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Vol. 60 No. 4
JAMESTOWN REGION
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CRUISE FROM ROME TO SICILY, ATHENS, CRETE & EPHESUS!
SICILY
® MF – FOTOLIA.COM
Book and deposit by 4/30/13 and ge t ONBOARD CR PREPAID GRAT EDIT, & SPECIALTY UITIES DINI FOR TWO! NG Total value: $318*
ATHENS
EPHESUS
Time-limited offers enrich timeless wonders on Mediterranean cruise
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OME THINGS seem to last forever. And, when it comes to ancient history, that’s a good thing. But, besides visiting priceless centuries-old Roman, Greek & Ottoman sites of the Eastern Mediterranean, AAA’s Oct 20 sailing on Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas® features some valuable offers that definitely won’t be around as long! *Members booking & making a deposit on a balcony (or higher) stateroom on this 7-night voyage into antiquity by 4/30/31 receive these bonuses from AAA & RCI: • $100 in shipboard credit per stateroom (toward shore excursions, alcoholic beverages, spa treatments or any other onboard fee-based items) • Up to $168 in prepaid gratuities (for up to 2 people per stateroom for stewards, servers, maîtres d’ and others) • 1 night of specialty-restaurant dining for 2 (value: up to $50)
For even more value, consider an optional 2-night precruise stay in the departure port — Rome. See up-close the “City of 7 Hills” that has figured so prominently in Western history for millennia. And, instead of boarding your ship immediately after your transatlantic flight, you’ll ease into your cruise experience better rested, acclimated to the time change and full of invaluable memories. A great way to start! This remarkable and relatively uncommon itinerary begins at Civitavecchia (Rome’s
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN
IN THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN, TIME SEEMS TO STAND STILL...
nearest seaport). Sail to Messina, 3 miles off southern Italy’s “boot,” on the island of Sicily. This bustling town’s complex history is rooted in Greek mythology but, because of an earthquake in the early 1900s, it’s a relatively young city architecturally. Check out the world’s largest astronomical clock in the Piazza del Duomo. Set in a 197foot bell tower, it comes to life at noon; Ave Maria plays as bronze mechanical figures start to move. A lion roars, a bird flaps its wings and 2 historical heroines ring the bell, all before a statue of Jesus appears from a tomb. Make a wish in the Fontana di Orione in the piazza’s center. The fountain commemorates Messina’s aqueduct and symbolizes 4 rivers — Tiber, Nile, Ebore and Camaro. continued on page 6
EXCEPT FOR THESE MEMBER-ONLY OFFERS ON NAVIGATOR OF THE SEAS® OCT 20-27 $100 ONBOARD CREDIT! PREPAID GRATUITIES OF UP TO $168 FOR UP TO 2 PEOPLE! SPECIALTY DINING FOR 2 — $50 VALUE! BOOK & DEPOSIT BY 4/30/13. EACH OFFER IS PER BALCONY STATEROOM.
Safeguarding your credit on the road
Travel | Insurance/Financial | Automotive | Member Savings | AAA.com
SMART FEATURES FOR OLDER DRIVERS ON AAA.COM
Travel should be fun and exciting. You don’t want to waste valuable vacation time worrying about identity theft or resolving problems from credit card fraud. The Visa TravelMoney® card is a convenient way to protect your credit and enjoy easy access to your travel funds. This prepaid card isn’t connected to your bank or credit accounts, and is accepted at millions of merchants and ATMs around the world. It offers all of the perks of a debit or credit card, but none of the risks of using cash or your own credit or ATM cards. In the event of loss or theft, obtain an Emergency Card and Cash Replacement virtually anywhere in the world, generally within one business day. You’re also eligible for Lost Luggage Reimbursement, Travel & Emergency Assistance, and 90 day Purchase Security on qualifying items purchased entirely with your card. It’s safe, secure and reloadable. Visit your local AAA office, call 1.866.674.9622, or click on AAA.com/travelmoney, to purchase Visa TravelMoney® cards.
Feather Your Nest Egg with AAA IRA CDs Make your 2012 IRA tax contributions by April 15 and get AAA preferred member rates on 12-, 24- and 60-month Traditional and Roth IRA CDs. AAA partner Discover Bank IRA CDs offer: • Rates that have consistently beaten the national averages; • Easy account opening, no minimum deposit; • FDIC insured up to the maximum allowed by law; • Bankrate.com 5-star Safe & Sound® rating for financial strength and security. Build the retirement you want with AAA deposit products. Competitive rates are also available on Online Savings and Money Market Accounts, along with additional CD and IRA CD terms. Open an account now at AAA.com/Deposits or 1.888.204.8990.
AAA’s Automatic Renewal Option Automatic renewal is a great way to make sure you never get stuck without your AAA membership. Your membership renewal will be charged to your credit card each year, and we’ll even send you a reminder. Just call or visit your local AAA office, or call our 24-hour service center at 1.800.441.5008 (412.363.5100 in Pittsburgh). Sign up for automatic renewal at anytime, regardless of your membership expiration/renewal date. In fact, you can call us right now, to take advantage of this convenient, time-saving option. Then, rest easy knowing your AAA membership will continue providing uninterrupted service and benefits. Plus, you always have the option of canceling at any time. (Automatic renewal is valid for credit cards only; we cannot accept ATM or Debit cards.)
California New Year’s Getaway from AAA Travel Kick off the New Year in style with a California New Year’s Getaway from AAA Travel. It’s a 5-night fiesta of color and sound that includes a guided tour of Los Angeles with stops at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and a behind-the-scenes tour of Warner Brothers Studios. Ring in the New Year’s aboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach and with reserved seating at Pasadena’s Tournament of Roses Parade. The December 29th to January 3rd, 2014 escape also includes visits to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, La Jolla and sunny San Diego, featuring Balboa Park and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. SEE PAGE 7
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Advanced maintenance technology simplifies car care Reminder systems save money and the environment
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survey by AAA has found that newer cars with built-in maintenance reminder systems help owners spend less time worrying about when to service their vehicles and more time enjoying them. According to the survey, 63 percent of motorists drive vehicles with a built-in maintenance reminder system that alerts them when it’s time to have service work performed. More than half (51 percent) rely solely on the reminder system and have maintenance done only when the system says it’s due. Unlike traditional maintenance schedules based on time and/or mileage, maintenance reminder systems use various sensors and a computer algorithm to monitor vehicle operation and determine engine oil life based on real world use. The factors considered vary by reminder system, but commonly monitored values include hours of operation, engine rpm, cold starts, outside air temperature, vehicle speed and more. This analysis of real-time vehicle operating conditions makes choosing an oil change interval based on traditional “normal” or “severe service” driving conditions obsolete. Motorists who follow their in-car reminder systems may also see a change in the frequency of recommended oil changes. Older vehicles require oil changes as often as every 3,000 miles, or four times a year based on typical mileage. With the new extended mile-
APRIL 2013
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: 412-365-7157 PUBLIC AFFAIRS: 412-365-7242 AAA MOTORIST: 412-365-7017 SAFETY: 412-365-7211 TDD for the hearing-impaired: 412-363-7144
ELIMINATING THE GUESSWORK — Sophisticated maintenance reminders tell the driver when service is needed. age oils and monitoring systems, you may only need two oil changes, cutting your maintenance bill in half. You could save upwards of $1,000 over the lifetime of the vehicle and do something to help the environment at the same time. It is estimated that more than 100 million gallons of oil could be saved over the next five years, if these systems are used as intended. In order to be effective, owners must use the type of oil specified for their vehicle and the oil life monitor must be reset after each oil change. AAA found that nearly 75 percent of motorists with built-in maintenance reminder systems
understand that the accuracy of those systems depend on using engine oil that meets the manufacturer’s specifications. Many newer cars specify semi-synthetic oil (a blend of conventional and full-synthetic stocks) to maintain the warranty and ensure proper engine protection. Full-synthetic oils are required for many European imports, high-performance models and engines equipped with turbochargers or superchargers. Using a lower quality oil can compromise engine protection, and decrease the accuracy of the maintenance reminder system. AAA recommends that motorists always follow automakers’ maintenance recommendations as found in vehicle owners’ manuals, including the use of in-vehicle maintenance reminder systems (where equipped). General Motors for example, specifies that engine oil and filter must be changed at least once a year, even if the indicator does not illuminate. Ignoring maintenance reminders can increase vehicle wear and tear and potentially cause long-term damage. It is also important to know what type oil your vehicle requires and ensure that your service facility uses an appropriate product. Using the wrong oil could potentially void your vehicle’s warranty, leaving you stuck with paying for any needed repair bills.
APPROVED AUTO REPAIR
Garages that participate in AAA’s Approved Auto Repair (AAR) program offer qualified technicians, a wide range of professional repair services and guaranteed quality. AAA members also are guaranteed a written estimate,
and are assured that the cost of work on their vehicle may not exceed the written estimate by more than 10 percent unless this increase is authorized in advance. Repairs, parts, labor, and components are guaranteed for 12 months or 12,000 miles under normal operating conditions. Visit www.AAA.com to locate the AAA Approved Auto Repair facility nearest you.
AAA BRANCH OFFICE LOCATIONS Altoona 1634 Valley View Blvd. ............................. 814-946-1277 Brookville 288 Main St. ................................................. 814-849-5381 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 102 Sugar Creek Town Center Rd. ........... 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 White Oak/McKeesport Area Oak Park Mall, 2001 Lincoln Way ............ 412-675-3400
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Most seniors driving cars that don’t fit their needs Smart Features for Older Drivers offers expert advice 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 412-365-7017 e-mail: motorist@aaaec.com
AAA EAST CENTRAL Chairman: ................................................Richard S. Hamilton Vice Chairman:....................................... James E. Broome, Jr. Vice Chairman:....................................... Douglas W. Caldwell Vice Chairman:.........................................Mary Lynn Laughlin Vice Chairman:.................................... Martha Hartle Munsch OFFICERS: President: .................................................. James E. Lehman Treasurer & CFO: ...........................................Michael R. Pratt Secretary: ................................................Robert H. Compton GOVERNING BOARD OF DIRECTORS Glenn B. Bachman, James E. Broome, Jr., Steve D. Bullock**, Douglas W. Caldwell, Charles O. Casto, Edward C. Coaxum, Jr., Robert S. Collins, Robert H. Compton, Jon E. Denney, Debra A. Dinnocenzo, Floyd R. Ganassi**, Richard S. Hamilton, James H. Kanicki, Mary Lynn Laughlin, William Duff McCrady, James M. McDonnell**, Thomas V. McKernan Jr., Martha Hartle Munsch, Gary K. Munsie, Terrence L. Walton** EAST CENTRAL REGION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Debra A. Dinnocenzo, Chairman, Neil D. Bassi, Vice Chairman, Carol Asam, Christian Asam, Jack A. Barkley, William E. Bierer**, Ellsworth T. Bowser**, Peter Burton, Marianne B. Campbell, Charles O. Casto, Michael A. Cochran, Daniel J. Collins Jr.**, Robert S. Collins, Robert H. Compton, James J. Dodaro, Jack G. Ellis, J. Terrence Farrell, Floyd R. Ganassi**, Mona N. Generett, Charles W. Groce , Richard S. Hamilton, Mark Henschen, Luke Howe, David W. Hunter**, Richard Kallenborn, Herbert G. Koenig, Mark S. Mansour, W. Duff McCrady, Martha Hartle Munsch, W. Lee Oswalt, III, Michael Parkes, John D. Petruso, Louis Pomerico, Leonard L. Scheinholtz**, James C. Stump, Jr., James F. Ward *ex officio **emeritus directors
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 ©2013 by AAA East Central. Publication of an advertisement in the AAA Motorist does not constitute an endorsement of the product or service by the AAA Motorist or by AAA East Central, except in the case of products and services which are being offered by AAA East Central.
By Richard Hamilton Chairman, AAA East Central n age wave has begun to wash over America’s roadways. Every day more than 10,000 Americans turn 65, a trend that’s set to continue for the next two decades. By 2020, the United States will have more than 40 million licensed drivers 65 and older, about one in four drivers on the road. Experts refer to this tidal wave of senior drivers as the “Silver Tsunami.” With nearly 90 percent of motorists 65 and older suffering from health concerns that can significantly impair driving safety, finding a vehicle that adapts to conditions such as lack of flexibility or muscle strength, can be a real challenge. Now AAA has updated its Smart Features for Older Drivers resource at SeniorDriving.AAA.com to address an expanded range of health issues. First launched in 2008 in partnership with the University of Florida’s Institute for Mobility, Activity and Participation, Smart Features for Older Drivers identifies vehicle technologies that optimize older driver safety and comfort, lists current vehicles with those features, and allows users to explore their individual needs through an interactive online tool. While our knowledge and experience expand with age, cognitive abilities, range of motion and vision tend to diminish over time, reducing our ability to execute the complex task of driving. These changes are often so gradual that we are not always aware of them and as a result, we often fail to compensate for these growing limitations.
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Richard Hamilton Smart Features addresses a wide variety of conditions commonly associated with aging, including changes in vision, height, hearing, and fine motor coordination. A variety of adaptive features will show you how to help compensate for these physical changes, or simply to make the vehicle fit you more comfortably. Data from a new AAA survey reveals that only one in 10 senior drivers with aging health issues are driving a vehicle with features like keyless entry and larger dashboard controls. Even minor adjustments like lower door thresholds and leather or vinyl seats can greatly ease vehicle egress and entry. New research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found older drivers have the highest rates of death making
AAA East Central appoints president
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AA East Central is pleased to announce the appointment of James E. Lehman to the position of president of AAA East Central, effective April 1, 2013. Lehman’s AAA career spans 35 years and includes numerous management roles and administrative positions including executive vice-president, senior vice president, and vice president of travel operations, with responsibilities encompassing branch operations, information technology, human resources, marketing, finance and public affairs. A graduate of The Boyd School of Travel Management and the 1999 recipient of the school’s distinguished alumni award, Lehman has served on numerous community, professional and travel industry boards including the board of directors for the National Aviary, AAA travel advisory council for Walt Disney Attractions, and the travel industry advisory board for Robert Morris University. He has also hosted travel talk shows on public television and a weekly travel call-in program AAA Talking Travel, on KDKA radio in Pittsburgh. Jim and his family reside in Sewickley, Pennsylvania. Lehman succeeds James McGrath
James Lehman who has relocated to Saint Louis, Missouri, to accept a promotional opportunity within the AAA association. McGrath was a 20-year veteran of AAA East Central and served as President since 2010. The sixth largest AAA affiliate club in the nation, AAA East Central is a 2.7 million-member organization headquartered in Pittsburgh and serving a five-state region that includes portions of Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
crashworthiness a particularly important consideration. The problem is not so much that seniors crash more. In fact, between 1995 and 2010 the largest decrease in crashes was found in drivers ages 75-79, down 40 percent. The problem is that seniors are much more likely to die from crash injuries. Crash fatality rates among seniors are 17 times higher than those of 25 to 64-year-olds. Not all age-related physiological limitations occur in all people at the same time, or to the same degree. AAA recommends older drivers look for vehicles that address their specific needs and medical conditions. Some of the recommendations included in Smart Features for Older Drivers include: Drivers with diminished vision or problems with high-low contrast should look for vehicles with auto-dimming mirrors, and larger controls and displays. Smart headlights can adjust the range and intensity of light based on the distance of traffic and to reduce glare and improve night vision. Reverse monitoring systems warn of objects to the rear of the vehicle to help drivers judge distances and back up safely, helping drivers with reduced flexibility and reducing pain associated with turning or twisting motions. Smart Features for Older Drivers helps seniors and their families minimize their driving discomforts, enhance their abilities and promote a lifetime of safe driving. For more information on which vehicles are the right fit for you and to access all of the free resources AAA offers to senior drivers, visit SeniorDriving.AAA.com.
Insta-Quote battery pricing from AAA
If your battery is failing you AAA Battery Service offers an easy solution to your mobility problems. AAA Battery Service provides convenient mobile battery testing on the roadside, using state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment. The diagnostic service confirms whether your battery will hold a charge or if the problem lies deeper in the electrical system. Best of all, the service is free to AAA members. Worried about what size battery you need or how much it will cost? Our Insta-Quote battery price calculator on AAA.com will give you a price for your vehicle’s battery before requesting service. Just select make, model and year of your vehicle and the engine size and click “Request a Quote”. Prices displayed include the $25.00 member discount. And each AAA Battery is covered by an unprecedented nationwide 72-month warranty with a 36-month free replacement warranty on AAA branded batteries. Over one million AAA members have already enjoyed the convenience of having a AAA Battery delivered and installed on the spot.
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Eastern Mediterranean Cruise For traditional Sicilian cuisine, taste capunata, a stew of tomatoes, eggplant, capers and olives. Try arancini di riso (rice balls) at sidewalk stands or savor cassata spongecake with ricotta frosting, maraschino liqueur, candied fruit & nuts. Athens’ port at Piraeus is Greece’s largest. Visit nearby Kastella (a hill offering majestic views) or the tavernas of Mikrolimano for ouzo and seafood mezedes. No Athens visit is complete without seeing the Acropolis; a temple to Athena, the Parthenon remains aweinducing. Explore the alleys, taverns and shops of the old Plaka neighborhood, browse Monastiraki’s traditional flea market, marvel at the Archaeological Museum’s antiquities or visit Agora, ancient Athens’ religious & political heart. Ephesus, via the port of Kusadasi, arose in the 11th century BC and was later expanded by Romans. One of the ancient world’s grandest reconstructed sites, this once powerful city hosted Cleopatra, Mark Antony, the Virgin Mary and John the Apostle. Enter through Magnesia Gate and follow marble streets grooved by chariot
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wheels. Gaze upon temples, porticoes, fountains and frescoes. Discover the Library of Celsus, Hadrian’s Temple, Trajan’s Fountain and the Great Theater. Explore Turkish baths, Isa Bey Mosque and the Basilica of St John. Visit the Temple of Artemis, a Wonder of the Ancient World. Then sample shish kebab (skewer-grilled lamb), found at kebapçis everywhere. Desserts are sweet (often honey-soaked) and combine fruit, nuts and pastry. Next, anchor at the port of Souda to visit Chaniá, one of Crete’s most beautiful cities (its second largest) and the site of the ancient Minoan settlement the Greeks called Kydonia. Continuously inhabited for at least 5,000 years, Old Town bears the imprints of Venetian, Turkish and Greek architectural styles. In this region you’ll also find gorgeous sandy beaches, mountains, villages, seaside hamlets, Byzantine monasteries and abundant natural beauty...as well as a local treat called bougatsa, phyllo pastry with a creamy cheese filling. In addition to the history & culture, getting your fill of fun, sun & relaxation is what Navigator of the Seas is all
about. Getting to your vacation destination with Royal Caribbean is more than half the fun; enjoy onboard experiences and entertainment you won’t find on any other cruise line. Gear up for adventure onboard — with plenty of time for relaxing completely, dining finely and viewing seascapes too. For whatever type of vacation you desire, the possibilities are endless: DINING Complimentary: Main Dining Room (multicourse for breakfast, lunch, dinner), Windjammer Café, Jade (sushi, Asian-fusion), Café Promenade (coffee, pastries, snacks) Cover charge: Chops Grille (steakhouse), Portofino (Italian) Johnny Rockets (casual), Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream (snacks) ACTION/ADVENTURE Rock-climbing • Table tennis Ice-skating • In-pool scuba • Mini-golf • Basketball Jogging • Inline skating • Shore excursions REST/RELAXATION VitalitySM Spa (100+ treatments, including acupunture) 4 pools, including adults-only Solarium • 6 whirlpools Fitness center • Yoga & tai chi ENTERTAINMENT/SHOPPING Broadway-style entertainment • Ice-skating shows Vegas-style Casino Royale® • 16 bars, clubs & lounges Duty-free shopping (jewelry, perfume, apparel, teens/kids) ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS/FAMILIES Adventure Ocean® youth program • Teen areas & disco Royal Babies® & Royal Tots® programs • Family-friendly activities (games, contests, enrichment classes, lectures)
There’s no time better than right now to take advantage of the extraordinary
limited-time values of this spectacular cruise to theses timeless destinations. Contact a AAA Travel Agent today!
Oct 20-27
AAA Member Rate: from $1,013
Balcony stateroom rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals and government taxes & fees. Ship’s registry: Bahamas. Visit AAA.com/travel for complete itinerary. Ask about available add-on airfare. ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL® RESERVES THE RIGHT TO IMPOSE A FUEL SUPPLEMENT OF UP TO $10.00 PER GUEST PER DAY ON ALL GUESTS IF THE PRICE OF WEST TEXAS INTERMEDIATE FUEL EXCEEDS $65.00 PER BARREL.
CONSIDER ADDING A BEFOREOR AFTER-CRUISE EXTENSION! Ask a AAA Travel Agent to arrange a custom on-land stay before in Rome and/or after your Eastern Mediterranean cruise. Pre- and/or postcruise extensions from AAA Travel partner Pleasant Holidays are an ideal way to get the most out of your European voyage — in experiences and value! In addition to hotels and transfers (pier/hotel/ airport), Pleasant Holidays offers a variety of optional sightseeing tours from which to choose.
CHANIÁ — Venetian, Turkish, traditional & modern architecture of Crete’s second city encircles its attractive Old Port, culminating in a Venetian-era lighthouse.
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Member Benefits • Exclusive Offers LONG BEACH
1-800-354-8761 • AAA.com/travel QUEEN MARY
REAGAN LIBARY & MUSEUM
CALIFORNIA New Yearʼs Getaway Courtesy of Destinations Magazine
SAN DIEGO PASADENA
including reserved seats for the world-famous Tournament of Roses Parade! The Golden State’s allure is not a new phenomenon; for hundreds of years, dreamers (conquistadors, 49ers and actors among them) have been drawn to its coveted climate, natural beauty and promise of fame & fortune. And now it’s your turn! Start in LA, touring historic Farmers Market, glitzy Rodeo Drive and star-studded Hollywood. At the forecourt of the Chinese Theatre (née Grauman’s, then Mann’s), see celebrity signatures — and casts of other body parts! — immortalized in cement. Follow the parade of bronze medallions studding Hollywood Boulevard’s Walk of Fame. At Hollywood & Highland, an impressive shopping & entertainment complex housing the Dolby Theatre (new home of Academy Awards extravaganzas), enjoy a great view of the iconic HOLLYWOOD sign from the upper level. Continue to downtown LA if time permits, then relax and get acquainted with your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner at at a bayfront restaurant in Long Beach. Day 2 takes you to Pasadena to see floats in their final stages of parade preparation; watch volunteers & professionals hand-apply flowers. Tour Burbank’s Warner Brothers Studios for a behind-thescenes look into making films and TV shows; be alert for star sightings! Return to your hotel to relax poolside or enjoy beachside paths for walking, jogging and biking. Dining on your own allows you to
explore Long Beach. On Day 3, drive to Simi Valley’s Reagan Presidential Library & Museum, the nation’s largest and most elaborate; see a full-scale Oval Office replica, Air Force One, a recreated White House state dinner and numerous videos & displays. Drive the Pacific Coast Highway through exclusive Malibu to fun & funky Santa Monica; explore its variety of sights in your free time. Attend an exclusive New Year’s Eve party in Long Beach on the magnificent Queen Mary — a luxurious setting for sophisticated dining, dancing and bidding farewell to 2013 in grand style. Usher in 2014 with a Champagne toast from the best seat in Long Beach for a gigantic fireworks display off the ship’s stern! Day 4 finds you in Pasadena, with a souvenir program & seat cushion, watching the Roses Parade from a reserved grandstand seat. Sixty flower-covered floats, 22 marching bands from around the world and nearly 300 equestrians. Stop at Victory Park to view and photograph the floats up close. Enjoy a New Year’s Day lunch in see-&-be-seen West Hollywood at a popular restaurant, then drive to your all-suite hotel on San Diego’s waterfront. Enjoy time to explore this unique city, catch the hotel’s nightly cocktail reception; afterward, the night is yours to visit the restaurants and fashionable nightclubs. In the morning of Day 5, see the Cabrillo Monument atop Point Loma, with com-
manding views of the Pacific, the harbor and the city skyline. Drive through Mission Bay, continue to Old Town (California’s birthplace) and La Jolla, a chic beachside hideaway where you’ll have time to explore. Established in 1868, Balboa Park is the country’s oldest and one of its largest city parks. Take a guided tour on a doubledecker bus at San Diego Zoo, then board the luxurious Lord Hornblower, designed to resemble the grand steamships that once plied the harbor; enjoy entertainment, dancing and a sit-down dinner while cruising past glittering harbor lights under radiant stars in the sky before debarking at the Embarcadero. Fly home on Day 6.
Dec 29–Jan 3
AAA Member Rate: $3,305
Rate 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, accommodations, hotel luggage handling (1 per person), 10 meals (including 2 dinner cruises), 2 cocktail parties, reserved parade seat, taxes/gratuities on included items, local tour manager and services of a AAA Tour Manager (if participation goal is met).
Los Angeles • Beverly Hills • Hollywood • Burbank • Malibu • Santa Monica • West Hollywood • Pasadena • Long Beach • San Diego • La Jolla
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1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
AAA.com
Linking you & your next vacation!
CRUISES • FLIGHTS AAA FEATURED VACATIONS HOTEL/MOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS RENTAL CARS • AAA DRIVE TRIPS TOURS – DOMESTIC & INTERNATIONAL LAST-MINUTE SAVINGS • Fairbanks: University of Alaska Museum, free time, sternwheeler river cruise, salmon bake dinner at Pioneer Park • 4-hour flying adventure over Brooks Range and across Arctic Circle • Denali National Park: free time, “Welcome to the Subarctic” talk, full-day Tundra Wilderness Tour, overnight in the park • Anchorage: city tour, kennel/home of an Iditarod Sled Dog Race winner, Native Heritage Center • Portage Valley: Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center • Scenic Seward Highway to Begich Boggs Visitor Center • Seward: free time • Cooper Landing: 2-hour scenic float on the Kenai River • Girdwood: free time, Alyeska Tram, farewell seafood buffet dinner
July 8-17 • AAA Member Rate: $5,449 Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Buffalo-Fairbanks, Anchorage-Buffalo), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, 9-night accommodations, motorcoach sightseeing, 16 meals, in-Alaska local guide, services of a AAA Tour Manager (if participation goal is met), Arctic Circle air adventure (small aircraft; group will be staggered; departure is weather-dependent) & more. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Visit AAA.com/Alaska for itinerary details.
Research & book travel arrangements from the comfort of your home – 24/7. TRAVEL WITH SOMEONE YOU TRUST.®
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. AAA Featured Vacations are specially priced, unique departures; therefore, tour operators, cruise lines and other travel providers often exclude them from additional discounts or specials they offer. AAA Featured Vacations include services provided by third-party tour destination service companies; see your AAA Travel Agent for details. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for more details or visit the air carrier’s website for baggage allowance and fee information.
APRIL 2013
AAA MOTORIST
PAGE 9
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
eastern mediterranean & greek isles
Explore the fascinating history, unique culture and stunning natural beauty of Italy, Malta, Greece and Turkey. Sail from Rome on Celebrity Silhouette to Venice, Italy, with visits to Naples, Italy; Valletta, Malta; Mykonos, Greece; Ephesus/Kusadasi, Turkey; and Rhodes, Santorini, Athen/Piraeus & Chania/Souda, Greece. Enjoy 2 full days at sea, 2 Martini Tasting Vouchers per stateroom and 1 dinner in a Specialty Restaurant (1 evening, 2 per stateroom).
OCT 19-31 AAA MEMBER RATE: balcony staterooms from $2,169 Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes cruise accommodations/ entertainment, most onboard meals and government fees/ taxes. Ship’s registry: Malta. Visit AAA.com/travel for complete itinerary details. Ask about available add-on airfare.
© VADIM YEROFEYEV - FOTOLIA.COM
CRUISETOURS by Celebrity Cruises ...and GIFT CARDS from AAA!
®
Experience much more of Alaska on a Cruisetour from Celebrity Cruises.® Cruisetours combine a cruise with a multi-night escorted land journey, either before or after the cruise. Cruisetours explore enchanting regions not accessible by ship. Travel in signature Celebrity style, with every detail taken care of, from transportation to daily included activities, as well as centrally located accommodations. And the service & attention provided by a Celebrity Tour Director are unforgettable. Take your vacation to places few ever get to see. Celebrity Cruisetours offer the most scenic, relaxing way to some of Alaska’s most spectacular corners. Take your comfy seat in the glass-domed Wilderness Express® train, journey to the edge of a 6-milewide glacier, enjoy 360-degree views of 6-million-acre Denali National Park and hear
Book & depo 4/30/13 and gsit by Macy’s, Lowe et a ’s or Dick’s Sportin Goods Gift Ca g — a $200 valu rd e!*
tales of the land from guides who know this country better than anyone else. *One per balcony (or higher) stateroom on any new booking by 4/30/13 of an air-inclusive 2013 Celebrity Cruises Alaska cruisetour. Gift card will be mailed after receipt of full payment.
May–September departures available at AAA.com/cruises
10- & 11-night Essential Alaska Cruisetours
Perfect for a first visit or if you’re looking to pack the most into your experience in a few short days. You’ll be amazed what these 3 or 4 days can add to your lifetime of memories.
10-, 11- & 12-night Destination Denali Cruisetours
Created to focus your experience around Denali National Park — its abundance of wildlife, untamed wilderness and awe-inspiring scenery — up close and in depth.
12- & 13-night Grand Alaska Cruisetours
All about seeing more & doing more. Fantastic & flexible, each tour lets you explore Alaska’s interior at your own pace — from Kenai Fjords National Park to Denali National Park to the Northern Lights of Fairbanks. Gold in them thar hills! The gold standard in Alaska Cruisetours, Celebrity's itineraries provide golden opportunities to dip into the Frontier State’s culture, history & heritage.
12-night Alaska Family Adventure Cruisetours
Designed for all generations to see, do, expore, learn and have fun together. Awesome activities perfect for every family member.
PAGE 10
AAA MOTORIST
APRIL 2013
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
Catch the
ALOHA SPIRIT AAA’s 9-night Hawaiian vacation features a 2-night pre-cruise stay in Honolulu, a tour of the USS Arizona Memorial & a 7-night cruise of 4 islands (Oahu, Maui, Hawaii & Kauai). AAA Member SEE MORE HAWAII BY CRUISING! Rates Oct 10-19 from $1,721 Nov 7-16 from $1,774
Pride of America
AAA Member Rates are per person (double occupancy), are subject to change/ availability at time of booking and include hotel/pier transfers, 2 nights at the Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa, USS Arizona Memorial/Pearl Harbor tour, 7-night cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals and government taxes/fees. Ship’s registry: USA. Ask about available add-on airfare.
Carnival Valor Southern Caribbean • Aug 11-18 Sail roundtrip from San Juan to St Thomas, Barbados, St Lucia, St Kitts, St Maarten INTERIOR from $689
OCEAN VIEW from $859
BALCONY from $1,009
The company reserves the right to re-instate the fuel supplement for all guests at up to $9 per person per day if the NYMEX oil price exceeds $70 per barrel. Cruise rates are in U.S. dollars, per person and based on double occupancy, capacity controlled, and subject to change. Government taxes and fees are additional per guest. Ships’ Registry: The Bahamas, Malta & Panama.
ART!
•
FOOD!
•
WINE!
includes 4 nights in a Tuscan villa! The romance of Italy comes to life on this tour. Explore the lakes region your way when you choose between a scenic boat ride on Lake Maggiore or a visit to a local farm for a cheese & wine tasting. Explore the rugged coast and remote fishing villages of the Cinque Terre. Spend 4 relaxing nights in a Tuscan villa. Discover the hilltop town of San Gimignano. Experience medieval life at the Palazzo Davanzati. Visit a winery in the countryside and learn the secrets of Tuscan cuisine. Wander a Florentine food market. Spend 2 wonderful nights in Venice. Explore Lake Orta, one of Italy’s hidden treasures. Travel by boat to your welcome dinner on Isola dei Pescatori. Explore Lucca’s piazzas and medieval streets. These are Italy’s treasures! Special inclusion: A serenaded gondola cruise — with Prosecco! — on Venice’s canals! Experience the benefits of Whisper headsets, designed for better communication between you and your guides. Enjoy regional wines included with every dinner.
Aug 31–Sept 11 AAA Member Rate: $5,610 Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Buffalo-Milan, VeniceBuffalo), roundtrip airport/ hotel transfers, hotel accommodations, guided motorcoach sightseeing, entrance fees, 17 meals, in-Italy tour director, air & hotel taxes (subject to change) and vendor travel protection. Visit AAA.com/GoItaly for itinerary and more information. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.
AAA MEMBER BENEFIT SAVE $50.00 PER PERSON
APRIL 2013
AAA MOTORIST
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
PAGE 11
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
ATLANTIC ADVENTURE
Hug the rugged shores of — and never venture far from — the Atlantic Ocean on this exciting exploration of coastal Canada & New England. Witness the influence the sea has on life & land in Massachusetts, Maine, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. From big cities to tiny villages, experience cultural differences, visit fascinating attractions and taste unique regional cuisines. The combination of spectacular natural beauty, insightful guides and inevitable camaraderie that AAA motorcoach sightseeing tours are known for make this a journey you’ll not soon forget.
July 12-20: Roundtrip from Buffalo • AAA Member Rate: $2,439 Boston MA • Portland ME • NB: St John, Reversing Falls Rapids, Fundy National Park PEI: Green Gables, PEI National Park • NS: Cabot Trail, Cape Breton, Alexander Graham Bell site, Anne Murray Centre • NB: St Andrews by the Seas, Kingsbrae Gardens • AND MORE! Rate is per person (double occupancy),is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Buffalo-Boston),roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, super-deluxe motorcoach (wi-fi, leather seats, video screens, seatback trays, seatbelts), sightseeing/admissions, 17 meals, taxes/gratuities on included items, baggage handling (1 per person), services of a AAA Tour Manager.Visit AAA.com/travel for complete itinerary details. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.
This year, the people of Ireland are hosting an unprecedented year-long celebration of everything that is unique & great about Ireland. It’s called The Gathering. Communities, villages and towns are organizing gatherings, festivals and events to welcome visitors. With the focus on Ireland’s vibrant living culture, heritage and people, it’s a chance to experience Ireland like never before. • Bunratty Folk Park • Medieval banquet in a 15th-century castle • Cliffs of Moher • Flying Boat Museum • Killarney National Park, including Muckross House • Ring of Kerry drive, including the Skellig Experience & Moll’s Gap • Waterford Crystal tour • Russborough House mansion • Dinner & song at a real pub • Dublin: city tour & free time ...AND MUCH MORE!
Oct 13-20 • AAA Member Rate: $1,399 Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, guided motorcoach sightseeing, entrance fees, 11 meals (including Bunratty Castle medieval banquet/entertainment & Merry Ploughboy pub dinner/entertainment), in-Ireland tour director, hotel luggage handling (1 piece per person), hotel taxes & service charges. Ask about available add-on airfare. Visit AAA.com/GoIreland for itinerary and more information.
Edinburgh: welcome drink & dinner • Spean Bridge Woolen Mill • Loch Ness cruise • Scottish Highland evening • Culloden Battlefield • Whisky tasting/tour at Blair Athol Distillery • Edinburgh Castle & city tour • Ferry to Northern Ireland • Belfast: city tour, Titanic Center • Dublin: city tour, Book of Kells, canal dinner cruise with live music • Rock of Cashel • Blarney: Castle & Woolen Mills • Killarney: national park “jaunting car” ride • Ring of Kerry • The Skellig Experience • Sneem • Moll’s Gap • River Shannon ferry • Cliffs of Moher (pictured) • Bunratty Castle medieval banquet • AND MUCH MORE!
Nov 2-12 • AAA Member Rate: $1,699 But hurry, this is a limited-time offer. So, book your Celebrity Cruises vacation now through April 15, 2013. Cruise must be booked between now and April 15, 2013, and must be a 3-night or longer cruise (excluding Celebrity Xpedition cruises) that departs between June 2013 and March 2014. Offer only available for ocean-view or higher staterooms. Cannot be combined with any other offer, promotion or price program. Other restrictions apply.
Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, guided motorcoach sightseeing, entrance fees, 16 meals (including medieval banquet, canal dinner cruise), in-Ireland tour director, hotel luggage handling (1 piece per person), hotel taxes & service charges. Ask about available add-on airfare. Visit AAA.com/GoIreland for itinerary and more information.
PROGRAMS OPERATED BY CIE TOURS INTERNATIONAL
PAGE 12
AAA MOTORIST
APRIL 2013
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers Royal Caribbean & AAA Vacations offer some of the best values at sea & great benefits unavailable elsewhere! ®
Priority Check-in does not grant priority boarding
Champagne on Arrival does not grant priority boarding
$100 Onboard Credit per stateroom
DATE NTS SHIP
ITINERARY
6/8 12 Brilliance
Scandinavia: Roundtrip from London
6/12 12 Serenade
Eastern Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Barcelona
6/20 12 Brilliance
Scandinavia: Roundtrip from London
6/24 12 Serenade
Western Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Barcelona
7/2 12 Brilliance
Scandinavia: Roundtrip from London
7/14 13 Brilliance
Scandinavia: Roundtrip from London
7/18 12 Serenade
Western Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Barcelona
7/30 12 Serenade
Eastern Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Barcelona
8/7 12 Brilliance
Scandinavia: Roundtrip from London
8/11 12 Serenade
Western Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Barcelona
8/19 12 Brilliance
Scandinavia: Roundtrip from London
9/4 12 Serenade
Western Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Barcelona
9/9 11 Legend
Eastern Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Venice
9/20 10 Legend
Eastern Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Venice
9/28 12 Serenade
Western Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Barcelona
New bookings only. Offers listed available only on AAA Vacations departures. Combinable with exclusive AAA Member Benefits; ask your AAA Travel Agent or visit AAA.com/travel for details & restrictions. ®
Enjoy 2 valuable benefits EXCLUSIVELY for members BEST-PRICE GUARANTEE
If you find a better rate for the exact same cruise itinerary & experience within 24 hours of booking, AAA Vacations ® will match the lower rate...and you’ll receive a $50.00 future-travel credit certificate.
24 / 7 MEMBER CARE
Get peace of mind whenever you need emergency assistance while traveling — a toll-free domestic number and collect-call instructions for international travelers.
A special kind of cruise stands apart from all others — a AAA Vacations ® cruise available only from AAA Travel. It delivers unique features designed to ensure you have the best vacation experience. Compare a AAA Vacations ® cruise against the same cruise offered elsewhere; see how much more your vacation dollar gets you at AAA. Even if you find the same cruise (without AAA Vacations ® benefits, of course!) at a lower price some-where else within 24 hours of booking your AAA Vacations ® cruise, AAA will match that rate and give you a $50.00 future-travel voucher... guaranteed!
APRIL 2013
AAA MOTORIST
PAGE 13
Hawaii is a garden of earthly delights Say Aloha to Hawaii with Pleasant Holidays
O
ther places may take some getting used to, but with Hawaii it’s always love at first sight. Sculpted by wind and fire, dense lowlands give way to emerald hills, steaming volcanoes and fragrant thickets of flowers. Here ancient legends are retold in the sultry sway of the hula. The Hawaiian term is “Pali Uli” meaning a place of perfection — a state of mind that can’t be found on any map. And Pleasant Holidays makes Hawaii accessible to almost anyone. They’ve been customizing Hawaiian vacations with a broad range of value-added, options since 1959. Whether you want to luxuriate in a spa, hike up a volcano, or sip a mai tai in a Tiki bar, your Hawaiian vacation will be everything you imagined. Pleasant Holidays offers a broad range of hotels and rental condominiums to fit every budget and taste, along with airline and car rental options that offer maximum comfort and convenience at the best possible price. They know which resorts cater to families, with the kinds of activities kids love, and those that offer couples a romantic Hawaiian hideaway. You can even arrange some of Hawaii’s most popular activities and attractions before you leave. “Pleasant Activities” range from Luaus, to helicopter and submarine tours. Take a circle island tour, visit a pineapple
is studded with spectacular white-andblack sand beaches wedged between a crunchy, black blanket of lava. Visitors can witness nature’s raw power first hand aboard a Circle of Fire Helicopter Tour. Molten red magma oozes out of Kilauea’s sizzling caldera amid a surreal moonscape of craters, cinder cones, and congealed lava flows. There is never a wrong time to visit Hawaii, but the busiest tourist season is during the winter. June through October are the hottest months but with warmer temperatures comes lower prices — which is very appealing to many.
IF YOU GO
THE GATHERING PLACE — Hanauma Bay is one of Oahu’s most popular beaches. plantation, or eat poi — a traditional Hawaiian dish served Luau style. If your interest is surfing, point your board toward the North Shore. Each of the six principal islands is unique. Oahu, the “Gathering Place” is home to the legendary beaches of Waikiki. Visitors are still greeted by the Aloha Tower, the grand dame of Honolulu’s waterfront. Just about anyone can make the easy hike to the top of the Diamond Head Crater, Oahu’s most famous landmark. The 1.4-mile round-trip reaches the
summit of the 750-foot volcanic cone, and rewards you with a stunning, 360° view. The underwater park at Hanauma Bay was once a volcanic crater. Today the shallow bay is bordered by a golden sand beach and teems with a rainbow of tropical fish — perfect for snorkeling. Dominated by the twin peaks of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, the Big Island of Hawaii is almost twice the size of all the other islands combined. Once the favored vacation spot of Hawaiian royalty the windswept Kohala Coast
MOVING? Penske caters to the do-it-yourself mover. Reserve your rental truck today. • Safe and reliable trucks • Free unlimited miles on one-way rentals
• Moving supplies and accessories
Save up to 20%
when reserving one-way rentals online
800-GO-PENSKE pensketruckrental.com For safety tips before hitting the road, visit pensketruckrental.com
AAA members receive $100.00 discount per booking when you book a qualified Pleasant Holidays vacation to the Aloha State. Valid for new bookings made between March 1 and April 30, 2013 good for travel until Dec.15, 2013. Qualifying vacations must include roundtrip airfare and a minimum 5-night stay at a participating property (other restrictions may apply). AAA members also receive a $50 per booking activity voucher, valid for a variety of activities in Hawaii (some restrictions apply). FOR MORE INFORMATION
For sample vacation packages from Pleasant Holidays see your AAA Travel Agent or visit AAA.com/Hawaii.
PAGE 14
AAA MOTORIST
APRIL 2013
Drivers being outsmarted by their smart keys AAA responded to over 4-million lockouts last year
A
utomobile “smart keys” are getting smarter all the time, but AAA is finding motorists may not be keeping up with the technology. Smart keys in the form of keyless ignitions have been around since 1999 when they were first introduced by Mercedes-Benz. Today, almost all automakers offer a smart key or keyless fob as standard or optional equipment. New smart key features provide a long list of conveniences, including remote start, increased security and stored driver profiles. Ford’s MyKey system, which debuted in 2010, aims to promote safe driving, particularly among teens. Parents can program the key to limit functions like the vehicle’s top speed and audio volume. Motorists unfamiliar with keyless fobs can face risky situations and lockouts. In 2012, AAA came to the rescue of over four million members who locked themselves out of their vehicles, a number that has dropped little in the past five years, even as smart keys have proliferated. Forgetting to turn off the car has proven to be a problem especially with today’s nearly silent engines. Motorists should also never use a remote start on a vehicle in an enclosed space where engine exhaust gasses containing deadly carbon monoxide can be trapped — with potentially fatal consequences.
and limit the replacement cost in the event a key is misplaced: • Familiarize yourself with the full capability of your smart key and know what to do in an emergency situation; • Become comfortable with the features of the smart key in a safe environment; • To avoid keyless-entry remote or smart key failure, replace the key/fob battery when recommended by the vehicle manufacturer or the in-car low battery warning system; • Don’t expose your keyless-entry remote or smart key to harsh elements — especially water; • Obtain a spare key and store it in a safe location for emergency use only.
CHANGING KEY — Smart keys are changing the relationship between drivers and their car keys. The convenience and features also come at a price. Aside from adding to the sticker price, it can cost hundreds of dollars to buy a new or replacement smart key. Most must be programmed by a dealer or locksmith with the special electronic equipment required to service the vehicle security system. Just as motorists learn to adjust to their smart key features, carmakers are beginning to do away with car keys altogether. Electric vehicles
from Chevrolet and Nissan use mobile apps to monitor and control many of their basic functions. Hyundai recently unveiled a system that allows motorists to unlock and start a vehicle using a specially configured smart phone. Some of this technology could be seen in vehicles as soon as 2015. AAA recommends motorists take special care of their transponder and smart keys. Here are some tips to help prevent danger, loss or damage of vehicle keys,
AN IQ TEST FOR SMART KEYS
A good keyless entry/smart key system should be able to detect and handle most of the following scenarios: • Smart key transponder was forgotten in the trunk; • More than one smart key is present inside the car; • Smart key gets lost during the drive; • Smart key battery low (limp-home) FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit AAA.com for information on all things automotive including tips on buying, operating and maintaining a vehicle.
APRIL 2013
AAA MOTORIST
PAGE 15
Life really is a beach on Cozumel Find your passion on Isla de la Pasión
W
ith its Mexican heart and Caribbean soul, Cozumel appeals to all kinds of travelers from cruise ship passengers, to divers and nature buffs, to those simply seeking relaxation. The jewel of the Mexican Caribbean lies just off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Located about 12 miles by ferry from Playa del Carmen, Cozumel is a magnificent menagerie of flora and fauna, unspoiled coastlines and one of the world’s largest reef systems. Native Mayans first established Cozumel as a sacred site and commercial port for trade. Today it continues to welcome cruise ship passengers as Mexico’s most popular port-of-call. Laid back San Miguel, the island’s only town offers quiet loncherias (cafes), colorful shops, and an artist’s market selling silver, textiles and traditional Mayan handicrafts. Take a leisurely seaside stroll along the charming malecón (boardwalk) lined with over 60 sculptures and monuments from the Mayan and Toltec civilizations. The Palancar Reef first explored by Jacques Cousteau in 1961, made Cozumel famous as one of the world’s top dive destinations. Underwater caves, pinnacles and a stunning drop off, which tumbles some 5,000 feet into the blue abyss, offers one of the true marvels of the subaquatic world. Cozumel has two very different kinds
REACH THE BEACH — Cozumel has any number of beautiful beaches to choose from. of beach. The quiet, beautiful beaches on the leeward side of the island are just a short cab ride from town. Many, like Playa Azul and San Francisco have all the amenities of a beach club. The windward side of the island offers pounding surf and deserted beaches. Unrelenting seas have sculpted huge stone arches and underwater caves and tunnels. Several ecological parks, such as Chankanaab and Faro Celerain (Punta
Active High Beam Control offers drivers a bright future
A
pproximately 90% of information used in driving is obtained visually and almost one in three drivers reports difficulty seeing when driving at night. High beams significantly improve visibility, but can play havoc with your night vision. They can dazzle drivers in other vehicles when they are in front or behind you — a phenomena known as “flash blindness. Other contributing factors include an aging population more susceptible to glare. Now Volvo wants to make driving at night safer and more comfortable with innovative, permanent high beam headlights. The system, which Volvo calls Active High Beam Control, debuted on 2014 Volvo 60 series vehicles at the Geneva Auto Show in March. The system utilizes a camera mounted between the inside rearview mirror and the windshield, and an ingenious active shutter mechanism to allow full-time high beam headlamp operation. “Our aim with Active High Beam Control is to enhance visibility in the dark by making it possible to use high beams permanently,” says Prof. Lotta Jakobsson, Senior Technical Specialist Safety at Volvo Cars Safety Centre. The technology offers both improved visibility for the driver along with
reduced glare for vehicles sharing the roadway. When an oncoming car approaches or you catch up with another vehicle from behind, the active shutter system reduces headlight glare to less than it would be present if driving with properly aimed low beam headlamps, while still allowing drivers to see animals, pedestrians or other objects on the roadside. Active High Beam Control, which features Xenon lamps, uses the same camera as the vehicle’s auto braking system to identify other vehicles and the area that needs to be shaded. The technology is accurate enough to frame the chosen object with only a 1.5° margin of error, and is effective with vehicles as small as motorcycles The control unit relays the information to a projector module mechanism integrated into the headlamp and fitted with different sized metallic shutters to shade just as much of the beam as necessary. The technology is active at speeds down to 9 mph Volvo will introduce the system next year in European 60 series models, but still faces several regulatory hurdles before it can arrive in North America. Current federal regulations require that vehicles have separate high and low beam settings.
Sur) are popular snorkel and dive sites for visitors of all abilities. Chankanaab is a snorkeler’s haven. Multi-hued tropical fish hover around the coral reef and a peaceful lagoon connects with the ocean via a labyrinth of underwater caves. You can even view a variety of aquatic species without getting wet and there is a small wreck and an underwater shrine. Faro Celerain Ecological Reserve, the largest on the island, is home to Mayan ruins, lagoons, coastal
dunes and an historic lighthouse. The Mayans constructed over threedozen sites on the island and almost all are open to visitors. El Cedral, the oldest structure, is nestled in the lush jungle, on the west side of the island. Remnants of small pyramids are sprinkled throughout San Gervasio, the best preserved of the Mayan ruins. Only six percent of the island has been developed, leaving much of the interior as pristine jungle. Activities for adventuresome sightseers include jungle trails, lush botanical gardens, enchanting lagoons, delightful dolphin encounter programs and sea turtle sanctuaries. The Colombia Lagoon provides an undisturbed shelter for much of the wildlife, including endangered marine turtles and crocodiles. An observation tower allows visitors to observe lurking crocodiles from a safe distance.
IF YOU GO
Cruise Lines that visit Cozumel on Western Caribbean itineraries include Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please see this month’s Departures Guide or visit AAA.com/cruises for special member values on cruise vacations.
Planning for comfort during long road trips
R
oad trips can be a great source of tunes, good conversation and relaxation throughout any travel season. However, long hours on the road can often result in body aches, poor nutrition and other challenges for drivers stuck behind the wheel. To avoid such pitfalls and make the experience a bit less taxing on the body, champion Porsche race car driver Patrick Long has developed a set of guidelines for drivers everywhere. Long, an American Le Mans Series driver who can be in his car for up to 12 hours at a time, recommends these tips for any kind of distance driving: Fuel-Up: Packing a small cooler with water bottles and healthy snacks like fruit can reduce the temptation to indulge in junk food on the road. Stability: Lumbar support and stability should be your number-one concern when taking a long road trip. Always keep your spine straight. Sit with the seat fully contacting your back and allow the structure of the seat to do its job in supporting your spine. Body Positioning: Maintain proper posture by not leaning one way or the other in the seat. Both hands should be placed on the outside of the steering wheel on opposite sides. Long recom-
mends the “9 and 3” hand position. When you sit too close to the pedals you’re cramped. If you’re too far away, you’ll end up slouching down to reach them. Sit close enough to the wheel so there’s a slight bend at your elbows and keep your arms relaxed. Take Frequent Pit Stops: For longerdistance road adventures, take frequent pit stops in order to stretch your legs and improve the blood flow in your body. To prevent having a sore lower back after hours behind the wheel, focus on core stability and strength exercises. Long suggests planks, leg lifts and crunches on an exercise ball to strengthen your core. Pack Low, See More: Piling stuff right up to the roof of the car can take away some key sight lines. Check your vehicle for obstructions. Whether you are taking a weekend trip from home, or visiting one of North America’s major destination areas, AAA Drive Trips will lead the way. Each trip features a detailed narrative to ensure you stay on course and a link to the online TourBook. You can also use the online TourBook to view AAA Approved and Diamond Rated lodgings, book accommodations at some of the lowest online rates. Visit AAA.com/drivetrips for more information.
PAGE 16
AAA MOTORIST
APRIL 2013
Introducing Club Rewards on AAA.com Prepare to be WOWED by deep discounts and savings
N
ow more than ever, AAA members are looking for ways to save. And the savings are sensational at AAA Club Rewards. It’s an exciting new online discount program that significantly expands discounts and savings available to AAA members! This innovative new shopping experience on AAA.com, features deep discounts, limited offers and everyday savings on electronics, home improvement, apparel, entertainment, pet care and more, from approximately 30,000 participating merchants nationwide — including big time national retailers like Kohl’s, Macy’s, Best Buy, Walmart and The Home Depot. Members can access these new discounts simply by visiting the discounts section of our website at AAA.com. The AAA Club Rewards shopping portal features an intuitive, easy to navigate interface to help you find exactly what you are looking for with just a few simple clicks. Check out the Hot List for local offers, or use the AAA Club Rewards Shopping Engine to select your favorite brands. AAA members can also customize their shopping experience to receive personalized recommendations based on their interests. In addition to discount offers, you’ll earn WOWPoints on most purchases, a unique online currency, that you can “burn off” at your favorite participating
the AAA Club Rewards page from www. AAA.com/discounts. Members will be able to browse through offers, however, they must first register at the time of transaction. Registration is completely free — a valid AAA membership and email address are all you need. Offers are available online, by phone, and sometimes in-store via a printed coupon and include limitedtime offers, deep discount offers and everyday offers. Members can even buy local restaurant gift certificates and earn WOWPoints at the same time. Why wait any longer? Register online at AAA.com/discounts. Then shop, save and earn on national and local brands, restaurants and retailers.
DOUBLE UP ON DISCOUNTS — Save serious cash and earn WOW PoInts at the same time when you shop at AAA Club Rewards. merchants. The majority of merchants will give at least one WOWPoint for each dollar spent, with many of them giving two, four, or more times the WOWPoints per dollar spent. One hundred WOWPoints equals $1 and members can start burning their points with as little as $2 or 200 WOWPoints. • WOWPoints are as flexible as cash; • 100 WOWPoints earned = $1.00; • No limit to the points you can earn;
• No blackout dates, no inflated redemption prices and no restrictions; • WOWPoints never expire. They remain valid as long as you are a AAA member; • Double Dip — WOWPoints can be earned on top of your points from your AAA Member Rewards Visa credit card. AAA East Central members can access
FOR MORE INFORMATION
To learn more about the AAA Discounts program including Show Your Card & Save and AAA Prescription Savings, or to sign up free for AAA Club Rewards visit AAA.com/Discounts.
ur yo
chautauqua
What would you like to learn today? Come for Chautauqua in June, a celebration of farms, food and drink, May 31 – June 16. Learn, laugh, play, and re-create yourself with lakes and learning vacations, Victorian ambiance, Amish communities, wineries in America’s Grape Country, Chautauqua Institution, Lucy-Desi Center for Comedy, and Peek’n Peak Resort and Spa.
Plan your adventure. 866-908-4569 chqjune.com
APRIL 2013
AAA MOTORIST
PAGE 17
An authentic taste of France in Western New York La Fleur plucks another AAA Four Diamond Award
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ospitality is just one of the many qualities that makes La Fleur such a unique dining experience. The flagship of Chautauqua Restaurant Row on the Red Brick Marketplace, provides a unique romantic atmosphere in a historic Victorian home. Attention to detail is evident in the pristine gardens overlooked by the restaurant, which reopens for the season in mid-June. La Fleur, which of course means the flower in French, has become part of a very select group. It is the only restaurant in Western New York to capture a Four Diamond Award, and one of just a handful outside New York City. Just 2.6 percent of the 29,000 AAA Approved and Diamond Rated restaurants merit this distinction in 2013. “We are delighted to honor La Fleur with their seventh consecutive AAA Four Diamond Award,” said Jim Lehman, president AAA East Central. “Establishments receiving this type of recognition provide refined cuisine, incomparable service, and a wellappointed atmosphere to create a memorable dining experience.” Western New York’s finest French cuisine is located minutes away from the Chautauqua Institution. A carefully crafted menu, extensive wine list, impeccable service, and elegant, yet cozy décor bring a taste of France to the shores of Chautauqua Lake. Jonathan Haloua, La Fleur’s Parisian-born chef,
AUBERGE BY THE LAKE — La Fleur provides a unique romantic atmosphere in a historic Victorian home. trained at the Culinary School of Paris. France has so many regional food traditions, ingredients and techniques it might be possible to argue that there is no such a thing as French cooking. Normandy is famous for its cream, apples and seafood, while Brittany is known for crêpes, those delicate pancakes with tempting fillings. Provence is renowned as the “garden of France,” with specialties like ratatouille and sal-
ade Niçoise. What is true is that the heavy haute cuisine of the past has largely been left behind in favor of a lighter approach. Like all good French cooking, La Fleur’s constantly evolving menu is based on the freshest ingredients available. An imaginative three course dinner menu (in French and English) features items like Burgundy Escargot, Roasted Celeriac, Pearl Onions, Mushroom,
Bacon “Lardons” Pinot Noir & Truffle Demi-Glace, followed by a second course of Finger Lakes Baby Lettuce & Sherry Vinaigrette. Popular choices for the entree include Mustard & Herb Crusted Rack of Colorado Lamb, and Poached Filet of John Dory, Shrimp & Lemon Confit Risotto. Chef Haloua also creates a weekly tasting menu inspired by the seasonal local ingredients and often mixes classic “old school” French dishes and cutting edge new cuisine. Diners can pair their choices with La Fleur’s extensive nine-page wine list that ranges from light bodied and fruity Gamays from Beaujolais, to dark, rich Cabernets. “La Fleur now takes its place alongside dining establishments like New York City’s Gordon Ramsay at The London, said Jim Lehman, “We are very proud to honor them with their 7th Four-Diamond Award.” EASY TO FIND
AAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotel and restaurant listings can be found in the downloadable eTourBook® guides and AAA Mobile® app for tablets and smartphones, the TripTik® Travel Planner and Travel Guides on AAA.com, and AAA TourBook® guides available at AAA and CAA offices. Travelers can access information about AAA inspections and Diamond Ratings at AAA.com/Diamonds.
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AAA MOTORIST
APRIL 2013
Tire maintenance takes 5 minutes a month Top five tips for practicing proper tire safety
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our tires are the only thing between your vehicle and the road, so it’s important to make sure they’re in good condition all year round. In fact, summer weather can be even tougher on tires. Heat combined with incorrect tire pressure, uneven wear or damage, and poor alignment can cause potentially dangerous driving conditions and put a damper on your road trip plans. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that under inflated tires contribute to more than 600 fatalities and 33,000 injuries each year. Thankfully, basic tire safety isn’t rocket science. It takes about five minutes each month to look over your tires and check the air pressure. It’s that easy. Regularly inspecting your tires for cuts, bulges, uneven or worn tread will help avoid hazards like blowouts and keep you on track to your destination. Here are the top five tips to ensure proper tire safety: Get Pressure Right — In its 2012 Tire Care Awareness Survey, the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) found that 62 percent of drivers don’t know where to find the correct inflation pressure for their vehicle. The specific inflation pressure number can be found on the vehicle placard located on the
Straighten Up — Proper tire alignment provides safe, predictable vehicle control as well as a ride that is smooth, comfortable and free of pulling or vibration. Proper alignment helps tires wear evenly and last longer. Bald Isn’t Beautiful — The RMA survey also found that 52 percent of drivers do not know how to tell if their tires need replacing. In most states, the minimum legal tread depth is 2/32 of an inch. If you place a penny upside down in your tire’s shallowest groove and you can see the top of Abraham Lincoln’s head, it’s time to buy new tires. Lack of tread affects the tire’s ability to grip wet roads. Make sure tires don’t have uneven wear, high or low areas or unusually smooth areas that can increase the risk of road accidents.
ON THE MONEY — If you can see the top of Abraham Lincoln’s head, it’s time to buy new tires. driver’s side doorpost, or fuel door or in the owner’s manual. For accurate pressure, check tires when cool, and don’t forget the spare. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that under inflated tires wastes more than 1 billion gallons of gasoline annually. Don’t Overload Your Vehicle — Overloading decreases fuel economy due to increased wind drag and cargo
weight. Handling, control and braking are also negatively impacted. Rotate Before You Go — Regular rotation helps achieve uniform tire wear and improve road performance. Tires rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles prolong the life of the tire and help maximize your tire investment. It makes sense to get a tire inspection when you rotate.
REPLACE TIRES PROPERLY
It’s always best to replace all four tires at a time. If you only replace two tires, mount them on the rear axle. Otherwise, your car could lose rear traction in the rain and spin out. FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit AAA.com/Auto for information on all things automotive including tips on buying, operating and maintaining a vehicle.
aroundtown FENTON HISTORY CENTER BROWN BAG LECTURE SERIES — (April 10) Come hear about an important part of Jamestown’s history during the lunch hour. Meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month April through October at the Fenton Museum. Donations encouraged. The time is from noon to 1:00 p.m. at Fenton History Center. 67 Washington Street, Jamestown, NY. Contact: 716.664.6256 or www.fentonhistorycenter.org. GREATER OLEAN AREA HOME & GARDEN SHOW — (April 12-14) Where else can you find experts, fresh ideas and the latest trends? More than eighty area businesses are expected to exhibit their wares and services. Displays will include landscaping, patios, window replacement, heating and air conditioning, pools, spas, furniture and more. William O. Smith Recreation Center, 551 East State Street, Olean, NY. For more information call 716.372.4433. ORIGAMI CLASS — (April 13) The Hanover Garden Club presents “Origami” the Japanese art of folding paper into decorative forms. Free to members. Non-members - $5.00 donation. The time is from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 32 Main Street, Silver Creek, New York. Contact Sue Duecker, president at 716.934.7608.
WINE & ART WEEKEND — (April 13) Art and wine are a natural pairing! Enjoy wine tastings amid artworks created by artists from the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Art Trail and the North East Arts Council. Talk with the artists as they work. A schedule of art demonstrations will be available online. Bring a designated driver if you plan to sample the wines at this free event. The time is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Chautauqua-Lake Erie Wine Trail. Contact 800.326.6561, or lakeeriewinecountry.org. THE GOURMET DINING CLUBINTRODUCTION TO ASIAN CUISINE — (April 18) Have a flair for the unique in your cooking? Try your hand at this class, which will include stir fry and steam techniques and will culminate with making Asian sauces and condiments, spring rolls, and dumplings. Chifàn le ma — have you eaten yet? The time is from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Jamestown Community College, 525 Falconer Street, Jamestown, NY. Phone: 716.338.1005. ROBIN & LINDA WILLIAMS — (April 19) For more than three decades now, Robin & Linda Williams have made it their mission to perform the music that they love, a robust blend of bluegrass, folk, old-time and acoustic country. Appearances on The Grand Old Opry, Austin
City Limits, and Robert Altman’s 2005 film, “A Prairie Home Companion” have earned them a loyal fan base. General Admission Tickets: $15 ($13 Opera House Members). Showtime is at 7:30 p.m. at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House, 9 Church Street, Fredonia, NY. Contact: 716.679.1891, or operahouse@fredopera.org. BIGFOOT/SASQUATCH WEEKEND — (April 26-28) The 2nd Annual Chautauqua Lake Bigfoot Expo! Hear personal accounts of encounters, learn to cast footprints and understand Sasquatch behavior. Sightings in the Allegheny National Forest and region makes this “only area appearance” one not to miss. Location: Chautauqua Suites Meeting and Expo Center, 215 West Lake Road, Mayville, NY, Phone: 716.789.3383. MASQUERADE BALL — (April 27) Enjoy a beautiful evening complete with dinner, wonderful music, Chinese auction, and much more. Dance with that special someone to a song dedicated in honor or memory of your loved one. Proceeds benefit Hospice Chautauqua County. Dress is semi-formal and the time is from 5:30 p.m. to midnight with dinner at 7:00 p.m. at Chautauqua Suites Meeting and Expo Center, 215 West Lake Road, Mayville, NY 147 Phone: 716.338.0033.
CHAUTAUQUA WATERSHED CONSERVANCY FUNDRAISER — (April 28) Come for a fun afternoon of live music, dancing, local wine & beer tasting paired with tasting menus from local restaurant favorites, as well as a silent auction and door prizes. All proceeds will go directly to the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy. The time is from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Red Brick Farm, 5031 West Lake Road, Mayville, NY. Contact 716.753.3242 or www.chautauquawatershed.org. WAIT, WAIT … DON’T TELL ME! — (May 2) Hosts Peter Sagal and Carl Kasell in a live staging of NPR’s popular radio quiz show. Celebrity guests answering stupid questions and Carl reading limericks! General Admission Tickets: $15. Showtime is at 8:00 p.m. at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House, 9 Church Street, Fredonia, NY. Contact: 716.679.1891, or operahouse@fredopera.org. ANNUAL SPRING CRAFT DAYS — (May 4) Craft show and sale featuring handcrafted treasures and home baked goods. All shops are open throughout the Village. Chinese auction and luncheon. Sponsored by the Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary. The time is at 10:00 a.m. in Downtown Findley Lake, 10410 Main Street, Findley Lake NY. Contact: 716.769.7609.
APRIL 2013
AAA MOTORIST
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Holland America cruises the Continent New ports and itineraries highlight the 2013 season
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even is the magic number for Holland America Line this summer when the premium cruise line deploys seven ships to Europe. Seven ships will sail 107 departures with seven maiden ports of call that span the northern tip of Norway, to the Black Sea and across the Mediterranean. With itineraries ranging from seven to 64 days, travelers will have an opportunity to explore a variety of destinations, from iconic ports of call as well as smaller, less traveled and equally fascinating port cities. This year, Holland America’s focus is on destination diversity. Maiden port calls include Alanya, Turkey, the historic Seljuk Turkish seaport and resort town on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. A total of 20 overnight stays at some of Europe’s most iconic ports afford travelers with more time to explore the world’s most interesting destinations. Overnight calls include Amsterdam; Barcelona; Bordeaux; France; Copenhagen; Dublin; Venice; St. Petersburg, Russia; and Istanbul, Turkey. Legendary hub of the Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman Empires, Istanbul straddles two continents. The last stop on the fabled Silk Road, Sultanahmet — the city’s ancient core — is a maze of alleyways culminating at the Grand Bazaar, a labyrinth of color and sound. Must see attractions include the Hagia Sofia, the Blue Mosque, and the
down the Arcadian Way, an ancient street paved with white marble, you can almost hear the footsteps of Anthony and Cleopatra, and St. Paul, who preached in the Great Theatre. Holland America Line’s long tradition of sophisticated mid-sized ships is evident in signature features such as the outside-view glass elevators and a pool enclosed by a retractable magradome. En route to Istanbul, you’ll pass through the Dardenelles, a narrow strait connecting the Aegean Sea to the Sea of Marmara. On one side is the rocky Gallipoli peninsula, scene of one of the Great War’s bloodiest battles. On the other, the windy Turkish plains where the ancient city of Troy once stood. Three millennia have passed since Odysseus began his 10-year voyage back to Ithaca through these very same straits.
A GRAND TOUR — Nieuw Amsterdam cruises into the harbor in Venice, Italy. hauntingly lit Basilica Cistern. From the deck of your ship, soak in the passing panorama of the Bosphorus, where the Black Sea mingles with the Sea of Marmara and the Golden Horn. Also new for 2013 is an 11-day Ancient Mysteries voyage sailing between Piraeus and Istanbul aboard ms Noordam. Ports of call include Alexandria, Egypt founded in 331 BC by Alexander the Great, and the mythical Greek islands of
Mykonos, Crete and Rhodes. Mykonos may be the quintessential Greek island, filled with windmills and dazzling white houses set against a shimmering blue sea. Basket-laden donkeys make their way through a maze of ancient streets, designed to frustrate pirates. Kusadasi, a popular resort town on the Turkish coast, is the gateway to ancient ruins of Ephesus, once the largest city in the Roman Empire. Walking
IF YOU GO
Holland America Line appeals to discerning cruisers who prefer mid-sized ships, personalized service, five-star dining, and sophisticated ambiance throughout both public areas and staterooms. FOR MORE IN FORMATION
See your AAA Departures Guide or log on to AAA.com/cruises for more information on Holland America cruise vacations.
AAA offers home protection tips for travelers Rest easier on vacation by discouraging burglars at home
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vacation is a great way “get away from it all.” Unfortunately, some travelers will return home to find “it all” is no longer there. Nationally, a burglary happens every 13 seconds and home burglaries are generally higher during peak travel months. Many break and enters could be prevented by taking a few simple precautions. AAA provides the following tips for any homeowner planning that welldeserved vacation: • Remember to close and lock all house and garage windows and doors. Slide locks are recommended for sliding glass doors. • If you own a second car, lock and park it halfway up the driveway to deter potential burglars from pulling a vehicle close to your house. Any vehicle parked outside for an extended period should also be protected with some type of auto theft or security device. • Leave blinds and curtains in their normal position so that your house doesn’t have a closed-down look. Move expensive electronic equipment such as televisions, stereos, computers, and other attractive items away from windows, where
they are within easy reach. • Engraved property is less attractive to burglars. Positive identification through engraving can also lead to a quicker recovery of stolen items. • Resist the urge to discuss your trip with acquaintances or on social media sites. Have a friend to pick-up your mail. If that is not an option, have the U.S. postal service hold your mail and temporarily cancel your newspaper subscription. • Ask a trusted friend to inspect your house regularly and tell them who to contact in case of an emergency. They should also be given a key to your car in case it needs to be moved during an emergency. Let them know about anyone who may be visiting your home such as landscapers. • Set an automatic timer so interior lights periodically turn on and off. A timer on a radio is also suggested. • If traveling for an extended period, arrange for lawn service. It’s important to keep shrubbery trimmed around doors and windows. Don’t give a thief an easy place to hide. • Never leave spare keys “hidden” under doormats, in flowerpots, or anywhere outside the house.
• Make certain your homeowner insurance policy is paid. Thieves sometimes look for potential targets in airports by reading the address information on luggage tags. If possible, use your business address or use tag covers to protect personal information. If you notice the door ajar or suspect a problem when you return home, call 911 before entering. AAA wants you, your home and your property to be safe while vaca-
tioning. Paying attention to these simple precautions will help ensure your return home is as enjoyable as your trip. ONE LAST TIP
In your excitement to get going on your vacation, make sure to take the key out of the door when you lock up. You’d be surprised how often people forget.
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AAA MOTORIST
APRIL 2013
Where the sun sets...and the fun rises!
THE GREAT AMERICAN WEST! 1-800-354-8761 • AAA.COM
Rates are per person (double occupancy), are subject to availability at time of booking and include roundtrip airport/ hotel transfers, accommodations, motorcoach sightseeing & admissions as indicated, services of a AAA Tour Manager and more. Ask about available add-on airfare. Visit AAA.com/USA for complete itinerary details.
Yellowstone Experience America’s first national park’s first explorers were called liars when they described its otherworldly features and wildlife. From Salt Lake City, visit Antelope Island State Park. At Yellowstone, head straight for Old Faithful! Visit the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. Taking a wildlife safari (with sunset picnic) with opportunities for wildlife sightings. Enjoy the “Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone,” the Grand Tetons, the cowboy town of Jackson, a Snake River float trip and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (schedule permitting). 12 meals.
Grand Canyon Adventure Luxuriate in Red Rock Country at the Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa. Take a Pink Jeep backcountry tour. Ride first class on the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams to your national park lodging just a quarter-mile from the South Rim. Visit Glen Canyon Recreational Area and a night at Lake Powell Resort. A tour highlight is your guided half-day float trip on the Colorado River! Motorcoach to the Luxor Hotel on the Strip in Las Vegas. Flirt with Lady Luck, relax by the pool or take in a top-notch show on your free full day in Vegas. 9 meals.
Oct 4-10 • AAA Member Rate: $2,195
T! U O D L O S
Southwestern Canyonlands Eroded for eons by wind and water, the colorful canyons of Arizona, Utah and Nevada captivate all who visit. See the stunning Red Rocks of Sedona, the magnificence of the Grand Canyon, the backcountry of Monument Valley, the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park and the sandstone cliffs of Zion National Park. Enjoy Grand Canyon National Park lodging, guided tour and IMAX Theater. Take an “adventure cruise” through Antelope/Navajo Canyon. Visit Lake Powell and spend 2 fun nights in Las Vegas. 11 meals.
June 12-20 • AAA Member Rate: $2,725
Aug 5-11 • AAA Member Rate: $1,835
American Majesty From Salt Lake City to Denver, take in some of America’s favorite landmarks in between. Visit Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone NP (Old Faithful & Mammoth Hot Springs), Devil’s Tower National Monument, Mt Rushmore National Memorial (evening light ceremony), Ft Laramie National Historic Site and the Buffalo Bill Historic Center. Float down the Snake River and ride a Jeep safari through the Black Hills. Hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (schedule permitting). See Crazy Horse Monument. 15 meals, including a chuck wagon dinner.
Napa Valley & San Francisco So many delights in one tour — from San Francisco’s endless charms to the natural splendor of the Muir Woods redwoods. Cross Golden Gate Bridge to enjoy 5 vineyards (participate in a “Blend Your Own Merlot” event) and 3 nights at Tuscan-style Vino Bella Resort in Napa. Savor an exquisite 4-course dinner on the Napa Valley Wine Train. With your hotel at Fisherman’s Wharf as your base, tour San Francisco’s famous landmarks, cruise by ferry across the bay and enjoy free time for shopping and exploring. 2 meals.
Oct 7-12 • AAA Member Rate: $1,949
Aug 31–Sept 8 • AAA Member Rate: $2,735
Best of Northern California
New Mexico Balloon Fiesta
Explore San Francisco, the redwoods at Muir Woods, Mediterranean-style Sausalito and the wine country of the Sonoma and Napa valleys (and dine on the Napa Valley Wine Train). Ride Amtrak’s California Zephyr to the scenic shores of Lake Tahoe and cruise its crystal-blue waters aboard a paddlewheeler. Venture to Yosemite National Park, then take the Pacific Coast Highway to Monterey, Carmelby-the-Sea, 17-Mile Drive, Big Sur, San Simeon (Hearst Castle), Salinas Valley and Silicon Valley. 14 meals.
Calling all train lovers! Join this multi-train Great American Rail Adventure in the Centennial State. Enjoy unforgettable rides on the Pike’s Peak Cog Railway, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Marvel at the awesome natural rock formations in the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, the spectacular landscapes at the Colorado National Monument in Grand Junction and the dizzying height of the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park in Cañon City. 15 meals.
Explore Albuquerque, the Land of Enchantment’s largest city. At the International Balloon Fiesta, witness the mass ascension of hundreds of balloons. Explore landmarks along Route 66, visit Old Town & its Plaza and tour the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Ride Sandia Peak’s Aerial Tramway and visit an artisanal winery. See the Balloon Fiesta’s evening “Glowdeo” & fireworks. Explore historic Chimayo village, artistic Taos and charming Santa Fe. Take a guided desert wilderness hike with llamas! 14 meals.
July 25–Aug 2 • AAA Member Rate: $2,859
Sept 14-21 • AAA Member Rate: $2,095
Oct 9-15 • AAA Member Rate: $2,309
Colorado Train Adventure