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JAMESTOWN REGION

Vol. 60 No. 5

MAY 2013

‘BUCKET LIST’ AAA FEATURED VACATIONS BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

AAA Member Rewards Visa® Credit Card is Miles Ahead!

MEMBERS SAVE UP T0

$1,200! PER ROOM, BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY

SOUTHERN AFRICA!

SEE CHART ON PAGE 8!

LANDS DOWN UNDER!

2 thrill-filled dream vacations pack ‘WOW! factor’ sights...and savings

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OUR HEART FLUTTERS. Your jaw drops. Your breath intake deepens. You’re experiencing a travel WOW — an extraordinary, life-affirming, awe-inducing moment of the kind we all revel in, strive to remember and can’t wait to share with the folks back home. Whether WOWs involve wildlife, amazing scenery (natural or manmade) or unique experiences or activities, they’re the hallmarks of unforgettable vacations. Such thrilling moments of goosebumps & giddiness abound on 2 very special AAA Featured Vacations — “Spectacular South Africa” and “Australia & New Zealand.” And, AAA members who book & make a deposit by May 31 will be wowed by savings of up to $1,200 per room (discount tied to your membership level; see savings chart on page 8 for details).

SPECTACULAR SOUTH AFRICA

Culture & Harmony in Nature

From the Outback to the Glaciers

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

“Oz-some” perfectly describes this very popuSafari! Swahili for “journey,” this one word lar and awesome AAA adventure April 24–May readily conjures up images of exotic animals, peo14, 2014! It’s a dream-fulfilling exploration of the ples & places. And, with the abundance of “wows” unique and diverse wonders Austraon AAA’s April 24–May 9, 2014, escorted lia & New Zealand offer. Travel down tour, you won’t be disappointed! Each tour under with an experienced AAA Tour Explore wild & wonderful areas comincludes Manager on a 21-day grand tour of citfortably and confidently as a group AAA-exclusive ies & countryside and see more and do with your fellow AAA travelers and an excursions at more than you can on most other tours experienced AAA Tour Manager from no extra cost! — from meeting Aboriginal Australians the moment you arrive in South Africa. to visiting a koala sanctuary to viewing This unique 14-night tour is jama sheep shearing. You’ll even experience unique packed with opportunities to view — and in some dining; among the 30 included meals are dinners cases, meet — wildlife “up close & personal.” Sideep “in the bush” with entertainment under dle up to penguins braying like donkeys, enjoy a star-studded sky, on a cruise around Sydney safaris (from an open-air vehicle and from atop Harbour and with a New Zealand family in their an elephant’s back!) and “capture” lions, leopards home. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! and rhinos with your camera! It all begins at Cairns, tropical gateway to the From Johannesburg to Soweto to Cape Town to Great Barrier Reef, a World Heritage Site. First, Victoria Falls, you’ll meet local people (children glide over & into the rainforest canopy at a township school, adults in a Zimin a cabled gondola, then enjoy a AAAbabwean village) and gain a better unA AAA Tour exclusive inclusion — an evening of derstanding of southern Africa’s diverse Manager is indigenous cuisine, entertainment and cultures, social challenges and unique by your side storytelling. Zip on a high-speed cataways of life. while you’re maran to a pontoon on the reef, where The places you’ll visit! In the wealthithere! you can snorkel or scuba if you wish. est province, cosmopolitan Jo’burg Fly to Uluru (Ayers Rock) in the Outbustles as a gold & diamond center and back. Tour the base of this huge monolith and, South Africa’s largest city. A visit to the informal as the sun sets, enjoy a Champagne toast watch settlements of the South West Townships (SoweUluru change colors! to) includes lunch with locals continued on page 8 continued on page 8

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

TEACHING YOUR CHILDREN ABOUT TRAFFIC SAFETY

The AAA Member Rewards Visa® credit card is putting a lot of distance between itself and the competition. No other fee free credit card even comes close. In addition to earning rewards on regular purchases the AAA Member Rewards Visa features a lucrative assortment of redemption offers and benefits, including cash, travel perks, gift cards and merchandise. And because you’re a AAA member, the AAA Member Rewards Visa® has no annual fee! Unlike some cards that set complicated rules in order to make it harder to earn rewards, using the AAA Member Rewards Visa® credit card could not be any easier. You earn genuine rewards for the things you have to buy everyday. Card members receive one point for every dollar they spend, double points on gas, grocery and drug store purchases and triple points on AAA and all travel purchases. There’s no maximum on the amount of cash back you can earn, and your rewards will be there for as long as your account remains open. And, you can combine points from multiple AAA Member Rewards Visa® credit cards! Members can redeem points for cash, travel or gift cards. Why wait? Apply for the AAA Member Rewards Visa® credit card today at AAA.com/creditcard or your nearest AAA Branch. (For more information on the rates, fees and benefits of this card, visit AAA.com/creditcard.)

Prepare to be Wowed by AAA Club Rewards on AAA.com AAA Club Rewards is 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 national chains like Kohl’s, Macy’s, Best Buy, Walmart and The Home Depot. In addition to discount offers, you’ll earn reward or WOWPoints on most purchases that you can “burn off” at your favorite participating merchants. Starting with just 200 points, AAA members can redeem their WOWPoints for merchandise on AAA Club Rewards. • WOWPoints are as flexible as cash; • 100 WOWPoints earned = $1.00; • No limit to the points you can earn; • No blackout dates, no restrictions. Registration is completely free — a valid AAA membership and email address are all you need. Why wait any longer? Register online at AAA.com/discounts. Then shop, save and earn on national and local brands, restaurants and retailers.

Set sail for Hawaii aboard NCL Cruises Scattered like pearls around the Pacific, Hawaii is the ideal cruise destination. And there is no better way to experience “the misty seas of the high heavens” than island hopping aboard NCL’s Pride of America, combined with a 2-night AAA land package at the Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa. Pride of America embodies all the attributes of NCL’s innovative Freestyle Cruising, and the 7-night cruises visit all of Hawaii’s main islands, including overnights on Maui and Kauai. Passengers will have more time in port than any other cruise line. Plus, receive special Aloha Gifts from AAA Travel, valued up to $200, when you book and deposit by May 31, 2013. SEE PAGE 9


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AAA MOTORIST

Make sure your insurance coverage goes with you Protecting your vacation and financial peace of mind

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hether your idea of a summer break is sipping a cocktail by the pool, mountain biking a double black diamond, or touring the capitals of Europe, travel insurance can provide valuable assistance and financial protection. “Emergencies are rare, but everyone should have a contingency plan,” says Jim Lehman, president AAA East Central. “Unforeseen illnesses and medical emergencies are the number one reason trips are canceled.” If you’re planning an international trip, there are three types of insurance you should consider: trip cancellation insurance, travel health insurance, and medical evacuation insurance.

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

STAY COVERED — Many travelers do not carry the appropriate insurance protection.

Travel Health Insurance

If you need medical treatment overseas, you will probably be asked to pay out-of-pocket, which could be very expensive. Even countries with nationalized health care may not cover people who are nonresidents. Before you go, consider your insurance options in case you need care while you’re abroad, especially if you have existing health conditions, will be away

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

AAA DIRECTORY

APPROVED AUTO REPAIR 412-365-7411 or 1-800-233-9733

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Trip cancellation insurance covers your financial investment in your trip, should you have to cancel a trip due to sickness, a death in the family, bad weather, delayed luggage or another disaster listed in the policy. In addition, if you or an immediate family member become seriously ill or are injured during the trip some travel insurance policies will reimburse you for the unused portion of the vacation. There may be exclusions for pre-existing conditions, so check your policy carefully. Depending on the policy, trip cancellation insurance might not cover any medical care overseas, so you may need a separate travel health insurance policy.

MAY 2013

from home for a long time, or will be engaging in adventure activities such as scuba diving or hang gliding. If you have health insurance in the United States, find out if it will cover emergencies that happen abroad. Ask if your policy has any exclusions, such as for preexisting conditions or adventure activities. If your health insurance coverage is not adequate, consider buying a short-term supplemental policy. Look for a policy that will make payments to hospitals directly.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are traveling to a destination where care is not up to U.S. standards, consider buying medical evacuation insurance. This can be purchased separately or as part of your travel health insurance policy. This insurance will pay for emergency transportation from a remote or poor area to a highquality hospital. Make sure that the policy provides a 24-hour physician support center. When deciding whether travel insurance is right for you, compare companies, policy coverage, benefits and prices. Find out what is included and what is excluded and check your current health and homeowners insurance policies to see what coverage you already have. Having the right insurance will help you prepare for the unexpected in the event your trip is canceled, interrupted or delayed.

BEFORE YOU GO

If long- or short-term foreign travel is in your plans speak with your AAA travel or insurance representative about travel insurance coverage that you can take with you wherever you go. Call 800.354.8761 or visit AAA.com/Insurance to purchase travel medical insurance online.

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


MAY 2013

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Teaching your children about traffic safety 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, 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.

Good safety habits will last them a lifetime By Richard Hamilton Chairman, AAA East Central riving always demands our full attention, but it is especially important at this time of year. After nine, long months of school, children will soon be celebrating the freedom of summer vacation. The warm sunshine beckons them to play ball, ride bikes, or cool off in the sprinkler. Children may be so distracted by the pastimes of summer, they become oblivious to the risks of traffic rolling by. Parents should never forget that children often have very little concept of the speed, weight, and power of a vehicle. They are particularly vulnerable because they are harder for motorists to see and their actions can be unpredictable. Children also tend to think that if they see a driver, the driver also sees them. Young children may not have the cognitive maturity to judge when it’s safe to cross a street and are less likely to understand the consequences of their misjudgments. They may not stop and think before darting between parked cars or chasing a ball into the street. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 300 children 15 and younger are hit and killed each year while walking in what should be their safe haven — their neighborhood. In 2010, the last year that statistics are available, almost one fifth of the children between the ages of age 5 of 9 killed in traffic crashes were pedestrians.

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Richard Hamilton The majority of preschool and elementary-school-age pedestrian injuries and deaths usually occur near the child’s home. Darting out into the street without looking is one of the most common mistakes children make, and one of the most deadly. Parents should never expect too much, too soon. NHTSA research psychologists report that parents’ or caretakers’ unrealistic expectations are a contributing factor in many child pedestrian tragedies. Learn to recognize a child’s limitations. Their peripheral vision for example, is approximately one-third narrower than an adult’s. They may have difficulty judging a vehicle’s speed or believe that a car can stop instantly.

While children may not have the judgment to cope with traffic by themselves, they can learn safety rules. Teaching children how to cross the street properly is essential. Parents must work with their kids to get them in the habit of always stopping at the edge of the street, looking left, then right, then left again to make sure the road is clear. This is the golden rule of traffic safety and it is essential for children to learn it at an early age. Find places away from streets, driveways, and parking lots for children to play. Fenced yards, parks, and playgrounds are good choices. Children also should be taught to ask an adult to retrieve any toys that roll into the street. Establish where young children can use wheeled toys such as tricycles, bicycles, wagons, or scooters. AAA recommends that parents set age- appropriate limits on where their children can walk or bike safely. As in all parenting, the do-as-I-say method works best when parents set a good example. Children will recognize when you are obeying the speed limits and giving right of way to pedestrians. Chances are, if you obey traffic signals, cross the street properly, and wear a helmet when riding a bike, so will your children. These are good safety habits that will last them a lifetime. Our children need the best protection we can provide. As a motorist you can make a real difference just by staying alert and taking extra care in residential areas or while driving where children are present.

membersonly

Let Hertz put you in the driver’s seat With exclusive members-only discounts and benefits

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ummer vacation season is nearly here, and travelers will soon be shopping for rental cars for their travel destinations. One of the 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, dollars-off 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. The key to these exclusive Hertz savings and benefits is the CDP#. Your Hertz CDP number is the same as your club code, which appears on the front of your membership card. It’s your gateway to savings and value. The Hertz system will automatically assign the best rate available within the chosen channel of distribution at the time of reservation.

Exclusive AAA member benefits include free unlimited mileage on most rentals. Families receive free use of one child, infant or booster seat with every rental, and there’s no charge for an additional driver if that driver is a AAA member with a credit card in their own name. Hertz frequently offers AAA members special single and double upgrade coupons in addition to dollars off coupons. These coupon or couponless offers are available from AAA travel offices, in your club publication and on AAA.com. While most leisure and/or promotional weekly rates require that a car be rented over Saturday night, AAA members won’t have to worry. They qualify for low weekly rates without having to keep the vehicle over a Saturday night. And when you return, a Hertz agent will be waiting to give you an Instant Return receipt before you even leave the vehicle. Hertz Gold Plus Rewards membership is free to AAA members. But

that’s not all. Basic and Plus members receive 600 Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Bonus Points. That’s enough for one free rental day after the first Gold rental. Join at AAA.com/HertzGold. AAA Premier members receive 1,000 Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Bonus Points enough for two free weekend rental days! Join at AAA.com/HertzPremier. Plus, your Hertz Discount Code (CDP#) is automatically included in your reservations. Hertz’ premier frequent renter program entitles you to membership privileges at more than 40 major airports and 1,000 locations around the world. Just get in, show your driver’s license at the exit gate and drive away. There’s no waiting in line, nothing to sign. Your car will be waiting in a weather-protected #1 Club Gold area. AAA demands the best for its members. That’s why Hertz is the only car-rental company endorsed by AAA. The next time you need a rental car let Hertz put you in the driver’s seat.


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AAA offers breakdown advice for stranded motorists Responded to 28 million roadside assistance calls in 2012

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ar problems are always an inconvenience, and can sometimes put you in harm’s way. Your first consideration should always be for the safety of yourself and your passengers and knowing how to react is something you should prepare for in advance. In 2012, AAA received more than 28 million roadside assistance calls and while 58 percent of those breakdowns were resolved at the roadside by AAA technicians, nearly 12 million vehicles needed a tow. AAA offers the following guidelines and general suggestions for motorists experiencing a breakdown. While driving, be aware of and know how to respond to warning signs such as brake or steering problems, or steam or smoke billowing from under the hood. If your car is clearly experiencing a problem but can still be driven a short distance, drive to a safe location such as a parking lot. If it’s a flat tire, the first rule is not to panic. Signal, slow down gradually and carefully pull onto the shoulder of the road, avoiding any sudden maneuvers. If you run out of gas or your engine stops, switch on the emergency flashers, carefully steer your vehicle out of traffic. Use the car’s momentum to get you off the road and to a safe place. Avoid applying the brakes until necessary.

• Your location — exact address or nearest intersection or exit number; • A description of your vehicle — color, make, model and year; • License plate number. Android and iPhone users can also download the AAA Mobile app at AAA. com/mobile, which provides easy access to roadside assistance, vehicle battery quotes, and Approved Auto Repair (AAR) locations. AAA roadside technicians can provide fuel, change tires, boost a battery and employ basic roadside problemsolving techniques to get the vehicle going. If the AAA technician is unable to remedy the problem at the roadside, the car will need to be towed to a repair facility.

RIDING TO THE RESCUE — AAA was able to resolve 58% of all breakdowns at the roadside in 2012. If your vehicle cannot get completely off the roadway, switch on the emergency flashers. Occupants should not remain in the vehicle if there is a possibility it may be struck by other traffic. For the same reason, it is generally not a good idea to attempt to push a disabled car off the road. Make sure your vehicle is visible to other motorists especially in inclement weather. In addition to turning on the emergency flashers, drivers can signal

they have a problem by raising the car hood, tying a brightly colored scarf to the antenna or door handle, or setting out flares, warning triangles or emergency beacons to help direct traffic away from your vehicle. Once everyone is in a safe location, request assistance from AAA and have the following information ready: • Your AAA membership number; • The phone number where you can be reached;

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. 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. Approved Auto Repair facilities also can be quickly found using the AAA Mobile app, a free download for iPhone and Android at the AAA Mobile solutions page at AAA.com/mobile.

Get More... Out of Your Membership with

AAA Plus!!

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s a AAA basic member, you enjoy countless valuable benefits — from roadside assistance to travel services, member discounts, and access to financial and insurance services. And there’s more! When you sign up for AAA Plus membership, you’re eligible for all of the benefits of basic membership, plus enhanced and extended services, including:

n Up to 100 miles of free towing n Free emergency fuel n Up to $100 emergency locksmith services n Extended extrication service

Get more out of your membership

Call or visit your local AAA office or AAA.com, or call our Member Service Center at 1-800-441-5008


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Set sail on a repositioning cruise this fall Changes in latitude bring changes in attitude

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ooling fall temperatures can signal some hot cruise deals. Cruise ships, like migratory birds, tend to follow the sun, and in the fall many ships return to the Caribbean from Europe, Alaska, and New England. Since no cruise line wants to sail without passengers, they offer a variety of special off-season and promotional rates, all of which make these repositioning cruises a particularly fine bargain. Many cruise lines also use additional sea days to enhance onboard activities with special themes and out-ofthe-ordinary entertainment. This rare combination of exotic, off the beaten path locales, leisurely days at sea, and incredible value means they often sell out early. If there’s a downside it’s that these cruises begin and end in different ports and that can mean buying two, one-way plane tickets. Celebrity Cruises’ 14-night Spanish Serenade repositioning cruise departs Barcelona onboard Celebrity Equinox October 27. Ports include of Palma De Mallorca; Valencia; and Malaga, Spain; Lanzarote, and Tenerife, Canary Islands; and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Often referred to as the Hawaii of the Atlantic the Canary Islands’ seven major islands are all remnants of extinct volcanoes. The French poet André Breton called them “a surreal paradise” where

Save $10 on a new AAA Gift Membership through May 31st

admire the breathtaking scenery along Madeira’s southern coast. The Madeira Islands are famous for their strategic location along the old trade routes between Africa and the Americas, and the wonderful Madeira wine produced here. From the time of Vasco Da Gama, to the age of the steamship, the Madeira Islands served as a supply and fuel stop for countless sea voyagers. George Washington is said to have loved Madeira wine and drank a pint of it daily. Today’s Madeira wine comes in a range of varieties — from young, light and dry, to the rich, honeyed vintages over one hundred years old. Visitors also come to the islands for their remarkable natural beauty, the beaches, golf, hiking, deep-sea fishing, and old world charm.

WISH YOU WERE HERE — Repositioning cruises offer one-of-a-kind ports like Funchal, Madeira. snowcapped mountains loom over lush tropical lagoons. Lanzarote, the northernmost of the Canary Islands, was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1993. Arrecife, the island’s capital presides over a smiling crescent of beach with a broad, palm-lined promenade. Mount Teide, a dormant volcano and the tallest mountain in Spain, dominates Tenerife, the largest of the islands. Princess Cruises is sailing 15-night Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale Transatlantic Cruise onboard Ruby

Princess November 29. Ports include featuring Barcelona; Toulon, France; Florence/Pisa (Livorno), and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; and Madeira (Funchal), Portugal. Located 750 miles southwest of Lisbon, about 300 miles from the west coast of Africa, the “Islands of Eternal Spring” are nature’s very own botanical garden overflowing with frangipani, bougainvillea, hibiscus, orchids and azalea. Home to some of the world’s highest volcanic cliffs, from Cabo Girão you can

NO SHAGGY DOG STORY

Contrary to popular belief the Canary Islands’ name has nothing to do with the colorful songbird. The name derives from Latin term Insularia Canaria, or Island of the Dogs, referring to the fierce packs of wild dogs that once roamed Grand Canaria. FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please see your AAA Departures Guide or log on to AAA.com/cruises for special values on cruise vacations.

The Perfect Gift! Graduations, Father’s Day, Birthdays, Weddings … Whatever the occasion, it’s the perfect time to give a AAA Gift Membership. With roadside assistance, vacation planning, maps, travel guides, exclusive savings, and much more, you can trust AAA membership to be a perfect fit.

EMERGENCY ROAD SERVICE ????????? ????????? ????????? ????????? All Other Areas (800) AAA_HELP (800) 222-4357

To purchase a AAA Gift Membership, call or visit your local office or AAA.com.


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Southern Africa

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at a shebeen (house tavern). At the Apartheid Museum, take an in-depth look at the nation’s divisive past. Travel through the Drakensburg Mountains to South Africa’s largest game reserve, Kruger National Park. A local expert leads you in search of the Big 5 — elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino. Watch carefully from your open-air safari vehicle; you may also see impala, zebra and giraffe. Save enough film or memory to capture the stunning beauty of the Garden Route, a scenic stretch of coastline between mountains and the Indian Ocean on the way to Tsitsikamma Forest, home to hundreds of species of birdlife. At Featherbed Nature Reserve, cruise a lagoon to the Heads, sandstone cliffs near Knysna, culinary capital of oysters and other delectable seafood. Then visit the national ostrich capital; tour a working farm and, if you choose, ride these flightless and largest of living birds. Afterward, a goblet of great wine may be in order. Fortunately, the Cape Winelands region is your next stop! South Africa has produced wine since 1659; visit a wine farm and sample a blend at a winery restaurant among the vines. One of the world’s most multicultural cities, Cape Town hugs a visually stunning harbor with a mountain forming a dramatic backdrop to the City Bowl. With its plateau more than 3,300 feet high, Table Mountain is surrounded

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AAA MEMBER SAVINGS

April 24–May 9, 2014 • AAA Member Rate: $8,699 Rate per person (double occupancy) is before savings, is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Buffalo-Johannesburg), in-Africa flights, roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, sightseeing per itinerary, accommodations, hotel luggage handling (1 bag per person), taxes/gratuities/government fees for included features, 28 meals, in-Africa guide, cancel-for-any-reason protection and the services of a AAA Tour Manager (if minimum-participation goal is met). AAA Member Choice Vacations® door-to-door transfer service is unavailable on this departure. Visit AAA.com/ GoAfrica for complete itinerary and important pre-travel information. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Kruger National Park: Safari drive Port Elizabeth: Garden Rte gateway Garden Route: coastal scenery Tsitsikamma Forest: birdlife Knysna: resort town, school visit

Lands Down Under

by near-vertical cliffs, Devil’s Peak and In Alice Springs, meet an Aboriginal Lion’s Head. Ride a thrilling cable car to musical group and dine in the bush its top for breathtaking views. (When a with entertainment under the stars. On thin strip of cloud forms over the mouna special Dreamtime tour, you’ll learn tain, locals call it their “tablecloth.”) about Aboriginal culture, meet individOn Cape Peninsula, visit with penuals and even visit a school. guins at Boulder Beach; explore KirstenOften characterized as Victorian, Melbosch Botanical Gardens. Take an afterbourne is lively and cosmopolitan; tour hours tour of the African Gold Museum its lovely Fitzroy Gardens and then travbefore enjoying a traditional African el to Phillip Island Nature Park, home of dining experience. the world’s largest Not yet wowed colony of Little (or, enough? Fly to as they’re known Book & make a deposit Zimbabwe’s Victorto Aussies, Fairy) by May 31, 2013, to save! ia Falls (its indigpenguins, just 13" enous name means tall, the smallest SOUTH AFRICA AUSTRALIA & NZ “smoke that thunpenguin species. $700 ...... Premier .... $1,200 ders”), where the Watch hundreds of $600 ..... AAA Plus ... $1,100 Zambezi River falls these lovable birds in a single vertical waddle from sea $550 .........Basic ....... $1,050 drop into a chasm to beach burrow, a Savings per room, based on double occupancy. To qualify, you must purchase air through AAA. 5,604 feet wide; the fascinating parade depth of the chasm sure to make you varies from 260 to 354 feet. Stay at the smile and one you’ll never forget! 5-star Victoria Falls Hotel, the “grand Next, you’ll air-hop to the “most Engold lady” built in 1904. Take a leisurely lish city outside of England” — Christcruise on the Zambezi at sunset. Then church, New Zealand’s “Garden City.” enjoy a full day — including a safari on Then ride on the Tranz-Alpine Express the back of an elephant! — at Botswathrough the scenic Southern Alps. Exna’s Chobe National Park, home to an perience Franz Josef Glacier Region’s dyabundance of wildlife and game. namic and spectacular glacial landscape. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime travFor even more wows, you can opt for a el opportunity no lover of wildlife and thrilling flightseeing tour of the region. natural scenic beauty should miss. Visit Later, at the West Coast Wildlife Centre, AAA.com/GoAfrica and contact a AAA learn about the endangered kiwi bird. Travel Agent today! “The Lord of the Rings” fans will

SPECTACULAR SOUTH AFRICA

Sandton/Johannesburg Soweto: “house tavern” lunch Blyde River Canyon The Three Rondavels Bourke’s Luck Potholes

MAY 2013

Featherbed Nature Reserve Oudtshoorn: ostrich “capital” Stellenbosch/Winelands Cape Town: Table Mtn Gondola Victoria Falls/Zambezi River

AAA-EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU! At Knysna lagoon, enjoy oysters & sparkling wine dockside, a paddle boat ride, an onboard local-specialties cooking demonstration and a delicious 3-course dinner! Enjoy a full-day adventure in Botswana’s Chobe National Park, featuring a river cruise and a memorable wildlife-viewing safari from atop the back of an elephant!

Enjoy an entertaining 30-minute ONLINE PRESENTATION on your computer — the first step of your AAA adventure! Ask real-time questions, learn from travel experts and marvel at incredible images. Register at 1-800-354-8761. South Africa — May 29 @ 7pm Australia & NZ — May 15 @ 7pm

EARN TRIPLE POINTS on your next AAA trip! Book your vacation using the AAA Member Rewards Visa® and earn triple points for each dollar spent on qualifying AAA Travel purchases. That means you could earn enough points to enhance your vacation with an unforgettable beachside horseback ride, amazing snorkeling tour or any of the hundreds of great adventures available. You’ll also get 2,500 bonus points after your first qualifying purchase. Apply at any AAA branch. For more information on the costs and benefits of this card, visit a AAA branch.

absolutely love the voyage to “Middle Earth.” See primeval, mystical landscapes where Tolkien’s powerful trilogy was filmed; vast panoramas of unspoiled wilderness on South Island made it an ideal setting. Trek by 4x4 Range Rovers into the aptly named Remarkable Mountains and across the Arrow River. Visit an 1800s gold rush boomtown, then enjoy a tasting at one of NZ’s famous wineries. Spend ample time exploring the splendor of Mt Cook National Park. Stop at a working farm for a riveting demonstration by a sheep herding dog followed by a sheep shearing. Afterward, sit down to dinner in the home of a friendly local family, getting to know them and their culture. Fly to Sydney for a unique Epicurean tour, savoring each course in a different restaurant. Extensively tour this fun-loving city; see the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, the Botanic Gardens and fashionable Paddington. After a guided tour of the instantly recognizable Sydney Opera House, enjoy time to explore the city’s many other sites. On your final day, wallabies, kangaroos, dingoes and the namesake “stars” of Koala Park will enchant you, as will the gems of the National Opal Collection. End this Oz-some tour with a farewell dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour! An optional 3-night post-tour stay in Fiji is available — a perfect ending to a perfect journey. Contact AAA Travel!

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND April 24–May 14, 2014 • AAA Member Rate: $9,849 Rate per person (double occupancy) is before savings, is subject to availability at time of booking and includes flights (Buffalo-Sydney, Sydney-Christchurch, ChristchurchBuffalo), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, hotel luggage handling (1 bag per person), taxes/gratuities/government fees for included features, 30 meals, professional guide in Australia & New Zealand, cancel-for-any-reason protection and the services of a AAA Tour Manager (if minimum-participation goal is met). AAA Member Choice Vacations® door-to-door transfer service is unavailable on this departure. Visit AAA.com/GoAustralia for complete itinerary and important pre-travel information. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Cairns Rainforest Cableway Great Barrier Reef Uluru/Ayers Rock Alice Springs Aboriginal Dreamtime tour Melbourne

Little Penguin colony Christchurch Tranz-Alpine Express ride Franz Joseph Glacier Queenstown Milford Sound cruise “Middle Earth” 4x4 trek

Winery tour & tasting Mt Cook National Park Herding/shearing demo Dine with a NZ Family Sydney & Opera House Koala Park & Opal Collection Sydney Harbour dinner cruise

AAA-EXCLUSIVE INCLUSION AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU! In Cairns, at the beginning of your adventure, embrace Australia’s ancient indigenous culture with an evening of entertainment, discovery, delicious cuisine and storytelling that brings Dreamtime legends to life.


MAY 2013

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Member Benefits • Exclusive Offers

1-800-354-8761 • AAA.com/travel

AAA + NCL = The very best way to see the most of Hawaii...and get Aloha Gifts!

It all adds up to a 7-night, 4-island cruise plus 2 nights on Waikiki and a Pearl Harbor excursion!

The formula for a fantastic, fun and free-of-hassles Hawaiian vacation is the simple addition of a 2-night AAA land package and a 7-night NCL cruise! What you get is the convenient, comfortable and unforgettable experience of visiting 4 islands of America’s own slice of paradise over 9 nights, minus the annoyance of repeatedly packing & unpacking, flying from island to island, transferring from hotel to hotel. In fact, it couldn’t be easier. Start with 2 nights on Oahu in Waikiki, Honolulu’s beachfront district known for placid waters, spectacular views of Diamond Head and unlimited opportunities for entertainment, dining, nightlife and shopping. Lounge in luxury at the Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa right in the middle of it all! An included 5-hour excursion to Pearl Harbor includes a moving visit to the USS Arizona Memorial. NCL’s Pride of America is a vibrant US-flagged, Americana-themed “floating resort hotel” full of choices to maximize the enjoyment of your cruise. Its friendly American crew is ready to assist you and make sure your cruise is just that — yours. Freestyle Cruising® starts with a wide DAY

PRE-CRUISE HONOLULU LOCATIONS

range of dining options included in your cruise price and available on your schedule. Freestyle Dining means sitting down to a 4-course meal and a fine wine...or grabbing a burger hot off the grill. Dressing up. Dressing down. Sitting with friends or making new ones. You’ll find more dining options than days of your cruise, and you’re free to enjoy them all on your own schedule. For even more memorable experiences, cover-charge specialty restaurants provide refined choices; experience a Brazilian churrascaria or a Chicago steakhouse (both new in 2013) or dine on expertly prepared sushi, traditional French bistro or Italian trattoria fare — it’s all onboard. And it’s all delicious. The freedom continues with entertainment for all. From Broadway shows to adults-only clubs where you can dance ’til dawn to supervised activities for kids & teens. Pools with slides, WiiTM on 2-story screens, modern fitness centers, expansive spas, fun kids & teens programs, wine tastings, an always exciting casino and more are all waiting for you onboard. When it’s time to recover from the excitement, retreat to accommodations de-

1 .... Arrive Honolulu Airport, transfer to your room at Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa 2 .... Enjoy all of the fun & sun of Waikiki at your leisure; do as much or as little as you like! 3 .... Pearl Harbor excursion, then afternoon transfer to ship at Pier 2, Port of Honolulu

DAY

CRUISE PORT, ISLAND

ARRIVE

DEPART or OVERNIGHT

3 ....Honolulu, Oahu.................7pm 4 ....Kahalui, Maui ........8am ...overnight in port 5 ....Kahalui, Maui ...................6pm 6 ....Hilo, Hawaii ...........8am ...6pm 7 ....Kona, Hawaii .........7am ...5:30pm 8 ....Nawiliwili, Kauai ...8am....overnight in port 9 ....Nawiliwili, Kauai ..............2pm 10 ...Honolulu, Oahu......7am....transfer to airport

signed for the way you cruise. Bring your sweet dreams to a balcony stateroom, a 2-bedroom family suite or a stylish studio for solo travelers (new in 2013!). There’s a large selection of oceanview & inside staterooms; NCL has a higher percentage of balcony rooms than any other line. After settling into your at-sea digs, get set to visit 3 other Hawaiian isles — Maui, Hawaii (the Big Island) and Kauai. A surplus of natural splendor and the genuine hospitality of its people help to make Maui Hawaii’s second most popular island. Explore the fascinating history of Lahaina. Picnic at a plantation, plant yourself on a pristine beach or play one of the world’s most beautiful golf courses. Hilo is like one giant greenhouse with spectacular tropical flowers at every turn. Visit well-preserved historic buildings, dating to the turn of the 20th century and showcasing Hawaii’s unique architecture. Nearby Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home of the active volcano, Kilauea. Kona offers the quintessential Hawaii experience. Sunny, warm weather and crystal-blue waters entice visitors to partake in a variety of surfside fun. Snorkel

BOOK & DEPOSIT BY MAY 31, 2013, AND GET THESE AAA ALOHA GIFTS! BALCONY STATEROOM

$200.00 Target Gift Card AAA Travel Beach Towels 2-towel set valued @ $35

OUTSIDE STATEROOM

$100.00 Target Gift Card AAA Travel Beach Towels 2-towel set valued @ $35

INSIDE STATEROOM

$50.00 Target Gift Card AAA Travel Beach Towels 2-towel set valued @ $35

1 each per new booking — May 1-31, 2013

among a kaleidoscope of tropical marine life, take a surfing lesson, enjoy a kayaking trip or head out for deep-sea fishing. Named after wiliwili trees which once lined its picturesque harbor, Nawiliwili is your gateway to what many believe to be Hawaii’s most beautiful island, Kauai. On the “Garden Island,” nature is truly the star, from the dramatic mountains of Kokee to the cool rain forests of Haena. Looking for the best Hawaiian vacation experience? Just calculate this simple equation: AAA Travel plus NCL equals great times, great value and great gifts!

3 HOT WINTER DEPARTURES IN 2014! JAN 9-18 from $1,705 • JAN 30–FEB 8 from $1,809 FEB 27–MARCH 8 from $1,809

AAA MEMBER RATES are per person (double occupancy), are subject to availability at time of booking and include airport/hotel transfers (for flights purchased through NCL), 2 nights at the Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa, Pearl Harbor/USS Arizona Memorial excursion, hotel/pier transfers, 7-night cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals, government taxes/fees, port charges and pier/airport transfers (for flights purchased through NCL). Ship’s registry: USA. Ask about available add-on airfare.


PAGE 10

AAA MOTORIST

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers Princess Cruises & AAA Vacations offer some of the best values at sea & great benefits unavailable elsewhere! ®

Preferred Check-in does not grant priority boarding

Up to $75 Onboard Credit per stateroom

Wine Tasting DATE

NTS

SHIP

7/7

7

Golden

Alaska Inside Passage: Roundtrip from Seattle

7/22 7

Island

Alaska Northbound: Vancouver to Whittier

8/4

Golden

Alaska Inside Passage: Roundtrip from Seattle

7

ITINERARY

8/18 10

Grand

Alaska: Roundtrip from San Francisco

8/19 7

Island

Alaska Northbound: Vancouver to Whittier

9/7

Diamond

Alaska Southbound: Whittier to Vancouver

9/15 7

Golden

Alaska Inside Passage: Roundtrip from Seattle

10/24 11

Coral

Panama Canal: Roundtrip from Ft Lauderdale

11/10 15

Grand

Hawaii: Roundtrip from San Francisco

11/14 15

Island

Panama Canal: Los Angeles to Ft Lauderdale

11/19 10

Emerald

Southern Caribbean: Roundtrip from Ft Lauderdale

7

12/5 15

Star

Hawaii: Roundtrip from Los Angeles

12/9 10

Emerald

Southern Caribbean: Roundtrip from Ft Lauderdale

12/15 7

Royal

Eastern Caribbean: Roundtrip from Ft Lauderdale

12/15 7

Sapphire

Mexico: Roundtrip from Los Angeles

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!


MAY 2013

AAA MOTORIST

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Skip long admission lines at some of Europe’s must-see sites on “SKIP THE LINE” tours with Pleasant Holidays AAA Travel partner Pleasant Holidays now offers unique “SKIP THE LINE” tours in 3 of Europe’s most popular cities — Rome, Paris and Florence. Choosing these optional tours lets you enjoy priority admission to famous — and often crowded — attractions like the Colosseum in Rome, the Louvre Museum in Paris and the Accademia Gallery in Florence. Forget about waiting for hours — sometimes in hot summer temperatures — and wasting precious vacation time. These really “cool” “SKIP THE LINE” tours let you feel like a VIP at places like Versailles in Paris or the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, among others. “SKIP THE LINE” tours are just some of the many optional tours that the Europe activity experts at Pleasant Holidays offer. In London, for instance, you can opt for the intriguing Jack the Ripper Evening Tour or how about Champagne Tea at Harrod’s? And kids will love the private tours of Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studios. When it comes to vacationing in Europe with Pleasant Holidays, the possibilities are endless. Pleasant Holidays can easily arrange all of your transatlantic and inter-Europe flights, hotel accommodations, transfers, car rentals and an extensive array of in-city tours & activities. And during 2013 you can take advantage of a AAA Member Benefit of $50.00 off each booking! Contact AAA for Pleasant Holidays flights, hotels, car rentals, tours & more.

SAMPLE 5-NIGHT EUROPE CITY VACATION PACKAGES ROME • $1,204 per couple includes hotel accommodations, daily breakfast & 2 tours below

Frascati Wine Tasting: The only tour of its kind in Rome. Visit one of the oldest, most beautiful vineyards in the Frascati region. An expert illustrates local wine-producing methods from antiquity to today. Tour the property and talk about the fascinating history of wine in ancient Rome, followed by a tasting of 3 wines and freshly pressed olive oil. Rome in 1 Day “SKIP THE LINE”: Visit the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum with “Skip the Line” access. Take a lunch break (not included) in the historical center of the city before wandering its picturesque streets & piazzas, seeing Piazza Navona and its Bernini fountain. The guide brings sites to life with stories and myths that make Rome unlike any other city.

PARIS • $1,762 per couple includes hotel accommodations, daily breakfast & 2 tours below

Famous Graves of Paris: A must-see cemetery? Père Lachaise is well worth it; it’s home to 70,000 dead, including some of the world’s most famous artists, writers and musicians. Most know this place for Jim Morrison, but Chopin, Wilde, Piaf and many, many others rest across this magnificent hilltop setting. Meander through the labyrinth of elaborate crypts and overhanging trees. Louvre Museum “SKIP THE LINE”: This all-inclusive small group explores the world-famous collection of paintings, sculpture and architecture with an English-speaking guide. Gaze on some of the world’s most recognizable masterpieces. Seeing all the Louvre has to offer is impossible; this tour makes the most of your time, leading you through the best!

FLORENCE • $2,293 per couple includes hotel accommodations, daily breakfast & 2 tours below Best of Florence “SKIP THE LINE”: This walking tour visits “Porcellino,” Ponte Vecchio, Leather Market and the Duomo. Enjoy artisan gelato. “Skip the Line” at Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s 17-foot “David” and at Uffizi Gallery to see works by Italian Masters; hear stories about artists, architects and patrons. View the city center from a rooftop terrace.

Best of Tuscany in a Day: A guided tour of Siena visits its medieval center, a World Heritage Site, and the Duomo, one of Italy’s most impressive Gothic cathedrals. Visit the estate of Niccolò Machiavelli and the Chianti wine region (lunching in a vineyard). Also tour well-preserved Lucca and take a mini-train in Pisa to the cathedral and the Leaning Tower.

VENICE • $2,037 per couple includes hotel accommodations, daily breakfast & 2 tours below

Best of Venice: On this tour of 10 people maximum, see the best of Venice from water, land and the St Mark’s Basilica terraces. Start on Grand Canal; the city’s main waterway snakes past 50 palaces, 6 churches, 4 bridges and 2 markets. Visit Bovolo staircase, stop by Marco Polo’s house (outside), see lively Campo San Luca and Campo SS Giovanni & Paolo. View mosaics at St Mark’s. Secret Venice by Night: Start at Rialto Bridge. As you stroll, your guide tells stories, myths & legends, giving you a local’s perspective. Pass Peggy Guggenheim’s museum and hear about the patroness who lost her father to the Titanic but gained the means to build one of the world’s most notable art collections. End with an unforgettable 40-minute gondola ride as the sun sets.

LONDON • $2,212 per couple includes hotel accommodations, daily breakfast & 2 tours below

Total London: Begin at the Tower of London before it opens to the public. View the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace & take a panoramic drive featuring the Houses of Parliament, Whitehall, Downing Street and a photo stop at Westminster Abbey. Cruise on the River Thames. Tour St Paul’s Cathedral, including the Whispering Gallery, and take a “flight“ on the London Eye. Stonehenge, Lacock & Bath: Enjoy a sunset viewing of 5,000-year-old Stonehenge, the world’s most popular prehistoric monument. Bath, a World Heritage Site, is a Georgian city with delightful crescents, terraces & architecture; tour its Roman Baths. Visit Lacock, a Saxon village where many dramas (Jane Austen’s “Pride & Prejudice“) were filmed. Dine at George Inn, a pub built in 1361. Rates shown are for July 15-20, 2013, and are subject to availability at time of booking. Other dates/rates available. Ask about available add-on airfare.

THE AMERICAN WEST

Where the sun sets and the fun rises! AAA MEMBER 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.

LAST CHANCE TO BOOK THESE 2! Southwestern Canyonlands

Best of Northern California

Eroded for eons by wind & water, the colorful canyons of Arizona, Utah & 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.

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, Carmel-by-the-Sea, 17-Mile Drive, Big Sur, San Simeon (Hearst Castle), Salinas Valley and Silicon Valley. 14 meals.

June 12-20 • $2,725

July 25–Aug 2 • $2,859

American Majesty

Grand Canyon Adventure

Napa Valley & San Francisco

New Mexico Balloon Fiesta

From Salt Lake City to Denver, take in some of America’s favorite landmarks. 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 Buffalo Bill Historic Center. Float down the Snake River and ride a Jeep safari in the Black Hills. Hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (schedule permitting). See Crazy Horse Monument. 15 meals, including a chuck wagon dinner.

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.

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.

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.

Aug 31–Sept 8 • $2,735

Oct 4-10 • $2,195

Oct 7-12 • $1,949

Oct 9-15 • $2,309


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AAA MOTORIST

MAY 2013

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Celebrity Cruises & AAA Vacations offer some of the best values at sea & great benefits unavailable elsewhere! ®

Priority Check-in does not grant priority boarding

Up to $100 Onboard Credit per stateroom

DATE

SHIP

ITINERARY

11/7 15

NTS

Infinity

Panama Canal: Miami to San Juan

11/9 7

Summit

Southern Caribbean: Roundtrip from San Juan

11/16 7

Reflection

Eastern Caribbean: Roundtrip from Miami

11/23 7

Reflection

Eastern Caribbean: Roundtrip from Miami

11/30 7

Summit

Southern Caribbean: Roundtrip from San Juan

11/30 14

Eclipse

Southern Caribbean: Roundtrip from Ft Lauderdale

12/7 7

Summit

Southern Caribbean: Roundtrip from San Juan

12/9 11

Equinox

Southern Caribbean: Roundtrip from Ft Lauderdale

12/14 7

Summit

Southern Caribbean: Roundtrip from San Juan

12/15 7

Silhouette

Western Caribbean: Roundtrip from Ft Lauderdale

12/20 10

Equinox

Southern Caribbean: Roundtrip from Ft Lauderdale

12/21 7

Reflection

Eastern Caribbean: Roundtrip from Miami

12/22 7

Silhouette

Eastern Caribbean: Roundtrip from Ft Lauderdale

12/28 7

Reflection

Eastern Caribbean: Roundtrip from Miami

12/28 7

Summit

Southern Caribbean: Roundtrip from San Juan

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. ®

AAA.com

CRUISES • FLIGHTS AAA FEATURED VACATIONS HOTEL/MOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS RENTAL CARS • AAA DRIVE TRIPS TOURS – DOMESTIC & INTERNATIONAL LAST-MINUTE SAVINGS

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.

Research & book travel arrangements from the comfort of your home – 24/7.

24 / 7 MEMBER CARE

TRAVEL WITH SOMEONE YOU TRUST.®

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!

Linking you & your next vacation!

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.

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


MAY 2013

AAA MOTORIST

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers Independent travel with AAA Vacations®

On your own but never alone 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

You want to travel to Europe, but you don’t care to be with an organized tour group. And yet you’d like the convenience & value of pre-arranged elements (like hotels, sightseeing, intercity rail/ferry transporation and airport transfers) at lower-than-market rates only a travel industry power-buyer can offer. AAA Vacations® answers the call! If you prefer a flexible vacation with limited structure, pre-packaged Independent Vacations from AAA Vacations® are the perfect solution for you. Choose from more than 20 exciting vacation combinations, all offering a choice of trip and hotel standard. In addition, you’ll have 24/7 access to a local host in each city. These hosts know the “lay of the land” and can provide advice and answer any qestions for you throughout your trip. With guaranteed daily departures, you can travel any day you wish. Your package will include private roundtrip airport/hotel transfers and a choice of 4- or 5-star centrally located hotels in each city, including hotel taxes and service charges. You even get breakfast daily! Also included is rail transportation with reserved seats between each city

(standard class on 4-star-hotel option or first class on 5-star-hotel option). If you travel between islands in the Mediterranean, your ferry transportation is also included. Of course, a city sightseeing tour in your featured city(ies) is included. AAA members enjoy a wide range of helpful services & money-saving benefits, including 24/7 Member Care, a Best Price Guarantee and a $40 per person dining credit redeemable at select restaurants popular with locals. And don’t forget the AAA Member Benefit of $40 per person off packages totaling $2,000 or more per person. Here’s a sample of some 5-day vacations (other day-lengths available): Dublin & Killarney — from $1,109 London & Paris — from $1,275 Rome & Venice — from $944 Barcelona & Madrid — from $1,007 Prague & Budapest — from $835 Self-drive Ireland vacations featuring bed & breakfasts, hotels, castles & manor stays are also available; contact a AAA Travel Agent! Rates are per person double occupancy, land only. Restrictions apply to the AAA Vacations® 24/7 Member Care and Best Price Guarantee.

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: $1,698 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

Since the inaugural race in 1994, this annual 400-mile NASCAR Sprint Cup points race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has become one of NASCAR’s most-attended events and its second highest paying race in dollars (behind the Daytona 500). Don’t miss it!

Reserved paddock seating with views of turns 1 & 4, the pit road & the winner’s circle 2-night accommodations, daily breakfast & tax at Embassy Suites Indianapolis–North A $50.00 gas card AAA Member Rate: $375 per person, double occupancy LIMITED AVAILABILITY! LIMITED AVAILABILITY! LIMITED AVAILABILITY!


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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

CALIFORNIA New Yearʼs Getaway including reserved seats for the worldfamous Tournament of Roses Parade!

Dec 29–Jan 3 AAA Member Rate: $3,305 Start in LA, touring historic Farmers Market, glitzy Rodeo Drive and star-studded Hollywood. At the Chinese Theatre (née Grauman’s, then Mann’s), see celebrity signatures immortalized in cement. Follow the bronze medallions studding Hollywood Boulevard’s Walk of Fame. At Hollywood & Highland, a shopping & entertainment complex housing the 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 the final stage of parade preparation; watch volunteers & professionals hand-apply flowers. Tour Burbank’s Warner Brothers Studios for a behind-the-scenes 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 re-created 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 toast from the best seat in Long Beach for a gigantic fireworks display off the ship’s stern! Day 4 finds you in Pasadena, at your reserved seat for the Roses Parade — 60 flower-covered floats, marching bands, equestrians. Stop at Victory Park to view the floats up close. Enjoy lunch in see-&-be-seen West Hollywood, then drive to your all-suite hotel on San Diego’s waterfront. Explore this unique city on Day 5; see Cabrillo Monument atop Point Loma, with commanding views of the Pacific, the harbor and the city skyline. Drive through Mission Bay, continue to Old Town (California’s birthplace) and La Jolla, a chic beachside hideaway where you’ll have time to explore. Established in 1868, Balboa Park is the country’s oldest 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. All too soon, fly home on Day 6.

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).

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!


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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

AAA’s Travel Partner Spotlight: DISNEY Each year, AAA uses its purchasing power as one of the country’s leading travel agencies to negotiate for discounted rates & exclusive member benefits.

AAA MEMBER-ONLY BENEFITS

• Disney Magic Moments® Savings — AAA members can save up to 10%, 15%, 20% or 25% off the nondiscounted rate of the room portion on selected packages on selected dates (subject to availability; savings based on the nondiscounted price for the same room at a participating hotel paid by non-AAA members, and is applicable to the room-only portion of the package; limited number of packages available with these savings; guests must be AAA members with a valid AAA membership number when booking; valid membership card must be presented at check-in).

• 200 Disney Dollars — These are included on packages of 7 nights or more at the Walt Disney World® Swan and Walt Disney World® Dolphin Hotel (can be combined with AAA Disney Magic Moments® Savings; voucher required at check-in to receive Disney Dollars).

AAA VACATIONS® BENEFITS

• EXCLUSIVE AAA Vacations Diamond Savings Card — This special card offers savings of 10%, 15% or 20%, and other values, at participating locations throughout the Walt Disney World® Resort (one card per package; nonstransferable and void if sold). ®

• EXCLUSIVE AAA Diamond Parking — Conveninet preferred parking spaces at all 4 Walt Disney World® Theme Parks (subject to availability; voucher with Guest name required; block-out dates apply; nontransferable and void if sold). • Preferred Fireworks Viewing Location at Magic Kingdom® Park — When you purchase select AAA Vacations® packages that include a Disney Dining Plan, enjoy a special viewing location for WishesTM nighttime Spectacular, the biggest, brightest fireworks extravaganza in Magic Kingdom® Park history (advance reservations, reservation voucher and valid Theme Park admission required; one viewing per person; space is limited and subject to availability; fireworks schedules vary by season and certain block-out dates apply for this benefit during holiday periods; inclement weather conditions may affect outdoor entertainment).

• EXCLUSIVE Disney’s Story Time Experience — When you purchase select AAA Vacations® packages that include a Disney Dining Plan, enjoy a special storytelling experience that features a character from a classic Disney animated feature film and takes place in Epcot® (advance reservations, reservation voucher and valid Theme Park admission required; one viewing per person; seating is limited and subject to availability; operates on select days of the week and certain block-out dates apply; one voucher per room).

These benefits only apply to AAA Vacations® packages purchased at a AAA Travel Office. Ask your AAA Travel professional for more details. Offer subject to change. Valid 1/1/13 through 12/31/13.

Even more than a cruise hugging its spectacular shoreline, a comprehensive land journey into the heart of Alaska’s awe-inspiring interior can deepen your understanding and enrich your overall experience of our 49th state. AAA’s July 8-17 Alaska by Land 9-night adventure starts in Fairbanks. An Italian immigrant’s 1902 gold strike coincided with the building of a trading post on the banks of the Chena River — and the Gold Rush to Fairbanks was on! This “Golden Heart City” pulsed once again as a boomtown in the early 1970s during construction of the 800-milelong Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Learn how the Gold Rush affected Alaska’s interior on a tour that includes a visit to the University of Alaska, Fairbanks Museum. Enjoy shopping, walking or dining on your own downtown. Cruise on a sternwheeler to experience the thrill of river travel. Enjoy a salmon bake dinner at Pioneer Park; savor salmon, prime rib and Bering Sea cod and all the fixings. Then fly above it all on an Arctic Circle air adventure! This thrilling 4-hour tour soars over the Brooks Range and crosses the Arctic Circle; the narrated adventure includes a visit to Wiseman and views of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and Yukon River. Motorcoach to Denali National Park to explore at your leisure or participate in a park service activity. Then enjoy the Denali Education Center’s “Welcome to the Subarctic” talk at Sheldon Center; learn about Denali from the ground up before overnighting in the park and touring it some more the next day. Travel deep into Denali on a full-day Tundra Wilderness Tour, looking for grizzly, moose, caribou, Dall sheep and more; get insights into this vast park’s flora & fauna. Travel to Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city; tour its historic downtown and visit the kennel & home of a 4-time Iditarod Sled Dog Race winner, and learn about the art of mushing dogs. Visit the Native Heritage Center, a gathering place celebrating, perpetuating and sharing Native cultures. Dine in the center’s Athabascan House. Motorcoach to coastal Seward, keeping an eye out along scenic Turnagain Arm for Dall sheep, moose, bear and eagle. Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Portage Valley to see critters up close. Tour along scenic Seward Highway to Begich Boggs Visitor Center; enjoy an award-winning movie, “Voices from the Ice.” Explore Seward on your own; the coastal town is known for scenic views and as gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. Transfer to Cooper Landing for a 2-hour scenic float on the Kenai River. Drift through Chugach National Forest and Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. At Girdwood, ride the Alyeska Tram from sea level to 2,300 feet. An observation deck provides breathtaking views of majestic mountains, hanging glaciers and often an array of wildlife. Descend and explore Girdwood on your own. Enjoy a 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.


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Go riding the rails around Colorado Taking the high road in the Centennial State

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ed is the color that gives Colorado its stately splendor. Even the name Colorado comes from the Spanish term for the ruddy tones of the native sandstone. Located just outside Colorado Springs, the Garden of the Gods is home to some of the most uniquely beautiful sandstone rock formations in the country. Set against the backdrop of Pike’s Peak these solemn red giants include the Tower of Babel and the Kissing Camels. The Pikes Peak Cog Railway — the world’s highest cog train — has transported visitors to the rocky pinnacle since 1891. Katherine Lee Bates wrote the lyrics to “America the Beautiful” in 1893, after being inspired by the scenery, which includes otherworldly rock formations, dense stands of aspen and the peaks of the Continental Divide. Colorado is filled with Rocky Mountain highs. The Royal Gorge Bridge — the world’s highest suspension bridge — hovers 955-feet above the Arkansas River. Just below the bridge America’s steepest incline railway slides 1,500 feet down to the canyon floor. Riding inside tiny cages, big enough for just two people, the incline descends at a seemingly impossible 45-degree angle for the 6-minute trip down to the roaring Arkansas River. Hidden away in a little-known corner of the southern Rocky Mountains

Traveling through the breathtaking canyons of San Juan National Forest the steam train takes 3.5 hours to complete the 45-mile route to the former mining town of Silverton. The National Historic Landmark features a Victorian-era downtown, filled with fine, Italianate-style storefronts, or visitors can go underground at the Old Hundred Gold Mine. The Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction, preserves one of the grand landscapes of the American West. Towering multi-hued monoliths erupt from rock layers that are nearly two billion years old. The canyons are etched deep into sandstone, while pinion pines and junipers crown the high desert plateau and enormous rock towers.

THE SCENIC ROUTE — The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has been in continuous operation for nearly 125 years. the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is almost unchanged since the day the first whistle blew back in 1880. An authentic artifact of the Old West the railway remains a spectacular example of mountain railroading. Clinging to the sheer rock faces, the 7-hour, 64-mile journey ascends 10,015-foot-high Cumbres Pass. The train snakes carefully along a narrow ledge and from here the view is straight down. Later the hills begin to soften and

the grassy hills flatten into a broad plain as the steam locomotive chugs into Antonito, Colorado. Durango’s mountain location may only be matched by its colorful past. Visitors can ride historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which has been in continuous operation for nearly 125-years. Once used to haul gold and silver the open gondola cars now offer vertigo-inducing views along a dizzying series of switchbacks.

RIDING THE RAILS

AAA’s Railing Around Colorado Rail Tour features some of the world’s great rail journeys and the spectacular scenery of the Rocky Mountain State. The September 14-21, 2013 escorted tour includes chartered motorcoach transportation, 7-night accommodations and services of a AAA Tour Manager. Please ask about add-on airfare from your departure city. FOR MORE INFORMATION

See this issue’s Departures Guide or log on to AAA.com/USA for special values on great adventures in the American West.


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Lighter than air in the Land of Enchantment New Mexico takes you up, up and away

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alking about New Mexico used to be easy. Sante Fe had its style. Taos had its Hum. Roswell had little green men, while Albuquerque had balloons. For nine days each October, the skies, which often mirror the native turquoise, are festooned with hundreds of hot air and gas balloon lifting off from Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta Park. The evening Glowdeo® — when all the balloons fire their burners and light up the desert night like giant holiday ornaments — is one the most spectacular man-made sights on earth. It’s all due to the high-desert climate and a phenomenon known as the “Albuquerque Box” The “box” is a set of predictable wind patterns that can be exploited to navigate the notoriously hard-to-steer balloons. A skilled balloonist can use the box to return a balloon to the exact same spot they launched from. Visitors can learn this and a whole lot more at the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum. Located on the edge of Balloon Fiesta Park, it features interactive displays, an expansive collection of memorabilia and historic gondolas like the Breitling Orbiter 3, the first balloon to fly nonstop around the world. But Albuquerque is much more than just a bunch of hot air. The city sprawls across a desert basin with the Sandia Mountains erupting like a row of dragon’s teeth across a parched, terracotta plain. The Rio Grande River meanders through town flanked by an oasis-like ribbon of green known as the Bosque. Some of Old Town’s squat adobes date back to the town’s beginnings in 1706. Dozens of ochre, mud and brick structures fringe a tidy, green plaza anchored by the historic San Felipe de Neri church. Visitors can explore the brick paths and hidden courtyards, browse the galleries, or bargain for Native American jewelry and crafts under the low-slung portals. For a real peak experience hop onboard the nearby Sandia Peak Tramway. The 15-minute ride ascends 2.7-miles to the top of 10,400-foot Sandia Peak. One of the longest, most spectacular aerial tramways in the world, passengers glide over a lush, green ponderosa forest and steep canyons that at dusk, glow a deep, rosy pink. Early explorers named them Sandia, Spanish for “watermelon.” The view from the top affords spectacular vistas of Albuquerque and some 11,000 square miles of New Mexican countryside. And when the lights begin to twinkle down below, it seems like the evening is filled with nothing but stars. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center showcases the history and accomplishments of the Pueblo people. Located about a mile northeast of Old Town, the museum is modeled after Pueblo Bonito, a 9th-century ruin in Chaco Culture National Historic Park. Exhibits include displays of handcrafts and tools

of the Wild West. A haven for artists, the galleries along Canyon Road showcase an array of Southwestern, and indigenous American art. The city boasts half a dozen major museums including the recently opened New Mexico History Museum and the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, dedicated to the work of the influential American artist. The Palace of the Governors on the Plaza of Santa Fe, is the oldest continuously occupied public building in the United States and was constructed in 1610. IF YOU GO

Experience the best of New Mexico during AAA’s October 9-15 New Mexico Balloon Fiesta escorted tour. This AAA Featured Vacation features tours of Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Taos, visits to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center; Chimayó; and the Turquoise Museum. Package includes motorcoach transportation; 6-nights accommodation (three in Albuquerque, two in Taos and one in Santa Fe); admissions, taxes and gratuities for included features; baggage handling; 14-meals; and services of a AAA Tour Manager. Ask about additional add-on air transportation from your departure city.

HIGH PLAINS DRIFTING — Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta in October may be the most photographed event on earth. and Native American dancers perform on weekends. There are 19 Pueblos in the region, where Native Americans still pursue a more traditional lifestyle. Wooden Kiva ladders tilt toward the heavens against the adobe structures which reveal expert masonry techniques. Taos Pueblo is the only living Native American community designated as both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. The Pueblo is made entirely of adobe — earth mixed with water and straw, then made into sun-dried bricks. The walls are often several feet thick. About 40 miles south of Taos is Chimayó, New Mexico’s most visited religious shrine. The El Santuario de Chimayó church is said to have been built on sacred earth and possess miraculous healing powers. The drive along Highway 76, is called the “High Road to Taos” — a spectacular route through Old Spanish villages and gorgeous Georgia O’Keeffe-style landscapes. Nestled in the shadow of the Sangre de Cristo mountains, the old storefronts in historic Taos Plaza have been transformed into galleries, restaurants and boutiques. The Kit Carson Park and Cemetery is the final resting place of the famed frontiersman and other mustsees include the historic San Francisco de Asis Church, and the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, towering 650-feet above the river. Santa Fe is an intoxicating blend of Anglo, Indian and Hispanic cultures that mingle like the scent of piñón wood with the evening air. Dozens of

historic sites transport visitors back to the Spanish Colonial era, and remnants

FOR MORE INFORMATION

See the Departures Guide or log on to AAA.com/USA for great vacation ideas from AAA.


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This summer at the Chautauqua Institution 2013 season offers the best in arts and entertainment

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ith more than 2,200 events taking place during the nine-week season, there is no such thing as a typical day at Chautauqua. According to historian David McCullough: “There is no place like it. No resort. No spa. Not anywhere else in the country, or anywhere in the world.” Nestled on 750-acres along the serene shores, of Chautauqua Lake, the Chautauqua Institution’s gilded age architecture presides over a dramatic natural setting. It was founded in 1874 on the belief that everyone “has a right to be all that he can be — to know all that he can know.” Today, it welcomes over 170,000 visitors each summer — all within the beautiful setting of a historic lakeside village. The Victorian village remains a time capsule of small-town Americana. Families stroll along winding brick lanes past gingerbread-style cottages and quiet gardens nestled under a canopy of maples. Visitors describe it as an experience rather than a vacation — a place for renewal. The experience comes in many forms. Minds are stimulated, faith restored. The human spirit is rekindled. The Institution’s 140th annual season, which runs from June 22 through August 25, offers visitors the best in fine and performing arts, education, recreation and religion. Each week’s

LIVE AND LEARN — The Chautauqua Institution’s gilded age architecture presides over a dramatic natural setting. lecture series features a theme ranging from domestic and foreign policy to science and ethics to arts and culture. The 2013 season opens with an exploration into the wonders of the cosmos, and our understanding of space and time. Columbia University theoretical physicist Brian Greene, author of The Hidden Reality: Parallel Universes and the Deep Laws of the Cosmos, offers a thought provoking introduction to superstring theory and how it shapes our understanding of the universe.

Join Steve Martin, The Beach Boys, Amy Grant and many other top performers in country, bluegrass, R&B and rock ‘n’ roll in Chautauqua’s openair amphitheater this summer. The Institution’s popular entertainment lineup also features special evening programs with Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion Radio Romance Tour 2013, and a conversation between legendary musician Paul Simon and former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins. Dust off those poodle skirts, bobby

socks and 45 rpm records for Friday, July 26, when Dick Fox’s “Golden Boys” starring Frankie Avalon, Fabian and Bobby Rydell take Chautauqua for a walk down memory lane. The Chautauqua Theater Company opens its 30th anniversary season with Tennessee Williams’ 1955 Pulitzer Prize winning play Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, June 29 through July 7. The company’s two other mainstage productions this summer include the Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning play Clybourne Park, July 20 through July 28 and Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors Aug. 10 through Aug. 16. Chautauqua Opera Company and Chautauqua Theater Company join forces with Chautauqua’s other arts programs for the Institution’s production of The Romeo and Juliet Project on Saturday, July 27, an original retelling of Shakespeare’s timeless love story. FOR MORE INFORMATION

Gate tickets are your passport to the Chautauqua Experience, entitling you to attend most events on the grounds, including all lectures, religious services, Amphitheater entertainment and performances by the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra. There is a reduced rate for youth ages 13-25. Visit Chautauqua Institution’s website at www.ciweb.org or call 716.357.6520.

Nation’s infrastructure gets a D+ Grade Point Average AAA agrees with engineers: Roads and bridges needs work

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he American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) recently issued its 2013 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, which is a comprehensive assessment of the nation’s infrastructure across 16 sectors, including roads, bridges and transit systems. Updated every four years, the Report Card uses a simple A to F school report card format to provide a comprehensive assessment of current infrastructure conditions and needs, by assigning grades. This year’s Report Card found

that America’s grade for infrastructure rose slightly to a “D+” from a “D” in 2009. Of importance to AAA members, roads saw a slight improvement to a “D” up from a “D-” four years ago, bridges improved to a grade of “C+” from a “C” last time and transit systems remained at a “D.” The Report Card also contains statespecific reports that have individual conditions and needs numbers for each state. Since 1998, the grades have been near failing, averaging only Ds, due to delayed maintenance and under invest-

ment across most categories. “The good news for drivers is that the condition of the nation’s roads and bridges has improved slightly since the last report card was issued. The bad news is grades like these aren’t going to get us where we need to go in terms of safety or mobility,” said Brian Newbacher, director of public affairs for AAA East Central. Key trends cited in the report as contributing to the improvements on roads and bridges include: • Renewed efforts in cities and states, to address deficiencies; • Expanded private sector investment in upgrades and adding capacity to the system; • Short-term boosts (since previous 2009 report) like the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA, Recovery Act or Stimulus Bill). Other findings from the report of interest regarding roads, bridges and transit include: • One third of the nation’s roads are in poor or mediocre condition, costing motorists $324 each per year in additional repair costs; • One out of 4 (151,497) of the nation’s bridges are deficient and one in 9 (66,749) of the nation’s bridges are structurally deficient;

• ASCE estimates there is a $112 billion investment gap per year for roads, bridges and transit to keep up with needs; • Average age of bridges is 42 years; • Forty-two percent of major urban highways are congested; congestion costs over $100 billion annually; • There has been a 9.1 percent increase in transit riders over the past decade; • Forty-five percent of Americans lack access to transit and the economy lost $90 billion in 2010 due to deficient transit systems. “AAA encourages Congress to take the lead, work toward a long term funding solution and ensure the American public understands the importance of investing in our transportation system before we fall further behind,” Newbacher added.

GRADING THE SYSTEM

An Advisory Council of leading civil engineers appointed by ASCE assigns the grades according to the following eight criteria: capacity, condition, funding, future need, operation and maintenance, public safety, resilience, and innovation. The Report Card is available online at www.infrastructurereportcard.org.


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Low cost hydrogen fuel may be one step closer Breakthrough could revolutionize alternative energy market

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n 1874 Jules Verne predicted that hydrogen and oxygen, the two elements that combine to form water, would “one day be an inexhaustible source of heat and light.” Now a team of Virginia Tech researchers has discovered a way to extract large quantities of hydrogen from any plant, a breakthrough that has the potential to bring a low-cost, environmentally friendly fuel source to the world. “Our new process could help end our dependence on fossil fuels,” said Y.H. Percival Zhang, an associate professor of biological systems engineering in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Engineering. Zhang and his team have succeeded in using xylose, the most abundant simple plant sugar, to produce a large quantity of hydrogen that previously was attainable only in theory. This new method of producing hydrogen utilizes renewable natural resources, releases almost no greenhouse gasses, and does not require costly or heavy metals. It can be performed using any source of biomass. Previous methods to produce hydrogen are expensive and create greenhouse gases. The U.S. Department of Energy says that hydrogen fuel has the potential to dramatically reduce reliance of fossil fuels and automobile manufactures are aggressively trying to develop vehicles that run on hydrogen fuel cells. Unlike

STAR POWER — Actress Jamie Lee Curtis was the second customer for Honda’s FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicle. gas-powered engines that spew out pollutants, the only byproduct of hydrogen fuel is water. Zhang’s discovery may open the door to an inexpensive, renewable source of hydrogen. Jonathan R. Mielenz, group leader of the bioscience and technology biosciences division at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, said this discovery has the potential to have a major impact on alternative energy production. “The key to this exciting develop-

ment is that Zhang is using a prevalent sugar in plants to produce this hydrogen,” he said. “This amounts to a significant additional benefit to hydrogen production and it reduces the overall cost of producing hydrogen from biomass.” Mielenz thinks Zhang’s process could find its way to the marketplace as quickly as three years. “The potential for profit and environmental benefits are why so many automobile, oil, and energy companies are working on hydrogen fuel cell vehi-

cles as the transportation of the future,” Zhang said. “Many people believe we will enter the hydrogen economy soon, with a market capacity of at least $1 trillion in the United States alone.” The commercial market for hydrogen gas is now around $100 billion for hydrogen produced from natural gas, which is expensive to manufacture and generates a large amount of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. Industry most often uses hydrogen to manufacture ammonia for fertilizers and to refine petrochemicals, but an inexpensive, plentiful green hydrogen source can rapidly change that market. “It really doesn’t make sense to use non-renewable natural resources to produce hydrogen,” Zhang said. “We think this discovery is a game-changer in the world of alternative energy.”

THE FUEL OF THE FUTURE

Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company and Nissan recently signed a unique threeway agreement to accelerate the commercialization of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) technology with a goal of launching the world’s first affordable, mass-market FCEVs as early as 2017. FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

aroundtown DAVID FRANCEY CONCERT — (May 10) From carpenter to songwriter, Canadian David Francey has become recognized as one of today’s finest singer-songwriters. A three-time JUNO Award-winner (Canada’s Grammy), he has been called handsdown the best songwriter working in Canada today by the Victoria Times Colonist. General Admission Tickets: $15. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House, 9 Church Street, Fredonia. For more information, call 716-679-1891 or visit www.fredopera.org. NATIONAL TRAIN DAY — (May 11) Daylong celebration of trains and the history of railroading at this newly renovated former Erie Railroad Station with rolling stock of the Western New York and Pennsylvania Railroad. There will be train Displays and Exhibits plus work cars, and artwork. Railroad author Kenneth Springirth and Chuck Spinner, author of The Tragedy of the Loomis Street Crossing”, will also be there. The fun takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Jamestown Gateway Train Station, 212-217 W. Second Street, Jamestown. Sponsored by the Western New York Railroad Historical Society. For details, call the Jamestown station at 716-483-3041.

WINE TOURISM DAY — (May 11) Wine Tourism Day is an opportunity to ask questions about vineyards and cold climate wine production in the picturesque setting of Johnson Estate’s 115 acres of vineyards. Tour the winery production facilities before enjoying some of the winery’s 30+ wines. (Be safe: Always have a designated driver.) Your tasting will be accompanied by a platter of Yancey Fancy cheeses with Nature’s Own crackers. Tours leave at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets are $5 per person (ages 21 and over). Johnson Estate Winery: 8419 West Main Road (Route 20), Westfield. Call 716-3262191 or visit www.johnsonwinery. com. HANDS ON JAMESTOWN — (May 18) Join your friends and neighbors for a day of community wide cleanup. The objective of Hands-On Jamestown is to clean and beautify the downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods. Each year Hands On Jamestown attracts hundreds of volunteers including students, local residents, churches and youth groups, service organization, individuals and families. Volunteers should meet at Tracy Plaza in Downtown Jamestown. The event runs from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more informa-

tion, visit www.jamestownrenaissance.org. PUBLIC DAY AT SOUTHERN TIER BREWING COMPANY — (May 18) Join Southern Tier Brewing Company for its second annual Public Day in honor of craft beer week. There will be more than 25 beers available to sample, along with a barbeque vendor and live music featuring The Bogarts and A Band Named Sue. Must be 21 or over to attend. (Be safe: Always have a designated driver.) The event runs from 1 to 5 p.m. at Southern Tier Brewing Company, 2072 Stoneman Circle, Lakewood. For more information, call 716-763-5479 or visit www.stbcbeer.com/events. JAMESTOWN WALKING TOUR — (May 25) Fenton History Center Trustee Tom Greer will lead guests on a walking tour of Jamestown’s Old Northside (the current downtown) at 1 p.m. The tour covers 4th Street to the Chadakoin, and examines the people and businesses that thrived during the early 1800s to the 1950s. The tour will begin and end at the parking lot of Fenton History Center, 67 Washington Street, Jamestown. Cost: $10. To register, call 716-6646256. For more information, visit www.fentonhistorycenter.org.

CHAUTAUQUA-LAKE ERIE ART TRAIL — (May 25-26, June 1-2) The Fifth Annual Chautauqua-Lake Erie Art Trail is a free, open house and studio tour to see where North Shore artists create their work. Photography, painting, ceramics, sculpture and textiles are just some of the media explored in this tour. You’ll meet 18 artists and see their latest creations. For a map of participating galleries and businesses, and for more information, visit www.chautauquaarttrail.com. CHAUTAUQUA IN JUNE LEARNING FESTIVAL — (May 31 – June 16) Celebrate farms, food and drink in Chautauqua County during the third annual festival. Join a farmto-table culinary adventure or winemaker’s dinner. Go foraging for fungi and learn how to use various types in preparing a meal. Take a lesson in photography using vineyards as your muse or taste local flavors while learning to pair food with wine or beer. The two-week schedule features more than 20 workshops including experiences in culinary, creative and cultural arts, as well as outdoor recreation. Classes are held in a multitude of settings across Chautauqua County. For more information call 716-357-4569.


MAY 2013

AAA MOTORIST

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Following the north star to the Baltic rim Baltic cruises offer a magical view of northern Europe

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ven experienced travelers sometimes confuse the Baltic with the Balkans. The two regions could not be more dissimilar. Stretching from southern Denmark to near the Arctic Circle, the Baltic region refers to the area around the Baltic Sea. Countries bounding the Baltic Sea and its arms include Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Germany. A Baltic cruise is characterized by a variety of landscapes — low, rocky islands called skerries along the coasts of Sweden and Finland, Norwegian fjords, lagoons, inlets, and some of the world’s most fabled cities. On the far eastern edge of the Baltic Sea is St. Petersburg, Peter the Great’s “window to Europe.” On the western side is Elsinore, home of Kronborg Castle, the setting for Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” Baltic Sea cruises are typically port-intensive. Copenhagen and Stockholm are the region’s primary turnaround ports (where most cruises begin or end) and are conveniently connected to the rest of the world. Visitors will discover lively cosmopolitan cities like Oslo, and Helsinki. They’ll set foot in lands once inhabited by mad princes, Viking warriors and Tsars. Medieval town walls and ancient cobblestone streets are reminders of a time long ago, while palaces and muse-

Cruising through the 6,500 islands that make up the Åland archipelago is an awe-inspiring experience. The smooth red granite islets are set in an ice blue sea and seem to shimmer in the midnight sun. Oslo, Norway’s capital city lies in the heart of Scandinavia and at the head of the 61-mile long Oslo Fjord. Dominating the port is the Akershus Fortress, a medieval castle and royal residence built in 1299. In Copenhagen, it’s the life-sized things that count. Visitors marvel that the Little Mermaid is so little. Just 4-feet tall the pensive maiden waits on the rocks at Langelinie Harbor on the port city’s north side.

DAUGHTER OF THE BALTIC — Helsinki was built as a miniature version of St. Petersburg, Russia. ums house a vast patrimony of art and cultural treasures. During the summer the sun sets in Helsinki for only a few hours each evening. The “Daughter of the Baltic” has been the Finnish capital since 1812, when it was rebuilt by Russian Tsars as a kind of miniature St. Petersburg, a role it has played in many a Cold War movie. Suomenlinna known as the “Gibraltar of the North” was once the greatest sea fortress in the Baltic. Constructed in the mid-1700s, today the sprawling fortifications and catacombs house trendy

cafes, theaters and museums. Stockholm is situated on 14 islands and known as “the city that floats on water.” Cruise ships make a spectacular 50-mile transit to the city center through archipelago of 24,000 islands, gliding past castles, fortresses and traditional red and green Swedish cottages. With more than 100 institutions, Stockholm boasts the world’s highest concentration of museums. Visitors will not want to miss the Vasa Museum, which houses a warship that sank in 1628 and recovered in 1961.

IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK

In 1154, an Arabian geographer marked Tallinn on the world map. Early settlers came to the region more than 3,500 years ago, and the heart-shaped Old Town in Estonia’s capital is the best-preserved medieval city in northern Europe. St. Olaf’s church, once the tallest building in the world, was used by the KGB to block Finnish TV signals during the Soviet era. FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please see your Departures Guide or log on to AAA,com/cruises for special member values on Baltic Cruise vacations.

Make a smooth move with Penske Truck Rental Penske upgrades website ahead of peak moving season

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bout 20 million American households move every year and you might be surprised at just how much you can save by doing the job yourself. Whatever the reason for your move, you can make the task more pleasant by planning ahead and taking advantage of resources designed to make moving easier. Whether you’re moving out of a just-the-basics apartment or a large family home, you’ll probably need a moving truck. Penske Truck Rental has just introduced an enhanced version of www.pensketruckrental.com to improve the online experience and speed up reservations for its customers. “We’ve redesigned this site so that our customers can enjoy a better online experience when reserving trucks and purchasing moving supplies,” said Don Mikes, Penske’s Senior Vice President of Rental. “Our mover’s marketplace also provides customers with access to a host of great discounts and vendors ranging from AAA discounts and hotel stays to locating and reserving selfstorage facilities.” The retooled www.pensketruckrental.com has streamlined the rental quote price experience and introduces a comparative analysis mechanism so that do-it-yourself movers can better understand what size trucks and supplies are required for their DIY move.

MORE CONVENIENT THAN EVER — Penske Truck Rental locations now include more than 430 Home Depots. Do-it-yourself movers can pick up a free moving guide at any Penske Truck Rental location, which now includes more than 430 Home Depot stores. Or use their online Truck Wizard to quickly and easily find the right truck for your move. They’ve also got a complete moving kit to help you manage your move efficiently and effectively, complete with a personal packing tips, check lists, safe driving instructions and supplies you’ll need to make your move as easy as possible. Penske also

rents tow dollies and car carriers and provides all the accessories needed for a self-move, such as pads, boxes, labels and hand trucks. With more than 40 years experience, the experts at Penske Truck Rental have a few tips to get you started: Reserve Early — Book your rental truck at least two weeks in advance. Pack Wisely — Load your heaviest items first. Avoid injury by always bending your knees and lifting with your legs.

Use Accessories — Boxes, bubble wrap, moving blankets and hand-trucks are essential to protect your items and make your move more enjoyable. Mark Boxes — Label as you pack. It makes it easier to put the boxes in the right room while unloading. Penske moving truck rentals come with a locked in low rate even if you change your move date — no deposit required. And only Penske offers free unlimited miles on one-way rentals anywhere in the United States. Your moving rental will be clean, prepped and ready for pickup. Penske also offers emergency road service for its trucks, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Rent the industry’s newest fleet of comfortable, fuel-efficient trucks with Penske and move with peace of mind.

MEMBERS SAVE UP TO 20%

Whether you need a truck for moving across the country or down the street, Penske Truck Rental offers significant savings for AAA members. Save 12% on one-way & local truck rentals and 12% off moving supplies and accessories. Offer only applicable to daily fixed rate and any mileage charges. Book online and save up to 20% on one-way rentals at PenskeTruckRental.com.


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AAA MOTORIST

MAY 2013


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