May susquehanna 2016 by AAA East Central

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Vol. 55 No. 3

SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY REGION

Celebrate the centennial of the National Park Service!

AAA Anywhere, Anytime with AAA Mobile App

MEMBERS SAVE! Premier: $100 Plus: $75 Classic: $50 SEE RESTRICTIONS IN BOX BELOW.

GRAND CANYON NP Mark Lellouch, NPS

Anniversary shines light on vacation oases right in America’s “backyard”

early 60 national parks await your discovery in 2016, a big milestone for the US National Park Service. From Acadia in Maine to Zion in Utah, America’s federally protected zones of natural beauty make ideal family vacation destinations that are also affordable, fun alternatives to overseas travel. No passports, language issues or currency exchanging! Between May 1 & May 31,

visit AAA Travel to find a AAA Vacations®-branded national park package of 7 nights or longer that suits your travel style & budget and enjoy great member-only savings of up to $100 per room, double occupancy! This Land Is Your Land The eruption of Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park is drama at its best and, once you’ve seen it, it’s impossible to forget it. It’s also easy to see why, in 1872, © Silvy K. / Fotolia.com

Limited-time member-only offer exclusively from AAA East Central

Up to $100.00 off national park vacations! New bookings with deposit May 1-31, 2016. Savings per room, double occupancy. Valid only on AAA Vacations®–branded packages of 7 nights or longer and on the “Mighty 5 & More” Celebration Featured Vacation. See page 19.

MAY/JUNE 2016

Congress made the effort to protect the area from settlements by designating the region America’s first national park. That effort grew into a larger movement to preserve these kinds of sites, where the natural beauty inspires and educates visitors, and eventually led to the creation of the National Park Service (NPS), established by an act signed by Woodrow Wilson on Aug 25, 1916. Today, the NPS also administers national monuments, recreation areas, seashores, lakeshores and historic parks & memorials. Its programs focus on wildlife conservation, natural resources and outdoor recreation. Its 408 sites cover more than 84 million acres. There’s a NPS site in every state, the District of Columbia, Guam, American Samoa, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Here are just 3 of the many national-park-centered tours available from AAA Travel: “Cowboy Country” The guided 8-day “Cowboy Country” (June through August departures) from Tauck Bridges is the ultimate family getaway in South continued on page 19

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

AAA MEMBERS SAVE 40% ON CARFAX VEHICLE HISTORY REPORTS

With our free AAA Mobile app, members can enjoy your favorite time- and money-saving AAA services, such as Roadside Assistance, member discounts, maps, gas prices, driving directions, and more right from the palm of your hand. Book hotel rooms, rental cars, and flights right from your mobile device. Plus, the app’s TripTik® Travel Planner provides interactive maps, turn-byturn navigation, and guides to points of interests, campgrounds, and more Save time and money with the Cheapest Gas feature. Gas station details include updated prices for all available grades of gasoline, and you can sort stations alphabetically or by distance. New functionality now enables Apple Watch owners to quickly and easily find the nearest gas station or the cheapest fuel with AAA App. The app updates prices seven times a day and provides turn-by-turn navigation to the nearest or cheapest station through Apple Maps. Get the free AAA Mobile App now to get access to these and other great features. AAA Mobile delivers the total mobile member experience. For more information or to download the AAA Mobile app, visit the AAA Mobile Solutions page at AAA.com/Mobile or Text APP15 to 99000 and you’ll receive a link to download the app.

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

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

AAA News Delivered Right to Your Inbox

Learn about the latest AAA specials and get the most value from your membership when you sign up for the monthly AAA e-Update newsletter. Each newsletter includes information about your AAA member benefits, along with savings offers, automotive tips, travel ideas and more. After your first newsletter, you decide which additional e-newsletters you’d like to receive. Interested in learning about Travel specials? Get the Travel e-News, with exclusive getaway packages and offers. Or get the Insurance Insight, with information to help you protect your valued possessions. There’s no cost to you, and you can discontinue your AAA e-newsletter subscription at any time. Visit AAA.com/enews to sign up today.

A Winter Wonderland in the Canadian Rockies There’s no view like the view from Canada’s rooftop and winter in the Canadian Rockies is a time for celebration. See amazing ice sculptures at the Lake Louise Ice Magic Festival, witness the glacier-clad monoliths on the Icefields Parkway, known as “20 Switzerlands in one.” Try dog-sledding or snowshoeing, and board an Ice Explorer for a memorable trek over the Columbia Icefield. Revel in the lap of luxury at the legendary Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. The fires are roaring, the Northern Lights dance across the night sky and there’s a spot for you on AAA Travel’s Canada’s Winter Wonderland Tour, Jan. 9–15, 2017. SEE PAGE 9.

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AAA MOTORIST

AAA Member Rewards VISA is the card for all seasons Color your world with a $50 statement credit

etail insiders know that spring can be a great season for bargain shoppers on the hunt for deals on refrigerators and mattresses (because new models come out in June), luggage (in the lull before summer vacations) and grill accessories (but not grills). Something about spring merchandising helps lure us out of hibernation. Spring colors perk up consumers ready to brighten their surroundings and shift to a sunnier seasonal palette. Psychologists have found that color can be a huge driver for shoppers. More than 80 percent of participants in a recent survey reported that color is a primary reason they choose a product. Here are a few predictions that may color your shopping decisions this spring: Color me house-proud. In spring, homeowners hit the nurseries and home improvement stores to prepare for landscaping and remodeling. Some of that sprucing up may be because spring is also the most popular time to put a house on the market. PPG Pittsburgh Paints, named Paradise Found (PPG1135-5) as its 2016 Color of the Year. It’s a serious green that is nurturing as well as sturdy and protective with very little undertone of blue. As AAA’s newest Discounts & Rewards Partner PPG Paints now offers AAA members 25 percent savings on retail paint and 15 percent on sundries at more than 600 PPG Paints stores throughout the U.S.

MAY 2016

AAA DIRECTORY INTERNET WEB SITE: www.AAA.com AAA MEMBER SERVICES • ADDRESS CHANGE triptiks, tourbooks, maps, license 412-363-5100 or 1-800-441-5008 APPROVED AUTO REPAIR 412-365-7411 or 1-800-233-9733 EMERGENCY ROAD SERVICE 412-362-1900 or 1-800-222-4357 EXPRESS TRAVEL RESERVATIONS

airline tickets, tours, cruises, rental cars

412-363-7283 or 1-800-354-8761

INSURANCE SERVICES: 1-800-207-7947 MEDIA RELATIONS: 412-365-7274 SAFETY: 412-365-7211 TDD for the hearing-impaired: 412-363-7144

AAA BRANCH OFFICE LOCATIONS

MORE REWARDING — From now through May 30th, new cardholders can earn a $50 statement credit. Soft is the new black. Discounts on items for your spring wardrobe are most likely mid-season. Welcoming colors that psychologically fulfill our yearning for reassurance and security are becoming more prominent. The fashion-forward will be stocking their closets with sunny shades such as buttercup yellow and a spectrum of softer hues, such as rose, peach, sky blue and lilac. How do we know? Because that is the color palette forecast by the Pantone Institute of Color™. For the past 15 years, this organization predicted color

trends and designated a Color of the Year. In 2016, a blending of two shades — Rose Quartz, a warm embracing rose tone, and Serenity, a cool, tranquil blue — were chosen. When Pantone speaks, fashion, home décor, automotive and product packaging experts take notice. Big ticket paint jobs. When tax refunds hit bank accounts many people make big purchases, such as cars and appliances. Which paint jobs will pop in 2016? Expect the top four car colors — white, black, grey and silver — to remain popular. However, PPG Industries predicts we will see more neutrals with a sparkle, metallic orange, and grey with a strong undertone of green. Stainless steel will remain the number one choice in appliances, but new options will include sleek black stainless finishes, icy white and a warm gray metallic that GE calls “slate.” AAA Member Rewards VISA shines every season. No matter what you will be buying this spring, it is rewarding to shop with your AAA Member Rewards Visa® credit card. That is especially true now through May 30. New cardholders who make at least $250 in purchases the first 90 days their account is open get a $50 statement credit. All cardholders continue to earn points they can redeem for cash back on purchases. Earn 3 points per $1 on qualifying AAA and travel purchases. Earn 2 points per $1 on gas, grocery store and drugstore purchases. Earn 1 point per $1 on purchases everywhere else. Categories won’t change and there is no limit on the points you can earn.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Ask a AAA staff associate about the AAA Member Rewards Visa credit card or apply for your new card at AAA.com/ creditcard. For information about rates, fees, other costs and benefits associated with the use of this credit card, or to apply, visit the website above or any AAA branch and refer to the disclosures accompanying the application.

Altoona 1634 Valley View Blvd. ............................. 814-946-1277 Butler 138 Clearview Circle .................................... 724-287-2713 Cranberry The Village Shoppes, 20510 Rt. 19 .......... 724-772-1122 Erie 6660 Peach St. Unit #2 .............................. 814-866-0246 Franklin 491 Allegheny Blvd, Suite 200 .................. 814-432-3960 Greensburg Eastgate Shopping Center 5142 Route 30, Suite 135 ......................... 724-834-8300 Grove City 24 Pine Grove Village Dr. .......................... 724-458-8930 Harborcreek 4430 Buffalo Rd. ........................................ 814-897-9508 Hermitage 1749 E. State St.......................................... 724-981-9141 Indiana 1169 Wayne Ave........................................ 724-349-4193 Jamestown (New York) 111 W. Fifth St., Jamestown, N.Y.. ........... 716-488-1981 Kittanning Franklin Village Mall. ............................... 724-543-1924 Lewisburg 530 1/2 North Derr Drive . ....................... 570-524-7455 Lower Burrell/New Kensington Area Crossroads Plaza 2503 Leechburg Rd.................................... 724-339-4440 McKean County (Bradford) 587 South Ave. .......................................... 814-368-3113 Meadville 18939 Park Avenue Plaza Unit #7 ............ 814-724-2247 New Castle 40 East St.................................................... 724-658-8551 Niagara-Orleans 7135 Rochester Rd, Lockport, NY. ............ 716-434-2865 Pittsburgh–Century III Area (Pleasant Hills) 9 Clairton Blvd. (RT 51). ........................... 412-655-6100 Pittsburgh–Downtown 538 Smithfield St. ...................................... 412-338-4300 Pittsburgh–East Liberty/Shadyside 5900 Baum Blvd. ........................................ 412-365-7196 Pittsburgh–Monroeville 2725 Mosside Blvd. .................................... 412-858-4640 Pittsburgh–North Hills Area (Ross Township) 4790 McKnight Rd. .................................... 412-367-7600 Pittsburgh–Robinson Township Robinson Town Centre 1760 Park Manor Blvd. ............................. 412-809-2800 Pittsburgh–South Hills Area (Bethel Park) 160 Ft. Couch Rd. ...................................... 412-833-5203 Rochester 300 Adams St. ............................................ 724-775-8000 St. Marys 1375 Bucktail Rd. ...................................... 814-834-7838 Somerset 110 N. Center Ave. .................................... 814-443-6526 Sunbury 1001 Market Street. .................................. 570-286-4507 Uniontown 111 W. Main St. ......................................... 724-438-8575 Warren 2285 Market St. ......................................... 814-723-6660 Washington 196 Murtland Ave. .................................... 724-222-3800 Waynesburg 184 Greene Plaza, US 21 & I-79 ................ 724-627-3434 Wexford-Wexford Plaza 10548 Perry Highway ................................ 724-933-3000 White Oak/McKeesport Area Oak Park Mall, 2001 Lincoln Way ............ 412-675-3400

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Shopping for a good used car? Start at AAA.com AAA members save 40% on CARFAX Vehicle History Reports Susquehanna Valley Region Official publication of AAA East Central Published bimonthly by AAA East Central 1001 Market Street, Sunbury, PA 17801-2403 USPS 530-080 ISSN 0890-7455

Periodicals Postage Paid at Sunbury, PA and at additional entry offices Postmaster: Send address changes to AAA Motorist Susquehanna Valley Region P.O. Box 788 1001 Market Street Sunbury, PA 17801-2403 Subscription Rate: $1 included in Primary Membership dues. All others: $2/year. Publisher..................................... James E. Lehman Managing Editor.............................. Douglas ONeil Business Manager ..................... Sherry A. Madison Editorial Office 1001 Market Street, Sunbury, PA 17801-2403 570.286.4507

e-mail: motorist@aaaec.com

AAA EAST CENTRAL Chairman ................................................ Richard S. Hamilton Vice Chairman.........................................James E. Broome, Jr. Vice Chairman............................................... Gregory E. Grim Vice Chairman..........................................Mary Lynn Laughlin Vice Chairman..................................... Martha Hartle Munsch OFFICERS: President ....................................................James E. Lehman Executive Vice President ............................... Thomas J. Ashley Secretary .................................................. Robert H. Compton Treasurer .......................................................Robert S. Collins GOVERNING BOARD OF DIRECTORS Glenn B. Bachman, Neil D. Bassi, James E. Broome, Jr., Steve D. Bullock**, Charles O. Casto**, Edward C. Coaxum, Jr., Robert S. Collins, Robert H. Compton, Jon E. Denney, Debra A. Dinnocenzo, Gregory E. Grim, Richard S. Hamilton, James H. Kanicki, Mary Lynn Laughlin, William Duff McCrady, James M. McDonnell, Thomas V. McKernan Jr., Martha Hartle Munsch, Gary K. Munsie**, Terrence L. Walton** EAST CENTRAL REGION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Neil D. Bassi, Chairman, Robert S. Collins, Vice Chairman, Christian Asam, Jack A. Barkley, William E. Bierer**, Ellsworth T. Bowser**, Peter Burton, Michael A. Cochran, Daniel J. Collins Jr.**, Robert S. Collins, Robert H. Compton, Debra A. Dinnocenzo, James J. Dodaro, Charles W. Groce, Richard S. Hamilton, Mark Henschen, Luke Howe, Richard Kallenborn, Herbert G. Koenig, Mark S. Mansour, W. Duff McCrady, Martha Hartle Munsch, W. Lee Oswalt, III, Michael Parkes, John D. Petruso, Louis Pomerico, Jacob N. Skezas, James C. Stump, Jr., James F. Ward **emeritus directors Regional President ......................................Gregory S. Shaffer Copyright ©2016 by AAA East Central. Publication of an advertisement in the AAA Motorist does not constitute an endorsement of the product or service by the AAA Motorist or by AAA East Central, except in the case of products and services which are being offered by AAA East Central.

By Richard Hamilton Chairman, AAA East Central ou already rely on AAA for peace of mind on the road. Now take that same level of confidence into your next used car buying experience. Just make sure to do your homework before handing over your hard-earned cash. A CARFAX® Vehicle History Report™ is a good first step in protecting yourself against buying a used car with costly or hidden repair problems. CARFAX® Vehicle History Reports™ are now available to AAA members at a substantial discount. AAA Classic and AAA Plus® members are entitled to a 20 percent discount — that’s a savings of $8 off the regular retail price of $39.99 on the purchase of a single CARFAX® Vehicle History Report™ when they order it online at AAA.com/CarfaxReport. There is also a five-report package and an unlimited report option available at equally significant savings! AAA Premier® members are entitled to one free CARFAX® Vehicle History Report™ per household, per membership year. To request their free vehicle history report, AAA Premier® members must call the toll-free AAA Premier Member Hotline number printed on their membership card and select menu option number four. Subsequent reports are available at a 40 percent discount off the regular retail price and can be ordered online at AAA.com/CarfaxReport. The leading source of vehicle his-

Richard Hamilton tory information for buyers and sellers of used cars CARFAX® offers the most comprehensive vehicle history database in North America. In fact, millions of consumers trust CARFAX® to provide them with vehicle history information every year. CARFAX® receives information from more than 91,000 data sources, including every U.S. and Canadian provincial motor vehicle agency, plus many auto auctions, fire and police departments, collision repair facilities, fleet management and rental agencies. CARFAX® Vehicle History Reports™ are available on every used car and light truck model year 1981 or later using the unique 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN). Each

CARFAX® Vehicle History Report™ contains a wealth of valuable information that can impact a consumer’s buying decision such as: • Title information, including salvaged, rebuilt, or junked titles; • Flood damage history; • Total loss accident history; • Odometer readings including mileage rollbacks or rollovers; • Lemon history; • Number of owners; • Accident indicators, such as airbag deployments and structural damage; • State emissions inspection results; • Service, inspection and registration history; • Warranty information; • Recall Information; • Vehicle use. (taxi, rental, lease, etc.) Although CARFAX® can’t promise to have every repair or accident record for every vehicle, or that it hasn’t had its odometer rolled back; it does provide consumers with detailed, indepth ownership information. AAA still recommends having any prospective used car purchase checked out by a reputable repair facility — like those who participate AAA’s Approved Auto Repair program. If you’re shopping for a used car, don’t waste time looking at vehicles with a less than desirable past. Start your search at AAA.com/CarfaxReport and filter your results by one-owner cars, accident history, cars with service records, and more. Find the right used car, at the right price, with the help of CARFAX® and AAA!

membersonly Hertz month means extra savings for AAA members Neighborhood locations make your summer getaway easier

ay is Hertz month at AAA and members can save big on weekly rentals! AAA members save up to 20 percent with Hertz, plus an additional 15 percent on weekly rentals when Promotional Code #106746 is included in the reservation. One of the benefits of AAA membership is the special package of savings available when you rent from Hertz. Exclusive AAA member benefits include free unlimited mileage on most rentals. Families receive free use of one child, infant or booster seat, a savings of $13.00 per day, and there’s no charge for an additional driver — a savings of $13.50 per day — if that driver is a AAA member and meets standard rental qualifications. Rent a NeverLost GPS for just $6.99 per day; save 50 percent off SIRIUS XM radio fees; and 10 percent off the Fuel Purchase Option. Purchase a tank of gas from Hertz at local prices and eliminate the hassle of rushing around trying to find a gas station before returning your car!

And every rental can be as good as gold. Hertz’ free Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® loyalty program helps AAA members fast-forward their car rental experience. Just show your license and pick-up your keys at the designated Gold counter at over 4,000 locations worldwide. Choose a car you like better on the spot with Hertz Gold Choice® and enjoy expedited drop-off with eReturn. Receive vehicle updates or select an upgrade right from your phone with Mobile Gold Alerts. In a recent program enhancement AAA members can now sign up for Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® right at Hertz rental counters. Hertz has over 2,700 locations off-airport, bringing the car rental experience right to your doorstep. You’ll earn one Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® point for every qualifying U.S. dollar spent on Hertz rentals and optional services worldwide. After their first Gold rental, AAA Classic and Plus members collect enough Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Bonus Points, for one free rental day. AAA Premier

members, earn points good for two free rental days. Hertz Gold Plus Rewards recently swept top honors at the 2016 FlyerTalk Awards, winning in every category and geographic region of the Drive Group. The awards are held annually and determined by the FlyerTalk community, a group of over 600,000 frequent business and leisure travelers. The community is dedicated to finding and sharing elite-level knowledge of airline, hotel and car rental affinity programs, and voted Hertz Gold Plus Rewards the top worldwide car rental loyalty program for the fifth consecutive year. Enjoy these Hertz Month savings on weekly rentals on all car classes (excluding Dream Cars) at participating locations in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and Mexico. Offer is valid for vehicle pickup through June 30, 2016. For additional details see the Hertz ad in this issue. Contact your local AAA travel office, visit AAA.com/ Hertz or call 800-654-3080 to reserve your Hertz vehicle!

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Buying a house? Here’s some help for new homebuyers What you need to know now about homeowners insurance By Robin Jones f you’re shopping for a home, you might be looking for something with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, an updated kitchen, and a big backyard for the kids and the dog. Add one more thing to that list: good homeowners insurance. That’s because when you’re in escrow, your mortgage lender will require you to buy a policy before the sale is final. Since your new home is likely to become your most valuable asset, it’s important to understand the types of coverage that are available so you can decide the kind and amount of insurance that is right for you. It’s also helpful to be aware of insurability issues. Coverage to consider — A standard homeowners policy covers the dwelling, additional structures, personal property, and loss of use should your home become uninhabitable due to a covered loss. It also provides you with some liability coverage if someone gets hurt on your property. Be sure to ask your insurance agent about the various types of homeowners policies available, along with the different coverage and premiums associated with them. When the need arises, you don’t want to be surprised that the coverage you have is not what you expected. Also, know that most insurance policies may not cover losses from certain natural disasters, but government agencies or specialized insurance companies

by insurer, many carriers consider certain common factors. First, insurers usually look at the prior claims history of the applicant and the home he or she is seeking to insure. Second, they may consider any characteristic of the home or property that could create a liability issue. That might be a broken handrail, uneven pavement, or a swimming pool without a safety fence. Depending on the age of a house or its prior loss history, an insurance company may require a home inspection before the buyer can obtain a homeowners policy. If an inspection is required, the inspector may also look for evidence of prior damage—for instance, a stain on the ceiling indicating that the roof is leaking or any wall or floor damage pointing to water seepage or leaks. With all the headaches of buying a new home, good homeowners insurance can bring peace of mind to the process.

A SMART DECISION —The right insurance for new home buyers can bring peace of mind. offer plans that are worth considering— and might even be required, if your home is in a designated high-risk flood zone, for example. Many insurers offer a multi policy discount, so it may be a good idea to have both your auto and home insurance policies with the same company. Insurability issues — Insurance com-

panies will look at “acceptability criteria” when they decide whether or not to insure a home. The criteria include things such as the type of construction (e.g., wood or masonry), the type of roof (e.g., composite shingle or tile), and the use of the dwelling (owneroccupied or rented out). While the acceptability criteria vary

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 877.222.3974 to speak to an insurance professional.

Ultracapacitors may extend battery life of stop-start systems

uying a car with fuel-saving features typically found on hybrids is becoming increasingly affordable thanks to automatic stop-start systems. Stop-start technology reduces fuel consumption by turning the engine off when the vehicle is not in motion. An advanced battery powers vehicle accessories and systems in place of the engine — saving fuel. When the driver begins to release the brake pedal, the engine restarts instantly. Another benefit of stop-start technology is that it’s relatively inexpensive — about $300 on a typical new car. Testing by the Auto Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center found the technology provides a 5 to 7 percent gain in fuel economy in city driving — along with a corresponding reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. Current stop-start systems rely on the car’s battery alone to keep electrical accessories running and restart the engine. However, the high electrical loads and repeated charging cycles required by stop-start systems take a toll on battery life and lead to more frequent replacement. Battery-based start-stop systems augmented with an ultracapacitor-based voltage stabilization system (VSS) provide burst power needed to restart the

engine, thus reducing high currents and repeated cycling that can shorten battery life. The voltage stabilization electronic control results in a smooth start, reduced engine vibration and a superior driving experience. Ultracapacitors are lighter than batteries and store energy in an electric field. Commonly used in laptop computers, and consumer electronics devices, the design of these units allows them to charge and discharge in as little as a fraction of a second, perform normally over a broad temperature range, operate reliably for more than a million chargedischarge cycles and resist shock and vibration. A new stop-start system debuting on the 2016 Cadillac ATS and CTS models will still use battery power for accessories when the engine is stopped, but ultracapacitors will be used to stabilize system voltage and provide the added power needed to restart the engine, saving wear and tear on the battery. Some forecasters predict that startstop systems will be used on more than half of all U.S. vehicles by 2022. General Motors’ introduction of ultracapacitors is seen as an important step toward more robust stop-start systems that will improve fuel economy, deliver smoother engine starts, and provide a more seamless driving experience.

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Member Benefits • Exclusive Offers

1-800-354-8761 • AAA.com/travel

CANADA’S WINTER WONDERLAND! S

Photo: Banff Lake Louise Tourism /Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

during this under-appreciated but oh-so-cool season

ATURE

Embrace dazzling natural beauty and distinct experiences

T IO

MEMBERS SAVE! Premier....... $525 Plus ............ $475 Classic ......... $425 NEW BOOKINGS WITH DEPOSIT BY 5/31/16. PER ROOM, DOUBLE OCCUPANCY.

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

Special Inclusion: Ride in a musher’s sled drawn by Alaskan Huskies thrilled to be out on the trail! Tired of “typical”? Here’s a unique off-season vacation you’ll never forget — a January getaway to a stunning corner of Canada transformed into a wonderland of white-frosted evergreens and crystal-blue skies, where locals celebrate the season with enthusiasm and welcome you to join them in warming up to the joys of winter. From Edmonton to Calgary, discover the sparkling wonders of Alberta — the towering snow-clad peaks of the Canadian Rockies, spectacular Maligne Canyon (more than 160 feet deep) in Jasper National Park, Icefields Parkway (which parallels the Continental Divide and from which the Columbia Icefield and wildlife may be seen), postcard-perfect Lake Louise and the alpine resort-town feel of Banff. Along the way, you’re invited to partake in exciting activities and experiences designed to enlighten and create lifelong memories — from dog-sledding to icewalking or snowshoeing to horse-drawn-sleigh riding. You can even gear up at Lake Louise for a spin around what’s surely one of the world’s most magnificent settings for ice skating. Savor a native peoples–themed dinner to find out what a meal was like centuries ago. Visit a local specialist to view and learn about ammolite, a rare opal-like gemstone found only in southern Alberta. And step into a fascinating world of art and ice at the Ice Magic Festival, where skilled artisans carve incredible sculptures featuring the smallest details from huge blocks of ice. Stay comfortable and cozy in style and luxury, including 2 nights at the Fairmont Château Lake Louise (modeled after a Victorian lodge and surrounded by soaring peaks) and 1 at the Fairmont Banff Springs (a short stroll from the town of Banff), both originally built as Canadian Pacific Railway hotels. You’ll also enjoy a night in Edmonton and 2 nights in Jasper.

Jan 9-15 •

Photo: Banff Lake Louise Tourism /Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

AAA Member Rate: from $3,164

Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes flights (Philadelphia-Edmonton, Calgary-Philadelphia), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, hotel luggage handling (1 bag per person) and 8 meals. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Passport required.

BRAND-NEW TOUR!

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Never cruised before? This is for you!

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Cruising is the perfect way to relax in comfortable, elegant surroundings; visit exotic destinations; meet new friends; and enjoy fantastic food. Cruises are fundamentally hassle-free...but, for those on their first cruise, it can feel like entering a world of “unknowns.” To help first-time cruising “newcomers” get their sea legs, here’s some useful information: Do a bit of homework. There was a time when cruising meant a flight to Miami and a slow boat to the Caribbean. Now there are endless destinations to choose from — from Asia to Antarctica — and many regional departure points, so take the time to find your perfect cruise itinerary. As an alternative to flying to a far-off departure city, you might consider driving or motorcoaching to a closer port (New York/New Jersey, Baltimore, etc), which could save you money and stress. Cruise fare includes accommodations, meals in main dining venues, activities (including children’s programs) and nighttime entertainment — not to mention transportation from port to port. When you factor in all of the costs you’d incur on a land vacation, as well as the great deals you can currently find on cruise travel, you’ll discover that you can actually save by booking a cruise, compared to a land-based vacation. Ships come in a variety of sizes and personalities. You’ll find a myriad of ship variations — big, small, explorer-oriented, decadent luxury, family-friendly — and one that’s right for you! Consider splurging on a balcony stateroom; this semi-private relaxation area affords expansive ocean vistas and potentially spectacular sunrises and sunsets that can make the extra cost well worth it. Pack just what you need. According to some estimates, many first-time cruisers pack twice as many clothes as they need. There’s no good reason to bring 15 pairs of shoes on a 7-day cruise. Rely on this: “When in doubt, leave it out.” Worst-case scenario: You can always pick up anything you absolutely need (but didn't bring or forgot to bring) on the ship or in a port of call on your journey. Pack swim suits in a carry-on; it may take a

short while for luggage delivery to reach your stateroom. Visiting the pool can be a great timefiller until you can completely unpack. Try new foods, new activities. Seagoing gourmets can break bread in French or Italian bistros, sup in sea-view cafés, pork out in pizzerias or flambé at intimate restaurants branded by celebrity chefs. You can sample tableside cooking in dine-in wine cellars or graze on eclectic offerings from every part of the globe. Dining options include New York–style delis, patisseries, sushi bars and “steakhousestyle” supper clubs. Consider pre-booking shore excursions. Most cruise lines allow you to pre-book sightseeing tours, scuba trips, etc, months in advance — saving time otherwise spent waiting in an onboard line — and ensuring the adventure isn’t sold out before you’re able to sign up. Be aware of the ship’s cancellation policy, just in case you change your mind once the vacation is under way. Get involved. All cruise ships offer plenty of onboard activities, so you can enjoy high-energy floor shows, flirt with Lady Luck in onboard casinos, dance cheek-to-cheek or savor the sea air on a moonlit stroll on deck. If you seek intellectual fulfillment, cruise lines offer onboard enrichment programs (on diverse topics such as language, music and cooking) and guest lecturers who are experts in their fields. There are even a growing number of theme cruises, where you can learn to dribble from an NBA star; explore art, music or food; or take driving lessons from a NASCAR champion. You can participate in contests, do crafts, watch movies or simply grab a book and get a tan. Keep fit. Some say the average person gains about 5

pounds on a 1-week cruise. But, for those watching calories, be assured there are low-fat and often low-carb options on the menus, and buffets often offer some healthier choices. Also, there’s a workout plan for everyone, and you can actually end up in even better physical condition than when you started. Fitness and spa facilities on most ships are equal to — and in many cases exceed — the best land-based facilities. Classes may include pilates, tai chi and kickboxing, and personal trainers are often available to offer customized exercise programs. Most ships have wooden promenade decks, and the invigorating sea air makes walking or jogging a breeze. Play some hoops or visit the ship’s gym, and there are always pools for soaking & swimming. Stay connected...if you like. Most ships have internet centers and shipboard Wi-Fi, so you can read e-mail and surf the web. Most offer CNN or some other cable news network on your in-room TV. You can make phone calls from the phone in your stateroom and from your cell phone as well (roaming charges apply). Mind the clock...away from the dock. With all the activities available on shore, it’s easy to lose track of time with all the sights, sounds and smells of a new destination. When you leave the ship, remember to be back in good time and that cruise lines typically use the 24-hour clock (where the day is divided into 24 hours, and 16:00 is not the same as 6:00pm). Speak with a AAA travel agent. AAA travel agents are cruise experts. For trip planning assistance, visit or call your local AAA Travel office.

Sample sailings ideal for “first-timers” NTS DATE

SHIP

ITINERARY & PORTS OF CALL

Aug 6

Anthem of the Seas BERMUDA: Roundtrip from Bayonne NJ

Aug 28 Liberty of the Seas

Oct 16 Celebrity Summit

Nov 13 Caribbean Princess

King’s Wharf, Bermuda; 2 days at sea

BALCONY STATEROOMS OR HIGHER

AAA VACATIONS® AMENITIES

$25.00 Onboard Credit* • Priority Check-in In-stateroom Champagne during cruise**

$25.00 ... ADDITIONAL S U PL ONBOARD CREDIT

WESTERN CARIBBEAN: Roundtrip from Galveston TX

$50.00 Onboard Credit* • Priority Check-in In-stateroom Champagne during cruise**

Philipsburg, St Maarten; Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas, 3 days at sea

EASTERN CARIBBEAN: Cape Liberty NJ to San Juan PR

$50.00 Onboard Credit* • Preferred Check-in on day of boarding Exclusive Wine-tasting Experience with Princess Sommelier

WESTERN CARIBBEAN: Roundtrip from Ft Lauderdale FL

$50.00 Onboard Credit* • Priority Check-in

Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; Cozumel, Mexico; 3 days at sea

$50.00

ADDITIONAL ONBOARD CREDIT

OUTSIDE STATEROOMS SELECT CRUISES OF 5+ NIGHTS BOOK & DEPOSIT MAY 1-31, 2016

Roatan, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; Cozumel, Mexico; 2 days at sea

*per stateroom **not available within 30 days of travel

MANY OTHER CRUISES ARE AVAILABLE. VISIT AAA TRAVEL AND SPEAK WITH AN AGENT.

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

MAY 2016

AAA MOTORIST

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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

UNCOMMON CRUISES

A cruise “veteran”? This is for you! You’ve cruised before...and you loved it. You’ve sailed the islands of the Caribbean... maybe even to Canada & New England. And now you’re looking for something a little different. Take a look below at some exciting and out-of-the-ordinary cruise vacation options available at AAA Travel. Repositioning Cruises Birds do it, so do butterflies and whales. Even cruise ships migrate with the seasons. And for a growing number of savvy travelers, the change of seasons is a welcome signal to pack up and go on a repositioning cruise. Repositioning cruises offer many advantages, including one-of-a-kind itineraries and a unique combination of ports. Passengers not only enjoy all the usual onboard amenities , many cruise lines enhance repositioning cruises with extra at-sea days, special themes and out-of-theordinary entertainment. Cruise ships follow the sun. The most common repositioning cruises sail either north for the summer or south for the winter. In the fall, many return to the Caribbean from Europe. Cooling fall temperatures can also signal hot cruise deals with a variety of special offseason and promotional rates, which can make a repositioning cruise a genuine bargain. This rare combination of exotic off-the-beaten-path locales, leisurely days at sea and incredible value means they often sell out early. Transatlantic Crossings Transatlantic cruises once were the heart of daily commerce across the Atlantic Ocean, but today most transatlantic sailings take place when the cruise fleets migrate from the Caribbean to Europe and back during spring and fall. These crossings feature long tranquil days at sea along with one-of-a-kind port calls. Down Under Cruises Koala bears, kangaroos and kiwi birds await cruisers who sail the ports of Australia

and New Zealand. Few travel experiences rival the excitement of sailing into Sydney and Auckland, the awe-inspiring scenery of Fiordland National Park and the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, to name just a few. Hawaii Cruises Cruising is the best way to experience Hawaii’s scenic splendor. Scattered like pearls around the North Pacific, the islands are a rich melange of people, cultures and cuisines with endless leisure opportunities. A garden of earthly delights where soothing green vistas are capped by towering volcanic peaks. No doubt about it: The popularity of Hawaiian cruises is on the rise. Cruisers returning from the Aloha State typically rave about their experiences, fanning the flames of interest and sparking new “converts.” Who can resist sunshine-splashed days, star-filled nights, flower-scented breezes, jewel-tone waters? Cruising around Hawaii’s 4 major islands is a stress- and hassle-free way to move from place to place. There’s absolutely no squandering precious vacation time. Settle into your stateroom — once — and that’s it. Unpack just once (that alone is priceless!), and forget about lugging suitcases, scurrying for interisland flights, checking in & out of hotels and worrying about long security checks, delays and other hassles associated with airports. Panama Canal Cruises The Panama Canal has been called the “Big Ditch” and the “8th Wonder of the Modern World.” The romance of crossing 2 oceans in a single day remains no less compelling than it

did centuries ago, when mariners first dreamed of carving a route through the narrow isthmus linking 2 continents. Travelers have marveled at this system of man-made channels, locks, dams and artificial lakes that connect the Pacific to the Atlantic. The canal is about 50 miles long, with an average transit time of 9 hours. Each of the locks has concrete walls 1,000 feet long and 81 feet high and is designed to raise giant ships 85 feet from sea to sea. The Spanish first surveyed a canal route through the Isthmus of Panama in 1534, but it would be more than 300 years before construction finally began. A French company started digging in 1880, but the project went bankrupt. In 1902 the US purchased the French holdings in Panama for $40 million and the US Army Corps of Engineers were put in charge of construction. It would take 10 more years, $387 million and countless lives to complete. River Cruises More travelers are discovering this exceptional travel “current” that takes you to (and into) destinations in ways no other tour can; river cruising is relaxing, exciting, even educational (in the most enjoyable way!). Luxurious liners glide in style into places ocean cruises can’t reach; enjoy more time to get an authentic sense of a place. Dock in the heart of a city; little time is needed to transfer to points of interest. Local entertainers may even board your vessel for cultural performances. River cruises average 130 guests (ocean liners host thousands); expect a quiet, intimate onboard atmosphere, with more space per person.

Samples of out-of-the-ordinary sailings

NTS DATE

SHIP

Sept 25 Celebrity Infinity

ITINERARY & PORTS OF CALL

AAA VACATIONS® AMENITIES

REPOSITIONING: Vancouver BC to San Francisco CA

$50.00 Onboard Credit* • Priority Check-in

Victoria, Seattle, Astoria, Catalina, San Diego, Monterey, 4 days at sea

16 Aug 28 Serenade of the Seas TRANSATLANTIC: Copenhagen DK to Boston MA

Oslo, Kristiansand, Isafjordur, Reykjavik, Akureyri, Halifax, 8 days at sea

13 Oct 4

Sun Princess

10 Sept 9 Celebrity Solstice 18 Sept 29 Oceania Insignia 7

Sept 30 AmaDolce

$100.00 Onboard Credit* • Priority Check-in In-stateroom Champagne during cruise

... $100.00 S U PL ADDITIONAL

Fjordland NP (cruising), Dunedin, Akaora, Picton, Wellington, Marlborough Sounds

NEW ZEALAND: Roundtrip from Sydney AUSTRALIA

$75.00 Onboard Credit* • Preferred Check-in on day of boarding Exclusive Wine-tasting Experience with Princess Sommelier

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS: Vancouver BC to Honolulu HI

$100.00 Onboard Credit* • Priority Check-in

PANAMA CANAL: Westbound Miami FL to Callao PE

$200.00 Onboard Credit* • Premium Wine-tasting Event plus complimentary bottle of wine from tasting menu

RIVER CRUISE: Roundtrip from Bordeaux FR

$75.00 Onboard Credit** • $100.00 discount** $150.00 Exclusive Member Benefit per person

Kailua-Kona & Hilo (Big Island of Hawaii), Lahaina (Maui), 5 days at sea

Key West, Cozumel, Costa Maya, Belize City , Roatan & 5 more ports, 4 days at sea Cadillac, Pauillac, Bourg, Libourne, Bordeaux

*per stateroom **per person, passengers 1 & 2

ONBOARD CREDIT

BALCONY STATEROOMS OR HIGHER

$50.00

ADDITIONAL ONBOARD CREDIT OUTSIDE STATEROOMS SELECT CRUISES OF 7+ NIGHTS BOOK & DEPOSIT MAY 1-31, 2016

MANY OTHER CRUISES ARE AVAILABLE. VISIT AAA TRAVEL AND SPEAK WITH AN AGENT.

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MAY 2016

LEAVE YOUR CAR AT HOME!

ATURE D

Visit AAA Travel IN PERSON on any Friday in May & get a... • FREE GIFT for a no-obligation quote on an allinclusive beach resort vacation from Pleasant Holidays • $100 DISCOUNT* when you book & make a deposit on an all-inclusive beach resort vacation of 7+ nights from Pleasant Holidays

Flip-flop Fridays!

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

T IO

MOTORCOACH CRUISES FROM NEW YORK NY from $889 per person

July 20-28............................Eastern Caribbean .................................Carnival Sunshine Aug 25–Sept 3 ....................Eastern Caribbean .................................Carnival Sunshine Sept 3-10 ............................Canada ..................................................Carnival Sunshine Sept 4-11 ............................Bermuda ........................................Norwegian Breakaway Sept 25–Oct 2 .....................Bermuda ........................................Norwegian Breakaway Oct 1-8 ................................Bermuda ................................................Carnival Sunshine

MOTORCOACH CRUISES FROM BAYONNE NJ from $1,049 per person *per room, double occupancy

Sept 3-8...............................Bermuda ......................................RCI Anthem of the Seas Sept 22–Oct 1 .....................Canada & New England ..............RCI Anthem of the Seas Oct 15-20 ............................Bermuda ......................................RCI Anthem of the Seas Nov 27–Dec 9 .....................Southern Caribbean.....................RCI Anthem of the Seas Sept 10-24, 2017 .............Canada & New England .........................Celebrity Summit

MOTORCOACH CRUISES FROM BALTIMORE MD from $1,099 per person

Sept 18-25 ..........................Bermuda ......................................................Carnival Pride Sept 29–Oct 8 .....................Canada & New England ............RCI Grandeur of the Seas

“CHRISMAN MORNING SHOW” CRUISES July 17-31............................British Isles ....................................PCL Caribbean Princess Feb 4-12, 2017 .................Southern Caribbean.........................RCI Jewel of the Seas

ESCORTED MOTORCOACH TOURS July 12 .........................“Crooners” at the American Music Theater: Lancaster PA July 13 .........................Casino Magic:: Foxwoods CT Aug 6 ..........................Ellis Island & Statue of Liberty: Liberty State Park NJ Sept 11-17 ..................St Augustine, Amelia Island & Jacksonville FL Sept 14-16 ..................Hudson Valley NY Sept 17 ........................One World Observatory & 9/11 Memorial & Museum: NYC NY Sept 20-23 ..................New Hampshire — Moose, Train & More Oct 8............................Washington DC Highlights Oct 16-21 ....................Vermont, New Hampshire & Maine Oct 21-23 ....................Salem Haunted Halloween: Salem MA Nov 13-18 ...................Holiday Festival of Shows: Myrtle Beach SC

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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Guided American vacations from AAA Vacations

Each of these red-white-and-blue AAA Vacations® getaways includes these special amenities:

AAA Complimentary Inclusion: $75 per person credit toward an optional excursion ($100 per person if 2 or more excursions are purchased). Member Benefit: $25 per person savings. 24/7 Member Care. Best-price Guarantee.

Pacific Northwest & California

Seattle, Portland, North Bend, Eureka, San Francisco Engaging Experiences

Learn about the 1980 eruption of Mount St Helens as well as the history and geology of the state park. View scenery along Bandon State Natural Area’s Beach Loop with sights such as Bandon Rocks and Face Rock, known to many from the Native American legend. Dine on Pier 39, which offers exceptional views of San Francisco and the Bay Bridge.

Heritage of America

New York City, Philadelphia, Lancaster, Gettysburg, Williamsburg, Washington DC Engaging Experiences

Meet fellow travelers for a welcome breakfast at New York’s famous Ellen’s Stardust Diner. Enjoy a traditional Amish dinner with members of the Lancaster Amish community. Visit Mount Vernon, home of the first US President, George Washington.

10 meals • 7 nights May–October 2016

14 meals • 9 nights May–November 2016 AAA Member Rate: from $2,499*

Heart of the South

New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Natchez, Lafayette Engaging Experiences

Charleston, Savannah, Jekyll Island, St Simons Island, St Augustine, Jacksonville Engaging Experiences

Discover the Crescent City’s charm of on a walking tour. Roll up your sleeves and discover how to cook New Orleans–style during a unique cooking demonstration at the New Orleans School of Cooking. Immerse yourself in the grace and elegance of the antebellum South while touring the Natchez mansions. Head on down to the bayou and relax on a narrated cruise through the Atchafalaya Basin swamp.

Visit Boone Hall, one of America’s oldest working plantations that still grows crops as it has for the last 320 years. Enjoy a 2-night stay at the Jekyll Island Club, once described as “the richest, the most exclusive and the most inaccessible club in the world.” Take an enchanting trolley tour of St Augustine, the oldest city in the US, first settled in 1565.

11 meals • 7 nights May–November 2016

9 meals • 6 nights May–November 2016

AAA Member Rate: from $1,799*

AAA Member Rate: from $2,199*

*plus lowest available airfare

AAA Member Rate: from $2,349*

Southern Charm

MANY OTHER VACATIONS ARE AVAILABLE. VISIT AAA TRAVEL AND SPEAK WITH AN AGENT.

Some of the USA’s most beautiful national parks & a ride on Amtrak’s Empire Builder! Aug 8-17 AAA Member Rate: $3,799 Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, hotel accommodations, 15 meals, Amtrak train (roomette accommodations, Seattle to Glacier National Park), motorcoach sightseeing, taxes on included items and Amtrak Vacations tour escort. Ask about available add-on airfare.

Explore a land rich in history, culture, art and romance.

Seattle WA Amtrak Empire Builder Glacier National Park Big Sky Circle Tour Going to the Sun Road Glacier Park Lodge

Yellowstone National Park Upper & Lower Loop Grant Village Lodge

Grand Teton National Park Jackson Hole WY Salt Lake City UT

Rome • The Colosseum • Assisi Perugia • Siena • Florence Chianti Winery • Venice Murano Island • Milan Oct 26–Nov 4 or Nov 7-16 AAA Member Rate: from $4,099

ASK ABOUT OTHER DEPARTURE DATES.

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes flights (Philadelphia-Rome, Milan-Philadelphia), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, hotel luggage handling (1 bag per person), 13 meals and a professional guide in Italy. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact a travel agent for details. Passport required.

ATURE

Northern National Parks

Featured Vacations: Near or far, always a great value! Reflections of Italy AMTRAK & San Antonio

MAY 2016

T IO

Holiday

This vibrant and inviting Texas city has been called the American Venice; its lovely River Walk meanders through downtown, glowing with Christmas lights and decorations. Soak up the spirit of the season and experience the Tex-Mex take on the holidays. You’ll also visit the Alamo, Mission San Jose, Bandera (“Cowboy Capital of the World”), the LBJ Ranch, German-flavored Fredericksburg (the heart of Texas Hill Country), Sandy Oaks Olive Orchard (site of your spectacular farewell dinner with local wines) and El Mercado (Mexican-style marketplace). Enjoy a traditional cowboy barbecue at a dude ranch!

Dec 12-16 AAA Member Rate: from $1,899

ASK ABOUT OTHER DEPARTURE DATES.

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes flights (Philadelphia-San Antonio), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, hotel luggage handling (1 bag per person) and 6 meals. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact a travel agent for details.

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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Why Travel Insurance from Allianz Global Assistance? Imagine you’re waiting in the airport and the status of your connecting flight suddenly changes from “On-Time” to “Delayed.” At first it’s just by a few minutes…then it’s an hour…then two. Before you know it, you’ve bought three cups of coffee, eaten dinner, and your flight is cancelled. Now, you can either fork out more cash for a hotel or sleep next to the boarding gate. No one likes to spend extra money. But anything can happen when you’re traveling, and the insurance offered through a tour operator or cruise line might not be as comprehensive as you think. Travel insurance, on the other hand, can protect you and your wallet from a wide array of travel-related problems and emergencies—freeing you up to enjoy your vacation. Trip delays, interruptions, and cancellations can cause a lot of unexpected headaches and expenses. This is where travel insurance can help. It can cover the adjustments you need to make to get your trip back on track. And should something worse happen, like a medical emergency before you depart, it can reimburse you for the entire cost of your trip. Where a cruise line might give you a voucher, travel insurance can put cash back in your pocket. Medical emergencies while overseas can happen to anyone, and most personal health

insurance policies (including Medicare) don’t offer coverage outside the U.S., which is why the State Department recommends travel insurance. It can help you get emergency medical care while overseas and get back home after treatment. Plus, it usually comes with a higher amount of coverage than the insurance offered by tour operators. Lost, damaged, or stolen luggage is a common problem that can put a damper on any vacation. Have you ever arrived at your destination only to find that your luggage is missing? Making due without your stuff isn’t fun. Thankfully, travel insurance can protect you when other insurance options do not—covering up to hundreds of dollars in reimbursement if you need to purchase new clothes, toiletries, and other essentials for your trip right away. Rental car accidents and break-ins can trigger a number of unexpected fees. You could be required to pay a deductible, compensate the rental company for financial losses, and your policy premium could go up. Travel insurance can protect you from all of these extra costs, and it’s usually cheaper than the insurance offered by the rental company. As you can see, travel insurance is the smart choice for AAA members who want to be prepared for the unexpected while on vacation. If

you have any questions, or you need to purchase an insurance package for an upcoming trip, visit our travel insurance page or stop by your local AAA store. Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Insurance products are underwritten by BCS Insurance Company or Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans may not be available in all jurisdictions. AGA Service Company is the licensed producer and administrator of these plans.

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

MAY 2016

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PAGE 15

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Get up to $100.00 in perks!

NOW’S THE TIME!

Book & make a deposit by MAY 31 on a 2016 7-night-or-longer air-inclusive Pleasant Holidays vacation to HAWAII, MEXICO or the CARIBBEAN and enjoy:

$50 SAVINGS FROM AAA TRAVEL per room, based on double occupancy • new bookings May 1-31, 2016

PLUS

SIVE THIS EXCLU NEFIT! E MEMBER B

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

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

SOLD OUT 3 Sept 3-10 Aug 27–Sept • $3,239 Celebrate the 100th year of the National Park Service by roaming the home of the buffalo and discovering America’s wide-open spaces and iconic landmarks. Start in Salt Lake City and witness a Mormon Tabernacle Choir broadcast performance (choir schedule permitting). Travel past Great Salt Lake, through Logan Canyon and beside Bear Lake. At Grand Teton National Park, take a scenic float trip on the Snake River. Visit Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs and other Yellowstone National Park sites. Enjoy historic Cody, the Buffalo Bill Center and a chuckwagon-style dinner. Marvel at Devil’s Tower, feel the Old West at Deadwood and enjoy the scenic Black Hills, Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse Monument. After a Wildlife Jeep® Safari at Custer State Park to see buffalo (and more), end at the inspirational Mt Rushmore Evening Lighting Ceremony. 13 meals.

SAN FRANCISCO FLEET WEEK Oct 6-10

•

$2,739

Discover the many pleasures of the City by the Bay and enjoy excursions beyond to Muir Woods, Sausalito, the Marin Headlands, Treasure Island and the vineyards and wineries of Napa Valley. Enjoy ample free time in San Francisco to explore on your own and to participate in the Fleet Week festivities — you can choose to interact with sailors; tour amphibious carriers, destroyers and cruisers on the waterfront; and visit the festival Center on Marina Green for its Navy displays, live music and food trucks. Board a sternwheeler for a luncheon cruise during the Fleet Week Air Show featuring the Blue Angels! 7 meals. © Mariusz Blach / Fotolia.com

ATURE

AMERICAN MAJESTY

See the best of the West with AAA Travel

MAY 2016

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“MIGHTY 5 & MORE” CELEBRATION

SOLD OUT Oct 11-19 Oct 18-26 • $3,845 Commemorate the centennial of the US National Park Service on a tour of some of the America’s best parks. After a night in fun-filled Las Vegas, travel past Lake Mead and Hoover Dam, visit Kingman’s Route 66 Museum and marvel at the magnificence of the Grand Canyon. Enter the Navajo Nation; stop at a trading post. See Lake Powell and Antelope Canyon. Enjoy a scenic cruise on Lake Powell, then take a 4-wheel-drive tour of Monument Valley. Experience Navajo culture. Time for Utah’s “Mighty 5”: See amazing natural arches in Arches National Park. Dine at a dramatically located lodge on the Colorado River. A Jeep® tour of Canyonlands National Park reveals its beauty. Ride a jet boat on the Colorado River. See petroglyphs at Capitol Reef NP, the fairyland hues of Bryce Canyon National Park and the 2,000-foot-high stone towers of Zion National Park. 16 meals.

AAA MEMBER RATES are per person (double occupancy), are subject to availability at time of booking and include roundtrip flights from Philadelphia, roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, meals as noted, hotel luggage handling (1 bag per person), sightseeing per itinerary, taxes/gratuities for included features, services of a AAA Tour Manager (upon arrival at destination, if participation goal is met). Visit AAA.com/USA for more information. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Lewisburg: 530½ N Derr Dr . . . .570-524-2244 Sunbury: 1001 Market St . . . . .570-286-4507 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. 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.

AAA.com

Linking you & your next vacation!

BEACHFRONT CONDO-HOTELS 4+ nights at any of 4 top-rated luxury properties North Beach Plantation®  The Caribbean Resort & Villas  Compass Cove® Oceanfront Resort  The Breakers Resort 

AAA GUARANTEES THE BEST AVAILABLE RATES! GAS CARD OF UP TO $100 AND 2 AAA BEACH TOWELS FREE when you book & make a deposit May 1-31 on a stay of 4 nights or longer

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

TRAVEL WITH SOMEONE YOU TRUST.®

Condo space AND hotel amenities

ATURE

T IO

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

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

& DROMOLAND CASTLE

HERITAGE

IRISH

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

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

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

Oct 2-10 •

a top drive destination of AAA East Central members

Research & book travel arrangements from the comfort of your home – 24/7.

FLIGHTS RENTAL CARS HOTELS

MYRTLE BEACH

AAA Member Rate: $1,938

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

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

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

MAY 2016

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Go for the gold in Rio de Janeiro this summer Brazil offers some Olympic-size attractions

he eyes of the world will be on Brazil this August, when the 2016 Olympic Summer Games are held in Rio de Janeiro. More than 10,500 athletes from 206 countries will be competing in 306 events. And while sports will undoubtedly be the focus this summer, even the most diehard fan would be remiss to return home without experiencing this beautiful, hospitable city. Framed by stout granite peaks and the fabulous beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro is a city that lives for the sun. High above the town Cristo Redentor watches over the cidade maravilhosa (marvelous city). The 125-foot-tall figure extends its arms over Guanabara Bay from the top of Corcovado Mountain. Visitors can reach the peak via the 2.4 mile Corcovado Rack Railway which opened in 1884. Charles Darwin was so taken with Rio when he stopped here in 1832 that he wrote “the attractions are so numerous, that the visitor is scarcely able to walk at all.” Travelers can ride the cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain and watch the city lights twinkle around Guanabara Bay. One of the best views of the bay is from the ferry to the neighboring city of Niteroi that sails every few minutes from downtown. The 13-square-mile Tijuca National

MEDAL WINNING VIEW — Cristo Redentor watches over Guanabara Bay from the top of Corcovado Mountain. Park forms the lush backdrop to Rio’s romantic beaches. The world’s largest urban forest is filled with quiet paths and shady spots under the cinnamon trees. Those who take the 30 minute hike to the top of Pedra Bonita, are rewarded with panoramic views of Ipanema, São Conrado and Barra da Tijuca, the site of Olympic Park and

Athletes’ Village. Cinelândia, a plaza in the heart of Centro, is Rio’s cultural hotspot. Surrounding the square are a group of monumental Beaux-Arts buildings including the Municipal Theatre, and National Museum of Fine Arts. Rio’s 7 million inhabitants — known as cariocas — go to the beach the way

the rest of us go to a coffee shop. And the beach is the place where people meet, socialize, read, hang out and party. During the Rio 2016 Games, Copacabana will host beach volleyball, open water swimming, triathlon, and the road cycling time trials. Known as the “Temple of Football” Maracanã is one of the most legendary stadiums in the world. This year it will host the opening and closing ceremonies for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as the final matches of the Olympic soccer tournament. Brazilians think it is much better to dance badly than not to dance at all. They thrive on the seductive rhythms of the Samba and the Sambódromo is one of the city’s most enduring symbols. The home of Rio Carnival’s samba school parades, and the Samba Museum will give way to sports when it hosts the start and finish of the marathon and archery competitions. Devotees of baile charm, a dance craze that began under a highway underpass in the 1990s, will strut their stuff in the Rio 2016 opening ceremonies.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please see your AAA travel professional or click on AAA.com for more international vacation ideas from AAA.

Continental drift — Cruising from Europe to Asia Budapest to Istanbul aboard Uniworld River Cruises

he ancient Greek historian Herodotus called the Danube the “King of European Rivers” and if you listen carefully, you can hear the footsteps of history rustling in the reeds. Those who heed its siren call can follow a path forged by crusaders, sultans and kings aboard Uniworld River Cruises’ Highlights of Eastern Europe & Istanbul. This 12-day sojourn is a journey of discovery amid the seldom seen wonders of Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey. Explore picturesque Bulgarian hill towns and the rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Investigate the history and legends of the Iron Gates, a scenic stretch of the Danube that marks the boundary between Romania and Serbia. Uniworld offers a truly all-inclusive river cruise experience including shore excursions and world-class gourmet cuisine. You’ll also travel in a style you can easily grow accustomed to. Uniworld’s lavishly appointed staterooms and suites feature handcrafted Savoir of England beds, Egyptian cotton sheets. Marble baths are stocked with L’Occicitane en Provence bath and body products, plush towels from Christys of England, and cozy waffle bathrobes.

BEST OF PEST — The 19th century Chain Bridge and Parliament building. Uniworld’s European itineraries all include unlimited fine wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, and bottled water, and all gratuities for all onboard and onshore services, including pre- and post-cruise extensions. With its grand boulevards and rich cultural patrimony, Budapest is often called the Paris of the East. The twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over oppo-

site sides of the Danube River. Buda Castle overlooks the city from its lofty position atop Castle Hill, surrounded by eighteenth-century Baroque houses and cobblestone streets. The Romanian capital of Bucharest is an intriguing mixture of classical European, and Soviet-era socialistrealist architecture. The 1,100 room People’s Palace is a bewilderingly mon-

umental structure, second only to the Pentagon as the world’s largest administrative building. Visitors can also head into the countryside for a taste of Romanian village life, or visit the lake side tomb of Vlad the Impaler, the real life inspiration for Count Dracula. Guests will then fly from Bucharest for two days in Istanbul. The city formerly known as Constantinople embraces two continents — one arm reaching out to Asia — the other to Europe. The Bosphorus Strait courses through the city’s heart, mingling the waters of the Black Sea, with the Sea of Marmara and the Golden Horn. Sultanahmet, the city’s ancient core, is home to Hagia Sofia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar the last stop on the Silk Road. The Topkapi Palace complex occupies a promontory overlooking the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara and was the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans for approximately 400 years. The harem alone occupies more than 400 rooms. FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please see this issue’s Departures Guide, your AAA travel professional, or log on to AAA.com for special values on cruise vacations.

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AAA Approved Auto Repair can smooth your ride Put the brakes on repair costs with up to a $50 gift card

he best time to look for a quality auto repair facility is before you need one. Don’t wait until a problem arises and you’re forced into making a hasty decision. AAA also takes care of much of the guesswork with a network of Approved Auto Repair (AAR) shops that display the AAA logo and meet AAA’s strict quality standards. Today, there are approximately 8,000 AAR facilities across North America. When you see the AAA Approved Auto Repair sign, you’ll find highly trained technicians, a broad range of professional repair services and guaranteed workmanship. And while hundreds of repair facilities apply for the AAR rating each year, fewer than half are able to meet AAA’s rigid criteria. And from now until June 30, 2016 AAA members can get up to a $50 Gift Card, when they install NAPA brakes at AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities. You’ll also receive a free, 40-point AAA Vehicle Maintenance inspection when having any paid service done. Your vehicle will be inspected by the AAR facility at no charge for those items that most frequently contribute to roadside breakdowns. The AAR approval process is rigorous. AAA ensures each facility has the right tools and equipment to provide a wide range of repairs. They must also

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SIGN OF QUALITY — AAA takes the guesswork out of finding a reliable repair shop. adopt staff training qualifications and insurance guidelines. Finally, AAA surveys customers about their satisfaction with the facility. Once approved, AAR shops are visited quarterly, re-inspected annually and monitored for customer satisfaction to ensure compliance with AAA standards. These stringent reviews are conducted by AAA Service Specialists, who have all earned an Automotive Service

Excellence (ASE) certification, along with an extensive industry experience. Repair shops that display the AAA Approved Auto Repair sign can be counted on to do the job right. In addition to the added confidence and peace of mind that comes with AAA approval, AAA members are entitled the following benefits at AAR shops: • All repairs, parts, labor, and components are guaranteed for 24 months

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or 24,000 miles under normal operating conditions. Priority service with Roadside Assistance to a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility with prompt vehicle evaluation within 60 minutes of AAA tow arrival and assistance in obtaining alternate transportation. Enjoy a 10% discount (up to $50) upon member request on regularly priced parts and labor through the AAA Discount and Rewards® discount program. Written Estimate – You will be provided a written estimate of the cost of all work to be performed on your vehicle. The final cost may not exceed the estimate by more than 10 percent unless authorized by you in advance. The return of replaced parts if requested by the customer. If a AAA member is unsatisfied with the service or repairs received at a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility, the facility has agreed to accept the decision instructed by AAA in order to correct the member’s concern.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Visit AAA.com/AAARepair to learn more about AAA’s Approved Auto Repair (AAR) program or locate a facility near you.

San Francisco is your gateway to Northern California It’s your golden gate to the wonders of the golden state

alter Cronkite once said “leaving San Francisco is like saying goodbye to an old sweetheart. You want to linger as long as possible.” When the fog rolls in like cotton candy, or when the lights begin to twinkle on the solemn old hills, the town weaves its own brand of magic. The coastal hills straddling the bay seem to bask in the Golden Gate’s orange vermilion glow. Stroll along Fisherman’s Wharf, catch a boat tour out to Alcatraz, or hop aboard a cable car and climb halfway to the stars. San Francisco is the gateway to the many pleasures of Northern California. The Golden Gate Bridge spans a milewide gap between the bay and the ocean, separating Marin County from the city. Sausalito, a picturesque community overlooking the bay, is often compared to the French Riviera. A winding drive through the Marin Headlands leads to Muir Woods National Monument. Named after naturalist John Muir, the 560-acre park is home to one of the last remaining stands of old-growth coastal redwoods. Galileo believed that wine was a magical form of light held together by water and there are more than 200 vintners to explore in the sun-drenched Napa Valley. Among the most beautiful is Domaine Carneros, a 138-acre estate crowned by a classic château

COASTAL GEM — Carmel-by-the-Sea is located on the southern bend of the Monterey peninsula. inspired by Taittinger’s Château de la Marquetterie in Epernay, France. The Napa Valley Wine Train travels between Napa and St. Helena, known as Napa Valley’s Main Street. During the 3 hour excursion, passengers ride in elegantly refurbished railcars originally built by the Pullman Company in the early 1900s. Yosemite National Park is set among California’s Sierra Nevada mountains 165 miles east of San Francisco. Known

as “the crown jewel of wild spaces” El Capitan and Half Dome, the park’s austere granite monoliths and Bridalveil Fall were made famous in the photographs of Ansel Adams. Traveling over to the coast follow a visit to the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium with a ride along 17-Mile-Drive, perhaps America’s most scenic byway. Nestled in a grove of Monterey pines is the fairytale village of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Browse the

shops and galleries on Ocean Avenue before heading to Big Sur on the fabled Pacific Coast Highway. California’s Highway 1 is a stunning juxtaposition of land and sea. The 90-mile stretch along Big Sur, between Carmel and the northern tip of San Luis Obispo County, lures travelers with its ever-changing panorama of fog covered cliffs, pounding surf, and spouting whales. La Cuesta Encantada, “the Enchanted Hill” sits high above the ocean at San Simeon. It was here that William Randolph Hearst constructed his Xanadu. Hearst Castle eventually grew to encompass 165 rooms, 30 fireplaces, indoor and outdoor swimming polls, a movie theater, and an airfield. Today the estate, with its acres of gardens and considerable collection of art and antiques, is a state historic park.

IF YOU GO

Explore San Francisco, Muir Woods, Sausalito, and the Napa Valley on AAA Travel’s July 21–29 Best of Northern California tour. Ride Amtrak’s California Zephyr to Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park, then take the Pacific Coast Highway to Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey, Big Sur, and Hearst Castle. For more information visit AAA.com for a complete itinerary, trip details and information.

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AAA MOTORIST

National Park Vacations Dakota and Wyoming featuring engaging experiences — a 2-night stay in a Yellowstone National Park lodge near Old Faithful (featuring a full day with a wilderness guide)...a rodeo and visits to the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, Crazy Horse Memorial and Mt Rushmore...and a float trip on the Snake River with a guide to help spot river otters, eagles, beaver, elk and maybe even a moose. From $3,263 (land only). As a AAA Vacations® trip, “Cowboy Country” includes a $300 per booking credit on gear & apparel at necessarygear.com, a member benefit of $75 per person savings (with air booked with Tauck through AAA) and 24/7 Member Care and a Best Price Guarantee. “National Parks of America” The guided 12-day “National Parks of America” (May through October departures) from Member Choice Vacations® is an exciting Arizona–to–South Dakota journey that visits 5 fantas© pngstudio / Fotolia.com

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tic national parks — Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Grand Teton and Yellowstone. Engaging experiences include a delightful breakfast cruise on scenic Lake Powell...the red-and-white sandstone cliffs of Zion...a free day to explore Jackson Hole WY, followed by cowboy entertainment and a traditional chuck-wagon dinner (late May through September), an overnight stay in Yellowstone National Park and a Mt Rushmore visit. From $3,349 (land only). Because it’s a AAA Vacations® package, “America’s National Parks” includes a $75 per person credit to use toward an optional excursion ($100 per person if 2 or more excursions are purchased)...a member benefit of $25 per person savings...and 24/7 Member Care and a Best Price Guarantee. “ ‘Mighty 5 & More’ Celebration” AAA’s guided 8-day “ ‘Mighty 5 & More’ Celebration” Featured Vacation (Oct 18-26) showcases 5 national parks

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MEMBERS SAVE! Premier: $100 Plus: $75 Classic: $50 New bookings with deposit May 1-31, 2016. Savings per room, double occupancy. Valid only on AAA Vacations®–branded packages of 7 nights or longer and on the “Mighty 5 & More” Celebration Featured Vacation.

in Utah (Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon and Zion), as well as the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley. The tour starts in Las Vegas and moves on to Kingman’s Route 66 Museum, a trading post in the Navajo Nation and a 4-wheel-drive tour of Monument Valley. There’s also dinner at a dramatically located lodge on the Colorado River, a fascinating Jeep® tour of Canyonlands National Park and an exciting jet boat ride on the Colorado River. This unique tour includes roundtrip flights from Philadelphia and the services of a AAA Tour Manager upon arrival at

your destination (if participation goal is met); visit AAA.com/USA for more information. From $3,845 (air included). Booking “ ‘Mighty 5 & More’ Celebration” in May entitles you to a free copy of National Geographic’s Secrets of the National Parks, a colorful 272-page guidebook filled with maps, facts and photos — a retail value of $22.95. Other national park tours available Choose from many other national park tours at AAA Travel. Visit a branch office in May and ask a travel agent about all available savings and perks! All rates shown are per person, double occupancy.

Visit your local AAA Travel branch office or call 1-800-354-8761.

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Buzzing around North America with AAA Get ready to go with AAA TourBook® Guides

AA travel editors are busy bees. They cover more than 6,000 destinations in North America on an endless quest to bring members the most comprehensive and up-to-date travel information. That’s a lot of territory and reporting, and it’s all available in member-only TourBook® guides. Practically anywhere you want to go, AAA has been there. That’s why for generations AAA has been the most trusted name in travel publishing. Access to all this knowledge is easier than ever before and AAA TourBooks are available in several formats. Printed TourBooks have served members for generations. Travelers rely on them to locate AAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants in the U.S. and Canada. As one-stop travel planning resources they also include detailed city maps, recommended sightseeing and information on even the smallest of towns, population 23! There may be a few well-thumbed copies on your bookshelf right now. These guides — 33 versions, no less — are chock-full of useful information. People who go right to the hotel and restaurant listings miss out on the fascinating stuff at the start of each state’s write-up: history timeline, temperature charts and what to pack, editors’ picks of must-do experiences, state driving

one of AAA’s most popular applications. So easy, too. DIY types who want to map a trip themselves should make AAA.com/ TripTik their first stop. Plug in a starting point and a destination and the computer does it all. You can include multiple stops along the way and even create an entire round trip. The beauty of this online tool is its flexibility in allowing adjustments to any itinerary — sometimes the most interesting routes are off the beaten path! If you prefer to let someone else do the work, call or stop by your local branch office to request a TripTik. Don’t forget to pick up TourBook guides and printed maps to be sure all your bases are covered. There’s nothing like having a good old crinkly map spread out on your lap to feel like summer has arrived.

HAPPY MOTORING — AAA is your one-stop travel planning resource. FOR MORE INFORMATION laws, even a calendar of events. It’s interesting reading for passengers/navigators on long stretches of road. Best of all, the TourBooks are free to members. If you prefer to do your research on a computer, online Travel Guides are available at AAA.com/maps. You can search by city and region for detailed destination, attraction and event information, and editors’ picks for what to see and do. If a hand-held device is more your

style, there’s info galore on the AAA Mobile App. Text APP10 to 99000 and you’ll get a link to download the app. The same hotel, restaurant and attraction information found in TourBooks can be accessed via the app. Time for a TripTik — At any one time during the month of May, there are thousands of members online trying to figure out how to get from Point A to Point B. If they’re smart they’re using the TripTik® Travel Planning tool. It’s

AAA TourBook® guides provide in-depth travel information for 7,400 destinations. Content includes maps, visitor information and detailed listings for thousands of AAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants, plus attractions and events and navigable maps from the AAA Atlas series. Printed TourBook® guides available free, exclusively to AAA members at AAA offices. Searchable AAA Travel Guides are available on AAA.com/maps.

AS GOOD AS GOLD — AAA East Central received the prestigious 2015 AAA Hertz Gold Key Club of the Year award at a March ceremony at the club’s Motor Square Gardens headquarters in Pittsburgh. The club won the award in the 1 million to 2,999,999 member category for its year-long efforts promoting the AAA/Hertz partnership as an extraordinary value for members. Pictured above: Drew Gagliano, Hertz Corporation director of AAA Sales and Marketing; AAA East Central president and CEO Jim Lehman; Dan Flynn, AAA East Central manager, AAA Discounts & Rewards; and Dave Baptisti, AAA National Office managing director, AAA Discounts & Rewards.

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Are you pushing your battery past its limits? More devices are draining the life out of your battery

otorists typically don’t think much about their battery until their car doesn’t start. This humble workhorse of your daily commute not only provides the power for ignition, but a growing number of automotive electronics that are drawing more power from your battery than ever before. Automobile batteries are not a “onesize-fits-all” proposition. Every car has unique electrical power demands that impact battery selection, and the space available to install a battery plays a role as well. It used to be starting your car was the biggest challenge a battery had to deal with. Now cars have multiple computers, mind-blowing sound systems, and accessories and powertrain features like heated seats, wireless hotspots and video displays that create a whole new level of electrical power demand. When selecting a battery, the right size and cold cranking amps (CCA) are the most important considerations. CCA is the most widely used cranking measurement and is the amount of current a battery can deliver at 0°F for 30 seconds. Where and how you use your vehicle and the electronic load that your battery supports should also be considered. Most batteries today are sealed “maintenance-free” designs. For routine care, clean any corrosion from the

POWER SHORTAGE — AAA’s state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment will confirm whether your battery needs replacement. posts and cable connections, wash all surfaces with battery terminal cleaner or a solution of baking soda and water, and re-tighten all connections. Batteries contain sulfuric acid that will cause chemical burns so always wear eye protection, gloves, and old or protective clothing. Remove all jewelry and be careful with metal tools that could cause an arc or electrical short.

No matter how well it’s maintained, your car battery will probably only last three to five years. An aging battery increases the odds that you could spend some unscheduled time at the roadside waiting for AAA to arrive. Millions of members call AAA for assistance with their battery every year and it’s the number one cause of roadside breakdowns.

The good new is AAA’s Battery Service has trained technicians who can come to you and perform a free test of your car’s battery, starting and charging systems. State-of-the art diagnostic equipment will confirm whether your battery will hold a charge, or if the problem lies deeper in the electrical system. Best of all, the service is included with your AAA membership. If necessary, with your approval, they can install a new high-quality AAA battery right on the spot. AAA batteries are sold to members at a discount and offer a 72-month limited nationwide warranty — with 100 percent free replacement for the first 36 months. In addition, every battery that AAA replaces is recycled to protect the environment. To date, AAA has kept more than four million batteries from contaminating landfills. If your battery is getting on in years, give yourself some added peace of mind by calling the AAA Battery Service for a no-cost evaluation.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

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AAA has your ticket to ride this summer Save big on theme park, movie, attraction tickets and more

sst ...did you know you can save some serious cash on tickets to movies, theme parks, water parks and all sorts of fun places when you buy them through AAA? It’s true, and just another way AAA membership pays you back in more ways than towing. Here’s an example: your AAA membership card gets you movie tickets for as low as $8.49. If you’re someone who regularly goes to the theater to see every Oscar-nominated film, you’ll save enough money to cover basic annual membership dues. AAA discounts are available to members and their families whose vacation plans include any of the following popular attractions: Walt Disney World, Cedar Point, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens, Sesame Place, Discovery Cove, Legoland, Colonial Williamsburg, Hersheypark, Kings Island, Dollywood and Six Flags. That’s just the tip of the iceberg — at last count there were over 60 destinations providing a AAA discount. Go to AAA.com/tickets for a comprehensive list. Whether you want a bird’s eye view of the Grand Canyon (up to 25% off with Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters) or to witness a LeBron James high-flying alley oop (Cleveland Cavalier tickets are discounted up to 10% off), AAA saves you money. To get special member pricing on tick-

THREE WAYS TO SAVE — Members can buy tickets at AAA offices, online, or at the gate by showing their membership card. ets you have three choices: visit a AAA branch office, buy them online, or make the purchase at the gate. You’ll get the best price when you purchase tickets in a branch office. For instance, Orlando-bound families will be glad to learn they save up to $23.72 per ticket on Walt Disney World tickets when buying them at their local AAA office. Daredevils and coaster aficionados alike will flip knowing they can

save up to $25.00 on tickets to Cedar Point — the roller coaster capital of the world — during AAA Member Days, May 7 through May 31, 2016. Need regular season tickets? AAA has them for up to $16.00 off the regular Any Day gate price. (Stay tuned for other ticket specials this summer.) Other tickets available in-branch include: Legoland Florida, Hersheypark, Sesame Place, Busch Gardens, Kings

Island, Discovery Cove, and Universal Orlando. It’s not just the splashiest destinations that provide a discount. AAA members will save 30 percent at Water Country USA, but they can also take a refreshing two-hour cruise on the Erie Canal with Lockport Locks ($1.50 off at gate), pet a kangaroo or allow a Rainbow Lorikeet to gently alight on their arm at the Down Under Adventure Zoo (10 percent savings), or sit in quiet contemplation in the galleries at the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland (20 percent discount). The most convenient option for getting tickets is ordering them online and using the print-at-home option. Movie tickets for Cinemark Theatres, Regal Entertainment and Fandango are a popular item to purchase this way. Also, during the month of May, AAA members can purchase and print Kennywood tickets online through AAA.com for $27.99 plus processing fee — an exclusive price for our members, a savings of $16.00 from the gate price! Visit AAA.com/tickets for the complete listing of attractions offering a AAA discount. Click on the destinations that interest you for complete information on how much you’ll save and how to order. AAA is your ticket to summer fun and savings!

Take it to the limit with AAA Premier Up to 200 miles free towing and more

AA Premier takes the traditional benefits of AAA membership and expands them with a multitude of advanced benefits and services. Benefits like Roadside Assistance with up to 200 miles of free towing; Car Rental Reimbursement; and Free Fuel Delivery should you run out of gas. Members who need to go the distance will find that AAA Premier can deliver one tow of up to 200 miles per household, in addition to up to 100 miles on remaining tows per membership year. AAA Premier is much more than extended towing. It also entitles you to a specialized package of perks and personalized travel services. If your trip is delayed or interrupted due to a collision, mechanical failure, vehicle theft, illness, injury or even severe weather, AAA Premier members are eligible for up to $1,500 Trip Interruption benefits toward the cost of transportation, accommodations, meals or related expenses. Premier will even pay up to $500 to return your vehicle to your home if these issues result in the use of substitute transportation. If your car keys are lost, stolen, or the service provider cannot gain entry, AAA will provide Premier members with locksmith service or reimbursement of commercial locksmith service up to $150.

GOING THE EXTRA 100 MILES — AAA Premier will go as far as life can take you. AAA Premier even protects you at home with up to $100 reimbursement for Home Lockout Service at your primary residence. Should your vehicle need to be towed, and you’re stranded without transportation AAA Premier steps up by arranging a standard class rental car for one day at no charge. Enjoy a free Hertz Gold Plus Rewards membership with enough Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Bonus Points for two free weekend rental days after

your first Gold rental. Premier members can rest easy the next time you’re on a domestic or international vacation. One call to Global Travel Emergency Assistance is all it takes to arrange medical provider referrals, prescription replacement, lost ticket and document replacement and emergency translation services. Traveling on a domestic or international vacation of at least 100 driving miles from home? AAA Premier’s 24

hour Concierge Service can help your stay be more memorable and carefree with assistance in securing tickets, reservations, golf tee times and more. In the market for a new vehicle? Premier members are entitled to one free Carfax vehicle history report per member per membership year. Just call AAA Premier Member Services at 1-866-5117736. Subsequent reports are available at 40 percent off the retail price and can be ordered online. Premier members also save at AAA offices, with free passport photos and notary service on personal documents; waiving AAA Travel Agency flight and rail ticket reservation fees; and up to $300,000 Travel Accident Insurance when travel arrangements are made through AAA. AAA Premier will go as far as life can take you and it’s is available at an annual fee of just $35 per household, in addition to the members’ basic and AAA Plus membership dues. FOR MORE INFORMATION

AAA Premier can be added to your existing membership at any time (benefits subject to 7 day waiting period). Call or stop by your local AAA office, or call the Member Service Call Center at 800.441.5008. Visit AAA.com/premier to review a comparison of AAA Classic, Plus and Premier benefits.

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Toyota transforms world’s best-selling hybrid 2017 Prius Prime maxes out EV driving range, tech and style

lectricity was in the air at the recent 2016 New York International Auto Show, when Toyota unveiled the new Prius Prime, an ultra-efficient model with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The 2017 Prius Prime combines an electrifying design with an even more capable electric powertrain expected to offer an estimated 22 miles, or two times the electric range of the previous model, meeting the daily requirements of over half of U.S. commuters. It can also be driven at speeds up to 84 mph without leaving the EV mode. The manufacturer-estimated 120 or above MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) is expected to be the highest MPGe rating of any Plug-in Hybrid. A wind-cheating body and a highstrength/low weight structure are critical factors in the Prius Prime’s astoundingly low energy consumption. Prime’s drag coefficient is expected to be among the lowest of any production sedan. Automatic grille shutters help reduce drag by closing when airflow to the radiator is not needed. Prime’s chiseled profile and edgy character lines are finished off with Toyota’s signature “Keen-look” front end and trapezoidal grille. Driver visibility is aided by a full-width aero glass panel over the rear spoiler and a standard backup camera. Energy-

PRIME MOVER — The 2017 Prius Prime looks and feels far from frugal. conserving quad LED headlights and LED rear combination lamps leave an indelible nighttime signature. While giving the new-generation Prius models more features, Toyota kept vehicle weight in check by using aluminum for the hood, carbon fiber on the rear hatch, and high-tensile strength steel. In fact, the lightweight carbon fiber rear hatch makes opening and closing nearly effortless.

The cabin adds even more premium touches and exclusive tech features including an available 11.6-inch, HD central multimedia screen with standard navigation and available full color head-up display. “Prime” also describes the vehicle’s available advanced safety technology. This multi-feature advanced active safety suite bundles the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and

Automatic Braking; Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist; Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with full stop technology and Automatic High Beams. Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are also available. Prius Prime is powered by Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain, which seamlessly combines the output of a gasoline engine and electric motor through a planetary-type continuously variable transmission. In Hybrid mode, the Prius Prime can run on either the gasoline engine or electric motor alone, or a combination of both. Unlike the standard Prius, it can also be plugged in at home to recharge its larger 8.8kWh battery pack. Even better, there’s no special equipment needed for home charging. Just use the supplied cord and the Prius Prime takes approximately 5.5 hours using a standard household outlet. Charging takes less than half the time with a 240V source. The 2017 Prius Prime will begin arriving in Toyota showrooms in late fall.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

AAA members save on gifts for dads & grads Savings that could pay for the cost of your membership

ather’s Day and graduation season are just around the corner and now is the best time to save on gifts for the 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 Kohl’s, Nordstrom, Best Buy, Crate & Barrel, Macy’s, Walmart, 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 values. It’s just one of the many perks of AAA membership. AAA Discounts & Rewards makes it easy to start saving right away, thanks to the site’s intuitive, easy-to-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. Save online and in-store — In addition to savings at over 30,000 online retailers, AAA members can show their AAA membership card and save at over

PREPARE TO BE WOWED — Save cash and earn WOWPoints at AAA Discounts & Rewards. 100,000 participating retail locations. No clipping coupons or fumbling for lost flyers — all you need to do is show your AAA membership card! Plus, visit your local AAA branch for discounts on attraction tickets, travel and more. And remember to download the free AAA Mobile app on your smartphone or tablet for places to save, wherever you go. 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. They are yours to keep and your WOWPoints will never expire as long as you remain a AAA member! Redeem them anytime. Check out extra special AAA WOWPoints offers where

you can earn 2X, 10X and even 20X the WOWPoints. Now that’s rewarding! Qualifying purchases must be made through the Discounts & Rewards program. Kickstart the savings — AAA East Central members can access the AAA Discounts & Rewards page from AAA.com/discounts. Feel free to browse through all the offers, however, you must register at the time of transaction. 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. AAA Discounts & Rewards gets you more. More discounts. More rewards. More savings on the items you need from the names you know and the brands you trust. It’s your year-long shopping destination for all your family’s needs. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at just how much more your AAA membership is worth.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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.

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Frozen summer fun at Walt Disney World Resort A frosty chill is descending over Orlando, Florida

he forecast is calling for snow this summer at Walt Disney World Resort. A variety of new attractions from Frozen, the hit animated film will turn the Magic Kingdom into a polar playground. From meet and greets with royalty, to stunning sites inspired by the blockbuster film, here’s where you can enjoy your own icy adventures. Epcot guests will soon be able to travel to the Kingdom of Arendelle when the much-anticipated attraction “Frozen Ever After” opens this summer. This family adventure in the Norway Pavilion will welcome you to the glacial world of “Frozen” with hit songs and new technology, in an icy journey that is sure to warm your heart. Princess Anna and Queen Elsa will be on hand to welcome you then whisk you away to the ice-blue world of Arendelle. Once onboard their boat, guests will celebrate a “Summer Snow Day,” embarking on a journey through a the frozen willow forest, past Troll Valley and up to Queen Elsa’s Ice Palace on the North Mountain, along with other locations from the Oscar-winning animated blockbuster before returning to the Bay of Arendelle. Of course, your favorite “Frozen” characters including Hans, Kristoff, Sven and the Snowgies from the animated short “Frozen Fever” will be

SNOW QUEENS — Princess Anna and Queen Elsa, let it go at the Frozen Sing-Along Celebration. part of this new attraction, along with spectacular sights inspired by the film and Disney’s most advanced audioanimatronics to date. Afterword, guests will be invited to hold court with the royal sisters in the charming “Royal Sommerhus” a regal residence reflecting the architecture, interior design, and cultural arts and crafts of Norway.

Everyone’s favorite snowman will be living his summer dream — chilling out at Blizzard Beach Water Park. A freak snowstorm over Central Florida leads to an impromptu sporting event known as The Frozen Games. Guests can join Team Kristoff or Team Olaf in a day full of fun “Frozen” activities. Olaf will also be greeting guests with warm hugs in the all-new Celebrity

Spotlight in the Echo Lake area of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Then join the Royal Historians of Arendelle at “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration.” The 30 minute live show at the Hyperion Theater is a funny and upbeat retelling of the kingdom’s unique history, complete with some memorable tunes and special appearances by Anna, Elsa and Kristoff. At Magic Kingdom, Anna and Elsa can be seen every day in the Festival of Fantasy parade. Anna and Elsa travel in a royal procession on the Princess Garden float alongside Disney Princesses including Belle, and Tiana. With its brightly colored tournament tent facade, Princess Fairytale Hall is located in the Castle Courtyard in the center of Fantasyland. Here guests can meet face-to-face with your favorite Disney princess. Bring your cameras for a photo op with Anna and Elsa, or other Disney princesses like Cinderella and Rapunzel. FOR MORE INFORMATION

AAA can help you add more value to your Disney vacation. We can assist you with all your Disney plans, including Disney theme parks and resorts, and Disney Cruise Lines. See your AAA Travel Agent or log on to AAA.com/Disney.

History of falling increases crash risk for older drivers New study finds preventing falls may make roads safer

lder drivers with a history of falling are 40 percent more likely to be involved in crashes than their peers, according to a new study released by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. These findings are important since a record 12 million older adults will experience a fall this year. Falls limit an older driver’s ability to function behind the wheel and can make driving risky for themselves and others on the road. This research is critical because seniors represent the fastest growing driving demographic group. By 2020 there will be more than 40 million licensed drivers ages 65 and older. Drivers age 60 and older are involved in more than 400,000 crashes each year, and it’s important that we find ways to keep them and others safe on the road. Although seniors are more likely to wear seatbelts, and are less likely to speed or drink and drive, they are also much more likely to die in a crash. The report, Associations Between Falls and Driving Outcomes in Older Adults, is the latest research released in the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety’s Longitudinal Research on Aging Drivers (LongROAD) project. Researchers from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus along with the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety say that falls can increase crash risk in two ways: •

that enhance balance, strengthen muscles and promote flexibility,” notes Jim Lehman, president AAA East Central. “Even a low impact fitness training program or a driver improvement course can help safely extend an older driver’s years on the road.” Fall prevention is a great way for older drivers to keep themselves and others safe while on the road. Those concerned about a parent or other older driver should help them monitor risk factors that address health concerns or household dangers. AAA recommends a series of exercises and stretches to improve neck, shoulder, trunk, back and overall body flexibility, which can help a driver who has suffered from a recent falls. SeniorDriving.AAA.com has a variety of resources for senior drivers on strength and flexibility exercises at AAA.com/ fitness. Falls can result in a loss of functional ability (i.e. wrist fractures or a broken leg), which can make it difficult for older drivers to steer or brake to avoid a crash. • Falls can increase an individual’s fear of falling, which can lead to a decrease in physical activity that weakens driving skills. The research suggests that seniors and their families should view falls as

a possible early indicator of declining physical fitness. Addressing the health issues that originally led to the fall such as lower body weakness, poor balance, slow reaction time, certain medications, dizziness, or vision problems, can help older drivers strengthen their functional ability and lower their risk for crashing or experiencing another fall in the future. “Older drivers should find activities

FOR MORE INFORMATION

As a leading advocate for senior driver safety, AAA also offers a variety of programs and resources to help older drivers improve their driving performance and avoid crashes. SeniorDriving.AAA.com is designed to help senior drivers stay on the road for as long as safely possible and mobile thereafter.

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