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Vol. 105 No. 4
NORTHEAST OHIO REGION
CRUISE FROM ROME TO SICILY, ATHENS, CRETE & EPHESUS!
SICILY
® MF – FOTOLIA.COM
Book and deposit by 4/30/13 and ge t ONBOARD CR PREPAID GRAT EDIT, & SPECIALTY UITIES DINI FOR TWO! NG Total value: $318*
ATHENS
EPHESUS
Time-limited offers enrich timeless wonders on Mediterranean cruise
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OME THINGS seem to last forever. And, when it comes to ancient history, that’s a good thing. But, besides visiting priceless centuries-old Roman, Greek & Ottoman sites of the Eastern Mediterranean, AAA’s Oct 20 sailing on Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas® features some valuable offers that definitely won’t be around as long! *Members booking & making a deposit on a balcony (or higher) stateroom on this 7-night voyage into antiquity by 4/30/31 receive these bonuses from AAA & RCI: • $100 in shipboard credit per stateroom (toward shore excursions, alcoholic beverages, spa treatments or any other onboard fee-based items) • Up to $168 in prepaid gratuities (for up to 2 people per stateroom for stewards, servers, maîtres d’ and others) • 1 night of specialty-restaurant dining for 2 (value: up to $50)
For even more value, consider an optional 2-night precruise stay in the departure port — Rome. See up-close the “City of 7 Hills” that has figured so prominently in Western history for millennia. And, instead of boarding your ship immediately after your transatlantic flight, you’ll ease into your cruise experience better rested, acclimated to the time change and full of invaluable memories. A great way to start! This remarkable and relatively uncommon itinerary begins at Civitavecchia (Rome’s
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN
IN THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN, TIME SEEMS TO STAND STILL...
nearest seaport). Sail to Messina, 3 miles off southern Italy’s “boot,” on the island of Sicily. This bustling town’s complex history is rooted in Greek mythology but, because of an earthquake in the early 1900s, it’s a relatively young city architecturally. Check out the world’s largest astronomical clock in the Piazza del Duomo. Set in a 197foot bell tower, it comes to life at noon; Ave Maria plays as bronze mechanical figures start to move. A lion roars, a bird flaps its wings and 2 historical heroines ring the bell, all before a statue of Jesus appears from a tomb. Make a wish in the Fontana di Orione in the piazza’s center. The fountain commemorates Messina’s aqueduct and symbolizes 4 rivers — Tiber, Nile, Ebore and Camaro. continued on page 6
EXCEPT FOR THESE MEMBER-ONLY OFFERS ON NAVIGATOR OF THE SEAS® OCT 20-27 $100 ONBOARD CREDIT! PREPAID GRATUITIES OF UP TO $168 FOR UP TO 2 PEOPLE! SPECIALTY DINING FOR 2 — $50 VALUE! BOOK & DEPOSIT BY 4/30/13. EACH OFFER IS PER BALCONY STATEROOM.
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Safeguarding your credit on the road
Travel | Insurance/Financial | Automotive | Member Savings | AAA.com
SMART FEATURES FOR OLDER DRIVERS ON AAA.COM
Travel should be fun and exciting. You don’t want to waste valuable vacation time worrying about identity theft or resolving problems from credit card fraud. The Visa TravelMoney® card is a convenient way to protect your credit and enjoy easy access to your travel funds. This prepaid card isn’t connected to your bank or credit accounts, and is accepted at millions of merchants and ATMs around the world. It offers all of the perks of a debit or credit card, but none of the risks of using cash or your own credit or ATM cards. In the event of loss or theft, obtain an Emergency Card and Cash Replacement virtually anywhere in the world, generally within one business day. You’re also eligible for Lost Luggage Reimbursement, Travel & Emergency Assistance, and 90 day Purchase Security on qualifying items purchased entirely with your card. It’s safe, secure and reloadable. Visit your local AAA office, call 1.866.674.9622, or click on AAA.com/travelmoney, to purchase Visa TravelMoney® cards.
Feather Your Nest Egg with AAA IRA CDs Make your 2012 IRA tax contributions by April 15 and get AAA preferred member rates on 12-, 24- and 60-month Traditional and Roth IRA CDs. AAA partner Discover Bank IRA CDs offer: • Rates that have consistently beaten the national averages; • Easy account opening, no minimum deposit; • FDIC insured up to the maximum allowed by law; • Bankrate.com 5-star Safe & Sound® rating for financial strength and security. Build the retirement you want with AAA deposit products. Competitive rates are also available on Online Savings and Money Market Accounts, along with additional CD and IRA CD terms. Open an account now at AAA.com/Deposits or 1.888.204.8990.
AAA’s Automatic Renewal Option Automatic renewal is a great way to make sure you never get stuck without your AAA membership. Your membership renewal will be charged to your credit card each year, and we’ll even send you a reminder. Just call or visit your local AAA office, or call our 24-hour service center at 1.800.441.5008 (412.363.5100 in Pittsburgh). Sign up for automatic renewal at anytime, regardless of your membership expiration/renewal date. In fact, you can call us right now, to take advantage of this convenient, time-saving option. Then, rest easy knowing your AAA membership will continue providing uninterrupted service and benefits. Plus, you always have the option of canceling at any time. (Automatic renewal is valid for credit cards only; we cannot accept ATM or Debit cards.)
California New Year’s Getaway from AAA Travel Kick off the New Year in style with a California New Year’s Getaway from AAA Travel. It’s a 5-night fiesta of color and sound that includes a guided tour of Los Angeles with stops at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and a behind-the-scenes tour of Warner Brothers Studios. Ring in the New Year’s aboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach and with reserved seating at Pasadena’s Tournament of Roses Parade. The December 29th to January 3rd, 2014 escape also includes visits to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, La Jolla and sunny San Diego, featuring Balboa Park and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. SEE PAGE 7
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Advanced maintenance technology simplifies car care Reminder systems save money and the environment
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survey by AAA has found that newer cars with built-in maintenance reminder systems help owners spend less time worrying about when to service their vehicles and more time enjoying them. According to the survey, 63 percent of motorists drive vehicles with a built-in maintenance reminder system that alerts them when it’s time to have service work performed. More than half (51 percent) rely solely on the reminder system and have maintenance done only when the system says it’s due. Unlike traditional maintenance schedules based on time and/or mileage, maintenance reminder systems use various sensors and a computer algorithm to monitor vehicle operation and determine engine oil life based on real world use. The factors considered vary by reminder system, but commonly monitored values include hours of operation, engine rpm, cold starts, outside air temperature, vehicle speed and more. This analysis of real-time vehicle operating conditions makes choosing an oil change interval based on traditional “normal” or “severe service” driving conditions obsolete. Motorists who follow their in-car reminder systems may also see a change in the frequency of recommended oil changes. Older vehicles require oil changes as often as every 3,000 miles, or four times a year based on typical mileage. With the new extended mile-
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NORTHEAST OHIO AAA OFFICES 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 INDEPENDENCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216/606-6300 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216/606-6080 5700 Brecksville Rd . 44131 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
ELIMINATING THE GUESSWORK — Sophisticated maintenance reminders tell the driver when service is needed. age oils and monitoring systems, you may only need two oil changes, cutting your maintenance bill in half. You could save upwards of $1,000 over the lifetime of the vehicle and do something to help the environment at the same time. It is estimated that more than 100 million gallons of oil could be saved over the next five years, if these systems are used as intended. In order to be effective, owners must use the type of oil specified for their vehicle and the oil life monitor must be reset after each oil change. AAA found that nearly 75 percent of motorists with built-in maintenance reminder systems
understand that the accuracy of those systems depend on using engine oil that meets the manufacturer’s specifications. Many newer cars specify semi-synthetic oil (a blend of conventional and full-synthetic stocks) to maintain the warranty and ensure proper engine protection. Full-synthetic oils are required for many European imports, high-performance models and engines equipped with turbochargers or superchargers. Using a lower quality oil can compromise engine protection, and decrease the accuracy of the maintenance reminder system. AAA recommends that motorists always follow automakers’ maintenance recommendations as found in vehicle owners’ manuals, including the use of in-vehicle maintenance reminder systems (where equipped). General Motors for example, specifies that engine oil and filter must be changed at least once a year, even if the indicator does not illuminate. Ignoring maintenance reminders can increase vehicle wear and tear and potentially cause long-term damage. It is also important to know what type oil your vehicle requires and ensure that your service facility uses an appropriate product. Using the wrong oil could potentially void your vehicle’s warranty, leaving you stuck with paying for any needed repair bills.
APPROVED AUTO REPAIR
Garages that participate in AAA’s Approved Auto Repair (AAR) program offer qualified technicians, a wide range of professional repair services and guaranteed quality. AAA members also are guaranteed a written estimate,
and are assured that the cost of work on their vehicle may not exceed the written estimate by more than 10 percent unless this increase is authorized in advance. Repairs, parts, labor, and components are guaranteed for 12 months or 12,000 miles under normal operating conditions. Visit www.AAA.com to locate the AAA Approved Auto Repair facility nearest you.
NORWALK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 419/668-1622 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 419/668-1622 275 Benedict Ave . Norwalk 44857 . . . . . . 800/964-8766 TUSCARAWAS COUNTY TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330/343-4481 1112 Fourth St ., New Philadelphia 44663 330/343-4481
OFFICE HOURS CHANGING Beginning April 1st, operating hours will be changing at several AAA Branch locations. New office hours will be Monday through Friday, 9 a.m to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the following Cleveland Metro locations: ASHTABULA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/997-5586 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/998-1008 2835 North Ridge Rd . East 44004 . . . . . . 866/260-7322 LAKE COUNTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/974-0990 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/205-9090 6980 Heisley Rd ., Mentor 44060 . . . . . . . 800/964-5253 LYNDHURST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/473-0700 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/473-0747 5356 Mayfield Rd . 44124 MIDWAY MALL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/324-2090 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/324-3423 1839 Midway Mall, Elyria 44035 . . . . . . . 800/964-3929 PORTAGE COUNTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330/296-3406 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330/296-3406 2641 Rte . 59, Ravenna 44266 . . . . . . . . . . 800/999-0012 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, Borders Plaza TRUMBULL COUNTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330/652-6466 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330/652-6466 937 Youngstown-Warren Rd ., Niles 44446 800/999-3391 WESTLAKE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/788-3102 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/788-3103 149 Market St ., Crocker Park, Westlake 44145
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Most seniors driving cars that don’t fit their needs Smart Features for Older Drivers offers expert advice 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 5700 Brecksville Road, Independence, OH 44131 216/606-6700 e-mail: motorist@aaaec.com
AAA EAST CENTRAL Chairman: ................................................Richard S. Hamilton Vice Chairman:....................................... James E. Broome, Jr. Vice Chairman:....................................... Douglas W. Caldwell Vice Chairman:.........................................Mary Lynn Laughlin Vice Chairman:.................................... Martha Hartle Munsch OFFICERS: President: ................................................... James E. Lehman Treasurer & CFO: ........................................... Michael R. Pratt Secretary: ................................................Robert H. Compton GOVERNING BOARD OF DIRECTORS Glenn B. Bachman, James E. Broome, Jr., Steve D. Bullock**, Douglas W. Caldwell, Charles O. Casto, Edward C. Coaxum, Jr., Robert S. Collins, Robert H. Compton, Jon E. Denney, Debra A. Dinnocenzo, Floyd R. Ganassi**, Richard S. Hamilton, James H. Kanicki, Mary Lynn Laughlin, William Duff McCrady, James M. McDonnell**, Thomas V. McKernan Jr., Martha Hartle Munsch, Gary K. Munsie, Terrence L. Walton** EAST CENTRAL REGION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Debra A. Dinnocenzo, Chairman, Neil D. Bassi, Vice Chairman, Carol Asam, Christian Asam, Jack A. Barkley, William E. Bierer**, Ellsworth T. Bowser**, Peter Burton, Marianne B. Campbell, Charles O. Casto, Michael A. Cochran, Daniel J. Collins Jr.**, Robert S. Collins, Robert H. Compton, James J. Dodaro, Jack G. Ellis, J. Terrence Farrell, Floyd R. Ganassi**, Mona N. Generett, Charles W. Groce , Richard S. Hamilton, Mark Henschen, Luke Howe, David W. Hunter**, 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, Leonard L. Scheinholtz**, James C. Stump, Jr., James F. Ward *ex officio **emeritus directors OHIO MOTORISTS REGION BOARD OF TRUSTEES John B. Hexter, Chairman, James H. Kanicki, Vice Chairman, Keith Boales, Thomas G. Brick**, Steve D. Bullock*, Edward C. Coaxum, Jr., Audrey T. Cole, Gary S. Cowling**, Jon E. Denney*, Richard S. Hamilton, John B. Hexter, James H. Kanicki, Mary Lynn Laughlin, John D. Leech**, Khai H. Lim, Marvin E. Montgomery, Peter C. Ohlheiser, James H. Purtz, Sara E. Stashower *ex officio **emeritus directors Copyright ©2013 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 n age wave has begun to wash over America’s roadways. Every day more than 10,000 Americans turn 65, a trend that’s set to continue for the next two decades. By 2020, the United States will have more than 40 million licensed drivers 65 and older, about one in four drivers on the road. Experts refer to this tidal wave of senior drivers as the “Silver Tsunami.” With nearly 90 percent of motorists 65 and older suffering from health concerns that can significantly impair driving safety, finding a vehicle that adapts to conditions such as lack of flexibility or muscle strength, can be a real challenge. Now AAA has updated its Smart Features for Older Drivers resource at SeniorDriving.AAA.com to address an expanded range of health issues. First launched in 2008 in partnership with the University of Florida’s Institute for Mobility, Activity and Participation, Smart Features for Older Drivers identifies vehicle technologies that optimize older driver safety and comfort, lists current vehicles with those features, and allows users to explore their individual needs through an interactive online tool. While our knowledge and experience expand with age, cognitive abilities, range of motion and vision tend to diminish over time, reducing our ability to execute the complex task of driving. These changes are often so gradual that we are not always aware of them and as a result, we often fail to compensate for these growing limitations.
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Richard Hamilton Smart Features addresses a wide variety of conditions commonly associated with aging, including changes in vision, height, hearing, and fine motor coordination. A variety of adaptive features will show you how to help compensate for these physical changes, or simply to make the vehicle fit you more comfortably. Data from a new AAA survey reveals that only one in 10 senior drivers with aging health issues are driving a vehicle with features like keyless entry and larger dashboard controls. Even minor adjustments like lower door thresholds and leather or vinyl seats can greatly ease vehicle egress and entry. New research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found older drivers have the highest rates of death making
AAA East Central appoints president
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AA East Central is pleased to announce the appointment of James E. Lehman to the position of president of AAA East Central, effective April 1, 2013. Lehman’s AAA career spans 35 years and includes numerous management roles and administrative positions including executive vice-president, senior vice president, and vice president of travel operations, with responsibilities encompassing branch operations, information technology, human resources, marketing, finance and public affairs. A graduate of The Boyd School of Travel Management and the 1999 recipient of the school’s distinguished alumni award, Lehman has served on numerous community, professional and travel industry boards including the board of directors for the National Aviary, AAA travel advisory council for Walt Disney Attractions, and the travel industry advisory board for Robert Morris University. He has also hosted travel talk shows on public television and a weekly travel call-in program AAA Talking Travel, on KDKA radio in Pittsburgh. Jim and his family reside in Sewickley, Pennsylvania. Lehman succeeds James McGrath
James Lehman who has relocated to Saint Louis, Missouri, to accept a promotional opportunity within the AAA association. McGrath was a 20-year veteran of AAA East Central and served as President since 2010. The sixth largest AAA affiliate club in the nation, AAA East Central is a 2.7 million-member organization headquartered in Pittsburgh and serving a five-state region that includes portions of Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
crashworthiness a particularly important consideration. The problem is not so much that seniors crash more. In fact, between 1995 and 2010 the largest decrease in crashes was found in drivers ages 75-79, down 40 percent. The problem is that seniors are much more likely to die from crash injuries. Crash fatality rates among seniors are 17 times higher than those of 25 to 64-year-olds. Not all age-related physiological limitations occur in all people at the same time, or to the same degree. AAA recommends older drivers look for vehicles that address their specific needs and medical conditions. Some of the recommendations included in Smart Features for Older Drivers include: Drivers with diminished vision or problems with high-low contrast should look for vehicles with auto-dimming mirrors, and larger controls and displays. Smart headlights can adjust the range and intensity of light based on the distance of traffic and to reduce glare and improve night vision. Reverse monitoring systems warn of objects to the rear of the vehicle to help drivers judge distances and back up safely, helping drivers with reduced flexibility and reducing pain associated with turning or twisting motions. Smart Features for Older Drivers helps seniors and their families minimize their driving discomforts, enhance their abilities and promote a lifetime of safe driving. For more information on which vehicles are the right fit for you and to access all of the free resources AAA offers to senior drivers, visit SeniorDriving.AAA.com.
Insta-Quote battery pricing from AAA
If your battery is failing you AAA Battery Service offers an easy solution to your mobility problems. AAA Battery Service provides convenient mobile battery testing on the roadside, using state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment. The diagnostic service confirms whether your battery will hold a charge or if the problem lies deeper in the electrical system. Best of all, the service is free to AAA members. Worried about what size battery you need or how much it will cost? Our Insta-Quote battery price calculator on AAA.com will give you a price for your vehicle’s battery before requesting service. Just select make, model and year of your vehicle and the engine size and click “Request a Quote”. Prices displayed include the $25.00 member discount. And each AAA Battery is covered by an unprecedented nationwide 72-month warranty with a 36-month free replacement warranty on AAA branded batteries. Over one million AAA members have already enjoyed the convenience of having a AAA Battery delivered and installed on the spot.
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Eastern Mediterranean Cruise For traditional Sicilian cuisine, taste capunata, a stew of tomatoes, eggplant, capers and olives. Try arancini di riso (rice balls) at sidewalk stands or savor cassata spongecake with ricotta frosting, maraschino liqueur, candied fruit & nuts. Athens’ port at Piraeus is Greece’s largest. Visit nearby Kastella (a hill offering majestic views) or the tavernas of Mikrolimano for ouzo and seafood mezedes. No Athens visit is complete without seeing the Acropolis; a temple to Athena, the Parthenon remains aweinducing. Explore the alleys, taverns and shops of the old Plaka neighborhood, browse Monastiraki’s traditional flea market, marvel at the Archaeological Museum’s antiquities or visit Agora, ancient Athens’ religious & political heart. Ephesus, via the port of Kusadasi, arose in the 11th century BC and was later expanded by Romans. One of the ancient world’s grandest reconstructed sites, this once powerful city hosted Cleopatra, Mark Antony, the Virgin Mary and John the Apostle. Enter through Magnesia Gate and follow marble streets grooved by chariot
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wheels. Gaze upon temples, porticoes, fountains and frescoes. Discover the Library of Celsus, Hadrian’s Temple, Trajan’s Fountain and the Great Theater. Explore Turkish baths, Isa Bey Mosque and the Basilica of St John. Visit the Temple of Artemis, a Wonder of the Ancient World. Then sample shish kebab (skewer-grilled lamb), found at kebapçis everywhere. Desserts are sweet (often honey-soaked) and combine fruit, nuts and pastry. Next, anchor at the port of Souda to visit Chaniá, one of Crete’s most beautiful cities (its second largest) and the site of the ancient Minoan settlement the Greeks called Kydonia. Continuously inhabited for at least 5,000 years, Old Town bears the imprints of Venetian, Turkish and Greek architectural styles. In this region you’ll also find gorgeous sandy beaches, mountains, villages, seaside hamlets, Byzantine monasteries and abundant natural beauty...as well as a local treat called bougatsa, phyllo pastry with a creamy cheese filling. In addition to the history & culture, getting your fill of fun, sun & relaxation is what Navigator of the Seas is all
about. Getting to your vacation destination with Royal Caribbean is more than half the fun; enjoy onboard experiences and entertainment you won’t find on any other cruise line. Gear up for adventure onboard — with plenty of time for relaxing completely, dining finely and viewing seascapes too. For whatever type of vacation you desire, the possibilities are endless: DINING Complimentary: Main Dining Room (multicourse for breakfast, lunch, dinner), Windjammer Café, Jade (sushi, Asian-fusion), Café Promenade (coffee, pastries, snacks) Cover charge: Chops Grille (steakhouse), Portofino (Italian) Johnny Rockets (casual), Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream (snacks) ACTION/ADVENTURE Rock-climbing • Table tennis Ice-skating • In-pool scuba • Mini-golf • Basketball Jogging • Inline skating • Shore excursions REST/RELAXATION VitalitySM Spa (100+ treatments, including acupunture) 4 pools, including adults-only Solarium • 6 whirlpools Fitness center • Yoga & tai chi ENTERTAINMENT/SHOPPING Broadway-style entertainment • Ice-skating shows Vegas-style Casino Royale® • 16 bars, clubs & lounges Duty-free shopping (jewelry, perfume, apparel, teens/kids) ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS/FAMILIES Adventure Ocean® youth program • Teen areas & disco Royal Babies® & Royal Tots® programs • Family-friendly activities (games, contests, enrichment classes, lectures)
There’s no time better than right now to take advantage of the extraordinary
limited-time values of this spectacular cruise to theses timeless destinations. Contact a AAA Travel Agent today!
Oct 20-27
AAA Member Rate: from $1,013
Balcony stateroom rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals and government taxes & fees. Ship’s registry: Bahamas. Visit AAA.com/travel for complete itinerary. Ask about available add-on airfare. ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL® RESERVES THE RIGHT TO IMPOSE A FUEL SUPPLEMENT OF UP TO $10.00 PER GUEST PER DAY ON ALL GUESTS IF THE PRICE OF WEST TEXAS INTERMEDIATE FUEL EXCEEDS $65.00 PER BARREL.
CONSIDER ADDING A BEFOREOR AFTER-CRUISE EXTENSION! Ask a AAA Travel Agent to arrange a custom on-land stay before in Rome and/or after your Eastern Mediterranean cruise . Pre- and/or postcruise extensions from AAA Travel partner Pleasant Holidays are an ideal way to get the most out of your European voyage — in experiences and value! In addition to hotels and transfers (pier/hotel/ airport), Pleasant Holidays offers a variety of optional sightseeing tours from which to choose .
CHANIÁ — Venetian, Turkish, traditional & modern architecture of Crete’s second city encircles its attractive Old Port, culminating in a Venetian-era lighthouse.
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Member Benefits • Exclusive Offers LONG BEACH
1-800-354-8761 • AAA.com/travel QUEEN MARY
REAGAN LIBARY & MUSEUM
CALIFORNIA New Yearʼs Getaway Courtesy of Destinations Magazine
SAN DIEGO PASADENA
including reserved seats for the world-famous Tournament of Roses Parade! The Golden State’s allure is not a new phenomenon; for hundreds of years, dreamers (conquistadors, 49ers and actors among them) have been drawn to its coveted climate, natural beauty and promise of fame & fortune. And now it’s your turn! Start in LA, touring historic Farmers Market, glitzy Rodeo Drive and star-studded Hollywood. At the forecourt of the Chinese Theatre (née Grauman’s, then Mann’s), see celebrity signatures — and casts of other body parts! — immortalized in cement. Follow the parade of bronze medallions studding Hollywood Boulevard’s Walk of Fame. At Hollywood & Highland, an impressive shopping & entertainment complex housing the Dolby Theatre (new home of Academy Awards extravaganzas), enjoy a great view of the iconic HOLLYWOOD sign from the upper level. Continue to downtown LA if time permits, then relax and get acquainted with your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner at at a bayfront restaurant in Long Beach. Day 2 takes you to Pasadena to see floats in their final stages of parade preparation; watch volunteers & professionals hand-apply flowers. Tour Burbank’s Warner Brothers Studios for a behind-thescenes look into making films and TV shows; be alert for star sightings! Return to your hotel to relax poolside or enjoy beachside paths for walking, jogging and biking. Dining on your own allows you to
explore Long Beach. On Day 3, drive to Simi Valley’s Reagan Presidential Library & Museum, the nation’s largest and most elaborate; see a full-scale Oval Office replica, Air Force One, a recreated White House state dinner and numerous videos & displays. Drive the Pacific Coast Highway through exclusive Malibu to fun & funky Santa Monica; explore its variety of sights in your free time. Attend an exclusive New Year’s Eve party in Long Beach on the magnificent Queen Mary — a luxurious setting for sophisticated dining, dancing and bidding farewell to 2013 in grand style. Usher in 2014 with a Champagne toast from the best seat in Long Beach for a gigantic fireworks display off the ship’s stern! Day 4 finds you in Pasadena, with a souvenir program & seat cushion, watching the Roses Parade from a reserved grandstand seat. Sixty flower-covered floats, 22 marching bands from around the world and nearly 300 equestrians. Stop at Victory Park to view and photograph the floats up close. Enjoy a New Year’s Day lunch in see-&-be-seen West Hollywood at a popular restaurant, then drive to your all-suite hotel on San Diego’s waterfront. Enjoy time to explore this unique city, catch the hotel’s nightly cocktail reception; afterward, the night is yours to visit the restaurants and fashionable nightclubs. In the morning of Day 5, see the Cabrillo Monument atop Point Loma, with com-
manding views of the Pacific, the harbor and the city skyline. Drive through Mission Bay, continue to Old Town (California’s birthplace) and La Jolla, a chic beachside hideaway where you’ll have time to explore. Established in 1868, Balboa Park is the country’s oldest and one of its largest city parks. Take a guided tour on a doubledecker bus at San Diego Zoo, then board the luxurious Lord Hornblower, designed to resemble the grand steamships that once plied the harbor; enjoy entertainment, dancing and a sit-down dinner while cruising past glittering harbor lights under radiant stars in the sky before debarking at the Embarcadero. Fly home on Day 6.
Dec 29–Jan 3
AAA Member Rate: $3,305
Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Cleveland–Los Angeles, San Diego– Cleveland), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, hotel luggage handling (1 per person), 10 meals (including 2 dinner cruises), 2 cocktail parties, reserved parade seat, taxes/gratuities on included items, local tour manager and services of a AAA Tour Manager (if participation goal is met) .
Los Angeles • Beverly Hills • Hollywood • Burbank • Malibu • Santa Monica • West Hollywood • Pasadena • Long Beach • San Diego • La Jolla
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1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
ART!
•
FOOD!
•
WINE!
includes 4 nights in a Tuscan villa! The romance of Italy comes to life on this tour. Explore the lakes region your way when you choose between a scenic boat ride on Lake Maggiore or a visit to a local farm for a cheese & wine tasting. Explore the rugged coast and remote fishing villages of the Cinque Terre. Spend 4 relaxing nights in a Tuscan villa. Discover the hilltop town of San Gimignano. Experience medieval life at the Palazzo Davanzati. Visit a winery in the countryside and learn the secrets of Tuscan cuisine. Wander a Florentine food market. Spend 2 wonderful nights in Venice. Explore Lake Orta, one of Italy’s hidden treasures. Travel by boat to your welcome dinner on Isola dei Pescatori. Explore Lucca’s piazzas and medieval streets. These are Italy’s treasures! Special inclusion: A serenaded gondola cruise — with Prosecco! — on Venice’s canals! Experience the benefits of Whisper headsets, designed for better communication between you and your guides. Enjoy regional wines included with every dinner.
Aug 31–Sept 11 AAA Member Rate: $5,710 Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Cleveland-Milan, Venice-Cleveland), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, hotel accommodations, guided motorcoach sightseeing, entrance fees, 17 meals, inItaly tour director, air & hotel taxes (subject to change) and vendor travel protection. Visit AAA.com/GoItaly for itinerary and more information. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.
AAA MEMBER BENEFIT SAVE $50.00 PER PERSON
APRIL 2013
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
AAA MOTORIST
PAGE 9
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
This year, the people of Ireland are hosting an unprecedented year-long celebration of everything that is unique & great about Ireland. It’s called The Gathering. Communities, villages and towns are organizing gatherings, festivals and events to welcome visitors. With the focus on Ireland’s vibrant living culture, heritage and people, it’s a chance to experience Ireland like never before. • Bunratty Folk Park • Medieval banquet in a 15th-century castle • Cliffs of Moher • Flying Boat Museum • Killarney National Park, including Muckross House • Ring of Kerry drive, including the Skellig Experience & Moll’s Gap • Waterford Crystal tour • Russborough House mansion • Dinner & song at a real pub • Dublin: city tour & free time ...AND MUCH MORE!
Oct 13-20 • AAA Member Rate: $1,399 Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, guided motorcoach sightseeing, entrance fees, 11 meals (including Bunratty Castle medieval banquet/entertainment & Merry Ploughboy pub dinner/entertainment), in-Ireland tour director, hotel luggage handling (1 piece per person), hotel taxes & service charges . Ask about available add-on airfare . Visit AAA .com/GoIreland for itinerary and more information .
Edinburgh: welcome drink & dinner • Spean Bridge Woolen Mill • Loch Ness cruise • Scottish Highland evening • Culloden Battlefield • Whisky tasting/tour at Blair Athol Distillery • Edinburgh Castle & city tour • Ferry to Northern Ireland • Belfast: city tour, Titanic Center • Dublin: city tour, Book of Kells, canal dinner cruise with live music • Rock of Cashel • Blarney: Castle & Woolen Mills • Killarney: national park “jaunting car” ride • Ring of Kerry • The Skellig Experience • Sneem • Moll’s Gap • River Shannon ferry • Cliffs of Moher (pictured) • Bunratty Castle medieval banquet • AND MUCH MORE!
Nov 2-12 • AAA Member Rate: $1,699 Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, guided motorcoach sightseeing, entrance fees, 16 meals (including medieval banquet, canal dinner cruise), in-Ireland tour director, hotel luggage handling (1 piece per person), hotel taxes & service charges . Ask about available add-on airfare . Visit AAA .com/GoIreland for itinerary and more information .
PROGRAMS OPERATED BY CIE TOURS INTERNATIONAL
PAGE 10
AAA MOTORIST
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
APRIL 2013
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
eastern mediterranean & greek isles
ATLANTIC ADVENTURE
Hug the rugged shores of — and never venture far from — the Atlantic Ocean on this exciting exploration of coastal Canada & New England. Witness the influence the sea has on life & land in Massachusetts, Maine, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. From big cities to tiny villages, experience cultural differences, visit fascinating attractions and taste unique regional cuisines. The combination of spectacular natural beauty, insightful guides and inevitable camaraderie that AAA motorcoach sightseeing tours are known for make this a journey you’ll not soon forget.
Explore the fascinating history, unique culture and stunning natural beauty of Italy, Malta, Greece and Turkey. Sail from Rome on Celebrity Silhouette to Venice, Italy, with visits to Naples, Italy; Valletta, Malta; Mykonos, Greece; Ephesus/Kusadasi, Turkey; and Rhodes, Santorini, Athen/Piraeus & Chania/Souda, Greece. Enjoy 2 full days at sea, 2 Martini Tasting Vouchers per stateroom and 1 dinner in a Specialty Restaurant (1 evening, 2 per stateroom).
July 12-20: Roundtrip from Cleveland • AAA Member Rate: $2,689 Boston MA • Portland ME • NB: St John, Reversing Falls Rapids, Fundy National Park PEI: Green Gables, PEI National Park • NS: Cabot Trail, Cape Breton, Alexander Graham Bell site, Anne Murray Centre • NB: St Andrews by the Seas, Kingsbrae Gardens • AND MORE! Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Cleveland-Boston), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, super-deluxe motorcoach (wi-fi, leather seats, video screens, seatback trays, seatbelts), sightseeing/admissions, 17 meals, taxes/gratuities on included items, baggage handling (1 per person), services of a AAA Tour Manager. Visit AAA.com/travel for complete itinerary details. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.
OCT 19-31 AAA MEMBER RATE: balcony staterooms from $2,169 Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes cruise accommodations/ entertainment, most onboard meals and government fees/ taxes. Ship’s registry: Malta. Visit AAA.com/travel for complete itinerary details. Ask about available add-on airfare.
CONVENIENT CRUISING: CLEVELAND TO PIER! 2 exciting NEW Grandeur of the Seas motorcoach cruises from BALTIMORE! Extraordinary Caribbean itineraries include 5 relaxing days at sea!
JAN 21-31, 2014 San Juan, Puerto Rico Samana, Dominican Republic Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas USVI Philipsburg, St Maarten AAA Member Rate: from $1,081
MARCH 8-18, 2014 Cozumel, Mexico Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands Falmouth, Jamaica Labadee, Haiti AAA Member Rate: from $1,199
2013 BALTIMORE DEPARTURES
Grandeur of the Seas BAHAMAS: 7 nights
JULY 19 • AAA Member Rate: from $1,225
CANADA & NEW ENGLAND: 8 nights
OCT 17 • AAA Member Rate: from $1,130
Avoid potential airport hassles and leave the driving to AAA! Park for free, then relax and ride our convenient “Cruise Express” motorcoach right to the Baltimore waterfront to board your ship. 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 and government fees. Ship’s registry: Bahamas. Visit AAA.com/motorcruise for itinerary details & pick-up points.
But hurry, this is a limited-time offer. So, book your Celebrity Cruises vacation now through April 15, 2013. Cruise must be booked between now and April 15, 2013, and must be a 3-night or longer cruise (excluding Celebrity Xpedition cruises) that departs between June 2013 and March 2014. Offer only available for ocean-view or higher staterooms. Cannot be combined with any other offer, promotion or price program. Other restrictions apply.
APRIL 2013
AAA MOTORIST
PAGE 11
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
Catch the
ALOHA SPIRIT AAA’s 9-night Hawaiian vacation features a 2-night pre-cruise stay in Honolulu, a tour of the USS Arizona Memorial & a 7-night cruise of 4 islands (Oahu, Maui, Hawaii & Kauai). AAA Member SEE MORE HAWAII BY CRUISING! Rates Oct 10-19 from $1,721 Nov 7-16 from $1,774
Pride of America
AAA Member Rates are per person (double occupancy), are subject to change/ availability at time of booking and include hotel/pier transfers, 2 nights at the Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa, USS Arizona Memorial/Pearl Harbor tour, 7-night cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals and government taxes/fees . Ship’s registry: USA . Ask about available add-on airfare .
Royal Caribbean & AAA Vacations offer some of the best values at sea & great benefits unavailable elsewhere! ®
Priority Check-in does not grant priority boarding
Enjoy 2 valuable benefits EXCLUSIVELY for members
Champagne on Arrival does not grant priority boarding
$100 Onboard Credit
BEST-PRICE GUARANTEE
per stateroom
DATE NTS SHIP
ITINERARY
6/8 12 Brilliance
Scandinavia: Roundtrip from London
6/12 12 Serenade
Eastern Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Barcelona
6/20 12 Brilliance
Scandinavia: Roundtrip from London
6/24 12 Serenade
Western Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Barcelona
7/2 12 Brilliance
Scandinavia: Roundtrip from London
7/14 13 Brilliance
Scandinavia: Roundtrip from London
7/18 12 Serenade
Western Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Barcelona
7/30 12 Serenade
Eastern Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Barcelona
8/7 12 Brilliance
Scandinavia: Roundtrip from London
8/11 12 Serenade
Western Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Barcelona
8/19 12 Brilliance
Scandinavia: Roundtrip from London
9/4 12 Serenade
Western Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Barcelona
9/9 11 Legend
Eastern Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Venice
9/20 10 Legend
Eastern Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Venice
9/28 12 Serenade
Western Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Barcelona
New bookings only . Offers listed available only on AAA Vacations departures . Combinable with exclusive AAA Member Benefits; ask your AAA Travel Agent or visit AAA .com/travel for details & restrictions . ®
If you find a better rate for the exact same cruise itinerary & experience within 24 hours of booking, AAA Vacations ® will match the lower rate...and you’ll receive a $50.00 future-travel credit certificate.
24 / 7 MEMBER CARE
Get peace of mind whenever you need emergency assistance while traveling — a toll-free domestic number and collect-call instructions for international travelers.
A special kind of cruise stands apart from all others — a AAA Vacations ® cruise available only from AAA Travel. It delivers unique features designed to ensure you have the best vacation experience. Compare a AAA Vacations ® cruise against the same cruise offered elsewhere; see how much more your vacation dollar gets you at AAA. Even if you find the same cruise (without AAA Vacations ® benefits, of course!) at a lower price some-where else within 24 hours of booking your AAA Vacations ® cruise, AAA will match that rate and give you a $50.00 future-travel voucher... guaranteed!
© VADIM YEROFEYEV - FOTOLIA.COM
CRUISETOURS by Celebrity Cruises ...and GIFT CARDS from AAA!
®
Experience much more of Alaska on a Cruisetour from Celebrity Cruises .® Cruisetours combine a cruise with a multi-night escorted land journey, either before or after the cruise . Cruisetours explore enchanting regions not accessible by ship . Travel in signature Celebrity style, with every detail taken care of, from transportation to daily included activities, as well as centrally located accommodations . And the service & attention provided by a Celebrity Tour Director are unforgettable . Take your vacation to places few ever get to see . Celebrity Cruisetours offer the most scenic, relaxing way to some of Alaska’s most spectacular corners . Take your comfy seat in the glass-domed Wilderness Express® train, journey to the edge of a 6-milewide glacier, enjoy 360-degree views of 6-million-acre Denali National Park and hear
Book & depo 4/30/13 and gsit by Macy’s, Lowe et a ’s or Dick’s Sportin Goods Gift Ca g — a $200 valu rd e!*
tales of the land from guides who know this country better than anyone else . *One per balcony (or higher) stateroom on any new booking by 4/30/13 of an air-inclusive 2013 Celebrity Cruises Alaska cruisetour . Gift card will be mailed after receipt of full payment .
May–September departures available at AAA.com/cruises
10- & 11-night Essential Alaska Cruisetours
Perfect for a first visit or if you’re looking to pack the most into your experience in a few short days. You’ll be amazed what these 3 or 4 days can add to your lifetime of memories.
10-, 11- & 12-night Destination Denali Cruisetours
Created to focus your experience around Denali National Park — its abundance of wildlife, untamed wilderness and awe-inspiring scenery — up close and in depth.
12- & 13-night Grand Alaska Cruisetours
All about seeing more & doing more. Fantastic & flexible, each tour lets you explore Alaska’s interior at your own pace — from Kenai Fjords National Park to Denali National Park to the Northern Lights of Fairbanks. Gold in them thar hills! The gold standard in Alaska Cruisetours, Celebrity's itineraries provide golden opportunities to dip into the Frontier State’s culture, history & heritage.
12-night Alaska Family Adventure Cruisetours
Designed for all generations to see, do, expore, learn and have fun together. Awesome activities perfect for every family member.
PAGE 12
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
AAA MOTORIST
APRIL 2013
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
Even more than a cruise hugging its spectacular shoreline, a comprehensive land journey into the heart of Alaska’s awe-inspiring interior can deepen your understanding and enrich your overall experience of our 49th state. AAA’s July 8-17 Alaska by Land 9-night adventure starts in Fairbanks. An Italian immigrant’s 1902 gold strike coincided with the building of a trading post on the banks of the Chena River — and the Gold Rush to Fairbanks was on! This “Golden Heart City” pulsed once again as a boomtown in the early 1970s during construction of the 800-milelong Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Learn how the Gold Rush affected Alaska’s interior on a tour that includes a visit to the University of Alaska, Fairbanks Museum. Enjoy shopping, walking or dining on your own downtown. Cruise on a sternwheeler to experience the thrill of river travel. Enjoy a salmon bake dinner at Pioneer Park; savor salmon, prime rib and Bering Sea cod and all the fixings. Then fly above it all on an Arctic Circle air adventure! This thrilling 4-hour tour soars over the Brooks Range and crosses the Arctic Circle; the narrated adventure includes a visit to Wiseman and views of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and Yukon River. Motorcoach to Denali National Park to explore at your leisure or participate in a park service activity. Then enjoy the Denali Education Center’s “Welcome to the Subarctic” talk at Sheldon Center; learn about Denali from the ground up before overnighting in the park and touring it some more the next day. Travel deep into Denali on a full-day Tundra Wilderness Tour, looking for grizzly, moose, caribou, Dall sheep and more; get insights into this vast park’s flora & fauna. Travel to Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city; tour its historic downtown and visit the kennel & home of a 4-time Iditarod Sled Dog Race winner, and learn about the art of mushing dogs. Visit the Native Heritage Center, a gathering place celebrating, perpetuating and sharing Native cultures. Dine in the center’s Athabascan House. Motorcoach to coastal Seward, keeping an eye out along scenic Turnagain Arm for Dall sheep, moose, bear and eagle. Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Portage Valley to see critters up close. Tour along scenic Seward Highway to Begich Boggs Visitor Center; enjoy an award-winning movie, “Voices from the Ice.” Explore Seward on your own; the coastal town is known for scenic views and as gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. Transfer to Cooper Landing for a 2-hour scenic float on the Kenai River. Drift through Chugach National Forest and Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. At Girdwood, ride the Alyeska Tram from sea level to 2,300 feet. An observation deck provides breathtaking views of majestic mountains, hanging glaciers and often an array of wildlife. Descend and explore Girdwood on your own. Enjoy a farewell seafood buffet dinner.
July 8-17 • AAA Member Rate: $5,399 Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Cleveland-Fairbanks, Anchorage-Cleveland), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, 9-night accommodations, motorcoach sightseeing, 16 meals, in-Alaska local guide, services of a AAA Tour Manager (if participation goal is met), Arctic Circle air adventure (small aircraft; group will be staggered; departure is weather-dependent) & more. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Visit AAA.com/Alaska for itinerary details.
APRIL 2013
AAA MOTORIST
PAGE 13
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel 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
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
AAA.com
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
Linking you & your next vacation!
CRUISES • FLIGHTS AAA FEATURED VACATIONS HOTEL/MOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS RENTAL CARS • AAA DRIVE TRIPS TOURS – DOMESTIC & INTERNATIONAL LAST-MINUTE SAVINGS
____________________________________________________________
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 . AAA 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 . AAA 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 .
Research & book travel arrangements from the comfort of your home – 24/7. TRAVEL WITH SOMEONE YOU TRUST.®
LEAVE YOUR Rates are per person, are subject to availability at time of booking and include roundtrip motorcoach transportation from the Cleveland area, CAR 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. AT HOME! MAINE’S TRAINS: Coastal New England MUSIC & RAILROADS OF WEST VIRGINIA July 15-20
AAA Member Rate: $1,169
Maine’s beautiful, rocky coast is highlighted on this tour featuring 2 train rides and many “must-do” sights. Start in Boston with Quincy Market and Harvard Yard. Travel on Amtrak’s Downeaster train to Portland, Maine. Then ride on the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad. Includes half-day tour of Boston’s Harvard Yard & Harvard University, 2 train rides, Portland Head Lighthouse, Portland’s Historic Waterfront, Seashore Trolley Museum, lobster boat cruise, Stonewall Kitchens, 9 meals (including a classic downeast lobster bake) & much more.
BOSTON POPS ON CAPE COD Aug 8-13
AAA Member Rate: $1,229
See New England at its best on this excursion to Cape Cod. Hear the fabulous Boston Pops Orchestra, marvel as you watch a humpback whale broaching and take in the beauty of Cape and Martha’s Vineyard. Includes Boston city 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, Plymouth waterfront, 9 meals (including traditional lobster bake) & more.
NEW YORK STATE RAIL & SAIL Aug 26-30
AAA Member Rate: $1,069
Enjoy 2 train rides and 3 cruises on this exploration of scenic northern New York. Start in the Thousand Islands/St Lawrence River area, tour the dense woods of the Central Adirondacks and wind up at 32-mile-long Lake George. Includes boat ride to Boldt Castle & Heart Island, Amtrak’s Maple Leaf (train from Syracuse to Albany), “Railroads on Parade” exhibit, North Creek Depot Museum, train through the Central Adirondacks (North Creek to Saratoga), Saratoga Springs tour, Turning Stone Casino, 9 meals (including Thousand Islands dinner cruise and Lake George luncheon cruise) & more.
WASHINGTON DC Sept 5-8
AAA Member Rate: $659
Bring a camera to capture DC’s most memorable sights. A full-day tour features many of the national capital’s most interesting and historic attractions. Includes full-day DC sightseeing, half-day Arlington tour, illuminated monuments tour, Flight 93 Memorial (Shanksville PA), 5 meals & more.
MACKINAC ISLAND & THE UPPER PENINSULA MI Sept 23-27
AAA Member Rate: $839
Explore the beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, see the second largest waterfall east of the Mississippi and visit a charming 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) & more.
Sept 30–Oct 2
AAA Member Rate: $539
Ride through the “wild & wonderful” Mountain State on the Cheat Mountain Salamander scenic train. Visit the National Radio Astronomy Observatory; see one of the world’s largest telescopes. Attend shows at the American Mountain Theater and the Gandy Dancer Dinner Theatre. Enjoy “Bluegrass with a Twist” dinner show. Includes Blackwater Falls visit, 5 meals, entertainment & more.
FRENCH TOAST TOUR Oct 7-11
AAA Member Rate: $1,189
Tour the Canadian province of Québec: Explore the only walled city in North America, visit Notre-Dame Basilica and experience the region’s French culture and cuisine. Includes Thousand Islands cruise, tours of Québec City & Montréal, Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica, Montmorency Falls, Marie’s Bread Oven, Woodcarver’s Museum, Notre-Dame Basilica, 9 meals & more. Passport required.
DATE
AAA MEMBER RATE
June 1 .............WE LOVE LUCY: Jamestown NY ............. $99 Lucy/Desi Museum. Desilu Playhouse. Lucy’s final resting place. Driving tour. Candy shop. More.
July 1 .............3 RIVERS CRUISE: Pittsburgh PA ............ $89
Luncheon cruise with music by jazz guitarist Tony Janflone. 3 hours at Rivers Casino.
July 6 ...........INDIANS VS TIGERS: Cleveland OH ........ $119 Fan Cave Suite ticket. Food & drinks in Fan Cave. Private restroom, pool table, flat-screen TVs. Batting practice viewing (if team takes batting practice). Meet & greet with an Indians alumnus during game. Game time: 4:05pm.
July 6 ........... HARTVILLE HOLIDAY: Hartville OH .......... $70 Hartville Marketplace. Hartville Kitchen. Harry London’s Chocolates.
July 20 .........WRIGHT SUMMER TOUR: Acme PA ........ $102 Frank Lloyd Wright’s Duncan House. 2 Wright apprentice-designed homes.
July 26 ...........3 RIVERS CRUISE: Pittsburgh PA ............ $89 Luncheon cruise with musical tribute to Patsy Cline. 3 hours at Rivers Casino.
Aug 10 .... TARA & GROVE CITY OUTLETS: Clark PA...... $78 Lunch & tour of Tara–A Country Inn. Daffin’s Candies. Premium Outlets.
Aug 16 ...........3 RIVERS CRUISE: Pittsburgh PA ............ $89 Luncheon cruise with musical tribute to Neil Diamond. 3 hours at Rivers Casino.
PAGE 14
AAA MOTORIST
APRIL 2013
Drivers being outsmarted by their smart keys AAA responded to over 4-million lockouts last year
A
utomobile “smart keys” are getting smarter all the time, but AAA is finding motorists may not be keeping up with the technology. Smart keys in the form of keyless ignitions have been around since 1999 when they were first introduced by Mercedes-Benz. Today, almost all automakers offer a smart key or keyless fob as standard or optional equipment. New smart key features provide a long list of conveniences, including remote start, increased security and stored driver profiles. Ford’s MyKey system, which debuted in 2010, aims to promote safe driving, particularly among teens. Parents can program the key to limit functions like the vehicle’s top speed and audio volume. Motorists unfamiliar with keyless fobs can face risky situations and lockouts. In 2012, AAA came to the rescue of over four million members who locked themselves out of their vehicles, a number that has dropped little in the past five years, even as smart keys have proliferated. Forgetting to turn off the car has proven to be a problem especially with today’s nearly silent engines. Motorists should also never use a remote start on a vehicle in an enclosed space where engine exhaust gasses containing deadly carbon monoxide can be trapped — with potentially fatal consequences.
and limit the replacement cost in the event a key is misplaced: • Familiarize yourself with the full capability of your smart key and know what to do in an emergency situation; • Become comfortable with the features of the smart key in a safe environment; • To avoid keyless-entry remote or smart key failure, replace the key/fob battery when recommended by the vehicle manufacturer or the in-car low battery warning system; • Don’t expose your keyless-entry remote or smart key to harsh elements — especially water; • Obtain a spare key and store it in a safe location for emergency use only.
CHANGING KEY — Smart keys are changing the relationship between drivers and their car keys. The convenience and features also come at a price. Aside from adding to the sticker price, it can cost hundreds of dollars to buy a new or replacement smart key. Most must be programmed by a dealer or locksmith with the special electronic equipment required to service the vehicle security system. Just as motorists learn to adjust to their smart key features, carmakers are beginning to do away with car keys altogether. Electric vehicles
from Chevrolet and Nissan use mobile apps to monitor and control many of their basic functions. Hyundai recently unveiled a system that allows motorists to unlock and start a vehicle using a specially configured smart phone. Some of this technology could be seen in vehicles as soon as 2015. AAA recommends motorists take special care of their transponder and smart keys. Here are some tips to help prevent danger, loss or damage of vehicle keys,
AN IQ TEST FOR SMART KEYS
A good keyless entry/smart key system should be able to detect and handle most of the following scenarios: • Smart key transponder was forgotten in the trunk; • More than one smart key is present inside the car; • Smart key gets lost during the drive; • Smart key battery low (limp-home) FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit AAA.com for information on all things automotive including tips on buying, operating and maintaining a vehicle.
APRIL 2013
AAA MOTORIST
PAGE 15
Life really is a beach on Cozumel Find your passion on Isla de la Pasión
W
ith its Mexican heart and Caribbean soul, Cozumel appeals to all kinds of travelers from cruise ship passengers, to divers and nature buffs, to those simply seeking relaxation. The jewel of the Mexican Caribbean lies just off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Located about 12 miles by ferry from Playa del Carmen, Cozumel is a magnificent menagerie of flora and fauna, unspoiled coastlines and one of the world’s largest reef systems. Native Mayans first established Cozumel as a sacred site and commercial port for trade. Today it continues to welcome cruise ship passengers as Mexico’s most popular port-of-call. Laid back San Miguel, the island’s only town offers quiet loncherias (cafes), colorful shops, and an artist’s market selling silver, textiles and traditional Mayan handicrafts. Take a leisurely seaside stroll along the charming malecón (boardwalk) lined with over 60 sculptures and monuments from the Mayan and Toltec civilizations. The Palancar Reef first explored by Jacques Cousteau in 1961, made Cozumel famous as one of the world’s top dive destinations. Underwater caves, pinnacles and a stunning drop off, which tumbles some 5,000 feet into the blue abyss, offers one of the true marvels of the subaquatic world. Cozumel has two very different kinds
REACH THE BEACH — Cozumel has any number of beautiful beaches to choose from. of beach. The quiet, beautiful beaches on the leeward side of the island are just a short cab ride from town. Many, like Playa Azul and San Francisco have all the amenities of a beach club. The windward side of the island offers pounding surf and deserted beaches. Unrelenting seas have sculpted huge stone arches and underwater caves and tunnels. Several ecological parks, such as Chankanaab and Faro Celerain (Punta
Sur) are popular snorkel and dive sites for visitors of all abilities. Chankanaab is a snorkeler’s haven. Multi-hued tropical fish hover around the coral reef and a peaceful lagoon connects with the ocean via a labyrinth of underwater caves. You can even view a variety of aquatic species without getting wet and there is a small wreck and an underwater shrine. Faro Celerain Ecological Reserve, the largest on the island, is home to Mayan ruins, lagoons, coastal
dunes and an historic lighthouse. The Mayans constructed over threedozen sites on the island and almost all are open to visitors. El Cedral, the oldest structure, is nestled in the lush jungle, on the west side of the island. Remnants of small pyramids are sprinkled throughout San Gervasio, the best preserved of the Mayan ruins. Only six percent of the island has been developed, leaving much of the interior as pristine jungle. Activities for adventuresome sightseers include jungle trails, lush botanical gardens, enchanting lagoons, delightful dolphin encounter programs and sea turtle sanctuaries. The Colombia Lagoon provides an undisturbed shelter for much of the wildlife, including endangered marine turtles and crocodiles. An observation tower allows visitors to observe lurking crocodiles from a safe distance.
IF YOU GO
Cruise Lines that visit Cozumel on Western Caribbean itineraries include Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please see this month’s Departures Guide or visit AAA.com/cruises for special member values on cruise vacations.
Why overloading your car can be a big, fat problem Intelligent tire sensors may soon help balance the scales
M
ost of us are at least a little bit weight conscious, but not when it comes to our vehicles. Summer road trips are fast approaching and when your car is fully stuffed with passengers and gear, it can be the automotive equivalent of that third trip to the buffet line. And just like that second piece of cheesecake, an overweight vehicle can be hazardous to your health. Even when it’s well-maintained, an overloaded car can be a safety hazard. When a properly inflated tire is carrying too much weight it bulges at the bottom and the sidewalls can contact the pavement. As the tire rolls, the sidewalls flex up and down heating the tire and increasing the chance of sidewall or tread failure, and a potentially dangerous blowout. Built in safety mechanisms that help a driver maintain control at highway speeds don’t work properly when supporting more weight than they were designed to carry. In a sudden swerve, an over-weighted vehicle will roll too far to the outside, which causes the spring and shock system to rebound pushing the vehicle back to the inside. This condition creates a rocking effect similar to a ship on the sea. This can make steering so difficult a driver may lose control.
WEIGHING THE RISKS — Continental’s next generation tire sensors will calculate vehicle load by measuring the tire’s contact area with the road. Drivers are usually left to ‘guesstimate’ whether or not the maximum payload of a car has been reached. A five passenger 2012 Honda Accord sedan for example, has a payload capacity of just 850-pounds. If each passenger weighs in at 175-pounds the vehicle would be considered overloaded without any luggage.
Soon your vehicle will be able to tell you whether the payload has been reached. Continental’s ContiPressureCheck system currently available in Europe, uses sensors fitted inside the tire to monitor tire pressure and temperature. The next generation of sensors expected in 2014, will also measure load by taking advantage of the
physical properties of the tires. Simply put, the contact patch of the tire increases as a result of the weight bearing down on the tire. With every revolution of the tire, the sensor registers the rolling characteristics of the tire on the road and informs the driver if a change in tire pressure would be appropriate for the current payload. Load detection will also be the basis for more safety improvements. Driver assistance systems like ESC, Emergency Steer Assist or Autonomous Emergency Braking Assistant, will incorporate information about the actual vehicle weight in their responses, enabling them to respond more accurately. Drivers could even use their smartphones to monitor and correct tire pressure. The best advice is travel light. Avoid piling luggage on the roof rack or storing heavy items in the trunk. According to the US Department of Energy an extra 100 pounds in the trunk reduces a typical car’s fuel economy by 1-2 percent.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit AAA.com for information on all things automotive including tips on buying, operating and maintaining a vehicle.
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APRIL 2013
Introducing Club Rewards on AAA.com Prepare to be WOWED by deep discounts and savings
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ow more than ever, AAA members are looking for ways to save. And the savings are sensational at AAA Club Rewards. It’s an exciting new online discount program that significantly expands discounts and savings available to AAA members! This innovative new shopping experience on AAA.com, features deep discounts, limited offers and everyday savings on electronics, home improvement, apparel, entertainment, pet care and more, from approximately 30,000 participating merchants nationwide — including big time national retailers like Kohl’s, Macy’s, Best Buy, Walmart and The Home Depot. Members can access these new discounts simply by visiting the discounts section of our website at AAA.com. The AAA Club Rewards shopping portal features an intuitive, easy to navigate interface to help you find exactly what you are looking for with just a few simple clicks. Check out the Hot List for local offers, or use the AAA Club Rewards Shopping Engine to select your favorite brands. AAA members can also customize their shopping experience to receive personalized recommendations based on their interests. In addition to discount offers, you’ll earn WOWPoints on most purchases, a unique online currency, that you can “burn off” at your favorite participating
the AAA Club Rewards page from www. AAA.com/discounts. Members will be able to browse through offers, however, they must first register at the time of transaction. Registration is completely free — a valid AAA membership and email address are all you need. Offers are available online, by phone, and sometimes in-store via a printed coupon and include limitedtime offers, deep discount offers and everyday offers. Members can even buy local restaurant gift certificates and earn WOWPoints at the same time. Why wait any longer? Register online at AAA.com/discounts. Then shop, save and earn on national and local brands, restaurants and retailers.
DOUBLE UP ON DISCOUNTS — Save serious cash and earn WOW PoInts at the same time when you shop at AAA Club Rewards. merchants. The majority of merchants will give at least one WOWPoint for each dollar spent, with many of them giving two, four, or more times the WOWPoints per dollar spent. One hundred WOWPoints equals $1 and members can start burning their points with as little as $2 or 200 WOWPoints. • WOWPoints are as flexible as cash; • 100 WOWPoints earned = $1.00; • No limit to the points you can earn;
• No blackout dates, no inflated redemption prices and no restrictions; • WOWPoints never expire. They remain valid as long as you are a AAA member; • Double Dip — WOWPoints can be earned on top of your points from your AAA Member Rewards Visa credit card. AAA East Central members can access
FOR MORE INFORMATION
To learn more about the AAA Discounts program including Show Your Card & Save and AAA Prescription Savings, or to sign up free for AAA Club Rewards visit AAA.com/Discounts.
APRIL 2013
AAA MOTORIST
PAGE 17
Getting on track with the Rocky Mountaineer
Coastal Passage offers a new route through the Canadian Rockies
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he romance of the rails has stirred everyone from Gilded Age Robber Barons, who rode in palatial private cars, to the hobos, who hopped the nearest freight for the promise of something better just over the horizon. Great rail journeys transcend the mere notion of travel to become the stuff of legend and this year, Rocky Mountaineer will debut their Coastal Passage route, connecting Seattle and Vancouver, to the majestic Canadian Rockies. Guests will traverse the coastal shorelines of the Pacific Northwest, to the wild rivers of British Columbia and the majestic Canadian Rockies from the comfort of Rocky Mountaineer’s, bi-level, glass-domed coaches with panoramic views, gourmet cuisine created by Michelin-trained chefs and personalized Gold Leaf service. Seattle’s confluence of consumer chic, e-commerce and quality of life has been lauded as one the top-ten visitor destinations in the U.S. by the likes of Conde Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure. Visitors can take in the worldrenowned Pike Place Farmers Market or view the skyline and Puget Sound from the top of the 605-foot Space Needle. The Experience Music Project, a futuristic $240-million museum dedicated to Rock ’n Roll, billows from Seattle’s streets like a stainless steel cloud. Surrounded by the Coast Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver is said
where the train actually doubles back on itself to reduce the steep grade. Then it’s on to Revelstoke for a real peak experience — the snow-capped mountains that define the Canadian Rockies. Following the Bow River toward Banff, you’ll see spectacular peaks like the Three Sisters and bulky, turreted Castle Mountain, featured in the film classic Doctor Zhivago. Banff is a timeless gem tucked snugly into the clefts of six majestic peaks, and the view from Canada’s rooftop has lured Hollywood icons and British royalty. The real stars are the elk, who casually wander the streets, complete with their own tourist paparazzi clicking away. Like most celebs, they can get a little touchy when the camera comes too close.
LONG TRAIN RUNNING — The Rocky Mountaineer travels past Castle Mountain near Banff Alberta. to be the most beautiful city on earth. Charming neighborhoods filled with Victorian homes rub shoulders with otherworldly glass towers that glow golden in the twilight over Burrard Inlet. The downtown peninsula holds many of the city’s attractions, including expansive Stanley Park, and Historic Gastown, an eclectic mix of brick walks, bistros, galleries and nightlife. Departing Vancouver’s historic station, the train snakes along the Fraser
Motorists caught texting will now have to pay the price
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hio’s texting and driving law took full effect on March 1, with primary enforcement for teen drivers, and secondary enforcement for drivers over age 18. Distraction is a major risk for any driver, but for teens who lack driving skills and risk-management experience, it’s especially dangerous. Under the new law, police officers can pull over drivers under the age of 18 suspected of texting and driving or talking on a cell phone. Teens caught using any electronic wireless communications device while driving in Ohio — whether for texting, sending email, or talking — face a $150 fine and 60-day license suspension for the first offense. The fine doubles with a second offense and the license suspension lasts one year. A recent study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety “Distracted Driving Among Newly Licensed Teen Drivers” found teens were twice as likely to text as they were to make handheld calls, underscoring the need for teens to put down their mobile devices and pay attention to their driving. Parents and caregivers can learn more at Keys2Drive, AAA’s groundbreaking website featuring a variety of tools and resources for teens and their parents at www.TeenDriving. AAA.com.
There is secondary enforcement for drivers over 18, meaning drivers must first be stopped for another traffic violation, such as speeding or weaving, before being cited for texting while driving. Adult drivers caught using a handheld electronic wireless communication device to write, send or read a text will face a misdemeanor fine of up to $150 dollars. Thirty-nine states now have bans on texting behind the wheel. All but four have primary enforcement for all drivers. A recent survey of Ohio AAA members shows very strong support for the idea of all drivers being subject to primary enforcement. “We hope the new law in Ohio will help prevent the dangerous and sometimes deadly practice of texting behind the wheel,” said Brian Newbacher, director of public affairs for AAA East Central. “Focusing on teens is a good start, and we agree with a large majority of AAA members that all drivers should face tougher enforcement.” AAA launched a state-wide billboard campaign recently, to remind motorists of the new law. Space for approximately 60 billboards was donated as a public service by Clear Channel Outdoor and Lamar Advertising.
River into the verdant Fraser Valley. Traveling only by daylight, passengers will take in all of heart-stopping scenery. After an overnight in Kamloops, it’s “All Abooaard” for Banff, your final destination. The train rolls past the sparkling waters of Shuswap Lakes and historic Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railroad was driven in 1875. The Spiral Tunnels are an engineering marvel — two massive tunnels
IF YOU GO
Recognized by National Geographic as one of the “World’s Greatest Trips” Rocky Mountaineer has welcomed more than one million guests. They offer over 45 Canadian vacation packages and four unique rail journeys through British Columbia and Alberta to Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper and Calgary, and one from Vancouver to Whistler. FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please see your AAA Travel professional or visit AAA.com/TravelPlanner.
AAA Directory-Website: AAA.com AAA MEMBER SERVICES
Triptiking, 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 BAIL BOND SERVICE: 216-606-6640, 216-606-6000 (After 5 p.m.) DRIVER IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS: 216-606-6121
INSURANCE AGENCY: 216-606-6194, 800-343-4851 insuranceservices@aaaec.com
IRA’s: 888-728-3230 LEGAL REIMBURSEMENT: 216-606-6864 administration@aaaec.com
MOTORIST, Northeast Ohio Region: 216-606-6700 motorist@aaaec.com
PERSONAL ACCIDENT INSURANCE: 216-606-6194 PUBLIC AFFAIRS: 216-606-6702 PUBLIC RELATIONS: 216-606-6712
EMERGENCY ROAD SERVICE:
SCHOOL SAFETY PROGRAMS: 216-606-6022
Cuyahoga County: 216-606-6000, ers@aaaec.com Ashland, Ashtabula, Geauga, Huron, Lake, Lorain, Portage, Mahoning, Stark, Trumbull, and Tuscarawas: 800-AAA-HELP
TRAFFIC LAWS & TRAFFIC SAFETY: 216-606-6022 TRAVEL AGENCY: 800-354-8761 www .AAA .com
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APRIL 2013
Hawaii is a garden of earthly delights Say Aloha to Hawaii with Pleasant Holidays
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ther places may take some getting used to, but with Hawaii it’s always love at first sight. Sculpted by wind and fire, dense lowlands give way to emerald hills, steaming volcanoes and fragrant thickets of flowers. Here ancient legends are retold in the sultry sway of the hula. The Hawaiian term is “Pali Uli” meaning a place of perfection — a state of mind that can’t be found on any map. And Pleasant Holidays makes Hawaii accessible to almost anyone. They’ve been customizing Hawaiian vacations with a broad range of value-added, options since 1959. Whether you want to luxuriate in a spa, hike up a volcano, or sip a mai tai in a Tiki bar, your Hawaiian vacation will be everything you imagined. Pleasant Holidays offers a broad range of hotels and rental condominiums to fit every budget and taste, along with airline and car rental options that offer maximum comfort and convenience at the best possible price. They know which resorts cater to families, with the kinds of activities kids love, and those that offer couples a romantic Hawaiian hideaway. You can even arrange some of Hawaii’s most popular activities and attractions before you leave. “Pleasant Activities” range from Luaus, to helicopter and submarine tours. Take a circle
royalty the windswept Kohala Coast is studded with spectacular white-andblack sand beaches wedged between a crunchy, black blanket of lava. Visitors can witness nature’s raw power first hand aboard a Circle of Fire Helicopter Tour. Molten red magma oozes out of Kilauea’s sizzling caldera amid a surreal moonscape of craters, cinder cones, and congealed lava flows. There is never a wrong time to visit Hawaii, but the busiest tourist season is during the winter. June through October are the hottest months but with warmer temperatures comes lower prices — which is very appealing to many.
THE GATHERING PLACE — Hanauma Bay is one of Oahu’s most popular beaches. island tour, visit a pineapple plantation, or eat poi — a traditional Hawaiian dish served Luau style. If your interest is surfing, point your board toward the North Shore. Each of the six principal islands is unique. Oahu, the “Gathering Place” is home to the legendary beaches of Waikiki. Visitors are still greeted by the Aloha Tower, the grand dame of Honolulu’s waterfront. Just about anyone can make the easy hike to the top of the Diamond Head Crater, Oahu’s most famous landmark.
The 1.4-mile round-trip reaches the summit of the 750-foot volcanic cone, and rewards you with a stunning, 360° view. The underwater park at Hanauma Bay was once a volcanic crater. Today the shallow bay is bordered by a golden sand beach and teems with a rainbow of tropical fish — perfect for snorkeling. Dominated by the twin peaks of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, the Big Island of Hawaii is almost twice the size of all the other islands combined. Once the favored vacation spot of Hawaiian
IF YOU GO
AAA members receive $100.00 discount per booking when you book a qualified Pleasant Holidays vacation to the Aloha State. Valid for new bookings made between March 1 and April 30, 2013 good for travel until Dec.15, 2013. Qualifying vacations must include roundtrip airfare and a minimum 5-night stay at a participating property (other restrictions may apply). AAA members also receive a $50 per booking activity voucher, valid for a variety of activities in Hawaii (some restrictions apply). FOR MORE INFORMATION
For sample vacation packages from Pleasant Holidays see your AAA Travel Agent or visit AAA.com/Hawaii.
aroundtown I-X INDOOR AMUSEMENT PARK — (through April 14) The I-X Indoor Amusement Park, presented by Marc’s, returns for its 24th year of springtime thrills. There are over 20 acres of rides that flip, rotate, drop, spin, and fly, including the Soaring Eagles Zipline. Live entertainment includes Mutts Gone Nuts and Roberto the Magnificent – comedy stunt show. A new Kidzville area is filled with more than 25 pint-sized rides for the little ones. The I-X Indoor Amusement Park is held at the I-X Center in Cleveland, on Route 237, adjacent to Cleveland Hopkins Airport. Dates and times vary. Tickets are available at AAA offices and at AAA.com. ESPERANZA SPALDING — (April 7) The first jazz artist to win the Best New Artist category in the Grammy’s 53-year history, Esperanza Spalding has gone on to a successful solo career as a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Showtime is at 7:30 p.m. at PlayhouseSquare — Palace Theater, 1501 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH. Contact: 800.888.9941 or www.playhousesquare.org. 8TH ANNUAL PESTIVAL — (April 12) What started as a family pasta dinner to educate the community about one of the region’s most invasive plant species — the pesky, but edible
garlic mustard — has evolved into an always-sold-out, cocktail-style reception featuring creative cuisine made by some of the area’s most celebrated chefs. The time is from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Blvd., Shaker Heights, OH. Call 216.321.5935 ext. 235, or visit www. shakerlakes.org. BOW WOW~MEOW ROLLER SKATING PARTY — (April 18) Roller skating party to help support the animals at the Lake Humane Society. You can also visit with some adoptable pets. Admission is something from the Lake Humane Society’s wish list or a donation. Items range from pet food to laundry detergent. See the complete list at www.lakehumane. org. The time is from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Mentor Skateland, 5615 Andrews Road, Mentor-on-the-lake. Contact Joy at 440.257.3387 or www.mentorskateland.com. MEOWTOWN PUSSYCATS — (April 20) Motown themed fundraiser features a dinner, $500 gas card raffle, silent auction, sideboards, a “cake walk” and live music and entertainment. All proceeds benefit Caroline’s Kids Cat Sanctuary. The time is from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Kirtlander Party Center, 9270 Chillicothe Road, Kirtland. For reservations call Judie at 440.449.3496.
EARTHFEST 2013 — (April 21) EarthFest is Ohio’s largest environmental education event and the longest running Earth Day celebration in the nation. This year’s event will feature over 175 exhibitors focusing on clean transportation, local and sustainable food, lawn & garden, and family fun. The time is from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds. Call 216.281.6468 or visit www.earthdaycoalition.org. 40TH ANNIVERSARY POSTCARD SHOW — (April 26-27) Postcards have been around a long time, cover innumerable subjects and are the third largest hobby after collecting stamps and money. Begin your collection at the 40th Anniversary Postcard Show with millions of cards from all over the world. A $3.00 donation is requested. The times are Friday, 10:0 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Western Reserve Post Card Society, Lenau Park, 7370 Columbia Road Route 252S, Olmsted Falls, Ohio. Contact: 216.464.0394. THE DUKE ON THE QUEEN’S COURT: COME SUNDAY — (April 29) Celebrate Duke Ellington’s birthday! Pre-performance reception and premiere of a new play— based on the friendship between Duke Ellington and gospel legend
Mahalia Jackson—by Prester Pickett. The time is at 6:00 p.m. at Trinity Cathedral, 2230 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland. For details, contact Regennia N. Williams, Cleveland State University, at 216.523.7182. ARBOR DAY AT THE HOLDEN ARBORETUM — (April 26-28) Family friendly activities and free admission for the whole weekend. The Great Lakes Timber Show features chainsaw carving, axe throwing, wood chopping, log rolling and loads of fun. The Healthy Tree Exhibit shows homeowners how to plant and maintain happy, healthy trees. The times are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Holden Arboretum, 9500 Sperry Road, Kirtland, OH. Contact: 440.946.4400 or www.holdenarb. org. SPRING SPREE TRAIN SHOW — (May 3-5) The Cuyahoga Valley S Gauge Association presents S Spree 2013, promoting all facets of 1:64th Modeling including ‘S’ Gauge, ‘S’ Scale, American Flyer, Tin Plate, High Rail, and Sn3. Activities include S Gauge and all Gauge Flea markets. Location: Quaker Square, 135 South Broadway, Akron, OH. Contact: Mike Graham at 216.398.9313 or mograham@ hotmail.com, or the Cuyahoga Valley S Gauge Association at www.cvsga.com.
APRIL 2013
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Holland America cruises the Continent New ports and itineraries highlight the 2013 season
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even is the magic number for Holland America Line this summer when the premium cruise line deploys seven ships to Europe. Seven ships will sail 107 departures with seven maiden ports of call that span the northern tip of Norway, to the Black Sea and across the Mediterranean. With itineraries ranging from seven to 64 days, travelers will have an opportunity to explore a variety of destinations, from iconic ports of call as well as smaller, less traveled and equally fascinating port cities. This year, Holland America’s focus is on destination diversity. Maiden port calls include Alanya, Turkey, the historic Seljuk Turkish seaport and resort town on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. A total of 20 overnight stays at some of Europe’s most iconic ports afford travelers with more time to explore the world’s most interesting destinations. Overnight calls include Amsterdam; Barcelona; Bordeaux; France; Copenhagen; Dublin; Venice; St. Petersburg, Russia; and Istanbul, Turkey. Legendary hub of the Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman Empires, Istanbul straddles two continents. The last stop on the fabled Silk Road, Sultanahmet — the city’s ancient core — is a maze of alleyways culminating at the Grand Bazaar, a labyrinth of color and sound. Must see attractions include the
est city in the Roman Empire. Walking down the Arcadian Way, an ancient street paved with white marble, you can almost hear the footsteps of Anthony and Cleopatra, and St. Paul, who preached in the Great Theatre. Holland America Line’s long tradition of sophisticated mid-sized ships is evident in signature features such as the outside-view glass elevators and a pool enclosed by a retractable magradome. En route to Istanbul, you’ll pass through the Dardenelles, a narrow strait connecting the Aegean Sea to the Sea of Marmara. On one side is the rocky Gallipoli peninsula, scene of one of the Great War’s bloodiest battles. On the other, the windy Turkish plains where the ancient city of Troy once stood. Three millennia have passed since Odysseus began his 10-year voyage back to Ithaca through these very same straits.
A GRAND TOUR — Nieuw Amsterdam cruises into the harbor in Venice, Italy. Hagia Sofia, the Blue Mosque, and the hauntingly lit Basilica Cistern. From the deck of your ship, soak in the passing panorama of the Bosphorus, where the Black Sea mingles with the Sea of Marmara and the Golden Horn. Also new for 2013 is an 11-day Ancient Mysteries voyage sailing between Piraeus and Istanbul aboard ms Noordam. Ports of call include Alexandria, Egypt founded in 331 BC by Alexander the Great,
IF YOU GO and the mythical Greek islands of Mykonos, Crete and Rhodes. Mykonos may be the quintessential Greek island, filled with windmills and dazzling white houses set against a shimmering blue sea. Basket-laden donkeys make their way through a maze of ancient streets, designed to frustrate pirates. Kusadasi, a popular resort town on the Turkish coast, is the gateway to ancient ruins of Ephesus, once the larg-
Holland America Line appeals to discerning cruisers who prefer mid-sized ships, personalized service, five-star dining, and sophisticated ambiance throughout both public areas and staterooms. FOR MORE IN FORMATION
See your AAA Departures Guide or log on to AAA.com/cruises for more information on Holland America cruise vacations.
AAA offers home protection tips for travelers Rest easier on vacation by discouraging burglars at home
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vacation is a great way “get away from it all.” Unfortunately, some travelers will return home to find “it all” is no longer there. Nationally, a burglary happens every 13 seconds and home burglaries are generally higher during peak travel months. Many break and enters could be prevented by taking a few simple precautions. AAA provides the following tips for any homeowner planning that welldeserved vacation: • Remember to close and lock all house and garage windows and doors. Slide locks are recommended for sliding glass doors. • If you own a second car, lock and park it halfway up the driveway to deter potential burglars from pulling a vehicle close to your house. Any vehicle parked outside for an extended period should also be protected with some type of auto theft or security device. • Leave blinds and curtains in their normal position so that your house doesn’t have a closed-down look. Move expensive electronic equipment such as televisions, stereos, computers, and other attractive items away from windows, where they are within easy reach.
• Engraved property is less attractive to burglars. Positive identification through engraving can also lead to a quicker recovery of stolen items. • Resist the urge to discuss your trip with acquaintances or on social media sites. Have a friend to pick-up your mail. If that is not an option, have the U.S. postal service hold your mail and temporarily cancel your newspaper subscription. • Ask a trusted friend to inspect your house regularly and tell them who to contact in case of an emergency. They should also be given a key to your car in case it needs to be moved during an emergency. Let them know about anyone who may be visiting your home such as landscapers. • Set an automatic timer so interior lights periodically turn on and off. A timer on a radio is also suggested. • If traveling for an extended period, arrange for lawn service. It’s important to keep shrubbery trimmed around doors and windows. Don’t give a thief an easy place to hide. • Never leave spare keys “hidden” under doormats, in flowerpots, or anywhere outside the house. • Make certain your homeowner insurance policy is paid.
Thieves sometimes look for potential targets in airports by reading the address information on luggage tags. If possible, use your business address or use tag covers to protect personal information. If you notice the door ajar or suspect a problem when you return home, call 911 before entering. AAA wants you, your home and your property to be safe while vacationing. Paying attention to these simple precautions will help ensure your return home is as enjoyable as your trip.
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.
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AAA MOTORIST
APRIL 2013
Where the sun sets...and the fun rises!
THE GREAT AMERICAN WEST! 1-800-354-8761 • AAA.COM
Rates are per person (double occupancy), are subject to availability at time of booking and include roundtrip airport/ hotel transfers, accommodations, motorcoach sightseeing & admissions as indicated, services of a AAA Tour Manager and more. Ask about available add-on airfare. Visit AAA.com/USA for complete itinerary details.
Yellowstone Experience America’s first national park’s first explorers were called liars when they described its otherworldly features and wildlife. From Salt Lake City, visit Antelope Island State Park. At Yellowstone, head straight for Old Faithful! Visit the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. Taking a wildlife safari (with sunset picnic) with opportunities for wildlife sightings. Enjoy the “Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone,” the Grand Tetons, the cowboy town of Jackson, a Snake River float trip and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (schedule permitting). 12 meals.
Grand Canyon Adventure Luxuriate in Red Rock Country at the Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa. Take a Pink Jeep backcountry tour. Ride first class on the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams to your national park lodging just a quarter-mile from the South Rim. Visit Glen Canyon Recreational Area and a night at Lake Powell Resort. A tour highlight is your guided half-day float trip on the Colorado River! Motorcoach to the Luxor Hotel on the Strip in Las Vegas. Flirt with Lady Luck, relax by the pool or take in a top-notch show on your free full day in Vegas. 9 meals.
Oct 4-10 • AAA Member Rate: $2,195
T! U O D L O S
Southwestern Canyonlands Eroded for eons by wind and water, the colorful canyons of Arizona, Utah and Nevada captivate all who visit. See the stunning Red Rocks of Sedona, the magnificence of the Grand Canyon, the backcountry of Monument Valley, the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park and the sandstone cliffs of Zion National Park. Enjoy Grand Canyon National Park lodging, guided tour and IMAX Theater. Take an “adventure cruise” through Antelope/Navajo Canyon. Visit Lake Powell and spend 2 fun nights in Las Vegas. 11 meals.
June 12-20 • AAA Member Rate: $2,725
Aug 5-11 • AAA Member Rate: $1,835
American Majesty From Salt Lake City to Denver, take in some of America’s favorite landmarks in between. Visit Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone NP (Old Faithful & Mammoth Hot Springs), Devil’s Tower National Monument, Mt Rushmore National Memorial (evening light ceremony), Ft Laramie National Historic Site and the Buffalo Bill Historic Center. Float down the Snake River and ride a Jeep safari through the Black Hills. Hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (schedule permitting). See Crazy Horse Monument. 15 meals, including a chuck wagon dinner.
Napa Valley & San Francisco So many delights in one tour — from San Francisco’s endless charms to the natural splendor of the Muir Woods redwoods. Cross Golden Gate Bridge to enjoy 5 vineyards (participate in a “Blend Your Own Merlot” event) and 3 nights at Tuscan-style Vino Bella Resort in Napa. Savor an exquisite 4-course dinner on the Napa Valley Wine Train. With your hotel at Fisherman’s Wharf as your base, tour San Francisco’s famous landmarks, cruise by ferry across the bay and enjoy free time for shopping and exploring. 2 meals.
Oct 7-12 • AAA Member Rate: $1,949
Aug 31–Sept 8 • AAA Member Rate: $2,735
Best of Northern California
New Mexico Balloon Fiesta
Explore San Francisco, the redwoods at Muir Woods, Mediterranean-style Sausalito and the wine country of the Sonoma and Napa valleys (and dine on the Napa Valley Wine Train). Ride Amtrak’s California Zephyr to the scenic shores of Lake Tahoe and cruise its crystal-blue waters aboard a paddlewheeler. Venture to Yosemite National Park, then take the Pacific Coast Highway to Monterey, Carmelby-the-Sea, 17-Mile Drive, Big Sur, San Simeon (Hearst Castle), Salinas Valley and Silicon Valley. 14 meals.
Calling all train lovers! Join this multi-train Great American Rail Adventure in the Centennial State. Enjoy unforgettable rides on the Pike’s Peak Cog Railway, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Marvel at the awesome natural rock formations in the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, the spectacular landscapes at the Colorado National Monument in Grand Junction and the dizzying height of the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park in Cañon City. 15 meals.
Explore Albuquerque, the Land of Enchantment’s largest city. At the International Balloon Fiesta, witness the mass ascension of hundreds of balloons. Explore landmarks along Route 66, visit Old Town & its Plaza and tour the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Ride Sandia Peak’s Aerial Tramway and visit an artisanal winery. See the Balloon Fiesta’s evening “Glowdeo” & fireworks. Explore historic Chimayo village, artistic Taos and charming Santa Fe. Take a guided desert wilderness hike with llamas! 14 meals.
July 25–Aug 2 • AAA Member Rate: $2,859
Sept 14-21 • AAA Member Rate: $2,095
Oct 9-15 • AAA Member Rate: $2,309
Colorado Train Adventure