Neo nov by AAA East Central

SEE PAGE 3

Vol. 106 No. 10

NORTHEAST OHIO REGION

NOV./DEC. 2014

Save on holiday purchases with AAA Discounts & Rewards BLUE LAGOON

THINGVELLIR

REYKJAVIK

PUFFINS

Find your “happy place” amid the natural beauty of Iceland

unofficial, charming “capital of the far north” OTS OF PEOPLE already know Iceland • Soaking in the waters of the fabled Blue Lagoon boasts some of the world’s most spec• Deep-sea fishing...hiking into a volcanic cave... tactular and beautiful natural wonor relaxing on a whale watching cruise ders — geysers, glaciers, waterfalls, You may be glad to know Iceland is our closlagoons, mountains and more. est European neighbor; flight time from New Fewer know that this small North Atlantic York is just 4.5 hours (no island nation is also home jet lag), so you’re ready to to some of the planet’s haproll as soon as you arrive! piest people. So says a 2013 Happily, the chilliest thing World Happiness Report, about the country is its which arose out of a UN name; in July, the average resolution inviting member high is about 60. And its nations to measure their welcome is always warm. people’s happiness and use Nearly everyone speaks it to guide public policies. English, and most IcelandNo doubt, Iceland’s scenic ers aren’t given to formalibeauty helps put its folks in ties; even the phone direca good mood, and you’ll savings per room (double occupancy) only on tory lists by first name! likely know — and feel — new bookings with deposit — Nov 1-30, 2014 Nature at its wildest is what we mean when you just as accessible. Expect join AAA Travel’s “Inspiring direct contact with a side of it that has all but Iceland” 7-night escorted tour this July 19. vanished from most other countries. Here, you As a member, you’ll be even happier knowcan “go back” to the places that most other ing you can save as much as $700 when you countries have paved over. You’ll experience book & deposit by Nov 30! (See box above.) virtually the same world that greeted Vikings Enhancing this unique tour are its fascinatwhen they arrived more than 1,100 years ago. ing featured activities — fun opportunities The coastal waters are prime whale habitat, to appreciate the scenic beauty and cultural teeming colonies of seabirds roosting in cliffs uniqueness of this land of fire & ice: around fjords. And humans have never made • Taking an enjoyable guided tour of Reykjavik, a permanent home in the island’s vast interior, the quirky and quaint capital, on foot or by bike where nature remains at its most primordial • Enjoying a buffet of traditional dishes...and a — vast glaciers, black-sand deserts, barren gladinner of contemporary culinary works of art cial moraine, bubbling hot springs & thermal • Meeting a local family dedicated to catching pools, active volcanoes and strange oases of Greenland sharks and preserving their meat, lush green vegetation (very reminiscent of Irewhich you’re invited to taste — if you dare! land!), thriving against all subarctic odds. • Cruising to a puffin sanctuary to see these Nature lovers may get positively giddy travcolorful birds...and fishing a bit on the way eling Iceland’s Golden Circle — a route stud• Overnighting in a quaint fishing village ded with many of its most renowned gems, • Riding Iceland’s uniquely-gaited horses...or including the 100-foot relaxing in a natural geothermal lake near the continued on page 20

MEMBERS GET AN EXTRA REASON TO BE HAPPY!

Premier ... $700 Plus ....... $650 Basic...... $600

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

AAA MEMBER APPRECIATION CELEBRATION

Whether you’re looking for holiday decorations, a new winter wardrobe, or gifts for everyone on your list, save when you shop through AAA Discounts & Rewards. The AAA Discounts & Rewards platform delivers an innovative shopping experience on AAA.com, where members can save with discount offers from approximately 30,000 participating online merchants nationwide — including national chains like Kohl’s, Macy’s, Best Buy, The Gap and The Home Depot. In addition to discount offers, you’ll earn reward points to redeem for extra savings. To begin using AAA Discounts & Rewards today, register online at AAA.com/ discounts. Registration is completely free — a valid AAA membership and email address are all you need. Then shop, save and earn on national and local brands, tickets, travel, restaurants and retailers.

Members save on flu shots at Kmart Pharmacy AAA is helping members stay healthy and save money with discounts on flu vaccines. Members can receive flu vaccines for just $15 (retail price $24.99) when they show their AAA card at participating Kmart Pharmacy locations. That’s a savings of almost $10! Flu shots are free to Medicare Part B-eligible patients with proof of insurance. Kmart Pharmacy will process most major insurances for eligibility to determine your best option. The AAA member discounted price for flu shots at Kmart Pharmacy is valid through November 30, 2014. Visit AAA.com/health for a list of participating locations.

AAA Mobile 2.0 Updates Road Service Online AAA Mobile improves on-the-go access to trusted AAA services including trip planning, discounts, mobile battery replacement quotes and roadside assistance. Version 2.0 — introduced in September — features a redesigned Road Service Online interface for iPhone and Android phone app users. Aimed at streamlining the user experience, new enhancements include a streamlined roadside request process, mapbased breakdown location and VIN scanner. Members can request roadside directly from the app with the ability to find you via the GPS location on your phone. Members can download this free app at the iTunes App Store, or Google Play.

See Alaska Onboard AAA’s Member Appreciation Cruises Alaska is Mother Nature’s masterpiece. A magical landscape forged by fire and ice, where mountains erupt from mist-shrouded fjords teeming with marine life and humpback whales. Now, you can see it all from your balcony cabin aboard Celebrity Cruises’ spectacular Solstice, during one of two 2015 AAA Member Appreciation Cruises. AAA Travel’s 7-day Alaska departures travel roundtrip from Seattle and are crammed with extra-special features and amenities like add-on airfare for just $299 per person. SEE PAGE 9.

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AAA MOTORIST

Protecting your credit and identity this holiday season

ith the holidays quickly approaching, you may feel pressured to get online or race to the mall to buy gifts for your loved ones. But you still have time to take a deep breath and plan out your gift-giving strategy. Taking the time to set a budget and protect your identity are important precautions for your financial well-being this season. After all, if you overspend or are careless with your identity, it may take months to recover. Here are some tips to protect your wallet and your identity.

Budget Saving Ideas

Start with an overall budget based on your savings. Make a list and assign a dollar amount to each gift. If you have a large family, you may want to discuss the idea of drawing names so each person only has to buy one gift. Plan ahead as much as possible. If possible, shop on Black Friday and Cyber Monday (the Monday after Thanksgiving). If that’s not possible, use the Internet to comparison shop and look for sales. Don’t get burned with “hot toys.” If you’re shopping for children, don’t buy them the hottest toy of the season. Instead, tell them you might get it for their birthday. Chances are they may forget about it by then, or if not, it’s sure to be cheaper in the off-season.

Identity Protection Tips

Be careful when shopping online. Only shop on websites with the technology to secure your transaction. Secure sites have “https” instead of “http” in the address bar or they may have an icon of a locked padlock. In addition, don’t shop on sites that you don’t recognize, especially if they don’t have a phone number or physical address. They might be part of a phishing scam to get your credit or debit card number. Be observant in the store. Watch out for anyone who may be standing in line behind you with a cell phone, especially a smart phone. They could easily take

PROTECTMYID MEMBER BENEFITS

AAA East Central members are eligible for two identity theft monitoring products: ProtectMyID Essential and ProtectMyID Deluxe. ProtectMyID Essential is free to all members over the age 18 as part of their AAA East Central membership. ProtectMyID Deluxe provides all of the features of Essential plus additional benefits at a deeply discounted member rate. For more information, and to subscribe to ProtectMyID Essential or Deluxe, simply go to AAA.com/ProtectMyID or call 1.877.440.6943. To enroll, you must have a valid email address and be 18 or older.

Reach for the sky with AAA Plus ®

a photo of the information on your credit or debit card. Look around before you make a purchase. Keep credit card or ATM receipts. Don’t throw them into trash containers, leave them on the counter, or put them in your shopping bags where they can fall out or get stolen. Shop with a slim wallet. Remove everything except one credit card and your driver’s license. Carrying multiple credit cards, a passport, social security card and other items increases your risk of identity theft. It’s not difficult to protect yourself. It just takes some thought and a little time. And considering the consequences, it may very well be worth it.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

AAA DIRECTORY AAA MEMBER SERVICES

TripTiks, Tourbooks, Maps, Address Change, AAA Plus

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

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

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

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

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

Northeast Ohio AAA Offices 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

Upgrade your membership to AAA Plus® and experience a higher level of benefits!

MIDWAY MALL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/324-2090 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/324-3423 1839 Midway Mall, Elyria 44035

Extend your benefits for even more driving security

NORWALK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 419/668-1622 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 419/668-1622 275 Benedict Ave. Norwalk 44857

Benefit

Basic Membership

AAA Plus® Membership

Towing

Back to the AAA station that comes to your rescue or Anywhere up to 100 miles. up to 3 miles to a destination of your choice.

Emergency Road Service When Out of Gas

Free delivery of emergency gas. Member will be charged for fuel at current pump price.

Free delivery of emergency gas. Fuel is free.

One service vehicle and one driver.

Two service vehicles and two drivers (if needed) at no extra charge.

Off-Road Rescue Service Lock & Key Service

Free service call (to gain entry) and up to $60 for Free service call (to gain entry) and up to $100 for locksmith charge. Towing benefit applies if necessary. locksmith charge. AAA Plus towing benefits applies if necessary.

When AAA Emergency Road Service is not Available

Reimbursement according to published limits

Get more out of your membership! Visit your local AAA office, AAA.com, or call the Member Service Center at 1-800-441-5008

Full amount reimbursed for covered AAA services (as long as costs are based on commercial rates.)

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

DEC 15

WESTLAKE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/788-3102 TRAVEL AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440/788-3103 149 Market St., Crocker Park, Westlake 44145

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

AAA MOTORIST

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It’s the most wonderful time of year at AAA 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:.........................................Mary Lynn Laughlin Vice Chairman:.................................... Martha Hartle Munsch OFFICERS: President: ....................................................James E. Lehman Executive Vice President ............................... Thomas J. Ashley Secretary .................................................. Robert H. Compton Treasurer .......................................................Robert S. Collins GOVERNING BOARD OF DIRECTORS Neil D. Bassi, James E. Broome, Jr., Steve D. Bullock**, Charles O. Casto**, Edward C. Coaxum, Jr., Robert S. Collins, Robert H. Compton, Jon E. Denney, Debra A. Dinnocenzo, Pamela C. Fritz, Gregory E. Grim**, Richard S. Hamilton, James H. Kanicki, Mary Lynn Laughlin, William Duff McCrady, James M. McDonnell, Thomas V. McKernan Jr., Martha Hartle Munsch, Gary K. Munsie** EAST CENTRAL REGION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Neil D. Bassi, Chairman, Robert S. Collins, Vice Chairman, Carol Asam, Christian Asam, Jack A. Barkley, William E. Bierer**, Ellsworth T. Bowser**, Peter Burton, Marianne B. Campbell, Michael A. Cochran, Daniel J. Collins Jr.**, Robert H. Compton, Debra A. Dinnocenzo, James J. Dodaro, Jack G. Ellis, 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, Jacob N. Skezas, James C. Stump, Jr., James F. Ward *ex officio **emeritus directors

OHIO MOTORISTS REGION BOARD OF TRUSTEES James H. Kanicki, Chairman, Audrey T. Cole, Vice Chairman, Keith Boales, Thomas G. Brick**, Steve D. Bullock*, Edward C. Coaxum, Jr., Gary S. Cowling**, Jon E. Denney*, Richard S. Hamilton, John B. Hexter, James H. Kanicki, Mary Lynn Laughlin, John D. Leech**, Khai H. Lim, Marvin E. Montgomery, Peter C. Ohlheiser, Sara E. Stashower *ex officio **emeritus directors Copyright ©2014 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.

Sensational savings at AAA Member Appreciation Celebration By Richard Hamilton Chairman, AAA East Central AA East Central is fortunate to enjoy the support of over 2.7 million members. And the holiday season is the perfect time to say thank you with our Member Appreciation Celebration. From now, through December 31, 2014, AAA members can take advantage of exclusive, members-only perks and rewards, and special offerings that celebrate the many benefits of being a AAA member. Plus, you could win a 7-night Caribbean cruise for two aboard Royal Caribbean’s spectacular Grandeur of the Seas. Departing from Baltimore August 21, 2015, ports of call include Port Canaveral, Florida; Nassau, Bahamas; Cococay, Bahamas, and three relaxing days at sea. Enter at any AAA East Central Office location, or online at AAA.com/sweepstakes.

AAA.com/lDdefense, 1-866-979-6943.

Give a gift, receive a gift AAA simplifies your life in so many ways. Simplify the lives of those around you with a AAA gift membership. And now, through December 31, AAA will waive the $10 enrollment fee for new gift memberships. We also have a nice gift for you — a $10 gift card. Choose from among dozens of merchants.

Free Associate membership AAA’s Convenience Renewal billing is an easy way to insure you’ll never be stranded without a valid AAA card. Your annual membership renewal will be billed to your credit card each year, and we’ll even send you a reminder.

call

One card, two special offers

Richard Hamilton Enroll during our Member Appreciation event and we’ll add a new Associate member to your current membership free. That’s right — up to a $25 value at no additional charge!

Protect your identity & save Holiday shoppers need to take special care to protect their personal information. ProtectMyID® Essential offers free credit monitoring — a $79 value — exclusively to AAA members. Sign up during our Member Appreciation Celebration and we’ll take $5 off your next membership renewal just for bringing your email confirmation to your local AAA office. Need enhanced monitoring services? Upgrade to ProtectMylD® Deluxe at a members only price of just $8.95 per month. Enroll online at

Turn everyday purchases into unlimited rewards with the AAA Member Rewards Visa® credit card. Earn triple points on all qualifying AAA purchases, including travel packages, AAA insurance premiums and membership dues. Earn double points when you use your AAA Member Rewards Visa® credit card for gas, grocery, and drug store purchases, and earn one point for each dollar you spend on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for cash, AAA vouchers good for travel, membership, Approved Auto Repair, and gift cards. Apply for a new AAA Member Rewards credit card at any AAA East Central branch office and, upon approval, you’ll qualify for two great offers! New Member Rewards Visa® account holders receive a one-time $25 AAA membership renewal credit. Then, use your new Rewards card to purchase a $25 Target gift card for just $5. Please accept my personal invitation to join AAA East Central for our Member Appreciation Celebration event. Visit AAA.com/Branch for your nearest AAA location. Best wishes for a safe and festive holiday season. Remember to buckle up, drive carefully, and if you plan to drink, don’t drive. Drunk driving tragedies are completely preventable and acting responsibly will go a long way towards ensuring everyone gets home for the holidays.

membersonly

AAA membership is a gift for all seasons This holiday, share the savings and service of AAA

ou know how valuable your AAA membership is. Now you can share that peace of mind with your family and friends. Who wouldn’t appreciate the gift of security, quality, service and savings? AAA is famous for our 24-hour emergency roadside assistance, but a Gift Membership offers you and your loved ones so much more. AAA members receive travel benefits including special discounts and perks on vacation packages, tours and cruises, which they can plan and book through their local AAA Travel Agency or online at AAA.com. Members also receive savings on luggage, accessories, attraction tickets, lodging discounts, Hertz car rentals, and more. AAA Prescription Savings will save everyone - even the family dog – money on their medications! AAA’s legendary service is literally at your fingertips with versatile smartphone apps like AAA Mobile, available for Android and iPhone. AAA’s TripTik

Travel Planner and TourBook guides make planning a holiday road trip a breeze. There are plenty of options for online maps and directions, but there’s only one that combines AAA’s professional hotel and restaurant ratings and in-depth travel information with Google maps. AAA members can also download digital TourBook® guides for e-reader devices and smartphones at AAA.com/ ebooks. Content for the 101 eTourBook guides is refreshed nightly to ensure members receive the most up-to-date information. Our Approved Auto Repair network of regional facilities abides by AAA’s stringent standards for technical certification, modern equipment, and customer satisfaction, which means automotive service you can trust. AAA Battery Service provides convenient mobile battery testing and installation of quality, competitively priced batteries. Over one million AAA members have enjoyed the convenience of

having a AAA battery delivered and installed on the spot. And each AAA battery is protected by an unprecedented 36-month free replacement warranty. To share the value and service of AAA membership with your loved ones this holiday season, call 1-800-441-5008, visit AAA.com/membership, or stop by your local AAA branch office.

Give a membership, receive a gift card

Purchase a gift membership at your local AAA East Central office or online at AAA.com during November and December, and not only will you save $10, you’ll also qualify for a gift of your own! AAA is waiving the $10 enrollment fee for new gift memberships from November 1 through December 31. In addition, when you purchase a new gift membership you’ll be eligible for a $10 gift card from your choice of select retailers. For full details and restrictions, see the ad on page 19.

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AAA MOTORIST

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

AAA MOTORIST

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AAA MOTORIST

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Have a fire-free home for the holidays Keep your yuletide blazes in check with these safety tips By Robin Jones t was Christmas Day, and Judy Stock had just taken the turkey out of the oven when she smelled smoke. She looked around, trying to determine the source, when she saw her cat up on the counter. Earlier in the day, Stock had placed a lit candle there for decoration. “The cat had backed into it, and his tail was on fire,” she says. Stock put the flames out quickly, before the cat got hurt—or before it could start a bigger fire with a flick of its tail—and she knows she was lucky. “If no one had been in that room, or if we’d forgotten the candle was burning, it could have been a different outcome,” she says. Every year, U.S. fire agencies respond to 150 blazes started by holiday decorations and another 250 fires involving Christmas trees, according to the National Fire Protection Association and the U.S. Fire Administration. These fires account for an average of 21 deaths and more than $25 million in property damage annually. Dealing with the devastation of a major fire will certainly ruin your holidays, but even the smallest fire can be disruptive and expensive. That might not destroy your holiday spirit, but it will take time and energy away from your seasonal plans. If you decorate your home this time of year, take the following precautions to protect yourself, your family, and your property.

SEASONAL SAFETY — Pets can be a problem around holiday decorations. Trees: Before you buy a live tree, check it for freshness. First, pull the needles back from the branches; they shouldn’t come off easily. Second, check the trunk at the spot where the tree was cut; it should still be sticky with resin. Third, bounce the tree on the ground. If piles of needles fall off, the tree is too dry. Once the tree is in your house, keep it in a water-bearing stand, and check the water level every day. Also, keep it away from heat sources, such

as vents, radiators, and fireplaces; they can quickly dry out trees, making them more susceptible to fire. Outdoor lights: Before you put up your holiday lights, check the box labels to make sure they’ve been certified for outdoor use. Then inspect each strand for cracked sockets and frayed wires, and throw away any light sets that show damage. Plug in lights with an extension cord that’s designed for outdoor use, and don’t connect more than three strands

of lights together. When you leave the house or go to bed at night, turn the lights off. They could short out and start a fire, and you don’t want to be away or asleep if that should happen. And whether you put up outdoor or indoor lights, be careful not to overload power strips, which could cause them to overheat and possibly catch on fire. Other decorations: If you use lit candles, place them far away from anything that might catch fire (including pets), and make sure they’re in holders that are unlikely to be knocked down. (Better yet, use battery-powered candles.) Before you light your fireplace, clear all greenery and needles from the area, and don’t use wrapping paper for kindling—it can cause a fire to get very big, very fast, sending sparks and embers into the air and increasing the chance of a chimney fire.

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.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

AAA MOTORIST

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AAA Emergency Road Service: Understanding your coverage

his is an overview of Emergency Road Service coverage for Basic members. Additional benefits and services are available for those with AAA Plus, AAA Plus RV, or AAA Premier membership. Contact your local office or call the TeleService Center at 412-363-5100 or 1-800-441-5008 for details.

MAKING THE CALL TO OBTAIN SERVICE

In case of an automotive emergency, call the AAA number listed on your AAA membership card. You’ll be connected to our 24-hour ERS dispatch center or the AAA club in the area from which you are calling. You can also use the AAA mobile app or visit AAA.com to place a service request. To help speed our response, be prepared to: 1. Provide your name, your membership number and the club code listed on your membership card. 2. Give the exact location of your vehicle and the nature of the trouble. 3. Describe the year, make and color of vehicle disabled. 4. If possible, provide a telephone or cell phone number where you can be reached. (Helpful hint: Keep your cell phone number in your wallet or attach it to the phone for easy access)

IF YOU CANNOT BE WITH THE VEHICLE

Except for situations involving a highway emergency, the member must initiate the request for service and identify any person who will serve as the member’s designated agent. Depending on the type of service requested, your designated agent may be required to assume the responsibility of signing a release form. Your designated agent also must have possession of your current AAA membership card, the owner’s card and keys and be with the vehicle at the time service is rendered. Service to unattended vehicles is at the sole discretion of the service provider.

CANCEL UNNECESSARY CALLS

If the requested service is no longer needed and the AAA service representative has not yet arrived, please call AAA immediately, as each service call is charged to AAA and against the member’s record.

SERVICE INCLUSIONS

1. Mechanical First Aid. The AAA emergency service representative will make minor mechanical repairs or adjustments to place a vehicle in driving condition. If needed and available, parts and the labor cost to install them are to be paid for by the member. If the vehicle cannot be put into condition to proceed under its own power

within a reasonable length of time, towing service as described in item 5 will be provided. 2. Flat-tire Service. If the vehicle’s spare tire is inflated and serviceable, it will be installed in place of the vehicle’s flat tire. If not, towing provisions will apply. Note: Tire rotation, installation/ removal of tire chains and snow tire changeover are not emergency road services. 3. Battery Service. A battery boost will be provided in an attempt to start the vehicle. If it cannot be started in this manner, towing provisions will apply. Mobile battery testing and replacement service is also available in many areas to get you on the go. 4. Fuel Delivery Service. A limited supply of fuel will be delivered to a member’s disabled vehicle enabling the member to reach the nearest service station. The member will be charged for the fuel at current pump prices. 5. Towing Services. When your vehicle cannot be safely driven after attempting any of the listed emergency services, your vehicle will be towed (once per breakdown) to the facility rendering the service, or up to three miles in any direction from the point of disablement at no charge. Charges for service that exceed the benefits listed will be at the prevailing hourly or mileage rate for the region where service is provided. In instances when your vehicle becomes disabled while towing a light-duty trailer, service will be provided for the trailer. You will be required to pay for trailer towing. 6. Extrication/Winching. Your vehicle will be pulled out of a ditch by being extricated/winched when it can be safely reached from a normally traveled or established thoroughfare (driveways must be cleared of snow or ice). If special equipment, additional service personnel or service vehicles are required, the associated costs will be at your expense. 7. Lockout Service. If your keys are locked inside the vehicle, service will be sent to gain entrance. If your keys are lost, broken or the service provider cannot gain entrance to your vehicle, locksmith service up to $60 or, if a AAA locksmith is not available, reimbursement for locksmith service up to $60 will be provided. In cases where the vehicle cannot be made operable, towing services will be provided according to our towing provision. 8. Service Limitations. Members requiring more than four road service calls during their membership year will be charged for the fifth call and each succeeding call at the time of service. 9. Emergency Check Acceptance. Members’ personal checks are accepted for emergency service and repairs by

affiliated emergency road service stations for the exact amount of expenses up to $250. This program covers only emergency service and repairs to put a member’s vehicle in safe running condition. A valid membership card must be presented in addition to other identification required by the station. 10. Special Assistance. When your vehicle cannot be made operable upon providing the services listed in this summary, AAA will assist you in finding the nearest open place of repair. If a repair facility cannot be located, we will assist you in obtaining lodging or alternate transportation, which will be at your expense.

TYPES OF VEHICLES SERVICED

Service applies to all properly licensed and inspected four-wheeled motor-driven vehicles of the passenger, pleasure or recreational type - provided that services can be safely delivered. If specific towing equipment is requested, but not required to safely transport the vehicle, the associated cost will be at your expense. Dual-wheel campers/motor homes are eligible for all services except towing, extrication/winching and tire service. Dual-wheel unloaded pickup trucks are eligible for all services except tire services. Rented passenger vehicles are eligible for service. Commercial vehicles (excluding taxis and limousines) are eligible for services. Motorcycles are ineligible for all services.

WEATHER EMERGENCIES

During severe weather conditions, AAA reserves the right to limit or suspend service temporarily if the vehicle is already in a place of safety, such as a private or public garage, driveway, etc. AAA will provide service to the vehicle after the weather emergency is over.

ALTERNATE SERVICE

If you have followed the procedure to obtain emergency road service, and AAA service is not available, you may obtain your own service, pay

for it and submit the original receipt to your AAA club within 60 days. Reimbursement will be based on the prevailing commercial rate for the region where the vehicle was disabled. In instances where the AAA contractor access is legally restricted (toll roads, limited-access highways), reimbursement will be provided for all covered services. If AAA service was available but not requested, reimbursement may be limited to the amount the club would have paid normally for the covered service. AAA will make no reimbursements on charges incurred when a member’s vehicle is removed from the street or under direction of the police because of illegal parking or other traffic violations. Members having more than four road service calls during their membership year are not eligible for alternate-service reimbursement.

MEMBER’S RISK

Before servicing any vehicle when there is a possibility of damage to the vehicle or other property as a result of the service, a service representative will inform the member that the member must assume the risk of damage. Any such circumstances should be fully recorded on a release form. While AAA-affiliated service providers are selected to provide the best emergency road service to our members, such providers are independent contractors and are not agents of AAA. AAA assumes no responsibility for any injuries to persons or property, including damage to the member’s vehicle, as a result of an emergency road service request. AAA will make every reasonable effort to work out a settlement between a member and an affiliated service provider of the member’s claim for damages resulting from unsatisfactory emergency road service. Contact the TeleService Center within 10 days of the incident so that a prompt investigation can be made while all facts are available. ©2014

PAGE 8

AAA MOTORIST

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

AAA MOTORIST

Member Benefits • Exclusive Offers

AAA Member Exclusive Add-on airfare available for just $299 per person for a limited time!

1-800-354-8761 • AAA.com/travel

LASKA 2015

Member Appreciation Cruises

Value Comparison for a Balcony Stateroom

AAA MEMBER RATE

from $1,760 per person ADDED MEMBER VALUES*

NONMEMBER INTERNET RATE from $1,936* per person

DISCOUNTED ADD-ON AIRFARE with 1-night pre-cruise hotel stay

$299 per person • R/T Pittsburgh-Seattle double occupancy • airport/hotel/pier transfers

SHIPBOARD CREDIT — $50

per stateroom • for beverages, spa, shops, etc

IN-STATEROOM BOTTLE OF WINE 1 per stateroom

NO ADDED VALUES

ONBOARD MARTINI TASTING 2 vouchers per stateroom

COMPACT HIGH-QUALITY BINOCULARS 1 per stateroom • view wildlife & scenery

IN-PERSON PLANNING ASSISTANCE AAA Travel professionals ready to help! *valid for balcony and higher-level staterooms

*based on rate as of 10/14/14 on CelebrityCruises.com

Add-on airfare & a FREE 1-night pre-cruise hotel stay with transfers for $299 per person AAA members who sailed on the 2014 Member Appreciation Cruise loved the extra-special amenities and values offered on that sailing so much that we’ve continued to pile on the “goodies” in 2015. And, for the first time ever, there are now 2 Member Appreciation Cruise departures! Each 7-night Alaska cruise on Celebrity Solstice is potentially loaded with a total of more than $700 in member savings and added values. You can’t get all of these extras anywhere else — only from AAA. These special AAA departures combine the 49th state’s awe-inducing glaciers, mountains and wildlife with the first-class quality of Celebrity’s “floating resort” — and when you add in all of the many member-only values & amenities only available on these sailings, these cruise adventures will be the ones you’ll always remember. One eye-popping feature of these popular cruise vacations is the discounted add-on roundtrip airfare (ClevelandSeattle) that’s available for a limited time for just $299 per person exclusively for AAA members booking balcony staterooms. The true cost of this cross-country airfare is as much as $500 more, but AAA will pay the rest. That savings is certainly more than the cost of your annual AAA membership and great proof that it pays to be a member. And, when you arrange your discounted air with AAA, you’ll also get a FREE 1-night pre-cruise Seattle hotel stay with transfers (a value of as much as $259 per room), assuring that you’ll be rested and on time for your cruise. Settle back into the comfort of your private balcony on Solstice for an endless parade of stunning land- & seascapes passing by your luxurious stateroom. Kick up your slippered feet, sip a soothing cocktail or a steaming cup of java and take in Mother Nature’s handiwork. Keep a keen eye out for glimpses of wildlife, listen for the eerie groaning of melting glaciers, inhale the impossibly fresh salt air and know without a doubt that you’re in a pristine world with the power to erase your everyday stresses and

Inside Passage. It features virtually everything you come to invigorate your senses. Alaska hoping to see, including rain forests, glaciers, fjords Enhancing your newfound tranquillity are a “boatload” and white-capped peaks — all of which create a setting of member-only amenities available with balcony statethat’s perfect for viewing whales and sea lions. rooms — including an in-room bottle of wine and an opWildlife gives way to wild life in the Gold Rush town of portunity to taste a martini. Skagway. Saloons and dance-hall revues enliven this little After a relaxing full day at sea after departing Seattle, port with the big frontier spirit. If prospecting fever hits you’ll catch sight of Ketchikan, the first port of call. Variyou, try the White Pass & Yukon Railway or a ride on the ously called “Salmon Capital of the World,” “Alaska’s First Klondike Highway to places where you can roll up your City” and “Rain Capital of Alaska,” it was named after a sleeves and pan for gold on your own! creek flowing through this ancestral home of the Tlingit After another day at sea, step ashore at Victoria, British people; some say it’s their word for “thundering wings of Columbia’s capital and a charming example of colonial an eagle.” A must-see here is the world’s largest collecsplendor. This English-flavored enclave enjoys a temperate tion of totem poles. You may opt to flightsee by seaplane climate, which makes exploring its museums, gardens and over nearby spectacular Misty Fjords National Monument, parks so enjoyable. called the “Yosemite of the North.” Learn more about these departures at AAA.com/Alaska. Back on ship, you’ll sail amid pure silence past transluHurry — space is limited, and Alaska is very popular! cent blue icebergs silhouetted against a dramatic backdrop of waterfall-laced rock walls ascending thousands of feet into the sky at Tracy Arm Fjord. Where Earl Grey meets Alaska Eddie Bauer® is a way to Aug 21-28 describe the charms of Member Rate Alaska’s capital, Juneau. from $1,940 Here, the pioneering spirit lives on in an interesting Aug 28–Sept 4 mix of cosmopolitan chic Member Rate and frontier ruggedness. from $1,760 Visit the State Museum’s Balcony rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of exquisite collection of booking and includes 7-night cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard Russian Orthodox and Gold meals, government taxes/fees ($441.92), $50 shipboard credit per stateroom, in-cabin Rush relics. bottle of wine and martini tasting vouchers (2 per stateroom). Ship’s registry: Malta. Then enter one of the Ask about discounted add-on airfare and FREE 1-night pre-cruise hotel stay with world’s most famously transfers (available for a limited time). Visit AAA.com/Alaska for more information. beautiful waterways, the

2015 AAA Member Appreciation Cruises Celebrity Solstice

PAGE 9

PAGE 10

AAA MOTORIST

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

EXPERIENCE SNOWMOBILING & SNOWCOACHING

LIGHT UP THE HOLIDAYS

Jackson Hole Snowmobile Adventure Package

FOR THE

TRAVELERS

The only thing that can beat the exhilaration of snowmobiling is snowmobiling through the splendor of America’s mountain West at Jackson Hole WY! Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned snowmobiler, this package is for lovers of adventure and natural beauty. Start in the Gros Ventre Mountain Range — a great opportunity to view wildlife. Follow trails framing Jackson Hole Valley and enjoy incredible views of the Tetons. Along the way, sightings of elk, deer, moose, coyote and bighorn sheep are common. Travel through Grand Teton National Park on your way to a full day of snowcoach touring in Yellowstone National Park. Enjoy all that Jackson Hole has to offer on your own for a day. Then head into the Wyoming Range for unforgettable scenery and exciting rides. Bring a swimsuit, because you’re in for a treat — a full-day snowmobile adventure with Granite Hot Springs as your destination. After an easy 11-mile groomed Forest Service trail, soak in the 106-degree natural hot spring waters and enjoying a poolside BBQ, all the while surrounded by snow-covered mountains. It’s an experience to remember!

Feb 7-13 or Feb 14-20 •

IN YOUR LIFE Help make their travel dreams come true this year!

AAA Travel Gift Certificates (in amounts of $200 or greater) are available at all AAA Travel locations.

AAA Member Rate: $1,875

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability and includes roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, 10 meals, entrance fees (national parks/attractions/ activities), 3 days of guided snowmobile touring with instruction, all necessary equipment (helmet, gloves, snowsuit, boots, etc), 1-day guided snowcoach tour of Yellowstone National Park, tips for bellmen & included meals. Minimum age to operate a snowmobile in the National Forest is 14; must be accompanied by a parent. Ask about available add-on airfare. Visit AAA.com/travel for more information.

Certificates are redeemable at any AAA East Central Travel Agency toward the purchase of airline tickets, tour packages or escorted tour reservations. Certificates expire 60 months (5 years) from date of issue. © GVS - FOTOLIA.COM

Explore Down Under...from the Outback to the Glaciers!

AUSTRALIA Oct 15–Nov 4, 2015 •

AAA Member Rate: from $10,524

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

AAA MEMBER SAVINGS

Book & make a deposit by 11-30-14 to save! Premier ..................... $1,000 AAA Plus ...................... $950 Basic ............................. $900

Savings per room, based on double occupancy. To qualify, you must purchase air through AAA.

NEW ZEALAND Cairns, catamaran ride Great Barrier Reef Glass-bottom boat ride Daintree Rainforest/ Mossman Gorge, meet Aboriginals Uluru/Ayers Rock, Champagne toast Alice Springs, Aboriginal drummers Dreamtime tour, bush dinner

Melbourne, Opal Centre Phillip Island Little Penguin colony Christchurch Tranz-Alpine Express train ride Franz Joseph Glacier Queenstown, gondola to dinner Milford Sound cruise “Middle Earth” touring

Steamship cruise, farm life tour Winery tour & tasting Overnight in Mt Cook National Park Herding/shearing demo Dine with a NZ Family Sydney & Opera House Koala Park & Opal Collection Sydney Harbour dinner cruise

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

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

AAA MOTORIST

PAGE 11

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

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

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

____________________________________________________________

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.

Look for the AAA Featured Vacations logo to identify out-of-the-ordinary offerings.

AAA.com

Linking you & your next vacation! FLIGHTS RENTAL CARS HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

Avoid potential airport hassles. Motorcoach to your cruise! Park for free, then relax & ride AAA’s convenient “Cruise Express” motorcoach right to your ROYAL CARIBBEAN ship!

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

Grandeur of the Seas from Baltimore!

TRAVEL WITH SOMEONE YOU TRUST.®

EASTERN CARIBBEAN Feb 3-13 • from $1,088 EASTERN CARIBBEAN March 3-13 • from $1,203 EASTERN CARIBBEAN April 28–May 8 • from $1,167

Irish Pubs

&Folklore

AAA MEMBER RATES are per person (double occupancy), are subject to availability at time of booking and include roundtrip motorcoach transportation, cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals; taxes, fees and port expenses of up to $524.25 per person are also included. Ship’s registry: Bahamas. Visit AAA.com/motorcruise for itinerary details & Cleveland area pick-up points.

Be among the first to cruise on the new ANTHEM OF THE SEAS and get $25 shipboard credit! Experience comfort & convenience: This Anthem sailing includes a 1-night before-cruise hotel stay near Cape Liberty NJ (and a short driving tour of New York City). Feb 5-13, 2016 • from $1,705 BAHAMAS: Port Canaveral FL • Nassau, Bahamas Cococay, Bahamas • 3 days at sea AAA MEMBER RATE is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip motorcoach transportation, 1-night pre-cruise hotel accommodations, cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals and $25 shipboard credit per stateroom; taxes, fees and port expenses of $365.70 per person are also included. Ship’s registry: Bahamas. Visit AAA.com/motorcruise for itinerary details & Cleveland area pick-up points.

ESCORTED TOUR OPERATED BY CIE TOURS INTERNATIONAL

Sláinte!

New reduced rate!

Cheers!

Feel like a local at friendly pubs full of the craic — Ireland’s unique mix of news, gossip, fun, entertainment and enjoyable conversation! Tour Dublin: St Stephen’s Green, Georgian squares, O’Connell Street, Famine Memorial & more. Quaff a pint at the Guinness Storehouse • Meet the owners of a working beef/ sheep/horse farm. • Tour medieval Kilkenny, then explore it on your own. • Visit the House of Waterford; watch craftsmen transform molten glass into elegant tableware. • Kiss the “Stone of Eloquence” at Blarney Castle. • Browse at Blarney Woolen Mills...or visit a pub instead! • Circumnavigate scenic Dingle Peninsula and sample a local brew at Dingle Brewing Company. • Sit down to dinner & traditional entertainment (including step-dancing) in Killarney. • Ferry across the Shannon to view the Cliffs of Moher. • Stop in Galway on the way to Connemara. • Overnight in attractive Westport. • Cross over to Achill Island and see the Deserted Village (stone cottages abandoned around the time of the Famine). • Tour Kilbeggan Distillery and enjoy an Irish coffee. • Enjoy storytelling at Dublin’s oldest pub. • Spend a day on your own in Dublin, using included vouchers for an open-top bus tour and a visit to Old Jameson Distillery.

May 12-21 •

AAA Member Rate: $1,899 $1,809

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and 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.

PAGE 12

AAA MOTORIST

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

LAST CHANCE! Holidays at Tara — 1 day

Dec 5

Frankenmuth Christmas

Dec 6-7

Enjoy a day in Western Pennsylvania. Lunch at Tara–A Country Inn in Clark, the amazing Christmas display at Kraynak’s in Hermitage and Wendell August Forge in Grove City. AAA Member Rate: $75

Visit Bronner’s, the world’s largest Christmas store, and see the Silent Night Chapel on this holiday weekend to Bavarian-themed Frankenmuth MI. Includes accommodations at Bavarian Inn Lodge, a city tour, Bronner’s CHRISTmas store, 2 meals (including dinner at the Bavarian Inn) and more. AAA Member Rate: $299

Christmas in Lancaster PA

Dec 12-14

Get into the Christmas spirit at 2 shows in Dutch Country. The American Music Theatre’s critically acclaimed Christmas show is a tradition for many and renowned as Lancaster’s most beloved holiday show; awe-inspiring music & dance, incomparable voices and light-hearted holiday humor comprise this season’s all-new extravaganza. Includes Joy to the World (the American Music Theatre’s Christmas show), Burglar’s Christmas show at the Rainbow Dinner Theatre, the National Christmas Center, Kitchen Kettle Village, 4 meals and more. AAA Member Rate: $439 Motorcoach disclaimer below also applies to these holiday departures.

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

FLANAGAN’S SHENANIGANS: FREDONIA NY March 14 •

AAA Member Rate: $99

Hilarious 4-act “traditional” Irish wake with jokes, songs, corned beef & fun!

WASHINGTON DC SPRINGTIME April 16-19 •

AAA Member Rate: $639

Bring your camera to capture the most memorable sights of our nation’s capital. An experienced guide takes you on a full-day tour to some of DC’s most interesting and historic attractions. Includes full-day guided sightseeing of DC, half-day tour of Arlington VA, Illuminated Monuments Tour, Flight 93 National Memorial (Shanksville PA), 2 meals and more.

SPRING IN HOLLAND MI May 11-13 •

AAA Member Rate: $599

Explore this Dutch-themed town. See tulips (weather-dependent), windmills, wooden shoes and more. Visit artsy Saugatuck and take a ride along Lake Michigan’s dunes. Visit Fredrick Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, where magnificent artwork is displayed throughout the beautiful gardens. Includes Nelis’ Dutch Village, Windmill Island Gardens, Saugatuck Dune Rides, Fredrick Meijer Gardens tram tour, 4 meals (including a Holland Princess dinner cruise) and more.

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

AAA Member Rate: $499

Sight & Sound Theatre brings back one of its most popular shows, “Joseph,” to

LEAVE YOUR CAR AT HOME!

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

TWO TRAINS TOUR

June 19-21 •

AAA Member Rate: $559

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

NEW ENGLAND’S SCENIC RAILROADS July 13-18 •

AAA Member Rate: $1,239

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

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

AAA MOTORIST

PAGE 13

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Discover Spain’s Classics

& Portugal!

TOLEDO

MAGNÍFICO! Even if you know no other Spanish or Portuguese, this single word sums up all of the sights, culture, foods and experiences you’ll encounter & enjoy on AAA’s 12-night “Spain’s Classics & Portugal” tour. Lisbon • Fátima • Obidos Sintra • Estoril • Madrid Toledo • Córdoba Seville • Granada Valencia • Barcelona

April 15-28 •

LISBON’S TOWER OF BELÉM

AAA MEMBERS SAVE MUCHO! Premier....$625 Plus .........$575 Basic .......$525

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

MAMA MIA! AAA Member Savings through 11-30-14 Premier ........................$650 Plus ..................................$600 Basic ...............................$550 SAVINGS PER ROOM. NEW BOOKINGS ONLY (NOV 1-30, 2014).

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

Book & deposit by 11/23/14 PER ROOM, DOUBLE OCCUPANCY

AAA Member Rate: $4,719

Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Cleveland-Lisbon, Barcelona-Cleveland), accommodations, motorcoach sightseeing/admissions, 21 meals, tour director (in Portugal & Spain), government taxes/fees. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Visit AAA.com/travel for more information.

Book now; this is always a very popular tour! Oct 19-31 •

AAA Member Rate: $5,779

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

PAGE 14

AAA MOTORIST

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers UNIQUE OFFER — A DOUBLE DELIGHT FROM TRIPLE-A!

Enjoy a

New Orleans 3 DAYS, 2 NIGHTS

amid winter’s off-peak solitude!

Hotel in the French Quarter City tour, including Katrina-impacted sites Louisiana swampboat tour Mardi Gras World Demonstration & dinner at the New Orleans School of Cooking Jazz show at Preservation Hall

YELLOWSTONE IN WINTER Begin this unique and awesome off-season adventure in SALT LAKE CITY UT; see Temple Square and witness the awesome power of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (schedule permitting). Travel to WEST YELLOWSTONE MT, gateway to Yellowstone National Park. Ride private vintage snowcoaches (heated!) to see Firehole Falls, Old Faithful and wildlife. Drive through majestic Grand Teton National Park to JACKSON HOLE WY, where you may choose to ride a sleigh through the National Elk Refuge and visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art or, for an additional fee, opt for a Granite Hot Springs snowmobile tour (bring a swimsuit!). Drive through Snake River Canyon and visit Utah Olympic Park before heading home.

Feb 7-12 •

AAA Member Rate: $2,189

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Cleveland–Salt Lake City), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, luggage handling (1 bag per person), accommodations, motorcoach sightseeing & admissions (as indicated), 9 meals, services of a AAA Tour Manager (if minimumparticipation goal is met), taxes, gratuities for guide & driver. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Visit AAA.com/travel for more information.

ULTIMATE ALASKA

Winter Wonderland Tour

Feb 26–March 8 See the “real” Alaska summer visitors never see! An extraordinary chance to witness the Northern Lights, the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race and Alaska’s winter wildlife & wilderness!

AAA Member Rate: $2,955

EXPERIENCE ALL THIS...AND MORE! Fairbanks • Aurora Borealis Viewings • Trans-Alaska Pipeline • Alaska Railroad • Talkeetna • Seward Highway • Wildlife Conservation & Sealife Centers • Alyeska Resort & Tram • Anchorage • Native Heritage Center • Alaska Zoo • Mushers Banquet • Sled Dog Kennel • Iditarod Trail Race HQ Additional Optional Adventures Available!

plus Western Caribbean 8-DAY, 7-NIGHT CRUISE

Serenade of the Seas® $50.00 per stateroom onboard credit Western Caribbean ports: Falmouth, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; Cozumel, Mexico; 3 full days at sea

March 12-21 •

AAA Member Rate: from $1,530

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip airport/hotel/pier transfers, hotel accommodations/taxes/service charges/baggage handling (1 piece per person), 4 meals (on land), cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals, onboard group cocktail party (if participation goal is met), government fees and services of a AAA tour manager (if participation goal is met). Ship’s registry: Bahamas. Ask about available add-on airfare. Visit AAA.com/travel for more details.

SOUTHERN CHARM Here’s a unique escorted tour of 3 distinct destinations embodying the South’s fascinating history, genteel culture and coastal comforts. Rub shoulders with generations of Charleston gentry, soak up Savannah’s seductively languid ambiance and luxuriate in the exclusive nature and natural assets of Jekyll Island. Experience true Southern charm and hospitality at historic hotels in Charleston and on Jekyll Island.

DINNER CRUISE ON A YACHT MAGNOLIA PLANTATION STORYTELLER DINNER OLD CITY MARKET CITY TOUR

SAVANNAH GA

CHARLESTON SC

TRAM TOUR OF HISTORIC DISTRICT ST SIMON’S ISLAND TOUR INCLUDING LIGHTHOUSE & FT FREDERICA NATURALIST-LED BEACH STROLL

JEKYLL ISLAND GA

Meet mushers...

Jan 31–Feb 5 & their dogs! Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, hotel luggage handling, sightseeing transportation/admissions, 14 meals, in-Alaska guide, hand warmers and services of a AAA Tour Manager (if minimum-participation goal is met). Visit AAA.com/GoAlaska for more information. Ask about available add-on airfare.

TOUR OF HISTORIC SAVANNAH GEORGIA SEA TURTLE CENTER RIVER STREET SHOPPING LUNCH AT PAULA DEEN’S “LADY & SONS”

AAA Member Rate: $1,999

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Cleveland-Charlotte NC), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, motorcoach transportation, guided sightseeing, 9 meals, local guides, services of a AAA Tour Manager (if minimum-participation goal is met) and more. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Visit AAA.com/travel for more information.

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Turn a love of travel into a rewarding career Openings available for AAA travel agents

o you love learning about different places, and sharing that knowledge with others? Do friends and family often refer to you as “the planner” for your talent of organizing the perfect trips, down to the last detail? Do you have a background in customer service, hospitality or sales? If you answered “yes” to the above questions, a career as a AAA travel agent may be the perfect fit. AAA East Central will be hiring travel agents throughout its five-state territory — including regions of Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia — over the next several months. Ideal applicants have either travel industry experience or a strong customer service or sales background. Travel agents come from a wide range of college majors, including liberal arts, business and hospitality majors. Well traveled candidates are also encouraged to apply. AAA travel agents help members and clients navigate through today’s ever changing travel landscape. “The main responsibilities of AAA travel agents are to promote, sell and arrange travel services for our members,” said Ruth Nagy, AAA East Central Managing Director, Travel Services. “Here at AAA, we provide our travel

highly-respected organization that has provided more than a century of service to its members. “The best benefit of being an AAA Travel agent for me is coming into work knowing I am going to make someone’s day by reserving them the vacation package of a lifetime,” said Andrea Wagner, Senior Travel Agent in the East Liberty AAA office in Pittsburgh, Pa. “AAA also gives travel agents the opportunity to see the world, so we can tell clients about these amazing places we’ve have been and help make a better decision on what’s best for them.” If you are interested in joining AAA East Central as a travel agent, please visit AAA.com/okcJobs or email careers@aaaec.com.

AN IMPORTANT JOB — Members rely on AAA travel agents’ expertise to create the perfect vacation. agents with the necessary training and tools to become successful.” Technology has changed the travel industry significantly, easing access to products and services for everyone. A variety of factors can determine what destination or package is the perfect match for a particular traveler — including interests, activity level, schedule, budget and age. The best travel agents

are those who can filter the seemingly endless array of travel offerings out there and pinpoint to right fit for each person and circumstance. “As a travel agent, there’s always an opportunity to learn more, whether it’s about a new product or an unfamiliar destination,” said Nagy. “You’ll never have the same day twice.” Best of all, you’ll be part of a stable,

DID YOU KNOW?

AAA East Central full-time employees qualify for a comprehensive benefit package. Benefits include: Medical, Dental, Prescription, Vision, Short & Long-Term Disability coverage; Life & AD&D Insurance; a 401(k) with a generous company match; Paid Time Off (including Holidays, Vacation, Personal & Sick days); free AAA Plus Membership; tuition reimbursement and more.

Merry Grinchmas from Universal Studios Orlando There’s no place like Universal for the holidays

benezer Scrooge may be the role model for holiday humbug, but Dr. Seuss (a.k.a. Theodor Geisel) may have outdone Dickens with the Grinch. Everyone is familiar with the story that begins with the lines “Every Who down in Whoville liked Christmas a lot. But the Grinch who lived just North of Whoville, did not.” And this holiday season Seuss Landing, one of Universal’s five themed Islands of Adventure, will be magically transformed into Whoville to celebrate “Grinchmas,” a special “Who-liday” based on Theodor Geisel’s beloved tale and the Universal Studios film. This year’s celebration will also include the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” show with a rousing musical score by Mannheim Steamroller. If the holiday spirit possesses him (and there’s no guarantee), the Grinch may even pose for a photo. Universal goes all out for the holidays. Yuletide music fills the air and a beautifully decorated tree graces Gramercy Park. This year, those masters of modern Christmas music— Mannheim Steamroller—will return to spread some Christmas cheer. With more than 40 million albums sold worldwide, the acclaimed musical group will take to the Music Plaza stage in Universal Studios on select nights to

WHAT’S RED, GREEN AND GRUESOME? — This year’s celebration features the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” show. perform their memorable holiday hits. Performance nights are Dec. 6, 7, 14, 15, 20 and 21. America’s favorite parade — the Macy’s Holiday Parade — returns for the 13th straight year. Don’t miss this amazing event with authentic helium balloons, clowns, and floats direct from Macy’s annual Thanksgiving spectacular in New York City. This year, you

won’t want to miss the Chloe The Clown “Balloonicle,” a new addition to the parade that combines a towering balloon with a self-powered vehicle that roams the streets of Universal Studios. And don’t forget your chance to meet the star of the parade — Santa Claus. Grab your sunglasses and get ready to rock and roll at the Blues Brothers Holiday Show. Jake and Elwood perform

festive favorites like “Santa Claus is Coming To Town,” “Blue Christmas,” and more with snowflakes falling on Delancey Street at the end of each show. Holiday guests will also enjoy the extraordinary attractions and exhilarating entertainment that can only be found at Universal Orlando, including Transformers: The Ride – 3D, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, and the allnew, spectacularly-themed Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Diagon Alley at Universal Studios. This incredible attraction expands upon Harry Potter — Hogsmeade, found at Islands of Adventure. Guests with Park-to-Park admission can journey between both lands aboard the Hogwarts Express, the iconic steam locomotive from the Harry Potter books and films. Holiday events are scheduled from Dec. 6th, 2014, through Jan. 3rd, 2015. Best of all, the Grinchmas festivities at Islands of Adventure, and the Mannheim Steamroller performances, and Macy’s Holiday Parade at Universal Studios, are included with your theme park admission. FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please see your Departures Guide or log on to AAA.com/Universal for special values on Florida and Universal Orlando vacations.

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Where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean Sea Beauty and the beach in the Dominican Republic

ccupying two thirds of the island of Hispaniola, the Dominican Republic is one of the Caribbean’s most versatile playgrounds. Home to over 300 species of orchids and a Latin culture as spicy as meringue, Columbus first sighted the island in 1492. He called it “the fairest land under heaven” and it has been an irresistible lure for visitors ever since. Punta Cana, nestled on the island’s easternmost tip, presides over some of the best beaches on the planet, with Bávaro, Macao and Cortecito, all ranked among the world’s finest. The water is clear, flat and warm, and more than three-dozen resorts or balnearios are spread over miles of powdery white sand. Almost all of the resorts are allinclusive — the land-based equivalent of a cruise. Once you’ve arrived, you can usually put your wallet away as most meals, drinks, entertainment and activities like non-motorized water sports are included in the package. Golfers can treat themselves to 12 challenging area courses by such notable designers as Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, Tom Fazio, and P.B. Dye. Area beaches are fringed with sugary white sand, framed by swaying palms and lapped by turquoise waters. Bávaro is a 30-mile-long strip of blinding white powder surrounded by coral reefs. Most

SAND IN YOUR SHOES — Punta Cana’s white sand beaches are the stuff of legend. of it is walkable and it is a popular area for watersports. Dolphin Island Park, located between the beach and the reef, lets visitors swim and snorkel with dolphins, rays and sea lions in their natural habitat. Macao Beach, just north of Punta Cana, is a favorite spot for surfers. It’s also the departure point for beach buggy,

Young vehicle renters will save with AAA and Hertz

ust in time for holiday break, Hertz is waiving the Young Renter fee for 23 and 24 year olds. That’s a savings of up to $30 a day (depending on car class). Just include promotion code 204083 in your reservation and pick up your vehicle on or before December 15, 2014. It’s that easy. Hertz always offers young renters great savings on one of the most fuel-efficient fleets in the industry. The Hertz Green Traveler Collection offers eco-friendly hybrid rentals that are easy on the environment and the wallet. All Green Traveler cars have fuel efficiency ratings starting at 33+ highway mpg, reducing fuel costs and emissions. And with the option of Hertz 24/7, you have the ability to rent when YOU need it — by the hour, the day or more — right in your neighborhood. Need an SUV or van for your next ski weekend getaway? Hertz has you covered. With discounts on Hertz NeverLost GPS and SiriusXM Satellite Radio, not only will you get there, but you’ll also enjoy the ride. There are three simple ways to book

your reservation today: Visit AAA. com/hertz, call 1-800-653-3080, or contact your local AAA Travel agency. The Young Renter Fee may appear on your reservation confirmation, but will be deducted at time of rental. Offer is valid on all car classes (excludes Adrenaline, Prestige Collection or other exotic cars). Offer is available at participating locations in the U.S. and Canada (excluding New York metro). Valid for vehicle pickup through 12/15/14. For full details and restrictions, visit AAA.com/hertz.

ATV and other off-road excursions that take you inland to explore the dark margins of the jungle. The Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park at the southern end of Punta Cana, shelters more than 500 species of exotic plants and animals. Visitors can hike the trails that snake along 11 natural lagoons, each with a unique name from

the native Taino language, while the mineral springs offer a cool and refreshing refuge. More than 500 years ago the Spanish explorer Ponce de León erected a fort in what is now San Rafael de Yuma. Today, the Renaissance-inspired plantationhouse museum displays a number of the quixotic conquistador’s personal effects, including his shield. Located an hour southwest of Punta Cana, is Boca de Yuma, a timeless fishing village surrounded by beautiful beaches. Once a favorite hangout for pirates, high coral bluffs surround a placid bay that is home to a fleet of colorful fishing boats. Take a quiet stroll along the Malecón, or enjoy a cigar and Presidente beer in an outdoor café. Dominican cuisine is as savory and colorful as the island itself. Flag is a signature Dominican dish made with red beans, white rice accompanied by beef or chicken and “tostones” — fried slices of green plantain. Sancocho is the traditional Dominican soup that combines all manner of meat with different kinds of tubers.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please see this issue’s Departures Guide, or log on to AAA.com/TravelPlanner for special values on vacations from AAA Travel.

Take the pledge — Drive drug and alcohol free

he holiday season is a time for family, friends, and festive celebrations. Unfortunately, it’s also a time when there’s a tragic jump in the number of alcoholrelated fatalities. About 40 percent of all traffic fatalities between Christmas and New Year’s involve alcohol. New Year’s Day is one of the deadliest days of the year for alcohol-related fatalities for motorists and pedestrians alike. The real tragedy is that drunk driving deaths, injuries and crashes are totally preventable if people make responsible choices. If you’re planning to drink this holiday season, make sure you bring a designated driver. Trying to stay within the legal limit can be tricky, since blood alcohol content not only depends on how much and how fast you drink, but on factors such as how much food is in your stomach, and how quickly your metabolism works. The average person metabolizes alcohol at the rate of about one drink per hour. Don’t forget that prescription, overthe-counter medications and illegal drugs also can impair a person’s ability to drive. If you feel like you’ve had too much to drink, call a friend or a cab — don’t drive. Never allow yourself or your loved ones to ride in a vehicle driven by someone who is intoxicated. Only time will sober a person up. Drinking

strong coffee, exercising or taking a cold shower will not help. If you’re planning a party try to include activities that shift the focus away from drinking. Offer alternative, alcohol-free beverages, and be certain all guests leave with a sober driver. Take their keys if you think they’re about to drive while impaired. Friends don’t let friends drive drunk. AAA works year-round, educating motorists about the hazards and driving practices that will help keep them safe and reduce alcohol-related crashes. DUIjusticelink.AAA.com is an online resource offering impaired driving facts, transportation alternatives and expert advice. While you’re there, AAA encourages visitors to Take the Pledge to drive drug and alcohol-free. Simply provide your name, email and zip code, and then “sign” the pledge by checking the box. Then, help spread the word to family and friends via social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. Send personalized E-cards to encourage others to do the same with timely messages that could one day, help save their lives. DUIjusticelink.AAA.com is not only a gateway for people to publicly commit to the fight against impaired driving, but a valuable resource for prevention tips and up-to-date statistics, to help people become more effective advocates and drive more responsibly.

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Uniworld showcases new ships and new destinations River cruise line has some exciting additions for 2015

ravelers are discovering that a river cruise is an extraordinary way to experience the Continent. Europe’s historic rivers drift past pastoral valleys, medieval villages and mighty castles, with the stately grace of a Viennese waltz. They flow into the heart of elegant Baroque cities that grew around a millennium of river trade. River cruising also means no packing or unpacking, no sea days and no lines to get on or off the ship. Distance between ports is typically short and the ships usually dock in the middle of town, so the charming squares, and bustling marketplaces are typically just a brief stroll away. New destinations, a new ship, and new itineraries are all part of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises’ 2015 portfolio. The 155-guest S.S. Maria Theresa launches next spring, filled with fine art and Old World antiques. Named after the Archduchess of Austria and mother of Marie Antoinette, S.S. Maria Theresa will sail this very same region on the European Jewels itinerary. Onboard amenities include a heated swimming pool, well-equipped fitness center, Serenity River Spa, guest laundry, free Internet and Wi-Fi access, and a cinema. Staterooms and suites feature handcrafted Savoir of England beds, and LCD TVs with infotainment center. Marble baths are stocked with L’Occitane en Provence products, plush towels, cozy bathrobes, and slippers. Travel through time along the great rivers, uncovering the crown jewels of European history, culture, scenery, and art. Uniworld has crafted 33 allinclusive European itineraries with six new programs for 2015, and 45 more departures on their popular Rhine and Danube cruises. New itineraries include an eight-day Holland & Belgium at Tulip Time; a 10-day Delightful Danube & Prague; 13-day Jewels of Spain, Portugal & the Douro River; and 22-day Ultimate France. This triumvirate of France brings you the very best of each region: Paris and the Normandy coast in the north, incomparable Bordeaux in the southwest, and the sun-drenched Mediterranean delights

ONE ROOM, A THOUSAND VIEWS — Uniworld travels on Europe’s original highways. of Burgundy and Provence. You’ll tour glamorous capitals, explore ancient villages still unspoiled by modern life and walk in the footsteps of great artists like Monet and Van Gogh. Visit Monet’s home in his beloved village of Giverny, where he lived and worked for more than 40 years. Stroll through the grounds and admire the familiar Japanese bridge and water garden that inspired him. Vincent van Gogh found inspiration in the charming town of Arles and you will, too. Falling under the spell of the Provençal light and the vivid palette of nature, he produced more than 300 paintings and drawings in 15 months. Arles also has a wealth of Roman monuments, including the Amphitheater and Constantine’s baths. European itineraries will also delve deeper into local customs and culture with more authentic experiences like the “Choice is Yours” and “Do as the Locals” tours. Ramble along thousand-year-old cobblestones in Passau, cycle along the Inn River, or stroll across the 650-yearold Charles Bridge in Prague. A magical city of castles, cathedrals and goldpleated domes, Prague’s timeless sil-

Breathtaking! This isNiagara Falls! 154

*PP/DB including meals... 2 full breakfasts, dinner at Two nights from $ Coco’s Steakhouse, and a superb dinner high atop Skylon’s Revolving Dining Room overlooking the Falls. Ask about our Niagara Attractions Package... From $124*PP/DB.

Call Now! 1-800-263-9393 holidayinnniagarafalls.com Niagara Falls, Canada *Rates are per person, double occupancy. Prices valid Sun to Thurs. Holidays, weekends higher. Tax extra. Free parking. Rates valid Oct. 13 to May 14, 2015. Child add-ons, whirlpool suites, gift certificates also available. *Subject to exchange rates. Visit www.holidayinnniagarafalls.com for details.

houette is mirrored in the Vltava River. The striking mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings are among the best preserved in all of Europe. Located halfway between Paris and Prague, Strasbourg has been called the “Crossroads of Europe.” You’ll feel like you’re in a fairytale as you sail through the city’s beautiful historic core, where half-timbered houses are adorned with flower boxes.

Most Danube cruises navigate the narrow Strudengau into the Wachau Valley, through the gently sloping vineyards of Austria’s wine-growing region. Then it’s on to the enchanted city of Vienna. Austria’s capital is a melodious blend of imperial traditions, striking architecture, cozy wine taverns, and that ineffable Viennese charm. Even the name seems to roll off the tongue, as light and heady as Nussberger wine. With its grand boulevards, fin-de-siècle architecture, and rich cultural patrimony, Budapest is known as the “Paris of Eastern Europe.” The twin cities of Buda and Pest spread out over opposite sides of one of the Danube River’s loveliest stretches. Buda Castle overlooks the city from its lofty position atop Castle Hill, surrounded by eighteenth-century Baroque houses and cobblestone streets. River cruising with Uniworld is a truly all-inclusive experience, including shore excursions and world-class gourmet cuisine. Services and amenities on all European cruises include unlimited fine wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, and bottled water, and all gratuities for all onboard and onshore services. FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

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Inspiring Iceland continued from page 1 double cascade of mighty Gullfoss (Golden Waterfalls), whose mist clouds give rise to dozens of rainbows on sunny days...and the countless splendors of Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. That continental “meeting” helps fuel Iceland’s underground “furnace”; the resulting geothermal activity surfaces in several ways. For a better understanding of this, you’ll visit Reykjavik’s Volcano House to discover how important volcanism is to Iceland and to learn about its last 2 eruptions. The other less disastrous eruptions we call geysers owe their name, the only Icelandic word in the English language, to Great Geysir in southwest Iceland; though somewhat shy in recent decades, it lives up to its name when it does perform, spewing steam 200 feet skyward. More reliable is nearby Strokkur (“churn”), spouting a jet up to 100 feet nearly every 5 minutes. Reliably more gentle, Iceland’s pintsize and remarkably sure-footed horses were once the country’s primary form of transport. Dating back to when the Vikings colonized the island, they were bred to cross glaciers and lava deserts and are fabled for their endurance and smooth gait, traveling up to 20mph over rough ground. Their hardy descendants can carry 250-pound riders up 60-degree slopes with the agility of a mountain goat!

Reykjavik, the self-proclaimed “Capital of Cool” with a population of about 180,000, is a happy and intriguing mix of cosmopolitan culture and local village. Named “Steamy Bay” after the geothermal steam which heats local homes & pools, its colorful houses stand in stark contrast to the towering gray Hallgrimskirkja, an imposing church sprouting geyserlike from the town’s center. The city’s more than 170 restaurants comprise an Epicurean world tour, including sushi, tapas, Indian, French, Mexican, Italian, Thai and American. Native traditional cuisine evolved from the country’s seafaring traditions; a pungent national delicacy, hákarl is preserved—some say “putrified”—shark meat. (Dare to try it on a visit to a family-run operation that processes Greenland sharks.) Less “exotic” traditional dishes include gravlax (salmon in salt & dill) and hangikjöt (smoked lamb). On his Reykjavik visit, President Bill Clinton famously preferred the pylsur (Icelandic-style hot dogs loaded with unique toppings) from a little shack that’s become an attraction all its own! The beauty of Iceland is that you can find your very own “happy place” while you’re there...and then remember it when you need a pick-me-up! To book this AAA Member Choice Vacation,® log on to AAA.com/Iceland, call 1-800-354-8761 or visit a AAA Travel office. You’ll be happy you did!

INSPIRING ICELAND

July 19-27 •

AAA Member Rate: $5,274

Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Cleveland-Reykjavik), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, 7-night hotel accommodations, 11 meals, in-Iceland guide, luggage handling (1 bag per person) and more. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; consult your travel agent for details. Visit AAA.com/Iceland for more information.

Vacationers find value in working with a travel agent Survey shows Americans appreciate the personal level of service travel agents offer

ccording to a recent survey by AAA, a majority of Americans see value in using a travel agent. Eighty-five percent of Americans find travel agents provide cost-effective, trouble-free, personalized vacation planning. The most frequent benefits travelers cited when using the services of an agent were: Travel agents are a knowledgeable resource: Planning a vacation that is fun for all can be a daunting. An experienced and knowledgeable travel agent can provide recommendations to clients based on their interests and expectations, whether that’s a family-friendly vacation, a stay at an all-inclusive resort, a memorable honeymoon, or a firsttime cruise. Travelers who work with the same agent repeatedly also enjoy a familiarity that makes it even easier to select a destination or cruise to match their travel tastes. Travel agents know the best deals: Travel agents work with cruise lines, hotels and tour operators every day and often have access to special rates and added benefits that are not available elsewhere. They can provide clients information on values and savings during certain times of the year—for exam-

ple when a cruise line is offering extra incentives to sail to a destination, special offers for residents or military personnel, or special promotions for kids to travel, eat or stay free. Travel agents save travelers time: Selecting the right destination, hotel, cruise line or theme park is a time-consuming task. A qualified travel agent can take care of all the arrangements and stay on top of every detail, saving travelers time to focus on other priorities. Travel agents can help if something goes wrong: Perhaps one of the greatest values in working with a travel agent is the peace of mind they offer when something goes wrong on a vacation. If flights are suddenly cancelled, a hotel doesn’t meet travelers’ standards, or a hurricane hits a key tourist destination, travelers who booked their trip through a travel agent can make a call to their agent, who can make alternate arrangements immediately. FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact a local AAA travel agent today to help you plan your next getaway. See page 2 for branch locations, or visit AAA. com/branch to find the nearest AAA East Central office.

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Follow your star with Azamara Club Cruises Travel east of the sun, west of the moon

zamara Club Cruises is a destination-immersive cruise line for up-market travelers who want to not only see the places and cultures they visit, but to live them. Two intimate, 694-guest ships — Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest — offer a European-boutique hotel ambience with extraordinary service, fine cuisine and wines from around the world, all while sailing to a host of destinations larger ships cannot reach. In 2015 Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest will visit a total of 203 ports in 62 countries. Destinations made famous by their myths and legends, history and incomparable beauty. As part of the new 2015 program, Azamara will make 16 maiden port calls among an expansive, curated collection of culture-rich metropolises, charming colonial towns, stunning beaches and unsurpassed natural preserves in South America, the West Indies, Europe, the Far East and — for the first time — Australia. Throughout spring 2015, Azamara Journey will sail 11- to 18-night voyages throughout Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina, the Antarctic Sound, Panama Canal, and West Indian islands, to ports that larger ships cannot go. One voyage overnights in Rio De Janeiro during the city’s world-famous Carnival. With its contagious excitement and colorful sambadrome parties Carnival in Rio is on every traveler’s

WORLD TRAVELER — Azamara Quest in port in Monte Carlo. must-see list. Guests will have ample time to explore famous landmarks like the Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking the sprawling city, or take a stroll along Copacabana Beach. Azamara Journey also will make maiden port calls at Aruba and Curacao. Travelers have a choice of both Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest for immersive European adventures

throughout the summer and autumn seasons. Azamara Quest will sail the Baltic, North and Mediterranean seas on seven- to 18-night itineraries, some that coincide with major seasonal events, such as the 2015 British Open at historic St. Andrews Links, and the Sail Amsterdam Festival, a nautical celebration held only once every five years.

Azamara Journey will cruise the Spanish, French and Italian Riviera, the Adriatic and Black seas, and Greek Isles on seven- to 16-night itineraries taking guests to the exclusive playgrounds of the jet set. On one voyage, Azamara Journey calls at Monte Carlo during the annual Monaco Grand Prix. Maiden European port calls include Argostoli and Delos, Greece; Tarragona, Almeria, Alticante and Huelva, Spain; Stornoway, Scotland; and Cobh, Ireland. On every voyage, guests will be treated to AzAmazing Evenings, an authentic, exclusive event that showcases the unexpected colors, culture and flavors of a destination at night. Fine regional cuisine is a signature of the two onboard specialty restaurants, the Mediterranean-influenced Aqualina and Prime C, an upscale steakhouse with a premium wine cellar. Other amenities include onboard gratuities; complimentary bottle water and beverages, as well as boutique wines from around the world, international beers and select spirits and shuttle transportation to city centers in ports, where available.

IF YOU GO

Please this month’s Departures Guide or log on to AAA.com/cruises for special member values on Azamara Club cruise vacations.

Software now part of vehicle maintenance equation Technology may also make vehicle systems more vulnerable

oday’s automobiles are packed with about a thousand times more computing power than the Apollo space missions. Modern vehicles run up to 100 million lines of software code on as many as 70 to 100 electronic control units (ECUs). These have been integrated into virtually every aspect of a car’s functioning and diagnostics, including the throttle, transmission, brakes, speedometer, climate and lighting controls, external lights, and infotainment systems. Cars use computers to park themselves, adjust the headlight brightness or automatically engage the brakes to prevent an impending collision. According to Michigan’s Center for Automotive Research (CAR), upkeep of onboard software that governs vehicle performance, safety equipment and other electronics is an emerging vehicle maintenance category. “Maintenance of the software will be a critical issue going forward,” said CAR’s Greg Schroeder. “There’s interest in developing remote software updating capabilities, but most automakers are still in the early stages of testing the technology.” While software updates and fixes are common for your computer and smartphones, most automakers remain cau-

POWER USER — Tesla updates the Model S operating system over the Internet. tious citing concerns over safety and security. Advances in technology have resulted in dramatic improvements in safety and convenience, but it also creates new risks. Cars have never been a priority for hackers, because most manufacturers use dedicated software systems, and breaking into each one would require considerable time, effort and physical access to the vehicle.

However with new vehicles becoming increasingly networked and with software giants like Apple, Google and Microsoft making inroads in the market, it could increase the risk of unauthorized access to a vehicle’s internal systems. Could hackers exploit vulnerabilities in these systems to hone in on your car’s location, remotely unlock the doors, start and drive off in your vehicle? Or could some cyber vandals maliciously

disable your brakes in the middle of a busy freeway? Researchers at Switzerland’s ETH Zurich University recently demonstrated how they were able to unlock, start and drive off in 10 vehicles from 8 manufacturers. They outsmarted the smart key systems using off-the-shelf electronic equipment costing as little as $100. A number of companies offer now offer Remote Vehicle Diagnostics, which generate vehicle health reports and alerts related to items like Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS), oil life, battery life and fluid levels. They also enable service providers to remotely collect vehicle trouble codes and dramatically reduce service and repair time. Tesla, which refers to its Model S as an app on four wheels, is taking things a step further. The company provides periodic remote software updates, and owners are notified on the vehicle’s 17” touch screen. They can be installed immediately, or scheduled for a later time. FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

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Germany’s historic cities usher in the holidays Centuries-old Christmas markets wrap up the holidays in style

ach year, Christmas markets spring up all over Germany. From late November until Christmas, the markets overflow with the sound of music and the aroma of mulled wine, German sausages, gingerbread and roasting chestnuts. It’s a centuries-old tradition signaling the beginning of Advent. Travelers will find Nativity scenes, fancifully decorated Christmas trees, choirs singing yuletide carols and hymns, and local craftsmen displaying ceramics, candles, wooden toys, pewter and pottery. Most traditional German handicrafts can be found here — from nutcrackers, carved wooden figurines, and straw stars — to cookie tins, glass balls, toys, and tin tree ornaments. Munich’s Christmas market dates back to the 14th century. Located on the Marienplatz, in the center of the city, the market surrounds an enormous Christmas tree — with hundreds of vendors marking the holiday season. Baked apples, roasted almonds, and other Bavarian delicacies are standard fare, as well as Glühwein, the mulled hot spice wine that is a staple at Christmas markets throughout Germany. Smaller themed markets throughout the city include the Manger Market, offering crèche figures for manger scenes. Munich is also home to the Krippenmuseum, one of the country’s

HAPPY HOLIDAYS — The Christmas market in Esslingen includes medieval-style entertainment. most expansive Nativity museums. Esslingen’s Christmas market takes place in the Town Hall Square amid the oldest row of half-timbered houses in Germany. You’ll meet fairy-tale figures on stilts, jugglers, fire-eaters and medieval minstrels. One highlight of the four-week festival is a torchlight procession to Esslingen Castle. Augsburg, a medium-size Bavarian

city west of Munich, is home to a the famous “Angel Play.” The young women who play the angels must be graceful and — most importantly — not be afraid of heights. That’s because once a week all 24 angels are lowered from the top of the city hall, creating a gigantic living Advent calendar symbolizing the days left until Christmas. Augsburg’s Fairytale Street depicts “The

Nutcracker” in 10 intricately decorated shop windows. Nürnberg’s Christmas market is one of the best known outside of Germany, attracting two million visitors annually. Set between the Frauenkirche and the oldest of Nürnberg’s gabled homes, the market is opened each year by the Nürnberg Christkind — a young person chosen to spread the holiday spirit. Nürnberg is known for such culinary delights as “Nürnbergers,” a thin brown sausage, and Lebkuchen, a honey-laced cookie baked here since 1395. Citizens gather honey in the woods surrounding the city, an area known as “Germany’s richest bee garden.” Christmas can be celebrated all year long in Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Bavaria. Rothenburg’s medieval setting is so postcard-perfect visitors occasionally complain it’s too Disney-like. In truth, the walled city has been left largely untouched for hundreds of years. The town boasts some of the most impressive medieval architecture in Europe and is also home to the German Christmas Museum.

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aroundtown WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION — (November 14-16, 21-23) Agatha Christie’s classic mystery will be performed at Strongsville High School’s Little Theater, 20025 Lunn Road, Door D. Tickets are $15. Call the Box office at (440) 954-4634 or strongsvilecommunitytheatre.com. FAMILY ASTRONOMY DAY — (November 15) Bring the gang to “Family Astronomy Day: Rockin’ on the Moon.” Learn about what makes up the rocky planets and more than 175 known moons orbiting the planets of our solar system. See how craters happen on rocky worlds, touch a real Moon rock, see a special planetarium show, and so much more. Event runs 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fee: $4/person. For information, visit lensc.org. Location: Lake Erie Nature & Science Center, 28728 Wolf Road, Bay Village. BACH BY CANDLELIGHT — (November 21) The Trinity Cathedral Choir, Trinity Chamber Singers and Trinity Chamber Orchestra are joined by solo violinist Jinjoo Cho and solo organist Elizabeth Lenti for a program of choral and instrumental masterpieces by J.S. Bach in the splendor of Trinity Cathedral. Tickets are $25. Performance is 7:30 p.m. For information, call (216)

774-0420 or visit trinitycleveland. org. Location: Trinity Cathedral, 2230 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland. I-X CHRISTMAS CONNECTION — (Nov. 21-23)The annual I-X Christmas Connection is Cleveland’s premier Christmas Show. Begin your Christmas shopping season indoors with over 600 booths to shop from, including 140 new vendors, along with live entertainment. Bring the kids to SantaLand to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and to Gingerbread Square where the first 600 kids can decorate (and eat) their own holiday cookie. Event runs Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Location: I-X Center, One I-X Center Drive, Cleveland. For tickets and information, visit ixchristmasconnection.com. CHRISTMAS TRAIN & TOY SHOW — (November 23) Buy, sell and trade new and antique toys, model trains and enjoy the operating train layouts in many different scales and dioramas. There will be Toys for Tots collection boxes and Santa will also be available for photos. Show runs 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Admission: $6 adults; $15, family; $3, children 6-12; free for active military. For informa-

tion, visit cleveshows.com or call (440) 256-8141. Location: Lakeland Community College, Athletic and Fitness Center Auxiliary Gym, 7700 Clocktower Drive, Kirtland. COUNTRY LIGHTS — (November 28-30 and December 3-23) Build a wooden toy in Santa’s Workshop, enjoy a wagon ride through thousands of lights; visit Santa in his sleigh, wander through model train and old fashioned toy displays; visit with Farmpark animals, and enjoy special presentations. Hours are 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dinner and snacks available in the Café. Tickets must be purchased in advance, $10 per person ages 2 and older. For information and tickets, visit lakemetroparks.com. Location: Lake Metroparks, 11211 Spear Road, Concord Township. DECK THE HALL — (November 28-January 3, 2015) Bask in the glow of over 800,000 lights, and enjoy over 20 decorated rooms, poinsettias, nightly entertainment by area choirs and performers, Santa, and more. Admission: $18; $8, children; ages 5 and under free. Time: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. For information, visit stanhywet.org. Location: Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 North Portage Path, Akron.

IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS — (December 2-14) This timeless holiday movie classic comes to the stage with hits like “Happy Holiday”, “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm” and the unforgettable title song. It’s the tale of two buddies putting on a show in a magical Vermont inn and finding their perfect mates in the process. Full of dancing, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written. ”Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” promises a merry and bright theatrical experience for the whole family. For tickets, visit playhousesquare. org. Location: Playhouse Square, 1501 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland. HOLIDAY LANTERN TOURS — (December 6, 12-14, 19-23) Enjoy a 90-minute, lantern-lit tour of the grounds at Hale Farm. During the tour, you’ll learn about the historic holiday traditions of the Hale family, enjoy holiday treats, and sing Christmas carols in the Meetinghouse. During the hours of Lantern Tours, guests can also shop at the Hale Marketplace for locally made and unique holiday gifts. Reservations required. For information, call (330) 666-3711 or visit wrhs.org. Location: Hale Farm & Village, 2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath.

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