Ky july by AAA East Central

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Vol. 36 No. 7

KENTUCKY

JULY 2015

FALL’S COMING!

Play Your Cards Right

Your AAA membership card already gives you access to thousands of discounts; this summer, why not use it to win, too? Between now and August 31, 2015, when you visit any participating Approved Auto Repair facility, swipe your membership card for a chance to instantly win a $100 service voucher valid for your next purchase at a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility. And, as part of the 2015 AAA Summer Spectacular Sweepstakes, that swipe could win you a car! With about 8,000 Approved Auto Repair facilities across North America, you’re never too far from a technician you can trust. All approved facilities must pass stringent reviews on a regular basis and meet insurance and financial background checks.

Don’t wait until spring or summer for Italy’s delights

SAVE UP TO $800.00 NOW! There’s still time to enjoy a 2015 Italian getaway — and great offers

ummer’s upon us, when lots of folks take their annual vacations. But AAA Travel suggests autumn may actually be a better time to get away — especially this year, and if you’ve always wanted to visit ever popular Italy. That’s because you can take advantage of great savings and valuable perks on select Italian vacations offered by 2 of our preferred travel partners — AAA Member Choice Vacations® and Insight Vacations.® To qualify, you must book and pay in full a Fall 2015 itinerary from the list on page 21 between July 1 and July 31. Besides the fact that the US dollar remains strong against the euro, why should you go to Italy during a “shoulder” season like fall? First, it can mean avoiding the larger crowds, longer waiting lines, crazier traffic and, in many cases, higher cost of everything from meals to souvenirs that characterize summer’s “high” season. Second, fall weather can be very pleasant; while you may encounter a few more raindrops than in summer, Italy’s daytime temperatures and humidity levels are generally very comfortable, making for excellent touring

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

SWIPE, SAVE & WIN WITH AAA’S SUMMER SPECTACULAR SWEEPSTAKES!

conditions. Third, traveling this fall in particular entitles you to limitedtime offers on select itineraries, starting with a $200.00 rebate per room (double occupancy) which you can then use for just about anything for your upcoming trip or while on your trip — travel clothes...airport parking...souvenirs...whatever you want. Additionally, AAA Member Choice Vacations® itineraries on the list include an exclusive $600.00 per room (double occupancy) member-only discount...complimentary door-to-door home-toairport sedan service (within 50-mile radius of airport; other restrictions may apply; call for details). Insight Vacations® itineraries on the list feature a 7.5% discount per booking (a value of as much as $180.00), prepaid guide & driver gratuities (an exclusve-to-AAA value of as much as $89 per person) and a AAA Member Benefit in the form of a $40.00 voucher per person toward the payment of select optional tours. Italy has always been one of the most popular European destinations among AAA members because it seemingly offers it all — ancient history & contemporary style, arguably continued on page 21

TURN TO PAGE 21 FOR 8 GREAT OCT/NOV 2015 ITINERARIES!

Connect With Us on Facebook This summer, make your Facebook friends envious. Like our Facebook page to find information on planning your next getaway. And, stay up-todate all year on exclusive discounts, travel news, insurance and safety tips. Put your timeline to work for you! With the latest updates on what’s in store for popular theme parks, top destinations and travel trends, scrolling through AAA East Central’s Facebook makes it easy and convenient to find out what you need to know before you hit the road for business or leisure. Like us at Facebook.com/AAAEastCentral.

Updates and Savings Wherever You Go Looking for advice on buying a new car? How about planning your next day trip? Before you head to a search engine, check your email inbox. AAA’s monthly e-Update newsletter packs a variety of travel news, discounts and deals available only to members, information on local events, insurance tips and more into one email! There’s also information on credit monitoring, insurance, new products and services and annuities. Signing up for and receiving AAA’s eNewsletter is free and secure. You can discontinue your subscription at any time. For more information and to sign up, visit AAA.com/enews.

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.

Take Two for the Road With AAA

Planning a road trip this summer? A recent survey found AAA members are more likely to find better room rates at AAA.com/hotels than at other leading online travel sites 72% of the time. The independent survey compared rates on AAA.com with Expedia, Orbitz and AARP. AAA members also enjoy an exclusive package of savings and benefits when you rent from Hertz. Hertz makes a driving vacation affordable with up to 20% discounts, special offers, free unlimited mileage on most rentals and free Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® membership. SEE PAGE 9.

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Free identity theft monitoring for AAA members Monitor your personal information with ProtectMyID® Essential

mericans are having their personal information exposed at record-breaking rates. Hackers have exposed the personal identifying information of more than 110 million Americans — roughly half of the nation’s adults — in the past 12 months.1 Once your information is stolen, it can be used to open bank accounts, forge checks, and even take out loans — all in your name. Restoring your good name and credit record can be a long and frustrating process. Some common-sense precautions can help protect your sensitive information: Password-protect all accounts. Do not share your password, and change passwords regularly. Limit access to your Social Security number. Do not carry your card in your wallet. Shred sensitive documents such as pre-approved credit card offers, convenience checks or anything containing personal or financial information. Keep personal files off your desktop and out of easy access. Check your credit report monthly. Pay bills online through your bank or creditor’s secure website. Keep your firewall and anti-virus software up-to-date on digital devices. Never open emails or click on links from unknown sources. Even with all these safeguards, your information can still be compromised

by increasingly sophisticated malware. AAA members can be proactive about detecting identity theft by taking advantage of a free identity theft monitoring product provided by ProtectMyID®. This product is backed by Experian®, a major U.S. credit bureau and provider of superior identity theft monitoring products. Comparable to plans costing $79, ProtectMyID® Essential includes these important features: • Daily Credit Monitoring of your Experian® Report — Your credit report is monitored daily to detect key changes. • Email Alerts — Sends an alert notification to your inbox if key changes

are detected in your credit report. If no changes are detected, you’ll be sent a monthly all-clear email. • Fraud Resolution Support — Provides support and guidance from a dedicated Fraud Resolution agent to help you investigate and resolve fraud. • Lost Wallet Assistance — Provides assistance from a ProtectMyID® agent to help cancel and replace your cards if your wallet is lost or stolen. In addition, ProtectMyID ® Essential also provides AAA Premier members with $10,000 in Identity Theft Insurance to help reimburse eligible expenses, such as lost wages and legal fees, should you become a victim of identity theft AAA also offers a more robust identity theft monitoring product known as ProtectMyID- Deluxe at a substantial member savings. ProtectMyID® Deluxe offers additional monitoring for just $8.95 a month, a 60 percent discount off the retail price. It monitors all three major credit reports daily, and provides up to $1 million in Identity Theft Insurance2. • Internet Scan — Conducts confidential daily monitoring of online sources known for selling, trading

or sharing compromised information and searches for signs that your identity is exposed. • Change of Address Notification — Monitors the U.S. Postal Service’s national change of address databases to alert you if your address has been changed. ProtectMyID® Deluxe also includes ChildSecure®, a feature that helps sdetect identity theft by closely monitoring enrolled children’s credit information, and alerting you if someone applies for credit or opens credit accounts using your children’s personal information. To be eligible, to enroll, you need to be an active member over the age of 18 with a valid email address and access to the internet. More details about ProtectMyID® Essential and ProtectMyID® Deluxe are available at AAA.com/watchid or by calling or visiting your local AAA branch office. Source: CnnMoney May 28, 2014 Identity theft insurance underwritten by insurance company subsidiaries or affiliates of American International Group, Inc. (AIG). The description herein is a summary and intended for informational purposes only and does not include all terms, conditions and exclusions of the policies described. Please refer to the actual policies for terms, conditions and exclusions of coverage. Coverage may not be available in all jurisdictions. 1 2

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AAA TRAVELER

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Kids, cars and heat are a deadly combination 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

AAA urges caregivers to “look before you lock”

By Richard Hamilton Chairman, AAA East Central izzling summer temperatures mean things can heat up quickly, especially for children, seniors and pets left inside closed vehicles. Heatstroke or hyperthermia can occur when the outside temperature is as low as 57 degrees! According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), heatstroke is the leading cause of noncrash vehicle fatalities for children 14 and under. Statistics compiled by San Jose State University found that an average of 37 children perish from being left in a hot vehicle every year. Some were left behind or forgotten by an adult. Others gained access to an unlocked car and could not get out. Temperatures inside a parked vehicle can reach dangerous levels within minutes. Sunshine streaming through car windows makes your car work like an oven. According to a study sponsored by General Motors, it takes just 10 minutes for the temperature inside a vehicle to warm up by 19 degrees. In 30 minutes it can rise as much as 34 degrees. Heat rapidly overwhelms the body’s ability to regulate temperature. Children under four are especially vulnerable because their bodies do not have the same internal temperature control as an adult’s, and warm three times to five times faster. Heatstroke occurs when the body core temperature reaches 104 degrees

Richard Hamilton F, and a body core temperature of 107 degrees F is almost always fatal. Warning signs include red, hot, and moist or dry skin, no sweating, a strong rapid pulse, or a slow weak pulse, nausea, confusion or acting strangely. If a child exhibits any of these symptoms after being in a hot vehicle, NHTSA recommends cooling the child rapidly and calling 911. Dogs are more susceptible to heatstroke than people because unlike humans, they mostly lack the ability to sweat. They cool their bodies by panting, and dogs with short muzzles are at greater risk because of their narrow, short airways. Don’t leave an animal in a parked vehicle in warm weather, no matter how briefly, and

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.

make sure your pet has access to shade and water when you travel. Attempts to add an element of safety by “cracking” the windows — enough to let in air but keep others out — have been shown to be ineffective at keeping car interiors at an acceptable temperature. Make a habit of looking inside your vehicle — front and back — before locking the door and walking away. Unlocked cars pose serious risks to children who may be naturally curious. Once they crawl in, they often lack the developmental capability to find their way out. If a child is missing, check the car first, including the trunk. Always make sure you test the temperature of the car seat surface and safety belt buckles before restraining your children to prevent burns. Teach children not to play around parked cars and consider blocking the sun with shades for the windshield and rear window. Never leave a child or a pet unattended in a vehicle — even if the windows are partially open or the engine is running and the air conditioning is on. If you see a child left alone in a hot vehicle call 911 immediately, or the local emergency number. Parents and caregivers may want to keep a stuffed animal in a car seat when it’s unoccupied. Move it to the front seat after securing your child in the restraint as a visual reminder. Make “look before you lock” your mantra whenever you get out of the car.

Penske Truck Rental goes platinum for AAA members Now a Platinum AAA Discounts & Rewards partner

ew jobs, new relationships, going off to college — these are just some of the reasons people have for moving. Millions of Americans move every year and most are pleasantly surprised at how much they can save by moving themselves. As the summer moving season gets into high gear, AAA is pleased to announce that Penske Truck Rental is now a platinum-level AAA Discounts & Rewards Partner. “We have a longstanding relationship with the Penske organization as a discount moving partner for our members,” notes Jim Lehman, president, AAA East Central. “We know our members value Penske’s commitment to customer service and to operating a fleet of high-quality rental trucks to meet their moving needs.” Whether they are moving across town or across the country, AAA members enjoy savings of up to 20 percent when reserving a Penske truck online at www.PenskeTruckRental.com and up to 12 percent when buying mov-

ing boxes and supplies online from Penske. Plus, Penske is the only national truck rental company that offers free unlimited miles on oneway rentals anywhere in the United States. “AAA has been a significant and valued partner with us for the last 16 years,” said Don Mikes, senior vice president of Truck Rental at Penske. “We’re pleased to continue and expand our relationship with them.” For most moves, a moving truck is a must. With one of the newest moving truck rental fleets, Penske Truck Rental provides do-it-yourself movers with clean, well-maintained and reliable rental trucks as well as moving equipment, packing supplies and accessories to keep consumers and businesses moving forward. Penske recommends reserving your truck at least two weeks in advance of moving day. Use their patented Truck Wizard to calculate what size truck is best for you.

Pack in increments. Start early to avoid the stress of last-minute rushing. It’s OK to leave a box open in case you need something you’ve packed inside it; it’s much easier to tape a box shut on moving day than it is to pack at the last moment. As you load the truck, try to keep boxes from each room grouped together. Load the heaviest items onto the truck first to create a sturdy base, then start stacking on top. Be extra careful driving your moving truck, especially after it’s loaded, and use caution when cornering. In the unlikely event of a breakdown, one call to the Penske 24/7 Roadside Assistance team is all you need. Finally, create a travel bag for moving day and keep important paperwork, credit cards, identification, a change of clothes, beverages and snacks close at hand. Do-it-yourself movers can pick up a free moving guide at any Penske Truck Rental location, or find more moving tips at www.PenskeTruckRental.com.

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What you should know before you go on vacation Get your insurance ducks in a row before you leave

icture this: You just got off the plane, and you’re waiting at the rental car counter for the clerk to pull up your reservation. You’re daydreaming about driving along the beach, when the clerk interrupts your reverie. “Would you like to purchase our optional insurance coverage?” he asks. It’s just one of several insurancerelated scenarios you might encounter this summer. As you plan for your vacation, you also need to think about your insurance, to make sure you’re properly covered should something unexpected happen. Here are some common seasonal situations where it helps to have some insurance know-how.

Renting a car Typically, if you have a full-coverage auto policy, it will apply, subject to deductibles, to rental cars in the United States. However, before you leave home, review your policy and declarations pages so you’re aware of what insurance protection you have. That way, you’ll know what you might need when you get to the rental counter. The most common optional insurance coverage by rental car companies is Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). This CDW covers the cost to repair the rental vehicle if it is stolen, vandalized or if you return it damaged. The waiver may also cover loss-of-use fees that a rental agency might charge while a

SEASONAL SITUATIONS — Planning a summer vacation also means thinking about your insurance. car is being repaired. Again, if your auto policy is a full-coverage policy, you would be covered for these losses subject to the limits of your deductible. Optional insurance coverage offered by rental car companies can be very expensive and can vary depending on where you’re renting a car. Make sure you read the contract or talk to the rental agent if you have questions about what that optional auto policy

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 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.

covers before you go. Another possible source of coverage is your credit card. Check with your credit card company to see if it covers any deductibles in the event of a loss with a rental car that is charged on the card.

Going on a road trip Before you hit the road, make sure your insurance is up-to-date and consider these questions: Are you going to share the driving?

Check to see if your auto policy covers a permissive user–someone else that you allow to drive the car. If it does, then your auto coverage remains in effect no matter who’s driving. However, if you’ve specifically excluded someone from your policy (for example, a person who has his or her own policy or a child who’s away at college), your loss wouldn’t be covered if that person was driving and became involved in an accident. Crossing the border? Many U.S. insurance policies are valid in Canada. In Mexico, however, U.S. policies are often invalid. If you’re involved in an accident anywhere in Mexico, your insurance company might not be able to help you. You can buy Mexico auto insurance for your trip from any of the brokers along the border or at selected AAA branch offices in border communities.

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.

JULY 2015

AAA TRAVELER

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Take the high road with AAA travel planning tools Advanced TripTiks — The definitive choice for your next driving vacation ®

ummer vacation season is in full swing, and millions of travelers are getting ready to explore national parks, beach destinations and America’s great cities. While some just like to point the car and drive, most travelers prefer to plan ahead to avoid potential pitfalls on the road. There are plenty of options for online maps and directions, and for decades the AAA TripTik® has long been the go-to resource for motorists. That’s why we are excited to announce an enhanced version of these routings, now called AAA TripTik® Travel Planners. New technology uses real-time mapping to provide more accurate directions and road conditions, while still including information on points of interest and AAA services along your route. With the summer road-trip season upon us, now’s a perfect time to give it a try. AAA TripTik® Travel Planners are available to members free at local Auto Club branches. Or create your own routing at AAA.com, and with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone or Android systems. For many travelers, 24/7 access from your personal computer or mobile device offers the best of both worlds — the flexibility you need, coupled with AAA’s expertise, all on demand and at

AT HOME ON THE ROAD — Now you can share AAA TripTik® Travel Planners with the AAA Mobile app for on-the-go use. your fingertips. Locate road trip necessities like restaurants, rest areas and service plazas, or use the integrated Drive Trips and Travel Guide content to find must-see and must-do recommendations from AAA travel editors. And every AAA Approved establishment offers the assurance of acceptable cleanliness, comfort and hospitality.

TripTik® Travel Planners let you customize your routing, then save, print or share it with the AAA Mobile app for on-the-go use, Available for iPhone, iPad and Android smartphones, the Android version has just been updated to provide new TripTik® Travel Planner capabilities previously available only for the desktop and iOS versions. These

include streamlined access to saved trips and points of interest, AAA Drive Trips and AAA Travel Guides. AAA Mobile also features full-color maps with turn-by-turn narrative directions, plots routes to user-selected addresses and provides voice guidance to your next maneuver. And when you get diverted from your original route, simply shake your mobile device and TripTik® Mobile redraws the route from your current location. Use it to find member discounts, or the most up-todate fuel price information. It’s hightech for the highway, and with detour and construction information updated in real time In the event something does go wrong with your vehicle AAA members can request roadside assistance without even placing a call. The app uses the phone’s GPS technology to transmit the user’s location and details about the vehicle breakdown directly to AAA Roadside Assistance. Members can download the AAA Mobile app at AAA.com/mobile. FOR MORE INFORMATION

Visit AAA.com to take advantage of all of AAA’s travel planning tools including TourBooks and TourGuides, online TripTiks, driving directions, AAA DriveTrips, maps, and mobile and GPS solutions.

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AAA TRAVELER

Member Benefits • Exclusive Offers

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1-800-354-8761 • AAA.com/travel

AAA.com/hotels — lowest online rates 72% of the time

Travelers who visit AAA.com to book a hotel room are more likely to find a better rate there than on other leading websites, according to a 2014 survey. A direct comparison of hotel rates offered on competing sites showed that AAA.com offered the lowest rate available 72 percent of the time. “This research reconfirms what we have known all along — that AAA consistently offers the best A direct comparison of hotel rates rate and value to offered on competing web sites travelers,” said in September 2014 showed that Jim Lehman, AAA.com offered the lowest rate President of available 72 percent of the time. AAA East The study measured AAA.com Central. against Expedia, Orbitz and AARP. “While no Ten cities and ten AAA lodging company can partner properties within each city were chosen to measure. The study claim to offer the looked at 2-night weekend (Friday/ best rate all the Saturday) stays and showed that time, the most AAA.com had the lowest price salient finding is (equal to or better than) 72 percent that AAA is the of the time. absolute lowest rate winner among the web sites included in the study.” The independent survey of lodging rates compared rates available on AAA.com to Expedia, Orbitz and AARP. The study chose 10 cities and 10 AAA lodging partner properties within each city. It looked at 2-night weekend (Friday/Saturday) stays and showed that AAA.com had the lowest price (equal to or better than) 72 percent of the time. Members who book through AAA.com automatically receive the best rates at Best Western; Choice Hotels, including Comfort Inn and Quality; Days Inn; the Hilton family of brands, including Hampton

Inns; Hyatt Hotels; La Quinta Inns and La Quinta Inn & Suites; and the Marriott family of brands, including Renaissance Hotels, Courtyard and Starwood. “Today’s challenging economy places a tremendous strain on many Americans’ travel budgets,” said Lehman. “AAA.com is responding with access to the some of the best online hotel rates available.” In addition to the member discounts, the AAA rate requires no pre-payment, is eligible for loyalty program points accrual and is backed by AAA’s Assured Stay® satisfaction guarantee with participating hotel chains. AAA travel agents recommend making advance reservations for any hotel stay to ensure the best availability of rooms. Online users can read descriptions of lodgings and their amenities in the online TourBook,® access Diamond Ratings and see photos of a hotel prior to making reservations. The TourBooks are interactive with AAA’s online mapping products like Internet TripTik® and AAAmaps.com, allowing you to select a hotel based on its proximity to attractions, addresses, events or other venues. Create an electronic routing with door-to-door driving directions, mark your choices right on your map and book your hotel stays directly from the site.

AAA.com/Hertz — the site for member savings and benefits on rental cars

AAA’s partnership with Hertz gives AAA members great pricing, incomparable savings and member-only benefits. Consider these valuable enhancements: Discounts up to 20% on daily, weekend, weekly and monthly rentals. FREE Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® membership and a FREE rental day. FREE use of a child, infant or booster seat (savings: $11.99/day). Reduced fee on Hertz NeverLost® GPS rental. Additional qualified AAA drivers are FREE (savings: $13/day). Free unlimited mileage on most rentals. Sign up online and enjoy the benefits of Hertz Gold Service for free. Skip the counter and get on the road! • There’s no stopping at the counter at more than 40 of the world’s busiest airports. • At 1,000+ locations worldwide, show your driver’s license, pick up your keys and go! • Choose a car you like better on the spot with Hertz Gold Choice.® • Enjoy expedited drop-off with eReturn. • Receive notification of exact car location through Mobile Gold Alerts. • Receive vehicle updates or select an upgrade on your phone with Mobile Gold Alerts. • Earn free rentals with points that don’t expire.

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

German Christmas Markets 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 stall-lined town centers brim with locally hand-made, highquality 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.

AAA Member Rate: $3,349 ATURE

T IO

AAA Member Rate: $4,119 S N

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FREE HARDCOVER BOOK!

New Mexico: A Guide for the Eyes explores the region’s notable features. Vivid photography and informative text provide insight into architecture, design, flora, fauna, food, crafts, folklore, landscape and other facets of identity and style. 1 book per room (double occupancy). New booking with deposit July 1-31, 2015.

Thrill to the sight of hundreds of colorful hot-air balloons rising above the dramatic landscape around Albuquerque NM at the International Balloon Fiesta!® Explore the Land of Enchantment’s largest city, then enjoy a 3-night stay in charming Santa Fe. Visit historic Chimayo village. Enjoy artsy Taos and the impressive Rio Grande Gorge. Take a fun salsa-making class. Ride Sandia Peak’s Aerial Tramway. Explore Rte 66, Old Town Albuquerque, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and Acoma Pueblo. Don’t miss the Balloon Fiesta’s evening “Glowdeo” — a spectacular display of hot-air balloons illuminated from within — with fireworks afterward!

Oct 4-9 •

AAA Member Rate: $3,265

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Louisville-Albuquerque), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, sightseeing admissions, taxes/gratuities for included features, baggage handling (1 bag per person) and 11 meals. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Visit AAA.com/travel for itinerary details.

NM BALLOON FIESTA

ATURE

Rate 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.

Dec 29–Jan 4 •

One and a re-created state dinner. Drive the Pacific Coast Highway through exclusive Malibu to Santa Monica. Attend a New Year’s Eve party in Long Beach on the Queen Mary; dine, dance and bid farewell to 2015 in grand style. Day 4 is in Pasadena, at your reserved seat for the Tournament of Roses Parade! Then visit Universal Studios CityWalk before heading to San Diego. Explore San Diego on Day 5; see Cabrillo Monument atop Pt Loma, with sea, harbor and skyline views. Drive through Mission Bay to Old Town (CA’s birthplace) and La Jolla, a chic beachside hideaway. See Balboa Park, the country’s oldest city park and one of it largest. Tour the worldfamous San Diego Zoo on a doubledecker bus. On Day 6, visit the USS Midway Museum, the longestserving 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.

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 features glitzy Rodeo Drive and star-studded Hollywood. See celebrity signatures at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and the medallions of Hollywood Boulevard’s Walk of Fame. At Hollywood & Highland shopping/entertainment complex, enjoy views of the iconic Hollywood sign from the upper level. See celebrity homes in Bel Air and Beverly Hills. At Warner Brothers, get a behind-the-scenes look at making films and TV shows; be alert for star sightings! Return to your hotel with time to explore LA on your own. On Day 3, at the Reagan Presidential Library, see an Oval Office replica, Air Force

California New Year' s Getaway

Rate 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.

Dec 2-10 •

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 (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.

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

SPECTACULAR

SOUTH AFRICA

CRUISE ON...

MCV

Book

R PERSON

PE SAVINGS

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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

Before-discount 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.

ATURE

April 14-30 •

VICTORIA FALLS

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

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INTERACT WITH...

ERS MEMB$200! 31 by July SAV&E deposit

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

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.

EXPLORE...

the Zambezi River • 2 lagoons the Chobe River

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

Nationally recognized as “America’s Funniest Professor,” Carl Hurley delights young and 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

JULY 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

Before-discount 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 minimum-participation 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

R ROOM

PE SAVINGS

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Boo

ERS MEMEB$50! 31 SAkV it by July & depos

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.

JULY 2015

AAA TRAVELER

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Be a snowbird & escape winter for 28 nights: Rent a furnished Florida “nest” for your family and / or your friends!

Just because you don’t own a home in Florida is no reason you can’t be a “snowbird” and live the leisurely (and warm!) life-style of the Sunshine State for 28 nights (Saturdayto-Saturday weeks) in 2016. AAA Travel has just what you need: 4-week Saturday-to-Saturday rentals of a roomy furnished vacation home in peaceful Port Charlotte! On the southwest Gulf Coast just 100 miles south of Tampa and 65 miles north of Naples, Port Charlotte is a premier ecotourism destination that’s off the beaten path and free of crowds, yet offers sailing, boating, fishing, birding, shopping, dining, arts & more. One of Sail magazine’s 10 Greatest Places to Sail, the Charlotte Harbor area offers nature adventures like canoeing/kayaking on 53 trails, exploring 5 national wild-life refuges and discovering prime birding opportunities. There are more than 70 parks & preserves, 16 golf courses and numerous sporting events and recreational facilities. Cultural pursuits include visual arts, theater, dance and music (Port Charlotte is home to the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra). No wonder Money magazine called it Best Place to Retire. Choose from a selection of attractively landscaped homes, and use yours as a base from which to explore the local area’s uncrowded beaches and/or the many attractions within comfortable driving distance. Or just settle in, take advantage of the screened-in swimming pool and laugh at winter back home! Get away from it all...or invite family and/or friends to share some Florida fun with you. These 3-bedroom/2-bathroom (some with 2.5) homes can comfortably sleep 6 (bedding/ linens provided). They feature fully equipped kitchens (dishwasher, stove/oven, refrigerator/freezer, microwave) and dining areas for everyone to gather in...screened-in heated pools for swimming, lounging and loafing! Living rooms feature entertainment centers (with cable). Optional weekly cleaning/linen service is available for an additional fee. Imagine not having to shovel snow this winter...and watching the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico instead. Forget about bundling up just to go to the corner store...and ATURE slipping into a soothing pool after dining on your patio instead. With AAA’s CA O help, you can look forward to winter this year; contact a AAA travel agent now! TI

Images representative of available homes. No 2 homes are identical, but styles & amenities are similar.

HOME

2016 RENTAL PERIODS & AAA MEMBER RATES

175 Rosemary St .............1/2–1/30: $3,925 • 1/30–2/27: $5,269 • 2/27–3/26: $5,405 17499 Poston Ave ..............................................1/2–1/30: $4,275 • 1/30–2/27: $5,719 18017 Brazil Ave ................................................................................... 1/2–1/30: $3,895 18106 Lake Worth Blvd ....................................................................... 1/16–2/13: $4,959 18239 Temple Ave ............................................1/30–2/27: $5,269 • 2/27–3/26: $5,405 18279 Caddy Ave .............................................1/30–2/27: $5,719 • 2/27–3/26: $5,785

• 3/26–4/23: $4,409 • 2/27–3/26: $5,785 • 1/30–2/27: $5,055 • 2/13–3/26: $8,435 • 3/26–4/23: $4,409 • 3/26–4/23: $4,825

Rates vary by home selected, are subject to availability at time of booking and include accommodations, taxes & fees and pool heating fee. Visit AAA.com/HomeRentals.

Bucket-list “iCruise” — inviting itinerary, incredible incentive

i i i IRELAND... ICELAND... IPad mini © Artur Bogacki

The “i”s have it on a truly out-of-the-ordinary luxury cruise sailing to Ireland and Iceland. AAA Travel and Celebrity Cruises invite you to experience 2 fascinating islands rarely paired together on a single cruise. To enhance your experience, we’re offering a FREE iPad mini (at right) with each double-occupancy balcony stateroom booking made with a nonrefundable deposit between July 1 and July 22! Sail roundtrip from Southampton to St Peter Port (UK); Cork (Ireland); Akureyri, Isafjordur & Reykjavik (Iceland); and Belfast (UK), with 4 relaxing days at sea to enjoy the many pleasures of your ship. Celebrity Eclipse sets new standards for modern luxury vacations. Renowned for contemporary décor and an extraordinary choice of dining options, Eclipse also offers a wide selection of bars and lounges to suit every mood; almost endless entertaintment, from impressive theater shows to the peace & quiet of the library; and a variety of activities to keep mind, body and soul in tune. Visit AAA.com/iCruise for complete itinerary details and more information.

• 1 stateroom delivery of chocolate-covered strawberries • $75 per stateroom shipboard credit

Rate is per person (balcony stateroom, double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes onboard accommodations and most onboard meals & entertainment and government taxes & port charges. Passport required. Nonrefundable deposit required for iPad mini. Ship’s registry: Bahamas. Ask about available add-on airfare. Ask about pre- or post-cruise extensions.

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May 10-22 • AAA Member Rate: from $3,233 (non-AAA rate: from $3,749)

BONUS!

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16GB, Wi-Fi model • $249 retail value 7.87" high x 5.3" wide x 0.28" deep 7.9-inch display: Web pages, photos and videos look sharp on the brilliant display with 1024x768 resolution. A5 chip: Powerful processing and fast graphics make everything quick, from launching apps to browsing the web. Powerefficient design for up to 10 hours of battery life. iSight and FaceTime HD cameras: Shoot photos and 1080p HD video with the iSight camera. Or make video calls with the FaceTime HD camera. Apps included: Comes with apps for sending email, browsing the web and making video calls. Also includes apps that let you do amazing things with photos, movies, music, documents, presentations and spreadsheets. 500,000+ apps on the App Store: The App Store has apps designed specifically for iPad (not just scaled-up phone apps),utilizing iPad technologies like the gyroscope, accelerometer and every pixel in the Retina display.

1 per balcony stateroom, double occupancy. New bookings with nonrefundable deposit July 1-21, 2015.

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AAA TRAVELER

JULY 2015

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Clip a trip and save a lot... HAWAII

$50.00 Discount & a FREE Hawaii Guidebook Per room, double occupancy. Redeem coupon with new booking & deposit July 1-31, 2015. 2015 departures of 7+ nights. Not combinable with other offers. Other restrictions may apply. Coupon has no cash value.

Capturing your dreams. Creating memories.

CARIBBEAN

$50.00 Discount & a FREE Caribbean Guidebook Per room, double occupancy. Redeem coupon with new booking & deposit July 1-31, 2015. 2015 departures of 7+ nights. Not combinable with other offers. Other restrictions may apply. Coupon has no cash value.

may be h but the val Second-ha are still a CLIP THES BY JUL

Capturing your dreams. Creating memories.

MEXICO

$50.00 Discount & a FREE Mexico Guidebook Per room, double occupancy. Redeem coupon with new booking & deposit July 1-31, 2015. 2015 departures of 7+ nights. Not combinable with other offers. Other restrictions may apply. Coupon has no cash value.

Capturing your dreams. Creating memories.

CARS $25.00 Gas Card Gas card with prepaid car rental made July 1-31, 2015. Must be booked through AAA. 2015 rental periods of 7+ days only. Gas card provided after payment; receipt & coupon required. Not combinable with other offers. Other restrictions may apply. Coupon has no cash value.

JULY 2015

AAA TRAVELER

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

015

PAGE 15

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

...while these hot offers last!

half over, lues aren’t! alf savings available! SE DEALS LY 31!

EUROPE

Free Prepaid Gratuities & 7.5% Full-payment Discount

Per room, double occupancy. Redeem coupon with new booking & full payment July 1-31, 2015. Europe 2015 departures of 7+ nights. Not combinable with other offers. Other restrictions may apply. Gratuity value up to $160.00 per person. Coupon has no cash value.

EUROPE

$400.00 Discount &

FREE Home-to-Airport Sedan Service Per room, double occupancy. Redeem coupon with new booking & deposit July 1-31, 2015. Europe 2015 departures of 7+ nights. Not combinable with other offers. Other restrictions may apply. Coupon has no cash value.

DISNEY CRUISES $25.00 $50.00 Disney Gift Card Shipboard Credit

Per room, double occupancy. Redeem coupon with new booking & deposit July 1-31, 2015. On-site Walt Disney World® Resort 2015 vacation packages of 5+ nights. Not combinable with other offers. Other restrictions may apply. Coupon has no cash value.

Per stateroom, double occupancy. Redeem coupon with new booking & deposit July 1-31, 2015. 2015 departures. Not combinable with other offers. Other restrictions may apply. Coupon has no cash value.

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AAA TRAVELER

JULY 2015

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

AAA.com Linking you & your next vacation! FLIGHTS RENTAL CARS HOTELS Research & book travel arrangements from the comfort of your home – 24/7. TRAVEL WITH SOMEONE YOU TRUST.®

LIMITED-TIME GREAT SAVINGS & PERKS !

AAA Member Rate: $2,595 INCLUDED SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES Rome: Gain VIP fast-track entry to the Vatican museums and the Sistine Chapel with an art expert. Enjoy behind-the-scenes access to the Bramante Staircase. Venice: On the Venetian island of Giudecca, visit a traditional-arts center and witness the age-old skills of glassblowers, mask makers and gondola builders. Swiss Mountain: On a thrilling cable car ride, enjoy stunning mountain views followed by a delicious, warming mug of hot chocolate. Lucerne: You are offered a selection of restaurants on your Dine-Around evening.

$40.00 voucher per person toward optional tours Free prepaid gratuities $89 per person Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes accommodations, motorcoach transportation, ATURE sightseeing/admissions, 13 meals, air & hotel taxes and services of in-Europe guides. Passport required. Ask about CA O TI available add-on airfare. VA

Paris: Rendezvous with newfound friends at a Celebration Dinner. Bon Appétit!

AAA MEMBER BENEFITS

Paris: Ascend the Eiffel Tower for spectacular views. Enjoy a journey on the Métro.

Per room, double occupancy. New bookings paid in full July 1-31, 2015.

Nov 6-16 •

Basic ........... $825.00 Plus ............$850.00 Premier....... $875.00

Embark on a cross-continent European Grand Tour that begins amid the classic art and architecture of the Eternal City (Rome), traverses the bucolic Tuscan countryside to the bustling canals of Venice, threads through the postcard-perfect Italian Lake District into Switzerland’s astounding Alpine valleys and reveals the beauty of Burgundian vineyards before culminating in elegance and style in the fabled City of Light (Paris). All the way, your touring is enriched by expert guides and enhanced by signature experiences (see box below). Stay in centrally located luxury hotels, travel comfortably in deluxe motorcoaches with just 40 seats and more legroom than most other motorcoaches.

AAA MEMBER SAVINGS

Journey from Rome to Paris

JULY 2015

AAA TRAVELER

PAGE 17

Traveling Missouri the old-fashioned way

efore the days of interstates and airports people relished the journey for its own sake. The hypnotic rhythm of a horse’s hooves, the high, lonesome sound of a train whistle, the elegant paddle wheelers that plied the great inland waterways. The sheer adventure of what Huck Finn called “lighting out for the Territory.” Missouri has plenty of adventures you can still experience the old-fashioned way, some you may not have tried and others worth doing again. The mighty Mississippi River has been a major transportation route for hundreds of years. Follow the big river the way early settlers did — by by horse, rail and by paddlewheel riverboat. See Hannibal, the famous river town from the Mark Twain, the boat that bears the name of Hannibal’s most famous son. The riverboat offers onehour narrated sightseeing cruises, with commentary on river history, legends and points of interest on the mighty Mississippi. The two-hour dinner cruises feature a variety of live entertainment. (Reservations are required for dinner cruises.) Take a journey to the Golden Age of model railroading at Hannibal’s Big River Train Town and Museum filled with operating and interactive layouts and toy train memorabilia. Approximately 140 miles south of Hannibal, take a ride on the Mississippi River aboard a replica 19th century paddle wheeler with St. Louis’ Gateway Arch Riverboat Cruises. The Tom Sawyer and the Becky Thatcher both combine the charm of the 1800s with modern conveniences. Choose from sightseeing tours, dinner cruises, and passage through the lock-and-dam system. Discover the quiet elegance of a horse-drawn carriage ride in beautiful downtown St. Louis with the Saint Louis Trolley and Carriage Company. Take a magical tour through Laclede’s Landing in a Landau, a Vis-à-vis, or a replica of Cinderella’s Carriage. The St. Louis Iron Mountain & Southern Railway is a “must do” for rail enthusiasts. Departing from Jackson, Missouri, just north of Cape Girardeau, relax in one of the 1925 coaches, or the 1950s streamliner pulled by “Pennsylvania Diesel #5898” built in 1950. Along the way, enjoy the stories of Jesse James, Bonnie and Clyde, hobo history, and the pioneering spirit that made the Iron Mountain one of America’s great railroads! In Branson, the 700-seat Showboat Branson Belle plies the waters of Table Rock Lake, on two-hour lunch and dinner cruises that include live entertainment, a three-course meal and spectacular scenery. Each cruise includes the show “Celebrate” featuring the world’s only violin-playing aerialist, Janice Martin. Take a nostalgic excursion through the Ozark foothills in the restored, 1940-50 era railcars of the Branson Scenic Railway. This one hour 45 minute trip takes you through tunnels, over

trestles, and through the southwest Missouri, or northwest Arkansas wilderness, home to abundant wildlife and ghost towns now known only on old railroad maps. Branson visitors can take a leisurely ride through Branson’s historic downtown district with the Original Branson Carriage Company. Looping along the historic streets, you’ll learn about the area’s history and view some of

the major highlights and attractions including Branson Landing and Lake Taneycomo. At Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede patrons feast on a hearty, home-style meal, while dozens of beautiful horses perform incredible feats with flaming hoops, trick riding and pageantry. After the show, guests can meet the stars of the show in their stables. The Belton, Grandview and Kansas

City Railroad Co., is a short line passenger railroad and demonstration museum in Belton, near Kansas City. The ride is a five-mile, 45 minute round trip through Olde Town Belton and the surrounding area on rails laid out in the 1870s. Board the 1920s era passenger coach or an open-air excursion car; talk to the conductor; or ride up with the engineer in their 1950s diesel locomotive.

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AAA TRAVELER

JULY 2015

Saying sayonara to the single supplement Pleasant Holidays & Uniworld offer savings for solos

raveling solo is about selfdiscovery and savoring life’s small pleasures. Doing what you like, when you like, without the constraints or compromises of traveling with a companion. Spend an entire day relaxing on the beach, or indulge a newfound passion for art or fine wine. Swap stories with new friends, or immerse yourself in local customs and culture. But why should you have to pay extra for the privilege with costly single supplements? Now you don’t. Pleasant Holidays has launched a new “Savings For Solos” program where select resorts in Mexico, the Caribbean and Costa Rica have waived the traditional Single Supplement with savings of up to 33 percent. It’s an outstanding value for single-minded AAA members with all-inclusive resorts like Dreams Villamagna Nuevo Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit; Dreams Las Mareas, Costa Rica; and Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Plus, AAA members also receive a $50 per booking activity voucher valid toward a variety of select activities. Punta Cana is nestled on the island of Hispaniola’s easternmost tip. Blessed with some of the best beaches on the planet, the sea is clear, flat and warm, and fringed with swaying palms and sugary white sand. Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana, is a AAA Four Diamond resort situated on

DO IT YOUR WAY — Take the time and do exactly what you want. an uncrowded stretch of blinding white beach. Enjoy the thoughtful amenities of Dreams Unlimited-Luxury® where nearly everything is included. Every top-shelf spirit at five festive bars and lounges. Every gourmet meal at an international array of specialty restaurants like Bordeaux, featuring fine French cooking, El Patio with authentic Mexican fare, Himitsu with the fla-

vors of Asia, and Italian specialties at Portofino. Enjoy complimentary watersports and theme nights poolside and at the beach; aerobics and dance classes; and a Dominican Tianguis — a weekly market featuring local handicrafts, art and jewelry. Solo travelers can cruise at no additional charge on select Uniworld

Boutique River Cruises. Uniworld has reduced or waived single supplements on a variety of 2016 departures. Book and deposit at time of reservation to take advantage of these savings. Itineraries include Tulips & Windmills, Castles Along the Rhine, Venice & the Gems of Northern Italy, and Paris & Normandy. Paris’ charm is without peer, and the perfect place to begin or end your journey. Stroll along the Seine as evening falls and the lights begin to glimmer on the water. Relax over an apertif in a Latin Quarter cafe while an accordion plays La Vie en Rose. Marvel at Notre Dame’s fantastic gargoyles and chimera, or the endearing white parapets of Sacré-Coeur. Once onboard your ship, simply unpack and relax, letting the serene Seine carry you through the countryside. Breathe in the fragrance of Monet’s garden in Giverny, or walk in the footsteps of Van Gogh in Auverssur-Oise, the town where he spent his last days. Immerse yourself in a land, rich in legend, history, and art.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please see this issue’s Departures Guide, or log on to AAA.com for special values on vacations from Pleasant Holidays, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises and AAA Travel.

JULY 2015

AAA TRAVELER

PAGE 19

Exploring the wonders of ancient Greece Royal Caribbean cruises the Greek Islands

reece conjures up images of ancient marble pillars, olive groves and a bleached white landscape glinting against a cerulean blue sea. It’s a place where the past and present engage in a passionate dialogue and an exuberant people ooze passion and joy. Experience these vivid landscapes and rich cultural history firsthand aboard Royal Caribbean’s Splendour of the Seas. The 2076 passenger ship departs from Venice on 7-night Greek Isles itineraries through November, with an array of cruise options and destinations. Sail through the Grand Canal in Venice, or stand in awe of Athens’ famed Acropolis. Retrace the route of Odysseus exploring multiple countries and cultures including Croatia and Turkey. Splendour of the Seas offers an array of impressive new features following a recent, multi-million dollar makeover. Comfortable balcony staterooms feature floor-to-ceiling and sliding glass doors that lead to a private verandah. Take in Broadway-style productions at the 42nd Street Theatre, or dine in style at the Chops Grille or Izumi for Asian cuisine. Aerialists glide through the five-story atrium and a stunning indoor/outdoor pool is housed under a retractable glass dome. With its marble palazzi, gilded mosaics and shimmering liquid

PEARL OF THE AEGEAN— Royal Caribbean sails into Santorini. streets, Venice is the Adriatic’s “Bride of the Sea.” Board a vaporetto for a ride through the canals to the Byzantine Basilica, the Doge’s Palace and St. Marks Square. Dolphins frolic in the wake as you steam in storied ports like Corfu, and Rhodes the largest of the Dodecanese islands. The island’s thickly-walled Old Town is Europe’s largest, active inhab-

ited medieval city. The postcard perfect island of Mykonos is filled with dazzling white houses set against a shimmering blue sea. Basket-laden donkeys make their way through a maze of ancient streets designed to frustrate marauding pirates. Santorini may be the quintessential Greek Isle. Home to black sand beaches

and beautiful blue-domed Orthodox churches, visitors can ride the donkeys up the 547 steps from the harbor to the picturesque town of Fira. Kusadasi, a popular resort town on the Turkish coast, is the gateway to the ancient ruins of Ephesus, once the largest city in the Roman Empire. An impressive patrimony of Roman ruins includes the Fountain of Trajan and the iconic Library of Celsus. The Temple of Artemis is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. A living museum on the southern tip of Croatia, Dubrovnik is a remarkably preserved thousand-year-old city. Old Town’s labyrinth of walls and fortresses has become familiar as the real life locale for King’s Landing in the HBO TV series Game of Thrones. Athens spreads out over an arid basin bounded by three hills. Known for its golden age monuments like the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the temple of Athena Nike, visitors can stroll up the pine-scented Hill of the Muses for a spectacular view of the Saronic Gulf, Athens’ gateway to the Aegean.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

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Sunglasses are more than a fashion statement

roper eyewear can protect your eyes from damaging UV rays. When you head outdoors, don’t forget about the importance of protecting your eyes from the sun. Your eyes are in need of protection, and now everyone can enjoy the sun in style whether or not you wear glasses. Unfortunately, many people don’t recognize the harm the sun can have on vision. A survey by Transitions Optical, Inc., showed that only 9 percent of respondents knew that sun exposure can cause vision damage. But the effects are very apparent. Short-term exposure to the sun can burn the surface of the eye, just like a sunburn on the skin. Such burns can even come from reflections off snow or pavement. Over time, UV rays are known to contribute to cataracts, pterygium (an abnormal growth in the corner of the eye that can block vision), age-related macular degeneration and skin cancer around the eyelids. Proper sunglasses can help prevent these conditions. When looking for eye protection, make sure the lenses block 99 – 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays. Wraparound sunglass frames can offer further protection. You can also have a pair of sunglasses made with your prescription to keep you looking “cool” in the summer heat.

To add an Associate to your membership, or to buy a gift membership, visit your local AAA office or call us at 1-800-441-5008. Ask about a special offer for new Associate memberships!

Prescription lenses can be treated with a UV coating, and are also available in photochromic styles that darken when exposed to sunlight. When selecting sunglasses look for lenses that best suit your lifestyle: Green or gray lenses are best for bright sunlight. Brown or blue lenses improve contrast, making them a good choice for sports. Yellow lenses are ideal for early mornings because they make your surroundings appear brighter. A light brown lens is perfect for cloudy days when you still need protection from damaging UV rays. And anytime you’re dealing with glare, polarized lenses are the way to go. People become more sensitive to glare as they age because their eyes take longer to adjust to changing light levels. Polarized lenses work by filtering light waves and absorbing some of the reflected glare, while letting other light waves pass through the lenses. For an unbeatable savings on a selection of the latest eyewear fashion visit a participating LensCrafters location near you. Visit www.AAA.com/LensCrafters for offer details and to find participating location near you. Sources: United States Environmental Protection Agency and American Academy of Ophthalmology

Roadside & Ba t tery Service

1.800.222 .435 7 AAA.com

CLUB CODE

Year Member

42 9 215 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 812 CARD EXPIR ATION DATE

DEC 09 15

MA R YAN N W. J O H NS O N

JULY 2015

Visit Italy this fall!

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Great Italian Itineraries • Oct/Nov 2015 Reflections of Italy 10 days/14 meals from $2,699

Rome • Colosseum • Assisi • Perugia • Siena • Florence • Chianti Winery • Venice • Murano Island • Milan

Southern Italy & Sicily 12 days/17 meals from $2,599

Palermo • Monreale • Agrigento • Valley of the Temples • Catania • Mt Etna Volcano Giardini Naxos • Taormina • Matera • Alberobello • Sorrento • Amalfi Coast • Pompeii

Discover Tuscany 10 days/13 meals from $2,049

Rome • Assisi • St Francis Basilica • Montecatini Terme • Lucca • Gothic Line • San Gimignano • Winery Tour • Florence

Rome & the Amalfi Coast 10 days/13 meals from $2,649

Rome • Regional Wines with Dinner • Ravello • Villa Rufolo • Sorrento • Buffalo Milk Mozzarella Factory Amalfi Coast • Paestum • Pompeii • Wine Tasting • Naples • Archaeological Museum

Tuscan & Umbrian Countryside 11 days/16 meals from $3,349

Rome • Orvieto • Spoleto • Cooking Class • Olive Oil Factory • Bevagna • Montefalco • Home-hosted Lunch Assisi • Winery • Florence • Siena • Monteriggioni • Volterra • San Gimignano

Tuscany & the Italian Riviera 8 days/10 meals from $2,099 Tuscan Estate & Winery • Florence • Uffizi Gallery • Siena • Monteriggioni • Lucca • Pisa Italian Riviera • Cinque Terre • Portofino

Italian Intermezzo 9 days/10 meals from $1,875

Milan • Verona • Venice • Tuscany • Pisa • Florence • Wine Sampling • Chianti Country • Assisi • Rome • Vatican City

unrivaled cuisine & wine, spectacular scenery and engaging people. And our travel partners design their Italy tours to encompass those elements, all the while providing the quality and convenience of deluxe accommodations and expert guides. Guided touring offers you seamless itineraries that free you to fully experience and enjoy the places you visit. Instead of worrying about opening & closing times, admission fees, directions, etc, you’re able to immerse yourself in the moment — admiring Florence’s art or architecture, exploring a Neapolitan neighborhood and its charms or relaxing at one of Rome’s outdoor cafes...just like a local. Because the details are taken care of for

you, you don’t have to waste precious vacation time or energy searching for the perfect hotel or restaurant. And an expert professional guide is almost always near at hand to enhance your experience with interesting insights and contextual history. Few countries offer the extensive variety and diversity of Italy — mountains, sparkling coastlines, ancient history and sumptuous cuisine. Whether you’re strolling through the great art cities of Tuscany and Umbria or admiring the rolling hills and ancient forests of Venetia, an Italian holiday will give you a taste of a seductive way of life that will probably leave you wanting more. AAA’s special list (upper-right box)

Best of Italy 11 days/14 meals from $2,395

Rome • Vatican City • Umbria • Assisi • Venice • Tuscany • Pisa • Florence • Pompeii • Sorrento • Capri

GREEN = AAA MEMBER CHOICE VACATIONS® •

RED = INSIGHT VACATIONS®

Before-discount AAA Member Rates are per person (double occupancy), are subject to availability at time of booking and include accommodations, in-Italy guide, motorcoach sightseeing, meals as indicated and taxes & government fees. Passport required. Ask about available add-on airfare and optional extensions before and/or after tours.

Visit AAA.com/GoItaly or call 1-800-354-8761 includes 8 great Oct/Nov 2015 tours ranging from 8 to 12 days that highlight Italy’s distinct regions (north, central or south, including Sicily) as well as others that provide a more geographically comprehensive overview of the entire country. No matter which appeals to you most, each tour has been designed to engage and inspire, with several including special culinary experi-

ences or hands-on activities — just the thing to create lifelong memories. Traveling with a group also affords you an added opportunity to establish new friendships with your fellow travelers. Act now (pay in full by July 31) to fulfill your vacation dreams: Book an Italian getaway with AAA and take advantage of the special savings, perks and benefits while they’re available!

Battery Service Program powers members back on the road Membership benefits save you time, money on batteries

on’t let dead batteries leave you stranded, especially during the summer months when heat and intense summer sun can do a number on your 12 volt. “High temperatures can deteriorate the lead plates, thus reducing a battery’s reserve or cold cranking power,” notes Steve Popovich, Managing Director of AAA East Central’s Automotive Services Department. AAA’s Battery Service Program makes battery replacement fast and convenient for members. More than 400 certified battery service technicians cover a five-state area, providing knowledgeable service to make sure you have all the information on your new battery. Your new battery is guaranteed for up to three years, with a full replacement if it fails, and a six-year limited warranty with mobile warranty service available t hroughout the U.S. and Canada. And, with an average savings of about $30, members can be sure they are receiving a fair price with no additional charges for battery installation or disposal. Roadside Assistance is never too far. With the AAA mobile app, you can request Roadside Assistance using your GPS location, receive instant battery price quotes and even track the responding tow truck using the Truck-Tracker function. IPhone users

CURRENT AFFAIRS — AAA’s Mobile Battery Service can accurately diagnose your battery-related problems at the roadside. also have access to a digital membership card, which can be used when requesting roadside assistance or to take advantage of member discounts and savings. When mobile service isn’t an option, you can request the same service by calling 1-800-AAA-HELP to request battery service.

If your battery is more than four years old, it isn’t a bad idea to have it checked for performance, and AAA technicians also provide that service as part of roadside assistance. The life expectancy of an average battery is about three to four years, and proper maintenance is key to making a car battery last. Some ways to tell if a battery

should be checked for potential failure: • Motor turns over slowly when starting the vehicle; • Clicking noises when turning the key • Interior lights start to dim; • Corrosion on terminals. As the summer heats up, the functionality of your battery can decrease. Higher temperatures and being parked in direct sunlight can increase the temperature of your car’s battery, which can lead to increased corrosion and battery fluid evaporation—a potentially lethal combination for the life of your battery. Also, extra usage of navigation, sound systems and cell phone chargers left plugged in can reduce the battery’s power, as well. AAA’s state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment can determine whether or not your battery simply needs a charge, or if the battery needs to be replaced. More than one million members have used AAA’s Battery Service Program, taking advantage of the simple and quick turnaround.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

AAA Battery Service is available from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. 7-days a week. To verify AAA Battery Service availability in your area, call our toll-free number: 1.800.222.4357.

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Prepare your teen for all driving challenges Practice these five overlooked driving scenarios

arents play a crucial role in getting their teens safely on the road. Supervised driving practice builds confidence and experience during the all-important learning-to-drive process. “Teens who participate in a quality Driver Education program have the benefit of being exposed to a broad variety of difficult driving conditions,” says Auto Club Driving Schools’ Jeff Gardner, “but parental guidance remains essential long after a teen obtains their license.” Before your teen hits the road solo, parents should make a point to practice these five overlooked driving scenarios: • Driving with other modes of transportation — Bicycles, trucks and motorcycles all present different challenges. Practice driving around each of these modes to help your teen understand the limitations of each and how to safely share the road. • Driving in inclement weather — Rain, ice and snow can make for dangerous driving conditions for even the most experienced driver. Knowing how to handle poor traction and reduced visibility reduces the potential for hydroplaning, skidding or sliding off the road. Parents may be hesitant about their teen driving in these conditions, but it’s critical for them to practice in less-than-ideal conditions while you’re there to coach them.

New drivers not only need to learn how to cope with rapidly changing conditions, but with inconsiderate drivers who speed, tailgate, run traffic lights, and make unsafe lane changes. Before your teen takes the wheel, parents should plan a series of progressively more difficult practice sessions in a variety of situations. Give beginners ample time to work up to new challenges like driving on freeways, or in the rain. New drivers should be permitted to learn from their mistakes, but never allow them to drive into a situation that’s risky or beyond their ability. “Parents literally have the opportunity of a lifetime,” notes Gardner. “Positive reinforcement from the passenger seat helps get teens through these challenging driving situations and builds a solid foundation of safe driving habits.”

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT — Supervised driving practice builds confidence. • Driving at Night — Driving at night is one of the two biggest risk factors for teens — which is why graduated driver licensing laws phase in night driving. According to the U.S. Federal Highway Administration the fatal crash rate of 16-19 year-olds is about 4 times as high at night as it is during the day. • Driving on rural roads — Driving on rural roads offers some unique chal-

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

lenges for drivers, including hairpin turns, limited sight lines and twolane highways that aren’t well lit. Make sure teens get plenty of time on these roads while you can assist with coaching them. • Driving in traffic — Like it or not, commuting is a fact of life for millions of motorists. Traffic congestion and lengthy commutes raises stress levels and can make tempers flare.

AUTO CLUB DRIVING SCHOOLS, INC.

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

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Getting your car summer road trip ready

A BOOST FOR CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY — Safety advocates gathered in Frankfort on June 15, for the ceremonial signing of Kentucky HB-315. Pictured from left to right: Chris Ralston, Safety Advisor/Spokesperson, AAA East Central; Dr. Susan Pollack, University of Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center; Bill Bell, Director of the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety; and Gov. Steve Beshear. The law, which went into effect June 24, raises the height requirement for booster seats to 57 inches from 50 inches, and the age requirement from 7 to 8 years old. HB-315 brings Kentucky in line with 31 other states and the District of Columbia, meeting AAA’s recommendation of requiring booster seats for children at least up to age 8.

hether the he Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area is your vacation destination, or you’re cruising the Wilderness Road Heritage Scenic Byway for the day, summer means one thing to many Americans — road trip. Before you sally forth, you might want to tackle a few technical “to dos” to ensure your ride is as smooth as your driving style. Total recall — Similar to getting an annual physical from the doctor, it’s smart to stay in the know about your vehicle. To find out if a vehicle has been involved in a safety recall or service campaign, owners can check their vehicle identification number (VIN) on the driver’s side dashboard or driver’s side door where it latches at https://vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/. If your vehicle is involved in a safety recall, the manufacturer is obligated to provide a free remedy; so contact your local dealer and make an appointment to handle the issue. No tired tires — Before taking those tires on the road, focus on: Air, Wear and Spare. Air – A properly inflated tire can help you avoid a flat. Refer to the owner’s manual or a label inside the

doorframe for the correct pressure and check tires when they’re cold (haven’t been driven on for three hours) for most accurate reading. Wear – Take five minutes to inspect for excessive or irregular wear. If tread is worn to approximately 2/32 of an inch, it’s time to replace. Irregular wear patterns indicate tires might need rotation or realignment. Spare – Make sure the backup has your back and run the spare through the same tests as your other tires. Take care for rubber wear — Inspect belts, hoses and wiper blades for blisters, cracks or cuts. All are susceptible to summer heat, so replace if not in tip-top condition. And make sure hose connections are secure. Get plenty of fluids — Be good to your trusted steed and follow up on fluids: oil, brake, automatic transmission, power steering, windshield washer and coolant. And if it’s time to have the oil changed or coolant system flushed, just do it. Light it up — Check headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, interior and trailer lights. Be cool — AC not working? Leakage from the A/C system hoses is often indicated by an accumulation of dirt and oil, particularly at connections and fittings.

aroundtown HARDIN COUNTY FAIR — (July 5-10) The fair’s full calendar of events includes midway, rides, contests, free monster truck rides and show, No Jo’s Circus, magician, drag racing and full lineup of motorsports. Admission includes all rides and shows. For information and schedule of events, visit hardincofair. com. Location: Hardin County Fairgrounds, 5617 South Dixie Highway, Glendale. BLUES, BREWS AND BBQ — (July 10-12) Nothing goes better with blues music than smokin’ hot barbecue. Catch the tunes of New Orleans and Memphis while eating with your hands. Indulge in a variety of barbecue styles from the best smokehouses in town, all cooking up their secret recipes. Relax as you let the sounds of blues take you away at Louisville Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival. For information and schedule, visit louisvillebluesandbbqfestival.com. Location: Louisville Water Tower, 3005 River Road, Louisville. CELEBRATION OF QUILTS & QUILTING — (July 10-12) Old Mulkey Meetinghouse explodes with color during this event held in honor of Monroe County native, Lucille Page. She knew quilts provided warmth but were also art, teaching tools and records of family history. The event

includes an exhibit of quilts created by the Monroe County Quilt Club, plus quilt challenges, tacking demonstrations, treadle sewing and more. For information, call 270487-8481. Location: Old Mulkey Meetinghouse, 38 Old Mulkey Park Road, Tompkinsville. NELSON COUNTY FAIR — (July 13-18) Fun for the entire family, exhibits include crafts, horticulture, vegetables and fruit, art, animals, midway rides, tractor pulls and pageants. For information, visit nelsoncofair.com. Location: Nelson County Fairgrounds, West Broadway at North 5th Street, Bardstown. MCLEAN COUNTY AG FESTIVAL — (July 17-19) Celebrating McLean County’s deep roots in agriculture, the two-day festival includes a tractor pull, mechanical bull riding, gospel music and livestock shows of every variety. Farmer Appreciation Breakfast on Saturday at 7:30 a.m. For information, visit facebook.com/McLeanCoAgFestival. Location: Myer Creek Park, Calhoun. FORECASTLE FESTIVAL — (July 17-19) Forecastle has grown from a neighborhood event in 2002 to one of the country’s most anticipated summer festivals, drawing tens of thousands of fans from across the world to Louisville’s scenic 85-acre

Waterfront Park. The event promotes music, local artists and also focuses on environmental activism and outdoor recreation. This year’s lineup includes Sam Smith, My Morning Jacket, Widespread Panic and Modest Mouse. Gates open at 12:30 p.m. each day, with the music from 1:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. For information and tickets, visit forecastlefest.com. Location: Waterfront Park, 129 River Road, Louisville. MEADE COUNTY FAIR — (July 18-25) Billed as “The Most Progressive Fair in the State of Kentucky,” the fair is week jam-packed with midway rides and entertainment, demolition derby, tractor pulls, livestock shows, Texas Hold ‘Em tournament, pageants, cash giveaway, fireworks, and much more. For information, visit meadecountyfairky.com. Location: 884 Hillcrest Drive, Brandenburg. BARD-A-THON — (July 25) For those who can’t get enough Shakespeare, this event features three of the Bard’s most famous plays in one day. Performances include The Tempest at 4:30 p.m., Taming of the Shrew at 7:30 p.m. and Macbeth at 10:30 p.m. The Kentucky Shakespeare presents the oldest free Shakespeare festival in the United States. Ramey Amphitheater, Central Park, 1340 South 4th Street, Louisville.

MOONLIGHT BIKE RIDE — (August 1) An easy and fun 10-mile Midsummer’s Night Ride through low-trafficked Paducah city streets. Music, late registration and booths at 8 p.m. with a 10 p.m. ride start. Bikes must have front and rear lights to legally be on the street after dark. Helmets required. Proceeds benefit Paducah Cooperative Ministry food bank, homeless shelter and kind aid to humans in drastic situations. Register by July 11 to guarantee a t-shirt, either in person at Bike World or online at active.com. $25 adults, $15 youth under 16. Location Ride starts at BikeWorld, 809 Joe Clifton Drive, Paducah. BLUEGRASS IN THE PARK FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL — (August 7-8) One of the largest and free bluegrass festivals in the country celebrates its 30th anniversary in Henderson. Quality bluegrass, old-time and Americana music and musicians perform in a beautiful outdoor venue on the banks of the Ohio River. Other events taking place during the festival include the Folklife Festival, the Fox On The Run 5K, Pickin’ & Pedalin’ Bicycle Tour, Flippin’ & Flyin’ Disc Golf Tournament and the Jammin’ & Jumpin’ Street Vault. For information, visit bluegrassinthepark.com. Location: Audubon Mill Park, Henderson.

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