Ky may by AAA East Central

SEE PAGE 3

KENTUCKY

Vol. 36 No. 5

Hawaii by land or sea Up to $100.00 “pocket money” from AAA Travel for members only

Say “Aloha!” to limited-time values on select cruises & a guided tour

LAND TOUR $100.00 Visa® Gift Card Locked-in Airfare Rates $50 for Optional Tour/Activity 5X Points

when you purchase with AAA Member Rewards Visa® credit card

CRUISES Up to $100.00 Visa® Gift Card TURN TO PAGE 12 FOR DETAILS.

Auto Pay Saves You Time & Money

AAA East Central’s Auto Pay annual renewal option is the perfect way to ensure your membership doesn’t lapse. And for a limited time, save $10 on next year’s membership renewal when you enroll in Auto Pay at AAA.com/renew, or at any AAA East Central branch. Your renewal will be automatically charged to your credit or debit card each year and we’ll even send you a reminder before billing your card. Auto Pay automatic renewal can be added to your membership at any time, regardless of your membership expiration/renewal date. You’ll rest easy knowing your AAA membership is always there providing uninterrupted service. And, you always have the option of canceling at any time. For more information, visit or call your local AAA East Central office, or call the AAA Member Services Center at 1.800.441.5008 or 412.363.5100 in Pittsburgh.

Take it Easy With TripTik® Travel Planner © SERGIYN / FOTOLIA.COM

here’s more than one way to experience the natural beauty, rich history and unique culture & cuisine of Hawaii — and, at AAA Travel, there’s more than one way to enhance the value of a Hawaii vacation, especially this May. A great way to maximize an Aloha State experience is by cruising among 4 islands on NCL’s Pride of America, the only USA-registered ship sailing in Hawaii. Talk about convenience; this “floating hotel” takes you from isle to isle without your having to pack and unpack over and over. In addition to the islands’ sights and activities, you’ve got an amazing smorgasbord of entertainment venues and restaurants, as well as other activities & attractions, aboard your ship! Another way to experience Hawaii’s best is by taking the newly introduced Guided Vacation land tour designed by Pleasant Holidays,® a trusted AAA travel partner. Enjoy accommodations, scheduled sightseeing and some included meals; it’s a convenient, efficient and economical way to get the most out of your long-dreamed-of Hawaii visit. And with any new 2015 booking with a nonrefundable deposit on select NCL cruises and the Pleasant Holidays® guided tour, you’ll enjoy an array of exclusive AAA offers detailed on page 12. Get as much as $100.00 “pocket money” in the form of a Visa® gift card; use it for airport parking, gas, bathing suits or

MAY 2015

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

SENSATIONAL SAVINGS AT AAA DISCOUNTS & REWARDS

any other pre-trip needs. Or save it until your trip to purchase souvenirs, meals or other items. With NCL’s unique 7-day Hawaii cruise itineraries, you get overnights in Maui and Kauai as well as one-day visits to Oahu and the Big Island. You’ll be on “island time” as you discover waterfalls; volcanos; black- & white-sand beaches and fascinating historic sites. Consider enhancing and extending your cruise vacation with an optional hotel package before or after your sailing. Pleasant Holidays® offers a vast selection of top-notch hotels in Honolulu and throughout the islands — most without the resort fees that are so common elsewhere nowadays. This year Pleasant Holidays® introduces its 9-night Guided Vacation for families or solo travelers featuring must-see highlights of 3 islands, inter-island air & transfers, a local expert tour guide & driver throughout, accommodations, daily breakfast, a dinner, a luau and multiple guided activities, including the Polynesian Cultural Center; the USS Arizona Memorial City Tour; the Legends in Concert Show; the ’Ulalena Cultural Show; a Waterfalls Walk; a Haleakala (volcano), Central Maui & Iao Valley Tour; a Kauai Movie Adventure; a Waimea Canyon Experience and a Farewell Dinner at the RumFire Poipu Beach Restaurant. For more information on the itineraries, inclusions and offer details, turn to page 12.

Summer road trip season is here, and there are plenty of options for online maps and directions. There’s only one that combines AAA’s professional hotel and restaurant ratings and robust travel information with Google map functionality — TripTik® Travel Planner. Millions of members rely on TripTik® Travel Planner on AAA.com for trip planning expertise, including maps, driving directions, travel information, hotel reservations and more. 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 your fingertips. Older, paper-based TripTik® strip maps, first introduced in 1930, are nearing the end of their life cycle and are being phased out at the end of this year. TripTik® Travel Planner lets you customize your routing, then save, print or share it with the AAA Mobile app for on-the-go use. The free AAA Mobile app is available for iPhone, iPad and Android smartphones. It’s high-tech for the highway, and with detour and construction information updated daily, it’s your definitive choice for your next driving vacation.

Get Away with Hertz and Save! AAA encourages you to take a family vacation and get away from it all, or plan that romantic getaway! Our travel partner, Hertz, has made a driving vacation affordable with up to 20% discounts and an array of member benefits that will save your travel budget for fun activities. Plus, from now through July 31, 2015, you can save an additional 10% on Weekly rentals of Economy – Premium car classes at participating Hertz locations when you include Promotions Code # 301302 in your reservation. So go ahead with your vacation plans! You deserve it…and it’s affordable! Contact your local AAA travel office, visit AAA.com/hertz or call 800-654-3080 to reserve your Hertz vehicle and save!

Get More Bang for Your Travel Buck The strong dollar means some the best travel deals in over a decade to destinations like Canada and Europe. AAA Travel wants to stretch your dollars even further on select escorted tours from Insight Vacations, Trafalgar Tours and AAA Member Choice Vacations. Book and deposit before May 29, 2015 and get a $100 Visa Gift Card, plus a scan-proof card carrier. (some restrictions apply) SEE PAGE 9.

PAGE 2

AAA TRAVELER

MAY 2015

Identity thieves never take a vacation ProtectMyID® Deluxe helps travelers thwart identity theft

ummer travel season is here and travelers are getting ready for some serious summer fun. But your dream vacation can quickly turn into a nightmare when you’re stuck trying to unravel the damage done by identity theft. A recent survey conducted by Edelman Berland for Experian’s ProtectMyID® reveals that 30 percent of travelers have experienced identity theft while traveling or know someone who has.1 “The last thing people want is for their trip to fund an identity thief’s vacation,” said Becky Frost, senior manager of consumer education for Experian’s ProtectMyID. Identity theft can derail vacations quickly, but taking some precautions before and during travel can help consumers protect themselves: • Password-protect smartphones and other electronic devices. • Create strong passwords with a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols on sensitive accounts accessible through electronic devices. • Avoid public Wi-Fi when possible; create your own Wi-Fi with a portable router and SIM card. • Delay social media posts that indicate you’re out of town; wait until you’re back from your trip to share your travel adventures. • Choose to pay with a credit card versus debit card; credit cards often offer

better fraud protection. Do your banking at the branch; ATMs in high-traffic tourist areas may put you at risk for skimming. • Alert your bank of your travel plans to avoid account holds and hassles. • Avoid traveling with unnecessary documents, such as Social Security cards or unneeded credit cards. • Disable geotagging on all cameras. • Keep a close eye on accounts; review financial accounts during your trip and when you get home, including bank and credit card statements. You should also keep an eye on your credit report upon your return. Signs of fraud and identity theft often first show up on your credit report and financial statements. • Have a partner in the fight against identity theft. Enroll in an identity theft monitoring program like ProtectMyID Deluxe. Available at a specially discounted AAA member price of $8.95 a month (up to 60% savings), ProtectMyID Deluxe helps safeguard your identity with these comprehensive features: Daily Monitoring of Credit Bureaus – Monitors your credit reports daily to detect key changes at all three bureaus, and gives you your Experian PLUS Score® at sign-up. Identity Theft Insurance – Helps to reimburse eligible expenses, such as lost wages and legal fees up to $1 million, should you become a victim. •

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. Internet Scan – Conducts confidential daily monitoring of online sources known for selling, trading, or sharing compromised information and searches for signs that your identity has been compromised. Change-of-Address Notification – Monitors the U.S. Postal Service national change-of-address databases to alert you if your address has been changed. Feel safer knowing you’ll be alerted if someone tries to redirect your mail out of your hands and into their own. ChildSecure® – Each month, ChildSecure will search for an Experian credit report for each enrolled child. You will be alerted by e-mail if a credit report for your child is discovered. ChildSecure will continue to monitor for changes to that report and you will receive alerts if any key changes are found. 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 This survey was conducted online by Edelman Berland on behalf of Experian from June 2, 2014, through June 5, 2014, among 1,000 adults ages 18 years and older residing throughout the United States. The national study focused on issues related to identity theft and identity protection while traveling. The margin of error is plus or minus 3.1 percent.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

ProtectMyID Deluxe is another way AAA offers its members peace of mind. For more information about the Identity Theft Monitoring member benefit, visit AAA.com/watchid or call 1-877-440-6943. ProtectMyID Essential and Deluxe is provided by ConsumerInfo.com, Inc., an Experian company. Current AAA members over the age of 18 who have a valid email address and access to the Internet are eligible to enroll.

MAY 2015

AAA TRAVELER

PAGE 3

AAA members are in the driver’s seat with Hertz 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

Exclusive savings and benefits more rewarding than ever By Richard Hamilton Chairman, AAA East Central ay is Hertz month at AAA and members enjoy a unique bundle of savings and rewards when they rent from Hertz. Exclusive AAA member benefits include: • Free unlimited mileage on most rentals! • Discounts up to 20 percent on daily, weekend, weekly and monthly rentals. • Free Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® membership — plus a free rental day. • Free use of a child, infant or booster seat, a savings of $11.99 per day. • Reduced fee on Hertz NeverLost® GPS rental of $6.99 per day, a savings of $6 per day. • Additional qualified AAA drivers are free, a savings of $13 per day. Most leisure and/or promotional weekly rates require that a car be rented over Saturday night, but AAA members are eligible for these low weekly rates with no Saturday night requirement. In addition, Hertz offers AAA members a variety of member’s only promotions, special single and double upgrades and dollars off coupons. These are available from AAA travel offices, in your club publication and at AAA.com. Your key to these exclusive Hertz savings and rewards is “215,” your Hertz CDP number. It’s the same number as the club code on your AAA membership card. The Hertz system will automatically assign the best rate available at the time of your reservation. Gold Plus Rewards® — Hertz’ indus-

Richard Hamilton try-leading loyalty program helps timechallenged travelers get right on the road. And AAA members enjoy the benefits of Hertz Gold Service at no cost! Recent upgrades to the program include: Hertz Gold Choice®: Provides renters with the peace of mind knowing their car will be ready and waiting for them, and the freedom to choose another vehicle on the spot. Mobile Gold Alerts: Gold members can receive email or text messages sent to their phone with up-to-the-minute information, letting them know which car they’ll be driving and where their vehicle is parked. Faster Rentals: Gold members can skip the counter at over 50 airports around the world. They need only show their driver’s license and pick up their

keys at over 4,000 locations worldwide. More Ways to Earn Points: In addition to earning points on rental charges, Gold members earn with services like Hertz NeverLost®, Fuel Purchase, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, insurance coverage options, and more. Once enrolled, members earn one point per dollar spent on all qualifying rentals. The program features AnyDay Rewards with no blackout dates, allowing members to use points at any time. Members also have the rare flexibility to use points at their own convenience as Gold Plus Rewards® points do not automatically expire. Each time a member rents a car that earns points or redeems points, their points renew for an additional two years. AAA members can sign up at AAA. com/Hertz or Hertz.com. Premier Members need to sign up at AAA. com/Hertz in order to validate Premier level of membership. AAA Basic & Plus Members receive 675 Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Bonus points — enough for One Free Rental Day, after their first Gold rental. AAA Premier Members will receive 1,100 Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Bonus points — enough for Two Free Weekend Rental Days, after their first Gold rental! AAA demands the very best for its members. That’s why the Hertz family is the only car-rental company endorsed by AAA. Their Member Satisfaction Guarantee is your assurance that the rate and car class, or a higher car class, will be available as reserved. The next time you need a rental car, let Hertz put you in the driver’s seat.

**emeritus directors

membersonly

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.

AAA members save on gifts for moms, dads & grads The savings are sensational at AAA Discounts & Rewards

other’s Day, Father’s Day and graduation season are all near and now is the best time to save on gifts for the moms, dads and grads in your life with AAA Discounts & Rewards. This innovative shopping experience on AAA.com features deep discounts, limited-time offers and everyday savings on dining, electronics, home, apparel, entertainment, pet care and more, from participating merchants nationwide — including national chains like Crate & Barrel, Macy’s, Best Buy, The Home Depot and more. Save on everything from shopping and dining, to attractions, travel and even prescription medications. Discover great deals on the names you want and the products you need — all at unbeatable prices. It’s just one of the many perks of AAA membership. AAA Discounts & Rewards makes it simple to start saving right away,

thanks to the site’s intuitive, easyto-navigate interface. View the latest specials and currently trending offers right on the Discounts & Rewards home page. Search for a retailer by name, or browse by category to find the perfect present. You can even sort and filter results by type of offer, such as limited-time discount or free shipping. In addition to saving with over 30,000 online retailers, AAA members can show their AAA membership card for savings at over 100,000 participating store locations.

Earn while you save Wouldn’t it be great if you could be rewarded for your purchases — even when shopping for others? AAA WOWPoints are AAA’s online reward points — just like the loyalty points you get from credit cards or airlines. Redeem your WOWPoints at any time, using them just like cash at participating retailers on the AAA Discounts & Rewards site. Best of all,

your WOWPoints will never expire as long as you remain a AAA member. Save them for a special purchase, or use them a little at a time — it’s up to you. Look for special offers that earn you 3X, 5X, or even 10X the WOWPoints.

Start up the savings To begin using AAA Discounts & Rewards today, register online at AAA.com/Discounts. Your registration is completely free — a valid AAA membership and email address are all you need. Then shop, save and earn on national and local brands, tickets, travel, restaurants and retailers. Download the AAA Mobile app on your smartphone or tablet to locate AAA Discounts wherever you are. Your AAA card isn’t just for roadside assistance. With over 100,000 places to save, it could help pay for the cost of your membership. For more information on AAA Discounts & Rewards, visit AAA.com/Discounts.

PAGE 4

AAA TRAVELER

MAY 2015

AAA TRAVELER

PAGE 5

PAGE 6

AAA TRAVELER

MAY 2015

A summer home safety to-do list Simple things you can do to help avoid a claim By Robin Jones ummer is a great time to tackle those home-improvement projects, such as painting the dining room or installing new curtains. Why not add a few to-dos that will make your house safer from threats such as fire and flooding? These projects don’t require much time or money, and they could help you avoid having to make a homeowners insurance claim in the future. Check plumbing for leaks in the kitchen, the bathrooms, and the laundry room • Cost: Free. • Time: Up to an hour. • Materials needed: None. • Why you should do it: The largest number of homeowners insurance claims are due to water damage caused by broken pipes and supply lines, says Joe Wagdy, Auto Club claims unit manager. If you catch a leak early on, you can have the plumbing repaired before the drip becomes a deluge. Check everywhere, from the water heater to behind the refrigerator to inside the toilet tank; any faulty connection can lead to flooding. Inspect all electric cords in your house • Cost: Free, or $30–$50 if you need new cords or surge protectors. • Time: 30 minutes. • Materials needed: New surge protectors and cords, if necessary.

A SAFE BET — Smoke alarms provide the best early warning signal of a fire. •

Why you should do it: Damaged electric cords and overloaded outlets can cause failure to the fixture, appliance, or receptacle they are connected to. Since power strips and extension cords tend to be hidden behind large pieces of furniture, many people don’t see the safety hazard until it’s too late. Be sure to check behind entertainment centers, computer desks, and anywhere else you use a lot of electronics, and replace

damaged cords. If you find that circuit breakers in your home trip periodically, evaluate outlets and power strips to make sure they are not overloaded. If you have more than two fixtures or appliances plugged into one outlet, use surge protectors. Safeguard your garage • Cost: Free. • Time: Up to an hour. • Materials needed: None. • Why you should do it: To reduce fire

risk, make sure your lawn mower, gas-powered tools, paint, and extra portable gas tanks are as far away as possible from the pilot light of a furnace or water heater. Change the batteries in your smoke detectors, and place fire extinguishers in strategic places • Cost: $10–$15 for batteries, about $18 per extinguisher. • Time: 15–45 minutes, depending on how many smoke detectors you have. • Materials needed: Batteries, a ladder, and possibly new smoke dectectors. • Why you should do it: Smoke alarms provide the best early warning signal of a fire in your house. If you can detect the fire quickly, you can minimize the damage. In the kitchen, store a dry chemical Class B or Class ABC fire extinguisher near the stove to put out grease fires (never use water) and make sure it is new and operable. FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

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

MAY 2015

AAA TRAVELER

Call, Click or Visit for a Special Offer for New Gift Memberships. Offer ends May 29th

The

Perfect Gift!

Graduations, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Birthdays, Weddings … Whatever the occasion, it’s the perfect time to give a AAA Gift Membership. With roadside assistance, vacation planning, maps, free identity theft protection, travel guides, exclusive savings, and much more, you can trust AAA membership to be a perfect fit.

To purchase a AAA Gift Membership, call or visit your local AAA Office or AAA.com.

1-800-441-5008

PAGE 7

PAGE 8

AAA TRAVELER

MAY 2015

S.S. Maria Theresa is a floating baroque palace Uniworld’s newest ship recalls the glory of the Hapsburgs

niworld is renowned for its one-of-a-kind ships, stylish décor, superb cuisine and thoughtful, gracious service. Guests experience truly all-inclusive cruising, crafted to deliver the ultimate in luxury European river voyages. The cruise line recently swept three out of five categories in AAA Travel’s 2014 “Partner of the Year” awards. “AAA members benefit from our strong relationships with companies like Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, who are committed to providing worldclass service and amazing vacation experiences,” said AAA East Central president Jim Lehman. Their newest and most ambitious ship, S.S. Maria Theresa, was launched in Amsterdam in March. This floating palace is fashioned in the spirit of her great namesake, Empress Maria Theresa, with a striking, three-tiered lobby evoking the spirit of the Hapsburg ruler’s Schönbrunn Palace. Dominated by a sweeping marble staircase, the silk-clad walls are paneled with stunning antique mirrors. A handpainted Tromp L’Oeil-inspired mural and glittering Venetian Murano glass chandelier grace the ceiling, while a ten-foot oil-on-canvas portrait of Maria Theresa serves as its focal point. Other public areas include the authentic Viennese Café, where guests

FIT FOR A QUEEN — A portrait of Empress Maria Theresa graces the lobby of Uniworld’s newest ship. can linger for hours, enjoying classic Austrian Sachertorte (chocolate cake), Würstl (Viennese sausage), and famous Viennese coffee. A well-equipped fitness center, swimming pool, and Serenity River Spa™ provide a place to exercise and unwind. Gourmet cuisine is prepared daily in the Baroque Restaurant, with fresh ingredients often brought onboard from local markets. The 64 lavishly appointed state-

rooms and 10 suites include open-air and French balconies on the Main and Upper Decks and boast antique furnishings and custom made-to-order English Savoir beds. Marble baths are stocked with L’Occicitane en Provence bath and body products, plush towels from Christys of England, and cozy waffle robes. All staterooms incorporate LCD flat-screen infotainment centers, including mov-

ies-on-demand, music, news, sports, hotel services, and more. Uniworld offers a truly all-inclusive river cruise experience that includes shore excursions with local experts as your guide. All onboard and onshore gratuities are included, as well unlimited onboard beverages encompassing an extensive selection of wines, craft and regional beers, spirits. Internet and Wi-Fi; and all arrival and departure day transfers are complimentary as well. The S.S. Maria Theresa will take guests to some of Europe’s most remarkable destinations in impeccable style. Itineraries include the line’s popular 15-day European Jewels sailing from Budapest to Amsterdam. Discover the Budapest that locals love, or unearth Vienna’s imperial history. Tour Regensburg, a medieval gem and marvel at the fairytale castles along Germany’s Upper Middle Rhine Valley. This perfectly paced European journey takes you through four countries, along three great rivers—the Danube, Main, and Rhine—and eight UNESCO World Heritage sites.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

Solitude and splendor in Yellowstone National Park Hit the road this summer in America’s last wilderness

harles Kuralt called the Beartooth Highway “the most beautiful drive in America.” This 68-mile byway winds its way through southwest Montana and northwest Wyoming leading into Yellowstone Park’s Northeast Entrance. The highway traverses a pristine, million-acre alpine wilderness with 20 peaks over 12,000 feet in elevation. The road is generally open from Memorial Day weekend to mid-October, but severe weather conditions, including snowstorms, can occur almost every month of the year. Some destinations are meant to be driven and Yellowstone country is one of them. The nation’s largest national park spills across the borders of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, and the park’s 2.2-million acres straddle the Continental Divide. Here, the relentless forces of nature fuel the world’s largest concentration of geothermal activity, including the park’s more than 300 geysers. The 42-mile Teton Park Scenic Loop links Yellowstone with Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park to the south. The Teton Range erupts like a jagged row of teeth from the serene valley known as Jackson Hole. The mountains are mirrored in a series of blue moraine lakes and down below, the Snake River winds erratically across the valley floor. Buffalo Bill founded the town of

THE NANNY — Mountain goat with her kid on Sepulcher Mountain. Cody in 1896. Located 50 miles east of the park, this quirky, quintessential Western town is home to the worldrenowned Buffalo Bill Center of the West, with five unique institutions under one roof including the Buffalo Bill Museum, the Cody Firearms Museum, the Plains Indian Museum, and the Whitney Gallery of Western Art. The Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway runs from Cody to Yellowstone’s East Gate. The 52-mile route travels along the North Fork of the Shoshone River, through Wapiti Valley, past numerous rock formations, lava flows and Pahaska Tepee,

Buffalo Bill’s original log hunting lodge at the foot of majestic Cody Peak. Named for the celebrated leader of the Nez Perce, the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, connects Cody to Yellowstone’s Northeast Gate. The 47-mile route crosses the Shoshone National Forest through the Absaroka Mountains to the Clarks Fork Valley. Visitors will discover unbroken vistas of soaring limestone spires, plunging canyons, and pine-covered valleys. Dead Indian Pass reveals the location where the Nez Perce eluded the U.S. Cavalry for several months in 1877, as

they made their desperate attempt to escape to Canada. For a rewarding sidetrip, turn onto the gravel Sunlight Basin Road. The rolling hills surrounding the New Deal era ranger station encompass some of the finest winter elk range in the world. Travelers who enter through Yellowstone’s Northeast Gate will encounter the Lamar Valley, known as America’s Serengeti, one of the world’s most remarkable wildlife-viewing destinations. Bison and elk are common, and visitors may also spot grizzly and brown bears and bighorn sheep. Wolves, reintroduced to the park 20 years ago, are a true conservation success story. They are now spotted in Yellowstone on a daily basis.

IF YOU GO

Travel westward on a guided tour of the most wondrous and astonishing national park in America, Yellowstone. Join AAA Travel for the August 10-16 Yellowstone Experience. This 6-night escorted tour includes visits to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National parks, Yellowstone’s Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, a wildlife safari, a scenic float trip on the Snake River and more. Please ask about add-on airfare from your city. See your AAA travel agent or visit AAA.com for more information.

MAY 2015

AAA TRAVELER

Member Benefits • Exclusive Offers

PAGE 9

1-800-354-8761 • AAA.com/travel

Dollar’s renewed strength brings European nations & Canada into focus as picture-perfect tour values partners ANTONY MCAULAY / FOTOLIA.COM

Europe!

trav A A A t c e l e ms ® cations fro

RD A C T F I G A S I V 0 n i 0 d . r 0 o 10 R! $ E Extra I a R t R e A k C c o F :P OO 9 R 2 P y N a A M C S h re! e o e r m f s y a u Throug b n i it ollar d d r s a ’ y u a g d e o f t e and sa ions wher LIA.COM AV / FOTO © MARID

ed va t r o c s e y r a

n the past year or so, the already strong US dollar has gotten even stronger against other major world currencies. For American travelers, this is good news: Your tourist dollar will go further! According to currency watchers, unstable economies have made the dollar a currency in high demand. The euro is 18 percent cheaper than it was in the first quarter of 2014, making most European countries very popular for US travelers and enabling most to enjoy lodging upgrades and better meals for the same budget. At this moment, the substantial shift in exchange rates is particularly beneficial for vacation travel to most of Europe and Canada. Shoppers can find bargains mostly in services, food and local products. And AAA Travel sweetens the pot in May by offering a $100.00 Visa® Gift Card and a handy scan-proof carrier to carry it in. The hard-shell, wallet-size protector prevents would-be thieves from secretly scanning your credit cards’ magnetic stripes for personal financial information, an increasingly common practice.

nat

sti e d n g i e r fo Great for

scan-proof carrier

Canada! To get your free gifts, make a nonrefundable deposit on a new booking of a 6-night-minimum 2015 escorted tour to Europe or Canada between May 1-29, 2015, with these AAA travel partners — AAA Member Choice Vacations,® Insight Vacations or Trafalgar. You can use your Visa® Gift Card before you even go away — to purchase items you’ll need for your trip. Or you can save the card to use as “pocket money” at your destination — for souvenirs, snacks, meals or whatever else you like. It’s not just Europe’s euro-zone countries that are bargains; Sweden, Norway and most of Eastern Europe are also looking more inviting. And, if Europe feels too far away or out of your budget,

our friendly neighbor to the north is a great deal right now — and not just because most Canadians are so nice and speak English! Falling oil prices pushed their dollar down to about US$0.91; that’s about C$1.26 for each US$1. Plus, visiting parts of Canada can almost make you feel as if you’re in Europe. Dreaming of the Alps? A vacation to the Canadian Rockies is just as impressive. Want to practice your French or enjoy the café life-style of Paris? Head for Montréal and Québec City. This may be one of those rare times when you actually get more than you bargained for — a vacation value to an exciting destination with a little extra change in your pocket — thanks in part to AAA Travel! more on next page

PAGE 10

AAA TRAVELER

MAY 2015

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Take advantage of the strengthening dollar... ...on great escorted tours from select AAA partners

ANTONY MCAULAY / FOTOLIA.COM

Get a $100 VISA GIFT CARD & a SCAN-PROOF CARRIER!* ®

BANFF

his remarkable adventure brings together the beautiful expanse of the prairies, the soaring majesty of the Canadian Rockies and the brilliance of Montana’s Glacier National Park. Visit HeadCANADIAN ROCKIES Smashed-in Buffalo Jump, a & GLACIER NP UNESCO World Heritage Site used by aboriginal peoples for 6 nights: from $2,299 5,500 years. At Waterton Lakes National Park, check in to a National Historic Site of Canada — the grand Prince of Wales Hotel — in an even grander setting of mountain-ringed lakes. Ride aboard Glacier National Park’s famous red Jammers, 1930s-era canvas-top touring vehicles, for glimpses of wildlife and breathtaking scenery along “Going to the Sun” Road. On the way to Banff, delight in the soaring peaks of the Rockies, then settle into the “Castle in the Rockies” for a luxurious 3-night stay. Ride a gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, then tour Banff, Bow Falls and the Hoodoos (geological formations that earned the area the name “The Land of the Sleeping Giants”). Follow unforgettable Icefields Parkway to Columbia Icefield for a fun ride across this thousand-foot-thick mass of glacial ice and stop at turquoise-tinted Peyto Lake for a taste of true serenity!

QUÉBEC CITY

PARIS

ively London is where this comprehensive tour begins. Ride the high-speed Eurostar train through the “Chunnel” to Brussels’ chocolates and Mannekin-Pis. Cruise down the Rhine Valley past castles and vineyards. Explore Heidelberg, Rothenburg and Munich before descending upon Salzburg, Austria, home of Mozart and “The Sound of Music.” Cross into Italy and romantic Venice to glide along atmospheric canals aboard a gondola, while being serenaded by the oarsman; also see glass blowers HIGHLIGHTS and gondola builders at work. OF EUROPE Cross the Apennine Mountains 15 nights: from $4,275 to papal & imperial Rome, where an expert treats you to a private tour of the Vatican museums’ priceless art and the Sistine Chapel. Drive through the Chianti Hills to Florence to see Michelangelo’s David and the Duomo. Travel through the Italian Lake District on the way to Lucerne, Switzerland, for a thrilling excursion by cog-wheel train and cable car to the summit of Mt Pilatus. After passing through Basel and France’s Burgundy region, behold the City of Lights — Paris. Dine at a Champs Elysees bistro, see Notre Dame Cathedral and ascend the Eiffel Tower for unforgettable views! TM

oronto — a multicultural, cosmopolitan metropolis — also shines as an example of the Canadian virtue of niceness at the individual level. Tour this pleasant city and then wander about a bit on your own. Hop over to nearby Niagara Falls for an exhilarating boat ride to the very base of spectacular Horseshoe Falls. Try Canadian ice wine and local cuisine at a Niagara winery. Visit Old Fort Henry in historic Kingston and enjoy a regional-dinner cruise on the St Lawrence River through the Thousand Islands. After a stop at Upper Canada Village (a re-created 1860s rural community), enter vibrant and sophisticated Montréal to tour its cobblestoned Old Port and inviting downtown. Marvel at thundering Montmorency Falls on your way to Québec City, whose walled Old Town offers visitors a taste of Parisian charm in a New World setting. Stroll the narrow BEST OF EASTERN CANADA streets, linger at an outdoor cafe and make your way to the 9 nights: from $2,400 rolling Plains of Abraham, site of a major colonial battle where French and British faced off. Visit Ottawa, Canada’s stately capital, and its elegant buildings on Parliament Hill, Rideau Hall and beautiful canal-side parks and gardens, before returning to Toronto.

AAA Member Rates are per person (double occupancy), are subject to availability at time of booking and include accommodations, motorcoach sightseeing, in-country tour escort, several meals and more. Ask about available add-on airfare.

For these & many other tours, visit AAA.com/travel or consult a AAA Travel Agent.

AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE EXCLUSIVE 2015 AAA MEMBER BENEFITS AAA MEMBER CHOICE VACATIONS® $25 to $100 per person savings based on purchase price

INSIGHT VACATIONS

TRAFALGAR

$40 voucher per person toward payment of select optional tours on escorted motorcoach tours (with exceptions)

$40 credit voucher per person toward an optional excursion

Any partner tour also designated as a “AAA Vacations®” package qualifies for different and/or additional benefits. Please consult a AAA Travel Agent for details. *AAA members only. Visa® gift cards & wallet supplied upon completion of new booking with nonrefundable deposit May 1-29, 2015. Vacation must be 6+ nights for travel in 2015.

MAY 2015

AAA TRAVELER

PAGE 11

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

SPECTACULAR

Walk on the GREAT WALL!

SOUTH AFRICA

SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS

• PEKING DUCK & “HOTPOT“ DINNERS • FAMILY-HOME VISIT & HOME-COOKED MEAL • KUNG FU ACADEMY VISIT & DEMONSTRATION

the Zambezi River • 2 lagoons the Chobe River

April 14-30 •

S N

New bookings with deposit May 1-29, 2015. Savings are per room, double occupancy.

AAA Member Rate: $8,279

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.

MEMBERS SAVE $400!

ATURE

T IO

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.

VICTORIA FALLS

Escort & driver s gratuitie ! included

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

ATURE

MCV

INTERACT WITH...

EXPLORE...

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

CRUISE ON...

RIDE ABOARD...

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

T IO

Enjoy the comfort & security of an escorted experience — a comprehensive, informative & personal look at this rapidly growing city and an in-depth introduction to its fascinating culture. See landmarks & learn customs for nearly a week; then enjoy an entire day independently exploring & indulging your interests — art, history, cuisine, shopping, photography, parks & zoos — it’s all up to you, with suggestions, advice, directions, etc, from your expert guide! Marvel at ancient & modern, urban & rural, rich & poor, simple & sophisticated, serene & chaotic. Beijing’s unique combination of seemingly contradictory elements may well change your understanding of this city & nation...and provide moving memories that last a lifetime.

Sept 17-24 • AAA Member Rate: $3,425 Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (LouisvilleBeijing), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, 12 meals, in-China guide, sightseeing/admissions, baggage handling (1 per person), driver & escort gratuities, AAA Tour Manager (if minimum-participation goal is met) & government taxes/ fees. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Visit AAA.com/GoAsia for itinerary. 4 UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES — THE GREAT WALL AT BADALING, THE IMPERIAL PALACE (FORBIDDEN CITY), THE SUMMER PALACE AND THE TEMPLE OF HEAVEN • TIANANMEN SQUARE • 2008 SUMMER OLYMPICS SITE • LAMA BUDDHIST TEMPLE • HUTONG MARKET VISIT, HOME VISIT & HOME-COOKED MEAL • BELL & DRUM TOWERS TEA CEREMONY JADE FACTORY • PEDICAB RIDE • KUNG FU DEMONSTRATION & STUDENT INTERACTION • TRADITIONAL PEKING DUCK & HOTPOT DINNERS • & MORE!

LAST CHANCE!

Western Tours YELLOWSTONE EXPERIENCE

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

AMERICAN MAJESTY

From Salt Lake City to Denver, take in some of America’s favorite national landmarks. Hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (choir schedule permitting). Visit Grand Teton and Yellowstone parks (including Old AUG 29–SEPT 6 • $3,485 Faithful & Mammoth Hot Springs), Devil’s Tower, Deadwood, Mt Rushmore (during the day and again in the evening for its inspiring lighting ceremony), Crazy Horse Monument, Custer State Park, Ft Laramie National Historic Site, Cody’s Buffalo Bill Historic Center and Cheyenne. Take a wildlife Jeep® safari through SD’s Black Hills. 15 meals. AIR INCLUDED.

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

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

Explore one of the world’s most important capitals and meet BEIJINGERS at home & in school!

SEE & PHOTOGRAPH...

Enter the FORBIDDEN CITY!

UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES!

PAGE 12

AAA TRAVELER

MAY 2015

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Escape on select Hawaii cruise vacations or a guided land vacation and get up to $100 “pocket money” from AAA Travel before you go! AAA members only. Visa® gift cards supplied upon completion of new booking with nonrefundable deposit May 1-29, 2015.

See Hawaii’s “Big 4” on NCL’s Pride of America See more of the islands! Unpack just once and relax; see Oahu, Maui, Hawaii (the Big Island) and Kauai! Sail roundtrip from Honolulu (Oahu) to Kahului (Maui), Hilo (Hawaii), Kona (Hawaii) and Nawiliwili (Kauai). Features overnights in Maui and Kauai as well as day visits of Oahu and the Big Island. The first US-flagged cruise ship in nearly 50 years, this Americana-themed ship is full of choices to occupy your time during your cruise. Void of schedules, you’ll have ample opportunities to venture about, scoping out the décor, spacious staterooms and regional dishes served in 11 restaurants — or whatever else you feel like doing. Plus, a friendly American crew is ready to assist you and make sure your cruise is just that — yours. You’ll find a selection of family penthouses and suites as well family-friendly connecting staterooms. Order a steak at the Lazy J Steakhouse, catch a show at the Hollywood Theater or dance the night away at the Mardi Gras Cabaret Lounge & Nightclub. Inclusions: Accommodations • Most onboard meals • Entertainment Departures: Year-round Saturday-to-Saturday roundtrip sailings from Honolulu

Ship’s registry: USA

Get even more out of your cruise vacation: Add a relaxing before- or after-cruise stay of at least 2 nights at a resort like these

Exclusive AAA Member Offers $50.00 VISA® GIFT CARD for an outside (or higher) stateroom on a 2015 air-inclusive Hawaii cruise (1 per stateroom, double occupancy)

Additional $50.00 VISA® GIFT CARD when you book & deposit a Pleasant Holidays® air-inclusive 2-night-minimum Honolulu hotel stay immediately before or after your Hawaii cruise (1 per room, double occupancy) OR $100.00 VISA® GIFT CARD when you book & deposit an air-inclusive 7-night-minimum Pleasant Holidays® Hawaii vacation immediately before or after your Hawaii cruise (1 per room, double occupancy)

Outrigger Reef on the Beach Resort

The Kahala Hotel & Resort

This luxury beachfront hotel combines elegant modern styling with timeless island traditions and warm hospitality. Well-appointed suites feature warm woods & colors and echo the breathtaking views from the mountains to the ocean. No resort fee. 639 guest rooms. 2 bars. Connecting rooms. Fitness center. Full-service spa. Pool. 3 restaurants. Wi-Fi.

Feel worlds away at this legendary resort in a secluded oceanfront setting minutes from Waikiki. Explore tropical gardens and a saltwater lagoon or visit the resident bottlenose dolphins. Sweeping views. No resort fee. 338 guest rooms. 24-hour room service. Connecting rooms. Fitness center. Fullservice spa. Kids program. Nightly entertainment. Pool. 5 restaurants. Wi-Fi.

AAA Member Rate: from $680

AAA Member Rate: from $1,276

Sample rates for July 9-11, 2015, are per room (double occupancy), are subject to availability at time of booking and include 2-night accommodations. Ask about available add-on airfare and transfers.

For these & many other of Hawaii’s best resorts, visit AAA.com/PleasantHolidays.

NEW! Guided land tour features fun activities Maximize your time, minimize your hassles. A brand-new 9-night/10-day Guided Vacation from Pleasant Holidays® frees you from fussing over all the details, so you can fully relax and enjoy your hard-earned Hawaiian getaway.

WHAT’S INCLUDED Lei greeting upon arrival in Honolulu • The must-see highlights of 3 islands • Interisland air & transfers • Local expert tour guide & driver throughout • Accommodations • Daily breakfast • A dinner • A luau • Multiple guided activities (listed below) • Government fees & taxes • A meet & greet with information on optional activities available at additional cost Enjoy luxurious accommodations — 3 nights on Oahu at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, 3 nights on Maui at the Royal Lahaina Resort and 3 nights on Kauai at the Sheraton Kauai Resort.

Exclusive AAA Member Offer

$100.00 VISA® GIFT CARD for a 2015 air-inclusive Pleasant Holidays® 7-night-minimum Hawaii escorted vacation (1 per room, double occupancy)

AAA Member Benefit

$50.00 VOUCHER toward the purchase of optional sightseeing/activity

Exclusive AAA Offer

Get 5X POINTS by using a new or existing AAA Member Rewards Visa® credit card to book & deposit any tour with Pleasant Holidays® Vacations between 5/1 & 6/30, 2015. See ad on next page for details.

Enjoy all of these activities — Polynesian Cultural Center & Luau; USS Arizona Memorial City Tour; Legends in Concert Cocktail Show; ’Ulalena Cultural Show; a Waterfalls Walk; a Haleakala (volcano), Central Maui & Iao Valley Tour; a Kauai Movie Adventure; a Waimea Canyon Experience; and a Farewell Dinner at the RumFire Poipu Beach Restaurant.

BEST OF HAWAII Guided Vacation Oahu, Maui, Kauai

2015 departures: Sept 22 • Oct 20 • Nov 17 • Dec 1 AAA Member Rate: from $2,633 Rates are per person (double occupancy) and are subject to availability at time of booking. Ask about available add-on airfare. Additional travel dates available; rates may vary. Other restrictions may apply.

NO AIR DEPOSIT REQUIRED Book Pleasant Holidays® Hawaii vacations with only $200 per person deposit required to hold the entire vacation package. For new bookings made May 1-29, 2015, for travel anytime. Book convenient flights nationwide on ALL major airlines — no deposit required!

Ask a AAA travel agent about other available Pleasant Holidays Hawaii offers! ®

MAY 2015

AAA TRAVELER

PAGE 13

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Get swept away... by Ireland’s SOUTH

Get up to $100.00 in perks!

NOW’S THE TIME!

Book & make a deposit by MAY 29 on a 2015 7-night-or-longer air-inclusive Pleasant Holidays vacation to MEXICO or the CARIBBEAN and enjoy:

$50 SAVINGS FROM AAA TRAVEL

Spellbinding scenery Rollicking entertainment Fascinating history Comprehensive sightseeing

toward purchase of optional sightseeing or activity, per booking

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

CALL 1-800-354-8761 •

$50.00 CERTIFICATE*

ATURE D

SIVE THIS EXCLU NEFIT! E MEMBER B

PLUS

per room, based on double occupancy • new bookings May 1-29, 2015

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

T IO

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.

VISIT YOUR LOCAL AAA BRANCH

PAGE 14

AAA TRAVELER

MAY 2015

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Oct 25–Nov 1: Only departure in 2015!

An ON- and OFF-road guided adventure vacation

ATURE

SAVINGS

Pink Jeep Tour

RS E B M ME E $50! Veposit by May 29 SBA ook & d

revealing the natural wonders of Arizona & Nevada!

T IO

CACTUS CANYON

PER ROO

Looking for a one-of-a-kind getaway for the entire family...or your gang of fun-loving friends? If so, blaze a trail to your nearest AAA Travel office and get in on the fun and adventure of this fall’s “Pink Jeep Western Adventure,” which features FOUR Pink Jeep excursions into the rugged and colorful landscapes of Arizona and Nevada not accessible by standard vehicles! After flying into Phoenix, the fun starts in Scottsdale at your all-suite hotel within walking distance of Old Town; this vibrant heart of the city is comprised of eclectic shops, fine-art galleries, stellar museums and award-winning restaurants. Your first Pink Jeep journey, the Cactus Canyon Tour, takes you into the Sonoran Desert on rugged mountain roads overlooking the Bradshaw Mountains. Afterward, enjoy a cowboy-style dinner! BROKEN ARROW Enjoy a relaxing motorcoach ride to Poco Diablo Resort nestled among the Red Rocks of stunning Sedona. Enjoy its pool, golf course, fitness center, tennis courts and fine dining. Venture into GRAND CANYON the surrounding backcountry on the Broken Arrow Tour, which ascends 1,500 feet along the Mogollon Rim. Motorcoach onward to one of the world’s marvels — the Grand Canyon! After watching an Imax presentation, explore the East Rim on the Deluxe Grand Canyon Tour, visiting lookout points not accessible by the park’s shuttle bus system! Sit back and enjoy the cross-desert motorcoach journey to Las Vegas and your room at The Mirage at the center of the fabled Strip. Enjoy The Mirage’s royal white tigers, its active “volcano,” the resident show entitled The Beatles LOVE, And choose 1 of these 2 tours multiple restaurants, shows, shops and gaming opportunities. While in Vegas, you get to enjoy 1 of 2 tours (your choice must be indicated at the time of VALLEY OF FIRE your initial reservation) — the Valley of Fire Jeep Tour (see the surreal colors of sandstone formations in the Mojave Desert) or the Hoover Dam Top to Bottom Discovery (dam, power plant, observation tower, a gentle float trip on the Colorado River and a photo opportunity of the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge). The next and final full day is totally yours to explore the endless variety of attractions, casinos and activities that Las Vegas has to offer! TM

HOOVER DAM

Oct 25–Nov 1 •

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.

AAA TRAVELER

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

ATURE

NM BALLOON FIESTA VA

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 salsamaking 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!

PAGE 15

MAY 2015

T IO

FREE HARDCOVER BOOK!

Visually focused, packed with cultural insight and portable, New Mexico: A Guide for the Eyes by Elisa Parhad 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. New Mexico’s striking landscape has inspired the art, design and traditions of its 3 dominant cultures: Native American, Hispanic and Anglo/Western. These groups continue to infuse this rustic land with a compelling vibrancy, unrivaled in its beauty. 1 book per room (double occupancy). New booking with deposit May 1-29, 2015.

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.

PAGE 16

AAA TRAVELER

MAY 2015

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

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

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

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

AAA Member Rate: $5,675

AAA Member Rate: $395

July 8-17 •

Moonshine, Music & Mountains: July 10-12

Traditional salmon bake & a sternwheeler river cruise in Fairbanks • 4-hour flying adventure • Tundra Wilderness Tour & overnight in Denali National Park • Meet a 4-time winner of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race and his canine crew • Visits to the Alaska Wildlife ATURE Conservation & Begich Boggs Visitor centers • 2-hour river float trip in Kenai Fjords National Park • A ride on Girdwood’s Alyeska Tram — from sea level to 2,300 feet! • Welcome & farewell dinners with your fellow travelers

T IO

See the Last Frontier on this escorted tour — unforgettable experiences not on cruises!

ALASKA BY LAND!

ATURE D

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.

Car-free adventures

T IO

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

BOWLING GREEN . . . . . . . . . . . . 270-781-7235 • 1-877-506-0057 DOWNTOWN (Louisville). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .502-581-0665 ELIZABETHTOWN. . . . . . . . . . . . . 270-765-4109 • 1-800-813-7284 FERN VALLEY (Louisville) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .502-964-3787 HURSTBOURNE (Louisville) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .502-425-7885 OWENSBORO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270-683-8034 • 1-800-974-1872 PADUCAH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270-443-6478 • 1-866-764-4666 SHIVELY (Louisville) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .502-449-2529 ____________________________________________________________ GENERAL TRAVEL DISCLAIMER: AAA Travel Agency makes every effort to provide accurate, up-to-date prices as of press time and cannot assume responsibility for typographic errors. Rates/offers are per person based on double occupancy, unless otherwise indicated, and are subject to availability and airline/operator changes. International rates/offers are subject to currency fluctuations and additional tax & security charges. Rates that include airfare include all taxes, government fees and surcharges. Additional restrictions may apply. Rates/offers are available at all AAA East Central travel agency locations. For tour details, contact AAA or visit AAA.com/ travel. 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.

MAY 2015

AAA TRAVELER

PAGE 17

The Missouri Ozarks are a haven for motorcycle touring

orth Carolina has the Tail of the Dragon, Tennessee is home to the Devil’s Triangle and now Missouri has the Ozark Hellbender. A catchy name is a must for enticing the nation’s motorcycle riders to experience a scenic, stomach-churning roadway with plenty of sharp “twisties” and long, banked “sweepers.” The Tail of the Dragon boasts 318 curves in 11 miles. Named after a large aquatic salamander that hides under rocks in the spring-fed streams of southern Missouri, the Ozark Hellbender begins in the small hamlet of Eminence, and travels in a 122-mile loop with nearly 300 curves. The route crosses the Current River at Round Spring, then goes over Sinking Creek and twists up the mountain past Current River State Park. There, it hangs a left on Route KK to Aker’s Ferry. After leaving Akers, it heads north on Devil’s Backbone, which offers beautiful views of the Current River valley any time of the year. It follows some nice curves into Montauk State Park, with excellent trout fishing in the headwaters of the Current. The Jacks Fork and the Current River are the heart of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, America’s first riverbased national park. The area also is home to the Mark Twain National Forest, which preserves 1.5 million acres of wooded hills that glow in a fiery palette of colors each autumn. Life Magazine called the Jack’s Fork River “one of the world’s seven most scenic float and fishing streams.” Cutting straight through the scenic landscape north to south through Eminence is Highway 19, which was built in the 1930s by laborers using picks, shovels, axes, saws and teams of oxen and mules. The route followed the ridges of the hills, with steep dropoffs beyond the shoulders in many stretches. Federal funds once were available to straighten the gnarly highway, but those plans were voted down. Designated a scenic highway, 19 is now a delight for motorcyclists, sports car enthusiasts and any driver who relishes a challenging, backcountry road. Heading back to Eminence, the route goes by Alley Spring, where the barn-red mill is one of the most photographed scenes in the Ozarks. The spring, the old red mill and the sluice below are absolutely gorgeous, and the foot bridge offers a bird’s eye view of the river. The Hellbender is one of five, selfguided routes, in the heart of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. They feature fanciful names like Jesse James Getaway; Waterfall Wonderland; Big Spring Sidewinder; and Elephant Rocks and Roll. Guides are available at www.MotorcycleOzarks.com. The website includes free printable maps and descriptive guides of the wonders you’ll find on each route. Elephant Rocks and Roll is named

for Elephant Rocks State Park, where a short walkway leads to a formation of huge granite boulders that resemble a row of circus elephants. The ride then goes to another popular state park, Johnson’s Shut-Ins, home to the state’s favorite swimming hole. Waterfall Wonderland is named for Rocky Falls, which looks like it should be in the Rocky Mountains not the Ozarks. As it veers toward Arkansas,

the pavement swoops up and down through the Mark Twain National Forest like a roller coaster. A mile-long hike through the forest leads to Greer Spring, which sits in a pristine canyon and pumps out millions of gallons of clear, cold water daily. Further on is Mammoth Spring, which has a waterfall and visitor center. Jesse James Getaway is named for the infamous outlaw who is said to have

hidden in the hills and hollows. From Eminence this route follows Highway 106, crossing the Current River and heading up the mountainside. Big Spring Sidewinder takes you to Big Spring the biggest spring in a state of gushing springs. It’s a truly awesome sight — a big boil that comes out of the base of a bluff. On average, more than 278 million gallons of water flow from Big Spring each day.

PAGE 18

AAA TRAVELER

MAY 2015

Pay smart when you travel internationally Paying with plastic is quick, safe and convenient

ou have your itinerary — five countries in 10 days. You’ve learned to say “Do you speak English?” and “Where is the restroom?” in at least two languages. You have your passport, your AAA travel guide, and a suitcase full of wrinklefree clothes. Now it’s time to pack your wallet. What should you take — credit cards, a debit card, traveler’s checks, or cash? According to travel experts, the answer is all of them. For years, smart travelers knew that credit cards were a great way to pay abroad. A credit card was safer than carrying cash, and you got a great exchange rate in the bargain. That’s because credit-card companies generally qualified for institutional exchange rates, rather than the much less advantageous rates tourists find at exchange kiosks. Unfortunately, many credit card companies have made this tried-andtrue way to pay a little more costly. Previously, MasterCard or Visa charged a 1 percent conversion markup to the cardholder on each foreign purchase. Now they charge the credit card issuer this 1 percent fee. The issuer may now charge the cardholder as much as 3 percent on these purchases. This is referred to as a conversion fee, charged for converting purchases made in foreign currencies into U.S. dollar amounts. The difference — $90 on $3,000

A REWARDING EXPERIENCE — A credit card is safer than carrying cash when traveling internationally. worth of transactions, compared with $30 when the fee was 1 percent — may not be enough for you to leave your cards at home. But you might want to find out if one of your cards offers a better rate and use that one. You may want to consider also using a debit card overseas. Be sure to ask about fees on

these cards as well. Even with the surcharges thrown in, paying by credit card may still be cheaper than converting cash overseas. Paying with plastic is also quick and convenient, particularly in Europe, where Visa® and MasterCard® credit cards are widely accepted. In addition,

many credit cards come with travelerfriendly features, such as extended protection against theft and the accidental damage of purchases. Others offer travel-accident and car-rental insurance. Paying by credit card also gives you the opportunity to dispute a bill from a foreign merchant. These vary according to country. Contact your AAA branch office or Bank of America for details. Your best bet is to travel with a mixture of credit cards, debit cards, cash, and traveler’s checks. Be sure to make a list of the numbers of the traveler’s checks and telephone numbers to call if the cards or traveler’s checks are lost or stolen, and carry the list with you at all times. One final bit of advice: if you do plan to go overseas and use credit cards, call your card issuers in advance and let them know. Sometimes, the card may be put on hold after one or two foreign transactions until the card issuer determines that it is you using the card. If someone is not at your home to verify that you are overseas, then you could be in a real bind. If you are looking for the perfect travel companion, visit AAA.com/ CreditCard or call 1-866-665-3581 for more information on rates, fees and other costs, or to apply for a AAA Member Rewards Visa card. This credit card program is issued and administered by Bank of America, N.A.

Crashes touch one in three but drivers still willing to risk it Motorists recognize dangers but do little to alter behavior

oo many Americans report that they regularly speed, run red lights, use distracting devices or drive drowsy. This is despite the fact that one in three have a loved one who has been seriously injured or killed in a crash, according to the AAA Foundation’s latest Traffic Safety Culture Index. The results further find that unsafe behaviors persist even though one in five drivers have themselves been involved in a serious crash, and one in ten has been seriously injured in a crash. “It is very disappointing that we con-

tinue to see a prevailing attitude of ‘do as I say, not as I do,’ where large numbers of motorists seem to recognize the risks of certain behaviors but do them anyway,” said Peter Kissinger, President and CEO of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “Enhancing the safety culture in society must begin with each individual.” These most recent findings from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety’s annual survey that assesses and benchmarks the attitudes and behaviors of drivers revealed that the prevalence of unsafe driving behaviors during

the previous 30 days are widespread, including: • Red light running: More than a third (36 percent) of drivers admit to running red lights, yet 55 percent say it is a very serious threat and 73 percent say it is completely unacceptable. • Speeding (10+ mph) on residential streets: Nearly half of drivers report speeding (44 percent), yet 65 percent say it is completely unacceptable. • Drowsy driving: About 3 in 10 drivers (29 percent) admitted to drowsy driving, yet 45 percent say it is a very serious threat and 81 percent say it is completely unacceptable. • Texting/emailing: More than a quarter (27 percent) of drivers report typing or sending a text or email, yet 79 percent of drivers say it is a very serious threat to safety and 84 percent say it is completely unacceptable. When it comes to specific distracted driving behaviors in the past 30 days: • 2 in 3 drivers reported talking on their cell phone. • 1 in 3 drivers reported talking on their cell phone often. • 1 in 3 drivers admit to reading a text message or email. The findings also offered insight about drivers’ attitudes related to cognitive distraction. Two out of three drivers believe hands-free phone use is

acceptable, and nearly half (46 percent) of drivers who report using speechbased in-vehicle systems say they do not believe these systems are at all distracting. These attitudes are prevalent despite extensive research indicating that hands-free devices can lead to cognitive distraction. “Most drivers don’t understand the risks and continue to use these technologies,” said Kissinger. “The good news is that we all have the ability to make safer choices, and can personally enhance our safety while driving.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety issued its first Traffic Safety Culture Index in 2008. The 2014 report is online at www.AAAfoundation.org.

MAY 2015

AAA TRAVELER

PAGE 19

‘Coolest Summer Ever’ coming to Walt Disney World Resort Olaf, Anna and Elsa make ‘Frozen’ summer dreams come to life

emorial Day weekend is the traditional start of family vacation season, and Walt Disney World Resort guests can get their cool on all summer during the “Coolest Summer Ever,” with Olaf as the official host. “Frozen” Summer Fun Live will bring together Princess Anna, Queen Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf, all appearing daily in shows and experiences at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, June 17-Sept. 7. Guests will find cool thrills this summer including a royal processional with the ice cutters and the joyous citizens of Arendelle, and a brand new sing-along show. At the end of a fun-filled Frozen day, Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf come together for a grand finale—complete with an aweinspiring fireworks display set to the glorious music of the movie. A cool new deal doubles the fun at Disney’s two iconic water parks — Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach. Purchase a one-day water park ticket and parkhop between the two water parks in the same day that both are open. Blizzard Beach offers all the spinechilling thrills of an Alpine ski resort, whether it’s bobsledding down the “snowy” slopes of Mt. Gushmore, or plunging straight down Summit Plummet at up to 55 mph. Located near Downtown Disney,

COLD COMFORT — Olaf will be welcoming guests at Walt Disney World Resort this summer. the 61-acre Typhoon Lagoon includes Crush ‘n’ Gusher, the first-ever water coaster thrill ride attraction in Central Florida; a man-made mountain with eight twisting-and-turning water slides and Shark Reef, where snorkelers swim fin-to-fin with exotic marine life like French angels, groupers and bonnethead and leopard sharks.

Guests will find thrills from mild to wild to out of this world in all four Walt Disney World theme parks. Don’t-miss attractions include the new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, sending riders on a playful musical adventure into the mine “where a million diamonds shine.” Expedition Everest at Disney’s

Animal Kingdom, takes guests past thundering waterfalls, and shimmering glacier fields on a perilous journey aboard a runaway train through the Himalayas. Adventurous riders push deep into the lair of the legendary yeti, guardian of the forbidden mountain. En route, they encounter torn tracks, spiral backwards through the darkness and fog into an ice cavern, and dart into and out of the nearly 200-feethigh mountain in a high-speed adventure. Set your course for the frozen planet of Hoth during Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, May 15 to June 14. The 2015 event will feature Star Wars characters roaming the theme park for meet-and-greets, conversations with Star Wars celebrities, interactive activities and a Star Wars motorcade through the park. Let the Force be with you as you combine the fun and adventure of Star Wars with the magic of Disney Parks.

IF YOU GO

AAA is able to assist you with all your Disney vacation needs including Disney theme parks and resorts, and Disney Cruise Lines. Visit your local AAA Travel Agency location or visit AAA.com for more information.

AAA is taking the LongROAD for senior driver safety Understanding the needs of tomorrow’s older drivers

he U.S. Census Bureau reports that 10,000 people will turn 65 every day from now until 2030. Understanding the safety and mobility needs of these newlyminted seniors is a pressing concern. The Longitudinal Research on Aging Drivers (LongROAD) is a $12 million project by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, that will allow researchers to better understand the role of physical and cognitive functions, medical conditions, medications and vehicle technologies in driving safety. Researchers will also examine how older drivers self-regulate to avoid difficult driving conditions, and the causes and consequences of driving cessation. This project will generate a wealth of data by tracking a large group of older drivers (roughly 3,000) for an extended period of 5-10 years. The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) is one of five national test sites selected by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety to address the wellbeing of older drivers. David Eby, research professor and head of UMTRI’s Behavioral Sciences Group, is a coprincipal investigator for the project. “Like most people, older adults consider driving to be essential to independence and well-being,” Eby said.

AGING WELL — AAA is looking for solutions to issues facing mature drivers. “With aging, however, comes a higher likelihood of medical conditions that can affect safe driving ability. Thus, it is important for society to both help older adults continue driving for as long as they can safely do so and to help people stay mobile once they have decided to stop driving. This multi-state project will provide much needed information to help us solve this pressing societal issue.”

Researchers at U-M, Columbia, Johns Hopkins University, University of California-San Diego, University of Colorado-Denver, the Urban Institute, and the Bassett Research Institute will recruit a total of 3,000 active drivers ages 65-79 at five study sites. They will follow these drivers over time through annual assessments and interviews, and will fit their vehicles with a GPS to learn about their driving patterns.

Each participant’s car will be fitted with data collection device that will record where the vehicle is being driven and some other vehicle-based data. All participants will engage in a comprehensive assessment of physical, mental and perceptual functioning every two years; have their vehicles visually inspected every other year; complete a questionnaire on health, well-being, attitudes and driving every year; and have all driving trips recorded. The project will also collect medical, crash and driving history records for all participants. This study will provide AAA with the scientific backing needed to advocate for effective policies and programs. The database it creates will also serve as a “go-to” resource for answering the most pressing questions about senior safety and mobility for years to come.

GREY MATTERS

AAA’s award-winning senior driving website SeniorDriving.AAA.com is filled with resources designed to keep senior drivers on the road for as long as safely possible and mobile thereafter. SeniorDriving.AAA.com provides convenient, online access to a wealth of free interactive material.

PAGE 20

AAA TRAVELER

MAY 2015

Lighter than air in the Land of Enchantment It’s time for some high plains drifting in New Mexico

anta Fe is an intoxicating blend of Anglo, Indian and Hispanic cultures that mingle like the scent of piñón wood with the evening air. The town’s signature adobe architecture will transport visitors back to the Spanish Colonial era, and remnants of the Wild West. The Palace of the Governors on the Plaza of Santa Fe, constructed in 1610, is the oldest continuously occupied public building in the United States. Long a haven for artists, the galleries along Canyon Road showcase an array of contemporary Southwestern, and indigenous American art. The city boasts half a dozen major museums including the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, dedicated to the work of the influential American artist. Nestled in the shadow of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains the old storefronts in historic Taos Plaza have been transformed into galleries, restaurants and boutiques. The Kit Carson Park and Cemetery is the final resting place of the famed frontiersman and other mustsees include the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, towering 650-feet above the river. Taos Pueblo is the only living Native American community designated as both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. The pueblo is made entirely of adobe — earth mixed with water and straw, then made into sun-dried bricks. The walls are often several feet thick.

But Albuquerque is much more than just a lot of hot air. Some of Old Town’s squat adobes date back to the town’s beginnings in 1706. Visitors can explore the hidden courtyards, browse the galleries, or bargain for Native American jewelry and crafts under the low-slung portals. The city sprawls across a desert basin with the Sandia Mountains erupting over a parched, terra cotta plain. The Sandia Peak Tramway ascends 2.7-miles to the top of the 10,400-foot mountain. One of the longest, most spectacular aerial tramways in the world, passengers glide over a lush, green ponderosa forest and steep canyons that at dusk, glow a deep, rosy pink. Early explorers named them Sandia, Spanish for “watermelon.” And when the lights begin to twinkle down below, it seems like the evening is filled with nothing but stars.

UP, UP AND AWAY — Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta takes place in October. About 40 miles south of Taos is Chimayó, New Mexico’s most visited religious shrine. The El Santuario de Chimayó church is said to have been built on sacred earth and possess miraculous healing powers. There are 19 pueblos in the region, where Native Americans still pursue a more traditional lifestyle. With its tightly clustered adobe buildings Acoma Pueblo is thought to be the oldest con-

tinuously inhabited settlement in the United States. Also known as Sky City, the 70-acre community is perched atop a 357-foot sandstone mesa. For nine days each October, the skies around Albuquerque are festooned with hundreds of hot air and gas balloons. The evening Glowdeo® — when all the balloons fire their burners and light up the desert night is one the most spectacular manmade sights on earth.

IF YOU GO

Experience the best of New Mexico during AAA’s October 4-9 New Mexico Balloon Fiesta escorted tour. Highlights include Santa Fe, Taos, and Albuquerque with stops at Chimayó; the Rio Grande Gorge, special seating at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta; a ride on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway and more. See the Departures Guide or log on to AAA.com/travel for more details.

Automotive battery technology is charging ahead Some electrifying developments are taking place in the industry

odern vehicles are totally reliant upon their electrical systems, with everything from GPS navigation to electric power steering, and so much more running from your car’s electrical circuits. Most vehicles also depend on a charged battery to allow vehicle access, so a dead battery can ruin the start of anybody’s day. The traditional lead–acid battery’s ability to deliver high current at a relatively low cost, have made it an automobile mainstay for the past 50 years. A lead-acid battery’s lifespan can range from as little as six months to 48 months, however, only about 30 percent of the batteries sold today will see their third birthday. Extremes of heat and cold, parasitic drains for onboard electronics and just poor maintenance are the main reasons for weak performance and premature battery death. Lithium-ion batteries are typically used in consumer electronics like laptops and cell phones because they are lighter and more energy-dense than other types of batteries. Right now, intensive technical development work is underway in the industry to adapt lithium-ion technology to the far more robust requirements of automobile batteries. Cars have to work in huge tem-

Winter may be over but few people realize that hot weather can be even harder on your car’s battery. Heat causing battery fluid to evaporate, especially in sealed maintenance free batteries. It also accelerates the rate of corrosion on your battery terminals. Both conditions can lead to insufficient electrical power being available, and leave a motorist stranded without warning.

AAA BATTERY SERVICE

POWER CENTER — AAA’s Mobile Battery Service can accurately diagnose your battery-related problems at the roadside. perature extremes, stand up to more shocks and vibrations and have a much higher energy throughput than consumer electronics. That’s one reason why vehicles equipped with “startstop” technologies, and most hybrids still use lead-acid batteries for starting, lighting and ignition (SLI) functions. Lead-acid batteries have undergone their own remarkable evolution to keep

up with the demand for more power and reliability. The Absorbent Glass Mat or AGM lead-acid battery uses porous glass mats to absorb and hold the electrolyte. AGM batteries can support higher accessory loads and are now used in more than 20 million vehicles world-wide with auto start-stop technology, saving an estimated 381 million gallons of fuel annually.

• Fully mobile service; • Free battery testing using advanced technology; • All batteries meet or exceed original manufacturers specs; • Fast, professional installation; • Environmentally friendly disposal and recycling; • Battery freshness guarantee; • 36-month nationwide replacement warranty; • Exclusive AAA-member pricing. 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.

MAY 2015

AAA TRAVELER

PAGE 21

Celebrity Cruises pulls back the curtain on 18 shows Modern Luxury brand to unveil a series of spectacular shows

nspired by the latest trends in entertainment and the hottest global tickets, Celebrity Cruises is taking the wraps off an impressive array of 18 shows in 18 months — all produced in partnership with the people behind some of today’s biggest recording artists and awarding-winning theatrical and television productions. The 18 cutting-edge shows, feature elements of drama, dance, comedy, musical theater and concert-style performances — blended in a way that has never been seen before at sea. Shows will include Elyria, an energetic, latenight production, where guests are transported to a witty, mischievous, dreamlike world. The new production was launched onboard Celebrity Constellation in April. iMagic, now playing onboard Celebrity Summit, is a modern reimagining of the wonder of illusions. Innovative and groundbreaking it uses state-of-the art technology like holograms, lasers and iPads, to tell the story. iMagic explores the work of history’s greatest illusionists with the technology of the future. Indulgence is a sophisticated fusion of entertainment and culinary adventure. Designed to stimulate all your senses, sultry and quirky pop-up performances surprise and delight you while enticing delicacies and beverages tempt your palate.

IT’S SHOW TIME — Celebrity’s new shows feature elements of drama, dance, comedy, and musical theater. Celebrity has collaborated with some of the most respected names in entertainment to produce the 18 shows. These include William Baker, who has photographed, styled and directed some of the most influential names in pop including Kylie Minogue, Rihanna, and Britney Spears; and Steve Anderson, musical director, producer and writer for

Kentucky strengthens booster seat law

AA applauds the signing House Bill 315 aimed at saving young children’s lives. In March, Governor Steve Beshear signed the bill into law, which enhances Kentucky’s child passenger safety law. The new law becomes effective June 25, 2015 and requires all children under age 8 and less than 57 inches tall to use booster seats. Previously, those requirements were age 7 and 50 inches, respectively. Violators will receive a citation for $50 and a $10 mandatory donation to the Traumatic Brain Injury Trust Fund. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motor vehicle crashes were the leading cause of death for children age 4 and every age 11 through 14, based on 2009 figures, which is the latest mortality data available from the National Center for Health Statistics. The new legislation meets the national safety standard for booster seat protection, while giving parents peace of mind transporting their children. “Research shows that booster seats drastically improve the odds of survival in the event of a crash,” said Theresa Podguski, AAA East Central Director of Legislative Affairs. “All vehicle occupants need to be properly

restrained to prevent injury in the event of a sudden stop, swerve, or crash,” she added. A belt-positioning booster seat raises the child up, so an adult seat belt fits properly, providing better protection than a seat belt alone. The lap belt should lie flat and on top of the thighs, not higher up on the abdomen and the shoulder belt should fit across the middle of the child’s shoulder. If it falls off the shoulder or rests on your child’s neck, it won’t work as well. AAA East Central, which supported HB-315’s passage, believes the new booster seat law significantly improves child passenger safety in a traffic environment that has become progressively more dangerous for drivers and passengers. It also 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. The bill was sponsored by Representative Steve Riggs, House District 31; Representative Ruth Ann Palumbo, House District 76; Representative Jody Richards, House District 20 and Speaker Pro Tem; and Representative Brent Yonts, House District 15.

world-renowned artists like Leona Lewis, Kylie Minogue and Susan Boyle. “Our discerning and well-traveled guests want modern luxury in all aspects of their Celebrity cruise vacation, including their entertainment,” said Becky Thomson-Foley, director of entertainment at Celebrity Cruises. “We continue to raise the bar by unveiling an array of

shows that vary from groundbreaking and contemporary to magnificent and beautiful — all with lighthearted and humorous storylines, popular music and unique choreography. It is exciting to partner with incredible talent within the entertainment industry to create these fresh, unique experiences for vacationers.” On Celebrity, entertainment does not just happen in the main theater, it happens all around guests in the many luxurious venues onboard. In addition to the 18 shows, Celebrity will offer up to 10 engaging entertainment experiences on every ship. Side Show is an interactive and vintage circus theme party. Reigning Rocks will blend the elegance of royalty with the glam of Brit Pop, and Night of the Dragon will feature the delicate beauty of Asian culture mixed with pop music, resulting in a high-energy celebration of culture. All entertainment is created and perfected at “The Studio,” Celebrity’s production headquarters inside a newly built, 130,000-square-foot, state-of-theart facility.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please see this month’s Departures Guide or log on to AAA.com/cruises for great Celebrity Cruise vacations from AAA.

How to choose a quality auto repair shop

ood auto repair shops sell quality replacement auto parts, but how do you know which shops can be trusted? AAA offers the following suggestions for choosing a professional repair facility: 1. Repairs covered under a new-car warranty must be performed by an authorized dealer. However, most other vehicle maintenance and repair services can be performed at any qualified repair facility. Here are some of the choices when choosing a repair facility: • New-car dealer service departments; • Independent repair facilities; • Specialty shops that focus on a single vehicle make, or a specific system/ component; • Tire- and chain-store operations that provide common high-volume services; • Fast-lube outlets with a limited range of basic maintenance services. All of these outlets have pluses and minuses, but in general, AAA recommends that you select a quality fullservice repair shop. As a shop’s crew gets to know you and your vehicle, they will be in a better position to advise you on upcoming service and repair needs. 2. When selecting a repair facility, getting recommendations from friends, relatives and co-workers can be an excellent starting point. Once you settle on potential candidates, pay the shops

a visit to check out the following:: • Facility appearance and cleanliness; • Necessary tools and equipment to service modern vehicles; • Certificates demonstrating up-to-date staff training and technician certification; • Awards or other documentation demonstrating a high-level of customer satisfaction; • Proven financial track record over many years in business; • Insurance coverage to protect you and your vehicle on the premises; • Guaranteed written estimates not be exceeded by more than 10 percent without prior approval; • Return of replaced parts on request; • A minimum 12-month/12,000-mile parts and labor repair warranty. 3. If you don’t have the time or inclination to do the research yourself, rest easy — AAA has already done it for you. Since 1975, AAA has been helping members and other consumers locate high-quality auto repairs through a free public service that inspects and certifies auto repair facilities. AAA Approved Auto Repair shops must meet and maintain stringent quality standards for customer service, training, equipment and cleanliness. There are more than 7,000 AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities across North America; to find one near you, visit www.AAA.com/Repair.

PAGE 22

AAA TRAVELER

MAY 2015

Experience matters more than age with young driver safety Extending GDL Requirements could help reduce crashes

xperience behind the wheel may matter more than age when it comes to the safety of young-adult drivers, according to two new studies by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. The results suggest that states could reduce road crashes, fatalities and injuries by extending graduated driver licensing (GDL) laws to novice drivers beyond age 17. Graduated driver licensing laws are designed to help new drivers gain practical experience in a relatively safe environment by initially restricting their exposure to risky situations, such as driving at night or with young passengers. The law then gradually phases in more privileges as new drivers gain more experience. “Turning 18 does not instantly make someone a safer driver,” said Peter Kissinger, President and CEO of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “This new research clearly demonstrates how important experience is to safe driving and suggests that graduated driver licensing laws may be beneficial for people that begin driving at an older age.” The findings are based on two studies that examined crash rates of new drivers in California and North Carolina; two states that have no GDL requirements for new drivers ages 18 or older; and New Jersey, the only state in the country to have a comprehensive GDL

A LOST OPPORUNITY — More than one in three new drivers miss out on the protections of GDL by delaying licensure. program for all new drivers up to age 21. New drivers licensed at age 18 in California and North Carolina were more likely to be involved in a crash resulting in injuries during their first year of solo driving than new drivers licensed at any other age. In New Jersey, older beginners had lower crash rates overall and lower rates of injury crashes than younger beginners. These results

suggest that applying GDL to all new drivers, or at least to some new drivers older than 17, might have a protective effect and improve safety. “Graduated driver licensing can greatly reduce crashes, injuries and deaths for everyone on the road,” said Jeff Gardner, manager of AAA’s Kentucky Driver Training Center. “These laws set the parameters to help ease the transi-

tion behind the wheel during the learning to drive process.” Graduated driver licensing programs have reduced 16- and 17-year-old driver crashes, but generally do not apply to new drivers ages 18 and older. Prior AAA Foundation research found that an estimated 36 percent of new drivers miss out on the protections of GDL by delaying licensure until age 18 or older. Despite speculation that teens may be delaying licensure to avoid the restrictions imposed by GDL, the studies found relatively few cite this as a reason for their decision. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teenagers, and drivers ages 18-20 were involved in more than 800,000 crashes in the United States in 2012. Parents and teens can learn more about teen driver issues and GDL requirements in their state by visiting AAA’s Keys2Drive website.

AAA KENTUCKY DRIVER TRAINING CENTER

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

aroundtown INTERNATIONAL BAR-B-QUE FESTIVAL — (May 8-9) The competition is fierce and the flavors rich as local cooking teams produce the best that their secret recipes have to offer to win the Governor’s Cup, the prize for the best overall Bar-B-Que cooking team. Sample mutton, chicken and burgoo at Saturday’s Glutton Special and enjoy non-stop entertainment that includes music, dancing, pie-eating contests, crafts, classic car show and family activities. Food will be available for sale by the pound and gallon on Saturday afternoon. For the schedule, visit bbqfest.com. Location: Downtown Owensboro. LITTLE RIVER DAYS — (May 14-16) Now in its 33rd year, this festival begins Thursday evening at 5:00 p.m. with nothing but great carnival rides and amusements—all with $5 unlimited ride wristbands. On Friday and Saturday, enjoy a variety of food and beverages and shopping bargains during the day, and great musical entertainment starting at 7:30 p.m. There is a 5k run on Saturday morning and the popular school challenge fun run on the new rail-trail. For information, visit hopkinsvilleky.us. Location: Downtown Hopkinsville. FOUNTAIN RUN BARBECUE FESTIVAL — (May 15-16) Highlights include a

parade of automobiles, games, gospel singing, raffles and the barbecue tasting contest. Saturday wraps up with music and dancing; Sunday begins with a pancake and sausage breakfast. For information, call (270) 434-4080. Location: Main Street, Fountain Run. SPRINGFEST — (May 15-16) Old Louisville SpringFest is a market and street fair celebration of Old Louisville’s love of history, culture, diversity, food, style, family and philanthropy. Enjoy vendors with unique products and services, fortunetellers, KidZone, artists and gourmet food trucks, legendary bourbon slushies, and beer garden. Times are Friday, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. For information, visit oldlouisvillespringfest.org. Location: 1200 and 1300 Blocks of First Street, Old Louisville section, Louisville. LOWER TOWN ARTS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL — (May 15-16) The LowerTown Arts & Music Festival celebrates the cultural richness of Western Kentucky with the region’s most outstanding visual, performing and culinary arts. The festival features vendor booths showcasing more than 50 visiting artists along with open studios and galleries of LowerTown’s resident artists, live music on three outdoor stages and

a Taste of Paducah featuring local food vendors. Free. For information, visit lowertownamf.com. Location: Jefferson-Park Avenue, 3rd-9th Streets, Paducah. ABBEY ROAD ON THE RIVER — (May 21-25) The five-day music festival honoring the music and legend of The Beatles is the largest Beatles festival in the United States. About 50 bands, a film festival, lectures and memorabilia are highlights. Ticket packages available. For tickets and information, call (216) 378-1980 or visit arotr.com. Location: Belvedere Festival Park and Muhammed Ali Center, Louisville. GLASGOW HIGHLAND GAMES — (May 29-31) This celebration of Scottish culture and heritage has it all. Come enjoy a Celtic rock band concert, genealogy seminars, Celtic Fest on the Square, Ceilidh (traditional and Celtic rock music), demonstrations and period re-enactments, rugby, Parade of Tartans and lots of food. Competitions include pipe and drum, highland games, battle ax, kilted mile, ladies haggis toss, and Bonniest Knees. For information, call (270) 651-3141. Location: Barren River Lake State Resort Park, 1149 State Park Road, Lucas. WONDERFEST — (May 30-31) WonderFest is a weekend hobby expo that features movie special

effects guests, the largest model contest in the U.S. for sci-fi, horror and comics-related subjects, model and toy dealers galore, and seminars to entertain and improve hobbyists of all ages. Tickets sold at door only. For information, visit wonderfest.com. Location: Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Hotel, 830 Phillips Lane, Louisville. RUSSELL COUNTY JAYCEES FAIR — (May 30-June 6) An old-fashioned fair with something for everyone: carnival, agriculture exhibits, home interior/crafts, livestock shows, youth exhibits, youth contests, horse shows, horse/harness racing, horse/mule pull, baby contests, Little Miss/Mister, Miss Teen Kentucky, Miss Kentucky County Fair, demolition derby, truck pull, tractor pull, and garden tractor pull. For information, visit russellcountyjaycees.com/fair. Location: Russell County Fairgrounds, Route 127 at Lindsey Lane, Russell Springs. HIGHLAND RENAISSANCE FAIR — (May 30 to July 5) Jousting tournaments, birds of prey shows, jugglers, dancers and games of skill are offered during this trip to the 14th and 15th centuries. Saturdays and Sundays only. Grounds open at 10:00 a.m. For information, visit kyrenfaire.com or call (859) 846-4530. Location: 955 Elm Street, Eminence.

MAY 2015

AAA TRAVELER

PAGE 23

PAGE 24

AAA TRAVELER

MAY 2015