Ky_ by AAA East Central

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KENTUCKY

Vol. 36 No. 6

If Disney’s in the cards for your family in 2015, get up to $100.00 in GIFT CARDS from AAA! PARKS CRUISES D GUIDES R U TO COMBOS

Auto Pay Saves You Time & Money

AAA East Central’s Auto Pay annual renewal option is the perfect way to ensure your membership won’t lapse. 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. Your renewal will be automatically charged to your credit or debit card each year, and we’ll send a reminder before billing your card. 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 office, or call the AAA Member Services Center at 1.800.441.5008 or 412.363.5100 in Pittsburgh.

Change the way you buy a car

AAA Travel is your “go to” source for absolutely everything Disney!

shopping, dining and more at select locations hen a Disney vacation is what your throughout the Walt Disney World® Resort. It family craves, go to AAA Travel can also be used nationwide at Disney Store, first! Over the years, AAA has DisneyStore.com and beyond to shop for toys, helped millions of Americans apparel, DVDs, music, collectibles and more. create lifelong memories and save lots of hardAnd it can be used for earned vacation dollars. reservations at Disney And this month (June Resorts, aboard Disney 1-30) is no different. Cruise Line® and for We’re offering Disney vacation needs such as Gift Cards worth up to shopping, dining and $100 to members who more. book and make a nonrePart of what makes a fundable deposit on any Disney vacation “suc6-night-minimum 2015 cessful” is the trust you Disney vacation. And it’s have in your travel arvalid not only when you stay at the Walt Disney Walt Disney World Resort — $50 (“Deluxe” resort) • $25 (“Moderate” resort) ranger. Because AAA has ® been arranging Disney World® Resort...but also Disney Cruise Line® — $50 balcony stateroom • $25 oceanview stateroom vacations for decades, when you sail on a Disney Adventures by Disney® — $100 per room you can be confident Cruise Line® ship...or enWalt Disney World® + Disney Cruise Line® combination vacation $50 balcony stateroom • $25 oceanview stateroom our agents are knowljoy an Adventures by DisAll accommodations based on double occupancy, 6-night-minimum stay in 2015. 1 card per room. edgeable about the latney® guided domestic or est developments (ask international tour. You about the new Magic Bands!)...which resorts can even combine a Walt Disney World® Resort and rooms (as well as ships and staterooms) getaway with a Disney Cruise Line® sailing! will best suit your needs...and the best ways to save money and time (via special programs One Card, A World of Possibilities! such as the Disney Dining Plan). Contact AAA A Disney Gift Card can be used at Disney today and travel with someone you trust! Theme Parks for tickets, hotels, entertainment,

PARKS

JUNE 2015

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

TEEN DRIVER DISTRACTION MUCH WORSE THAN WE THOUGHT

CRUISES

GUIDED TOURS

See packages, offers & details on pages 10-11.

If you’re in the market for your next car, the AAA Online Auto Buying Program wants to change the way you feel about car buying: • Our online shopping tools allow you to easily compare models and features on a variety of trim levels, showing you upfront dealer pricing information and any special financing and incentives before you set foot in a dealership. • Or you can start at the AAA Car Buying Resource Center, where you can find great car deals, learn about low-interest rates and cash back offers, discover great lease programs, and get great buying and leasing advice. • Discover your Guaranteed Savings off MSRP and learn what others paid for the car you want so you know when you’re getting a great deal. • Search for used cars by the features you want and free CARFAX reports are available on most used vehicles. • Our Certified Dealers are prescreened for quality customer service, so enjoy a better car buying experience while saving yourself time and money. Ease the hassle of shopping for your next car, and start your search with the AAA Auto Buying Program today! Visit AAA.com/autobuying for more details.

Keep your contact information up to date Have you moved recently or changed your status? AAA relies on having your correct address, telephone number, and email as our primary means to stay in touch and keep you informed about the AAA benefits, services, and news that may be important to you. To update your information, or change your address call AAA Member Services at 1.800.441.5008 or 1.412.363.5100 in Pittsburgh.

Hit the Road with Hertz this Summer and Save! Hertz wants to make your driving vacation more affordable with up to 20% discounts and an array of AAA member benefits that will stretch your travel budget. From now through July 31, 2015, save an additional 10% on weekly rentals of Economy – Premium car classes at participating Hertz locations when you include Promotions Code #301302 in your reservation. So go ahead with your vacation plans! You deserve it…and it’s affordable! Contact your local AAA travel office, visit AAA.com/hertz or call 800-6543080 to reserve your Hertz vehicle and save!

Celebrate the Season in San Antonio San Antonio really lights up for the holidays and AAA Travel’s 4-night San Antonio Holiday getaway mixes seasonal splendor with Lone Star State signature attractions. Highlights of the Dec. 4-8 tour include the Alamo, Texas Hill Country, the LBJ Ranch, German-flavored Fredericksburg, and the River Walk, which will shine more brightly than ever with holiday lights and luminarias. SEE PAGE 7.

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Protecting your nest egg from fraudsters Put some safeguards in place to protect your assets

or many Americans, it’s hard to eke out a living and secure a nest egg for retirement. Fortunately, there are plenty of financial experts offering advice on how to save for the “golden years.” But that’s definitely not the case when it comes to skilled professionals with solutions on how to safeguard your life savings from identity theft. If you are retired or are close to retirement, protecting your nest egg from identity thieves is more vital today than ever, as is becoming aware of the different scams fraudsters use to separate you from your money. Here are some steps to preserve your investments: If you get a call from someone you don’t know to donate funds to a surefire investment opportunity, hang up the phone. A legitimate financial institution won’t just call you out of the blue with a windfall opportunity. Find a secure place to store Social Security numbers and medical information. Carry only necessary information in your wallet. If you get checks in the mail, such as Social Security, arrange to have them deposited directly into your bank account. Identity thieves are known to watch seniors’ mailboxes. Love your family members, but be aware that the majority of identity theft against seniors can be attributed to friends, family members or caretakers. It’s sad, but true, that the people closest

information on how to get started, visit AAA.com/protectmyid or stop by a local AAA office for details. ProtectMyID Essential and Deluxe are provided by ConsumerInfo.com, Inc., an Experian company. FINDING FRAUD: WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

PROTECT YOUR ASSETS — Identify thieves often target seniors with their scams. to you have the highest probability of taking advantage of you. Place limits on the amounts that anyone can withdraw from your bank accounts without actual verification of who they are. For example, someone authorized to pull money from your account could use an ATM without having to go inside the bank to see a teller. Monitor your credit reports regularly. Check for erroneous information and to spot identity theft. Checking your credit reports can also help you monitor how you spend money. As we age, we generally become

more vulnerable to fraud. Getting older sometimes makes it harder to make effective and safe financial decisions. It can’t hurt to put some safeguards in place right now to protect your hardearned assets. As a smart first step, AAA members can sign up for ProtectMyID® identity theft monitoring, an online program that simply requires computer access and an email address. It’s a member benefit with two levels of protection: ProtectMyID Essential and ProtectMyID Deluxe. It’s just another way AAA offers members peace of mind. For more

Credit reports and credit statements are often the first places evidence of fraud shows up. If you only look at your reports once a year for free, you may miss warning signs, and identity theft could go unchecked for months. Signs of fraud that may appear on your credit report: • New credit accounts you don’t recall opening; • A home address for a location where you’ve never lived; (your credit report includes your current and past residences) • Late or missed payments on accounts you’ve always paid on time; (payment history is a key portion of the report) • Entries indicating you have a judgment or collections action against you. Check your credit accounts at least once a month for signs of fraud, including: • Charges you don’t recall making; • Withdrawals, transfers or cash advances you didn’t authorize; • Notices of account changes you didn’t request, such as a credit limit increase or the addition of another person as an authorized account user.

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Teen driver distraction much worse than we thought An eye-opening look into the causes of teen crashes 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 Gary K. Munsie, Chairman, James M. McDonnell, ViceChairman, Robert S. Allison**, Kurt Broecker**, James E. Broome, Dan Ray Clagett, Carolle Jones Clay, Bart Doerhoefer, Elizabeth Hughes, Dennis Newberry**, Bruce J. Roth**, Robert Royer**, Tuck Tinsley, III

By Richard Hamilton Chairman, AAA East Central e all know that cell phones and texting are a lethal combination when people pair those activities with driving. Now a comprehensive analysis of teen driver crashes has uncovered new evidence that distracted driving poses an even greater threat to young drivers. A thought provoking new report released by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, found that distraction was a factor in 58 percent of crashes studied — four times the official estimates based on police reports. The AAA Foundation partnered with the University of Iowa to conduct the study, which collected video, audio and accelerometer data captured on in-vehicle event recorders. Researchers analyzed the final six seconds leading up to a crash culled from nearly 1,700 dash-cam videos. They found distraction played a role in 58 percent of all crashes. Estimates by the National Highway Transportation Safety Association (NHTSA) cite distraction as a factor in just 14 percent of teen driver crashes.The most common forms of distraction precipitating a crash were interacting with passengers and using cell phones. Researchers found that drivers manipulating a cell phone had their eyes off the road for an average of 4.1 out of the final six seconds leading up to impact. They also failed to react in

Richard Hamilton more than half of rear end collisions, meaning they crashed without braking or steering. Teen drivers tend to get distracted easily — especially when their friends are in the car. The AAA Foundation study found interacting with one or more passengers was a factor in 15 percent of studied crashes. NHTSA data shows 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. In 2013, the most recent year that statistics are available, nearly 1-million drivers ages 16-19 were involved in police-reported crashes, causing nearly 383,000 injuries and 2,865 deaths. AAA

membersonly

**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.

believes understanding and eliminating known risk factors could prevent many of these tragedies. Communities with nighttime and passenger restrictions have a 20 percent lower death and injury crash rate for 16-year-old drivers. Graduated driver licensing (GDL) laws allow new drivers to gain practical experience in a relatively safe environment by restricting their exposure to risky situations. Thirty-three states have laws that prevent cell phone use for teens and only 18 have passenger restrictions meeting AAA’s recommendations. Parents can play a critical role in preventing teen driver distraction. AAA recommends teaching your teens about the dangers of using devices while driving and restricting passengers during the learning-to-drive process. Teens tend to model their driving behavior on their parents, so always try to be the driver you want your teen to be. This groundbreaking new report is challenging long held assumptions and shifting the conversation about teen driving behaviors. The unprecedented use of naturalistic driving data and indepth video analysis offers compelling evidence that a much higher percentage of teen drivers are distracted in crashes than previously understood. More importantly, it will serve as a comprehensive resource for legislators, educators, law enforcement and state agencies to use in crafting policies and practices that will save and protect young lives.

Hertz — They’re in your neighborhood Bringing the car rental experience to your doorstep

ummer vacation season is in full swing and AAA estimates that over 90 percent of Americans are planning to drive to their destinations. One way to avoid adding those extra miles on your personal vehicle is by letting Hertz get you there. The same great service you’re used to getting at the airport is conveniently located near you. With over 2,700 off-airport locations, Hertz makes it easy for you to take advantage of a special package of perks and benefits available exclusively to AAA members. Hertz is transforming its locations worldwide in a complete rethinking of what a car rental location and experience should be. Hertz 24/7, for example, is a revolutionary new “selfservice” rental experience available any time, day or night that allows customers to rent a wide variety of vehicles near their home or work and for any length of time — hourly, daily, or weekly. There are plenty of good reasons why a vacation car rental makes sense.

Some motorists prefer to reduce wear and tear on their personal automobiles along with the added depreciation. Those with leases may be approaching their annual mileage restriction and want to avoid hefty excess mileage charges. Or, perhaps your current vehicle is in need of some expensive maintenance and repairs to make it road worthy for a long driving trip. Gas prices have been creeping upward lately and more than 75 percent of the Hertz fleet averages 28 plus mpg. Hertz also offers a slew of environmentally friendly vehicles in its Green Traveler Collection to help you save fuel and save the planet as well. It features a variety of alternate fuel vehicles, including Electric Vehicles, Clean Diesels, Compressed Natural Gas vehicles and hybrids. Traveling with family and all their assorted gear may call for a larger vehicle such as a SUV or conversion van. Or maybe you just feel like living large with the Hertz Dream and Adrenaline Collections, a stunning selection of the world’s finest sport

and luxury automobiles. When you rent from your local neighborhood Hertz office you’ll enjoy all the benefits Hertz offers AAA members, including free unlimited mileage on most rentals and discounts up to 20 percent on daily, weekend, weekly and monthly rentals. Exclusive AAA member benefits include free use of a child, infant or booster seat and additional qualified AAA drivers are free. Plus, members receive 10 percent off the Fuel Purchase Option. Purchase a tank of gas from Hertz at local prices and eliminate the hassle of trying to find a gas station before returning your car! AAA members enjoy free Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® membership, Hertz’ industry standard rewards program. You get the added convenience of pickup & delivery service at participating locations.* Book today at AAA. com/hertz or by calling the AAA dedicated number, 1-800-654-3080. *Pickup and delivery service available within a 15-minute drive of participating locations.

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Take time to talk to your insurance company A policy review can help you get more out of your insurance By Robin Jones onsider this common scenario: When Joe Evans bought a new car he called his insurance company to add it to his policy and asked for full coverage on it. But like many people, Joe was not really sure what full coverage meant, and that’s not surprising. Full coverage is a potentially misleading term that can leave out coverages that are important to you. Joe learned from his agent that, among other things, his policy did not include car rental expense coverage. If Joe were to have an accident and his car ended up in the shop, he’d be on his own to pay for a rental car. Because he didn’t live near public transit or have easy access to a friend or relative’s car, Joe decided to add car rental expense coverage to his policy. Had he not checked with his insurance agent upfront, he might’ve had to learn about this additional coverage the hard way. If you haven’t checked your auto and homeowners insurance coverage recently, then your current coverage may not be adequately protecting your needs and may not take into account important changes in your life. Consider these additional situations where it makes sense to talk to your insurance agent. You need more coverage or different coverage. Major life events—like a change in your marital status, a move,

MAKING A CHANGE — Major life events can affect your insurance needs. or the birth of a child—can affect your insurance needs. Other events, such as renovating your home, adding a teen driver, or buying a new car may also call for more or different coverage. When these kinds of events happen, examine your auto, home, and life policies to make sure you have the right types of coverage and sufficient limits for your needs. You’re not taking advantage of every available discount. When you first bought insurance, your agent went over available discounts to make you aware of savings opportunities. You

might already be taking advantage of multi-policy discounts by having your insurance policies with one company. But insurance providers sometimes add new discounts. If you haven’t reviewed your policy with your insurance representative lately, you might not know about all of them. For example, the Auto Club’s affiliate insurer offers a discount to policyholders who provide a current vehicle odometer reading when requested. Your insurance company doesn’t have your current contact information. These days, many insurance compa-

nies communicate with their insureds via email, phone, and text messages. During a policy review, you can go over your contact information with your insurance representative to make sure it’s up-to-date. Many insurance companies send emails, for example, that notify you of a past-due bill, confirm a payment, or alert you to a new discount or product. Your insurer offers valuable new products. Insurance companies sometimes add new products and services that could help you avoid an insurance claim in the future. For example, the Auto Club now offers the free AAA OnBoard Teen Safe Driver program so you can coach your teen driver in more responsible driving practices and locate him or her on the road when necessary. During your policy review, your insurance representative typically will let you know about these types of products and provide the necessary details. 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.

Know a good mechanic? We do. BODY SHOPS Conns Body Shop 2247 Bardstown Road, Louisville (502) 458-7360 Conns Body Shop II 9903 Taylorsville Road, Louisville (502) 267-8680 Kavanaughs Paint and Body 1376 Belmar Drive, Louisville (502) 459-7302 SMI Collision 11400 Westport Road, Louisville (502) 426-0226 SMI Collision 4164 Westport Road, Louisville (502) 896-3340 Fred Meador Body Shop 7100 Russellville Road, Bowling Green (270) 781-2563 Lambright’s Body Shop 9070 Highway 44 East, Mt. Washington (502) 955-8990 Facilities in red are Show Your Card & Save Partners. * These facilities are pre-purchase inspection sites. SERVICE CENTERS Atwood Automotive* 10710 Bluegrass Parkway, Louisville (502) 493-8989 Dents, Dings & Color 185 Arnold Drive, Shepherdsville (502) 957-5111 Bill Etscorn & Sons Auto Service 3935 Bardstown Road, Louisville (502) 499-8245 Harlan Automotive 408 North 4th Street, Murray (270) 767-0101 John Overley Automotive 3800 Fern Valley Rd., Louisville (502) 964-8459 Medley’s Auto Care 4601 Shelbyville Road, Louisville (502) 893-7293 Medley’s Auto & Truck Alignment Service 3913 Shepherdsville Rd., Louisville (502) 459-5740 Shuffitts Automotive* 2313 S. Preston Street, Louisville (502) 636-3076 Harrods Creek Auto Service 9705 LaGrange Rd., Louisville (502) 425-2717 S&S Transmission 4163 Bardstown Rd., Louisville (502) 499-0830

For Emergency Road Service in the Louisville area, call 800-AAA-Help or visit AAA.com or download the AAA Mobile App

Barr Automotive, Inc. 3340 Bypass Rd., Brandenburg (270) 422-7442 K&G Oil and Tire Center 4306 W. Hwy. 146, Buckner (502) 222-2683 Gillie Hyde Auto Mall 610 Happy Valley Road, Glasgow (270) 651-2125 Lee Myles Transmission & Auto Care 945 US 31W Bypass, Bowling Green (270) 781-9339 McCarty Auto 927 Crabtree Avenue, Owensboro (270) 683-1118 Probilt Automotive 4106 Preston Highway, Louisville (502)363-2327 AAA’s Approved Auto Repair Program takes the guess work out of finding quality auto repair. AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities meet AAA’s standards for customer service and provide a12-month/12,000 mile repair warranty.

Just look for the sign.

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Member Benefits • Exclusive Offers

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1-800-354-8761 • AAA.com/travel

Celebrate the season with a Texas twist!

SAN ANTONIO H LIDAY T

exas is known for doing things in a big way. And the Christmas season is no exception — especially in San Antonio, often called the “American Venice,” a nod to the vibrant activity on and along the placid San Antonio River, meandering invitingly through downtown and providing a pleasant setting for outdoor cafés and restaurant terraces. That charming waterway takes on a whole new festive character during the holiday season; untold numbers of twinkling lights, eye-catching Christmas decorations and the soft glow of more than 2,500 luminaries of the Fiesta de las Luminarias turn the River Walk into cruise takes you along the River Walk to admire a winter wonderland (of warmth!) the many holiday decorations. for all ages. Enjoy a spectacular dinner at picturesque AAA Travel’s 4-night “San AnSandy Oaks, an orchard complex known for its tonio Holiday” getaway combines olive trees, oil and skin-care products as well all the splendor of the Christmas as its hospitality; learn about its history before season with many of the area’s hisindulging in a Texas-inspired tasting menu with toric, scenic and cultural attractions. local wines. It’s a fascinating adventure into a In Stonewall in the nearby Texas Hill Country, region of the Lone Star visit LBJ Ranch (where President Johnson was State featuring Latino, born, lived, died and was buried) German and cowboy and view the “Texas White influences. House.” Then explore Tour downtown German-flavored Fredwith a local guide ericksburg, enjoying before heading out to its seasonal festivities beautiful Mission San and decorations. José, established by Back in San AntoCatholic priests in 1720 nio, enjoy free time to serve the CoahuilteAAA Premier............. $275 to further explore its can Indians. AAA Plus................... $250 charms. Browse for Back in town, a visit one-of-a-kind goods to the Alamo brings to AAA Basic ................. $225 at El Mercado Mexican life a storied struggle SAVINGS PER ROOM (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY) Marketplace. Then visit against impossible NEW BOOKINGS — JUNE 1-30, 2015 the South Texas Heritage odds during the Texas Center, an interactive museum Revolution. A former mission itself, dedicated to sharing the stories of the Alamo (Spanish for “poplar”) has San Antonio’s people and the land that has shaped their lives. existed under 6 flags of independent In the evening, travel to Bandera, the “Cowboy Capital of the nations and served as a garrison for 5 World,” for a traditional and memorable Texas barbecue with different armies. lively entertainment at an authentic dude ranch beautifully decoReturn to the present and be surrated for the holiday season. rounded by holiday cheer during a rivDo the holidays in a big way this year — Texas-style! erboat ride on the winding Paseo del Rio. This relaxing narrated

Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes flights (Louisville–San Antonio), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, motorcoach transportation, accommodations, 6 meals, luggage handling (1 bag/person), taxes/gratuities for included features and services of a AAA Tour Manager in Texas (if minimumparticipation goal is met). Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

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AAA Member Rate: $1,749

Dec 4-8 •

MEMBERS SAVE!

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MORE HOLIDAY VACATIONS ON THE NEXT PAGE!

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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

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Over the next few days, set out from Nuremberg to the historic and charming Bavarian towns (and their Christmas markets, of course!) of Rothenburg ob der Tauber (with its well-preserved medieval center), Bamberg (its Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site), Bayreuth (best known for its association with composer Richard Wagner, who lived here for a time) and Regensburg (whose Old Town is also a UNESCO World Heritage site). Journey to Munich, Bavaria’s capital; enjoy a sightseeing tour, a Christmas market and dinner at Ratskellar Restaurant. An excursion to Neuschwanstein, the palace upon which Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle is modeled, is a memorable experience. Continue on to Kempten (Germany’s oldest town) and Augsburg (a university town) to explore their holiday markets. Return to Munich for a brewery tour/tasting and a farewell dinner at the famous Hofbräuhaus.

Experience Old World holiday-season traditions! Germany’s many unique Christmas markets and fairs, a tradition begun in the Late Middle Ages, are popular because of their enchanting festive atmosphere. Aromas of roasting chestnuts, savory sausages and freshly baked goods fill the air. Festively decorated, boutique-lined streets and stalllined town centers brim with locally handmade, high-quality crafts, toys, wood carvings and delicate ornaments. Enjoy this escorted tour’s convenience and efficiency by spending 4 nights in Nuremberg and 3 in Munich. You’ll comfortably “settle in,” taking short rides each day to the markets and landmarks surrounding the 2 base cities; forget about packing and unpacking each day! Start in Nuremberg, with a tour featuring views of the imperial castle (Kaiserburg) and the site of the Nuremberg Rallies. Then visit your very first Christkindlmarkt.

Dec 2-10

German Christmas Markets

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SAVE $50!

Book & deposit June 1-30 PER ROOM (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY)

Before-discount AAA MEMBER RATE ($3,349) is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes flights (Louisville-Frankfurt, Munich-Louisville), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, motorcoach transportation, accommodations, 13 meals, luggage handling (1 bag/person), taxes/gratuities for included features and services of a AAA Tour Manager in Germany (if minimum-participation goal is met). Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

California New Year' s Getaway Dec 29–Jan 4

SAVE $50!

Book & deposit June 1-30

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PER ROOM (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY)

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Start in Los Angeles, seeing its historic Farmers Market, the Disney Concert Hall, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels and LA Live. Stop at Olvera Street, the original heart of the Mexican community. Get acquainted with your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner at LA Prime on the 35th floor of your downtown hotel. Day 2 takes you to glitzy Rodeo Drive and starstudded Hollywood. At Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, see celebrity signatures immortalized in cement. Follow the bronze medallions on Hollywood Boulevard’s Walk of Fame. At Hollywood & Highland, a shopping & entertainment complex, enjoy a great view of the iconic HOLLYWOOD sign from the upper level. Enjoy a narrated tour of celebrity homes in Bel Air and Beverly Hills. At Burbank’s Warner Brothers Studios, take a behindthe-scenes look at making films and TV shows; be alert for star sightings! Return to your hotel with time to explore more of LA on your own. On Day 3, drive to Simi Valley’s Reagan Presidential Library & Museum; 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 it in your free time. Attend an exclusive New Year’s Eve party in Long Beach on the magnificent Queen Mary; enjoy sophisticated dining, dancing and bidding farewell to 2015 in grand style. Day 4 begins in Pasadena, at your reserved seat for the Tournament of Roses Parade with its flowercovered floats, marching bands and equestrians. Afterward, visit Universal Studios CityWalk for lunch before heading to San Diego and your all-suite hotel near the city’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 city park and one of it largest. Take a guided tour on a doubledecker bus at the worldfamous San Diego Zoo. On Day 6, visit the USS Midway Museum, the longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century. Travel to a winery for a private tour & tasting, followed by a sunset dinner cruise on San Diego Bay.

Before-discount AAA MEMBER RATE ($4,119) is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Louisville–Los Angeles, San Diego–Louisville), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, motorcoach transportation, accommodations, 11 meals, luggage handling (1 bag/person), taxes/gratuities for included features and services of a AAA Tour Manager in California (if minimum-participation goal is met). Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

SPECTACULAR

SOUTH AFRICA

CRUISE ON...

the Zambezi River • 2 lagoons the Chobe River

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This is the “bucket list” tour you’ve always dreamed of taking! Come with AAA to a land of stunning natural beauty, amazing wildlife and fascinating people. Enjoy 2 photo safaris (1 from atop an elephant!). Meet locals and enjoy regional dishes and SA’s famous wines.

AAA Member Rate: $8,379

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Louisville-Johannesburg), in-Africa flights, roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, sightseeing per itinerary, accommodations, in-Africa guide, 28 meals and taxes & government fees. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Visit AAA.com/ GoAfrica for itinerary and important pre-travel information.

Car-free adventures

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.

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April 14-30 •

VICTORIA FALLS

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students in a township school penguins at Boulders Beach villagers at Victoria Falls African elephants up close

MCV

INTERACT WITH...

GENERAL TRAVEL DISCLAIMER: AAA Travel Agency makes every effort to provide accurate, up-to-date prices as of press time and cannot assume responsibility for typographic errors. Rates/offers are per person based on double occupancy, unless otherwise indicated, and are subject to availability and airline/operator changes. International rates/offers are subject to currency fluctuations and additional tax & security charges. Rates that include airfare include all taxes, government fees and surcharges. Additional restrictions may apply. Rates/offers are available at all AAA East Central travel agency locations. For tour details, contact AAA or visit AAA.com/ travel. FEATURED VACATIONS are specially priced, unique departures; therefore, tour operators, cruise lines and other travel providers often exclude them from additional discounts or specials they offer. 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.

Kruger National Park • Soweto an ostrich farm • wine country Featherbed Nature Reserve

EXPLORE...

RIDE ABOARD...

an elephant • an ostrich an open-air safari vehicle a 4x4 deep into the forest a cable car up Table Mountain

wild animals such as elephants, leopards, rhinos, lions, impala, buffalo, zebra, giraffe • Victoria Falls, 1 of the world’s wonders

SEE & PHOTOGRAPH...

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 ____________________________________________________________

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Moonshine, Music & Mountains: July 10-12 AAA Member Rate: $395

Step into the “mountain life” of warm hospitality, good food and great music on this weekend getaway to Prestonsburg KY. Take a slow pontoon boat excursion on Dewey Lake, visit a “moonshine hideout” and watch “Uncle Shine” produce his famous elixir. Then, kick back to the favorite tunes of the Moonshine Band and feast-out on a mountain-style BBQ. Visit Loretta Lynn’s Butcher Hollow homeplace and a coal mining museum. Enjoy a show at the Kentucky Opry and some Front Porch Pickin’ at the Mountain Arts Center. 7 meals.

An Evening with Carl Hurley: Aug 7 AAA Member Rate: $115

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.

Mayberry Days: Sept 24-27 AAA Member Rate: $825

Relive the antics of Andy, Barney, Aunt Bee, Opie, Thelma Lou, Otis, Floyd, Goober and Gomer from TV’s beloved “Andy Griffith Show” at the annual Mayberry Days in Mt Airy NC — the “real” Mayberry and Andy Griffith’s home. Enjoy a banquet dinner with autograph session at Cross Creek Country Club. Meet Barbara Eden, Clint Howard, Betty Lynn and others. A guided town tour includes the Andy Griffith Museum. Entertainment includes the Rodney Dillard Band (the Darling Family Band), Karen Knotts (daughter of Don), Ronnie Schell, and Colonel Tim’s Talent Time. Add in a winery tour & tasting for a very special weekend. 8 meals.

Hobart Jones/Surry Arts Council

UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES!

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AAA TRAVELER

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

JUNE 2015

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Walt Disney World® Resort! The 4 Walt Disney World® Theme Parks make the real world seem far away, and makebelieve as real as the smile on your face. Experience storybook wonder as favorite Disney classics come to life at Magic Kingdom® Park. Discover big fun and cultures from around the globe at Epcot®. Create your own adventure and explore the realm of creatures who inhabit our world...and our imagination...at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. Immerse yourself in the world of movies, music and shows at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®. Wherever you go, the only limit to the fun is your imagination. Prepare to be awed, inspired, thrilled and enchanted. From fantasy and discovery to spotlights and roaring adventure, the magic of Walt Disney World® Theme Parks will come alive all around you.

7 nights at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort or other on-site “Moderate” property and 8-day Theme Park tickets AAA Member Rate: from $3,184 for a family of 4

Sample rate is subject to change/availability at time of booking and based on Aug 8-15, 2015, for 2 adults & 2 children (5 & 10 years old). Ask about available add-on airfare, ground transportation, Disney Dining plan and other options.

Adventures by Disney®! A very magical world awaits your exploration; Disney’s guided group vacations are the way to go — in the USA and around the world! Knowledgeable and friendly Adventure Guides bring you and your entire family closer to some of the world’s most popular destinations through authentic cultural experiences with local experts. And with VIP admissions and VIP access to activities, you and your family can see the world in a whole new way! Expect hassle-free travel, spectacular dining and exceptional hotels. Choose from a vast selection of domestic and international itineraries. Costa Rica Family Vacation: This 7-day/6-night activity-filled guided land tour includes visits to & stays in Tortuguero National Park, Arenal, Guanacaste and San José. Enjoy a rainforest aerial tram ride, a Tortuguero cruise, a pineapple plantation visit, a zipline adventure, whitewater rafting, a private catamaran excursion, a traditional-crafts demonstration and much more. AAA Member Rate: from $14,436 for a family of 4 Sample rate is subject to change/availability at time of booking and based on Aug 8-14, 2015, for 2 adults & 2 children (5 & 10 years old). Ask about available add-on airfare, ground transportation and other options.

Valid for new booking with nonrefundable deposit made June 1-30, for 2015 travel. 1 gift card per room (double occupancy).

JUNE 2015

AAA TRAVELER

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Disney Cruise Line®! The difference begins the instant you step aboard. You and your family are greeted as honored friends by Cast Members. Be wowed by Disney magic and pleasantly surprised by all that’s included – aboard all four Disney Cruise Line® ships. Let’s start with the kids: From toddlers to teens, each has wondrous spaces dedicated to them, with oceans of activities, amazing entertainment and immersive Disney experiences — and Disney Cruise Line® kids’ programs (all complimentary) feature some of the longest hours at sea so you can enjoy some “we” time or some “me” time, knowing the kids are having a blast. When the family comes together, it’s world-class Disney entertainment at every turn. And the magical details you’d expect from the cruise line that knows families best. Broadway-caliber shows, fireworks at sea, first-run films and a dazzling variety of unique dining experiences. No, these aren’t extras. They’re what you should expect. And while you should expect big things, you’ll find magic in every detail great and small. From Disney Character appearances to spacious staterooms and 24-hour room service along with complimentary soda, coffee and tea service at meals and up on deck — Disney Cruise Line® even provides onboard phones during your voyage, so everyone can stay in touch. Just a few of the small details sure to leave a big impression.

7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise on Disney Fantasy AAA Member Rate: from $8,082 for a family of 4 in a verandah stateroom ®

Roundtrip cruise from Port Canaveral FL to St Maarten, US Virgin Islands (St Thomas & St John) and the Bahamas (Castaway Cay)

Sample rate is subject to change/availability at time of booking and based on Aug 1-8, 2015, for 2 adults & 2 children (5 & 10 years old). Ask about available add-on airfare, ground transportation and other options. Ship’s registry: Bahamas.

$50.00 gift card per balcony stateroom $25.00 gift card per oceanview stateroom Walt Disney World Resort AND Disney Cruise Line ! Why limit your family’s Disney fun to land OR sea? Why not enjoy a land vacation at Walt Disney World Resort AND a sea vacation aboard Disney Cruise Line all in one? Combining the best of both worlds into one great vacation package is easy; consult with your AAA Travel Agent and enjoy the fun on land AND sea. ®

4 nights at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort (French Quarter) or other on-site “Moderate” property + 3-night cruise on Disney Dream

5-day Theme Park tickets •

Roundtrip cruise from Pt Canaveral FL to the Bahamas (Nassau & Castaway Cay)

AAA Member Rate: from $6,377 for a family of 4 in a verandah stateroom 7-night cruise on Disney Fantasy

+ 4 nights at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort (French Quarter) or other on-site “Moderate” property

Roundtrip cruise from Pt Canaveral FL to St Maarten, US Virgin Islands (St Thomas & St John) and the Bahamas (Castaway Cay) •

5-day Theme Park tickets

AAA Member Rate: from $10,269 for a family of 4 in a verandah stateroom Sample rates are subject to change/availability at time of booking and based on select August 2015 dates for 2 adults & 2 children (5 & 10 years old). Ask about available add-on airfare, ground transportation, Disney Dining Plan and other options. Ships’ registry: Bahamas.

Valid for new booking with nonrefundable deposit made June 1-30, for 2015 travel. 1 gift card per room (double occupancy).

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AAA TRAVELER

JUNE 2015

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

An ON- and OFF-road guided adventure

Get swept away... by Ireland’s SOUTH

SCOTTSDALE: All-suite hotel close to Old Town. Cactus Canyon Tour takes you into the Sonoran Desert on rugged mountain roads overlooking the Bradshaw Mountains. Cowboy-style dinner! SEDONA: Poco Diablo Resort. Venture into the surrounding backcountry on the Broken Arrow Tour, which ascends 1,500 feet along the Mogollon Rim. GRAND CANYON: National Park Lodge. Explore the East Rim on the Deluxe Grand Canyon Tour, visiting lookout points not accessible by the park’s shuttle bus system!

AAA Member Rate: $2,859

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes flights (Louisville-Phoenix, Las Vegas–Louisville), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, motorcoach transportation, accommodations, 7 meals, luggage handling (1 bag/person), taxes/gratuities for included features and services of a AAA Tour Manager in Arizona & Nevada (if minimumparticipation goal is met). Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

ATURE

Oct 25–Nov 1 •

LAS VEGAS: The Mirage. Enjoy 1 of 2 tours (indicate your choice at time of initial reservation) — Valley of Fire Jeep Tour (sandstone formations in the Mojave Desert) OR Hoover Dam Top to Bottom Discovery (dam, power plant, observation tower, river float trip). Full day on your own to explore Las Vegas.

Want a one-of-a-kind getaway for the entire family...or your gang of fun-loving friends? Get in on the fun and adventure of this “Pink Jeep Western Adventure,” featuring 4 Pink Jeep excursions into areas of Arizona and Nevada not accessible by standard vehicles!

Dublin tour with a local guide Farmhouse tea & scones Sheepdog skills demonstration Horse-drawn “jaunting car” ride in Killarney Storytelling session in Newmarket-on-Fergus Walking tour of Trinity College Book of Kells Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens Open-top bus tour of Dublin Blarney Castle’s “Stone of Eloquence” Blarney Woolen Mills Dingle Brewing Company Walking tour of Galway King John’s Castle Cliffs of Moher

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Spellbinding scenery Rollicking entertainment Fascinating history Comprehensive sightseeing FE

Pink Jeep Tour

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revealing the natural wonders of Arizona & Nevada!

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Best of Ireland South: Oct 21-29 •

CLIFFS OF MOHER

AAA Member Rate: $1,475

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes hotel accommodations, guided motorcoach sightseeing, entrance fees, 12 meals and in–country tour director. Visit AAA.com/GoIreland for complete itinerary and more information. Ask about available add-on airfare. Passport required. Escorted tour operated by CIE Tours International.

JUNE 2015

AAA TRAVELER

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 JUNE 30 on a 2015 7-night-or-longer air-inclusive Pleasant Holidays vacation to HAWAII, MEXICO or the CARIBBEAN and enjoy:

$50 SAVINGS FROM AAA TRAVEL per room, based on double occupancy • new bookings June 1-30, 2015

PLUS

SIVE THIS EXCLU NEFIT! E MEMBER B

PAGE 13

$50.00 CERTIFICATE* toward purchase of optional sightseeing or activity, per booking

*At select Caribbean destinations, a $50 discount may apply (instead of a $50 activity voucher).

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AAA TRAVELER

JUNE 2015

Vacation insurance for your entire family Protect what you value most with TripAssist Family Care

e’ve all had those moments. When you broke something you just bought; when you lost an item you can’t live without. Or when you run into trouble with bad weather, or a medical emergency on the road. With features like comprehensive trip cancellation and primary emergency medical coverage, and 24-hour travel assistance, the Family Care Plan from Allianz Global Assistance, is the perfect traveling companion. And there’s no charge for kids 17 and under when traveling with parents or grandparents, and no surprise processing fees! This makes travel insurance premiums more affordable for families with young children. 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 cancelled for a covered reason, such as a major injury, jury duty or other unforeseen circumstances. Recent additions to this plan include reimbursement of Frequent Flyer miles and associated airline fees, and vehicle return coverage if

ROUGH SEAS AHEAD — If something does happen on your vacation you want to be prepared. 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. An array of optional benefits helps you tailor a plan to your own specific needs. TripAssist Family Care Trip+ is ideal for families traveling abroad. It doubles many of the Family Care Plan’s post departure benefits, including missed connection coverage, travel delay, emergency medical coverage and transportation, and baggage loss/damage or delay.

For just a few dollars a day Rental Car Damage Protector provides primary coverage for covered collision, loss and damage, along with 24-hour emergency assistance. The Required to Work option provides trip cancellation and interruption coverage when your travel plans change for a variety of work-related issues. The Cancel Anytime option offers greater flexibility than a traditional trip cancellation policy because it allows you to cancel your trip for almost any reason that the Family Care Plan does not already cover and receive 80% of a non-refundable trip costing up to $10,000 back in cash. TripAssist Theme Park Protection is a low-cost travel insurance plan intended for AAA members planning trips to domestic amusement parks. It has appropriate levels of cancellation coverage, medical protection, and convenience services for most trips to amusement parks within the United States.

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.

Away from home, plastic is safer than paper AAA Member Rewards Visa® is safe, secure and very rewarding

he AAA Member Rewards Visa® credit card is a value-packed credit card that simply makes travel safer and more rewarding — with outstanding earning power on everyday purchases, no annual limits on how many points you can earn, plus plenty of opportunities to earn double, even triple points.

More Ways to Earn •

Triple Points for all of your qualifying AAA and travel purchases (airline tickets, car rentals, cruises, vacation packages and more), or any other purchase at AAA; • Double Points for gas, grocery, and drug store purchases; • One Point for each dollar on all other retail purchases. Best of all, there are no tiers, no limits on the number of points you can earn*. Plus, you can combine points from multiple AAA Member Rewards Visa accounts!

More Ways to Redeem Turn points into AAA Vouchers you can use at AAA branches for membership renewal, AAA Travel Agency services, car rentals, airfare, cruises, and attraction tickets. Or, redeem your points for one percent cash back or Gift Cards redeemable at more than 100 national retailers and restaurants.

MILES AHEAD — Credit cards are safer than cash when you travel. More Security New cards use an embedded microprocessor to encrypt and store account information. They provide more security at chip-enabled merchant terminals and are more difficult to counterfeit than those using strip technology alone. Chip-enabled cards are also the default offering for cardholders whose cards expire or are reissued for any other reason.

Plus, Safety on the Road

The AAA Member Rewards Visa credit

card is packed with safety features, too. On the road, enjoy $500,000 in common carrier travel accident insurance. Lose your card? It’s no problem with overnight card replacement. You’ll also have around-the-clock fraud protection and zero liability for fraudulent credit card purchases. To learn more about rates, fees, and other costs and benefits associated with the use of this card, please call 866665-3581 or apply online at AAA.com/ CreditCard.

* Earn 1 point per dollar of new net retail purchase transactions (qualifying purchases less credits, returns, and adjustments) (“Net Purchases”) charged to the card each billing cycle. Earn 2 points per dollar (consisting of 1 base point and 1 bonus point) for Net Purchases made with the card at any eligible gas, grocery or pharmacy retail merchant categories as designated by us. Eligible merchants and their associated Merchant Category Codes (“MCC”) are the following: (a) Gas Stations (MCC codes 5541 and 5542); b) Grocery Stores (MCC codes 5411, 5422, 5441, 5451, 5462, and 5499); and (c) Pharmacy Stores (MCC codes 5122 and 5912). Purchases made at merchants that do not process transactions under these codes will not qualify to receive double points. Earn 3 points per dollar (consisting of 1 base point and 2 bonus points) for Net Purchases made with the card through any participating AAA Club, when AAA is the merchant of record, or at eligible retail travel merchant categories as designated by us. Eligible travel Merchant Category Codes (“MCC”) are the following: (a) Airlines (MCC codes 3000-3299, and 4511); (b) Car Rental Agencies (MCC codes 3351-3441, and 7512); (c) Hotels, Motels, Inns and Resorts (MCC codes 3501-3999, and 7011); (d) Cruise Lines (MCC code 4411); and (e) Travel Agencies and Tour Operators (MCC Code 4722). Purchases made at merchants that do not process transactions under these codes will not qualify to receive triple points. Rewards begin at 2,500 points for merchandise, 5,000 points for cash and AAA reward vouchers and 15,000 points for air. Other restrictions apply. Complete details accompany new account materials. This credit card program is issued and administered by Bank of America, N.A. Visa and Visa Signature are registered trademarks of Visa International Service Association and are used by the Issuer pursuant to license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. AAA is a trademark of American Automobile Association, Inc. ©2015 Bank of America Corporation

JUNE 2015

AAA TRAVELER

PAGE 15

Some strokes of genius on the Missouri Golf Trail

olf may be the only sport that you can play under the same conditions as the pros. Most of us will never face Kansas City Royals’ ace Yordano Ventura, in a big league ballpark, or turn a few laps at Indy. But just about anyone can test their game on the same links as the pros. Sure, the rough may be deeper and the greens slicker, but essentially it’s the same equipment on the same layout. So there’s a certain amount of gratification in knowing that you’ve matched Martin Kaymer’s record tying round of 63 at the TPC Player’s Championship at Sawgrass last year. Of course, Kaymer’s score was for the full 18 holes, while yours was just for the front nine. Whether you play like a pro, or just want to play where they play, the Missouri Golf Trail is sure to satisfy golfers of all abilities. Stretching from Hartsburg and Jefferson City, through the Lake of the Ozarks, to Branson, it offers online tee times, stay and play packages, and courses designed by the legends of the game like Robert Trent Jones, Arnold Palmer, and Tom Weiskopf. Bear Creek Valley Golf Club in Osage Beach, meanders along Little Bear Creek through 250 acres of colorful Ozark forest, meadows and scenic valleys. The 6796-yard layout features zoysia fairways, bentgrass greens and expansive views. Arnold Palmer designed 18 of the 27 holes at Osage National Golf Resort. Nestled among the bluffs of the Osage River, these solemn old hills provide an unforgettable backdrop to the Mountain Nine, the River Nine and the Links Nine. Serious players can test their game on the gold tees and get every bit of the course’s 7,200 yards. History comes alive in the river town of Hannibal, birthplace of Mark Twain. Explore the setting that provided the backdrop for some of his greatest work, then travel five miles west for a round at Norwoods Golf Club. The course plays 4,779 yards from the forward tees and stretches to 6,641 yards from the tips. It boasts irrigated bluegrass fairways and bentgrass greens. The Norman K. Probstein Golf Course, located within St. Louis’ famous Forest Park, enjoys a reputation as the “Best City Golf Course in Mid-America.” Built in 1912, the course offers a nice challenge for players of all skill levels, as well as fine views of the surrounding green spaces. Choose from three ninehole layouts to create your own 18-hole combination. In Blue Springs, the stunning Stone Canyon Golf Club delights duffers seeking a challenge. This Greg Norman course offers many of the Shark’s signature design traits: closely mown green surrounds; creative bunkering and landscape accents that pay homage to some of the great courses in the world. The site itself is no less dramatic, with rock outcroppings, rolling topography and views of downtown Kansas City shimmering on the horizon. Excelsior Springs Golf Course pairs a

memorable golf experience with a side of history. Union and Confederate soldiers fought the Battle of Fredericksburg on this site; and a monument to the battle stands near the 15th hole. The clubhouse is a log cabin built in 1825. In the picturesque town of Ste. Genevieve, the pine tree-lined Ste. Genevieve Golf Club offers a relaxed player-friendly experience with four sets of tees. Golf widows or widowers

can pass the time visiting the many wonderful antique shops, and historic homes in Ste. Genevieve, the oldest European settlement west of the Mississippi River. Nearby Hawn State Park is one of Missouri’s most scenic and unspoiled landscapes laced with a 10-mile backpacking trail. People around the world know Branson for its family-friendly entertainment but the town offers some

great golf as well. The Pointe Golf Course winds around Lake Taneycomo with water coming into play on nine holes. Known as Branson’s original 18-hole championship course, the par 70 layout offers abundant wildlife and beautiful rolling terrain, accented by crisp white sand traps and flowing streams. If you have time, take a stroll on the nature trail and watch the bald eagles circling above the fly fishermen.

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AAA TRAVELER

JUNE 2015

It’s ‘hasta la vista, baby’ at Mexico’s beach resorts Make a run for the border with Pleasant Holidays

exico’s exotic promise is fulfilled with swaying palms, dazzling white sands, Spanish colonial towns and broad swaths of wild hibiscus, and bougainvillea. And Pleasant Holidays makes Mexico accessible to almost anyone. They’ve been customizing vacations with a range of valueadded options since 1959. Whether you luxuriate in a spa, rappel through a waterfall, or sip a Margarita under a thatched roofed palapa hut, your Mexican adventure begins the moment you choose your destination. Cancun has been described as a beach with an island in the middle. Luxury resorts line the Hotel Zone, a seahorse-shaped oasis flanked by tranquil Nichupte Lagoon and the restless Caribbean Sea. Translucent turquoise waters are circled by 12-miles of beach with sand as fine as talcum powder. Shoppers can browse for silver and folk art in the mercados, while party animals can take full advantage of Cancun’s legendary nightlife. About an hour’s drive south of Cancun the Riviera Maya is a stunning, 70-mile stretch of blinding white beaches. Here you’ll find romantic Mexican villages like Playa del Carmen, Playacar, and Puerto Morelos. Compared with hot spots like Cancun the pace is generally slower and more laid back making this an

LAND’S END — Cabo San Lucas is home to the Los Arcos rock formations. ideal spot for family vacations. The water is legendary for its clarity with schools of dazzling blue neons hovering among the rocks and piers. With its Mexican heart and Caribbean soul, Cozumel appeals to all kinds of travelers, from divers and beach bums, to those seeking the lost treasures of the Maya. A magnificent

menagerie of flora and fauna and unspoiled coastlines, the jewel of the Mexican Caribbean lies just off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Cabo San Lucas is home to gorgeous beaches and the celebrated Los Arcos or Arches rock formations at land’s end. Surrounded by the Sea of Cortéz on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other,

picturesque Playa del Amor, or “Beach of Love” is an isolated cove located at the very end of the Baja Peninsula. Part of what makes Mexico’s beach destinations so popular is the number and quality of all-inclusive resorts. Some cater specifically to couples or families, and they can be large or small, modern or traditional. What they all have in common is that food and drinks, accommodations, activities, taxes, and tips are typically included in one pre-paid price leaving you completely free to enjoy your stay. Pleasant Holidays offers a broad range of all-inclusive resorts to fit every budget and taste. They know which ones cater to families, with the kinds of activities kids love, and those that offer a romantic Mexican getaway. Their Activity Experts will also assist you in selecting some of Mexico’s most popular activities and attractions before you leave. “Pleasant Activities” range from swimming with dolphins in Cancun, to Todos Santos in Los Cabos, home to the famous “Hotel California.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For all-inclusive resort packages from Pleasant Holidays to Mexico or elsewhere see your AAA Travel Agent or visit AAA.com/PleasantHolidays.

JUNE 2015

AAA TRAVELER

PAGE 17

Heading down the road in Arizona Take it easy in the Grand Canyon State

ith 23 designated Scenic Roads crisscrossing the state, you’re never far from a great road trip in Arizona. Ghost towns, virgin wilderness, prehistoric ruins of lost civilizations, quirky roadside attractions, ancient red rocks with psychic powers, Arizona has them all in abundance. Whether it’s a solo cruise on a Harley, or a long, lazy summer vacation in the family minivan, the Grand Canyon State may be the penultimate road trip, which makes the journey just as memorable as the destination. Dramatic changes in elevation are responsible for Arizona’s astonishing diversity. In fact, you’d have to drive all the way from Vancouver Island to Mexico, to see as many habitats as you could find here in a single day. In the northern part of the state, favorites include the KayentaMonument Valley Scenic Road and Red Rock Scenic Road, both of which wind through fascinating rock formations. Monument Valley located on Navajo tribal lands, will be familiar to movie buffs as the setting for numerous John Ford Westerns. In the southern half, enjoy the spectacular scenery along the Apache Trail, which snakes along the path of the Salt River. It zigzags through a desert landscape dotted with giant saguaro cacti

SCENIC DRIVE — Cathedral Rock near Sedona is a famous local landmark. before plunging down Fish Creek Hill, dropping 1,500 feet in less than three miles. Route 66 cuts across northern Arizona, from the borders of California and New Mexico. In the west wild burros roam the streets of Oatman looking for handouts, while the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert draw visitors in the east.

John Steinbeck dubbed it the “Mother Road” in his 1939 novel The Grapes of Wrath. Favorite stops include the middle-of-nowhere Hackberry General Store, a museum of Mother Road memorabilia, and the nearly 4,000-foot-wide Meteor Crater just west of Winslow. The Wigwam Village Motel on Route 66 in Holbrook, is one of a very few surviving

“teepee-style” motels from tourism’s Golden Era. Arizona also has plenty of kitschy roadside attractions in every corner of the state. From “The Thing? Mystery of the Desert” just off Interstate 10 southeast of Tucson to the original London Bridge located in Lake Havasu City, there’s always something to look forward to on the road ahead. Take, for example, the mysterious Frog Rock along highway 89 southwest of Prescott, or the ghost town of Jerome, where the local jail once slid 225 feet and across a road in the 1950s. South of Flagstaff, Highway 89A winds down a series of switchbacks through the red rock walls of Oak Creek Canyon. The 28-mile ride into Sedona is considered one of the most scenic drives in America. People seem inexorably drawn to these solemn rock monoliths, which many believe harbor unusual concentrations of electrical, magnetic, and vibrational energy known as vortices.

TAKE A AAA DRIVE TRIP

Longing for the freedom of the open road? AAA Drive Trips feature more than 100 flexible, two- to five-day driving itineraries for popular U.S. and Canadian destinations. Just click on AAA.com/drivetrips.

Taking a stroll in Liguria’s Cinque Terre Go off the beaten path in Italy’s famous five villages

erched on a bony finger of rock overlooking the sea, until recently the villages of Cinque Terre were accessible only by boat or by donkey. These dream-like medieval hamlets in Liguria’s Riviera di Levante are set like gemstones among the green hills and rugged cliffs looming over a cobalt blue sea. It’s an extraordinary natural setting and one that has made Cinque Terre a UNESCO World Heritage site and since 1997, an Italian national park. Centuries of toil have reshaped the steep slopes into carefully cultivated stone terraces filled with olive groves, citrus orchards and vineyards. It took nearly 200 years to construct the more than 4,000 miles of dry stonewalls that support the terraces, a feat comparable to building the Great Wall of China. Dominated by a 13th century castle Riomaggiore is Cinque Terre’s largest village and unofficial gateway. Perched in a crevice between two hills that slope down to the sea, the brightly colored houses have two entrances — one at lower street level and another at upper street level. Travelers can follow the Via dell’Amore, or Path of Love, connecting Riomaggiore to Manarola. Carved into the rock in the early 20th century, the name comes from its reputation as

ON THE ROCKS — Manarola is perched on an enormous black rock. a rendezvous for lovers from the two towns. Take in the dazzling landscapes from the Punta Bonfiglio headland, or from Manorola’s Sanctuary of Nostra Signora della Salute. Manarola is perched on an enormous black rock that seems to rise right out of the sea. The oldest of the five towns is famous for its pesto and focaccia, and Sciacchetrà, a sweet wine made from raisins.

Cinque Terre is best explored by walking and the entire area is crisscrossed by a patchwork of trails like the “Sentiero Azzurro” a coastal footpath linking all five villages. Some of the trails can be difficult and portions may be closed at times due to rockslides and weather conditions. The path from Monterosso to Vernazza offers Cinque Terre’s most iconic views. A tiny square beside the

sea, Vernazza has been renowned for mussels and anchovies since the time of the Romans. Narrow, brightly colored buildings and ancient watchtowers cluster around the small piazza that opens onto the harbor. The pastel palette of colors evolved from fishermen who wanted to spot their homes more easily from the bay. Monterosso al Mare clings tenaciously to the slopes of San Cristoforo hill. The town is divided into two distinct parts — the old town and the new town — separated by a tunnel. Old Town’s Ligurian Gothic style church was built between 1244 and 1307 and features an unusual white and green marble façade. All of the villages drift down to the sea except for Corniglia, which sits at the top of a rock promontory overlooking the Mediterranean. Smaller and more subdued than the other towns, it’s only reachable via a bus operated by the national park, or by climbing the 365 steps up the hill — one for each day of the year.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please see your Departures Guide or visit AAA.com/Europe for special values on European vacations.

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AAA TRAVELER

JUNE 2015

Summer months the deadliest for teen drivers Starting the conversation about driving safety

een drivers will be taking to the road this summer, ready to explore their new found freedoms. But summer vacation should never be a vacation from safety. A recent survey commissioned by Ford reveals that more than half of teens (66 percent) and parents (58 percent) believe winter is the most dangerous season for teens on the road. But according to an analysis of crash data completed by AAA, summer is the deadliest season for teen drivers and passengers. Seven of the 10 deadliest days for teens occur between the Memorial Day and Labor Day holidays. An average of 260 teens are killed in crashes every month during the summer, a 16 percent increase compared with other months of the year. Many states place restrictions on passengers and on night driving for teens under Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws. Parents also need to play a proactive role in keeping teens safe. “Parents should go beyond compliance of state laws and make teens abide by rules of the house,” said Jeff Gardner, manager of Auto Club Driving Schools, Inc. AAA encourages parents to have a serious, sit-down conversation with their teens before they get behind the wheel. To help make that conversation easier, here are some talking points:

A POSITIVE INFLUENCE — Parental involvement is crucial in teaching teens safe driving behavior. Seatbelt — Teens buckle up far less frequently than adults, so be sure to reiterate that fastening your seatbelt should be the very first thing you do before keys are even in the ignition. Texting — Every second teens take their eyes off the road could be an opportunity for a terrible crash. Driving and dialing or texting don’t mix. Drinking and driving — It’s important

to stress that no one under the age of 21 should be drinking. And no one should drink and drive. Make sure your teens know that if they find themselves in a potential impaired driving situation they can call for a ride home. Limit Teen Passengers — Teen crash rates increase with each teen passenger in the vehicle. Parents should set firm rules against driving with teen passen-

gers and restrict their teens from riding as a passenger with other teen drivers. Restrict night driving — A teen driver’s chances of being involved in a deadly crash double at night. AAA recommends that newly-licensed teens not drive after 9:00 or 10:00 p.m. unless accompanied by a responsible adult. Roadside emergencies and maintenance — Go over what to do and whom to call in an emergency. Make certain they have AAA roadside assistance and insurance information readily available. Teaching teens about basic vehicle maintenance also teaches responsibility and will help prevent breakdowns. Having that first conversation is only the start. It’s also critical that parents prepare their teens for independent driving by practicing under a broad range of progressively more challenging conditions.

AUTO CLUB DRIVING SCHOOLS, INC.

Auto Club Driving Schools, Inc. provides both the classroom and behind- the-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 OLD LOUISVILLE GARDEN TOUR — (June 13-14) Tour welcomes garden lovers into the private green spaces of the nation’s largest Victorian residential neighborhood. Old Louisville gardeners share the experience of their personal retreats tucked behind imposing Victorian homes and carriage houses and protected by vine-covered walls and privacy fences. The tour is designed to be walked. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 on tour days. 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For information and tickets, call 502-432-8665 or visit oldlouisvillegardentour. com. Location: Tour begins at the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum, 1402 St. James Court at Magnolia Avenue, Louisville. HANDY BLUES & BARBEQUE FESTIVAL — (June 13-20) Celebrating 25 years, the W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival has become one of the country’s largest free music festivals, featuring blues and Zydeco bands from across the nation. Look forward to mounds of barbecue, red beans and rice and other treats available from local vendors. Opening day is highlighted by the “Taste of Henderson Barbeque.” Enjoy live music from Thursday to Saturday night, plus a Mardi Gras-style Street Strut, Handy Lunch Breaks at local eateries, lectures, dance classes and

more. For information, call 270826-3128 or visit handyblues.org. Location: Riverfront, downtown Henderson. HOT ROD REUNION — (June 18-20) The 13th annual Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion is a three-day festival of speed, hot rods and American automotive enthusiasm. Produced by the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, the Reunion honors some of the top names in hot rodding from the past and features a fabulous array of cool drag cars, street rods and customs of the historic and present-day hot rod eras. There will be non-stop drag action and loads of family-fun activities such as Hot Heads nostalgic drag racing, the Cacklefest with some of the sport’s most iconic nitro methane powered “fuelies.” For information, call 1-800-8846472 or visit museum.nhra.com. Location: Beech Bend Raceway, 598 Beech Bend Road, Bowling Green. TAMING OF THE SHREW — (June 18-21, 23-28) The 2015 Kentucky Shakespeare Festival features one of Shakespeare’s great comedies. Performances are at 8:00 p.m. and are free and open to the public. For information and tickets, visit kyshakespeare.com. Location: Ramey Amphitheater, Central Park, 1340 South Fourth Street, Louisville.

METCALFE COUNTY BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL — (June 19-20) Sponsored by the Kentucky Blueberry Association, this annual festival encompasses all things blueberry. Learn about the berries while sampling blueberry pancakes, blueberry milkshakes, and blueberry pie. Between treats, try your hand at games, shop craft vendors, and get information about blueberry growing in your area. For information, call 270-432-2601. Location: 100 West Stockton Street, Edmonton Courthouse Lawn, Edmonton. MCCRACKEN COUNTY FAIR— (June 22-27) There’s something for everyone at Carson Park, including children’s activities, rides, talent contest and show, beauty contest and show, harness racing, car racing, horse and livestock shows, demolition derby, motorcycle races, variety show, exhibits, midway, and live entertainment. Midway opens at 5:30 p.m. For information, visit mccrackencountyfair.com. Location: Carson Park, Joe Clifton Drive and Madison, Paducah. ROMP FESTIVAL — (June 24-27) The 12th annual festival features concerts by some of the best performers in bluegrass, as well as friendly camping atmosphere, easy access to artists, original arts and crafts, farm-to-table food vendors, kids’

activities, and a beautiful setting. For tickets and information, call 270-926-7891 or visit rompfest. com. Location: Yellow Creek Park, 5710 Highway 144, Owensboro. HIGHWAY 41 YARD SALE — (June 26-27) Two full days of treasure hunting, snacking, and sightseeing along a 150-mile route through Western Kentucky along US Highway 41 in Henderson, Webster, Hopkins, Christian and Todd counties. For information, visit highway41yardsale.com. HART COUNTY FAIR — (June 29-July 4) Six nights of family friendly events. Gate admission includes carnival rides, shows, displays, fireworks, and attractions. Contests include fried chicken, barbecue, white oak baskets and more. For more information, call 270-524-2892. Location: Hart County Fairgrounds, US 31 W. South, Munfordville. KENTUCKY FLEA MARKET SPECTACULAR — (July 2-5) One of the nation’s finest flea markets with dealers from across the country and over 600 booths featuring antiques, collectibles, bath and body, jewelry, crafts, candles, surplus and more. For information, call 502-4562244 or visit stewartpromotions. com. Location: Kentucky Fair and Expo Center, 937 Phillips Lane, Louisville.

JUNE 2015

AAA TRAVELER

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AAA TRAVELER

JUNE 2015

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