Ky june 2016 by AAA East Central

SEE PAGE 3

KENTUCKY

Vol. 37 No. 6

JUNE 2016

Step in for great rates on 2016 cruises... step out with value-added extras, ® including a Fitbit fitness tracker!

Test Drive CARFAX on AAA.com

June 1-30

GUARANTEEBDLE BEST AVAILA CRUISE PRICES or you get a

CARD $100 VISA GIFT

from l* AAA East Centra

Sail away with MORE than just the best price during June Cruise Days!

owadays you can buy a cruise from lots of places: So how do you get the best value for your dollar? Go with AAA Travel! Book a select 2016 sailing from a AAA cruise partner this month and sail with the peace of mind of knowing you got the best price AND greatest value (great rate PLUS member benefits & amenities!). Cruise confidently, backed by AAA’s longstanding reputation of member trust, financial stability and personal service. Between June 1 & 30, visit or call AAA Travel to book AAA Vacations®–branded cruises of 7 nights or longer and get...

•

the best cruise-only rates in the travel industry exclusive value-added AAA Vacations® amenities that can include VIP Priority Check-in...24/7 Member Care throughout your cruise...up to $475.00 onboard spending credit per stateroom (good toward the purchase of goods & services such as spa treatments, premium beverages, etc)... up to $100.00 savings per person ...and others

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exclusive member benefits that can include up to $300.00 savings per person ...up to $300.00 onboard spending credit per stateroom (good toward the purchase of goods & services such as spa treatments, premium beverages, etc)... 1 spa treatment per stateroom...an Onboard Value Booklet ($325.00 value)... and others a free gift (1 per stateroom) exclusively from AAA East Central: Fitbit® Flex™ activity & sleep wristband (retail value $99.95) for oceanview staterooms Fitbit® Charge HR™ heart rate & fitness wristband (retail value $149.95) for balcony staterooms Fitbit® Blaze™ smart fitness watch (retail value $199.95) for suites June’s free gifts are perfect for today’s more healthconsicous cruisers who take advantage of onboard walking & running tracks, fitness centers, swimming pools, basketball courts, climbing walls and other activity zones.

Long gone are the days when most of us had ample free time and money to run around town or to spend hours sifting through hundreds of websites (which ones are trustworthy?) to find the lowest price for a cruise. Now there are just so many travel operators, so many choices. That — and the fact that AAA travel agents are cruise experts — is why AAA membership is worth its weight in gold. AAA, with its longstanding relationships with all of the popular cruise lines, does the research for you — and we guarantee our price (and, most important, our value) is the best you can find. Dollar for dollar, you won’t find a better value than at AAA. You get so much more from AAA Travel than just a low rate — valuable perks and benefits and gifts that just aren’t available anywhere else from any other cruise provider. Step in to AAA Travel in June and take advantage of the comprehensive cruise values that include a free Fitbit® fitness tracker; choose from hundreds of 2016 AAA Vacations® departures (see the sample listing on page 13).

*PUTTING OUR MONEY WHERE OUR MOUTH IS: See the exact same cruise-only itinerary on the same cruise line at a lower rate elsewhere? AAA will match or beat it; if not, you get a $100.00 Visa gift card. Restrictions apply; consult an agent for details.

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

HISTORY OF FALLS INCREASES CRASH RISK FOR OLDER DRIVERS

Experts say one out of every nine used cars has a hidden past — ranging from salvage history and flood damage to odometer fraud — rolling back or otherwise altering a vehicle’s odometer. Using the 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), CARFAX can alert consumers to odometer fraud and other problems that can affect safety, performance, and resale value. CARFAX uses a comprehensive computerized database of over 2-billion unique vehicle history records to provide detailed history reports on virtually every registered used car and light truck since 1981. AAA Classic and AAA Plus® members save 20% off the retail price when they purchase CARFAX vehicle history reports — ordered online at AAA.com/CARFAX. AAA Premier® members are entitled to one FREE vehicle history report per member per membership year. To request a free report, Premier members must call AAA Premier Member Services at 1-866-511-7736. Subsequent reports are available at 40% off the retail price and can be ordered online.

Save More on Walt Disney World® Tickets! Extend your magical visit at Walt Disney World® Resort this summer with a AAA member exclusive ticket offer June 1st through July 31st 2016. Purchase any 4-day Magic Your Way ticket at your local AAA Branch office and receive a 5th Day Free! Check with your local AAA branch for further details.

Free Junior Associates — Priceless Protection for Teens If your teen has reached driving age, don’t let them go it alone. AAA members can extend their AAA coverage for dependents age 16 to 18, with a free Junior Associate membership. They’ll carry their very own AAA card, and are entitled to AAA benefits and services including 24/7 roadside assistance, exclusive savings at AAA Discounts & Rewards, AAA Mobile solutions and more. Members can add Junior Associates by calling or visiting their local AAA office or, by clicking on aaa.com/JuniorAssociate. (All Associate Members must reside at the Primary Member’s address, and proof of age may be required).

Follow Us on Facebook Frequently posted topics include: AAA.com website features, travel specials, online discounts, gas price information, safety tips, car care advice and upcoming events. Visit Facebook.com/AAAEastCentral to start following AAA East Central today.

Forget the Stamp with AutoPay With AutoPay, you can avoid late payments and a lapse in your AAA membership. You’ll still receive a paper bill, and you can update your membership prior to making a payment. The credit or debit card you leave on file will be charged the amount of the bill. Any payments from your card will be debited 10 to 15 days before your renewal date. Simply logon to your account at AAA.com and select “Enroll” under Billing Information, or call the Member Service phone number on the back of your membership card to sign up.

Nature Knows No Boundaries in Costa Rica

A tiny green emerald on the Central American isthmus Costa Rica shelters an extraordinary variety of flora and fauna, and natural attractions. And there are as many ways to experience this peaceful green oasis, as there are adventures. See it your way with your choice of a carefree guided tour through AAA Vacations, or Member Choice Vacations. Or go it alone via a customized independent getaway from Pleasant Holidays. Either way you’ll save with AAA member benefits. SEE PAGE 7.

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AAA TRAVELER

JUNE 2016

Plan your next move with the TripTik® Travel Planner Make a fresh start on your next road trip

our TripTik® may look a little different from the TripTik® of old, but you can rest assured it still has the same valuable information. It also uses the latest map technology and extensive digital travel information resources available, so you can prepare customized routing packages using the TripTik® Travel Planner (TTP) right from your home computer or your smart phone when you download the AAA Mobile App. With enhanced functionality and added features, TTP is more versatile than ever with information available only through AAA. Data is updated in real time so TTP is consistently working with the most up-to-date mapping information available.

Familiar features Your custom route includes all the indicators and details you would expect from your traditional TripTik®— color highlighting showing route, scenic byways and construction areas; rest areas, exit numbers and gas, food and lodging indicators; direction arrows; trip time and distance; and step-by-step directions.

Creating routes Map your destinations with ease. Simply begin typing in your start and end points and, after just a few keystrokes, TTP’s predictive search will display possible matching choices. Even if you don’t know the address, you can quickly create routes to airports, attrac-

tions, restaurants and more just by entering the name. • One-click access to key functionality: Generate routes, create trip itineraries and access AAA travel information directly from the user interface. • Simpler route point entry: Auto complete fills in addresses, cities, hotels, attractions and other locations after a few keystrokes. • Enter locations without needing an address: Just enter an airport code or name, such as Empire State Building.

Good to know details When applicable, your custom route

will include travel advisories — so you know when and where to expect traffic delays — bridge and ferry information, construction zone details and strict speed enforcement area alerts. When a route includes or is in the vicinity of a scenic byway, a camera icon displays on related maps. You’ll find descriptive narrative about what you can expect along the drive on the last page of your TripTik®. • Turn on map layers to display traffic and construction information, and to show highway interchanges with gas, food and lodging options.

• Rest areas: Shows the location of rest areas and service plazas. The design of each icon indicates the type of facilities at the rest area. • Professional reviews: AAA property inspectors share first-hand details about AAA Approved hotels and restaurants along the way. • AAA travel information: Access the AAA Travel Guides and AAA Drive Trips directly from the TTP interface. AAA’s content-rich Travel Guides and custom Drive Trips guide you through some of the most attractionrich roadways across North America, complete with descriptive text, photos and maps detailing each leg of the drive, including must-see and mustdo recommendations from AAA travel editors. • Sending routes: With TTP you can share routes with your family and friends via email or social media. Or access and use your saved trips on the go with the AAA Mobile app.

MAP YOUR WAY

Technology has allowed us to continue making the AAA products and services even better and more focused on individual needs. Although your TripTik® may look different, the care and personal service behind each custom route remains the same. Get everything you need to plan your next trip at AAA.com/ttp.

Get Your Teen off to a Safe Start Auto Club Driving Schools, Inc. is a state-approved program.

Classroom and behind-the-wheel package: Non-member price: $599. AAA member price: $359.

SAVE UP TO

$240

off non-mem ber pric e

Enroll Your Teen Today! Call (502) 779-3611, Visit any AAA office in the greater Louisville Area or go to AAA.com/community.

Auto Club Driving Schools, Inc.

JUNE 2016

AAA TRAVELER

PAGE 3

History of falling increases crash risk for older drivers New study finds preventing falls may make roads safer 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 Glenn B. Bachman, 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, Gregory E. Grim, Richard S. Hamilton, James H. Kanicki, Mary Lynn Laughlin, William Duff McCrady, James M. McDonnell, Thomas V. McKernan Jr., Martha Hartle Munsch, Gary K. Munsie**, Terrence L. Walton** KENTUCKY REGION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Gary K. Munsie, Chairman, James M. McDonnell, ViceChairman, Robert S. Allison**, Kurt Broecker**, James E. Broome**, Dan Ray Clagett, Carolle Jones Clay, Bart Doerhoefer, Elizabeth Hughes, Dennis Newberry**, Bruce J. Roth**, Robert Royer**, Tuck Tinsley, III

By Richard Hamilton Chairman, AAA East Central afe mobility is essential to healthy aging and most of us want to hang onto the car keys for as long as we can. But whether we like it or not, time catches up with us all. Now an eye-opening new report from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety finds elderly adults with a history of falling are 40 percent more likely to be involved in a crash than their peers. Falls limit an older driver’s ability to function behind the wheel and can make driving risky for themselves and others on the road. These findings are important since a record 12 million older drivers will experience a fall this year. Drivers age 60 and older are involved in more than 400,000 crashes annually, and it’s vitally important that we find ways to keep them and others secure on the road. Although seniors are among our safest drivers — more likely to wear seatbelts, and practice good driving habits — they are much more likely to die when a crash does occur. This research is critical because it indicates that we may now be able to use a history of falls to identify whether an older driver is at greater risk for a crash. The report, “Associations Between Falls and Driving Outcomes in Older Adults,” is the latest research released by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety’s $12 million Longitudinal Research on Aging Drivers (LongROAD) proj-

Richard Hamilton ect. Researchers from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, along with the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, found that falls increase crash risk in two ways: • Falls can result in a loss of functional ability (i.e. wrist fractures or a broken leg), which can make it difficult for older drivers to steer or brake to avoid a crash. • Falls can increase an individual’s fear of falling, which can lead to a decrease in physical activity that weakens driving skills. The research suggests that seniors and their families should view falls as a possible precursor of declining physical fitness. Addressing the health issues

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 ©2016 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.

that originally led to the fall such as lower body weakness, poor balance, slow reaction time, certain medications, dizziness, or vision problems, can help older drivers strengthen their functional ability and lower their risk for crashing or experiencing another fall in the future. Understanding the causes and consequences of falls is essential for older drivers to keep themselves and others safe on the road. Those concerned about a parent or other senior driver should help them monitor risk factors that address health concerns or household dangers. Older drivers would be wise to look for activities that enhance balance, strengthen muscles and promote flexibility. Even a low impact fitness training program or driver improvement course can help safely extend a mature driver’s years on the road. AAA recommends a series of exercises and stretches to improve neck, shoulder, trunk, back and overall body flexibility, which can help a driver who has suffered from a recent fall. SeniorDriving. AAA.com has a variety of resources for senior drivers on strength and flexibility exercises at AAA.com/fitness. As a leading advocate for senior driver safety, AAA offers a variety of programs and resources to help older drivers improve their driving performance and avoid crashes. SeniorDriving.AAA. com is designed to help mature drivers stay on the road for as long as safely possible and mobile thereafter.

What are the limits on AAA Roadside Assistance?

AA Roadside Assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is designed to assist you in an emergency when the vehicle you are either driving or riding in becomes disabled. Helping motorists stay mobile, safe and protected has been the cornerstone of AAA’s member commitment for over 100 years. AAA responds to over 30 million requests for emergency road service each year, and it’s important to remember there are some nonemergency limitations designed to prevent abuse while maintaining and improving our service quality. These help us to respond to your calls swiftly and intelligently and avoid excessive delays that can negatively impact service provider arrival times for all members. Emergency road service will be limited to that which can be provided with equipment ordinarily used by the independent service provider serving the area. Service will not be provided when the disabled vehicle cannot be safely reached or serviced

without damage to the vehicle or servicing equipment. Towing service is only provided for a covered vehicle disablement. Service may not be used as a substitute for regular maintenance necessary to keep a vehicle in good operating condition. AAA cannot render service repeatedly to a vehicle in need of repair. An individual’s AAA membership may not be used by a business or organization to provide roadside assistance service for its customers, employees or vehicles. The following policies apply to the membership benefit: • Towing to or from auto dismantlers, salvage yards, repair facility to repair facility or from one storage location to another. • Towing for the purpose of transporting vehicles due to a purchase, sale, auction transaction, car show exhibition, charitable donation, relocation or any other similar situation. • Service to a vehicle that is loaded, altered or constructed in such a

way as to cause damage or create a hazard while being serviced. • Charges related to impound or stolen vehicle recovery, towing or storage. • Service in situations where appropriate photo identification in addition to the membership card is requested and not provided to the service driver. • Use of two or more roadside assistance service calls to extend the member tow mileage benefit for the same breakdown. • If specific towing equipment is requested, but not required to safely transport the vehicle, the associated cost will be at your expense. • AAA Plus, AAA Premier, AAA Plus RV and AAA Premier RV emergency road service options become effective 7 calendar days after receipt of your dues. Discover the many ways AAA can help you save time and money, and provide you with confidence and security on the road. For a complete Guide to AAA Member Services, please visit AAA.com.

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AAA TRAVELER

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AAA TRAVELER

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Preventing the perils of parking lots Follow these simple rules to avoid common mishaps By Robin Jones on Salamanca, a driving school instructor for eight years, says parking lots can be hazardous for motorists. In one of his lessons, Salamanca explains how to handle parking lot dangers, from view-obstructing walls and hedges to distracted pedestrians and speeding drivers. As Salamanca tells his students: “Many parking lot accidents occur because drivers get too relaxed when doing errands they’ve done a million times before.” But you can avoid the most common types of crashes, if you follow a few simple rules. Here are Salamanca’s top five tips for safely navigating parking lots: Check your surroundings before you get in your car. Salamanca instructs his students to survey the area as they return to their parked vehicle. “Look for anyone in the driver’s seat of a nearby car, or anyone who’s getting ready to get into a nearby car,” he says. “Then, when you back out, you’ll know where everyone is, and you’ll be aware of other drivers who might also be getting ready to pull out.” Look every which way when you’re backing out of or pulling into a parking space. Many drivers rely solely on their rearview mirrors or backup camera when they’re reversing, Salamanca says, and that’s risky. In addition to using the mirror and camera, be sure to “look over your right shoulder first, through the

What’s more, it’s usually easier for the car that’s backing out to make an emergency stop, because vehicles in the aisle are generally going faster. That’s why it’s always smart to inch out as slowly as possible, with your foot over the brake. Watch for distracted pedestrians. Many people are not as aware as they should be. They’re carrying groceries, trying to wrangle kids while pushing a full shopping cart, or texting while they’re walking. So don’t expect them to see you. Instead, keep your eyes peeled, and remember that people sometimes weave through parked vehicles, making them hard to see. “Look for shadows passing under or near cars,” Salamanca says. It’s sometimes the only indication that a person is there. Slow down. Speed limits vary in parking lots, so look for posted signs. And as you drive around the parking lot, keep an eye out for other cars that are backing out of their spaces.

NOT A SAFE SPACE — Parking lot collisions are among the most common types of crashes. back passenger window, because that’s the closest path of travel for another car,” he says. Then, repeat the process over your left shoulder, and finally, look through the back window for brake lights or reverse lights on cars behind you. If pedestrians or vehicles are not close enough to pose a hazard, you can start backing out.

IT PAYS TO BE A MEMBER. Get a FREE 32” Samsung TV* (a $319.99 value) when you purchase a $699.99+ PC. Shop a special selection of PCs for AAA members.

XPS 13 + Free TV The world’s smallest 13” laptop with the world’s ﬁrst virtually borderless InﬁnityEdge display—amazing both inside and out.

Free Samsung TV

With 6th Gen Intel® Core™ i5 processor

Shop your AAA member store today at:

AAA.com/dell or call 800-274-4635 Member ID: GS75971913 Offer valid from 5/1/16-9/29/16.

ALL ORDERS ARE SUBJECT TO APPROVAL AND ACCEPTANCE BY DELL. Offers subject to change, not combinable with all other offers. Taxes, shipping, handling and other fees apply. Valid for U.S. Dell Member Purchase Program new purchases only. Dell reserves right to cancel orders arising from pricing or other errors. *Free TV offer: Eligible product ships separately from TV. Dell only accepts returns of the entire bundle. *Rewards are in the form of a promotional code that arrives separately from purchase via email 10-20 days after ship date; code expires in 90 days (except where prohibited by law). Up to 10% rewards only on Dell Preferred Account purchases. 5% reward on all other purchases. Bose products only eligible for 5% rewards. Refurbished and/or used purchases do not qualify for Rewards. Second Business Day Shipping not available on TVs 40" or larger and 55" Dell Branded Monitors. See dell.com/rewardterms. Trademarks: XPS is a trademark of Dell, Inc. Ultrabook, Celeron, Celeron Inside, Core Inside, Intel, Intel Logo, Intel Atom, Intel Atom Inside, Intel Core, Intel Inside, Intel Inside Logo, Intel vPro, Itanium, Itanium Inside, Pentium, Pentium Inside, vPro Inside, Xeon, Xeon Phi, and Xeon Inside are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.

As you’re pulling into a spot, check to make sure that drivers or passengers of cars in adjacent spots are not opening their doors to exit their vehicles. Keep your foot off the gas pedal as you’re backing up. Cars in the aisle have the right-of-way, so it’s up to the driver who’s pulling out of a parking space to stop if there’s potential for a collision.

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.

AAA TRAVELER

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JUNE 2016

Member Benefits • Exclusive Offers

1-800-354-8761 • AAA.com/travel

Enjoy Costa Rica YOUR way with AAA Almost everyone who’s ever visited there can attest that tiny Costa Rica has more natural delights per square mile than nearly anywhere on earth. The allure of this tiny Central American nation is its abundance of lush tropical forests, unique & exotic creatures, spectacular uncrowded beaches, genuinely hospitable people and endless outdoor activities. It’s a magical place almost guaranteed to transform your mood from good...to better...to great!

STRUCTURED

UNSTRUCTURED

Carefree guided vacation

Customized independent getaway

If arranging your own vacation transportation, lodging and sightseeing falls under your definition of “work,” the fully planned and professionally guided “Tropical Costa Rica” vacation package — a perennially popular escorted getaway from AAA Member Choice Vacations® — is for you! All you have to do is pick an available departure (there are many throughout the year) and pack your bags! Begin in San Jose, the colorful capital, and travel through verdant Central Valley to the Doka Coffee Estate and learn about this lifeblood of Costa Rica's economy. Sip samples before heading to Tamarindo Beach in Guanacaste, a Pacific-side region known for breathtaking scenery and beaches; rest and relax amid tropical greenery for 2 nights. An optional cruise along Guanacaste’s coastline (glimpsing dolphins, turtles, flying fish and maybe even a whale) is available; stop at a charming bay for snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, sunbathing or beachcombing. Ascend into the Monteverde Cloud Forest, with trees as high as 100 feet and the largest number of orchids in the world. It’s also a stop for many migratory birds; look for the elusive jeweltoned quetzal in season.

The size of Vermont and New Hampshire, Costa Rica boasts an immense variety of landscapes, climate zones and life-forms; it’s estimated that as much as 6% of the world’s species flourish here — from enormous ficus trees to 1,500 different orchids, from elusive margays to showy macaws. Monkeys, sloths, wild cats and other fascinating creatures co-exist with an amazing assortment of birds (800+ species), both migratory and resident. Seeing that flora and fauna — as well as the nation’s gorgeous beaches and its volcano-and-rainforest-dotted interior — is what a Costa Rica getaway is about. AAA and Pleasant Holidays have any number of ways for you to enjoy all that natural beauty, including the 3 resorts showcased here. The all-inclusive and adults-only Secrets Papagayo Resort on stunning Papagayo Peninsula in Guanacaste is a short drive from Liberia International Airport but seems a million miles away. Set on a serene beachfront and surrounded by lush tropical gardens, it offers Unlimited-Luxury® — limitless access to gourmet à la carte dining options (no reservations required); unlimited international & domestic top-shelf spirits; unlimited juices & soft drinks; 24-hour room & concierge services; pool & beach wait service; mini-bar Secrets Papagayo (all-inclusive) Secrets Papagayo (all-inclusive) (refreshed daily); daily maid service; daytime activities and live nightly entertainment; theme parties, oceanfront bars & entertainTabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort ment venues; no wristbands; taxes/ gratuities included; free Wi-Fi and calls to the US. Tabacón Grand The Westin Golf Resort & Spa, The Westin Golf Resort & Spa, Spa Thermal RePlaya Conchal (all-inclusive) Playa Conchal (all-inclusive) sort is a carbonneutral resort set at the base of Arenal Volcano and is a

continued on next page

For new “Tropical Costa Rica” bookings made by June 30, 2016: AAA East Central Offer for all 2016 departures

continued on next page

$50.00 savings per person

AAA Vacations® Member Benefits for all 2016 & 2017 departures $25.00 savings per person • $75.00 credit per person toward an optional tour ($100.00 credit per person for 2 or more tours)

AAA Member Choice Vacations® Offer for select 2017 departures $100.00 savings per person on...

Jan 7, 16, 21, 30 •

April 3, 27

MENTION CODE 65ZMG. RESTRICTIONS APPLY; ASK A AAA TRAVEL AGENT FOR DETAILS.

For new Costa Rica resort bookings made with Pleasant Holidays by June 30, 2016, for travel by Dec 31, 2016: Pleasant Holidays Offer for all 2016 stays of 3 or more nights $50.00 savings per room, double occupancy

AAA Member Benefit for all 2016 stays $50.00 voucher per person toward the booking of select activities

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AAA TRAVELER

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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Enjoy Costa Rica YOUR way with AAA continued from previous page

continued from previous page

Resident mammals include marsupials, bats, primates, wild cats, wild pigs and others. Venture into a butterfly garden at Selvatura Park; a nearby gallery hosts more than 100 hummingbirds. Walk on “hanging bridges” in the cloud forest treetops. Crave more excitement? Choose an available option to fly through nature on a 3-hour Rainforest Canopy Zip Line Adventure. You’ll be safely guided to 19 platforms along 12 cables ranging from 120 to more than 2,000 feet in length and 60 to 400 feet in height. Visit a tree nursery to learn about indigenous-tree reforestation efforts. At Tierras Morenas, visit a school, meet students and learn about the educational system and life-style of a small farming community. At Arenal, cruise on a lake of the same name by a volcano of the same name. Spend 2 nights at a lodge in sight of the volcano, which has spewn lava for 30 years. Enjoy a cooking demonstration and learn how native exotic vegetables and other plants contribute to the unique local cuisine. Remote Cano Negro nature preserve boasts a large viewable selection of wildlife. Embark on a covered-canoe river excursion; stop to watch crocodiles, otters, sloths, turtles, birds and butterflies. The Arenal Volcano area is also a land of spas and hot springs, where you can opt for an available pampering — a 2-hour session at Arenal Springs Hotel’s spa. Travel to charming Zarcero’s whimsical topiary garden. At picturesque Grecia, see an unusual church made of brick-red metal panes. Visit San Jose’s colorful Plaza de Cultura and magnificent National Theater. Cap it all off with a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers and newfound amigos.

tropical paradise of nature, adventure and relaxation. Rejuvenate in thermal springs that emerge directly from the volcano (gravity only, no pumps!), cascading to form waterfalls and inviting tranquil pools. Tabacón offers the energy of the Arenal Volcano, the heat of the Tabacón Hot Springs and the purity and mystique of the surrounding rainforest. The combination of volume, temperature and mineral content at Tabacón is unique in Costa Rica and worldwide. Its thermal natural springs are 97% rain-based and 3% magma-based; rainwater enters through surface fissures, is heated by magma and then resurfaces, containing minerals found in the earth’s rocky stratus. The all-inclusive Westin Golf Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal, is set on 2,400 acres and offers everything you need to revitalize and thrive. Nestled between lush forests and the sparkling azure Pacific, the hotel offers a lagoon-style pool, gardens, tennis courts, a championship golf course, the Westin Kids Club®, fine dining, workout facilities, a spa and much more. Savor richly appointed accommodations with the signature Heavenly Bed® and Heavenly Bath®. Unwind on a luxurious Bali bed by the pool, treat yourself to world-class cuisine or indulge your adventurous side at a nearby national park. Pleasant Holidays offers at least 40 fantastic resort options in Costa Rica. Visit or contact AAA travel agents to find the resort that’s perfect for you; they can help you determine where & when to go, how long you want to stay, what to see and so much more. They can also assist you with flights, cruises, car rentals, travel insurance, etc.

“TROPICAL COSTA RICA” DEPARTURES ARE AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT 2016 & 2017; ONLY SELECT DATES (JAN 7, 16, 21, 30; APRIL 3, 27) ARE ELEGIBLE FOR THE JUNE 1-30 $100.00 OFFER.

MANY OTHER RESORTS ARE AVAILABLE. ASK A AAA TRAVEL AGENT ABOUT SPECIAL OFFERS AND PROMOTIONS THAT MAY BE AVAILABLE.

Get up to $100.00 in perks!

NOW’S THE TIME!

Book & make a deposit by JUNE 30 on a 2016 7-night-or-longer air-inclusive Pleasant Holidays vacation to HAWAII, MEXICO or the CARIBBEAN and enjoy:

$50 SAVINGS FROM AAA TRAVEL per room, based on double occupancy • new bookings June 1-30, 2016

PLUS

SIVE THIS EXCLU NEFIT! E MEMBER B

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

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

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

AAA TRAVELER

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

California New Year' s Getaway features the Tournament of Roses!

ATURE

AAA Member Rate: $4,395

Dec 30–Jan 5 •

Before-discount 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 participation goal is met). Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

Save $100

come dinner at LA Prime on the 35th floor of your hotel. Day 2 features glitzy Rodeo Drive and star-studded Hollywood. See celebrity signatures at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and 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 tour; be alert for star sightings! Afterward, explore LA on your own. Attend a New Year’s Eve party in Long Beach on the Queen Mary; dine, dance and bid farewell to 2016 in grand style. On Day 3, visit LA’s historic Farmers Market, the Disney Concert Hall, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels and LA Live. Stop at Olvera Street, original heart of the Mexican community. Drive the Pacific Coast Highway through exclusive Malibu to Santa Monica. Finish the day with time to explore more of LA. 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 world-famous San Diego Zoo on a doubledecker bus. On Day 6, visit the USS Midway Museum, the longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century. Travel to a winery for a private tour & tasting, followed by a sunset dinner cruise on San Diego Bay. FE

From the Queen Mary to a Grand Marshal, from roses on noisemakers and fireworks! Watch the Roses parade from a floats to a replica of the White House Rose Garden, this extremeprime location and sitting on comfy cushions in the grandstand. ly popular trip provides a festive and historical range of venues But that’s not the end of this incredible trip: Motor to Santa Monand celebrations, with the glitz of Hollywood no less. Year after ica to stroll the pier on the way to San Diego for a 2-night stay year, passengers marvel during our adventure about the cool, with sightseeing and an evening cruise that caps off a memocasual California way to celebrate the New Year. rable holiday. This 6-night tour is an energetic anticipation leading up Here’s a rundown of this fun-packed holiday getaway: Fly to LA and start at Simi Valley’s Reagan Presito the “granddaddy of them all” parade (Tournament dential Library; see an Oval Office replica, Air of Roses), with a visit to Tinsel Town and its captivating glamour, a visit to Santa Monica, a scenic Force One and a re-created state dinner. Get drive along the coast with mile after incredible acquainted with fellow travelers at a welper room mile of blue Pacific Ocean waters and dazzling beaches, on the way to a stay in San Diego feawhen you turing even more US history — a visit to the book & deposit USS Midway aircraft carrier — and an elegant by June 30! dinner cruise through the harbor. This is a great way to escape winter weather back home...and a great opportunity to ring in the new year in a unique way. From start to finish, our travelers become great companions as they experience LA in style, with a stay at a luxurious downtown hotel and sightseeing the city, Warner Brothers Studio and homes of America’s favorite stars. A trip to the Reagan Presidential Library is exceptionally memorable, with an opportunity to board Air Force One and Marine One with a photo op. Welcome the New Year on the Queen Mary with Champagne,

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German Christmas Markets — one of our most popular tours! Experience fun and flavorful Old World holiday-season traditions! 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 Augsburg (a university town) to explore its holiday market. Return to Munich for a brewery tour/tasting and a farewell dinner at the famous Hofbräuhaus.

AAA Member Rate: $3,675

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Nov 30–Dec 8 •

Before-discount 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 participation goal is met). Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Passport required.

per room when you book & deposit by June 30!

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

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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

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& DROMOLAND CASTLE

HERITAGE

IRISH

$ 50

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“You’ll never plough a field if you only turn it over in your mind”; and, in keeping with this Irish proverb, you’ll never appreciate the actual beauty, charm and fun of the Emerald Isle if you only dream about it. Let AAA help you bring that dream to life on its “Irish Heritage & Dromoland Castle” escorted tour.

SPECIAL INCLUSION

DROMOLAND CASTLE Enjoy a farewell dinner at this elegant and luxurious fairytale castle hotel!

Limerick • Bunratty Castle: medieval banquet • Cliffs of Moher • Foynes Flying Boat Museum • Killarney National Park • Ring of Kerry • Valentia Island: Skellig Experience • Sneem • Moll’s Gap • Blarney: Castle, Woollen Mills • Cobh • Waterford • Wicklow Mountains • Dublin • Irish National Stud • Dromoland Castle

Oct 2-10 •

AAA Member Rate: $1,938

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, 13 meals (including medieval castle banquet/entertainment, Kileen House in Killarney, Merry Ploughboy Pub dinner/entertainment, Dromoland Castle farewell dinner, 2 table d'hôte dinners and more), motorcoach sightseeing, hotel service charges & luggage handling (1 bag per person) and professional tour director in Ireland. Ask about available add-on airfare. Passport required. Tour operated by CIE International. Visit AAA.com/GoIreland for itinerary and more information.

Who doesn’t like being “carded”? Get a $50.00 Disney Gift Card (per room, double occupancy) from AAA Travel when you book & make a deposit on a 5-night or longer Walt Disney World® Resort vacation package between June 1 & 30.

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

JUNE 2016

AAA TRAVELER

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

FEATURED VACATIONS

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.

Look for the FEATURED VACATIONS logo to identify out-of-the-ordinary offerings... and be sure to visit AAA.com/FeaturedVacations to see the latest offerings.

SAN FRANCISCO FLEET WEEK

Oct 6-10 • $2,769

Discover the pleasures of the City by the Bay and enjoy excursions to Muir Woods, Sausalito, the Marin Headlands, Treasure Island and the vineyards of Napa Valley. Enjoy ample free time in San Francisco to explore on your own and to participate in the Fleet Week festivities — interact with sailors; tour amphibious carriers, destroyers and cruisers on the waterfront; and visit the festival center on Marina Green. Board a sternwheeler for a luncheon cruise during the Fleet Week Air Show featuring the Blue Angels! Includes services of a AAA Tour Manager (upon arrival at destination, if participation goal is met). 7 meals.

Celebrate the National Park Service’s 100-year birthday! “MIGHTY 5 & MORE” Oct 18-26 • $3,845

Tour some of the America’s best parks. From Las Vegas, travel past Lake Mead and Hoover Dam, visit the Rt 66 Museum and marvel at the Grand Canyon. Enter Navajo Nation; stop at a trading post. See Lake Powell and Antelope Canyon. Cruise on Lake Powell and tour Monument Valley by 4WD. Experience Navajo culture. Explore Utah’s “Mighty 5” See natural arches in Arches NP. Dine at a lodge on the Colorado. A Jeep® tour of Canyonlands NP reveals its beauty. Ride a jet boat on the Colorado. © pngstudio / Fotolia.com See petroglyphs at Capitol Reef NP, the fairyland hues of Bryce Canyon NP and the 2,000-foot-high stone towers of Zion NP. Includes services of a AAA Tour Manager (upon arrival at destination, if participation goal is met). 16 meals.

REFLECTIONS OF ITALY

Nov 7-16 • from $4,149

SAN ANTONIO HOLIDAY

Dec 12-16 • from $1,899

Featured Vacations: Near or far, always a great value!

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are specific cruise, motorcoach or air tour vacations created or selected by AAA Travel for their value, amenities and/or inclusions.

ATURE

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 ____________________________________________________________

JUNE 2016

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Live la dolce vita! Revel in the magic of Italy on this comprehensive 10-day tour that explores the fascinating cities of Rome, Florence, Siena, Venice, Assisi, Perugia and Milan. Travel the postcard-perfect Tuscan and Umbrian countryside, exploring medieval hill towns and visiting the birthplace of St Francis of Assisi. Discover masterpieces of the Renaissance in Florence and see hot glass transformed into exquisite art on Murano Island. Linger in Venice for 2 nights before ending your journey in Milan. Includes professional guide in Italy. 13 meals. Passport required. Ask about other departure dates. This vibrant and inviting Texas city has been called the American Venice; its lovely River Walk meanders through downtown, glowing with Christmas lights and decorations. Soak up the spirit of the season and experience the Tex-Mex take on the holidays. You’ll also visit the Alamo, Mission San Jose, Bandera (“Cowboy Capital of the World”), the LBJ Ranch, German-flavored Fredericksburg (the heart of Texas Hill Country), Sandy Oaks Olive Orchard (site of your spectacular farewell dinner with local wines) and El Mercado (Mexican-style marketplace). Enjoy a traditional cowboy barbecue at a dude ranch! 6 meals. Ask about other departure dates.

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, meals as noted, hotel luggage handling (1 bag per person), sightseeing per itinerary and more. Visit AAA.com/FeaturedVacations for more information. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

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4+ nights at any of 4 top-rated luxury properties

Photo: Banff Lake Louise Tourism /Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Tired of “typical”? Here’s a unique off-season vacation — a getaway to a stunning corner of Canada transformed into a wonderland of white-frosted evergreens and crystal-blue skies. From Edmonton to Calgary, discover the wonders of Alberta — towering snow-clad peaks of the Canadian Rockies, spectacular Maligne Canyon in Jasper National Park, Icefields Parkway, postcard-perfect Lake Louise and the alpine resort town of Banff. Partake in activities and experiences designed to enlighten and create memories — from dog-sledding to ice-walking or snowshoeing to horse-drawn-sleigh riding. Savor a native peoples– themed dinner to find out what a meal was like centuries ago. Learn about ammolite, a rare opal-like gemstone found only in southern Alberta. Marvel at the Ice Magic Festival, where artisans carve sculptures from huge blocks of ice. Stay comfortable and cozy in style and luxury, including 2 nights at Château Lake Louise and 1 at Banff Springs Resort, both originally built as Canadian Pacific Railway hotels. You’ll also enjoy a night in Edmonton and 2 nights in Jasper.

Jan 9-15 • AAA Member Rate: from $3,214 Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes flights (Louisville-Edmonton, Calgary-Louisville), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, hotel luggage handling (1 bag per person) and 8 meals. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Passport required.

a top drive destination of AAA East Central members

BEACHFRONT CONDO-HOTELS

mbrace dazzling natural beauty and distinct experiences during this under-appreciated but oh-so-cool season

CANADA’S WINTER WONDERLAND! MYRTLE BEACH E VA

Photo: Banff Lake Louise Tourism /Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

BRAND-NEW TOUR!

Ice-walk or snowshoe at Maligne Canyon See eye-popping, jaw-dropping sculptures at the Lake Louise Ice Magic Festival Visit with a rare-gem specialist Marvel at snowy scenery along the Bow River Feel like royalty at the Fairmont Banff Springs, the iconic“Castle in the Rockies” Traverse the Icefields Parkway Stay at spectacular Château Lake Louise Enjoy the unforgettable panoramic journey from Edmonton to Jasper Savor an authentic “First Nations” dinner Sip cocoa and roast marshmallows around a blazing fire in Banff Special Inclusion: Ride in a sled drawn by Alaskan Huskies thrilled to be on the trail!

North Beach Plantation®  The Caribbean Resort & Villas  Compass Cove® Oceanfront Resort  The Breakers Resort 

AAA GUARANTEES THE BEST AVAILABLE RATES! GAS CARD OF UP TO $100 AND 2 AAA BEACH TOWELS FREE when you book & make a deposit June 1-30 on a stay of 4 nights or longer

1 card, 2 towels per booking. Based on stays between 5/21/16 — 9/10/16. Restrictions apply.

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS Condo space AND hotel amenities

You don’t live in one room at home; why live that way on vacation? Condo-hotels, among travel’s best-kept secrets, combine the spaciousness of condos and the amenities of hotels. They feature 2 to 5 bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, full kitchens, washers & dryers, dining areas, common living areas, balconies and numerous TVs. Enjoy the flexibility of eating meals or snacks at anytime and watching a variety of TV shows by different family members in different rooms. You get the 24/7 security of high-rise buildings with lobby checkin and amenities such as maid service, Wi-Fi and on-premises maintenance. Choose from 4 beachfront properties perfect for small or large families, multigenerational families (kids, parents and grandparents) and friends/neighbors vacationing together. Summer’s coming — call now!

LIMITED AVAILABILITY: Call the number below now for rates & dates.

AVAILABLE ONLY BY CALLING AAA AT 1-800-354-8761

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

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

JUNE 1-30: GET MORE THAN THE BEST PRICE ON A CRUISE...GET THE BEST VALUE (RATE, AMENITIES & A GIFT)! Between June 1 & 30, visit or call AAA Travel to book AAA Vacations®–branded cruises of 7 nights or longer and get...

•

the best cruise-only rates in the travel industry

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June 1-30

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exclusive value-added AAA Vacations® amenities that can include VIP Priority Check-in...24/7 Member Care throughout your cruise...up to $475.00 onboard spend ing credit per stateroom (good toward the purchase of goods & services such as spa treatments, premium beverages, etc)...up to $100.00 savings per person...and others

GUARANTEEBDLE BEST AVAILA CRUISE PRICES or you get a

CARD $100 VISA GIFT from l* AAA East Centra

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a free gift (1 per stateroom) exclusively from AAA East Central: Fitbit® Flex™ activity & sleep wristband (retail value $99.95) for oceanview staterooms Fitbit® Charge HR™ heart rate & fitness wristband (retail value $149.95) for balcony staterooms Fitbit® Blaze™ smart fitness watch (retail value $199.95) for suites

Cruises listed here represent only a sampling of the many others available. Visit a AAA office or AAA.com/cruises. SHIP

DATE

NTS

EMBARKATION/DEBARKATION

ONBOARD CREDIT PP

OTHER AMENITIES/BENEFITS

Roundtrip from Civitavecchia Roundtrip from Cape Liberty Vancouver to Tokyo San Diego to Fort Lauderdale Roundtrip from Miami

$100 $50 $100 $100 $100

Priority check-in Priority check-in Priority check-in Priority check-in Priority check-in

Roundtrip from Civitavecchia Roundtrip from San Juan Roundtrip from Boston Roundtrip from Bayonne Roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale

$50 $50 $50 $100 $50

Priority check-in • Champagne in cabin during cruise Priority check-in • Champagne in cabin during cruise Priority check-in • Champagne in cabin during cruise Priority check-in • Champagne in cabin during cruise Priority check-in • Champagne in cabin during cruise Dinner for 2 at a specialty restaurant

Mexico Hawaiian Islands Pacific Coast Eastbound Panama Canal Eastern Caribbean

Roundtrip from San Francisco Roundtrip from Los Angeles Roundtrip from Vancouver Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale Roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale

$50 $75 $50 $75 $50

Preferred check-in on day of boarding • Preferred check-in on day of boarding • Preferred check-in on day of boarding • Preferred check-in on day of boarding • Preferred check-in on day of boarding •

Canada & New England Alaska: Glacier Discovery Northbound Mediterranean Rivieras South America Passage Southern Caribbean

Boston to Montreal Vancouver to Seward Barcelona to Civitavecchia Valparaiso to Buenos Aires Roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale

Westbound Transatlantic Europe: Ancient Treasures Caribbean Heart of the Caribbean

Barcelona to New York Roundtrip from Barcelona Roundtrip from Miami Roundtrip from Miami

$200 $200 $200 $200

Premium wine tasting event plus bottle of wine from tasting menu Premium wine tasting event plus bottle of wine from tasting menu Premium wine tasting event plus bottle of wine from tasting menu Premium wine tasting event plus bottle of wine from tasting menu

Westbound Transatlantic Eastbound Transatlantic Italy & France Caribbean Celebration

Southampton to New York New York to Southampton Roundtrip from Civitavecchia Roundtrip from New York

up to $400 up to $400 up to $400 up to $400

Enhanced afternoon tea service • Enhanced afternoon tea service • Enhanced afternoon tea service • Enhanced afternoon tea service •

Eastern Mediterranean Eastern Caribbean Eastern Caribbean

Roundtrip from Venice Miami to San Juan San Juan to Miami

$100 $100 $100

Chef’s Table dinner (6-course meal with wine pairing) Chef’s Table dinner (6-course meal with wine pairing) Chef’s Table dinner (6-course meal with wine pairing)

Europe: The Romantic Danube

Vilshofen to Budapest

$75

$100 discount per person (passengers 1 & 2) $150 exclusive member benefit per person (total $500 discount per cabin) $100 discount per person (passengers 1 & 2) $150 exclusive member benefit per person (total $500 discount per cabin) $100 discount per person (passengers 1 & 2) $150 exclusive member benefit per person (total $500 discount per cabin)

ITINERARY

CELEBRITY CRUISES Reflection 8/8 11 Eastern Mediterranean Summit 8/14 7 Bermuda Millennium 9/2 15 Westbound Transpacific Infinity 9/18 15 Eastbound Panama Canal Eclipse 12/21 12 Southern Caribbean ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL Harmony of the Seas 8/18 7 Western Mediterranean Adventure of the Seas 10/8 8 Southern Caribbean Serenade of the Seas 10/9 7 Canada & New England Anthem of the Seas 11/10 10 Eastern Caribbean Harmony of the Seas 12/24 7 Eastern Caribbean

PRINCESS CRUISES Grand 9/18 7 Crown 10/5 15 Star 10/9 10 Island 12/5 15 Royal 12/20 10 HOLLAND AMERICA LINE Veendam 9/3 7 Zaandam 9/11 7 Oosterdam 10/22 12 Zaandam 10/25 14 Koningsdam 12/4 10 OCEANIA CRUISES Sirena 10/4 14 Riviera 10/16 10 Regatta 11/5 12 Riviera 12/5 10 CUNARD LINE Queen Mary 9/1 7 Queen Mary 10/11 7 Queen Victoria 10/15 7 Queen Mary 12/22 12 AZAMARA CLUB CRUISES Journey 9/9 7 Quest 12/19 8 Quest 12/27 8 AMAWATERWAYS AmaSerena 11/20 7 12/8

Europe: Christmas Time Cruise

Budapest to Nuremberg

$75

AmaDara

12/19

Vietnam, Cambodia

Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City

$75

River Countess

10/28

Maria Theresa

12/15

Lisbon to Porto

*See the exact same cruise-only itinerary on the same cruise line at a lower rate elsewhere? AAA will match or beat it; if not, you get a $100.00 Visa gift card. Restrictions apply; consult an agent for details. Valid June 1-30, 2016.

exclusive wine tasting w sommelier exclusive wine tasting w sommelier exclusive wine tasting w sommelier exclusive wine tasting w sommelier exclusive wine tasting w sommelier

Pinnacle Grill dinner • Exclusive culinary event • HAL cookbook Pinnacle Grill dinner • Exclusive culinary event • HAL cookbook Pinnacle Grill dinner • Exclusive culinary event • HAL cookbook Pinnacle Grill & Canaletto dinners • Exclusive culinary event • HAL cookbook Pinnacle Grill dinner • exclusive culinary event • HAL cookbook

AmaViola

UNIWORLD BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISE COLLECTION Queen Isabel 10/20 10 Portugal, Spain & Douro Valley

PUTTING OUR MONEY WHERE OUR MOUTH IS

complimentary Kings Court or Lido dining complimentary Kings Court or Lido dining complimentary Kings Court or Lido dining complimentary Kings Court or Lido dining

Airport-to-hotel & hotel-to-ship transfers Complimentary pre-night hotel including breakfast $125 exclusive member benefit per person (total $250 discount per cabin) Splendors of Italy Milan to Rome Airport-to-hotel & hotel-to-ship Complimentary pre-night hotel including breakfast $250 exclusive member benefit per person (total $500 discount per cabin) European Holiday Markets Vienna to Nuremberg Airport to hotel & hotel to ship transfers Complimentary pre-night hotel including breakfast $125 exclusive member benefit per person (total $250 discount per cabin) RESTRICTIONS APPLY. CONSULT WITH A AAA TRAVEL AGENT FOR DETAILS.

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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

AAA.com

Research & book travel arrangements from the comfort of your home – 24/7. TRAVEL WITH SOMEONE YOU TRUST.®

Kentucky Bourbon Trail: July 16 AAA Member Rate: $110

Visit historic Four Roses Distillery on scenic Salt River in Lawrenceburg. Learn the secret to making award-winning bourbon, followed by a sample taste that’s sure to please. Enjoy a visit to Old Kentucky Chocolates in nearby Lexington, then on to lunch at Addie’s at the Woodford Inn, known for its homemade Southern fare. Later, visit Buffalo Trace Distillery, makers of fine bourbon for more than 200 years. Tour the distillery and, of course, another tasting will definitely top off a very pleasant and interesting day! 1 meal.

DaVinci – The Genius: Aug 20 AAA Member Rate: $125

The beautiful Cincinnati Museum Center awaits your visit to the fascinating DaVinci – The Genius exhibit. This is the

PHOTO: Grande Exhibitions

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

AAA’s car-free, carefree adventures!

Look for the FEATURED VACATIONS logo to identify out-of-the-ordinary offerings... and be sure to visit AAA.com/FeaturedVacations to see the latest offerings.

FLIGHTS RENTAL CARS HOTELS

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Linking you & your next vacation!

are specific cruise, motorcoach or air tour vacations created or selected by AAA Travel for their value, amenities and/or inclusions.

ATURE

FEATURED VACATIONS

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most comprehensive exhibition on Leonardo DaVinci to tour the world. The exhibit features 17 themed galleries with more than 200 pieces, including life-size reproductions of more than 70 machine inventions, educational animations of DaVinci’s most notable works. Don’t miss an eyeopening, animated, in-depth look at his most famous work of art, the “Mona Lisa.” Lunch is included at Pompilio’s Restaurant in Newport, followed by a fun visit to the Newport Aquarium. 1 meal.

Saints & Sinners: Sept 17 AAA Member Rate: $105

This early-fall tour includes historic Maker’s Mark Distillery; enjoy a tour and a tasting. The distillery, producer of the iconic red-wax-sealed bottles, is surrounded by natural beauty. Next, tour Bardstown’s magnificent Basilica of St Joseph Proto-Cathedral, begun in 1816; it’s the former cathedral mother church of the former Roman Catholic Diocese of Bardstown. Enjoy lunch on your own and free time to experience the Bardstown Bourbon Festival. Listen to some bluegrass and stroll through streets lined by hundreds of vendors. Top the day off with a visit to the Four Roses Bottling Plant for a sample of this famous brand and a visit to its gift shop; it’s a very pleasant way to end a wonderful day along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

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

JUNE 2016

AAA TRAVELER

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Lower gas prices fueling more family road trips National parks, cruises and theme parks among top choices

amilies across the country are eagerly awaiting the end of the school year and the beginning of summer. Millions of travelers are getting ready to visit their favorite beach destinations, theme parks, or foreign countries. According to a recent AAA survey, more than one-third of Americans (35 percent) are planning to take a family vacation of 50 miles or more away from home involving two or more immediate family members in the next 12 months. Of this group, fifty-five percent of Americans say they are more likely to take a road trip this year due to lower gas prices. Road trips (69 percent), national parks (49 percent) and theme parks (42 percent) are the most popular types of vacations for families planning to travel. Vacations to international destinations (26 percent) and cruises (19 percent) round out the top five most popular vacation options for traveling families. Two-thirds of Americans say spending quality time as a family is the most important part of taking a family vacation. Whether it’s a cross-country road trip or a dream vacation to a far-off destination, travel offers busy families an excellent opportunity to share experiences and connect with each other in meaningful ways. AAA Travel experts offer tips for families planning vacations this year: • Road Trips: AAA recommends travelers map out a route in advance to

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trips to international destinations this year. The current strength of the dollar makes international travel especially affordable right now and Americans will get more for their money when visiting destinations around the world. Cruises: Cruise vacations offer a variety of activities for all ages, plus children’s programs that give parents a chance to relax and unwind. Approximately 24 million vacationers are expected to cruise the world’s waterways in 2016, one million more than last year. Experienced travel agents can help first-time cruisers identify the cruise line, ship and itinerary that best suits their family.

IF YOU GO

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make the most of their road trip. Drivers should plan frequent stops, about every 100 miles or two hours, to remain alert. Tools such as AAA’s TripTik Travel Planner, in desktop and app versions, can help families find AAA Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants, gas prices and plan fun stops along the way. National Parks: The National Park Service celebrates its centennial anniversary in 2016, making it a great year for travelers to discover the parks. The most popular national parks, such as Great Smoky Mountains, Grand •

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Canyon and Yosemite, may reach capacity during peak travel times, so plan ahead. For families traveling on a budget, national parks are waiving entrance fees this year Aug. 25-28, Sept. 24 and Nov. 11. Theme Parks: Theme parks are a perennial family favorite and for those with flexible travel schedules, September is a great time to visit theme parks, when travelers can experience lighter crowds and shorter lines. International destinations: Favorable exchange rates and discounted pricing are helping many families plan

Download the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android before you go. Use it to map a route, find the lowest gas prices, access exclusive member discounts, find more than 58,000 AAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants, request AAA roadside assistance and more. For in-person travel planning, seek the expert advice of a trusted AAA travel advisor, who can provide personalized service and first hand destination knowledge to create a memorable family vacation. For more information and to begin planning a vacation, visit AAA.com/Travel.

Teens know the dangers but still text and drive Many consider social media use less risky than texting

hat happens when teens sit around a table discussing their driving habits? Specifically, a group of 16- to 18-year-olds, all of whom had been driving for a year or less. They were talking about distracted driving as part of a new study by the University of Pennsylvania and researchers found some surprising results. “Teens think about what they do behind the wheel in very different ways than we think about teens behind the wheel,” notes Lynn Sommers, the Lillian S. Brunner Professor of Medical-Surgical Nursing at Penn Nursing. “To hear what they had to say was enlightening.” Sommers conducted the study with Catherine McDonald, assistant professor in the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Nursing and in the Perelman School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics. They published their findings in the journal Traffic Injury Prevention last October. Their ultimate goal is to develop an intervention to keep teens safe on the roadways. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, car crashes kill more teens each year than anything else. Before McDonald and Sommers could generate a solution, they first had to understand the teenagers’ perspective.

A DANGEROUS DISTINCTION — Not every teen’s definition of “texting while driving” is the same. Two central points emerged: Cellphone use and passengers. Across the board, the teens said they understood the dangers of texting while driving, but they still engaged in the behaviors. Some teens said they didn’t do it — until the researchers dug a little deeper and found out what that really meant. “The definition of ‘texting while driving’ is not the same for everyone,”

McDonald said. “For example, in their responses the teens would indicate that they didn’t text and drive, but then later would say something like, ‘At a red light, I’ll check my phone.’” The teens also differentiated between texting and social media use; checking Twitter, for example, wasn’t texting while driving. Neither was taking a passenger’s picture. Context mattered, too,

McDonald said. “Whoever was involved on the other side of that communication was relevant to whether they texted or talked or did neither,” she said. For instance, a significant other or parent often yielded an urgent response, but a random friend did not. A question connected to the person the driver was meeting; more frequently got a reply than did an unrelated query. When it came to questions about passengers as distractors, McDonald said many teens balked at the very idea, until they discussed it among themselves. “We know that peer passengers greatly increase the risk for fatal crashes among teen drivers,” she said. “Relative risk climbs with number,” said Sommers. “If you go from one passenger to two, you can just see the risk increase. That’s clear.”

AUTO CLUB DRIVING SCHOOLS, INC.

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

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Find your green machine with the AAA Green Car Guide It’s easy being green at AAA.com/greencar

ooking for the latest information on fuel-efficient vehicles and low-emission technology? Look no further then the 2016 AAA Green Car Guide. Produced by the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center (ARC), the sixth annual edition reviewed over 80 battery electric vehicles, compressed natural gas-powered (CNG) vehicles, clean diesels, hybrids, partial zero emission vehicles (PZEVs), and vehicles with high fuel economy. This year’s Top AAA Green Car is the 2015 Tesla Model S 70D. “The Tesla has a 240-mile range, room for five, excellent power and steering, and fast charge capability,” said John Nielsen, AAA’s managing director of Automotive Engineering and Repair. “Add sleek styling, great acceleration and an air of sophistication that separates it from other alternative-fuel vehicles and you see why the Model S 70D was our top vehicle this year.” AAA’s top three green vehicles were all electrics, with the BMW i3 and Volkswagen e-Golf SEL Premium rounding out the top three. “The research center’s evaluators divided the vehicles into six categories, crunched the numbers, and identified winners in each category,” added Nielsen. “They also recognized winners by price,” he said. “The Tesla took three awards — Best Green Car over $50,000,

ALL CHARGED UP — The 2015 Tesla Model S 70D is AAA’s top-rated Green Car. James Lipman photo courtesy Tesla Motors. the large car category winner and the AAA Top Green Car. In other categories, the best green car under $30,000 was the Mazda 3S Grand Touring, and the best green pickup is the Ford F-150 Supercab Lariat.” “Today car shoppers can choose high-quality, zero-to-low-emission vehicles in a growing selection of body

Five tips for a smooth car rental

unshine and warm temperatures offer the promise of the open road and adventure around every bend. As travelers prepare for their summer vacations, they should consider the following car rental/travel tips from Hertz when making their plans: • Reserve your car well in advance particularly during the high season. Booking several weeks before departure will help you secure the right vehicle and the best deals. With exclusive AAA members-only discounts and benefits the Hertz system will automatically assign the best rate available within the chosen channel of distribution at the time of reservation. • Streamline your pick-up. Spend less time at the car rental counter and more time enjoying your trip. AAA members can sign up for a free Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® membership, and avoid the paper work at the counter altogether. Just show your license and pick-up your keys at the designated Gold counters, or bypass the counter completely at many airport locations. Enjoy expedited drop-off with eReturn. Members also earn Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® Points for every qualifying U.S. dollar spent on Hertz rentals and optional services. •

•

Select the right car. The number of passengers, amount of luggage, the distance you intend to travel, the kind of roads you’ll be driving on, parking options and climate should all be considered. Hertz offers a broad range of vehicle options including their exclusive Fun, Green, Family, Prestige and Dream Collections. Check on policies regarding mileage and fuel. Unlimited mileage allows the greatest flexibility, and is a good idea if you drive long distances. Exclusive Hertz AAA member benefits include free unlimited mileage on most rentals. Most rental companies supply vehicles with a full tank of fuel and charge a refueling fee if cars are returned with less than a full tank. Customers can also opt to purchase a tank of gas from Hertz at local prices and eliminate the hassle of rushing around trying to find a gas station. AAA members also receive 10 percent off the Hertz Fuel Purchase Option. Consider the extras. Some of the ways Hertz makes your journey smoother include free use of one child, infant or booster seat, and no charge for an additional driver, if that driver is a AAA member and meets standard rental qualifications.

type and size and price. The AAA Green Car Guide is designed to help give consumers research-based information and tips to find the vehicle that best suits their needs and navigate the green car marketplace with confidence,” said Megan McKernan, manager of the Automotive Research Center. “AAA’s expertise along with the Automobile

Club of Southern California’s nearly half-century of automotive research with alternative-fuel vehicles continues to benefit AAA members and the public today.” A recent AAA member green vehicle survey found that green car issues are important across generations with millennials and non-millennials saying they’d consider buying a green vehicle because of fuel costs and environmental impact. The majority of respondents in the AAA survey also said they are interested in a green vehicle when shopping for a new car and 82 percent stated it was important to understand green technology. To help car buyers and enthusiasts vehicles were grouped into categories according to size, body type and three price ranges. They were scored by the Los Angeles-based Automotive Research Center in real-world evaluations (acceleration, handling, ride comfort, turning, cargo capacity, etc.). The report also contains in-depth information about green technologies, vehicle safety and advanced driver assistance systems.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

To view the Green Car Guide online or to download the .pdf version at no charge visit www.AAA.com/greencar.

Endless Rewards & Unlimited Cash Back

verywhere you go, anywhere you make purchases, you could be earning cash back with the AAA Member Rewards Visa® credit card. Created exclusively for AAA members, this card lets you earn more points and gives you more reward options than any other credit card offer you’ve received from AAA. The AAA Member Rewards card rewards you for every purchase and lets you earn multiple points per dollar on the purchases you make most often.** • 3X points on qualifying AAA and travel purchases; • 2X points on gas, grocery store and drugstore purchases; • 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases. Paying $50 these days to fill up your tank? That’s 100 points. Charge $1,000 in qualifying airfare, and that’s 3,000 points. You can redeem for rewards including unlimited cash back, gift cards, statement credit, air travel with no blackout dates, car rentals and hotel stays in the U.S. The rewards don’t stop there. You can also redeem for exclusive AAA vouchers good toward AAA purchases like travel bookings, membership and theme park tickets, just to name a few. Apply today by visiting any AAA branch or online at AAA.com/creditcard. Carry the card that gets you there. Total Points

Cash Back

Travel Voucher

AAR Voucher

5,000

$50

$60

$55

7,500

$75

$60

$55

10,000

$100

$120

$110

20,000

$200

$250

$220

For information about rates, fees, other costs and benefits associated with the use of this credit card, or to apply, visit AAA.com/ creditcard or any AAA branch and refer to the disclosures accompanying the application. ** Earn 1 point per dollar of new net retail purchase transactions (qualifying purchases less credits, returns, and adjustments) charged to the card each billing cycle. Earn 2 points per dollar for purchases made with the card at any eligible gas, grocery store or pharmacy retail merchant categories as designated by Bank of America. Earn 3 points per dollar for purchases made with the card through any participating AAA Club when AAA is the merchant of record, or at eligible retail travel merchant categories as designated by Bank of America. Points expire five (5) years after the month they were earned. Additional restrictions apply. Please refer to disclosures accompanying application for more details. This credit card program is issued and administered by Bank of America, N.A. Visa and Visa Signature are registered trademarks of Visa International Service Association and are used by the issuer pursuant to license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. ©2016 Bank of America Corporation ©2016 AAA

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It’s time for family fun in Missouri

chool’s out and the kids need a break, which means you need a break. Missouri has plenty of places to pique kids’ curiosity, entertain and inspire them and get their creative juices flowing. Families can get rolling at a theme park, enjoy Mother Nature at its finest, visit the places where history was made and learn about the people who made it. And, if they happen to learn something well, that’s okay, too. Six Flags St. Louis — Find out for yourself who wins the battle of Batman vs. Superman when you experience Batman The Ride and Superman Tower of Power, or join the heroes on the Justice League: Battle for Metropolis adventure. Capes are optional. Saint Louis Zoo — The 90-acre zoo is home to more than 18,000 exotic animals; many are rare and endangered. It’s world-renowned for exhibits like Penguin and Puffin Coast and Sea Lion Sound, but there’s another feature at Saint Louis Zoo that families really enjoy – especially when they’re watching a budget. General admission to the zoo is free! City Museum — Chances are, you’ve never seen anything like this museum in downtown St. Louis. Its unique attractions include five- and ten-story slides, a rooftop Ferris wheel and a wonderful panoramic view of St. Louis from atop the giant dome. Housed in the 600,000 square foot former International Shoe Company, City Museum is the ultimate showcase for repurposed materials: everything that’s found a second life at the museum was found in the city or immediate area. Gateway Arch — At 630-feet tall, the Gateway Arch is the tallest manmade monument in the U.S. Journey to the top for breathtaking views of St. Louis. An ongoing construction project means you can’t access the Museum of Westward Expansion (which is getting an extreme makeover) but don’t miss the adjacent Old Courthouse, one of Missouri’s most historically significant properties. Citygarden — An urban oasis in downtown St. Louis, Citygarden combines art, plants, fountains and architecture. This playful area offers a vibrant blending of lush plantings and sculptures. Forest Park Grand Basin — Located in Forest Park, home to the 1904 World’s Fair, the Grand Basin is lined with classical promenades, eight fountains and can be accessed by paddleboats — a great family-fun experience — from the nearby Boathouse or numerous paths. The St. Louis Art Museum overlooks this gem. One of the largest urban parks in the United States; Forest Park is about 500 acres larger than Central Park in New York City. Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum — The streets of Hannibal, along the Mississippi River in northeast Missouri, served as great inspiration for Samuel Clemens, better known to the world as author Mark Twain. The properties include six historically sig-

nificant buildings; plus two interactive museums whose collections include 15 original Norman Rockwell paintings and a wealth of Twain artifacts. Learn about his work and life, and discover one of the state’s cultural icons. Mark Twain Cave — This cave played a role in five of Twain’s novels, including “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” One of the few lab-

yrinth-style caves in the world, guided tours take you throughout the passages that also served as a hideout for outlaw Jesse James. The Pony Express National Museum — Visitors of all ages can learn about the brave Pony Express riders who crossed the country, from Missouri to California, to relay mail in the early 1860s. The Pony Express Museum in St. Joseph features a large diorama that

depicts the riders’ route to the west. The World’s Largest Toy Museum — You don’t necessarily get to play with the displays at the World’s Largest Toy Museum in Branson, but both you and the kids will be wowed by the sheer volume of toys. The museum boasts a collection of more than 1 million toys, ranging from original Barbie dolls to modern action figures. Toy planes, tractors and classic cars are part of the fun.

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Journey deep beneath the earth at Mammoth Cave Kentucky national park features spectacular rock formations

outh central Kentucky’s Green River valley is home to the world’s longest known cave system. Stephen Bishop, an early guide, called the cave a “grand, gloomy and peculiar place,” but its vast underground cathedrals and chambers have earned its name — Mammoth. Nearly 400 miles of passages of this five-level labyrinth have been explored and so far no end has ever been found. Cave tours have been offered here since 1816, making Mammoth Cave one of North America’s oldest tourist attractions. A visit in the 1800s inspired Jules Verne, to write “A Journey to the Center of the Earth”. The 52,800 acre park was officially designated a national park in 1941, and a World Heritage Site in 1981. Today, visitors can follow a hillside trail down to Mammoth Cave’s most famous entrance retracing a path worn from 200 years of footsteps. Gothic Avenue, one of the cave’s most historically significant passageways, is filled with a multitude candle-written signatures and stone monuments left behind by 19th century sightseers. Visitors can participate in ranger led cave trips and surface walks. The Frozen Niagara Tour is a good choice for people with limited mobility and very small children. A fairyland of gypsum flow-

DOWN BELOW — Ranger-led tour take visitors deep inside the cavern. National Park Service Photo. ers, stalactites stalagmites, and a rock formation resembling a frozen waterfall, it’s the most photographed area of the cavern. Those looking for a real challenge can crawl, squeeze, and wriggle though some of the starkly beautiful, yet physically demanding areas of the cave on the Wild Cave Tour.

The once popular Echo River Tour, which took visitors on a boat trip along an extensive underground river system, was discontinued in the 1990s, due to environmental concerns. Throughout the 19th and early 20th century African Americans played a vital role in the development of cave tour routes and the visitor experience.

Stephen Bishop, who was brought to the cave as a slave in 1838, was one of the cave’s most intrepid explorers. Bishop ventured deep into areas of the cave no human had ever laid eyes on, including Bottomless Pit, Mammoth Dome and a deep vertical shaft known as Fat Man’s Misery. There’s plenty to see above ground as well. Wildlife ranges from the pygmy shrew — one of the smallest mammals on earth by weight, to white-tailed deer. Bats, who once inhabited the cave by the millions, have seen their numbers decimated by white nose syndrome. Visitors can hike, boat, cycle or ride horseback on the park’s 80 miles of trails. The area around the Visitor Center offers 7.2 miles of hiking trails that wander under a canopy of oak and hickory and more than 1200 species of flowering plants. Visitors can venture from ridge top to river, sinkholes and springs, old guide’s cemeteries and towering overlooks. The River Styx Spring Trail, near the Historic Entrance, follows the passage of a bubbling subterranean spring to the Green River. FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please see this month’s Departure’s Guide or log on to AAA.com for great vacation ideas from AAA Travel.

aroundtown KENTUCKY RENAISSANCE FAIR — (June 4-July 10) Party like it’s 1599. This yearly celebration of medieval times features sword fights, human chess, jousting, fire breathers and more events for festival goers of all ages. Pay your respects to the king and queen, and check out the comedy troupes that roam the grounds amusing the crowds. Weekends only. For information, visit kyrenfaire.com. Location: 955 Elm Street, Eminence. RUSSELL COUNTY FAIR — (June 4-11) One of the largest and best-attended fairs in the state, the Russell County Kentucky Jaycees Fair includes pageants, car and tractor show, rodeos, mule pulls, tractor and truck pulls, horse racing, musical entertainment, demolition derby, great midway rides and more. For a complete listing of events, visit russellcountyjaycees.com. Location: Russell County Fairgrounds, Lakeway Drive, Russell Springs. OLD LOUISVILLE GARDEN TOUR — (June 11-12) The garden tour welcomes garden lovers into the private green spaces of the nation’s largest Victorian residential neighborhood. Old Louisville gardeners share the experience of their personal retreats tucked behind imposing Victorian homes and carriage houses and protected by vine-covered walls and privacy fences. The

tour is designed to be walked so that visitors can experience the scale of old Louisville residences and the peacefulness of its gardens. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 on tour days. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. For information and tickets, call 502-432-8665 or visit oldlouisvillegardentour. com. Location: Tour begins at the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum, 1402 St. James Court at Magnolia Avenue, Louisville. HANDY BLUES & BARBECUE FESTIVAL — (June 15-18) The W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival, one of the country’s largest free music festivals, features blues and Zydeco bands from across the nation. Look forward to mounds of barbecue, red beans and rice and other treats available from local vendors. Opening day is highlighted by the “Taste of Henderson Barbecue.” Enjoy live music from Thursday to Saturday night, plus a Mardi Gras-style Street Strut, handy lunch breaks at local eateries, lectures, dance classes and more. For information, visit handyblues.org. Location: Riverfront, downtown Henderson. HOT ROD REUNION — (June 16-18) The 14th annual Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion is a threeday festival of speed, hot rods and American automotive enthusiasm. The Reunion honors some of the top names in hot rodding from the

past and features a fabulous array of cool drag cars, street rods and customs of the historic and present-day hot rod eras. There will be non-stop drag action and loads of family-fun activities such as Hot Heads nostalgic drag racing, the sensational Cacklefest where nitro-powered fuelies “cackle” together just like they did in the ’50s and ’60s. For information, call 1-800-884-6472 or visit museum.nhra.com. Location: Beech Bend Raceway, 598 Beech Bend Road, Bowling Green. THE WINTER’S TALE — (June 17-19, 21-26) The 2016 Kentucky Shakespeare Festival performs one of Shakespeare’s late romances. Performances at 8 p.m. are free and open to the public. For information and tickets, visit kyshakespeare.com. Location: Ramey Amphitheater, Central Park, 1340 South Fourth Street, Louisville. MCCRACKEN COUNTY FAIR — (June 20-25) Since 1965, there’s something for everyone at Carson Park, including children’s activities, rides, talent contest and show, beauty contest and show, harness racing, car racing, horse and livestock shows, demolition derby, motorcycle races, variety show, exhibits, midway, and live entertainment. Visit mccrackencountyfair.com. Location: Carson Park, Joe Clifton Drive and Madison, Paducah.

ROMP FESTIVAL — (June 22-25) The annual festival features concerts by some of the best performers in bluegrass, as well as friendly camping atmosphere, easy access to artists, original arts and crafts, farm-totable food vendors, kids’ activities, and a beautiful setting. For tickets and information, call 270-926-7891 or visit rompfest.com. Location: Yellow Creek Park, 5710 Highway 144, Owensboro. KENTUCKY FLEA MARKET JULY 4TH SPECTACULAR — (July 1-4) One of the nation’s finest flea markets with dealers from across the country and over 600 booths featuring antiques, collectibles, bath and body, jewelry, crafts, candles, militay surplus and more. For information, call 502456-2244 or visit stewartpromotions.com. Location: Kentucky Fair and Expo Center, 937 Phillips Lane, Louisville. HART COUNTY FAIR — (July 4-9) Celebrating 130 years of memories this year, the Hart County Fair is six nights of family friendly events. Gate admission includes carnival rides, shows, displays, fireworks, and attractions. Sample fried chicken, barbecue, check out the white oak baskets and more. For more information, call 270-524-2892 or visit hartcountyfairky.com. Location: Hart County Fairgrounds, US 31 W. South, Munfordville.

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