Ky 2 15

SEE PAGE 3

Vol. 36 No. 2

KENTUCKY

FEBRUARY 2015

TAMARINDO BEACH

MEMBERS SAVE! Premier ... $450 Plus............ $400 Basic ..........$375 Book & deposit by 2/28/15.

Per room, double occupancy.

Eureka! Tropical paradise found in fun-&-sun-blessed Costa Rica

A

lmost everyone who’s ever visited there can confirm that tiny Costa Rica has more natural delights per square mile than nearly anywhere on earth.

All that nature can affect the senses in ways that can improve our moods: Sunshine warms us, lifting low spirits.

Balmy breezes caress us, soothing weary souls.

Melodic birdsongs and rhythmic tides comfort us, calming frayed nerves. Floral hues and Get close to fragrances captivate us, residents of the rainforest canopy! enhancing our sensual pleasure. And wild animals mesmerize us, inspiring awe and joy.

Feeling nature’s physical and emotional impact is a significant part of the allure of Costa Rica, a tiny Central American nation with enormous potential to MONTEVERDE host your most memoCLOUD FOREST rable — and most revitalizing — vacation.

Abundant with lush tropical forests, unique & exotic creatures, spectacular uncrowded beaches, genuinely hospitable people and endless outdoor activities, this is a magical place almost guaranteed to transform your mood from good...to better...to great!

And AAA will even further improve your mood, by saving you as much as $450.00 when you book & make a deposit on our Oct 12-20 Costa Rica “cost a-little” escorted getaway now through Feb 28, 2015.

The specific discount you’ll enjoy is tied to your AAA membership level and is per room (double occupancy). AAA Premier members

save $450.00, AAA Plus members save $400.00 and basic AAA members save $375.00.

Costa Rica’s pristine beauty beckons those seeking to reconnect with nature — and themselves. But you certainly don’t have to be an eco-activist to feel the restorative powers of this “green” scene: If you’ve ever felt distanced from the purity of nature, Costa Rica just may be the ideal antidote to the “artificiality” of the workaday world.

Fittingly, Costa Rica’s legendarily friendly ticos (what locals call themselves) use Pura Vida (literally “pure life,” but something akin to “this is living!” or “cool!”) as a greeting or to convey enthusiasm or agreement.

The size of Vermont and New Hampshire, Costa Rica boasts an immense variety of landscapes, climate zones and life-forms; it’s estimated that as much as 6% of the world’s species flourish here — from enormous ficus trees to 1,500 different orchids, from elusive margays to showy macaws. Monkeys, sloths, wild cats and other fascinating creatures coexist with an amazing assortment of birds (800+ species), both migratory and resident.

Take AAA’s adventure begins a ‘beak’ in San Jose, the colorful at the rest of this tour capital, and travels through on page 16. verdant Central Valley to...

New updates make AAA Mobile app even better

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

SAVE THE COST OF YOUR AAA MEMBERSHIP EACH YEAR

The AAA Mobile app has been updated with an array of new enhancements including a more intuitive interface with easier access to features.

An updated iPad version features a number of new functions: • A newly redesigned AAA Emergency Roadside Assistance feature now includes a selection of common issues to simplify your request for help, and an integrated Truck Tracker feature lets you track where the service vehicle is en route.

• A streamlined card layout design that provides easy access to member services; • AAA’s newly enhanced TripTik Travel Planner product for mapping and route planning, allowing members to build, access and share trips across the mobile and online platforms; • Expanded membership features, including displaying your current member status and providing the ability to easily renew your membership.

The updated mobile app also features traffic and construction information and maps that display gas station locations and updated fuel prices. The free download is available on iTunes, Google Play or AAA.com/Apps.

Auto Pay saves you time & money As winter weather tightens its grip, the last thing you need worry about is being stuck in the cold without a valid AAA membership. With AAA East Central’s Auto Pay annual renewal option, you’ll never have to worry about your membership benefits lapsing.

Sign up, and your membership renewal will automatically be charged to your credit card or debit card each year. We’ll even send you a reminder before billing your card.

And for a limited time, save $10 on next year’s membership renewal when you enroll in Auto Pay at AAA.com/renew, or at any AAA East Central branch office.

Auto Pay automatic renewal can be added to your membership at any time, regardless of your membership expiration/renewal date. You’ll rest easy knowing your AAA membership is always there providing uninterrupted service. And, you always have the option of canceling at any time.

For more information, visit or call your local AAA East Central Branch office, or call the AAA Member Services Center at 1.800.441.5008 or 412.363.5100 in Pittsburgh.

AAA News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Learn about the latest AAA specials and get the most value from your membership when you sign up for AAA e-Update emails. Each month’s e-newsletter includes information about your AAA member benefits, along with convenient links to the latest savings offers, automotive maintenance tips, insurance advice, safety videos and travel ideas – all in one place!

After your first newsletter, you can decide which additional e-newsletters you’d like to receive. Interested in learning about Travel specials? The Travel e-News features getaway packages and members-only offers. Insurance Insight offers information to help you protect your valued possessions. There’s no cost to you, and you can discontinue your AAA e-newsletter subscription at any time. Visit AAA.com/enews to sign up today.

Make it your year to see Europe

Travelers are drawn to Europe by the magnetic allure of history, architecture, art, culture and cuisine. Now you can savor all the old-world sights and traditions and save with AAA Travel. AAA members who book & deposit an air-exclusive European package of $3,500 or higher per room through Insight Vacations, AAA Member Choice Vacations, Trafalgar, or Alexander + Roberts by February 28, 2015 will enjoy member-level discounts $100, $150 or $200. SEE PAGE 7.

PAGE 2

AAA TRAVELER

FEBRUARY 2015

Travel insurance protects your travel investment The perfect companion for your perfect vacation

W

hether your idea of a spring break is sipping a cocktail by the pool, skiing 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 backup plan,” notes Jim Lehman, president AAA East Central.

“Unexpected illnesses and medical emergencies are the number one reason trips are canceled. A good travel insurance plan will cover you for virtually every contingency — from travel delays due to bad weather, or a missed connection — to lost luggage, or a medical emergency in a foreign country.”

TripAssist Family Care Plan, AAA’s newest travel insurance product, covers more of the unexpected for less.

It includes valuable features like comprehensive trip cancellation and primary emergency medical coverage, and 24-hour travel assistance.

As any parent can tell you, children always seem to become ill at the worst possible moment. With TripAssist Family Care there’s no additional charge for children up to age 17 when traveling with parents or grandparents, and no surprise processing fees!

“TripAssist Family Care makes travel insurance premiums more affordable, particularly for families with young children,” notes Ruth Nagy, AAA East Central Managing Director of Travel

STAY COVERED — If something happens, you want to be prepared.

Services. “It’s our most popular plan for vacations, cruises, and tours.”

Should your luggage fail to arrive when you do, the plan now offers increased baggage protection. Baggage loss and damage coverage is $1,000 — double that of comparable packages. Baggage delay coverage has been increased to $300, a 50 percent improvement over previous plans.

TripAssist Family Care also provides expanded trip cancellation and interruption coverage. It protects your travel investment if your trip is delayed or canceled for a covered reason, such as a major injury, jury duty or other unfore-

seen circumstances. Recent additions to this plan include reimbursement of Frequent Flyer miles and associated airline fees, and vehicle return coverage if your road trip is interrupted.

Medical treatment on your domestic or overseas vacation may leave you with expensive out-of-pocket expenses.

TripAssist Family Care includes $25,000 in primary medical coverage for emergency medical costs during your travels.

There’s no need to file claims with your regular health insurer first.

Emergency medical evacuation can be a lifesaver when traveling to a destination where health care is not up to

U.S. standards. TripAssist Family Care will reimburse you for transportation costs to the medical facility and back home, up to $500,000.

Several add-ons are available to help you customize your coverage. TripAssist Family Care Trip+ offers double the limits for select benefits, including missed connection coverage, travel delay, emergency medical coverage and transportation, and baggage loss/damage or delay.

The Required to Work option provides trip cancellation and interruption coverage when your travel plans change due to work related issues.

Travelers can also add Cancel Anytime coverage to their TripAssist Family Care plan. As the name implies, Cancel Anytime reimburses you no matter why your plans change, up to an hour before your scheduled departure. This option offers greater flexibility than a traditional trip cancellation policy. It’s a great choice for anyone whose travel plans may change for a variety of reasons not covered by most trip cancellation plans.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

FEBRUARY 2015

AAA TRAVELER

PAGE 3

Another way to look at your AAA membership Kentucky Official publication of AAA East Central Published monthly (except bimonthly Aug./Sept., Nov./Dec.) by AAA East Central 321 Whittington Parkway, Louisville, Kentucky 40222 USPS 891-900 ISSN 1941-3696 Periodicals Postage Paid at Louisville, Kentucky Postmaster: Send address changes to AAA, Traveler, Kentucky c/o AAA, 321 Whittington Parkway Louisville, KY 40222 Subscription Rate: $1 included in Primary Membership dues. All others: $2/year.

Publisher .................................James E. Lehman Managing Editor ...........................Douglas O’Neil Editorial Office 321 Whittington Parkway, Louisville, KY 40222 (502) 582-3311 e-mail: ky-aaatraveler@aaaec.com

AAA EAST CENTRAL Chairman ................................................ Richard S. Hamilton Vice Chairman.........................................James E. Broome, Jr. Vice Chairman............................................... Gregory E. Grim Vice Chairman..........................................Mary Lynn Laughlin Vice Chairman..................................... Martha Hartle Munsch OFFICERS: President: ....................................................James E. Lehman Executive Vice President ............................... Thomas J. Ashley Secretary .................................................. Robert H. Compton Treasurer .......................................................Robert S. Collins GOVERNING BOARD OF DIRECTORS Neil D. Bassi, James E. Broome, Jr., Steve D. Bullock**, Charles O. Casto**, Edward C. Coaxum, Jr., Robert S. Collins, Robert H. Compton, Jon E. Denney, Debra A. Dinnocenzo, Pamela C. Fritz, Gregory E. Grim, Richard S. Hamilton, James H. Kanicki, Charles J. Kelly** , Mary Lynn Laughlin, William Duff McCrady, James M. McDonnell, Thomas V. McKernan Jr., Martha Hartle Munsch, Gary K. Munsie** KENTUCKY REGION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairman .............................................Dan Ray Clagett Vice-Chairman .......................................Gary K. Munsie Robert S. Allison**, Kurt Broecker**, James E. Broome, Carolle Jones Clay, Bart Doerhoefer, Elizabeth Hughes, James M. McDonnell, Dennis Newberry**, Bruce J. Roth**, Robert Royer**, Tuck Tinsley, III

It’s the card that can pay for itself each year

By Richard Hamilton Chairman, AAA East Central hen members think about AAA they usually think about tow trucks, and service vehicles. That’s understandable because our 24-hour Emergency Roadside Assistance is such a visible reminder of the kind of security and peace of mind that comes from being a AAA member.

But your AAA membership is working just as hard for you in places that go well beyond the side of the road. Your membership makes you a partner in an association that offers a broad range of benefits and services, not just towing privileges or travel planning. When you add up all the savings available through programs like AAA Discounts & Rewards and the AAA Auto Buying Service, they can pay for the cost of your annual membership many times over.

AAA Discounts & Rewards is an innovative shopping experience on AAA.com featuring deep discounts, limited offers and everyday savings on dining, electronics, home, apparel, entertainment, and more, from approximately 100,000 participating merchants nationwide. In addition to discount offers, you’ll earn reward points redeemable for extra savings. Registration is completely free at AAA.com — a valid AAA membership and email address are all you need.

AAA Prescription Savings will save everyone money on their medications — even the family dog! While not an insurance plan, members save an average of 35 percent on generic and 15

W

Richard Hamilton percent on brand name prescriptions at more than 59,000 pharmacies nationwide, including major retail outlets like Walgreens, Walmart, Rite Aid and CVS/ pharmacy.

Get guaranteed savings on your next new car before you visit a dealer with the AAA Buying Service at AAA.com. Powerful research tools help you access unlimited price and market reports, plus you can compare car read reviews, and check the trade-in value of your current vehicle.

You’ll also learn what others paid for the car you want, all at no cost or obligation.

Over one million AAA members have enjoyed the convenience of having a AAA battery delivered and installed on the spot. AAA Battery Service provides state-of-the art mobile battery testing

membersonly

*ex officio **emeritus directors MAIN OFFICE Hurstbourne 321 Whittington Parkway ......................................502-425-7885 BRANCH OFFICES Downtown 445 East Market Street .........................................502-581-0665 Shively 1805 Rockford Lane............................................. 502-449-2529 Fern Valley 3614 Fern Valley Road ......................................... 502-964-3787 Elizabethtown 2914 Ring Road................................................... 270-765-4109 800-813-7284 Owensboro 1600 Frederica Street ...........................................270-683-8034 800-974-1872 Paducah 2909 James Sanders Boulevard ............................270-443-6478 866-764-4666 Bowling Green 1770 Scottsville Road ..........................................270-781-7235 877-506-0057 Emergency Road Service ONLY (Louisville area): 423-8222 Auto Travel Information (Louisville area): 582-2326 Membership Information (Louisville area): 423-5733 Insurance information: 582-3311 or 800-727-2552 Travel Agency information: 800-727-2552 In Kentucky, where no club office is available, call 800-727-2552 or visit AAA.com.

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

along with high quality, competitively priced batteries installed at the roadside.

AAA members receive a $25 discount on every battery, and each AAA battery is protected by an unprecedented 36-month free replacement warranty.

Turn everyday purchases into unlimited rewards with the AAA Member Rewards Visa® credit card. Earn points for each dollar you spend that can be redeemed for cash, AAA vouchers good for travel, membership, Approved Auto Repair, and more. And there’s no annual fee.

There are plenty of options for online maps and directions, but there’s only one that combines AAA’s professional hotel and restaurant ratings and indepth travel information with Google maps. AAA members who stay at AAA preferred hotels receive discounts of up to 20 percent off the best available rate and the comfort of a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.

AAA members are also entitled to variety of travel benefits including special perks and discounts on theme park tickets, vacation packages, tours and cruises and more, when they plan and book through their local AAA Travel Agency, or online at AAA.com.

In an era when newly minted experts promote a bewildering array of contradictory choices, it’s comforting to know AAA has stood by its commitment for over 100 years. We will continue to provide high quality service; offering members more and better quality solutions to their motoring, travel and financial needs.

You’re in the driver’s seat with Hertz With exclusive members-only discounts and perks

W

inter vacation season is in full swing, and travelers are busy shopping for rental cars for their sun and snow 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 savings and benefits is the CDP#215, the same number as your club code (215), printed 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 and meets standard rental qualifications.

Hertz frequently offers AAA members special single and double upgrade coupons in addition to dollars off coupons. These 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 qualify for low weekly rates without having to keep the vehicle over a Saturday night. Plus, you get 10 percent off Hertz’s per-gallon price when you purchase the prepaid fuel option.

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards membership is free to AAA members. But that’s not all. Basic and Plus members receive 675 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 1,100 Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Bonus Points enough for two free weekend rental days! Join at AAA.com/HertzPremier.

Plus, your Hertz Discount Code (CDP#215) is automatically included in your reservations.

Hertz’ premier frequent renter program entitles you to membership privileges at more than 1,000 locations around the world. Just get in, show your driver’s license at the exit gate and drive away. Hertz Gold Choice means the car you reserved will always be there, plus the freedom to choose a different vehicle on the spot. Use eReturn to fill out the slip on your Rental Agreement, and quickly be on your way.

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.

PAGE 4

AAA TRAVELER

FEBRUARY 2015

FEBRUARY 2015

AAA TRAVELER

PAGE 5

PAGE 6

AAA TRAVELER

FEBRUARY 2015

How much is enough life insurance?

Steps to figuring out your life insurance needs

By Robin Jones

J

ohn and Sallie Smith, ages 38 and 36, have a mortgage on their home and have two children: Johnny, 4, and Karen, an infant.

Both parents work outside the home, and both want the surviving spouse to be able to maintain the family’s current standard of living and continue to contribute toward important family goals (like sending the kids to college) if one of them should die unexpectedly.

The Smiths, a hypothetical family, are perfect candidates for a life insurance needs analysis, which some insurance providers, including the Auto Club, conduct for no charge. John and Sallie already have some life insurance, but because they now have two kids, they WE’RE NOT SATISFIED UNTIL YOU ARE TOTALLY SATISFIED

As a member we know you rely on our AAA branch office network to deliver the highest levels of motoring, travel and insurance related services. If you have a branch office experience and you’re not totally satisfied, we want to know. Please make the office manager aware or call our member satisfaction line at 1-800-895-AAA, Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or email us at membercare@aaaec.com. AAA East Central is committed to your total satisfaction with each and every transaction.

don’t think they have enough.

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but nearly everyone with dependents needs a life insurance policy. If a family plans for their long-term needs when they first purchase a policy, they can feel secure knowing they’ll have enough coverage if tragedy strikes. A complete analysis of your life insurance needs will help determine if you have enough coverage to protect your family.

Below, we look at the Smiths’ situation to give you an overview of what’s involved.

Immediate Cash Needs/Ongoing

Income Needs Immediate Expenses: Funds to cover such things as funeral expenses, legal fees, unpaid taxes, and hospital or doctor bills need to be accessible right away,

so the Smiths set aside about $15,000 each for John and Sallie.

Education Funding: The Smiths provide enough in their individual policies for each child to attend a four-year university—approximately $151,000.

Debt Repayment: The Smiths owe $250,000 on their mortgage and have $45,000 in other debt, including student loans, car loans, and credit card debt, so they include $295,000 in each of their policies for debt repayment. The money doesn’t have to be used for that purpose, but the funds would enable the survivor to pay off the debt and remain in their home instead of possibly being forced to sell.

Ongoing Income Needs: John’s current annual salary is $80,000, and Sallie’s is $45,000—that’s $125,000 combined. If either died before retirement, the surviving spouse would probably need to replace most of the lost income. If John were to die first, the family would need 70 percent of John’s after-tax earnings over his expected lifetime, or about $1.25 million (which includes a 2.5 percent annual increase to offset inflation).

Using the same assumptions, the family would need $355,000 to cover Sallie’s income.

Cash Sources and Income Sources Before their needs were analyzed, the Smiths had a $200,000 life insurance policy for John and a $100,000 policy for Sallie. Other income sources would include Social Security benefits, money they’ve set aside for retirement, and a small amount of savings. The surviving spouse would continue to work outside the home.

The Conclusion After adding up their immediate cash needs, education funding, debts, and ongoing income needs, then subtracting their existing life insurance, the Smiths decide to add $1.5 million to John’s existing life insurance policy and $716,000 to Sallie’s to secure their family’s financial future and give them peace of mind.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Trust AAA to steer you right on all your current and future Auto, Home and Life insurance needs. Combining your coverage with one insurance company could make a significant difference in your premium. Call 800.727.2552, or visit AAA.com/insurance for more information or to schedule a comprehensive Insurance review. AAA – your trusted insurance advisor.

Co-piloting with advanced driver assistance technology AAA advises drivers to know the limits of these systems

T

oday’s vehicles can detect and communicate important safety information to the driver and in some cases, assume temporary control of the steering and braking functions to prevent a crash.

Advanced driver assistance technologies have to the potential to keep occupants safer, as long as drivers are aware of their limitations. Motorists must learn how these systems operate and how best to manage them for maximum safety and convenience.

Recent testing by the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center, found that blind-spot monitoring and lanedeparture warning systems performed effectively in multiple situations, but there were some situations where the systems failed to perform as expected: • Blind-spot monitoring systems had difficulty detecting fast-moving vehicles – such as when merging onto a busy highway. Alerts were often provided too late for evasive action.

• Motorcycles were detected by blindspot monitoring systems 26 percent later than passenger vehicles.

• Road conditions were often a problem for lane-departure warning systems. Worn pavement markers, construction zones and intersections can cause the lane-departure warning sys-

tems work before driving the vehicle.

Leverage system input for enhanced safety. Blind-spot monitoring systems detected approaching vehicles as far away as 200 feet. In most cases, the systems also properly detected parked vehicles. These enhanced views of the roadway are an asset for drivers.

• Staying engaged. AAA found instances when the blind-spot monitoring system did not provide appropriate warnings or delivered the alarm when the approaching vehicle was only a few feet away. Drivers relying on these systems may not have had time to maneuver to safety.

“With nearly three-quarters of new vehicles offering blind-spot detection and 50 percent offering lane-departure warning as options, it’s key that consumers are educated on how to get the best benefit from these systems,” says John Nielsen, AAA’s managing director of Automotive Engineering.

“AAA’s tests found that these systems are a great asset to drivers, but there is a learning curve.”

•

CHANGING LANES — Motorists must learn to manage advanced driver assistance devices for maximum safety. tem to lose track of lane location.

The litany of alerts and warnings could be confusing. Auditory, visual or haptic responses — or a combination — could be similar to other advanced driver assistance features that delivered the same warnings.

Pros and cons aside, motorists will encounter advanced driver assistance technology more often as automakers introduce these devices across their vehicle lines. Being aware of these •

systems and understanding how they operate is a necessary step before driving the vehicle. Tests show that drivers can effectively interact with these systems by: • Gaining experience with the technology. Both systems are effective, convenient solutions to help reduce driver workload. There are limitations, and systems vary greatly. Motorists should consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine how the sys-

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

FEBRUARY 2015

AAA TRAVELER

Member Benefits • Exclusive Offers

PAGE 7

1-800-354-8761 • AAA.com/travel

© Stefan Rajewski / Fotolia.com

2015 Ñ A banner year for European travel AAA and its travel partners unfurl a variety of vacation values and exclusive member savings The varied countries, cultures & cuisines of Europe coax ever more AAA members to “cross the pond” for unforgettable vacations. And now AAA Travel makes it easier and more affordable to enjoy a European escorted tour with several of our AAA MEMBERS SAVE! travel partners.

Traveling on a fully packaged tour from a Premier Plus Basic well-respected AAA Savings per room (double occupancy) on new air-exclusive bookings (minimum $3,500/room) with deposit by 2/28/15 Travel partner may save you as much as 40% of what you’d pay if you invested the time and energy to plan, reserve and purchase the exact same vacation experience on your own.

Save up to $200.00 per room when you book and deposit on a 2015 Europe escorted tour (valued at $3,500 or more per room) from a selection of AAA Travel partners by Feb 28, 2015.

Because many escorted tours sell out months before their departure dates, it’s always advisable to book as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Booking early enables you to take advantage of the best availability in tours, accommodations and transportation options; the longer you wait, the greater the chance that the hotels, flights or excursions you really want won’t be available.

But the best reason to book early is to save money. The farther away from the departure date, the less you pay.

With some travel partners, you can save up to 10% off the land-only portion of select tours by booking and paying in full in advance. So pay early and save more.

Choose now from hundreds, if not thousands, of exciting European tour packages from AAA Member Choice Vacations,® Alexander+Roberts, Insight Vacations and Trafalgar.

From additional savings to vouchers valid toward optional tours and excursions, AAA members are entitled to exclusive benefits on select packages (ask a AAA Travel Agent for details). Also, some AAA partners offer frequenttravel programs for those who’ve toured with them in the recent past; travel with that same partner again and get additional savings on the land-only portion of select itineraries.

What are the benefits of an escorted tour? No need to worry about language, finding your hotel or missing a train.

No need to rent a car, to drive yourself along unfamiliar terrain, to decipher maps instead of appreciating the passing scenery. Professional guides provide history and cultural context as well as a personal touch that you’d never experience on your own. All in all, you’re free to enjoy because the hassles have all been taken care of for you. And most tour operators have spent years developing a perfect balance between organized activities and the freedom to spend time on your own. So save yourself valuable time & money and get the most out of your hard-earned vacation. You may even develop new friendships among your fellow travelers — all the more reason not to go it alone!

$200 $150 $100

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL: AAA MAKES IT EASIER! Utilize AAA’s services before visiting Europe or other international locales — whether you’re on a package tour or traveling independently.

Visa/ Passport Assistance Passport Photos International Travel Books AAA Travel Money / TipPaks Minor-Child Consent-to-Travel Forms Sightseeing & Activities International Destinations Info AAA Member Discounts International Driving Permits Discounted Rail Tickets Car Rentals Travel Insurance ®

MOST SERVICES AVAILABLE ONLINE AT AAA.COM/TRAVEL AND/OR AT MOST AAA TRAVEL LOCATIONS.

PAGE 8

AAA TRAVELER

FEBRUARY 2015

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

CRUISE

Catch the big wave... of

special savings &

SOME RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY; PLEASE CONSULT YOUR AAA TRAVEL AGENT FOR DETAILS. NEW BOOKINGS FEB 1-28, 2015.

CRUISE LINE BOOK BY...

2015 “WAVE SEASON” CRUISE SAVINGS AND PERKS

3/31/15

3/29/15

1-2-3-Go! with choice of...

Choose 1... $1,000 per stateroom Choice Air credit $1,000 per stateroom onboard credit 1-category upgrade

2/28/15

GO SALE Reduced rates 2-category upgrade

Classic beverage package per person Free gratuities per person Up to $300 per stateroom onboard credit

Book a Concierge Class stateroom and receive all 3 of the offers above.

2/28/15

2/28/15

175th Celebration Package

Ready, Set, Sail Free stateroom upgrades to oceanview or veranda Up to 10% off selected shore excursions 50% reduced deposit Free or reduced cruise fares for 3rd/4th guest Book a suite and receive up to $300 per stateroom onboard credit, free Wine Navigator package and 2 free soda cards.

Free balcony upgrade Double balcony upgrade on Europe cruises Up to $300 per stateroom onboard credit $175 per person reduced deposit

Grills Inclusive Package $60 per day per stateroom onboard credit Complimentary gratuities Captain’s wine collection Alternative-dining credit Internet minutes Keepsake photo Specialty coffee card

AAA MEMBER BENEFITS

$150 per oceanview stateroom (or above) onboard credit

Waiver of the deposit of the 2nd guest Up to $300 per stateroom onboard credit

On applicable sailing dates

Yes

Yes

AAA Vacations® AMENITIES 24-hour best-price guarantee 24–7 member care assistance Ask about others, which vary by cruise line & sailing.

Yes

Yes

Ask your travel agent about eligible sailings

FEBRUARY 2015

AAA TRAVELER

PAGE 9

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

NEWS — “SAIL SALE” AT FULL SPEED!

perks cresting now!

3/31/15 Your World.

Your Way. 2-for-1 cruise fare Early-booking savings 50% off deposits Free gratuities Unlimited internet Up to $1,000 per stateroom onboard credit

Yes

2/26/15

3/31/15

2/28/15

50th Anniversary Sale

“Why Choose?”

Offer

DreamWorks Experience Offer

Up to $1,000 per suite onboard credit

1 free soda package per stateroom

Free unlimited WiFi

1 free DreamWorks character photograph

Savings up to $500 per person Complimentary specialty dinner for 2 Up to $200 per stateroom onboard credit

Business-class air from $499 per person

Onboard value booklet (valued up to $325) Reduced cruise deposit per person

Up to $500 per suite onboard credit Invitation to a group onboard cocktail party on selected sailings

1 per balcony stateroom (or above) complimentary spa treatment (3 choices)

Yes

Yes

Yes

& maximum savings!

Free character breakfast

V

ALUE: It’s what cruising is all about. The price of a cruise includes your accommodations, activities, parties and entertainment; most meals and snacks on board; and an exciting voyage to some of the most enchanting and culturally enriching places in the world.

At AAA Travel, right now the cruising industry’s annual “wave season” of special limited-time savings, stateroom upgrades, onboard credit and other perk opportunities is cresting!

Contact us now to take advantage of the many ways you can get more for your hard-earned cruise vacation dollar. There are options to suit every budget. By choosing to cruise, you’ll know what your vacation will cost you before you go; typically, your only extra expenses are drinks, specialty restaurants, optional shore excursions and personal services such as massages or hairstyling.

PAGE 10

AAA TRAVELER

FEBRUARY 2015

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers Fly to Calgary and drive into the Canadian Rockies to Banff. Enjoy 5 nights at Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa. Ride Banff Gondola for panoramic vistas. Visit thundering Bow Falls and cruise serene Lake Minnewanka. Enjoy a day in Banff on your own; you could play a round on Banff Springs’ golf course, take an unforgettable helicopter sightseeing tour or relax on a river float trip. Banff offers shopping and dining opportunities – as well as an occasional moose! Cross the Continental Divide on the way to Yoho and Banff national parks.

See Takakkaw Falls, Emerald Lake and Lake Louise (“Jewel of the Rockies”), where you may ride the gondola. Spot wildlife along Columbia Icefields Parkway to Athabasca Glacier and turquoise Peyto Lake. Cap off the week at the Calgary Stampede, a celebration of cowboy life, chuckwagon races, rodeos, parades, fireworks and more. Enjoy the thrilling Grandstand Show from reserved seats.

DOWNTOWN BANFF

July 5-11 •

Canadian Rockies and the Calgary Stampede RELAX IN 1 “HOME” FOR 5 NIGHTS! Located in Banff National Park, Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa offers a mountain lodge hotel, a steakhouse and a full-service spa, all in one location. This ideal vacation spot is on Banff’s main street, surrounded by mountains, with plenty of activities to keep you busy.

BANFF SPRINGS

LAKE LOUISE

AAA Member Rate: $2,999

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Louisville-Calgary), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, services of a AAA Tour Manager (if minimum-participation goal is met), 9 meals, motorcoach sightseeing and baggage handling (1 per person).

Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Passport required.

FEBRUARY 2015

AAA TRAVELER

PAGE 11

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Get up to $100.00 in perks!

NOW’S THE TIME!

Book & make a deposit by Feb 28 on a 2015 7-night-or-longer air-inclusive Pleasant Holidays vacation to Hawaii and enjoy:

$50 SAVINGS FROM AAA TRAVEL per room, based on double occupancy • new bookings Feb 1-28, 2015

PLUS

SIVE THIS EXCLU NEFIT! E MEMBER B

LONDON

$50.00 CERTIFICATE

toward purchase of optional sightseeing or activity, per booking

A TRAVEL CLASSIC

A Tour of 2 Cities

PARIS

Sept 14-21

AAA Member Rate: $4,399 LONDON & PARIS! Experience the history and charm of both of these capitals of culture in 1 fabulous tour. Enjoy 3 days discovering the pageantry of London, then ride the EUROSTAR HIGH-SPEED TRAIN beneath the English Channel to the City of Lights for 3 days of Parisian joie de vivre!

London Highlights

• Special welcome dinner with your fellow travelers • Panoramic city tour: See Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, “Big Ben,” the London Eye and more!

Special Inclusion

• In a quaint town west of London, visit the British Monarchy’s stately, expansive Windsor Castle. Queen Elizabeth II uses the thousand-room castle as both a private home and as a Royal residence where formal duties of state are performed. Enjoy time for lunch in the village.

AAA MEMBERS SAVE!

Premier.......$675 Plus ............$625 Basic ..........$600 BOOKING WITH DEPOSIT BY 2/28/15 SAVINGS PER ROOM (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY)

Paris Highlights

• Dinner at 58 Eiffel inside the Eiffel Tower • Seine River “City of Lights” nighttime cruise • City tour: See the Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame, Champs-Élysées, Place de la Concorde, Place Vendôme and more!

• Dinner with wine & show at Paris’ oldest cabaret theater

Special Inclusion

• “An Evening in Paris”: Visit Montparnasse Tower for open-roof terrace views, then dine with wine & music at a traditional Latin Quarter restaurant.

Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Louisville-London, Paris-Louisville), roundtrip airport/hotel and hotel/train transfers, Eurostar train seating, 6-night hotel accommodations (London: 3, Paris: 3), 10 meals, sightseeing & admissions per itinerary, hotel baggage handling (1 per person), air taxes & fees/surcharges and services of an in-Europe tour escort. Visit AAA.com/travel for complete itinerary. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Passport required.

PAGE 12

AAA TRAVELER

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

This 11-night vacation has everything you’ve always wanted in a trip to Italy.

Enjoy multiple-night stays in Rome, Florence, Venice, the Amalfi Coast and Stresa in the Lakes District. Discover the treasures of Classical and Christian Rome. Walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans in Pompeii. See gems of the Renaissance in Florence’s Academy Gallery, including Michelangelo’s “David.” Visit Locarno, Switzerland, and cruise to Isola dei Pescatori, one of the Borromean Islands. A guided walking tour of Venice illustrates how this city gained its wealth and power. Enjoy the magic of the Italian Lakes District in the captivating resort of Stresa. Stop at a winery & farm in the heart of Tuscany to sample local wines and specialities for an included lunch. Sail to enchanting Capri and explore this island paradise.

Special inclusions: “Rome by Night” tour...Vatican museums & St Peter’s... a family-style Tuscan feast...and a serenaded gondola cruise in Venice!

Experience Whisper headsets, designed for better communication between you and your guides throughout your tour. Enjoy regional wines with every dinner.

Oct 19-31 •

AAA Member Rate: $5,779

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Louisville-Rome, Milan-Louisville), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, hotel accommodations, guided motorcoach sightseeing, entrance fees, 20 meals, in-Italy tour director and air & hotel taxes (subject to change). Visit AAA.com/Italy for itinerary and more information. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

ALASKA

BY LAND! See the incredible, inspirational interior of the Last Frontier on this 9-night escorted tour — unforgettable experiences not on cruises!

Traditional salmon bake & a sternwheeler river cruise in Fairbanks 4-hour adventure flying over the Arctic Circle, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and the Yukon River 7-hour Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali National Park, looking for grizzlies, moose & more...with an overnight in the park Meet a 4-time winner of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race and his canine crew Visits to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation & Begich Boggs Visitor centers 2-hour river float trip in Kenai Fjords National Park A ride on Girdwood’s Alyeska Tram — from sea level to 2,300 feet!

Special welcome & farewell dinners with your fellow travelers

July 8-17 •

FEBRUARY 2015

AAA Member Rate: $5,675

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes flights (LouisvilleFairbanks, Anchorage-Louisville), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, motorcoach sightseeing, accommodations (Fairbanks, Denali, Anchorage, Seward: 2 each, Girdwood: 1), 17 meals, luggage handling (1 bag/person), gratuities for included features (includes driver, escort), in-Alaska escort and AAA Tour Manager (if minimum-participation goal is met). Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

FEBRUARY 2015

AAA TRAVELER

PAGE 13

1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel BOWLING GREEN . . . . . . . . . . . . 270-781-7235 • 1-877-506-0057 DOWNTOWN (Louisville). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .502-581-0665 ELIZABETHTOWN. . . . . . . . . . . . . 270-765-4109 • 1-800-813-7284 FERN VALLEY (Louisville) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .502-964-3787 HURSTBOURNE (Louisville) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .502-425-7885 OWENSBORO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270-683-8034 • 1-800-974-1872 PADUCAH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270-443-6478 • 1-866-764-4666 SHIVELY (Louisville) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .502-449-2529 ____________________________________________________________ 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.

Car-free adventures Paducah Quilt Show: April 23

Once a year this quaint river town becomes a mecca for quilters and quilt enthusiasts.

View fabulous entries, exhibits and a Merchants Mall with more than 400 vendors. This is your opportunity to purchase the latest fabric patterns, quilt supplies and gifts. Afterward, dine in Grand Rivers at Patti’s 1880’s Settlement in Grand Rivers. 1 meal. $135.

Springtime at Fallingwater: May 15-17

Visit homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. At Springfield OH, tour the Prairie-style Westcott. In Dunbar PA, visit Kentuck Knob, known as the “child of Fallingwater.”

Then tour one of Wright’s most famous architectural wonders — Fallingwater in Mill Run PA. This unique home was designed to be in harmony with nature; it doesn’t appear to stand on solid ground and overhangs a 30-foot waterfall. Dinners are included at the historic Stone House Restaurant and the old Century Inn. 5 meals. $535.

An Evening with Carl Hurley: Aug 7

Nationally recognized as “America's Funniest Professor,” Carl delights young & old with clean, down-home humor. Listen to him weave entertaining stories of his relatives, friends and life in eastern KY. You won’t stop laughing! 1 meal. $115.

AAA MEMBER RATES are per person, are subject to availability at time of booking and include roundtrip motorcoach transportation from the Louisville area, accommodations (for multiday tours, based on double occupancy), sightseeing/admissions, taxes/gratuities for included features, baggage handling (for multiday tours), meals as indicated and the services of a AAA Tour Manager. Visit AAA.com/USA for complete itinerary details and pick-up points.

VACATION PLANNING PRESENTATIONS at 2 Louisville AAA Travel locations

European River Cruising Thurs, Feb 12 @ 6:30–8pm 321 Whittington Pkwy RSVP: 502-779-3608 by 2/9/15

Honeymoon Holidays Thurs, Feb 26 @ 6:30–8pm 3614 Fern Valley Rd RSVP: 502-964-3787 by 2/23/15

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers See more of Hawaii by cruising with NCL! AAA’s 9-night Hawaiian vacation features a 2-night pre-cruise stay in Honolulu, a tour of the USS Arizona Memorial and a 7-night Pride of America cruise featuring 4 islands (Oahu, Maui, Hawaii & Kauai).

April 16-25 • May 21-30 • June 11-20 • July 2-11 • Aug 20-29 Sept 3-12 • Oct 22-31 • Nov 26–Dec 5 • Dec 10-19 Inside staterooms from $2,090 • Balconies from $2,790 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 pre-cruise nights at the Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa, USS Arizona Memorial/Pearl Harbor excursion, hotel/pier transfers, 7-night NCL Pride of America cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals, government taxes/ fees, port charges, pier/airport transfers for flights purchased through NCL and $50 per stateroom shipboard credit. Ship’s registry: USA. Ask about available add-on airfare.

Glacier Discovery

CHICAGO

CHICAGO to SEATTLE

R

etrace portions of the Lewis & Clark Trail on Amtrak’s Empire Builder from the “Windy City” to the “Emerald City” and explore the “Crown of the Continent” in between!

Begin with a reception at Chicago’s Essex Inn on bustling Michigan Avenue, then take a city tour before boarding Empire Builder at magnificent Union Station.

Start your rail journey with Mississippi River views and glimpses of the Twin Cities skyline. Awaken in your private sleeping accommodations to cross North Dakota’s plains and traverse Gassman Coulee Trestle. Enjoy breakfast and lunch onboard as you cross into Montana to Glacier National Park.

This vast ice-carved terrain of serrated ridges, jutting peaks (6 more than 10,000 feet high), waterfalls, hanging valleys, 50 glaciers, dense forests and more than 200 lakes is one of the world’s most pristine natural environments.

Designated a national park (the 10th) in 1910 by President Taft, the park covers some 1.2 million acres. Deer are among the most commonly spotted wildlife, but elk, moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, wolves and bears are seen.

Tour in a 1930s “jammer” with a canvas roll-top; rebuilt in 2001, these vehicles ply the park’s primary route — Goingto-the-Sun Road. Cross the border into Canada to visit Alberta’s Waterton Lakes National Park, site of the Canadian Rockies’ deepest lakes. The park is part of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, a World Heritage Site.

Enjoy 2 nights at Glacier Park Lodge, built by the Great Northern Railway. The lobby’s massive fireplace invites fireside chats, and there’s an outdoor pool, a golf course, a pitchn-putt and a day spa on site. Your other in-park home for 2 nights is the Swiss-themed Many Glacier Hotel on Swiftcurrent Lake. Its balcony offers 180º views of the lake, 3 glaciers and serrated peaks. This secluded Old World–style hotel is a one-of-a-kind national park lodging experience.

Reboard the Empire Builder for Seattle. See the city’s many gems, including lively Pike Place Market. Cap it all off with an ascent of the iconic Space Needle for breathtaking views!

GLACIER NP

GLACIER NP

AAA MEMBERS SAVE!

Premier... $400 Plus ......... $350 Basic .........$325 BOOKING WITH DEPOSIT BY 2/28/15 SAVINGS PER ROOM (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY)

GLACIER NP SEATTLE

Glacier National Park Discovery Aug 1-10 •

AAA Member Rate: $3,935

Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip hotel/train transfers, 2-night train roomette accommodations (Chicago-Seattle), 7-night hotel accommodations, 17 meals, meal gratuities (except on train), welcome reception, 4 tours & 1 cruise in Glacier National Park, sightseeing per itinerary, hotel baggage handling (1 per person), hotel taxes and services of an Amtrak Vacations® tour escort (Chicago-Seattle). Visit AAA.com/travel for complete itinerary. Ask about available add-on airfare.

PAGE 14

AAA TRAVELER

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

FEBRUARY 2015

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

SIZZLIN’ WESTERN USA TOURS! AAA MEMBER RATES SHOWN. VISIT AAA.COM/USA FOR ITINERARIES, INCLUSIONS AND OTHER INFORMATION.

GRAND CANYON & ARIZONA ADVENTURE

SAN FRANCISCO & NAPA WINE COUNTRY

Fly to Phoenix and ride to Sedona’s beautiful Poco Diablo Resort. Explore scenic backcounMAY 17-24 • $2,465 try on an exciting off-road Pink Jeep® tour.

Visit the IMAX Theater at Williams, then ride the Grand Canyon Railway (first class) to the canyon’s South Rim. Spend 2 nights there in a national park lodge, then ride the vintage Verde Canyon Railroad. Explore Old Town Scottsdale, marvel at intriguing plants at the Desert Botanical Garden and Western art at the Heard Museum. Enjoy a memorable farewell steakhouse dinner — cowboy-style! 11 meals. AIR INCLUDED.

Here’s a tasty tour from scenic Carmel-bythe-Sea and the Monterey Peninsula to San JUNE 18-24 • $3,495 Francisco and Napa Valley. See landmarks of the City by the Bay — Twin Peaks, Golden Gate Park, Cliff House, the Presidio and Fisherman’s Wharf. Cross Golden Gate Bridge to visit Mediterranean-flavored Sausalito and the redwoods at Muir Woods; ferry back across San Francisco Bay. Tour & sip samples at 4 wineries (enjoy a chef-prepared picnic lunch at one!), blend your own Merlot and savor an elegant dinner aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train. 8 meals. AIR INCLUDED.

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

PACIFIC NORTHWEST

© SNEHIT / FOTOLIA.COM

Start with a tour of Spokane. Descend into a silver mine in Wallace ID (once the “Silver JUNE 21-27 • $1,939 Capital of the World”) and visit the Smokejumpers Aerial Fire Depot. See artsy Big Fork MT and enjoy a float trip on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. Stay at an Old World–style lodge in Glacier National Park.

Cruise on 2 lakes. Travel “Going to the Sun” Road amid snowy peaks and virgin forest.

Ride a vintage Red Jammer Touring Car. Cross the Continental Divide. Take America’s longest gondola up to Silver Mountain. Visit Lake Coeur d’Alene. 11 meals.

Ascend the Space Needle at Seattle Center, site of the 1962 World’s Fair. Wander through Chihuly Garden & Glass. Enjoy a land-&-water excursion, the Future of Flight Aviation Center JULY 19-25 • $1,815 and a Boeing tour. Explore Pike Place Market.

Visit Mt St Helens Visitor Center, the Astoria Column and Ft Clatsop. Enjoy a Tillamook cheese plant, a culinary demonstration, Oregon Coast Aquarium, Sea Lion Caves and an oceanfront dune buggy ride at the National Dunes Recreation Area. Tour Portland and its renowned rose gardens. Marvel at the Columbia Gorge’s Bonneville Dam and Multnomah Falls as well as historic Timberline Lodge on Mt Hood. 9 meals.

BEST OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

YELLOWSTONE EXPERIENCE

© SCOTT BUFKIN / FOTOLIA.COM

© ANDREANITA / FOTOLIA.COM

So many delights in 1 tour — from the endless charms of San Francisco to the natural JULY 23-31 • $3,819 splendor of the redwoods at Muir Woods to the opulence of Hearst Castle. Cross Golden Gate Bridge, enjoy the Mediterranean ambiance of Sausalito, sample wines at Napa Valley vineyards, savor lunch aboard the Napa Wine Train. Ride Amtrak’s scenic California Zephyr to Lake Tahoe. Visit the ghost town of Virginia City NV. Dine & dance on a riverboat paddlewheeler. Marvel at Yosemite’s wonders. Explore coastal Carmel, Big Sur and Monterey. 14 meals. AIR INCLUDED.

Our first national park’s first explorers were called liars when they described its otherAUG 10-16 • $1,765 worldly geysers & bubbling mudpots and its free-ranging bison, elk, moose, bears & wolves. Begin at Salt Lake City and travel through scenic Idaho to Yellowstone. Enjoy Old Faithful & many other natural landmarks, as well as the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. A Wildlife Safari includes a picnic dinner. Also enjoy Grand Teton National Park, the cowboy town of Jackson, a Jenny Lake cruise, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (schedule permitting) and more! 12 meals.

AMERICAN MAJESTY

COLORADO TRAIN ADVENTURE

From Salt Lake City to Denver, take in some of America’s favorite national landmarks. Hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (choir schedule AUG 29–SEPT 6 • $3,485 permitting). Visit Grand Teton and Yellowstone parks (including Old Faithful & Mammoth Hot Springs), Devil’s Tower, Deadwood, Mt Rushmore (during the day and again in the evening for its inspiring lighting ceremony), Crazy Horse Monument, Custer State Park, Ft Laramie National Historic Site, Cody’s Buffalo Bill Historic Center and Cheyenne.

Take a wildlife Jeep® safari through SD’s Black Hills. 15 meals. AIR INCLUDED.

This Centennial State tour features rides on the Pike’s Peak Cog Railway, the Royal Gorge SEPT 12-19 • $2,145 Route RR, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic RR and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge RR. Tour the US Air Force Academy and marvel at the rock formations of the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. Ride the country’s steepest incline and walk on the world’s highest suspension bridge at Royal Gorge. Visit Great Sand Dunes and Mesa Verde national parks. See the monoliths of Colorado National Monument. Visit the CO Railroad Museum in Golden. 15 meals.

NEW MEXICO BALLOON FIESTA

CANYON COUNTRY EXPERIENCE

Explore Albuquerque, the Land of Enchantment’s largest city, then a 3-night stay in OCT 4-9 • $3,265 charming Santa Fe. Visit historic Chimayo village. Enjoy artsy Taos and the impressive Rio Grande Gorge. Take a fun salsa-making class. Ride Sandia Peak’s Aerial Tramway. At the International Balloon Fiesta,® witness the mass ascension of hundreds of balloons. Explore Rte 66, Old Town Albuquerque, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and Acoma Pueblo. See the Balloon Fiesta’s evening “Glowdeo” of illuminated balloons & fireworks afterward! 11 meals. AIR INCLUDED.

Eroded for eons by wind & water, the colorful canyons of AZ, UT and NV captivate all who OCT 13-19 • $1,415 visit. Begin in the Entertainment Capital of the World — Las Vegas! Enjoy an afternoon & evening on your own before departing for Kingman’s Route 66 Museum. Marvel at the magnificence of the Grand Canyon; enter the Navajo Nation and see Monument Valley from a 4WD vehicle. Enjoy a sunset jet boat ride on the Colorado River followed by a BBQ dinner. Visit 4 national parks — Arches, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon and Zion — and 2 state parks too! 11 meals.

FEBRUARY 2015

AAA TRAVELER

PAGE 15

Celebrity’s biggest stars are aligned on Europe Five Solstice-class ships will cruise the Continent in 2015

T

here’s an old adage that you should “go big or go home.”

In 2015 Celebrity Cruises is going very big in Europe with more ways to experience the Continent than ever before. Celebrity will offer 19 distinct Mediterranean itineraries aboard five ships, visiting 94 ports in 28 countries, with more than 65 enticing overnight stays.

Ships include Celebrity Reflection, their newest and most advanced vessel. Celebrity’s impeccable design taste is readily apparent in the elegant public rooms filled with contemporary artwork, while the Alcoves is a cool, cabana-style retreat. Staterooms are generous with 85 percent of the 1,498 cabins incorporating private verandahs. Amenities include smarter storage and closet space, spacious bathrooms, and plush European bedding.

The Lawn Club is a unique top-deck environment with just over a half-acre off real growing grass and a Hamptonsesque vibe. There are ten memorable dining venues, including Qsine a “uniquely unordinary” interactive bistro with menus delivered on an iPad. Reflection will be retracing the voyage of Odysseus on a series of 10- and 11-night Eastern Mediterranean sailings roundtrip from Rome to the Greek Isles and Turkey. The 10-night itinerary calls in at Messina, Sicily, Mykonos,

SIREN SONG — Santorini may be the quintessential Greek isle.

Greece, Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey, Rhodes, Santorini and Athens, Greece, and Naples, Italy.

The postcard-perfect island of Mykonos is filled with windmills and dazzling white houses set against a shimmering blue sea. Basket-laden donkeys make their way through a maze of ancient streets designed to frustrate marauding pirates.

Kusadasi, a popular resort town on

the Turkish coast, is the gateway to the ancient ruins of Ephesus, once the second largest city in the Roman Empire.

Walking down the Arcadian Way, an ancient street paved with white marble, you can almost hear the footsteps of Alexander the Great and Anthony and Cleopatra reverberate on the stone.

Dolphins frolic in the wake as you sail into storied ports like Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese islands. The

thickly walled Old Town is Europe’s largest inhabited medieval city.

Santorini may be the quintessential Greek Isle, with whitewashed buildings and blued domed churches perched on dramatic cliffs overlooking an Aegean Sea the color of your dreams. Visitors can ride the mules up the 547 steps from the harbor up to the ancient town of Fira.

The cradle of Western civilization Athens is revered for its golden age monuments like the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the temple of Athena Nike.

Naples is the gateway to the famous archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum, located under the looming shadow of Mount Vesuvius. The two towns remain frozen in time, buried by volcanic eruption in AD 79.

For centuries Rome was the center of the world, filled with hidden squares, and ancient wonders like the Colosseum and the Pantheon, that still have the capacity to amaze. Don’t forget to toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please see this issue’s Departures Guide or visit AAA.com/cruises for special values on Celebrity cruise vacations.

The Post Graduate — Alfa Romeo introduces 4C Coupe Italian carmaker makes a memorable return to America

W

ith its stunning Italian design and Formula 1 derived innovations, the all-new 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C may be the world’s first affordable supercar. Handcrafted in the Maserati plant in Modena, Italy the ground hugging mid-engine coupe marks the iconic Italian brand’s long anticipated return to North America after a nearly 20 year absence.

In truth, Alfa Romeo has been pretty much a nonstarter on this side of the Atlantic since a youthful Dustin Hoffman tooled around L.A. in a bright red Duetto Spider in the 1967 film The Graduate. Now owned by Fiat Chrysler, the company plans to add seven new models, including two SUVs, to their lineup by 2018.

The acronym ‘4C’ draws its inspiration from the brand’s legendary 8C and 6C models from the 1930s and 1940s, and references its innovative 4-cylinder all-aluminum engine. The exterior’s voluptuous curves pay homage to the ultra rare 1967 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, ranked number 15 in Top Gear’s 100 Sexiest Cars of all time.

Alfa Romeo leveraged advanced solutions from Formula 1 racing to develop a competition-capable architecture that makes extensive use of aluminum, plus a composite body for an ultra-lightweight design. The carbon fiber monocoque chassis weighs just 236 lbs.

catalytic converter to the tailpipe.

Those looking for a Grand Touring car like the Mercedes SLK may be disappointed. The C4 is engineered for performance and that means sacrificing some amenities like power steering and a glove compartment. The interior’s drab plastic surfaces could best be described as Greyhound Bus Terminal circa 1970. Just getting in and out of it with any dignity may require a background in gymnastics, or at the very least, a working knowledge of Gangnam Style dance moves.

But what are a few tiny inconveniences when compared to its sinuous lines and seductive Italian charm? It can turn your daily commute into the Mille Miglia followed by a victory lap around Rome.

LOVE, ITALIAN STYLE — The 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Launch Edition.

A lilliputian 1.75-liter flat four produces 237 horsepower and 258 lb. ft. of torque. That’s roughly on par with a Hyundai Sonata, but good enough to move the featherweight 4C from zero to sixty in about 4.5 seconds. And to paraphrase two-time presidential candidate Ross Perot “that giant sucking sound you hear behind you is the turbo.”

Drivers can use the Alfa DNA selector to choose four distinct driving modes — Dynamic, Natural and All Weather

and Race, which disables most of the driver assists. The six speed automatic transmission can be shifted manually using the paddle shifters mounted on the steering column.

The 4C is available in two variants, the 4C Coupe and the 4C Coupe Launch Edition. Only 500 serialized Launch Edition coupes will be available with upgrades like carbon fiber trim, a unique front fascia and a racing exhaust, by which they mean “no muffler.” The exhaust goes directly from the

VEHICLE TYPE: 2-passsenger, mid-engine, RWD, 2-door coupe.

OVERALL LENGTH: 157.5-inches.

CURB WEIGHT: 2,465 lbs.

ENGINE: 1.75L 237hp/6000rpm.

TRANSMISSION: 6-speed automatic.

MSRP: $53,900-$68,400.

EPA ESTIMATES: City/highway 24/34/28 COMPETITION: Porsche Cayman, Jaguar F-Type Coupe, Chevy Corvette.

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Italy

PAGE 16

Costa Rica

AAA TRAVELER cont from page 1

world-renowned coffee farms on the fertile slopes of Poas Volcano; at Doka Coffee Estate, learn of the history and cultivation of this lifeblood of the tico economy. Sip samples before heading to Tamarindo Beach in Guanacaste, a Pacific-side region known for breathtaking scenery and fine beaches. Rest & relax here amid tropical greenery for 2 nights.

Set sail on an included catamaran sunset cruise along Guanacaste’s coastline, glimpsing dolphins, turtles, flying fish, maybe even a whale. Stop at a charming bay for snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, sunbathing or beachcombing. Ascend into the Monteverde Cloud Forest, with trees as high as 100 feet and the largest number (500) of orchids in the world. It’s also a stop for 91 species of migratory birds; keep your eyes peeled for the elusive jewel-toned quetzal, which resides here seasonally. Resident mammals include marsupials, bats, primates, wild cats, wild pigs and others.

Next, venture into one of the world’s largest butterfly gardens at Selvatura Park, a reserve in the heart of Monteverde. A nearby gallery hosts more than 100 beautiful hummingbirds. Enjoy a guided walking tour on “hanging bridges” among the cloud forest treetops to learn more about this fascinating ecosystem. If you crave a little more excitement, for just $75 you may opt to experience the unique sensation of flying through

nature on a nearly 3-hour Rainforest Canopy Zip Line Tour Adventure (one of the longest in Costa Rica...and the only zip line inside the actual virgin cloud forest of Monteverde). You’ll be outfitted with equipment, then safely guided to 19 platforms along 12 cables ranging from 120 to more than 2,000 feet in length and 60 to 400 feet in height. Feel pure adrenaline and the exhilaration of gliding up to 35 mph, viewing magnificent landscapes.

Later, visit a tree nursery to learn about indigenous-tree reforestation efforts. Travel through stunning mountain country to Tierras Morenas to visit a local school, where you’ll meet students and learn about the educational system and life-style of a small farming community.

At Arenal, cruise on a lake of the same name (Costa Rica’s largest) by a volcano of the same name. Spend 2 nights at a lodge in sight of the volcano, which has spewn lava for 30 years. You’ll even enjoy a cooking demonstration and learn how native exotic vegetables and other plants contribute to the unique tico cuisine.

Of all Costa Rica’s nature preserves (which cover 25% of it), remote Cano Negro boasts the largest viewable selection of indigenous wildlife. Embark on a covered-canoe river excursion, stopping to watch and photograph crocodiles, otters, sloths, turtles, birds and butterflies. The area around Arenal Volcano is also a land of spas and hot springs; experience supreme pampering during an included 2-hour ses-

FEBRUARY 2015

sion at Arenal Springs Hotel’s spa.

Travel to charming Zarcero for its whimsical topiary garden. At picturesque Grecia, see an unusual church made of brick-red metal panes, walk a beautifully landscaped park or shop at a traditional market. Visit San Jose’s colorful Plaza de Cultura and magnificent National Theater. Cap it all off

with a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers and newfound amigos.

This tour’s a unique way to reconnect with nature. And, once you’re back home, whenever you’re in need of a mood boost, just remember Costa Rica — naturally. ¡Pura Vida, amigo!

Log on to AAA.com/GoCostaRica, visit a AAA Travel location or call 1-800-354-8761.

ARENAL VOLCANO

New research by the Global Tourism Monitor Survey asked 23,000 vacationers in 26 countries to name the destination they’d most recommend to others based on their experiences in places they’d visited in the previous year. Costa Rica came out on top, followed by Austria, Israel, New Zealand and Italy.

Tropical Costa Rica • Oct 12-20 • AAA Member Rate: $2,854

Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Louisville–San Jose), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, hotel accommodations, guided motorcoach sightseeing, entrance fees, 14 meals, in–Costa Rica tour director and air taxes & fees/surcharges. Visit AAA.com/GoCostaRica for complete itinerary and more information.

Additional airline fee may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

After-tour Optional Extension: 3-night Jungle Adventure Oct 20-23 • AAA Member Rate: $449

Continue to Tortuguero, the “Amazon of Costa Rica.” Explore the region’s wildlife by boat, viewing macaws, sloths, monkeys, falcons and other native species. Enjoy a memorable 2-night stay at an ecolodge surrounded by tropical forest and amazing wildlife. Visit the world’s first Green Turtle Research Station and discover how to protect the turtles’ nesting habitat and eggs. Enjoy a bird watching excursion and learn about local and migratory birds that flock to this area. Experience a spectacular canal cruise, keeping an eye out for howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, aquatic birds, bats and caimans, as well as exotic flora. Tortuguero National Park is a study in rainforest, freshwater and marine biology; it protects more than 350 species of animals, including green macaws, 57 species of amphibians, 111 species of reptiles and 60 mammal species, including endangered jaguars, tapirs, ocelots, cougars, river otters and manatees. Return to San Jose for your last night in Costa Rica. 8 meals.

What is a data breach and what you should know Things you can do in case you become a victim

D

ata breach woes aren’t just plaguing the United States.

The world over, data breach incidents are happening at government, technology, education, healthcare, retail and financial service organizations. These are the industries in which the biggest and most breaches are occurring, according to KPMG’s Data Loss Barometer.

Truth be told, data breaches happen at any type of business, from local dental clinics to big online retailers.

The discomforting part is, the privacy of our data depends on the companies with which we share it. And sometimes those companies share data with thirdparty vendors, such as payment processors or cloud service providers that we don’t even know about. So you can see why data breaches have become so prevalent–both people and companies have data in so many places.

When a company’s records are lost or stolen, your sensitive information (like your Social Security number or bank account information) can land in the hands of an identity thief. The thief then can use your information to siphon money from your bank account, gain access to your credit cards, or to create new accounts in your name.

As a result, your credit reports can be blemished with unpaid accounts and you can start receiving phone calls from collection agencies.

GOOD PROTECTION — ProtectMyID® can help you address identity theft.

What you should know: 1. State laws typically require the business to notify affected customers within a certain amount of time or be subject to a fine.

2. The District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands all have some type of data breach law. Five states – Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Colorado – do not.

3. In the past, some companies have paid for six to twelve months of credit monitoring for affected individuals.

While this is something the Federal

Trade Commission (FTC) recommends to businesses that have suffered a data breach, it isn’t a requirement.

What to do if you are a victim: Contact one of the three credit bureaus. Have an initial security alert added to your credit report which can help prevent further damage.

Additional precautions will be taken to make sure anyone applying for credit in your name is you. You will have more time to investigate and get a free copy of your credit report.

File a police report. A police report can be instrumental in helping you place long-term alerts on your credit report and helping you recover from fraud and other crimes where your identity was used.

Thoroughly review your credit report for suspicious information or activity. Request a copy of your credit report from the credit bureaus. You should also review your billing statements and immediately notify each creditor to dispute what you believe is fraudulent charges. Keep detailed records of your conversations and interactions.

If you suspect, or you are a victim identity theft due to a data breach, you have first-hand knowledge of the stress it can cause. ProtectMyID®, offered to AAA members, can help you address identity theft as soon as you become aware of suspicious activity.

This article is provided for general guidance and information. It is not intended as, nor should it be construed to be, legal, financial or other professional advice.

Please consult with your attorney or financial advisor to discuss any legal or financial issues involved with credit decisions.

Published by permission from ConsumerInfo.com, Inc., an Experian company. © 2014 ConsumerInfo.com, Inc. All rights reserved.

FEBRUARY 2015

AAA TRAVELER

PAGE 17

Royal Caribbean raises the bar on Oasis-class ships Dynamic dining and Broadway shows among new enhancements

J

ust one look at Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas lets you know that these ships are unlike anything else on the high seas. With a design that blends the beauty of the open sea and sky with soaring architectural details, there’s plenty to do and see within the seven distinct onboard neighborhoods.

Sailing aboard the world’s largest and most electrifying cruise ships will now come with even more bragging rights.

Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas emerged from a 14-day dry-dock last October with a new look that includes re-imagined dining, game-changing high-speed Internet, new retail offerings like Kate Spade New York, popular Broadway shows, and new suites with exclusive amenities.

Sister ship Allure of the Seas will follow suit in May with nearly identical enhancements. It’s all part of the cruise line’s Royal Advantage commitment to deliver the best vacation experience and introduce guests to even more new features that can be found only on Royal Caribbean.

Beginning March 14, 2015, Royal Caribbean’s Dynamic Dining will tempt your taste buds with more choice and flexibility with a culinary landscape of 20 restaurants, as vast and varied as dining in the world’s most cosmopolitan cities.

The original Oasis-class three-story main dining room has been re-imag-

BIG SISTERS — Allure of the Seas and her sister ship, Oasis of the Seas, rendezvous off the coast of Florida. ined into three distinct complimentary venues each with their own cuisine and ambiance: The American Icon Grill offers a new take on the classic American road trip, pulling together best-loved regional favorites into one big road atlas of comfort foods.

Silk brings the subtle flavors spices of the Far East to adventurous palates through an exotic Pan-Asian menu.

Every night is formal night in The Grande, with its elegant décor, supper

club ambiance and sophisticated cuisine.

New suite accommodations offer breathtaking views of the ocean, or the ships’ signature AquaTheater and Boardwalk neighborhood. Upscale amenities like The Suite Lounge, and The Sun Deck are offered exclusively for suite guests.

Thanks to dramatically improved Internet connectivity, Royal Caribbean now features affordable, easy-to-use Internet packages. With boatloads of

bandwidth guests can stream video, check email, share images on social media — even in the middle of the ocean.

Royal iQ is a brand new app that puts guests in charge of their vacation choices for dining, shore excursions and more, through a downloadable app and at freestanding iQ stations around the ship.

Oasis of the Seas has brought Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS to sea for the first time in the opulent 1,350-seat Opal Theater. Boasting an incredible cast of talented performers, this fabulous 90-minute show thrills audiences with original costumes, sets, and the hottest, high-energy numbers from the Broadway version. Beginning June 2015, Allure of the Seas will debut MAMMA MIA! the smash hit musical set to the maddeningly memorable music of 70s pop icons ABBA. IF YOU GO

Oasis of the Seas sails alternate 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Allure of the Seas will be homeported in Barcelona, Spain, this summer for the first full Oasisclass European season.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please see this issue’s Departures Guide or AAA.com/cruises for special values on Royal Caribbean cruise vacations.

PAGE 18

AAA TRAVELER

FEBRUARY 2015

Preparing your teen driver for the road ahead Parents can help make sure they get off to a safe start

Y

our teen sees a driver’s license as a big step toward freedom, but you might not be sure your teen is ready for the road. One thing is certain: teens aren’t ready to have the same level of driving responsibility as older adults. Teen drivers have more fatal crashes, mostly as a result of their immaturity and lack of experience.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 15-20 year olds in America. In 2012, 4,283 young drivers aged 15-20, were involved in fatal crashes. They speed, they make mistakes, and they get distracted easily — especially if their friends are in the car. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) data show that a teenage driver is 2.5 times more likely to engage in risky behaviors when driving with one teenage passenger and three times more likely with multiple teenager passengers.

Speeding was a factor in almost half (48 percent) of the crashes that killed 15- to 20-year-old drivers. Over one quarter had been drinking, even though the legal drinking age in every state is 21.

All 50 states and the District of Columbia have graduated driver licensing (GDL) laws that limit high-risk driving situations for new drivers. These programs can reduce your teen’s crash risk by as much as 50 percent. Jeff

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT — Gaining on-road experience with a parent “riding shotgun” is critical.

Gardner, manager of AAA’s Kentucky Driver Training Center, says they allow inexperienced drivers to gain experience by gradually introducing driving tasks and privileges through controlled exposure to high-risk situations.

“Parents need to learn about their state’s GDL program,” says Gardner.

“Know the restrictions placed on your teen’s license and enforce those limits.

Set some important ground rules for

your teen driver restricting night driving and passengers. Insist they use seat belts at all times and prohibit driving while on the phone.”

Distraction is a major risk for any driver, says Gardner, but for teens who lack the risk-management experience to assess conditions around them effectively, it’s especially risky.

Gardner believes parents need to be good role models. “Remember that

your child looks to you as a driver, so practice safe driving yourself. Parents should always try to be the driver you want your teen to be.”

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that teens get only about an hour and a half of practice each week during the supervised driving period of their licensing process. Parents can help their teen drivers gain crucial risk management experience by getting them out on the road as often as possible.

Set aside time to take your teen on practice driving sessions in a variety of conditions and roadways. It can be a great way to spend time together and will enable your teen to improve basic driving skills.

Risky driving behaviors — and the devastation they cause — are entirely preventable. Remember that driver’s education while important, is just one part of a GDL program.

AAA KENTUCKY DRIVER TRAINING CENTER

AAA Kentucky Driver Training Center provides both the classroom and behindthe-wheel instruction teenagers need to be safe, confident drivers year round. For more information, call (502) 779-3611 or visit any AAA East Central office in the greater Louisville area. Visit AAA.com/ community for details.

aroundtown MOONLIGHT AND MAGNOLIAS — (February 6-8, 12-15) 1939 Hollywood is abuzz. Legendary producer David O. Selznick has shut down production of his new epic “Gone With the Wind.” The screenplay doesn’t work. He sends a car for screenwriter, Ben Hecht, and pulls director Victor Fleming from the set of “The Wizard of Oz.” Behind locked doors, the three men labor over five days to fashion a screenplay that will become one of the most beloved films of all time. Performances at 7:00 p.m. with the exception of Sunday matinees at 3:00 p.m. For information and tickets, visit hardincountyplayhouse.com or call (270) 3510577. Location: The Historic State Theater, 209 West Dixie Avenue, Elizabethtown.

AND IN THIS CORNER…CASSIUS CLAY — (February 7, 14) Before he shook up the world he was just Cassius Clay, Jr. from Louisville, Kentucky; and the Louisville where he grew up in the 1950s was not like Louisville today. StageOne Family Theatre presents the story of larger than life boxing legend Muhammad Ali, written by playwright Idris Goodwin. Show times are February 7, 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.; and February 14, 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults; $15 for children 12

and under. To purchase go to the Kentucky Center Box Office at 501 W. Main Street, www.kentuckycenter.org; or call 502.584.7777.

FLASHDANCE LIVE — (February 9) The pop culture phenomenon of Flashdance is now live on stage.

With electrifying dance at its core, “Flashdance: The Musical” tells the story of Alex Owens, a Pittsburgh steel mill welder by day and a bar dancer by night with dreams of becoming a professional performer. The show includes the movie’s Academy Award-winning title song “Flashdance – What a Feeling.” Show time is at 7:15 p.m. For tickets and information, visit thecarsoncenter. org. Location: Carson Center, 100 Kentucky Avenue, Paducah.

THE QUEENS’S PICTURES — (February 12) The Speed Art Museum’s Global Speed Series of renowned speakers from the United Kingdom is pleased to announce “Through The Eyes Of The Royals: The Queens’s Pictures From Henry Viii To Elizabeth II” a presentation by Desmond ShaweTaylor, Surveyor of the Queen’s Pictures. He has written extensively on English 18th-century portraiture and more recently curated exhibitions at The Queen’s Galleries in Edinburgh and London. General admission tickets for the lecture can be purchased for $10 each at ken-

tuckycenter.org. This series of art talks is free to members. Location: Kentucky Center, Bomhard Theater, 501 West Main Street, Louisville.

MASQUERADE BALL — (February 14) Market House Theatre’s Signature Fundraising Party of the Year!

Come dressed up as a 1920’s flapper or gangster and help celebrate St. Valentine’s Day — Chicago Speakeasy style. All proceeds from the evening go to benefit the Market House Theatre Youth and Outreach programming. 6:30 p.m.

For tickets and information, visit markethousetheatre.org. Location: Market House Theatre, 132 Market House Square, Paducah.

PEKING ACROBATS — (February 24) The Peking Acrobats’ extraordinary feats of balance, flexibility, and precision are drawn from ancient Chinese folk traditions. Performance at 7:00 p.m. For tickets and information, visit haaa.org. Location: Henderson Fine Arts Center, 2660 South Green Street, Henderson.

25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE — (February 26-March 1) A one-act musical comedy with an eclectic group of six quirky midpubescent adolescents vying for the championship of a lifetime at a Bee run by three equally quirky grownups. Several audience participants join the contestants on stage. Shows

are at 7:30 p.m. except for the Sunday matinee at 2:00 p.m. For tickets and information, visit backalleymusicals.net or call (270) 6872770. Location: Jody Berry Theatre, RiverPark Center, 101 Daviess Street, Owensboro.

SLEEPING BEAUTY: THE BALLET — (February 27) Presented by Children’s Center for Dance Education, this hour-long adaptation of the classic ballet is designed to engage even the youngest child.

The curtain rises at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets: $16/$12 (Children 12 & under half-price). For information, call (270) 821-2787 or visit glemacenter.org. Location: Glema Mahr, 2000 College Drive, Madisonville.

JIM HENSON’S DINOSAUR TRAIN LIVE — (March 1) Dinosaur Train embraces and celebrates the fascination that preschoolers have with both dinosaurs and trains.

The series encourages basic scientific thinking skills as the audience learns about life science, natural history and paleontology. Come join Buddy, Tiny, Shiny, Don and all of their friends and family in this upbeat interactive, multi-media live trip back to the Mesozoic era. The time is 2:00 p.m. For tickets and information, visit dinosaurtrainlive. com. Location: RiverPark Center, 101 Daviess Street, Owensboro.

FEBRUARY 2015

AAA TRAVELER

INSURANCE

EXPECT SOMETHING MORE TM

Paul found reliability and savings with auto insurance through AAA. Millions trust AAA for peace of mind on the road. Drivers with auto insurance through AAA enjoy something more––savings of up to 35%.

CALL US FOR A FAST, NO-OBLIGATION QUOTE TODAY. LOUISVILLE AREA Downtown .................. 502-581-0665 Hurstbourne................ 502-425-7885 Okolona ...................... 502-964-3787 Shively ........................ 502-449-2529

Bowling Green ............ 270-781-7235 or 877-506-0057 Elizabethtown ............. 270-765-4109 or 800-813-7284 Paducah ..................... 270-443-6478 or 866-764-4666 Owensboro ................. 270-683-8034 or 800-974-1872

...or call 888-222-9677

Insurance underwritten by Auto Club Property-Casualty Insurance Company. Savings may vary and are based on discounts applied to the non-discounted base rate. 14-IA-1665_KY

PAGE 19

Auto Buying Program PAGE 20

AAA TRAVELER

FEBRUARY 2015

outlined

Presidential Savings Official Print Colors

PMS 485 PMS 287

Official Web Colors

#CC0000 #003366

You could save thousands this President’s Day weekend with the AAA Auto Buying Program: • • •

Upfront dealer pricing information and Guaranteed Savings* on new cars Save hundreds of dollars off the list price with used car discounts on most inventory** Certified Dealers provide a hassle-free car buying experience

See your savings at AAA.com/AutoBuying or call 800-446-7433

*Guaranteed Savings and upfront dealer pricing information not available in all states. In these states, a Target Price is shown, which is a market-based example of what you can reasonably expect to pay for your vehicle as configured. Your configured vehicle may not be available or in-stock at the Certified Dealer. **Used car discounts not available in all states