Niagara jan 15 by AAA East Central

SEE PAGE 3

Vol. 28 No. 1

NIAGARA/ORLEANS REGION

JAN./FEB. 2015

AS TO ARTWORK: © DISNEY

Increase in Associate Age Limit Approved

LOOK

at what you can get during

DISNEY MONTH

New year brings new savings and gifts for Disney vacations

EEING IS BELIEVING, and when you get a gander at AAA Travel’s long list of savings and gifts for booking a 2015 Disney vacation in January, you’ll believe becoming a member was one of the best moves you ever made. (See what we mean in detail in the sidebar on page 16.) If you’re looking to make this a Disney year for your family and/or friends, then January is the month to plan, book and deposit on Walt Disney World ®, Disney Cruise Line® or Adventures by Disney® vacation packages. Look no further than AAA Travel; we’ve got many Disney experts with years of experience. Our knowledgeable travel agents will see to it that you get the vacation you’ve always dreamed of, along with the great savings and gifts available during Disney Month (for the first 200 rooms booked).

AAA Disney Month savings & gifts: Stay at least 5 nights at a Walt Disney World® Deluxe resort and get all of this: $75 off, a framed print of Cinderella Castle (featuring 4 collectible Disney character pins), up to 4 water park admissions, 2 minigolf rounds and a keepsake photo album! You can also get $50 off at a Moderate resort and $25 off at a Value resort.

Disney Cruise Line® A Disney cruise offers “me time” for adults, and fun for kids and family time for all. Every voyage includes Disney’s attention to detail and world-class hospitality. Activities & entertainment include Broadway-style shows, deck parties and Port Adventures at every destination. Adults can escape to adults-only luxurious spa treatments, intimate dining, exciting night clubs & a pool. Led by trained counselors, kids enjoy Character Greetings, arts & crafts, games and themed parties. Most cruises Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida include a stop at Disney’s private island paraThis beloved Orlando destination truly has dise, Disney’s Castaway something for everyone in the family — from Cay. young to old and from active to maybeUP TO AAA Disney Month not-so-active. The Magic Kingdom® Park, $100 OFF savings & gifts: Get Epcot,® Disney’s Hollywood See $100 (balcony), $50 Studios® and Disney’s page 16 Disney Cruise Line® for (outside) or $25 (inAnimal Kingdom® Adventures details. side) off staterooms, Theme Park abound by Disney ® UP TO plus 2 Disney Cruise with unforgettable $75 OFF Line® duffel bags and rides, high-quality Walt Disney Duffel Bags 2 DCL logo beach bags! entertainment and World® Collectible Pin Sets unique experiences. Resorts Fantasia Gardens Minigolf Adventures by Disney® Disney’s Blizzard Blizzard Beach or Typhoon A very magical world Beach and Disney’s Lagoon admission awaits your exploration; Typhoon Lagoon water Photo Albums Disney’s guided group parks keep you cool, while Beach Bags vacations are the way to Downtown Disney Area, Disney’s ALL OFFERS FOR 1ST go — in the USA and all BoardWalk, Cirque du Soleil – La 200 ROOMS around the world. KnowlNouba and ESPN Wide World of Sports ONLY! edgeable keep you entertained and well-fed. continued on page 16

GIFTS

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

HANDS FREE IS NOT RISK FREE

Here’s a bit of good news for young adults living at home while attending college or starting their careers. The Governing Board of Directors of AAA East Central has approved an increase in the maximum associate age to 23, from 22, effective January 1, 2015. This associate age limit continues to apply to dependent children living in the same household as the primary member. AAA member research suggests that more young adults are living at home longer, to finish their educations or to start careers. Many are struggling with student loan debt or a stagnant job market. Increasing the associate age to 23 allows these young adults living at home to stay on their parents’ AAA memberships as associate members for one additional year before converting to their own primary membership at age 24. “We realize that in today’s economy, young adults are often struggling to start their careers,” states AAA East Central President ≠≠≠Jim Lehman. “We are delighted to announce this change which continues to make AAA membership affordable to them and their parents while ensuring their continued access to the broad array of AAA products and services.” The Governing Board of Directors of AAA East Central also approved a revised dues structure and rates. For more information please see the article on page 19.

AAA Battery Service Gets You Back on the Road Winter can wreak havoc on your car’s battery. If your vehicle won’t start and you suspect your battery may be the problem, call 800-AAA-HELP and ask for AAA Mobile Battery Service. A technician equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostics will test the battery of the disabled vehicle. This technology eliminates the guesswork out of whether a boost will get your battery running and you on the go, or if a new battery is required. If a new battery is needed, you can have one installed right on the spot. Members even receive a discount when they purchase their replacement battery through AAA. Visit AAA.com/battery for details. (Service not available in all areas.)

Follow us on Facebook! AAA East Central’s Facebook page features the latest information on member savings and more. Frequently posted topics include: AAA.com website features, travel specials, online discounts, gas price information, safety tips, car care advice and upcoming events. Visit Facebook.com/AAAEastCentral to start following AAA East Central today.

Save today with AAA Discounts & Rewards Is your New Year’s Resolution to save money? Look no further than AAA Discounts & Rewards, an online shopping portal exclusively for AAA members. This innovative shopping experience on AAA.com offers deep discounts and daily deals from approximately 30,000 participating online merchants nationwide. You could save on a winter coat from Macy’s, ice skates from The Sports Authority or even a snow blower from 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.

Save Cold, Hard Cash on the Hottest Destinations Cast like stepping-stones across an iridescent blue sea, the islands of the Caribbean are famous for their palm-fringed beaches and perpetual sunshine. Find your place in the sun this winter with exciting Caribbean vacations from AAA Travel and Pleasant Holidays. AAA members who book & deposit a 5-night or longer Caribbean getaway by Jan. 31, 2015, can save up to $100, plus receive a special gift from AAA Travel. SEE PAGE 7.

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AAA MOTORIST

New look, new features for 2015 AAA TourBook® Popular on-the-go guides are free for members

espite an ever-increasing amount of websites and apps available for travelers, AAA TourBook guides continue to be a popular resource for members year after year. They’re free, easy to carry, and packed with great information for all kinds of trips. Updated annually, AAA TourBooks have evolved by expanding geographical regions, enriching content and supporting social and technological shifts such as WiFi service, pet acceptance and sustainability issues. New features in the 2015 TourBook guides include: The “Guided Tour” icon indicates if a guided tour is available for a particular attraction. Mass transit information is listed for seven additional cities: Charlotte, Orlando, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Seattle, Tampa and Vancouver. Points of Interest Index now includes nightlife suggestions. TourBook guides are like traveling with a friend who is from the area. The books are loaded with firsthand expertise from our professional travel editors and inspectors. Love to plan? Kick back and pore through the destination overviews, followed by pages of hotel, restaurant and attraction listings. Get a sense of the big picture with history and visitor information and references like the Annual Events, GEM Attraction Index and Points of Interest.

INTERNET WEB SITE: www.AAA.com

APPROVED AUTO REPAIR 412-365-7411 or 1-800-233-9733 EMERGENCY ROAD SERVICE 412-362-1900 or 1-800-222-4357 EXPRESS TRAVEL RESERVATIONS

airline tickets, tours, cruises, rental cars

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

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

AAA BRANCH OFFICE LOCATIONS

ADD TO YOUR READING LIST — The 2015 AAA TourBooks are available in print and digital format. Or, when time is short, leave the legwork to AAA’s travel experts. Turn to trip planning shortcuts like the Must Do: AAA Editor’s Picks, 1-Day Itineraries and Top Picks for Kids, available for many destination cities. Use the hotel, restaurant and attraction location maps throughout the guides for a bird’s-eye view of the places you plan to stay, dine and play in rela-

Upgrade your membership to AAA Plus® and experience a higher level of benefits! Extend your benefits for even more driving security 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

AAA DIRECTORY AAA MEMBER SERVICES • ADDRESS CHANGE triptiks, tourbooks, maps, license 412-363-5100 or 1-800-441-5008

Reach for the sky with AAA Plus Benefit

JANUARY 2015

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.)

DEC 15

tion to landmarks and one another. Plus, overview and detail maps from the AAA Road Atlas series are included for easy route planning — all in one guide. Use the overview map to get the lay of the land, then use the individual maps to plan your route. Before your next trip, stop by your local AAA East Central office or visit AAA.com to request your 2015 edition TourBook guides. There are 33 titles to choose from, covering the United States and Canada. AAA TourBook guides are free, and exclusively for members.

AAA eTourBooks

AAA also offers more than 100 free eTourBook guides designed for today’s mobile devices. The eTourBook guides provide detailed trip-planning information for top travel destination locations across North America. Each one is packed with detailed destination information. There are Editor’s Picks for essential experiences including events and attractions, recommended one- and three-day itineraries, and top picks just for kids. Some titles even provide maps displaying key local areas and highway networks. For example, the Washington, D.C., eTourBook guide includes a color-coded map for the city’s Metrorail system. The eTourBook content is refreshed daily to ensure you receive the most up-to-date travel information. Sync files to your tablet, or download directly to your iPad or smartphone to put everything you need for your next trip in the palm of your hand. The eTourBooks are available free, exclusively for AAA members at AAA.com/ebooks. If you do not already have a AAA.com user name and password, you can register on the login page before downloading your eTourBook. You must have an eReader app installed on your device to view the AAA eTourBook guides.

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

JANUARY 2015

AAA MOTORIST

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New research sheds light on driver distractions Hands-free technology is not risk free Niagara-Orleans Official publication of Niagara-Orleans Region of AAA East Central Published bi-monthly by AAA East Central 7135 Rochester Road Lockport, NY 14094 USPS: 002-092

ISSN: 1556-2824

Periodicals Postage Paid at Lockport, NY Postmaster: Send address changes to AAA Motorist Niagara-Orleans 7135 Rochester Road Lockport, NY 14094 Subscription Rate: $1 included in Primary Membership dues. All others: $2/year.

Publisher.....................................James E. Lehman Managing Editor ............................Douglas O’Neil Editorial Offices 7135 Rochester Road Lockport, NY 14094 5900 Baum Blvd. Pittsburgh PA 15206-3854

e-mail: motorist@aaaec.com

AAA EAST CENTRAL Chairman ................................................ Richard S. Hamilton Vice Chairman.......................................... ames E. Broome, Jr. Vice Chairman............................................... Gregory E. Grim Vice Chairman..........................................Mary Lynn Laughlin Vice Chairman..................................... Martha Hartle Munsch OFFICERS: President: ....................................................James E. Lehman Executive Vice President ............................... Thomas J. Ashley Secretary .................................................. Robert H. Compton Treasurer .......................................................Robert S. Collins GOVERNING BOARD OF DIRECTORS Neil D. Bassi, James E. Broome, Jr., Steve D. Bullock**, Charles O. Casto**, Edward C. Coaxum, Jr., Robert S. Collins, Robert H. Compton, Jon E. Denney, Debra A. Dinnocenzo, Pamela C. Fritz, Gregory E. Grim, Richard S. Hamilton, James H. Kanicki, Charles J. Kelly** , Mary Lynn Laughlin, William Duff McCrady, James M. McDonnell, Thomas V. McKernan Jr., Martha Hartle Munsch, Gary K. Munsie** EAST CENTRAL REGION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Neil D. Bassi, Chairman, Robert S. Collins, Vice Chairman, Carol Asam, Christian Asam, Jack A. Barkley, William E. Bierer**, Ellsworth T. Bowser**, Peter Burton, Marianne B. Campbell, Michael A. Cochran, Daniel J. Collins Jr.**, Robert S. Collins, Robert H. Compton, Debra A. Dinnocenzo, James J. Dodaro, Jack G. Ellis, 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

AAA Niagara-Orleans Regional Board of Directors Marion E. Bicker, William R. Eaton, Herbert G. Koenig, Paul N. O’Neill, Robert S. Roberson

Lockport, NY 716-434-2865 7135 Rochester Road

Copyright ©2015 by AAA East Central. Publication of an advertisement in the AAA Motorist does not constitute an endorsement of the product or service by the AAA Motorist or by AAA East Central, except in the case of products and services which are being offered by AAA East Central.

By Richard Hamilton Chairman, AAA East Central he next time you chat with a voice-activated gadget, ask it about the dangers of distracted driving. Just don’t do it while you’re behind the wheel. A brave, new world of integrated, voice-driven communications is transforming your vehicle into a rolling portal for voice, data and social media. Hands-free technology lets you make phone calls while you’re negotiating rush-hour traffic, or tune your radio using voice commands. But let the driver beware: Despite these ostensible benefits, hands-free technology does not minimize all driver distraction. A growing body of evidence suggests that hands free is not risk free. A new study by the University of Utah and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, took a close look at what happens when drivers use hands-free devices. The study builds on earlier research into what is known as cognitive distraction—a kind of mental overload that occurs when we try to take on too many tasks at once. In the University of Utah’s initial report, researchers found that drivers using voice commands to send

Richard Hamilton and receive text messages experienced significant levels of mental distraction, which compromised their performance behind the wheel. This time around, the team investigated why, exactly, hands-free technologies are distracting, and what can be done to alleviate the mental demands they place on drivers. They found that not all distractions are created equal. Listening to a text or an email, for example, is less demand-

ing than composing a message, just as voice-activated tasks of short duration are less distracting than those that consume longer periods of time. Distracted driving is a serious public safety issue that has the full attention of AAA. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an estimated 3,300 people in the United States were killed—and 421,000 injured in 2012—in crashes involving distracted drivers. What’s more, driver distractions are increasing exponentially. The number of vehicles with built-in infotainment systems on U.S. roads is expected to swell from 7 million today, to 370 million by 2020. It’s not all bad news. The new research concludes that automakers and suppliers can reduce distractions and the risks they pose by making voice-based systems less cumbersome, more accurate and easier to use. The challenge facing motorists is thinking more intelligently about the benefits and risks associated with these devices, and the choices they make behind the wheel. Yes, we have the technology to send a text message, or check in with social media while driving, but that doesn’t mean we should do it, or ignore the risks.

membersonly

New Year – New AAA Membership Find the level of benefits right for you

new year brings with it new possibilities. It’s the perfect time to review your AAA membership level and make the most of your benefits. AAA gives you the freedom to choose the membership option that fits your budget and lifestyle.

Basic, Plus & Premier – Three levels of protection

AAA Basic Membership covers 24-hour roadside assistance, free printed and online maps, TourBook and eTourBook guides, TripTik Travel Planner on AAA.com, plus AAA savings on hotels, restaurants, attractions, Hertz car rentals, and online and instore retailers. ProtectMyID, an identity-theft monitoring service, is the newest AAA member benefit. AAA Plus Membership offers all the basic AAA membership benefits, with enhancements including: • Up to 100 miles of extended distance towing • Free fuel and delivery – to get you to the nearest service station • Up to $100 in vehicle locksmith services • Extrication/winching – two trucks and two drivers, if needed • Reimbursement for pre-approved non-AAA roadside services AAA Plus RV Membership offers

all the benefits of AAA Plus, extended to cover eligible RV’s like your motor home, boat trailer and motorcycle. For the highest level of AAA benefits and services, choose AAA Premier Membership. Premier members enjoy a wealth of added privileges, including: • One emergency tow per household per year of up to 200 miles • Free professional concierge service • $1,500 Trip Interruption protection • One day free emergency rental car reimbursement, with tow • 24/7 global emergency assistance • Dedicated AAA Premier toll-free line • Up to $500 car return protection • $35 flight reservation fee waived* • Member discount plus an extra 15% savings at AAA Travel Store* • Free worldwide emergency medical assistance • Notary fees waived on personal documents* • One free passport photo session per member* • Free Hertz Gold Plus Rewards membership with 1,000 Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Bonus Points, second day rental free on a two-day emergency rental (with tow) and discounts on Hertz rentals. * Discounts on select services available only at AAA East Central branch locations. For complete details on Premier

services, review the AAA Premier Guide to Member Services

All in the family: Primary and Associate memberships

Share AAA membership with each family member in your household. Not only does AAA membership protect you when you drive, but also as a passenger in a non-member’s vehicle. Primary membership means you are either the first or only AAA member within your household. Associate memberships are for eligible individuals residing in the primary member’s household, namely the primary member’s spouse (or one adult age 18 or older) and dependent children ages 16 through 23. Associate members receive the same benefits as primary members. Dues amounts for AAA Plus are in addition to Basic dues, and require all members in the household to be enrolled. AAA Premier and AAA Plus RV dues cover all family members, and are in addition to Basic and AAA Plus dues. You can add associate members, or upgrade your existing AAA membership to a higher level at any time. For more information, contact your local AAA office, visit AAA.com, or call the Member Service Center at 1.800.441.5008.

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AAA MOTORIST

JANUARY 2015

AAA MOTORIST

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the U.S. To help you watch over your identity, AAA is now offering members ProtectMyID® identity theft monitoring provided by Experian®. You can choose to enroll in the Essential plan with no charge to you as a AAA member—a $79 value, or get even more benefits with the Deluxe package—including ChildSecure® for $8.95 a month. Monitoring your identity has never been more important.

Enroll today.

AAA.com/IdTheft or call 877-440-6943

ProtectMyID Essential and ProtectMyID Deluxe are provided by Consumerinfo.com, Inc., an Experian company. To be eligible to enroll in either ProtectMyID Essential or ProtectMyID Deluxe, you must be 18 years of age or older and a current valid AAA Member. Products subject to change or termination at anytime without notice. Certain terms, conditions and restrictions apply. Valid AAA membership required of time of enrollment. © 2014 AAA.

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AAA MOTORIST

JANUARY 2015

Your identity theft prevention checklist Protect your personal information with these steps

dentity theft can create real and serious problems for any victim. The best defense is to protect yourself from the start. Taking precautions and being proactive can decrease the risk of becoming an identity theft victim. Criminals use victims’ data to empty their bank accounts, make purchases, take out loans, open utility accounts, gain employment and even secure medical treatment. Due to the wide-ranging nature of the crime, it’s important that you take an active part in safeguarding all of your personal details. Secure Your Paper Documents: Keeping your Social Security card, passport, mortgage statements and tax information locked securely in your home will cut down on your identity theft risk in the event a burglar breaks into your home. Many criminals look for old bank statements or bills in your garbage, so make sure to cross-shred these documents before disposing of them. Watch Your Mail: Always make sure you get your mail as soon as possible. If you are not going to be around, ask for a hold on your mail. For outgoing mail, always send your bills/payments from your local post office. Never leave them in your mailbox to be picked up because there could be enough information for an identity thief to use. Don’t Carry More Than You Need:

for financial details via email, so do not respond, and contact the business immediately to alert them to the situation. Don’t Reveal Too Much Online: Social networking websites are becoming more popular among criminals who use Facebook and Twitter to meet potential victims and peruse their information. Avoid posting details such as your mother’s maiden name, your address, place of birth, and workplace. It may be fun to tweet that you’re on vacation or at a concert, but this information may also alert criminals that you’re not home, giving them the opportunity to break in potentially undetected.

PROTECTMYID MEMBER BENEFITS

MORE SECURE — ProtectMyID® can help catch identity theft and fraud when it happens. Having a back-up credit card is good for emergencies, but walking around with four credit cards, a check book and your Social Security card will put you at greater risk of identity theft if your purse or wallet is lost or stolen. Carry the bare essentials with you when you leave your home and know what type of payment system you plan to use. Update Your Computer Security Settings: Phishing scams, Trojans and

EXPERIENCE THE PREMIER ADVANTAGE

Premier takes your AAA membership to the next level with access to new services and benefits that will give you added peace of mind whether you are at home or on the road. AAA Premier has many added privileges, including all of these exciting services and benefits: • Expanded Emergency Roadside Assistance, including one tow of up to 200 miles to the destination of your choice. • Up to $150 Locksmith and $100 Home Lockout service. • One–Day Complimentary Rental Car when your car is towed in conjunction with AAA covered tow. • 24-hour Concierge Service. • Free delivery of emergency gas, plus the fuel is also free.

PLUS MUCH MORE! To upgrade your membership, call or visit your local AAA office or AAA.com, or call the Member Service Center at

1-800-441-5008

key-stroke programs are common ways criminals trick you into revealing personal information. Protect yourself by making sure your security and antivirus software is up-to-date. Avoid responding to emails from senders you don’t recognize. Many criminals send emails that appear to be from a legitimate source, such as a bank or utility company, and ask for personal account details. Legitimate companies never ask

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/ID or call 1.877.440.6943. To enroll, you must have a valid email address and be 18 or older.

JANUARY 2015

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AAA MOTORIST

1-800-354-8761 • AAA.com/travel

Capturing your dreams. Creating memories.

There’s a lot not to like about COLD. The snow, ice and wind of winter...and almost everyone has, had or is catching a COLD. But there’s at least one thing to love about COLD — AAA Travel’s “cold” remedy of limitedtime savings & gifts for 5-night-or-longer 2015 vacations at Caribbean properties available through our preferred travel partner Pleasant Holidays. Just book & deposit Jan 1-31, 2015. Escape the cold with up to $100 in savings...and a pair of attractive heavyweight cotton velour AAA Travel beach towels, which you can spread out on the silky white sands in front of your resort. Choose a property that comfortably suits your vacation budget and travel style from the variety available on practically every Caribbean island. Will you be traveling as a couple...a family with ALLINCLUSIVE children...a group of friends and/or relatives? Do you RESORT! prefer the value and conveniences of an all-inclusive RIU PALACE, ARUBA resort or the comforts of a more traditional hotel setting? Will you stay on-site all during your stay or include off-site touring and sightseeing as part of your experience? Whatever your answers, there are resorts to fit your needs. All-inclusive resorts provide the best of both worlds — value and convenience. One price covers nearly everything — all meals & drinks (including alcoholic beverages), nonmotorized water sports, daily activities for adults & children, nightly entertainment and tips & hotel taxes. Additional all-inclusive indulgences include on-site gourmet restaurants, premium-brand drinks, 24-hour room service and in-room liquor & mini-bars. Riu Palace (above) on Aruba’s sandy Palm Beach NO PASSPORT is a majestic resort providing breathtaking sea views HERE! and inviting warm breezes combined with comfort and luxury. Guests have a wealth of choices for daily activities and nightly entertainment. 450 rooms. Babysitting. Casino. Fitness center. Full-service spa. Kids’ program. Pool. 5 restaurants. Swim-up bar. Wi-Fi.

Jamaica’s Moon Palace Grande (below) sits along Ocho Rios’ longest beach and offers waterfalls, 2 FRENCHMAN’S REEF, ST THOMAS USVI thrilling lighthouse waterslides, plunge pools and a rope bridge. After a $50 million renovation, it features refreshed rooms, common areas and a FlowRider® Double wave simulator. 705 rooms. Full-service spa. Kids’ program. 5 pools. 5 restaurants. Swim-up bar. Wi-Fi. If an all-inclusive atmosphere isn’t for you, consider a comprehensive property such as Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort (above right) on St Thomas, breathtakingly perched on a cliff above the coral-blue waters of Charlotte Amalie, capital of the US Virgin Islands. This contemporary resort exudes a luxurious Caribbean elegance with MOON PALACE GRANDE, JAMAICA the benefit of 2 resorts in 1, with clifftop or beachfront views. Unwind with signature bedding and first-class ALLINCLUSIVE service & amenities. 478 rooms. Babysitting. Fitness RESORT! center. Full-service spa. 4 pools. 6 restaurants. Swimup bar. Wi-Fi.

Of course, there are far too many resorts to list and describe here, but you can explore all of them by logging on to AAA.com/Pleasant or by consulting a travel agent at your nearby AAA Travel location. MORE OFFERS ON NEXT PAGE

New bookings with deposit Jan 1-31, 2015. 5 nights or longer. Savings & 2 towels per room, based on double occupancy.

Don’t have a passport and/or the time necessary to get one? Don’t fret. US citizens can travel without one to several American territories in the Caribbean. All you need is a valid government-issued ID (driver license) and a certified copy of a state-issued birth certificate. And you’ll feel at home because English is widely spoken, and US dollars are the official currency. PUERTO RICO. Capital city San Juan boasts a charming historic dis-

trict with pastel-hued houses and imposing fortifications. Stretches of enticing beaches lined with hotels and resorts both contemporary and old-style abound. Explore El Yunque, the rain forest of the interior, or embrace local culture & cuisine in villages all over the island.

ST THOMAS, US VIRGIN ISLANDS. The most populous and most popular of the US Virgin Islands, St Thomas offers the vibrancy of Charlotte Amalie, which brims with duty-free shopping, historic & cultural landmarks and friendly locals. The rest of the island retains a secluded sense of Caribbean paradise, with glorious beaches.

ST JOHN, US VIRGIN ISLANDS. Two-thirds of St John is a national park. Its comfortable pace is perfect for enjoying the island’s worldrenowned beaches such as Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay and Salt Pond Bay. A nature lover’s favorite, St John offers hiking, camping, specialty shopping and breathtaking views. ST CROIX, US VIRGIN ISLANDS. St Croix’s Danish influence is perfect for visitors who prefer a laid-back experience. Historic Frederiksted and Christiansted offer quaint shops, charming pastel buildings and refreshing cultural diversity. From horseback riding to playing golf on 3 scenic courses, you’ll find something to suit your tastes.

Member Benefits • Exclusive Offers

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AAA MOTORIST

JANUARY 2015

1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel Capturing your dreams. Creating memories.

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

New bookings with deposit Jan 1-31, 2015. 5 nights or longer. Savings & 2 towels per room, based on double occupancy.

In addition to AAA’s limited-time offer (above), many resorts ALSO qualify for a 2015 AAA Vacations /Pleasant Holidays Double Member Benefit — $100 off! Choose from select 4- and 5-star (Pleasant Holidays rating system) properties in Anguilla, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Curacao, Grenada, La Romana, Martinique, St Barths, St Croix, St Kitts & Nevis, St Martin, St Vincent & Grenadines and Turks & Caicos. Some samples include... ®

BAHAMAS

Rosewood at Baha Mar •

CAYMAN ISLANDS

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman •

Grand Cayman Beach Suites

MARTINIQUE

Le Cap Est Lagoon Resort & Spa •

Hotel Plein Soleil

PUERTO RICO

Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve •

ST LUCIA

The BodyHoliday LeSport •

TURKS & CAICOS

Beaches Resort Villages & Spa •

Riu Palace Paradise Island

W Retreat & Spa, Vieques Island

Windjammer Landing Villa Resort Seven Stars Resort

Plus, 4- and 5-star resorts in any other Pleasant Holidays Caribbean destination not listed above qualify for a $100 activity credit voucher.

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.

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.

Oct 19-31 •

AAA Member Rate: $5,679

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (BuffaloRome, Milan-Buffalo), 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.

JANUARY 2015

AAA MOTORIST

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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

See more of Hawaii by cruising with NCL! AAA’s 9-night Hawaiian vacation features a 2-night pre-cruise stay in Honolulu, a tour of the USS Arizona Memorial and a 7-night Pride of America cruise featuring 4 islands (Oahu, Maui, Hawaii & Kauai).

April 16-25 • May 21-30 • June 11-20 • July 2-11 • Aug 20-29 Sept 3-12 • Oct 22-31 • Nov 26–Dec 5 • Dec 10-19 Inside staterooms from $2,090 • Balconies from $2,790 AAA MEMBER RATES are per person (double occupancy), are subject to availability at time of booking and include airport/hotel transfers for flights purchased through NCL, 2 pre-cruise nights at the Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa, USS Arizona Memorial/Pearl Harbor excursion, hotel/pier transfers, 7-night NCL Pride of America cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals, government taxes/ fees, port charges, pier/airport transfers for flights purchased through NCL and $50 per stateroom shipboard credit. Ship’s registry: USA. Ask about available add-on airfare.

JAMESTOWN . . . . . . . . . . .716-488-1981 LOCKPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . .716-434-2865 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.

Irish Pubs

&Folklore

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.

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AAA MOTORIST

JANUARY 2015

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

JANUARY 2015

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DOWNTOWN BANFF

BANFF SPRINGS

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers Fly to Calgary and drive into the Canadian Rockies to Banff. Enjoy 5 nights at Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa. Ride Banff Gondola for panoramic vistas. Visit thundering Bow Falls and cruise serene Lake Minnewanka. Enjoy a day in Banff on your own; you could play a round on Banff Springs’ golf course, take an unforgettable helicopter sightseeing tour or relax on a river float trip. Banff offers shopping and dining opportunities – as well as an occasional moose! Cross the Continental Divide on the way to Yoho and Banff national parks. See Takakkaw Falls, Emerald Lake and Lake Louise (“Jewel of the Rockies”), where you may ride the gondola. Spot wildlife along Columbia Icefields Parkway to Athabasca Glacier and turquoise Peyto Lake. Cap off the week at the famous Calgary Stampede, a celebration of cowboy life, chuckwagon races, rodeos, parades, fireworks and more. Enjoy the thrilling Grandstand Show from reserved seats.

JULY 5-11

SAVE $50

per person!

Canadian Rockies and the Calgary Stampede

Book & deposit Jan 131

AAA MEMBER RATE: $2,929

LAKE LOUISE

Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Buffalo-Calgary), roundtrip airport/ hotel transfers, accommodations, services of a AAA Tour Manager (if minimum-participation goal is met), 9 meals, motorcoach sightseeing and baggage handling (1 per person). Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Passport required.

WHAT MAKES THIS TOUR EXTRA-SPECIAL? RELAXING IN 1 GREAT HOTEL “HOME” FOR 5 NIGHTS!

Located in Banff National Park, the Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa offers a mountain lodge hotel, a great steakhouse restaurant and a full-service spa, all in one outstanding location. This ideal vacation spot is located on Banff Avenue, the main street in the town of Banff. Surrounded by mountains, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy.

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

Member-only savings!

Premier ...... $200 Plus............. $150 Basic........... $100 Book & deposit by 1/31/1 5. per room, based on double occupa ncy

ALASKA BY LAND! July 8-17 •

AAA Member Rate: $5,875

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

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AAA MOTORIST

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

JANUARY 2015

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

UNIQUE OFFER — A DOUBLE DELIGHT FROM TRIPLE-A!

New Orleans 3 DAYS, 2 NIGHTS

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

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 • A AA 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.

JANUARY 2015

AAA MOTORIST

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PAGE 13

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Sizzlin’ Western USA Tours: MEMBERS SAVE $50.00! SAVINGS PER PERSON WHEN TOUR IS BOOKED & DEPOSITED BY 1/31/15. AAA MEMBER RATES SHOWN. VISIT AAA.COM/USA FOR ITINERARIES, INCLUSIONS AND OTHER INFORMATION.

GRAND CANYON & ARIZONA ADVENTURE

SAN FRANCISCO & NAPA WINE COUNTRY

Fly to Phoenix and ride to the luxurious Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa. Explore scenic backMAY 17-24 • $2,695 country on an exciting off-road Pink Jeep® tour. Visit the IMAX Theater at Williams, then ride the Grand Canyon Railway (first class) to the canyon’s South Rim. Spend 2 nights there in a national park lodge, then ride the vintage Verde Canyon Railroad. Explore Old Town Scottsdale, marvel at intriguing plants at the Desert Botanical Garden and Western art at the Heard Museum. Enjoy a memorable farewell steakhouse dinner — cowboy-style! 11 meals. Air included.

Here’s a tasty tour from scenic Carmel-bythe-Sea and the Monterey Peninsula to San JUNE 18-24 • $3,495 Francisco and Napa Valley. See landmarks of the City by the Bay — Twin Peaks, Golden Gate Park, Cliff House, the Presidio and Fisherman’s Wharf. Cross Golden Gate Bridge to visit Mediterranean-flavored Sausalito and the redwoods at Muir Woods; ferry back across San Francisco Bay. Tour & sip samples at 4 wineries (enjoy a chef-prepared picnic lunch at one!), blend your own Merlot and savor an elegant dinner aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train. 8 meals. Air included.

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

PACIFIC NORTHWEST

Tour a silver mine in Wallace ID (once the “Silver Capital of the World”) and the SmokeJUNE 21-27 • $1,939 jumpers Aerial Fire Depot. Visit artsy Big Fork MT and enjoy a float trip on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. Stay at an Old World–style lodge in Glacier National Park. Cruise on 2 lakes. Travel “Going to the Sun” Road amid snowy peaks and virgin forest. Ride a vintage Red Jammer Touring Car. Cross the Continental Divide. Take America’s longest gondola up to Silver Mountain. Visit Lake Coeur d’Alene. Dine on Spokane’s River Queen paddle boat. 11 meals.

From San Francisco to Seattle, see wonders along the Pacific. Explore the City by the Bay JULY 19-25 • $1,815 and California’s Wine Country. See redwoods on the Avenue of the Giants and in Redwood National Park. Enjoy rides on a jet boat on Oregon’s Rogue River and a dune buggy at the National Dunes Recreation Area. Tour Portland and its renowned rose gardens. Marvel at the Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah Falls and Mt St Helens National Volcanic Monument. In Seattle, dine atop the Space Needle and tour the world’s largest building, a Boeing assembly plant. 9 meals.

BEST OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

YELLOWSTONE EXPERIENCE

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

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

AMERICAN MAJESTY

COLORADO TRAIN ADVENTURE

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

This Centennial State tour features rides on the Pike’s Peak Cog Railway, the Royal Gorge SEPT 12-19 • $2,145 Route RR, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic RR and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge RR. Tour the US Air Force Academy and marvel at the rock formations of the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. Ride the country’s steepest incline and walk on the world’s highest suspension bridge at Royal Gorge. Visit Great Sand Dunes and Mesa Verde national parks. See the monoliths of Colorado National Monument. Visit the CO Railroad Museum in Golden. 15 meals.

NEW MEXICO BALLOON FIESTA

CANYON COUNTRY EXPERIENCE

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

Eroded for eons by wind & water, the colorful canyons of AZ, UT and NV captivate all who OCT 13-19 • $1,415 visit. Begin in the Entertainment Capital of the World — Las Vegas! Enjoy an afternoon & evening on your own before departing for Kingman’s Route 66 Museum. Marvel at the magnificence of the Grand Canyon; enter the Navajo Nation and see Monument Valley from a 4WD vehicle. Enjoy a sunset jet boat ride on the Colorado River followed by a BBQ dinner. Visit 4 national parks — Arches, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon and Zion — and 2 state parks too! 11 meals.

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AAA MOTORIST

JANUARY 2015

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Enjoy extra-special amenities & $400.00 toward airfare! LIMITED-TIME OFFERS ON 2015 AAA MEMBER APPRECIATION CRUISES

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN on Celebrity Reflection — June 19-29 Modern Luxury • Timeless Ports • Limited-time Offers! SM

1 — FREE Classic Beverage Package for 2 2 — FREE Prepaid Gratuities for 2 3 — FREE Shipboard Spending Money Enjoy all 3 offers when you book a Concierge Class stateroom or higher

Airy spaces with all the right tasteful details. Restaurants where design is just as important as cuisine. Intuitive service with a keen eye for detail. Doing as much (or as little) as you choose. More than you expected? Celebrity Cruises believes every moment of your vacation should be measured by just how far it takes you SM from ordinary. That’s Modern Luxury — and you’ll experience it on Reflection, newest of the Solstice® Class ships (“a new benchmark in cruise ship design” by the International Interior Design Association). Modern rubs shoulders with timeless in the many enticing ports of call on this cruise — from Italy’s ROME (Civitavecchia), SICILY (Messina) and NAPLES to Greece’s MYKONOS, RHODES, SANTORINI and ATHENS (Piraeus) to Turkey’s EPHESUS (Kusadasi). Experience their natural beauty, fascinating history and unique cultures sailing roundtrip from Rome on a voyage that’s simultaneously relaxing and invigorating. And, if you book a balcony stateroom (or higher) while this limited-time offer is still available, you’ll also enjoy these far-from-ordinary amenities on this June 19 AAA Member Appreciation Cruise around the Eastern Mediterranean: $400.00 airfare credit† (when you purchase your flights through AAA) • $75.00 onboard credit In-room bottle of wine • Onboard martini tasting • Compact high-quality binoculars Only AAA members can get these extras from AAA Travel — and only for a limited time. Concierge Class staterooms are exceptional veranda accommodations set in the most desirable locations and are designed for those who believe the little details make a big difference. Enjoy fresh flower arrangements, Hansgrohe® showerheads, enhanced breakfast room-service menus, plush 100% cotton bath sheets, personalized concierge service, complimentary daily canapés and a pillow menu. Spa-inspired AquaClass® staterooms feature private verandas, complimentary access to the soothing Persian Garden and the spacious Relaxation Room, a spa concierge to help arrange spa treatments and plentiful in-stateroom amenities including a Hansgrohe® “shower tower,” aromatherapy selections and daily delivered bottled waters and teas. Dine in your own highly rated restaurant, Blu, AAA MEMBER RATE featuring a “Clean Cuisine” menu. from $2,643 per person Ask your AAA Travel Agent about extending your stay in Rome before ADDED MEMBER VALUES * and/or after your cruise. $400.00 AIRFARE CREDIT

per person, when purchased through AAA Travel (1st & 2nd passengers per stateroom only)

SHIPBOARD CREDIT — $75.00

per stateroom • for beverages, spa, shops, etc

IN-STATEROOM BOTTLE OF WINE 1 per stateroom

Europe Cruises: Choose 2 of the 3 offers when you book a balcony stateroom

Alaska Cruises: Choose 1 of the 3 offers when you book a balcony stateroom Ask your travel agent for complete details.

ONBOARD MARTINI TASTING 2 vouchers per stateroom

COMPARE AND SAVE! STATEROOM TYPE

AAA MEMBER RATE

CELEBRITY INTERNET RATE**

Balcony ................... from $2,643 .................$2,938 Concierge Class ...... from $2,813 .................$3,288 AquaClass® ............. from $3,023 .................$3,248

AAA Travel professionals ready to help!

Rates are per person (double occupancy), are subject to availability at time of booking and include 10-night cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals, government taxes/fees ($399.25), $75 shipboard credit per stateroom, in-cabin bottle of wine and martini tasting vouchers (2 per stateroom). Ship’s registry: Malta. Ask about available add-on pre- and/or post-cruise hotel stays. Visit AAA.com/GoEurope for more information.

*valid for balcony and higher-level staterooms

**based on rate as of 12/10/14 on CelebrityCruises.com

COMPACT HIGH-QUALITY BINOCULARS 1 per stateroom • view scenery from the ship

IN-PERSON PLANNING ASSISTANCE

ALASKA on Celebrity Millennium — May 22-29 or Aug 14-21 Book a balcony stateroom (or higher) on either of these Alaska Northern Glacier cruises and you’ll enjoy these amenities:

COMPARE AND SAVE! STATEROOM TYPE: SAIL DATE

AAA MEMBER RATE

CELEBRITY INTERNET RATE**

Balcony: 5/22.................. from $1,635 .................$2,060 Balcony: 8/14.................. from $2,075 .................$2,400 Concierge Class: 5/22..... from $1,705 .................$2,250 Concierge Class: 8/14..... from $2,145 .................$2,950 ® AquaClass : 8/14............. from $2,355 .................$3,050 Rates are per person (double occupancy), are subject to availability at time of booking and include 7-night cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals, government taxes/fees ($436.19), $50 shipboard credit per stateroom, in-cabin bottle of wine and martini tasting vouchers (2 per stateroom). Ship’s registry: Malta. Ask about available add-on pre- and/or post-cruise hotel stays. Visit AAA.com/Alaska for more information. **based on rate as of 12/10/14 on CelebrityCruises.com

$400.00 airfare credit† (must purchase flights through AAA) $50.00 onboard credit • In-room bottle of wine Onboard martini tasting • Compact high-quality binoculars Only AAA members can get these extras from AAA — & only for a limited time. Experience the real Alaska, where mountains are taller, rivers are mightier and wildlife is more plentiful. It’s a rugged, untamed wilderness where forests go on forever and summer days never end...a pristine wilderness of ice-blue glaciers and snowcapped peaks. Sail from Vancouver BC to Seward, with daytime visits to Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneau and Skagway. You’ll also cruise through the spectacular Inside Passage and along Hubbard Glacier. † 1st & 2nd passengers per stateroom only

JANUARY 2015

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PAGE 15

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

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AAA MOTORIST

Disney Month

Disney Month savings & gifts

continued from page 1

and friendly Adventure Guides bring you and your entire family closer to some of the world’s most popular destinations through authentic cultural experiences with local experts. And with VIP admissions and VIP access to activities, you and your family can see the world in a whole new way. Expect hassle-free travel, spectacular dining and exceptional hotels. Disney Month savings: $100 off any 2015 Adventures by Disney® vacation. Act now: Savings & gifts end Jan 31! The peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re getting the best and the most value for your hard-earned

vacation dollar makes all the difference in the world in how you experience and enjoy your Disney time. Whether you’re at a Walt Disney World® Resort theme park, aboard a ship of the Disney Cruise Line® or on a family-friendly Adventures by Disney® guided tour, your vacation will be one you’ll never, ever forget...and neither will your children or grandchildren. Priceless memories are a great reason for a Disney vacation, and getting extra goodies is a bonus! January’s cold, but it’s the hottest month to book Disney vacations; “snow way” you want to miss Disney Month’s sizzling savings and gifts!

January’s the absolute best time to plan & book 2015 Disney vacations at AAA! Hotel, cruise and tour availability for the year will never be better. And, in addition to travel agent expertise in booking Disney vacations, AAA offers special savings and gifts when you book & deposit by 1/31/15. Visit your local AAA Travel, call 1-800-354-8761 or log on to AAA.com/Disney.

•

Walt Disney World® Resorts — 5 nights or more • $75.00 off Deluxe properties, PLUS... + 1 pin set: 4 colorful detachable enameledmetal collectible pins (Tinker Bell, Goofy, Mickey Mouse, Cinderella) mounted beneath plastic on a matted full-color print of Cinderella Castle in a black frame (14.75” x 12.75”) + up to 4 gift cards for 1 day at Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon water park (expires 9/20/15) + 2 gift cards for 1 round of minigolf at Fantasia Gardens (expires 9/20/15) + 1 photo-safe, acid-free album: 50 sleeves for up to 200 4” x 6” photos, with memo area $50.00 off Moderate properties

•

Make their Disney dreams come true in 2015!

JANUARY 2015

$25.00 off Value properties Disney Cruise Line® — any number of nights • $100.00 off balcony staterooms, $50.00 off outside staterooms, $25.00 off inside staterooms, PLUS... + 2 DCL logo zippered red nylon duffel bags (approximately 23” x 10” x 12” — and expandable to approximately 28” x 10” x 12”) with simulated-leather handles (to carry by hand/shoulder) and interior pocket + 2 DCL logo canvas beach bags (approximately 10.5” x 16”) with carrying straps Adventures by Disney® — any number of nights • $100.00 off

Each offer is per room and limited to the first 200 rooms, based on double occupancy. New bookings with deposit Jan 1-31, 2015, for travel in 2015. Gifts have no cash value. Items available upon final payment. Not combinable with any other offer.

Membership for Them...

Peace of Mind for You. You always want the best for them. So give them the benefits of AAA membership. With roadside assistance, vacation planning, maps, travel guides, exclusive savings, and much more, they can rely on AAA almost as much as they rely on you. To add an associate to your membership, or to buy a gift membership, call or visit your local AAA office, or AAA.com.

JANUARY 2015

AAA MOTORIST

PAGE 17

Mazatlán — Mexico’s colonial city on the beach You can have it all on the Mexican Riviera’s “Pearl of the Pacific”

ravelers sometimes have to choose between sun and sand, or culture and history. Mazatlán has the distinction of offering the best of both worlds. The Mexican Riviera’s “Pearl of the Pacific” lies just below the Tropic of Cancer, perched on a peninsula at the feet of the rugged Sierra Madre range. The harbor is set against a breathtaking backdrop of mountains and rimmed with miles of white sand beaches. The name comes from a Náhuatl Indian word “Mazatl” meaning “Place of Deer” but Mazatlán may be most familiar as one the marquee ports on the original Love Boat TV series. Cruise lines calling here in during the 2015 winter season include Holland America Line, Azamara Club Cruises, Princess Cruises and Carnival. Passengers can follow the cobblestone promenade that runs from the new cruise terminal to the heart of the Old City. The canary-colored spires of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception dominate the skyline of the Centro Histórico, or Old City. You can wander through an ancient maze of streets to the palm-fringed Plaza Machado, or dine at one of dozens of restaurants serving the dishes that make Mazatlán “The Shrimp Capital of the World.” The city exports over 40 million pounds of shrimp every year. The plaza is also home to the opulent Angela

CITY LIGHTS — Mazatlán is set against a breathtaking backdrop of mountains and sea. Peralta Theater, a restored 19th century opera house named after the celebrated “Mexican Nightingale,” who died tragically while en route to perform at the theater in 1883. Playa Olas Altas at the southern end of the Centro Histórico, is a small crescent of beach hidden under the shadow

Princess Relaxation Report finds it’s hard to take it easy

n overwhelming 99 percent of Americans believe that relaxation is essential for their overall health and well-being. Unfortunately, most don’t follow their own advice. On average, Americans leave just one hour a day for unwinding. Those are two of the findings from the 2014 Princess Cruises Relaxation Report. The survey also revealed that 38 percent frequently feel guilty about relaxing, and that more than one-quarter (28 percent) of those polled feel stressed out by the mere thought of trying to relax. That figure increases to 39 percent for parents and 41 percent among Americans under 40. The fifth annual national survey was commissioned by Princess Cruises and conducted by Wakefield Research. “It’s not surprising that almost all Americans see relaxation as key to improving their health,” said Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises. “More need to make a concerted effort to take a break today to relax and decompress, which we all know is good for both our mind and body.” Research has shown that men who take vacations are one third less likely to suffer from heart disease, while women who don’t take vacations are more than

twice as likely to suffer from depression. Beyond the obvious health benefits of being rested and rejuvenated, people who take a relaxing vacation feel more connected with family, more productive and positive about their jobs. And putting in more time on the job won’t even help you get ahead. According to an Oxford Economics study, workers who left 11-15 days of vacation time on the table actually lowered their chances of getting a bonus or promotion. The Relaxtion Report found twothirds of Americans (67 percent) say they would feel completely relaxed if they were entirely “off the grid” (without any electronics or Internet access). Additionally, over half (52 percent) of American’s say that having a smart phone makes it harder to relax. More Americans would prefer sound over sight when trying to relax. Two in five (40 percent) choose music to help decompress In 2014, reading has been shelved with only 5 percent naming it the best relaxation tool. On the topic of who has it harder, of those with significant others, 52 percent share they’re more stressed than their partner. However, among men, 62 percent say their significant other is more stressed out.

of Cerro de la Neveria or Ice Box Hill. The Malecón, a 14-mile-long seafront promenade, stretches from Playa Olas Altas to the end of secluded Cerritos Beach, and is alive with music, sidewalk cafes, galleries and incomparable ocean views. Just north of Playa Olas Altas, cliff

divers plunge into a shallow inlet. These daredevils must time their jumps perfectly to take advantage of the incoming swells to prevent them from being crushed on the rocks. Hikers can trek up to the 135-year-old El Faro Lighthouse, perched atop a steep hill on Mazatlán’s southernmost tip. Those who can handle the strenuous climb are rewarded with some of the best views of the city and the bay. The Zona Dorada or Golden Zone is more modern, filled with luxurious beachfront hotels, upscale restaurants and the trendiest clubs in the city. At Playa Gaviotas or Seagulls Beach, you can rent boogie boards, windsurfers and kayaks, or try your hand at parasailing. Fiesta Land, a striking white Moorish castle overlooking Playa Sabalo, houses a variety of trendy clubs and eateries. Those who would rather duck the crowds can take the five-minute ferry ride to rustic Isla de la Piedra. Visitors can go horseback riding along a sandy beach fringed by coconut palms, or enjoy a locally-brewed Pacífico beer under the shade of a thatched-roofed palapa.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please see this issue’s Departures Guide for special values on Mexico and Mexican Riviera Cruise vacations.

WINTER DRIVING CLASSES HAVE BEEN SCHEDULED Driver Improvement Course

Sharpen your skills – reduce up to 4 points on your license (for violations occurring in the last 18 months) – Save 10% on the collision and liability portions of your insurance. You can take this class at our office, or online – AAA.com/idrivesafely.

Price — $35 AAA members; $41 non-members

5 Hour Pre-Licensing Course

Provides students with MV-278 certificate, the minimal requirement to schedule a road test in New York State.

Price — $35 AAA members; $40 non-members

Licensed-to-Learn

Private driver education with 30 hours of classroom instruction and 10 hours of in-car training. One year AAA Basic Membership upon completion.

Price — $525 AAA members; $570 non-members Classes are held at AAA, 7135 Rochester Road, Lockport Call 716-434-2865 for dates. Reservations and pre-payment are required (subject to cancellation and price change)

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

Someone is watching you — Your teen driver It’s do as I say, not as I do, or what you think I do

ut down that cup of coffee when you’re driving, Mom. And forget about checking that text during your commute, Dad. Parents may think their teens aren’t paying attention to them, but the truth is the exact opposite. Safety research by Toyota and the University of Michigan Transportation Institute (UMTRI) reveals that parents are the number one influence on how their teenager will drive. While it may come as no surprise that parents who talk on cell phones, send texts or eat and drink while driving have teenagers who are more likely to do the same, what teens think their parents do behind the wheel matters more than what mom or dad say they do. “Children look to their parents for a model of what is acceptable,” said Ray Bingham, research professor and head of UMTRI’s Young Driver Behavior and Injury Prevention Group. “Parents should know that every time they get behind the wheel with their child in the car they are providing a visible example that their child is likely to follow.” The focus on parents as role models is based on research from a national study from Toyota’s Collaborative Safety Research Center (CSRC) and UMTRI. The study found a significant correlation between how parents and

Cell phone use by teen drivers is similar to parents. More than half of teens and about 60 percent of parents say they use a hand-held cell phone while driving. Digital and social media are significant driving distractions. More than half of teens say they search for music on a portable music player while driving, while just 12 percent of parents do. More than one in 10 teens say they update or check Facebook, Twitter or other social media while driving. “As a mother of a teenager, I often remind myself that the things I do behind the wheel go a long way in setting a powerful example,” said Dr. Tina Sayer, Toyota CSRC principal engineer and teen safe driving expert. “The one piece of advice I would give to parents is to always be the driver you want your teen to be.”

THUMBS DOWN — More than a quarter of teens admit to reading or sending a text message every time they drive. their teens drive, suggesting that parents are the biggest influence on how a teen will behave behind the wheel. One major finding from the study is that parents may underestimate how much their teens text while driving. More than a quarter of teens (26 percent) read or send a text message at least once every time they drive, although only 1 percent of their parents

said their teen did this. Nearly one in 10 parents respond to a text once or more every time they drive, while 13 percent of them read a text or email once or more while driving. Even more alarming was the finding that 20 percent of teens and 10 percent of parents admit they have extended, multi-message text conversations while driving.

AAA’S KEYS2DRIVE

AAA is writing the next chapter in teen driver safety with Keys2Drive a groundbreaking website for teens and their parents, Keys2Drive helps parents work with their teens through every important learning-to-drive milestone, from choosing a driver education program, to deciding when it’s time to go solo. Visit the Keys2Drive website at www.teendriving. AAA.com.

aroundtown BRANDON BENNETT’S “ELVIS MY WAY” — (Jan. 9-11) World-class Elvis impersonator Brandon Bennett channels Elvis and dazzles audiences as he recreates the King’s entire career. Location: Bear’s Den, Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel 310 Fourth Street, Niagara Falls. TWELFTH NIGHT BALL — (Jan. 10) Enjoy a night of 18th and 19th century English Country Dancing with live period music. Refreshments are available. Location: Old Fort Niagara, Youngstown. Contact: (716) 745-7611 or www.oldfortniagara.org. HARVEY — (Jan.16-18) When Elwood P. Dowd starts to introduce his imaginary friend Harvey, a sixand-a-half-foot rabbit, to guests at a society party, his sister, Veta, decides to have him committed to a sanitarium to spare their family from future embarrassment. Problems arise when Veta starts seeing Harvey herself! Tickets are $20, $17 and $15. Showtimes are: Friday, Jan.16 at 7:30 pm, Saturday, Jan.17 at 7:30 pm, and Sunday, Jan. 18 at 3:00 pm. Location: Historic Palace Theatre, 2 East Avenue, Lockport Contact: (716) 438-1130 or info@lockportpalacetheatre.org. THE LION IN WINTER — (Jan.16-Feb.8) Christmas Day 1183 and a bat-

tle royale is brewing at the castle in Chinon, France. King Henry II of England and his wife, Queen Eleanor of Acquitaine, square off to determine which of their three sons will inherit the throne. Replete with palace intrigues the play is a sheer delight with its dangerous, bawdy humor and razor-sharp wit. Location: Irish Classical Theatre Company at Andrews Theatre, 625 Main Street, Buffalo. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 3:00 p.m.; Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Visit their website at www.irishclassicaltheatre.com. NIAGARA WINE AND BEER TASTING FEST — (Jan. 25) Enjoy yourself with a celebration of wine, beer and food. There will also be a basket raffle and live music! You must be over 21 years of age with proper I.D. to attend. Please bring a designated driver. Designated drivers will receive discounted tickets. Ticket prices are $25 presale and $35 at the event. The times are from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Kenan Center Arena, 195 Beattie Avenue, Lockport. Contact: (716) 433-2617. FLURRIOUS – OUTDOOR WINTER FESTIVAL — (Jan. 31) Snow golf, snow tennis, sleigh rides and igloo making are offered along with lumberjack demonstrations and a kick-

ball tournament. There will also be children’s activities for all ages. Location: Delaware Park, Buffalo. Contact: (716) 835-2533. ARCADE WINTERFEST — (Feb. 6 – 8) Horse-drawn wagon rides and a chili cook-off will be featured. There will also be snow sculptures. Location: Various locations in Arcade. Contact: (716) 592-4949. COUNTRY FOLK ART CRAFT SHOW — (Feb. 6 – 8) Handcrafted home and garden art, furniture, quilts, florals, ironwork, framed art, and holiday décor are included. Lamps, rugs, jewelry and wearable art are just some of the offerings featured at this craft show. Location: Empire Expo Center, Syracuse. SNOWSHOE PATROL — (Feb. 7) Learn what it’s like to experience winter during the 18th century. Accompany troops when they venture into the woods east of the fort to encounter their enemy forces. The time for this event is from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Admission prices are $12 for adults and $8 for children. Location: Old Fort Niagara, Youngstown. Contact: (716) 745-7611 or www.oldfortniagara.org. STORYTELLING SATURDAYS AT THE AQUARIUM — (Feb. 7 – 28) Every weekend features a different storyteller, entertainer

or educator. Saturdays only. Location: Aquarium of Niagara, 701 Whirlpool Street, Niagara Falls. Contact: (716) 285-3575 or www.aquariumofniagara.org. PENGUIN PADDLE — (Feb. 21) Watch as the participants slide down the slopes penguin-style on their bellies. Proceeds will go to the Bill Lounsbury Adaptive Program. Location: Holiday Valley Ski Resort, Ellicottville, Contact: (716) 699-2345. LOCKSIDE ART CENTER’S WINTER GALA — (Feb. 28) Enjoy a huge basket raffle, dinner and a cash bar. Please bring a designated driver. There will also be an art auction, games, cash prizes and live entertainment! Tickets are $40 per person and proceeds benefit Lockside Art Center in Lockport. The time is from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Brookside Banquets on route 78 in Newfane. Contact: (716) 478-0239 or visit www.Locksideartcenter.com POLAR BEAR SWIM FOR SIGHT — (Mar. 1) Come and see these daring swimmers dive into the frigid waters of Lake Ontario! Also featured at this event will be crafts, ice sculptures, arts and food. Admission is free! Location: Krull Park and Olcott Beach, Olcott. Contact: (716) 778-8531.

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Princess Cruises showcases Alaska’s coolest attractions Glacier experiences you won’t want to miss

ith breathtaking coastal scenery and abundant wildlife an Alaska cruise gives you a front row seat to the wonders of nature. Princess Cruises’ 2015 Alaska program offers a multitude of ways to experience the “Great Land,” with more sailings that include Alaska’s “must see” destination — Glacier Bay National Park. The incredible solitude and size, coupled with the sound and fury of “white thunder” make Alaskan glaciers one of the greatest shows in all of nature. Princess’ signature “Voyage of the Glaciers” includes two glacier experiences with visits to Glacier Bay National Park, plus either Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord. Glacier Bay is home to 12 tidewater glaciers and from your vantage point on deck, you can watch icebergs being born. Mammoth slabs of ice “calve” off the face of a glacier and crash into the sea. The bay’s Muir, Johns Hopkins and Margerie Glaciers are among the world’s most active. Margerie Glacier at the end of the bay, is an ice age relic, 21-mileslong and 25 stories high. Crumpled and crenellated its nearly vertical face allows cruise ships to get so close that you can almost reach out and touch it. Known as the “Galloping Glacier,” Hubbard Glacier is a gigantic ice formation that flows into breathtaking Disenchantment Bay. The largest tidewater glacier in North America mea-

the mountainside. Visitors can witness enormous chunks of ice crashing into the fjord, or catch a glimpse of a humpback whale breaching the waters near the bay. Princess’ Inside Passage cruises from Seattle and San Francisco feature dramatic glacier viewing in either Glacier Bay National Park or Tracy Arm. Located approximately 50 miles south of Juneau, Tracy Arm Fjord twists and weaves through the Tongass National Forest. Waterfalls topple from the sheer, moss covered cliffs framing the narrow, 30-mile-long channel, while Harbor seals lounge on the ice floes drifting in a milky green sea. Tracy Arm’s crown jewels are the twin Sawyer glaciers that form a monolithic wall of ice where the mountains meet the sea.

IF YOU GO

SOLID ICE — Princess brings more passengers to Glacier Bay than any other cruise line. sures 76-miles-long and looms nearly 400 feet over passing cruise ships. Hubbard Glacier is mother to a flotilla of electric-blue icebergs that crack and growl in the bay. The glacier’s intense blue color is due to its age. Over the eons ice gradually loses its oxygen and becomes pure frozen hydrogen. College Fjord was discovered in 1899 when members of the Harriman

Expedition made their way into the northwest corner of Prince William Sound. The fjord is home to five tidewater glaciers — glaciers that terminate in water, plus five large valley glaciers, and dozens of smaller ones. Members of the expedition named them after their Ivy League Alma maters and sister schools. The glaciers appear as a collection of frozen rivers cascading down

Princess offers 24 tour options for a complete Alaska land and sea experience. All cruisetours include a seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers sailing with a visit to Glacier Bay National Park. Alaska tours include up to four nights in the Denali National Park area and stays at Princess’ own wilderness lodges. FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please see your AAA Departures Guide or log on to AAA.com/cruises for special values on Alaska cruise vacations.

Senior drivers getting older and wiser behind the wheel Most support greater scrutiny in the license-renewal process

merica’s population is aging, and as we age, we’re continuing to drive. Research has shown that today’s older drivers are spending more time behind the wheel. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 84 percent of Americans 65 and older still drive, compared to barely half in the early 1970s. Seniors also represent the fastest growing driving demographic. By 2020 there will be more than 40 million licensed drivers ages 65 and older. Although seniors have an overall crash rate comparable to that of 20- and 30-year-old drivers, age related health issues also make them the most vulner-

able, with a higher death rate per mile driven than any other group. Today’s older drivers are keeping their licenses longer to maintain their mobility, independence, and quality of life. Losing the ability to drive can be a traumatic experience — and it’s often hard to know when it’s time to hand over the keys. Even so, an overwhelming majority of senior drivers support greater scrutiny in the license-renewal process for themselves and their peers. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety’s latest report on aging Americans, more than seven out of 10 drivers age 65 and older favor policies that require drivers age 75 and older to renew their license in person. They also

DUES ADJUSTMENTS SET FOR AAA MEMBERS

The Governing Board of Directors of AAA East Central has approved the following dues rates summarized in the table below, effective February 1, 2015. These rates standardize dues across all AAA East Central regions, including the adoption of “per member” pricing of AAA Plus. Dues amounts for AAA Plus are in addition to Basic dues, and require enrollment of all AAA members living in the household. AAA Premier and AAA Plus RV dues continue to cover all family members and are in addition to Basic and AAA Plus dues. • Basic Primary $49 • Basic Associate $25 (per member) • AAA Plus Primary $33 (per member)* • AAA Plus Associate $8 (per member)* • AAA Premier $35 (Family)** * Requires enrollment in Basic • Plus RV $35 (Family)** ** Requires enrollment in AAA Plus

support requirements that seniors pass a medical screening to remain licensed. “These findings indicate that older Americans tend to support policies to keep themselves safer behind the wheel, making them key allies in their mission to keep driving–smarter and longer.” says Peter Kissinger, President and CEO of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.” The AAA Foundation’s report Older American Drivers and Traffic Safety Culture also found: • Nearly 80 percent of drivers over age 75 favor medical screenings for drivers ages 75 and older; • Nearly 90 percent of older drivers (65 and older) reported no crashes in the last two years and no moving violations; • 65 percent of drivers age 75 and older reported never using a cell phone while driving compared to only 48 percent of the younger “older” drivers (those age 65-69) who never use a phone when behind the wheel. “With nearly nine out of ten seniors aged 65 and older still driving, it appears that additional years behind the wheel not only make drivers older, but wiser,” said Jake Nelson, AAA’s director of traffic safety advocacy and research. “As older adults live longer and spend more time behind the wheel, it’s promising

to see a trend towards a more pro-safety culture with increasing age.” The AAA Foundation is currently taking a long-term look at aging drivers with a study that will systematically monitor the driving habits of more than 3,000 senior drivers over the next five years.

GREY MATTERS

AAA’s award-winning senior driving website SeniorDriving.AAA.com is filled with resources designed to keep senior drivers on the road for as long as safely possible and mobile thereafter. SeniorDriving.AAA. com provides convenient, online access to a wealth of free interactive material, including AAA Roadwise Review, a computer-based screening tool that allows older drivers to measure changes in their functional abilities scientifically linked to crash risk.

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JANUARY 2015