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Vol. 60 No. 2
WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
FEBRUARY 2013
Cruise on over to AAA.com
AAA Travel doubles-down with offers making Europe a great value in 2013
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MAGINE YOURSELF in a sun-drenched, pastelhued Italian village like the one in the photo above. Listen to lapping waves, softly pealing church bells, children laughing in the piazza. Smell oven-fresh bread and crisp salt air. Taste handmade pasta, sip homemade wine and slurp some gelato. Now stop imagining, and start using the money-saving and value-adding powers of your AAA membership to make your European dream a reality! Right now, AAA Travel has a special limited-time arsenal of offers (dollars-off savings and vacation-sweetening benefits) at your disposal. Start with a significant discount tied to your particular level of membership: Right off the bat, Premier members save $200.00, Plus members $150.00 and Basic members $100.00.
These discounts are yours when you book & deposit on a new 2013 European vacation (excluding flights) valued at $3,500 or more (per room, double occupancy) by 2/28/13 from these partners — AAA Member Choice Vacations®, Celebrity Cruises, Insight Vacations or Trafalgar. To get an additional $50.00 discount, purchase your qualifying Europe vacation with a AAA Member Rewards Visa® card. You’ll earn triple points, which you can redeem for a variety of rewards. If you don’t already have a AAA Member Rewards Visa® card, apply for one now & purchase your trip to get the $50.00 disount, earn triple points and get a $100.00 grocery store gift card! (Students are not eligible for the grocery store gift card. See the ad on page 24 for disclosures.)
AAA MEMBER CHOICE VACATIONS Escorted packages from AAA Member Choice Vacations® (MCV) include unique activities for authentic glimpses into local culture: Momentous experiences make a journey special. And you also get plenty of time to explore or relax on your own. Another attractive feature is that most of MCV’s itineraries already include many of the attractions, special tours and features that other tour operators only offer as optional add-ons requiring separate fees. And look for distinctive member-only extra inclusions on select tours! Choose from scores of tours, including the 10-day Colors of Provence (AAA Member Rate: from $2,599 per person, double occupancy) and the 11-day Country Roads of the Emerald Isle (from $2,449).
Travel | Insurance/Financial | Automotive | Member Savings | AAA.com
AAA STATE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES FOR 2013
Booking your next cruise will be smooth sailing with AAA’s newly updated Cruise Booking Engine. AAA’s popular cruise-booking tool has been refitted with a menu-driven interface that’s fast, powerful and easy to use. It’s a quantum leap in travel technology and it’s all about providing members with flexible, more intuitive access to a wealth of AAA travel information and services. AAA’s cruise booking tool utilizes state-of-the-art software that helps you compare ships, itineraries, sailing dates, then book your cruise directly via a secure online connection. The new update reduces the number of steps needed to book a cruise. Cruise pricing is also much easier to access, whether you are looking for per day, per passenger, or cabin upgrade prices. Users can book multiple cabins if they choose, change sailing dates, and secure special promotions and amenities for a specific sailing. Cruise options include hundreds of sailings from AAA’s preferred cruise line brands like Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Disney Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Uniworld River Cruises. Popular itineraries include Alaska, the Caribbean, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, Europe and Canada/New England. For more information visit AAA.com/cruises.
Members save at PensGear team stores Hockey fans can show their card and save when they stock up on the latest Pittsburgh Penguin clothing and merchandise at PensGear team stores. AAA members can kick off the 2012 season in style and receive 10% off their total purchase with their valid AAA card. The Penguins team store in the CONSOL Energy Center is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. The SouthSide Works Store is located at 442 27th Street, and is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. This discount is valid at CONSOL Energy Center and SouthSide Works locations, and excludes Penguins Foundation items.
AAA Auto Buying app gains new features
Two features recently were added to the AAA Auto Buying app: a finance calculator to help determine potential monthly car payments and the ability to take a picture of or manually enter a vehicle identification number to view features and pricing. Downloaded 32,000 times within the first 10 months of 2012, the app also enables prospective car buyers to “build” a dream car, save searches, compare vehicles, access AAA reviews, identify available incentives, view crash safety ratings and contact dealers. Additionally, members can use the app to secure significant pre-negotiated savings when purchasing a vehicle through the AAA Auto Buying program. For more information or to download, visit the AAA Mobile solutions page at AAA.com/mobile.
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These Cruise deals are for real
DISCOUNT PER ROOM. BOOK & DEPOSIT BY 2/28/13. PACKAGE VALUE AT LEAST $3,500 PER ROOM, EXCLUDING FLIGHTS.
See page 6 for important disclosures. Students are not eligible for the grocery store gift card.
Cruise lines are offering unprecedented values during their annual Wave Sale season. Book with AAA Travel between February 1-16, 2013 and AAA Premier members will receive an extra $100 per stateroom Onboard Credit, AAA Plus members receive an extra $50 per stateroom Onboard Credit, and AAA Basic members receive an extra $25 per stateroom on select cruise lines. (Restrictions apply. Valid for balcony or higher accommodations on AAA Vacations Cruises.) SEE PAGE 7
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AAA MOTORIST
AAA Mobile Battery Service is leading the charge Testing, installation, and recycling wherever you are
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inter takes a heavy toll on your car’s battery. As temperatures dip, so does a battery’s efficiency. A prolonged winter cold snap can literally drain the life out of it, freezing the free acid molecules that create the power needed to start your engine. In very cold weather a battery’s power output can be reduced to as little as 10 percent. As batteries age they also lose strength. Slow cranking is a common sign that your battery may be getting weak, but batteries can also fail suddenly, with little or no warning. Proper diagnoses can be tricky and motorists sometimes buy replacements before they need to. To get the most out of a battery, AAA suggests the following: Clean the battery terminals and keep the top of the battery clean. Dirt becomes a conductor, which drains battery power. Corrosion on battery terminals becomes an insulator, inhibiting current flow. Make sure you disconnect the battery terminals before starting any cleaning. Low charge levels are often seen in vehicles that are stored or consistently travel short distances. Consider using a smart battery charger like the AAA Battery Tender to maintain levels of charge and prolong the battery’s life. If your battery is failing you, AAA Battery Service offers an easy solution to your immediate mobility problem. Our mobile technicians will test, diagnose
INTERNET WEB SITE: www.AAA.com AAA MEMBER SERVICES • ADDRESS CHANGE triptiks, tourbooks, maps, license 412-363-5100 or 1-800-441-5008
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
WE COME TO YOU— AAA batteries are delivered and installed on the spot and come with a 36-month free replacement warranty. and replace your battery on the spot utilizing state-of-the-art battery testers, specifically developed for mobile use. The diagnostic service confirms whether your battery will hold a charge, or if the problem lies deeper in your electrical system. This Member Check is both userfriendly and provides an overall health rating for the battery with a handy printout from the battery tester. This technology eliminates the guesswork out of whether a boost will reliably get you on the go, or if a new battery is
Get AAA preferred member rates on 12-, 24- and 60 month Traditional and Roth IRA CDs. IRA CDs offer: • Rates that have consistently beaten the national averages1 • Easy account opening, no minimum deposit • FDIC insured up to the maximum allowed by law • Bankrate.com 4-star Safe & Sound® rating for financial strength and security2 Build the retirement you want with AAA deposit products. Competitive rates are also available on Online Savings and Money Market Accounts, along with additional CD and IRA CD terms.
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APY3
Open an account now! Mention Offer Code: A120416 AAA.com/Deposits
1-800-347-7054
24/7 Access
24/7 U.S.-based Banking Specialists
24 month IRA CD as of 01/21/2013
Make your 2012 IRA tax contributions by April 15
National average APYs based on rates of top 50 U.S. banks by deposit provided by Informa Research Services, Inc. as of 1/21/2013. 2 Bankrate.com (2Q-2012) Safe & Sound® Ratings 3 Annual Percentage Yield (APY). Applies to personal accounts only. Advertised CD rate is valid as of 1/21/2013 and subject to change daily without notice. Rate applies to 24-month term. A penalty may be charged for early withdrawal. Fees could reduce earnings on the account. Deposit accounts offered through Discover Bank, Member FDIC. ©2012 Discover Bank, Member FDIC 1
AAA DIRECTORY
APPROVED AUTO REPAIR 412-365-7411 or 1-800-233-9733
Feather your nest egg.
Discover Bank
FEBRUARY 2013
required. Best of all, the service is free to AAA members. If you choose not to have a new battery is installed, it counts only as an Emergency Road Service call. In the event the battery is faulty, AAA Battery Service can offer a high quality replacement battery with a bestin-class warranty and the convenience of on-site installation. Plus, every dead battery is handled in an environmentally responsible manner and is shipped to a recycling plant where 98% of its content can be reused to make new batteries. All AAA batteries meet or exceed manufacturer’s specifications and are covered by a 36-month free-replacement warranty — an unmatched level of vehicle battery protection in the industry. Replacement batteries are competitively priced and AAA members receive a $25 discount on every battery. Over one million AAA members have enjoyed the convenience of having a AAA Battery delivered and installed on the spot. Next time, take the hassle out of battery replacement with AAA Battery Service.
AAA BATTERY SERVICE AAA’s Mobile Battery Service accurately diagnoses your battery-related problems at the roadside and each vehicle carries an inventory of new replacement batteries: • Fully mobile service; • Free battery testing using advanced technology; • All batteries meet or exceed original manufacturers specs; • Fast, professional installation; • Environmentally friendly disposal and recycling; • Battery freshness guarantee; • 36-month nationwide replacement warranty; • Exclusive AAA-member pricing. 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.
1634 Valley View Blvd. ............................. 814-946-1277 Brookville 288 Main St. ................................................. 814-849-5381 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
FEBRUARY 2013
AAA MOTORIST
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AAA state legislative priorities for 2013 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 J. McGrath Managing Editor ............................ Douglas O’Neil Editorial Office 5900 Baum Blvd, Pittsburgh PA 15206-3854 412-365-7017 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 J. McGrath Executive Vice President: ............................ James E. Lehman Treasurer & CFO: ............................................Michael R. Pratt Secretary: ................................................ Robert H. Compton GOVERNING BOARD OF DIRECTORS Glenn B. Bachman, James E. Broome, Jr., Steve D. Bullock**, Douglas W. Caldwell, Charles O. Casto, Edward C. Coaxum, Jr., Robert S. Collins, Robert H. Compton, Jon E. Denney, Debra A. Dinnocenzo, Floyd R. Ganassi**, Richard S. Hamilton, James H. Kanicki, Mary Lynn Laughlin, William Duff McCrady, James M. McDonnell**, Thomas V. McKernan Jr., Martha Hartle Munsch, Gary K. Munsie, Terrence L. Walton** EAST CENTRAL REGION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Debra A. Dinnocenzo, Chairman, Neil D. Bassi, Vice Chairman, Robert L. Anderson, George J. Anetakis, Carol Asam, Christian Asam, Jack A. Barkley, William E. Bierer**, Ellsworth T. Bowser, Louise R. Brown, Peter Burton, Marianne B. Campbell, Charles O. Casto, Hans P.B. Christensen, Michael A. Cochran, Daniel J. Collins Jr.**, Robert S. Collins, Robert H. Compton, Terence Conner, James J. Dodaro, James O. Doersam, Jack G. Ellis, J. Terrence Farrell, Floyd R. Ganassi**, Mona N. Generett, Charles W. Groce , Richard S. Hamilton, Mark Henschen, Luke Howe, David W. Hunter**, Richard Kallenborn, Herbert G. Koenig, Mark S. Mansour, W. Duff McCrady, Martha Hartle Munsch, W. Lee Oswalt, III, Michael Parkes, John D. Petruso, Louis Pomerico, Leonard L. Scheinholtz**, John L. Sellstrom, James C. Stump, Jr., James F. Ward *ex officio **emeritus directors Allegheny Regional Board of Directors William C. Bradley, Jr., John Fuller, Wilfred Lippert, Bruce Meabon, 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, Edward W. Hoagland Jr., Merton W. Hutton, C. L. McCandless, Ralph Q. Steadman, William R. Sumners Mon Yough Advisory Board Robert W. Baum, James J. Dodaro, J. Terrence Farrell, 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.
Distracted driving and teen driver safety top list By Richard Hamilton Chairman, AAA East Central ast December the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released estimates that traffic deaths increased by 7.1 percent in the first nine months of 2012 versus the same period the previous year. These numbers are a stark reminder that safety gains are neither permanent, nor inevitable and that continued legislative action is necessary to help reduce fatal crashes. State policymakers have many good reasons to act on road safety this year. The recent passage of MAP 21, the federal transportation authorization law, provides Federal incentives for state laws that ban texting while driving, improve teen driver safety and require ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers. These goals are consistent with AAA’s nationwide legislative agenda to improve highway safety and prevent needless injuries and deaths. AAA’s top safety priorities in the states for 2013 include: Distracted driving: In 2009 AAA launched a national campaign to ban text messaging while driving in all 50 states. Thirty-nine states now have laws that prohibit drivers from texting and AAA expects all 11 remaining states to consider this legislation in 2013. According to NHTSA, nine percent of fatal crashes and 18 percent of injury crashes in 2010 involved some form of distraction. Teen driver safety: Graduated driver licensing (GDL) is one of the most
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Richard Hamilton effective means of reducing teen driving deaths. While every state has some form of GDL, nearly every one also has room for improvement. Only six states including New York, and West Virginia, have GDL systems that meet AAA’s guidelines for nighttime limits, passenger limits and practice requirements. AAA will also encourage states to strengthen license requirements and ban the use of wireless communications devices for novice drivers. Motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of death among teens, and safety experts credit GDL laws for much of the 57 percent decline in traffic fatalities for 16- and 17-year-old drivers between 1995 and 2010. Booster seat laws: AAA wants state governments to close gaps in their child
passenger safety laws. Despite reducing injuries and deaths for child passengers by nearly half, child passenger safety laws in 19 states fall short of safety experts’ guidelines recommending that all children under age eight remain in either a car or booster seat. Two states — Florida and South Dakota — do not have any booster seat requirements. Children living in states with booster seat laws, are 39 percent more likely to be appropriately restrained than children in states without such laws. Primary seat belt laws: AAA and other safety advocates will continue to work to change laws in the remaining 18 states without a primary belt law, increase fines in states with weak penalties and expand seat belt requirements to include backseat passengers in remaining states. Primary seat belt laws have been shown to be a low-cost way for states to increase belt use, reduce traffic deaths and lower the cost of crashes. When lap/shoulder belts are used, the risk of injury to the front-seat occupants is reduced by 45 percent and states passing primary-enforcement seat belt laws should expect to see belt usage increase 10-13 percent. Ignition interlocks: Only 17 states and four California counties require ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers. AAA is calling on the other states to step up for safety and require these devices for all offenders. Research has identified the life-saving benefit of ignition interlocks, which are more effective than other methods at reducing repeat offenses among convicted drunk drivers.
membersonly
Going the extra 100-miles for members AAA Premier offers 200-miles free towing & more
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ith a multitude of advanced benefits and services AAA Premier takes the traditional benefits of AAA membership and supersizes them. Roadside assistance with up to 200-miles of free towing. Car rental reimbursement. Free emergency medical assistance. An exclusive “24-7” Concierge Service that’s like having a personal assistant in your purse or pocket. Just as AAA Plus expands basic AAA coverage, Premier is an enhancement to AAA Plus. It’s all about having the freedom to select the membership option that works best for you. And AAA Premier is AAA to the maximum. Members who want to go the distance will find that AAA Premier can deliver one tow of up to 200-miles per household, in addition to three remaining tows of up to 100-miles per membership year. When your vehicle is towed, AAA Premier steps up by reimbursing you
with up to $55 in rental car fees. Premier members who rent from Hertz (in conjunction with a tow) receive the second day free on a minimum two-day emergency rental, courtesy of Hertz. Suppose your trip is delayed or interrupted due to a collision, mechanical failure, vehicle theft, illness, injury or even severe weather. You’re more than 100-miles from home, and what do you do? AAA Premier members are eligible for up to $1,500 towards the cost of transportation, accommodations, meals or related expenses. Premier is so generous it even pays up to $500 to return your vehicle to your home if you become ill or injured while on the road. With free Emergency Medical Assistance, one call to the toll-free Premier Hotline is all it takes to arrange ambulance or emergency air travel, hospital admittance, doctor referrals or emergency prescriptions. Replace lost identification, track lost luggage
or request translator service just by picking up the phone. Closer to home, AAA Premier provides “24-7” Concierge Service, for assistance in securing tickets, dinner reservations, tee times, flowers or simply to answer questions. Premier members also save at AAA offices, with free passport photos and notary service on personal documents, waiving of the $25.00 AAA Travel Agency flight reservation fee and a free Hertz #1 Gold Club membership. Save 15% on merchandise at branch offices with AAA Travel Stores. AAA Premier is available at an annual fee of just $35 per family, 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. Visit www.AAA.com/premier to review a comparison of basic, AAA Plus and Premier benefits.
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AAA MOTORIST
FEBRUARY 2013
FEBRUARY 2013
AAA MOTORIST
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AAA MOTORIST
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Even more ways to save... $250 per person on all Europe tours and $200 off per person on all European RHS tours. Offer valid on new bookings only made between 1/21/13 and 3/7/13 for travel between 1/21/13 and 4/30/14, excluding travel dates in September and October 2013. Offers can expire earlier due to space or inventory availability. Space is on a first-come, first-served basis. Other restrictions may apply. Promo code: G175-AX1918.
Book and make a deposit on a balcony (or higher) stateroom on a new 10-night-or-longer 2013 Europe cruise vacation (including flights through AAA) by 2/28/13 and get a Google Nexus 7 tablet computer. With a stunning 7-inch display and all-day battery life, the thin & light Google Nexus 7 is the perfect portable travel companion. With up to 32GB of storage and the option to add mobile data, you can take even more of your favorite content with you — to Europe, for example! Offer not combinable with any other offer.
*limited time only
Booking and full payment for entire vacation package must be made by 2/28/13 and no less than 45 days before the set departure date to qualify for savings. Offer is valid for new bookings made on itineraries found in Insight Vacations 2103 Europe & Britain brochure. Available savings are based on Insight Vacations’ 7.5% Early Payment Discount combined with the 5% Frequent Traveler Discount for past Insight guests. First-time guests with Insight can save up to 7.5% or $960 per couple. $1,600 savings based on both discounts applied to the 8/22/13 departure of Insight’s Romantic European. Offer is not valid on any tours where Early Payment Discount is not available, including Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Greece, Israel and tours with cruise inclusions. Discounts may be withdrawn or reduced based on demand for the departure dates and are subject to availability. Valid for new Groups on scheduled departures only and subject to promo payment conditions being met. CST No. 20687545-20.
Save up to 7.5% with Trafalgar’s Early Payment Discount (EPD) on 2013 European summer vacations when full payment is received by 2/28/13. EPD savings will vary by itinerary (savings of up to $1,100 is based on European Supreme itinerary departing 8/11/13) and is not valid on all vacations and/or departure dates. Visit www.trafalgar.com for details. EPD is not valid with other Trafalgar promotional offers, but may be combined with most brochure discounts. Subject to availability and offer may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Other conditions apply.
AAA’s Europe Values
See below for details.
continued from page 1
CELEBRITY CRUISES Until you experience the world-class style that distinguishes Celebrity, you can only imagine the taste of perfectly prepared tournedos Rossini or the exhilaration of Celebrity’s exclusive AquaSpa® programs. Until you personally experience the 5-star service, you won’t know what it means to be treated not as a passenger but as an honored guest. Until you experience a memorable day in port and return to a ship where all the comforts you could wish for await you, it will remain just a dream. On Celebrity, enjoy airy spaces with all the right tasteful details, dining experiences where venue design is as important as cuisine, and intuitive service with a keen eye for detail. Do as much or as little as you choose; every moment of your vacation should be measured by just how far it takes you from ordinary. SM That’s Celebrity’s modern luxury ! Discover that feeling on a Europe cruise, including Nov 1’s 12-night Italy & Greek Isles on Celebrity Equinox from Barcelona (AAA Member Rate: verandas from $1,823 per person, double occupancy, cruise only) or Aug 26’s 11-night British Isles on Celebrity Infinity from Harwich (verandas from $3,624, cruise only). SM
INSIGHT VACATIONS Europe’s premier escorted tour operator, Insight Vacations provides premium escorted motorcoach vacations throughout Britain & Europe. “The Art of Touring in Style” means carefully chosen unique features and impeccable service standards. Insight delivers exceptional quality, unequaled value, unforgettable memories and personal freedom at levels unrivaled in the industry. From Britain to the Continent,
the Insight difference is style and comfort. Because the average Insight tour group has just 32 guests, spare seats on its customized deluxe touring motorcoaches have been removed. Experiencing firsthand the generously roomy legroom and personal space on Insight’s motorcoaches will probably make you a lifelong Insight fan. It really makes a difference! Capture the spirit of Europe while Insight takes care of every detail. There are hundreds of possibilities; try the 19-day Treasures of Spain, Portugal & Morocco (AAA Member Rate: from $3,099 per person, double occupancy) or the 10-day Normandy, Brittany & the Loire Valley (from $2,675). TRAFALGAR Trusted for outstanding quality, service, reliability and financial stability, Trafalgar has hosted more than 2 million travelers; more than 50 percent return year after year. Its expertly designed escorted vacations include deluxe motorcoach transportation, first class accommodations, daily sightseeing and most meals — at a savings of up to 40% off the cost of doing it on your own. Exclusive features on many tours include “Hidden Treasures” (authentic local experiences that might never happen traveling on your own) and “Be My Guest” (unique dining experiences at family homes and working establishments where you’ll mix with your host and enjoy local dishes). Trafalgar balances organized activities and free time for individual exploration & relaxation. Choose from a wide variety of itineraries, including the 13-day Best of Germany (AAA Member Rate: from $2,525 per person, double occupancy) and the 11-day Prague, Vienna & Budapest (from $2,150).
Earn 1 point per dollar of new net retail purchase transactions (qualifying purchases less credits, returns, and adjustments) charged to the card each billing cycle. Earn 2 points per dollar for purchases made with the card at any eligible gas, grocery or pharmacy retail merchant categories as designated by us. Earn 3 points per dollar for purchases made with the card through any participating AAA Club when AAA is the merchant of record, or at eligible retail travel merchant categories as designated by us. You will qualify for 2,500 bonus points if you use your new credit card account to make at least one purchase transaction that posts to your account within 90 days of the account open date. For additional offer details, and for information about the rates, fees and other costs of this credit card, visit your local AAA office and refer to disclosures accompanying credit card application. This credit card program is issued and administered by FIA Card Services, N.A. Copyright © 2013 Bank of America Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Copyright © 2013 AAA Club Services. All Rights Reserved. To qualify for the incremental $50 discount (page 1), member must use a AAA Member Rewards credit card to book & place a deposit on the 2013 European vacation valued at $3,500 by 2/28/13. The $50 discount will come off of the total trip price (not including tax or travel insurance). This offer is sponsored by AAA East Central. Visit a AAA East Central branch or AAA.com/creditcard for additional details.
AAA MEMBER BENEFITS You’ll enhance your vacation with any of the 4 travel partners in this European extravaganza just by virtue of being a AAA member. Members selecting a AAA Member Choice Vacations tour enjoy savings between $25 and $100, depending on the tour’s purchase price. AAA members on select Celebrity Cruises in Europe can get up to $100 onboard credit (for shore excursions, spa treatments, gift shop purchases & more) per stateroom.
Insight Vacations gives each member a $40 voucher toward the payment of selected optional tours on escorted motorcoach tours (with exceptions). Trafalgar, likewise, rewards each member with a $40 credit voucher toward an optional excursion. Additional value-added extras await savvy travelers who take advantage of this opportunity to book & deposit on 2013 European getaways. AAA Member Choice Vacations, for instance, even provides free home-to-airport sedan service! Contact a AAA Travel Agent now.
FEBRUARY 2013
Member Benefits • Exclusive Offers
AAA MOTORIST
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1-800-354-8761 • AAA.com/travel
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AAA MOTORIST
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
FEBRUARY 2013
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
VACATION PACKAGE STARTS AT LESS THAN $49 PER PERSON PER DAY FOR A FAMILY OF 4
Universal Orlando Resort invites you to enjoy a 3rd day and 4th night free! ®
Universal Orlando Resort recently unveiled an all-new vacation package that gives families more time together to enjoy their action-packed adventure of a lifetime. With this new offer, visitors will receive a 4th night of hotel accommodations and 3rd day of theme park admission FREE. Additional details about this vacation package can be found below: ®
OFFER 4th Night and 3rd Day FREE Starts at $769 tax-inclusive for a family of 4
DETAILS Includes the following extraordinary benefits: • 3 nights of accommodations at a nearby Universal Partner hotel — with the 4th night FREE • 2-day Base ticket to Universal Orlando theme parks — with the 3rd day FREE • Early Park Admission to experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter before the rest of the general public • Access to live entertainment at Universal CityWalk • FREE scheduled transportation between Universal Orlando and hotel • And more! Vacation package is available for purchase through 3/28/13 for travel through 6/30/13.
Additional vacation package options are also available, enabling guests to stay in the heart of the excitement at one of Universal Orlando’s 3 on-site AAA 4 Diamond hotels. On-site hotel guests can enjoy exclusive benefits such as free Universal Express access to skip the regular lines at participating rides and attractions and complimentary on-site transportation via water taxi or shuttle bus.
At Universal Orlando, families create one-of-a-kind memories — all while experiencing the unique entertainment at both theme parks. Universal’s Islands of Adventure places visitors in the heart of their own epic story. Step inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — the most spectacularly themed environment ever created, swing above the streets with Spider-Man on the mind-blowing attraction, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, immerse yourself in Dr Seuss’s beloved stories in Seuss Landing and enjoy even more ground-breaking attractions. Universal Studios Florida is home to powerful entertainment experiences based on some of pop culture’s most compelling stories. Guests can be transformed into minions on Universal Orlando’s newest ride, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, dance along with their favorite characters during Universal’s Superstar Parade, rock out at 65 mph on Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and more. To cap off the day, watch Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular — 100 Years of Movie Memories — a show celebrating aweinspiring moments from Universal Pictures’ most iconic films. There are many ways to enjoy your Orlando vacation, but there’s only 1 place where vacation becomes adventure — Universal Orlando Resort. It’s a unique destination featuring 2 theme parks, 3 magnificently themed on-site hotels and a nighttime entertainment complex. It’s the only Orlando destination where you’re not just entertained — you become part of the most exhilarating entertainment ever created. Soar above Hogwarts with Harry Potter, swing above the streets with SpiderMan, be transformed into a banana-loving minion in the hilarious and heartwarming Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride and help Shrek save Princess Fiona in Shrek 4-D.
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Old Florida: Anna Maria Island Anna Maria is a gem of an island untarnished by crowds that descend upon Florida’s other Gulf Coast jewels. Indulge in 5 nights at Tradewinds, a charmingly cozy Old Florida–feel resort. Its romantic oldfashioned pastel apartment cottages line a private street ending at a palmfringed pool and a pier jutting into Sarasota Bay. Steps away, a private beach beckons you to the turquoise water you’re coming for. Each cotALL PHOTOS: BRADENTON AREA CVB/TOM SHELBY tage has a full kitchen, bedroom and bathroom with tub/shower, a queen sleeper sofa and a private front porch or verandah. Under 8 miles long and about 1 at its widest, Anna Maria is tethered to Bradenton by 3 bridges. What this eye-pleasing islet lacks in size is more than made up for by an unpretentious, relaxing atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to lose yourself — the secret of a truly satisfying vacation. From a setting teeming with windsurfers, kayakers, jet skiers and boaters to a sleepy & quaint Old Florida tableau, Anna Maria appeals to Type A’s seeking to “grab the gusto” and to Type B’s who say “doing nothing is fun.” A special feature of AAA’s package is the opportunity to select 2 activities from 4 options. You may opt for the Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota...OR a Segway tour of Coquina Beach & Longboat Key. On another day, the BeachHorses experience (limited space; first come, first serve) starts with a sunset horseback beach ride; then the horses glide into the water and swim... OR choose the Pirates Spring Training Center tour. Of course, there’s always fishing, biking, water sports, golfing and tennis. For a slow-down-fast vacation, dispense with driving, unless you’re talking golf carts or bikes; a free trolley gets you where you need to go. So slip off your shoes for seashore strolling and enjoy swaying palms & pines, shimmering blue-green waters, a rustic wooden pier and funky beach bars! TM
APRIL 16-21 • AAA MEMBER RATE: $1,689
Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Pittsburgh-Tampa), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, cottage accommodations, 2 special attraction/ activity excursions, 1 meal, all taxes/gratuities for included features and services of a AAA Tour Manager in Florida. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.
ART!
•
FOOD!
•
WINE!
This 13-day vacation has everything you’ve always wanted in a trip to Italy. Enjoy multiplenight stays in Rome, Florence, Venice, the Amalfi Coast and Stresa in the Lakes District. Discover the treasures of Classical and Christian Rome. Walk in the footsteps of the ancient Romans in Pompeii. See Renaissance gems in Florence’s Academy Gallery, including Michelangelo’s “David.” Visit Locarno, Switzerland, and cruise to Isola dei Pescatori, one of the scenic Borromean Islands. A guided walking tour of Venice illustrates how this city gained its wealth and power. Enjoy the magic of the Italian Lakes District in the captivating resort of Stresa. Stop at a winery & farm in the heart of Tuscany to sample local wines and specialities for an included lunch. Sail to enchanting Capri and explore this island paradise. Special inclusions: “Rome by Night” tour...Vatican museums & St Peter’s...a pasta factory ...a family-style Tuscan feast...and a serenaded gondola cruise in Venice! Experience the benefits of Whisper headsets, designed for better communication between you and your guides throughout your tour. Enjoy regional Italian wines with every dinner.
The romance of Italy comes to life on this tour. Explore the lakes region your way when you choose between a scenic boat ride on Lake Maggiore or a visit to a local farm for a cheese & wine tasting. Explore the rugged coast and remote fishing villages of the Cinque Terre. Spend 4 relaxing nights in a Tuscan villa. Discover the hilltop town of San Gimignano. Experience medieval life at the Palazzo Davanzati. Visit a winery in the countryside and learn the secrets of Tuscan cuisine. Wander a Florentine food market. Spend 2 wonderful nights in Venice. Explore Lake Orta, one of Italy’s hidden treasures. Travel by boat to your welcome dinner on Isola dei Pescatori. Explore Lucca’s piazzas and medieval streets. These are Italy’s treasures! Special inclusion: A serenaded gondola cruise — with Prosecco! — on Venice’s canals! Experience the benefits of Whisper headsets, designed for better communication between you and your guides. Enjoy regional wines included with every dinner.
Oct 12-24 AAA Member Rate: $5,650
Aug 31–Sept 11 AAA Member Rate: $5,610
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, guided motorcoach sightseeing, entrance fees, 21 meals, in-Italy tour director, air & hotel taxes (subject to change) and vendor travel protection. Visit AAA.com/ GoItaly for itinerary and more information. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.
AAA MEMBER BENEFIT SAVE $50.00 PER PERSON
includes 4 nights in a Tuscan villa!
Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Pittsburgh-Milan, Venice-Pittsburgh), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, hotel accommodations, guided motorcoach sightseeing, entrance fees, 17 meals, inItaly tour director, air & hotel taxes (subject to change) and vendor travel protection. Visit AAA.com/GoItaly for itinerary and more information. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.
AAA MEMBER BENEFIT SAVE $50.00 PER PERSON
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Motorcoach Cruises — from Pittsburgh to Pier! 2 exciting NEW Grandeur of the Seas cruises with extraordinary NOV 26–DEC 6 Labadee, Haiti Caribbean itineraries, San Juan, Puerto Rico Amalie, St Thomas USVI including 5 relaxing Charlotte Philipsburg, St Maarten AAA Member Rate: from $1,082 days at sea!
2 Great European Escapes!
DEC 14–24 ADDITIONAL 2013 BALTIMORE DEPARTURES
Grandeur of the Seas BERMUDA: 7 nights
MAY 17 • AAA Member Rate: from $1,244
BAHAMAS: 7 nights NEW LISTING!
Basseterre, St Kitts Tortola, British Virgin Islands San Juan, Puerto Rico Labadee, Haiti AAA Member Rate: from $1,024
AUG 2 • AAA Member Rate: from $1,088
CANADA & NEW ENGLAND: 8 nights
SEPT 19 • AAA Member Rate: from $1,115
Avoid potential airport hassles and leave the driving to AAA! Park for free, then relax and ride our convenient “Cruise Express” motorcoach right to the Baltimore waterfront to board your ship. Rates are per person (double occupancy), are subject to availability at time of booking and include roundtrip motorcoach transportation, cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals and government fees. Ship’s registry: Bahamas. Visit AAA.com/motorcruise for itinerary details & pick-up points.
ALPINE LAKES & SCENIC TRAINS Switzerland, Italy
Breathtaking vistas paint the canvas of your trip of a lifetime through Switzerland & Italy. Explore dramatic railways and scenic lakes; enjoy cultural experiences in charming villages in the heart of Europe. Arrive in Zurich for a dinner cruise on Lake Zurich. At Gstaad, board the Golden Pass train for breathtaking views on the way to Montreux. Continue to Zermatt at Matterhorn’s base. Ascend Gornergrat Mountain via Europe’s highest mountain railway. Ride the narrow-gauge Glacier Express, the world’s most charming express train. Explore the splendors of St Moritz during an overnight. Journey through Bernina Pass, traveling one of the world’s most scenic railway lines en route to Tirano, Italy. A ferry ride across Lake Como reveals the stunning beauty of this home to famous Hollywood stars. Drive through scenic hills & villages toward exciting Milan; a local introduces you to this capital of the Lombardy region. Visit the Duomo and AAA the Vittorio Emmanuele II Gallery. Feast your eyes upon frescoes by Leonardo MEMBER and a sculpture by Michelangelo at Castello Sforzesco. Enter the stunning BENEFIT Scala Opera House. In Lucerne, amble through romantic Old Town. Ascend SAVE $50.00 Pilatus via the world’s steepest railway (48% gradient); at the top, soak in the magnificent view. PER PERSON
AUG 9-18
AAA MEMBER RATE: $5,579
Rate is per person based (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Pittsburgh-Zurich), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, 13 meals, sightseeing per itinerary, air & hotel taxes (subject to change) and trip cancellation waiver. Visit AAA.com/travel for complete itinerary. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.
BRITISH LANDSCAPES England, Scotland, Wales
Feel the vibrant energy of England, hear the unique sounds of Scotland and see the rolling countryside of Wales on a trip that combines the exploration of dramatic history and natural wonders. In London, the cosmopolitan capital of Britain, see Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Big Ben, Parliament, Westminster Abbey and the Changing of the Guard. Enjoy live theater. Visit Oxford, home of the university. Overnight in Ruthin Castle in Wales; enjoy dinner with traditional entertainment. Travel through the picturesque English Lake District to charming Grasmere, home of Wordsworth. Continue to Scotland’s Gretna Green, where generations of couples came to marry. Discover Edinburgh (“Athens of the North”); tour its castle, home of the Scottish crown jewels and glimpse what life is like for royals at Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official residence in Edinburgh and once the home of Mary, Queen of Scots. Be entertained by Highland pipers & dancers at a banquet of local recipes; a highlight is the Ceremony of the Haggis. Cross Scotland’s rolling Border region back to England and see Hadrian’s Wall, once the northern border of the Roman Empire. Stroll through medieval York; visit its famous Minster. Journey to StratfordAAA upon-Avon, your home for 2 nights; visit Shakespeare’s birthplace and Anne MEMBER Hathaway’s thatch-roofed cottage. Tour one of Britain’s most treasured castles BENEFIT SAVE with more than 1,000 years of history; conclude your castle visit with a private $50.00 3-course dinner. No visit to Britain is complete without seeing Stonehenge. Explore picturesque villages in the idyllic Cotswolds region. PER PERSON
SEPT 26–OCT 5
AAA MEMBER RATE: $4,519
Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (PittsburghLondon), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, 15 meals, sightseeing per itinerary, Whisper headsets designed for better communication between you & your guide, air & hotel taxes (subject to change) and trip cancellation waiver. Visit AAA.com/travel for complete itinerary. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.
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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers THE AMERICAN WEST
Southwestern Canyonlands Eroded for eons by wind and water, the colorful canyons of Arizona, Utah and Nevada captivate all who visit. See the stunning Red Rocks of Sedona, the magnificence of the Grand Canyon, the backcountry of Monument Valley, the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park and the sandstone cliffs of Zion National Park. Enjoy Grand Canyon National Park lodging, guided tour and IMAX Theater. Take an “adventure cruise” through Antelope/Navajo Canyon. Visit Lake Powell and spend 2 fun nights in Las Vegas. 11 meals.
June 12-20 • AAA Member Rate: $2,725
Pacific Coast Enjoy a stunningly scenic journey exploring America’s majestic northern Pacific coastline and its vibrant cities, including Seattle, Portland, San Francisco and more! Along the way, take a sunset dinner cruise on Seattle’s lakes, a dune buggy ride at Oregon Dunes National Park and a jet boat ride on the Rogue River! Visit Mt St Helens, Portland’s Rose Gardens, Multnomah Falls, the Columbia River Gorge, Mt Hood & Timberline Lodge, Redwood National Park, Sonoma’s wine country and much more. 17 meals.
June 16-25 • AAA Member Rate: $3,325
Where the sun sets ...and the fun rises! Rates are per person (double occupancy), are subject to availability at time of booking and include roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, motorcoach sightseeing & admissions as indicated, services of a AAA Tour Manager and more. Ask about available add-on airfare. Visit AAA.com/USA for complete itinerary details.
Yellowstone Experience America’s first national park’s first explorers were called liars when they described its otherworldly features and wildlife. From Salt Lake City, visit Antelope Island State Park. At Yellowstone, head straight for Old Faithful! Visit the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. Taking a wildlife safari (with sunset picnic) with opportunities for wildlife sightings. Enjoy the “Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone,” the Grand Tetons, the cowboy town of Jackson, a Snake River float trip and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (schedule permitting). 12 meals.
Aug 5-11 • AAA Member Rate: $1,835
American Majesty From Salt Lake City to Denver, take in some of America’s favorite landmarks in between. Visit Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone NP (Old Faithful & Mammoth Hot Springs), Devil’s Tower National Monument, Mt Rushmore National Memorial (evening light ceremony), Ft Laramie National Historic Site and the Buffalo Bill Historic Center. Float down the Snake River and ride a Jeep safari through the Black Hills. Hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (schedule permitting). See Crazy Horse Monument. 15 meals, including a chuck wagon dinner.
Grand Canyon Adventure Luxuriate in Red Rock Country at the Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa. Take a Pink Jeep backcountry tour. Ride first class on the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams to your national park lodging just a quarter-mile from the South Rim. Visit Glen Canyon Recreational Area and a night at Lake Powell Resort. A tour highlight is your guided half-day float trip on the Colorado River! Motorcoach to the Luxor Hotel on the Strip in Las Vegas. Flirt with Lady Luck, relax by the pool or take in a top-notch show on your free full day in Vegas. 9 meals.
Oct 4-10 • AAA Member Rate: $2,195
Napa Valley & San Francisco So many delights in one tour — from San Francisco’s endless charms to the natural splendor of the Muir Woods redwoods. Cross Golden Gate Bridge to enjoy 5 vineyards (participate in a “Blend Your Own Merlot” event) and 3 nights at Tuscan-style Vino Bella Resort in Napa. Savor an exquisite 4-course dinner on the Napa Valley Wine Train. With your hotel at Fisherman’s Wharf as your base, tour San Francisco’s famous landmarks, cruise by ferry across the bay and enjoy free time for shopping and exploring. 2 meals.
Oct 7-12 • AAA Member Rate: $1,949
Aug 31–Sept 8 • AAA Member Rate: 2,735
Best of Northern California
New Mexico Balloon Fiesta
Explore San Francisco, the redwoods at Muir Woods, Mediterranean-style Sausalito and the wine country of the Sonoma and Napa valleys (and dine on the Napa Valley Wine Train). Ride Amtrak’s California Zephyr to the scenic shores of Lake Tahoe and cruise its crystal-blue waters aboard a paddlewheeler. Venture to Yosemite National Park, then take the Pacific Coast Highway to Monterey, Carmelby-the-Sea, 17-Mile Drive, Big Sur, San Simeon (Hearst Castle), Salinas Valley and Silicon Valley. 14 meals.
Calling all train lovers! Join this multi-train Great American Rail Adventure in the Centennial State. Enjoy unforgettable rides on the Pike’s Peak Cog Railway, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Marvel at the awesome natural rock formations in the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, the spectacular landscapes at the Colorado National Monument in Grand Junction and the dizzying height of the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park in Cañon City. 15 meals.
Explore Albuquerque, the Land of Enchantment’s largest city. At the International Balloon Fiesta, witness the mass ascension of hundreds of balloons. Explore landmarks along Route 66, visit Old Town & its Plaza and tour the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Ride Sandia Peak’s Aerial Tramway and visit an artisanal winery. See the Balloon Fiesta’s evening “Glowdeo” & fireworks. Explore historic Chimayo village, artistic Taos and charming Santa Fe. Take a guided desert wilderness hike with llamas! 14 meals.
July 25–Aug 2 • AAA Member Rate: $2,859
Sept 14-21 • AAA Member Rate: $2,095
Oct 9-15 • AAA Member Rate: $2,309
Colorado Train Adventure
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FEBRUARY 2013
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Steamboating with KDKA Personality Jon Burnett
Even more than a cruise hugging its spectacular shoreline, a comprehensive land journey into the heart of Alaska’s awe-inspiring interior can deepen your understanding and enrich your overall experience of our 49th state. AAA’s July 8-17 Alaska by Land 9-night adventure starts in Fairbanks. An Italian immigrant’s 1902 gold strike coincided with the building of a trading post on the banks of the Chena River — and the Gold Rush to Fairbanks was on! This “Golden Heart City” pulsed once again as a boomtown in the early 1970s during construction of the 800-milelong Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Learn how the Gold Rush affected Alaska’s interior on a tour that includes a visit to the University of Alaska, Fairbanks Museum. Enjoy shopping, walking or dining on your own downtown. Cruise on a sternwheeler to experience the thrill of river travel. Enjoy a salmon bake dinner at Pioneer Park; savor salmon, prime rib and Bering Sea cod and all the fixings. Then fly above it all on an Arctic Circle air adventure! This thrilling 4-hour tour soars over the Brooks Range and crosses the Arctic Circle; the narrated adventure includes a visit to Wiseman and views of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and Yukon River. Motorcoach to Denali National Park to explore at your leisure or participate in a park service activity. Then enjoy the Denali Education Center’s “Welcome to the Subarctic” talk at Sheldon Center; learn about Denali from the ground up before overnighting in the park and touring it some more the next day. Travel deep into Denali on a full-day Tundra Wilderness Tour, looking for grizzly, moose, caribou, Dall sheep and more; get insights into this vast park’s flora & fauna. Travel to Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city; tour its historic downtown and visit the kennel & home of a 4-time Iditarod Sled Dog Race winner, and learn about the art of mushing dogs. Visit the Native Heritage Center, a gathering place celebrating, perpetuating and sharing Native cultures. Dine in the center’s Athabascan House. Motorcoach to coastal Seward, keeping an eye out along scenic Turnagain Arm for Dall sheep, moose, bear and eagle. Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Portage Valley to see critters up close. Tour along scenic Seward Highway to Begich Boggs Visitor Center; enjoy an award-winning movie, “Voices from the Ice.” Explore Seward on your own; the coastal town is known for scenic views and as gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. Transfer to Cooper Landing for a 2-hour scenic float on the Kenai River. Drift through Chugach National Forest and Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. At Girdwood, ride the Alyeska Tram from sea level to 2,300 feet. An observation deck provides breathtaking views of majestic mountains, hanging glaciers and often an array of wildlife. Descend and explore Girdwood on your own. Enjoy a farewell seafood buffet dinner.
July 8-17 • AAA Member Rate: $4,979 Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Pittsburgh-Fairbanks, Anchorage-Pittsburgh), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, 9-night accommodations, motorcoach sightseeing, 16 meals, inAlaska local guide, services of a AAA Tour Manager (if participation goal is met), Arctic Circle air adventure (small aircraft; group will be staggered; departure is weather-dependent) & more. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Visit AAA.com/Alaska for itinerary details.
Glide along the Ohio River from PITTSBURGH to CINCINNATI, with stops in Point Pleasant WV and Maysville KY. 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. Sway to the music of Louis Armstrong and Jelly Roll Morton and try your hand at that quintessential river instrument, the calliope. You’ll quickly discover that the river has a rhythm all its own.
SAILS FROM PITTSBURGH! Aug 1-5 AAA Member Rate: veranda staterooms from $2,408 Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability and includes roundtrip motorcoach transportation (Pittsburgh pick-up points to wharf & Cincinnati to Pittsburgh), cruise accommodations, most onboard meals/entertainment, port charges, services of a AAA Tour Manager, onboard cocktail party, in-stateroom welcome bottle of wine and $50 per stateroom shipboard credit.
Catch the
ALOHA SPIRIT AAA’s 9-night Hawaiian vacation features a 2-night pre-cruise stay in Honolulu, a tour of the USS Arizona Memorial & a 7-night cruise of 4 islands (Oahu, Maui, Hawaii & Kauai). Member Rates SEE MORE HAWAII BY CRUISING! April 11-20 from $1,825 Oct 10-19 from $1,721 Nov 7-16 from $1,774
Pride of America
Rates are per person (double occupancy), are subject to change/availability at time of booking and include hotel/pier transfers, 2 nights at the Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa, USS Arizona Memorial/Pearl Harbor tour, 7-night cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals and government taxes/fees. Ship’s registry: USA. Ask about available add-on airfare.
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HUDSON VALLEY
Altoona PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bridgeport WV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brookville PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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 814-849-4000 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BOSTON COMMON
PORTLAND
POCONOS
Avoid potential airport hassles and leave the driving to AAA! Park for free, relax and ride our convenient “Cruise Express” motorcoach to NY’s Hudson Valley, Boston MA and the Poconos of eastern PA. And, in the middle of it all, enjoy a relaxing 7-night Canada/ New England cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas! 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.
9/20 .........Travel to Lower Hudson Valley for overnight & dinner on grounds of a historic estate. 9/21 .........Tour a Hudson River Valley landmark. Head to Boston for a special dinner. 9/22 .........Tour Boston and enjoy some time on your own. Board Brilliance of the Seas. 9/22-29 ...Cruise to Halifax NS, St John NB and Bar Harbor & Portland ME. 9/29 .........Motorcoach from Boston to a Poconos resort for lunch, dinner & overnight. 9/30 .........Breakfast. Motorcoach to Pittsburgh.
Sept 20-30 • AAA Member Rate: from $1,948 Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip motorcoach transportation, 3-night hotel accommodations, 7 on-land meals, cruise accommodations/ entertainment, most onboard meals, government fees and services of a AAA Tour Manager. Ship’s registry: Bahamas. Visit AAA.com/motorcruise for itinerary details & pick-up points.
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AAA MOTORIST
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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
FEBRUARY 2013
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1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel LEAVE THE DRIVING TO US!
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
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 the services of a AAA Tour Manager. Visit AAA.com/USA for complete itinerary details and pick-up points.
“Noah” in Lancaster: March 21-22
AAA Member Rate: $299
Travel to PA Dutch country for a live performance of the biblical story of “Noah” at Sight & Sound Theater; visit Kitchen Kettle Village, Central Market, an Amish farm and more. 2 meals. ALSO AUG 27-28: $315.
Vera Bradley Sale: April 10-12
AAA Member Rate: $359
Enjoy a fun getaway with your friends or family members; take advantage of incredible savings of 40% to 75% off Vera Bradley signature handbags, travel items, stationery and accessories. 2 meals.
Kentucky Derby: May 2-5
AAA Member Rate: $3,895
Fancy hats, mint juleps, “My Old Kentucky Home” — tradition plays a central role in the 139th Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville. Visit a horse farm and a distillery (with a tasting!). Enjoy lunch at historic Glen-Willis House on the Kentucky River and a reception at your hotel. On Derby Day, enjoy in-&-out privileges at a Churchill Downs Private Hospitality Event featuring a full buffet with bar/beverage service (including 2 complimentary drinks) and private betting windows. Then watch the Derby in person from grandstand seating! 4 meals.
Cultural Washington DC: May 10-12
AAA Member Rate: $855
Here’s a rare opportunity to step inside the international embassies and impressive house museums of our nation’s capital...and to enjoy dinner & a show at the Kennedy Center, a brunch cruise on the Potomac River and more. 4 meals.
Preakness Stakes: May 17-19
AAA Member Rate: $605
Trot off to Baltimore to experience the thrills of the “second jewel” of Triple Crown racing from reserved grandstand seating and see some of the other landmarks of Charm City. 4 meals.
Put-in-Bay OH: June 4-6
AAA Member Rate: $599
Relax on Lake Erie, America’s “North Coast”! Enjoy a lake cruise, a stay at a lakefront mainland resort and an overnight on South Bass Island at Put-in-Bay. Tour Sandusky’s Maritime Museum, see the Perry Peace Memorial and browse Put-in-Bay’s quaint shops. 5 meals.
Mackinac Lilac Festival: June 9-13
AAA Member Rate: $1,049
Step back in time on northern Michigan’s enchanting no-cars-allowed Mackinac Island during its annual Lilac Festival. Enjoy the laid-back vibe, the Victorianstyle lodging, a horse-drawn carriage ride, lunch & a garden tour at the famous Grand Hotel and more. 8 meals.
Maine Seacoast: June 22-28
AAA Member Rate: $1,309
See the rugged beauty of the Pine Tree State’s coastline, as well as the charming seaside towns that hug it from Portland to Boothbay Harbor to Bar Harbor to Freeport. Along the way, visit lighthouses, enjoy a whale watch cruise, tour Acadia National Park and shop at LL Bean and the Maine State Prison Store. 12 meals.
Finger Lakes Escape: July 8-11
AAA Member Rate: $805
Explore the spectacular scenery, quaint towns, wineries and elegant homes
1-day, fun-day tours!
Pittsburgh Sports Tour: June 14
AAA Member Rate: $89
Treat Dad to a Father’s Day excursion in the City of Champions! Visit the Roberto Clemente and Western PA Sports museums (guided tours), the Strip District (visit sports memorabilia shops and enjoy lunch on your own) and Heinz Field (behind-the-scenes tour).
The Wright Kind of Summer: July 16
AAA Member Rate: $119
Enjoy a summer day exploring 4 Frank Lloyd Wright architectural gems (including Fallingwater) in PA’s scenic Laurel Highlands. 1 meal.
Easy Float on the Yough: Aug 24
AAA Member Rate: $105
Float comfortably & safely down the beautiful, historic Yough River as a Colonial-garbed guide points out scenic sights and the area’s past on this “soft adventure.” Enjoy lunch and free time in scenic Ohiopyle. 1 meal.
of this upstate New York region. Visit the Corning Glass Museum, Cornell University, Buttermilk Falls, Sonnenberg Mansion & Gardens, Mackenzie-Childs Estate and Seward House. Cruise on Lake Seneca and enjoy a steamboat dinner cruise on Canandaigua Lake and lunch at Belhurst Castle. 7 meals.
Tall Ships Great Lakes: July 24-30
AAA Member Rate: $1,539
Thrill to the spectacle of international Tall Ships on Lake Superior in Duluth MN. Enjoy ship tours and festivities. Visit the Lake Superior Maritime Center. Ride along Superior’s shores on the North Shore Railroad. See Gooseberry Falls and Split Rock Lighthouse. Includes visits to Chicago and the Wisconsin Dells. 11 meals.
Best of Montréal & Québec: Aug 4-10
AAA Member Rate: $1,885
Savor the fascinating flavors of French Canada in its 2 largest and most popular cities. The walled Old City section of Québec City enchants visitors with its history and charm. Venture into the countryside for a traditional “sugar shack” (where maple syrup is produced) dinner. Montréal hums with urban vitality & diversity; feel its energy as you see its sights. Also visit Ottawa, Toronto and Niagara Falls. 12 meals.
DC & Marine Corps Parade: Aug 9-10
AAA Member Rate: $345
The US Marine Corps Evening Parade is a popular and moving summer tradition in the nation’s capital. You’ll get goosebumps watching precision drills and listening to patriotic tunes. Take a tour or DC’s landmarks and visit the Smithsonian museums. 3 meals.
Girls’ Spa Getaway: Aug 16-18
AAA Member Rate: $475
Head to Wilkes-Barre’s Woodlands Inn & Resort with friends or family on this fun-filled girls’ weekend for convenient on-site spa treatments (manicure, pedicure, 45-minute massage included), dining venues, hip cocktail lounges, exciting entertainment venues and more! 3 meals.
Chautauqua Wine & Dine: Aug 29-30
AAA Member Rate: $335
Discover the elegance & culture of NY’s Vintage Trail and Chautauqua Institution. Winery visits, mansion tour, lake cruise and more. 5 meals.
Planning ahead? Visit AAA.com/USA for autumn tours... or check out the next issue of the AAA Motorist.
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AAA MOTORIST
FEBRUARY 2013
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
EUROPE: New offers for vacations to the old world! Save up to $1,200 per stateroom, plus up to $1,000 per couple on airfare, on new Europe bookings made by 2/28/13 for travel anytime! Mediterranean: 9 nights • Norwegian Fjords: 9 nights • Iberia & Canary Islands: 10 nights Baltic: 10 nights • Adriatic & Black Seas: 3 nights • Iceland: 3 nights Greece & Turkey: 5 nights • Grand Voyages: 5 nights • Northern Europe: 6 nights Save up to $1,200 per stateroom offer is based on a per person discount off applicable Early Booking Fares on a space available basis at time of reservation in Balcony staterooms (category BC) on the 5/26/13 Queen Elizabeth Norwegian Fjords & North Cape Explorer (Q313). Savings in other categories and on other voyages may vary. Early Booking Fares are offering fares and may not have been in effect for the past 90 days or resulted in actual sales in all categories. Intermediate discounts may have been taken and fares may remain at discounted levels after this promotion. Save up to $1,000 on airfare offer is per couple based on double occupancy and applies to a discount off of roundtrip flights booked through the Cunard CompleteAir programme between 12/15/12 and 3/31/13 on select European voyages. Voyages of 12 days or more will receive a savings of $1,000 per couple. Voyages of 11 days or less will receive a savings of $300 per couple. Roundtrip flights are flights which depart from and arrive back into the same airport. For one-way flights or flights which return to a different airport the discount will be halved. Additional airline baggage, change and cancellation fees may apply. Air savings are not available on Transatlantic Crossings. Fares apply to minimum lead-in categories on a space-available basis at time of reservation. Fares for other categories not shown may vary. Fares are per person, do not include air travel, are voyage only, based on double occupancy and apply to the first two guests in a stateroom. These fares do not apply to singles or third/fourth-berth guests. This offer is capacity controlled, is subject to change, and may not be combinable with any other public, group or past guest discount, including On Board Credit. Offer is available to residents of the 50 United States, Canada, Bermuda, Puerto Rico, Mexico and the District of Columbia who are 21 years of age or older. Fares quoted in US dollars. Please refer to the applicable Cunard brochure or Cunard.com for terms, conditions and definitions that apply to all reservations. Ask about our applicable air add-on programme. Please reference promotion code: RDA/RDB. Offer expires 3/31/13. ®
Save up to $1,300 per stateroom on cruises to Europe! Mediterranean: up to $1,000 per stateroom Holy Land: special savings up to $1,300 per stateroom Baltic & British Isles: up to $900 per stateroom
Save up to $1,000 for 2 people ($500 per person) on roundtrip flights booked through Princess. Roundtrip flights between North America and Venice/Rome/Athens/Barcelona: up to $1,000 for 2 people Roundtrip flights between North America and London/Copenhagen: up to $800 for 2 people
Onboard Credits on Select Sailings for Past Passengers Stateroom Type
6- to 10-day cruises
11+ day cruises
Interior & Oceanview Balcony & Above
$25 per stateroom $50 per stateroom
$50 per stateroom $100 per stateroom
Past passenger onboard credits available on select sailings only. Discounts on cruise and air based on availability and subject to change.
Pay-In-Full 2013 Discount
Save $600 or more per couple on any of General’s 2013 Small Group, Private Tours or Small Ship journeys when you pay-in-full at time of booking by 8/30/13. Act today to lock-in remarkable prices and get set for one of the most amazing trips you’ll ever have. Extraordinary travel with never more than 16 guests.
Family & Friends Discount
Travel is one life’s most rewarding experiences, perhaps even more so when shared with those you love! Combine General’s limited-time pay-in-full discount with their Family & Friends offers and save even more: Save $50 more per person when 3 guests go • Save $100 more per person with 4 people Save $150 more per person with 5 people • Save $200 more per person with 6 or more people
Repeat Traveler Discount
As a World Traveler Club Member, receive extra benefits that save you money and make your travel planning experience faster and easier. Exclusive Repeat Traveler Discounts save money when you travel with General again.
INAUGURAL OFFERING!
Capturing your dreams. Creating memories.
EXCLUSIVE $300 AIR CREDIT FOR NEW EUROPE BOOKINGS!
Pleasant Holidays — well-known for its Hawaiian, Caribbean and Mexican vacations — now offers Europe vacations to the popular cities of London, Paris, Rome, Florence and Venice. Its 2013 Europe vacations portfolio features more than 40 hotels with daily breakfast included, 7 Europe river cruises, private airport transfers in each city and EuroStar high-speed trains connecting London & Paris, in addition to a variety of activities, events and attractions. To celebrate the occasion, Pleasant Holidays is offering an exclusive $300 air credit per booking for new bookings made through 2/28/13 for travel anytime. A minimum 6-night stay at a participating hotel and roundtrip airfare are required. The $300 air credit is taken at time of booking and is valid on any airline for First, Business, Premium Economy and Economy Class fares. Flights are also available between countries within Europe for travelers who wish to visit multiple cities. $300 Hot Deals Air Credit Offer: Valid on new bookings made 1/7/13–2/28/13 for travel any time, must include airfare and minimum 6-night accommodation at a participating Hot Deals property (contact a AAA Travel Agent). Discount is per booking and is taken at the time of booking. Offer not combinable with all specials and may be withdrawn at any time. Certain restrictions may apply. Not responsible for errors or omissions. (Pleasant Holidays acts only as an agent for the travel providers participating in promotion.) CST# 1007939-10. UBI# 601 915 263. TSR# 5308. Copyright © 2013 Pleasant Holidays LLC. All Rights Reserved.
PLEASE NOTE: THE EUROPE OFFERS ON THIS PAGE DO NOT QUALIFY FOR THE EUROPE PROMOTIONAL OFFERS ON PAGES 1 & 6.
FEBRUARY 2013
AAA MOTORIST
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
FREE PRESENTATION with Viking River Cruises
®
Europe River Cruising Vacations Come discover why this is the fastest growing trend in travel. Sail Europe’s historic rivers right into the very heart of the Continent’s alluring cities major cruise ships cannot reach. Unpack only once. Enjoy beautifully crafted itineraries, expert tour guides, luxurious ships, fine cuisine, excellent service, remarkable value and personal attention to detail.
Take advantage of an exclusive offer on this evening only! 6:30pm • FEB 20 Treesdale Golf & Country Club 1 Arnold Palmer Dr Gibsonia PA
PAGE 17
As the most honored river cruise line in the world, Viking was named World’s Best River Cruise Line in Travel+Leisure’s “2012 World’s Best Awards” reader survey and was featured in National Geographic’s “10 Best of Everything.”
cheerio, STEELERS FANS! cross “the pond” and BE A PART OF HISTORY! SEE THE Steelers BATTLE THE Minnesota Vikings IN wembley stadium in London, England! travel with YOUR HOST Larry Richert, kdka radio personality, sept 26–oct 1. Enjoy 4 nights at the perfectly located 4-star deluxe Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, just steps from the original Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, London Aquarium, London Eye, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and restaurants, shops and nightspots. Also included are... Roundtrip Pittsburgh-London flights • Accommodations Roundtrip airport/hotel transfers & hotel/stadium transfers English breakfast daily • 2-day London sightseeing pass Cocktail reception & dinner with Larry Richert Pre-game party (open bar & hors d’ouerves) with Larry Game ticket (Sept 29) • Hospitality staff on-site Taxes & gratuities AAA Member Rate: $3,399 per person (double occupancy) Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.
Space is limited! RSVP by 2/13/13: 1-800-354-8761
AAA Talking Travel on NewsRadio 1020 KDKA
“20 on 1020” — Celebrating our 20th Anniversary! Tune in each Saturday in February to AAA Talking Travel at 11am. Be the 20th caller at a designated time and win 1 of 4 cruise vacations from AAA Travel! Keep current all year long with the latest travel trends and vacation values each Saturday morning with a AAA Travel vacation expert. Discover what’s hot in travel and how to get in on the action. Check out the show’s Cruise of the Week and Trip of the Week any time by visiting AAA.com/radio.
BONUS! Tune in each Friday in February for other chances to win great prizes like TVs and fuel cards from AAA! For rules and how to enter, listen to KDKA or visit KDKA.com.
BIG BEN X 2!
SPACE IS LIMITED!
Canada & New England
Want to cruise but don’t want to fly? This motorcoach cruise is for you. Avoid airport hassles and waiting for your luggage to be unloaded. Park free at your pickup point. Relax and leave the MOTORdriving to professionals. Ride in comfort from Pittsburgh to the Cape Liberty NJ pier; be rested & ready to sail on Celebrity Summit COACH! to Portland & Bar Harbor ME, Halifax & Sydney NS, Charlottetown PE, Québec City & Gaspé QC. 5 full days at sea. Includes Martini Tasting (2 per stateroom) and Wine Appreciation (1 bottle per stateroom).
FREE
OCT 5-19 • AAA MEMBER RATE: balcony staterooms from $2,638 Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip motorcoach, cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals, government fees/taxes and a AAA Tour Manager to/from NJ. Ship’s registry: Malta. Visit AAA.com/motorcruise for itinerary & pick-up points. Limited motorcoach space.
Eastern Mediterranean & Greek Isles
Explore the fascinating history, unique culture and stunning natural beauty of Italy, Malta, Greece and Turkey. Sail on Celebrity Silhouette roundtrip from Rome to Venice, Italy, with visits to Naples, Italy; Valletta, Malta; Mykonos, Greece; Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey; and Rhodes, Santorini, Athens (Piraeus) & Chania (Souda), Greece. 2 full days at sea. Includes Martini Tasting Voucher (2 per stateroom) and Specialty Dining Restaurant (1 evening for 2 persons per stateroom).
OCT 19-31 • AAA MEMBER RATE: balcony staterooms from $2,169
KDKA.com
Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals and government fees/taxes. Ship’s registry: Malta. Visit AAA.com/travel for complete itinerary details. Ask about available add-on airfare.
PAGE 18
AAA MOTORIST
FEBRUARY 2013
Falling trees and your homeowners insurance Getting to the root of the problem
W
hen a tree falls on a house, the first thing most homeowners wonder is whether their insurance will cover the damage. Fortunately, they do, and the coverage inclusions are clear. If a tree falls on a home or other insured property structure, a homeowner’s insurance policy provides coverage for the structure itself and the items inside of it. This type of coverage includes trees that fall due to hail, lightning or wind. The fallen tree does not have to be owned by the policyholder for a claim to be approved. For example, if a tree owned by a neighbor falls over the property line onto a policyholder’s home, the affected homeowner’s policy will cover the damage. The affected homeowner must simply file a claim with his or her insurance company. Trees, branches and shrubbery have a tendency to become hazardous objects during storms, and insurance companies are aware of this fact. This is why they do not conduct extensive investigations to figure out exactly where the offending tree or shrub came from. Their duty is to assess the damage, figure out the reimbursement cost and issue a check. In some cases, the insurance company may try to collect money from a neighbor’s insurer. This process is called
home or structure, there is usually no reimbursement for damage or removal. Some insurance companies may extend special coverage for trees blocking driveways or handicapped ramps. In addition to the previous coverage inclusions, standard homeowners insurance policies allow protection for tree damage due to theft, explosion, fire, lightning, vandalism, malicious mischief and vehicles owned by others. However, coverage is usually limited to a small percentage of the amount of insurance on the home or other property structures. As a rule, most insurers place a limit of $500 for any shrub, plant or tree. Shrubbery and trees grown for business purposes require special business insurance policies. To learn more about this type of coverage, discuss the options with an agent.
WORTH SOME GREEN — Homeowners insurance typically pays for tree damage and the cost to remove the tree. subrogation, and it is usually initiated when the insurer feels that the offending tree was not kept well. However, this is the insurance company’s job. If the company is successful in proving the tree was poorly maintained, the policyholder affected by the damage may receive a reimbursement for his or her deductible amount.
If a tree falls on a home or insured structure, there is also coverage for the cost to remove the tree. This amount is usually between $500 and $1,000. Reimbursement numbers may vary from one insurance company to another. The amount also varies depending on the type of policy chosen. However, if a fallen tree does not damage a
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.
This could be your year in Provence Marseille-Provence is Europe’s 2013 Capital of Culture
C
elebrated for its sun, color, food, and wine, the heart of Provence is in the hills that bind the alps to the sea. These are the sloping vineyards and golden fields that inspired Cézanne and Van Gogh. Marseille — France’s oldest town — is filled with the tastes and smells of the sea — from the aroma of the Vieux Port fish market — to the tangy Bouillabaisse in the terraced cafes. Just offshore is the infamous Château d’If, the island prison that was the home of Edmond Dantès, in Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Montecristo. No traveler can leave Marseille without visiting its guardian angel — the Vierge de la Garde basilica — which stands watch high above the city. In 2013, Marseille-Provence will be the European Capital of Culture and the region will host over 400 cultural events. J1 is new space that will welcome cruise ships and passengers right along the sea. The top floor will host major exhibitions, and activities during all of 2013. Vincent Van Gogh found inspiration in the charming town of Arles and you will, too. Falling under the spell of the Provençal light and the vivid palette of nature, he produced more than 300 paintings and drawings in 15 months. Sometimes referred to as “Little Rome”
FRENCH CONNECTION — The village of Gordes is perched on the southern edge of the Plateau de Vaucluse. Arles has a wealth of Roman monuments, including the Amphitheater and Constantine’s baths. Aix-en-Provence (usually called Aix) is a small, classically Provençal town, lined with charming Renaissance mansions. Visitors can bask in the town’s serene medieval atmosphere, or savor a glass of perfectly chilled rosé in the tree-lined Cours Mirabeau.
Cézanne was born in Aix and Painters and the Mediterranean, is a major exhibition that showcases the ways artists like Van Gogh, Bonnard, Cézanne, Matisse, Picasso and De Stael, portrayed southern France between 1880 and 1960. The exhibit will take place simultaneously at Aix-en-Provence’s Musée Granet and Marseille’s Palais Longchamp. The glamorous seaside town of Saint
Tropez has long been a favorite of international A-listers. Ships anchor in the harbor and passengers are tendered right into the heart of town, which retains much of the charm of a quiet French fishing village. Climb up to the early 17th-century Citadel for some memorable views of the town and the wooded peninsula. Vaucluse is renowned for meadows of blue lavender flowering from June to August. The ochre quarries of Roussillon, magnificent village of Gordes and Mont Ventoux are just some of the unforgettable sights. A few miles away are the Côtes du Rhône and Châteauneuf du Pape wine growing regions. Avignon is famous as the city where the Popes fled from Rome in the 14th century. The palace they built, Le Palais des Papes, is the world’s largest Gothic building.
IN ThE SoUP
Marseille’s famous “Bouillabaisse” is made with Mediterranean rock fish cooked in saffron, served with a spicy fish soup. foR moRE INfoRmATIoN
Please see this issue’s Departures Guide or log on to AAA.com/cruises for special values on European cruise vacations.
FEBRUARY 2013
AAA MOTORIST
PAGE 19
International travel high on the travelers’ lists Top adventure travel destinations for 2013
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odern explorers are increasingly looking for travel experiences that offer under-theradar appeal, active excursions and authentic connections to the local culture. The Adventure Travel Trade Association reports that 26% of travelers engage in adventure activities on vacation. These “walks on the wild side” might include swimming with dolphins in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands, or an underground float trip on the Caves Branch River in Belize, which unravels like yarn through the Maya mountains. Bucket List travelers are also trending toward more experiential and exotic options. They want to move beyond the traditional vacation clichés. Savvy travelers are looking for a mind, body and soul mix of cultural immersion, great food and hands-on sight-doing. Topping the list of adventure travel destinations for 2013 are Galápagos, Antarctica, Italy and Kenya. Antarctica is a journey that few in the world are fortunate enough to make. The White Continent reveals soaring 15,000-foot peaks, volcanic calderas, thermal hot springs, teeming wildlife, and remote research stations. Penguins gliding down icecaps into the sea and island-sized glaciers are sights that leave visitors in awe of this secluded continent. Situated about 500 miles west of the coast of Ecuador, the Galápagos
distinctive dress and tribal customs that date back centuries. Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve and the contiguous Serengeti National Park in neighboring Tanzania, are famous for their big cats and the annual migration of zebra, Thomson’s gazelle, and wildebeest known as the Great Migration. Stalk the thundering herds armed with just a camera and only the savannah between you and the storied “Big Five.” Soar over the Great Rift Valley in a hot air balloon, or sleep under a million stars in a Hemingwaystyle bush camp. Learn to walk silently across the savannah alongside a Masai warrior and experience the circle of life firsthand in the cradle of mankind.
BUILT FOR SPEED — The cheetah is the world’s fastest land animal capable reaching speeds between 70 and 75 mph in short bursts. Archipelago lies directly on the equator. The islands are famed for their vast number of endemic species including the Blue-footed booby and the Galápagos giant tortoise. Visitors can dive beneath Darwin’s Arch — nature’s own version of the Arc de Triomphe — mingle with penguins and sea lions, or explore a coral sand beach. Italy has beckoned travelers for centuries drawn by its sunny Mediterranean climate and remarkable natural beauty. Revel in the sun washed languor of a countryside peppered with olive
groves, medieval villages, or explore the enduringly chaotic cultural capitals of Venice and Rome. Follow the Eternal City’s maze of twisting alleys to Basilica Square, or linger in Cortona, the ancient Etruscan city that inspired the book “Under the Tuscan Sun.” Visit the Blue Grotto on the enchanted Isle of Capri, or marvel at Michelangelo’s David in Florence, the capital of Tuscany, and cradle of the Italian Renaissance. East Africa’s game parks and reserves shelter an astounding array of wildlife and the Masai people, known for their
If YoU go
Join AAA Travel on the October 5-18 Plains of Africa Wildlife Safari. This 12 night Explorations by AAA Member Choice Vacations features 9 Wildlife Safaris, visits to Nairobi, the Masai Mara, Karen Blixen Home, and Amboseli National Park, famous for Africa’s Big Five and snow-capped Mt. Kilimanjaro. Spend two nights in the Mt. Kenya Safari Club, once the private retreat of actor William Holden. foR moRE INfoRmATIoN
Visit AAA.com/Africa for a complete itinerary, trip details and information.
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AAA MOTORIST
FEBRUARY 2013
Uniworld showcases new ships, destinations River cruise line has some exciting additions for 2013
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ore travelers are discovering that a river cruise is a great way to discover a new destination. This year, more river cruises will be setting sail in Italy and Eastern Europe, as well as the mostly uncharted waters of Southeast Asia and the Far East. Experts predict China’s Yangtze River and the Mekong in Cambodia and Vietnam, will soon be a popular alternatives to more traditional European river cruises like the Rhine and Danube New destinations, new ships, and new itineraries are all part of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises’ exciting additions for 2013. Uniworld is the only river cruise line sailing Italy’s Po River and the Venice Lagoon. Their Splendors of Italy sailing combines a 7-night river cruise with a two-night land stay in Florence and three nights in Rome. There truly is no place on earth quite like Italy. From the palazzo-lined canals of Venice to the fertile olive groves of Tuscany, and monuments of Rome, the birthplace of the Renaissance delights even the most experienced traveler. Other new European itineraries include Grand Danube & Prague, a 14-night journey exploring 7 countries, including five UNESCO Heritage Sites. Highlights of Eastern Europe is a memorable 8-day journey through Austria,
GOING WITH THE FLOW — Chau Doc, a busy river crossing between Vietnam and Cambodia, is known for its many floating raft houses. Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, and Serbia. Uniworld features luxurious ships with an average capacity of 130 guests, included shore excursions fully hosted by local experts, world-class gourmet cuisine, and award-winning, personalized hospitality. The boutique cruise line was recently named to Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious Gold List and won “Best River Ships” in their Readers’ Poll.
They will continue this tradition of excellence by introducing their latest luxury build, the Queen Isabel on Portugal’s Douro River. Lovers of beautiful vistas and Port wine will revel in the dramatic landscape of the Douro Valley, where grape vines cling tenaciously to steep terraces hand carved into the rocky hillsides. Queen Isabel’s beautifully appointed river view staterooms
and suites feature full balconies on the Upper Deck, while baths are stocked with L’Occitane en Provence bath and body products, plush towels, waffle bathrobes, and slippers. Uniworld will sail two new luxury ships Century Legend and Century Paragon, on China’s Yangtze River, while the new River Orchid, plies the fabled Mekong. The River Orchid boasts just 30 deluxe staterooms, and travelers will discover two countries, two cultures, and two ways of life on the 15-day Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong sailing. Cambodia’s Angkor Wat literally means “City of Temples.” The world’s largest temple complex was built over five centuries and visitors will marvel at the pyramid temple of Bayon, whose many towers feature enormous carved heads. The 12th century temple of Ta Phrom, looks more like a scene from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. The temple roof caved in centuries ago and tree roots have burst through the moss-encrusted stone walls.
foR moRE INfoRmATIoN
Please see this issue’s Departures Guide or log on to AAA.com/cruises for special values on cruise vacations.
AAA supports ignition interlocks for drunk drivers Most effective way of keeping impaired drivers off the road
A
AA reminds drivers of the sobering fact. Alcohol-related highway fatalities remain a leading problem on the nation’s roadways. The organization now advocates for ignition interlock devices for first-time offenders to combat the dangers of drunk driving. AAA is not alone in its concern about impaired driving or strong support for tough policies for convicted drunk drivers. According to the 2012 Traffic Safety Culture Index conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, more than nine in 10 drivers consider it a serious threat to their personal safety when others drink and drive, and near-
ly all (97 percent) surveyed find it unacceptable for a driver to get behind the wheel when they have had too much to drink. To prevent these dangers, nearly eight in 10 Americans support requiring ignition interlocks for all convicted DUI offenders, even if it’s their first conviction. “Research has identified ignition interlock devices (IIDs) as a proven way to save lives,” said Brian Newbacher, director of public affairs for AAA East Central. “AAA’s recommendation to require the use of IIDs for all convicted offenders is grounded in research, which shows that IIDs are more effective than other methods at reducing
re-arrest among convicted drunk drivers and keeping impaired drivers off the road,” he said. AAA is reaching out to motorists on the heels of a recent National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) decision to support laws requiring IID use for all first-time DUI offenders—one of several new recommendations issued to help curb alcohol-related traffic injury and death.“ I commend AAA for stepping up for safety,” said NTSB Chairman Deborah Hersman. “Technologies such as ignition interlocks will reduce alcohol-related crashes on our nation’s roadways. We look forward to working alongside AAA and its clubs to eliminate the nation’s top killer on our roadways – impaired driving.” AAA offers the following tips for members who plan to attend parties or other events where alcohol is being served: • Always plan ahead to designate a non-drinking driver before any party or celebration begins; • Never get behind the wheel of a car when you’ve been drinking alcohol – even after just one drink; • Never ride as a passenger in a car driven by someone who has been drinking alcohol – even after just one drink; • Do not hesitate to take the keys from friends or family members who may be impaired; • Call a taxi for a friend in need; • Be a responsible host in reminding
guests to stay safe and always offer alcohol-free beverages; • If you encounter an impaired driver on the road, keep a safe distance and ask a passenger to call 911; (or pull over to a safe location to make the call yourself) • Remember: prescription, over-thecounter medications and illegal drugs also can impair your ability to drive safely.
A STRONG DETERRENT — Fifty to 75 percent of convicted drunk drivers continue to drive on a suspended license. foR moRE INfoRmATIoN
Visit PreventDUI.AAA.com for impaired driving facts, transportation alternatives and expert advice. AAA encourages visitors to Take the Pledge to drive drug-and alcohol-free.
FEBRUARY 2013
AAA MOTORIST
PAGE 21
Six of one, a half-dozen of the other Mazda’s third generation midsize sedan
J
ack Benny once quipped that he could follow any other comedian, tell all the same jokes and get double the laughs. Benny had impeccable timing and in the automotive business as in comedy, timing is everything. And probably no one gets the joke better than Mazda, a company that has made an art form out of building the right cars at the wrong time. Mazda introduced the powerful but thirsty Rotary engine, just in time for the 1973 energy crisis. They built great sports cars when the public wanted SUVs, then shifted over to fuel economy, when buyers were demanding more performance. The Mazda6 was introduced in 2002 as a scrappy but undersized alternative to the Laurel and Hardy of mid-size sedans — the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord. Its offbeat good looks and nimble handling injected a little Zoom-Zoom into a segment where the emotional response usually ranges from “meh” to “gaaah!” Widened and lengthened for the 2009 model year, it was sportier and more athletic than its peers, but suffered the almost comical indignity of a recall when colonies of Yellow Sac Spiders were found building nests inside the 6’s fuel lines. Now Mazda is taking a giant step in what it hopes is the right direction
A blind spot monitoring system is part of the Smart City Brake Support system (SCBS) that will assist drivers in avoiding front collisions when traveling at speeds of less than 20 miles per hour. Later this year, it will be the first production vehicle to feature Mazda’s capacitor-based brake energy regeneration system known as i-ELOOP. Mazda is ambitiously pitching the 6 to buyers of entry-level luxury cars like the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4. Realistically, it will compete against the more prosaic Accord, Camry and Nissan’s hot new Altima. That in itself will be no mean feat given the stellar reputation of these worthy sedans. Maybe this time they will have finally gotten their timing right.
ZOOM WITH ROOM — The Mazda6 is a family sedan with the heart of a sports car. with the all-new 2014 Mazda6. Strongly influenced by Mazda’s Takari Concept, the Mazda6 makes no excuses for its style and spunk — qualities usually absent in a mid-size sedan. The KODO “Soul of Motion” design language — which the company says is inspired by the movement of wild animals — permeates every facet of the sheet metal, from its elongated hood and cab-forward proportions to its predatory looking “face”. Front and rear overhangs are clipped short with deeply flared fenders
that have become a Mazda leitmotif. Consumers can look forward to a slew of performance-inspired amenities such as aggressively styled alloy wheels, LED lights, as well as a Euro centric interior and a ride that’s much closer to Hamburg than to Hiroshima. Madza6’s power will come in two distinct flavors, a 184 horsepower SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter gasoline engine and the SKYACTIV-D turbo diesel scheduled for the second half of the year.
VEHICLE TYPE: Four-door, 5-passenger, FWD midsize sedan. ENGINE: 2.5-liter, 184-hp DOHC 4-cylinder engine TRANSMISSION: 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual. LENGTH /WEIGHT: 191.5”, 3,232-lbs. EPA ESTIMATES: 26/38 mpg (city/highway) w/automatic COMPETITION: Honda Accord, Chevy Malibu, Toyota Camry. WARRANTY: 36 months/36,000 miles. COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA. MSRP: $21,675 to $30,290.
AAA is working to keep seniors in the driver’s seat SeniorDriving.AAA.com has expert advice on senior mobility issues
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he unprecedented growth of the senior population is one of the most profound developments of our time. More people are living longer, are in better health and possess more resources than at any other time in history. In addition, since January 2011, over 10,000 Baby Boomers are turning 65 each day. These individuals are guided by a combination of health, financial and social forces, driven by values and life experiences. This burgeoning senior population is among the most mobile age groups, with many driving well into their 80s or beyond. It is imperative that AAA is prepared to give these mature drivers the information they need to maintain safe driving practices. It is no surprise that driving ability is affected by natural changes to our bodies over time. As we age, some of our senses become a little duller. We need more light to see clearly and frequently night driving becomes more of a challenge. In addition, we may not fully understand how to use all the new safety features of our car, or how to properly adjust our seats, mirrors, etc. At AAA, we are dedicated to keeping seniors driving as long as safely possible. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the collision rate per
to measure the functional abilities scientifically linked to crash risk among older drivers and identifies potential problem areas with suggestions to correct them. “Keeping the Keys” is a AAA workshop designed to provide an overview of the full suite of resources AAA has for senior drivers. For more information on how AAA can help keep seniors and their families drive safely longer, visit Seniordriving.AAA.com.
bE A WISER dRIVER
KNOW THE FACTS — SeniorDriving.AAA.com is designed to help senior drivers on the road for as long as safely possible and mobile thereafter. mile driven rises steadily for drivers 65 and older, and those drivers are involved in more collisions per mile driven than any other age group except teenagers. AAA’s goal is to help seniors drive longer and safely maintain the independence and lifestyle to which they are accustomed. Our senior website Seniordriving.AAA.com contains resources to help seniors do just that. For example, one can take a skills
assessment, learn safe driving tips, take an online Mature Operator course and get expert advice on how to discuss safe driving with seniors, just to name a few of the resources available. AAA’s “Car Fit” program designed to help mature drivers find out how well their personal vehicle “fits” them and actions they can take to improve the fit. “Roadwise Review” is a state-of-the art computer-based driving tool used
Here are some quick ways seniors can improve their safety today: • Make sure your seat, controls and mirrors are adjusted properly; • Plan trips to take advantage of times with light traffic; • Know how your medications affect you and how they interact; • Avoid conditions that challenge your driving ability, such as low light or high glare situations; • Rather than make a difficult left turn at a busy intersection, consider going straight and making three right turns instead; • For more tips on how you can make your driving safer, visit www. SeniorDriving.AAA.com.
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Walt Disney World unveils expanded New Fantasyland Adding more magic to the Magic Kingdom
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alt Disney once promised that Disneyland would never be complete as long as there is imagination left in the world. The New Fantasyland at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom delivers on that promise. This spectacular addition to the Magic Kingdom will take guests beyond the walls of Cinderella Castle to discover new worlds featuring iconic Disney characters and stories in ways that are more imaginative, more interactive and more immersive than ever before. The largest expansion project in Magic Kingdom history New Fantasyland consists of the Enchanted Forest and Storybook Circus, where families will experience an array of fun-filled family games and interactive wonders inside the Big Top. Inspired by Disney’s classic animated film Dumbo, it’s festooned with multicolored circus tents and paraphernalia, with Casey Jr., the beloved locomotive bringing the circus to town. The sound of a calliope leads guests to that beloved airborne pachyderm at the Dumbo the Flying Elephant attraction. The classic Barnstormer coaster has a bright new look as well, featuring Goofy as “The Great Goofini.” Hold on! It’s a twisting, turning family-style roller coaster ride high above the circus. But that’s just the beginning of what guests will discover. Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid, is
ANIMAL MAGNETISM — The Beast welcomes guests to his castle in the Magic Kingdom. a major new attraction where guests travel with Ariel and her friends above and below the waves. It combines the enduring appeal of a classic Disney “dark ride” with ultra high tech innovations to offer guests a personal journey into scenes from the film. Adventurers will feel as if they are descending below the ocean’s surface and once “under the sea,” they will find themselves
immersed in the story of “The Little Mermaid.” They’ll share Ariel’s adventure through a magical cast of characters — and a captivating musical score that will entice everyone to sing along. The fun continues at “Ariel’s Grotto,” a meet-and-greet with the mermaid heroine herself. The Castle of the Beast stands majestically upon a hill just across an old stone
bridge from Ariel’s new home. The Be Our Guest Restaurant will feature a lavish dining experience in the elegant ballroom, gallery, and mysterious “West Wing” of the castle. Nearby in Belle’s Village, guests will find the rousing Gaston’s Tavern and Bonjour! Village Gifts. Just outside the village are Belle’s cottage and Enchanted Tales with Belle. The adventure begins in Maurice’s workshop, where a magical mirror is the doorway to a captivating new kind of storytelling experience. Visitors are transported to the Beast’s library to meet Belle and Lumiere, and share in a lively, interactive, re-telling of the “tale as old as time.” There’s even more in store for Fantasyland guests this year with the opening of Princess Fairytale Hall. Aurora, Cinderella and other Disney princesses, will greet guests in their new home in the Castle Courtyard in the center of Fantasyland.
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AAA members receive special lodging programs at selected hotels, preferred parking at the theme parks when they purchase a select AAA vacation package or pre-purchase select theme park tickets at AAA. See your AAA Travel Agent or log on to AAA.com/Disney for special member values on Disney Vacations.
aroundtown BADGES & BUTTONS, WAISTCOATS & VESTS — (through February 17) Buttons and badges both have a rich history and a tradition as functional or decorative items. A button is a pin with a purpose. Badges often indicate some feat of service, a special accomplishment or a symbol of authority. Produced by the Society for Contemporary Craft, a variety of artists come together, exhibiting their message through buttons and badges. Location: BNY Mellon Satellite Gallery, 500 Grant St., Pittsburgh, PA. Contact: 412.261.7003 x12. GARDEN RAILROAD — (February 08 - March 02) Delight in model G Garden Railroad trains as they chug through miniature living landscapes sprinkled with conifers, ground covers, sedums, and smallgrowing plants. This wonderful little world will thrill children and adults alike. Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and until 10 p.m. on Friday at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, One Schenley Park, Pittsburgh, PA. Contact: www.phipps.conservatory.org. I JUST WANT TO WATCH: WARHOL’S FILM, VIDEO AND TELEVISION — (February 08 - March 26, 2017) The Warhol celebrates Andy Warhol’s
work in film and video with the inauguration of a long-term exhibition showcasing the largest installation of his media works. Warhol’s most important films, including The Chelsea Girls (1966) and Screen Tests (1964-66), will be continuously projected on more than 20 large screens. Two newly restored films, Face (1965) with Edie Sedgwick and The Velvet Underground in Boston (1967) unseen since the 1960s, will be premiered as part of the installation. Location: The Andy Warhol Museum, 117 Sandusky St., Pittsburgh, PA Contact: 412.237.8300 or www.warhol.org. CUPID’S CHASE ANNUAL 5K RUN — (February 09) Join former Pittsburgh Steelers center Justin Hartwig for this national fundraiser that takes place in 23 major cities. The race benefits Community Options, Inc., a national non-profit that has been developing community-based residential and employment supports for people with disabilities since 1989. The race kicks off at 10 a.m. at Heinz Field, 900 Art Rooney Dr., Pittsburgh, PA. Contact: Kathryn Sampson at 609.352.5280. LITTLE PEEPERS — (February 12 – Ongoing) Story time and upclose bird encounter for little ones
ages 2-6 weekly on Tuesday. The time is at 10:15 a.m. at the Helen M. Schmidt FliteZone Theater, National Aviary, Allegheny Commons West, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. Contact: 412.323.7235 or visit their website at www.aviary. org. HARMONIEFEST — (February 16) Harmony Museum’s annual dinner and program commemorating 250 years of area history. Illustrated presentation by authors of the “The Civil War in Pennsylvania: A Photographic History.” The time is at 6 p.m. at Stewart Hall, 218 Mercer St., Harmony. Reservations required by Feb. 8. Harmony is at I-79 exits 87-88 about 10 miles north of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Contact: 724.452.7341, www.harmonymuseum.org. 38TH PITTSBURGH ANTIQUES SHOW & SALE — (February 16-17) One of the most popular antiquing events of the year, the 38th Pittsburgh Antiques Show & Sale kicks off the regional antiquing season in high style by offering a diverse array of great items including jewelry, pottery, china, furniture and more. Sponsored by the Historical Glass Club of Pittsburgh. General Admission Adult: $5.00 (early buy-
ers $10). The Crowne Plaza HotelPittsburgh South, 164 Fort Couch Rd., Pittsburgh, PA. Contact: 412.734.5279 or www.hgcp.org. A KIND OF ALCHEMY: MEDIEVAL PERSIAN CERAMICS — (February 23 – June 16) A beautiful and fascinating look at the diversity of ceramics made in ancient Persia (what is now present-day Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan). The objects illustrate the influence of Chinese porcelains, as well as typical Islamic abstraction, calligraphy, and imagery inspired by forms in nature. Open Tuesday through Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sundays: 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Frick Art & Historical Center, 7227 Reynolds St., Pittsburgh. Contact: www.frick.org. THURGOOD — (March 07- April 07) Thurgood Marshall’s rise to become America’s first African-American Supreme Court Justice was a journey of epic proportions. This oneman play is an eye-opening, and uplifting portrait of a true American hero. Written by George Stevens, Jr. and directed by Ted Pappas. The Pittsburgh Public Theater, O’Reilly Theater, Pittsburgh, PA. For dates and times contact 412.316.1600 or visit their website at www.ppt.org.
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Oceania Cruises celebrates 10th Anniversary Four Anniversary Sailings highlight a milestone year in 2013
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ver the past decade Oceania Cruises has carved out a remarkable niche in the cruise industry by combining affordable luxury, with a casual, country club atmosphere and destination rich itineraries. Oceania celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2013, kicking off a year of special events, designated sailings, and onboard celebrations Oceania’s Cruises’ four mid-size ships epitomize quiet grace, worldly destinations and elegant, sophisticated décor. They are large enough to accommodate three decks of balcony cabins, commodious public rooms, and an attentive, European trained staff, yet intimate enough to take travelers where massmarket ships cannot — into secluded ports and quiet, unspoiled islands. Public rooms have all the understated elegance of an English country house with lustrous wood paneling, berrycolored carpets, and plump wing chairs. Staterooms are generous with amenities like Egyptian cotton linens, luxurious Tranquility Beds, plush duvets, and English-milled toiletries. About 70% of suites and staterooms include private teak verandas. Four special Anniversary Sailings will feature passenger perks like an anniversary cocktail reception, celebratory caviar brunch and gala dinner accompanied by private label 10th anniversary wine and hosted by one of the company founders.
AFFORDABLE LUXURY — Oceania Cruises features attractively-appointed mid-size ships, gourmet cuisine and award-winning itineraries. The 14-day Scandinavian Serenade departs from London to Stockholm onboard Oceania Marina on June 11. In addition to a 3-day stay in St. Petersburg, Russia, the cruise visits Amsterdam; Oslo, Norway; Copenhagen; Berlin (Warnemunde); Riga, Latvia; Tallinn, Estonia and Helsinki, Finland. Riviera’s Italian Escapade departs on July 3, 2013, from Rome for a 10-day voyage to Venice. Ports include Florence/ Pisa/Tuscany (Livorno), Italy; Sorrento/ Capri, Italy; Amalfi/Positano, Italy;
Taormina (Sicily), Italy; Corfu, Greece; Kotor, Montenegro and Dubrovnik, Croatia. Regatta’s 7-day Coastal Alaska sails on July 5, 2013 from Seattle to Seattle with calls at Ketchikan and Wrangell, Alaska; and Prince Rupert, British Columbia. Nautica’s Roman Legends departs September 6, 2013 for a 10-day voyage from Barcelona to Athens. Visits include Provence (Marseille), France; Portofino, Italy; Florence/Pisa/Tuscany (Livorno), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy;
Sorrento/Capri, Italy; Taormina (Sicily), Italy; Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey and Santorini, Greece. Kusadasi, a popular resort town on the Turkish coast, is the gateway to ancient ruins of Ephesus, once the largest city in the Roman Empire. St. Paul preached the Gospel in the Great Theatre and you can almost hear the footsteps of Anthony and Cleopatra echoing on the Arcadian Way, an ancient thoroughfare paved with white marble. Dining with Oceania Cruises means fine food instead of feasts. Master chef Jacques Pepin has adroitly mingled timehonored favorites with ingenious fusion dishes and nouvelle cuisine in four open-seating dining rooms. Guests can savor Maine lobster in the Polo Grill, while the Tuscan-flavored Toscana cooks traditional Italian fare. Each evening, the Terrace Cafe prepares an authentic menu of tapas, paellas and other regional specialties from Spain served al fresco under the stars. A special 10th Anniversary dessert called ZEN, a Manjari Chocolate Bar with Milky Gianduja-Yuzu and Hazelnut Croquant, will be featured fleet-wide in the Grand Dining Room.
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Please see your AAA Departures Guide or log on to AAA.com/cruises for special values on Oceania Cruise vacations.
Carmakers are sensing the future of mobility Predictions for next wave of automotive electronics
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redicting the future has long been a staple of the New Year. Famous futurists run the gamut from Nostradamus, a 16th century French apothecary and seer whose prophecies include both World Wars, and the Atomic bomb, to the Amazing Criswell, whose wildly inaccurate predictions included Pittsburgh being terrorized by an outbreak of cannibalism. In 1940, Henry Ford famously predicted: “Mark my word — a combination airplane and motor car is coming. You may smile, but it will come.” History may yet prove Ford right, but most skeptics believe that flying cars are 20 years away, and always will be. Today, state-of-the-art sensing, computing and communications systems are driving innovation in the automotive industry at an incredible pace. The 2013 Fusion sedan for example, features an unprecedented level of sensors — 74 in all — including radar, sonar, cameras, accelerometers, temperature and even rain sensors. The Fusion can monitor the perimeter around the car and see into places that are not readily visible from the driver’s seat. These sensors produce more than 25 gigabytes of data per hour, which is analyzed by more than 70 on-board computers. Signal information from the driver assist sensors can alert the driver
a stop and transmits an SOS via the driver’s smart phone. In the not too distant future, driver assist options will culminate in autonomous, or self-driving vehicles. Google’s highly publicized driverless vehicle has already logged more than 300,000 miles without an accident. Continental recently became the first automotive supplier to receive approval from the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to test autonomous vehicles on the state’s public roads. The Volkswagen Passat sports a special red license plate that bears an ‘infinity’ symbol to represent the car of the future.
COMMON SENSORS — Continental’s self-driving test vehicle was recently licensed in Nevada. to potential dangers, and actively assist with parking and lane keeping. Top areas for car technology innovation in the coming years will include radar and camera-based sensors that can help evaluate external factors affecting driver attention, and biometric sensors that measure stress levels for a more personalized response from driver assist technologies. Japan’s Aisin Seki Co. which is 30 percent owned by Toyota, debuted its Human Error Monitoring System at this year’s North American International
Auto Show in Detroit, in January. The system uses sensors buried inside the seat that monitor the driver’s heart rate, breathing rhythm, and general body movements for signs of irregular behavior. An infrared camera positioned on the steering column cover monitors changes in the driver’s facial expressions for attentiveness and drowsiness. If the system detects any danger signals the driver is given an audio warning accompanied by seat vibration. If the driver ignores these warnings the system automatically guides the car to
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A recent study commissioned by Ford, found that nine out of ten drivers were interested in driver assist technology in their next vehicle. According to the study, 40 percent are afraid of parallel parking and two-thirds indicated they would be interested in systems that can help them see around other vehicles while backing out of a parking space. foR moRE INfoRmATIoN
Visit AAA.com for information on all things automotive including tips on buying, operating and maintaining a vehicle.
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Get more
when you use your new AAA Member Rewards Visa card. ®
Receive a $100 grocery store gift card after qualifying purchases. (students not eligible) Stock up on rewards with your new AAA Member Rewards Visa credit card. You can earn bunches of points on everyday purchases all year round that can be redeemed for exciting rewards like cash back, gift cards, merchandise and AAA vouchers. Visit AAA.com/creditcard or stop by any AAA branch. For information on the rates, fees, other costs and benefits associated with the use of this credit card, visit the website listed above or your AAA branch. This credit card program is issued and administered by FIA Card Services, N.A. Grocery Card Offer. You will qualify to receive a certificate with information and PIN number via mail entitling you to a $100 grocery card redeemable at www.pickyourgiftcard.com for the grocery merchant of your choice after you use your new AAA Member Rewards account to make retail purchase(s) totaling at least $500 (exclusive of any returns and adjustments) within 90 days of account opening. Limit one (1) item per new account. Offer is sponsored by Bank of America. We may substitute an item of equal or greater value and we are not responsible for lost, stolen or undelivered merchandise. This is a limited time offer for new customers opening an account in response to this offer and may be cancelled at any time without notice. Other advertised promotional offers can vary from this promotion and may not be substituted. Federal law prohibits students from receiving a premium. The value of this reward may constitute taxable income to you. Bank of America may issue an Internal Revenue Service Form 1099 (or other appropriate form) that reflects the value of such reward. Please consult your tax advisor, as neither Bank of America, its affiliates, nor their employees provide tax advice. The listed merchants are in no way affiliated with Bank of America nor are the listed merchants considered sponsors or co-sponsors of this program. Uses of merchant names and/or logos are by permission of each respective merchant and all trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Terms and conditions are applied to gift cards/certificates. Please see the merchant gift card/certificate for additional terms and conditions, which are subject to change at merchant’s sole discretion. Merchants are not liable for any actual or alleged claims related to this offer. All logos are registered trademarks. All rights reserved. Must be 18 years or older to participate. A U.S. address is required for delivery. Other restrictions may apply. Visa and Visa Signature are registered trademarks of Visa International Service Association and are used by the Issuer pursuant to license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. AAA is a trademark of American Automobile Association, Inc. ©2012 Bank of America Corporation
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