Sco may by AAA East Central

SEE PAGE 3

Vol. 28 No. 3

OHIO/WEST VIRGINIA REGION

Hawaii by land or sea Up to $100.00 “pocket money” from AAA Travel for members only

Say “Aloha!” to limited-time values on select cruises & a guided tour

LAND TOUR $100.00 Visa® Gift Card Locked-in Airfare Rates $50 for Optional Tour/Activity 5X Points

when you purchase with AAA Member Rewards Visa® credit card

CRUISES Up to $100.00 Visa® Gift Card TURN TO PAGE 10 FOR DETAILS.

Auto Pay Saves You Time & Money

AAA East Central’s Auto Pay annual renewal option is the perfect way to ensure your membership doesn’t lapse. And for a limited time, save $10 on next year’s membership renewal when you enroll in Auto Pay at AAA.com/renew, or at any AAA East Central branch. Your renewal will be automatically charged to your credit or debit card each year and we’ll even send you a reminder before billing your card. Auto Pay automatic renewal can be added to your membership at any time, regardless of your membership expiration/renewal date. You’ll rest easy knowing your AAA membership is always there providing uninterrupted service. And, you always have the option of canceling at any time. For more information, visit or call your local AAA East Central office, or call the AAA Member Services Center at 1.800.441.5008 or 412.363.5100 in Pittsburgh.

Take it Easy With TripTik® Travel Planner © SERGIYN / FOTOLIA.COM

here’s more than one way to experience the natural beauty, rich history and unique culture & cuisine of Hawaii — and, at AAA Travel, there’s more than one way to enhance the value of a Hawaii vacation, especially this May. A great way to maximize an Aloha State experience is by cruising among 4 islands on NCL’s Pride of America, the only USA-registered ship sailing in Hawaii. Talk about convenience; this “floating hotel” takes you from isle to isle without your having to pack and unpack over and over. In addition to the islands’ sights and activities, you’ve got an amazing smorgasbord of entertainment venues and restaurants, as well as other activities & attractions, aboard your ship! Another way to experience Hawaii’s best is by taking the newly introduced Guided Vacation land tour designed by Pleasant Holidays,® a trusted AAA travel partner. Enjoy accommodations, scheduled sightseeing and some included meals; it’s a convenient, efficient and economical way to get the most out of your long-dreamed-of Hawaii visit. And with any new 2015 booking with a nonrefundable deposit on select NCL cruises and the Pleasant Holidays® guided tour, you’ll enjoy an array of exclusive AAA offers detailed on page 10. Get as much as $100.00 “pocket money” in the form of a Visa® gift card; use it for airport parking, gas, bathing suits or

MAY/JUNE 2015

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

SENSATIONAL SAVINGS AT AAA DISCOUNTS & REWARDS

any other pre-trip needs. Or save it until your trip to purchase souvenirs, meals or other items. With NCL’s unique 7-day Hawaii cruise itineraries, you get overnights in Maui and Kauai as well as one-day visits to Oahu and the Big Island. You’ll be on “island time” as you discover waterfalls; volcanos; black- & white-sand beaches and fascinating historic sites. Consider enhancing and extending your cruise vacation with an optional hotel package before or after your sailing. Pleasant Holidays® offers a vast selection of top-notch hotels in Honolulu and throughout the islands — most without the resort fees that are so common elsewhere nowadays. This year Pleasant Holidays® introduces its 9-night Guided Vacation for families or solo travelers featuring must-see highlights of 3 islands, inter-island air & transfers, a local expert tour guide & driver throughout, accommodations, daily breakfast, a dinner, a luau and multiple guided activities, including the Polynesian Cultural Center; the USS Arizona Memorial City Tour; the Legends in Concert Show; the ’Ulalena Cultural Show; a Waterfalls Walk; a Haleakala (volcano), Central Maui & Iao Valley Tour; a Kauai Movie Adventure; a Waimea Canyon Experience and a Farewell Dinner at the RumFire Poipu Beach Restaurant. For more information on the itineraries, inclusions and offer details, turn to page 10.

Summer road trip season is here, and there are plenty of options for online maps and directions. There’s only one that combines AAA’s professional hotel and restaurant ratings and robust travel information with Google map functionality — TripTik® Travel Planner. Millions of members rely on TripTik® Travel Planner on AAA.com for trip planning expertise, including maps, driving directions, travel information, hotel reservations and more. For many travelers, 24/7 access from your personal computer or mobile device offers the best of both worlds — the flexibility you need, coupled with AAA’s expertise, all on demand and at your fingertips. Older, paper-based TripTik® strip maps, first introduced in 1930, are nearing the end of their life cycle and are being phased out at the end of this year. TripTik® Travel Planner lets you customize your routing, then save, print or share it with the AAA Mobile app for on-the-go use. The free AAA Mobile app is available for iPhone, iPad and Android smartphones. It’s high-tech for the highway, and with detour and construction information updated daily, it’s your definitive choice for your next driving vacation.

Get Away with Hertz and Save! AAA encourages you to take a family vacation and get away from it all, or plan that romantic getaway! Our travel partner, Hertz, has made a driving vacation affordable with up to 20% discounts and an array of member benefits that will save your travel budget for fun activities. Plus, from now through July 31, 2015, you can save an additional 10% on Weekly rentals of Economy – Premium car classes at participating Hertz locations when you include Promotions Code # 301302 in your reservation. So go ahead with your vacation plans! You deserve it…and it’s affordable! Contact your local AAA travel office, visit AAA.com/hertz or call 800-654-3080 to reserve your Hertz vehicle and save!

Get More Bang for Your Travel Buck The strong dollar means some the best travel deals in over a decade to destinations like Canada and Europe. AAA Travel wants to stretch your dollars even further on select escorted tours from Insight Vacations, Trafalgar Tours and AAA Member Choice Vacations. Book and deposit before May 29, 2015 and get a $100 Visa Gift Card, plus a scan-proof card carrier. (some restrictions apply) SEE PAGE 7.

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AAA MOTORIST

Identity thieves never take a vacation ProtectMyID® Deluxe helps travelers thwart identity theft

ummer travel season is here and travelers are getting ready for some serious summer fun. But your dream vacation can quickly turn into a nightmare when you’re stuck trying to unravel the damage done by identity theft. A recent survey conducted by Edelman Berland for Experian’s ProtectMyID® reveals that 30 percent of travelers have experienced identity theft while traveling or know someone who has.1 “The last thing people want is for their trip to fund an identity thief’s vacation,” said Becky Frost, senior manager of consumer education for Experian’s ProtectMyID. Identity theft can derail vacations quickly, but taking some precautions before and during travel can help consumers protect themselves: • Password-protect smartphones and other electronic devices. • Create strong passwords with a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols on sensitive accounts accessible through electronic devices. • Avoid public Wi-Fi when possible; create your own Wi-Fi with a portable router and SIM card. • Delay social media posts that indicate you’re out of town; wait until you’re back from your trip to share your travel adventures. • Choose to pay with a credit card versus debit card; credit cards often offer

better fraud protection. Do your banking at the branch; ATMs in high-traffic tourist areas may put you at risk for skimming. • Alert your bank of your travel plans to avoid account holds and hassles. • Avoid traveling with unnecessary documents, such as Social Security cards or unneeded credit cards. • Disable geotagging on all cameras. • Keep a close eye on accounts; review financial accounts during your trip and when you get home, including bank and credit card statements. You should also keep an eye on your credit report upon your return. Signs of fraud and identity theft often first show up on your credit report and financial statements. • Have a partner in the fight against identity theft. Enroll in an identity theft monitoring program like ProtectMyID Deluxe. Available at a specially discounted AAA member price of $8.95 a month (up to 60% savings), ProtectMyID Deluxe helps safeguard your identity with these comprehensive features: Daily Monitoring of Credit Bureaus – Monitors your credit reports daily to detect key changes at all three bureaus, and gives you your Experian PLUS Score® at sign-up. Identity Theft Insurance – Helps to reimburse eligible expenses, such as lost wages and legal fees up to $1 million, should you become a victim. •

Email Alerts – Sends an alert notification to your inbox if key changes are detected in your credit report. If no changes are detected, you’ll be sent a monthly all-clear email. Fraud Resolution Support – Provides support and guidance from a dedicated Fraud Resolution agent to help you investigate and resolve fraud. Lost Wallet Assistance – Provides assistance from a ProtectMyID agent to help cancel and replace your cards if your wallet is lost or stolen. Internet Scan – Conducts confidential daily monitoring of online sources known for selling, trading, or sharing compromised information and searches for signs that your identity has been compromised. Change-of-Address Notification – Monitors the U.S. Postal Service national change-of-address databases to alert you if your address has been changed. Feel safer knowing you’ll be alerted if someone tries to redirect your mail out of your hands and into their own. ChildSecure® – Each month, ChildSecure will search for an Experian credit report for each enrolled child. You will be alerted by e-mail if a credit report for your child is discovered. ChildSecure will continue to monitor for changes to that report and you will receive alerts if any key changes are found. Identity Theft Insurance underwritten by insurance company subsidiaries or affiliates of American International Group, Inc. (AIG). The description herein is a summary and intended for informational purposes only and does not include all terms, conditions and exclusions of the policies described. Please refer to the actual policies for terms, conditions, and exclusions of coverage. Coverage may not be available in all jurisdictions. This survey was conducted online by Edelman Berland on behalf of Experian from June 2, 2014, through June 5, 2014, among 1,000 adults ages 18 years and older residing throughout the United States. The national study focused on issues related to identity theft and identity protection while traveling. The margin of error is plus or minus 3.1 percent. 1

MAY 2015

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

triptiks, tourbooks, maps, license, address change

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: 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 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

FOR MORE INFORMATION

ProtectMyID Deluxe is another way AAA offers its members peace of mind. For more information about the Identity Theft Monitoring member benefit, visit AAA.com/watchid or call 1-877-440-6943. ProtectMyID Essential and Deluxe is provided by ConsumerInfo.com, Inc., an Experian company. Current AAA members over the age of 18 who have a valid email address and access to the Internet are eligible to enroll.

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

MAY 2015

AAA MOTORIST

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AAA members are in the driver’s seat with Hertz Exclusive savings and benefits more rewarding than ever 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.........................................James 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, 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 **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 ay is Hertz month at AAA and members enjoy a unique bundle of savings and rewards when they rent from Hertz. Exclusive AAA member benefits include: • Free unlimited mileage on most rentals! • Discounts up to 20 percent on daily, weekend, weekly and monthly rentals. • Free Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® membership — plus a free rental day. • Free use of a child, infant or booster seat, a savings of $11.99 per day. • Reduced fee on Hertz NeverLost® GPS rental of $6.99 per day, a savings of $6 per day. • Additional qualified AAA drivers are free, a savings of $13 per day. Most leisure and/or promotional weekly rates require that a car be rented over Saturday night, but AAA members are eligible for these low weekly rates with no Saturday night requirement. In addition, Hertz offers AAA members a variety of member’s only promotions, special single and double upgrades and dollars off coupons. These are available from AAA travel offices, in your club publication and at AAA.com. Your key to these exclusive Hertz savings and rewards is “215,” your Hertz CDP number. It’s the same number as the club code on your AAA membership card. The Hertz system will automatically assign the best rate available at the time of your reservation. Gold Plus Rewards® — Hertz’ indus-

Mike Morgan try-leading loyalty program helps timechallenged travelers get right on the road. And AAA members enjoy the benefits of Hertz Gold Service at no cost! Recent upgrades to the program include: Hertz Gold Choice®: Provides renters with the peace of mind knowing their car will be ready and waiting for them, and the freedom to choose another vehicle on the spot. Mobile Gold Alerts: Gold members can receive email or text messages sent to their phone with up-to-the-minute information, letting them know which car they’ll be driving and where their vehicle is parked. Faster Rentals: Gold members can skip the counter at over 50 airports around the world. They need only show their driver’s license and pick up their

keys at over 4,000 locations worldwide. More Ways to Earn Points: In addition to earning points on rental charges, Gold members earn with services like Hertz NeverLost®, Fuel Purchase, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, insurance coverage options, and more. Once enrolled, members earn one point per dollar spent on all qualifying rentals. The program features AnyDay Rewards with no blackout dates, allowing members to use points at any time. Members also have the rare flexibility to use points at their own convenience as Gold Plus Rewards® points do not automatically expire. Each time a member rents a car that earns points or redeems points, their points renew for an additional two years. AAA members can sign up at AAA. com/Hertz or Hertz.com. Premier Members need to sign up at AAA. com/Hertz in order to validate Premier level of membership. AAA Basic & Plus Members receive 675 Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Bonus points — enough for One Free Rental Day, after their first Gold rental. AAA Premier Members will receive 1,100 Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Bonus points — enough for Two Free Weekend Rental Days, after their first Gold rental! AAA demands the very best for its members. That’s why the Hertz family is the only car-rental company endorsed by AAA. Their Member Satisfaction Guarantee is your assurance that the rate and car class, or a higher car class, will be available as reserved. The next time you need a rental car, let Hertz put you in the driver’s seat.

membersonly AAA members save on gifts for moms, dads & grads The savings are sensational at AAA Discounts & Rewards

other’s Day, Father’s Day and graduation season are all near and now is the best time to save on gifts for the moms, dads and grads in your life with AAA Discounts & Rewards. This innovative shopping experience on AAA.com features deep discounts, limited-time offers and everyday savings on dining, electronics, home, apparel, entertainment, pet care and more, from participating merchants nationwide — including national chains like Crate & Barrel, Macy’s, Best Buy, The Home Depot and more. Save on everything from shopping and dining, to attractions, travel and even prescription medications. Discover great deals on the names you want and the products you need — all at unbeatable prices. It’s just one of the many perks of AAA membership. AAA Discounts & Rewards makes it simple to start saving right away,

thanks to the site’s intuitive, easyto-navigate interface. View the latest specials and currently trending offers right on the Discounts & Rewards home page. Search for a retailer by name, or browse by category to find the perfect present. You can even sort and filter results by type of offer, such as limited-time discount or free shipping. In addition to saving with over 30,000 online retailers, AAA members can show their AAA membership card for savings at over 100,000 participating store locations.

Earn while you save Wouldn’t it be great if you could be rewarded for your purchases — even when shopping for others? AAA WOWPoints are AAA’s online reward points — just like the loyalty points you get from credit cards or airlines. Redeem your WOWPoints at any time, using them just like cash at participating retailers on the AAA Discounts & Rewards site. Best of all,

your WOWPoints will never expire as long as you remain a AAA member. Save them for a special purchase, or use them a little at a time — it’s up to you. Look for special offers that earn you 3X, 5X, or even 10X the WOWPoints.

Start up the savings To begin using AAA Discounts & Rewards today, register online at AAA.com/Discounts. Your 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. Download the AAA Mobile app on your smartphone or tablet to locate AAA Discounts wherever you are. Your AAA card isn’t just for roadside assistance. With over 100,000 places to save, it could help pay for the cost of your membership. For more information on AAA Discounts & Rewards, visit AAA.com/Discounts.

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AAA MOTORIST

MAY 2015

AAA MOTORIST

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AAA MOTORIST

MAY 2015

A summer home safety to-do list Simple things you can do to help avoid a claim By Robin Jones ummer is a great time to tackle those home-improvement projects, such as painting the dining room or installing new curtains. Why not add a few to-dos that will make your house safer from threats such as fire and flooding? These projects don’t require much time or money, and they could help you avoid having to make a homeowners insurance claim in the future. Check plumbing for leaks in the kitchen, the bathrooms, and the laundry room • Cost: Free. • Time: Up to an hour. • Materials needed: None. • Why you should do it: The largest number of homeowners insurance claims are due to water damage caused by broken pipes and supply lines, says Joe Wagdy, Auto Club claims unit manager. If you catch a leak early on, you can have the plumbing repaired before the drip becomes a deluge. Check everywhere, from the water heater to behind the refrigerator to inside the toilet tank; any faulty connection can lead to flooding. Inspect all electric cords in your house • Cost: Free, or $30–$50 if you need new cords or surge protectors. • Time: 30 minutes. • Materials needed: New surge protectors and cords, if necessary.

A SAFE BET — Smoke alarms provide the best early warning signal of a fire. •

Why you should do it: Damaged electric cords and overloaded outlets can cause failure to the fixture, appliance, or receptacle they are connected to. Since power strips and extension cords tend to be hidden behind large pieces of furniture, many people don’t see the safety hazard until it’s too late. Be sure to check behind entertainment centers, computer desks, and anywhere else you use a lot of electronics, and replace

damaged cords. If you find that circuit breakers in your home trip periodically, evaluate outlets and power strips to make sure they are not overloaded. If you have more than two fixtures or appliances plugged into one outlet, use surge protectors. Safeguard your garage • Cost: Free. • Time: Up to an hour. • Materials needed: None. • Why you should do it: To reduce fire

risk, make sure your lawn mower, gas-powered tools, paint, and extra portable gas tanks are as far away as possible from the pilot light of a furnace or water heater. Change the batteries in your smoke detectors, and place fire extinguishers in strategic places • Cost: $10–$15 for batteries, about $18 per extinguisher. • Time: 15–45 minutes, depending on how many smoke detectors you have. • Materials needed: Batteries, a ladder, and possibly new smoke dectectors. • Why you should do it: Smoke alarms provide the best early warning signal of a fire in your house. If you can detect the fire quickly, you can minimize the damage. In the kitchen, store a dry chemical Class B or Class ABC fire extinguisher near the stove to put out grease fires (never use water) and make sure it is new and operable.

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.

MAY 2015

AAA MOTORIST

Member Benefits • Exclusive Offers

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1-800-354-8761 • AAA.com/travel

Dollar’s renewed strength brings European nations & Canada into focus as picture-perfect tour values partners ANTONY MCAULAY / FOTOLIA.COM

Europe!

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RD A C T F I G A S I V 0 n i 0 d . r 0 o 10 R! $ E Extra I a R t R e A k C c o F :P OO 9 R 2 P y N a A M C S h re! e o e r m f s y a u Throug b n i it ollar d d r s a ’ y u a g d e o f t e and sa ions wher LIA.COM AV / FOTO © MARID

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n the past year or so, the already strong US dollar has gotten even stronger against other major world currencies. For American travelers, this is good news: Your tourist dollar will go further! According to currency watchers, unstable economies have made the dollar a currency in high demand. The euro is 18 percent cheaper than it was in the first quarter of 2014, making most European countries very popular for US travelers and enabling most to enjoy lodging upgrades and better meals for the same budget. At this moment, the substantial shift in exchange rates is particularly beneficial for vacation travel to most of Europe and Canada. Shoppers can find bargains mostly in services, food and local products. And AAA Travel sweetens the pot in May by offering a $100.00 Visa® Gift Card and a handy scan-proof carrier to carry it in. The hard-shell, wallet-size protector prevents would-be thieves from secretly scanning your credit cards’ magnetic stripes for personal financial information, an increasingly common practice.

nat

sti e d n g i e r fo Great for

scan-proof carrier

Canada! To get your free gifts, make a nonrefundable deposit on a new booking of a 6-night-minimum 2015 escorted tour to Europe or Canada between May 1-29, 2015, with these AAA travel partners — AAA Member Choice Vacations,® Insight Vacations or Trafalgar. You can use your Visa® Gift Card before you even go away — to purchase items you’ll need for your trip. Or you can save the card to use as “pocket money” at your destination — for souvenirs, snacks, meals or whatever else you like. It’s not just Europe’s euro-zone countries that are bargains; Sweden, Norway and most of Eastern Europe are also looking more inviting. And, if Europe feels too far away or out of your budget,

our friendly neighbor to the north is a great deal right now — and not just because most Canadians are so nice and speak English! Falling oil prices pushed their dollar down to about US$0.91; that’s about C$1.26 for each US$1. Plus, visiting parts of Canada can almost make you feel as if you’re in Europe. Dreaming of the Alps? A vacation to the Canadian Rockies is just as impressive. Want to practice your French or enjoy the café life-style of Paris? Head for Montréal and Québec City. This may be one of those rare times when you actually get more than you bargained for — a vacation value to an exciting destination with a little extra change in your pocket — thanks in part to AAA Travel! more on next page

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AAA MOTORIST

MAY 2015

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Take advantage of the strengthening dollar... ...on great escorted tours from select AAA partners

ANTONY MCAULAY / FOTOLIA.COM

Get a $100 VISA GIFT CARD & a SCAN-PROOF CARRIER!* ®

BANFF

his remarkable adventure brings together the beautiful expanse of the prairies, the soaring majesty of the Canadian Rockies and the brilliance of Montana’s Glacier National Park. Visit HeadCANADIAN ROCKIES Smashed-in Buffalo Jump, a & GLACIER NP UNESCO World Heritage Site used by aboriginal peoples for 6 nights: from $2,299 5,500 years. At Waterton Lakes National Park, check in to a National Historic Site of Canada — the grand Prince of Wales Hotel — in an even grander setting of mountain-ringed lakes. Ride aboard Glacier National Park’s famous red Jammers, 1930s-era canvas-top touring vehicles, for glimpses of wildlife and breathtaking scenery along “Going to the Sun” Road. On the way to Banff, delight in the soaring peaks of the Rockies, then settle into the “Castle in the Rockies” for a luxurious 3-night stay. Ride a gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, then tour Banff, Bow Falls and the Hoodoos (geological formations that earned the area the name “The Land of the Sleeping Giants”). Follow unforgettable Icefields Parkway to Columbia Icefield for a fun ride across this thousand-foot-thick mass of glacial ice and stop at turquoise-tinted Peyto Lake for a taste of true serenity!

QUÉBEC CITY

PARIS

ively London is where this comprehensive tour begins. Ride the high-speed Eurostar train through the “Chunnel” to Brussels’ chocolates and Mannekin-Pis. Cruise down the Rhine Valley past castles and vineyards. Explore Heidelberg, Rothenburg and Munich before descending upon Salzburg, Austria, home of Mozart and “The Sound of Music.” Cross into Italy and romantic Venice to glide along atmospheric canals aboard a gondola, while being serenaded by the oarsman; also see glass blowers HIGHLIGHTS and gondola builders at work. OF EUROPE Cross the Apennine Mountains 15 nights: from $4,275 to papal & imperial Rome, where an expert treats you to a private tour of the Vatican museums’ priceless art and the Sistine Chapel. Drive through the Chianti Hills to Florence to see Michelangelo’s David and the Duomo. Travel through the Italian Lake District on the way to Lucerne, Switzerland, for a thrilling excursion by cog-wheel train and cable car to the summit of Mt Pilatus. After passing through Basel and France’s Burgundy region, behold the City of Lights — Paris. Dine at a Champs Elysees bistro, see Notre Dame Cathedral and ascend the Eiffel Tower for unforgettable views! TM

oronto — a multicultural, cosmopolitan metropolis — also shines as an example of the Canadian virtue of niceness at the individual level. Tour this pleasant city and then wander about a bit on your own. Hop over to nearby Niagara Falls for an exhilarating boat ride to the very base of spectacular Horseshoe Falls. Try Canadian ice wine and local cuisine at a Niagara winery. Visit Old Fort Henry in historic Kingston and enjoy a regional-dinner cruise on the St Lawrence River through the Thousand Islands. After a stop at Upper Canada Village (a re-created 1860s rural community), enter vibrant and sophisticated Montréal to tour its cobblestoned Old Port and inviting downtown. Marvel at thundering Montmorency Falls on your way to Québec City, whose walled Old Town offers visitors a taste of Parisian charm in a New World setting. Stroll the narrow BEST OF EASTERN CANADA streets, linger at an outdoor cafe and make your way to the 9 nights: from $2,400 rolling Plains of Abraham, site of a major colonial battle where French and British faced off. Visit Ottawa, Canada’s stately capital, and its elegant buildings on Parliament Hill, Rideau Hall and beautiful canal-side parks and gardens, before returning to Toronto.

AAA Member Rates are per person (double occupancy), are subject to availability at time of booking and include accommodations, motorcoach sightseeing, in-country tour escort, several meals and more. Ask about available add-on airfare.

For these & many other tours, visit AAA.com/travel or consult a AAA Travel Agent.

AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE EXCLUSIVE 2015 AAA MEMBER BENEFITS AAA MEMBER CHOICE VACATIONS® $25 to $100 per person savings based on purchase price

INSIGHT VACATIONS

TRAFALGAR

$40 voucher per person toward payment of select optional tours on escorted motorcoach tours (with exceptions)

$40 credit voucher per person toward an optional excursion

Any partner tour also designated as a “AAA Vacations®” package qualifies for different and/or additional benefits. Please consult a AAA Travel Agent for details. *AAA members only. Visa® gift cards & wallet supplied upon completion of new booking with nonrefundable deposit May 1-29, 2015. Vacation must be 6+ nights for travel in 2015.

AAA MOTORIST

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

ATURE

NM BALLOON FIESTA VA

Thrill to the sight of hundreds of colorful hot-air balloons rising above the dramatic landscape around Albuquerque NM at the International Balloon Fiesta®! Explore the Land of Enchantment’s largest city, then enjoy a 3-night stay in charming Santa Fe. Visit historic Chimayo village. Enjoy artsy Taos and the impressive Rio Grande Gorge. Take a fun salsamaking class. Ride Sandia Peak’s Aerial Tramway. Explore Rte 66, Old Town Albuquerque, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and Acoma Pueblo. Don’t miss the Balloon Fiesta’s evening “Glowdeo” — a spectacular display of hot-air balloons illuminated from within — with fireworks afterward!

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FREE HARDCOVER BOOK!

Visually focused, packed with cultural insight and portable, New Mexico: A Guide for the Eyes by Elisa Parhad explores the region’s notable features. Vivid photography and informative text provide insight into architecture, design, flora, fauna, food, crafts, folklore, landscape and other facets of identity and style. New Mexico’s striking landscape has inspired the art, design and traditions of its 3 dominant cultures: Native American, Hispanic and Anglo/Western. These groups continue to infuse this rustic land with a compelling vibrancy, unrivaled in its beauty. 1 book per room (double occupancy). New booking with deposit May 1-29, 2015.

Oct 4-9 •

AAA Member Rate: $3,265

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Columbus-Albuquerque), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, sightseeing admissions, taxes/gratuities for included features, baggage handling (1 bag per person) and 11 meals. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Visit AAA.com/travel for itinerary details.

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AAA MOTORIST

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Escape on select Hawaii cruise vacations or a guided land vacation and get up to $100 “pocket money” from AAA Travel before you go! AAA members only. Visa® gift cards supplied upon completion of new booking with nonrefundable deposit May 1-29, 2015.

See Hawaii’s “Big 4” on NCL’s Pride of America See more of the islands! Unpack just once and relax; see Oahu, Maui, Hawaii (the Big Island) and Kauai! Sail roundtrip from Honolulu (Oahu) to Kahului (Maui), Hilo (Hawaii), Kona (Hawaii) and Nawiliwili (Kauai). Features overnights in Maui and Kauai as well as day visits of Oahu and the Big Island. The first US-flagged cruise ship in nearly 50 years, this Americana-themed ship is full of choices to occupy your time during your cruise. Void of schedules, you’ll have ample opportunities to venture about, scoping out the décor, spacious staterooms and regional dishes served in 11 restaurants — or whatever else you feel like doing. Plus, a friendly American crew is ready to assist you and make sure your cruise is just that — yours. You’ll find a selection of family penthouses and suites as well family-friendly connecting staterooms. Order a steak at the Lazy J Steakhouse, catch a show at the Hollywood Theater or dance the night away at the Mardi Gras Cabaret Lounge & Nightclub. Inclusions: Accommodations • Most onboard meals • Entertainment Departures: Year-round Saturday-to-Saturday roundtrip sailings from Honolulu

Ship’s registry: USA

Get even more out of your cruise vacation: Add a relaxing before- or after-cruise stay of at least 2 nights at a resort like these

Exclusive AAA Member Offers $50.00 VISA® GIFT CARD for an outside (or higher) stateroom on a 2015 air-inclusive Hawaii cruise (1 per stateroom, double occupancy)

Additional $50.00 VISA® GIFT CARD when you book & deposit a Pleasant Holidays® air-inclusive 2-night-minimum Honolulu hotel stay immediately before or after your Hawaii cruise (1 per room, double occupancy) OR $100.00 VISA® GIFT CARD when you book & deposit an air-inclusive 7-night-minimum Pleasant Holidays® Hawaii vacation immediately before or after your Hawaii cruise (1 per room, double occupancy)

Outrigger Reef on the Beach Resort

The Kahala Hotel & Resort

This luxury beachfront hotel combines elegant modern styling with timeless island traditions and warm hospitality. Well-appointed suites feature warm woods & colors and echo the breathtaking views from the mountains to the ocean. No resort fee. 639 guest rooms. 2 bars. Connecting rooms. Fitness center. Full-service spa. Pool. 3 restaurants. Wi-Fi.

Feel worlds away at this legendary resort in a secluded oceanfront setting minutes from Waikiki. Explore tropical gardens and a saltwater lagoon or visit the resident bottlenose dolphins. Sweeping views. No resort fee. 338 guest rooms. 24-hour room service. Connecting rooms. Fitness center. Fullservice spa. Kids program. Nightly entertainment. Pool. 5 restaurants. Wi-Fi.

AAA Member Rate: from $680

AAA Member Rate: from $1,276

Sample rates for July 9-11, 2015, are per room (double occupancy), are subject to availability at time of booking and include 2-night accommodations. Ask about available add-on airfare and transfers.

For these & many other of Hawaii’s best resorts, visit AAA.com/PleasantHolidays.

NEW! Guided land tour features fun activities Maximize your time, minimize your hassles. A brand-new 9-night/10-day Guided Vacation from Pleasant Holidays® frees you from fussing over all the details, so you can fully relax and enjoy your hard-earned Hawaiian getaway.

WHAT’S INCLUDED Lei greeting upon arrival in Honolulu • The must-see highlights of 3 islands • Interisland air & transfers • Local expert tour guide & driver throughout • Accommodations • Daily breakfast • A dinner • A luau • Multiple guided activities (listed below) • Government fees & taxes • A meet & greet with information on optional activities available at additional cost Enjoy luxurious accommodations — 3 nights on Oahu at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, 3 nights on Maui at the Royal Lahaina Resort and 3 nights on Kauai at the Sheraton Kauai Resort.

Exclusive AAA Member Offer

$100.00 VISA® GIFT CARD for a 2015 air-inclusive Pleasant Holidays® 7-night-minimum Hawaii escorted vacation (1 per room, double occupancy)

AAA Member Benefit

$50.00 VOUCHER toward the purchase of optional sightseeing/activity

Exclusive AAA Offer

Get 5X POINTS by using a new or existing AAA Member Rewards Visa® credit card to book & deposit any tour with Pleasant Holidays® Vacations between 5/1 & 6/30, 2015. See ad on next page for details.

Enjoy all of these activities — Polynesian Cultural Center & Luau; USS Arizona Memorial City Tour; Legends in Concert Cocktail Show; ’Ulalena Cultural Show; a Waterfalls Walk; a Haleakala (volcano), Central Maui & Iao Valley Tour; a Kauai Movie Adventure; a Waimea Canyon Experience; and a Farewell Dinner at the RumFire Poipu Beach Restaurant.

BEST OF HAWAII Guided Vacation Oahu, Maui, Kauai

2015 departures: Sept 22 • Oct 20 • Nov 17 • Dec 1 AAA Member Rate: from $2,633 Rates are per person (double occupancy) and are subject to availability at time of booking. Ask about available add-on airfare. Additional travel dates available; rates may vary. Other restrictions may apply.

NO AIR DEPOSIT REQUIRED Book Pleasant Holidays® Hawaii vacations with only $200 per person deposit required to hold the entire vacation package. For new bookings made May 1-29, 2015, for travel anytime. Book convenient flights nationwide on ALL major airlines — no deposit required!

Ask a AAA travel agent about other available Pleasant Holidays Hawaii offers! ®

MAY 2015

AAA MOTORIST

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

See the incredible, inspirational interior of the Last Frontier on this 9-night escorted tour — unforgettable experiences not on cruises!

Book & make a deposit by MAY 29 on a 2015 7-night-or-longer air-inclusive Pleasant Holidays vacation to MEXICO or the CARIBBEAN and enjoy:

$50 SAVINGS FROM AAA TRAVEL PLUS

SIVE THIS EXCLU NEFIT! E MEMBER B

$50.00 CERTIFICATE* toward purchase of optional sightseeing or activity, per booking

*At select Caribbean destinations, a $50 discount may apply (instead of a $50 activity voucher).

CALL 1-800-354-8761 •

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ALASKA BY LAND!

NOW’S THE TIME!

per room, based on double occupancy • new bookings May 1-29, 2015

Get up to $100.00 in perks!

ATURE D

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

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

July 8-17 •

AAA Member Rate: $5,675

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes flights (ColumbusFairbanks, AnchorageColumbus), 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.

VISIT YOUR LOCAL AAA BRANCH

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AAA MOTORIST

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

SPECTACULAR

UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES!

SOUTH AFRICA

SEE & PHOTOGRAPH... wild animals such as elephants, leopards, rhinos, lions, impala, buffalo, zebra, giraffe • Victoria Falls, 1 of the world’s wonders

RIDE ABOARD...

an elephant • an ostrich an open-air safari vehicle a 4x4 deep into the forest a cable car up Table Mountain

CRUISE ON...

the Zambezi River • 2 lagoons the Chobe River

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students in a township school penguins at Boulders Beach villagers at Victoria Falls African elephants up close

ATURE

MCV

INTERACT WITH...

EXPLORE...

Kruger National Park • Soweto an ostrich farm • wine country Featherbed Nature Reserve

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This is the “bucket list” tour you’ve always dreamed of taking! Come with AAA to a land of stunning natural beauty, amazing wildlife and fascinating people. Enjoy 2 photo safaris (1 from atop an elephant!). Meet locals and enjoy regional dishes and SA’s famous wines.

MEMBERS SAVE $400!

VICTORIA FALLS

April 14-30 •

New bookings with deposit May 1-29, 2015. Savings are per room, double occupancy.

AAA Member Rate: $8,279

Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Columbus-Johannesburg), in-Africa flights, roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, sightseeing per itinerary, accommodations, in-Africa guide, 28 meals and taxes & government fees. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Visit AAA.com/GoAfrica for itinerary and important pre-travel information.

LAST CHANCE!

Western Tours YELLOWSTONE EXPERIENCE

Our first national park’s first explorers were called liars when they described its otherworldly geysers & bubbling mudpots and its free-ranging bison, elk, moose, bears & wolves. Begin at Salt Lake City and AUG 10-16 • $1,765 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

From Salt Lake City to Denver, take in some of America’s favorite national landmarks. Hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (choir schedule permitting). Visit Grand Teton and Yellowstone parks (including Old AUG 29–SEPT 6 • $3,485 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 SD’s Black Hills. 15 meals. AIR INCLUDED.

AAA Member Rates for all tours are per person (double occupancy), are subject to availability at time of booking and include accommodations, sightseeing admissions, taxes/gratuities for included features, baggage handling (1 bag per person) and meals as indicated. ATURE (American Majesty also includes roundtrip flights from Columbus and roundtrip airport/ hotel transfers. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent CA O TI for details.) Visit AAA.com/travel for itinerary details.

MAY 2015

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Oct 25–Nov 1: Only departure in 2015!

An ON- and OFF-road guided adventure vacation

ATURE

SAVINGS

Pink Jeep Tour

RS E B M ME E $50! Veposit by May 29 SBA ook & d

revealing the natural wonders of Arizona & Nevada!

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CACTUS CANYON

PER ROO

Looking for a one-of-a-kind getaway for the entire family...or your gang of fun-loving friends? If so, blaze a trail to your nearest AAA Travel office and get in on the fun and adventure of this fall’s “Pink Jeep Western Adventure,” which features FOUR Pink Jeep excursions into the rugged and colorful landscapes of Arizona and Nevada not accessible by standard vehicles! After flying into Phoenix, the fun starts in Scottsdale at your all-suite hotel within walking distance of Old Town; this vibrant heart of the city is comprised of eclectic shops, fine-art galleries, stellar museums and award-winning restaurants. Your first Pink Jeep journey, the Cactus Canyon Tour, takes you into the Sonoran Desert on rugged mountain roads overlooking the Bradshaw Mountains. Afterward, enjoy a cowboy-style dinner! BROKEN ARROW Enjoy a relaxing motorcoach ride to Poco Diablo Resort nestled among the Red Rocks of stunning Sedona. Enjoy its pool, golf course, fitness center, tennis courts and fine dining. Venture into GRAND CANYON the surrounding backcountry on the Broken Arrow Tour, which ascends 1,500 feet along the Mogollon Rim. Motorcoach onward to one of the world’s marvels — the Grand Canyon! After watching an Imax presentation, explore the East Rim on the Deluxe Grand Canyon Tour, visiting lookout points not accessible by the park’s shuttle bus system! Sit back and enjoy the cross-desert motorcoach journey to Las Vegas and your room at The Mirage at the center of the fabled Strip. Enjoy The Mirage’s royal white tigers, its active “volcano,” the resident show entitled The Beatles LOVE, And choose 1 of these 2 tours multiple restaurants, shows, shops and gaming opportunities. While in Vegas, you get to enjoy 1 of 2 tours (your choice must be indicated at the time of VALLEY OF FIRE your initial reservation) — the Valley of Fire Jeep Tour (see the surreal colors of sandstone formations in the Mojave Desert) or the Hoover Dam Top to Bottom Discovery (dam, power plant, observation tower, a gentle float trip on the Colorado River and a photo opportunity of the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge). The next and final full day is totally yours to explore the endless variety of attractions, casinos and activities that Las Vegas has to offer! TM

HOOVER DAM

Oct 25–Nov 1 •

AAA Member Rate: $2,759

Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes flights (Columbus-Phoenix, Las Vegas–Columbus), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, motorcoach transportation, accommodations, 7 meals, luggage handling (1 bag/person), taxes/gratuities for included features and services of a AAA Tour Manager in Arizona & Nevada (if minimum-participation goal is met). Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

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

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

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Car-free, carefree adventures T IO

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 MYSTERY TOUR

July 14-16 •

AMERICAN QUILT SOCIETY GETAWAY

AAA Member Rate: $629

It’s time once again for our Mystery Tour, a trip as unique as can be. / What makes it different is when you depart you have no idea what sights© you’ll Day 1 will ORHANsee. ÇAM // FOTOLIA.COM take you backward in time; one stop takes you very far back. / You will reminisce about simpler days when life seemed to be always on track. / The stops on Day 2 are artistic in nature, filled with many art forms and creations. / And the day will end with talk of some people that we hope are not your relations. / Some quick stops on Day 3, then you relax as the bus makes a beeline for home. / By then you’ll be able to connect your experiences with what has been written in this poem. / Add in delicious food, entertainment, of course, and some gifts for everyone. / Hop on board for the mystery, the art and the history; you won’t want to miss out on the fun! 7 meals.

NASHVILLE & MEMPHIS TN

Aug 12-15 •

Travel to Grand Rapids MI for the American Quilt Society’s (AQS) Quilt Week at DeVos Place Convention Center. Regardless of your skill level, your love of quilts is sure to intensify during Quilt Week. There will be lots of vendors and exhibits, with classes you can take (enroll in advance of your arrival). Enjoy shopping at Field’s Fabrics, selling fabrics and notions since 1953; it carries a vast selection of fabrics in almost every category, along with many fabric-related supplies. 4 meals.

CINCINNATI REDS VS ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS Aug 23 •

SOUTHERN FEVER...WITH NEW ORLEANS LA

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.” Enjoy dinner & a show at Nashville Nightlife Theatre. In Memphis, see Graceland, Elvis’ home. Explore Beale Street. Dine at Casey Jones Village. In Nashville, enjoy a free day to explore; 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.

AAA Member Rate: $99

Join us for this 1:10pm contest between the Reds and the Diamondbacks at Cincinnati's Great American Ball Park.

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

July 21-25 •

AAA Member Rate: $569

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

June 17-20....... Niagara Falls & Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada ...........$689 Oct 3-11........... Autumn in New England.........................................................$1,799 Nov 14-15........ Greenbrier Holiday: White Sulphur Springs WV .......................$419 Dec 3-6 ............ A Country Christmas at Opryland Hotel: Nashville TN .............$979

ATHENS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 740-593-6677 CHILLICOTHE. . . . . . . . . . . . 740-702-3838 GALLIPOLIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 740-446-0699 HILLSBORO . . . . . . . . . . . . . 937-393-3489 HUNTINGTON . . . . . . . . . . . 304-529-7107 IRONTON. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 740-532-3242

JACKSON. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 740-286-5077 LOGAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 740-385-8595 PARKERSBURG/VIENNA . . . 304-295-7101 PORTSMOUTH . . . . . . . . . . 740-354-5614 WASHINGTON C H . . . . . . . 740-335-3950 WAVERLY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 740-947-7775

____________________________________________________________

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. 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. FEATURED VACATIONS include services provided by third-party tour destination service companies; see your AAA Travel Agent for details.

MAY 2015

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Lighter than air in the Land of Enchantment It’s time for some high plains drifting in New Mexico

anta Fe is an intoxicating blend of Anglo, Indian and Hispanic cultures that mingle like the scent of piñón wood with the evening air. The town’s signature adobe architecture will transport visitors back to the Spanish Colonial era, and remnants of the Wild West. The Palace of the Governors on the Plaza of Santa Fe, constructed in 1610, is the oldest continuously occupied public building in the United States. Long a haven for artists, the galleries along Canyon Road showcase an array of contemporary Southwestern, and indigenous American art. The city boasts half a dozen major museums including the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, dedicated to the work of the influential American artist. Nestled in the shadow of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains the old storefronts in historic Taos Plaza have been transformed into galleries, restaurants and boutiques. The Kit Carson Park and Cemetery is the final resting place of the famed frontiersman and other mustsees include the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, towering 650-feet above the river. Taos Pueblo is the only living Native American community designated as both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. The pueblo is made entirely of adobe — earth mixed with water and straw, then made into sun-dried bricks. The walls are often several feet thick.

But Albuquerque is much more than just a lot of hot air. Some of Old Town’s squat adobes date back to the town’s beginnings in 1706. Visitors can explore the hidden courtyards, browse the galleries, or bargain for Native American jewelry and crafts under the low-slung portals. The city sprawls across a desert basin with the Sandia Mountains erupting over a parched, terra cotta plain. The Sandia Peak Tramway ascends 2.7-miles to the top of the 10,400-foot mountain. One of the longest, most spectacular aerial tramways in the world, passengers glide over a lush, green ponderosa forest and steep canyons that at dusk, glow a deep, rosy pink. Early explorers named them Sandia, Spanish for “watermelon.” And when the lights begin to twinkle down below, it seems like the evening is filled with nothing but stars.

UP, UP AND AWAY — Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta takes place in October. About 40 miles south of Taos is Chimayó, New Mexico’s most visited religious shrine. The El Santuario de Chimayó church is said to have been built on sacred earth and possess miraculous healing powers. There are 19 pueblos in the region, where Native Americans still pursue a more traditional lifestyle. With its tightly clustered adobe buildings Acoma Pueblo is thought to be the oldest con-

tinuously inhabited settlement in the United States. Also known as Sky City, the 70-acre community is perched atop a 357-foot sandstone mesa. For nine days each October, the skies around Albuquerque are festooned with hundreds of hot air and gas balloons. The evening Glowdeo® — when all the balloons fire their burners and light up the desert night is one the most spectacular manmade sights on earth.

IF YOU GO

Experience the best of New Mexico during AAA’s October 4-9 New Mexico Balloon Fiesta escorted tour. Highlights include Santa Fe, Taos, and Albuquerque with stops at Chimayó; the Rio Grande Gorge, special seating at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta; a ride on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway and more. See the Departures Guide or log on to AAA.com/travel for more details.

Automotive battery technology is charging ahead Some electrifying developments are taking place in the industry

odern vehicles are totally reliant upon their electrical systems, with everything from GPS navigation to electric power steering, and so much more running from your car’s electrical circuits. Most vehicles also depend on a charged battery to allow vehicle access, so a dead battery can ruin the start of anybody’s day. The traditional lead–acid battery’s ability to deliver high current at a relatively low cost, have made it an automobile mainstay for the past 50 years. A lead-acid battery’s lifespan can range from as little as six months to 48 months, however, only about 30 percent of the batteries sold today will see their third birthday. Extremes of heat and cold, parasitic drains for onboard electronics and just poor maintenance are the main reasons for weak performance and premature battery death. Lithium-ion batteries are typically used in consumer electronics like laptops and cell phones because they are lighter and more energy-dense than other types of batteries. Right now, intensive technical development work is underway in the industry to adapt lithium-ion technology to the far more robust requirements of automobile batteries. Cars have to work in huge tem-

Winter may be over but few people realize that hot weather can be even harder on your car’s battery. Heat causing battery fluid to evaporate, especially in sealed maintenance free batteries. It also accelerates the rate of corrosion on your battery terminals. Both conditions can lead to insufficient electrical power being available, and leave a motorist stranded without warning.

AAA BATTERY SERVICE

POWER CENTER — AAA’s Mobile Battery Service can accurately diagnose your battery-related problems at the roadside. perature extremes, stand up to more shocks and vibrations and have a much higher energy throughput than consumer electronics. That’s one reason why vehicles equipped with “startstop” technologies, and most hybrids still use lead-acid batteries for starting, lighting and ignition (SLI) functions. Lead-acid batteries have undergone their own remarkable evolution to keep

up with the demand for more power and reliability. The Absorbent Glass Mat or AGM lead-acid battery uses porous glass mats to absorb and hold the electrolyte. AGM batteries can support higher accessory loads and are now used in more than 20 million vehicles world-wide with auto start-stop technology, saving an estimated 381 million gallons of fuel annually.

• Fully mobile service; • Free battery testing using advanced technology; • All batteries meet or exceed original manufacturers specs; • Fast, professional installation; • Environmentally friendly disposal and recycling; • Battery freshness guarantee; • 36-month nationwide replacement warranty; • Exclusive AAA-member pricing. FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

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AAA MOTORIST

MAY 2015

‘Coolest Summer Ever’ coming to Walt Disney World Resort Olaf, Anna and Elsa make ‘Frozen’ summer dreams come to life

emorial Day weekend is the traditional start of family vacation season, and Walt Disney World Resort guests can get their cool on all summer during the “Coolest Summer Ever,” with Olaf as the official host. “Frozen” Summer Fun Live will bring together Princess Anna, Queen Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf, all appearing daily in shows and experiences at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, June 17-Sept. 7. Guests will find cool thrills this summer including a royal processional with the ice cutters and the joyous citizens of Arendelle, and a brand new sing-along show. At the end of a fun-filled Frozen day, Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf come together for a grand finale—complete with an aweinspiring fireworks display set to the glorious music of the movie. A cool new deal doubles the fun at Disney’s two iconic water parks — Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach. Purchase a one-day water park ticket and parkhop between the two water parks in the same day that both are open. Blizzard Beach offers all the spinechilling thrills of an Alpine ski resort, whether it’s bobsledding down the “snowy” slopes of Mt. Gushmore, or plunging straight down Summit Plummet at up to 55 mph. Located near Downtown Disney,

COLD COMFORT — Olaf will be welcoming guests at Walt Disney World Resort this summer. the 61-acre Typhoon Lagoon includes Crush ‘n’ Gusher, the first-ever water coaster thrill ride attraction in Central Florida; a man-made mountain with eight twisting-and-turning water slides and Shark Reef, where snorkelers swim fin-to-fin with exotic marine life like French angels, groupers and bonnethead and leopard sharks.

Guests will find thrills from mild to wild to out of this world in all four Walt Disney World theme parks. Don’t-miss attractions include the new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, sending riders on a playful musical adventure into the mine “where a million diamonds shine.” Expedition Everest at Disney’s

Animal Kingdom, takes guests past thundering waterfalls, and shimmering glacier fields on a perilous journey aboard a runaway train through the Himalayas. Adventurous riders push deep into the lair of the legendary yeti, guardian of the forbidden mountain. En route, they encounter torn tracks, spiral backwards through the darkness and fog into an ice cavern, and dart into and out of the nearly 200-feethigh mountain in a high-speed adventure. Set your course for the frozen planet of Hoth during Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, May 15 to June 14. The 2015 event will feature Star Wars characters roaming the theme park for meet-and-greets, conversations with Star Wars celebrities, interactive activities and a Star Wars motorcade through the park. Let the Force be with you as you combine the fun and adventure of Star Wars with the magic of Disney Parks.

IF YOU GO

AAA is able to assist you with all your Disney vacation needs including Disney theme parks and resorts, and Disney Cruise Lines. Visit your local AAA Travel Agency location or visit AAA.com for more information.

AAA is taking the LongROAD for senior driver safety Understanding the needs of tomorrow’s older drivers

he U.S. Census Bureau reports that 10,000 people will turn 65 every day from now until 2030. Understanding the safety and mobility needs of these newlyminted seniors is a pressing concern. The Longitudinal Research on Aging Drivers (LongROAD) is a $12 million project by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, that will allow researchers to better understand the role of physical and cognitive functions, medical conditions, medications and vehicle technologies in driving safety. Researchers will also examine how older drivers self-regulate to avoid difficult driving conditions, and the causes and consequences of driving cessation. This project will generate a wealth of data by tracking a large group of older drivers (roughly 3,000) for an extended period of 5-10 years. The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) is one of five national test sites selected by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety to address the wellbeing of older drivers. David Eby, research professor and head of UMTRI’s Behavioral Sciences Group, is a coprincipal investigator for the project. “Like most people, older adults consider driving to be essential to independence and well-being,” Eby said.

AGING WELL — AAA is looking for solutions to issues facing mature drivers. “With aging, however, comes a higher likelihood of medical conditions that can affect safe driving ability. Thus, it is important for society to both help older adults continue driving for as long as they can safely do so and to help people stay mobile once they have decided to stop driving. This multi-state project will provide much needed information to help us solve this pressing societal issue.”

Researchers at U-M, Columbia, Johns Hopkins University, University of California-San Diego, University of Colorado-Denver, the Urban Institute, and the Bassett Research Institute will recruit a total of 3,000 active drivers ages 65-79 at five study sites. They will follow these drivers over time through annual assessments and interviews, and will fit their vehicles with a GPS to learn about their driving patterns.

Each participant’s car will be fitted with data collection device that will record where the vehicle is being driven and some other vehicle-based data. All participants will engage in a comprehensive assessment of physical, mental and perceptual functioning every two years; have their vehicles visually inspected every other year; complete a questionnaire on health, well-being, attitudes and driving every year; and have all driving trips recorded. The project will also collect medical, crash and driving history records for all participants. This study will provide AAA with the scientific backing needed to advocate for effective policies and programs. The database it creates will also serve as a “go-to” resource for answering the most pressing questions about senior safety and mobility for years to come.

GREY MATTERS

AAA’s award-winning senior driving website SeniorDriving.AAA.com is filled with resources designed to keep senior drivers on the road for as long as safely possible and mobile thereafter. SeniorDriving.AAA.com provides convenient, online access to a wealth of free interactive material.

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Norway’s fabulous fjords offer spectacular scenery Unforgettable views in the land of the midnight sun

orway’s fjords have shaped more than its coastline. They’ve also shaped its national identity. This is where the Vikings launched their longboats and where Edvard Grieg was inspired to compose In the Hall of the Mountain King. Ancient glaciers scoured out this elaborate lacework of bays and fjords on Norway’s rugged west coast. The tangled mass of inlets and ice-carved channels extends the country’s 1,600mile coastline by nearly 10 times, creating what National Geographic has called “the world’s best travel destination.” Waterfalls tumble over slick mountainsides. Tiny farmsteads cling precariously to remote patches of land. Medieval towns line the quays, with wooden buildings painted in colors seemingly chosen to complement nature’s palette of greens and blues. Each fjord has its own distinct character. Naerofjord and Geirangerfjord and are both listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites for their surreal natural beauty. Geirangerfjord is flanked by the steepest mountains on the west coast and is famous for the Seven Sisters and the Suitor waterfalls. Narrow Naerofjord (an arm of Sognefjord) bisects the sheer cliffs rising 5,600 feet straight up from the water. Lysefjord is home to breathtaking Pulpit Rock, a natural rock formation

NATURE’S MASTERPIECE — Geirangerfjord is famous for the Seven Sisters and the Suitor waterfalls. jutting 2,000 feet over the water. Just two villages occupy the 23-mile-long fjord, each accessible only by boat, as the hills are far too steep for roads. Hardanger, the Queen of the Fjords, is where Edvard Grieg had his cabin, and where the Hardanger fiddle — Norway’s national musical instrument — was created. Not as steep as some, nearly one million fruit trees thrive

Nearly 64 million vehicles recalled in 2014

ast year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) monitored 803 recall campaigns covering 63.95 million vehicles. Now dubbed the “Year of the Recall,” 2014 set a new record with more than twice the number of recalls compared to the previous high total of 30.8 million set back in 2004. Nearly 27 million of last year’s recalls involved General Motors vehicles with faulty ignition switches that could turn themselves off under certain circumstances. It is estimated the repair costs for this one campaign alone will cost the company more than $4.1 billion. On a broader scale, an additional 14.5 million vehicles from multiple automakers were affected by recalls related to dangerously defective airbags manufactured by Japanese supplier Takata. Will auto recalls subside in 2015? Not likely, according to NHTSA. The agency has improved how it tracks potential defects, which could lead to a greater likelihood of recalls. And growing consumer awareness is also expected to increase recalls. More than 75,000 vehicle owners contacted NHTSA in 2014 about potential defects, up sharply from the previous average of 40,000 to 45,000 calls a year. Wary of big fines and negative pub-

licity for failing to identify problems and recall vehicles in a timely manner, car manufacturers are expected to pay closer attention to issues and move faster to address future concerns. This could cause the number of recalls to go up as well. AAA advises every car owner who receives a recall notice to contact their local new-car dealership to have the vehicle inspected, and if necessary, fixed at no charge. Historically, less than 70 percent of all recalled vehicles get repaired. To help used car buyers, and owners know that their vehicles are safe and their safety defects have been addressed, NHTSA recently unveiled a new, free, online search tool consumers can use to find out if a vehicle is directly impacted by a recall. The new tool, which debuted last August, provides consumers with a quick and easy way to identify uncompleted recalls by entering their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). All major light vehicle and motorcycle brands can be searched. After entering the VIN number into the field, results will confirm if there is an open recall, or no open recall on their vehicle. The new VIN search tool is available at www.safercar. gov/vinlookup.

under the temperate influence of the Gulfstream, painting the fjord pink and white every spring with their reflections. Sognefjord — Norway’s longest and deepest — and its namesake town have a rich history. More than a thousand years ago, the Vikings sailed from here to wreak havoc across much of Europe. The distinctive stave churches in this

region date back to the twelfth century. Set among the towering peaks of the Sunnmøre Alps, the picturesque town of Ålesund is known for its Art Nouveau architecture. Brilliantly colored houses incorporate Old Norse symbols like dragons and gargoyles. Take a drive or scale the 418 steps to the top of the Aksla overlook. In Aurlandsfjord visitors can board the Flåm Scenic Railway — one of the world’s steepest — for a spectacular, vertigo inducing 12-mile journey past waterfalls, snow-capped peaks and secluded mountain farms. Bergen is known as “the city between seven mountains.” A trading town since the Middle Ages, Norway’s second largest city is the gateway to the fjords. Visitors can ride the Fløibanen Funicular to the top of Fløyen mountain or stroll along the Bryggen Wharf, with its distinctive red-brick Hanseatic style buildings.

IF YOU GO

A number of cruise lines sail to this magical land each summer and fall, including Celebrity, Cunard, Disney, Crystal, Princess, Azamara, Holland America and Royal Caribbean. FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

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More crashes and convictions for teens that skip Driver Ed New report looks at teen driving behavior

lthough vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of death for teens, fewer new drivers are participating in what used to be considered a rite of passage — driver education. State funding and requirements for these programs have declined over recent decades, leaving uneducated teen drivers vulnerable on America’s roads. New research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reveals that teens who skip this important step are involved in more crashes and receive more traffic convictions compared to their peers that participated in driver education. “This research confirms what conventional wisdom tells us — driver education makes a difference,” said Al Salyers, manager, Auto Club Driving School, Inc. “Despite recent declines in participation, the overwhelming majority of Americans believe new drivers should take part in this critical step of the learning-to-drive process.” This study assessed examples of U.S. and Canadian driver education programs using a variety of evaluation methods including surveys, driver’s licensing tests, driver simulators and the review of driving records. The results revealed that several key differences exist between teens who receive driver education and those who do not, including: Driver education is associated with a lower incidence of both crashes and convictions — reducing crashes by 4.3

ROAD SCHOLAR —Teens who completed driver education scored higher on the driving exam. percent and convictions by nearly 40 percent. Teens that completed driver education not only scored higher on the driving exam, they also demonstrated modest increases in knowledge over their peers who did not take any formal training. “Overall, the findings suggest that driver education can make a difference, but there is still much room for improvement in most existing programs,” noted Peter Kissinger, President and CEO of

the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “This underscores the need for states to adopt the NHTSA-supported Standards that are designed to enhance the scope and quality of driver education.” AAA, a vocal advocate for teen driver safety for nearly 80 years, works at the state level to improve driver education programs and prioritizes five of the NHTSA-funded Novice Teen Driver Education and Training Administrative Standards, owned by the driver education community:

• Requiring a teen’s parent/guardian to attend an educational seminar; • Ensuring that classroom instruction is completed in no less than 30 days; • Requiring annual continuing education for driving instructors; • Ensuring standards are met by public and private driving schools; • Adopting a comprehensive graduated drivers licensing (GDL) system that integrates driver education. AAA is committed to helping teens stay safe on the roads and have developed comprehensive resources including TeenDriving.AAA.com, a state-specific website to help parents navigate the learning-to-drive process, includes StartSmart Online Parent Session, a twohour webinar that explains the licensing process and parents’ role, and demonstrates how to maximize the practice driving that parents/guardians are required to do with their teen. FOR MORE INFORMATION

Auto Club Driving School 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. Parents can enroll their teens in Auto Club Driving School by calling or visiting their local AAA East Central office. They can also enroll online at DSSAPP. US/AAAEC. Visit AAA.com/community for details.

French Art Colony hosts Gallipolis Garden & Tasting Tour A world of botanical beauty beckons to be explored

he French Art Colony, Gallipolis Ohio’s multi-media cultural center, welcomes the arrival of the summer season with their 3rd Annual Gallipolis Garden & Tasting Tour. A memorable collection of homes and buildings in the “Old French City” will invite visitors into their delightful backyard gardens. Each one is as unique as the variety of architecture found throughout Ohio’s second oldest city. Nestled in the Appalachian foothills, Gallipolis provides a dramatic natural setting for the extensive parklands and floral displays that have been recognized with numerous annual awards by America in Bloom. The tour will feature the private gardens of Katrinka Hart, Gene & Janet Johnson, Jeanine & Willie Wood, Shayna Chapman and Patty Davis. Public spaces include the French Art Colony and Our House Museum. The restored 19th century inn once hosted General Lafayette and now houses artifacts and memorabilia from many of the area’s original settlers. Area restaurants, including Lewis Turkey Farm, Wounded Goose, Honey Creek Barbecue, Courtside, Crossroads, Bistro, Tuscany Cuccini, Laurel Valley Creamery and The Tea Caddy, will be paired with these distinctive garden sites. Participating gardens will host a

purchases are encouraged by calling 740.446.3834. A historic circa 1855 Greek revival river mansion, Riverby, retains much of its original architectural charm. One of the building’s most notable features is the floating stairway, which spirals gracefully to the third floor. Monthly exhibits, featuring regional and national artists, are showcased in the various Gallery spaces. Artist entries for the French Art Colony’s 47th Annual Festival Exhibit and Competition will be received Sunday, June 21, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and Monday, June 22, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Winners of the juried exhibit will be displayed in the gallery at Riverby throughout the month of July.

A GREEN THUMB — The gardens at Riverby highlight this year’s tour. savory tasting from a local eatery and local artists will be painting in the gardens during the tour. From the bright yellow flowers of the velvet groundsel to the vibrant blue hydrangea, visitors will be greeted by a dazzling array of colors, shapes and sizes ranging from English cottage and rose gardens to wildflower and water gardens. Gallipolis’ meticulously manicured City Park is redolent with specialty plants, perennials, flowering shrubs and trees.

The park’s centerpiece is a white, scrollworked Victorian Bandstand, overlooking the Ohio River. This self-guided tour will run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., followed by a wine and specialty iced tea reception from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Riverby’s Thaler Memorial Gardens, located along the beautiful Ohio River, and the home of the French Art Colony. Tickets are available for $20 and include both the tour and reception. Early ticket

IF YOU GO

The Garden & Tasting Tour will take place Saturday, June 20, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Tastings from some of Gallipolis’ finest local restaurants will be paired with unique garden tours in the town’s National Register Historic District. Tickets are $20 and include both the tour and the reception. For more information call 740.446.3834. The full programming calendar and updates can be found by visiting www.frenchartcolony.org.

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AAA MOTORIST

Call, Click or Visit for a Special Offer for New Gift Memberships. Offer ends May 29th

The

Perfect Gift!

Graduations, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Birthdays, Weddings … Whatever the occasion, it’s the perfect time to give a AAA Gift Membership. With roadside assistance, vacation planning, maps, free identity theft protection, travel guides, exclusive savings, and much more, you can trust AAA membership to be a perfect fit.

To purchase a AAA Gift Membership, call or visit your local AAA Office or AAA.com.

1-800-441-5008

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