Pa_ by AAA East Central

SEE PAGE 3

WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA

Vol. 60 No. 10

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

LASKA

Member Appreciation Cruise

Member-only extras worth repeating...plus more!

Celebrity Cruises & AAA Travel offer ‘déjà vu values’ on Solstice to Alaska

ncore! Encore! Great performances are certainly worth repeating — and make you want even more! AAA members who sailed on the 2013 Member Appreciation Cruise loved the extra-special amenities and values offered on that sailing so much that we’ve ramped up the “goodies” for 2014’s Member Appreciation Cruise. In fact, our 7-night Aug 1 Alaska cruise roundtrip from Seattle on Celebrity Solstice is loaded with more than $500 in member values! You can’t get all of these extras anywhere else — only from AAA. This special AAA departure combines the 49th state’s aweinducing glaciers, mountains and wildlife with the firstclass quality of Celebrity’s “floating resort” — and when you add in all of the many member-only values & amenities only available on this sailing, you’ll know this cruise adventure will be the one you’ll always remember. One eye-popping feature of this popular cruise vacation is the discounted add-on roundtrip airfare (PittsburghSeattle) — available for a limited time for just $299 per person exclusively for

VALUE COMPARISON Category 2A Balcony Stateroom NONMEMBER INTERNET RATE from $2,189* per person

AAA MEMBER RATE

from $1,999 per person ADDED MEMBER VALUES* DISCOUNTED ADD-ON AIRFARE

$299 per person • R/T Pittsburgh-Seattle Save as much as $700 per person!

SHIPBOARD CREDIT — $50

per stateroom • for beverages, spa, shops, etc

NO ADDED VALUES

ONBOARD MARTINI TASTING

New content, features and fun PetSpot activities have been added to the AAA PetSpot — PetSpot.AAA.com — including a form where visitors can contribute their own favorite dog parks to the site. Other enhancements include a link from the main page to the AAA PetBook Photo Contest Gallery. AAA PetSpot offers members and nonmembers information on pet passenger safety, pet-friendly travel tips, pet health news, pet e-cards and much more. In addition, AAA members can take advantage of national pet-related discounts, as well as local pet-related discounts. Your pet could be on the cover of the 2014 edition of Traveling with Your Pet: The AAA PetBook®. For the sixth consecutive year, the AAA PetBook® Photo Contest is sponsored by Best Western, which has more than 1,600 pet-friendly hotels worldwide. Capture your pet’s most memorable travel moments on camera and enter your photograph before November 30, 2013. Candid photographs are preferred. Contest rules, entry forms and photos from the previous contest are available on the AAA.com/PetBook website.

Your one-stop shop for travel discounts There’s a new online travel destination for bargain hunters. Now you can access AAA Travel deals through the AAA Discounts & Rewards site. Browse offers on cruises, tours, hotels, car rentals, airport parking and more on the easy-to-navigate site. Discounts are updated frequently, so check often to see latest deals. Visit AAA.com/discounts and click on the “Travel” tab to begin saving on your next getaway.

2 vouchers per stateroom

2 people per stateroom • 1 evening

COMPACT HIGH-QUALITY BINOCULARS VIP PRIORITY CHECK-IN

Avoid waiting in check-in lines!

24 / 7 MEMBER ASSISTANCE

Available around-the-clock by telephone!

BEST-PRICE GUARANTEE within 48 hours of booking

IN-PERSON PLANNING ASSISTANCE AAA Travel professionals ready to help!

AAA members booking balcony staterooms. The true cost of this cross-country airfare is as much as $700 more, but AAA will pay the rest; that’s easily more savings than the cost of annual membership and enough to convince anyone that it’s worth way more than road service alone! Settle back into the comfort of your private balcony on Celebrity Solstice for an endless parade of stunning land& seascapes passing by your luxurious stateroom. Kick up your slippered feet, sip a sooth-

AAA PetSpot Adds New Site Features

SPECIALTY-RESTAURANT DINNER 1 per stateroom • view wildlife & scenery

*based on rate as of 10/18/13 on CelebrityCruises.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013

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

TAKE THE PLEDGE TO DRIVE DRUG AND ALCOHOL FREE

*valid for all balcony and higher-level staterooms

ing 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 invigorate your senses. Enhancing your newfound tranquillity are a “boatload” of member-only amenities available with balcony statecontinued on page 8

Save with 2014 Enjoy® Coupon Book AAA members can purchase the 2014 Enjoy® Coupon Book for $30.00, including shipping and handling. The book contains hundreds of “two-forone” and “50% off” discounts on dining, sporting events, golf, theaters and much more. Discounts are valid thru November 1, 2014. Call 412.481.9460, Monday thru Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mention “AAADIRECT” and $10.00 from the sale of each book will be donated to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh’s Free Care Fund.

It’s Better to Give & Receive at AAA Travel Looking for a unique gift for someone special? Consider a value-packed AAA Dream Tour like spectacular South America, Portugal & Its Islands, Alaska By Land, Italian Vistas, A Taste of Scotland & Ireland, or Irish Heritage. Book and deposit by November 30, 2013 and you will also receive a Free Holiday Gift like a 42” flatscreen TV, Google 10 tablet, Bose Bluetooth mini speaker, or a Keurig single-serve brewer — for yourself, or to give as a gift. (New bookings only, gift choices vary with tour booked, other restrictions apply). SEE PAGE 11

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AAA MOTORIST

AAA takes the headache out of battery replacement Battery testing, installation, and recycling wherever you are

inter’s frigid temperatures can take their toll on a car’s battery. The energy required to start and heat your vehicle in cold weather places significant strain on your battery. In fact, if the temperature drops to zero or below, your battery likely has only half its normal power. The last thing you want to face on a chilly morning is a car that won’t start, especially when you have a busy day ahead. Jump-starting your vehicle may get you back on the road quickly, but it’s a short-term fix for long-term battery problems. AAA Battery Service is a convenient member benefit that offers free diagnosis and technicians that come to you, saving you time and giving you piece of mind. “More than 1 million motorists have used AAA Battery Service,” said Steve Popovich, managing director of AAA East Central’s Automotive Service Department. “Mobile battery service eliminates the inconvenience of finding a repair shop, making an appointment and sitting in a waiting room while a new battery is installed. It is another example of how AAA continues to identify ways to make members’ hectic lives a bit easier.” When a AAA member requests roadside assistance and the problem is believed to be battery related, a battery service vehicle will be dispatched. A trained technician equipped with

AAA DIRECTORY INTERNET WEB SITE: www.AAA.com AAA MEMBER SERVICES • ADDRESS CHANGE triptiks, tourbooks, maps, license 412-363-5100 or 1-800-441-5008 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: 412-365-7157 PUBLIC AFFAIRS: 412-365-7242 AAA MOTORIST: 412-365-7017 SAFETY: 412-365-7211 TDD for the hearing-impaired: 412-363-7144

AAA BRANCH OFFICE LOCATIONS

NO POWER SHORTAGE — AAA batteries are delivered and installed on the spot and come with a 36-month free replacement warranty. state-of-the-art diagnostics will test the battery and electrical system 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. This diagnostic test is quick, accurate and, best of all, free to AAA members. If a new battery is needed, you can

Give Yourself an Upgrade— to the highest level of protection available! Get more from your membership. Upgrade to AAA Premier. With expanded roadside assistance — and a host of other benefits — AAA Premier is a smart choice. 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

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013

have one installed right on the spot. Members even receive a $25 discount when they purchase the replacement battery through AAA. AAA Battery Service vehicles carry batteries compatible with 90 percent of all cars, SUVs and light trucks on the road. The new, high-quality AAA brand battery comes with a 72-month warranty, including 36-months free replacement, and 36-months pro-rated replacement. In addition, AAA will recycle your old battery for you. Think your battery may need replacing soon, but want to see how much your new battery will cost? AAA’s InstaQuote battery price calculator on AAA. com can give you an estimated price for your vehicle’s battery before you call for service. The calculator is easy to use: just select your vehicle’s make, model, year and engine size and click “Request a Quote.” Prices displayed include the member discount. AAA Battery Service is designed to ensure that members get the most out of their batteries. If you suspect your battery is failing, call 800-AAA-HELP and ask for AAA Battery Service. A technician will come to your location and perform a free diagnostic test on your battery. For more information on cold-weather car care, visit AAA.com/ automotive.

DID YOU KNOW?

Ninety-nine percent of the materials in lead-acid batteries can be recycled. AAA has recycled more than 8 million batteries in the U.S. and Canada through its mobile battery service and battery collections. FOR MORE INFORMATION

AAA Battery Service is available from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. 7-days a week. To verify AAA Battery Service availability in your area, call our toll-free number: 1.800.222.4357.

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 102 Sugar Creek Town Center Rd. ........... 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 White Oak/McKeesport Area Oak Park Mall, 2001 Lincoln Way ............ 412-675-3400

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013

AAA MOTORIST

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Take the Pledge — Drive drug and alcohol free Join the fight against this killer on the road Western Pennsylvania Official publication of AAA East Central Published monthly (except bimonthly Aug./Sept., Nov./Dec.) by AAA East Central 5900 Baum Blvd, Pittsburgh PA 15206-3854 412-363-5100/1-800-441-5008 USPS 0679-240 ISSN 1066-6869 Periodicals Postage Paid at Pittsburgh PA Postmaster: Send address changes to AAA Motorist Western Pennsylvania c/o AAA, 5900 Baum Blvd Pittsburgh PA 15206-3854 Subscription Rate: $1 included in Primary Membership dues. All others: $2/year. Publisher..................................... James E. Lehman Managing Editor ............................ Douglas O’Neil Editorial Office 5900 Baum Blvd, Pittsburgh PA 15206-3854 e-mail: motorist@aaaec.com

AAA EAST CENTRAL Chairman: ................................................Richard S. Hamilton Vice Chairman:....................................... James E. Broome, Jr. Vice Chairman:....................................... Douglas W. Caldwell Vice Chairman:.........................................Mary Lynn Laughlin Vice Chairman:.................................... Martha Hartle Munsch OFFICERS: President: ....................................................James E. Lehman Treasurer & CFO: ............................................Michael R. Pratt Secretary: ................................................ Robert H. Compton GOVERNING BOARD OF DIRECTORS James E. Broome, Jr., Steve D. Bullock**, Douglas W. Caldwell, Charles O. Casto, Edward C. Coaxum, Jr., Robert S. Collins, Robert H. Compton, Jon E. Denney, Debra A. Dinnocenzo, Pamela C. Fritz, Richard S. Hamilton, James H. Kanicki, Mary Lynn Laughlin, Richard D. Linderman**, William Duff McCrady, James M. McDonnell, Thomas V. McKernan Jr., Martha Hartle Munsch, Gary K. Munsie** EAST CENTRAL REGION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Debra A. Dinnocenzo, Chairman, Neil D. Bassi, Vice Chairman, Carol Asam, Christian Asam, Jack A. Barkley, William E. Bierer**, Ellsworth T. Bowser**, Peter Burton, Marianne B. Campbell, Charles O. Casto, Michael A. Cochran, Daniel J. Collins Jr.**, Robert S. Collins, Robert H. Compton, James J. Dodaro, Jack G. Ellis, Mona N. Generett, Charles W. Groce , Richard S. Hamilton, Mark Henschen, Luke Howe, Richard Kallenborn, Herbert G. Koenig, Mark S. Mansour, W. Duff McCrady, Martha Hartle Munsch, W. Lee Oswalt, III, Michael Parkes, John D. Petruso, Louis Pomerico, Leonard L. Scheinholtz**, James C. Stump, Jr., James F. Ward *ex officio **emeritus directors Allegheny Regional Board of Directors William C. Bradley, Jr., John Fuller, Wilfred Lippert, John D. Petruso, Adam J. Preston, B. J. Smith, John D. Whitehill Butler Regional Board of Directors Jack A. Barkley, John W. Conway, Joseph D. Davidson Jr., Kenneth W. McKinney, John E. McNallen, Merril Moses, Raymond J. Nicklas, John E. Whitmer, John H. Wise Indiana Regional Board of Directors Thomas Brice, William B. Hastings, Joseph N. Mack, Herman Sledzik Jefferson/Clarion Advisor Edwin Snyder McKean County Regional Board of Directors Elizabeth M. Costello, Thomas Frederick, Richard Kallenborn, David J. Malone, Josephine A. McCord, Stanley Pecora Mercer Regional Board of Directors R. Glenn Adams, Robert E. Davis, Merton W. Hutton, C. L. McCandless, Ralph Q. Steadman, William R. Sumners Mon Yough Advisory Board Robert W. Baum, James J. Dodaro, Alonzo Howell, Jacob N. Skezas, Al Thomas, Dom Toretti Warren Regional Board of Directors Gail Cobb, H. Robert Hampson, M. Dennis Hedges Jr., Luke Howe, Gerald A. Huber, Linn Hyde, James J. Jordan, Donald E. Lewis, James F. Miller, Ralph D. Pasquino Jr., James H. Young Jr. Washington/Greene Advisory Board Neil D. Bassi, E. Paul Day Copyright ©2013 by AAA East Central.

By Richard Hamilton Chairman, AAA East Central he holiday season is a time to celebrate, but it can also lead to trouble on the road. Cars are packed, traffic is heavy and the weather outside may be frightful. Tempers become frayed and drivers are often exhausted from a long ride. Add alcohol to the mix and you have a recipe for disaster. About 40 percent of all traffic fatalities between Christmas and New Year’s involve alcohol. The first day of the year is also the deadliest day of the year for alcohol-related fatalities for motorists and pedestrians alike. You’ve all heard of Black Friday. Now there’s “Blackout Wednesday” thanks to a staggering increase in binge drinking and alcohol-fueled crashes on the night before Thanksgiving. The real tragedy is that drunk driving injuries and deaths are totally preventable if people make responsible choices. Spurred on by organizations like AAA and like-minded stakeholders, tougher legislation, and more proactive enforcement, drunk driving fatalities have declined by nearly 40 percent in the past two decades. Other contributing factors include shifting demographics and major improvements in emergency medicine and vehicle safety. Although social drinkers are much more aware of the risks, those who continue to drink and drive are more likely to be hard-core offenders, habitual drinkers who regularly consume large amounts of alcohol and drive

Richard Hamilton afterwards. About one-third of those arrested for drunk driving are repeat offenders, and up to two-thirds of those with suspended licenses still drive. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration those drivers are responsible for approximately 70 percent of all alcohol-related traffic fatalities. Clearly, more work needs to be done preventing drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel. AAA supports requiring ignition interlocks for all convicted DUI offenders. These devices prevent operation of the vehicle by anyone with a blood alcohol content (BAC) above a specified safe level. When installed, interlocks are associated with about a 70 percent reduction in arrest

rates for impaired driving. AAA is also working year-round to educate motorists about the hazards and driving practices that will help keep them safe and reduce alcoholrelated crashes. PreventDUI.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 alcoholfree. Simply provide your name, email and zip code, and “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. PreventDUI.AAA.com also helps AAA members become more effective advocates. It’s not only a gateway for people to publicly commit to the fight against impaired driving, but a valuable resource for prevention tips and up-todate statistics to help people drive more responsibly. If you’re planning to drink this holiday season, make sure you bring a designated driver. 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. We’ve all seen the consequences of having “one too many” and the stakes are just too high to gamble with the legal limit.

membersonly

Ring in the New Year with AAA Premier Up to 200 miles free towing and more

ow is the season when people often begin thinking about New Year’s resolutions. This year, resolve to protect your family both at home and on the road with an upgrade to AAA Premier membership, AAA’s most comprehensive package of services and benefits. “We introduced AAA Premier after determining that members were looking for even higher levels of protection and benefits than those of basic or AAA Plus membership,” said John Herrilko, AAA East Central Senior Vice President. AAA Premier is perfect for members planning to hit the road for the holidays. AAA Premier roadside assistance includes one tow of up to 200 miles per household per membership year, in addition to three remaining calls, which can be tows of up to 100 miles. If your vehicle does need to be towed, you’ll also be reimbursed for up to $55 in car-rental fees. If you rent from Hertz, you will receive a second day’s rental free on a minimum two-day emergency rental.

AAA Premier also includes trip interruption protection. Members are eligible for up to $1,500 toward the cost of substitute transportation and/or accommodations, should travel plans be delayed or interrupted (when driving 100 miles or more from home) due to an accident, mechanical breakdown, car theft or illness. In addition, members qualify for up to $500 in vehicle return coverage if car issues result in the use of substitute transportation. “People are amazed how quickly costs can add up, and how much these Premier benefits alone can help out when the unexpected happens,” said Herrilko. “With trip interruption and vehicle return coverage, members can quickly get back on schedule and complete their trip.” Some of the most commonly used AAA Premier benefits can be found at your local AAA branch office. Premier members can receive passport photos or personal notary service at no charge. In addition, the $25 per person airline reservation fee is waived for AAA Premier members who book reserva-

tions at their AAA Travel Agency. AAA Premier members also save 15 percent on luggage and travel accessories at AAA Travel Stores in AAA East Central branch offices. Use your discount to buy gifts for the traveler on your holiday shopping list, or to stock up on essentials for your winter vacation getaway. “With all that AAA Premier membership has to offer, there’s a good chance that your family will use at least one of these benefits each year,” Herrilko said. “And almost all of these benefits pay for the cost of annual membership in themselves. That’s why we think it’s become so popular among our members.” Visit www.AAA.com/premier for a comparison of AAA basic, AAA Plus and AAA Premier benefits. AAA Premier is available at an annual fee of just $35 per household, in addition to the member’s basic and AAA Plus membership dues. To upgrade to AAA Premier, call or stop by your local AAA branch office, or contact the Club’s Member Service Call Center at 800.441.5008.

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What you need to know about travel insurance Why no two travel insurance policies are the same

lanning a vacation requires preparation: reserving transportation and accommodations, applying for a passport or visa, and researching the destination. There are some travel factors that are impossible to anticipate. With the correct travel insurance coverage, however, you don’t need to worry. “Travel insurance is a way of protecting your investment, just as you would with your home or your vehicle,” said Ruth Nagy, AAA East Central managing director, travel operations. “You worked hard to earn that money to be able to take a vacation, so if you need to cancel or change your travel plans for a valid covered reason, you’re going to want that money back.” Trip cancellation insurance is one of the most popular types of travel insurance. It reimburses your travel expenses if your trip is delayed or cancelled for a valid reason, such as severe weather or major illness. Other reasons often covered by trip cancellation policies include: death of an immediate family member, jury duty, and bankruptcy of the travel vendor. If your trip cancellation policy does not cover a specific reason that may apply to your situation — such as military deployment or pregnancy — talk with your agent to see if that coverage can be added on. Additional options on travel insurance

travel insurance plans include options to cover expenses and medical evacuation, if needed. There may be exclusions such as preexisting condition, so review the coverage and ask your agent about what options are best for your situation. There are several factors affecting the cost of a travel insurance policy, including the age of the travelers, the length of the trip, and the distance they are traveling. In most instances, a travel insurance policy costs approximately 10 to 20 percent of the total trip cost. Before deciding on any travel insurance plan, be sure you understand what you’re buying and what each policy does and does not cover. “I always encourage travelers to read the policy, understand the policy and ask any questions they may have before they leave for their trip,” said Nagy. “You want to make sure your plan includes the coverage that best fits your specific needs.”

BE PREPARED — Lost luggage, bad weather, medical emergencies, and natural disasters can all impact your travel plans. coverage may include reimbursement for delayed or lost luggage and missed connection coverage. Emergency medical coverage is another important aspect of travel insurance. If traveling internationally, most people are not covered by

their health insurance. Even if you are staying within the United States, your health insurance may not cover outof-network care. If you should need medical treatment on your vacation, you will most likely have to pay out-ofpocket, which can be expensive. Many

Taking the bite out of winter driving Preparation the key to staying safe on the road

inter driving can be hazardous for even the most experienced drivers, especially if their vehicles are not properly prepared for the challenging conditions winter often brings. Maintaining the safety and reliability of your vehicle should be a top priority during the winter months. Start the season off right by winterizing your vehicle before taking to the road. Here are some helpful tips to help you arrive safely to your destination: Drive cautiously — Match your driving speed to the current conditions. If conditions are challenging due to a slip-

pery road surface or reduced visibility, decrease your speed. A slower driving speed allows for more reaction time and margin of error. Traction is key — Winter weather is not the time to ignore your tires. For optimum traction to navigate harsh winter conditions with confidence, consider installing a set of winter tires on your vehicle. Winter tires like Goodyear’s Ultra Grip Ice WRT feature a specialized ice tread compound that offers enhanced traction on ice and snow-covered roads and maintains its flexibility in cold weather. This helps the tire to adapt

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to the road surface and reallly dig into snow and ice. Inflation is essential — Tire pressure decreases by about one pound per square inch for every 10-degree drop in outside air temperature, so it is vital that drivers check the air pressure regularly during the winter months. Proper tire inflation is essential for vehicle stability, fuel efficiency, optimum steering, grip, wear and load-carrying capabilities. Air pressure should be checked when the tires are cool, meaning they have not been driven even a mile. Service your vehicle — Be prepared for what Mother Nature throws your way by making sure you have enough antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid. For a correct amount of antifreeze to withstand the winter temperatures, a 50/50 mix of antifreeze to water is sufficient. You can go through all your windshield wiper fluid in one storm, so be sure to completely fill your vehicle’s reservoir before the first snowfall hits. It may be useful to buy extra, but make sure it is high-quality, “no-freeze” fluid. Stock your vehicle — No one wants to break down, especially in cold weather, so keeping a kit with essential items is helpful in case of emergencies. Some essential items to include are blankets, water bottles, a first aid kit, jumper cables, shovel/ ice scraper, road flares, a candle and matches.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information on protecting your next getaway — whether you purchased your trip through AAA Travel or not call 800.354.8761 or visit AAA.com/travelinsurance.

AAA offers ATV & Snowmobile Title & Registration Services AAA is your convenient onestop shop for on-line processing of Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle and Driver’s License transactions. We can transfer titles, issue plates, renew and replace registrations, process address changes, and renew non-commercial driver’s licenses. Your local branch is also able to complete all the paperwork necessary to buy, sell, and register an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV). Our 30 Pennsylvania branches are now on-line with the DCNR to handle title transfers, ATV plate and snowmobile decal issuance, and registration renewals. For faster processing, the DCNR requires a credit card. Not to worry, AAA still accepts cash and checks. Don’t forget, we can process the work for the trailer that you use to haul your ATV or Snowmobile as well! Title and license services are available to the general public, but are offered to AAA members at a substantial discount. Visit your local AAA branch today for more information, or call our Member Service Center at 1.800.441.5008. Phones are answered Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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Member Appreciation Cruise rooms — including an opportunity to taste a martini (or 2) and a fee-free dinner at an onboard specialty restaurant. An Alaska cruise vacation, amazing as it is, is even better with a Concierge Class stateroom (upgrade from balcony for $320 per person), where little details make a big difference; AAA has 20 available at a great rate. Besides personalized concierge service, inroom amenities include sparkling wine on arrival, flowers & fruit & evening hors d’oeuvres delivered daily, luxury bedding, pillow menu, personalized stationery, tote bag, umbrella for onboard use and a private bar (custom-stocked for a fee). In-bath amenities include a massage showerhead, plush robes, oversize towels, salon-quality hairdryer and a selection of shampoos/lotions/soaps. You also enjoy express luggage delivery, early embarkation/disembarkation, priority seating in main dining room

2014 AAA Member Appreciation Cruise

continued from page 1

& specialty restaurants, makeup/turndown service, expanded room service menu (24 hours) and shoeshine valet. Balcony enhancements include a table for 2, cushioned chairs and highpower binoculars for onboard use. After using those binoculars on your relaxing full day at sea after departing Seattle, you’ll catch sight of Ketchikan, the first port of call. Variously called “Salmon Capital of the World,” “Alaska’s First City” and “Rain Capital of Alaska,” it was named after a creek flowing through this ancestral home of the Tlingit people; some say it’s their word for “thundering wings of an eagle.” A must-see here is the world’s largest collection of totem poles. You may opt to flightsee by seaplane over nearby spectacular Misty Fjords National Monument, called the “Yosemite of the North.” Back on ship, you’ll sail amid pure silence past translucent blue icebergs

SOAR WITH MORE — AAA members get more extras on the 2014 Appreciation Cruise.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013

Celebrity Solstice Alaska Aug 1-8 AAA Member Rate $1,999

Balcony rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes 7-night cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals, government fees, VIP priority check-in, 24–7 member assistance, 48-hour bestprice guarantee, $50 shipboard credit per stateroom, binoculars (1 per stateroom), martini tasting (2 vouchers per stateroom) and specialty-restaurant dining (1 night, 2 people per stateroom). Ship’s registry: Malta. Ask about discounted add-on airfare (available for a limited time). Visit AAA.com/travel for more information. 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 Eddie Bauer® is a way to describe the charms of Alaska’s capital, Juneau. Here, the pioneering spirit lives on in an interesting mix of cosmopolitan chic and frontier ruggedness. Visit the State Museum’s exquisite collection of Russian Orthodox and Gold Rush relics. Grab those binoculars again, as you enter one of the world’s most famously beautiful waterways, the Inside Passage. It features virtually everything you come to Alaska hoping to see, including rain forests, glaciers, fjords and white-capped peaks — all of which create a setting that’s perfect

for viewing whales and sea lions. Wildlife gives way to wild life in the Gold Rush town of Skagway. Saloons and dance-hall revues enliven this little port with the big frontier spirit. If prospecting fever hits you, try the White Pass & Yukon Railway or a ride on the Klondike Highway to places where you can roll up your sleeves and pan for gold on your own! After another day at sea, step ashore at Victoria, British Columbia’s capital and a charming example of colonial splendor. This English-flavored enclave enjoys a temperate climate, which makes exploring its museums, gardens and parks so enjoyable. Learn more about this departure at AAA.com/travel. But hurry — space is limited, and Alaska is very popular!

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AAA membership is a gift for all seasons This year, give the gift that keeps giving

ou know how valuable your AAA card is. Now you can give as good as you get with a AAA Gift Membership. Who wouldn’t appreciate the gift of security, quality, service and savings? AAA is justifiably famous for our 24-hour emergency roadside assistance, but a Gift Membership offers you and your loved ones so much more. AAA members receive all the great 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 rental, and more. AAA Prescription Savings will save everyone money on their medications, even the family dog! Our brand new AAA Discounts & Rewards program delivers an innovative shopping experience on AAA.com, where members can save with discount offers from approximately 30,000 participating 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. WOWPoints are AAA’s online reward points — just like the loyalty points you get from credit cards or airlines. AAA’s Show Your Card & Save® pro-

IT’S A GIFT — AAA membership may be close to the “perfect” gift. gram means savings are literally at your fingertips — at more than 150,000 locations worldwide — especially with versatile SmartPhone apps like AAA Mobile. 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 robust travel information with Google maps. AAA members can also download dig-

Get More... Out of Your Membership with

AAA Plus!!

s a AAA basic member, you enjoy countless valuable benefits — from roadside assistance to travel services, member discounts, and access to financial and insurance services. And there’s more! When you sign up for AAA Plus membership, you’re eligible for all of the benefits of basic membership, plus enhanced and extended services, including:

n Up to 100 miles of free towing n Free emergency fuel n Up to $100 emergency locksmith services n Extended extrication service n Extra Trip Interruption Protection coverage

Get more out of your membership

Call or visit your local AAA office or AAA.com, or call our Member Service Center at 1-800-441-5008

ital 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 abide 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 installa-

tion 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. AAA also offers members trusted insurance protection for your car, home, and life. Financial services include CDs, deposit accounts, credit cards, and Travel Money. Identity theft is one of America’s fastest-growing crimes, and AAA’s Protect MyID® is a brand new member benefit that offers effective, no cost identity theft protection. Exclusive features like Daily Credit Monitoring, Lost Wallet Card Protection and Dedicated Fraud Resolution Support can help catch identity theft when it happens and help you restore your credit and your peace of mind.

SAVE ON GIFT MEMBERSHIPS

If your holiday budget is in the red, AAA can help you save some green. Purchase a AAA Gift Membership through December 31, 2013 and save $10! Your family and friends will enjoy the discounts, services and benefits of AAA all year long — and you enjoy the savings! For more information, visit your local AAA branch office or online at AAA.com.

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The Big Chill — How you can prevent frozen pipes What should you do when a water pipe freezes?

magine waking up on a frigid morning, and stumbling down the stairs only to find your kitchen is filled with water. Each winter, about a quarter of a million families find themselves with water pipes that have frozen and burst. A single three millimeter crack in a pipe can dump up to 250 gallons of water in your house in a single day causing thousands of dollars of damage. Whether your home has steel, copper or plastic PVC pipes, no one is immune. Fortunately, there a few precautions you can take to protect your pipes: Bundle up those pipes: Take time to insulate all the exposed pipes in your crawl spaces, garage and attic. These pipes are more vulnerable to freezing. Use heat tape or thermostaticallycontrolled heat cable to wrap high-risk pipes. Use exterior tape for outside pipes and interior tape for indoor pipes. Seal the cracks: Look for air leaks near your pipes. If arctic air seeps through even a tiny crack, your pipes can quickly freeze and burst. Seal up every leak with caulk or insulation. Put the garden hose away: Disconnect your garden hose and shut off the indoor valve before winter. Bump up the thermostat: The temperature inside the walls and attic is much colder than the inside of your house. If you let the indoor temperature drop below 65 degrees, your exterior

FROZEN OUT— About a quarter million families deal with frozen water pipes that burst each winter. wall pipes are at high risk of freezing. Protect your home when you’re gone: If you’re going out of town, ask a friend or neighbor to check your house each day. Ask them to make sure it’s warm enough to prevent pipes from freezing and look for any signs of water. Consider shutting off and draining your water system before you leave. Know the signs of a pipe freeze: If you turn on your faucet and no water comes out, your pipe is probably frozen.

You may be able to thaw the pipe yourself with a hair dryer. Start warming the pipe as close to the faucet as possible, working toward the coldest part of the pipe. Never try to thaw pipe with a torch or open flame. Deal with the burst pipe: If your pipes burst, turn off your water at the main shut-off valve and leave the water faucets on. Call a plumber right away. You should also call your insurance agent or company as soon as possi-

ble. Although your insurance adjuster doesn’t need to see the spill before you clean it up, you should at least inform them of your situation. Move electronics, furniture, carpet and other items away from the water. Start mopping up the water and try to make temporary repairs to protect your home from further damage. Be sure to save all of your receipts for any money you spend related to the pipe burst. Your insurance company may be able to reimburse you for temporary repairs. Try to avoid making expensive permanent repairs until your insurance adjuster has a chance to assess the damage. Obviously, no one wants to deal with the cost and aggravation of a pipe burst. Take the proper measures to protect your pipes and your home. It’s also important to ensure your family is prepared to act swiftly and smartly if a pipe does rupture. 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 800.207.7947, or visit AAA.com/insurance for more information or to schedule a comprehensive Insurance review. AAA – your trusted insurance advisor.

Bridging the gap in state transportation funding Pennsylvania bridges and highways need major repairs

ennsylvania’s transportation network is one of the largest in the nation. Today the state’s aging roads and bridges are in poor condition due to decades of underinvestment and deferred maintenance. A 2010 transportation funding study — in which AAA participated — determined that Pennsylvania must invest an additional $3.5 billion annually in the state’s transportation system. If not addressed, the funding gap will double by 2020. According to a 2013 report by The Road Information Program (TRIP), roads and bridges that are deficient, congested or lack desirable safety features cost Pennsylvania motorists a total of $9.4 billion statewide — as much as $1,800 annually per driver in some urban areas — due to higher vehicle operating costs (VOC), traffic crashes and congestionrelated delays. In the Pittsburgh area for example, driving on bad roads costs motorists an average of $1,418 per driver in extra vehicle repairs, operating costs, wasted gas in traffic congestion, and traffic crashes. Pennsylvania leads the nation in the number of structurally deficient bridges with 4,479. A total of 42 percent of Pennsylvania bridges are in need of repair, improvement or replacement. Twenty-five percent of the state’s bridges are structurally deficient and 17

A ROUGH ROAD AHEAD — Pennsylvania’s AAA Clubs recently launched a statewide billboard campaign. percent are functionally obsolete. The average age of Pennsylvania’s bridges is 51 years and most were built to have a 50-year lifespan. This past summer, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that they were adding or increasing weight restrictions to about 1,000 structurally deficient bridges statewide to ensure bridge safety and preserve our aging bridge system. After putting these new restrictions in place, Pennsylvania now ranks 27th in

the nation with the percent of structurally deficient bridges that are posted or closed. According to PennDOT, reducing the weight traveling on these bridges will slow down deterioration and preserve safety while funding for their repairs remains uncertain. Once a transportation-funding plan is passed by the legislature, the earliest the weight restrictions could be removed would be when their repairs can be placed on the schedule for funding within two years.

And if conditions warrant, the restrictions could remain in place until repairs are made. AAA remains committed to advancing responsible, long-term solutions to meet the transportation challenges of the future and that all funding options must be on the table. Stabile funding solutions should go hand-in-hand with reforms that target waste, mismanagement, and ensure greater transparency and accountability in federal and state transportation programs. Finding workable solutions will entail a host of challenging policy and revenue issues, but these efforts should be viewed as an opportunity to move the transportation infrastructure into the 21st century, bolster economic recovery, and improve our quality of life.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

AAA works to educate the public about the need for greater investment and significant reforms in the federal transportation program. Our Making America Stronger campaign was designed to raise awareness about the crucial role a safe and well-maintained transportation system plays in our everyday lives and in the nation’s economy. Learn more at makingamericastronger.aaa.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013

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Member Benefits • Exclusive Offers

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1-800-354-8761 • AAA.com/travel

Book & deposit any 1 of 7 special vacations by 11/30/13 & receive a FREE HOLIDAY GIFT! TELEVISION TABLET South America Portugal & its Islands Alaska by Land Italian Vistas Gardens of London Taste of Scotland & Ireland Irish Heritage

• •

• • • • •

SPEAKER

• • • • •

BREWER

• • • • • • •

GOOGLE 10 TABLET COMPUTER BOSE BLUETOOTH MINI SPEAKER

Pick a tour & make a deposit, then pick a qualifying gift. Visit AAA.com/TravelDeals for detailed gift descriptions. Gifts shipped by 12/15/13. Deposit (up to value of selected gift) is nonrefundable.

TREASURES OF

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SOUTH AMERICA

Been there? Done that? Here’s a spectacular getaway for those “tired” of Europe or “over” the Caribbean. Look to the intriguing, inviting lands of South America! This all-too-unsung continent boasts some of the world’s most fascinating natural & manmade landmarks, a colorful tapestry of native & European-influenced cultures and unique travel experiences that rival or surpass destinations you've already seen. “Treasures of South America,” a 17-night escorted AAA Featured Vacation, starts with a bang in exciting Rio de Janeiro. This vibrant city pulses with life 24-7 and is in full-speed prep to host the 2016 Summer Olympics. Stroll the sands at Ipanema, ride a cable car to the top of Sugarloaf and marvel at vistas from atop Corcovado, from which you and “Christ the Redeemer” tower over the sights & sounds of this friendly city. Indulge in a churrascaria, a seemingly unending feast of marinated & barbecued meats, while sipping a sweet/sour (sugar cane liquor & lime) caipirinha. Leave the uber-urban metropolis for the primal atmosphere of Iguazu, one of the world’s largest & most breathtaking waterfalls. Feel its mist & power...then dine at the nexus of the borders of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. Refreshed, fly to the wine country of Mendoza, Argentina, for touring and tastings before visiting the “Paris of South America”; Buenos Aires’ European-style architecture and joie de vivre lend Argentina’s stylish capital an air of sophistication unique in the Western Hemisphere. Witness (and participate in!) the much-revered spectacle that is the tango. In Peru, tour Lima’s historical center (a UNESCO World Heritage site), then fly to Cuzco and descend into the Sacred Valley of the Incas to meet locals and visit Ollantayambo, the only Inca settlement continually inhabited since its inception. The next stop alone is worth the journey to South America — Machu Picchu! By Book this vacation & choose 1 gift below. train, ascend to the “Lost City of the Incas” for a magical moment in time and nature.

KEURIG SINGLE-SERVICE BREWER

Portugal & its Islands Right now, Portugal is hot! And getting hotter! Not necessarily temperature-wise; it’s fast becoming the last “undiscovered” destination in Western Europe. Why? Those who have discovered its considerable assets are having a hard time keeping it to themselves! Those assets include Portugal’s impressive history; once a world superpower, its seafarers explored and charted much of the Old and New Worlds. Then there’s the endless variety of things to see and do, all within a manageable area (about the size of Maine). Throw in a lively, cosmopolitan capital and charmingly sleepy villages...as well as world-renowned wines and succulent seafood & sausages. Add sun, sand and surf. And top it all off with the Azores and Madeira — island gems in the Atlantic! In Lisbon, explore the Moorish Alfama Quarter, Jeronimo’s Monastery (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Monument to the Discoveries and the ©STEVANZZ/FOTOLIA.COM Tower of Belem (UWHS). See Sintra (UWHS), summer residence of kings for 6 centuries. Then enjoy Portugal’s “Riviera” and dinner accompanied by wine and fado, soulful music recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. On the Silver Coast, see sleepy villages, rich vineyards and age-old castles. At Fatima, see the famous Basilica and view the magnificent Batalha Monastery (UWHS). The truly remote Azores archipelago lies some 900 miles west of Lisbon. Its volcanic birth created mountains and valleys richly covered with varied vegetation, pocket lakes resting in ancient craters, hot springs, fumaroles and thermal fountains. Seaside villages, white-washed houses guarded by medieval city walls, bustling harbors and cities overflowing with architectural treasures — these, and Europe’s Book this vacation & choose 1 gift below. only pineapple and tea plantations, make the Azores all the more inviting. About 600 miles southwest of

5 more qualifying vacations on the following pages

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Book 1 of these 7 vacations by 11/30/13 & get a See the previous page for offer information and visit AAA.com/TravelDeals for descriptions of these gifts. SOUTH AMERICA (continued from preceding page)

In addition to all of this, you’ll enjoy 5 extra-special experiences at no extra cost to you! • Jeep tour of the lush Tijuca Forest National Park around Rio de Janeiro • Rio’s “Samba City” workshop where Carnival floats & costumes are created • a night on the town at Rio Scenarium, a famous club offering live samba & jazz • the unique Inca terraces at Moray and the Sacred Valley Salineras salt mines • Iguazu Falls rainforest safari by Jeeps and Zodiac boats (to base of falls!)

Sept 10-27 • AAA Member Rate: $8,768 Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Pittsburgh–Rio de Janeiro, Cuzco-Pittsburgh), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, hotel accommodations/ taxes/service charges/baggage handling (1 piece per person), 26 meals, 5 “experiences,” air taxes & fees/ surcharges and in–South America tour director. Book this vacation & choose 1 gift below. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent. Visit AAA.com/ GoSouthAmerica for details.

s a s t V i n a i Ital

This magnificent 13-day escorted adventure features visits to 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Rome, Pompeii, Florence, Pisa, Venice and Verona! Enjoy included extra-special “moments” you’d have to research & add on at your own expense and effort: • Guided visits to St Peter’s Basilica and Vatican City’s museums, including the Sistine Chapel • A 4-course dinner with wine in Rome, with live performances of arias from the best operas • A tour of a dried-pasta factory and a dinner featuring this culinary treasure in the factory’s own restaurant • After-hours visit to a 14th-century monastery followed by a family-style feast of traditional Tuscan dishes, with wine! • A serenaded gondola cruise on the canals of Venice — one of the world’s most famous travel experiences Enjoy relaxing multiple-night stays in Rome (3), Sorrento–Amalfi Coast (2), Florence (2), Venice (2) and Stresa–Lakes District (2).

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PORTUGAL & ITS ISLANDS (continued from preceding page)

Lisbon, the resort island of Madeira, “pearl of the Atlantic,” boasts a subtropical climate, majestic mountain ranges and volcanic caves as well as traditional villages and the world’s second highest cliff. Encounter islanders continuing age-old ways of life — fishing, wickerwork, intricate embroidery and, of course, world-renowned wine making. Sit down to an espetada (traditional dinner) and enjoy folk music & dancers as you feast on herb-marinated beef cooked over an open fire!

Sept 12-24 • AAA Member Rate: $4,619 Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Pittsburgh-Lisbon), in-Portugal flights, roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, hotel accommodations/taxes/service charges/baggage handling (1 piece per person), 19 meals, air taxes & fees/surcharges and in-Portugal tour director. Book this vacation & choose 1 gift below. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Visit AAA.com/ GoEurope for details.

LIMITEED! SPAC

ALASKA BY LAND! See the incredible, inspirational interior of the Last Frontier on this 9-night escorted tour Unforgettable experiences not on cruises! Traditional salmon bake & a sternwheeler river cruise in Fairbanks Thrilling 4-hour aerial 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 at Happy Trails Kennel near Anchorage 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

May 5-17 • AAA Member Rate: $5,414

July 8-17 • AAA Member Rate: $4,999

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Pittsburgh-Rome, Milan-Pittsburgh), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, hotel accommodations/taxes/ service charges/baggage handling (1 piece per Book this vacation & choose 1 gift below. person), 21 meals, air taxes & fees/surcharges, in-Italy tour director. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Visit AAA.com/GoItaly for details.

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Pittsburgh-Fairbanks), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, motorcoach sightseeing, accommodations (Fairbanks, Denali, Anchorage, Seward: 2 each, Book this vacation & choose 1 gift below. Girdwood: 1), 16 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).

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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

FREE HOLIDAY GIFT! MINI SPEAKER

SINGLE BREWER

Discover Britain’s horticultural heritage on a journey featuring dinner with representatives of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the Chelsea Flower Show (on RHS-members-only day), Hampton Court Palace & its gardens, the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew (a UNESCO World Heritage site), Windsor Castle and an exclusive gala dinner at the RHS flagship garden at Wisley. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE... Half-day city tour including views of Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Changing of the Guard (if scheduled) A briefing on planning the best use of your time at the Chelsea Flower Show at Royal Hospital Chelsea “Diner’s Choice”: Choose a spot perfect for you one night from a “menu” of London’s great restaurants Free time to explore London’s endless offerings — theaters, museums, galleries, parks, etc

May 17-24 • AAA Member Rate: $4,199 Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Pittsburgh-London), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, hotel accommodations/taxes/ service charges/baggage handling (1 piece per Book this vacation & choose 1 gift below. person), 9 meals, air taxes & fees/surcharges. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent. Visit AAA.com/travel for more information.

ESCORTED TOUR OPERATED BY CIE TOURS INTERNATIONAL

Glasgow • Spean Bridge Woollen Mill • Loch Ness cruise • Highland evening • Blair Athol Whisky Distillery • Edinburgh & its Castle • Ferry to Northern Ireland • Belfast: Titanic Center • Dublin: Guinness Storehouse, canal dinner cruise • Rock of Cashel • Blarney Castle & Woolen Mills • Killarney: “jaunting car” • Ring of Kerry • Skellig Experience • Sneem • Moll’s Gap • River Shannon ferry • Cliffs of Moher (pictured) • Bunratty Castle medieval banquet • AND MORE!

LIGHT UP THE HOLIDAYS FOR THE

TRAVELERS 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. 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

ESCORTED TOUR OPERATED BY CIE TOURS INTERNATIONAL Bunratty Folk Park Medieval banquet in a 15th-century castle Cliffs of Moher Flying Boat Museum Killarney National Park, including Muckross House Ring of Kerry, Skellig Experience & Moll’s Gap Waterford Crystal tour Russborough House Dinner & song at a pub Dublin: tour & free time ...AND MUCH, MUCH MORE!

Nov 1-12 • AAA Member Rate: $1,799

Oct 5-12 • AAA Member Rate: $1,459

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, guided motorcoach sightseeing, entrance fees, 17 meals (including medieval banquet, canal dinner cruise), in-Ireland tour director, hotel luggage handling (1 piece per person), hotel Book this vacation taxes & service charges. Ask about available add-on airfare. & get this gift. Visit AAA.com/Ireland for itinerary and more information.

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip airport/ hotel transfers, accommodations, guided motorcoach sightseeing, entrance fees, 11 meals (including Bunratty Castle medieval banquet/entertainment & Merry Ploughboy pub dinner/ entertainment), in-Ireland tour director, hotel luggage handling (1 Book this vacation piece per person), hotel taxes & service charges. Ask about available & get this gift. add-on airfare. Visit AAA.com/GoIreland for itinerary and information.

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Be a snowbird & escape winter for up to a month: Rent a furnished Florida “nest” for you, your family and / or your friends! Just because you don’t own a home in Florida is no reason you can’t be a “snowbird” and live the leisurely (and warm!) life-style of the Sunshine State for up 28 nights (Saturday-toSaturday weeks) in January, February or March 2014. AAA Travel has just what you need — 1- to 4-week Saturdayto-Saturday rental of a roomy furnished vacation home in peaceful Port Charlotte! On the southwest Gulf Coast just 100 miles south of Tampa and 65 miles north of Naples, Port Charlotte is a premier ecotourism destination that’s off the beaten path and free of crowds, yet offers sailing, boating, fishing, birding, shopping, dining, arts & more. One of Sail magazine’s 10 Greatest Places to Sail, the Charlotte Harbor area offers nature adventures like canoe/kayak paddling on 53 Blueways trails, exploring 5 national wildlife refuges and discovering prime birding opportunities. There are more than 70 parks & preserves, 16 golf courses and numerous annual sporting events and recreational facilities. Cultural HOME

Image representative of available homes. No 2 homes are identical, but styles & amenities are similar. pursuits include visual arts, theater, dance and music (Port Charlotte is home to the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra). It’s no wonder Money magazine called Port Charlotte Best Place to Retire. Choose from a selection of attractively landscaped homes, and use yours as a base from which to explore the local area’s uncrowded beaches and/or the many attractions within

2014 RENTAL PERIOD

AAA MEMBER RATE

4137 Library St ............................1/4–1/11 (1 week) ............... $1,349 SOLD OUT! 18146 Brazil Ave ........................ 1/4–1/18 (2 weeks) .............. $2,141 1198 Dewhurst St ....................... 1/4–2/1 (4 weeks) ............... $3,896 18106 Lake Worth Blvd ............. 2/1–2/15 (2 weeks) .............. $3,003 18130 Lake Worth Blvd ............. 2/1–2/15 (2 weeks) .............. $2,743

HOME

comfortable driving distance. Or just settle in, take advantage of the screened-in swimming pool and laugh at winter back home! Get away from it all...or invite your family and/or friends to share some Florida fun with you. These 3-bedroom/ 2-bathroom (some with 2.5) homes can comfortably sleep 6 (bedding/linens provided for each bedroom). They feature fully equipped kitchens (dishwasher, stove/oven, refrigerator/ freezer, microwave) and dining areas for everyone to gather in...screened-in heated pools for swimming, lounging and loafing! Living rooms feature entertainment centers (with cable). Optional weekly cleaning/linen service is available for an additional fee. Imagine not having to shovel snow this winter...and watching the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico instead. Forget about bundling up just to go to the corner store...and slipping into a soothing pool after dining on your patio instead. With AAA’s help, you can look forward to winter this year; contact a AAA travel agent now! 2014 RENTAL PERIOD

AAA MEMBER RATE

18239 Temple Ave ...................... 2/1–3/1 (4 weeks) ............... $5,239 18211 Brazil Ave ........................ 3/1–3/29 (4 weeks) .............. $5,756 22491 Cezane ............................ 3/1–3/29 (4 weeks) .............. $5,377 18106 Lake Worth Blvd ............. 3/8–3/22 (2 weeks) .............. $3,071 4249 Flamingo Blvd .................. 3/29–4/12 (2 weeks) ............. $2,486

Rates vary by home selected, are subject to availability at time of booking and include accommodations, taxes & fees and pool heating fee. Visit AAA.com/HomeRentals.

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Yellowstone in Winter

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

LEAVE YOUR CAR AT HOME! Rates are per person, are subject to availability at time of booking and include roundtrip motorcoach transportation from the Pittsburgh 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 services of a AAA Tour Manager. Visit AAA.com/USA for complete itinerary details and pick-up points.

Valentine Getaway: Niagara Falls ON Feb 13-14 • AAA Member Rate: $335

Begin 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 1-6 • AAA Member Rate: $2,085 Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Pittsburgh–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 minimum-participation goal is met), taxes, gratuities for guide & driver. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Visit AAA.com/travel for more information.

Jackson Hole Snowmobile Adventure Package

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 snowcovered mountains. It’s an experience to remember!

Feb 15-21 • AAA Member Rate: $1,865

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.

Wine, chocolate, flowers and love songs – this trip has it all! Travel to romantic Niagara-on-theLake, one of Ontario’s most charming Victorian towns. Enjoy lunch & shopping on your own before visiting one of the wineries this region is known for. Nothing says “Valentine’s Day” more than candy, so stop at the Chocolate Factory. Overnight in Niagara Falls near many area attractions. Enjoy an evening of Broadway love songs (featuring a bit of comedy) and dinner at Oh Canada, Eh? dinner theater. Visit impressive floral displays at Niagara Parks Commission Greenhouse. Afterward, enjoy time at Table Rock Centre and eat lunch on the brink of the falls. 3 meals.

Moses: Lancaster PA

April 9-10 • AAA Member Rate: $299 Leave winter blahs behind and head to PA Dutch country. Unwind at Kitchen Kettle Village; wander through shops picturesquely nestled in a village setting. See the production of Moses at the Sight & Sound Theatre. Enjoy a traditional PA Dutch dinner at Hershey Farm Restaurant, an attraction on its own. Stay at the on-site inn, with easy access to shops & attractions. Be sure to visit the bakery, country store, farm animals and more. Visit an Amish house & farm. Explore the countryside on a tour through rolling hills and farmland. In Lititz, visit Sturgis Pretzels; try your hand at pretzel making! Stroll the streets during free time provided for lunch and shopping on your own. 2 meals.

Cherry Blossom Parade: Washington DC April 11-13 • AAA Member Rate: $625

Ride to the nation’s capital for the Cherry Blossom Festival, an annual event that attracts visitors from around the world! Take a fascinating journey through the city with commentary & insight along the way. Enjoy a reserved seat for great views of the Cherry Blossom Parade. See colorful floats, giant balloons, marching bands and more! Visit the National Mall on your own, stopping in the Smithsonian Museums and taking in the sights of the Cherry Blossom Festival. Dine in Georgetown on the waterfront. View the illuminated monuments on an evening tour. Walk the streets of historic Alexandria VA and enjoy a brunch with exceptional views and scrumptious favorites; explore the quaint shops & sights of the town’s picturesque waterfront and side streets. 4 meals.

Military Pride & Parades: Norfolk VA April 24-26 • AAA Member Rate: $455

Enjoy a military-themed weekend in North America’s NATO headquarters — Norfolk. Stay at a full-service hotel with easy access to many area attractions. Enjoy a unique dining experience in a 140-year-old former-church-turned-restaurant; the food is “heavenly”! Visit Nauticus and the battleship USS Wisconsin. Sail aboard the Victory Rover for a 2-hour tour of THE US Naval Base. Attend a private dinner at your hotel before departing for the Virginia International Tattoo; this rousing event features top military bands and precision drill teams with more than 800 performers. In Norfolk’s Town Point Park, the “Parade of Nations” features floats, marching bands and specialty units from around the world. Attend the NATOfest outdoor festival to enjoy entertainment, food and visiting ships. 4 meals.

LAST CALL for Holiday Tours! Biltmore & Smoky Mountain Christmas Dec 2-6 • $905 Pittsburgh Holiday Houses of Worship Dec 3 • $89 Christmas Shows of Lancaster & Hershey Dec 4-6 • $525 Oglebay Lights Dec 5 • $115 Grand Illumination & Virginia Plantations Dec 6-10 • $965 Ohio Country Christmas Dec 7 • $145 Greenbrier Holiday Grandeur Dec 9-11 • $795

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

DEC 6-14

see the PENGUINS WITH AAA ®

WATCH HOME-ICE ACTION from THE

COMFORT OF A PRIVATE canadian club party suite AT CONSOL ENERGY CENTER! • party suite game ticket • comfortable leather seating • buffet • nonalcoholic beverages • TV monitor with live game feed • complimentary access to 3 clubs

PACKAGE WITH R/T TRANSPORTATION, HOTEL, RESERVED-SEAT TICKET, aaa gift & MORE. Detroit: DEC 14-15

Motorcoach to Motor City. Stay steps away (via enclosed people-mover!) from Joe Louis Arena at the Renaissance Center Hotel; enjoy its on-site shops & dining venues. Lunch at Hockeytown Café. Pre-game party at hotel lounge. 2 meals. $379

columbus: dec 29-30 OR MARCH 28-29

HOME

AWAY

LEXUS, CAPTAIN MORGAN & FIRST NIAGARA

calgary flames: DEC 21 @ 1 pm NEW YORK Rangers: jan 3 @ 7 pm Philly flyers: March 16 @ 7:30 PM Tampa Bay lightning: March 22 @ 1 pm Philly Flyers: april 12 @ 3 PM AAA member rate: $299 each game

Go ON THE ROAD! CHOOSE AN AWAY-GAME

GAMES, TIMES & OPPONENTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

AAA Member Rates are per person per game and are based on double occupancy when accommodations are included.

Motorcoach to Columbus. Stay at a downtown hotel within walking distance of Nationwide Arena. Visit Easton Town Center, a unique shopping & dining destination. Enjoy a pre-game party in the hotel. Savor a lunch buffet at Schmidt’s in German Village. 2 meals. Dec 29: $399. March 28: $469

WINTER HEAT – PENS OUT WEST! L.A. & PHOENIX: jan 29–feb 2

Fly from Pittsburgh for 4 nights & 2 games! Start in Los Angeles; tour “Tinseltown” and stay 2 nights across the street from the LA Live entertainment district. Then motorcoach to Phoenix, stopping along the way for a tramway ride & lunch in Palm Springs! Stay 2 nights at a luxurious 4-star resort (4 pools, on-site dining, spa, tennis, golf & more; fees for some activities). Join fellow fans for food & fun at West Gate Entertainment District, then walk to the game at Jobing.com Arena. Fly home from Phoenix. Exclusive Penguins/AAA gift. 2 meals. AAA Tour Manager. at LA hotel! Visit AAA.com/travel. $1,849 2 free drink vouchers at AZ resort! $30 debit card to use VISIT AAA.COM/PENGUINS FOR OTHER ROAD GAMES. ®

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

AAA.com

Linking you & your next vacation! FLIGHTS RENTAL CARS HOTEL/MOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS Research & book travel arrangements from the comfort of your home – 24/7. TRAVEL WITH SOMEONE YOU TRUST.®

Altoona PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bridgeport WV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Butler PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Columbiana OH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cranberry Township PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . East Liverpool OH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Erie PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Greensburg PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harborcreek PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Indiana PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kittanning PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lower Burrell/New Kensington Area PA . . Martinsburg WV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Meadville PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Morgantown WV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New Castle PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

814-946-1277 304-842-7676 724-282-8810 330-482-3836 724-772-1122 330-385-2020 814-866-0246 724-834-8300 814-897-9508 724-349-4193 724-543-4244 724-339-4440 304-263-4619 814-724-3157 304-983-6480 724-658-8551

Pittsburgh PA area Century III (Pleasant Hills) . . . . . . . . . Downtown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . East Liberty/Shadyside . . . . . . . . . . . . Monroeville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . North Hills Area (Ross Twp) . . . . . . . . Robinson Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . South Hills (Bethel Park) . . . . . . . . . . White Oak/McKeesport . . . . . . . . . . . Rochester PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . St Marys PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Uniontown PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Warren PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Washington PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Waynesburg PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wheeling WV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Weirton WV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

412-655-6105 412-338-4305 412-365-7272 412-858-4640 412-367-7625 412-809-2803 412-833-5060 412-675-3404 724-728-6230 814-781-3003 724-438-8575 814-723-6660 724-225-3600 724-627-3434 304-233-1810 304-748-1616

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. 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.

See, do & get MORE on a Celebrity Cruisetour!

A Celebrity Cruisetour is an unforgettable vacation that delivers the best — and most — of both sea & land.

Enjoy the experience-packed combination of a 7-night Alaska cruise on Celebrity Millennium

PLUS a 6-night land tour of Alaska (Seward, Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali, Fairbanks) OR a 6-night land tour of the Canadian Rockies (Vancouver,Victoria, Jasper, Banff, Calgary).

Members get $150* off! PLUS a blanket, wine & binoculars! Book and make a deposit on a balcony (or above) stateroom on the cruisetours below by 12/31/13.

Alaska Northern Glacier Cruisetour

June 20–July 3

AAA Member Rate: from $3,274

Canadian Rockies & Alaska Cruisetour

Before-discount rates are per person (double occupancy), are subject to availability at time of booking and include 7-night balcony-stateroom cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals, in-stateroom bottle of wine, AAA roll-up lap blanket (1 per person), compact binoculars (1 pair per stateroom), government taxes, port charges, 6-night hotel accommodations and sightseeing/transportation. Ships' registry: Malta. Visit AAA.com/travel for more information. Ask about available add-on airfare. Passport required. *per stateroom

Aug 8–21

AAA Member Rate: from $4,927

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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

ULTIMATE ALASKA Winter Wonderland Tour • Feb 20–March 2

An extraordinary chance to witness the Northern Lights, the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race and Alaska’s winter wildlife & wilderness! Fairbanks • Chena Hot Springs Resort Alaska Railroad • Seward Highway Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center Alaska Sealife Center • Alyeska Resort Anchorage • Alaska Zoo • Wasilla Mushers Banquet • Iditarod Race AAA Member Rate: $2,955

AAA includes FREE roundtrip motorcoach transportation on 2 AAA Featured Vacations The largest steamboat ever built, the grand American Queen is a gracious and elegant triumph of American ingenuity. Although filled with today’s modern amenities, her rooms and accommodations display all the opulence of America’s Victorian era. Glistening woodwork, fresh flowers and antiques adorn her interior spaces. Outside, lacy filigree evokes memories of the many stately river steamers that preceded her and so inspired her designers. The paddlewheel has its own rhythm but so does the music of the river as you float through the myriad melodies of blues, gospel, folk, rockabilly, ragtime, Dixieland jazz and zydeco. You’ll quickly discover that the river has a rhythm all its own.

CINCINNATI to PITTSBURGH: June 27–July 4 Motorcoach from Pittsburgh to Cincinnati for an overnight hotel stay. Board the Queen next day and cruise the Ohio River, with stops in Maysville KY, Huntington WV, Point Pleasant WV, Marietta OH and Wheeling WV. Disembark in Pittsburgh; ride coach to your drop-off point.

AAA Member Rate: from $2,738

PITTSBURGH to CINCINNATI: July 4-9 Motorcoach from pick-up point to the pier in Pittsburgh. Cruise the Ohio River, with stops in Marietta OH, Point Pleasant WV and Portsmouth OH. Disembark in Cincinnati; ride coach to Pittsburgh drop-off point.

AAA Member Rate: from $2,328

See the “real” Alaska summer visitors never see! 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). Ask about available add-on airfare. Visit AAA.com/GoAlaska for more information.

Indulge in the infinitely better V.I.P. EXPERIENCE on the newly “Solsticized” Celebrity Infinity ®

Upgraded and enhanced to the highest levels of luxury and comfort, Celebrity Infinity boasts the high-quality amenities and embellishments that make Solstice-class vessels the seasoned cruise traveler's ships of choice!

BOOK A VERANDA STATEROOM & ENJOY ALL OF THESE V.I.P. PERKS:

SPECIAL OFFERS UNTIL 12/31/13

Everyone paying in full at time of reservation saves $300 per person! American Queen past passengers save an additional $100 per person!

CELEBRITY V.I.P. AMENITIES

The British Isles & Beyond

Celebrity and AAA present a unique 11-night springtime cruise from Harwich, England, to Copenhagen, Denmark, with visits to: PARIS (Le Havre), FRANCE • CORK (Cobh) & DUBLIN, IRELAND • LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND • BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND • GLASGOW (Greenock), SCOTLAND • OSLO, NORWAY Plus 3 full days at sea!

Indulge in the comfort & conveniences of a veranda stateroom (choose standard or Concierge Class) — a private sanctuary where you’ll enjoy both indoor and outdoor space. Relax in the spacious lounge or step outside to linger over morning coffee or wonder at evening sunsets. Before-discount rates are per person (double occupancy), are subject to availability and include FREE roundtrip motorcoach transportation from Pittsburgh, cruise accommodations, all meals, nightly showboat-style entertainment, port charges, taxes, $50 per stateroom shipboard credit, specialty coffees, bottled water & soft drinks, beer & wine with dinner, all regular shore excursions, daily historical lectures. Ship’s registry: USA. Visit AAA. com/travel for more information and pick-up points.

In-stateroom fruit basket on arrival In-stateroom Domaine Chandon sparkling wine on arrival In-stateroom chocolate-covered strawberries on arrival 6-piece petit-fours at turndown on your second evening Priority tender & debarkation

AAA VACATIONS® AMENITIES

Priority check-in $50.00 shipboard credit per stateroom

SPECIAL AAA INCLUSION

Dinner in an onboard specialty restaurant (1 evening, 2 guests per stateroom)

AAA MEMBER EXCLUSIVES 24 / 7 member care assistance 48-hour best-price guarantee

May 12-23 • AAA Member Rate: from $2,660 Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes veranda-stateroom cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals, Celebrity VIP amenities (in-stateroom fruit basket on arrival, in-stateroom sparkling wine on arrival, in-stateroom chocolate-covered strawberries on arrival, 6-piece petit-fours at turndown on second evening, priority tender & debarkation), AAA Vacations® amenities (priority check-in, $100 shipboard credit per stateroom), AAA Member Exclusives (24 / 7 member care assistance, 48-hour best-price guarantee), government taxes and port charges. Ship’s registry: Malta. Visit AAA.com/travel for itinerary. Ask about available add-on airfare and transfers.

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

CONVENIENT MOTORCOACH CRUISING FROM PITTSBURGH Avoid potential airport hassles. Motorcoach to your cruise! Park for free, then relax & ride AAA’s convenient “Cruise Express” motorcoach to Baltimore to board Grandeur of the Seas!

2014 CARIBBEAN Feb 18-28 • from $1,132 Labadee, Haiti; San Juan, Puerto Rico Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas USVI Phillipsburg, St Maarten 5 full days at sea

2014 BERMUDA May 23-30 • from $1,225

2014 BERMUDA Oct 10-16 • from $885

King’s Wharf, Bermuda 3 full days at sea

King’s Wharf, Bermuda 2 full days at sea

DON’T MISS THE BOAT!

2014 NEW ENGLAND & CANADA Oct 16-24 • from $1,076 Portland & Bar Harbor, Maine Saint John, New Brunswick Halifax, Nova Scotia 3 full days at sea

2014 CARIBBEAN March 18-28* • from $1,132

2014 BAHAMAS Aug 8-15 • from $1,144

2014 CARIBBEAN Nov 11-21 • from $1,094

Labadee, Haiti; San Juan, Puerto Rico Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas USVI Phillipsburg, St Maarten 5 full days at sea

Port Canaveral, Florida CocoCay, Bahamas Nassau, Bahamas 3 full days at sea

Labadee, Haiti; San Juan, Puerto Rico Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas USVI Phillipsburg, St Maarten 5 full days at sea

AAA MEMBER RATES are per person (double occupancy), are subject to availability at time of booking and include roundtrip motorcoach transportation, cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals and government fees. Ship’s registry: Bahamas. Visit AAA.com/motorcruise for itinerary details & Western Pennsylvania pick-up points. *WEST VIRGINIA MOTORCOACH from Morgantown & Bridgeport available for the 3/18/14 departure.

VISIT AAA.COM / MOTORCRUISE FOR MORE INFORMATION!

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PRIVACY STATEMENT

• AAA East Central • AAA Travel Agency Your privacy is important to us

AAA East Central and its affiliates are proud to have been providing topquality AAA member services, benefits and products for more than 110 years. We greatly appreciate and value the trust that you and more than 2.6 million other AAA members, customers and consumers have placed in us. We will protect that trust by respecting the privacy of all of our members and nonmember customers/consumers.

Gathering information

In order to provide you with the services, benefits and products that you want from us, and to insure that you receive the very best services and benefits and the highest quality products, we collect the following personal information about you: • Information we receive from you, such as information you give us orally or in writing on applications (including membership applications) or other order forms; • Information about your transactions with us, our affiliates or others; and • Information we receive from an outside source, such as a consumer reporting agency. In addition, if you visit our Internet web site at www.AAA.com, the web server automatically recognizes and records information about your Internet usage, such as the referring (immediate preceding) web site, Internet workstation address, date and time of log-in/ log-out, site pages visited, time spent per page, files downloaded and search criteria used. If, during your visit to our web site, you voluntarily provide personally identifiable information such as an e-mail address, information to complete or submit an application or form online or other information (such as survey information or content of e-mail), we will collect such information. To better serve you, we may use a feature of your Internet browser called a “cookie” (an entry placed in a file on your computer’s hard drive or in your browser memory) to enhance your browsing experience and to permit you to request data and conduct business transactions through the web site. You should also be aware that other online retailers, partners, third-party Internet sites and third-party services accessible through our web site have separate privacy and data collection policies and practices which are independent of and may be different from our policies and practices. Please be alert for, and be sure to review, such separate policies and practices when you encounter them as you move between the links of our web site.

Handling of gathered information

In the course of our normal service and business operations, we use and may share or disclose all of the information that we collect, as described above. However, since some of the informa-

tion we gather and share or disclose is not publicly available, we take care to insure that your nonpublic personal information is protected from unauthorized access or use. We restrict access to nonpublic personal information about you to those employees who need to know that information in order to provide services, benefits and products to you. Where we select and use agents and service/product provider partners to deliver or offer services, benefits and products to you or to us, we restrict access to nonpublic personal information about you to such persons and firms who commit to properly use and protect your nonpublic personal information. We maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with applicable federal regulations to guard your nonpublic personal information. We do not share or disclose your nonpublic personal information in violation of any applicable law or regulation.

Sharing information among our Affiliates and Partners

In the course of our normal service and business operations, or when we think it may benefit you, we may disclose all of the information that we collect, as described above, within our family of AAA-affiliated companies and business lines. Our family of AAA-affiliated companies and business lines includes AAA East Central, AAA Ashland County, AAA Massillon Automobile Club, AAA Travel Agency, West Penn AAA Insurance Agency, Inc., Ohio Motorists Insurance Agency, Inc., Ohio Motorists Holding Company, Ohio Motorists Life Insurance Company, AAA Kentucky Insurance Agency, Inc., AAA East Penn Insurance Agency, Inc., Automobile Club Insurance Agency of Massillon, Ohio, Inc., Auto Club Driving Schools, Inc., AAA Kentucky Driver Training Center, Inc., AAA Massillon Driving School, Inc., Tri-State Foundation for Safety and Education, Inc., Ohio Motorists Safety Foundation, and Automobile Club of Southern California and its affiliates/ subsidiaries, including Interinsurance Exchange of the Automobile Club, Automobile Club of Southern California Life Insurance Company, Auto Club Casualty Company, Auto Club Indemnity Company, Automobile Club Inter-Insurance Exchange, Auto

Club Family Insurance Company, ACSC Management Services, Inc., Club Exchange Corporation, Auto Club Insurance Holdings, LLC, Auto Club Insurance Company of Florida, AAA Club Services, LLC, Auto Club Enterprises, Automobile Club of Missouri, Alabama Motorists Association, Inc., AAA Northern New England, Tidewater Automobile Association of Virginia, Incorporated, AAA Texas, LLC, AAA New Mexico, LLC, AAA Hawaii, LLC, Pleasant Travel Holding Company, LLC, Pleasant Holidays, LLC, and Hawaii World, LLC. The sharing of information among affiliates is permitted by law. Some of our affiliates may receive personal health care information (such as information received from medical or health care providers) or consumer credit information (such as information reported by a consumer reporting agency). Such affiliates do not share such personal health care information or credit information with our other affiliates. We may disclose all of the nonpublic personal financial information we collect (other than consumer credit information) as described above to companies that perform operational services related to your membership and/or transactional accounts with us. We may disclose all of the nonpublic personal financial information we collect (other than consumer credit information) as described above to companies that perform marketing services on our behalf or to other financial institutions with whom we have joint marketing agreements. The sharing of nonpublic personal financial information with these types of companies is permitted by law.

Sharing information with Third Parties

From time to time, we may allow nonaffiliated companies to extend offers of products and services to AAA members and nonmember customers/ consumers when we feel that such products and services might be of special value or of particular interest to you. We may disclose nonpublic personal information about you to the following types of third parties: • Financial service providers, such as banks & bank holding companies, depositary & thrift institutions, credit unions and other consumer lenders;

securities broker-dealers; investment companies; financial & investment advisers; insurance companies & agents; and others that offer financial products and services to consumers; • Nonfinancial companies such as airlines, cruise lines, hotels & resorts, car rental companies and other travel vendors; retailers; direct marketers; and others that offer goods and services to consumers; and • Others, such as the American Automobile Association, Inc. and other nonprofit organizations. We may also disclose nonpublic personal information about you to nonaffiliated third parties as required or permitted by law.

Your preference/opt-out rights

If you prefer not to receive future AAA special value-added offers and notifications of products, services and special savings opportunities from us or our joint marketing partners, you may direct us not to send or contact you with such offers or savings opportunities. (If you are a AAA member, you will continue to receive the AAA Motorist/Traveler publication and annual membership renewal information and billing statements.) If you prefer that we not disclose nonpublic personal financial information about you to nonaffiliated third parties, you may opt out of those disclosures – that is, you may direct us not to make those disclosures (other than disclosures required or permitted by law). An optout request by any member on a membership account, or by any party on a joint transactional account, will apply to all Primary and Associate Members on the membership account, and to all parties on the joint account, within the same household. If you wish to exercise one or both of the preference and opt-out rights described above, you must do so in writing by filing a AAA Marketing Preference/Disclosure Opt-out Form with us. To request that a copy of the AAA Marketing Preference/Disclosure Opt-out Form be sent to you, write to: AAA Member Records, 5900 Baum Blvd, Pittsburgh PA 15206-3854. We will continue to respect your privacy even after your AAA membership or other relationship with us ends. Please note, however, that AAA is a national association of independently chartered local AAA motor clubs and organizations. If you relocate to a AAA service territory assigned to a AAA club or organization other than AAA East Central, your AAA membership may be transferred to such other AAA club or organization. Such other AAA club or organization will have its own separate privacy and data collection polices and practices which are independent of and may be different from our policies and practices. Such separate policies and practices will govern the future handling and disclosure of your personal information. © 2013 AAA East Central

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Celebrity is making waves around the Caribbean Make this winter your season in the sun

here’s something about the Caribbean that draws us like shells to a beach. Sun-washed islands are set like steppingstones across a tranquil, turquoise sea. And no one knows this sunny stretch of islands better than Celebrity Cruises. Six of their award-winning ships will be plying the Caribbean this winter. New this year will be four- and five-night Bahamas and Caribbean cruises roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale onboard Celebrity Constellation. Bahamas cruises feature stops in Key West and Nassau, while Western Caribbean itineraries include Key West and Cozumel, Mexico. Celebrity Reflection — their newest ship — sails 7-Eastern Caribbean cruises roundtrip from Miami, with calls at San Juan, Puerto Rico; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten. Like her sister ships, Reflection features the Lawn Club, with real growing grass and ten unrivaled dining venues. A full 85 percent of the 1,498 staterooms include verandahs, all equipped with flat-screen TVs, spacious baths, and plush European bedding. Wireless Internet access is available throughout the ship. Kids and adults can be among the first to experience the revolutionary new Xbox One through Celebrity’s exclusive partnership with Microsoft. Celebrity ships are outfitted with dedi-

THE WORLD AT YOUR DOORSTEP — Celebrity will be calling at 170 ports in 42 countries from 20 different departure ports this fall and winter. cated Xbox spaces and mobile stations, allowing guests to enjoy one of the largest game and entertainment experiences afloat. Two Solstice Class ships will offer longer cruises and even more ways to enjoy the Caribbean’s relaxed vibe. Beginning in December Celebrity Equinox will sail 10- and 11-night Ultimate Caribbean voyages roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale. Ports include

Safeguard your identity this holiday season with ProtectMyID

he holiday season is here, and while you’re busy shopping online for that perfect gift, criminals are also searching for a one-of-a-kind item — your identity. Over 12-million Americans have their identities stolen every year, but there are ways to protect yourself. ProtectMyID® Essential is a new, no cost benefit available exclusively for AAA members. Comparable to plans costing $7.95 per month, it includes these important features: • Daily Credit Monitoring of your Experian® Report — Your credit report is monitored daily to detect key changes. • Email Alerts — Receive email alerts when key changes are detected on your credit report. If no changes are detected, you’ll be sent a monthly all-clear email. • Dedicated Fraud Resolution Support — Agents are available to walk you through each step of resolving identity theft—from beginning to end. • Lost Wallet Card Protection — Securely store your debit and medical card numbers in one safe place. If your wallet is lost or stolen, it only takes a single call to a ProtectMyID® agent for assistance in canceling and replacing your cards. In addition, ProtectMyID® Essential

also provides AAA Premier members with $10,000 in no cost identity theft insurance. ProtectMyID® Deluxe, available to members at just $8.95 per month, adds an extra level of protection with these advanced tools: • Comprehensive Daily Monitoring — Checks all three national credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax ® and TransUnion® for new credit cards, loans, delinquent payments and more. • Experian Credit Report and Score — Lets you review your credit history to catch inaccuracies, potential fraud and suspicious activity even sooner. • ChildSecureSM — Monitors children’s personal information, and alerts you if someone applies for credit or opens credit accounts in their names. • Internet Scan — Conducts confidential, daily scans on illegal websites and chat rooms for signs your identity is exposed. • Identity Theft Insurance — $1 million identity theft insurance. To register for your free ProtectMyID® Essential, or to upgrade to ProtectMyID® Deluxe, simply go to AAA.com/ProtectMyID or call 1.877.440.6943.

Charlotte Amalie; Basseterre, St. Kitts; Bridgetown, Barbados; Roseau, Dominica; and Philipsburg. St. Kitts is a small, sombrero-shaped island with cloud-fringed Mount Liamuiga as its center. A 32-mile road circles the island and passes timeless colonial towns and palm-fringed beaches. Celebrity Eclipse will offer a 14-night Exotic Southern Caribbean

itinerary calling in at the storied ports of Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curacao; St. George’s, Grenada; Bridgetown; Castries, St. Lucia; St. Johns, Antigua; Philipsburg, and Charlotte Amalie. The busiest cruise ship port in the Caribbean, St Thomas plays host to over 3-million visitors a year. A breathtaking panorama of beaches gives way to pastel dwellings shaded against a backdrop of emerald hills. Nearby St. Maarten — the smallest island in the world shared between two nations — welcomes dozens of ships each year. Curacao has an unmistakable Dutch heritage. Nowhere is this more apparent than on the island’s capital of Willemstad, with its pastel-colored houses with carved wooden doors and traditional Dutch tiles. Visitors to Grenada are greeted with the sweet smell of nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and vanilla. Spice trees blanket the island and their seductive scent permeates the colorful markets, before drifting up the hills and into the cloud forest.

IF YOU GO

Please see this month’s Departures Guide or log on to AAA.com/cruises for special member values on Celebrity Cruise vacations.

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Uniworld showcases new ship and new destinations Boutique river cruise line has some exciting upgrades for 2014

ew destinations, a new ship, and new amenities are all part of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises’ exciting additions for 2014. Travelers can experience their newest destination, Bordeaux, France, with two new itineraries sailing through this legendary region. The eight-day Bordeaux, Vineyards & Châteaux and 15-day A Portrait of Majestic France, take guests along the three rivers of Aquitaine—the Garonne, the Gironde, and the Dordogne. It’s a place where joie de vivre is not simply a phrase, but a way of life! Taste regional delights including—duck confit, caviar d’Aquitaine, and oysters, and indulge in an onboard meal designed by French Master Chef Philippe Etchebest. Travelers will visit some of the Aquitaine region’s most prestigious châteaux, as well as Pauillac, gateway to the magical Médoc wine route and Saint-Émilion, the oldest wine area of the Bordeaux region and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Grapes have been grown here since the Romans marched into the Gironde Estuary two millennia ago. The route through Dordogne, also known as the Périgord, is an especially scenic one, and you’ll stop to explore charming Bastide villages on both sides of the river. The 16th-century Château de Monbazillac offers memorable views overlooking Pays de Bergerac and the Dordogne River. Uniworld is the only North American

new home along the Rhône and Saône rivers of Burgundy and Provence. All top deck suites and staterooms offer full open-air private balconies that, with the flick of a switch, raise the glass to become a completely enclosed conservatory. Staterooms house their own LCD flat-screen infotainment center, including movies-on-demand, music, news, sports, hotel services, and more. Marble baths are stocked with L’Occicitane en Provence bath and body products, plush towels from Christys of England, and cozy waffle bathrobes. 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 often just a short stroll away.

ONE ROOM A THOUSAND VIEWS — Uniworld travels on Europe’s original highways. River cruise line to offer a truly allinclusive river cruise experience that encompasses shore excursions and world-class gourmet cuisine. They are expanding their services and amenities on all European cruises in 2014 to cover unlimited fine wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, and bottled water, and all gratuities for all onboard and onshore services, including pre- and post-cruise extensions. The 2014 European itineraries also

delve more deeply into authentic and personalized travel experiences. Uniworld’s onshore activities will focus on flexibility with their “Choice is Yours” options such “Do as the Locals” and exclusive “Village Days” where you can meet and mingle with the locals. Uniworld’s latest Super Ship, the S.S. Catherine, will launch in 2014 and will share the same standards and attention to detail reflected throughout the entire fleet. The ship’s design will reflect her

IF YOU GO

Los Angeles-based Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection has been named to Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious Gold List for six consecutive years. Uniworld offers over 500 departures sailing on over 13 rivers in more than 20 countries. FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

aroundtown CANARY’S CALL — (opening Nov. 8) Since the days when canaries were used in coalmines, birds have been alerting us to changes in our natural world. Hear from colorful songbirds, Rhinoceros Hornbills, and even the mega-bats of Asia, who each have stories to share with the rest of the inhabitants of island earth. Included with admission. Location: National Aviary, 700 Arch Street, Pittsburgh. Contact: 412.323.7235 or www.aviary.org. POLISHFEST — (Nov. 10) The Pittsburgh Polishfest is a family-oriented festival celebrating “An Old-Fashioned Polish Christmas.” There will be Polish music, song, dance, foods, crafts, cooking demonstrations and more. Free admission. Event runs noon to 5:00 p.m. at the University of Pittsburgh Cathedral of Learning Commons Room, Fifth Avenue and Bigelow Boulevard, Pittsburgh. For more information, call Larry Kozlowski at 814-725-6312. GREATER PITTSBURGH ARTS & CRAFTS HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR — (Nov. 22-24) Get your holiday shopping all done in one place at the Greater Pittsburgh Arts & Crafts Holiday Spectacular. With more than 270 indoor booths spanning two exhib-

it halls, you’ll find something for everyone on your list. Admission: $6; $5.50, seniors; $1, ages 6-12; free for children under 6. Event runs Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Event location: Monroeville Convention Center, 209 Mall Boulevard, Monroeville. Visit www.familyfestivals.com. PHOTOS WITH SANTA — (Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14 & 21) Skip the shopping mall and bring your kids and your camera to the National Aviary for a visit with Santa and his penguin pals. Free with admission. The time is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the National Aviary, 700 Arch Street, Pittsburgh. Contact: 412.323.7235 or www.aviary.org. ELF – THE MUSICAL — (Nov. 26-Dec. 1) Elf is the hilarious tale of Buddy, an orphan child raised as an elf at the North Pole. Buddy embarks on a journey to to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York City remember the true meaning of Christmas. Location: Benedum Center, 7th Street between Liberty and Penn Ave., Pittsburgh. For tickets and show times, visit www.trustarts.org or call 412-4566666.

ANIMAL FRIENDS’ HOLIDAYS WITH HEART — (Dec. 7) Local vendors and crafters will be at Animal Friends for a craft fair! Browse an extensive collection of handmade items, pottery, jewelry, photography, cosmetics, food, and more! Find all of your holiday needs while supporting Animal Friends’ animal rescue, shelter and education programs. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Free admission. Event runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Animal Friends, Caryl Gates Gluck Resource Center, 562 Camp Horne Road, Pittsburgh. Visit www.thinkingoutsidethecage.org or call 412-847-7000. BREAKFAST/LUNCH WITH SANTA AT THE ZOO — (Dec. 7-8, 14-15, 21-22) Santa Claus is coming to town and he is making a special stop at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. Enjoy great food, make a holiday craft, decorate a sugar cookie, and meet zoo animals. Visit with Santa and don’t forget to bring your camera to take a picture with him. Breakfast session: 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.; Lunch session: 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Admission: $20. Location: Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, 1 Wild Place, Pittsburgh.

To register, contact Regan Riester at rriester@pittsburghzoo.org. HIGHMARK HOLIDAY POPS — (Dec. 12-21) Celebrate the season with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Mendelssohn Choir and an all-star cast of guest artists in this spectacular Pittsburgh tradition! Renowned conductor Todd Ellison leads this festive concert and Santa makes a special visit from the North Pole. Before and after the concert, enjoy the ornate decorations at Heinz Hall, complete with a magnificent 25-foot tree in the Grand Lobby. Tickets start at $20. Event location: Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts, 600 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh. Visit www.trustarts.org or call 412-456-6666. FIRST NIGHT PITTSBURGH — (Dec. 31) Highmark First Night Pittsburgh is the region’s best and biggest New Year’s Eve celebration. Enjoy the grand First Night Parade, plus live music, dance, and visual arts in the Cultural District. The celebration concludes with spectacular fireworks and the trademark finale, The Future of Pittsburgh and Countdown to Midnight. Admission: $8; free for ages 5 and under. Visit www.firstnightpgh.org.

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