’ll find magic in every detail great and small. From Disney Character appearances to spacious staterooms and 24-hour room service along with complimentary soda, coffee and tea service at meals and up on deck — Disney Cruise Line® even provides onboard phones during your voyage, so everyone can stay in touch. Just a few of the small details sure to leave a big impression.

7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise on Disney Fantasy AAA Member Rate: from $8,082 for a family of 4 in a verandah stateroom ®

Roundtrip cruise from Port Canaveral FL to St Maarten, US Virgin Islands (St Thomas & St John) and the Bahamas (Castaway Cay)

Sample rate is subject to change/availability at time of booking and based on Aug 1-8, 2015, for 2 adults & 2 children (5 & 10 years old). Ask about available add-on airfare, ground transportation and other options. Ship’s registry: Bahamas.

$50.00 gift card per balcony stateroom $25.00 gift card per oceanview stateroom Walt Disney World Resort AND Disney Cruise Line ! Why limit your family’s Disney fun to land OR sea? Why not enjoy a land vacation at Walt Disney World Resort AND a sea vacation aboard Disney Cruise Line all in one? Combining the best of both worlds into one great vacation package is easy; consult with your AAA Travel Agent and enjoy the fun on land AND sea. ®

4 nights at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort (French Quarter) or other on-site “Moderate” property + 3-night cruise on Disney Dream

5-day Theme Park tickets •

Roundtrip cruise from Pt Canaveral FL to the Bahamas (Nassau & Castaway Cay)

AAA Member Rate: from $6,377 for a family of 4 in a verandah stateroom 7-night cruise on Disney Fantasy

+ 4 nights at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort (French Quarter) or other on-site “Moderate” property

Roundtrip cruise from Pt Canaveral FL to St Maarten, US Virgin Islands (St Thomas & St John) and the Bahamas (Castaway Cay) •

5-day Theme Park tickets

AAA Member Rate: from $10,269 for a family of 4 in a verandah stateroom Sample rates are subject to change/availability at time of booking and based on select August 2015 dates for 2 adults & 2 children (5 & 10 years old). Ask about available add-on airfare, ground transportation, Disney Dining Plan and other options. Ships’ registry: Bahamas.

Valid for new booking with nonrefundable deposit made June 1-30, for 2015 travel. 1 gift card per room (double occupancy).

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AAA MOTORIST

JUNE 2015

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

An ON- and OFF-road guided adventure

Since the inaugural race in 1994, this annual 400-mile NASCAR Sprint Cup points race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has become one of NASCAR’s most-attended events. Don’t miss it!

AAA Member Rate: $375 per person, double occupancy

July 25-27 •

Want a one-of-a-kind getaway for the entire family...or your gang of fun-loving friends? Get in on the fun and adventure of this “Pink Jeep Western Adventure,” featuring 4 Pink Jeep excursions into areas of Arizona and Nevada not accessible by standard vehicles!

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Reserved paddock seating with views of turns 1 & 4, pit road & Winner’s Circle 2 nights, 2 breakfasts & tax at Embassy Suites Indianapolis–North ATURE $50.00 gas card per room

Pink Jeep Tour

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revealing the natural wonders of Arizona & Nevada!

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LIMITED AVAILABILITY! LIMITED AVAILABILITY! LIMITED AVAILABILITY!

SCOTTSDALE: All-suite hotel close to Old Town. Cactus Canyon Tour takes you into the Sonoran Desert on rugged mountain roads overlooking the Bradshaw Mountains. Cowboy-style dinner!

Oct 25–Nov 1 •

AAA Member Rate: $2,859

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes flights (Buffalo-Phoenix, Las Vegas–Buffalo), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, motorcoach transportation, accommodations, 7 meals, luggage handling (1 bag/person), taxes/gratuities for included features and services of a AAA Tour Manager in Arizona & Nevada (if minimumparticipation goal is met). Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

SPECTACULAR

UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES!

SOUTH AFRICA

SEE & PHOTOGRAPH... wild animals such as elephants, leopards, rhinos, lions, impala, buffalo, zebra, giraffe • Victoria Falls, 1 of the world’s wonders

RIDE ABOARD...

an elephant • an ostrich an open-air safari vehicle a 4x4 deep into the forest a cable car up Table Mountain

CRUISE ON...

the Zambezi River • 2 lagoons the Chobe River

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This is the “bucket list” tour you’ve always dreamed of taking! Come with AAA to a land of stunning natural beauty, amazing wildlife and fascinating people. Enjoy 2 photo safaris (1 from atop an elephant!). Meet locals and enjoy regional dishes and SA’s famous wines.

AAA Member Rate: $8,279

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Buffalo-Johannesburg), in-Africa flights, roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, sightseeing per itinerary, accommodations, in-Africa guide, 28 meals and taxes & government fees. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Visit AAA.com/ GoAfrica for itinerary and important pre-travel information.

Spellbinding scenery Rollicking entertainment Fascinating history Comprehensive sightseeing ATURE

April 14-30 •

Get swept away... by Ireland’s SOUTH

VICTORIA FALLS

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students in a township school penguins at Boulders Beach villagers at Victoria Falls African elephants up close

MCV

INTERACT WITH...

EXPLORE...

Kruger National Park • Soweto an ostrich farm • wine country Featherbed Nature Reserve

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. AAA Featured Vacations include services provided by third-party tour destination service companies; see your AAA Travel Agent for details. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for more details or visit the air carrier’s website for baggage allowance and fee information.

LAS VEGAS: The Mirage. Enjoy 1 of 2 tours (indicate your choice at time of initial reservation) — Valley of Fire Jeep Tour (sandstone formations in the Mojave Desert) OR Hoover Dam Top to Bottom Discovery (dam, power plant, observation tower, river float trip). Full day on your own to explore Las Vegas.

JAMESTOWN . . . . . . . . . . .716-488-1981 LOCKPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . .716-434-2865

Dublin tour with a local guide Farmhouse tea & scones Sheepdog skills demonstration Horse-drawn “jaunting car” ride in Killarney Storytelling session in Newmarket-on-Fergus Walking tour of Trinity College Book of Kells Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens Open-top bus tour of Dublin Blarney Castle’s “Stone of Eloquence” Blarney Woolen Mills Dingle Brewing Company Walking tour of Galway King John’s Castle Cliffs of Moher

GRAND CANYON: National Park Lodge. Explore the East Rim on the Deluxe Grand Canyon Tour, visiting lookout points not accessible by the park’s shuttle bus system!

SEDONA: Poco Diablo Resort. Venture into the surrounding backcountry on the Broken Arrow Tour, which ascends 1,500 feet along the Mogollon Rim.

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Best of Ireland South: Oct 21-29 •

CLIFFS OF MOHER

AAA Member Rate: $1,475

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes hotel accommodations, guided motorcoach sightseeing, entrance fees, 12 meals and in–country tour director. Visit AAA.com/GoIreland for complete itinerary and more information. Ask about available add-on airfare. Passport required. Escorted tour operated by CIE Tours International.

JUNE 2015

AAA MOTORIST

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

FEATURED VACATIONS ATURE

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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.

AAA.com

Linking you & your next vacation! FLIGHTS RENTAL CARS HOTEL/MOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS Research & book travel arrangements from the comfort of your home – 24/7. TRAVEL WITH SOMEONE YOU TRUST.®

Get up to $100.00 in perks!

NOW’S THE TIME!

Book & make a deposit by JUNE 30 on a 2015 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 June 1-30, 2015

PLUS

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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).

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AAA MOTORIST

JUNE 2015

South Africa’s Mother City has a heart of stone Mother Nature sets a fine table in Cape Town

sunny seraglio of sandstone, sea and sky, Cape Town straddles two oceans at the southern tip of Africa. Blessed with a stunning natural setting with Table Mountain as its rocky centerpiece, this flat-topped stone monolith casts its imposing silhouette over the entire city and its waterfront. Miles of pristine beach, pastoral vineyards and an artful mélange of customs and cultures all contribute to the Mother City’s magnetic appeal. The Table Mountain Cableway lifts passengers over 3,000 feet to the mountain’s weathered plateau. The 65-passenger cable cars feature rotating floors for breathtaking, 360° views of the city, Table Bay, Robben Island and the rocky promontories of the Twelve Apostles framing the palm fringed beaches of Camps Bay. Just 40 miles from metropolitan Cape Town is the Cape of Good Hope, graveyard of nearly 3,000 ships. Located within Table Mountain National Park, Cape Point is where the chilly currents of the southern Atlantic mingle with the temperate Indian Ocean. Keep your eyes open for the Chacma Baboons, and the jackass penguins, whose call resembles a braying donkey. False Bay, which opens to the northeast of Cape Point, is notorious for great white sharks hunting the Cape Fur Seals that inhabit the bay.

der through the 1,235 acres of grounds nestled in the Constantia Valley. With its sprawling mansions and lush vineyards Constantia is known as Cape Town’s “Beverly Hills.” The Cape Winelands — home to some of the world’s finest and arguably most scenic vineyards — are located right on Cape Town’s doorstep. Oenophiles could spend a lifetime exploring the Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl regions all within an easy hour’s drive of the city. Franschhoek — Dutch for French Corner — was colonized by French Huguenots in the late 17th Century. Stellenbosch is home to the oldest wine route in South Africa with more than 200 vineyards and vintners.

CAPE COUNTRY — Cape Town has one of the world’s great urban landscapes. Cape Town’s Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront offers sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, Table Bay Harbour, and Table Mountain. South Africa’s oldest working harbor is home to a number of landmarks and attractions including the Chavonnes Battery Museum and a variety of shops and eateries. Just off the coast is Robben Island, the site of the infamous prison that once housed political prisoners including Nelson Mandela, who spent 18 of his 27 years of captivity on the island.

Now a museum, it serves as a poignant reminder of South Africa’s legacy of apartheid and the heavy price of freedom. Tours are available and ferries depart from Nelson Mandela Gateway, at the V&A Waterfront. One the world’s great botanical gardens Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens at the foot of Table Mountain, is home to an enormous collection of Cape and African flora, including rare succulents, a giant baobab tree and interesting medicinal plants. Numerous paths wan-

SPECTACULAR SOUTH AFRICA

Breathtaking scenery, a remarkable cultural diversity and abundant wildlife are all part of AAA Travel’s Spectacular South Africa, April 14-30, 2016. Highlights of this 15 night escorted tour include Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Cape Town, Winery Tour, Table Mountain, Victoria Falls, Zambezi River Cruise, and an Elephant Back Safari. Package includes roundtrip airfare; ground transportation; 15 night accommodation; sightseeing per itinerary; 28-meals. Call 1-800-354-8761, or log on to AAA.com/travel for more details.

Taking a stroll in Liguria’s Cinque Terre Go off the beaten path in Italy’s famous five villages

erched on a bony finger of rock overlooking the sea, until recently the villages of Cinque Terre were accessible only by boat or by donkey. These dream-like medieval hamlets in Liguria’s Riviera di Levante are set like gemstones among the green hills and rugged cliffs looming over a cobalt blue sea. It’s an extraordinary natural setting and one that has made Cinque Terre a UNESCO World Heritage site and since 1997, an Italian national park. Centuries of toil have reshaped the steep slopes into carefully cultivated stone terraces filled with olive groves, citrus orchards and vineyards. It took nearly 200 years to construct the more than 4,000 miles of dry stonewalls that support the terraces, a feat comparable to building the Great Wall of China. Dominated by a 13th century castle Riomaggiore is Cinque Terre’s largest village and unofficial gateway. Perched in a crevice between two hills that slope down to the sea, the brightly colored houses have two entrances — one at lower street level and another at upper street level. Travelers can follow the Via dell’Amore, or Path of Love, connecting Riomaggiore to Manarola. Carved into the rock in the early 20th century, the name comes from its reputation as

ON THE ROCKS — Manarola is perched on an enormous black rock. a rendezvous for lovers from the two towns. Take in the dazzling landscapes from the Punta Bonfiglio headland, or from Manorola’s Sanctuary of Nostra Signora della Salute. Manarola is perched on an enormous black rock that seems to rise right out of the sea. The oldest of the five towns is famous for its pesto and focaccia, and Sciacchetrà, a sweet wine made from raisins.

Cinque Terre is best explored by walking and the entire area is crisscrossed by a patchwork of trails like the “Sentiero Azzurro” a coastal footpath linking all five villages. Some of the trails can be difficult and portions may be closed at times due to rockslides and weather conditions. The path from Monterosso to Vernazza offers Cinque Terre’s most iconic views. A tiny square beside the

sea, Vernazza has been renowned for mussels and anchovies since the time of the Romans. Narrow, brightly colored buildings and ancient watchtowers cluster around the small piazza that opens onto the harbor. The pastel palette of colors evolved from fishermen who wanted to spot their homes more easily from the bay. Monterosso al Mare clings tenaciously to the slopes of San Cristoforo hill. The town is divided into two distinct parts — the old town and the new town — separated by a tunnel. Old Town’s Ligurian Gothic style church was built between 1244 and 1307 and features an unusual white and green marble façade. All of the villages drift down to the sea except for Corniglia, which sits at the top of a rock promontory overlooking the Mediterranean. Smaller and more subdued than the other towns, it’s only reachable via a bus operated by the national park, or by climbing the 365 steps up the hill — one for each day of the year.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please see your Departures Guide or visit AAA.com/Europe for special values on European vacations.

JUNE 2015

AAA MOTORIST

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AAA MOTORIST

JUNE 2015

It’s ‘hasta la vista, baby’ at Mexico’s beach resorts Make a run for the border with Pleasant Holidays

exico’s exotic promise is fulfilled with swaying palms, dazzling white sands, Spanish colonial towns and broad swaths of wild hibiscus, and bougainvillea. And Pleasant Holidays makes Mexico accessible to almost anyone. They’ve been customizing vacations with a range of valueadded options since 1959. Whether you luxuriate in a spa, rappel through a waterfall, or sip a Margarita under a thatched roofed palapa hut, your Mexican adventure begins the moment you choose your destination. Cancun has been described as a beach with an island in the middle. Luxury resorts line the Hotel Zone, a seahorse-shaped oasis flanked by tranquil Nichupte Lagoon and the restless Caribbean Sea. Translucent turquoise waters are circled by 12-miles of beach with sand as fine as talcum powder. Shoppers can browse for silver and folk art in the mercados, while party animals can take full advantage of Cancun’s legendary nightlife. About an hour’s drive south of Cancun the Riviera Maya is a stunning, 70-mile stretch of blinding white beaches. Here you’ll find romantic Mexican villages like Playa del Carmen, Playacar, and Puerto Morelos. Compared with hot spots like Cancun the pace is generally slower and more laid back making this an

LAND’S END — Cabo San Lucas is home to the Los Arcos rock formations. ideal spot for family vacations. The water is legendary for its clarity with schools of dazzling blue neons hovering among the rocks and piers. With its Mexican heart and Caribbean soul, Cozumel appeals to all kinds of travelers, from divers and beach bums, to those seeking the lost treasures of the Maya. A magnificent

menagerie of flora and fauna and unspoiled coastlines, the jewel of the Mexican Caribbean lies just off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Cabo San Lucas is home to gorgeous beaches and the celebrated Los Arcos or Arches rock formations at land’s end. Surrounded by the Sea of Cortéz on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other,

picturesque Playa del Amor, or “Beach of Love” is an isolated cove located at the very end of the Baja Peninsula. Part of what makes Mexico’s beach destinations so popular is the number and quality of all-inclusive resorts. Some cater specifically to couples or families, and they can be large or small, modern or traditional. What they all have in common is that food and drinks, accommodations, activities, taxes, and tips are typically included in one pre-paid price leaving you completely free to enjoy your stay. Pleasant Holidays offers a broad range of all-inclusive resorts to fit every budget and taste. They know which ones cater to families, with the kinds of activities kids love, and those that offer a romantic Mexican getaway. Their Activity Experts will also assist you in selecting some of Mexico’s most popular activities and attractions before you leave. “Pleasant Activities” range from swimming with dolphins in Cancun, to Todos Santos in Los Cabos, home to the famous “Hotel California.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For all-inclusive resort packages from Pleasant Holidays to Mexico or elsewhere see your AAA Travel Agent or visit AAA.com/PleasantHolidays.

JUNE 2015

AAA MOTORIST

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A rendezvous in Reno and Lake Tahoe Living large in the biggest little city in the world

he Reno-Lake Tahoe region has a reputation for adventure — from the non-stop action in the casinos to mountain biking and even kayaking through downtown Reno. From the 1920s through the 1960s, Reno was the divorce capital of America. John Hamlin’s 1931 novel Whirlpool of Reno describes it as a “heart-breaking, sophisticated little city — a Monte Carlo of the crude, raw West.” Located at the base of the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada, just east of the Nevada-California state line, the “biggest little city in the world” is now Nevada’s second largest gaming destination and features an array of resort hotel-casinos. Don’t be fooled by the fact that Las Vegas and Reno are in the same state — there are about 9 hours of driving time between them. Car buffs will want to stop at the National Automobile Museum (The Harrah Collection) ranked as one of the Top Ten automobile museums in the nation. Authentic street scenes create a timely backdrop for the museum’s more than 200 cars. Exhibits include such priceless classics as a 1913 PierceArrow and a 1925 Duesenberg. A collection of celebrity vehicles includes Elvis Presley’s 1973 Cadillac and Jack Benny’s 1923 Maxwell. Keglers will not want to miss the

LIQUID MIRROR — Lake Tahoe is the largest Alpine lake in North America. National Bowling Stadium. Often referred to as the “Taj Mahal of Tenpins,” the stadium is notable for the 80-foot aluminum bowling ball on the exterior. The movie Kingpin — known as the Citizen Kane of bowling movies — was filmed here. The Truckee River Whitewater Park runs through the heart of downtown Reno creating an unparalleled urban-

meets-outdoor experience. Designed for kayaks, canoes, rafts or inner tubes, the multimillion-dollar park is accessible for all level of water enthusiasts. Known for the clarity of its water and framed by a striking panorama of mountains, Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America. Located west of Carson City along the border between California and Nevada, it is

home to a number of ski resorts and a variety of outdoor recreation. Visitors can tour the Thunderbird Lodge, a six-acre waterfront estate on Tahoe’s eastern shore. The summer home of wealthy eccentric George Whittell Jr., he once planned to develop the nearly 40,000 acres he owned on the Nevada side of the lake. Then he decided that he “liked not having neighbors.” In addition to the main house, the estate contained an “Elephant House” home to Mingo, Whittell’s two-ton Indian elephant. A 600-foot underground passage complete with a dungeon, leads to a boathouse where Whittell’s 56-foot yacht is docked. Settlers began arriving in the region with the 1858 discovery of the Comstock Lode, a massive silver deposit just 15 miles to the east in Virginia City. Once the largest city between Denver and San Francisco, visitors to “The Liveliest Ghost Town in the West,” can pause for a drink at the Bucket of Blood, one of its storied saloons, or go underground into actual gold and silver mines. FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please see the Departures Guide or visit AAA.com/travel to learn more about AAA vacation ideas in the American West.

Heading down the road in Arizona Take it easy in the Grand Canyon State

ith 23 designated Scenic Roads crisscrossing the state, you’re never far from a great road trip in Arizona. Ghost towns, virgin wilderness, prehistoric ruins of lost civilizations, quirky roadside attractions, ancient red rocks with psychic powers, Arizona has them all in abundance. Whether it’s a solo cruise on a Harley, or a long, lazy summer vacation in the family minivan, the Grand Canyon State may be the penultimate road trip, which makes the journey just as memorable as the destination. Dramatic changes in elevation are responsible for Arizona’s astonishing diversity. In fact, you’d have to drive all the way from Vancouver Island to Mexico, to see as many habitats as you could find here in a single day. In the northern part of the state, favorites include the KayentaMonument Valley Scenic Road and Red Rock Scenic Road, both of which wind through fascinating rock formations. Monument Valley located on Navajo tribal lands, will be familiar to movie buffs as the setting for numerous John Ford Westerns. In the southern half, enjoy the spectacular scenery along the Apache Trail, which snakes along the path of the Salt River. It zigzags through a desert landscape dotted with giant saguaro cacti

SCENIC DRIVE — Cathedral Rock near Sedona is a famous local landmark. before plunging down Fish Creek Hill, dropping 1,500 feet in less than three miles. Route 66 cuts across northern Arizona, from the borders of California and New Mexico. In the west wild burros roam the streets of Oatman looking for handouts, while the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert draw visitors in the east.

John Steinbeck dubbed it the “Mother Road” in his 1939 novel The Grapes of Wrath. Favorite stops include the middle-of-nowhere Hackberry General Store, a museum of Mother Road memorabilia, and the nearly 4,000-foot-wide Meteor Crater just west of Winslow. The Wigwam Village Motel on Route 66 in Holbrook, is one of a very few surviving

“teepee-style” motels from tourism’s Golden Era. Arizona also has plenty of kitschy roadside attractions in every corner of the state. From “The Thing? Mystery of the Desert” just off Interstate 10 southeast of Tucson to the original London Bridge located in Lake Havasu City, there’s always something to look forward to on the road ahead. Take, for example, the mysterious Frog Rock along highway 89 southwest of Prescott, or the ghost town of Jerome, where the local jail once slid 225 feet and across a road in the 1950s. South of Flagstaff, Highway 89A winds down a series of switchbacks through the red rock walls of Oak Creek Canyon. The 28-mile ride into Sedona is considered one of the most scenic drives in America. People seem inexorably drawn to these solemn rock monoliths, which many believe harbor unusual concentrations of electrical, magnetic, and vibrational energy known as vortices.

TAKE A AAA DRIVE TRIP

Longing for the freedom of the open road? AAA Drive Trips feature more than 100 flexible, two- to five-day driving itineraries for popular U.S. and Canadian destinations. Just click on AAA.com/drivetrips.

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AAA MOTORIST

JUNE 2015

Don’t let your cooling system lose its cool Can your car take the heat this summer?

ot weather means even more work for your vehicle’s cooling system. Excessively high temperatures can cause engine knock, which shortens the life of virtually every key engine component, including pistons, pins, crankshaft and bearings. Higher temperatures also increase friction (and engine wear) by thinning out engine oil and causing parts to warp, and affecting engine sealing. This makes good cooling system maintenance particularly important. Coolant (also known as antifreeze) reduces the engine temperature in the summer, prevents engine freeze-up in winter, and protects the cooling system from rust and corrosion year round. While engine coolant never loses its antifreeze capability, over time it becomes contaminated with rust and sediment. It should also be tested yearly for acid content. When the corrosion protecting chemicals and water pump lubricants are depleted, the coolant becomes corrosive and begins to eat away at metal parts. Motorists should have the cooling system flushed and refilled as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Overheating is usually the result of poor airflow through your radiator and even a single incident can cost thousands to repair. Broken head gaskets are

PLAY IT COOL — Excessively high temperatures can shorten the life of virtually every key engine part. a common result and a more serious overheat can warp or break the cylinder heads. Checking the coolant reservoir is usually all that’s needed to ensure the proper level of antifreeze is in the cooling system. The best time to check the coolant level is before the vehicle has been started. Confirm that the reservoir is filled to the proper marked level, and

recheck the level periodically. If coolant is needed, add a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water to bring the reservoir to the correct level. Make certain you’ve really filled the system. Many late-model cooling systems are prone to trapping air, which can create harmful hot spots in the engine. When your engine is cold check under the cap of your radiator for crys-

tallized residue formed around the top or on the cap. It’s a sign of restricted airflow and may lead to overheating. If your temperature light comes on when you’re on the road immediately stop the vehicle, and turn off the engine. Never try to remove the radiator cap off of a hot radiator. Wait 45 minutes to an hour for the engine to cool down, then squeeze the upper radiator hose to verify that there is no pressure in the coolant system. If it feels hard, keep the radiator cap on. If the hose feels soft, slowly remove the radiator cap with a cloth to protect yourself from burns. Never pour cold water into a running or overheated engine, because it could cause the engine block or heads to crack. Once the engine cools, proceed to a repair shop. Turn off the air conditioner and turn on the heater. It may feel warm, but it helps to disperse the heat in the cooling system until you can get to safety. If necessary, stop several times to avoid overheating.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

aroundtown KIWANIS CLUB CHILDREN’S FAIR — (June 6) Bounce houses, pony rides, carnival games, vendors, food, auctions and more. The time is 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For information, call 716-934-3240. Location: Village Square, Route 20 & 5, Silver Creek. CHAUTAUQUA-LAKE ERIE ART TRAIL OPEN STUDIO TOUR — (June 6-7) A chance to see the artists’ homes and studios and experience the places where they create art and see the work for yourself. The forms encompasses many disciplines: painting, photography, ceramics, sculpture, and textiles. The time is 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For information and directions to the studios, visit chautauquaarttrail.com or call 716-224-3381. CIVIL WAR RE-ENACTMENT— (June 13-14) Members of the 9th NY Cavalry will camp and re-enact throughout the weekend, with additional appearances by other re-enactment groups, including the 20th Main Fife & Drum Corps. Free and open to the public. The time is from Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to Sunday 4:00 p.m. For information and schedule, visit tourchautauqua.com. Location: McClurg Museum & Moore Park, 2 E. Main Street, Westfield. GREAT LAKES EXPERIENCE FESTIVAL — (June 13) With a focus on the

environment and ecology of the Great Lakes and the heritage of our region, the festival also has family entertainment, environmental exhibitors, food vendors and lots of information about habitat, science, recreation, tourism and fun. The time is 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For information, call 716-6806009 or visit thegreatlakesexperience.org. Location: Memorial Park, Lakeshore Drive, Dunkirk. YASSOU FESTIVAL — (June 19-20) Two days of fun under the big tent at this Greek festival. Enjoy a live Greek band with dancing and authentic homemade Greek food all day long. Tour the church during the day. The time is from 11:000 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. For information, call 716-483-0022. Location: St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 15 Francis Street, Jamestown. RANDOLPH ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL —(June 20) Stroll along Randolph’s historic Main Street and enjoy works by artisans and crafters, live entertainment, fun activities for the kids and food. The time is 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For information: call 716-358-9701. Location: Main Street, Randolph. TIBETAN MONKS OF THE DREPUNG LOSELING MONASTERY — (June 27) The monks open their mandala “sand painting” event with

a remarkable opening ceremony to consecrate the site of the mandala. It takes millions of grains of colored sand, painstakingly laid into place on a flat platform over a period of days or weeks, to create the mandala. The time is from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Registration by telephone only: 716-595-8721. Location: Lily Dale Assembly, 5 Melrose Park, Lily Dale. BEMUS BAY POPS OPENING NIGHT — (June 27) The Bemus Bay Pops kicks of their series of outdoor concert events on the Floating Stage on the Chautauqua Lake, with Absolute Journey-The Journey Tribute. The series features a variety of entertainment every summer weekend, including classical, swing, jazz, country and pop. Show time is at 8:00 p.m. For tickets and schedule, visit bemusbaypops.com. Location: Floating Stage, 61 Lakeside Drive, Bemus Point. JAMESTOWN RIVERWALK FESTIVAL — (June 28) The first Great Jamestown RiverWalk Festival will be a familyfriendly affair offering art, environmental awareness, music, food and fun. Starts at 10:00 a.m. For information, call 716-483-5772. Location: Jamestown RiverWalk, Jamestown. GREAT BLUE HERON MUSIC FESTIVAL — (July 3-5) Now in its 24th year, the Great Blue Heron Music

Festival delivers an eclectic musical lineup the whole family can enjoy. National and regional acts appear on three stages highlighting roots, rock, reggae, Zydeco, swing, old time, hip-hop, Celtic and bluegrass styles. Between performances, you can swim in the spring-fed pond, hike or bike along forested trails, or relax at the cozy Café in the Woods. The festival midway offers an exotic variety of fresh-cooked fare, arts and crafts. All ages will enjoy the Kids’ Tent, Teen Tent, and Instrument and Healing Arts workshops. The time is from Friday at 3:00 p.m. through Sunday 9:00 p.m. For information, visit greatblueheron.com. Location: 2361 Waits Corners Road, Sherman. ELLICOTTSVILLE SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL — (July 3-5) One of the biggest outdoor music festivals in small town America, this event features a Top of the Mountain Party (chairlift ride to the top of the mountain) on Friday, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra on Saturday the Fourth (a Star Wars theme), and Grammy-winning rockers Blood, Sweat and Tears on Sunday. Picnic baskets are welcome. For information and tickets, call 800-349-9099 or visit ellicottvilleny.com. Location: Holiday Valley Resort and downtown Ellicottville.

JUNE 2015

AAA MOTORIST

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Vacation insurance for your entire family Protect what you value most with TripAssist Family Care

e’ve all had those moments. When you broke something you just bought; when you lost an item you can’t live without. Or when you run into trouble with bad weather, or a medical emergency on the road. With features like comprehensive trip cancellation and primary emergency medical coverage, and 24-hour travel assistance, the Family Care Plan from Allianz Global Assistance, is the perfect traveling companion. And there’s no charge for kids 17 and under when traveling with parents or grandparents, and no surprise processing fees! This makes travel insurance premiums more affordable for families with young children. Should your luggage fail to arrive when you do, the plan now offers increased baggage protection. Baggage loss and damage coverage is $1,000 — double that of comparable packages. Baggage delay coverage has been increased to $300, a 50 percent improvement over previous plans. TripAssist Family Care also provides expanded trip cancellation and interruption coverage. It protects your travel investment if your trip is delayed or cancelled for a covered reason, such as a major injury, jury duty or other unforeseen circumstances. Recent additions to this plan include reimbursement of Frequent Flyer miles and associated airline fees, and vehicle return coverage if

ROUGH SEAS AHEAD — If something does happen on your vacation you want to be prepared. your road trip is interrupted. Medical treatment on your domestic or overseas vacation may leave you with expensive out-of-pocket expenses. TripAssist Family Care includes $25,000 in primary medical coverage for emergency medical costs during your travels. There’s no need to file claims with your regular health insurer first. Emergency medical evacuation can be a lifesaver when traveling to a destination where health care is not up to U.S. standards. TripAssist Family Care

will reimburse you for transportation costs to the medical facility and back home, up to $500,000. An array of optional benefits helps you tailor a plan to your own specific needs. TripAssist Family Care Trip+ is ideal for families traveling abroad. It doubles many of the Family Care Plan’s post departure benefits, including missed connection coverage, travel delay, emergency medical coverage and transportation, and baggage loss/damage or delay.

For just a few dollars a day Rental Car Damage Protector provides primary coverage for covered collision, loss and damage, along with 24-hour emergency assistance. The Required to Work option provides trip cancellation and interruption coverage when your travel plans change for a variety of work-related issues. The Cancel Anytime option offers greater flexibility than a traditional trip cancellation policy because it allows you to cancel your trip for almost any reason that the Family Care Plan does not already cover and receive 80% of a non-refundable trip costing up to $10,000 back in cash. TripAssist Theme Park Protection is a low-cost travel insurance plan intended for AAA members planning trips to domestic amusement parks. It has appropriate levels of cancellation coverage, medical protection, and convenience services for most trips to amusement parks within the United States.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Several factors can affect the cost of any travel insurance policy. Before deciding on a plan, be sure you understand what you’re buying and what each policy does and does not cover. For more information, visit AAA.com/travelinsurance.

Away from home, plastic is safer than paper AAA Member Rewards Visa® is safe, secure and very rewarding

he AAA Member Rewards Visa® credit card is a value-packed credit card that simply makes travel safer and more rewarding — with outstanding earning power on everyday purchases, no annual limits on how many points you can earn, plus plenty of opportunities to earn double, even triple points.

More Ways to Earn •

Triple Points for all of your qualifying AAA and travel purchases (airline tickets, car rentals, cruises, vacation packages and more), or any other purchase at AAA; • Double Points for gas, grocery, and drug store purchases; • One Point for each dollar on all other retail purchases. Best of all, there are no tiers, no limits on the number of points you can earn*. Plus, you can combine points from multiple AAA Member Rewards Visa accounts!

More Ways to Redeem Turn points into AAA Vouchers you can use at AAA branches for membership renewal, AAA Travel Agency services, car rentals, airfare, cruises, and attraction tickets. Or, redeem your points for one percent cash back or Gift Cards redeemable at more than 100 national retailers and restaurants.

MILES AHEAD — Credit cards are safer than cash when you travel. More Security New cards use an embedded microprocessor to encrypt and store account information. They provide more security at chip-enabled merchant terminals and are more difficult to counterfeit than those using strip technology alone. Chip-enabled cards are also the default offering for cardholders whose cards expire or are reissued for any other reason.

Plus, Safety on the Road

The AAA Member Rewards Visa credit

card is packed with safety features, too. On the road, enjoy $500,000 in common carrier travel accident insurance. Lose your card? It’s no problem with overnight card replacement. You’ll also have around-the-clock fraud protection and zero liability for fraudulent credit card purchases. To learn more about rates, fees, and other costs and benefits associated with the use of this card, please call 866665-3581 or apply online at AAA.com/ CreditCard.

* Earn 1 point per dollar of new net retail purchase transactions (qualifying purchases less credits, returns, and adjustments) (“Net Purchases”) charged to the card each billing cycle. Earn 2 points per dollar (consisting of 1 base point and 1 bonus point) for Net Purchases made with the card at any eligible gas, grocery or pharmacy retail merchant categories as designated by us. Eligible merchants and their associated Merchant Category Codes (“MCC”) are the following: (a) Gas Stations (MCC codes 5541 and 5542); b) Grocery Stores (MCC codes 5411, 5422, 5441, 5451, 5462, and 5499); and (c) Pharmacy Stores (MCC codes 5122 and 5912). Purchases made at merchants that do not process transactions under these codes will not qualify to receive double points. Earn 3 points per dollar (consisting of 1 base point and 2 bonus points) for Net Purchases made with the card through any participating AAA Club, when AAA is the merchant of record, or at eligible retail travel merchant categories as designated by us. Eligible travel Merchant Category Codes (“MCC”) are the following: (a) Airlines (MCC codes 3000-3299, and 4511); (b) Car Rental Agencies (MCC codes 3351-3441, and 7512); (c) Hotels, Motels, Inns and Resorts (MCC codes 3501-3999, and 7011); (d) Cruise Lines (MCC code 4411); and (e) Travel Agencies and Tour Operators (MCC Code 4722). Purchases made at merchants that do not process transactions under these codes will not qualify to receive triple points. Rewards begin at 2,500 points for merchandise, 5,000 points for cash and AAA reward vouchers and 15,000 points for air. Other restrictions apply. Complete details accompany new account materials. This credit card program is 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. AAA is a trademark of American Automobile Association, Inc. ©2015 Bank of America Corporation

PAGE 20

AAA MOTORIST

JUNE 2015

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1 A daily 16-ounce Grande coffee at Starbucks cost $63.00/month, based on the price of $2.10 per cup, according to the USA Today coffee calculator.

1 Identity Theft Insurance underwritten by insurance company subsidiaries or affiliates of American International Group, Inc. The description herein is a summary and intended for informational purposes only and does not include all items, conditions and exclusions of the policies described. Please refer to the actual policies for complete terms, conditions and exclusions of coverage. Coverage may not be available in all jurisdictions. Visit AAA.com/idsafeguard for more details. 3 Calculated on the PLUS Score model, your Experian Credit Score indicates your relative risk level for educational purposes and is not the score used by lenders. ProtectMyID® Essential and Deluxe are provided by ConsumerInfo.com, Inc., an Experian company. To be eligible to enroll in and receive this benefit, you must be 18 years of age or older and a current valid AAA Member. Benefit subject to change or termination at any time without notice. Certain terms, conditions and restrictions apply.