Sco jan 15 by AAA East Central

SEE PAGE 3

Vol. 28 No. 1

OHIO/WEST VIRGINIA REGION

JAN./FEB. 2015

AS TO ARTWORK: © DISNEY

Increase in Associate Age Limit Approved

LOOK

at what you can get during

DISNEY MONTH

New year brings new savings and gifts for Disney vacations

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

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

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

GIFTS

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

HANDS FREE IS NOT RISK FREE

Here’s a bit of good news for young adults living at home while attending college or starting their careers. The Governing Board of Directors of AAA East Central has approved an increase in the maximum associate age to 23, from 22, effective January 1, 2015. This associate age limit continues to apply to dependent children living in the same household as the primary member. AAA member research suggests that more young adults are living at home longer, to finish their educations or to start careers. Many are struggling with student loan debt or a stagnant job market. Increasing the associate age to 23 allows these young adults living at home to stay on their parents’ AAA memberships as associate members for one additional year before converting to their own primary membership at age 24. “We realize that in today’s economy, young adults are often struggling to start their careers,” states AAA East Central President Jim Lehman. “We are delighted to announce this change which continues to make AAA membership affordable to them and their parents while ensuring their continued access to the broad array of AAA products and services.” The Governing Board of Directors of AAA East Central also approved a revised dues structure and rates. For more information please see the article on page 6.

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

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

Save today with AAA Discounts & Rewards Is your New Year’s Resolution to save money? Look no further than AAA Discounts & Rewards, an online shopping portal exclusively for AAA members. This innovative shopping experience on AAA.com offers deep discounts and daily deals from approximately 30,000 participating online merchants nationwide. You could save on a winter coat from Macy’s, ice skates from The Sports Authority or even a snow blower from The Home Depot. In addition to discount offers, you’ll earn reward points to redeem for extra savings. To begin using AAA Discounts & Rewards today, register online at AAA.com/discounts. Registration is completely free — a valid AAA membership and email address are all you need. Then shop, save and earn on national and local brands, tickets, travel, restaurants and retailers.

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

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AAA MOTORIST

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

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

INTERNET WEB SITE: www.AAA.com AAA MEMBER SERVICES

triptiks, tourbooks, maps, license, address change

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: PA/WV: 1-800-207-7947 OH: 1-800-589-8308.

MEDIA RELATIONS: 412-365-7157 PUBLIC AFFAIRS: 216-606-6701 SAFETY: 412-365-7211 DRIVER EDUCATION 800-329-2415 TDD for the hearing-impaired: 412-363-7144

AAA BRANCH OFFICE LOCATIONS

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

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

AAA Plus® Membership

Towing

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

Emergency Road Service When Out of Gas

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

Free delivery of emergency gas. Fuel is free.

One service vehicle and one driver.

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

Off-Road Rescue Service

AAA DIRECTORY 412-363-5100 or 1-800-441-5008

Reach for the sky with AAA Plus Benefit

JANUARY 2015

Lock & Key Service

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

When AAA Emergency Road Service is not Available

Reimbursement according to published limits

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

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

DEC 15

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

AAA eTourBooks

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

ATHENS, OH 130 E. State St. ...................740-593-6677 BRIDGEPORT, WV 138 Barnett Run Rd............304-842-2221 CHILLICOTHE, OH 141 W. Main St. ..................740-702-3838 COLUMBIANA, OH 118 South Main Street.......330-482-3836 EAST LIVERPOOL, OH 516 Broadway ....................330-385-2020 GALLIPOLIS, OH 360 Second Ave. .................740-446-0699 HILLSBORO, OH 125 W. Main St. ..................937-393-3489 HUNTINGTON, WV 1126 Sixth Ave. ..................304-523-6423 IRONTON, OH 624 S. Fourth St..................740-532-3242 JACKSON, OH 126 E. Gay St. .....................740-286-5077 LOGAN, OH 82 W. Main St. ....................740-385-8595 MARTINSBURG, WV 284 Retail Commons Parkway. .............................304-263-4619 MORGANTOWN, WV 482 Suncrest Towne Centre Drive ...... 304-598-7470 PORTSMOUTH, OH 1414 Twelfth St. ................740-354-5614 VIENNA, WV 1100 Ninth St., Unit D........304-295-7101 WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE, OH 334 E. Court St. ..................740-335-3950 WAVERLY, OH 217 W. Emmitt Ave. ...........740-947-7775 WEIRTON, WV 3126 West St. .....................304-748-1616 WHEELING, WV 846 National Rd. . ..............304-233-1810

JANUARY 2015

AAA MOTORIST

PAGE 3

New research sheds light on driver distractions Hands-free technology is not risk free Ohio/West Virginia Official publication of AAA East Central Published bi-monthly by AAA East Central 1414 Twelfth Street Portsmouth, OH 45662-4235 USPS 0016-186 ISSN 1097-4504 Periodicals Postage Paid at Portsmouth, OH and additional mailing office Postmaster: Send address changes to AAA Motorist South Central Ohio 1414 Twelfth St., Portsmouth OH 45662-4235 Subscription Rate: $1 included in Primary Membership dues. All others: $2/year. Publisher.................................. James E. Lehman Managing Editor ............................Doug O’Neil Ohio Editor ............................. Babbette L. Bays Editorial Offices 1414 Twelfth Street Portsmouth, OH 45662-4235 5900 Baum Blvd, Pittsburgh PA 15206-3854 e-mail: motorist@aaaec.com

AAA EAST CENTRAL Chairman ................................................ Richard S. Hamilton Vice Chairman.......................................... ames E. Broome, Jr. Vice Chairman............................................... Gregory E. Grim Vice Chairman..........................................Mary Lynn Laughlin Vice Chairman..................................... Martha Hartle Munsch OFFICERS: President: ....................................................James E. Lehman Executive Vice President ............................... Thomas J. Ashley Secretary .................................................. Robert H. Compton Treasurer .......................................................Robert S. Collins GOVERNING BOARD OF DIRECTORS Neil D. Bassi, James E. Broome, Jr., Steve D. Bullock**, Charles O. Casto**, Edward C. Coaxum, Jr., Robert S. Collins, Robert H. Compton, Jon E. Denney, Debra A. Dinnocenzo, Pamela C. Fritz, Gregory E. Grim, Richard S. Hamilton, James H. Kanicki, Charles J. Kelly** , Mary Lynn Laughlin, William Duff McCrady, James M. McDonnell, Thomas V. McKernan Jr., Martha Hartle Munsch, Gary K. Munsie** EAST CENTRAL REGION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Neil D. Bassi, Chairman, Robert S. Collins, Vice Chairman, Carol Asam, Christian Asam, Jack A. Barkley, William E. Bierer**, Ellsworth T. Bowser**, Peter Burton, Marianne B. Campbell, Michael A. Cochran, Daniel J. Collins Jr.**, Robert S. Collins, Robert H. Compton, Debra A. Dinnocenzo, James J. Dodaro, Jack G. Ellis, Mona N. Generett, Charles W. Groce , Richard S. Hamilton, Mark Henschen, Luke Howe, Richard Kallenborn, Herbert G. Koenig, Mark S. Mansour, W. Duff McCrady, Martha Hartle Munsch, W. Lee Oswalt, III, Michael Parkes, John D. Petruso, Louis Pomerico, Jacob N. Skezas, James C. Stump, Jr., James F. Ward *ex officio **emeritus directors SCO Chairman ..................................James F. Ward SCO Regional President ...........Michael A. Morgan Advisory Board Nolan Borden, Marianne B. Campbell, Robert Cannon, Robert H. Compton, Jeffrey Daubenmire, James Doersam, Jack G. Ellis, Jeffrey Griffith, John G. Jones, Jeri Knowlton, Ernest McFarland, Robert L. Morton, Jay Murphy, Tom Reed, Ronald Swonger, William Thompson, James F. Ward, Joseph B. Yanity Jr.

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

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

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

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

membersonly

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

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

Basic, Plus & Premier – Three levels of protection

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

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

services, review the AAA Premier Guide to Member Services

All in the family: Primary and Associate memberships

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

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AAA MOTORIST

JANUARY 2015

AAA MOTORIST

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

Enroll today.

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

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

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AAA MOTORIST

JANUARY 2015

Boosting coverage to protect your belongings Valuable info about sublimits and scheduled coverage By Robin Jones pon arriving home from vacation, you discover that burglars broke in and stole your grandmother’s diamond ring, a piece that was appraised at about $5,000. The loss is certainly an emotional one, as you know you’ll never recover the ring’s sentimental value. But given the amount of personal property coverage you have in your homeowners insurance policy, you figure you’ll at least be able to recoup its monetary value. However, when you call your insurer to report the loss, you get an unwelcome surprise: Your policy caps payments for the theft of jewelry. Rather than the ring’s $5,000 worth, you’ll get just the maximum amount allowed—often around $1,000.

Many people find out too late that their insurance has “sublimits” within the overall limit for certain items. That means that even if you have a total of $200,000 or more of personal property coverage, you might only get a fraction of that, depending on the type of loss. For example, sublimits are common for the theft of items such as jewelry, firearms, or silverware. But be careful: Sublimits often also apply for items such as money, collectibles, and personal computers, regardless of the type of loss. What’s more, a basic homeowners policy won’t always cover every type of loss. For example, many policies won’t cover the loss of a precious stone if it falls out of a ring and is lost. However, almost every insurer will allow you to purchase more coverage

DUES ADJUSTMENTS SET FOR AAA MEMBERS

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

for valuable items. Most insurers have two options: scheduled coverage and increased policy sublimits.

Scheduled Coverage

Insurers often recommend scheduled coverage, also known as a personal articles floater (a.k.a. PAF), for particularly valuable items. You list each asset, along with a description and value, on a “schedule,” which also notes the coverage for each item in the event of a loss. Scheduled coverage is good for something you wear every day, such as a wedding ring, because the potential for loss is greater. Pros: Some companies offer scheduled coverage with no deductible. Also, in general, more types of loss are covered, including what insurers call a “mysterious disappearance.” Cons: The process usually requires you to get your valuables independently appraised. Also, premiums are generally higher for scheduled items than those for an increased sublimit.

Increased Policy Sublimits

With increased policy sublimits, you simply pay extra on your homeowners insurance premium or purchase an endorsement to raise the limit for a particular category of valuables. Increased limits are good for people who own many nice items,

but none that have a particularly high value. For instance, if you have a cabinet full of fine china you’d like to protect more thoroughly, but it doesn’t seem worthwhile to insure each piece, you can increase the sublimit total from, say, $1,500 to $5,000. Pros: The process is easier than the one for scheduled items, and premiums for raising the limit(s) tend to be less expensive. Cons: There is still a limit on how much can be paid out for each item, and pieces are usually covered in fewer situations than with scheduled coverage. Consider making a new year’s resolution to take inventory of your valuable items and assess whether to purchase more coverage. While a higher payout won’t bring back a family heirloom, it might help cushion the feeling of loss. FOR MORE INFORMATION

Trust AAA to steer you right on all your current and future Auto, Home and Life insurance needs. Combining your coverage with one insurance company could make a significant difference in your premium. Call 866.802.8210, or visit AAA.com/insurance for more information or to schedule a comprehensive Insurance review.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

AAA MOTORIST

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1-800-354-8761 • AAA.com/travel

Capturing your dreams. Creating memories.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Member Benefits • Exclusive Offers

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AAA MOTORIST

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

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

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

BAHAMAS

Rosewood at Baha Mar •

CAYMAN ISLANDS

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman •

Grand Cayman Beach Suites

MARTINIQUE

Le Cap Est Lagoon Resort & Spa •

Hotel Plein Soleil

PUERTO RICO

Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve •

ST LUCIA

The BodyHoliday LeSport •

TURKS & CAICOS

Beaches Resort Villages & Spa •

Riu Palace Paradise Island

W Retreat & Spa, Vieques Island

Windjammer Landing Villa Resort Seven Stars Resort

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

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

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

Oct 19-31 •

AAA Member Rate: $5,779

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

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DOWNTOWN BANFF

BANFF SPRINGS

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

JULY 5-11

SAVE $50

per person!

Canadian Rockies and the Calgary Stampede

Book & deposit Jan 131

AAA MEMBER RATE: $2,779

LAKE LOUISE

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

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

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

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

Member-only savings!

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

ALASKA BY LAND! July 8-17 •

AAA Member Rate: $5,675

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

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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers See more of Hawaii by cruising with NCL!

ATHENS . . . . . . . . . . . 740-593-6677 PARKERSBURG/VIENNA . . .304-295-7101 CHILLICOTHE . . . . . . . . 740-702-3838 PORTSMOUTH . . . . . . . 740-354-5614 GALLIPOLIS . . . . . . . . . 740-446-0699 WASHINGTON C H . . . . 740-335-3950 HILLSBORO . . . . . . . . . 937-393-3489 WAVERLY . . . . . . . . . . 740-947-7775 HUNTINGTON . . . . . . . 304-529-7107 EVENING/WEEKEND IRONTON . . . . . . . . . . 740-532-3242 EXPRESS RESERVATIONS CENTER JACKSON . . . . . . . . . . 740-286-5077 LOGAN ____________________________________________________________ . . . . . . . . . . . . 740-385-8595

1-800-354-8761

GENERAL TRAVEL DISCLAIMER: AAA Travel Agency makes every effort to provide accurate, up-to-date prices as of press time and cannot assume responsibility for typographic errors. Rates/offers are per person based on double occupancy, unless otherwise indicated, and are subject to availability and airline/operator changes. International rates/offers are subject to currency fluctuations and additional tax & security charges. Rates that include airfare include all taxes, government fees and surcharges. Additional restrictions may apply. Rates/offers are available at all AAA East Central travel agency locations. For tour details, contact AAA or visit AAA.com/ travel. AAA Featured Vacations are specially priced, unique departures; therefore, tour operators, cruise lines and other travel providers often exclude them from additional discounts or specials they offer. AAA Featured Vacations include services provided by third-party tour destination service companies; see your AAA Travel Agent for details.

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

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

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

LEAVE YOUR CAR AT HOME!

FOR MOTORCOACH TOURS, PLEASE CALL 1-800-887-1976 CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL: WASHINGTON DC April 9-12 •

AAA Member Rate: $739

Overnight in Chantilly VA. At Arlington National Cemetery, see the Changing of the Guard and the final © ORHAN ÇAM resting places of JFK and others. See the nearby Marine Corps War Memorial. Visit the/ FOTOLIA.COM Capitol Visitor Center and tour the US Capitol. See the Library of Congress and tour the Supreme Court (exterior). Take the Pink Blossom Tidal Basin Stroll, enjoying photo opps among the cherry trees. Visit the FDR, Jefferson and ML King Jr memorials. Enjoy an Illuminated Monument Tour by motorcoach, with stops at the Air Force Memorial and the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial Park. Enjoy premium preferred grandstand seats at the Cherry Blossom Parade. At the National Mall, explore your choice of the Smithsonian’s many museums and enjoy a White House photo opp. Stop at each of the memorials dedicated to WWII, the Vietnam War, Abraham Lincoln and the Korean War. 6 meals.

CHARLESTON SC & SAVANNAH GA May 1-5 •

AAA Member Rate: $899

Overnight in Columbia SC. In Savannah, wind through the Victorian District, Ardsley Park and a charming fishing village. Enjoy an eco-adventure cruise through salt marshes to the barrier islands. Watch dolphins and egrets. See Ft Pulaski, Ft Screven and Tybee Lighthouse. Enjoy a photo opp at Tybee Island. Tour Savannah’s National Historic District and delight in the city’s beauty and hospitality. In Charleston, tour Charleston Tea Plantation and the historic district and see the original plan of the Walled City. Hear about city firsts — the first chamber of commerce, museum, pharmacy and municipal college. Visit the Cadets’ Chapel at The Citadel. Continue to the Battery and view White Point Garden, part of the Old Walled City, Ft Sumter, Rainbow Row and many beautiful houses. 7 meals.

SOUTHWEST NATIONAL PARKS & MORE June 10-27 •

AAA Member Rate: $3,399

Overnight in Jackson TN and Texarkana TX. In Dallas, tour the infamous Grassy Knoll and the 6th Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza which chronicles JFK’s assassination. In Ft Worth (“Cowtown”), explore the Stockyards National Historic District; don’t miss the Cattle Drive down Main Street. Enjoy a self-guided walking tour in Abilene and a visit to Frontier Texas (life-size holographs depicting Wild West characters). In New Mexico, see Carlsbad Caverns, Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Las Cruces’ historic town square. In historic Tombstone AZ, see OK Corral and Boot Hill. Experience Old Tucson Studios, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and the Valley of the Sun. Stroll around Scottsdale’s Old Town. See ancient pueblos at Montezuma Castle National Monument. Enjoy a free evening in Sedona before seeing its red rock country on an exciting Pink Jeep® tour. Travel through Oak Creek Canyon and Flagstaff and into the Navajo Nation. Witness the spectacle of Grand Canyon National Park from its South Rim. Visit the Route 66 Museum in Kingman. Cross the Colorado River to Las Vegas for 2 nights, including a full day on your own. Traverse the desert into Utah’s Zion National Park. Explore vibrant green Zion Canyon, set against a backdrop of red cliffs. Marvel at Bryce Canyon National Park’s brilliant hues and intricate shapes. Gaze at Lake Powell from Glenn Canyon Dam Visitors Center. Thrill to a 4WD tour of Monument Valley, setting of many TV and movie Westerns. Enjoy a rim tour of Canyon de Chelly National Monument then stop at historic Hubble Trading Post in Ganado. Tour Acoma’s ancient Native American dwellings, which are still occupied today. Explore Old Town Albuquerque, tour the Indian

Pueblo Cultural Center and ride Sandia Peak Tramway for amazing views. In Texas, see the iconic Cadillac Ranch “landmark” before enjoying an outdoor musical drama in Palo Duro Canyon. Tour Oklahoma City’s National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and Federal Building Memorial. Overnight in Tulsa, then see a Presley Family show in Branson MO. Overnight in Effingham IL. 17 meals.

NASHVILLE & MEMPHIS TN

featuring Graceland & Antique Archeology (from TV’s “American Pickers” show)

July 21-25 •

AAA Member Rate: $699

Tour Nashville, America’s “Country Music Capital.” Visit the Johnny Cash Museum. Stop at Antique Archaeology, a shop of antiques “picked” by a star of History Channel’s “American Pickers”; you never know who might drop in. Enjoy dinner and a show at Nashville Nightlife Theatre. In Memphis, see Graceland, Elvis’ home. Explore Beale Street — significant in the city’s history and essential to the birth of “blues” music. Dine at Casey Jones Village. In Nashville, enjoy a free day to explore its downtown; whether line dancing at Wildhorse Saloon, shopping at Opry Mills, exploring the Country Music Hall of Fame or seeing a show at the Grand Ole Opry, it’s up to you! 6 meals.

SOUTHERN FEVER...WITH NEW ORLEANS LA Sept 21-27 •

AAA Member Rate: $1,199

Overnight in Madison AL. See Hanceville’s Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament. In Biloxi MS, overnight at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, a 4-diamond resort with a lushly landscaped tropical pool; 2,100 slot machines; a 16-table poker room; headliner entertainment; a shopping promenade and more. From New Orleans’ French Quarter, board the steamboat Natchez for a jazz cruise and a casual buffet brunch; live narration takes you back to a time as slow and graceful as the Mississippi current. Explore the French Market’s history, unique shops and flea market. Dine and dance at Mulate’s Cajun Restaurant, celebrating the food, music and culture of bayou country. At Mardi Gras World, view a film and see floats and costumes associated with this annual event. Take a New Orleans city tour. Travel to La Place for a Cajun Pride swamp tour; explore the backcountry and learn about its history and wildlife. Check out Baton Rouge’s Mall of Louisiana for shopping and dinner on your own. In Natchez MS, tour Longwood House — a 6-story, 30,000-square-foot octagonal mansion that was never fully completed because of the Civil War. Overnight in Winona MS. Travel to Memphis TN, where you’ll have free time on Beale Street to explore and have lunch on your own. Overnight in Nashville TN, with dinner at Cock of the Walk, known for some of the country’s best catfish. Enjoy a 2-hour city tour of “Music City.” 9 meals.

DATE

ADDITIONAL DEPARTURES

TOUR

AAA MEMBER RATE

May 2 .................“Sister Act” at the Palace Theatre: Columbus OH .....................$130 June 17-20 .........Niagara Falls & Niagara-on-the-Lake: Ontario, Canada ............$689 July 14-16...........Mystery Tour ................................................................................$629 Aug 12-15 ..........American Quilt Society Getaway: Grand Rapids MI ..................$569 Aug 23 ...............Reds vs Arizona Diamondbacks: Cincinnati OH ...........................$99 Oct 3-11 .............Autumn in New England ..........................................................$1,799 Dec 3-6 ...............A Country Christmas at Opryland Hotel: Nashville TN ..............$979

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

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

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

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

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

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

SHIPBOARD CREDIT — $75.00

per stateroom • for beverages, spa, shops, etc

IN-STATEROOM BOTTLE OF WINE 1 per stateroom

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

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

ONBOARD MARTINI TASTING 2 vouchers per stateroom

COMPARE AND SAVE! STATEROOM TYPE

AAA MEMBER RATE

CELEBRITY INTERNET RATE**

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

AAA Travel professionals ready to help!

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

*valid for balcony and higher-level staterooms

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

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

IN-PERSON PLANNING ASSISTANCE

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

COMPARE AND SAVE! STATEROOM TYPE: SAIL DATE

AAA MEMBER RATE

CELEBRITY INTERNET RATE**

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

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

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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

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

GRAND CANYON & ARIZONA ADVENTURE

SAN FRANCISCO & NAPA WINE COUNTRY

Fly to Phoenix and ride to the luxurious Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa. Explore scenic backMAY 17-24 • $2,465 country on an exciting off-road Pink Jeep® tour. Visit the IMAX Theater at Williams, then ride the Grand Canyon Railway (first class) to the canyon’s South Rim. Spend 2 nights there in a national park lodge, then ride the vintage Verde Canyon Railroad. Explore Old Town Scottsdale, marvel at intriguing plants at the Desert Botanical Garden and Western art at the Heard Museum. Enjoy a memorable farewell steakhouse dinner — cowboy-style! 11 meals. Air included.

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

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

PACIFIC NORTHWEST

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

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

BEST OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

YELLOWSTONE EXPERIENCE

So many delights in 1 tour — from the endless charms of San Francisco to the natural JULY 23-31 • $3,819 splendor of the redwoods at Muir Woods to the opulence of Hearst Castle. Cross Golden Gate Bridge, enjoy the Mediterranean ambiance of Sausalito, sample wines at Napa Valley vineyards, savor lunch aboard the Napa Wine Train. Ride Amtrak’s scenic California Zephyr to Lake Tahoe. Visit the ghost town of Virginia City NV. Dine & dance on a riverboat paddlewheeler. Marvel at Yosemite’s wonders. Explore coastal Carmel, Big Sur and Monterey. 14 meals. Air included.

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

AMERICAN MAJESTY

COLORADO TRAIN ADVENTURE

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

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

NEW MEXICO BALLOON FIESTA

CANYON COUNTRY EXPERIENCE

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

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

JANUARY 2015

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PAGE 15

Experience Great Britain’s most memorable views Natural wonders and new additions to London’s skyline

here’s nothing quite like the view from the top. In Britain you can look up from a glacial-carved glen, or look down upon the glorious Lake District. If that sounds a little too strenuous, catch a lift to the top of ‘The Shard’ or take a spin on the London Eye. Along with the ride, the famed observation wheel offers some of London’s most dramatic views. Riders can see up to 25 miles in all directions, as far as Windsor Castle on a clear day. On your 30 minute ‘flight’ you’ll see The Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral, ‘the Gherkin’ and more. London isn’t short of spectacular viewpoints, but the view from The Shard may be the most spectacular one of all. At just over 1,000-feet-tall, the new, 87-story skyscraper is not just the tallest building in London, but the tallest in Western Europe. High-tech ‘tell:scopes’ will help you learn about the landmarks you’ll see from every side. You won’t want to leave any stone unturned at Stonehenge. Britain’s prehistoric icon is shrouded in druidic lore and speculation about its origins continues to this day. Some claim it was sacred monument or a temple. Others believe it was neolithic computer for calculating astronomical events. What’s not up for debate is Stonehenge’s power to inspire and mystify. Britain’s Lake District is a scenic

CHALK TALK — The white chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters on the Sussex Heritage Coast. masterpiece that has inspired poets like Coleridge, and Wordsworth. Wastwater is a sublime, 3-mile long ribbon of glass caressed by scree-strewn mountains and some of England’s highest peaks. Its remote location only adds to the appeal. For as long as anyone can remember

EXPERIENCE THE PREMIER ADVANTAGE

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

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

1-800-441-5008

the South of England’s white chalk cliffs have welcomed home weary seafarers. The most dramatic of these are the Seven Sisters along the Sussex Heritage Coast. Located about 80 miles from the White Cliffs of Dover, they are often used as a stand-in for their more famous neighbor in TV and movies, because

they lack Dover’s streaks of black flint. The ‘classic’ view from Seaford Head provides a sweeping panorama of their alabaster beauty. Edinburgh’s legendary cityscape blends graceful Georgian and gothic architecture with a rugged, volcanic terrain. And there’s no better place to see it than from Calton Hill. From here you get an almost 360 degree view of the city that takes in the castle, the Old and New Towns, Arthur’s Seat and the sea beyond. You can also admire an array of neoclassical monuments located right on Calton Hill. Wales’ 750 miles of coastline offer some of the most picturesque and unspoiled scenery in all of Britain. The view over Three Cliffs Bay on the south coast of the Gower Peninsula, describes a perfect semi-circle of sea cliffs and stark white beach framed by unusual rock formations. Scattered over the landscape are historic reminders of past — castles, medieval churches, iron-age fortifications, and prehistoric standing stones.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please see this issue’s Departures Guide or visit AAA.com/Europe for Great Britain and European vacation values from AAA Travel.

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Disney Month

Disney Month savings & gifts

continued from page 1

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

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

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

•

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

•

Make their Disney dreams come true in 2015!

JANUARY 2015

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

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

Membership for Them...

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

JANUARY 2015

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

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

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

IF YOU GO

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

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

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

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

Annual SEMA show is fashion week for vehicles Trend-setting concepts take center stage in Las Vegas

he future of transportation was on the minds of car enthusiasts in Las Vegas at the industry’s most cutting-edge auto show. The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, which took place November 4-7, is an industry-only show, where automobile manufactures and suppliers showcase new ideas for current and future vehicles. It’s not hard to see why over 60,000 people show up to comb through 2,500 exhibits and pour over hundreds of dream machines. Toyota’s expansive display focused on its performance legacy — past, present and future — with 15 unique vehicles that boldly underscored their commitment to push the limit of both man and machine. Taking center stage was the Toyota FT-1 sports car concept, labeled the spiritual pace car for Toyota Global Design. FT stands for Future Toyota and its “function-sculpted” exterior features a unique slingshot cockpit and fighterjet-inspired heads-up display. Ford showcased over a dozen 2015 Mustangs customized and tweaked by tuners like Roush, Steeda and Petty’s Garage. Galpin Auto Sports celebrated 50 years of Mustang with a stunning, golden anniversary model, featuring a metallic gold-flecked black paint job. A gold powder-coated Whipple supercharger helps the 5.0-liter V8 devel-

SHOW STOPPER — Toyota is shaking up its conservative image with the FT-1. op 725 horsepower. The 2015 Ford Mustang took home top honors in SEMA’s “Hottest Car” category. Chevy walked away with the “Hottest Truck” of the show award for the 20142015 Silverado. Chevrolet debuted several performance-oriented concepts of some of the brand’s most popular passenger cars, including the Sonic, Impala Cruze and SS Sport. They also

announced that the Corvette Stingray Atlantic convertible and Corvette Stingray Pacific coupe concepts — introduced at last year’s SEMA Show — will be going into production. Mopar added plenty of muscle to the show with a display high-powered Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram and FIAT brand vehicles. The Dodge Challenger T/A Concept featured an eye-popping

Sublime Green paint job, underscored by full-length matte black T/A graphics. A modern interpretation of the legendary T/A package available in the 1970s, it features a Viper-inspired center scoop hood, and 6.4-liter HEMI engine. Chrysler also debuted two custom versions of their new compact crossover, the Renegade Riptide, with such surferinspired touches as a surfboard rack and teak floor mats, and the Renegade Frostbite, trimmed in wintery white with aqua blue accents. For the third year in a row, Hyundai partnered with powertrain gurus Bisimoto Engineering to create a souped-up Sonata for the 2014 show. Bisimoto’s team specializes in extracting huge output from Hyundai’s engines. Using Hyundai’s 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine as the starting point, they added goodies like forged pistons, and a high-boost turbocharger, to extract 708 horsepower from the normal 200 horsepower engine. Rounding out the exterior is a Bisimoto front splitter and aero package.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

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JANUARY 2015

It’s not such a small world, after all Walt Disney World Resort has big plans for 2015

overing nearly 40 square miles, Walt Disney World Resort is about the size of San Francisco or two Manhattans. And this year, Walt Disney World Resort will be marking its calendar with a full slate of attractions and events. The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, a rocking, rollicking family-style coaster, is the crown jewel and centerpiece of New Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom. Inspired by the Disney animated film classic “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” the new attraction has just the right blend of heart, humor, and thrill, sending riders on a playful musical adventure into the mine “where a million diamonds shine.” It also marks the completion of New Fantasyland, the largest expansion in the history of the Magic Kingdom. But that’s just the beginning of what guests will discover. Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid, is a major new attraction where guests travel with Ariel and her friends above and below the waves. In Princess Fairytale Hall Aurora, Cinderella and other Disney princesses, greet guests in their new home in the Castle Courtyard. A new Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade rolls down Main Street, U.S.A in an eyepopping fusion of breathtaking floats, Cirque du Soleil-style theatrics and nev-

Two new full-size character cars, created by “Cars” creative director Jay Ward, have entered the line-up at the Richard Petty Driving Experience at Walt Disney World Speedway. The #28 Aiken Axler and #80 Sage VanDerSpin cars are part of the new Piston Cup Junior RideAlong program. Children ages 6 to 13 (and at least 48 inches tall) can experience real-life racing excitement as they ride shotgun with a professional driving instructor for three thrilling laps in a specially equipped Piston Cup race car. Walt Disney World Resort will be blooming with more than 30 million colorful blossoms, during the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. The annual festival, which runs from March through May, features interactive garden activities for kids and workshops with national gardening experts.

PIXIE DUST — Peter Pan float at the Festival of Fantasy parade. er-before-used technology. Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort, continues its multi-year transformation into Disney Springs, a unique and vibrant shopping/dining/ entertainment destination set amid beautiful open-air promenades, meandering springs and waterfront charm. Drawing inspiration from Florida’s historic waterfront towns, Disney Springs

will boast four interconnected outdoor neighborhoods and be home to everything from shopping boutiques to flagship stores to great new restaurants. The Landing opens in early 2015 and features nationally known restaurateurs including The Boathouse. This upscale waterfront dining experience features some spectacular floating artwork — dream boats from the 30s, 40s and 50s.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

AAA’s Disney Specialists can show you how to add more value to every Disney vacation. They will be happy to assist you with all your Disney plans, including Disney theme parks and resorts, Disney Cruise Lines and the Adventures by Disney. See your AAA Travel Agent or log on to AAA.com/Disney.

Preparation and patience are keys to safe winter driving Tips to help teens gain cold-weather driving experience

inter conditions can intimidate even the most seasoned drivers. For inexperienced motorists, however, the changes in traction and visibility can be even more dangerous. Here are some basic winter driving practices parents can teach their teens (and follow themselves) to help them become smarter, safer drivers. Practice, practice, practice. “Teens need to gain safe, supervised experience driving in winter conditions,” said Al Salyers, Manager, Auto Club Driving Schools, Inc. Salyers recommends parents find a flat, obstruction-free parking lot to bring their new driver. Let the teen get a feel for the traction issues common in winter weather, and practice steering and braking techniques. Be prepared. Before heading out, make sure your vehicle can handle the journey. Teach your teen how to check windshield wipers, fluid levels, and tire pressure. Replace or refill as necessary. Use a winter cleaning solution with antifreeze components to keep windshield washer fluid from freezing. Pack an emergency kit. Have your family put together an emergency kit to keep in each car in case you should get stranded. Your kit should include a cell phone and car charger, blankets, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first aid kit, any required medications, extra

TAKE IT SLOW — Leave plenty of time to get to your destination. boots and warm clothing, food and water, a small shovel, pet supplies (if applicable), a bag of sand, cat litter or traction mats, windshield scraper and brush, battery booster cables, and emergency flares or reflectors. Salyers recommends families visit the website Ready.gov for a full list of emergency kit items. Clean off the car. Make sure windows and lights are free of dirt and grime, to increase visibility. If snow or ice has accumulated on your vehicle, clean off the entire car, not just a small area of the windshield. Be sure to brush

off headlights and taillights, too. The LED bulbs in most new vehicle lights don’t emit enough heat to melt any ice or snow covering the light. Buckle up. Always wear your seat belt, and require your teen to wear theirs, too. Wear your seat belt low across your hips and on your shoulders. Sit at least 10 inches away from the steering wheel to leave plenty of room for emergency steering maneuvers, and also to give the airbag room to inflate if needed. Slow down. Leave yourself plenty of time to get to your destination, so you

can take it slow. Increase the distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you to allow time to react and stop if necessary. Keep your eyes on the road. If you begin to skid, look and steer toward the direction you want to travel. And keep all distractions – radio, phone, GPS – out of sight if possible. Looking away from the road for even two seconds doubles your chance of a crash. Know when to stay put. Listen to weather reports before leaving on a trip. If extreme weather is expected it’s better to postpone any drive. Most importantly, if you still don’t feel comfortable with your teen heading out, you may be right. “Always err on the side of caution. If you have a new driver who doesn’t belong on the road yet, trust that feeling,” said Salyers. AUTO CLUB DRIVING SCHOOLS

Auto Club Driving Schools, Inc. provides both the classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction teenagers need to be safe, confident drivers. Classroom instruction is available throughout in 20 counties throughout Southern and Eastern Ohio. For more information, call your local AAA East Central office or go on-line at DSSAPP.US/AAAEC to enroll. You can also visit AAA.com/community for details.

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Identity theft prevention checklist Protect your personal information with these steps

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

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

PROTECTMYID MEMBER BENEFITS

MORE SECURE — ProtectMyID® can help catch identity theft and fraud when it happens. Don’t Carry More Than You Need: Having a back-up credit card is good for emergencies, but walking around with four credit cards, a check book and your Social Security card will put you at greater risk of identity theft if your purse or wallet is lost or stolen. Carry the bare essentials with you when you leave your home and know what type of payment system you plan to use. Update Your Computer Security Settings: Phishing scams, Trojans and

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

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

Women now in the drivers seat on new car buying Carmakers respond to growing clout of female customers

en and women often disagree about which gender has better driving skills, but changing gender demographics are having major implications on vehicle design, energy consumption and road safety. There are now more women than men on the road in the United States, driving automakers to launch models and features aimed at female buyers. “As women become the dominant car buying segment, auto makers and suppliers need to change their product development strategy,” advises Olivia Price-Walker, Visionary Innovation Senior Consultant with the consulting firm Frost & Sullivan. “The rise of the female car purchaser is broadening some car categories and OEMs will win by developing products and strategies that are directed at women.” By some estimates women now buy or influence the purchase of 80 percent of new vehicles, and they tend to place more emphasis on design, comfort, safety, quality of materials, storage and sustainability. It’s a trend that began with smaller city cars and has migrated to traditionally male categories such as luxury and SUVs. The Porsche Macan for example, is a luxury compact crossover targeted at affluent women buyers. Mercedes Benz recently added a fragrance dispenser to its flag-

LADIES FIRST — Ford’s “kick-gesture” power liftgate was designed for female drivers who often have their hands full. ship S-Class. Earlier attempts at building a “ladies car” usually failed because they focused more on style and less on substance. The 1955-1956 Dodge La Femme was offered in Heather Rose and Sapphire White paint finishes and came with a stowaway pink calfskin purse that coordinated with the pink rosebuds on silver-pink upholstery and pale pink vinyl trim. Accessories included a compact, lipstick case, comb, and change purse. Marketing materials

proclaimed La Femme was made “By Special Appointment to Her Majesty... the American Woman.” Not surprisingly, buyers give it a “pink slip.” According to a recent gender and car buying study by AAA Auto Buying program partner TrueCar, vehicles with an over 50 percent ratio of female buyers include more down-to-earth models like the Honda CRV, Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Rogue, as well as Volkswagen’s Beetle and Eos convertible models. “Female car buyers really

gravitate toward smaller, more fuel-efficient cars and crossovers,” said Kristen Andersson, Senior Analyst at TrueCar. In Japan, they’re finding out that if you want to sell a car that women love, it helps to have a woman sell it. Nissan’s Ladies First dealerships provide nursing rooms and spacious children’s play areas, while a female staff that includes sales consultants and technicians works with customers. The Volvo YCC — a concept car designed almost exclusively by women — incorporated useful amenities like run flat tires, interchangeable seat covers and a headrest designed to accommodate a ponytail. It also included features that would appeal to men, too, including a better line of vision, user selectable ride height and computerized parking assistance.

AAA AUTO BUYING PROGRAM

If you are in the market for a vehicle, the AAA Auto Buying program provides unbiased new and used car pricing information free of charge to AAA members through AAA’s preferred supplier TrueCar. To save money and get the upfront price on your next new car, visit the AAA Auto Buying Program at AAA.com/AutoBuying. Mobile users can download the AAA Auto Buying Tools App at AAA.com/Mobile.

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JANUARY 2015