SEE PAGE 3
NORTHEAST OHIO REGION
Vol. 105 No. 8
GET A $200 DICK’S SPORTING GOODS GIFT CARD! See page 14.
Discover & enjoy a
E C N E I R E P X PEAK E amid winter’s off-peak solitude!
They’re hot & cool: Unique vacations showcase US parklands of fire & ice
H
C
OT! aptly deOOL! is what scribes the most folks expopularity claim when of AAA’s Yelthey recall their experience of AAA’s lowstone in Winter escorted tour...as well Jackson Hole Snowas the park’s incredible mobile Adventure! natural phenomena Perhaps the only — geysers, mudpots thing that can beat and vents. You’ve seen the excitement and exhilaration of snowthem in photographs mobiling is snowmoor on TV, but seeing biling through the this national park’s natural splendor of iconic sights in person America’s mountaincan be a life-altering ous West around Jackand humbling experison Hole, Wyoming! ence. They’re not just Whether you’re a as good as you’ve imag- HOT-SELLING COOL EXPERIENCES — Each of ined; they’re better... these popular adventures reveals the splendors of novice or a seasoned and more so in winter! America’s West not seen at other times of the year. snowmobiler, this activity-filled vacation is It may be the best season to take in Yellowstone’s many natural won- for lovers of adventure and natural beauty. Stay 6 ders. Hordes of summer tourists disappear and, ex- nights in Jackson Hole, a truly Western town that’s cept for hibernating bears, wildlife viewing is at its the perfect jumping-off point for exploring Grand peak. The park’s a magical landscape of frozen wa- Teton and Yellowstone national parks. Enjoy guidterfalls and grazing bison under an incredible star ed snowmobile rides on 3 days, as well as a full day canopy. Rising steam clouds turn nearby aspens of snowcoach touring in Yellowstone and a full day in Jackson Hole to do as you wish. into “ghost trees” shrouded under a veil of frost. HOT also describes the $200 Dick’s Sporting Another COOL aspect of this trip is the $200 Goods gift card members get when they book & de- Dick’s Sporting Goods gift card members get when posit by Aug 31. Use it for hats, gloves, etc. they book & deposit by Aug 31. Use it for hats, Experience the solitude and splendor of this vast gloves, etc. winter wilderness for yourself. AAA’s 5-night adYour snowmobiling adventure starts with a ride venture kicks off in Salt Lake City, where seating in the Gros Ventre Mountain Range — a great ophas been arranged at Temple Square to hear the portunity to view wildlife. Follow trails framing Mormon Tabernacle Choir. A scenic drive brings Jackson Hole Valley and enjoy incredible views of you out of the Wasatch Mountains past Great the Tetons. Along the way, sightings of elk, deer, Salt Lake and Ogden, Utah’s original settlement. moose (almost always visible among the willows Entering Idaho, pass the doomed town of Rex- along the Gros Ventre River), coyote and bighorn burg, destroyed in 1976 when Teton Dam burst, sheep (on the slopes above you) are common. Eat and the Island Park Region, renowned for its trout lunch in a private homestead cabin accessible only
Yellowstone in Winter
Feb 1-6
YELLOWSTONE IN WINTER continues on page 14
Jackson Hole Snowmobile Adventure
Feb 8-14
JACKSON HOLE SNOWMOBILE ADVENTURE continues on page 14
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013
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IT’S NOT THE DEVICE, IT’S THE DISTRACTION
AAA Discounts & Rewards is 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 national chains like Best Buy, Walmart and The Home Depot. In addition to discount offers, you’ll earn reward or WOWPoints on most purchases that you can “burn off” at your favorite participating merchants. Starting with just 200 points, AAA members can redeem their WOWPoints for merchandise on AAA Club Rewards. • WOWPoints are as flexible as cash
• 100 WOWPoints earned = $1.00
• No limit to the points you can earn
• No blackout dates, no restrictions
Registration is completely free — a valid AAA membership and email address are all you need. Why wait any longer? Register online at AAA.com/discounts. Then shop, save and earn on national and local brands.
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Members boosted their investments in AAA partner Discover Bank funds past the $4 billion mark — with $1 billion of that growth in the last 18 months. This unprecedented success speaks to the appeal of AAA’s preferred member rates, excellent customer service and FDIC-insured certificates of deposit, money market accounts, IRA CDs and online savings account products. When you invest with AAA and Discover Bank, you can feel confident knowing your hard earned dollars are invested with a trusted financial institution. Discover Bank received Bankrate.com’s Top Tier award for consistently high yields. Discover the AAA difference in high-yield savings accounts. Call 1.888.728.3230 or go online to AAA.com/Deposits for more information.
Say Aloha to Hawaii with Pleasant Holidays The Aloha State welcomes travelers with stunning beaches and swaying palms. And Pleasant Holidays makes Hawaii accessible to almost anyone with a full range of rental condominiums to fit every budget and taste. AAA members who book a Pleasant Holidays Hawaiian Condo vacation before August 31, 2013 will save with exclusive member level discounts. (New bookings only for travel between Sept.1, 2013 and March 31, 2014. Other restrictions apply). SEE PAGE 7
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AAA MOTORIST
Getting straight A’s in back-to-school traffic safety
Parents, children and motorists can all make streets safer
T
he new school year is about to begin and AAA East Central reminds motorists to slow down and watch out for school-age pedestrians. AAA’s annual School’s Open–Drive Carefully! campaign encourages motorists and students to be alert near school zones, bus stops, playgrounds and residential areas, especially during the times when children are coming to, and from school. Kids are vulnerable for several reasons: • They are small and less visible to motorists; • It is more difficult for children to judge traffic situations, because their peripheral vision is about one third narrower than an adult; • Children do not always possess the capability to make sound judgments; • Children can be easily distracted, especially when around other kids. In short, kids are not adults—and it’s up to drivers to compensate for these differences. AAA advises motorists to follow these safety tips: • Slow down near schools and in residential areas. A national survey of speeding in school zones found that two-thirds of drivers exceed the posted speed limit during the 30-minute period before and after school; • Drive with your headlights on during the day, so children and other drivers can see you; • Look for clues such as AAA School Safety Patrollers, school buses, bicycles and playgrounds that indicate
AAA DIRECTORY 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 EMERGENCY ROAD SERVICE: Cuyahoga County: 216-606-6000, ers@aaaec.com Ashland, Ashtabula, Geauga, Huron, Lake, Lorain, Portage, Mahoning, Stark, Trumbull, and Tuscarawas: 800-AAA-HELP
INSURANCE AGENCY: 216-606-6194, 800-343-4851 insuranceservices@aaaec.com
IRA's: 888-728-3230 LEGAL REIMBURSEMENT: 216-606-6864 administration@aaaec.com
MOTORIST, Northeast Ohio Region: 216-606-6700 motorist@aaaec.com
BE CAREFUL OUT THERE — Children are small and less visible to motorists and can be easily distracted, especially around other kids. children could be in the area; • When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch out for children walking or bicycling to school; • Scan between parked cars and other objects for signs of children. The majority of child pedestrian fatalities occur at non-intersections. Contributing factors include a child’s tendency to dart into the street without looking for oncoming traffic; • Use extra caution in bad weather; • Understand the laws and obey them
when sharing the road with school buses. Learn the flashing signal light system school bus drivers use to alert motorists of pending actions: Yellow flashing lights indicate that the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Motorists should slow down and prepare to stop their vehicles. Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate that the bus has stopped, and that children are getting on or off. Motorists must stop their vehicles and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop sign is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before they can start driving again. Before children go back to school or start school for the first time, it is essential that adults and children know traffic safety rules. Teach your kids to be traffic-wise: • Keep away from parked cars, because it makes it difficult for approaching drivers to see you; • Never cross in the middle of the block; • Stop and look in all directions before crossing; • Listen to traffic helpers — safety patrollers and crossing guards are there to help you; • If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic, in single file, as far away from the road as possible; • Be extra careful in bad weather — drivers may not see you; • Wear white or light-colored clothing after dark. Parents, kids and motorists alike working together to keep our streets and sidewalks safer means we all get straight A’s in back-to-school traffic safety. This year, the AAA School Safety Patrol is celebrating its 93rd anniversary. As the largest safety program in the world, the AAA School Safety Patrol equips students with the skills and resources needed to ensure children commute to, and from school safely. Today, the program includes over half a million members in 30,000 schools.
PERSONAL ACCIDENT INSURANCE: 216-606-6194 PUBLIC AFFAIRS: 216-606-6702 PUBLIC RELATIONS: 216-606-6712 SCHOOL SAFETY PROGRAMS: 216-606-6022 TRAFFIC LAWS & TRAFFIC SAFETY: 216-606-6022 TRAVEL AGENCY: 800-354-8761 www.AAA.com
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 ASHTABULA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/997-5586 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/998-1008 2835 North Ridge Rd. East 44004 INDEPENDENCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216/606-6300 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216/606-6080 5700 Brecksville Rd. 44131 LAKE COUNTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/974-0990 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/205-9090 6980 Heisley Rd., Mentor 44060 LYNDHURST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/473-0700 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/473-0747 5356 Mayfield Rd. 44124 MAHONING COUNTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330/726-9083 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330/726-0622 1275 Boardman-Canfield Rd., Boardman 44512 MASSILLON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330/833-1084 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330/833-1084 1972 Wales Rd, 44646 MIDWAY MALL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/324-2090 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/324-3423 1839 Midway Mall, Elyria 44035 NORWALK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 419/668-1622 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 419/668-1622 275 Benedict Ave. Norwalk 44857 PORTAGE COUNTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330/296-3406 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330/296-3406 2641 Rte. 59, Ravenna 44266 SOLON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/248-9000 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/248-1808 34050 Solon Rd. 44139 STRONGSVILLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/783-3395 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/783-3396 17220 Royalton Rd. 44136, Borders Plaza TRUMBULL COUNTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330/652-6466 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330/652-6466 937 Youngstown-Warren Rd., Niles 44446 TUSCARAWAS COUNTY TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330/343-4481 1112 Fourth St., New Philadelphia 44663 . . . . . . . 330/343-4481 WESTLAKE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/788-3102 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/788-3103 149 Market St., Crocker Park, Westlake 44145
AAA MOTORIST
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It’s not the device, it’s the distraction Northeast Ohio Region Official publication of AAA East Central Published monthly (except bimonthly Aug./Sept., Nov./Dec.) by AAA East Central 5700 Brecksville Road, Independence, OH 44131 216/606-6225 ISSN 0030-0985 Periodicals Postage Paid at Cleveland, OH and additional post offices Postmaster: Send address changes to AAA Motorist Northeast Ohio Region P.O. Box 6150 Cleveland, OH 44101 Subscription Rate: $1 included in Primary Membership dues. All others: $2/year. Publisher ................................James E. Lehman Managing Editor ....................... Douglas O’Neil Business Manager ............... Sherry A. Madison Editorial Office/Advertising Inquiries 5700 Brecksville Road, Independence, OH 44131 216/606-6704 e-mail: motorist@aaaec.com
AAA EAST CENTRAL Chairman: ................................................Richard S. Hamilton Vice Chairman:....................................... James E. Broome, Jr. Vice Chairman:....................................... 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, Floyd R. Ganassi**, Mona N. Generett, Charles W. Groce , Richard S. Hamilton, Mark Henschen, Luke Howe, Richard Kallenborn, Herbert G. Koenig, Mark S. Mansour, W. Duff McCrady, Martha Hartle Munsch, W. Lee Oswalt, III, Michael Parkes, John D. Petruso, Louis Pomerico, 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.
New study confirms that hands-free is not risk-free By Richard Hamilton Chairman, AAA East Central river distraction is not a recent phenomenon. It’s been around since 1903 when an inventor named Mary Anderson created the windshield wiper. Critics feared the rhythmic motion would lull drivers into a trance but by 1913, windshield wipers were standard equipment on most cars. Ten years ago, smart phones were rare; today about 234 million Americans use mobile devices. Now a brave, new world of integrated voice-driven communications is transforming your vehicle into a rolling portal for voice, data and social media. The challenge facing motorists, regulators and automakers, is thinking more intelligently about their benefits and risks. Educating motorists about responsible use will be crucial. Hands-free technologies have been shown to cause dangerous levels of cognitive distraction — even when drivers keep both hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road. A new study commissioned by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that driver reaction time slows as the mental workload and distractions increase. Brain function is compromised and less time is spent scanning the road ahead. As a result, visual cues are missed and drivers may not see objects directly in front of them. University of Utah researcher David Strayer, a nationally recognized expert in cognitive distraction, used cameras, a “detection-response-task” device and
D
Richard Hamilton an electroencephalographic-configured skull cap to measure brainwaves, and eye movement to examine the mental workload on drivers attempting to multitask. Using established aviation psychology and performance metrics research protocols, drivers engaged in common behind-the-wheel tasks ranging from listening to an audio book or talking on the phone, to listening and responding to voice-activated emails. Voice-to-text devices for example, were found to be a greater driver distraction than talking on a hand held cell phone. His findings support a growing body of evidence that hands-free is not risk free. Increased mental workload and cognitive distractions can lead to a type of tunnel vision or “inattention
blindness” where motorists don’t see potential hazards directly in their path. Based on this research, which constitutes the most in-depth analysis to date of mental distractions behind the wheel, AAA wants to limit the use of voice-activated technology to core driving-related tasks until their effects are more clearly understood. In April, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), released distraction guidelines encouraging automobile manufacturers to limit the distraction risk connected to integrated, hands-free and voice-driven communications systems. The guidelines establish specific criteria for devices requiring drivers to take their hands off the wheel or eyes off the road. Among their recommendations are limiting the time a driver must take his or her eyes off the road to perform any task to two seconds at a time and twelve seconds total. Functions like text messaging and Internet browsing would be disabled unless the vehicle is stopped and in park. These guidelines are strictly voluntary, but carmakers almost always comply with them because they tend to signal the government’s intentions for future rule making. AAA wants lawmakers and industry to strike the right balance between high-tech innovation and public safety. Without a sophisticated understanding of seemingly helpful technological advances, we may find ourselves facing significant public safety issues down the road.
membersonly Go play and get pumped with AAA Member Rewards Visa® Get $25 off theme park tickets and a $50 gas card
S
ummer vacation season is in full swing, and one of the most important items to consider is your financial security. Whether you’re traveling at home or abroad, AAA Member Rewards Visa® provides extra protection and rewards that other payment options simply can’t match. And because you’re a AAA member, the AAA Member Rewards Visa® has no annual fee! And now when you get approved for a AAA Member Rewards Visa® credit card at your local AAA branch we’ll help you go play at your favorite theme park! Get $25 off theme park tickets purchased on the spot with your new credit card. Then get pumped with a $50 gas card after making at least $100 within the first 90 days (students not eligible). But hurry! This limited time offer expires August 31, 2013. With the AAA Member Rewards Visa® credit card you earn genuine rewards for the things you buy everyday. Use it to book your vacation and
you can earn triple points on qualifying AAA purchases, double points on gas, grocery and drug store purchases, and one point for every $1 on all other qualifying purchases. There’s no maximum on the amount of cash back you can earn, and your rewards will be there for as long as your account remains open. Points can be redeemed for a AAA travel voucher good for your next vacation, including a cruise or tour package. Other travel related benefits include: • Travel and emergency assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year; • Car rental collision damage waiver; • Lost-luggage reimbursement; • Common carrier travel accident insurance, automatic travel accident death and dismemberment insurance, up to $500,000. Member Rewards benefits are not just limited to travel. Cardholders can redeem points for a variety of rewards, including:
Cash — Enjoy the freedom of choice with cash rewards–including the option to have cash deposited directly into your account. Gift Cards — Beginning at 3,500 points, the Member Rewards gift card collection provides a wide assortment of popular retailers, restaurants, and entertainment. Merchandise — Reward yourself with name-brand merchandise including electronics, sporting goods and more, starting at 2,500 points. AAA Approved Auto Repair — Make sure your car gets you where you’re going with vouchers for purchases at any AAA approved facility. Offer valid for AAA Member Rewards Visa credit card applicants approved at a AAA branch 7/1/13 to 8/31/13 only. Theme park tickets must be purchased with a new AAA Member Rewards Visa credit card account at time of approval to receive discount and $25 minimum purchase required. For information about the rates, fees, other costs and benefits associated with the use of the AAA Member Rewards Visa credit card, visit www.AAA.com/ creditcard.
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AAA MOTORIST
AAA MOTORIST
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AAA MOTORIST
Learning the ABC’s of insuring your home The importance of replacement cost vs. market value
N
o one is immune to the threat of losing their home due to any number of possible hazards. A recent survey found that most homeowners are seriously underinsured. Marshall & Swift/Boekch (MSB), a leading insurance data services company, found that 66 percent of homeowners had inadequate coverage by an average of 18 percent. That works out to $36,000 for a typical $200,000 home. While few people would willingly choose a policy with a $36,000 deductible, that is the net result of being underinsured. The market value of what your home would sell for is very different from the replacement cost coverage to properly insure the rebuilding of a home. Market value takes into consideration the land value, depreciation and other market factors while the replacement cost simply reflects the cost to rebuild a home. For example, identical homes in two different neighborhoods could have a significant difference in market value, but actually replacing those homes — rebuilding them in place using similar construction methods and materials — would essentially cost the same for both. Reviewing the features of your home with your agent is very important, as homes with features such as crown molding, hardwood floors and tile cost more to rebuild. The quality of kitch-
PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT — Most homeowners are seriously underinunderin sured. (Photo Courtesy Blu Homes.) ens and bathrooms add significantly to rebuilding costs. These and other factors, including total square footage, determine the home’s replacement cost. This is the amount you should insure your house for; sometimes referred to as “Coverage A” in your homeowner’s policy. Separate structures or “Coverage B”, refers to any structure that is on your property, but not attached to your main house. Examples of separate structures include: • Detached garage
• Fence • Garden shed • Detached in-law unit • Retaining walls • Swimming pool • Outdoor kitchen Most homeowner policies automatically include separate Coverage B coverages that equals 10 percent of the amount of insurance on the main house (Coverage A). If the number and value of separate structures are significant, such as a detached living quarters, a separate valuation should be done for
each to determine if extra coverage is needed. Your homeowner’s policy will automatically include personal property coverage known as “Coverage C” that can equal 50 percent to 75 percent of the Coverage A amount. If you have higher value items, discuss an additional amount of coverage with your agent. Jewelry, guns, coins and computers, business typically have policy sublimits and also should be discussed with your agent. Be sure to take a detailed home inventory taking photographs and recording serial numbers. Knowing the value is part of good financial planning and risk management. What you are doing is protecting what you have as well as the investment in your home. Shortchanging yourself only creates problems when a claim occurs.
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.
AAA MOTORIST
Member Benefits • Exclusive Offers
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1-800-354-8761 • AAA.com/travel
Get more...for less than you may imagine
An incredible CONDO in Hawaii is a definite “CAN DO” at AAA, thanks to Pleasant Holidays
I
s it possible to improve upon perfection? The folks at AAA Travel think so. They can enhance your perfect vacation to America’s own slice of paradise by introducing you to the pleasures of staying in a condominium instead of a traditional hotel/motel room or bed & breakfast. Fully furnished condo accommodations can be the ultimate “interior” complement to your “exterior” experience of the Aloha State. While Mother Nature made Hawaii the spectacular outdoor setting it is, AAA and Pleasant Holidays can offer you an indoor environment worthy of such a location. What’s “more perfect” about a condo? Condos offer more benefits than other types of similarly or higher priced lodging. Many condos offer the physical comforts (cleanliness, comfort, decor) and personal services (daily housekeeping, room service, concierge) found in hotels, plus creature comforts that give you that intangible “home away from home” feeling — expanded living space, fully equipped kitchens and your own washer & dryer. And many condos even cost less per night than most hotels. A unique aspect of condos is living space; there’s a lot more of it. Couples or families traveling together can often share a multibedroom unit and split the costs. Separate from the bedroom(s), a condo’s ample living space affords opportunities for privacy as Book & deposit well as family by 8/31/13. togetherness. The see next page for details freedom to spread out is especially appreciated by families with children. While kids nap or play in a bedroom, adults can enjoy the separate living area. Multi-bedroom condos generally have more than one bathroom, often larger than their hotel counterparts. Closets and dressers larger than those in hotels allow you to fully unpack — no more piling luggage, shopping bags and shoes in a corner. All in all, at the end of each day, it’s like coming back to your own
MEMBERS SAVE!
Premier: $100 Plus: $75 Basic: $50
home, rather than to a cramped hotel room. Unlike hotels, condos usually feature fully equipped kitchens with dishes, glasses, flatware, cookware and full-size appliances. If you care to, you can prepare some of your meals and eat in your own dining area (or on the lanai, which most condos have). It’s a great way to economize. Forget about searching for a restaurant, making reservations, getting there, parking and tipping. Be as casual or as formal as you like. Make and serve only the foods you love. Linger around the table for as long as you like. Eat whenever you wish (24-hour access!). Even if you don’t cook, use the refrigerator for store-bought foods and the microwave or oven for restaurant leftovers. Condo kitchens save you time and money. The convenience of having a washer & dryer in your condo allows you to bring fewer clothes and easily freshen them during your stay (without having to find and pay a dry-cleaner). Imagine returning home and not having to wash your clothes! The 4 Hawaiian condos described here are located on the waterfront (3 are beachfront) and feature fully equipped kitchens, daily housekeeping service and laundry facilities (3 inside the condos); they represent just a few of the many Pleasant Holidays properties you can research and book on AAA.com.
Oahu — The Gathering Place Waikiki’s only beachfront condominiums, the studio and 1-bedroom units at Castle Waikiki Shore offer stunning panoramic views of one of the world’s most famous beaches. Step right onto the white sandy beach, or stroll to nearby shops, restaurants and nightspots. Or just relax on your lanai. Amenities include CD/DVD/MP3 players, grocery delivery service, kids’ program, lanais and laundry facilities. Maui — The Valley Isle Kaanapali Alii’s beachfront 1- and 2-bedroom suites will appeal to friends on vacation and families. These air-conditioned condos amid the great hotels of Kaanapali Resort near Whalers Village and Lahaina offer spacious living in elegantly furnished surroundings. Amenities include a private oversize continued on next page
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AAA MOTORIST
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
An incredible condo in Hawaii? AAA can do! continued from previous page
lanai/balcony, kitchen, CD/DVD player, washer/dryer, grocery delivery service, kids’ program, nightly entertainment, pool/Jacuzzi®, tennis, inroom wi-fi, wired internet, fitness center, daily maid service, BBQ facilities, among many others.
Kauai — The Garden Isle Named in the “Top 10 Most Romantic Getaways” by USA Today, the oceanfront Castle Poipu Shores lies within the world-famous Poipu Beach Resort area on the Garden Isle’s sunny south shore. Find your lounge chair on the sun deck and watch the blue surf crash into black lava rock. Choose from 1- and 2-bedroom condominium suites. All are individually decorated with beautiful island-style furnishings and artwork. They’re spacious, with breathtaking ocean views and private lanais. Fullyequipped kitchens, washer/dryer, highspeed internet connection and a list of other amenities make life even easier at your Kauai accomodations. If you want exercise, Poipu Beach Resort offers tennis, golf, mountain biking and horseback riding right nearby. Afterward, explore nearby Poipu Shopping Village or historic Koloa Town for dozens of Kauai restaurant options from local favorites to fine dining.
acres of the Kohala Coast and overlooks the special signature hole of a championship golf course. Each spacious and graciously appointed unit features amenities and services such as air conditioning, kitchen, lanai/ balcony, CD/DVD player, daily maid service, pool/Jacuzzi®, wired internet, golf, BBQ facilities and grocery delivery service. Golf lovers will revel in challenging play at the Francis H I’i Brown North & South courses, featuring a magnificent scenic backdrop of emerald-green fairways contrasted against black fields of lava. The perfect Hawaiian condo is the one that best fits your travel budget & style and enhances the rest of your vacation experience outside your accommodations. Stay on one island for your entire vacation...or combine stays on 2 or more islands. All of the tools necessary to book your condo, air tickets, rental cars and even optional excursions & activities can be found at AAA.com. What could be more perfect?
DON’T MISS THE BOAT: MEMBERS SAVE 1 OF 3 WAYS! Premier: $100 • Plus: $75 • Basic: $50 PER ROOM...NEW BOOKINGS ONLY
Valid on air-inclusive Pleasant Holidays condo vacations of 5 nights or more for travel between 9/1/13 & 3/31/14.
Hawaii — The Big Island Mauna Lani Point is a gated community that sits on 19 oceanfront
Book & deposit through 8/31/13!
RACE INTO AAA FOR YOUR FREE TURBO PLUSH TOY!
Watch Turbo from DreamWorks Animation and there’s a good chance you’ll be caught up in the tale of an ordinary character with extraordinary dreams. In the case of Turbo, now in theaters, it’s a lowly garden snail with visions of racing in the Indianapolis 500. AAA Travel is all about dreams too — including making vacation dreams to“America’s Vacation Capital” (Orlando, Florida) come true. Complete & clip the coupon below; bring it your local AAA Travel Agent, who will prepare a FREE quote on an Orlando getaway package that suits your interests, travel style and budget. In return, you’ll get a FREE Turbo plush toy for the little speedster in your life!
And you can get a FREE Turbo plush toy with any Orlando vacation quote!
Hurry in: Turbo offer ends 8/31/13. NAME (PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY)
STREET ADDRESS
CITY
STATE
ZIP CODE
DAYTIME TELEPHONE NUMBER (WITH AREA CODE)
EMAIL ADDRESS
AAA AGENT (OFFICE USE ONLY)
ACTUAL SIZE: APPROX 9" X 11"
WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. ONE PER HOUSEHOLD.
AAA MOTORIST
PAGE 9
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
GO WILD! Spectacular South Africa AAA MEMBER BENEFIT SAVE $200.00 PER PERSON
APRIL 24–MAY 9 INCLUDES AAA TOUR MANAGER WITH YOU THROUGHOUT AFRICA! 28 MEALS AAA MEMBER RATE $8,439
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
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
____________________________________________________________
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.
DOUBLE DELIGHT FROM AAA & RCI!
Johannesburg • Soweto • Blyde River Canyon • 3 Rondavels • Bourke’s Luck Potholes • Kruger National Park • Port Elizabeth • Knysna • Oudtshoorn • Stellenbosch • Cape Winelands • Cape Town • Victoria Falls • Zambezi Cruise
2 vacations in 1
Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability and includes roundtrip flights from Cleveland, roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, sightseeing per itinerary, accommodations, in-country guide, meals as indicated, government taxes/fees and AAA Tour Manager (if minimumparticipation goal is met). Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Visit AAA.com/GoAfrica for complete itinerary and important pre-travel information. AAA Member Choice Vacations© door-to-door transfer service not available on this departure.
CRUISING HAWAII THE BEST WAY TO SEE IT ALL...AT YOUR OWN PACE!
AAA’s unique 9-night Hawaiian vacations feature a 2-night pre-cruise stay in Honolulu, an Oahu tour (featuring the USS Arizona Memorial & more) and a 7-night cruise of 4 islands — Oahu, Maui, Hawaii & Kauai. AAA Member Rates Jan 9-18: from $1,705 Jan 30–Feb 8: from $1,809 Feb 27–March 8: from $1,809
New Orleans
Western Caribbean
3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS
8-DAY / 7-NIGHT CRUISE
City tour, including Katrina-impacted sites Mississippi River cruise on the steamboat Natchez Louisiana swampboat tour Mardi Gras World Demonstration & dinner at the New Orleans School of Cooking
Serenade of the Seas $25.00 per person onboard credit Cozumel, Mexico George Town, Grand Cayman Falmouth, Jamaica 3 full days at sea
MARCH 27–APRIL 5 • AAA MEMBER RATE: from $1,499
© CHAD MCDERMOTT / FOTOLIA.COM
Pride of America
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.
Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip airport/hotel/pier transfers, 2-night hotel accommodations/taxes/service charge/baggage handling (1 piece per person), 5 meals (on land), cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals, government fees and services of a AAA Tour Manager (if minimum-participation goal is met). Ship’s registry: Bahamas. Visit AAA.com/travel for more details. Ask about available add-on airfare.
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AAA MOTORIST
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
AAA.com
Edinburgh • Spean Bridge Woolen Mill • Loch Ness cruise • Highland evening • Culloden Battlefield • Blair Athol Whickey Distillery • Edinburgh Castle • Ferry to Northern Ireland • Belfast: Titanic Center • Dublin: Book of Kells, canal dinner cruise • Rock of Cashel • Blarney Castle & Woolen Mills • Killarney: “jaunting car” • Ring of Kerry • Skellig Experience • Sneem • Moll’s Gap • River Shannon ferry • Cliffs of Moher (pictured) • Medieval banquet • AND MORE!
CRUISES • FLIGHTS AAA FEATURED VACATIONS HOTEL/MOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS RENTAL CARS • AAA DRIVE TRIPS TOURS – DOMESTIC & INTERNATIONAL LAST-MINUTE SAVINGS
Nov 9-19 • AAA Member Rate: $1,699
PROGRAM OPERATED BY CIE TOURS INTERNATIONAL
LEAVE YOUR CAR AT HOME!
Linking you & your next vacation!
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.
Research & book travel arrangements from the comfort of your home – 24/7. TRAVEL WITH SOMEONE YOU TRUST.®
Rates are per person, are subject to availability at time of booking and include roundtrip motorcoach transportation from the Cleveland area, accommodations (for multiday tours, based on double occupancy), sightseeing/admissions, taxes/gratuities for included features, baggage handling (for multiday tours), meals as indicated and the services of a AAA Tour Manager. Visit AAA.com/USA for complete itinerary details and pick-up points.
MUSIC & RAILROADS OF WEST VIRGINIA 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.
DATE
FRENCH TOAST TOUR: MONTRÉAL & QUÉBEC
Sept 21 ..............COVERED BRIDGES: Geneva OH ................$85
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.
Sept 28 ................OHIO AMISH: Holmes County ..................$83
FALLINGWATER FOLIAGE
Oct 19...................THE WILDS: Cumberland OH ...................$95
Oct 7-11
AAA Member Rate: $1,189
Oct 12-13
AAA Member Rate: $319
Ò
Frank Lloyd Wright’s progressive architecture is combined with the spectacular natural beauty of Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands on this fall weekend. Includes tours of 2 Frank Lloyd Wright homes (Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob), accommodations, 4 meals & more.
AAA MEMBER RATE
Sept 7 .............. NIAGARA FALLS: Ontario, Canada.............$119 Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Sightseeing. Passport or passport card required.
Guided tour of bridges. Grand River Cellars Winery. Robinson’s Apple Barn.
Buggy ride. Schrock’s Amish Farm. Der Dutchman. Heini’s Cheese. Amish Flea Market.
Oct 7 ..................3 RIVERS CRUISE: Pittsburgh PA ................$89 Luncheon cruise with entertainment by Sputzy. 3 hours at Rivers Casino. Safari through wildlife preserve. Carnivore Conservationi Center. Lunch.
Oct 26.................LOAFIN’ AROUND: Mayville NY.................$99 Bread & salad making classes. Chef-prepared lunch. Bake sale. Samples. Shopping.
HAPPY HOLIDAYSÓ
HOLIDAYS IN BRANSON MO
Nov 13-18 • AAA Member Rate: $1,099
Enjoy the “Live Music Show Capital of the World” as it puts on its holiday best at 5 included holiday shows (Johnny Mathis, Tony Orlando, Brett Family, Dutton Family, Daniel O’Donnell). Includes show tickets (1 per show), Titanic exhibit admission, College of the Ozarks, Branson Lights tour, Fantastic Caverns, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 9 meals & more.
OGLEBAY FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Nov 24-25 • AAA Member Rate: $299
Enjoy more than 1 million holiday lights on display at the Oglebay Resort in Wheeling WV. Includes accommodations at Wilson Lodge, guided lights display tour, Winter Fantasy, animated Holiday Light & Sound Extravaganza, Mansion Museum, Carriage House of Glass, Garden Center & Greenhouse, Behind the Scenes tour, Cabela’s shopping, 2 meals & more.
KALIGHTOSCOPE CHRISTMAS
Dec 6-7 • AAA Member Rate: $359
Louisville’s Galt House Hotel is noted for its KaLightoscope Christmas, a holiday attraction of larger-than-life light sculptures up to 24 feet high. See a life-size gingerbread village (world’s largest) and the Mistletoe Marketplace of crafts & curiosities. Visit the Kentucky Derby Museum for its "Reindeer Games." Includes Galt House accommodations, KaLightoscope admission, “Reindeer Games,” 2 meals (including “Colors of the Season” holiday dinner show) & more.
FRANKENMUTH CHRISTMAS
Dec 14-15 • AAA Member Rate: $279
Visit Bronner’s (world’s largest Christmas store) and see the Silent Night Chapel on this holiday weekend to this Bavarianthemed village in Michigan. Includes Bavarian Inn Lodge accommodation, city tour, Bronner’s CHRISTmas Store, 2 meals (including dinner at the Bavarian Inn) & more.
TOURS 1-day Excursions WARTHER’S FESTIVAL OF TREES
Dover OH Nov 16 • AAA Member Rate: $85 Annual Christmas tree festival. Lehman’s. Smucker’s. Amish lunch.
HOLIDAYS AT TARA
Clark/Hermitage/Grove City PA Dec 13 • AAA Member Rate: $69 Tara–A Country Inn. Kraynak’s Christmas display. Wendell August Forge.
AAA MOTORIST
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
PAGE 11
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
PAGE 12
AAA MOTORIST
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
CONVENIENT CRUISING FROM CLEVELAND
Italy’s Charming Hill Towns
Avoid potential hassles at the airport. Instead, motorcoach to your cruise! Park for free at a pick-up point, then relax & ride AAA’s convenient “Cruise Express” motorcoach to Baltimore’s pier to board Grandeur of the Seas!
Tuscan & Umbrian Countryside
2014 BAHAMAS July 11-18 • from $1,297 Port Canaveral, Florida CocoCay, Bahamas Nassau, Bahamas 3 full days at sea
mcv
2014 CARIBBEAN Jan 21-31 • from $1,081
Take the road less traveled
Cincin! Rome • Orvieto • Spoleto Bevagna • Montefalco Assisi • Florence • Siena Monteriggioni • Volterra San Gimignano • Montalone Feb 28–March 10 AAA Member Rate: $4,349
These are included! • Cooking class in a 16thcentury Umbrian farmhouse • Home-cooked meal with a local family in Umbria • Sample local sausage, wine & cheese in a hill town, the “Balcony of Umbria” • The Guarnacci, 1 of the most famous Etruscan museums
Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Cleveland–Rome, Florence/Pisa–Cleveland), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, hotel luggage handling (1 per person), 16 meals, air & hotel taxes (subject to change) and in-Italy guide. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Visit AAA.com/GoItaly for details. AAA Member Choice Vacations© door-to-door transfer service not available on this departure.
San Juan, Puerto Rico Tortola, British Virgin Islands Charlotte Amelie, St Thomas USVI Philipsburg, St Maarten 5 full days at sea
2014 BERMUDA Aug 29–Sept 4 • from $1,030 King’s Wharf, Bermuda 2 full days at sea
2014 CARIBBEAN March 8-18 • from $1,199
2014 NEW ENGLAND & CANADA Oct 2-10 • from $1,169
Cozumel, Mexico Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands Falmouth, Jamaica; Labadee, Haiti 5 full days at sea
Portland & Bar Harbor, Maine Saint John, New Brunswick Halifax, Nova Scotia 3 full days at sea
AAA MEMBER RATES are per person (double occupancy), are subject to availability at time of booking and include roundtrip motorcoach transportation, cruise accommodations/ entertainment, most onboard meals and government fees. Ship’s registry: Bahamas. Visit AAA.com/motorcruise for itinerary details & pick-up points.
2014 CARIBBEAN Nov 1-11 • from $1,167 Cozumel, Mexico Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands Falmouth, Jamaica; Labadee, Haiti 5 full days at sea
Feel like a local at friendly pubs full of the craic — Ireland’s unique mix of news, gossip, fun, entertainment and enjoyable conversation!
&Folk
Irish Pub
April 25–May 4 AAA Member Rate $1,499
Tour
Tour Dublin, taking in St Stephen’s Green, Georgian squares, O’Connell Street, Famine Memorial and more. Visit the Guinness Storehouse and enjoy a pint of Ireland’s beverage. • Meet the owners of a working beef/sheep/horse farm. Enjoy tea & scones and learn about country living. • Tour medieval Kilkenny, then explore it some more on your own. • Visit the House of Waterford Crystal; watch craftsmen transform molten glass into elegant tableware. • Climb Blarney Castle’s ramparts to kiss the “Stone of Eloquence.” • Browse or shop at Blarney Woolen Mills...or visit a pub instead! • Circumnavigate the spectacularly scenic Dingle Peninsula and sample the local brew at Dingle Brewing Company. • Sit down to dinner & traditional entertainment (including step-dancing) in Kate Kearney’s Cottage in Killarney. • Ferry across the Shannnon to view the Cliffs of Moher. • Stop in Galway on the way to Connemara’s hills, lakes and open country. • Overnight in attractive Westport. • Cross over to Achill Island and see the Deserted Village (remains of nearly 100 stone cottages abandoned around the time of the Famine). • Tour Kilbeggan Distillery and enjoy an Irish coffee. • Enjoy storytelling at Dublin’s oldest pub, the Brazen Head. • Spend a full day on your own in Dublin, utilizing your included vouchers for an open-top bus tour and a visit to the Old Jameson Distillery.
"Sláinte!" Cheers!
Includes roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, motorcoach sightseeing, itinerary attraction admissions, local taxes, hotel service charges & baggage handling (1 bag per person), walking-tour audio headsets, 15 meals (including Kate Kearney’s Cottage Irish Night, “Food, Folk & Fairies” dinner show at Brazen Head Pub and 3 table d’hote dinners) and in-Ireland professional guide & driver. Ask about available add-on airfare.
AAA MOTORIST
PAGE 13
Everything is larger than life in Toronto It’s summer in the city in Ontario’s cosmopolitan capital
N
o less a pundit than Ray Bradbury once called Toronto “the most perfect city in the Western hemisphere.” The “city that works” is also a place where people love to come and play. Toronto’s summer line-up is hotter than ever with events, festivals, theater and dining! Be prepared to be entertained with award-winning Broadway shows, sample world class cuisine at some of the continent’s best restaurants, or walk, cycle or jog through the city’s many green spaces. The Toronto Zoo is the place to be this summer with its new giant panda exhibit. Come meet Er Shun and Da Mao and learn what makes these amazing creatures China’s national treasures. Giant pandas live in mountain forests with a dense undergrowth of bamboo, their main source of food. There are only about 1,600 panda left in the wild and 300 more living in zoos and breeding centers mostly in China. Visitors will also have the chance to take in the new, state-of-the-art Panda Interpretive Centre. For a fresh take on antiquity travel back in time at the Royal Ontario Museum to Mesopotamia: Inventing Our World. See more than 170 priceless artifacts of Sumer, Assyria and Babylon from the British Museum, and more, all gathered under one roof for the first time. Highlights include a statue of King Ashurnasirpal II, circa 875-860 BCE.
as the largest in the English-speaking world. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new production of The Wizard of Oz at the Ed Mirvish Theatre, is an enchanting adaptation of the all-time classic, totally reconceived for the Toronto stage. Developed from the ever popular MGM screenplay, this new production contains all the beloved songs from the Oscar®-winning movie score, all the favorite characters and iconic moments, plus a few surprises along the way, including new songs by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada — a $130 million facility slated to open in September — will feature more than 13,500 exotic sea and freshwater creatures. Located right next to the CN Tower, the aquarium will include a unique 315-foot moving walkway through an acrylic tunnel deep below the Shark Lagoon.
ON THE EDGE — Walk along a 5-foot-wide ledge 1,168-feet above the ground. If you like living on the edge, literally, EdgeWalk is the CN Tower’s newest extreme attraction. It’s the world’s highest full hands-free walk along a 5-foot wide ledge encircling the top of the CN Tower’s main pod, 1,168-feet above the ground! This adrenalin-fueled experience allows thrill seekers to walk “hands-free” in groups of six to eight,
while attached to an overhead safety rail via a trolley and harness system. Trained EdgeWalk guides encourage visitors to push their personal limits, allowing those who dare, to lean back over Toronto, with nothing but air beneath them. Toronto’s burgeoning Theatre District lags only behind London and New York
THE TOP TRAVEL TOOLS
AAA.com was recently named as Best Online Road-Trip Planner by ShopSmart magazine, from the publisher of Consumer Reports. Use the TripTik Travel Planner at AAA.com to map out your adventure, including points of interest, with round-trip directions, or explore the AAA TourBook guides, available through AAA offices and online at AAA.com.
AAA members have a garage full of auto buying options Five ways AAA can help you find the car of your dreams
B
uying a new car or used car can be a stressful experience. Even when you know exactly what you want, the negotiation and haggling over dealer options, accessories and financing can discourage even the most savvy car shopper. But it doesn’t have to be that way. AAA lets you explore options for finding, financing, and insuring your new ride as you shop online or on the go. Could it get any easier? Probably not. Find the car of your dreams — Log on to AAA.com/AutoBuying to research your next used or new vehicle. Easily select models and options, read reviews, check crash ratings and learn about available incentives. Learn what others paid for the same make and model with free Truecar price reports, so you know whether you’re getting a good deal. Our new Price Curve shows you the average price paid for the car you want and what you should be paying. Print out a AAA member savings certificate to guarantee a purchase price at a participating pre-screened dealer and bring it to the dealer when you go for a no obligation test drive. Your member savings are locked in and you’re guaranteed a no hassle, no haggle shopping experience. Know on the go — Download the AAA
THE PRICE IS ALWAYS RIGHT — AAA’s Auto Buying program makes it easy to find your dream car — at a price you’ll like. Auto Buying Tools App for the iPhone at AAA.com/AutoBuyingApp. Search for cars by make, model, price or VIN number to see, save and share details such as market price, reviews and safety ratings. Financial Calculators — Use the Auto Loan Calculator on AAA.com to find out how much automobile you can
afford based on your monthly payment, or find out your loan payment based on your purchase price! There’s also an Auto Rebate Calculator, a Buy vs. Lease Calculator, and a Compare Loans Calculator to sort through the monthly payments, fees and other costs associated with comparing loan options.
You’re covered — Insure your new wheels with AAA Insurance. With your membership and insurance through AAA, you’re more than a policyholder. You’re a member. And you get more. Qualify for discounts by combining your home and auto insurance or by insuring two or more vehicles. Visit AAA.com/Insurance or stop by your local AAA office. Used car buying tools — Once you find a vehicle you like go to AAA.com to find NADA Guide valures that will help you determine how much you should pay, or receive for your old car both as a trade-in or a private sale. Order a detailed vehicle history report from CARFAX, which can alert you to a vehicle that’s been salvaged, rebuilt, had flood damage, or been classified as a “lemon” under state law. Odometer tampering or fraud also can be indicated in a report. AAA members receive a discount on CARFAX reports purchased through AAA.com. FOR MORE INFORMATION
AAA and TrueCar work with a national network of over 5,400 Certified Dealers that provide up-front, no-haggle, competitive pricing on new and used vehicles online at AAA.com/AutoBuying.
PAGE 14
AAA MOTORIST
Yellowstone in Winter
Jackson Hole Snowmobile Adventure
continued from page 1
fishing. Cross over Targhee Pass into Montana and the park gateway town of West Yellowstone. Since most park roads close in winter, luxury snowcoaches are the way to go. Relax in a warm, comfortable cabin while seasoned guides share their knowledge as you glimpse Yellowstone’s wildlife. “A huge ram,” noted one past passenger, “was lying on a ledge looking straight down; it seemed like he was staring right at us!” You may even get into a “buffalo jam” when a herd decides the snow is too deep and the easiest way to travel is on a plowed road! See Firehole Falls, a spectacle of color and motion that emerges from 800-footthick lava flows, send up clouds of mist, giving birth to dozens of rainbows. Marvel at Old Faithful, the park’s most celebrated geyser, erupting about every 90 minutes, spewing 3,700-8,400 gallons of boiling water in an unforgettable towering plume that can reach 180 feet high. Follow the 42-mile Teton Park Scenic Loop linking Yellowstone with Grand Teton National Park to the south, where the Teton Range erupts like a row of dragon’s teeth over Jackson Hole. Now you’ve got a choice: Wildlife lovers will not want to miss the National
Elk Refuge, where a horse-drawn sleigh by snowmobile. brings you into a sprawling valley where Travel through Grand Teton Nathousands of elk gather for their winter tional Park on your way to a full day range. “They weren’t frightened, and of snowcoach touring in Yellowstone we drove right up to them,” said one National Park. Relax in the comfort guest. “We took wonderful photos; and and warmth of your customized snow the money is used to feed the elk.” This vehicle as you visit Lewis Falls, Lewis is followed by the National Museum of Canyon, West Thumb and Old FaithWildlife Art, a stunning collection of ful. After witnessing an eruption and 2,300 original works. exploring on your own Or, for an additional at Old Faithful, return Get a $200.00 fee, opt to enjoy a fullby snowcoach to West day snowmobile tour Thumb and out the Dick’s Sporting into the mountains to park’s south entrance Goods Gift Card Granite Hot Springs; back to Jackson Hole. for all-weather gear! after being the trail, Enjoy a full day on relax in soothing wayour own to explore Book & deposit ters amid snowcovered Jackson Hole has to ofby 8/31/13. peaks and enjoy a barfer. Your guide can as1 PER ROOM becue lunch. sist with arrangements On your last full day, for optional activities journey into rugged Snake River Can(more snowmobiling, skiing at Jackson yon, surrounded by soaring peaks. Near Hole Ski Resort, cross-country skiing, Park City in Utah, “go for the gold” on dog sledding, snow shoeing, etc), or you a tour of the site of the 2002 Winter can explore the shops, restaurants and Olympics, cradled in the embrace of galleries in this iconic Western town. the Wasatch Mountains. That evening, Then experience the beauty and soliyou’ll be welcomed back to civilization tude of the remote Grey’s River area with a farewell dinner in Salt Lake City. south of Jackson Hole. Your tour takes This “hot” adventure always sells out you up into the Wyoming Range for unfast; call AAA Travel at 1-800-354-8761! forgettable scenery and exciting snow-
continued from page 1
mobiling in snow fields at the base of these mountain giants. Take a break at midday and enjoy a hot lunch at the secluded Box Y Lodge. Be sure to bring your swimsuit, because you’re in for a real treat — a fullday snowmobile tour in the mountains east of Jackson with Granite Hot Springs as your destination. After following an easy 11-mile groomed Forest Service trail, relax and soothe your muscles by soaking in the 106-degree natural hot spring waters and enjoying a poolside barbecue lunch, all the while surrounded by majestic snowcovered mountains. It’s an experience to remember! Don’t miss this “cool” adventure; call AAA Travel at 1-800-354-8761!
SNOWCOACHING
Feb 1-6 • AAA Member Rate: $2,085
Feb 8-14 • AAA Member Rate: $1,865
Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Cleveland–Salt Lake City), airport/hotel transfers, luggage handling (1 bag per person), accommodations, motorcoach sightseeing & admissions (as indicated), 9 meals, services of a AAA Tour Manager (if minimum-participation goal is met), taxes, gratuities for guide & driver. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Visit AAA.com for more information.
Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, 10 meals, entrance fees (parks/attractions/ activities), 3 days of guided snowmobile touring with instruction, all necessary equipment (helmet, gloves, snowsuit, boots, etc), 1-day guided snowcoach Yellowstone tour, tips for bellmen & included meals. Minimum age to operate snowmobiles in the National Forest is 14; must be accompanied by a parent. Ask about available add-on airfare. Visit AAA.com for more information.
where will
[ YOUR SAVINGS ] take you?
Whether you’re saving for that special vacation, a rainy day or a brighter tomorrow — count on AAA Deposits to help you achieve your goals. Online Savings Account Earn over 5x the National Savings Average1
0.70%
APY2
For Money Market Balances under $100,000 As of 07/16/2013
Money Market Account Convenient cash access with a competitive rate
Open an account today!
AAA.com/Deposits See all our current rates
CD and IRA CDs Preferred Member Rates on 12-, 24- and 60-month CDs 1-800-347-7056 U.S.-based Banking Specialists available 24/7
Mention offer code: A120415
National Average APYs based on specified product types of top 50 U.S. banks (ranked by total deposits) provided by Informa Research Services, Inc. as of 07/16/2013. Although the information provided by Informa Research Services, Inc has been obtained from the various institutions, the accuracy of this information cannot be guaranteed.
1
2
Annual Percentage Yield (APY). APY applies to personal accounts only. Advertised Money Market Account rate is valid as of 07/16/2013 and subject to change daily without notice. Rate may change after account is opened. Fees could reduce earnings on the account. Money Market Discover Bank rate increases to 0.80% for balances over $100,000. Money Market Accounts must have an average daily balance of at least $1,500 beginning on the third statement cycle; otherwise, a monthly minimum balance fee will be charged.
No Street Signs? No Mile Markers? No Problem. AAA members have another reason to feel safer on the road. If you need roadside assistance and call from your GPS-enabled mobile phone, AAA will rescue you – even if you aren’t sure where you are. When you call for help, AAA and AT&T or Sprint location-based technology will work together to find you, so AAA can get to you as quickly as possible. Activate the FREE AAA FindMeSM service today by going to AAA.com/FindMe. Any vehicle. Anytime. Anywhere.
Deposit accounts offered through Discover Bank, Member FDIC ©2013 Discover Bank
Recreated PMS
AAA MOTORIST
PAGE 15
Self-driving cars may yield future safety benefits Active safety technology reduces human error
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he emergence of self-driving cars is one of the most important advances in automotive technology. Autonomous cars can dramatically increase safety because they could in theory eliminate human error caused by distractions. They also could offer expanded mobility options for people who cannot drive, due to age or medical conditions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently released a new policy on vehicle automation. In a non-binding recommendation, NHTSA said that while semiautonomous features could save lives, driverless cars should not be permitted on the roads, except for the purpose of testing. NHTSA defined five levels of automation from No-Automation (Level 0) to Full Self-Driving Automation (Level 4) where the driver will provide destination or navigation input, but is not expected to be available for control at any time during the trip. NHTSA says it has no current plans to prescribe technical regulations about how self-driving cars should perform, calling this kind of regulation “premature” — for now. The report also includes guidelines and recommendations for states related to licensing, testing and regulation of autonomous or self-driving vehicles.
NO HANDS — This autonomous Audi TTS successfully made the grueling climb up Pikes Peak. NHTSA has been conducting research on a broad range of crash avoidance technologies such as electronic stability control systems, lane departure and forward collision warning systems. The agency has identified three main areas of focus in support of more advanced automated systems: Human Factors Research — Developing requirements for the driver-vehicleinterface (DVI) systems to ensure that drivers will be able to safely transition from automated to non-automated vehicle operation.
Electronic Control System Safety — Support the agency’s development of appropriate safety standards. The agency will also continue research on cyber security, with the goal of developing an initial baseline set of requirements. System Performance Requirements — Development of any potential technical requirements for automated vehicles. “The path outlined by NHTSA should help provide guidance for the industry and policy-makers to facilitate responsible deployment,” said Brian Newbacher, director of public affairs for
AAA East Central. “AAA will work to help motorists understand these technologies, their potential benefits and responsible use as this technology is further developed,” he added. Some experts predict cars with limited self-driving capability could be on the road as early as 2020, but many carmakers say their goal is not necessarily a car that drives itself, but one that enhances the skills of the driver. AAA supports continued advancement in computer, global positioning services (GPS), communication, and vehicle technologies leading to the development, testing, and use of vehicles capable of supplementing driver control. “Self-driving cars have been a visionfor decades,” notes Newbacher, “but it will be a major paradigm shift for our transportation system if they finally arrive.” TICKETING A DRIVERLESS CAR
State laws providing for the regulation of autonomous vehicles have been adopted in three states (California, Florida, and Nevada) and D.C. In 2013, similar legislation has been considered in at least 13 additional states. These laws typically define ‘autonomous vehicles’ and create a legal, safety, and/or liability framework for the testing and operation of the technology.
Protect Your Identity FREE! As one of America’s fastest-growing crimes, identity theft is cause for concern. That’s why we’re introducing a whole new level of protection exclusively for AAA Members!
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tart protecting yourself today with ProtectMyID® Essential, a complimentary gift just for AAA members that includes Daily Credit Monitoring of your Experian® Report, your current Credit Report, Lost Wallet Protection and Fraud Resolution Support. Or, gain an additional layer of protection when you upgrade to ProtectMyID Deluxe, the most robust protection against identity theft that helps you rest easier with a variety of advanced tools: • Comprehensive Daily Monitoring checks all three national credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax® and TransUnion®— for new credit cards, loans, delinquent payments and more. • Experian Credit Report and Score lets you review your personal credit information to catch inaccuracies, potential fraud and suspicious activity even sooner. • Lost Wallet Protection helps cancel and reorder lost or stolen credit, debit and medical insurance cards minimizing losses associated with identity theft.
FACTS:
Identity fraud affected 12.6 million consumers in 2012 or 5.26% of U.S. adults, according to Javelin Strategy & Research, a California firm that studied identity theft threats. Having increased by 50%, from 0.82% of all adults in 2011 to 1.22% in 2012, New Account Fraud (NAF) poses a growing threat to consumer identities. Monitoring of credit reports can help detect many of these cases, as 57% of NAF cases involved the establishment of new general-use and store-branded credit cards.
• ChildSecureSM Closely monitors children’s personal information, and alerts you if someone applies for credit or opens credit accounts in their names. • Dedicated Fraud Resolution Support Highly-trained agents are available to walk you through each step of resolving identity theft—from beginning to end. Start protecting yourself today with the special members-only price of just $8.95 a month. To register for your FREE subscription to ProtectMyID® Essential or to upgrade to ProtectMyID Deluxe simply go to AAA.com/ProtectMyID or call 1-877-440-6943.
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PAGE 16
AAA MOTORIST
Travel to the hill towns of Umbria and Tuscany Following the road less traveled in Central Italy
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nown as the “green heart of Italy,” Umbria’s many charms derive from its effortless fusion of art and nature. Olive groves and vineyards meander up rolling green hills studded with cypress, and hill towns glow golden in the evening sun. The ancient Etruscan town of Orvieto, with its famous Duomo, is a masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture. St. Patrick’s Well, a 203-foot-deep marvel of medieval engineering, was built for a pope. It features two spiral staircases that wind around the well yet never intersect, with 248 steps down to the water. Visitors can take a fascinating tour of the Underground City, a labyrinth of caves and tunnels buried deep beneath the town. Like most Umbrian towns, Spoleto clings to a rocky promontory in the foothills of the Apennines. The town is dominated by the imposing Rocca Albornoziana — a former papal fortress and prison — that can be seen from anywhere in town. Diners will want to sample the Umbrian black truffles and sausages that this region is famous for. Mystical Assisi is perched among the clouds of Mount Subasio. Much loved by St. Francis, the town is still enclosed by medieval ramparts. St. Francis’ Basilica is renowned for its fresco paintings depicting the life of the patron saint of animals.
Torre Grossa, the tallest remaining tower, which looks down over the vineyards and poppy fields of the Elsa Valley. Siena is best known for Il Palio, the frenzied horse race that takes place each year in the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo. It’s also one of Italy’s most well preserved medieval towns, filled with fine examples of Gothic architecture and surrounded by the vineyards of Chianti. The breathtaking views from the Torre del Mangia, are unchanged from the days when they were painted by Renaissance masters.
IF YOU GO
THE MEDIEVAL MANHATTAN — San Gimignano is known as the town of beautiful towers. Traveling from Umbria through southern Tuscany brings you to Florence, one of the world’s great historic cities. The jewel of the Italian Renaissance is crowned by the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, known locally as Il Duomo. Giotto’s 14th century Campanile is said to be the most beautiful bell-tower in the world. Michelangelo’s David stood for centuries in the Piazza Signoria, Florence’s town hall since 1322. A copy now occupies the same location, while the origi-
nal has been safely moved indoors. San Gimignano, known as the “town of beautiful towers,” was built on the ruins of an ancient Etruscan settlement. Located about 35 miles south of Florence, E.M. Forster used it as the model for the fictional town of Monteriano in his 1905 novel, “Where Angels Fear to Tread.” Video gamers will recognize it as the locale for Assassin’s Creed. Seventytwo medieval towers once dominated the scenic walled city, and fourteen are still standing. Visitors can climb the
AAA Travel’s Umbrian & Tuscan Countryside tour departs February 28, 2014. Highlights of this 11-day AAA Member Choice Vacation include Rome, Orvieto, Spoleto, Bevagna, Montefalco, Assisi, Florence, Siena, Monteriggioni, Volterra, San Gimignano, a cooking class, olive oil factory and winery tours, and a home-hosted dinner. Tour includes roundtrip air, motorcoach transportation, accommodations, 16-meals, sightseeing per the itinerary and hotel taxes, baggage handling and in-Italy guide. FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please see this issue’s Departures Guide or visit AAA.com/vacations for more European escorted vacation ideas.
Royal Caribbean cruises from the Crescent City Let the good times roll aboard Serenade of the Seas
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ultry, precocious and cool, New Orleans is as gaudy and appealing as a string of Mardi Gras beads. A wildly improvised serenade of sights, sounds and tastes where legends seem to collect like driftwood along the levees. Visitors can revel amid the Old World charm of the French Quarter, or explore the leafy Garden District on a streetcar named Desire. Andrew Jackson’s statue presides over Jackson Square, underneath the shadow of St. Louis Basilica, the country’s oldest cathedral. Framing the square are the red brick Pontalba apartments constructed around 1850, and trimmed with delicate, filigree cast iron balconies. Bourbon Street is the carnival that never leaves town, where the spirit of Mardi Gras permeates the raucous clubs and bars 365-days a year. Just one block over, Royal Street is much more sedate, housing many of the city’s upscale restaurants and boutiques. New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz and the best spots for live music are on Frenchmen Street in the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood just below the lower edge of the Quarter. The Big Easy has added another moniker in recent years: cruise destination. The Port of New Orleans not only offers a convenient and affordable departure point, it’s also a great place for a pre or post cruise vacation. Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas
1769 it maintains much of its historical patrimony. Visitors can choose between a variety of shore excursion options in both Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, or take a romantic banana boat ride on the Martha Brae River. Stingray City is the Cayman Islands’ most popular attraction. Spellbound visitors wade in less than four feet of water, while scores of rays perform a spectacular underwater ballet around your feet. Grand Cayman’s famed Seven Mile Beach begins just north of George Town and runs the length of West Bay Road. On the more remote stretches, the only footprints in the sand will be your own.
IF YOU GO
FRENCH QUARTER — Jackson Square, underneath the shadow of St. Louis Basilica. will offer seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries from New Orleans from December, through April 2014, visiting Cozumel, Mexico; Falmouth, Jamaica; and George Town, Grand Cayman. With nearly three acres of exterior glass the newly renovated Serenade of the Seas was designed to bring the sea, sun and coastal scenery indoors. Serenade also offers an impressive span of activities, including Royal Caribbean’s signature rock-climbing wall, a sports
deck and a Solarium pool. Located about twelve miles off the coast of Cancun. Cozumel is known as the Aquarium of the Modern World, famous for its spectacular coral formations and exceptional water clarity. The temperate seas, silky sand beaches and verdant jungle appear to be unchanged since they were ruled by the Mayan empire more than 1,000 years ago. Falmouth is often compared with Colonial Williamsburg. Founded in
Join AAA Travel for a 3-day/2-night New Orleans adventure followed by a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas. Highlights of the March 27-April 5, 2014 cruise/tour includes a Louisiana swamp boat tour, Mardi Gras World, and a Mississippi River cruise on the steamboat Natchez. Ask about available add-on airfare. FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please see this issue’s Departures Guide or log on to AAA.com/travel for special values on New Orleans and Royal Caribbean cruise vacations.
AAA MOTORIST
PAGE 17
Take an “on location” vacation in New Mexico Seeing the Land of Enchantment through a different lens
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fast food restaurant in Albuquerque has become a magnet for fans of the TV series “Breaking Bad.” Now finishing its fifth and final season on AMC, the dark drama traces the descent of Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher, who turns to a life of crime to pay for his cancer treatments. People come from all over the world to visit Los Pollos Hermanos — Twisters Grille in real life — the spot where fictional drug lord Gus Fring runs his criminal empire. The Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau has even created a website of the show’s most popular places around town to help tourists navigate, and the ABQ Trolley Company routinely sells out its 3.5 hour “BaD” tours. Featured locations on the tour include the White’s modest bungalow on Piedmont NE; the Octopus Car Wash; and Saul Goodman’s law office. Visitors looking for an “on-location” vacation will find plenty of places to explore. The Desert Sands Motel on Central Avenue, is where Josh Brolin met his end in No Country for Old Men. Kirk Douglas rode his horse straight up the sheer face of the Sandia Mountains in the classic 1962 western Lonely Are the Brave. Filmmakers constructed their own Wild West town complete with a saloon, and a working railroad in Río Puerco, just west of town for this summer’s blockbuster The Lone Ranger. A photographer’s dream,
ments — is one the most spectacular manmade sights on earth. For a real peak experience hop onboard the Sandia Peak Tramway. One of the most spectacular aerial tramways in the world, the 15-minute ride ascends 2.7-miles to the top of 10,400foot Sandia Peak. Sandia is Spanish for “watermelon” and at dusk the rocky canyons glow a deep, rosy pink. The view from the top affords spectacular vistas of Albuquerque and some 11,000 square miles of New Mexican countryside. And when the lights begin to twinkle down below, it seems like the evening is filled with nothing but stars.
IF YOU GO
HIGH PLAINS DRIFTING — Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta in October may be the most photographed event on earth. Albuquerque sprawls across a desert basin with the Sandia Mountains erupting across a parched, terra cotta plain. The Rio Grande River meanders through town flanked by an oasis-like ribbon of green known as the Bosque. Some of Old Town’s squat adobes date back to the town’s beginnings in 1706. Visitors can explore the brick paths and hidden courtyards, browse
Hertz launches Dream Cars in the U.S.
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ver dreamed of taking the wheel of a $200,000 Ferrari California, or a Porsche 911? Now that dream can become a reality with Hertz Dream Cars, a line of ultra-high-end performance vehicles that redefine the premium car rental experience. “The launch of Hertz Dream Cars gives consumers the opportunity to experience luxury travel at its finest,” said Mark P. Frissora, Hertz Chairman and CEO. The Hertz Dream Car Collection includes such legendary luxury models as the Bentley Continental GT, Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS, and SL550, and rare exotic sports cars including the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Ferrari F430, Lamborghini Gallardo and Tesla Model S. The new fleet and broad range of markets including Pittsburgh, Orlando and Las Vegas, offer greater access to high performance luxury vehicles than ever before, while the VIP rental experience delivers white glove, personalized service to every renter. Hertz Dream Cars joins Hertz’s already-extensive fleet of specialty vehicles, joining the Prestige Collection, a unique line of high-end, luxury vehicles; the Adrenaline Collection,
an exhilarating line of head-turning, heart-pumping, specialty performance versions of America’s most popular muscle cars; and the Green Traveler Collection, a line of hybrid, electric and clean diesel vehicles that offer high fuel efficiency and are easy on the wallet. Hertz is committed to offering its customers the most technologically innovative products and services available to keep customers “Traveling at the Speed of Hertz.” This includes Hertz “Carfirmations”; “Gold Choice”, which gives Gold members the power to keep the car they reserved or simply choose a different car from the Gold Choice area; and e-Return, with the fastest car rental drop-off that includes an email receipt within hours. These are all complimentary services for Hertz Gold Plus Rewards members, which is free for AAA members. The Hertz Dream Car VIP rental experience begins with the personalized reservation service available on a dedicated microsite, www.HertzDreamCars. com, although consumers can also reserve most Dream Cars via standard Hertz rental channels. Hertz will either personally meet customers at their airport terminal and give them a one-onone orientation to the car, or deliver the car directly to the customer.
the galleries, or bargain for Native American jewelry and crafts under the low-slung portals. Every October, the skies around town are festooned with hundreds of hot air and gas balloons lifting off from Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta Park. The evening Glowdeo® — when all the balloons fire their burners and light up the desert night like giant holiday orna-
Experience the best of New Mexico during AAA’s October 9-15, 2013 New Mexico Balloon Fiesta escorted tour. This AAA Featured Vacation features tours of Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Taos, and visits to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Package includes motorcoach transportation; 6-nights accommodation (three in Albuquerque, two in Taos and one in Santa Fe); 14-meals; and services of a AAA Tour Manager. Ask about additional add-on air transportation from your departure city. FOR MORE INFORMATION
See the Departures Guide or log on to AAA.com/USA for great vacation ideas from AAA.
Understanding today’s high-tech engines
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ew engine technologies used in the latest cars may require drivers to rethink car care so that they get the most from their engines. J.D. Power and Associates forecasts that in the next four years, the number of vehicles with gasoline direct injection engines (GDI) will more than triple. First used in the now legendary 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL, GDI engines can now be found in entrylevel models like the Hyundai Accent. Conventional port injected engines squirt fuel into a port just outside the cylinder where it is drawn into the combustion chamber by air. Direct injection technology places the fuel injector directly into the combustion chamber, allowing for greater power and efficiency. These direct fuel injectors are subject to much greater heat and pressure. With a standard port injector the pressure is around 40 psi. A direct-injection injector can easily reach 3,000 psi. They are also very sensitive to fuel quality, so it is more important to use high quality fuels and keep the filters clean. The main benefit of GDI is that lighter, smaller engines produce comparable power and performance while consuming less fuel and emitting less
CO2. The downside is that some direct injection engines are prone to carbon build-up on the valves, reducing fuel economy and performance. Eventually these deposits can dislodge and damage other components such as turbochargers and catalytic converters. With advanced engine technologies becoming more prevalent, car owners are looking for the best way to care for and maintain their cars. Shell surveyed 450 automotive mechanics from across the country to gather practical advice on how consumers can best care for their vehicles to increase longevity and protect performance. Here are some of their tips: • It may sound simple, but changing oil at manufacturer-suggested intervals is important. • The same is true when it comes to replacing essential fluids. Make sure it’s done on a timely basis by following your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation. • Vehicle owners should always use the grade of gasoline recommended by the manufacturer. Cadillac’s 3.6 liter direct injected V6 engine for example, runs fine on regular fuel while, competing cars from Infiniti and Lexus, require premium.
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AAA MOTORIST
Cracking the code on a new safety innovation Mercedes-Benz using QR codes to save lives
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hat’s black and white and scanned all over? QR codes, those odd-looking black and white squares, seem to be popping up on everything. Short for Quick Response Code these two-dimensional barcodes were first designed for the automotive industry in Japan in 1994. Scanning a QR code with your smartphone or tablet can extract all kinds of data, from installation instructions on product packaging, to how fresh are your vegetables. Now Mercedes-Benz wants use that information to save lives by making the rescue of accident victims trapped in their cars safer and swifter. Long an innovator in automotive safety, Mercedes was the first carmaker to equip its vehicles with ABS brakes, airbags and energy absorbing crumple zones. Their newest innovation makes use of the rescue sheets developed by AAA affiliate ADAC, the German Automobile Association. ADAC encourages drivers to keep a “rescue map” inside their vehicle and these sheets show firefighters, police and paramedics the design details they need to know in order to use rescue shears and jaws of life more effectively. In an emergency every action counts and every second is precious. The rescue sheet pinpoints the location of the airbags, the battery, the tanks, electric cables, high-pressure
CODE READ — Innovations like QR codes can save valuable time rescuing people trapped in wrecks. cylinders and other components — in the case of hybrid models the location of the additional batteries and highvoltage cables, as well. First responders often have to do their best without a rescue sheet, either because the driver neglected to carry one in the car, or
because the rescuers cannot find it in the car. Beginning in September, MercedesBenz will be attaching two stickers bearing a unique QR on every new vehicle. The codes can reliably identify the vehicle and make fundamental
information about the vehicle visible immediately, generally in a matter of seconds. Mercedes-Benz places one label on the fuel tank flap and the other on the B-pillar on the opposite side of the vehicle. Both these parts are easily accessible from the outside, and rarely badly damaged at the same time in a crash. Daimler calls the QR innovation a “small yet effective,” solution, suitable for all vehicle types, both with conventional and with alternative drive systems. The stickers with QR code can also be easily retrofitted to any vehicle. All automakers can make take advantage of the QR system, since Mercedes-Benz has waived the right to a patent registration in order to make the system available to everyone. This is not the first time MercedesBenz has used QR codes in unconventional ways. Last year, they covered prototypes of their new A-Class model with QR codes instead of the usual camouflage pattern. When scanned by passersby, the codes took them to a website with photos of the new model.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit AAA.com for information on all things automotive including tips on buying, operating and maintaining a vehicle.
aroundtown CANINE FUN DAYS & GREYHOUND REUNION — (August 17-18) Enjoy two days of fun and activities for all breeds of dogs and their people! This year’s event features the 2012 winners of NBC’s hit show America’s Got Talent, the Olate Dogs, who will be performing two shows each day! Admission: $5; $3 for children & seniors (children under 2 are free). Event location: Cleveland Metroparks Polo Field, Moreland Hills. For more information, visit www.greyhoundadoptionofoh.org or call Greyhound Adoption of Ohio at 440.543.6256. APPLES & AUTOS CAR SHOW — (August 18) The Northern Chapter of the Antique Auto Club of America is holding its 5th annual Antique Auto Show at the Patterson Fruit Farm in Chesterland. Come and see approximately 200 quality vintage and antique vehicles. Location: Patterson Fruit Farm, 11414 Caves Rd., 2.5 miles north of Mayfield Rd., Chesterland, Ohio. Call 216-514-8840 or www.aacanorthernchapter.com. CLEVELAND CHAMPIONSHIP CUP OF BOCCE — (August 23-25) See 96 bocce teams from across the U.S. and Canada compete in the 30th annual Pat O’Brien Chevrolet Cleveland Challenge Cup of Bocce. The weekend includes Italian music, food and
INGENIOUS — Enjoy free live musical performances at Cleveland’s IngenuityFest. (Photo courtesy of Positively Cleveland CVB)
cultural exhibits. Event location: Wickliffe Italian-American Club, 29717 Euclid Avenue, Wickliffe. For more information, visit www.wickliffeianda.com. GEAUGA COUNTY FAIR — (August 29 – September 2) Ohio’s oldest fair features livestock, entertainment, rides, food and more. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. at the Geauga County Fairgrounds, Burton. For more information, call 440.834.1846 or visit www.GeaugaFair.com. MADE IN OHIO CRAFT FESTIVAL — (August 31) The fourth annual Made in Ohio Craft Festival offers more than 80 Ohio craft and food exhibitors and live entertainment, all mingled with Northeast Ohio history in this serene Cuyahoga Valley outdoor
living history museum. Event runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Event location: Hale Farm & Village, 2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath. For more information, visit www.madeinohiofestival.com. GERMAN CENTRAL OKTOBERFEST — (September 13-14) Enjoy the 15th Annual German Central Oktoberfest, featuring entertainment, German food and more. Event runs Friday, 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.; Saturday, 2 p.m. to 12 a.m. Event location: German Central, 7863 York Road, Parma. Admission: $5, adults; $3, students; free for children under 12. Call 440-843-8373 or visit www.germancentralfoundation.com. BEDFORD CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS — (September 13-15) The Celebration of the Arts: Weekend of the Pooka honors Bedford’s art and artists. This year’s gala features a fine art show/sale and entertainment. Free hands-on art activities include clay sculpture, painting, origami, juggling and more, instructed by professional artists. Event location: Bedford Commons, 730 Broadway Avenue, Bedford, OH. For more information, call 440.232.1600 or visit www.bedfordpooka.org. INGENUITYFEST — (September 20-22) IngenuityFest celebrates art and technology in Cleveland. Come see cutting edge art installations, live musical performances and
more. Free admission. Event runs Friday, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Saturday, 12 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Sunday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Event location: Docks 32 and 30 (on the lakefront north of Browns Stadium and Great Lakes Science Center), Cleveland. Visit www.ingenuitycleveland.com. CHALK FESTIVAL — (September 21-22) Come see professional and amateur chalk artists alike transform walkways into a colorful canvas. Free admission. Event runs 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Event location: Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland. Visit www.clevelandart.org. QUILT SHOW — (October 4-5) The Streetsboro Quilt Guild’s 31st annual judged quilt show will feature over 200 quilts, plus vendors selling fabrics, quilting supplies, vintage quilts, and other needlecraft items. The “Country Cupboard” will offer items hand-crafted by guild members. There will also be refreshments and a bake sale with proceeds going to charity. Admission is $5.00. Times are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, at the First Baptist Church in Streetsboro, at the corner of Frost Road and S.R. 43. For more information contact Joyce Fath at 440-8348511 or cjfath@nacs.net.
AAA MOTORIST
PAGE 19
Make your move with Penske Truck Rental Penske has some good advice for DIY movers
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ew jobs, new relationships, going off to college — these are just a few reasons people have for moving. Millions of Americans move every year and most are pleasantly surprised at how much they can save by moving themselves. If you’re planning a move this year, Penske, which has been renting out moving trucks to do-it-yourselfers for more than 40 years, offers some advice. For most moves, a moving truck is a must. Even if you’re just moving across town, multiple trips can be exhausting — not to mention the gas you’ll use. Reserve your truck at least two weeks in advance of moving day — Penske guarantees a truck for every reservation. A 12- or 16-foot truck works for moving a few large items or the contents of a small condo or apartment. For guidance on larger moves and which truck to choose, visit www.PenskeTruckRental. com. Pack in increments. Start early to avoid the stress of last-minute rushing. It’s OK to leave a box open in case you need something you’ve packed inside it; it’s much easier to tape a box shut on moving day than it is to pack at the last moment. Buy sturdy boxes in a variety of sizes, along with foam and bubble wrap to protect fragile items. You’ll also need a
create a sturdy base, then start stacking on top. Moving trucks are taller, wider and heavier than the passenger vehicles and require more distance to stop. Be extra careful driving your moving truck, especially after it’s loaded. Be aware of low-hanging tree branches and building overhangs, and use caution when cornering. Finally, create a travel bag for moving day and keep important paperwork, credit cards, identification, a change of clothes, beverages and snacks close at hand. Do-it-yourself movers can pick up a free moving guide at any Penske Truck Rental location, which now includes more than 430 Home Depot stores or find more moving tips at www. PenskeTruckRental.com.
HANDLE WITH CARE — Penske Truck Rental offers do-it-yourself movers cost-effective, safe and stress-free moves. good supply of packing tape and markers for sealing and labeling boxes. Make sure you have moving blankets and hand trucks on moving day to make the process easier. Purge before packing. It’s much easier to throw away, donate, sell or give away items that you don’t need than it is to pack them and move them. As a rule of thumb, if you haven’t used something
in the past 12 months — or it’s still packed in a box from the last time you moved — you can probably get rid of it. Label boxes as you pack. First, list the room that the contents belong in, and, if necessary, a few details such as “glass,” “fragile” or “dishes.” As you load the truck, try to keep boxes from each room grouped together. Load the heaviest items onto the truck first to
MEMBERS SAVE UP TO 20%
Whether you need a truck for moving across the country or down the street, Penske Truck Rental offers significant savings for AAA members. Save 12% on one-way & local truck rentals and 12% off moving supplies and accessories. Offer only applicable to daily fixed rate and any mileage charges. Book online and save up to 20% on one-way rentals at PenskeTruckRental.com.
Technology feeding change in your parking habits Smartphones and smart meters driving new trends
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hey say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing again and again and expecting a different outcome. If you’ve ever circled a few city blocks, over and over again, searching for a parking spot, you’ve probably felt your own sanity slipping away. Looking for parking in crowded urban corridors is not just maddening, it’s also a big contributor to carbon emissions and poor air quality. A 2011 global survey of commuters in 20 international cities conducted by IBM found that in the past year, nearly six out of 10 drivers had abandoned their search for a parking space at least once and drivers have spent an average of nearly 20 minutes in pursuit of a coveted spot. IBM also found that a 10% reduction in congestion could increase local GDP by 2%, so the potential economic impacts are substantial. Additionally, a year-long study found that drivers in a 15 block district in Los Angeles drove in excess of 950,000 miles, produced 730 tons of carbon dioxide and used 47,000 gallons of gas searching for parking. According to the results of a justreleased survey by the International Parking Institute, the United States is undergoing a parking revolution as the industry embraces a variety of new technologies. One example is San Francisco’s federally-funded SFpark pilot project,
NO NEED TO FEED — High tech parking meters offer users a variety of additional payment options. which supplies real-time information on the availability and cost of on- and off-street parking. The result is a drastic reduction in driver circling while hunting for open spaces, congestion, and double-parking. Seattle’s new electronic parking guidance system uses dynamic real-time
message signs and web information to direct people to available off-street parking at six downtown garages. Another leading trend is the demand for electronic (cashless) payment. Cities like as Washington, D.C., Pittsburgh, Houston, and Miami, are incorporating pay-by-phone programs.
The old-fashioned single space parking meter is also getting a high tech makeover. Customers are no longer limited by the number of quarters in their pocket and merchants don’t have to make change. New, high-tech M5 meters from IPS Group, offer users additional payment options such as credit/ debit card, smart card, and pay-by-cell payment. The solar powered units, which have been installed in more than 100 cities throughout North America, also save the cost and disposal of thousands of AA batteries that power conventional electronic meters. They are wirelessly networked to a web-based management system, which alerts the municipality in the event of required maintenance or fault. A French company has even developed a meter that sends a text message to the gendarmes when the meter expires. The meters use a magnetic field to detect when a car is parked in a space. When your time is up, the meter provides a 15 minute grace period before turning you in.
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