Pa nov by AAA East Central

SEE PAGE 3

Vol. 61 No. 10

WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA

NOV./DEC. 2014

Save on holiday purchases with AAA Discounts & Rewards BLUE LAGOON

THINGVELLIR

REYKJAVIK

PUFFINS

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

unofficial, charming “capital of the far north” OTS OF PEOPLE already know Iceland • Soaking in the waters of the fabled Blue Lagoon boasts some of the world’s most spec• Deep-sea fishing...hiking into a volcanic cave... tactular and beautiful natural wonor relaxing on a whale watching cruise ders — geysers, glaciers, waterfalls, You may be glad to know Iceland is our closlagoons, mountains and more. est European neighbor; flight time from New Fewer know that this small North Atlantic York is just 4.5 hours (no island nation is also home jet lag), so you’re ready to to some of the planet’s haproll as soon as you arrive! piest people. So says a 2013 Happily, the chilliest thing World Happiness Report, about the country is its which arose out of a UN name; in July, the average resolution inviting member high is about 60. And its nations to measure their welcome is always warm. people’s happiness and use Nearly everyone speaks it to guide public policies. English, and most IcelandNo doubt, Iceland’s scenic ers aren’t given to formalibeauty helps put its folks in ties; even the phone direca good mood, and you’ll savings per room (double occupancy) only on tory lists by first name! likely know — and feel — new bookings with deposit — Nov 1-30, 2014 Nature at its wildest is what we mean when you just as accessible. Expect join AAA Travel’s “Inspiring direct contact with a side of it that has all but Iceland” 7-night escorted tour this July 19. vanished from most other countries. Here, you As a member, you’ll be even happier knowcan “go back” to the places that most other ing you can save as much as $700 when you countries have paved over. You’ll experience book & deposit by Nov 30! (See box above.) virtually the same world that greeted Vikings Enhancing this unique tour are its fascinatwhen they arrived more than 1,100 years ago. ing featured activities — fun opportunities The coastal waters are prime whale habitat, to appreciate the scenic beauty and cultural teeming colonies of seabirds roosting in cliffs uniqueness of this land of fire & ice: around fjords. And humans have never made • Taking an enjoyable guided tour of Reykjavik, a permanent home in the island’s vast interior, the quirky and quaint capital, on foot or by bike where nature remains at its most primordial • Enjoying a buffet of traditional dishes...and a — vast glaciers, black-sand deserts, barren gladinner of contemporary culinary works of art cial moraine, bubbling hot springs & thermal • Meeting a local family dedicated to catching pools, active volcanoes and strange oases of Greenland sharks and preserving their meat, lush green vegetation (very reminiscent of Irewhich you’re invited to taste — if you dare! land!), thriving against all subarctic odds. • Cruising to a puffin sanctuary to see these Nature lovers may get positively giddy travcolorful birds...and fishing a bit on the way eling Iceland’s Golden Circle — a route stud• Overnighting in a quaint fishing village ded with many of its most renowned gems, • Riding Iceland’s uniquely-gaited horses...or including the 100-foot relaxing in a natural geothermal lake near the continued on page 24

MEMBERS GET AN EXTRA REASON TO BE HAPPY!

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

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

AAA MEMBER APPRECIATION CELEBRATION

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

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

Save with 2015 Enjoy® Coupon Book AAA members can purchase the 2015 Enjoy® Coupon Book for the bargain price of $30.00, including shipping and handling. The book contains hundreds of “twofor-one” and “50% off” discounts on dining, sporting events, golf, theatres and much more. Discounts are valid through November 1, 2015. Call 412-481-9460, Monday thru Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mention “AAADIRECT” and $10.00 from the sale of each book will be donated to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh’s Free Care Fund through this worthy program.

New Branch Opening in Wexford AAA East Central is pleased to announce the upcoming opening of its new Wexford branch location. The new full-service branch will offer membership and travel services and a AAA Insurance agency. They will also offer notary and vehicle license and titling services.The office is located in Wexford Plaza (next to Whole Foods Market) at 10548 Perry Highway, Wexford, Pa., 15090. Branch hours are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 724-933-3000 or 800-441-5008.

See Alaska Onboard AAA’s Member Appreciation Cruises Alaska is Mother Nature’s masterpiece. A magical landscape forged by fire and ice, where mountains erupt from mist-shrouded fjords teeming with marine life and humpback whales. Now, you can see it all from your balcony cabin aboard Celebrity Cruises’ spectacular Solstice, during one of two 2015 AAA Member Appreciation Cruises. AAA Travel’s 7-day Alaska departures travel roundtrip from Seattle and are crammed with extra-special features and amenities like add-on airfare for just $299 per person. SEE PAGE 11.

PAGE 2

AAA MOTORIST

Protecting your credit and identity this holiday season

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

Budget Saving Ideas

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

Identity Protection Tips

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

PROTECTMYID MEMBER BENEFITS

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

Reach for the sky with AAA Plus ®

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

Basic Membership

AAA Plus® Membership

Towing

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

Emergency Road Service When Out of Gas

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

Free delivery of emergency gas. Fuel is free.

One service vehicle and one driver.

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

Off-Road Rescue Service Lock & Key Service

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

When AAA Emergency Road Service is not Available

Reimbursement according to published limits

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

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

DEC 15

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

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

AAA DIRECTORY INTERNET WEB SITE: www.AAA.com AAA MEMBER SERVICES • ADDRESS CHANGE triptiks, tourbooks, maps, license 412-363-5100 or 1-800-441-5008 APPROVED AUTO REPAIR 412-365-7411 or 1-800-233-9733 EMERGENCY ROAD SERVICE 412-362-1900 or 1-800-222-4357 EXPRESS TRAVEL RESERVATIONS

airline tickets, tours, cruises, rental cars

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

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

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

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

AAA MOTORIST

PAGE 3

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

AAA EAST CENTRAL Chairman: ................................................Richard S. Hamilton Vice Chairman:....................................... James E. Broome, Jr. Vice Chairman:.........................................Mary Lynn Laughlin Vice Chairman:.................................... Martha Hartle Munsch OFFICERS: President: ....................................................James E. Lehman Executive Vice President ............................... Thomas J. Ashley Secretary .................................................. Robert H. Compton Treasurer .......................................................Robert S. Collins GOVERNING BOARD OF DIRECTORS Neil D. Bassi, James E. Broome, Jr., Steve D. Bullock**, Charles O. Casto**, Edward C. Coaxum, Jr., Robert S. Collins, Robert H. Compton, Jon E. Denney, Debra A. Dinnocenzo, Pamela C. Fritz, Gregory E. Grim**, Richard S. Hamilton, James H. Kanicki, Mary Lynn Laughlin, William Duff McCrady, James M. McDonnell, Thomas V. McKernan Jr., Martha Hartle Munsch, Gary K. Munsie** EAST CENTRAL REGION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Neil D. Bassi, Chairman, Robert S. Collins, Vice Chairman, Carol Asam, Christian Asam, Jack A. Barkley, William E. Bierer**, Ellsworth T. Bowser**, Peter Burton, Marianne B. Campbell, Michael A. Cochran, Daniel J. Collins Jr.**, Robert H. Compton, Debra A. Dinnocenzo, James J. Dodaro, Jack G. Ellis, Mona N. Generett, Charles W. Groce , Richard S. Hamilton, Mark Henschen, Luke Howe, Richard Kallenborn, Herbert G. Koenig, Mark S. Mansour, W. Duff McCrady, Martha Hartle Munsch, W. Lee Oswalt, III, Michael Parkes, John D. Petruso, Louis Pomerico, Jacob N. Skezas, James C. Stump, Jr., James F. Ward *ex officio **emeritus directors Allegheny Regional Board of Directors William C. Bradley, Jr., John Fuller, Wilfred Lippert, John D. Petruso, Adam J. Preston, B. J. Smith, John D. Whitehill Butler Regional Board of Directors Jack A. Barkley, John W. Conway, Joseph D. Davidson Jr., Kenneth W. McKinney, John E. McNallen, Merril Moses, John E. Whitmer Indiana Regional Board of Directors Thomas Brice, William B. Hastings, Herman Sledzik McKean County Regional Board of Directors Elizabeth M. Costello, Thomas Frederick, Richard Kallenborn, David J. Malone, Stanley Pecora Mercer Regional Board of Directors R. Glenn Adams, Robert E. Davis, Merton W. Hutton, C. L. McCandless, Ralph Q. Steadman Mon Yough Advisory Board Robert W. Baum, James J. Dodaro, Jacob N. Skezas, Al Thomas, Dom Toretti Warren Regional Board of Directors 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.

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

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

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

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

call

One card, two special offers

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

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

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

membersonly

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

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

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

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

Give a membership, receive a gift card

Purchase a gift membership at your local AAA East Central office or online at AAA.com during November and December, and not only will you save $10, you’ll also qualify for a gift of your own! AAA is waiving the $10 enrollment fee for new gift memberships from November 1 through December 31. In addition, when you purchase a new gift membership you’ll be eligible for a $10 gift card from your choice of select retailers. For full details and restrictions, see the ad on page 23.

PAGE 4

AAA MOTORIST

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

AAA MOTORIST

PAGE 5

PAGE 6

AAA MOTORIST

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

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

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

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

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

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Trust AAA to steer you right on all your current and future Auto, Home and Life insurance needs. Combining your coverage with one insurance company could make a significant difference in your premium. Call 800.207.7947, or visit AAA.com/insurance for more information or to schedule a comprehensive Insurance review. AAA – your trusted insurance advisor.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

AAA MOTORIST

PAGE 7

PAGE 8

AAA MOTORIST

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

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

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

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

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

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

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please see your AAA travel professional or log on to AAA.com/TravelPlaner for more European vacation ideas from AAA.

Stop-start engines are coming to a car near you AAA finds technology can save fuel and reduce emissions

ybrids, with their high price points, may be out of reach for many consumers, but buying a car with fuel-saving features typically found on hybrids is becoming increasingly affordable. One of the most talked about hybridlike features is an automatic stop-start system, which helps to reduce fuel consumption by turning the engine off when the vehicle is not in motion. An advanced battery powers vehicle accessories and systems in place of the engine — saving fuel. The engine restarts instantly when the driver begins to release the brake pedal. Another benefit of stop-start technology is that it’s relatively inexpensive — about $300 on a typical new car. New research from AAA shows that automatic stop-start automotive technology delivers a significant fuel economy benefit. Testing by the Auto Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center found automatic stopstart systems provide a five percent to seven percent improvement in fuel economy compared with tests conducted on the same vehicle with the automatic stop-start system disabled. The tests were conducted on a 2013 Ford Fusion, a 2014 Mercedes Benz CLS550 and a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. “Up to seven percent improved fuel

GENTLEMEN, STOP-START YOUR ENGINES — Ford’s Auto Start-Stop will be available on 70 percent of their vehicles by 2017. economy can mean a $179 annual fuel savings for consumers,” says Greg Brannon, Director of AAA’s Automotive Engineering and Industry Relations team. “The technology requires only minor adjustment for motorists — automatic stop-start technology is simply applied to standard combustion engines.” This technology is especially useful

for drivers who endure long commutes in heavy traffic. A study by the United States Department of the Treasury estimates that congestion consumed an extra 1.9 billion gallons of fuel in 2011, approximately 5 percent of all the gasoline used. Stop-start systems may feel slightly different to motorists until they become accustomed to the automatic stop-start

sensation. In some vehicles, the system operates so seamlessly you may not notice it at all. In others, the lag between starting and stopping is more pronounced. AAA put the three, automatic stopstart vehicles through the Environmental Protection Agency’s “urban” cycle, which simulates a commuting trip covering 11.04 miles at an average speed of 21.2 miles-per-hour. The simulation is part urban driving — including frequent stops — and part highway driving. This test was selected to ensure that the stopstart systems had an opportunity to work as they would on a normal commute. While stop-start technology has been widely available in Europe and Japan, until recently, it’s been pretty much a non-starter in North America. Navigant Research’s 2013 automatic stop-start vehicles assessment projects that only 500,000 new vehicles sold in the United States in 2013, included an automatic stop-start system, but that number could exceed seven million by 2022.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

AAA MOTORIST

PAGE 9

PAGE 10

AAA MOTORIST

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

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

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

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

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

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

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

Bridging the gap between luxury and economy The 2015 CT200h is a Lexus for the rest of us

hat kind of carmaker designs a hybrid that gets an EPA-estimated 42 mpg combined fuel economy and turns it into a sporty luxury machine? That would be Lexus, and the car is the CT200h. The 2015 CT200h is designed to appeal to those buyers practical enough to want economical and green transportation, yet craven enough to covet a Lexus. Marketers often refer to this demographic as Bourgeois Bohemians or “Bobos” for short. Looking a bit like a Mazda3 that attended a Swiss boarding school, the five-door hatchback offers a distinctly European demeanor. The steeply raked windshield flows into a long sloping roofline with a shark-fin antenna and a new front fascia with Lexus’ signature “spindle” grille. Of course when you strip away all the oversized air ducts and LED running lights what you’re left with is a Prius. The CT200h’s Hybrid Drive is virtually the same unit that powers Toyota’s popular hybrid. It teams a 1.8-liter 98 hp gasoline engine with a 650 volt motor/generator for a combined output of 134 horsepower. It’s full hybrid, meaning it is capable of operating in gas and electric modes alone, as well as a combination of both. The powertrain is mated to an

YOU CAN AFFORD A CONSCIENCE — The 2015 CT200h is an affordable, eco-friendly luxury compact. Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT) that makes the best use of the electric motor’s instant torque and finds the optimal gear ratio. Inside, the CT200h offers a surprising amount of cargo room. A wellappointed cabin makes extensive use of metallic finishes and dark, soft-touch materials. Available cabin choices, including NuLuxe seating and Bamboo trim, reflect the CT’s enviro-conscious

mission. NuLuxe offers the look and feel of leather without harming any cattle. The dash is divided into two distinct zones: an upper Display Zone, with an eight-inch, LCD multi-display screen, and a lower, Operation Zone, which allows access to a uniquely designed shift lever and system controls. Too busy to listen when your favorite tune comes on the radio? A cache radio will let you save it for up to 15 miutes later.

Standard safety items include stability control, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and an eight-airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). The new 2015 Lexus CT200h is available in two trim levels, a base model and the F Sport, which adds racy touches like a rear spoiler, sport-tuned suspension, and a mesh grille. This ability to carve ashphalt while sipping fuel makes CT200h a unique synthesis of quality, sophistication and high technology in the growing premium compact segment. While not exactly a bargain, the sticker price puts it within reach of buyers who otherwise might not consider a Lexus. And with EPA numbers in the 40s, it’s also a practical choice for those who want go green and save at the gas pump.

VEHICLE TYPE: Five-door, 5-passenger, FWD compact hatchback. ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN: 1.8-liter, inline 4-cyinder gasoline engine and 650 volt electric motor with E-CVT transmission. EPA ESTIMATES: 43/40 mpg (city/highway). COMPETITION: Audi A3 e-Tron, BMW ActiveHybrid 3, Acura ILX Hybrid. COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Japan. WARRANTY: 4-years/50,000-miles. MSRP: $32,945 base; $34,125 F Sport.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

AAA MOTORIST

Member Benefits • Exclusive Offers

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

1-800-354-8761 • AAA.com/travel

LASKA 2015

Member Appreciation Cruises

Value Comparison for a Balcony Stateroom

AAA MEMBER RATE

from $1,760 per person ADDED MEMBER VALUES*

NONMEMBER INTERNET RATE from $1,936* per person

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

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

SHIPBOARD CREDIT — $50

per stateroom • for beverages, spa, shops, etc

IN-STATEROOM BOTTLE OF WINE 1 per stateroom

NO ADDED VALUES

ONBOARD MARTINI TASTING 2 vouchers per stateroom

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

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

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

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

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

2015 AAA Member Appreciation Cruises Celebrity Solstice

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

AAA MOTORIST

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

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

AUSTRALIA Oct 15–Nov 4, 2015 •

AAA Member Rate: from $10,524

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

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

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

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

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

AAA MEMBER SAVINGS

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF CINDY STAYCHEFF

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

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

This 11-night vacation has everything you’ve always wanted in a trip to Italy. Enjoy multiple-night stays in Rome, Florence, Venice, the Amalfi Coast and Stresa in the Lakes District. Discover the treasures of Classical and Christian Rome. Walk in the footsteps of the ancient Romans in Pompeii. See the gems of the Renaissance in Florence’s Academy Gallery, including Michelangelo’s “David.” Visit Locarno, Switzerland, and cruise to Isola dei Pescatori, one of the 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 family-style Tuscan feast...and a serenaded gondola cruise in Venice! Experience Whisper headsets, designed for better communication between you and your guides throughout your tour. Enjoy regional wines with every dinner.

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

AAA Member Rate: $5,679

Before-discount 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, 20 meals, in-Italy tour director and air & hotel taxes (subject to change). Visit AAA.com/Italy for itinerary and more information. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

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

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

AAA MOTORIST

PAGE 13

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

are specific cruise, motorcoach or air tour vacations created or selected by AAA Travel for their value, amenities and/or inclusions. Look for the AAA Featured Vacations logo to identify out-of-the-ordinary offerings.

AAA.com

Altoona PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .814-946-1277 Bridgeport WV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .304-842-7676 Butler PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .724-282-8810 Columbiana OH. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .330-482-3836 Cranberry Township PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .724-772-1122 East Liverpool OH. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .330-385-2020 Erie PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .814-866-0246 Greensburg PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .724-834-8300 Harborcreek PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .814-897-9508 Indiana PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .724-349-4193 Kittanning PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .724-543-4244 Lower Burrell/New Kensington Area PA . . .724-339-4440 Martinsburg WV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .304-263-4619 Meadville PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .814-724-3157 Morgantown WV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .304-598-7470 New Castle PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .724-658-8551

Century III (Pleasant Hills) . . . . . . . . . . .412-655-6105 Downtown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .412-338-4305 East Liberty/Shadyside . . . . . . . . . . . . . .412-365-7272 Monroeville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .412-858-4640 North Hills Area (Ross Twp) . . . . . . . . . .412-367-7625 Robinson Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .412-809-2803 South Hills (Bethel Park) . . . . . . . . . . . . .412-833-5060 White Oak/McKeesport . . . . . . . . . . . . . .412-675-3404 Wexford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .724-933-3000 Rochester PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .724-728-6230 St Marys PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .814-781-3003 Uniontown PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .724-438-8575 Warren PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .814-723-6660 Washington PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .724-225-3600 Waynesburg PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .724-627-3434 Wheeling WV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .304-233-1810 Weirton WV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .304-748-1616

PITTSBURGH PA AREA

AAA Featured Vacations

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.

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

Discover Spain’s Classics

& Portugal!

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

EASTERN CARIBBEAN Feb 3-13

•

from $1,053

EASTERN CARIBBEAN

March 3-13

•

from $1,153

WESTERN CARIBBEAN

April 18-28

•

from $1,122

EASTERN CARIBBEAN

April 28–May 8

•

from $1,102

BERMUDA

May 8-15

•

from $1,167

BAHAMAS

July 10-17

•

from $1,272

BAHAMAS

Aug 21-28

•

from $833

CANADA/NEW ENGLAND Sept 3-11

•

from $1,069

AAA MEMBER RATES are per person (double occupancy), are subject to availability at time of booking and include roundtrip motorcoach transportation, cruise accommodations/entertainment and most onboard meals; taxes, fees and port expenses of up to $357.17 per person are also included. Ship’s registry: Bahamas. Visit AAA.com/ motorcruise for itinerary details & Western Pennsylvania pick-up points.

Be among the first to cruise on the new ANTHEM OF THE SEAS and get $25 shipboard credit!

TOLEDO

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

April 15-28 •

LISBON’S TOWER OF BELÉM

AAA MEMBERS SAVE MUCHO! Premier....$625 Plus .........$575 Basic .......$525 Book & deposit by 11/23/14 PER ROOM, DOUBLE OCCUPANCY

AAA Member Rate: $4,569

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

Experience comfort & convenience: Each Anthem sailing below includes a 1-night before-cruise hotel stay near Cape Liberty NJ (and a short driving tour of New York City). Jan 14-25, 2016 • from $1,885 Eastern Caribbean: San Juan PR • Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas USVI • Philipsburg, St Maarten Basseterre, St Kitts • 5 days at sea April 17-30, 2016 • from $2,345 Eastern Caribbean: Labadee, Haiti • San Juan PR Philipsburg, St Maarten • Fort de France, Martinique Bridgetown, Barbados • Basseterre, St Kitts • 5 days at sea AAA MEMBER RATES are per person (double occupancy), are subject to availability at time of booking and include roundtrip motorcoach transportation, 1-night pre-cruise hotel accommodations, cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals and $25 shipboard credit per stateroom; taxes, fees and port expenses of up to $524.25 per person are also included. Ship’s registry: Bahamas. Visit AAA.com/motorcruise for itinerary details & Western Pennsylvania pick-up points.

PAGE 14

AAA MOTORIST

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

see the PENGUINS WITH AAA, THE OFFICIAL TRAVEL AGENCY OF THE PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

WATCH HOME-ICE ACTION from A PRIVATE canadian club party suite AT CONSOL ENERGY CENTER! AAA Member Rate of $299 for each game includes party suite game ticket, comfortable leather seating, buffet, nonalcoholic beverages, TV monitor with live game feed and complimentary access to 3 clubs (Lexus, Captain Morgan & First Niagara).

WASHINGTON: Dec 27 @ 7:30pm • MONTREAL: Jan 3 @ 7pm NASHVILLE: Feb 1 @ 2pm • BOSTON: March 14 @ 1pm • ARIZONA: March 28 @ 1pm

Car-free, care-free adventures

Rates are per person (double occupancy for multiday tours), are subject to availability at time of booking and include roundtrip motorcoach transportation from the 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.

GAMES, TIMES & OPPONENTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

LEAVE YOUR CAR AT HOME!

Niagara Valentine Getaway

Seaside in Myrtle Beach SC

Wine, chocolate, flowers — it’s all here! Visit Victorian Niagara-on-the-Lake’s charming shops and restaurants. Visit a regional winery and The Chocolate Factory. Overnight in Niagara Falls near Fallsview Casino and area attractions. Enjoy an evening of Broadway love songs and dinner at Oh Canada, Eh? Visit floral displays at the Niagara Parks Commission Greenhouse. Enjoy time at Table Rock Centre at the falls and have lunch on the brink of the falls. 3 meals.

Leave winter behind for the shores and shows of Myrtle Beach. After an overnight in Charlotte NC, check in to oceanfront accommodations and avail yourself of all that Myrtle has to offer, including admission to 4 fun shows at Alabama Theatre, Carolina Opry, Palace Theatre and Broadway at the Beach. Overnight in Beckley WV on the way home. 9 meals.

Feb 13-14 •

AAA Member Rate: $389

Washington’s Birthday in Alexandria Feb 14-16 •

AAA Member Rate: $599

Just south of Washington DC, tour the quaint streets of Virginia’s Old Town Alexandria, where George & Martha Washington once strolled, hearing of its history and sampling cuisine. Visit the Masonic Memorial to Washington, and the grounds & estate at Mt Vernon on the Potomac. Dine at Gadsby’s Tavern, one of George’s favorite places; enjoy an an 18th-century country dance lesson in its ballroom. Attend the nation’s largest Washington’s Birthday parade. 4 meals.

Eagle Migration Weekend March 13-15 •

AAA Member Rate: $535

Attention, bird lovers! See majestic Golden Eagles soaring overhead from atop central Pennsylvania’s Tussey Mountain during the annual spring migration. Relax at the lovely Nature Inn surrounded by Bald Eagle State Park and overlooking Sayers Reservoir. Enjoy an Owl Prowl, a nighttime search for owls. See a live Birds of Prey program, hear about eagle & hawk migration from speakers and enjoy a Sunrise Woodcock Trot. Includes a keepsake birdfeeder! 5 meals.

NYC St Patrick’s Day with the Penguins March 16-18 •

March 23-28 •

AAA Member Rate: $1,099

“Magdalene” in Ligonier PA March 25 •

AAA Member Rate: $115

Witness the moving story of Mary Magdalene. This multimedia presentation incorporates music and dance to tell this inspiring story. Enjoy a self-guided tour of century-old Old Heritage United Methodist Church as well as time to explore the charming village of Ligonier. 1 meal.

Vera Bradley Outlet Sale: Ft Wayne IN April 7-8 •

AAA Member Rate: $345

Calling all shoppers! Enjoy 2 days finding the ultimate bargains. Start at Ohio’s Lodi Station Outlets (60+ name-brand outlets), then at Indiana’s Jefferson Pointe (60+ restaurants, shops). Beat weekend crowds and attend the first ticketed session of the Vera Bradley sale, featuring a private check-out for AAA guests. Also visit the popular cinda b bag store. 2 meals.

DC Cherry Blossom Festival & Parade April 10-12 •

AAA Member Rate: $665

Welcome spring by attending the annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC. Enjoy reserved seating for the big parade, dinner overlooking DC, a jazz brunch in trendy Georgetown and guided touring of the city and its landmarks. Enjoy free time to explore the Smithsonian Museums and other landmarks lining the National Mall. 5 meals.

AAA Member Rate: $799

See the Penguins take on the NJ Devils at the Prudential Center (transfers included) during a fun-filled St Patrick’s Day weekend in New York City! Stay in midtown Manhattan (Times Square is right outside your door!). Enjoy dinner at a lively Irish pub. During your ample free time, enjoy the world-famous St Patrick’s parade or explore all that NYC has to offer. 1 meal.

Enjoy the NBA & Rock 'n' Roll in the Land of LeBron! Whoop it up on a hoops-&-more getaway to Cleveland! Stay downtown in a conveniently located full-service hotel. Enjoy reserved lower-level seating at an exciting professional basketball game at the nearby Quicken Loans Arena. Visit the must-see Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Museum. AAA BENCHWARMER BONUS: 5 ticket holders at each game will win a courtside seat on the players’ bench during the game’s warm-up session! 2 meals (Hall of Fame lunch voucher, hotel pre- or post-game reception, hotel breakfast). AAA Member Rate: $475 per person for each game getaway.

Feb 8-9: Los Angeles Lakers • Feb 11-12: Miami Heat Feb 26-27: Golden State Warriors

LAST CHANCE for holiday tours!

Callaway Gardens & Biltmore Estate

Dec 1-5. Travel to some of the Southeast’s best holiday events — including spectacular light displays at Stowe Botanical Gardens in Charlotte NC and Callaway Gardens in GA, plus the candlelit splendor of Biltmore Estate in Asheville NC. Also visit the Hills & Dale Estate and the Explorations in Antiquity Center, a museum of life in ancient times. 9 meals. AAA Member Rate: $1,125.

Deck the Halls in Newport

Dec 8-12. Head first to New York’s Hudson Valley and then to Newport RI for a glimpse into some of the finest estates in America, fabulously decorated for the season. Enjoy a Yuletide dinner and light display at Longwood Gardens outside Philadelphia, as well as a guided tour of PA’s State Capitol in Harrisburg. 7 meals. AAA Member Rate: $955.

1-DAY FUN-DAY TOUR!

Lights, Show & Ligonier

Dec 7. After a traditional home-style holiday luncheon, explore this charming village’s Festival of Lights. See Christmas in Ligonier at the local theater and then Overly’s Country Christmas light display. 1 meal. $115.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

AAA MOTORIST

PAGE 15

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Rome & Southern Italy with Pittsburgh radio personality LARRY RICHERT!

Irish Pubs

&Folklore

Live la dolce vita!

Be swept away by Italy's natural beauty ...its mouth-watering cuisine & superb wines...as well as its amazing history ...priceless artwork...and its zestful love of life!

Rome • Sorrento • Ravello Capri • Positano Amalfi Coast Pompeii • Naples

June 22-30 •

AAA Member Rate: from $4,895

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Pittsburgh-Rome), rountrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, 13 meals, in-Italy guides and air/hotel taxes. Visit AAA.com/GoItaly for itinerary and more information.

ESCORTED TOUR OPERATED BY CIE TOURS INTERNATIONAL

Sláinte!

New reduced rate!

Cheers!

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

May 12-21 •

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

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, motorcoach sightseeing, itinerary attraction admissions, local taxes, hotel service charges & baggage handling (1 bag per person), walking-tour audio headsets, 15 meals (including Kate Kearney’s Cottage Irish Night, “Food, Folk & Fairies” dinner show at Brazen Head Pub and 3 table d’hote dinners) and in-Ireland professional guide & driver. Ask about available add-on airfare.

PAGE 16

AAA MOTORIST

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers Enjoy a amid winter’s off-peak solitude!

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

Feb 7-12 •

AAA Member Rate: $2,089

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

ULTIMATE ALASKA

Winter Wonderland Tour

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

AAA Member Rate: $2,955

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

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

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

SAVANNAH GA

CHARLESTON SC

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

JEKYLL ISLAND GA

Meet mushers...

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

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

AAA Member Rate: $1,999

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

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

AAA MOTORIST

PAGE 17

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

LIGHT UP THE HOLIDAYS and see more of the Hawaiian Islands when you cruise with NCL!

MEMBER SAVINGS

$50 per inside stateroom $100 per balcony stateroom BOOK & DEPOSIT NOV 1-30

AAA’s special 9-night Hawaiian vacation features a 2-night pre-cruise stay in Honolulu, a tour of the USS Arizona Memorial and a 7-night Pride of America cruise featuring 4 islands (Oahu, Maui, Hawaii & Kauai). April 16-25 • May 21-30 • June 11-20 July 2-11 • Aug 20-29 • Sept 3-12 • Oct 22-31 Nov 26–Dec 5 • Dec 10-19 Inside staterooms from $2,090 Balcony staterooms from $2,790 AAA MEMBER RATES are per person (double occupancy), are subject to availability at time of booking and include airport/hotel transfers for flights purchased through NCL, 2 pre-cruise nights at the Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa, USS Arizona Memorial/Pearl Harbor excursion, hotel/pier transfers, 7-night NCL Pride of America cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals, government taxes/fees, port charges, pier/airport transfers for flights purchased through NCL and $50 per stateroom shipboard credit. Ship’s registry: USA. Ask about available add-on airfare.

UNIQUE OFFER — A DOUBLE DELIGHT FROM TRIPLE-A!

New Orleans

FOR THE

TRAVELERS IN YOUR LIFE Help make their travel dreams come true this year! AAA Travel Gift Certificates (in amounts of $200 or greater) are available at all AAA Travel locations. Certificates are redeemable at any AAA East Central Travel Agency toward the purchase of airline tickets, tour packages or escorted tour reservations. Certificates expire 60 months (5 years) from date of issue. © GVS - FOTOLIA.COM

EXPERIENCE SNOWMOBILING & SNOWCOACHING

3 DAYS, 2 NIGHTS

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

plus Western Caribbean 8-DAY, 7-NIGHT CRUISE

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

March 12-21 • A AA Member Rate: from $1,530 Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip airport/hotel/pier transfers, hotel accommodations/taxes/service charges/baggage handling (1 piece per person), 4 meals (on land), cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals, onboard group cocktail party (if participation goal is met), government fees and services of a AAA tour manager (if participation goal is met). Ship’s registry: Bahamas. Ask about available add-on airfare. Visit AAA.com/travel for more details.

Jackson Hole Snowmobile Adventure Package

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

Feb 7-13 or Feb 14-20 •

AAA Member Rate: $1,875

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

PAGE 18

AAA MOTORIST

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

AAA Emergency Road Service: Understanding your coverage

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

MAKING THE CALL TO OBTAIN SERVICE

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

IF YOU CANNOT BE WITH THE VEHICLE

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

CANCEL UNNECESSARY CALLS

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

SERVICE INCLUSIONS

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

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

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

TYPES OF VEHICLES SERVICED

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

WEATHER EMERGENCIES

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

ALTERNATE SERVICE

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

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

MEMBER’S RISK

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

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

AAA MOTORIST

PAGE 19

PAGE 20

AAA MOTORIST

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

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

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

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

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

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

DID YOU KNOW?

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

It’s time to “fall back” into safe driving habits Danger lurks on roadways when the days grow shorter

aylight Savings Time ended this year on November 2nd and it’s all too easy to discount the dangers that come with diminished hours of daylight. Routine early morning and evening tasks like walking the dog, driving to and from work, and walking or biking to school now take place under the cover of darkness. According to 2012 statistics released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the highest number of fatalities for passenger vehicle occupants and pedestrians combined, were recorded in the period between October and December. So why are these months more dangerous for motorists than other times of the year? One possible explanation is the duration of darkness, which increases in the fall and is longest in late December. This is also the time of year when the sun sits much lower in the horizon. Glare from the sun can temporarily blind you, or drivers around you. Keep a pair of sunglasses handy, and use your sun visor to help block any reflected light. A clean windshield and new wiper blades to keep it streak free will help minimize dazzle. As warm weather fades, road hazards such as wet leaves, fog and frost make driving more dangerous. Black ice may

USE CAUTION — Road hazards such as rain, frost, and glare make driving more hazardous linger on roads in shaded areas and particularly on bridges. Be aware that your tire’s traction can change instantly under these conditions and braking distance can be up to nine times longer. Even an innocent looking pile of leaves can obscure potholes, debris, lane markings and other roadway hazards. They can be especially dangerous at intersections where wet, slippery leaves can cause you to lose control. When warmer, wet air mixes with the colder ground temperatures, the result is fog, and statistically, fog-related accidents have the highest rate of fatalities. If you do find yourself driving in foggy conditions remember to slow down gradually and drive at a safe

speed. Use pavement markings or the right edge of the road as a guide and increase your following distance. Never steer your car by following the taillights of the vehicle ahead of you. Experts refer to this as “the blind leading the blind.” Motorists need to stay alert near school zones, bus stops, playgrounds and residential areas, especially during times when children are coming to and from school. Keep an eye out for pedestrians who may be huddled under jackets and hoods, which can limit their vision and visibility. Drive with your headlights on during the day, so pedes-

trians and other drivers can see you. Cooling temperatures are a harbinger of harsher winter weather to come, but predicting how long, or how hard a winter will be, remains an inexact science at best. It’s always good idea to have your vehicle checked by a competent professional like those who participate in AAA’s Approved Auto Repair program. FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

Breathtaking! This isNiagara Falls! Two nights from $154*PP/DB including meals... 2 full breakfasts, dinner at

Coco’s Steakhouse, and a superb dinner high atop Skylon’s Revolving Dining Room overlooking the Falls. Ask about our Niagara Attractions Package... From $124*PP/DB.

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

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

AAA MOTORIST

PAGE 21

A Super Sunday in the Valley of the Sun This year’s Super Bowl host city is an Old West playground

een from the air, Arizona’s Valley of the Sun resembles an oasis in a sea of red dust. A parched tableau of red/brown hills provides a stunning backdrop for the sunsets that burn like a long, slow fire over the horizon. Blessed with over 325 days of sunshine each year, Phoenix is home to world-class resorts, cultural and historical attractions, and dozens of recreational opportunities. There’s championship golf and tennis, and trails that are perfect for exploring the desert’s mesmerizing natural beauty. The Valley of the Sun is also getting ready to host Super Bowl XLIX, at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, on February 1, 2015. The biggest spectacle in American sport is expected to draw more than 150,000 visitors and fans, only about half of whom will be lucky enough to get their hands on a ticket. Pre-game festivities include Super Bowl Central, a 12-block campus of food, fun and football-related events in downtown Phoenix. The Phoenix Convention Center will be home to the NFL Experience, the world’s largest interactive football theme park featuring kids’ football clinics, interactive football games, free autograph sessions and live entertainment. One welcome new addition is the

THE DESERT SONG — Relaxing under the shadow of Camelback Mountain. city’s recently completed Metro Light Rail system, which runs from central Phoenix, through downtown past top area attractions, like the Phoenix Art Museum, the Arizona Science Center, US Airways Center and the Heard Museum. The museum houses an impressive collection of Native American artifacts, including the world’s foremost collection of Hopi

Kachina dolls, which depict spirit messengers from the Hopi religion. The area’s 200-plus golf courses feature layouts by legends like Robert Trent Jones, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. The Pete Dye-designed ASUKarsten Golf Course is considered one of the country’s finest municipal golf courses, and the green fees begin at just $36, depending on the season.

Papago Park is filled with serene desert vistas and attractions like the Phoenix Zoo. The park’s Botanical Garden displays 15,000 species of desert plants, including the mysterious boogum tree, which resembles an immense, upside-down carrot. Just 40 miles east of town, the Superstition Mountains erupt from the desert floor. One of Geronimo’s last hideouts and the site of the Lost Dutchman Mine, stately Saguaro cactus stand watch across a landscape dotted with palo verde, creosote and the appropriately named catclaw. The Apache Trail twists and winds through the Superstitions’ rugged terrain to Tortilla Flat, an authentic stagecoach stop famous for their prickly pear ice cream. A few miles past Tortilla Flat, you can make a white knuckled descent down Fish Creek Hill, which drops 1,500-feet in less than three miles. The single-lane dirt road was carved from the side of a cliff about 90-years ago, and a rusty guardrail is the only thing that separates you from eternity.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PAGE 22

AAA MOTORIST

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

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

ravelers are discovering that a river cruise is an extraordinary way to experience the Continent. Europe’s historic rivers drift past pastoral valleys, medieval villages and mighty castles, with the stately grace of a Viennese waltz. They flow into the heart of elegant Baroque cities that grew around a millennium of river trade. River cruising also means no packing or unpacking, no sea days and no lines to get on or off the ship. Distance between ports is typically short and the ships usually dock in the middle of town, so the charming squares, and bustling marketplaces are typically just a brief stroll away. New destinations, a new ship, and new itineraries are all part of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises’ 2015 portfolio. The 155-guest S.S. Maria Theresa launches next spring, filled with fine art and Old World antiques. Named after the Archduchess of Austria and mother of Marie Antoinette, S.S. Maria Theresa will sail this very same region on the European Jewels itinerary. Onboard amenities include a heated swimming pool, well-equipped fitness center, Serenity River Spa, guest laundry, free Internet and Wi-Fi access, and a cinema. Staterooms and suites feature handcrafted Savoir of England beds, and LCD TVs with infotainment center. Marble baths are stocked with

ONE ROOM, A THOUSAND VIEWS — Uniworld travels through history on Europe’s original highways. L’Occitane en Provence products, plush towels, cozy bathrobes, and slippers. Travel through time along the great rivers, uncovering the crown jewels of European history, culture, scenery, and art. Uniworld has crafted 33 allinclusive European itineraries with six new programs for 2015, and 45 more

Young vehicle renters will save with AAA and Hertz

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

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

departures on their popular Rhine and Danube cruises. New itineraries include an eight-day Holland & Belgium at Tulip Time; a 10-day Delightful Danube & Prague; 13-day Jewels of Spain, Portugal & the Douro River; and 22-day Ultimate France. European itineraries will also delve deeper into

local customs and culture with more authentic experiences like the “Choice is Yours” and “Do as the Locals” tours. Ramble along thousand-year-old cobblestones in Passau, cycle along the Inn River, or stroll across the 650-yearold Charles Bridge in Prague. A magical city of castles, cathedrals and goldpleated domes, Prague’s timeless silhouette is mirrored in the Vltava River. The striking mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings are among the best preserved in all of Europe. Most Danube cruises navigate the narrow Strudengau into the Wachau Valley, through the gently sloping vineyards of Austria’s wine-growing region. Then it’s on to the enchanted city of Vienna, and Budapest, known as the “Paris of Eastern Europe.” River cruising with Uniworld is a truly all-inclusive experience, including shore excursions and world-class gourmet cuisine. Services and amenities on all European cruises include unlimited fine wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, and bottled water, and all gratuities for all onboard and onshore services. FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

Take the pledge — Drive drug and alcohol free

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

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

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

AAA MOTORIST

PAGE 23

PAGE 24

AAA MOTORIST

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

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

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

INSPIRING ICELAND

July 19-27 •

AAA Member Rate: $5,174

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

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

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

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

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

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

AAA MOTORIST

PAGE 25

To Sur with love along California’s Highway 1 Pacific Coast Highway offers scenes for your senses

alifornia’s Highway 1 is a stunning juxtaposition of land and sea. The 90-mile stretch along Big Sur, between Carmel and the northern tip of San Luis Obispo County, lures travelers with its everchanging panorama of fog-covered cliffs, pounding surf, and spouting whales. The highway took 18 years to complete and opened in 1937. In those days it was considered extremely costly — despite the fact that much of it was built by convicts from San Quentin prison. For anyone who loves the open road, a trek through Big Sur is almost a rite of passage. Start out southbound from Carmel and remember to be careful. Highway 1’s often vertigo-inducing cliff-side curves demand careful driving. Motorists should only stop at the numerous turnouts to take pictures and enjoy the spectacular views. Point Lobos State Reserve is the crown jewel of the State Park system. This 544-acre park is the stop for nature lovers. Try the oceanfront Perimeter Trail, or just park and hit the key points, including Cypress Grove. Robert Louis Stevenson penned Treasure Island here in 1883. China Cove — with its dramatic sparkling jade-green waters — is framed by hanging cliff-side gardens. One of the highest single-span bridges in the world, the Bixby Creek Bridge

SPANNING THE GLOBE — Big Sur’s Bixby Bridge is among the most photographed bridges in the world. has become a staple of TV, movies and especially car commercials. This 714-ft. long architectural marvel linked the world to Big Sur in 1932, at a cost of $10 million. Point Sur Lighthouse is set on a volcanic rock 361 feet above the Pacific in Point Sur State Historic Park. Visitors

can tour the lighthouse, which has been in operation since 1889, along with a complete blacksmith and carpentry shop. Set 808 feet above the crashing surf, the Nepenthe Restaurant offers views that stretch to infinity as the sun slips into the sea. Orson Welles and his wife,

actress Rita Hayworth, once owned this redwood-and-glass property, and it doubled as a dance floor for Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton in the 1965 film “The Sandpiper.” Limekiln State Park combines the crashing Pacific with an opportunity to trek through some of the oldest and largest redwood groves in Monterey County. The four, 100-year-old limekilns are relics from the 1870s when the area was used for quarrying limestone. Hard to find and even harder to forget, Pfeiffer Beach offers a rare opportunity to get up close with Big Sur’s shoreline with dramatic offshore rocks and an unusual purple sand. This is nature at its naked best, especially at sunset. Follow a two-mile windy road, and from there, a walking path to this hidden gem. McWay Falls, located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, is a slender 80-ft. cascade with a delicate sand landing. The falls are accessible via the Scenic Overlook/Waterfall trail that passes through a tunnel under Highway 1 and emerges with a spectacular grand panorama of the Big Sur coast.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

PAGE 26

AAA MOTORIST

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

Roatán is a hot and spicy cruise destination Making a splash in the Western Caribbean

oatán is the largest of the eight Bay Islands that lie some 40-miles off the Caribbean coast of the Honduras. The banana-shaped archipelago is all that remains of an ancient submerged volcanic mountain range, known as the Bonacca Ridge. About 35 miles long and 4 miles wide, the local vibe is more Caribbean than Latin American, friendly and laid-back, with a spicy gumbo of cultures. A popular cruise destination, Roatán will host nearly 850,000 passengers aboard 305 ships in 2014. Divers can choose from 35 dive sites amid the Western Hemisphere’s most spectacular underwater reefs. Landlubbers can experience dolphin encounters at Roatán Institute of Marine Sciences, or loaf on Tabyana Beach, where the jungle creeps up to the edge of the powdery sand. Glide from a mountain ridge on a canopy tour of Gumbalimba Park, or tee off on the 7,200-yard Pete Dye-designed Black Pearl Golf Course. Roatán’s natural beauty is showcased at Carambola Botanical Gardens, a 40-acre reserve crisscrossed with gentle pathways that immerse you in the indigenous flora and fauna. The island’s mountainous spine offers hikers sweeping panoramas and a memorable trek in the cloud forest at Pico Bonito National Park.

ON THE BEACH — Roatán’s beaches are some of the best in the Caribbean. Take an island-style boat tour through Dixon Cove Harbor, known as the Venice of Roatán, thanks to the canals that cut through the red mangroves. Catch a Junkanoo performance — the traditional dance of the Garifuna — in Punta Gorda. Descended from Carib Indians and escaped African slaves, the Garifuna have held on to their own unique language and culture for centuries.

Oakridge and Jonesville, Roatán’s traditional fishing villages, are constructed on stilts over the water. Residents still carry family names that date back to the pirates. Visitors can take a small water taxi to the Hole in the Wall restaurant, famous for its all-you-can-eat lobster and steak on Sunday and Wednesday. Sample a Salva Vida, a local beer whose name means “life saver.”

Coxen Hole — the main town — was named for an English pirate who once made this his lair, and the island’s two cruise ship terminals are located nearby. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity dock at Port Roatán, while Carnival, Princess, and Holland America dock at Mahogany Bay. The $62 million facility opened in 2010 and encompasses 20 acres of waterfront property. Mahogany Bay is known for its “Magical Flying Beach Chair.” The sixminute ride takes cruisers from the welcome center to Mahogany Beach, a 10-acre private island, via a 1,200-footlong chairlift. Sherman Arch’s Iguana Farm, near French Harbour, was established to protect the native iguanas, the basic ingredient of the island’s famous iguana stew. Today, about 2700 free-range iguanas roam the property, in addition to the Monkey-La-La, a lizard that runs upright on its back legs. The best time to visit is at feeding time in the early afternoon.

IF YOU GO

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

aroundtown THREE RIVERS FILM FESTIVAL — (November 7-22) This exciting twoweek celebration is the largest film festival in western Pennsylvania and features more than 50 films: Independent American cinema, sneak peeks of big fall releases, new documentaries, restored classics and more. For information and schedules, visit theaters.pittsburgharts.org. Location: Downtown Pittsburgh, Oakland and Regent Square. POLISHFEST — (November 9) The Pittsburgh Polishfest is a family-oriented festival celebrating “An OldFashioned Polish Harvest Festival.” There will be Polish music, song, dance, foods, crafts, cooking demonstrations and more. Free admission. Event runs from noon to 5:00 p.m. at the University of Pittsburgh Cathedral of Learning Commons Room, Fifth Avenue and Bigelow Boulevard, Pittsburgh. For more information, call Larry Kozlowski at 814-969-5940. ANDY WARHOL – OUT OF THE BOX — (November 14) Join Warhol Museum archivists as they take the first look inside one of Andy Warhol’s mysterious time capsules. Warhol began filling the first of his 600 time capsules—reflections of his life and insightful snapshots of the time in 1974. Benjamin Liu, Warhol’s former personal and

studio assistant will be on hand. Tickets are $10. Time: 7 p.m. For information and tickets, visit warhol.org or call (412) 237-8300. Location: Andy Warhol Museum, 117 Sandusky Street, Pittsburgh. ARTS & CRAFTS HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR — (November 21-23) Get your holiday shopping done all in one place at the Greater Pittsburgh Arts & Crafts Holiday Spectacular. With more than 270 indoor booths spanning two exhibit halls, you’ll find something for everyone on your list. Admission: $6; $5.50, seniors; $1, ages 6-12; free for children under 6. Event runs Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information, visit familyfestivals.com. For information, visit familyfestivals.com. Location: Monroeville Convention Center, 209 Mall Boulevard, Monroeville. HOLIDAYS AT THE HOUSE — (November 23) Celebrate the holiday season with candlelight tours of the Woodville house. Learn how 18th century customs such as Twelfth Night, Boxing Day, and the firing of the Christmas Guns differ from our modern celebrations. A “full table” presentation of the foods eaten during the holidays and on Twelfth Night will be featured in the newly-restored Cowan dining room. Noon to 8 p.m. For informa-

tion, visit woodvilleplantation.org. Location: Woodville Plantation, 1375 Washington Pike, Bridgeville. WINTER FLOWER SHOW AND WINTER LIGHT GARDEN — (November 28-January 11, 2015) Featuring a delightful variety of festive poinsettias, showy amaryllis and aromatic paper whites, Winter Flower Show showcases illuminated glass art and evergreens glowing with thousands of LED lights. Phipps’ Outdoor Garden is also transformed into a sparkling Winter Light Garden with meandering pathways, glowing orbs, luminous trees and a brilliant fountain of light. For information, visit phipps.conservatory.org. Location: Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, One Schenley Park, Pittsburgh. MEET SANTA & HIS PENGUIN PALS — (Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 13, 20) Santa and his penguin helper will be on hand to hear Christmas wishes and take photos at the National Aviary. Parents bring your cameras to capture this memorable holiday experience! Included with admission. The National Aviary, Allegheny Commons West, 700 Arch Street, Pittsburgh. Call 412-323-7235 or visit www.aviary.org. LA ROCHE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS — (December 5) — This festival is packed with food and entertainment, including a craft show with

homemade items. Students from around the world showcase their culture and heritage by decorating trees in the style of their home’s traditional Christmas. Choirs and dance troupes perform, ice sculpting, kids’ activities, magicians and jugglers. At the end of the night, grab some more cocoa and bundle up for the fireworks show. Free admission. 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. For information, visit laroche.edu. Location: LaRoche College, North Hills Campus, Babcock Boulevard, Pittsburgh. FIRST NIGHT PITTSBURGH — (December 31) Highmark First Night Pittsburgh is the region’s best and biggest New Year’s Eve celebration. Enjoy outdoor and indoor performances, be amazed at magic tricks, laugh to comedians, or dance the night away to music by local blues and jazz bands. There’s also swing dancing, juggling, arts and crafts, ice carving, a magic show, the First Night parade and musical performances by a number of local bands, including Rusted Root. Stay for the spectacular fireworks and the trademark finale, The Future of Pittsburgh and Countdown to Midnight. Admission: $8; free for ages 5 and under. For information, visit firstnightpgh.org. Location: Cultural district, downtown Pittsburgh.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

AAA MOTORIST

PAGE 27

PAGE 28

AAA MOTORIST

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014