Neo by AAA East Central

SEE PAGE 3

Vol. 107 No. 4

MEMBERS SAVE! Premier .......... $600 Plus .................. $500 Basic ................$450

New bookings with deposit April 1-30, 2015. Savings are per room, double occupancy.

NORTHEAST OHIO REGION

SPECTACULAR

SOUTH AFRICA

Bucket-list tour has 2 photo safaris, Victoria Falls, Cape Town and more!

AFARI is Swahili for “journey.” This sin& diamond center and South Africa’s largest gle word readily conjures up endless city. A visit to informal settlements in Soweto images of exotic animals, peoples and (South West Township) includes lunch with places. And, on AAA’s Spectacular South locals at a shebeen (house tavern). Ponder the Africa escorted adventure (April 14-30, 2016), nation’s divisive past at Liliesleaf — Nelson you won’t be disappointed! Mandela’s arrest site and the liberation moveAnd to make it easier to bring these images ment’s former center and place of refuge. to life, AAA has conjured up member-only disTravel through the spectacular Drakensburg counts of as much as $600 when you book & Mountains and the wondrous red sandstone deposit through 4/30/15. The specific discount of Blyde River Canyon on the way to South you’ll enjoy is tied to your AAA membership level Africa’s largest game reserve, Kruger National and is per room (double occupancy). AAA PrePark. A local expert leads you on a full-day mier members save $600, AAA Plus members search for the Big 5 — elephant, buffalo, lion, save $500 and Basic AAA members save $450. leopard and rhino. Watch carefully from your Explore wild and wonderful locales comfortopen-air safari vehicle; you may also see impaably and confidently as a group with your fella, zebra and giraffe. Relax with a picnic lunch, low AAA travelers and an experienced guide surrounded by the beauty of Kruger National from AAA Member Choice Vacations® from Park. the moment you arrive in South Africa. Fly from Jo’burg to George and, at FeatherThis 15-night tour is jam-packed with great bed Nature Reserve, cruise on a lagoon to the opportunities to view — and in some cases, Heads — sandstone cliffs near Knysna, the cumeet — wildlife “up close and personal.” Sidle linary capital of oysters and other delectable up to penguins braying like donkeys, enjoy saseafood. Board a 4x4 vehicle and travel deep faris (from an open-air vehicle and from atop into the forest for lunch among ancient milkan elephant’s back!) and “capture” lions, leopwood trees. Then travel on to the national osards, rhinos and more with your camera! trich capital; continued on page 16 From Johannesburg to Soweto to Cape Town to Victoria Falls, you’ll meet local people (children at a township school, adults in a Zimbabwean village) THIS and gain a better unCOULD !BE derstanding of southern YOU Africa’s diverse cultures, social challenges and unique ways of life. We took the South Africa trip through AAA: “Magnificent” is how we And the places you’ll describe it to everyone! Breathtaking...and so professionally organized/ visit! In the wealthiest led. Though we’ve since traveled to the Amazon, Germany and China, province, cosmopolitan Ed & Carlene Behanna we’d return to Africa with AAA in a heartbeat! Jo’burg bustles as a gold

APRIL 2015 Glasses.com Joins AAA Discounts & Rewards

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

WHEN MOBILITY TURNS TO MAYHEM ON THE ROAD

Glasses.com is an online retailer of prescription and non-prescription glasses and sunglasses, carrying a wide-range of styles and brands such as Oakley, Ray-Ban, Burberry, Maui Jim, and more. They make finding and getting your perfect pair of glasses easier than ever, with proprietary 3D virtual try-on technology and making custom lenses in their in-house lab. They offer quick turnaround on prescription lenses and incredible savings compared to other retail stores. As part of the Luxottica brand they have a commitment to providing world-class customer service, backed by customer-friendly guarantees and return policies. AAA members will receive 25% off the total order and free basic lenses or 25% off lens upgrades on orders of $200 or more, exclusive of tax. On orders below $200, AAA members will receive 15 % off the total order and free basic lenses or 15% off lens upgrades. Visit them online at AAA.com/glasses.

Adidas Outlet Store Newest AAA Discounts & Rewards Partner Adidas Outlet Store is one of the newest AAA Discounts & Rewards partners. Members will receive 20% off their entire purchase at 102 locations nationwide. The Adidas Outlet Store offers a wide selection of premium performance and lifestyle apparel, footwear and accessories, at great prices for the entire family. Products range from athletic shoes, to apparel and other sports gear designed for comfort, flexibility and style. An industry leader for almost 80 years, their trademark three stripes have become an insignia of quality and innovation.

Auto Pay Saves You Time & Money With AAA East Central’s Auto Pay annual renewal option, you’ll never need to worry about your membership lapsing and being stranded without a valid AAA card. Sign up, and your membership renewal will automatically be charged to your credit card or debit card each year. We’ll even send you a reminder before billing your card. And for a limited time, save $10 on next year’s membership renewal when you enroll in Auto Pay at AAA.com/renew, or at any AAA East Central branch office. Auto Pay automatic renewal can be added to your membership at any time, regardless of your membership expiration/renewal date. You’ll rest easy knowing your AAA membership is always there providing uninterrupted service. And, you always have the option of canceling at any time. For more information, visit or call your local AAA East Central office, or call the AAA Member Services Center at 1.800.441.5008.

New Drive Trips Added to TripTik Travel Planner Several new itineraries recently were added to integrated Drive Trips selections in the desktop and app versions of TripTik Travel Planner bringing the total number to 71. New additions include southern parts of Arizona, Florida, Illinois and Texas; several new sections of Route 66; Green Bay and Door County, Wis.; Illinois and Indiana state capitals; and Vancouver, Victoria and Coastal Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Each trip provides photos and descriptive information, detailed maps, segmented driving directions and recommended stops at AAA-listed attractions. Additional routes are planned.

Hot Destinations & Cool Deals Ready for an all-inclusive vacation to one of Mexico’s sunny beach resorts? Pleasant Holidays has been making destinations like Cancun, Riviera Maya, and Cozumel more memorable for over 50 years. Book and deposit your all-inclusive tropical getaway from Pleasant Holidays before April 30, 2015, and take advantage of $100 savings per room, (double occupancy) from AAA Travel. SEE PAGE 7.

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AAA MOTORIST

ChildSecure™ helps monitor your children’s identity ProtectMyID® Deluxe — Identity protection for the entire family

ou may think identity theft could never happen to you, but each year millions of Americans become victims. What’s worse is that a growing number of identity theft victims are children. Thieves can use a child’s Social Security number to open bank and credit card accounts, apply for a loan or government benefits, rent an apartment, or set up utility service. Children can have their identity stolen by family members or family acquaintances, but identity thieves are often perfect strangers who specifically target children knowing it can take a long time before the crime is discovered. Fortunately, parents who are AAA members and sign up for the ProtectMyID® Deluxe identity theft monitoring program can enroll their children, as well. The program is a new benefit for members. Enrolling in ProtectMyID® Deluxe is critical step to help protect the identity of you and your minor children. ProtectMyID® Deluxe, a comprehensive Identity Theft Monitoring product by Experian®, is just $8.95 a month—a 56 percent savings for AAA members and associates. The ChildSecure™ feature of the ProtectMyID® Deluxe product helps detect identity theft of your children by searching for an Experian credit report, monitoring the report, and alerting you if someone applies for credit or opens

APRIL 2015

AAA DIRECTORY AAA MEMBER SERVICES

TripTiks, Tourbooks, Maps, Address Change, AAA Plus

800-441-5008 membersvccntr@aaaec.com APPROVED AUTO REPAIR: 216-606-6332 aar@aaaec.com

AUTO BUYING SERVICE: 800-446-7433 DRIVER IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS: 216-606-6121 EMERGENCY ROAD SERVICE: Cuyahoga County: 216-606-6000, ers@aaaec.com Ashland, Ashtabula, Geauga, Huron, Lake, Lorain, Portage, Mahoning, Stark, Trumbull, and Tuscarawas: 800-AAA-HELP

INSURANCE AGENCY: 216-606-6194, 800-343-4851 insuranceservices@aaaec.com

MOTORIST, Northeast Ohio Region: 216-606-6700 motorist@aaaec.com

PUBLIC AFFAIRS: 216-606-6702 PUBLIC RELATIONS: 216-606-6712 TRAFFIC SAFETY PROGRAMS: 1-800-845-0375 TRAVEL AGENCY: 800-354-8761 www.AAA.com

Northeast Ohio AAA Offices YOUNGEST VICTIMS — Children and adolescents have become a fast growing segment of identity fraud victims. credit accounts using your children’s personal information. How could a child have a credit report? Most commonly it is because his or her parents added them to their credit card accounts as an authorized user. When you enroll your children in ProtectMyID® Deluxe, their information

is used to monitor for the presence of an Experian credit report. Parents must provide the following information for each child: first and last name, date of birth and Social Security number. Your children’s information is used only to verify their identities and to begin monitoring new credit information. Once a child is enrolled, their privacy and security are of the utmost importance. For that reason, parents are not allowed to view any of their children’s personal information—such as Credit Reports—until their own identity can be verified. Because there is no definite way online for parents to prove that they are the parent or guardian, parents are required to fax documentation as proof. Once this information is received and verified, parents can obtain a hard copy of the child’s information in the mail. This process assures that no one else can access this sensitive information.

SIGNS YOUR CHILD IS A VICTIM

· Telemarketers or collection agencies call for your child; · Your child receives bills, Social Security statements or pre-approved credit card offers; · Your child is denied the request to open their first bank account; · Your child can’t open a mobile phone account, qualify for college loans, or can’t get a driver’s license. FOR MORE INFORMATION

ProtectMyID® Deluxe is another way AAA offers its members peace of mind. For more information about the Identity Theft Monitoring member benefit, visit AAA. com/ProtectMyID or call 1-877-440-6943. ProtectMyID Essential and Deluxe is provided by ConsumerInfo.com, an Experian company.

ALLIANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330/823-9820 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330/821-2323 2322 South Union Ave., 44601 ASHLAND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 419/289-8133 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 419/289-2222 1074 Commerce Parkway, 44805 ASHTABULA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/997-5586 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/998-1008 2835 North Ridge Rd. East 44004 INDEPENDENCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216/606-6300 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216/606-6080 5700 Brecksville Rd. 44131 LAKE COUNTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/974-0990 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/205-9090 6980 Heisley Rd., Mentor 44060 LYNDHURST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/473-0700 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/473-0747 5356 Mayfield Rd. 44124 MAHONING COUNTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330/726-9083 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330/726-0622 1275 Boardman-Canfield Rd., Boardman 44512 MASSILLON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330/833-1084 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330/833-1084 1972 Wales Rd, 44646 MIDWAY MALL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/324-2090 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/324-3423 1839 Midway Mall, Elyria 44035 NORWALK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 419/668-1622 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 419/668-1622 275 Benedict Ave. Norwalk 44857 PORTAGE COUNTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330/296-3406 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330/296-3406 2641 Rte. 59, Ravenna 44266 SOLON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/248-9000 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/248-1808 34050 Solon Rd. 44139 STRONGSVILLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/783-3395 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/783-3396 17220 Royalton Rd. 44136, The Great Escape Plaza TRUMBULL COUNTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330/652-6466 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330/652-6466 937 Youngstown-Warren Rd., Niles 44446 TUSCARAWAS COUNTY TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330/343-4481 1112 Fourth St., New Philadelphia 44663 . . . . . . . 330/343-4481 WESTLAKE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/788-3102 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/788-3103 149 Market St., Crocker Park, Westlake 44145

APRIL 2015

AAA MOTORIST

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Forget It; Drive On — Anger management for motorists When mobility turns to mayhem on the road Northeast Ohio Region Official publication of AAA East Central Published monthly (except bimonthly Aug./Sept., Nov./Dec.) by AAA East Central 5700 Brecksville Road, Independence, OH 44131 216/606-6225 ISSN 0030-0985 Periodicals Postage Paid at Cleveland, OH and additional post offices Postmaster: Send address changes to AAA Motorist Northeast Ohio Region P.O. Box 6150 Cleveland, OH 44101 Subscription Rate: $1 included in Primary Membership dues. All others: $2/year. Publisher ................................James E. Lehman Managing Editor ....................... Douglas O’Neil Business Manager ............... Sherry A. Madison Editorial Office/Advertising Inquiries 5700 Brecksville Road, Independence, OH 44131 216/606-6704 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 Neil D. Bassi, James E. Broome, Jr., Steve D. Bullock**, Charles O. Casto**, Edward C. Coaxum, Jr., Robert S. Collins, Robert H. Compton, Jon E. Denney, Debra A. Dinnocenzo, Pamela C. Fritz, Gregory E. Grim, Richard S. Hamilton, James H. Kanicki, Charles J. Kelly** , Mary Lynn Laughlin, William Duff McCrady, James M. McDonnell, Thomas V. McKernan Jr., Martha Hartle Munsch, Gary K. Munsie** EAST CENTRAL REGION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Neil D. Bassi, Chairman, Robert S. Collins, Vice Chairman, Carol Asam, Christian Asam, Jack A. Barkley, William E. Bierer**, Ellsworth T. Bowser**, Peter Burton, Marianne B. Campbell, Michael A. Cochran, Daniel J. Collins Jr.**, Robert S. Collins, Robert H. Compton, Debra A. Dinnocenzo, James J. Dodaro, Jack G. Ellis, 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

OHIO MOTORISTS REGION BOARD OF TRUSTEES James H. Kanicki, Chairman, Audrey T. Cole, Vice Chairman, Keith Boales, Thomas G. Brick**, Steve D. Bullock, Edward C. Coaxum, Jr., Gary S. Cowling**, Jon E. Denney, Richard S. Hamilton, John B. Hexter, James H. Kanicki, Mary Lynn Laughlin, John D. Leech**, Marvin E. Montgomery, Peter C. Ohlheiser, Sara E. Stashower **emeritus directors Copyright ©2015 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 ggressive driving — intentional, dangerous behavior that jeopardizes the safety of everyone — is a serious problem on America’s roads. According to data from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety it’s a factor in up to 56 percent of fatal crashes. Less common — but far more frightening — is road rage, deliberate, uncontrolled anger that can lead to violence and even death. What aggressive driving and road rage have in common is that they’re both unpredictable, can ignite instantly, and can occur at any time. The AAA Foundation study found that events precipitating violent outbursts are often remarkably trivial. The traffic episode that turns ugly is rarely the result of a single incident, but rather the cumulative effect of a variety of stress factors. A poll by the Washington Post found the number of drivers who admitted to feeling “uncontrollable anger toward another driver” doubled between 2005 and 2013. So, how do we avoid road rage in others, and in ourselves? When you merge into traffic, make sure you have plenty of room to enter traffic without cutting someone off. If someone cuts you off, take the high road and give them plenty of room. When someone wants to pass, be courteous—move over and let them by. Never pass another driver, and then slow down to teach them a lesson.

Richard Hamilton Always allow adequate room between you and the car in front of you. Never tap your brakes or lose your temper if you’re being tailgated. Illuminate your turn signal, pull over and allow them to pass. Nothing provokes another driver more than rude or obscene gestures. Keep your hands on the wheel and avoid making any gestures that might provoke other drivers. Never honk your horn at someone who’s driving slower than you want them to, or who doesn’t move quickly enough through a traffic signal. It can set off an altercation or potentially cause a collision. Even when it’s unintentional a traffic

mishap can cause a driver to “snap” and the situation becomes dangerous. What should you do if your personal safety is at risk from a hostile motorist? Steer clear — Stay calm and never respond to drivers who cut you off, tailgate, or try to intimidate you. Give angry or aggressive drivers plenty of room. Do not, under any circumstances, pull off to the side of the road and try to “settle things”. Avoid eye contact — Looking or staring at another driver can turn an impersonal encounter between two vehicles into a blood feud. And once it gets personal, things can get out-of-hand fast. Forget about winning. No one wins in a crash. Get help — Never underestimate an irrational driver’s capacity for mayhem. If you think someone is following you or trying to provoke a confrontation, call the police on your cell phone. Drive to a safe public place such as a busy retail plaza, police or fire station. This will often discourage a would-be assailant from following you. Do not go home until you’re certain the aggressor is gone and it’s safe. Robert Ingersoll, the noted 19th century orator once said, “Anger blows out the lamp of the mind.” Remember, someone else’s driving has nothing to do with you personally. Concentrate instead on the safety of you, your passengers and your vehicle. Stay cool, get out of the way and let other drivers deal with their own issues. Make FIDO your mantra: Forget It; Drive On.

membersonly

Going the extra 100-miles for members AAA Premier offers 200-miles free towing & more

ith a multitude of advanced benefits and services AAA Premier takes the traditional benefits of AAA membership and supersizes them. Benefits like Roadside Assistance with up to 200-miles of free towing; Car Rental Reimbursement; and up to $100 Home Lockout services. Just as AAA Plus expands basic AAA coverage, Premier is an enhancement to AAA Plus. It’s all about having the freedom to select the membership option that works for you. And AAA Premier is AAA to the maximum. Members who want 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 100miles on remaining tows per membership year. If your vehicle needs to be towed, AAA Premier steps up by reimbursing you with up to $55 in rental car fees. Premier members are entitled to a free Hertz Gold Plus Rewards membership,

and when you rent from Hertz (in conjunction with a tow) you’ll receive the second day free on a minimum two-day emergency rental, courtesy of Hertz. Suppose your trip is delayed or interrupted due to a collision, mechanical failure, vehicle theft, illness, injury or even severe weather. You’re more than 100-miles from home, and what do you do? AAA Premier members are eligible for up to $1,500 Trip Interruption benefits toward the cost of transportation, accommodations, meals or related expenses. Premier is so generous it even pays up to $500 to return your vehicle to your home if these issues result in the use of substitute transportation. With free Global Emergency Assistance, the next time you’re on a domestic or international vacation one call is all it takes to arrange medical provider referrals, prescription replacement, lost ticket and document replacement and emergency translation services.

While traveling on a domestic or international trip of at least 100 driving miles from home AAA Premier provides “24-7” Concierge Service, for assistance in securing tickets, reservations, golf tee times, and more. Premier members also save at AAA offices, with free passport photos and notary service on personal documents; waiving the $35.00 AAA Travel Agency flight reservation fee; and up to $300,000 Travel Accident Insurance when travel arrangements are made through AAA. AAA Premier is available at an annual fee of just $35 per household, in addition to the members’ basic and AAA Plus membership dues. Premier can be added at any time to an existing membership (benefits subject to 7-day waiting period). To upgrade to AAA Premier, call or stop by your local AAA branch office, or contact the Club’s Member Service Call Center at 800.441.5008. Visit AAA.com/premier to review a comparison of AAA Basic, Plus and Premier benefits.

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AAA MOTORIST

APRIL 2015

AAA MOTORIST

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AAA MOTORIST

APRIL 2015

Water loss myths — After the flood You might be surprised at what is—and isn’t—covered By Robin Jones iven how much water modern homes require for their appliances and plumbing systems, it shouldn’t be a surprise that water damage routinely tops the list of the most common homeowners insurance claims, far outpacing fire and extreme weather damage. What can be surprising, though, is what your insurance company will and won’t cover when it comes to water damage. To help clear up some of the confusion surrounding water losses and homeowners insurance, here are some common myths and realities. Myth: If my home is flooded in a natural disaster, my homeowners policy will cover the damage. Reality: This is about as cut-anddried as it comes: Private insurance companies do not cover losses resulting from weather-related flooding. However, you can buy separate insurance through the federal government’s National Flood Insurance Program. There’s even a good chance that if you live on a flood plain, your mortgage lender will require this when you buy a house in a flood-prone area. Not sure whether your home is on a flood plain? The Federal Emergency Management Agency maintains floodhazard maps; you can look up your area on the FEMA website. Myth: My insurer will pay to repair the damage to my home if a sewer or drainpipe backs up and causes my sinks

HIGH WATER — Water damage routinely tops the list of homeowners insurance claims. and toilets to overflow. Reality: Depending on where you live and the origin of the backup, your insurer may not cover this type of loss. In some regions, for example, insurance companies will pay for repairs if the pipes that backed up are on your private property, but not if the backup is on city or county land (in which case, the municipality may be responsible for any necessary repairs to your home). In other regions, insurance companies don’t include this type of coverage in their base policies but will allow you to purchase an endorsement for the cover-

age. Talk with your insurance agent to find out what’s included in your policy. Myth: If my roof starts to leak during a rainstorm, my insurance will cover any resulting damage. Reality: Unfortunately, unless that leak comes as a result of wind or a fallen tree branch damages your roof, it may not be covered. Insurers consider a leaky roof to be maintenance-related and usually won’t cover it. Myth: My insurance won’t pay for flooding damage to my floors or walls if a pipe or appliance in my home suddenly springs a leak.

Reality: Good news—this is one of the things most insurance companies do cover. In fact, some insurers may also cover what they call “access,” or the cost of getting to the burst pipe. So if your plumber has to jackhammer through the foundation to make the repairs, your coverage might pay for that part of the claim. Insurers, however, won’t pay to repair a burst pipe or appliance. In addition, if your insurer believes that the leak resulted from a lack of upkeep—say you had a slow leak that you didn’t do anything about—it may deny your claim. Having a water damage claim is no fun. Managing emergency services, repairs, and sometimes, additional living expenses can drain your time and resources. That’s why it’s important to know what’s covered and ways to prevent damage from happening. If you do have a loss, be sure to contact your insurance company immediately.

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 866.802.8210, or visit AAA.com/insurance for more information or to schedule a comprehensive Insurance review.

APRIL 2015

AAA MOTORIST

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Member Benefits • Exclusive Offers

1-800-354-8761 • AAA.com/travel

Savings per room (double occupancy). New bookings with deposit April 1-30, 2015, for travel in 2015: 7-night minimum stay & must include airfare.

Coastal Mexico’s all-inclusive resorts spoil you with attentive service, gourmet cuisine, state-of-the-art spas, challenging golf and exceptional vacation values. Explore the

CANCUN

aquamarine waters of Cancun and Riviera Maya, walk along the gold-sand beaches of Los Cabos and shop and dine along the beachfront of Puerto Vallarta and Riviera

PUERTO VALLARTA

$1,550

$3,610

Nayarit. Whether you pick a Caribbean/ Atlantic or a Pacific all-inclusive resort, you can’t go wrong! Contact AAA and book your getaway with Pleasant Holidays.

COZUMEL

$2,339

HUATULCO

$1,811

The Hard Rock Hotel is a nonstop, highenergy resort near Cancun’s entertainment center. Overlooking the turquoise-blue Caribbean, this stunning hotel offers newly renovated guestrooms, each with a double Jacuzzi.® Flanked by the Caribbean Sea and Nichupte Lagoon, it’s a short stroll from Cancun’s main attractions. Family program. Steam room. Theme parties.

Ideally situated in Puerto Vallarta’s hotel zone, the all-inclusive Hilton Puerto Vallarta Resort provides easy access to modern area malls. Admire breathtaking views overlooking Banderas Bay. Each room featurs high-speed internet access, generous work surfaces and signature beds. Snorkeling. Spa services. Steam room. Activity desk. Children’s play area.

Light. Luxury. Love. The only hotel of its kind on picturesque Cozumel, Secrets Aura Cozumel offers luxurious suites featuring king-size beds (or 2 double beds), private terrace or balcony, full marble bahrooms with Jacuzzi,® complimentary mini-bar and much more. Adults only. Archeological tours. Marine National Park close by. Onsite dive center. Pier. Spa services.

Dreams Huatulco sits on Tangolunda Bay, one of the largest of 9 bays, and overlooks dazzling golden beaches and the sapphire waters of the Pacific. The resort features swimming pools, 6 gourmet restaurants, 6 bars serving unlimited premium beverages, 24-hour room service, plus endless day & evening activities for all ages, including a supervised Explorers Club for kids.

RIVIERA NAYARIT

RIVIERA MAYA

MAZATLAN

CABO SAN LUCAS

$1,141

$3,114

Iberostar Playa Mita, standing tall on Mexico’s Pacific coast near beautiful Punta de Mita, offers a relaxing and all-inclusive atmosphere complete with mouth-watering international dishes and endless activities for guests of all ages. Plush accommodations feature 24-hour room service and a laid-back elegance perfect for relaxing with family and friends.

Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort is surrounded by large, sun-dappled swimming pools, a palm-fringed sugar-white sand beach and lush tropical gardens. All rooms and suites are spacious, elegantly furnished and filled with luxurious amenities to relax, soothe and welcome guests. Just 30 minutes from Cancun. Family program. Spanish lessons. Bike trail. Cooking lessons.

$1,753 The award-winning Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort is a jewel overlooking the Pacific Ocean. With its own magnificent beach, it’s an ideal setting for relaxation, yet it’s within easy access to Mazatlan’s Golden Zone. Graceful architecture, gorgeous surroundings and beautifully decorated oceanview suites provide every comfort and convenience.

$2,117 Riu Palace brings a different kind of style to the all-inclusive vacation. Enjoy luxurious facilities, a full range of sporting and leisure options, personalized service and gourmet food at the brand-new fusion cuisine restaurant, Krystal. The resort features 642 tastefully decorated junior suites with breathtaking views. Guests enjoy exchange privileges with Riu Santa Fe.

Sample rates shown are per room (double occupancy) for a 7-night stay ( June 13-20, 2015) and do not include flights or airport/hotel transfers.

For these and many other all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and elsewhere, visit AAA.com/PleasantHolidays.

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AAA MOTORIST

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Get up to $100.00 in perks!

NOW’S THE TIME!

Book & make a deposit by APRIL 30 on a 2015 7-night-or-longer air-inclusive Pleasant Holidays vacation to HAWAII or the CARIBBEAN and enjoy:

$50 SAVINGS FROM AAA TRAVEL per room, based on double occupancy • new bookings April 1-30, 2015

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).

Get a great seat in the...

FAN CAVE SUITE! JULY 10 • 7:10pm Indians vs Oakland Athletics

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FOOD & DRINKS INCLUDED POOL TABLE • FLAT-SCREEN TV BATTING PRACTICE VIEWING * MEET & GREET WITH AN INDIANS ALUMNUS

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$159 PER PERSON

HURRY! TICKETS LIMITED! *WEATHER PERMITTING

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

SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS

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

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Escort & driver s gratuitie ! included

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

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

Wild, Wild Westerns © ANDREANITA / FOTOLIA.COM

GRAND CANYON & AZ ADVENTURE

NEW MEXICO BALLOON FIESTA

Fly to Phoenix and ride to Sedona’s beautiful Poco Diablo Resort. ExSEPT 20-27 • $2,645 plore scenic backcountry on an ex® citing off-road Pink Jeep tour. Visit the IMAX Theater at Williams, then ride the Grand Canyon Railway (first class) to the canyon’s South Rim. Spend 2 nights there in a national park lodge, then ride the vintage Verde Canyon Railroad. Explore Old Town Scottsdale, marvel at intriguing plants at the Desert Botanical Garden and Western art at the Heard Museum. Enjoy a memorable farewell steakhouse dinner — cowboystyle! 11 meals. AIR INCLUDED.

Explore Albuquerque, the Land of Enchantment’s largest city, then a OCT 4-9 • $3,265 3-night stay in charming Santa Fe. Visit historic Chimayo village. Enjoy artsy Taos and the impressive Rio Grande Gorge. Take a fun salsa-making class. Ride Sandia Peak’s Aerial Tramway. At the International Balloon Fiesta,® witness the mass ascension of hundreds of balloons. Explore Rte 66, Old Town Albuquerque, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and Acoma Pueblo. See the Balloon Fiesta’s evening “Glowdeo” of illuminated balloons & fireworks afterward! 11 meals. AIR INCLUDED.

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

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

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

So many delights in 1 tour — from the endless charms of San FranJULY 23-31 • $3,699 cisco to the natural splendor of the redwoods at Muir Woods to the opulence of Hearst Castle. Cross Golden Gate Bridge, enjoy the Mediterranean ambiance of Sausalito, sample wines at Napa Valley vineyards, savor lunch aboard the Napa Wine Train. Ride Amtrak’s scenic California Zephyr to Lake Tahoe. Visit the ghost town of Virginia City NV. Dine & dance on a riverboat paddlewheeler. Marvel at Yosemite’s wonders. Explore coastal Carmel, Big Sur and Monterey. 14 meals. AIR INCLUDED.

AMERICAN MAJESTY

YELLOWSTONE EXPERIENCE

BEST OF NORTHERN CA

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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

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

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GENERAL TRAVEL DISCLAIMER: AAA Travel Agency makes every effort to provide accurate, up-to-date prices as of press time and cannot assume responsibility for typographic errors. Rates/offers are per person based on double occupancy, unless otherwise indicated, and are subject to availability and airline/operator changes. International rates/offers are subject to currency fluctuations and additional tax & security charges. Rates that include airfare include all taxes, government fees and surcharges. Additional restrictions may apply. Rates/offers are available at all AAA East Central travel agency locations. For tour details, contact AAA or visit AAA.com/travel. FEATURED VACATIONS are specially priced, unique departures; therefore, tour operators, cruise lines and other travel providers often exclude them from additional discounts or specials they offer. FEATURED VACATIONS include services provided by third-party tour destination service companies; see your AAA Travel Agent for details. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for more details or visit the air carrier’s website for baggage allowance and fee information.

FEATURED VACATIONS D

MENTOR .......................... 440-205-9090 NEW PHILADELPHIA......... 330-343-4481 NILES .............................. 330-652-6466 NORWALK........................ 419-668-1622 RAVENNA ........................ 330-296-3406 SOLON ............................ 440-248-1808 STRONGSVILLE ................ 440-783-3396 WESTLAKE ....................... 440-788-3103

ALLIANCE ........................ 330-821-2323 ASHLAND ........................ 419-289-2222 ASHTABULA ..................... 440-998-1008 BOARDMAN ..................... 330-726-0622 ELYRIA ............................ 440-324-2090 INDEPENDENCE ............... 216-606-6080 LYNDHURST ..................... 440-473-0747 MASSILLON ..................... 330-833-1084

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Look for the FEATURED VACATIONS logo to identify out-of-the-ordinary offerings.

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Car-free, carefree adventures T IO

Rates are per person (double occupancy for multiday tours), are subject to availability at time of booking and include roundtrip motorcoach transportation from the Cleveland area, accommodations (for multiday tours, based on double occupancy), sightseeing/admissions, taxes/gratuities for included features, baggage handling (for multiday tours), meals as indicated and the services of a AAA Tour Manager. Visit AAA.com/USA for complete itinerary details and pick-up points.

”JOSEPH“ & MORE IN LANCASTER PA June 5-7 •

AAA Member Rate: $499

Sight & Sound Theatre brings back one of its most popular shows, “Joseph,” to Lancaster. Since 2010, more that 10 million guests have enjoyed this production, which is as colorful and captivating as Joseph’s famous coat. The production takes you from the tents of Canaan to the stunning palaces of Egypt, and is an inspirational story for all. Includes tickets to 2 performances (“Joseph” and “Les Miserables”), guided tour of Lancaster’s Amish region, Kitchen Kettle Village, accommodations, 4 meals and more.

TWO TRAINS TOUR — WV, VA, MD June 19-21 •

AAA Member Rate: $559

Travel to WV, VA and MD on this fun tour featuring 2 train rides through scenic mountain valleys, historic farms and lush greenery. Also visit Winchester VA, hometown of singer Patsy Cline, and learn more about her life and career. Includes Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad, Western Maryland Railroad, Harper’s Ferry National Park, Patsy Cline tour, 4 meals and more.

NEW ENGLAND’S SCENIC RAILROADS July 13-18 •

AAA Member Rate: $1,239

Enjoy some of the East’s most dramatic scenery from 2 different trains through the notches of the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Experience area history at Boston’s Old North Church, Old Ironsides and historic Mt Washington Hotel. Cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee and wander through picturesque villages. Includes Conway Scenic Railway Notch Train, Winnipesaukee Turkey Dinner Train, MS Mt Washington lake cruise, Mt Washington Hotel tour, Wright Museum, Boston tour, Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, Old North Church, USS Constitution, Turning Stone Casino, 10 meals and more.

LEAVE YOUR CAR AT HOME!

WASHINGTON DC

Sept 10-13 •

AAA Member Rate: $599

Bring a camera to capture the most memorable sights of our nation’s capital. A full-day tour with an experienced guide features some of DC’s most interesting and historical attractions. Includes guided sightseeing (full day in DC, half-day in Arlington VA), Illuminated Monuments tour, Flight 93 National Memorial (Shanksville PA), 5 meals & more.

MUSIC & RAILROADS OF WV Sept 18-20 •

AAA Member Rate: $569

Travel on the Cheat Mountain Salamander and the Cass Scenic Railroad through WV’s mountains. Visit the National Radio Astronomy Observatory and one of the world’s largest telescopes. Enjoy shows at American Mountain Theater and Gandy Dancer Dinner Theatre. Includes train rides, observatory, shows, Blackwater Falls, entertainment, 5 meals and more.

MACKINAC & UPPER PENINSULA MI Sept 21-25 •

AAA Member Rate: $879

Explore the beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, see the second largest waterfall east of the Mississippi and visit an island where time stands still. Includes ferry to Mackinac Island, carriage tour, Tahquamenon Falls, Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, Soo Locks cruise, Soaring Eagle Casino, Frankenmuth, 7 meals (including lunch at the famous Grand Hotel) and much more.

1-DAY FUN-DAY TOURS BURTON TEA TOUR: Geauga County OH June 5 •

AAA Member Rate: $75

BOSTON POPS ON CAPE COD

Quintealia’s Tea Parlor. Middlefield Cheese. End of Commons Store. Sunrise Farm.

See New England at its best. Hear the Boston Pops Orchestra, watch a humpback whale broaching and take in the beauty of Martha’s Vineyard. Includes Boston city tour, Quincy Market, Plymouth city & waterfront tour, Cape Cod tour, 1 reserved seat at “Pops by the Sea” concert, Martha’s Vineyard tour (with roundtrip ferry), whale-watching cruise, Heritage Plantation, 12 meals (including traditional lobster bake) & more.

Cooking classes. Bake sale. Samples galore. A foodie’s delight!

Aug 6-12 •

AAA Member Rate: $1,619

CAROL BURNETT AT CHAUTAUQUA Aug 21-22 •

AAA Member Rate: $459

See this legend, icon and comic genius at Chautauqua Institution. Share in the joy, history and aura of this amazing woman — in person with video clips and stories galore. Will she open the show with an impromtu question-&-answer session with the audience? Will she perform her trademark Tarzan yell? Find out with us! Includes reserved seating for show, walking tour of Chautauqua Institution, Tom Ridge Environmental Center, 3 meals (including lunch at the famous Athenaeum Hotel) & more.

LOAFIN’ AROUND: Mayville NY June 20 •

AAA Member Rate: $99

INDIANS VS PIRATES: Pittsburgh PA July 5 •

AAA Member Rate: $189

Pre-game picnic & PNC Park tour. Reserved outfield box seat. Autographed baseball.

3 RIVERS CRUISES: Pittsburgh PA July 17 or 24 •

AAA Member Rate: $99 each date

JULY 17: Luncheon cruise featuring a Frank Sinatra Tribute. 3 hours at Rivers Casino. JULY 24: Luncheon cruise featuring a Neil Diamond Tribute. 3 hours at Rivers Casino.

MADE IN AMERICA WITH FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT: Elma NY July 25 •

AAA Member Rate: $105

Wright’s Graycliff Estate. Made in America Store. Vidler’s 5 & 10.

TARA & PREMIUM OUTLETS: Clark & Grove City PA Aug 1 •

AAA Member Rate: $79

Lunch & tour of Tara–A Country Inn. Daffin’s Candies. Premium Outlets.

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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

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ALASKA BY LAND! See the incredible, inspirational interior of the Last Frontier on this 9-night escorted tour — unforgettable experiences not on cruises! Traditional salmon bake & a sternwheeler river cruise in Fairbanks 4-hour adventure flying over the Arctic Circle, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and the Yukon River 7-hour Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali National Park, looking for grizzlies, moose & more...with an overnight in the park Meet a 4-time winner of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race and his canine crew Visits to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation & Begich Boggs Visitor centers 2-hour river float trip in Kenai Fjords National Park A ride on Girdwood’s Alyeska Tram — from sea level to 2,300 feet! Special welcome & farewell dinners with your fellow travelers

July 8-17 •

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AAA Member Rate: $5,825

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

“Ultimate Caribbean” cruise... Add roundtrip airfare for just $199! 10-night cruise accommodations on Celebrity Equinox roundtrip from Ft Lauderdale to St Thomas, St Kitts, Barbados, Dominica and St Maarten Add-on roundtrip airfare from Cleveland while seats last: $199 per person (limited to 2 passengers per stateroom; other restrictions may apply) $50 per stateroom shipboard credit • In-stateroom bottle of wine Onboard martini tasting Nov 20-30 AAA Member Rate: from $1,745

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Balcony rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip airport/pier transfers, 10-night cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals, government taxes/fees ($356.62) and $50 shipboard credit per stateroom. Ship’s registry: Malta. Ask about discounted add-on airfare (roundtrip from Buffalo, Cleveland, Columbus, Louisville, Philadelphia or Pittsburgh) available for a limited time. Visit AAA.com/travel for complete itinerary and important pre-travel information.

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Upgrade from a balcony to a Concierge Class stateroom for $100 per person! Personalized concierge service • in-room sparkling wine on arrival • in-room flowers & fruit & evening hors d’oeuvres delivered daily • luxury bedding • pillow menu • personalized stationery • tote bag • umbrella for onboard use • private bar (custom-stocked for a fee) • massage showerhead • plush robes • oversize towels • salon-quality hairdryer • a selection of shampoos/lotions/soaps • express luggage delivery • early embarkation/disembarkation • priority seating in main dining room & specialty restaurants • make-up/turndown service • expanded room service menu (24 hours) • shoeshine valet Balcony enhancements include a table for 2, cushioned chairs and high-power binoculars for onboard use.

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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers Meet these Celtic ‘Cousins’

Get swept away... by Ireland’s SOUTH

Dublin tour with a local guide Farmhouse tea & scones Sheepdog skills demonstration Horse-drawn “jaunting car” ride in Killarney Storytelling session in Newmarket-on-Fergus Walking tour of Trinity College Book of Kells Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens Open-top bus tour of Dublin Blarney Castle’s “Stone of Eloquence” Blarney Woolen Mills Dingle Brewing Company Walking tour of Galway King John’s Castle Cliffs of Moher

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Best of Ireland South: Oct 21-29 •

CLIFFS OF MOHER

AAA Member Rate: $1,475

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Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes hotel accommodations, guided motorcoach sightseeing, entrance fees, 12 meals and in–country tour director. Visit AAA.com/GoIreland for complete itinerary and more information. Ask about available add-on airfare. Passport required. Escorted tour operated by CIE Tours International.

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Avoid potential airport hassles: Motorcoach to & from your cruise! Park for free, then relax on AAA’s convenient “Cruise Express” motorcoach right to your ship!

Grandeur of the Seas — from Baltimore Canada & New England.....Oct 1-9 ................. from $1,085 Eastern Caribbean ..............Nov 11-21 ............ from $1,140 AAA MEMBER RATES are per person (double occupancy), are subject to availability at time of booking and include roundtrip motorcoach transportation, cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals; taxes, fees and port expenses of up to $358.16 per person are also included. Ship’s registry: Bahamas. Visit AAA.com/motorcruise for itinerary details & Cleveland area pick-up points.

Be among the first to cruise on the brand-new Anthem of the Seas! Get $25 shipboard credit! Experience comfort & convenience: This Anthem sailing includes a 1-night before-cruise hotel stay near Cape Liberty NJ (and a short driving tour of New York City).

Feb 5-13, 2016 • from $1,705 Port Canaveral FL • Nassau, Bahamas • Cococay, Bahamas Plus 3 relaxing days at sea AAA MEMBER RATE is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip motorcoach transportation, 1-night pre-cruise hotel accommodations, cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals and $25 shipboard credit per stateroom; taxes, fees and port expenses of $365.70 per person are also included. Ship’s registry: Bahamas. Visit AAA.com/motorcruise for itinerary details & Cleveland area pick-up points.

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Spellbinding scenery Rollicking entertainment Fascinating history Comprehensive sightseeing

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EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND

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Highlights • Dublin Canal Cruise Dinner • Bunratty Castle Medieval Dinner • Loch Ness Scenic Cruise • Cliffs of Moher • Killarney Jaunting Car • Whisky Distillery Tasting/ Tour • Sheepdog Demonstration • Book of Kells • Blarney Stone • St Andrews • Ring of Kerry • Edinburgh Castle

BLARNEY CASTLE, IRELAND

Sept 19-30 AAA Member Rate: $2,468 Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes hotel accommodations, guided motorcoach sightseeing, entrance fees, 17 meals and in–country tour director. Visit AAA.com/GoIreland for complete itinerary and more information. Ask about available add-on airfare. Passport required. Escorted tour operated by CIE Tours International.

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

Glacier Discovery

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers CHICAGO

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An entertaining music-themed journey to 3 of America’s most fascinating tune towns that features an Amtrak train ride from Memphis to New Orleans!

GLACIER NP

Nashville — Music City USA

GLACIER NP SEATTLE

Stay at Gaylord Opryland Resort, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and see a live performance at the Grand Ole Opry.

Memphis — Birthplace of Rock n Roll

Tour Sun Studios and visit the Staxx Museum, the Rock n Soul Museum and Elvis Presley’s Graceland estate.

New Orleans — Birthplace of American Jazz

Walk through the French Quarter and the Garden District and visit Bourbon Street and Jackson Square.

Glacier National Park Discovery Aug 1-10 •

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Musical Heartland of America’s South

Retrace portions of the Lewis & Clark Trail on Amtrak’s Empire Builder from the “Windy City” to the “Emerald City” and explore the “Crown of the Continent” in between! Begin in Chicago; take a city tour before boarding Empire Builder at magnificent Union Station. Start your rail journey with Mississippi River views and glimpses of the Twin Cities skyline. Enjoy breakfast and lunch onboard as you cross into Montana to Glacier National Park. Tour in a 1930s “jammer” with a canvas roll-top; rebuilt in 2001, these vehicles climb Going-to-the-Sun Road. Cross into Canada to visit Waterton Lakes National Park, part of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, a World Heritage Site. Enjoy 2 nights at Glacier Park Lodge. Your other in-park home for 2 nights is the Swiss-themed Many Glacier Hotel on Swiftcurrent Lake. Reboard the Empire Builder for Seattle. See the city’s many gems, including lively Pike Place Market. Cap it all off with an ascent of the iconic Space Needle for breathtaking views!

CHICAGO to SEATTLE

Amtrak Music Cities of America

AAA Member Rate: $3,935

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip hotel/train transfers, 2-night train roomette accommodations (Chicago-Seattle), 7-night hotel accommodaATURE tions, 17 meals, meal gratuities (except on train), welcome reception, 4 tours & 1 cruise in Glacier National Park, sightseeing per itinerary, hotel baggage handling (1 per person), hotel taxes and services of an Amtrak Vacations® tour escort (Chicago-Seattle). Visit AAA.com/travel for complete CA O TI itinerary. Ask about available add-on airfare.

Sept 17-24 •

AAA Member Rate: $2,299

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, Amtrak coach service (Memphis–New Orleans), 10 meals, local guide, motorcoach sightseeing, baggage handling (1 per person) and gratuities for restaurant servers & hotel bellmen. Ask about available add-on airfare.

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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Explore Down Under

LA CHANCST BOOK T E TO TOUR!HIS

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NEW ZEALAND

Cairns, catamaran ride

Melbourne, Opal Centre

Great Barrier Reef

Phillip Island Little Penguin colony

Winery tour & tasting

Glass-bottom boat ride

Christchurch

Overnight in Mt Cook National Park

Daintree Rainforest/

Tranz-Alpine Express train ride Franz Joseph Glacier Queenstown, gondola to dinner Milford Sound cruise “Middle Earth” touring

Herding/shearing demo

Mossman Gorge, meet Aboriginals Uluru/Ayers Rock, Champagne toast Alice Springs, Aboriginal drummers Dreamtime tour, bush dinner

Steamship cruise, farm life tour

Dine with a NZ Family Sydney & Opera House Koala Park & Opal Collection Sydney Harbour dinner cruise

Unique add-on options — including a camel ride, a jet boat ride and a night out in Sydney — are also available. Talk to your AAA Travel Agent for rates and availability.

Oct 15–Nov 4 •

AAA Member Rate: from $10,524

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes flights (ClevelandCairns, Sydney-Cleveland plus flights in Australia & New Zealand), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, hotel luggage handling (1 bag per person), taxes/gratuities/government fees for included features, 31 meals, professional guide in Australia & New Zealand and the services of a AAA Tour Manager (if minimum-participation goal is met). AAA Member Choice Vacations® door-to-door transfer service is ATURE unavailable on this departure. Visit AAA.com/GoAustralia for complete itinerary and important pre-travel information. Additional airline fees for CA O baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. TI N

Special inclusions: “Rome by Night” tour...Vatican museums & St Peter’s... a family-style Tuscan feast...and a serenaded gondola cruise in Venice! Experience Whisper headsets, designed for better communication between you and your guides throughout your tour. Enjoy regional wines with every dinner.

This 11-night vacation has everything you’ve always wanted in a trip to Italy. Enjoy multiple-night stays in Rome, Florence, Venice, the Amalfi Coast and Stresa in the Lakes District. Discover the treasures of Classical and Christian Rome. Walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans in Pompeii. See gems of the Renaissance in Florence’s Academy Gallery, including Michelangelo’s “David.” Visit Locarno, Switzerland, and cruise to Isola dei Pescatori, one of the Borromean Islands. A guided walking tour of Venice illustrates how this city gained its wealth and power. Enjoy the magic of the Italian Lakes District in the captivating resort of Stresa. Stop at a winery & farm in the heart of Tuscany to sample local wines and specialities for an included lunch. Sail to enchanting Capri and explore this island paradise.

Oct 19-31 •

AUSTRALIA

from the Outback to the Glaciers!

AAA Member Rate: $5,779

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Cleveland-Rome, Milan-Cleveland), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, hotel accommodations, guided motorcoach sightseeing, entrance fees, 20 meals, in-Italy tour director and air & hotel taxes (subject to change). Visit AAA.com/Italy for itinerary and more information. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

PHOTOS: CINDY STAYCHEFF

$100 onboard credit on these ® AAA Vacations sailings! The AAA Vacations® Celebrity Cruises sailings below entitle you to priority check-in and $100 shipboard credit per stateroom. All AAA Vacations® cruises feature AAA’s 24 / 7 Member Care Assistance Service and 24-hour Best-Price Guarantee. Be sure to ask a AAA Travel Agent about all available offers and promotions when you choose a AAA Vacations® Celebrity Cruises departure.

AAA VACATIONS® AMENITIES DATE

6-2-15 6-9-15 6-14-15 7-3-15 7-10-15 7-15-15 7-25-15 8-1-15 8-8-15 8-8-15 8-21-15 8-22-15 9-11-15 9-11-15 9-13-15 9-14-15

NIGHTS

11 12 13 12 10 12 14 13 14 14 10 12 10 11 14 10

SHIP

ITINERARY

Equinox Silhouette Eclipse Silhouette Reflection Silhouette Eclipse Equinox Eclipse Silhouette Reflection Silhouette Reflection Solstice Eclipse Silhouette

Italy & Greek Isles: Barcelona to Piraeus British Isles: Roundtrip from Amsterdam Scandinavia & Russia: Roundtrip from Southampton Scandinavia & Russia: Roundtrip from Amsterdam Eastern Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Civitavecchia British Isles: Roundtrip from Amsterdam Scandinavia & Russia: Roundtrip from Southampton Italy & Greek Isles: Roundtrip from Barcelona Scandinavia & Russia: Roundtrip from Southampton British Isles: Roundtrip from Amsterdam Eastern Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Civitavecchia Scandinavia & Russia: Roundtrip from Amsterdam Eastern Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Civitavecchia Alaska: Seattle to Vancouver Canaries & Azores: Roundtrip from Southampton Western Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Civitavecchia

Offers available only on AAA Vacations® departures. Combinable with AAA Member Benefits; ask a AAA Travel Agent or visit AAA.com/travel for details/restrictions.

PRIORITY CHECK-IN*

ONBOARD CREDIT**

YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES

$100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00

*does not grant priority boarding **per stateroom

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Fast forward your membership experience with Hertz Named Best Car Rental Company by Business Travel Awards

ertz was named Best Car Rental Company at the Business Travel Awards 2015; one of the travel industry’s most esteemed events. Hertz won the acclaim of judges for “its on-going ability to constantly review the car rental market for what its customers really want, and adapt and innovate accordingly.” Some examples include Hertz’ 24/7 technology; their unique Hertz Collections like the Green and Prestige collections; and their award-winning Gold Plus Rewards customer loyalty program. The global enhancements to Hertz’s Gold Plus Rewards® loyalty program allow AAA members to fast forward their membership experience anywhere they rent a car, worldwide. One of the benefits of AAA membership is the special package of savings available when you rent from Hertz. Enjoy discounts on published daily, weekly, weekend and monthly rates when including your designated AAA Discount Code (CDP#215) in your reservation and presenting your membership card or Hertz Member Discount Card (CDP Card) at the time of rental. It is now easier for Gold members to move up and enjoy additional benefits in Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® Five Star® and Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® President’s Circle®. Here are a few upgrades made to the program:

PUTS YOU IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT — Hertz is the only car rental company endorsed by AAA. Quicker Enrollment: Customers can now enroll in Gold Plus Rewards right at the counter when they pick up their rental. Hertz Gold Choice®: Provides renters with the peace of mind knowing their car will be ready and waiting for them, and the freedom to choose something different on the spot. Mobile Gold Alerts: Gold members can receive messages sent to their phone with up-to-the-minute informa-

tion that let them know which car they’ll be driving and where their vehicle is parked. Faster Rentals: Allows Gold members to skip the counter at over 50 airports around the world. And at over 4,000 locations worldwide, renters can simply show their driver’s license and pick up their keys. More Ways to Earn Points: In addition to earning points on rental charges, Gold members earn with services

like Hertz NeverLost®, Fuel Purchase, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, insurance coverage options, and more. Once enrolled, members can earn one point per dollar spent on all qualifying rentals. The program features AnyDay Rewards with no black-out dates, allowing members to use points at any time. Members also have the flexibility to use their points when it is convenient for them as Gold Plus Rewards points do not automatically expire. Each time a member rents a car that earns points or redeems points, their points renew for an additional two years. AAA members can sign up at AAA. com/Hertz or Hertz.com. Premier Members must sign up at AAA.com/ Hertz in order to validate Premier level of membership. AAA Basic & Plus Members receive 675 Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Bonus points — enough for One Free Rental Day, after their first Gold rental. AAA Premier Members will receive 1,100 Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Bonus points — enough for Two Free Weekend Rental Days, after their first Gold rental! YOUR KEY TO HERTZ SAVINGS

Your Hertz CDP# is your key to exclusive Hertz savings and benefits. The CDP#215 the same as your club code, the threedigit number that appears on the front of your membership card.

The perfect companion for your perfect vacation TripAssist Family Care Plan protects your travel investment

ou’d like to believe that your trip will go as planned. But if something happens, you want to be prepared. TripAssist Family Care Plan, AAA’s newest travel insurance product, covers more of the unexpected for less. With features like comprehensive trip cancellation and primary emergency medical coverage, 24-hour travel assistance, the Family Care Plan from Allianz Global Assistance, is the perfect companion for your perfect vacation. Plus — no charge for covering kids 17 and under when traveling with parents or grandparents — and no surprise processing fees! This makes travel insurance premiums more affordable, for families with young children. Should your luggage fail to arrive when you do, the plan now offers increased baggage protection. Baggage loss and damage coverage is $1,000 — double that of comparable packages. Baggage delay coverage has been increased to $300, a 50 percent improvement over previous plans. TripAssist Family Care also provides expanded trip cancellation and interruption coverage. It protects your travel investment if your trip is delayed or cancelled for a covered reason, such as a major injury, jury duty or other unforeseen circumstances. Recent additions

STAY COVERED — If something happens, you want to be prepared. to this plan include reimbursement of Frequent Flyer miles and associated airline fees, and vehicle return coverage if your road trip is interrupted. Medical treatment on your domestic or overseas vacation may leave you with high, out-of-pocket expenses. TripAssist Family Care includes $25,000 in primary medical coverage for emergency medical costs during your travels. There’s no need to file claims with your

regular health insurer first. Emergency medical evacuation can be a lifesaver when traveling to a destination where health care is not up to U.S. standards. TripAssist Family Care will reimburse you for transportation costs to the medical facility and back home, up to $500,000. An array of optional benefits helps you tailor a plan to your own specific needs. TripAssist Family Care Trip+ offers

double the limits for select benefits, including missed connection coverage, travel delay, emergency medical coverage and transportation, and baggage loss/damage or delay. With Rental Car Damage Protector you won’t have to worry about using your personal car insurance company. For just a few dollars a day it provides primary coverage for covered collision, loss and damage, along with 24-hour emergency assistance. The Required to Work option provides trip cancellation and interruption coverage when your plans change for a variety of work related issues. The Cancel Anytime option offers greater flexibility than a traditional trip cancellation policy because it allows you to cancel your trip for almost any reason that the Family Care Plan does not already cover and receive 80% of a non-refundable trip costing up to $10,000 back in cash.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Several factors can affect the cost of any travel insurance policy. Before deciding on a plan, be sure you understand what you’re buying and what each policy does and does not cover. For more information, visit AAA.com/travelinsurance.

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AAA MOTORIST

Spectacular South Africa

by near-vertical cliffs. Ride a thrilling cable car to its top for breathtaking views. (When a thin strip of cloud forms over the mountain, locals call it their “tablecloth.”) Explore charming towns on the Cape Peninsula, where strong winds known locally as the Cape Doctor blow away impurities and clean the air. Stop for a visit with the penguins at Boulders Beach and explore Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, home to more than 5,000 species of plants native to South Africa. Enjoy a traditional African dining experience. In the unlikely event you haven’t

Log on to AAA.com/GoAfrica, visit a AAA Travel location or call 1-800-354-8761.

MEMBERS SAVE! Premier .......... $600 Plus .................. $500 Basic ................$450

April 14-30 •

UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES! SEE & PHOTOGRAPH... wild animals such as elephants, leopards, rhinos, lions, impala, buffalo, zebra, giraffe • Victoria Falls, 1 of the world’s wonders

RIDE ABOARD...

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

CRUISE ON...

the Zambezi River • 2 lagoons the Chobe River

EXPLORE...

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

INTERACT WITH...

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

AAA Member Rate: $8,379

VICTORIA FALLS

Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Cleveland-Johannesburg), in-Africa flights, roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, sightseeing per itinerary, accommoATURE dations, in-Africa guide, 28 meals and taxes & government fees. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Visit CA O AAA.com/GoAfrica for itinerary and important pre-travel information. TI VA

New bookings with deposit April 1-30, 2015. Savings are per room, double occupancy.

been totally blown away by this point on the tour, get set! Fly to Zimbabwe for a walking tour of Victoria Falls (the indigenous name Mosi-o-Tunya means “smoke that thunders”), 1 of the world’s 7 greatest natural wonders. The full width of the Zambezi River plummets in a single vertical drop into a chasm 5,604 feet wide. The depth of the chasm, called the First Gorge, varies from 260 feet at its western end to 354 feet in the center. Stay at the Edwardian-style Victoria Falls Hotel, the “grand old lady of the falls” hotel, built in 1904. Take a leisurely cruise on the Zambezi, witnessing the majestic African sunset. In the morning, enjoy an elephant-back safari, then lunch with a local family and meet residents of their village. An included excursion to Botswana’s Chobe National Park, home to an abundance of wildlife and game, is another highlight of this vacation! Glimpse wildlife from both your river cruise boat and open-air land vehicle. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity no lover of wildlife and natural scenic beauty should miss.

tour a working ostrich farm and, if you choose, ride one of these flightless and largest of living birds. After that, a goblet (or 2!) of great wine may be in order. Fortunately, the Cape Winelands region is next. South Africa has produced wine since 1659; at Stellenbosch, one of the region’s oldest European settlements, enjoy wine and chocolate tastings. One of the world’s most multicultural cities, Cape Town hugs a visually stunning harbor with a mountain forming a dramatic backdrop. With its plateau more than 3,300 feet high, Table Mountain is surrounded

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APRIL 2015

Save some green with the AAA Green Car Guide It’s easy being green at AAA.com/greencar

here are two really good reasons to consider a green car: to save money and to save the planet. Reducing automotive emissions and boosting fuel economy offer huge benefits for society, including improvements to the environment, public health, and energy security. According to the EPA, cars and light trucks are responsible for 17 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions. And even with lower gas prices, buying a high-MPG car is still the most effective way to spend less money on fuel. But car buyers looking for fuel efficiency, low emissions, and solid driving performance are often confronted by unfamiliar terminology and a bewildering array of choices in terms of fuels and technologies. AAA’s Green Car Guide is designed to help consumers make informed choices about hybrids and low emission vehicles. Developed by the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center (ARC), it not only defines what a green car is, but explains the differences between various types of green vehicles, so potential buyers are able to determine which green car best matches their lifestyle. Filled with information on plug-in hybrids (PHEV), battery electric vehicles (EV), partial zero emission vehicles (PZEV), compressed natural gas pow-

ered vehicles (CNG), clean diesels (TDI) and fuel economy leaders, the 140-page guide features reviews and rankings of vehicles ranging in price and size from the Tesla S to the Nissan Leaf, Audi A7 TDI and the Chevrolet Spark. For those who don’t know a ULEV from a PZEV, the guide also explains: • Differences between technologies and the advantages and disadvantages of each; • EV charging 101; • Fuel economy tips, alternative fuels and automotive acronyms. “The Green Car Guide is a resource for car buyers and enthusiasts seeking information on fuel-efficient vehicles and low-emission technologies,” said ARC Manager Megan McKernan. “It provides consumer-friendly data and real-world evaluations to help car buyers make informed choices.” ARC engineers and specialists evaluated the more than 80 green vehicles in the guide in 13 categories (including emissions, mpg, acceleration, handling, interior noise, ride quality, and cargo capacity). Each category is scored on a basis of 0-10 points. Scores are totaled to determine top vehicles. Then, each vehicle’s total score is divided by its as-tested price to determine its cost per point for best value. The guide lists vehicle specifications, test scores, data and observations in a summary of the

car and lists their strengths and weaknesses. Launched in 2013, the online version of AAA’s Green Car Guide has been significantly redesigned and enhanced to improve the user experience and visual appeal. The updated website provides a searchable repository of green vehicles and features, with quick-search links that show top-rated vehicles by characteristic, comparisons of selected vehicles and enriched content. There is also a section on what green technologies buyers can expect to see in the near future.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

To view the Green Car Guide online or to download the .pdf version visit www.AAA.com/greencar.

Breathtaking! This isNiagara Falls! Two nights from $154* CAN PP/DB including meals... 2 full breakfasts, dinner at

Coco’s Steakhouse, and superb dinner high atop Skylon’s Revolving Dining Room overlooking the Falls. Ask about our Niagara Attractions Package... From $124* CAN PP/DB.

Call Now! 1-800-263-9393 holidayinnniagarafalls.com Niagara Falls, Canada *Rates are per person, double occupancy. Prices valid Sun to Thurs. Holidays, weekends higher. Tax extra. Free parking. Rates valid to May 14, 2015. Child add-ons, whirlpool suites, gift certificates also available. *Subject to exchange rates. Visit www.holidayinnniagarafalls.com for details.

Two

Coco’s overlo

APRIL 2015

AAA MOTORIST

PAGE 17

Spinning your wheels around Amsterdam Holland is a Dutch treat for flower lovers and cyclists

msterdam gives you the impression of having stepped into a 17th century canvas by Vermeer. Linden-bordered canals are framed by lofty patrician homes, topped by graceful stepped gables. Prosperous Dutch merchants erected these tall, narrow mansions during Holland’s Golden Age in the 17th and 18th centuries. One of the best ways to see the city is onboard one of the many canal tours. The Golden Bend — the canal running from Leidsestraat to Vijzelstraat — has the most magnificent stretch of canal houses in the city. There are probably more museums per square mile in Amsterdam than any other city on earth. At last count there were over fifty, including the cavernous Rijksmuseum, home to Rembrandt’s Night Watch and Vermeer’s ode to domestic virtue, The Milkmaid. The nearby Stedelijk Museum, also located on Museum Plein, houses a world-class collection of modern art. The Anne Frank House is a museum with a story to tell. During the Nazi occupation, Anne Frank, her family and four others went into hiding in the attic of “Achterhuis,” a former office building. Anne’s original diary along with some of her other notebooks are on display as part of the museum’s permanent exhibition.

FLOWER POWER — The world-famous Keukenhof Gardens display over 1000-varities of tulips. The Van Gogh Museum houses the world’s largest collection of works by the tormented Dutch artist. You can follow the chronological progression of his remarkable genius, from dark peasant scenes to the sweeping brush strokes and bold palette of his work at Arles. This year the museum is marking the 125th anniversary of his death with a special exhibition devoted to Van Gogh

and Edvard Munch, the Norwegian artist best known for The Scream, which sold for more than $119 million in 2012. Amsterdam is also the consummate walker’s city where pedestrians and bicycles still take precedence over automobiles. Holland is considered a cyclist’s paradise with more than 20,000 miles of safe cycle paths, mostly separated from motorized traffic.

Springtime is the best time to cycle the Flower Bulb Route. At the end of April, the bulb fields between Haarlem and Sassenheim are awash with reds, yellows and purples and millions of blooms. The 19-mile route also takes you past world-famous Keukenhof Gardens, open this year from March 20 to May 17. Located just southwest of Amsterdam, Keukenhof is Europe’s largest flower garden drawing nearly one million visitors a year. This 70-acre park displays some seven million flowers, including orchids, roses, carnations, traditional Japanese gardens, flower parades and over 1000-varieties of tulips. Two thousand and fifteen will be the Year of Van Gogh, and Keukenhof will be marking the occasion by honoring the famous Dutch artist. The highlight will be the flower mosaic based on the artist’s self-portrait. Measuring over 270 square yards, it’s planted using different colors of tulips. Visitors can also rent bicycles in Keukenhof and explore the bulb-growing region around Lisse.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

See this month’s Departures Guide or log on to AAA.com/Europe for great European vacation ideas from AAA Travel.

The 2015 Ford Mustang is born to run Ford’s newest pony car is an icon with an attitude

or half a century the Ford Mustang has connected America with the spirit of the times. The visceral look, sound and performance of a Mustang resonates even with people who have never driven one. Now muscle is going modern with the all-new 2015 Mustang. Designed from the wheels up this is a tougher, buffer looking Mustang from every angle with the sheet metal stretched like a tight T-shirt over the frame. Lean flanks give way to sequential tri-bar tail lamps and a new signature shark-bite front fascia. And yes, those triple backslash running lamps are officially called “gills.” And in true Mustang tradition, there is a “steed for every need.” Customers can choose from a range of available engines, including four-, six- and eightcylinder engines that all produce at least 300 horsepower — a first for any car. A new EcoBoost 2.3-liter, four uses direct injection, variable cam timing and turbocharging to deliver performance that easily surpasses 5.0-liter Mustang GTs of the past, along with good fuel efficiency. The upgraded 5.0-liter V8 is rated at 435 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque, taking it from zero to 60 in well under five seconds. Ford says the 2015 model is the best-handling, best-braking standard Mustang ever, right out of the box.

LOOKS FISHY — Mustang’s triple LED running lights are known as “gills.” A new MacPherson strut/double ball joint design front suspension enables the use of larger, more powerful brakes. And after 50 years Ford has finally put Mustang’s solid rear axle out to pasture in favor of an all-new integral-link independent rear suspension. Drivers will appreciate smoother shifts from the updated manual gearbox, while a reworked 6-speed automatic features new steering wheel-mounted shift paddles. Using the available Selectable Drive Modes drivers can flip the toggle

switches on the console to adjust steering effort, engine response, transmission and electronic stability control settings. Advanced driver-assist features include a Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise control. Safety features include eight airbags, twice as many as the previous model and 911 Assist, a subscription-free emergency feature that can connect vehicle occupants directly to a local 911 operator following an airbag deployment.

A significantly upgraded interior was inspired by the cockpit of an airplane with tasteful aluminum trim, aviationstyle toggle switches that only go up, and a speedometer with the words “Ground Speed” printed in bold white letters. It comes standard with a rearview camera, proximity key, Bluetooth, two USB ports and Ford’s voice-controlled SYNC system. The often criticized MyFord Touch infotainment system featuring a large, configurable touchscreen is also available. Sure, some purists may quibble, but the 2015 Mustang is arguably the closest one yet to the magnetic center of the original. It pays homage to the Mustang heritage without all the watery-eyed nostalgia. That makes it far more than just another trot down memory lane.

BY THE NUMBERS

Vehicle type: Two-door coupe/convertible RWD. Engine: 2-3-liter I4, 3.7 liter V6, 5.0 liter V8. Transmission: 6-speed manual, or 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Wheelbase: 107.1 inches. Curb weight: 3,330-3,729 lbs. Seating Capacity: 4 seats. Base MSRP: $23,800 to $37,125 Country of origin: USA

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Nissan gets a glow on its all-electric Leaf Carmaker previews the first factory glow-in-the-dark vehicle

issan has become the first manufacturer to apply glowin-the-dark paint to showcase its all-electric Leaf. The paint appears completely normal during daylight hours, but in the dark, emits an eerie, blue-green glow. The manufacturer collaborated with inventor, Hamish Scott, creator of Starpath, a phosphorescent coating that absorbs UV energy during the day so that it glows for between eight and 10 hours when the sun goes down. “There is nothing like Starpath in the world,” says Scott. “This product adjusts to the natural light, so if it is pitch black outside the luminous natural earth enhances, and if the sky is lighter, it won’t release as much luminosity — it adjusts accordingly, its almost like it has a mind of its own.” Scott’s company, the UK-based ProTeq Surfacing, produces the glow-inthe-dark spray treatment for bike paths and pedestrian walkways. Pro-Teq’s finish recently lit up park walkways in Cambridge, England. The ultraviolet-energized paint was created especially for Nissan using a secret formula made up of entirely organic materials. It contains a rare natural earth product called Strontium Aluminate, which is odorless and chemically and biologically inert. Various third-party companies have applied non-organic glow-in-the-dark

A NEW LEAF — Motorist would find glow-in-the-dark cars very illuminating. paint to vehicles in the past, but Nissan is the first carmaker to exploit the technology. Nissan says the unique paint, if made commercially available, would last for 25 years. Beyond its otherworldly looks would be the obvious safety benefit from increased nighttime visibility. Right now, Nissan has no plans to offer a

glow-in-the-dark paint option in the near future. This is not Nissan’s first foray into ultra high-tech coatings. In 2005 they developed Scratch Shield, now available on a number of Nissan and Infiniti models. The self-healing paint product combines a special, highly elastic resin with a conventional clearcoat to

increase its flexibility. Scratch Shield repairs fine scratches, restoring painted surfaces close to their original state anywhere from one day to one week, depending on temperature and the depth of the scratch. Nissan has also begun tests on an innovative paint technology that repels mud, rain and everyday dirt, meaning drivers would never have to wash their cars again. The specially engineered super-hydrophobic and oleophobic paint repels water and oils, creating the world’s first self-cleaning car. A protective layer of air between the paint and the environment effectively stops standing water and road grime from sticking to the car’s surface. This is sometimes referred to as the “lotus effect” due to the water repelling and self-cleaning properties exhibited by the leaves of the lotus flower, which the technology mimics. Eliminating the car wash would do much more than just help free up your weekends. It could also save millions of dollars and conserve precious natural resources.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

aroundtown CLEVELAND DYNGUS DAY — (April 6) A Polish tradition, Dyngus Day celebrates the end of the observance of Lent and the joy of Easter. In Cleveland’s Detroit Shoreway, Ohio City and Tremont neighborhoods, it has become a wonderful celebration of Polish-American culture, heritage and traditions. Featured are Polish food, live polka bands, accordion parade, Miss Dyngus pageant, Dyngus Dog pageant, multiple sets by DJ Kishka and a very good time by all! For information, visit clevelanddyngus.com. Location: Various locations around Cleveland. CLEVELAND ROCK WEEK — (April 11-18) The weeklong celebration centers around the 30th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Activities in town include concerts, exhibits and a Rock ‘N Blast Fireworks show. Free admission to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 11, plus live music, food and special presentations. For a complete list of events, visit rockhall.com. Location: Downtown Cleveland. THE MUSIC MAN — (April 17-30) Fasttalking traveling salesman Harold Hill makes his living selling band instruments in small towns. Even though he doesn’t know a note of music, he’s managed to lure people with the promise of forming a mag-

nificent band. Skipping town after delivery, he’s onboard the train to the next gullible town. That is, until he meets one town’s librarian, Marion, who changes him forever. A musical the whole family will love. Tickets: $8 to $15. For tickets and information call (440) 286-2255 or visit geaugatheater. org. Location: Geauga Lyric Theater Guild, 101 Water Street, Chardon. GRAND RIVER CANOE & KAYAK RACE — (April 18) An annual springtime tradition; experience an 8.5mile canoe and kayak race from the Harpersfield Dam (Ashtabula County) to Hidden Valley Park (in Madison) on the wild and scenic Grand River. Features a “maddest hat” contest. Event begins at 8:00 a.m. Pre-registration required and fee applies. Call (440) 3587275 or (800) 669-9226 to register. For more information, visit lakemetroparks.com. Location: Put in at Harpersfield Dam, Harpersfield Covered Bridge Metropark, Ashtabula County. CLEVELAND STATE WIND ENSEMBLE — (April 22) This remarkable ensemble will provide sonic thrills filling the Cathedral. The concert is part of the Music and Art at Trinity Cathedral’s Spring Brown Bag Concert Series. Freewill offering. Lunch is available for $5, or bring

your own. 12:10 p.m. For information, call (216) 774-0479 or visit trinitycleveland.org. Location: Trinity Cathedral, 2230 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland. GEAUGA COUNTY MAPLE FESTIVAL —(April 23-26) The oldest maple festival in the United States celebrates the production of pure maple syrup in Geauga County and Northeast Ohio. It is four days of fun, food and “everything maple.” Events include arts and crafts, bathtub races, concessions, and continuous grandstand entertainment. For more information, visit maplefestival.com. Location: Chardon Square, Chardon. POST CARD SHOW — (April 24-25) Sponsored by the Western Reserve Post Card Society this show includes thousands of postcards spanning the years 1850-2015. Cards will feature art, expos, countries, history, hometowns, politics, science, space, World’s Fairs, and more. Postcards will be available for sale. The times are Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For information, call (216) 464-0394. $3 donation. Location: Lenau Park, Indoor Soccer Building, 7370 Columbia Road, Olmsted Falls. OHIO CIVIL WAR SHOW — (May 2-3) The 38th annual show, which also

includes WWI and WWII, features military material from 1775-1945. The spectacular display is spread out over 750 tables and seven buildings, and includes military items, books, prints and memorabilia to buy, sell and trade. Special features: Civil War and WWII encampments and demonstrations, Abraham Lincoln Gettysburg Address, artillery show with cannon firing demonstrations, and military bands. Admission is $7, under 12 is free. For information, visit ohiocivilwarshow.com. Location: Richland County Fairgrounds, 750 North Home Road, Mansfield. RING IN SPRING FAMILY DAY — (May 9) The United Way of Ashland County will host the 9th Annual “Ring in Spring” Family Community Day, beginning with a 5k race in support of the Domestic Violence Safe Haven Shelter. The day will be filled with family-centered events, auctions, vendors, a petting zoo and car show, and great food with off-the-pit BBQ sandwiches, and the famous Kiwanis pancakes. The time is from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For information, call (419) 281-5551 or contact Amy at aworkman@uwashlandoh. org. Location: Ashland County Fairgrounds, 2042 Claremont Avenue, Ashland.

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AAA MOTORIST

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Southwest landscape is a symphony made of stone Go Canyoneering in America’s National Parks

illions make the trek to Arizona each year to experience the Grand Canyon. Nature’s most astonishing spectacle is both exhilarating in its grandeur, and humbling in its scale. Mornings and late afternoon are the best time to admire the Canyon’s vast dimensions and shifting palette of colors, but few realize that it’s just one of the region’s many canyons, all equally rich in color, history, beauty, and splendor. Located on Navajo tribal lands, the towering buttes of Monument Valley are familiar to movie buffs as the locale of classic John Ford Westerns like Stagecoach and The Searchers. John Ford Point marks the legendary director’s favorite camera location; the place where 500 million years of mesas, and sandstone pinnacles, provide a spectacular backdrop to what John Wayne called “where God put the West.” Perched high above the Colorado River in southern Utah, Arches National Park is punctuated with oddly eroded sandstone pinnacles, balanced rocks, and spires. The name comes from the world’s largest concentration of natural arches — more than 2,000 sandstone arches covering some 73,000 acres — along a 40-mile scenic drive with numerous overlooks. Capitol Reef National Park is characterized by slot canyons, ancient petroglyphs, and a 100-mile long bulge in the

revealing a rocky palette of rose, coral, amber and vermilion. Zion National Park follows the winding Virgin River surrounded by red and gold stone monoliths that climb more than 2,000-ft high. Located at the junction of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin and the Mojave Desert, Utah’s oldest national park is known for its soaring temples, sculpted sandstone and spectacular views. Famous hikes include the Narrows, Subway and Angel’s Landing, which is definitely not for people with a fear of heights. The Zion Canyon Shuttle runs through the most traveled area of the park stopping at nine locations including the Temple of Sinawava and the Court of Patriarchs, three sandstone monoliths named after the Old Testament patriarchs Abraham, Issac, and Jacob.

A DELICATE BALANCE — Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. earth’s crust known as the Waterpocket Fold. Scenic Highway 12 takes travelers into some of Utah’s most mesmerizing landscapes with extraordinary views of the Capitol Reef, the Circle Cliffs, and the Henry Mountains. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument sprawls over 1.9 million acres of rose-colored Navajo sandstone, wild rivers and thousand-year-old pinyon trees. It’s a landscape so remote it was the last area in the continental United States to be mapped.

Bryce Canyon’s natural amphitheaters are etched into the side of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. The smallest of Utah’s five national parks houses thousands of oddly humanoid red rock spires known as hoodoos. The Bryce Amphitheater displays many of the parks best-known formations, including the much-photographed Thor’s Hammer, and the Queen’s Castle. Watching the sun come up at Sunrise Point is a ritual here as a fine mist climbs the canyon walls in response to the morning sun,

Zion National Park FOR MORE INFORMATION

See the Departures Guide or log on to AAA.com/USA for more vacation ideas from AAA Travel.

Royal Caribbean introduces Anthem of the Seas Cruise travel may never be the same again

ith game-changing “firsts” including a skydiving simulator and an observation capsule that lifts guests more than 300 feet in the air, there’s only one word to describe Anthem of the Seas: Wow! Spanning 18 decks, Royal Caribbean’s latest ship makes her debut this month sailing a schedule of European and Canary Island cruises. Transformative venues on the 4,100-passenger ship include Two70°, a multi-sensory great room with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, and the cruise line’s most advanced staterooms with upscale customizable layouts and larger, more intuitive storage solutions. And every one of the 2,090 staterooms will have a view thanks to “virtual balconies.” Inside cabins will become outside cabins with 80-inch LED projection screens mounted on the wall streaming live images from cameras mounted on the sides of the ship. Ever wonder what it feels like to freefall from 10,000 feet without jumping out of an airplane? First-time flyers and seasoned skydivers can enjoy the adrenalin rush of skydiving risk-free on RipCord by iFly, the only skydiving experience at sea. Before you can say “Geronimo” you’ll get suited up and be floating on a column of air inside

HITTING NEW HEIGHTS — RipCord by iFly is a skydiving experience at sea. a 23-foot-tall transparent glass flight chamber on the top deck. A marvel of maritime engineering, North Star is taking guests to new heights — literally. The jewel-shaped, glass capsule will transport you on a spectacular 15-minute journey more than 300 feet above the ocean. The view alone is worth the trip with unobstructed views of sunrises, sunsets, ports of call and the boundless ocean.

Anthem’s Dynamic Dining opens up a whole new menu of culinary creations. There are no set dinner times, and no required formal nights. Instead, let your appetite be the guide to 18 tantalizing possibilities. The American Icon Grill offers a new take on the classic American road trip, pulling together best-loved regional favorites into one big road atlas of comfort foods. Silk brings the subtle flavors and spices

of the Far East to adventurous palates through an exotic Pan-Asian menu. With its elegant décor, supper club ambiance and sophisticated cuisine, every night is formal night in The Grande. The SeaPlex Dog House — the first food truck at sea — serves up gourmet hot dogs inside a flexible sports and entertainment venue that lets you cut loose and connect with your playful side. Fly through the air on the circus school’s flying trapeze, or shoot some hoops on a regulation-size court. Things go “bump in the night” with the first-ever bumper cars at sea featuring all the fun and excitement of a midway. While Anthem of the Seas may seem like a destination unto itself, Royal Caribbean will be steering her to some of the world’s most storied ports. Following her inaugural European season in London (Southampton), Anthem of the Seas will homeport in Cape Liberty, New Jersey in November, for seven- to 12-night Bahamas and Caribbean sailings. FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

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APRIL 2015