Ky february 2014

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KENTUCKY

Vol. 35 No. 2

Wunderbar! ¡Fantástico!

FEBRUARY 2014

YOU CAN SAVE $100!

Magnifique!

Touring Europe with select AAA Travel partners

translates into extra savings & benefits!

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he 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 travel partners.

Traveling on a fully packaged tour from a well-known, well-respected AAA Travel partner may save you as much as 40% of what you would pay if you invested the time and energy to plan, reserve and purchase the exact same vacation experience on your own.

You’ll save $100.00 per room when you book and make a deposit on a 7-nightor-longer air-inclusive 2014 Europe escorted tour from a selection of AAA Travel partners by Feb 28, 2014.

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,

Go green with the AAA Green Car Guide

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

AAA URGES CAUTION ON EXPANSION OF E15 GASOLINE

Consumers looking to “go green” and lessen their environmental impact through vehicle ownership have a new resource in AAA’s Green Car Guide on AAA.com.

Designed to help consumers find efficient vehicles that best fit their needs, the publication enables users to search vehicles based on criteria such as fuel economy and type of powertrain. It also provides an assessment — the “Green Leaf” rating — that takes into account real-world factors such as comfort, overall performance and cargo space.

Additionally, users can compare vehicles, learn how technology has improved vehicle efficiency and understand differences between electric, hybrid and clean-diesel models.

The guide, which is optimized for desktop and mobile access, was developed by the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center. It is designed to help consumers find efficient vehicles that best fit their needs, based on various criteria.

New AAA Top Destinations guide released you can save up to 10% off the land-only portion of select tours by booking and paying in full in advance. So

SAVE $100.00

off a 7-night-or-longer air-inclusive 2014 Europe escorted tour from a selection of AAA Travel partners.*

*Savings per room, double occupancy. Book & deposit by 2/28/14. New bookings only. Not valid on AAA Featured Vacations. Not combinable with any other offer. Other restrictions may apply.

pay early and save more.

Choose now from hundreds, if not thousands, of exciting European tour packages from AAA Member Choice Vacations,® General Tours, 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 (see page 14).

Also, some AAA Travel partners have frequent-travel programs for those who’ve toured with them in the recent past; the partners offer additional savings on the land-only portion of select itineraries to those who travel with that same partner again.

Why an Escorted Tour?

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 continued on page 14

The AAA Top Destinations guides for the AAA Mobile iPad app have expanded with the release of the new Great Smoky Mountains in December. The eighth in a series, the guide highlights America’s most visited national park and neighboring Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge as well as Bryson City, North Carolina. It is the first guide dedicated to a national park, with details and suggested itineraries for outdoor recreational activities and local attractions.

Based on AAA travel editor recommendations, Top Destinations guides pinpoint the best things to see and do at popular vacation destinations to help members make the most of their visits.

Top Destinations guides are available for several popular U.S. cities including Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York City, Orlando, San Diego and Tampa. They can be downloaded free from the iTunes Store, although a valid membership number is required for full access.

AAA Mobile Battery Service If your battery is failing you AAA Battery Service offers convenient mobile battery testing on the roadside, using state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment. The diagnostic service confirms whether your battery will hold a charge, or if the problem lies deeper in the electrical system. Best of all, the service is free to AAA members.

And each AAA Battery is covered by an unprecedented nationwide 72-month warranty, with a 36-month free replacement warranty. Our Insta-Quote battery price calculator on AAA.com will give you a price for your vehicle’s battery before requesting service. Prices displayed include the $25.00 member discount. Over one million AAA members have already enjoyed the convenience of having a AAA Battery delivered and installed on the spot.

Take the AAA Train this summer & fall Great rail journeys transcend mere travel to become the stuff of legend. This year, it’s all aboard with AAA Travel and Amtrak on two extraordinary rail tours. Travel to where the West is still wild aboard the Glacier National Park Discovery Aug. 9-18, running from Chicago to Seattle. The Sept. 26-Oct. 4, 2014 Jazz, Blues & Rock ‘n Roll tour runs from Chicago, home of the Blues, to the musical Mecca of Memphis, and New Orleans, birthplace of Jazz. Plus, book by Feb. 28, 2014 and enjoy exclusive AAA member level discounts of up to $700 per room. SEE PAGE 7

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AAA TRAVELER

FEBRUARY 2014

Data breaches a growing target for identity thieves ProtectMyID® Essential a new, no cost member benefit

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illions of Americans have their identities stolen every year, often through no fault of their own. According to Javelin Strategy & Research card breachrelated fraud has increased 340% since 2010. Recently, over 70-million credit and debit card accounts were stolen during a massive security breach at retail giant Target, using a technique called data scraping. The stolen data quickly turned up on the black market, where it was sold world-wide.

Hackers are increasingly targeting U.S. credit card accounts because of their relatively insecure magnetic strip technology, first introduced in the 1970s. Many other countries, particularly in Europe, have converted to credit cards with EMV (EuroPayMasterCard Visa) technology that uses an embedded microprocessor to encrypt and store account information.

AAA recently rolled out EMV technology on its AAA Member Rewards Visa® credit card through our partner Bank of America. The chip-enabled cards expand purchase options, add convenience and transaction security for Americans traveling abroad and also include the traditional magnetic stripe, used by U.S. merchants.

Identity thieves are relentless in their pursuit of your most private information, but now AAA East Central members have another way to protect

LACK OF SECURITY — Hackers target U.S. credit card accounts because of their relatively insecure magnetic strip technology. themselves. Protect MyID® Essential, a new, no cost benefit available exclusively for AAA members. Comparable to plans costing $7.95 per month, it includes these important features: • Daily Credit Monitoring of your Experian® Report — Your credit report is monitored daily to detect key changes.

•

Email Alerts — Receive email alerts when key changes are detected on your credit report. If no changes are detected, you’ll be sent a monthly all-clear email.

• Dedicated Fraud Resolution Support — Agents are available to walk you through each step of resolving identity theft—from beginning to end.

• Lost Wallet Card Protection — Securely store your debit and medical card numbers in one safe place. If your wallet is lost or stolen, it only takes a single call to a ProtectMyID® agent for assistance in canceling and replacing your cards.

In addition, ProtectMyID® Essential also provides AAA Premier members with $10,000 in no cost identity theft insurance.

ProtectMyID® Deluxe, available to members at just $8.95 per month, adds an extra level of protection with these advanced tools: • Comprehensive Daily Monitoring — Checks all three national credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax® and TransUnion® for new credit cards, loans and delinquent payments.

•

•

•

•

Experian Credit Report and Score — Lets you review your credit history to catch inaccuracies, potential fraud and suspicious activity even sooner.

ChildSecureSM — Monitors children’s personal information, and alerts you if someone applies for credit or opens credit accounts in their names.

Internet Scan — Conducts confidential, daily scans on illegal websites and chat rooms for signs your identity is exposed.

Identity Theft Insurance — $1 million identity theft insurance.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

AAA’s ProtectMyID® can help catch identity theft and fraud when it happens and help you restore your credit and your good name. To register for your free subscription to ProtectMyID® Essential, or to upgrade to ProtectMyID® Deluxe at a special members-only price of just $8.95 a month, simply go to AAA.com/ ProtectMyID or call 1.877.440.6943.

FEBRUARY 2014

AAA TRAVELER

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Hitting the “blend wall” may hit motorists where it hurts E15 is too much of a good thing for most vehicles 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:....................................... Douglas W. Caldwell Vice Chairman:.........................................Mary Lynn Laughlin Vice Chairman:.................................... Martha Hartle Munsch OFFICERS: President: ....................................................James E. Lehman Treasurer & CFO: ............................................Michael R. Pratt Secretary: ................................................ Robert H. Compton GOVERNING BOARD OF DIRECTORS James E. Broome, Jr., Steve D. Bullock**, Douglas W. Caldwell, Charles O. Casto, Edward C. Coaxum, Jr., Robert S. Collins, Robert H. Compton, Jon E. Denney, Debra A. Dinnocenzo, Pamela C. Fritz, Richard S. Hamilton, James H. Kanicki, Mary Lynn Laughlin, Richard D. Linderman**, William Duff McCrady, James M. McDonnell, Thomas V. McKernan Jr., Martha Hartle Munsch, Gary K. Munsie** 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, Jack Wilson**

By Richard Hamilton Chairman, AAA East Central AA has long endorsed the use of alternative fuels including ethanol. We believe that ethanol-blended fuels have the potential to support jobs, promote American energy independence and reduce transportation costs. More than 95 percent of the gasoline sold in the United States is E10, which contains up to 10 percent ethanol, while E85 is designed for use by flex-fuel vehicles.

Despite ethanol’s benefits, AAA is concerned with the way the industry has introduced and marketed E15 to consumers. Despite objections by auto manufacturers, the EPA officially approved the sale of E15 — gasoline blended with 15 percent ethanol — in 2012, after receiving a waiver request from producers interested in expanding the use of this corn-based fuel.

Most drivers are unaware, or have not been properly informed about the potentially negative effects of this relatively untested gasoline/ethanol blend.

In vehicles not designed to run on it, sustained use of E15 could result in significant problems, such as accelerated engine wear and failure, fuel-system damage and false check engine lights.

The only vehicles currently certified by automakers to use E15 are flex-fuel models, 2001 model-year and newer Porsches, 2012 model-year and newer GM vehicles and 2013 and newer model-year Fords. That means more than 90 percent of vehicles on the road today are not approved by manufactur-

A

Richard Hamilton ers to operate on E15. Considering that the average vehicle remains in use for more than 11 years, it will take at least another decade before the bulk of the fleet will be E15 compatible.

Ethanol producers have promoted E15 as a solution to help meet a federal requirement called the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). The RFS requires renewable fuels such as ethanol to be blended into gasoline in greater volumes each year, from 9 billion gallons in 2008 to 36 billion gallons by 2022. When Congress passed the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, experts predicted that U.S. gasoline consumption would continue to rise, supporting correspondingly higher amounts of ethanol. Instead, gasoline consumption has

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.

For advertising information, contact: Leah Koch • Regional Sales Manager H&A Media Group 402- 592-5000, ext 472 Lkoch@hamediagroup.com Copyright ©2014 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.

remained relatively static.

The net result is that the volume of ethanol required to meet the 2014 Renewable Fuels Standard is likely to exceed the 10 percent barrier. This is known in industry parlance as hitting the “blend wall,” the safe level of ethanol approved for most vehicles. Confronted with the skyrocketing price of renewable fuel credits and the challenges of creating an infrastructure capable of dispensing an expanded range of ethanol blends, the EPA has proposed reducing RFS requirements.

AAA endorses the EPA’s common sense approach to lowering volumetric ethanol requirements in 2014. The Renewable Fuels Standard was based on the flawed hypothesis that gasoline consumption would continue to increase and these adjustments will better reflect market realities.

Under current regulations blenders unable to meet RFS requirements would be subject to significant fines, which could incentivize gasoline exports, or burden producers with unsustainable costs. These unintended consequences could restrict gasoline supplies and result in significant increases in pump prices paid by consumers.

It is for these reasons that AAA is joining with the EPA in calling for a reduction in requirements to the Renewable Fuels Standard in 2014 and its adverse effects on consumers.

Ethanol does have the potential to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, but it is irresponsible to mandate more ethanol than vehicles can safely use.

Customize your level of protection with travel insurance options Cancel Anytime and other add-ons maximize your trip coverage

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hen protecting a prized possession – whether it is a car, a boat, or a home – a “one-size-fits-all” policy just won’t do.

The same applies when it comes to protecting a travel investment. You’ve worked hard to earn the money and plan that dream getaway, so the last thing you’d want is to lose everything if the unexpected happens. The best way to stay protected is with a madefor-you travel insurance package.

AAA offers a variety of travel insurance policies and add-ons, so members can select a customized package that best fits their particular lifestyle and travel plans.

Cancel Anytime

Trip cancellation insurance is one of the most popular types of travel coverage. It reimburses your travel expenses if your trip is delayed, interrupted or cancelled for a valid reason, such as severe weather or major illness.

AAA now offers Cancel Anytime, a cancellation insurance option that reimburses you no matter why

your plans change. With the Cancel Anytime package, travelers receive 100 percent cash back if they cancel their trip for a covered reason like those mentioned above. They receive 80 percent cash back if they cancel their trip due to almost any other reason.

Cancel Anytime coverage offers travelers a lot more flexibility than a traditional trip cancellation policy.

It’s a great option for anyone whose travel plans may change for a variety of reasons not covered by most trip cancellation plans.

Rental Car Protection

Another optional coverage to add to your travel insurance policy is rental car protection. This option is typically less expensive than the rental car insurance offered by the rental car provider, but it can offer greater coverage

should you get in an accident.

Rental Car Protection is perfect for trips of seven days or longer, such as cross-country summer road trips.

It covers both domestic and international car rentals, and is a flat rate of $9 a day. Most insurance plans through rental car companies cost an average of $12 to $15 a day.

The biggest benefit of adding Rental Car Protection to a travel insurance package is that it is a primary policy.

If you are in an accident, it will not count against your personal auto insurance.

There are several factors affecting the cost of any travel insurance policy, including the age of the travelers, the length of the trip, and the distance they are traveling.

Before deciding on any travel insurance plan, be sure you understand what you’re buying and what each policy does and does not cover.

For more information on protecting your next getaway – whether you purchased your trip through AAA Travel or not – visit aaa.com/travelinsurance.

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FEBRUARY 2014

FEBRUARY 2014

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AAA TRAVELER

FEBRUARY 2014

February is Universal Month at AAA Travel Get ready for even more wizardry, Transformers and family fun

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here are countless ways to enjoy your Orlando vacation, but only one place where a vacation becomes an adventure. Universal Studios Florida takes you beyond the silver screen to experience an incredible array of rides, shows and sets from your favorite movies.

Islands of Adventure — Universal’s next generation theme park — features five spectacularly themed islands with innovative attractions, shows, and rides. Enter the cartoon world of the Simpsons; movies like Spider-Man and the off kilter creations of Dr. Seuss.

For nighttime excitement, there’s nothing like Universal CityWalk, a 30-acre entertainment complex located at the entrance to the two parks.

And everyone is wild about Harry, especially The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Universal Orlando’s incomparable mega attraction is a revolutionary, multi-sensory melding of live-action, advanced robotic technology and innovative filmmaking that has become the most talked about theme park experience on the planet.

Now Universal is adding a whole new level of Harry Potter adventures.

Scheduled to open this summer, Diagon Alley and London expands The Wizarding World of Harry Potter across both Universal Orlando parks.

Diagon Alley will feature shops, a restaurant and an innovative, marquee

a brand new attraction, takes “foolish humans” on an intergalactic spin designed to send them into orbit.

Transformers: The Ride–3D — one of the most highly anticipated theme park experiences in years — opened last June. Based on the popular Transformers films, riders are recruited for a high-tech, good versus evil battle in which they must save Planet Earth.

Riders dodge explosions and missiles and burst into battles between “lifesized,” three-story-tall Autobots and Decepticons. It’s a spectacular fusion of HD 3D media and Flight Simulation technology, that may make you lose sight of the difference between fiction and reality.

IF YOU GO

PREPARE FOR BATTLE — Transformers: The Ride-3D has changed the very definition of thrill rides. attraction based on Gringotts Bank.

Guests will travel between London and Hogsmeade aboard an actual Hogwarts Express — just like in the books and films. Instead of windows passengers will be looking at virtual screens that make it seem as if you’re traveling through the English countryside.

The hometown of The Simpsons, America’s favorite animated family,

has been brought to life in Springfield.

For the first time ever, anywhere, fans can live and breathe the places that helped Springfield stake its claim as “Shelbyville by the Sea.” Springfield is anchored by The Simpsons Ride, designed to duplicate the Simpsons home-viewing experience, only at high speed and with lots of screaming. Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl,

February is Universal Month at AAA Travel and that means big savings on a vacation to Universal Orlando Resort.

Purchase any 4-night or longer vacation that includes both hotel and theme park admission during the month of February and receive a $50 Universal Orlando gift card, plus an additional $25 per room discount.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please see your Departures Guide or log on to AAA.com/Universal for more information about Universal Orlando vacations.

What you should know about flood insurance Protecting your home and yourself from water damage

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hile we’re still in the midst of winter, it may be time to think about the devastation that can be caused by melting snow in spring. Floods contribute to a number of weather-related fatalities each year. Flooding is also the most common weather-related cause of property damage.

During the famous Hurricane Sandy super storm, many property owners saw their homes wash away, suffered injuries or lost their businesses.

Sandy resulted in more than $6.5 billion in flood insurance payouts, by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This was less than half of the $16 billion or more in payouts from Hurricane Katrina.

Know your flood risk

Experts say that people should learn about the flood risk where they live or work and take the necessary steps to reduce those risks. Visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s web site (https://msc.fema.gov) to learn about local flood zones. Site visitors check out maps and look up their properties by address to learn if it is in a flood zone. They can also contact their local or state government offices for information. Even if an area is not listed as a high-risk flood zone, keep in

HIGH WATER — Flooding is the most common weather-related cause of property damage. mind that floods are still possible.

Base flood elevation

If you discover your property is in a flood zone, it is important to find out what the base flood elevation is. This is the location at which a structure has a one percent chance of being flooded each year. The BFE number for a property is listed on flood maps, but it is also possible to contact an agent to look

up the number. Buildings should be at least three feet above the BFE level to ensure they are protected against waves or higher-than-usual flooding levels.

Flood coverage

Once you understand what the risks of flooding are, it is important to buy or review insurance. People who have flood coverage should review it to ensure it is sufficient. People who do

not have insurance should obtain it immediately. This coverage is offered by the NFIP, but it can be purchased through insurance agents.

People who have federally-backed loans for their properties should also know that their lenders often require them to buy flood insurance if they are close to or in a high-risk flood area. For those who live in high-risk flood zones, it is helpful to become familiar with changes approved for the NFIP by the government. These can differ from one year to the next, so it is best to discuss recent changes with an agent. Flood insurance rates are required by law to show the true risk of a particular area.

The most recent changes mean that a significant amount of property owners will see increases in their flood coverage premiums.

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.

FEBRUARY 2014

AAA TRAVELER

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Member Benefits • Exclusive Offers

1-800-354-8761 • AAA.com/travel

AAA MEMBERS SAVE UP TO $700!

Premier ..............$700 Plus ....................$650 Basic ..................$625

2 SPECTACULAR ESCORTED VACATIONS — 1 EXCEPTIONAL AAA OFFER CHICAGO

NEW ORLEANS

CHICAGO

Book & make a deposit by 2/28/14. savings per room, double occupancy

Glacier NP Discovery CHICAGO to SEATTLE

R

GLACIER NP

GLACIER NP

MEMPHIS

GLACIER NP

©LOGAN / FOTOLIA.COM

Jazz, Blues & Rock ’n’ Roll

CHICAGO to MEMPHIS to NEW ORLEANS

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lick-clack, click-clack! The metronomic rhythm of your Amtrak® train will set you in the right frame of mind on this 7-night northto-south music-inspired sojourn through America’s midsection. Visit 3 fascinating cities where 3 authentically American music genres were born and continue to flourish. Train by night and day; be soothingly rocked to sleep on the overnight Chicago-to-Memphis leg (after enjoying an evening meal in the Dining car) and observe the ever changing landscapes passing by your window on the Memphis–to–New Orleans portion.

In the Windy City, settle into the luxurious Palmer House Hilton Hotel right in the heart of the Loop, close by many of Chicago’s attractions & institutions.

Meet your escort and fellow travelers at a wine-&-cheese reception. Tour the city’s landmarks, browse the Magnificent Mile and enjoy a Chicago River cruise to observe the city’s renowned architecture.

Overnight on the train on your way to the Westin Hotel right on Beale Street, the official “Home of the Blues.” Blues clubs and restaurants are just steps away.

Tour Graceland, the unique home of Elvis Presley; then, with musicians aboard (and audience participation absolutely welcomed!), you’ll tour other sites of this city on the Mississippi named after the ancient Egyptian capital on the Nile. See Sun Studios, the Staxx Museum and the Rock ’n’ Soul Museum.

Settle into a very comfy reclining seat for a relaxing journey to the Big Easy.

Larger-than-life windows enable you to watch grand panoramas along the way.

There’s room to roam on board; chat with fellow passengers or visit the Café car.

Be welcomed into New Orleans by a jazz brunch at the The Court of Two Sisters in the French Quarter. Take a guided tour of the Crescent City, including the Garden District. Top it all off by boarding the paddlewheel steamboat Natchez for a grand finale dinner cruise! continued on next page

GLACIER NP

GLACIER NP SEATTLE

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 Palmer House, a worldclass hotel steps from Chicago’s best attractions. Sleep where every President since Grant has slept! Enjoy a city tour and a cruise on the Chicago River.

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’s Big Sky Country to Glacier National Park.

This vast ice-carved terrain of serrated ridges, jutting peaks (6 more than 10,000 feet high), waterfalls, dramatic 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 (grizzly & black) are seen.

Tour in a 1930s red “jammer” with a canvas roll-top; rebuilt in 2001, these vehicles ply the park’s primary route — Going-to-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 WatertonGlacier 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 pitch-n-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 oneof-a-kind national park lodging experience.

Reboard the Empire Builder for Seattle. See the city’s many gems, including lively Pike Place Market. Then ascend the iconic Space Needle for breathtaking views and then, all too soon, it’s time to fly home! continued on next page

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AAA TRAVELER

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

AAA MEMBERS SAVE UP TO $700!

continued from previous page

Exploring America’s splendor by rail is a must-do milestone on the “bucket lists” of many travelers.

Whichever Amtrak Vacation you choose, you can be sure it will be one you’ll never forget...especially if you take advantage of the AAA savings at right!

Premier ..............$700 Plus ....................$650 Basic ..................$625 Book & make a deposit by 2/28/14. savings per room, double occupancy

Jazz, Blues & Rock ’n’ Roll: Chicago–Memphis–New Orleans Sept 26–Oct 4 •

AAA Member Rate: $4,489

Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes flights (Louisville-Chicago, New Orleans–Louisville), train (Chicago–New Orleans) roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, 7-night hotel accommodations, 1-night train roomette accommodations, 12 meals, meal gratuities (except on train), welcome reception, Chicago river cruise & evening activity, motorcoach tours (Chicago, Memphis, New Orleans), hotel baggage handling (1 per person), air & hotel taxes and services of an Amtrak Vacations® tour escort (Chicago–New Orleans). Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

Glacier National Park Discovery: Chicago-Seattle Aug 9-18 •

FEBRUARY 2014

AAA Member Rate: $4,979

Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes flights (Louisville-Chicago, Seattle-Louisville), train (Chicago-Seattle), roundtrip airport/hotel, 7-night hotel accommodations, 2-night train roomette accommodations, 17 meals, meal gratuities (except on train), welcome reception, 4 tours & 1 cruise in Glacier NP, sightseeing per itinerary, hotel baggage handling (1 per person), air & hotel taxes and services of an Amtrak Vacations® tour escort (Chicago-Seattle). Visit AAA.com/travel for complete itinerary. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

FEBRUARY 2014

AAA TRAVELER

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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 Brewster’s Mountain Lodge. Ride Banff Gondola for panoramic vistas. Visit thundering Bow Falls and cruise serene Lake Minnewanka.

Enjoy a day in Banff on your own; play a Brewster’s Mountain round on Banff Springs’ golf course, take Lodge 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 RELAX IN 1 HOTEL “HOME” FOR 5 NIGHTS! may ride the gondola.

Brewster’s Mountain Lodge offers premier comfort in the heart of downtown Banff. Handcrafted Spot wildlife along Columbia Icefields log furnishings, Western décor, historic photos Parkway to Athabasca Glacier and turquoise and cowboy art enhance its ambience. Relax in Peyto Lake. Cap off the week at the worldthe whirlpool & sauna. Enjoy complimentary famous Calgary Stampede, a celebration continental breakfast and in-room high-speed of cowboy life, chuckwagon races, rodeos, internet. Explore lobby-level boutiques. parades, fireworks and more. Enjoy the thrilling Grandstand Show from reserved seats.

DOWNTOWN BANFF BANFF SPRINGS LAKE LOUISE

Canadian Rockies and the Calgary Stampede

July 6-12 •

AAA Member Rate: $2,979

LIMITEED! SPAC

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 •

AAA Member Rate: $4,999

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes flights (Louisville-Fairbanks, Anchorage-Louisville), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, motorcoach sightseeing, accommodations (Fairbanks, Denali, Anchorage, Seward: 2 each, Girdwood: 1), 16 meals, luggage handling (1 bag/person), gratuities for included features (includes driver, escort), in-Alaska escort and AAA Tour Manager (if minimumparticipation goal is met). Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

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.

Discover the Best of the West with AAA! DISCOVER GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

© SNEHIT / FOTOLIA.COM

JUNE 22-28 • $3,525

Tour a silver mine in Wallace ID (once the “Silver Capital of the World”) and the Smokejumpers Aerial Fire Depot. Visit artsy Big Fork MT and enjoy a float trip on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. Stay at an Old World–style lodge in Glacier National Park.

Cruise on 2 lakes. Travel “Going to the Sun” Road amid snowy peaks and virgin forest. Ride a vintage Red Jammer Touring Car. Cross the Continental Divide. Take America’s longest gondola up to Silver Mountain. Visit Lake Coeur d’Alene. Dine on Spokane’s River Queen paddle boat. 10 meals.

YELLOWSTONE EXPERIENCE

AUG 11-17 • $2,645

BEST OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

© SCOTT BUFKIN / FOTOLIA.COM

JULY 24–AUG 1 • $3,699

So many delights in 1 tour — from the endless charms of San Francisco to the natural 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 National Park’s wonders. Explore coastal Carmel, Big Sur and Monterey. 14 meals.

THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST

AUG 3-10 • $3,819

From San Francisco to Seattle, see wonders along the Pacific. Explore the City by the Bay and California’s Wine Country. See redwoods on the Avenue of the Giants and in Redwood National Park. Enjoy rides on a jet boat on Oregon’s Rogue River and a dune buggy at the National Dunes Recreation Area. Tour Portland and its renowned rose gardens. Marvel at the Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah Falls and Mt St Helens National Volcanic Monument. In Seattle, dine atop the Space Needle and tour the world’s largest building, a Boeing assembly plant. 10 meals.

AMERICAN MAJESTY

COLORADO TRAIN ADVENTURE

GRAND CANYON & ARIZONA ADVENTURE

CANYON COUNTRY EXPERIENCE

AUG 30–SEPT 7 • $3,619

SEPT 13-20 • $2,839

SEPT 21–28 • $2,559

OCT 8-14 • $2,449

© ANDREANITA / FOTOLIA.COM

AAA Member Rates are per person (double occupancy), are subject to availability at time of booking and include roundtrip flights from Louisville, roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, sightseeing admissions, taxes/gratuities for included features, baggage handling (1 bag per person) and meals as indicated. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Visit AAA.com/travel for itinerary details.

PAGE 10

AAA TRAVELER

FEBRUARY 2014

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

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.

AAA.com

Linking you & your next vacation!

FLIGHTS RENTAL CARS HOTEL/MOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS Research & book travel arrangements from the comfort of your home – 24/7.

TRAVEL WITH SOMEONE YOU TRUST.®

Portugal & its Islands Portugal is hot...and getting hotter. It’s fast becoming the last “undiscovered” destination in Western Europe. Those who have discovered its considerable assets are having a hard time keeping it to themselves!

In Lisbon, explore the Moorish Alfama Quarter, Jeronimo’s Monastery (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Monument to the Discoveries and the Tower of Belem (UWHS).

See Sintra (UWHS), summer residence of kings for 6 centuries. Then enjoy Portugal’s “Riviera” and dinner with wine and fado, soulful music recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible ©STEVANZZ/FOTOLIA.COM Cultural Heritage. On the Silver Coast, see sleepy villages, rich vineyards and age-old castles. See Fatima’s famous Basilica and magnificent Batalha Monastery (UWHS).

The truly remote Azores lie some 900 miles west of Lisbon. Their volcanic birth created mountains and valleys, pocket lakes resting in ancient craters, hot springs, fumaroles and thermal fountains. Seaside villages, white-washed houses guarded by medieval city walls, bustling harbors and cities overflowing with architectural treasures — these, and Europe’s only pineapple and tea plantations, make the Azores all the more inviting.

About 600 miles southwest of Lisbon, the resort island of Madeira, “pearl of the Atlantic,” boasts a subtropical climate, majestic mountain ranges, volcanic cave, traditional villages and age-old ways of life — fishing, wickerwork, embroidery and world-renowned wine making.

Sept 12-24 •

Car-free, carefree adventures

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.

Vera Bradley Outlet Sale

April 10-12 • AAA Member Rate: $450 Join us for a really fun getaway to the wildly popular Vera Bradley Outlet Sale in Ft Wayne IN. Our group has a scheduled timed entry and 2.5 hours to shop until you drop. This annual event features bargain prices on thousands of colorful bags and accessories. You’ll find retired & current styles plus overstocked items and factory seconds in a myriad of signature patterns and color combinations. Also visit the DeBrand Gourmet Chocolate factory and the Cinda b handbag factory for fascinating tours. Also included are the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory and the Ft Wayne Museum of Art. Overnight at Hyatt Place. Hurry: Space is limited! This is definitely a “girls’ getaway”! 5 meals.

Paducah Quilt Show

April 24 •

AAA Member Rate: $130

Come along and join in the fun on a 1-day trip to the famed Paducah Quilt Show! Every April, this quaint river town becomes a Mecca for quilters and quilt enthusiasts. View the many fabulous entries, exhibits and Merchants

AAA Member Rate: $4,769

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Cleveland-Lisbon), in-Portugal flights, roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, hotel accommodations/taxes/ service charges/baggage handling (1 piece per person), 19 meals, air taxes & fees/surcharges and an inPortugal tour director. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Visit AAA.com/GoEurope for details.

LEAVE YOUR CAR AT HOME!

Mall with more than 400 vendor booths. This is your opportunity to purchase the latest fabric patterns, quilt supplies and gifts. This is truly a quilters paradise! After the show, dine at Patti’s 1880’s Settlement (voted #1

by Southern Living magazine’s Readers’ Choice Award for Best Small-town Restaurant in Southeast US) in Grand Rivers KY! 1 meal.

Diana, A Celebration

April 26 •

AAA Member Rate: $120

Direct from the Althorp Estate in England, ancestral home of the Spencer family, to the Cincinnnati Museum Center at Union Station comes a collection of more than 150 personal object celebrating the life & work of Diana, Princess of Wales, including her royal wedding gown, 28 designer dresses & gowns, family heirlooms, personal mementos and rare home movies. After the exhibition, enjoy an included lunch at the very Britishflavored Nicholson’s Tavern & Pub. Afterward, visit Taft Museum to view “Threads of Heaven: Silken Legacy of China’s Last Dynasty.” On display are rarely seen Imperial silk robes, hats, fans and wall hangings. 1 meal.

FEBRUARY 2014

PAGE 11

AAA TRAVELER

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers Get up to $100.00 savings!

AAA MEMBERS ONLY!

NOW’S THE TIME!

Book & make a deposit by April 30 on a 2014 7-night-or-longer air-inclusive Pleasant Holidays vacation to Hawaii, the Caribbean, Mexico or Europe and enjoy:

$50.00 SAVINGS FROM AAA TRAVEL (per room, based on double occupancy • new bookings only)

PLUSEXCLUSIVE

THESE ENEFITS! MEMBER B

EUROPE

$50.00 SAVINGS off package price, per booking

Beijing

INTRO to CHINA AN ESCORTED EXPERIENCE

Sept 11-18 • AAA Member Rate: $3,349

HAWAII THE CARIBBEAN MEXICO

$50.00 CERTIFICATE

toward purchase of optional sightseeing or activity, per booking

Walk on the GREAT WALL! Enter the FORBIDDEN CITY! Explore one of the world’s most important capitals and meet BEIJINGERS at home & in school!

And so much more!

Enjoy the comfort & security of an escorted experience — a comprehensive, informative & personal look at this rapidly growing city and an in-depth introduction to its fascinating culture.

See landmarks & learn customs for nearly a week; then enjoy an entire day independently exploring & indulging your interests — art, history, cuisine, shopping, photography, parks & zoos — it’s all up to you, with suggestions, advice, directions, etc, from your expert guide!

Escort & driver gratuities included!

EXTRA-SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS include...

• A traditional PEKING DUCK DINNER in one of Beijing‘s best restaurants renowned for the preparation & presentation of this world-famous delicacy • An up-close & personal FAMILY-HOME VISIT & HOME-COOKED MEAL in one of Beijing’s ancient and fast disappearing hutong neighborhoods, with an opportunity to question and interact with your hosts • An entertaining KUNG FU ACADEMY VISIT & DEMONSTRATION by its students — whom you may meet afterward and try your hand at learning a move or two!

• A traditional, interactive & fun “HOTPOT“ DINNER, where spearing & dipping your meats & veggies in a tabletop “vat“ of broth makes for a very social experience!

Marvel at ancient & modern, urban & rural, rich & poor, simple & sophisticated, serene & chaotic. Beijing’s unique combination of seemingly contradictory elements may well change your understanding of this city & nation...and provide moving memories that last a lifetime.

Meet your Experienced Guide A favorite of AAA guests on previous China tours, professional guide & Beijing resident Duan Fangming proudly shows you his city. With more than 20 years of guiding Americans through his country, he offers fluent English and extensive knowledge, insight & humor to enhance your Beijing experience with an authentic personal element rarely available anywhere else!

DUAN FANGMING

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Louisville-Beijing), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, 12 meals, in-China guide, sightseeing/admissions, baggage handling (1 per person), driver/escort gratuities, AAA Tour Manager (if minimum-participation goal is met) & government taxes/fees.

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

Visit AAA.com/GoAsia for the complete itinerary!

4 UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES — THE GREAT WALL AT BADALING, THE IMPERIAL PALACE (FORBIDDEN CITY), THE SUMMER PALACE AND THE TEMPLE OF HEAVEN TIANANMEN SQUARE • 2008 SUMMER OLYMPICS SITE • LAMA BUDDHIST TEMPLE • HUTONG MARKET VISIT, HOME VISIT & HOME-COOKED MEAL • BELL & DRUM TOWERS TEA CEREMONY JADE FACTORY • PEDICAB RIDE • KUNG FU DEMONSTRATION & STUDENT INTERACTION • TRADITIONAL PEKING DUCK & HOTPOT DINNERS • & MORE!

PAGE 12

AAA TRAVELER

FEBRUARY 2014

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Wunderbar! ¡Fantástico!

YOU CAN SAVE $100!

Magnifique!

Touring Europe with select AAA Travel partners

translates into extra savings & benefits!

ESCORTED TOUR OPERATED BY CIE TOURS INTERNATIONAL

Bunratty Folk Park • Medieval banquet in a castle • Cliffs of Moher • Flying Boat Museum • Killarney National Park • Ring of Kerry • Skellig Experience • Moll’s Gap • Waterford Crystal • Dinner & song at a pub • Dublin: tour & free time ...AND MUCH, MUCH MORE!

Oct 5-12 • AAA Member Rate: $1,459

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, guided motorcoach sightseeing, entrance fees, 11 meals (including Bunratty Castle medieval banquet/entertainment & Merry Ploughboy pub dinner/ entertainment), in-Ireland tour director, hotel luggage handling (1 piece per person), hotel taxes & service charges. Ask about available add-on airfare. Visit AAA.com/GoIreland for itinerary and information.

SAVE $100.00

off a 7-night-or-longer air-inclusive 2014 Europe escorted tour from select AAA Travel partners:* AAA Member Choice Vacations® General Tours • Insight Vacations • Trafalgar See article on page 1 for more information. *Savings per room, double occupancy. Book & deposit by 2/28/14. New bookings only. Not valid on AAA Featured Vacations. Not combinable with any other offer. Other restrictions may apply.

ESCORTED TOUR OPERATED

BY CIE TOURS INTERNATIONAL

Glasgow • Spean Bridge Woollen Mill • Loch Ness cruise • Highland evening • Blair Athol Whisky Distillery • Edinburgh & its Castle • Ferry to Northern Ireland • Belfast: Titanic Center • Dublin: Guinness Storehouse, canal dinner cruise • Rock of Cashel • Blarney Castle & Woolen Mills • Killarney: “jaunting car” • Ring of Kerry • Skellig Experience • Sneem • Moll’s Gap • River Shannon ferry • Cliffs of Moher (pictured) • Bunratty Castle medieval banquet • AND MORE!

Nov 1-12 • AAA Member Rate: $1,799

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip airport/ hotel transfers, accommodations, guided motorcoach sightseeing, entrance fees, 17 meals (including medieval banquet, canal dinner cruise), in-Ireland tour director, hotel luggage handling (1 piece per person), hotel taxes & service charges. Ask about available add-on airfare. Visit AAA.com/Ireland for itinerary and more information.

s a i s t n V i l a Ita

AAA MEMBERS SAVE $200.00!

Book & make a deposit by 2/28/14.

SAVINGS PER PERSON

•

•

•

•

This 13-day escorted adventure features visits to 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Rome, Pompeii, Florence, Pisa, Venice and Verona! Enjoy included extra-special “moments” you’d have to research & add on at your own expense & effort: Guided visits to St Peter’s Basilica and Vatican City’s museums, including the Sistine Chapel A 4-course dinner with wine in Rome, with live performances of arias from the best operas After-hours visit to a 14th-century monastery, followed by a family-style feast of Tuscan dishes, with wine!

A serenaded gondola cruise on the canals of Venice — one of the world’s most famous travel experiences

Enjoy relaxing multiple-night stays in Rome (3), Sorrento–Amalfi Coast (2), Florence (2), Venice (2) and Stresa–Lakes District (2).

Oct 18-30 • AAA Member Rate: $5,479 Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes flights (Louisville-Rome, Milan-Louisville), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, hotel accommodations/taxes/service charges/baggage handling (1 piece per person), 20 meals, air taxes & fees/surcharges, in-Italy tour director.

Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Visit AAA.com/GoItaly for details.

FEBRUARY 2014

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

AAA TRAVELER

PAGE 13

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

PAGE 14

AAA TRAVELER

European Escorted Tours 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!

AAA Member Choice Vacations® AAA Member Choice Vacations combine the flexibility of independent travel with the convenience of an escorted tour. Itineraries are designed by experts to maximize your time. Accommodations are chosen to enhance your experience; most feature abundant amenities and are near attractions, so you may spend your leisure time relaxing in the comfort of your hotel or exploring the destination at your own pace. Most itineraries already include many of the attractions, special tours and features that some tour operators only offer as optional add-ons requiring separate fees. And look for distinctive memberonly extra inclusions on select tours.

General Tours General Tours has delighted Americans for more than 60 years. Its promise of groups no greater than 16 guests (often just 4 or 6 guests!) ensures that you get to see and do more, and at a leisurely pace; and you’ll develop deeper relationships with your Trip Leader and fellow guests. Traveling more efficiently with less time waiting, you can enjoy authentic encoun-

FEBRUARY 2014

SAVE $100.00 off a 7-night-or-longer air-inclusive 2014 Europe escorted tour from a selection of AAA Travel partners.*

continued from page 1 _____________________

ters with locals, planned and serendipitous, and stay in small boutique hotels that won’t accept larger groups.

Contact your local AAA Travel, call 1-800-354-8761 or visit AAA.com/travel.

Insight Vacations Insight’s difference? Style and comfort. Because its average tour group has just 32 guests, spare seats on its customized deluxe touring motorcoaches have been removed. That generously roomy legroom and personal space really makes a difference.

Insight has an international following and provides outstanding service and quality tour packages to savvy travelers. Look for authentic insights that can only be experienced on its tours. Many tours include a special Highlight Dinner reflecting local culture or a Dine-Around (based on your dining style, your tour director reserves your choice of several quality restaurants just for you — or for you and new friends from the tour).

*Savings per room, double occupancy. Book & deposit by 2/28/14. New bookings only. Not valid on AAA Featured Vacations. Not combinable with any other offer. Other restrictions may apply.

SOME OF 2014’S MOST POPULAR ESCORTED TOURS ENGLAND’S TREASURES: Celebrate the storied charm of destinations right out of history books. Manchester, Liverpool, Lake District, Wedgwood, Cotswolds, Steam Train, Glastonbury, Plymouth, Cornwall, Salisbury, Stonehenge. 10 days from $2,099. AAA Member Choice Vacations.

GEMS OF CENTRAL EUROPE BY RAIL: Enjoy train journeys and discovering the charms of imperial cities. Budapest, Vienna, Prague. 10 days from $2,799.

General Tours.

EUROPEAN BREAKAWAY: Be captivated by cultures and cuisines — from England to the Continent. London, Eurostar Chunnel Train, Amsterdam, Rhine Valley, Heidelberg, Black Forest, Lucerne, Paris. 11 days from $3,365. Insight Vacations.

BEST OF ITALY & SICILY: Savor la dolce vita on this comprehensive exploration of Italia! Rome, Florence, Venice, Assisi, Pompeii, Naples, Cruise to Sicily, Palermo, Agrigento, Taormina, Sorrento, Capri. 16 days from $4,165. Trafalgar.

Trafalgar Trafalgar seeks to provide a “deeper” experience. Local experts and specialties allow you to better appreciate the places visited. Enjoy home-cooked dishes and stories from local families at “Be My Guest” dinners. Encounter secret spots (“Hidden Treasures”) found and shared by your Travel Director. Choose itineraries focusing on just 1 country or up to as many as 12 on a tour. Tours often include trains, cruises, cog railways, cable cars and other fun ways of seeing the sights.

Rates are land-only; ask about available add-on airfare.

EXCLUSIVE 2014 AAA MEMBER BENEFITS AAA MEMBER CHOICE VACATIONS®: $25 to $100 per person savings based on purchase price GENERAL TOURS: $115 per person savings on all Small Group Escorted Tours INSIGHT VACATIONS: $40 voucher per person toward payment of select optional tours on escorted motorcoach tours (with exceptions) TRAFALGAR: $40 credit voucher per person toward an optional excursion

Voice-to-text apps offer no driving safety benefit New study finds reaction times still double

T

exting drivers may believe they’re being more careful when they use the voice-totext method, but new research findings suggest that those applications offer no real safety advantage over manual texting.

The study, which is the first of its kind, was sponsored by the Southwest Region University Transportation Center and conducted by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI).

While other research efforts have evaluated manual versus voice-activated tasks using devices installed in a vehicle, the TTI analysis is the first to compare voice-to- text and manual texting on a handheld device in an actual driving environment.

Researchers first navigated a closed course without using a cell phone.

Then, they traveled the course three more times performing a series of texting exercises — once using each of two voice-to-text applications (Siri® for the iPhone and Vlingo® for Android), and once texting manually. Researchers then measured the time it took each driver to complete the tasks, and also noted how long it took for the drivers to respond to a light, which came on at random intervals during the exercises.

Major findings from the study included:

DRIVING BLIND — Using a mobile device roughly quadruples your risk of being in a crash.

•

Driver response times were significantly delayed no matter which texting method was used. In each case, drivers took about twice as long to react as they did when they weren’t texting. With slower reaction times, drivers are less able to take action in response to sudden hazards.

• The time that drivers spent looking at the roadway ahead was significantly less when they were texting, no matter which texting method was used.

•

For most tasks, manual texting required slightly less time than the voice-to-text method, but driver performance was roughly the same with both.

• Drivers felt less safe when they were texting, but felt safer when using a voice-to-text application than when texting manually, even though driving performance suffered equally with both methods.

“AAA believes the new voice-to-

text study done by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) is a step in the right direction,” notes Peter Kissinger, President & CEO AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “Past research confirms what we’ve known for many years, that hands-free driving isn’t risk-free driving. Most people understand the risks of distraction and other risky behaviors but refuse to apply what they know to their own behavior.”

According to new research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, more than one-in-four motorists reported sending a text or email while driving within the past month. Adults ages 25-39 reported texting and driving most frequently, while those age 60 and up reported doing it the least.

The data was collected as part of the AAA Foundation’s 2013 Traffic Safety Culture Index.

RISKY BUSINESS

In 2013, the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimated that at any point during the day, about 660,000 drivers are using a cell phone behind the wheel. The NHTSA estimates that one out of every ten fatal crashes involves distraction, resulting in more than 3,000 deaths per year.

FEBRUARY 2014

AAA TRAVELER

PAGE 15

Portugal has a passion for the streets In Lisbon, even the sidewalks are a work of art

L

isbon is filled with the mementos of twenty centuries of history. Wisteria vines cascade from balconies and pots of geraniums hang from every window of the tidy, whitewashed homes.

Castelo de Sao Jorge — the city’s emotional and geographic center — is a 12th century fortress that sits atop St. George’s Hill. The castle was built by the Moors on the site of an old Roman fort. The White City’s Moorish influence is also evident in the red clay roofs and unique bell shaped chimneys.

Just below Castelo de Sao Jorge are the grid-like streets of the Baxia, constructed after a massive, 1755 earthquake. The sidewalks are unlike anything you have ever seen. “Calçada Portuguesa” is an ancient paving art based on Roman mosaics, that transforms mundane walkways into masterpieces — all by hand-placing small black and white stones.

The Baxia is flanked by two squares, and the historic Santa Justa lift, an outdoor cast-iron elevator that connects the downtown to Bairro Alto, the highest point in the city.

The Alfama, or Old Quarter, is an ancient labyrinth of tiny alleys. In the evenings, tiny taverns are filled with the mournful laments of Fado, Portugal’s plaintive folk music sung unaccompanied, or to the strains of a single guitar.

by sunlight much of the year and dotted with beaches. Inland, the steep wooded hills lead to Sintra, a place the ancient Celts called Mountain of the Moon. Lord Byron wrote “the little town of Sintra is perhaps the most beautiful in the world,” and countless artists have paid homage to its almost perfect synthesis of parks, gardens, squares and architecture.

Sintra was the favored summer residence of Portugal’s aristocracy and the Palácio Nacional da Pena perches on a hilltop overlooking the town.

Commissioned by King Ferdinand II, the fanciful, pastel-washed palace presides over Pena Park, a 500-acre mantle of greenery filled with grottoes, pergolas, fountains, and rare plants.

CASTLE IN THE AIR — The Palácio Nacional da Pena was completed in 1854.

Belém — Lisbon’s most historical area — is where the Tagus River flows into the Atlantic. Portuguese navigators like Vasco da Gama and Magellan set sail from here during the Age of Discovery.

The Monument to the Discoveries, constructed in the shape of a ship with a gigantic sail, commemorates the feats of Portugal’s seamen.

The great voyages influenced Portugal’s Manueline architectural style, a uniquely Portuguese variation of northern gothic and southern exuberance, with details like carved nauti-

cal symbols and anchors and ropes.

In Lisbon, examples of the Manueline style include the Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém, constructed in 1515.

North of Lisbon, Portugal’s Costa de Prata or Silver Coast is an uncrowded region of sleepy villages, vineyards and ancient castles. The vast white Basilica at Fatima attracts thousands of pilgrims each year.

A short drive west of Lisbon are the stylish resort towns of Estoril and Cascais. The warm coastline is bathed

IF YOU GO

Join AAA Travel on a Portugal & its Islands Tour, September 12-24, 2014. This AAA Featured Vacation includes 4-nights in Lisbon, Portugal’s Riviera with visits to Sintra, Cascais and Estoril, and the remote islands of the Azores and Madeira. Tour includes roundtrip air, hotel accommodations, in-Portugal tour director, baggage handling, sightseeing, 19 meals and more.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

See this month’s Departures Guide or log on to AAA.com/GoEurope for great European vacations values from AAA.

Maybe Generation Y really wants to drive after all Affordability the larger issue for younger car buyers

N

ew research suggests that maybe Millennials really want to own and drive cars after all.

It turns out that Generation Y’s much-discussed hesitation about things automotive might come mainly because they simply can’t afford to buy vehicles or operate them like previous generations did at their age.

The Highway Loss Data Institute conducted a study whose conclusions seem to undercut the conventional wisdom that the rise of distractions such as cell phones and social media have made driving and owning automobiles less of an imperative in the eyes of teenagers and older Millennials.

“It looks like teens just can’t afford to drive,” said Matt Moore, vice president of the Institute, which is an affiliate of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Paying for their own cars, gas and insurance is hard if they can’t find a job.”

This diminishes the theory that various forms of connectivity are such a compelling force in the lives of young people that even car ownership has taken a back seat. And it gives a new appreciation to the influence of the deep economic problems of Generation Y, which include disproportionate joblessness and underemployment, the growing burden of college loans and greater

Looked at together, there was an inverse relationship between the growing unemployment spread and the falling ratio of teen drivers. Although population changes and changes in state licensing ages contributed somewhat to the decline in the teen driver ratio, analysts estimated that 79 percent of it was connected with the increasing unemployment spread.

In 2012, buyers between the ages of 18 and 34 comprised only 12% of the new-car market. “New car affordability, the overhang of student loan debt and higher operating costs are delaying some young people from buying cars,” notes General Motors chief economist Mustafa Mohatarem. “It’s not a permanent withdrawal from the market, it’s more of a delay.”

COST THE MAIN PROBLEM — Car ownership has taken a back seat for those between the ages of 18 and 34. financial dependence on their parents.

The Institute looked at the issue partly to gauge trends in automotive safety; less driving means fewer crashes, one of the few fortunate effects of the trend among Millennials.

Specifically, the Institute noted the by-now well-worn statistics that describe the generational shortfalls in driver’s licenses and driving activity. Then the group looked at differences in unem-

ployment rates of the two groups, young Millennials and prime-age workers. The Institute found that, while the unemployment rate increased for both groups between 2006 and 2010, the rise was steeper for teenagers — 11 percentage points compared with 5 percentage points for prime-age workers. This unemployment spread increased at the height of the recession and then leveled off after 2010.

SMART CAR SHOPPING

Looking for a new car? The AAA Auto Buying program provides unbiased new and used car pricing information free of charge to AAA members through AAA’s preferred supplier TrueCar. To save money and get the upfront price on your next new car, visit the AAA Auto Buying Program at www.AAA.com/AutoBuying.

Mobile users can download the AAA Auto Buying Tools App at AAA.com/Mobile.

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AAA TRAVELER

FEBRUARY 2014

Steering your teens to safe driving habits Learn the rules of the road safely with AAA

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earning to drive is a rite of passage filled with mixed emotions – excitement, anticipation, and often some worries.

AAA Kentucky Driver Training Center offers teen and novice drivers the confidence and the education they need to accept the challenges and responsibility of driving safely.

Mile for mile, teenagers are involved in three times as many fatal crashes as all other drivers and traffic crashes rank as the No. 1 killer of American teens.

According to a recent study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, teen drivers are approximately 50 percent more likely to crash in the first month of unsupervised driving.

Learning to navigate America’s roadways successfully is like building a house: You need knowledge, skills and plans. Without a solid foundation, you take a big risk each time you get behind the wheel.

AAA’s state-approved driving school offers both classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel individual lessons to students in Jefferson County.

The classroom training, intended for teens, reviews the fundamentals of driving. All videos and textbooks used in the classroom training have been recommended by AAA’s National Traffic Safety Program. Topics covered include: traffic laws, road signs and signals, best practices for maneuvering a

the student’s strengths and weaknesses to best prepare him or her for the driving test. Behind-the-wheel training is scheduled as four 90-minute sessions (for a total of six hours) and is available for both teen and novice drivers.

AAA driver training is only available in Jefferson County, Ky. To enroll, or to learn more, visit a Jefferson County AAA branch office, call (502) 779-3611 or visit www.AAA.com/drivertraining.

All classes are held at AAA Kentucky Driver Training Center, 321 Whittington Parkway, Louisville.

UPCOMING CLASSROOM DATES

LEARNING CURVE — AAA’s driver training course is specifically designed for beginning drivers. vehicle in different conditions, and the dangers of distracted and impaired driving. Additionally, the curriculum covers common mistakes new drivers may make, and how they can be avoided.

AAA’s new driver education curriculum focuses on the root of the problem of teen crashes and correcting those mistakes before they occur.

The classroom program includes 10 hours of classroom instruction, and 20 hours of at-home workbook study (for those whose insurance company

requires 30 hours of training). Teens can also complete the mandatory Kentucky Graduated Licensing Program Four-Hour Safety Course through AAA’s driver training program.

Individual behind-the-wheel instruction is another important component of AAA driver training. Unlike some other driving schools, all of AAA’s behindthe-wheel lessons are conducted oneon-one with a licensed instructor and one student. Through this personalized format, the instructor can best evaluate

For two-day, 10-hour classroom training (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.): • April 2-3 • June 11-12 • July 9-10 • August 6-7 • September 6 and 13 • November 1 and 8 • December 6 and 13 For Graduated Licensing Four-Hour StateMandated Class (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.)

• February 15 • April 12 • June 7 • August 2 • December 21 (Schedule subject to change.)

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 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 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.

FEBRUARY 2014

AAA TRAVELER

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Flying down to Rio, Buenos Aires and Peru It takes three to tango in South America

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outh America conjures up images of golden beaches, languid evenings, and lost cities suspended in the clouds.

From the beaches of Ipanema to the dark margins of the Amazon, this vast continent extends from the equatorial tropics to the outskirts of Antarctica.

Framed by stout granite peaks and fabulous Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, Rio de Janeiro is a city that lives for the sun. High above the city Christo Redentor watches over the cidade maravilhosa (marvelous city).

Visitors can ride the cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain and watch the city lights twinkle around Guanabara Bay. One of the best views of the bay is from the ferry to Niteroi, that sails every few minutes from downtown.

The 13-square-mile Tijuca National Forest forms the lush backdrop to Rio’s romantic beaches. The world’s largest urban forest is filled with quiet paths and shady cinnamon trees.

Considered the most beautiful waterfall in the world, spectacular Iguazú Falls is located at the crossroads of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. The falls are actually made up of 275 individual cascades, each up to 275-feet high. Best known is Devil’s Throat with its 100-foot cloud of spray and perpetual rainbow. The incessant roar is so overwhelming it seems to shake the very foundations of the earth.

Cusco was the capital of the Incan Empire, and one of Peru’s most important destinations. Hatun Rumiyoq, known as the “Street of the Old Rock,” is home to the Stone of Twelve Angles, a masterpiece of ancient stonework.

From Cusco, you can board the train to Machu Picchu, about 50 miles northwest of the city. The most important legacy of ancient Peru, the citadel is perched in a high saddle between two peaks in the Andes. This Lost City of the Incas was discovered in 1911, centuries after being forgotten by time. The cloud shrouded ruins are filled with palaces, baths, temples and houses, all in a remarkable state of preservation.

IF YOU GO

LOST IN THE CLOUDS — Huayna Picchu mountain overlooks the ruins of Machu Picchu.

With its broad avenues, charming sidewalk cafés, carefully tended parks, elaborate monuments, and splendid rococo buildings, Buenos Aires is known as the “Paris of the Southern Hemisphere.” Visitors can wander down tree-lined boulevards, or take in the colorful Casa Rosada (Pink House) presidential palace and museums near the Plaza de Mayo. The Bosques de Palermo — the city’s major green space

— is home to three artificial lakes, dozens of gardens and the celebrated “Garden of the Poets.”

Peru is a magical destination, filled with cloud forests, and the enigmatic ruins of lost civilizations. Lima the capital, was once the most important city in the Americas. Situated in the heart of the city are the great archeological monuments and temples known as huacas.

Join AAA Travel on their September 10-27, 2014, Treasures of South America escorted tour. This AAA Member Choice Vacation flies you down to Rio, Iguazú Falls, Buenos Aires, Lima, Cuzco, The Sacred Valley of the Incas, Machu Picchu and more. Tour includes 16-nights accommodations; 26 meals; roundtrip air, sightseeing per itinerary and all on-tour transportation.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please see this month’s Departures Guide or log on to AAA.com/travel for great vacation ideas from AAA.

Ford Mustang is a horse of a different color Popular pony car’s color choices have shifted with the times

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ver since it came galloping out of the paddock at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, the best Mustangs have always been the ones that connected America with the spirit of the times. Color choices have shifted as well, reflecting fashion trends of the day, with a diverse palate ranging from Gulfstream Aqua and Sauterne Gold, to Signal Flare Red and Deep Impact Blue.

Mustang has also been offered in a variety of specialty shades as well, from the color-shifting Mystichrome on the 2004 SVT Cobra, to today’s Gotta Have It Green. In 1967, Mustangs were available in two shades of pink: hot Playboy Pink and Dusk Rose.

While the best-selling vehicle color in the U.S. today is white, Mustang is bucking the trend. Black — the least popular color for first generation Mustangs — is currently the best-selling color, accounting for 28 percent of all 2013 Mustangs.

Red shouts performance and it has been Mustang’s color of choice from the very beginning, accounting for one in five of all Mustangs sold. Various shades of red have included Rangoon Red, Calypso Coral, Wild Strawberry and Flower Power Red. Blue has made a comeback recently, after dominating the early years of

The Yellow Mustang Registry (yellowmustangregistry.com) is dedicated to the owners and enthusiasts of yellow Mustangs. AllRedMustangs.com is devoted to “Ford Mustangs 1964-present – as long as it’s red,” and has members across 14 countries. “Color registries are a great way to bring people with a commonality together,” said Steve Schattem, president and owner.

“Mustang owners are passionate about their cars, and the exterior paint color they choose invokes an emotional response to the vehicle,” said Melanie Banker, Ford Mustang marketing manager. “Mustang owners buy a vehicle in School Bus Yellow, or Grabber Blue because it reflects what they want their Mustang to say to the world about them.”

IN THE PINK — Playboy Pink was a special order color for 1967.

Mustang, peaking at 30 percent of all cars in 1968, when six different shades including Beatnik Blue were offered. The availability of eye-catching shades like Grabber Blue and Kona Blue have helped that primary color capture as much as 23 percent of sales in recent years.

Early earth toned favorites such as Honey Gold and Sahara Beige have largely faded away. Highland Green and

Competition Yellow have mostly been found on limited edition Mustangs like the Bullitt and Boss 302. One of the top three colors during the 1970s, the last brown Mustangs were built in 1989.

For some, Mustang paint colors run deeper than a layer of paint — it helps create a bond between fellow Mustang owners who share the same passion for their cars.

SMART CAR SHOPPING

Looking for a new car? The AAA Auto Buying program provides unbiased new and used car pricing information free of charge to AAA members through AAA’s preferred supplier TrueCar. To save money and get the upfront price on your next new car, visit the AAA Auto Buying Program at www.AAA.com/AutoBuying.

Mobile users can download the AAA Auto Buying Tools App at AAA.com/Mobile.

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AAA TRAVELER

FEBRUARY 2014

Auto stop-start engines are coming to a car near you New technology can save fuel and reduce emissions

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ybrids, with their high price points, may be out of reach for many consumers, but buying a car with fuel-saving features typically found on hybrids is becoming increasingly affordable.

One of the most talked about hybridlike features is an automatic stop-start system, which helps to reduce fuel consumption by turning the engine off when the vehicle is not in motion.

An advanced battery powers vehicle accessories and systems in place of the engine — saving fuel. The engine restarts instantly when the driver begins to release the brake pedal. The EPA and NHTSA project that around 42 percent of vehicles in the U.S. will include stopstart by 2016.

This technology is especially useful for drivers who endure long commutes in heavy traffic. A study by the United States Department of the Treasury estimates that congestion consumed an extra 1.9 billion gallons of fuel in 2011, approximately 5 percent of all the gasoline used.

Actual fuel savings vary and depend on driving patterns. While average improvement in fuel efficiency equals roughly 3.5 percent, those who drive in heavy traffic — such as congested urban environments – could see fuel efficiency increase by as much as 10 percent. It also provides a meaningful reduction to CO2 emissions that are avoided during

GENTLEMEN, STOP/START YOUR ENGINES — Ford’s Auto Start-Stop will be available on 70 percent of their vehicles by 2017 long idle times.

Stop-start technology has been around since the mid-1970s, when Toyota fitted a Crown sedan with an electronic device that would automatically switch off the engine after sitting stationary for 1.5 seconds. Testing

showed about a 10% improvement in fuel economy in Tokyo traffic.

Volkswagen debuted the first production stop-start system in Europe in 1983.

While stop-start technology has been widely available in Europe and Japan,

until recently, it’s been pretty much of a non-starter in North America. In 2011, only three non-hybrids for sale in the US even offered the feature — the BMW M3, and the Porsche Cayenne and Panamera.

That’s beginning to change with models like the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu, the first midsize sedan sold in the U.S. to offer stop/start technology standard and priced well within most buyers’ range. The Malibu uses a small electric motor to power the auxiliary functions like A/C and the radio.

Ford’s Auto Start-Stop is optional on the 2014 Ford Fusion with a 1.5liter EcoBoost. Ford says the technology will be available on 70 percent of their North American vehicle lineup by 2017, reflecting the company’s plan for increasing fuel efficiency across its entire portfolio.

Another benefit of stop-start technology is that it’s relatively inexpensive. Ford charges $295 for its Auto Start-Stop option and estimates it will help drivers save as much as $1,100 over five years at today’s fuel prices.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

aroundtown EYE OF NAPOLEON — (Through March 2) “The Eye of Napoleon” examines Napoleon Bonaparte’s extraordinary influence on the creative arts.

Objects he used and gave as gifts, as well as more than 200 works of art and craftsmanship are part of the display. Guests will experience a collection of his family’s silver, gold, glassware, porcelain, fine furniture, jewels and books. Documents and clothing from the period, including a very rare hat that belonged to the emperor himself, and fine fabrics ordered for his imperial palaces complete this decadent exhibition.

Location: Frazier History Museum, 829 W. Main Street, Louisville. Visit www.fraziermuseum.org.

HUMANA FESTIVAL OF NEW AMERICAN PLAYS — (Feb. 26-April 6) The Humana Festival of New American Plays is the leading event of its kind, launching new plays into the national spotlight! Catch groundbreaking works from comedies to dramas to plays that forge new theatrical territory. Combined with world-class design and performances, this celebration of American playwrights’ innovation and imagination has something for everyone. Location: Actors Theatre, 316 W. Main Street, Louisville. Visit www.actorstheatre.org.

This month, Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory hosts a “Pinball to Pixels” exhibit. Photo credit: Louisville CVB. 502 RESTAURANT WEEK — (Feb. 19-March 5) After the success of last year’s event, this year’s 502 Restaurant Week has been expanded to 15 days of culinary delight throughout Louisville at a great value. Many restaurants throughout the city will offer a special three-course menu for $50.20 per couple or per person, depending on the restaurant. For a list of participating restaurants, visit www.502restaurantweek.com.

THE GLORIOUS ADVENTURES OF THE MIGHTY ROBIN HOOD — (Feb. 21) StageOne Family Theatre presents the world premiere of “The Glorious Adventures of the Mighty Robin Hood.” Watch as the Merrie Band of Traveling Players rehearses its splendid and original tale of adven-

ture, escape, kidnapping, stunt archery, swordplay and treachery.

Show starts at 7:30 p.m. at The Kentucky Center, Bomhard Theater, 501 W. Main Street, Louisville. Visit www.kentuckycenter.org.

FEBRUARY ‘64 — (Feb. 7-9) Abbey Road on the River will celebrate the beginning of the British Invasion by hosting February ‘64 – a threeday concert event. The highlight of the weekend will be a reenactment of The Beatles’ historic performance on the Ed Sullivan Show, complete with an Ed Sullivan impersonator to host the show.

Events take place at two locations: Muhammad Ali Center, 144 N. 6th St., Louisville; and The Kentucky Center, Bomhard Theater, 501 W. Main Street, Louisville. Visit www. arotr.com.

PINBALL TO PIXELS — (Through Feb. 28) The Louisville Slugger Museum has teamed up with the creators of the Louisville Arcade Expo to present “Pinball to Pixels,” a first ever sports-themed arcade and video game exhibit. From Tecmo Bowl to RBI Baseball to Mike Tyson’s Punch Out, favorite video gaming classics dating from the 70s to 90s will be on display and ready for action in this hands-on show. Museum hours: Monday to Saturday, 9

a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Location: Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, 800 West Main Street, Louisville. Visit www.sluggermuseum.com.

CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL — (Feb. 23) Feed that sweet tooth while benefiting a good cause. The 2014 Chocolate Festival & Silent Auction will feature dozens of tables with chocolate concoctions, along with vendor booths, a kids’ candy store and more. Proceeds benefit Hospice of Southern Kentucky. Event runs 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Sloan Convention Center, 1021 Wilkinson Trace, Bowling Green. Call 270-782-3402 or visit www.hospicesoky.org.

HOME EXPO — (Feb. 28-March 2) Home Expo 2014 will feature approximately 100 booths showcasing products and services to enhance your life. Turn your home improvement, remodeling and design dreams into reality! Browse home products and services from builders and designers to landscapers and much more. Event runs Friday, 5 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Location: Sloan Convention Center, 1021 Wilkinson Trace, Bowling Green. Call 270-781-3375 or visit www.bascky.com for more information.

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AAA TRAVELER

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AAA MOTORIST

FEBRUARY 2014