SEE PAGE 3
JAMESTOWN REGION
Vol. 61 No. 1
Shop AAA Discounts & Rewards on AAA.com
It’s DISNEY MONTH at AAA Travel!
AAA Discounts & Rewards is an innovative new shopping experience on AAA.com featuring deep discounts, limited-time offers and everyday savings on dining, electronics, home, apparel, pet care and more, from approximately 30,000 participating merchants nation wide. Discover great deals on the names you trust and the products you need — all at unbeatable prices. It’s just one of the many perks of AAA membership. The AAA Discounts & Rewards shopping portal at AAA.com/discounts features an intuitive, easy-to-navigate interface to help you find exactly what you are looking for with just few simple clicks. In addition to discount offers, you’ll earn reward points on everything you buy. WOWPoints are AAA’s online reward points — just like the loyalty points you get from credit cards or airlines. 100 WOWPoints = $1 and your points never expire as long as you remain a AAA member. Paired with great online savings, you can earn double and triple WOWPoints for the purchases you make from your favorite brands and redeem them on your next purchase. Now that’s rewarding! AAA East Central members can register online at AAA.com/discounts. It’s completely free — a valid AAA membership and email address are all you need. Then shop, save and earn on national and local brands, movie and attraction tickets, restaurants retailers and more.
January perks just for members make NOW the best time to book Disney!
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t’s a new year, and that means all-new Disney offers are now available to AAA members during Disney Month (Jan 6-31)! January is the very best time to book your vacation to the Walt Disney World® Resort. Booking early now provides you with more benefits than ever…and special Disney Month offers. Members who book a 2014 AAA Vacations® package receive 1 Disney tote per room filled with Disney gifts, including a music CD, a photo album and a baseball hat! Another member exclusive: Book a 2014 Walt Disney World® Resort vacation and get a free copy of the very practical Walt Disney World® Birnbaum Guide (and a discount of up to $50 per room for select resorts). Value Resort Walt Disney World® Birnbaum Guide Moderate Resort $25 per room earlybooking discount and a Walt Disney World® Birnbaum Guide Deluxe Resort $50 per room early-booking discount and a Walt Disney World® Birnbaum Guide
JANUARY 2014
Travel | Insurance/Financial | Automotive | Member Savings | AAA.com
OPEN YOUR EYES TO THE DANGERS OF DROWSY DRIVING
AAA members also receive a Disney value-added benefit: Ask your AAA Travel professional about a special Disney gift card offer when you buy a select AAA Vacations® package. See page 12 for details and restrictions. And there’s more! AAA members also get these AAA Vacations® exclusive benefits: • AAA Vacations® Diamond Savings Card® offering savings of 10%, 15% or 20% at participating locations • AAA Diamond Parking at all 4 theme parks • AAA Disney Magic Moments savings of 10%, 15% or 25% off the nondiscounted rate of the room portion on select package and dates.
DISNEY MONTH
Come in or visit AAA.com/Disney for all of the great offers!
Jan 6-31
What’s New? Disney World’s homage to the 1937 classic animated film “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” debuts this year! The indoor & outdoor Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is a family-friendly coaster (not a thrill ride) that takes guests of the Magic Kingdom’s New Fantasyland through the mine where the dwarfs spend their days digging for gems. The opening of this steel roller coaster will wrap up the largest expansion in the theme park’s history. Located behind Cinderella Castle, on the right after entering the Castle Courtyard gates leading into the Enchanted Forest, the ride starts in the dwarfs’ cottage, then takes guests on a rollicking, musical voyage into the mine where a million “diamonds” shine. The Mine Train will feature first-of-its-kind vehicles that swing back and forth, responding to every twist and turn of the track. The journey will be accompanied by music from the film and animated figures of Snow White and the Dwarfs. Turn to page 12 for Disney Month details & restrictions!
New T-Mobile program offers international service AAA affinity partner T-Mobile recently introduced Un-Carrier 3.0 – a service for Simple Choice plan customers that includes free texting and Web surfing, along with 20-cents-per-minute calling in more than 100 countries. Member-exclusive benefits include a 10 percent discount on Simple Choice plans. Additionally, members are eligible for a 10 percent discount on T-Mobile’s $10 monthly international plan, which provides calling to more than 100 countries for 20 cents per minute and unlimited texting to more than 200 countries. Along with 10 percent savings on monthly service for all lines on an account, members receive a 25 percent discount on accessories, free shipping on new activations and no annual service contract. Members also can request AAA emergency road service by dialing *AAA. The member discount can be accessed online or by dialing 877.AAA.7494 and using promotional code “AAA.”
AAA and Hertz Set the Standard…the Gold Standard AAA members now can enjoy all the benefits of Hertz Gold service Free! Enroll in Hertz Gold Plus Rewards and earn points toward free rental days and more. It’s the fastest way to rent a car — skip the rental counter at 40 of the world’s busiest airports and at 1,000 worldwide locations, simply show your driver’s license, pick up your keys and go! AAA Basic & Plus Members receive free Hertz Gold Plus Rewards membership, plus 675 Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Bonus points — enough for One Free Rental Day, after their first Gold rental! Join at AAA.com/HertzGold. AAA Premier Members receive free Hertz Gold Plus Rewards membership plus 1,100 Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Bonus points — enough for Two Free Weekend Rental Days, after their first Gold rental! Join at AAA.com/HertzPremier.
Pleasant Holidays has Two for the Road Dreaming of an exotic vacation to Hawaii, the Caribbean, Mexico, or Tahiti? Pleasant Holidays can take you just about anywhere you want to go. And now you can double down on the deals. Receive a $100.00 Visa Gift Card from AAA Travel when you book & deposit on any Pleasant Holidays vacation of 5 nights or longer, between January 1-31, 2014 (1 per room). Book using your AAA Member Rewards Visa® credit card and you’ll also earn 5X the Reward Points. SEE PAGE 7
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AAA MOTORIST
Hertz is transforming the car rental experience With exclusive members-only discounts and benefits
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inter vacation season will soon be in full swing and shopping for rental cars is on many travelers “to do” list. One of the many benefits of AAA membership is the special package of savings available when you rent from Hertz. Members receive up to a 20 percent discount on car rentals, free Hertz Gold Plus Rewards membership, plus an array of money-saving opportunities, including special upgrades, dollarsoff coupons, and more. Their Member Satisfaction Guarantee is your assurance that the rate and car class, or a higher car class, will be available as reserved. It’s all part of their commitment to provide customers with the most technologically innovative products and services available. Hertz is also redefining the car rental experience in a variety of ways: Hertz is transforming its locations worldwide in a complete rethinking of what a car rental location and experience should be. The company is introducing the use of LED and energy efficient lighting, solar power systems and solar outdoor lighting at select sites. A streamlined rental experience eliminates the need to wait in line, and an iPad station lets you research local area information or recharge your mobile devices. More than 75 percent of the company’s fleet averages 28 plus mpg and
INTERNET WEB SITE: www.AAA.com AAA MEMBER SERVICES • ADDRESS CHANGE triptiks, tourbooks, maps, license 412-363-5100 or 1-800-441-5008
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
AAA BRANCH OFFICE LOCATIONS
PUTS YOU IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT — Hertz is the only car-rental company endorsed by AAA. their Green Traveler Collection offers a variety of alternate fuel vehicles, including Electric Vehicles, Clean Diesels, Compressed Natural Gas vehicles and hybrids. Hertz 24/7 is a revolutionary new ‘self-service’ rental experience available any time, day or night that allows customers to rent a wide variety of vehicles near their home or work when needed and for any length of time — hourly, daily, or weekly. Hertz Local Edition utilizes a net-
Upgrade your membership to AAA Plus® and experience a higher level of benefits! Extend your benefits for even more driving security Basic Membership
AAA Plus® Membership
Towing
Back to the AAA station that comes to your rescue or Anywhere up to 100 miles. up to 3 miles to a destination of your choice.
Emergency Road Service When Out of Gas
Free delivery of emergency gas. Member will be charged for fuel at current pump price.
Free delivery of emergency gas. Fuel is free.
One service vehicle and one driver.
Two service vehicles and two drivers (if needed) at no extra charge.
Off-Road Rescue Service
AAA DIRECTORY
APPROVED AUTO REPAIR 412-365-7411 or 1-800-233-9733
Reach for the sky with Benefit
JANUARY 2014
Lock & Key Service
Free service call (to gain entry) and up to $60 for Free service call (to gain entry) and up to $100 for locksmith charge. Towing benefit applies if necessary. locksmith charge. AAA Plus towing benefits applies if necessary.
When AAA Emergency Road Service is not Available
Reimbursement according to published limits
Get more out of your membership! Visit your local AAA office, AAA.com, or call the Member Service Center at 1-800-441-5008
Full amount reimbursed for covered AAA services (as long as costs are based on commercial rates.)
work of neighborhood locations servicing leisure and business customers and offering customers pickup and delivery service as well. Hertz Technology is committed to providing customers speed, ease and value with technological innovations and personalized service, unique customer services include: Carfirmation is a mobile email/SMS text service — Mobile Gold Alerts — that confirms a Gold customer’s reservation, advises of their car, and its location at the Hertz facility. Mobile Gold Alerts also shows other available cars and upgrades and lets customers select the one they want — all via their mobile device. Choose Control — available to Hertz Gold Choice members — gives you the power to keep the car you reserved or simply choose another, something no other car rental brand offers. Consumers are looking to mobile technologies as a way to take back control of their travel experience. Zap Technology: Hertz e-Return is the fastest way to get you back on your way home. Hertz will email your receipt in a flash. Acceler-Rental: Hertz is the first rental company to offer airport and neighborhood location customers the ability to rent cars through a live face-to-face video kiosk with Hertz ExpressRent™ kiosks. Book, modify and search car rental reservations, and browse special deals and offers all from the palm of your hand. The Hertz 24/7 Mobile App gives AAA members 24/7 access to a variety of vehicles with the ability to reserve a car or modify an existing reservation and view upcoming and previous reservations. YOUR KEY TO HERTZ SAVINGS
DEC 14
Your Hertz CDP # is your key to exclusive Hertz savings and benefits. The CDP # 215 the same as your club code, the three digit number that appears on the front of your membership card.
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 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
JANUARY 2014
AAA MOTORIST
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Everyone is at risk of falling asleep at the wheel Drowsy drivers a factor in one of six fatal crashes Jamestown Region Official publication of AAA East Central Published monthly (except bimonthly Aug./Sept., Nov./Dec.) by AAA East Central 111 West Fifth St., Jamestown NY 14701-5035 USPS 002-112 ISSN 0898-4158 Periodicals Postage Paid at Jamestown NY Postmaster: Send address changes to AAA Motorist Jamestown Region c/o AAA, 111 W. Fifth St., Jamestown NY 14701-5035 Subscription Rate: $1 included in Primary Membership dues. All others: $2/year.
Publisher.....................................James E. Lehman Managing Editor ....................... Doug O’Neil Editorial Office 5900 Baum Blvd, Pittsburgh PA 15206-3854 e-mail: motorist@aaaec.com
AAA EAST CENTRAL Chairman: ................................................Richard S. Hamilton Vice Chairman:....................................... James E. Broome, Jr. Vice Chairman:....................................... 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 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, Pamela C. Fritz, Richard S. Hamilton, James H. Kanicki, Mary Lynn Laughlin, Richard D. Linderman**, William Duff McCrady, James M. McDonnell, Thomas V. McKernan Jr., Martha Hartle Munsch, Gary K. Munsie** 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, Mona N. Generett, 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, Leonard L. Scheinholtz**, James C. Stump, Jr., James F. Ward *ex officio **emeritus directors
By Richard Hamilton Chairman, AAA East Central ess than half of Americans say they get a good night’s sleep but the driver’s seat of your car is no place for a cat nap. Drowsy driving can be just as deadly as driving under the influence, but crashes are often under-reported due to the inherent difficulties of attributing crashes to sleepiness. Now a new report by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety offers some eye-opening conclusions. According to a survey of 2,035 motorists conducted as part of the AAA Foundation’s 2013 Traffic Safety Culture Index, more than a quarter of those polled (28.3 percent) admitted they drove despite being so tired that they had difficulty keeping their eyes open. An earlier study found two in five (41 percent) admitted they had “fallen asleep or nodded off” at least once while behind the wheel. Just like alcohol and drugs, fatigue impairs judgment, mood, reaction times and driving performance. Studies by the National Sleep Foundation indicate that being awake for more than 20 hours results in an impairment equal to a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08%, the legal limit in all states. Although typically associated with long distance driving, fatigue can set in at any time. Contributing factors include emotional stress, illness, boredom and sun glare. Overeating, drinking alcoholic beverages, or riding in an overheated or very cold vehicle can compound the effects.
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Richard Hamilton Sleep-related crashes are nearly twice as common among young people, who tend to stay up late, and sleep too little. Shift workers, those with untreated sleep disorders and commercial travelers are all at greater risk. Men are almost twice as likely to fall asleep at the wheel. Many of us tend to underestimate the negative effects associated with fatigue and sleep deprivation, or maybe we’re just too tired to recognize the symptoms. Unlike alcohol-related crashes, there are no blood, breath, or other objective tests for sleepiness. A recent analysis of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash data estimates that about one in six (16.5 percent) deadly crashes,
involve a driver who is drowsy. These numbers suggest that the impact on motor vehicle crashes has not been fully appreciated. AAA’s research and educational initiatives into drowsy driving began in 1993, as part of the AAA Foundation’s comprehensive “Wake Up!” campaign and this new report should serve as a wake up call. It also underscores the importance of educating drivers on the simple, yet effective measures they can take to prevent a possible tragedy. What can you do to prevent fatigue from making you another crash statistic? Start any trip by getting enough sleep the night before — at least seven hours. Schedule a break every two hours or every 100 miles. If you can, have another person ride with you, who can share the driving. Learn to anticipate your circadian rhythms — or internal clocks — and avoid driving during your body’s natural downtime. Be on the alert for signs of sleepiness such as trouble keeping your eyes open, difficulty paying attention and drifting out of your lane. If you notice any of these danger signs, stop for a rest and if needed, a quick nap. Get some exercise — it helps you become more alert quickly — and for an extra boost, drink a caffeinated beverage. AAA urges all motorists to pay attention to these warning signals. Unfortunately, too many have adopted the “I’m tired, but I can make it” mentality, often at their peril or the peril of others. It’s time to put that notion to rest, once and for all.
membersonly
AAA TripTik Travel Planner, now with Google Maps Your definitive choice for online trip planning
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 ©2014 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.
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here are plenty of options for online maps and directions, but there’s only one that combines AAA’s professional hotel and restaurant ratings and robust travel information with Google map functionality — TripTik® Travel Planner. Millions of members turn to the TripTik Travel Planner (TTP) on AAA.com for trip planning expertise, including maps, driving directions, travel information, hotel reservations and more. For many travelers, 24/7 access from a personal computer offers the best of both worlds — the flexibility you need, coupled with AAA’s expert knowledge. A versatile application for both local turn-by-turn directions and long-distance routes with multiple stopovers, TTP offers the tools and customization options to help you plan a complete road trip. Choose your route, add points of interest and create maps specific to the things you’d like to see and do with accompanying AAA TourBook
guide details. Modify routes using the drag-and-drop feature to select the roads you prefer to travel. TripTik Travel Planner also displays gas station locations and electric vehicle charging station locations and provides updated fuel prices. New to TripTik Travel Planner, Google maps display at 17 zoom levels with an added option for viewing satellite imagery. For creating routes, entry points can now be added on a single line, using entries as simple as an airport or postal code. Unique to TTP, representative icons display the location of AAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants. While other mapping resources show dining and lodging options, only TTP displays properties that have been evaluated by AAA professional inspectors. Every AAA Approved establishment offers the assurance of acceptable cleanliness, comfort and hospitality, and ratings of One to Five Diamonds to help travelers find the right match of amenities and services. Follow the Diamond Ratings to
choose hotels that meet your needs and book at AAA member rates. Add your selections to the route itinerary to easily generate directions to each location. Interested in seeing what other travelers have to say about a hotel, restaurant or attraction? TTP displays traveler reviews by linking directly through the TripAdvisor network. Once you’ve customized your trips, save, print or share through e-mail, or share them with the AAA Mobile app for on-the-go use. The free AAA Mobile app is available for iPhone, iPad and Android smartphones. Coupling the AAA content and guidance travelers have trusted for more than 100 years, with other leading travel resources like Google maps and TripAdvisor reviews, make TTP the definitive choice for online maps, directions and road trip planning. Whether you need local maps, turn-by-turn directions, or a complete vacation, including low rates on hotels and other travel reservations, start with a quick trip to AAA.com.
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JANUARY 2014
Royal Caribbean introduces new Quantum class ships Why cruise travel may never be the same again
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he cruise industry is on the verge of a quantum leap with the launch of Royal Caribbean’s new Quantum class of ships. It’s a dramatic move forward, with game-changing “firsts” such as a skydiving simulator and an observation capsule that lifts guests more than 300 feet in the air. Quantum of the Seas makes her debut in November 2014, followed by sister-ship Anthem of the Seas in spring 2015. These architectural marvels at sea will span 18 decks, and carry over 4,000 passengers. Transformative venues on the 167,800-ton ships include the industry’s biggest indoor sports and entertainment complex and the cruise line’s largest and most advanced staterooms with upscale customizable layouts and larger, more intuitive storage solutions. And every one of the 2,090 staterooms will have a view with “virtual balconies.” Inside cabins will become outside cabins, thanks to an 80-inch LED projection screen mounted on the wall that streams live images from cameras mounted on the sides of the ship. Ever wonder what it feels like to freefall from 10,000 feet without jumping out of an airplane? RipCord by iFly will be the first skydiving experience at sea. Everyone from first-time flyers to seasoned skydivers can enjoy the adrenalin rush of skydiving risk-free. After a short training session you’ll get suited up and before you can say “Geronimo”
HITTING NEW HEIGHTS — North Star will take guests more than 300 feet above the ocean. you’ll be floating on a column of air inside a 23-foot-tall transparent glass flight chamber on the top deck. A marvel of maritime engineering, North Star will take guests to new heights — literally. The jewel-shaped, glass capsule will transport you on a spectacular 15 minute journey more than 300 feet above the ocean. The view alone is worth the trip with unobstructed vistas of sunrises, sunsets, ports of call and the boundless ocean.
Give Yourself an Upgrade— to the highest level of protection available! Get more from your membership. Upgrade to AAA Premier. With expanded roadside assistance — and a host of other benefits — AAA Premier is a smart choice. To upgrade your membership, call or visit your local AAA office or AAA.com, or call the Member Service Center at
1-800-441-5008
Signature Royal Caribbean venues such as the Rock Climbing Wall; FlowRider surf simulator; and DreamWorks entertainment will all be back on Quantum class. The ships will also take a quantum leap forward in their culinary offerings with the most flexible dining options and more specialty restaurants than ever before. SeaPlex, the flexible sports and entertainment venue, will inspire guests of all ages to cut loose and connect with their playful sides. Fly through the air on the circus school’s flying trapeze, or shoot some hoops on a full-size regulation court. By night, the first-ever bumper cars at sea deliver midway-style fun and excitement. Inspired by the spirit of rock ‘n roll, Music Hall is the place to enjoy intimate live performances. Rebellious and edgy, Music Hall’s two-story design will also host DJs, theme night parties, billiards and more. The multi-level Two70° is named for its 270-degree views through floorto-ceiling glass walls spanning almost three decks at the stern of the ship. Amenities include nighttime aerial entertainment and an ice bar. While Quantum of the Seas may seem like a destination unto itself,
Royal Caribbean will be steering her to some of the most storied ports in the Caribbean. Sailing out of the New York Harbor from her Cape Liberty homeport, Quantum of the Seas will offer 7- to 12-night Bahamas, Eastern and Southern Caribbean itineraries during the winter 2014/15 season. All feature a stop at Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private beach destination. A secluded tropical paradise, Labadee sits along Haiti’s mountainous north coast on the island of Hispaniola. Once the home of the “boucaniers,” the original pirates of the Caribbean, this 260-acre wooded peninsula features five spectacular beaches. Columbus Cove Beach offers a variety of family-friendly attractions including water slides. Nearby Splash Bash is a pirate-themed water playground, featuring a “sunken” pirate ship. Labadee Town Square boasts a popular artisan market and a festive atmosphere that comes alive with music, folkloric dancers and more. Adventure-hungry guests will find a fresh variety of activities including the new Dragon’s Tail Coaster, a high-speed joyride through 2,232 feet of tropical flora and rock formations. The Dragon’s Breath Flightline, offers memorable aerial views of Labadee’s coral reefs and crystal blue waters for those brave enough to take the wild ride down a 2,633-foot cable zip-line. No matter what your tolerance for adventure guests on Labadee can discover the area’s picturesque terrain with tours like the High Speed Coastal Cruise & Swim excursion and the Discover Haiti Coastal Cruise. Labadee’s Wave Jet Adventure offers guided journeys down one of the wildest coasts in the Caribbean via personal SeaDoo watercraft. Venture up to Dragon’s Rock on the tip of the island. When the surf comes in, it really does sound like the breath of a dragon.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please see this issue’s Departures Guide or log on to AAA.com/cruises for special values on Royal Caribbean cruise vacations.
Breakaway Niagara Falls We’re as close as it gets...
Just steps from the Falls, next to Skylon Tower and right beside the world-class Fallsview Casino. Two nights from just $154* including meals... 2 full breakfasts, dinner at Coco’s Steakhouse, and a superb dinner high atop Skylon’s Revolving Dining Room overlooking the Falls. Ask us about our super Niagara Attraction Package From $124 PP/DO. Unbeatable value!
BY THE FALLS Prices are per-person based on double occupancy valid Sun to Thurs. Holidays and weekends higher. Tax extra. Free Parking. Rates valid from Oct 14, 2013 through May 15, 2014. Also available child add-ons, whirlpool suites and gift certificates. *Subject to exchange rates.
$
15400*
FROM
PER PERSON DBL. OCC.
Holiday Inn By The Falls Niagara Falls, Canada 1-800-263-9393 holidayinnniagarafalls.com
JANUARY 2014
AAA MOTORIST
Member Benefits • Exclusive Offers
PAGE 7
1-800-354-8761 • AAA.com/travel
Book PLEASANT HOLIDAYS! Earn 5X Rewards PLUS $100 Gift Card Deciding which vacation offers represent the best value for your hard-earned dollars can be challenging, but during January one of AAA’s longtime preferred travel partners makes that process easier. Pleasant Holidays offers getaways to just about anywhere you dream of going — Hawaii, the Caribbean, Bermuda, Costa Rica, Mexico, Europe, the continental US and even Tahiti, Fiji and the South Pacific! And, when you book & make a deposit on ANY Pleasant Holidays vacation using your new or existing AAA Member Rewards Visa® credit card, you’ll earn 5 times the Reward Points (redeemable for great gifts as shown in the box below). Also during January, if the Pleasant Holidays vacation you book is at least 5 nights long (whether or not you use a AAA Member Rewards Visa® credit card), AAA Travel will throw in a $100.00 Visa Gift Card (1 per room; card will be mailed after receipt of full payment)! Don’t have a AAA Member Rewards Visa® credit card? Don’t fret. You can easily and quickly apply for one now and purchase your trip to take advantage of the 5X points offer. That’s not all. You can enjoy other value-added AAA Member Benefits
Get 5X Rewards Points when you book & deposit on any Pleasant Holidays vacation. JAN 1-31, 2014
LIMITED TIME OFFER
with your Pleasant Holidays vacation, such as: • a $50.00 voucher per booking toward optional activities, tour or excursions for Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean • a $40.00 discount per person toward packages in Tahiti, Fiji and the South Pacific; restrictions apply • complimentary room upgrades, early check-in & late check-out and special VIP stature (subject to availability) • additional amenities (varies by hotel)
NEW IN 2014! Select Pleasant Holidays packages have been chosen as AAA Vacations® departures, which qualify for a Double Member Benefit (applicable to select hotels with a minimum 5-night stay). AAA Vacations® departures feature 24/7 Member Care Assistance and a 24hour Best Price Guarantee. Sample AAA Vacations® land-only packages (per person, double occupancy), based on May 13-20: 5-NIGHT CANCUN from $1,241 (6,205 points): Occidental Grand Xcaret all-inclusive resort with Chichen Itza Excursion, Isla de Mujeres Catamaran, $100 voucher for optional sightseeing/activity. 7-NIGHT HONOLULU from $1,340 (6,700 points): Waikiki Beach Marriott (oceanview) with USS Arizona/City Tour, Majestic Grand Circle Island Tour, $100 voucher for for optional sightseeing/activity.
Call 1-800-354-8761, click AAA.com/ Pleasant5X or visit a AAA Travel location.
$100!
Receive a $100.00 Visa Gift Card from AAA Travel when you book & deposit on any Pleasant Holidays vacation of 5 nights or longer.
2 great offers that go hand-in-hand!
JAN 1-31, 2014 •
1 PER ROOM
REDEMPTION CHOICES
USE YOUR NEW OR EXISTING AAA MEMBER REWARDS VISA® CREDIT CARD! For information about the rates, fees, other costs and benefits associated with the use of the credit card or to apply, call the toll-free number, go to AAA.com/Pleasant5x, or visit your local AAA branch. Pleasant Holidays Bonus Points Offer. You will earn 5 points per dollar spent (consisting of 1 base point and 4 bonus points) on any Pleasant Holidays or
JourneseSM transactions that post to your account from Jan 1, 2014, through Jan 31, 2014. Purchases made through merchants other than Pleasant Holidays or JourneseSM will not qualify for the bonus points. This promotion will not impact the standard earn rate on purchases or the bonus rewards offers on travel, gas, grocery store and pharmacy
purchases. The value of this reward may constitute taxable income to you. You may be issued an Internal Revenue Service Form 1099 (or other appropriate form) that reflects the value of such reward. Please consult your tax advisor, as neither, Bank of America or its affiliates, nor their employees provide tax advice.
This credit card program is issued and administered by FIA Card Services, N.A. Visa and Visa Signature are registered trademarks of Visa International Service Association and are used by the Issuer pursuant to license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. AAA is a trademark of American Automobile Association, Inc. ©2014 Bank of America Corporation.
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Sizzlin’ Westerns CORRAL A WILD DEAL IN JANUARY!
AAA MEMBERS SAVE $50! PER PERSON WHEN TOUR IS BOOKED & DEPOSITED BY 1/31/14
DISCOVER GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
AMERICAN MAJESTY
Tour a silver mine in Wallace ID (once the “Silver Capital of the World”) and the SmokeJUNE 22-28 • $3,425 jumpers 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 up to Silver Mountain. Visit Lake Coeur d’Alene. Dine on Spokane’s River Queen paddle boat. 10 meals.
From Salt Lake City to Denver, take in some of America’s favorite national landmarks. Hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (choir schedule AUG 30–SEPT 7 • $3,619 permitting). Visit Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks (including Old Faithful & Mammoth Hot Springs), Devil’s Tower, Deadwood, Mt Rushmore (during the day and again in the evening for its inspiring lighting ceremony), Crazy Horse Monument, Custer State Park, Ft Laramie National Historic Site, Cody’s Buffalo Bill Historic Center and Cheyenne. Take a wildlife Jeep® safari through South Dakota’s Black Hills. 15 meals.
BEST OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
COLORADO TRAIN ADVENTURE
So many delights all in one tour — from the endless charms of San Francisco to the natuJULY 24–AUG 1 • $3,699 ral splendor of the redwoods at Muir Woods to the opulence of the Hearst Castle. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge, enjoy the Mediterranean ambiance of Sausalito, sample the wines of Napa Valley vineyards. Explore the coastal favorites of Carmel, Big Sur and Monterey. Marvel at the Yosemite National Park. Ride Amtrak’s scenic California Zephyr to the shores of Lake Tahoe and cruise its crystal-blue waters aboard a paddlewheeler. 14 meals.
This Centennial State tour features rides on the Pike’s Peak Cog Railway, the Royal Gorge SEPT 13-20 • $2,689 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.
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
GRAND CANYON & ARIZONA ADVENTURE
From San Francisco to Seattle, see wonders along the Pacific. Explore the City by the Bay AUG 3-10 • $3,819 and California’s Wine Country. See redwoods on the Avenue of the Giants and in Redwood National Park. Enjoy rides on a jet boat on Oregon’s Rogue River and a dune buggy at the National Dunes Recreation Area. Tour Portland and its renowned rose gardens. Marvel at the Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah Falls and Mt St Helens National Volcanic Monument. In Seattle, dine atop the Space Needle and tour the world’s largest building, a Boeing assembly plant. 10 meals.
Fly to Phoenix and ride to the luxurious Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa. Explore scenic backSEPT 21–28 • $2,559 country on an exciting off-road Pink Jeep® tour. Visit the IMAX Theater at Williams, then ride the Grand Canyon Railway (first class) to the canyon’s South Rim. Spend 2 nights there in a national park lodge, then ride the vintage Verde Canyon Railroad. Explore Old Town Scottsdale, marvel at intriguing plants at the Desert Botanical Garden and Western art at the Heard Museum. Enjoy a memorable farewell steakhouse dinner — cowboy-style! 11 meals.
YELLOWSTONE EXPERIENCE
CANYON COUNTRY EXPERIENCE
Our first national park’s first explorers were called liars when they described its otherAUG 11-17 • $2,695 worldly 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.
Eroded for eons by wind & water, the colorful canyons of AZ, UT and NV captivate all who OCT 8-14 • $2,499 visit. Begin in the Entertainment Capital of the World — Las Vegas! Enjoy an afternoon & evening on your own before departing for Kingman’s Route 66 Museum. Marvel at the magnificence of the Grand Canyon; enter the Navajo Nation and see Monument Valley from a 4WD vehicle. Enjoy a sunset jet boat ride on the Colorado River followed by a BBQ dinner. Visit 4 national parks — Arches, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon and Zion — and 2 state parks too! 11 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, roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, sightseeing admissions, taxes/gratuities for included features, baggage handling (1 bag per person) and meals as indicated. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Visit AAA.com/travel for itinerary details.
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s a i s t n V i l a Ita
This 13-day escorted adventure features visits to 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Rome, Pompeii, Florence, Pisa, Venice and Verona! Enjoy included extra-special “moments” you’d have to research & add on at your own expense & effort: • •
Guided visits to St Peter’s Basilica and Vatican City’s museums, including the Sistine Chapel A 4-course dinner with wine in Rome, with live performances of arias from the best operas After-hours visit to a 14th-century monastery, followed by a family-style feast of Tuscan dishes, with wine! A serenaded gondola cruise on the canals of Venice — one of the world’s most famous travel experiences • •
Enjoy relaxing multiple-night stays in Rome (3), Sorrento–Amalfi Coast (2), Florence (2), Venice (2) and Stresa–Lakes District (2).
Oct 18-30 • AAA Member Rate: $5,329 Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes flights (Buffalo-Rome, Milan-Buffalo), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, hotel accommodations/taxes/service charges/baggage handling (1 piece per person), 20 meals, air taxes & fees/surcharges, in-Italy tour director. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Visit AAA.com/GoItaly for details.
DOWNTOWN BANFF
BANFF SPRINGS
Fly to Calgary and drive into the Canadian Rockies to Banff. Enjoy 5 nights at Brewster’s Mountain Lodge. Ride Banff Gondola for panoramic vistas. Visit thundering Bow Falls and cruise serene Lake Minnewanka. Enjoy a day in Banff on your own; play a round on Banff Springs’ golf course, take an unforgettable helicopter sightseeing tour or relax on a river float trip. Banff offers shopping and dining opportunities – as well as an occasional moose! 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”), where you may ride the gondola. Spot wildlife along Columbia Icefields Parkway to Athabasca Glacier and turquoise Peyto Lake. Cap off the week at the world-famous Calgary Stampede, a celebration of cowboy life, chuckwagon races, rodeos, parades, fireworks and more. Enjoy the thrilling Grandstand Show from reserved seats.
JULY 6-12
SAVE $50
Canadian Rockies and the Calgary Stampede
per person! Book & deposit by Jan 31
AAA MEMBER RATE: $2,979
LAKE LOUISE
Before-discount 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, services of a AAA Tour Manager (if minimum-participation goal is met), 9 meals, motorcoach sightseeing and baggage handling (1 per person). Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Passport required.
WHAT MAKES THIS TOUR EXTRA-SPECIAL? RELAXING IN 1 GREAT HOTEL “HOME” FOR 5 NIGHTS! Brewster’s Mountain Lodge offers premier comfort in the heart of downtown Banff, your “home away from home.” Handcrafted log furnishings, Western décor, historic photos and cowboy art enhance its ambience. Relax in the whirlpool & sauna. Enjoy complimentary continental breakfast and in-room high-speed internet. Explore lobby-level boutiques.
JANUARY 2014
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Beijing
Walk on the GREAT WALL! Enter the FORBIDDEN CITY! Explore one of the world’s most important capitals and meet BEIJINGERS at home & in school! And so much more!
INTRO to CHINA AN ESCORTED EXPERIENCE
Sept 11-18 • AAA Member Rate: $3,349
Escort & driver gratuities included!
Enjoy the comfort & security of an escorted experience — a comprehensive, informative & personal look at this rapidly growing city and an in-depth introduction to its fascinating culture.
EXTRA-SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS include... • A traditional PEKING DUCK DINNER in one of Beijing‘s best restaurants renowned for the preparation & presentation of this world-famous delicacy
See landmarks & learn customs for nearly a week; then enjoy an entire day independently exploring & indulging your interests — art, history, cuisine, shopping, photography, parks & zoos — it’s all up to you, with suggestions, advice, directions, etc, from your expert guide!
• An up-close & personal FAMILY-HOME VISIT & HOME-COOKED MEAL in one of Beijing’s ancient and fast disappearing hutong neighborhoods, with an opportunity to question and interact with your hosts • An entertaining KUNG FU ACADEMY VISIT & DEMONSTRATION by its young students — whom you may meet afterward and try your hand at learning a move or two!
Marvel at ancient & modern, urban & rural, rich & poor, simple & sophisticated, serene & chaotic. Beijing’s unique combination of seemingly contradictory elements may well change your understanding of this city & nation...and provide moving memories that last a lifetime.
• A traditional, interactive & fun “HOTPOT“ DINNER, where spearing, dipping & cooking your meats & veggies in a tabletop “vat“ of broth makes for a very social experience!
4 UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES — THE GREAT WALL AT BADALING, THE IMPERIAL PALACE (FORBIDDEN CITY), THE SUMMER PALACE AND THE TEMPLE OF HEAVEN TIANANMEN SQUARE • 2008 SUMMER OLYMPICS SITE • LAMA BUDDHIST TEMPLE • HUTONG MARKET VISIT, HOME VISIT & HOME-COOKED MEAL • BELL & DRUM TOWERS TEA CEREMONY • JADE FACTORY • PEDICAB RIDE • KUNG FU DEMONSTRATION & STUDENT INTERACTION • TRADITIONAL PEKING DUCK & HOTPOT DINNERS • & MORE!
Before-discounts rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Buffalo-Beijing), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, 12 meals, in-China guide, sightseeing/admissions, baggage handling (1 per person), driver/escort gratuities, AAA Tour Manager (if minimum-participation goal is met) & government taxes/fees. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.
Visit AAA.com/GoAsia for the complete itinerary!
AAA MEMBER SAVINGS $200 $150 $100 PREMIER
PLUS
ALL SAVINGS PER ROOM
BASIC
BOOK & DEPOSIT BY 1-31-14
Meet your Experienced Guide A favorite of AAA guests on previous China tours, professional guide & Beijing resident Duan Fangming proudly shows you his city. With more than 20 years of guiding Americans through his country, he offers fluent English and extensive knowledge, insight & humor to enhance your Beijing experience with an authentic personal element rarely available anywhere else!
DUAN FANGMING
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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers ESCORTED TOUR OPERATED BY CIE TOURS INTERNATIONAL
Glasgow • Spean Bridge Woollen Mill • Loch Ness cruise • Highland evening • Blair Athol Whisky Distillery • Edinburgh & its Castle • Ferry to Northern
Bunratty Folk Park Medieval banquet in a 15th-century castle
Ireland • Belfast: Titanic Center
Cliffs of Moher
canal dinner cruise • Rock of
• Dublin: Guinness Storehouse,
Flying Boat Museum
Cashel • Blarney Castle & Woolen
Killarney National Park, including Muckross House
Mills • Killarney: “jaunting
Ring of Kerry, Skellig Experience & Moll’s Gap
car” • Ring of Kerry • Skellig Experience • Sneem • Moll’s Gap
Waterford Crystal tour
• River Shannon ferry • Cliffs
Russborough House Dinner & song at a pub
ESCORTED TOUR OPERATED BY CIE TOURS INTERNATIONAL
Dublin: tour & free time ...AND MUCH, MUCH MORE!
Oct 5-12 •
AAA Member Rate: $1,459
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 information.
TREASURES OF
SOUTH AMERICA
Been there? Done that? Here’s a 17-night escorted getaway for those “tired” of Europe or “over” the Caribbean. Look to the intriguing, inviting lands of South America! This all-toounsung continent boasts some of the world’s most fascinating natural & man-made landmarks, a colorful tapestry of native & European-influenced cultures and unique travel experiences that rival or surpass destinations you’ve already seen. Start in exciting Rio de Janeiro. Then enjoy the primal atmosphere of Iguazu, one of the world’s most breathtaking waterfalls. Fly to the wine country of Mendoza, Argentina, for tastings before visiting the “Paris of South America” — Buenos Aires! In Peru, tour Lima’s historic center (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), then fly to Cuzco and descend into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The next stop alone is worth the entire journey — Machu Picchu! Ascend by train to the “Lost City of the Incas” for a magical moment in time and nature. Also enjoy 5 extra-special experiences at no extra cost to you! • Jeep tour of the lush Tijuca Forest National Park around Rio • Rio’s “Samba City” workshop where Carnival floats & costumes are born • a night on the town at Rio Scenarium, a club offering live samba & jazz • the Inca terraces at Moray and the Sacred Valley Salineras salt mines • Iguazu rainforest safari by Jeeps & Zodiac boats to base of the falls!
Sept 10-27 •
AAA Member Rate: $8,768
Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes flights (Buffalo–Rio de Janeiro, Cuzco-Buffalo), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, hotel accommodations/taxes/service charges/baggage handling (1 piece per person), 26 meals, 5 “experiences,” air taxes & fees/surcharges and in–South America tour director. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent. Visit AAA.com/GoSouthAmerica for details.
Nov 1-12 •
of Moher (pictured) • Bunratty Castle medieval banquet • AND MORE!
AAA Member Rate: $1,799
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, 17 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/Ireland for itinerary and more information.
Portugal & its Islands Portugal is hot...and getting hotter. It’s fast becoming the last “undiscovered” destination in Western Europe. Those who have discovered its considerable assets are having a hard time keeping it to themselves! In Lisbon, explore the Moorish Alfama Quarter, Jeronimo’s Monastery (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Monument to the Discoveries and the Tower of Belem (UWHS). See Sintra (UWHS), summer residence of kings for 6 centuries. Then enjoy Portugal’s “Riviera” and dinner with wine and fado, soulful music recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible ©STEVANZZ/FOTOLIA.COM Cultural Heritage. On the Silver Coast, see sleepy villages, rich vineyards and age-old castles. See Fatima’s famous Basilica and magnificent Batalha Monastery (UWHS). The truly remote Azores lie some 900 miles west of Lisbon. Their volcanic birth created mountains and valleys, pocket lakes resting in ancient craters, hot springs, fumaroles and thermal fountains. Seaside villages, white-washed houses guarded by medieval city walls, bustling harbors and cities overflowing with architectural treasures — these, and Europe’s only pineapple and tea plantations, make the Azores all the more inviting. About 600 miles southwest of Lisbon, the resort island of Madeira, “pearl of the Atlantic,” boasts a subtropical climate, majestic mountain ranges, volcanic cave, traditional villages and age-old ways of life — fishing, wickerwork, embroidery and world-renowned wine making.
Sept 12-24 •
AAA Member Rate: $4,619
Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Buffalo-Lisbon), in-Portugal flights, roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, hotel accommodations/taxes/ service charges/baggage handling (1 piece per person), 19 meals, air taxes & fees/surcharges and an inPortugal tour director. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Visit AAA.com/GoEurope for details.
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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
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.
See & do MORE on a Celebrity Cruisetour!
LIMITEED! SPAC
ALASKA BY LAND! PLUS
Alaska Northern Glacier Cruisetour
June 20–July 3
AAA Member Rate: from $3,274
Canadian Rockies & Alaska Cruisetour Aug 8–21
AAA Member Rate: from $4,927
See the incredible, inspirational interior of the Last Frontier on this 9-night escorted tour — unforgettable experiences not on cruises!
a 6-night land tour of Alaska (Seward, Anchorage,Talkeetna, Denali, Fairbanks) OR a 6-night land tour of the Canadian Rockies (Vancouver,Victoria, Jasper, Banff, Calgary).
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
Rates are per person (double occupancy), are subject to availability at time of booking and include 7-night balcony-stateroom cruise accommodations/ entertainment, most onboard meals, government taxes, port charges, 6-night hotel accommodations and sightseeing/transportation. Ship's registry: Malta. Visit AAA.com/travel for more information. Ask about available add-on airfare. Passport required.
Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes flights (BuffaloFairbanks, Anchorage-Buffalo), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, motorcoach sightseeing, accommodations (Fairbanks, Denali, Anchorage, Seward: 2 each, Girdwood: 1), 16 meals, luggage handling (1 bag/person), gratuities for included features (includes driver, escort), in-Alaska escort and AAA Tour Manager (if minimum-participation goal is met). Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.
A Celebrity Cruisetour is an unforgettable vacation that delivers the best & most of both sea & land. Enjoy an experience-packed combination of a 7-night Alaska cruise on Millennium
PLUS
July 8-17 •
AAA Member Rate: $4,999
JANUARY 2014
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PAGE 15
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ASK US ABOUT OTHER SPECIAL OFFERS!
PAGE 16
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JANUARY 2014
Travel Europe’s original highways on a river cruise Tulips and Windmills on a Viking River Cruise
M
ore travelers are discovering that river cruising is one of the most comfortable and intriguing ways to explore Europe. River cruising allows up-closeand-personal access to cosmopolitan cities and quaint villages—because so many towns were built along these medieval highways. Travelers will also appreciate the value. Most river cruises are priced in U.S. dollars and all-inclusive pricing typically includes accommodations, all onboard meals, daily, guided shore excursions and more. Sail into the very heart of cities like Amsterdam or St. Petersburg, then walk right off the ship into the center of town. River cruising has become so popular that Viking River Cruises — the world’s largest river cruise company — launched six new vessels last year as part of company’s $250 million fleet development program. Merging cutting-edge technology with Old World elegance, Viking’s new Longships feature 190 staterooms with more full-size rooms and full-size verandas than other European river cruise vessels. Three-quarters feature a veranda, French balcony with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, or both. Tulips & Windmills is the ultimate 10-day spring sojourn through the Low Countries. Explore Amsterdam’s cosmopolitan atmosphere and world-famous museums. Experience Belgium’s Golden
IN BRUGES — Bruges is known as “the Venice of the North.” Age in historic Antwerp and the lovely patrician cities of Ghent and Bruges. Learn why the windmills were built and see how they work on an actual working windmill tour. Amsterdam gives you the impression of having stepped into a 17th century canvas by Vermeer. Linden bordered canals are lined with stately homes topped by graceful stepped gables. From Amsterdam, sail across the Ijsselmeer (once known as the Zuiderzee) to the ancient shipping vil-
lage of Hoorn. Enjoy a guided walk through the cobbled streets and visit the town’s main square, which dates back to Holland’s Golden Age. In Arnhem, take a journey to 17thcentury Paleis Het Loo, the Dutch royal family’s summer residence for more than 300-years. A guided tour offers an intimate look at the sumptuously furnished rooms and beautifully landscaped gardens. The Flemish capital of Antwerp is famous for the Cathedral of Our Lady,
with its three monumental altarpieces painted by Peter Paul Rubens. The city’s Grand Square is surrounded by the Golden Age Town Hall and Steen Castle, Antwerp’s oldest building. Sometimes referred to as “the Venice of the North” Bruges is famous for its canals and medieval architecture, most of which remains intact. Highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage Site include the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a 12th century Gothic church, and the Belfort, a 272-foot-high tower prominently featured in the 2008 film In Bruges. During the Middle Ages, Ghent was one of Europe’s wealthiest and most powerful cities. The town’s rich history and past is evident in the imposing buildings and squares. The Castle of the Counts was constructed in 1180 with 6-foot-thick walls, battlements, and turrets and a fully-equipped torture chamber. TIPTOE THROUGH THE TULIPS
Keukenhof Gardens, near Amsterdam in Holland’s Bulb Region, is the world’s largest floral park. Visitors can admire the stunning floral beauty at both indoor and outdoor exhibits of millions of blooms. FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please see your AAA Travel professional, or log on to AAA.com/cruises for more European river cruise vacations.
JANUARY 2014
AAA MOTORIST
PAGE 17
Discovering Ireland’s traditional pubs and folklore The pipes are calling you back to the Emerald Isle “A good puzzle”, mused Leopold Bloom in James Joyce’s novel Ulysses, “would be to cross Dublin without passing a pub.” But Ireland’s pubs are more than just places to tip a pint. They’re an informal venue for music, storytelling and good talk, which the Irish call “the craic.” Here the art of conversation finds effortless expression and no one remains a stranger for long. Brazen Head Pub, Dublin’s oldest, dates back to 1198. Visitors can discover what goes into making Ireland’s magical dark brew at the Guinness Storehouse. Each of the sixth floors is dedicated to a different aspect of the Guinness legend, while the rooftop Gravity Bar rewards visitors with a pint and a fine view of the city. Venturing beyond the busy capital, the Irish countryside is like a fine piece of music. It needs to be taken at just the right tempo. Cobblestone lanes and whitewashed cottages give way to luminous green valleys flecked with heather and wandering sheep. Stand under the shadows of ancient towers and cathedrals in Kilkenny. Known as the “Marble City” the locally quarried black stone with decorative white fossils forms the backbone of the town’s medieval buildings. Drop in for a pint at one of historic pubs along the Medieval Mile. Waterford is Ireland’s oldest city. This is history you can touch and feel as you explore the creative heart of Ireland’s tra-
tury mansion, overlooking Clew Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, offers a stark contrast to the Deserted Village, the remains of nearly 100 stone cottages on Achill Island, abandoned during the Great Famine in 1845. Trade stories with an Irish farming family, or visit Kilbeggan Distillery in Kilbeggan for a guided tour. Established in 1757, Kilbeggan is the oldest working pot-still distillery in the world. The tour culminates in a tasting where guests may sample a glass of “uisce beatha” the Gaeilge term for “the water of life.”
IF YOU GO
FAR AND AWAY — Slea Head on Ireland’s Dingle Penninsula. ditional crafts at Waterford Crystal. Drive south along the coast to historic Blarney Castle. High up in the battlements is the Blarney Stone, said to bestow the gift of eloquence for a kiss. The Dingle Peninsula is a rich storehouse of Irish cultural heritage. Here the old ways still survive and Gaeilge —the Irish language — remains widely spoken. Stand at the tip of Slea Head and take in the spectacular views made famous by
films like “Ryan’s Daughter” and “Far and Away.” The starkly beautiful mountains of Galway and Mayo in the west of Ireland, drop down a coast filled with mist-covered moors and windswept cliffs. South of Galway are the Cliffs of Moher. Jagged rocks tower 700-feet above the restless Atlantic coast and on a clear day, the Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay. Westport House, an elegant 18th cen-
AAA’s 6-night Irish Pub and Folk Tour departs April 25-May 4, 2014. Highlights include a Dublin bus tour; Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile tour, Achill Island tour; Kilbeggan Distillery Experience; Brazen Head Pub Dinner; visits to House of Waterford Crystal; Blarney Castle; Cliffs of Moher and Westport House. This AAA Featured Vacation includes motorcoach transportation, 8-night hotel accommodations, 15 meals, admissions, sightseeing and guide as per itinerary, hotel taxes, service charges, and baggage handling. Ask about add-on airfare. FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please see this issue’s Departures Guide or log on to AAA.com/Europe for more European vacation ideas.
Don’t be confused by battery maintenance It pays to keep your terminals tight and bright
B
atteries start people on millions of journeys every day, but motorists are often confused about proper battery maintenance. What does battery maintenance entail? Should you pry off the battery caps, check the electrolyte level and add water? And what does the term “maintenance-free” really mean? According to the Battery Council International (BCI), the majority of today’s auto batteries are maintenancefree. This means that motorists do not need to check or top off the electrolyte levels. These products typically carry a maintenance-free label or a statement that advises against opening. A few auto batteries are referred to as “low water loss” or “maintenance accessible.” In certain conditions, it may be necessary for the motorist to add water. These products do not have a maintenance-free label and motorists should read and follow all of instructions that come with the battery. If a battery cap is meant to be opened, it can be opened without much effort. Even if looks like these caps can be opened, forcing or prying them open may damage your battery. Some maintenance-accessible batteries have removable battery caps; others
to avoid corrosive particles and polyester clothes that naturally resist acid. Also avoid metal tools that could cause an arc or electrical short. Cold weather affects batteries more than any other engine component. Your vehicle’s battery loses approximately 35 percent of its efficiency when the temperature dips below freezing and close to 60 percent of its efficiency when the temperature falls below zero. If the battery is more than three years old, have it tested to ensure it can survive the coldest winter months and/or replace it as a preventative measure.
AAA BATTERY SERVICE
FAILURE NOT AN OPTION — Make sure your battery can survive the winter. carry a “magic eye,” or a translucent case. If the level is low, you can top off the electrolyte by adding a small amount of distilled — not tap — water. Tap water contains chemicals that can alter the chemistry of the electrolyte. There’s no mystery to keeping your battery in top form. Motorists should occasionally check the terminal connections (where the battery cables are hooked to the battery) to be sure the
connections are tight and free of corrosion. If the terminals are corroded, they can be cleaned with a discarded toothbrush) and a light paste of household baking soda and water. Keeping the terminals bright and tight will help ensure that the battery performs through its entire service life. Motorists who check their batteries themselves are reminded that batteries can be dangerous. Wear safety goggles
AAA’s Mobile Battery Service, can accurately diagnose your battery-related problems at the roadside and if needed, replace your battery on the spot. All AAA batteries are covered by a 72-month warranty, with a 36-month free-replacement warranty. Replacement batteries are competitively priced and AAA members receive an exclusive $25 discount. FOR MORE INFORMATION
To verify AAA Battery Service availability in your area, call our toll-free number: 1.800.222.4357.
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JANUARY 2014
Where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortéz Mexican Riviera is a top cruise destination
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t may lack the cachet of its celebrated European counterpart but savvy travelers have discovered the charms of the Mexican Riviera. A crescent-shaped coastline offers miles of flawless beaches, charming colonial towns and a formidable array of attractions. Cruise lines sailing Mexican Riviera itineraries include Carnival, Princess, Holland America, and Azamara. Most cruises sail from Los Angeles or San Diego with a few departing from San Francisco. Travelers will visit a cornucopia of coastal villages and towns along the Pacific coast. Cabo San Lucas is home to gorgeous beaches and the celebrated Los Arcos or Arches rock formations at land’s end. Carved by centuries of wind and rain, visitors can take a boat ride out to the formations. Surrounded by the Sea of Cortéz on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, picturesque Playa del Amor, or “Beach of Love” is an isolated cove is located at the very end of the Baja Peninsula. Nearby La Paz offers an authentic provincial Mexican town experience. Surrounded by desert, the capital of Baja California Sur, is set amid ancient laurel trees and coconut and date palms. Nestled in a bowl at the base of the Sierra Madres, Puerto Vallarta’s cobble-
CARVED IN STONE — The Arches rock formations were carved by centuries of wind and rain. stone streets clamber up the hillsides into the dense greens of the jungle. You can spend an eternity here, a sentiment echoed by celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, who both owned villas in an area known as “Gringo Gulch”. A pink stucco bridge was built to provide a pathway between their two “love nests”. The city is located at the center
of the “Bahia de Banderas,” or “Bay of Flags.” This horseshoe-shaped bay curves around 40-miles of protected coast and between December and April, is abundant with dolphins, sea turtles, and humpback whales, who come every winter to give birth and nurse their young. More than 15 beaches border the bay including Mismaloya Beach, where director John Huston filmed
“The Night of the Iguana.” Great care has been taken to preserve the Mexican Colonial architecture of “Viejo Vallarta” or Old Town. Whitewashed houses with wrought-iron balconies spilling with flowers, frame cobblestone streets. El Malecón, the town’s waterfront promenade, winds through the center of the town with the Guadalupe Cathedral as its centerpiece. The esplanade is lined with 20-foot bronze figures, which seem to have climbed out of the sea. Mazatlán’s name comes from a Náhuatl Indian word “Mazatl” which means “Place of Deer.” The harbor is set against a breathtaking mountain range and is blessed with 14 miles of white sand beaches. Cruise passengers can visit the new “tourism corridor” between the new cruise terminal and the Old City, stroll through the remodeled Plaza Machado, or dine at one of dozens restaurants featuring all of the dishes that make Mazatlan “The Shrimp Capital of the World.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION
See your AAA Departures Guide or visit AAA.com/cruises for more information on cruise vacations from AAA.
aroundtown WHITE OUT 2014 — (January 11) Celebrate winter with this outdoor SnowFest directly on the snowmobile trail. Event features a Pig Roast & Chicken BBQ, Quoits Tournament, Ice Bar, Black Widow band and more. Come by sled or by the carload! Discounted pre sale tickets available for $12. The party starts at 11:30 a.m. at Sandy’s White Horse Inn, 8008 Route 60, Cassadaga, NY. Contact: 716.595.3523. POLAR BEAR SWIM FOR CHARITY — (January 12) Jump into the frigid waters of Lake Erie for charity, promptly at 1:00 p.m. Many nonswimming events begin at noon and include Fantasy Black Jack, chili cook-off, ticket auction, raffles, food and music by the Bone Shakers. No cost but please bring a non-perishable item for the Food Pantry. Other charities benefiting are Variety Kids Telethon (Women & Children’s Hospital), Silver Creek Fire & Rescue and Sunset Bay Fire Dept. The location is the Firehouse on the Lake, 23 Jackson St. Silver Creek. The time is from noon to 5:00 p.m. Call 716.934.3773. BARE THE BARRELS — (January 17-19) A different kind of white sale! Visit participating wineries along the trail, find bargains on both wine and merchandise. A good opportunity to stock up on your favorite labels as
local vintners clear the tanks and barrels to prepare for 2014 releases. The time is from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. No tickets or reservations necessary. Location: Lake Erie Wine Trail, from Silver Creek to North East, PA. Contact: 877.326.6561 2345 or www.lakeeriewinecountry.org. DOORS OPEN JAMESTOWN — (January 18) Spend the day discovering Jamestown as area museums and attractions including the Fenton History Center, Robert H. Jackson Center, Roger Tory Peterson Institute, Jamestown Audubon Center & Sanctuary, Desilu Playhouse, Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center Museum, Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame, and Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena will be offering a Free Admission Day. History, arts, nature and comedy will all be there and local restaurants and retail shops will also be offering discounts. The time is from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in downtown Jamestown. CURRIER & IVES SLEIGH RALLY — (January 20) The Chautauqua County Horseman’s Association presents the Currier & Ives Sleigh Rally, a parade-style drive through the Chautauqua Institution, with horses and sleighs going down the streets lined with beautiful old homes. Group sleigh rides available. There are divisions for light
horse, pony, draft and team. The time is from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Location: Chautauqua Institution. Contact: 716.655.2045. SPORTS & OUTDOOR RECREATION SHOW — (January 25-26) The Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce hosts the 5th annual Greater Olean Area Outdoor & Recreation Sports Show at the Good Times of Olean Events Center. View the latest in hunting and fishing gear, shop for ATV’s and snowmobiles and plan and book hunting and fishing trips with outfitters. Show dates and times are Saturday, January 25, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, January 26, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Contact: 716.372.4433. THE ODD COUPLE — (January 31, Feb. 1-2, 7-9) Compulsive neat-nick Felix Unger is thrown out of his house by his divorce bound wife. He wanders aimlessly through the streets of New York, toying with the idea of suicide, before gravitating to the apartment of his best friend, incorrigibly sloppy sportswriter Oscar Madison. Worried that Felix will try something desperate, Oscar, himself in the process of being divorced by his wife, invites Felix to move in with him. Within a few days, this mismatched pair is on the verge of mutual murder! Lots of laughs for the entire family!” Location: Lucille Ball Little Theatre,
18 E. 2nd Street, Jamestown, NY. Contact: 716.483.1095 or www. lucilleballlittletheater.org for tickets and show times. SNOWFLAKE FESTIVAL — (February 1) The Snowflake Festival is back and bigger than ever! This wonderful, winter family tradition features indoor and outdoor activities for the entire family. Hiking tours, sleigh rides, arts/crafts, workshops, kicksled demonstrations, alpacas, food and entertainment. Admission is $6 ages 13 and older; $2 children 3-12; free for children 2 and under. The time is from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Location: Audubon Center & Sanctuary, 1600 Riverside Rd., Jamestown NY. Contact: 716.569.2345 or www.jamestownaudubon.org. LIVE AT THE MET: RUSALKA —(February 8) The great Renée Fleming returns to one of her signature roles, singing the enchanting “Song to the Moon” in Anton Dvorák’s soulful fairy-tale opera, Rusalka. Tenor Piotr Beczala co-stars as the Prince; Dolora Zajick is Ježibaba. Total run time for this live satellite transmission from NYC’s Metropolitan Opera is approximately 4 hours. The curtain goes up at 1 p.m. at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House. Location Barker Commons & Village of Fredonia, NY. Contact: 716.679.1891 or www.fredopera.org.
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