Jamestown february by AAA East Central

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Vol. 63 No. 2 1

WESTERN JAMESTOWN PENNSYLVANIA REGION

FEBRUARY 2016 Free Junior Associates — Priceless Protection for Teens

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

TAKE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH AAA PREMIER

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).

AAA news delivered right to your inbox

Look to AAA Vacations® tours and cruises for the most member value

ot every AAA getaway is a AAA Vacations® vacation, but those that are feature exciting itineraries, engaging experiences and exclusive values — more now than ever before! As a AAA member, enjoy the 24/7 Member Care, memberonly benefits and Best Price Guarantee that come with every AAA Vacations® package. During February, save up to $100 on AAA Vacations® tours (guided or independent) or get up to $100 in onboard spending money on cruises carrying the AAA Vacations® brand. AAA Vacations® land itineraries are packed with exceptional built-in value, including experiences and complimentary inclusions considered “extras” on similar vacations (if offered at all!). Oncein-a-lifetime experiences — such as tickets to a hit musical in London’s West End Theatre District, hands-on pizza making sessions in Florence or a zipline adventure through Costa Rica’s rainforest canopy — may be included in your package. In February, save $50 (7-9 nights) or $100 (10+ nights) per new tour booking with deposit, based on double occupancy.

AAA Vacations® cruises have built-in values, which may include priority check-in, included shore excursions, AAAonly events, onboard spending credit, specialty dining, precruise hotel stays and more. These exclusive values can make your vacation experience a lot more enjoyable. Get $50 per stateroom onboard spending money on cruises of 7-9 nights ($100 for 10+ nights). AAA Vacations® tours and cruises are all about confi-

dence, trust and peace of mind. With many years of experience, AAA is here to look after your traveling needs with a personal touch. We’ve built our reputation by serving millions of vacationers. Our 24/7 Member Care (via Allianz Global Assistance, AAA’s preferred travel insurance provider) offers options to protect your vacation investment and provide even more peace of mind. continued on page 6

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.

PPG Paints is Newest AAA Discounts & Rewards Partner Providing quality paints and stains for homeowners and professionals alike for well over 100 years, PPG Paints is committed to providing homeowners with the highest quality products and services for all of your painting needs. They feature a broad product line, individualized customer service, including state-of-the-art color matching. PPG Paints now offers AAA members 25 percent savings on retail paint and 15 percent on sundries at 630 PPG Paints stores throughout the U.S.

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

See Norway, Denmark & Sweden with AAA Travel

Check out the 2016-17 AAA Vacations® Catalog Get all the details — from pricing and day-to-day details — of your next dream vacation right at your fingertips — at home! This year’s catalog includes even more destinations, more departures, more inclusions and more value for you. Our expanded collection of vacations includes cruises, guided tours and independent vacations that offer everything from the traditional to the exotic. Visit AAA.com/AAAVacations to download and view the catalog.

Awe-inspiring fjords, timeless towns, and the northern lights dancing above a pristine wilderness — Scandinavia evokes many images. Sometimes called the Venice of the North, Stockholm is made up of 14 islands threaded by canals. In the fairytale city of Copenhagen it’s the life-size things that count. Norway’s elaborate lacework of bays and fjords is framed by picturesque medieval towns. Experience it all this summer with AAA Travel’s August 5-18 Spectacular Scandinavia tour. Book and deposit by Feb. 29, 2016 and enjoy member-level savings of up to $675 per booking. SEE PAGE 7.

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Top five ways to protect your identity while on vacation Safeguard your personal information with ProtectMyID®

dentity thieves don’t take a vacation when you do. As a matter of fact, traveling creates unique opportunities for identity thieves. According to a 2014 survey conducted by Edelman Berland on behalf of Experian’s ProtectMyID,®1 30 percent of Americans have either been the victims of identity theft while traveling, or know someone who has. That’s why it’s important to protect your identity as you prepare for your trip, and also while you’re traveling. Here are five steps you should take to help safeguard your identity: Travel light — The more you take with you, the more you have to lose. Carry only the essentials, such as your driver’s license, passport if you’re traveling outside the U.S., a credit card and your health insurance card (in case of emergency). Leave everything else securely stored at home, including your Social Security card, extra credit cards and other forms of identification. Backup important documents — Before you leave home, make copies of your driver’s license, passport, credit cards and any other vital documents, and carry them with you. When you leave your hotel room, lock the copies in the hotel safe. If your wallet or purse is lost or stolen, you’ll have the backups safely stored at the hotel. Plan your trip carefully — It would be nice to think you can wander around and explore freely wherever you go, but that’s not always the case. Carefully plan

FEBRUARY 2016

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

TRAVELERS A TARGET — Everyone enjoys a vacation, but don’t let your guard down. where you’ll go and the sights you’ll see. Investigate the companies you’ll be traveling with and learn the names of reputable taxi companies and transportation providers at your destination. Prep your home — Criminals who break into your home can now do worse than simply take your belongings. They can also steal your identity if they find documents or electronic items that contain sensitive information. Take steps ensure it looks like you’re still at home. Put lights on a timer so they switch on automatically when it gets dark.

Put a hold on all mail and newspaper delivery. Ask a trusted friend to water outside plants or bring trash cans off the street so your home looks lived in. Secure important documents in a lockbox inside the house. Finally, turn off your home Wi-Fi network so no one can access your home systems while you’re away. Stay alert — Of course you want to have fun and relax — you’re on vacation! But you still need to maintain some degree of vigilance. Be aware of your surroundings as you sightsee or pass through airports or other busy areas; thieves can physically pick your pocket and then use the information they reap to commit identity theft. Stay alert to scams, too — the “taxi” driver in an unmarked car who promises entry to a popular attraction at half the price or without a wait, or a hotel clerk who wants to keep your credit card for the duration of your stay. If you suspect your identity may have been compromised while traveling, or you’ve been the victim of a scam, check your credit report for signs such as new credit accounts you didn’t open. When you return home, you should also review all of your credit card and financial accounts to determine if there are any unauthorized transactions. Contact your bank or credit card company immediately if you see any activity you don’t recognize. With a few simple steps you’ll be on your way to enjoying peace of mind during your next vacation. Safe travels! 1. http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vacation-report-travelers-need-more-thansunscreen-to-protect-themselves-this-summer-263615841.html.

PROTECT YOURSELF

For an added sense of security, AAA offers identity monitoring to members with enrollment in ProtectMyID®, a fullservice provider of identity theft detection, protection and fraud resolution. To learn more, visit AAA.com/protectmyid or call 1-877-440-6943.

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

FEBRUARY 2016

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Going the extra 100 miles for members AAA Premier offers 200 miles free towing & more 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 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

By Richard Hamilton Chairman, AAA East Central veryone’s needs are different; that’s why AAA offers several levels of membership. Just as AAA Plus expands AAA Classic coverage, AAA Premier is an enhancement to AAA Plus. Your benefits will only increase with each level, giving you the freedom to choose the membership option that best fits your budget and your lifestyle. AAA Premier takes the traditional advantages of AAA membership and supersizes them with a multitude of advanced benefits and services. Roadside assistance needs for example, tend to evolve in tandem with your driving habits, and everyone’s circumstances are unique. Members who need to go the distance will find that AAA Premier can deliver one tow of up to 200 miles per household, in addition to up to 100 miles on remaining tows per membership year. Lockouts remain one of the most common reasons for roadside assistance calls. If your vehicle key is lost, broken, or the service provider cannot gain entry, AAA will provide Premier members with locksmith service or reimbursement of commercial locksmith service up to $150. AAA Premier even protects you at home with up to a $100 reimbursement for Home Lockout Service at your primary residence. Should your vehicle need to be towed, and you’re stranded without transportation AAA Premier steps up by arranging a standard class rental car for one day at no charge. Premier members

Richard Hamilton are also entitled to a free Hertz Gold Plus Rewards membership with enough Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Bonus Points for two free weekend rental days after your first Gold rental. AAA Premier Membership is much more than extended towing. It also entitles you to a specialized package of perks and personalized travel services. Suppose your trip is delayed or interrupted due to a collision, mechanical failure, vehicle theft, illness, injury or even severe weather. You’re more than 100-miles from home, and what do you do? AAA Premier members are eligible for up to $1,500 Trip Interruption benefits toward the cost of transportation, accommodations, meals or related expenses. Premier is so generous it even pays up to $500 to return your vehicle

to your home if these issues result in the use of substitute transportation. Rest easy the next time you’re on a domestic or international vacation. AAA Premier members have exclusive access to Global Travel Emergency Assistance 24 hours a day. One call is all it takes to arrange medical provider referrals, prescription replacement, lost ticket and document replacement and emergency translation services. Traveling on a domestic or international vacation of at least 100 driving miles from home? AAA Premier’s 24-hour Concierge Service can help make your stay more memorable and carefree with assistance in securing tickets to events, restaurant reservations, tee times, flowers and more. Premier members also save at AAA offices, with free passport photos and notary service on personal documents; waiving AAA Travel Agency flight and rail ticket reservation fees; and up to $300,000 Travel Accident Insurance when travel arrangements are made through AAA. AAA Premier will go as far as life can take you and it’s available at an annual fee of just $35 per household, in addition to the members’ Classic and AAA Plus membership dues. AAA Premier can be added at any time to an existing membership (benefits subject to 7-day waiting period). To upgrade to AAA Premier, call or stop by your local AAA branch office, or contact the Club’s Member Service Call Center at 800.441.5008. Visit AAA. com/premier to review a comparison of AAA Classic, Plus and Premier benefits.

membersonly Hertz named Best Car Rental Company by Travel Weekly AAA car rental partner finishes 2015 with more than 25 awards

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 ©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.

AA preferred partner Hertz recently made a clean sweep at Travel Weekly’s 13th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards. Hertz won Best Domestic Car Rental Company for the 13th consecutive time, the only winner in the history of the category, and Best International Car Rental Company for the 12th time. These widely recognized and coveted awards are presented annually to the industry’s suppliers who led the way in product and service during the past year. The open-ballot phase of the voting was conducted during the summer. Readers were invited to write in the names of any company they believed best exemplified that particular category. In addition to the Travel Weekly awards, Recommend magazine recently named Hertz as “Best Travel Agent Support Car Rental Company” in their 19th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards, and readers of Premier Traveler magazine recognized Hertz as the “Best Rental Car Company” in its Best of 2015 survey.

These latest awards complement the vast array of honors achieved by Hertz during 2015, including being named as the “Best Car Rental Company” by TTG Asia; awarded the 2015 Travelers’ Choice for Car Rental in Italy, Spain and the U.K. by the TripAdvisor community; and receiving the GlobeRunner Award for “Best Car Rental Chain in the World” by Frequent Business Traveler. Hertz’s Gold Plus Rewards program was named “Best Rewards Program of the Drive” category across the Americas, Europe/Africa and Middle East/Asia/Oceania at the 2015 FlyerTalk Awards, and the U.K.-based readers of Business Traveller magazine named Hertz the “Best Car Rental Company.” Additionally, Hertz was named to Newsweek’s 2015 Green Rankings, one of the world’s most recognized assessments of corporate environmental performance and was chosen as a recipient of the 2015 Airports Going Green Award from the Chicago Department of Aviation. Hertz is one of the most recognized

brands in the world, signifying leadership in quality rental services and products. This past year, Hertz has been honored with more than 25 bestin-class travel industry awards, both in the U.S. and internationally. Hertz understands customers want speed and convenience at every touchpoint of the rental experience, from pick up to drop off. Hertz is dedicated to maintaining superior quality and customer service in car rental through a variety of innovative service offerings, such as Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, a free loyalty rewards program entitling AAA members to a number of exclusive benefits and exclusive vehicle collections. NeverLost® GPS, the award-winning in-vehicle navigation system is available to rent along with a Hertz vehicle and offers hands-free calls, access to weather and flight information, live concierge operators and more. Carfimations, Hertz’s mobile email SMS text service, confirms a Gold customer’s reservation and advises them of their car location; and many others.

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FEBRUARY 2016

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Look to AAA Vacations® for Maximum Value!

AAA Vacations® will take you to some of the most remarkable places in the world. Your AAA Travel Agent will work with you to find the right vacation, from visits to US landmarks and natural wonders to explorations around the world. Choose from river or ocean cruises, escorted tours, locally hosted experiences, independent packages and self-drive itineraries. Here are a few unforgettable experiences available from AAA Vacations®: Eat exotically. Sample traditional Cape Town specialties and wines with a culinary guide in South Africa. Live like a czar. Enter the Kremlin to behold the dazzling collection of Imperial treasure, including bejeweled Faberge eggs in the Amory Museum. Think beyond Europe. You may

have seen the Eiffel Tower light up at night, but have you watched the sun rise over the ancient stones of Machu Picchu in Peru? Or taken a nature walk around the crater of Nicaragua’s Mombacho Volcano? Make your US vacation a familyfriendly adventure. Choose a tour of 5 of America’s best-loved national parks, or a heritage tour that takes you to history-defining spots in New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Want to go westward-ho? Take the family on an 8-day guided tour of cowboy country. Put something spectacular in your viewfinder. Book an 8-day tour of Iceland and capture glaciers, sand deserts and the magical Blue Lagoon, a natural hot pool known to have therapeutic powers.

FEBRUARY 2016

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Cruise a river. Experience grand European cities in your elegantly appointed stateroom as home base. Discover the rich history of Imperial Russia on the Volga River. Visit 2 amazing countries, Vietnam and Cambodia, on the Mekong River. Learn from locals. Join a sushi master chef to learn the art of preparing sushi in Tokyo. Listen to a Xian resident share his lifetime experiences. Mingle with residents at a Vietnamese market to learn how to choose the best spices for a hand-on cooking class. Go on a spiritual quest. Whether you are drawn to the Dead Sea or the Ganges, there is a tour sure to give you a new perspective on life. Visit the Holy Land or India, stately Vatican City or the natural majesty of Austra-

lia’s Red Centre. Create your own vacation — with help. Your AAA Travel Agent will help you choose your flights, transfers or car rentals and accommodations at more than 500 4- and 5-diamond hotels, resorts and all-inclusive properties around the world where you’ll receive special savings or activity credits. Visit AAA.com/AAAVacations and contact a local AAA Travel Agent to book your AAA Vacations® package or cruise today. BEST PRICE GUARANTEE: If you make a booking for a qualifying AAA Vacations® cruise or tour package and find a valid better rate for the exact itinerary within 24 hours of our booking, AAA Vacations® will match the lower rate and send you a $50 future travel credit certificate. Certain restrictions apply. Visit AAA.com/AAAVacations for details.

Just a sample of the many 2016 getaways with AAA Vacations® amenities! Treasures of France

11 days, 13 meals: from $2,899

Majestic Switzerland

Japan: Inland Sea to Alps

11 days, 15 meals: from $5,650

Paris • Aix-en-Provence • Avignon Zurich • St Moritz • Zermatt Nîmes • Saint-Rémy • Antibes Montreux • Lucerne Nice • Monaco Mountain Stroll (with nature guide) Scenic Rail Journey • Castle Visit Eiffel Tower Dinner • Nimes Tour Lake Lucerne Steamer Cruise Private Wine & Chocolate Tasting Vitznau Artillery Fortress Perfumerie Visit (create a fragrance) (with military guide) AAA Complimentary Inclusion: $75 credit* toward an optional excursion ($100 credit* if 2+ excursions are purchased) Member Benefit: $25 savings*

AAA Complimentary Inclusion & Member Benefit (combined): $150 Visa® gift card*

*PER PERSON **PER STATEROOM

Heritage of America

12 days, 16 meals: from $5,799

10 days, 14 meals: from $2,499

Kyoto • Hiroshima • Nara Kanazawa • Takayama Mount Fuji • Tokyo

New York City • Philadelphia Lancaster • Gettysburg Williamsburg • Washington DC

Kodai-ji Temple Geisha Dinner & Tour • Meet a Master Gardener Morning Market Visit & Sake Tasting • Tsukiji Fish Market Visit Sushi Making with a Master Chef

AAA Complimentary Inclusion: 1 night in Kyoto before the tour Member Benefit: $115 savings*

Breakfast at Ellen’s Stardust Diner Traditional Dinner with the Amish Mount Vernon Visit

AAA Complimentary Inclusion: $75 credit* toward an optional excursion ($100 credit* if 2+ excursions are purchased) Member Benefit: $25 savings*

Northern Isles Cruise

Holland America Koningsdam 14 nights: Aug 14-18 Staterooms from $4,139 Netherlands • Scotland Norway • Iceland AAA Vacations® hosts on trip

2-night pre-cruise Amsterdam package (hotel, breakfast, canal cruise dinner, City Pass and more) Onboard cocktail party • Edinburgh Military Tattoo • Savor & Swirl cooking demo • Pinnacle Grill dinner • AAA Vacations® branded gift

Visit AAA.com/AAAVacations to download and view the complete AAA Vacations® catalog...or visit your local AAA branch office.

Cunard Line® Cruises British Isles • Canada & New England • Eastern Mediterranean Greek Isles • Norwegian Fjords Panama Canal • Scandinavia & Russia • Transatlantic • Western Mediterranean • World Cruise AAA Complimentary Inclusions: Up

to $400 onboard spending credit** Enhanced tea service for 2 • Dinner for 2 in select alternative restaurants Member Benefit: Up to $300 onboard spending credit** and reduced deposit available during quarterly cruise sales

For AAA Vacations® to HAWAII or MEXICO with Pleasant Holidays, turn to page 12.

Getting rid of your spare tire may cause problems Tire inflator kits a high-cost alternative for consumers

t’s that time of year when many of us are looking to lose our spare tires by jumping on treadmills, or cutting back on calories. But savvy car buyers should also be on the lookout for a spare tire — there may not be one. You might be surprised to learn that spare tires are not required by federal regulators because they are not considered an essential safety item. Automakers are facing increasinglystringent fuel economy standards and the spare tire has become a casualty in an effort to reduce weight and boost fuel efficiency. In the last 10 model years, vehicles without spare tires have steadily increased from five percent of 2006 model year vehicles to 36 percent in the 2015 model year. Today, more than 29 million vehicles on the road do not have a conventional spare tire. Vehicles designed without spares are usually equipped with some type of backup, and it is a good idea to be familiar with these devices before you encounter a flat. Solutions include runflat tires that allow the car to be driven to a safe location, or an emergency sealant or inflator kit to temporarily seal a punctured tire. AAA recently conducted an evaluation of tire inflator kits to determine how effectively they work and the impact on the motorist’s wallet. AAA tested the most common tire

NOTHING TO SPARE — Over one-third of new car models now come without a spare tire. inflator kits in today’s vehicles and found that the units worked well in some scenarios, but they are not a substitute for a spare tire. Tire inflator kits can only be used when a puncture occurs on the center tire tread and the foreign object remains in the tire. The kit cannot be used when sidewall,

blowout, pothole or curb-related damage occurs. While each four-pound kit eliminates approximately 30 pounds of vehicle weight, resulting in minimal savings in fuel consumption, the replacement cost is high. With some kits costing up to $300 per use, a tire inflator kit can

cost consumers up to 10 times more than a simple tire repair. Costs can include repairing the tire and replacing both the tire-pressure monitoring sensor (TPMS) and the inflator kit. The kit must also be replaced at its expiration date, which varies by manufacturer from four to eight years. Consumers may mistakenly believe that inflator kits are a one-size-fits-all alternative, but the reality is these kits can only accommodate specific types of tire damage. AAA is calling on automakers to put consumers first, and save the spare. Having the option to install a spare tire can save stranded drivers time and money. Despite tire and technology improvements, including tire pressure monitoring systems, AAA found there has been no decline in flat tire related calls in the last five years. And keep your AAA card handy — AAA responds to more than 4 million flat-tire service requests each year.

YOUR SPARE CHANGER

When faced with a flat tire or other roadside emergency, AAA members can request assistance at (800) AAA-HELP, by visiting AAA.com/RoadsideAssistance or via the AAA Mobile app.

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FEBRUARY 2016

Member Benefits • Exclusive Offers

1-800-354-8761 • AAA.com/travel

Spectacular

SCANDINAVIA!

MEMBERS SAVE! $675 Premier • $650 Plus • $625 Classic NEW BOOKINGS WITH DEPOSIT • FEB 1-29, 2016 • PER ROOM, DOUBLE OCCUPANCY

Slip away this summer to... NORWAY, DENMARK & SWEDEN!

harborfront, another World Heritage–protected site. Fly to Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital; amble along its maze of cobbled lanes, including Europe’s longest pedestrianized shopping street. A city tour includes Amalienborg Palace, the Royal Theater and the much cherished Little Mermaid statue. Savor dinner in this Scandinavian culinary capital, where a “New Nordic Cuisine Movement” currently holds reign. Enjoy a full day on your own to explore the city’s many delights. Cross Øresund Bridge, Europe’s longest combined road-and-rail bridge, into Sweden. In Malmö, enjoy a fika (traditional coffee break, often with kanelbullar, sweet cinnamon rolls) and overnight in a family-run manor house. Then head to the cosmopolitan capital, Stockholm, to visit City Hall, stroll through Old Town, see the Royal Palace and step back in time at the Vasa Museum, where a perfectly preserved 17th-century warship offers a rare glimpse into that era. Take in more sights of this attractive city built upon 14 islands during a full day on your own. Afterward, enjoy a farewell dinner ATURE at Fem Sma Hus, a stunning Old CA O Town restaurant TI comprised of 5 timber-framed houses from the 17th century that capture the flavors of a bygone era. VA

Despite the large size of some of them, Scandinavia’s countries seem to draw little attention to themselves, especially compared to some others on the Continent. It’s likely many Americans know the many reasons to visit Italy or France, but fewer are privy to the relative secrets being quietly kept by Norway, Denmark and Sweden. That’s why AAA’s ”Spectacular Scandinavia“ escorted tour will almost certainly surprise and delight you with this trio’s abundant natural beauty, pleasantly warm summers, fascinating history and unique cultures. And, with included AAA Member Choice Vacations Experiences, it will reveal the unforgettable charms of lands and peoples. Oslo — Norway’s capital and largest city — is both ancient and modern. Gorgeously set between harbor and forested mountains, most of its main sights (National Gallery, Royal Palace, City Hall & Akershus fortress) are just steps from the city center. An architecturally stunning opera house (2008), built partly into the harbor it abuts, shines like an iceberg in the sun; visitors climb its popular ramp-like roof for its views...and for the fun of it! Marvel at 3 ancient vessels at the fascinating Viking Ship Museum and visit a park where an intriguing collection of statues comprises sculptor Gustav Vigeland’s life’s work. Travel to Norway’s breathtaking fjord region and see Borgund’s wooden stave church (1180). Ascend 3,000 feet on the Flam Railway past mighty waterfalls, towering mountains and steep-walled valleys. See Briksdal Glacier and cruise into Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and see Seven Sisters, Bridal Veil and Suitor waterfalls. Experience Old World charm at Bergen’s picturesque

AUG 5-18. AAA MEMBER RATE: $6,749. Rate is per person, double occupancy, is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Buffalo-Oslo, Stockholm-Buffalo), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, 20 meals, hotel luggage handling (1 bag per person), sightseeing per itinerary and taxes/gratuities for included features. Visit AAA.com/travel for more information. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Passport required.

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1 BOOK PER ROOM, DOUBLE OCCUPANCY

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AAA MEMBER RATES are per person, double occupancy, are subject to availability at time of booking and include roundtrip flights from Buffalo (except YELLOWSTONE EXPERIENCE, which is a land-only package), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, meals as noted, hotel luggage handling (1 bag per person), sightseeing per itinerary, taxes/gratuities for included features, services of a AAA Tour Manager (upon arrival at destination, if participation goal is met). Visit AAA.com/USA for more information. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

AMERICAN MAJESTY: Aug 27–Sept 3 • $3,339 (includes flights!)

Celebrate the American West during the 100th year of the National Park Service by roaming the home of the buffalo and discovering America's wide-open spaces and iconic landmarks. Start in Salt Lake City, with an opportunity to witness the weekly spectacle of a Mormon Tabernacle Choir broadcast performance (choir schedule permitting). Travel past Great Salt Lake, through Logan Canyon and beside Bear Lake. At Grand Teton National Park, take a scenic float trip on the Snake River. Next, visit Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs and other sites in Yellowstone National Park. Enjoy historic Cody, the Buffalo Bill Center and a chuckwagon-style dinner. Marvel at Devil’s Tower, feel the Old West at Deadwood and enter the scenic Black Hills on the way to Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse Monument. After a Wildlife Jeep® Safari at Custer State Park to see buffalo (and more), end at the inspirational Mt Rushmore Evening Lighting Ceremony. 13 meals.

“MIGHTY 5 & MORE” CELEBRATION: Oct 11-19 • $3,845 (includes flights!)

Commemorate the National Park Service centennial on a tour of some of the USA’s most popular and beautiful parks. After an evening in Las Vegas (“Entertainment Capital of the World”), travel past Lake Mead and Hoover Dam, visit Kingman's Route 66 Museum and be enchanted by the Grand Canyon. Enter the Navajo Nation with a stop at a trading post offering Native American handicrafts. Continue to Lake Powell and photographically famous Antelope Canyon. Enjoy a scenic cruise, then a 4-wheel-drive-vehicle tour of spectacular Monument Valley, sacred to Navajos. Experience an evening of Navajo culture, food and entertainment. Time for the “Mighty 5” national parks: See many of the more than 2,000 natural arches in Arches National Park. Dine outside at a dramatically located lodge on the Colorado River. An exciting Jeep® tour of Canyonlands National Park reveals its amazing beauty. Ride a jet boat on the Colorado. See ancient ptetroglyphs at Capitol Reef National Park, the fairyland hues and shapes of Bryce Canyon National Park and

the 2,000-foot-high stone towers of Zion National Park. 16 meals.

BRIGHT LIGHTS/BIG CANYONS: May 22-30 • from $3,235 (includes flights!)

Fly to Las Vegas and settle into your centrally located casino hotel. An evening Pink Jeep® tour lets you experience the dazzling excitement of the Strip in a unique way. Enjoy a full day to explore everything Vegas has to offer. Travel on to Lake Powell and your lakeside hotel; enjoy a dinner cruise. Appreciate the spiritual aspect of Navajo territory and the photographic beauty of Antelope Canyon on a guided off-road tour. Enjoy 2 nights in a lodge at the Grand Canyon. Ride the Grand Canyon Railway to Williams. At Sedona, take a Pink Jeep® tour to see majestic red rock formations. 12 meals.

YELLOWSTONE EXPERIENCE: June 20-26 • $1,859 Our first national park’s first explorers were called liars when they described its otherworldly geysers & bubbling mudpots and its free-ranging bison, elk, moose, bears & wolves. Begin at Salt Lake City and travel through scenic Idaho to Yellowstone. Enjoy Old Faithful & many other natural landmarks, as well as the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. A Wildlife Safari includes a picnic dinner. Also enjoy Grand Teton National Park, the cowboy town of Jackson, a Jenny Lake cruise, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (schedule permitting) and more! 12 meals.

GLACIER NP DISCOVERY: June 21-27 • from $2,939 (includes flights!)

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

SAVE $25 on popular FEATURED VACATIONS to US West destinations! COLORADO TRAIN ADVENTURE July 9-16 • $2,145

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

Maps, facts & photos

Full color 272 pages

NEW BOOKINGS FEB 1-29

$22.95 value Published by National Geographic

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ENJOY THE BEAUTY OF THE AMERICAN WEST! Get this guidebook to celebrate 100 years of the National Park Service

BEST OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA July 21-29 • $4,379 (includes flights!)

So many delights in 1 tour — from the endless charms of San Francisco to the natural splendor of the redwoods at Muir Woods to the opulence of Hearst Castle. Cross Golden Gate Bridge, enjoy the Mediterranean ambiance of Sausalito, sample wines at Napa Valley vineyards, savor lunch aboard the Napa Wine Train. Ride Amtrak’s scenic California Zephyr to Lake Tahoe. Visit the ghost town of Virginia City NV. Dine & dance on a riverboat paddlewheeler. Marvel at Yosemite’s wonders. Explore coastal Carmel, Big Sur and Monterey. 14 meals.

SAVINGS PER ROOM, DOUBLE OCCUPANCY; NEW BOOKINGS FEB 1-29

CALIFORNIA WINE COUNTRY Aug 28–Sept 2 • $3,499 (includes flights!)

Here’s a tasty tour starting in scenic San Francisco; see the City by the Bay's Twin Peaks, Haight Ashbury District, Embarcadero, Chinatown, Pacific Heights. Cross Golden Gate Bridge to Vista Point and on to Napa Valley. Tour & sip samples at wineries; enjoy a chef-prepared picnic at one and a “Blend Your Own Merlot” session at another. Savor an elegant dinner aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train. Visit Mediterranean-flavored Sausalito and ferry over to Fisherman’s Wharf. Back in Napa, visit 2 more wineries and dine at the Culinary Institute of America. 8 meals.

Before-discount AAA MEMBER RATES are per person, double occupancy, are subject to availability at time of booking and include roundtrip flights from Buffalo (except COLORADO TRAIN ADVENTURE, which is a land-only package), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, meals as noted, hotel luggage handling (1 bag per person), sightseeing per itinerary and taxes/gratuities for included features. Visit AAA.com/USA for more information. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

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

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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

From the Outback to the Glaciers

AUSTRALIA

AAA MEMBERS SAVE $300! PER ROOM, DOUBLE OCCUPANCY BOOK WITH DEPOSIT FEB 1-29, 2016

NEW ZEALAND Cairns, catamaran ride

Melbourne, Opal Centre

Steamship cruise, farm life tour

Great Barrier Reef

Phillip Island Little Penguin colony

Winery tour & tasting

Glass-bottom boat ride

Christchurch

Overnight in Mt Cook National Park

Daintree Rainforest/

Tranz-Alpine Express train ride

Herding/shearing demo

Mossman Gorge, meet Aboriginals

Franz Joseph Glacier

Dine with a NZ Family

Uluru/Ayers Rock, Champagne toast

Queenstown, gondola to dinner

Sydney & Opera House

Alice Springs, Aboriginal drummers

Milford Sound cruise

Koala Park & Opal Collection

Dreamtime tour, bush dinner

“Middle Earth” touring

Sydney Harbour dinner cruise

Unique add-on options — including a camel ride, a jet boat ride and a night out in Sydney — are also available. Talk to your AAA Travel Agent for rates and availability.

Oct 17–Nov 6 •

AAA Member Rate: from $9,344

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Unforgettable experiences not found on cruises! Traditional salmon bake & a sternwheeler river cruise in Fairbanks 4-hour adventure flying over the Arctic Circle, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and the Yukon River 7-hour Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali National Park, looking for grizzlies, moose & more...with an overnight in the park Meet a 4-time winner of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race and his canine crew Visits to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation & Begich Boggs Visitor centers 2-hour river float trip in Kenai Fjords National Park A ride on Girdwood’s Alyeska Tram — from sea level to 2,300 feet! Special welcome & farewell dinners with your fellow travelers

July 7-16 •

AAA Member Rate: from $6,355

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes flights (Buffalo-Fairbanks, Anchorage-Buffalo), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, motorcoach sightseeing, accommodations (Fairbanks, Denali, Anchorage, Seward: 2 each, Girdwood: 1), 16 meals, luggage handling (1 bag per person), gratuities for included features (includes driver, escort) and in-Alaska escort. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

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Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes flights (Buffalo-Cairns, Sydney-Buffalo, plus flights in Australia & New Zealand), roundtrip airport/ hotel transfers, accommodations, hotel luggage handling (1 bag per person), taxes/gratuities/government fees for included features, 31 meals and a professional guide in Australia & New Zealand. AAA Member Choice Vacations® door-to-door transfer service is unavailable on ATURE this departure. Visit AAA.com/GoAustralia for complete itinerary and important pre-travel information. Additional airline fees for CA O baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. TI

FEBRUARY 2016

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Fly to Calgary and drive into the spectacular Canadian Rockies to the resort town of Banff, your home for 4 nights. Ride Banff Gondola for panoramic vistas...then enjoy a gentle guided float trip on the Bow River; keep an eye out for wildlife! Cross the Continental Divide on the way to Yoho and Banff national parks. See Takakkaw Falls, Emerald Lake and Lake Louise (“Jewel of the Rockies”) and ride another gondola. Spot more wildlife along Columbia Icefields Parkway to Athabasca Glacier (ride atop the glacier in a unique Ice Explorer vehicle) and turquoise Peyto Lake. Cap off the week at Calgary’s famous Stampede (afternoon & evening admission), a 10-day celebration of cowboy life, chuckwagon races, rodeos, parades, fireworks and more. Gaze out over the city from atop the Calgary Tower, where dinner will be served at the Sky 360 restaurant.

AAA MEMBER RATE: $3,409

JULY 7-13

Canadian Rockies AND THE

Calgary Stampede © Sascha Burkard / Fotolia.com

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Buffalo-Calgary), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, 12 meals, sightseeing, hotel luggage handling (1 bag per person) and services of a AAA Tour Manager (upon arrival in Calgary, if participation goal is met). Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Passport required.

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

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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Taste of Scotland & Ireland Sept 19-30 SCOTLAND HIGHLIGHTS

IRELAND HIGHLIGHTS

• Glasgow city tour

• Titanic Belfast • Dublin: Book of Kells at Trinity College, canal dinner cruise • Rock of Cashel photo op • See dogs herd sheep • Blarney Castle & Woollen Mills • Killarney, Ross Castle, Ring of Kerry, Skellig Experience, Sneem, Moll's Gap • Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle medieval feast • Galway, Clonmacnoise Monastic Site

• Loch Ness scenic cruise • Blair Athol Distillery whiskey tasting • Spean Bridge Woollen Mill • Ferry from Scotland to Ireland • St Andrews: “Home of Golf” • Evening of Scottish cuisine & entertainment • Edinburgh Castle & city tour

MEMBERS SAVE! Premier: $325 Plus: $300 Classic: $275 SAVINGS PER ROOM

Celebrity Cruises

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AAA Member Rate: $2,468 Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, 18 meals, sightseeing, hotel luggage handling (1 bag per person), professional local tour director in Scotland & Ireland. Ask about available add-on airfare. Passport required. Tour operated by CIE International.

BOOK WITH NONREFUNDABLE DEPOSIT FEB 1-29 •

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AMAZING AIR OFFER FOR AAA MEMBERS Western Mediterranean Cruise: Sept 15-24 Roundtrip from Rome on Celebrity Silhouette

Get $500 off airfare from AAA! *

first 2 passengers in stateroom

• Amalfi Coast (Salerno), Italy • Messina (Sicily), Italy • Marseille, France • Nice (Villefranche), France • Ajaccio (Corsica), Italy • La Spezia, Italy • Includes 2 full days at sea

AND CHOOSE TWO OF THESE PERKS! • PREPAID GRATUITIES FOR 2 value of up to $230 per stateroom • $300.00 ONBOARD CREDIT per stateroom, double occupancy • CLASSIC BEVERAGE PACKAGE FOR 2, beverage gratuities included, value of up to $924 per stateroom • UNLIMITED INTERNET FOR 2 value of up to $299 for 1 internet account

*To qualify, book Feb 1-29 & make a nonrefundable deposit for a Concierge Class stateroom (or above) AND pay in full for Celebrity air from Buffalo, Cleveland, Louisville, Philadelphia or Pittsburgh through AAA Travel.

AAA Member Rate: from $2,084

Modern Luxury

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Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals and taxes of $320.21. Passport required. Ship’s registry: Malta.

FEBRUARY 2016

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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Soak up sun & savings while they’re hot!

Hawaii

The only real cold you’re likely to experience in Hawaii is an ice-filled tropical drink...a traditional rainbow-hued “shave ice” snowcone treat...or your accommodation’s air conditioning turned on full blast! In addition to an ideal year-round climate and plentiful sunshine, Hawaii offers a warm and inviting Aloha Spirit and promises you an unforgettable vacation experience. Hawaii is hiking sculpted cliffs or diving amid coral reefs in the afternoon and dining to slack-key guitar at sunset. Fresh, floral breezes energize you. Warm, tranquil waters refresh you. The breathtaking natural beauty renews you. Year-round gentle weather surrounds you on every island. With fiery volcanoes and cavorting whales, the islands are rich with natural wonders. Look around.There’s no place on earth like Hawaii. AAA Travel and Pleasant Holidays can customize the perfect Hawaii vacation for every traveler — from 5-star luxury to family-friendly value. And the folks at Pleasant Holidays are known as the Hawaii activity experts. Before leaving for the Aloha State, you can choose from hundreds of optional activities that will make your vacation even more enjoyable and more memorable. Whether you enjoy partaking in physically active pastimes or just taking in a special dinner or entertainment (or both!), you’ll find something of interest in Pleasant Hawaii’s activities “menu.”

Mexico’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 and AAA Travel make Mexico accessible to almost anyone. Pleasant Holidays has been customizing vacations with a range of value-added options since 1959. Whether you luxuriate in a spa, rappel through a waterfall or sip a Margarita under a thatched-roof palapa hut, your Mexican adventure begins the moment you choose your destination. Cancun has been called 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 browse for silver and folk art in the mercados, while party animals take full advantage of the legendary nightlife. About an hour’s drive south of Cancun, the slower-paced Mexican Riviera is a stunning, 70-mile stretch of blinding white beaches and romantic villages like Playa del Carmen, Playacar and Puerto Morales. Cozumel appeals to all kinds of travelers, from divers to beach bums, to seekers of the lost treasures of the Maya. Cabo San Lucas is home to gorgeous beaches and the celebrated Arches rock formations. Surrounded by the Sea of Cortez on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, picturesque Playa del Amor (Beach of Love) is an isolated cove at the very end of the Baja Peninsula.

Mexico

Double Member Benefit from AAA Vacations

LIMITED-TIME Savings from AAA East Central

$100.00 activity voucher on select 4- & 5-star properties in Hawaii and Mexico

$50.00 off 5-9 nights $100.00 off 10+ nights Hawaii and Mexico vacations

Pleasant Holidays accommodation rating system, minimum 5-night stay

Feb 1-29, per booking, double occupancy

Visit or call AAA Travel for your Hawaii or Mexico vacation!

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

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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

FEATURED VACATIONS ATURE

FEBRUARY 2016

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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.

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

Research & book travel arrangements from the comfort of your home – 24/7. TRAVEL WITH SOMEONE YOU TRUST.®

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Your AAA membership enhances &

C R U I S E S

AAA Member Benefits* • $300 discount per stateroom plus a Welcome Gift (cruises of up to 13 days) • $600 discount per stateroom plus a Welcome Gift (cruises of 14+ days) • Welcome gift of a bottle of wine & a box of chocolates (Europe cruises) • Welcome gift of $50 onboard credit per stateroom (Asia and Africa cruises)

AAA Vacations® Offers* • $200 discount per stateroom • $150 onboard credit per stateroom (7-night cruises) • $200 onboard credit per stateroom (Myanmar cruises) • $300 onboard credit per stateroom (14-night cruises) AAA Member Benefits* • $50 savings per booking

AAA Vacations® Offers* • $200 onboard credit per stateroom ($100 per person) on specific sail dates on specific ships AAA Vacations® Offers* • $25 onboard credit per stateroom (sailings of up to 5 nights) • $50 onboard credit per stateroom (sailings of 6 to 9 nights) • $100 onboard credit per stateroom (sailings of 10+ nights) • Priority check-in on day of arrival (excludes Galápagos) AAA Vacations® Offers* • $100 onboard spending credit per stateroom (Inside/Oceanview/Balcony Britannia) • $400 onboard spending credit per stateroom (Princess Grill/Queens Grill Suite) • Enhanced afternoon tea service for 2 • Dinner at Kings Court or Lido onboard alternative restaurants (first 2 guests in stateroom) AAA Member Benefits* • $25 onboard credit per person (cruises of up to 7 days) • $50 onboard credit per person (cruises of 8+ days) • $50 onboard credit per person (Alaska cruisetours)

AAA Vacations® Offers* • Exclusive Savor & Swirl onboard culinary event • Pinnacle Grill dinner (first & second guests only) • Taste of Excellence cookbook (1 per stateroom) AAA Member Benefits* • $100 per stateroom shipboard credit (select sailings)

AAA Vacations® Offers* • $200 shipboard credit per stateroom and wine tasting event AAA Vacations® Offers* • Preferred check-In (embarkation day) • $25 onboard spending credit per stateroom (cruises of up to 5 days) • $50 onboard spending credit per stateroom (cruises of 6 to 11 days) • $75 onboard spending credit per stateroom (cruises of 12+ days) • Exclusive wine tasting experience for 2 AAA Vacations® Offers* • Priority check-in on day of boarding • Up to $100 onboard credit per stateroom ($25: 3-5 nights, $50: 6-9 nights, $100: 10+ nights) • Champagne delivered to your stateroom • Specialty dinner for 2 per stateroom (Oasis of the Seas® • Harmony of the Seas® • Allure of the Seas®) AAA Member Benefits* • $125 savings per person (river cruises of 8 to 13 days) • $250 savings per person (river cruises of 14+ days)

AAA Vacations® Offers* • 1-night pre-cruise city-center hotel stay with breakfast • Airport-to-hotel and hotel-to–river ship transfers *Additional restrictions may apply. Subject to availability. See your AAA Travel Agent for full terms and conditions. Valid for select travel tour dates and cruise sailings in 2016. AAA membership required. Valid for new bookings only. Excludes AAA East Central Featured Vacations. Some AAA Member Benefits may not be combinable with AAA Vacations® Offers; ask your AAA Travel Agent for details.

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

FEBRUARY 2016

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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

adds value to your vacation dollar! AAA Member Benefits* • $55 savings per person (Independent Freestyle Travel packages of 5+ days) • $115 savings per person (Small Group Escorted Tours, Small Ship Cruising & Published Private Tours)

AAA Vacations® Offers* • 1-night pre-tour hotel stay with breakfast (select tours) AAA Member Benefits* • $25 savings per person (Customized Independent Vacations of $1,500+ per person, land only) • $40 savings per person (Customized Vacations — including Locally Hosted, Private Chauffeur and Self-Drive Vacations of $2,000+ per person, land only) • $40 voucher per person toward purchase of optional excursion (Guided Vacations)

T O U R S

AAA Vacations® Offers* • $25 optional excursion credit per person (Guided Vacations) • Killarney pub dinner with entertainment (Guided Vacations) • $40 dining credit per person at select restaurants (Ireland Locally Hosted Rail Vacations) • Hertz NeverLost® GPS system (Ireland & Scotland Self-Drive Vacations) • $40 dining credit per person at select restaurants (Private Chauffeur Vacations) AAA Member Benefits* & AAA Vacations® Offers* • $150 Visa gift card per person (Luxury Gold tours) • $40 voucher per person toward purchase of an optional experience (Premium tours) AAA Member Benefits* • $25-$100 savings per person on AAA Member Choice Vacations® tours

AAA Vacations® Offers* • $25 discount per person on select AAA Vacations® tours • $75 excursion credit per person (up to $100 per person if 2+ excursions are pre-purchased, on applicable tours) AAA Member Benefits* • $50 activity voucher per booking (Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, select Caribbean) • $50 savings per booking (Australia, New Zealand, Europe, select Caribbean) • $80 savings per booking (Tahiti, Fiji, South Pacific) • $25 savings per booking (US, Canada)

AAA Vacations® Offers* • Double Member Benefit (select 4- & 5-star properties with a 5-night minimum stay) AAA Member Benefits* • $100 CAD onboard souvenir credit per adult (GoldLeaf Service, 7+ nights) • $50 CAD onboard souvenir credit per adult (GoldLeaf Service, 3-6 nights) • $50 CAD onboard souvenir credit per adult (SilverLeaf Service, 7+ nights) • $35 CAD onboard souvenir credit per adult (SilverLeaf Service, 3-6 nights)

AAA Vacations® Offers* • Double Member Benefit (Canadian Rockies Getaway GoldLeaf & SilverLeaf Service) • Half-day Seattle tour (Coastal Passage programs) AAA Member Benefits* • Purchase Tauck air through AAA and receive per person... • $75 off (domestic tours) • $150 off coach class (international tours) • $300 off business class (international tours)

AAA Vacations® Offers* • $300 credit per booking on purchases made at http://www.necessarygear.com (select tours) AAA Member Benefits* • $40 credit voucher per person toward optional experiences

AAA Vacations® Offers* • Pre-selected complimentary excursion (applicable tours) • $25 credit voucher per person toward additional optional experiences *Additional restrictions may apply. Subject to availability. See your AAA Travel Agent for full terms and conditions. Valid for select travel tour dates and cruise sailings in 2016. AAA membership required. Valid for new bookings only. Excludes AAA East Central Featured Vacations. Some AAA Member Benefits may not be combinable with AAA Vacations® Offers; ask your AAA Travel Agent for details.

Find even more travel partners & perks at AAA.com/travel.

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Let the Force be with you at Walt Disney World Resort New Star Wars-inspired attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

he Force is growing stronger at Walt Disney World Resort. The magic of Disney and the power of the Force are combining to bring Star Wars’ mythical universe to life at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. These new experiences celebrate the Star Wars saga like never before, giving fans the opportunity to transport themselves to a galaxy far, far away. Star Wars Launch Bay is the home base for all things Star Wars. This multisensory space lets guests tour galleries featuring treasured memorabilia and replicas of large-scale Star Wars artifacts, including ones from the newest blockbuster Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Journey to the Dark Side and encounter Darth Vader, or step into a makeshift Rebel base and come face to face with Chewbacca, the most famous Wookie in the galaxy. In the Launch Bay Theater learn from the creative minds behind the Star Wars saga in a short video presentation. There are exclusive interviews with the directors, writers, producers and key movie crew members who help bring the saga to life. The Celebration Gallery features iconic ships from the Rebel Alliance and the Imperial Navy fleet. The Celebration Hallway displays large-scale replicas of Star Wars props, while the Preview Gallery offers an exclusive look at replicas of props, artifacts and memorabilia

FEEL THE FORCE — First Order Stormtroopers patrol outside the Star Wars Launch Bay. from Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Among the items on display are costumes, ship models, droids and artwork. The Launch Bay Cargo is a unique shopping area where guests may bring home a variety of Star Wars merchandise, including original artwork. Younglings discover if they have the makings of a true Jedi at Jedi Training:

Trials of the Temple. They will be guided to the site of a secret and ancient Jedi temple where they will they learn how to use lightsabers and battle villains like Darth Vader. Visitors may also come face to face with First Order Stormtroopers, who patrol various areas of the park, during their mission to find members of the Resistance.

The Star Tours ride experience takes guests on a thrilling journey to Tatooine, an arid planet on the Outer Rim. Accidental pilot C-3PO takes the controls aboard the 40-passenger Starspeeder 1000 for this intergalactic journey, while trying to outwit the Imperial forces and outrun a galactic bounty hunter. It uses eye-popping Dolby 3D, motion sensor technology and special effects to deliver a vivid and lifelike experience, as guests are immersed in the icy planet of Hoth, the lush jungles of Kashyyyk, home planet of Wookies, and the underwater world of Naboo. Along the way you’ll also encounter iconic Star Wars characters including Yoda, Admiral Ackbar, Darth Vader and Boba Fett. “Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular’’ offers a dazzling finish to the day. The night sky erupts with impressive display of fireworks, set to the most dramatic and memorable Star Wars themes of all time.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

AAA can help you add more value to your Disney vacation. We can assist you with all your Disney plans, including Disney theme parks and resorts, and Disney Cruise Lines. See your AAA Travel Agent or log on to AAA.com/Disney.

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How to pack a dream vacation into one weekend Seekenders looking for experiences tied to their passions

mericans don’t take enough time off: that’s the consensus of multiple studies on vacation time and how Americans use it — or don’t use it. Unused vacation days cost American workers more than $52 billion a year, according to one U.S. Travel Association study. More and more people are taking advantage of their time over the weekend to pursue experiences tied to their passions, with travel topping the list, according to a recent Wakefield Research survey conducted on behalf of Hampton by Hilton. They’re making the most of those 52 weekends of the year to seek out new experiences and adventures. The new travel trend uncovered by the Hampton by Hilton survey has given rise to the term “Seekender” to describe these spontaneous weekend travelers. Seekenders are visiting new places to indulge their passion for food, sports, music or the great outdoors. The survey revealed that 68 percent of Americans would take that bucket list trip over a promotion. Here are some tips for planning the perfect Seekender weekend: • Timing is always right. Long weekends are ideal for a Seekender getaway, but you can also have a great time in just two days. Since you only have a couple (or a few) days, you can’t afford to spend a day in the air or on the road. Look for flights with

•

YOUR KEY TO THE HIGHWAY — Seekenders can use their AAA cards to pursue experiences tied to their passions. with no connections and late departures on Friday, or choose a driving destination within a few hours from home. AAA members can turn to the TripTik Travel Planner on AAA.com for trip planning expertise, including maps, driving directions, travel information, hotel reservations and more. For many travelers, it offers the best of both worlds — the flexibility •

you need, coupled with AAA’s expert knowledge. Nurture your passion. Don’t try to do it all but instead focus one or two important things. Throughout the winter and spring, communities across the country host a variety of events, including food and seasonal festivals, and more. Visit AAA.com and find one that speaks to you.

Set a budget to spend wisely. Seekender weekends are supposed to be fun and exciting, so the last thing you want to do is worry about overspending. Create a budget for yourself before you go and decide in advance what experiences will be worth investing in. Pre-booking AAA Approved and Diamond rated lodgings, at some of the lowest online rates at AAA.com can also help avoid going over budget. • Pack light. It’s only a few days, so you may not want to carry a lot of luggage, worry about checked bags or plan complicated outfits. Take only what you’ll really need. You’ll save time and money by traveling light. You’re there for the people — and the experience. Eighty-seven percent of those surveyed said that who they travel with matters more than the destination. Enrich your experience by traveling with people who share your passions — your spouse, significant other, family members, or friends. FOR MORE INFORMATION

When time is short, leave the legwork to AAA’s travel experts at AAA.com. Turn to trip planning shortcuts like maps and driving directions, AAA eTourBooks, theme park, attraction and movie tickets, and AAA Drive Trips with over 100 flexible driving itineraries.

aroundtown SUNSET SNOWSHOE HIKE — (Mondays in February) Each Monday evening in February, Allegany State Park’s Park Naturalist, Adele Wellman, will lead a Sunset Snowshoe Hike, or Evening Hike if there’s no snow. Join Adele at the Summit area, to hike a new trail and possibly watch the sunset at the end of the hike. Time: 4:30 p.m. For more information, call 716-354-9101, ext 236. Location: Allegany State Park, ASP 1 Summit Area, Salamanca. MARY POPPINS — (February 12-14) Based on one of the most popular Disney movies of all times everyone’s favorite, practically perfect nanny takes the stage in this musical adventure. Young Jane and Michael Banks have sent many nannies packing until Mary disarms them with patience, kindness, and a little bit of magic. Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who believes “Anything can happen if you let it.” Tickets: $10$12. Show times: Friday 7:30 p.m., Saturday 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m. For information, visit octnow.com. Location: AlleganyLimestone School Auditorium, 3131 Five Mile Road, Allegany. WINE AND CHOCOLATE WEEKEND — (February 12-14) Calling all lovers— this Valentine’s treat is especially

for you. Wineries will pair their own splendid chocolate creations with a delightful wine accompaniment. A perfect match! Twentyfour local wineries are participating. Friday noon to 5, Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Threeday tickets ($35) and Friday and/ or Sunday tickets ($31) are available. Bring your designated driver if you plan on tasting the wine. For information and tickets, visit lakeeriewinecountry.org. WINTER FESTIVAL — (February 12-14) The President’s Day Weekend Winter Festival takes place in Mayville, along the shores of beautiful Chautauqua Lake. This annual winter event has been a family tradition since 1987. Now in its 30th year, the festival features many winter events and activities for the entire family, contests for children and adults, as well as food and craft vendors. For information, call 716-484-1101 or visit chautauquachamber.org. Location: Lakeside Park, Mayville JEWELS — (February 13) Enjoy a special performance captured live in high definition at Moscow’s Bolshoi Ballet. The opulent triptych was inspired by George Balanchine’s visit to the famous jeweler Van Cleef & Arpels on New York’s Fifth Avenue. With this first abstract bal-

let, he built an homage of enchanting beauty to the dance schools that had forged his style: Paris, New York and St. Petersburg. Each school is represented by a contrasting jewel: emerald, ruby and diamond. Time: 1 p.m. Tickets: $10-$15. For information and tickets, visit fredopera.org. Location: Fredonia Opera House, 9 Church Street, Fredonia. PENGUIN PADDLE — (February 20) The Penguin Paddle is an annual fundraiser for Holiday Valley’s Lounsbury Adaptive Program. It is a day filled with wonderful auction items, delicious food and lots of laughs as people slip inside a garbage bag and slide on their bellies “penguin style” down the bottom of Yodeler slope. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information, visit holidayvalley.com. Location: Holiday Valley, 6557 Holiday Valley Road, Ellicottville. CIRQUE ZIVA — (February 27) Part centuries-old tradition, part groundbreaking art, Cirque Ziva combines award-winning acrobatics, traditional dance, spectacular costumes, ancient and contemporary music and innovative theater in a show that will leave the whole family cheering. Time: 4 p.m. For tickets and information, call (716) 484-7070 or visit

reglenna.com. Location: Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, 116 E. Third Street, Jamestown. MANON LESCAUT — (March 5) Captured live via satellite from New York City’s Metropolitan Opera, the Met stage ignites when soprano Kristine Opolais and tenor Jonas Kaufmann join forces in Puccini’s obsessive love story. Opolais sings the title role of the country girl who transforms herself into a Parisian temptress, while Kaufmann is the dashing student who desperately woos her. Tickets are $15$20. Performance is at 7:30 p.m. For information and tickets, visit fredopera.org. Location: Fredonia Opera House, 9 Church Street, Fredonia. THE PERFECT MURDER — (March 4-6, 11-13) Attorney Nicodemus Braddock is engaged to marry the niece of a prominent judge. He discovers that the judge has unearthed evidence that will certainly get him disbarred. With his butler, a former felon, Nicko contrives to steal the evidence and murder the judge. Friday and Saturday performances at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Lucille Ball Little Theatre, 18 East Second Street, Jamestown. For tickets and information call 716-483-1095.

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