SEE PAGE 3
Vol. 27 No. 6
OHIO/WEST VIRGINIA REGION
NOV./DEC. 2014
Save on holiday purchases with AAA Discounts & Rewards BLUE LAGOON
THINGVELLIR
REYKJAVIK
PUFFINS
Find your “happy place” amid the natural beauty of Iceland
L
unofficial, charming “capital of the far north” OTS OF PEOPLE already know Iceland • Soaking in the waters of the fabled Blue Lagoon boasts some of the world’s most spec• Deep-sea fishing...hiking into a volcanic cave... tactular and beautiful natural wonor relaxing on a whale watching cruise ders — geysers, glaciers, waterfalls, You may be glad to know Iceland is our closlagoons, mountains and more. est European neighbor; flight time from New Fewer know that this small North Atlantic York is just 4.5 hours (no island nation is also home jet lag), so you’re ready to to some of the planet’s haproll as soon as you arrive! piest people. So says a 2013 Happily, the chilliest thing World Happiness Report, about the country is its which arose out of a UN name; in July, the average resolution inviting member high is about 60. And its nations to measure their welcome is always warm. people’s happiness and use Nearly everyone speaks it to guide public policies. English, and most IcelandNo doubt, Iceland’s scenic ers aren’t given to formalibeauty helps put its folks in ties; even the phone direca good mood, and you’ll savings per room (double occupancy) only on tory lists by first name! likely know — and feel — new bookings with deposit — Nov 1-30, 2014 Nature at its wildest is what we mean when you just as accessible. Expect join AAA Travel’s “Inspiring direct contact with a side of it that has all but Iceland” 7-night escorted tour this July 19. vanished from most other countries. Here, you As a member, you’ll be even happier knowcan “go back” to the places that most other ing you can save as much as $700 when you countries have paved over. You’ll experience book & deposit by Nov 30! (See box above.) virtually the same world that greeted Vikings Enhancing this unique tour are its fascinatwhen they arrived more than 1,100 years ago. ing featured activities — fun opportunities The coastal waters are prime whale habitat, to appreciate the scenic beauty and cultural teeming colonies of seabirds roosting in cliffs uniqueness of this land of fire & ice: around fjords. And humans have never made • Taking an enjoyable guided tour of Reykjavik, a permanent home in the island’s vast interior, the quirky and quaint capital, on foot or by bike where nature remains at its most primordial • Enjoying a buffet of traditional dishes...and a — vast glaciers, black-sand deserts, barren gladinner of contemporary culinary works of art cial moraine, bubbling hot springs & thermal • Meeting a local family dedicated to catching pools, active volcanoes and strange oases of Greenland sharks and preserving their meat, lush green vegetation (very reminiscent of Irewhich you’re invited to taste — if you dare! land!), thriving against all subarctic odds. • Cruising to a puffin sanctuary to see these Nature lovers may get positively giddy travcolorful birds...and fishing a bit on the way eling Iceland’s Golden Circle — a route stud• Overnighting in a quaint fishing village ded with many of its most renowned gems, • Riding Iceland’s uniquely-gaited horses...or including the 100-foot relaxing in a natural geothermal lake near the continued on page 20
MEMBERS GET AN EXTRA REASON TO BE HAPPY!
Premier ... $700 Plus ....... $650 Basic...... $600
Travel | Insurance/Financial | Automotive | Member Savings | AAA.com
AAA MEMBER APPRECIATION CELEBRATION
Whether you’re looking for holiday decorations, a new winter wardrobe, or gifts for everyone on your list, save when you shop through AAA Discounts & Rewards. The AAA Discounts & Rewards platform delivers an innovative shopping experience on AAA.com, where members can save with discount offers from approximately 30,000 participating online merchants nationwide — including national chains like Kohl’s, Macy’s, Best Buy, The Gap and The Home Depot. In addition to discount offers, you’ll earn reward points to redeem for extra savings. To begin using AAA Discounts & Rewards today, register online at AAA.com/ discounts. Registration is completely free — a valid AAA membership and email address are all you need. Then shop, save and earn on national and local brands, tickets, travel, restaurants and retailers.
Members save on flu shots at Kmart Pharmacy AAA is helping members stay healthy and save money with discounts on flu vaccines. Members can receive flu vaccines for just $15 (retail price $24.99) when they show their AAA card at participating Kmart Pharmacy locations. That’s a savings of almost $10! Flu shots are free to Medicare Part B-eligible patients with proof of insurance. Kmart Pharmacy will process most major insurances for eligibility to determine your best option. The AAA member discounted price for flu shots at Kmart Pharmacy is valid through November 30, 2014. Visit AAA.com/health for a list of participating locations.
AAA Mobile 2.0 Updates Road Service Online AAA Mobile improves on-the-go access to trusted AAA services including trip planning, discounts, mobile battery replacement quotes and roadside assistance. Version 2.0 — introduced in September — features a redesigned Road Service Online interface for iPhone and Android phone app users. Aimed at streamlining the user experience, new enhancements include a streamlined roadside request process, mapbased breakdown location and VIN scanner. Members can request roadside directly from the app with the ability to find you via the GPS location on your phone. Members can download this free app at the iTunes App Store, or Google Play.
See Alaska Onboard AAA’s Member Appreciation Cruises Alaska is Mother Nature’s masterpiece. A magical landscape forged by fire and ice, where mountains erupt from mist-shrouded fjords teeming with marine life and humpback whales. Now, you can see it all from your balcony cabin aboard Celebrity Cruises’ spectacular Solstice, during one of two 2015 AAA Member Appreciation Cruises. AAA Travel’s 7-day Alaska departures travel roundtrip from Seattle and are crammed with extra-special features and amenities like add-on airfare for just $299 per person. SEE PAGE 9.
PAGE 2
AAA MOTORIST
Protecting your credit and identity this holiday season
W
ith the holidays quickly approaching, you may feel pressured to get online or race to the mall to buy gifts for your loved ones. But you still have time to take a deep breath and plan out your gift-giving strategy. Taking the time to set a budget and protect your identity are important precautions for your financial well-being this season. After all, if you overspend or are careless with your identity, it may take months to recover. Here are some tips to protect your wallet and your identity.
Budget Saving Ideas
Start with an overall budget based on your savings. Make a list and assign a dollar amount to each gift. If you have a large family, you may want to discuss the idea of drawing names so each person only has to buy one gift. Plan ahead as much as possible. If possible, shop on Black Friday and Cyber Monday (the Monday after Thanksgiving). If that’s not possible, use the Internet to comparison shop and look for sales. Don’t get burned with “hot toys.” If you’re shopping for children, don’t buy them the hottest toy of the season. Instead, tell them you might get it for their birthday. Chances are they may forget about it by then, or if not, it’s sure to be cheaper in the off-season.
Identity Protection Tips
Be careful when shopping online. Only shop on websites with the technology to secure your transaction. Secure sites have “https” instead of “http” in the address bar or they may have an icon of a locked padlock. In addition, don’t shop on sites that you don’t recognize, especially if they don’t have a phone number or physical address. They might be part of a phishing scam to get your credit or debit card number. Be observant in the store. Watch out for anyone who may be standing in line behind you with a cell phone, especially a smart phone. They could easily take
a photo of the information on your credit or debit card. Look around before you make a purchase. Keep credit card or ATM receipts. Don’t throw them into trash containers, leave them on the counter, or put them in your shopping bags where they can fall out or get stolen. Shop with a slim wallet. Remove everything except one credit card and your driver’s license. Carrying multiple credit cards, a passport, social security card and other items increases your risk of identity theft. It’s not difficult to protect yourself. It just takes some thought and a little time. And considering the consequences, it may very well be worth it.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
AAA DIRECTORY INTERNET WEB SITE: www.AAA.com AAA MEMBER SERVICES
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
PROTECTMYID MEMBER BENEFITS
AAA BRANCH OFFICE LOCATIONS
AAA East Central members are eligible for two identity theft monitoring products: ProtectMyID Essential and ProtectMyID Deluxe. ProtectMyID Essential is free to all members over the age 18 as part of their AAA East Central membership. ProtectMyID Deluxe provides all of the features of Essential plus additional benefits at a deeply discounted member rate. For more information, and to subscribe to ProtectMyID Essential or Deluxe, simply go to AAA.com/ProtectMyID or call 1.877.440.6943. To enroll, you must have a valid email address and be 18 or older.
ATHENS, OH 130 E. State St. ...................740-593-6677
Reach for the sky with AAA Plus ®
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
Upgrade your membership to AAA Plus® and experience a higher level of benefits! Extend your benefits for even more driving security Benefit Towing Emergency Road Service When Out of Gas Off-Road Rescue Service
Basic Membership
AAA Plus® Membership
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. 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.
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.)
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
DEC 15
WHEELING, WV 846 National Rd. . ..............304-233-1810
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
AAA MOTORIST
PAGE 3
It’s the most wonderful time of year at AAA Sensational savings at AAA Member Appreciation Celebration 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:.........................................Mary Lynn Laughlin Vice Chairman:.................................... Martha Hartle Munsch OFFICERS: President: ....................................................James E. Lehman Executive Vice President ............................... Thomas J. Ashley Secretary .................................................. Robert H. Compton Treasurer .......................................................Robert S. Collins GOVERNING BOARD OF DIRECTORS Neil D. Bassi, James E. Broome, Jr., Steve D. Bullock**, Charles O. Casto**, Edward C. Coaxum, Jr., Robert S. Collins, Robert H. Compton, Jon E. Denney, Debra A. Dinnocenzo, Pamela C. Fritz, Gregory E. Grim**, Richard S. Hamilton, James H. Kanicki, Mary Lynn Laughlin, William Duff McCrady, James M. McDonnell, Thomas V. McKernan Jr., Martha Hartle Munsch, Gary K. Munsie** EAST CENTRAL REGION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Neil D. Bassi, Chairman, Robert S. Collins, Vice Chairman, Carol Asam, Christian Asam, Jack A. Barkley, William E. Bierer**, Ellsworth T. Bowser**, Peter Burton, Marianne B. Campbell, Michael A. Cochran, Daniel J. Collins Jr.**, Robert H. Compton, Debra A. Dinnocenzo, James J. Dodaro, Jack G. Ellis, Mona N. Generett, Charles W. Groce , Richard S. Hamilton, Mark Henschen, Luke Howe, Richard Kallenborn, Herbert G. Koenig, Mark S. Mansour, W. Duff McCrady, Martha Hartle Munsch, W. Lee Oswalt, III, Michael Parkes, John D. Petruso, Louis Pomerico, Jacob N. Skezas, James C. Stump, Jr., James F. Ward *ex officio **emeritus directors
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 ©2014 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 AA East Central is fortunate to enjoy the support of over 2.7 million members. And the holiday season is the perfect time to say thank you with our Member Appreciation Celebration. From now, through December 31, 2014, AAA members can take advantage of exclusive, members-only perks and rewards, and special offerings that celebrate the many benefits of being a AAA member. Plus, you could win a 7-night Caribbean cruise for two aboard Royal Caribbean’s spectacular Grandeur of the Seas. Departing from Baltimore August 21, 2015, ports of call include Port Canaveral, Florida; Nassau, Bahamas; Cococay, Bahamas, and three relaxing days at sea. Enter at any AAA East Central Office location, or online at AAA.com/sweepstakes.
AAA.com/lDdefense, 1-866-979-6943.
A
Give a gift, receive a gift AAA simplifies your life in so many ways. Simplify the lives of those around you with a AAA gift membership. And now, through December 31, AAA will waive the $10 enrollment fee for new gift memberships. We also have a nice gift for you — a $10 gift card. Choose from among dozens of merchants.
Free Associate membership AAA’s Convenience Renewal billing is an easy way to insure you’ll never be stranded without a valid AAA card. Your annual membership renewal will be billed to your credit card each year, and we’ll even send you a reminder.
or
call
us
at
One card, two special offers
Mike Morgan Enroll during our Member Appreciation event and we’ll add a new Associate member to your current membership free. That’s right — up to a $25 value at no additional charge!
Protect your identity & save Holiday shoppers need to take special care to protect their personal information. ProtectMyID® Essential offers free credit monitoring — a $79 value — exclusively to AAA members. Sign up during our Member Appreciation Celebration and we’ll take $5 off your next membership renewal just for bringing your email confirmation to your local AAA office. Need enhanced monitoring services? Upgrade to ProtectMylD® Deluxe at a members only price of just $8.95 per month. Enroll online at
Turn everyday purchases into unlimited rewards with the AAA Member Rewards Visa® credit card. Earn triple points on all qualifying AAA purchases, including travel packages, AAA insurance premiums and membership dues. Earn double points when you use your AAA Member Rewards Visa® credit card for gas, grocery, and drug store purchases, and earn one point for each dollar you spend on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for cash, AAA vouchers good for travel, membership, Approved Auto Repair, and gift cards. Apply for a new AAA Member Rewards credit card at any AAA East Central branch office and, upon approval, you’ll qualify for two great offers! New Member Rewards Visa® account holders receive a one-time $25 AAA membership renewal credit. Then, use your new Rewards card to purchase a $25 Target gift card for just $5. Please accept my personal invitation to join AAA East Central for our Member Appreciation Celebration event. Visit AAA.com/Branch for your nearest AAA location. Best wishes for a safe and festive holiday season. Remember to buckle up, drive carefully, and if you plan to drink, don’t drive. Drunk driving tragedies are completely preventable and acting responsibly will go a long way towards ensuring everyone gets home for the holidays.
membersonly
AAA membership is a gift for all seasons This holiday, share the savings and service of AAA
Y
ou know how valuable your AAA membership is. Now you can share that peace of mind with your family and friends. Who wouldn’t appreciate the gift of security, quality, service and savings? AAA is famous for our 24-hour emergency roadside assistance, but a Gift Membership offers you and your loved ones so much more. AAA members receive travel benefits including special discounts and perks on vacation packages, tours and cruises, which they can plan and book through their local AAA Travel Agency or online at AAA.com. Members also receive savings on luggage, accessories, attraction tickets, lodging discounts, Hertz car rentals, and more. AAA Prescription Savings will save everyone - even the family dog – money on their medications! AAA’s legendary service is literally at your fingertips with versatile smartphone apps like AAA Mobile, available for Android and iPhone. AAA’s TripTik
Travel Planner and TourBook guides make planning a holiday road trip a breeze. There are plenty of options for online maps and directions, but there’s only one that combines AAA’s professional hotel and restaurant ratings and in-depth travel information with Google maps. AAA members can also download digital TourBook® guides for e-reader devices and smartphones at AAA.com/ ebooks. Content for the 101 eTourBook guides is refreshed nightly to ensure members receive the most up-to-date information. Our Approved Auto Repair network of regional facilities abides by AAA’s stringent standards for technical certification, modern equipment, and customer satisfaction, which means automotive service you can trust. AAA Battery Service provides convenient mobile battery testing and installation of quality, competitively priced batteries. Over one million AAA members have enjoyed the convenience of
having a AAA battery delivered and installed on the spot. And each AAA battery is protected by an unprecedented 36-month free replacement warranty. To share the value and service of AAA membership with your loved ones this holiday season, call 1-800-441-5008, visit AAA.com/membership, or stop by your local AAA branch office.
Give a membership, receive a gift card
Purchase a gift membership at your local AAA East Central office or online at AAA.com during November and December, and not only will you save $10, you’ll also qualify for a gift of your own! AAA is waiving the $10 enrollment fee for new gift memberships from November 1 through December 31. In addition, when you purchase a new gift membership you’ll be eligible for a $10 gift card from your choice of select retailers. For full details and restrictions, see the ad on page 19.
PAGE 4
AAA MOTORIST
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
AAA MOTORIST
PAGE 5
PAGE 6
AAA MOTORIST
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
Have a fire-free home for the holidays Keep your yuletide blazes in check with these safety tips By Robin Jones t was Christmas Day, and Judy Stock had just taken the turkey out of the oven when she smelled smoke. She looked around, trying to determine the source, when she saw her cat up on the counter. Earlier in the day, Stock had placed a lit candle there for decoration. “The cat had backed into it, and his tail was on fire,” she says. Stock put the flames out quickly, before the cat got hurt—or before it could start a bigger fire with a flick of its tail—and she knows she was lucky. “If no one had been in that room, or if we’d forgotten the candle was burning, it could have been a different outcome,” she says. Every year, U.S. fire agencies respond to 150 blazes started by holiday decorations and another 250 fires involving Christmas trees, according to the National Fire Protection Association and the U.S. Fire Administration. These fires account for an average of 21 deaths and more than $25 million in property damage annually. Dealing with the devastation of a major fire will certainly ruin your holidays, but even the smallest fire can be disruptive and expensive. That might not destroy your holiday spirit, but it will take time and energy away from your seasonal plans. If you decorate your home this time of year, take the following precautions to protect yourself, your family, and your property.
I
SEASONAL SAFETY — Pets can be a problem around holiday decorations. Trees: Before you buy a live tree, check it for freshness. First, pull the needles back from the branches; they shouldn’t come off easily. Second, check the trunk at the spot where the tree was cut; it should still be sticky with resin. Third, bounce the tree on the ground. If piles of needles fall off, the tree is too dry. Once the tree is in your house, keep it in a water-bearing stand, and check the water level every day. Also, keep it away from heat sources, such
as vents, radiators, and fireplaces; they can quickly dry out trees, making them more susceptible to fire. Outdoor lights: Before you put up your holiday lights, check the box labels to make sure they’ve been certified for outdoor use. Then inspect each strand for cracked sockets and frayed wires, and throw away any light sets that show damage. Plug in lights with an extension cord that’s designed for outdoor use, and don’t connect more than three strands
of lights together. When you leave the house or go to bed at night, turn the lights off. They could short out and start a fire, and you don’t want to be away or asleep if that should happen. And whether you put up outdoor or indoor lights, be careful not to overload power strips, which could cause them to overheat and possibly catch on fire. Other decorations: If you use lit candles, place them far away from anything that might catch fire (including pets), and make sure they’re in holders that are unlikely to be knocked down. (Better yet, use battery-powered candles.) Before you light your fireplace, clear all greenery and needles from the area, and don’t use wrapping paper for kindling—it can cause a fire to get very big, very fast, sending sparks and embers into the air and increasing the chance of a chimney fire.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Trust AAA to steer you right on all your current and future Auto, Home and Life insurance needs. Combining your coverage with one insurance company could make a significant difference in your premium. Call 866.802.8210, or visit AAA.com/insurance for more information or to schedule a comprehensive Insurance review.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
AAA MOTORIST
PAGE 7
AAA Emergency Road Service: Understanding your coverage
T
his is an overview of Emergency Road Service coverage for Basic members. Additional benefits and services are available for those with AAA Plus, AAA Plus RV, or AAA Premier membership. Contact your local office or call the TeleService Center at 412-363-5100 or 1-800-441-5008 for details.
MAKING THE CALL TO OBTAIN SERVICE
In case of an automotive emergency, call the AAA number listed on your AAA membership card. You’ll be connected to our 24-hour ERS dispatch center or the AAA club in the area from which you are calling. You can also use the AAA mobile app or visit AAA.com to place a service request. To help speed our response, be prepared to: 1. Provide your name, your membership number and the club code listed on your membership card. 2. Give the exact location of your vehicle and the nature of the trouble. 3. Describe the year, make and color of vehicle disabled. 4. If possible, provide a telephone or cell phone number where you can be reached. (Helpful hint: Keep your cell phone number in your wallet or attach it to the phone for easy access)
IF YOU CANNOT BE WITH THE VEHICLE
Except for situations involving a highway emergency, the member must initiate the request for service and identify any person who will serve as the member’s designated agent. Depending on the type of service requested, your designated agent may be required to assume the responsibility of signing a release form. Your designated agent also must have possession of your current AAA membership card, the owner’s card and keys and be with the vehicle at the time service is rendered. Service to unattended vehicles is at the sole discretion of the service provider.
CANCEL UNNECESSARY CALLS
If the requested service is no longer needed and the AAA service representative has not yet arrived, please call AAA immediately, as each service call is charged to AAA and against the member’s record.
SERVICE INCLUSIONS
1. Mechanical First Aid. The AAA emergency service representative will make minor mechanical repairs or adjustments to place a vehicle in driving condition. If needed and available, parts and the labor cost to install them are to be paid for by the member. If the vehicle cannot be put into condition to proceed under its own power
within a reasonable length of time, towing service as described in item 5 will be provided. 2. Flat-tire Service. If the vehicle’s spare tire is inflated and serviceable, it will be installed in place of the vehicle’s flat tire. If not, towing provisions will apply. Note: Tire rotation, installation/ removal of tire chains and snow tire changeover are not emergency road services. 3. Battery Service. A battery boost will be provided in an attempt to start the vehicle. If it cannot be started in this manner, towing provisions will apply. Mobile battery testing and replacement service is also available in many areas to get you on the go. 4. Fuel Delivery Service. A limited supply of fuel will be delivered to a member’s disabled vehicle enabling the member to reach the nearest service station. The member will be charged for the fuel at current pump prices. 5. Towing Services. When your vehicle cannot be safely driven after attempting any of the listed emergency services, your vehicle will be towed (once per breakdown) to the facility rendering the service, or up to three miles in any direction from the point of disablement at no charge. Charges for service that exceed the benefits listed will be at the prevailing hourly or mileage rate for the region where service is provided. In instances when your vehicle becomes disabled while towing a light-duty trailer, service will be provided for the trailer. You will be required to pay for trailer towing. 6. Extrication/Winching. Your vehicle will be pulled out of a ditch by being extricated/winched when it can be safely reached from a normally traveled or established thoroughfare (driveways must be cleared of snow or ice). If special equipment, additional service personnel or service vehicles are required, the associated costs will be at your expense. 7. Lockout Service. If your keys are locked inside the vehicle, service will be sent to gain entrance. If your keys are lost, broken or the service provider cannot gain entrance to your vehicle, locksmith service up to $60 or, if a AAA locksmith is not available, reimbursement for locksmith service up to $60 will be provided. In cases where the vehicle cannot be made operable, towing services will be provided according to our towing provision. 8. Service Limitations. Members requiring more than four road service calls during their membership year will be charged for the fifth call and each succeeding call at the time of service. 9. Emergency Check Acceptance. Members’ personal checks are accepted for emergency service and repairs by
affiliated emergency road service stations for the exact amount of expenses up to $250. This program covers only emergency service and repairs to put a member’s vehicle in safe running condition. A valid membership card must be presented in addition to other identification required by the station. 10. Special Assistance. When your vehicle cannot be made operable upon providing the services listed in this summary, AAA will assist you in finding the nearest open place of repair. If a repair facility cannot be located, we will assist you in obtaining lodging or alternate transportation, which will be at your expense.
TYPES OF VEHICLES SERVICED
Service applies to all properly licensed and inspected four-wheeled motor-driven vehicles of the passenger, pleasure or recreational type - provided that services can be safely delivered. If specific towing equipment is requested, but not required to safely transport the vehicle, the associated cost will be at your expense. Dual-wheel campers/motor homes are eligible for all services except towing, extrication/winching and tire service. Dual-wheel unloaded pickup trucks are eligible for all services except tire services. Rented passenger vehicles are eligible for service. Commercial vehicles (excluding taxis and limousines) are eligible for services. Motorcycles are ineligible for all services.
WEATHER EMERGENCIES
During severe weather conditions, AAA reserves the right to limit or suspend service temporarily if the vehicle is already in a place of safety, such as a private or public garage, driveway, etc. AAA will provide service to the vehicle after the weather emergency is over.
ALTERNATE SERVICE
If you have followed the procedure to obtain emergency road service, and AAA service is not available, you may obtain your own service, pay
for it and submit the original receipt to your AAA club within 60 days. Reimbursement will be based on the prevailing commercial rate for the region where the vehicle was disabled. In instances where the AAA contractor access is legally restricted (toll roads, limited-access highways), reimbursement will be provided for all covered services. If AAA service was available but not requested, reimbursement may be limited to the amount the club would have paid normally for the covered service. AAA will make no reimbursements on charges incurred when a member’s vehicle is removed from the street or under direction of the police because of illegal parking or other traffic violations. Members having more than four road service calls during their membership year are not eligible for alternate-service reimbursement.
MEMBER’S RISK
Before servicing any vehicle when there is a possibility of damage to the vehicle or other property as a result of the service, a service representative will inform the member that the member must assume the risk of damage. Any such circumstances should be fully recorded on a release form. While AAA-affiliated service providers are selected to provide the best emergency road service to our members, such providers are independent contractors and are not agents of AAA. AAA assumes no responsibility for any injuries to persons or property, including damage to the member’s vehicle, as a result of an emergency road service request. AAA will make every reasonable effort to work out a settlement between a member and an affiliated service provider of the member’s claim for damages resulting from unsatisfactory emergency road service. Contact the TeleService Center within 10 days of the incident so that a prompt investigation can be made while all facts are available. ©2014
PAGE 8
AAA MOTORIST
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
Germany’s historic cities usher in the holidays Centuries-old Christmas markets wrap up the holidays in style
E
ach year, Christmas markets spring up all over Germany. From late November until Christmas, the markets overflow with the sound of music and the aroma of mulled wine, German sausages, gingerbread and roasting chestnuts. It’s a centuries-old tradition signaling the beginning of Advent. Travelers will find Nativity scenes, fancifully decorated Christmas trees, choirs singing yuletide carols and hymns, and local craftsmen displaying ceramics, candles, wooden toys, pewter and pottery. Most traditional German handicrafts can be found here — from nutcrackers, carved wooden figurines, and straw stars — to cookie tins, glass balls, toys, and tin tree ornaments. Munich’s Christmas market dates back to the 14th century. Located on the Marienplatz, in the center of the city, the market surrounds an enormous Christmas tree — with hundreds of vendors marking the holiday season. Baked apples, roasted almonds, and other Bavarian delicacies are standard fare, as well as Glühwein, the mulled hot spice wine that is a staple at Christmas markets throughout Germany. Smaller themed markets throughout the city include the Manger Market, offering crèche figures for manger scenes. Munich is also home to the Krippenmuseum, one of the country’s
HAPPY HOLIDAYS — The Christmas market in Esslingen includes medieval-style entertainment. most expansive Nativity museums. Esslingen’s Christmas market takes place in the Town Hall Square amid the oldest row of half-timbered houses in Germany. You’ll meet fairy-tale figures on stilts, jugglers, fire-eaters and medieval minstrels. One highlight of the four-week festival is a torchlight procession to Esslingen Castle. Augsburg, a medium-size Bavarian
city west of Munich, is home to a the famous “Angel Play.” The young women who play the angels must be graceful and — most importantly — not be afraid of heights. That’s because once a week all 24 angels are lowered from the top of the city hall, creating a gigantic living Advent calendar symbolizing the days left until Christmas. Augsburg’s Fairytale Street depicts “The
Nutcracker” in 10 intricately decorated shop windows. Nürnberg’s Christmas market is one of the best known outside of Germany, attracting two million visitors annually. Set between the Frauenkirche and the oldest of Nürnberg’s gabled homes, the market is opened each year by the Nürnberg Christkind — a young person chosen to spread the holiday spirit. Nürnberg is known for such culinary delights as “Nürnbergers,” a thin brown sausage, and Lebkuchen, a honey-laced cookie baked here since 1395. Citizens gather honey in the woods surrounding the city, an area known as “Germany’s richest bee garden.” Christmas can be celebrated all year long in Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Bavaria. Rothenburg’s medieval setting is so postcard-perfect visitors occasionally complain it’s too Disney-like. In truth, the walled city has been left largely untouched for hundreds of years. The town boasts some of the most impressive medieval architecture in Europe and is also home to the German Christmas Museum.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please see your AAA travel professional or log on to AAA.com/TravelPlaner for more European vacation ideas from AAA.
Stop-start engines are coming to a car near you AAA finds technology can save fuel and reduce emissions
H
ybrids, with their high price points, may be out of reach for many consumers, but buying a car with fuel-saving features typically found on hybrids is becoming increasingly affordable. One of the most talked about hybridlike features is an automatic stop-start system, which helps to reduce fuel consumption by turning the engine off when the vehicle is not in motion. An advanced battery powers vehicle accessories and systems in place of the engine — saving fuel. The engine restarts instantly when the driver begins to release the brake pedal. Another benefit of stop-start technology is that it’s relatively inexpensive — about $300 on a typical new car. New research from AAA shows that automatic stop-start automotive technology delivers a significant fuel economy benefit. Testing by the Auto Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center found automatic stopstart systems provide a five percent to seven percent improvement in fuel economy compared with tests conducted on the same vehicle with the automatic stop-start system disabled. The tests were conducted on a 2013 Ford Fusion, a 2014 Mercedes Benz CLS550 and a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. “Up to seven percent improved fuel
GENTLEMEN, STOP-START YOUR ENGINES — Ford’s Auto Start-Stop will be available on 70 percent of their vehicles by 2017. economy can mean a $179 annual fuel savings for consumers,” says Greg Brannon, Director of AAA’s Automotive Engineering and Industry Relations team. “The technology requires only minor adjustment for motorists — automatic stop-start technology is simply applied to standard combustion engines.” This technology is especially useful
for drivers who endure long commutes in heavy traffic. A study by the United States Department of the Treasury estimates that congestion consumed an extra 1.9 billion gallons of fuel in 2011, approximately 5 percent of all the gasoline used. Stop-start systems may feel slightly different to motorists until they become accustomed to the automatic stop-start
sensation. In some vehicles, the system operates so seamlessly you may not notice it at all. In others, the lag between starting and stopping is more pronounced. AAA put the three, automatic stopstart vehicles through the Environmental Protection Agency’s “urban” cycle, which simulates a commuting trip covering 11.04 miles at an average speed of 21.2 miles-per-hour. The simulation is part urban driving — including frequent stops — and part highway driving. This test was selected to ensure that the stopstart systems had an opportunity to work as they would on a normal commute. While stop-start technology has been widely available in Europe and Japan, until recently, it’s been pretty much a non-starter in North America. Navigant Research’s 2013 automatic stop-start vehicles assessment projects that only 500,000 new vehicles sold in the United States in 2013, included an automatic stop-start system, but that number could exceed seven million by 2022.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit AAA.com for information on all things automotive including tips on buying, operating and maintaining a vehicle.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
AAA MOTORIST
Member Benefits • Exclusive Offers
AAA Member Exclusive Add-on airfare available for just $299 per person for a limited time!
1-800-354-8761 • AAA.com/travel
LASKA 2015
Member Appreciation Cruises
Value Comparison for a Balcony Stateroom
AAA MEMBER RATE
from $1,760 per person ADDED MEMBER VALUES*
NONMEMBER INTERNET RATE from $1,936* per person
DISCOUNTED ADD-ON AIRFARE with 1-night pre-cruise hotel stay
$299 per person • R/T Pittsburgh-Seattle double occupancy • airport/hotel/pier transfers
SHIPBOARD CREDIT — $50
per stateroom • for beverages, spa, shops, etc
IN-STATEROOM BOTTLE OF WINE 1 per stateroom
NO ADDED VALUES
ONBOARD MARTINI TASTING 2 vouchers per stateroom
COMPACT HIGH-QUALITY BINOCULARS 1 per stateroom • view wildlife & scenery
IN-PERSON PLANNING ASSISTANCE AAA Travel professionals ready to help! *valid for balcony and higher-level staterooms
*based on rate as of 10/14/14 on CelebrityCruises.com
Add-on airfare & a FREE 1-night pre-cruise hotel stay with transfers for $299 per person AAA members who sailed on the 2014 Member Appreciation Cruise loved the extra-special amenities and values offered on that sailing so much that we’ve continued to pile on the “goodies” in 2015. And, for the first time ever, there are now 2 Member Appreciation Cruise departures! Each 7-night Alaska cruise on Celebrity Solstice is potentially loaded with a total of more than $700 in member savings and added values. You can’t get all of these extras anywhere else — only from AAA. These special AAA departures combine the 49th state’s awe-inducing glaciers, mountains and wildlife with the first-class quality of Celebrity’s “floating resort” — and when you add in all of the many member-only values & amenities only available on these sailings, these cruise adventures will be the ones you’ll always remember. One eye-popping feature of these popular cruise vacations is the discounted add-on roundtrip airfare (ColumbusSeattle) that’s available for a limited time for just $299 per person exclusively for AAA members booking balcony staterooms. The true cost of this cross-country airfare is as much as $500 more, but AAA will pay the rest. That savings is certainly more than the cost of your annual AAA membership and great proof that it pays to be a member. And, when you arrange your discounted air with AAA, you’ll also get a FREE 1-night pre-cruise Seattle hotel stay with transfers (a value of as much as $259 per room), assuring that you’ll be rested and on time for your cruise. Settle back into the comfort of your private balcony on Solstice for an endless parade of stunning land- & seascapes passing by your luxurious stateroom. Kick up your slippered feet, sip a soothing cocktail or a steaming cup of java and take in Mother Nature’s handiwork. Keep a keen eye out for glimpses of wildlife, listen for the eerie groaning of melting glaciers, inhale the impossibly fresh salt air and know without a doubt that you’re in a pristine world with the power to erase your everyday stresses and
Inside Passage. It features virtually everything you come to invigorate your senses. Alaska hoping to see, including rain forests, glaciers, fjords Enhancing your newfound tranquillity are a “boatload” and white-capped peaks — all of which create a setting of member-only amenities available with balcony statethat’s perfect for viewing whales and sea lions. rooms — including an in-room bottle of wine and an opWildlife gives way to wild life in the Gold Rush town of portunity to taste a martini. Skagway. Saloons and dance-hall revues enliven this little After a relaxing full day at sea after departing Seattle, port with the big frontier spirit. If prospecting fever hits you’ll catch sight of Ketchikan, the first port of call. Variyou, try the White Pass & Yukon Railway or a ride on the ously called “Salmon Capital of the World,” “Alaska’s First Klondike Highway to places where you can roll up your City” and “Rain Capital of Alaska,” it was named after a sleeves and pan for gold on your own! creek flowing through this ancestral home of the Tlingit After another day at sea, step ashore at Victoria, British people; some say it’s their word for “thundering wings of Columbia’s capital and a charming example of colonial an eagle.” A must-see here is the world’s largest collecsplendor. This English-flavored enclave enjoys a temperate tion of totem poles. You may opt to flightsee by seaplane climate, which makes exploring its museums, gardens and over nearby spectacular Misty Fjords National Monument, parks so enjoyable. called the “Yosemite of the North.” Learn more about these departures at AAA.com/Alaska. Back on ship, you’ll sail amid pure silence past transluHurry — space is limited, and Alaska is very popular! cent blue icebergs silhouetted against a dramatic backdrop of waterfall-laced rock walls ascending thousands of feet into the sky at Tracy Arm Fjord. Where Earl Grey meets Alaska Eddie Bauer® is a way to Aug 21-28 describe the charms of Member Rate Alaska’s capital, Juneau. from $1,940 Here, the pioneering spirit lives on in an interesting Aug 28–Sept 4 mix of cosmopolitan chic Member Rate and frontier ruggedness. from $1,760 Visit the State Museum’s Balcony rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of exquisite collection of booking and includes 7-night cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard Russian Orthodox and Gold meals, government taxes/fees ($441.92), $50 shipboard credit per stateroom, in-cabin Rush relics. bottle of wine and martini tasting vouchers (2 per stateroom). Ship’s registry: Malta. Then enter one of the Ask about discounted add-on airfare and FREE 1-night pre-cruise hotel stay with world’s most famously transfers (available for a limited time). Visit AAA.com/Alaska for more information. beautiful waterways, the
2015 AAA Member Appreciation Cruises Celebrity Solstice
© MF/FOTOLIA.COM
A
PAGE 9
PAGE 10
AAA MOTORIST
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
EXPERIENCE SNOWMOBILING & SNOWCOACHING
Jackson Hole Snowmobile Adventure Package
The only thing that can beat the exhilaration of snowmobiling is snowmobiling through the splendor of America’s mountain West at Jackson Hole WY! Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned snowmobiler, this package is for lovers of adventure and natural beauty. Start in the Gros Ventre Mountain Range — a great opportunity to view wildlife. Follow trails framing Jackson Hole Valley and enjoy incredible views of the Tetons. Along the way, sightings of elk, deer, moose, coyote and bighorn sheep are common. Travel through Grand Teton National Park on your way to a full day of snowcoach touring in Yellowstone National Park. Enjoy all that Jackson Hole has to offer on your own for a day. Then head into the Wyoming Range for unforgettable scenery and exciting rides. Bring a swimsuit, because you’re in for a treat — a full-day snowmobile adventure with Granite Hot Springs as your destination. After an easy 11-mile groomed Forest Service trail, soak in the 106-degree natural hot spring waters and enjoying a poolside BBQ, all the while surrounded by snow-covered mountains. It’s an experience to remember!
Feb 7-13 or Feb 14-20 •
AAA Member Rate: $1,875
Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability and includes roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, 10 meals, entrance fees (national parks/attractions/ activities), 3 days of guided snowmobile touring with instruction, all necessary equipment (helmet, gloves, snowsuit, boots, etc), 1-day guided snowcoach tour of Yellowstone National Park, tips for bellmen & included meals. Minimum age to operate a snowmobile in the National Forest is 14; must be accompanied by a parent. Ask about available add-on airfare. Visit AAA.com/travel for more information.
ULTIMATE ALASKA
Winter Wonderland Tour
Feb 26–March 8 See the “real” Alaska summer visitors never see! An extraordinary chance to witness the Northern Lights, the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race and Alaska’s winter wildlife & wilderness!
AAA Member Rate: $2,955
EXPERIENCE ALL THIS...AND MORE! Fairbanks • Aurora Borealis Viewings • Trans-Alaska Pipeline • Alaska Railroad • Talkeetna • Seward Highway • Wildlife Conservation & Sealife Centers • Alyeska Resort & Tram • Anchorage • Native Heritage Center • Alaska Zoo • Mushers Banquet • Sled Dog Kennel • Iditarod Trail Race HQ Additional Optional Adventures Available!
Enjoy a amid winter’s off-peak solitude!
YELLOWSTONE IN WINTER Begin this unique and awesome off-season adventure in SALT LAKE CITY UT; see Temple Square and witness the awesome power of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (schedule permitting). Travel to WEST YELLOWSTONE MT, gateway to Yellowstone National Park. Ride private vintage snowcoaches (heated!) to see Firehole Falls, Old Faithful and wildlife. Drive through majestic Grand Teton National Park to JACKSON HOLE WY, where you may choose to ride a sleigh through the National Elk Refuge and visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art or, for an additional fee, opt for a Granite Hot Springs snowmobile tour (bring a swimsuit!). Drive through Snake River Canyon and visit Utah Olympic Park before heading home.
Feb 7-12 •
AAA Member Rate: $2,039
Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Columbus–Salt Lake City), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, luggage handling (1 bag per person), accommodations, motorcoach sightseeing & admissions (as indicated), 9 meals, services of a AAA Tour Manager (if minimumparticipation goal is met), taxes, gratuities for guide & driver. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Visit AAA.com/travel for more information.
SOUTHERN CHARM Here’s a unique escorted tour of 3 distinct destinations embodying the South’s fascinating history, genteel culture and coastal comforts. Rub shoulders with generations of Charleston gentry, soak up Savannah’s seductively languid ambiance and luxuriate in the exclusive nature and natural assets of Jekyll Island. Experience true Southern charm and hospitality at historic hotels in Charleston and on Jekyll Island.
DINNER CRUISE ON A YACHT MAGNOLIA PLANTATION STORYTELLER DINNER OLD CITY MARKET CITY TOUR
SAVANNAH GA
CHARLESTON SC
TRAM TOUR OF HISTORIC DISTRICT ST SIMON’S ISLAND TOUR INCLUDING LIGHTHOUSE & FT FREDERICA NATURALIST-LED BEACH STROLL
JEKYLL ISLAND GA
Meet mushers...
Jan 31–Feb 5 & their dogs! Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, hotel luggage handling, sightseeing transportation/admissions, 14 meals, in-Alaska guide, hand warmers and services of a AAA Tour Manager (if minimum-participation goal is met). Visit AAA.com/GoAlaska for more information. Ask about available add-on airfare.
TOUR OF HISTORIC SAVANNAH GEORGIA SEA TURTLE CENTER RIVER STREET SHOPPING LUNCH AT PAULA DEEN’S “LADY & SONS”
AAA Member Rate: $1,999
Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Columbus-Charlotte NC), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, motorcoach transportation, guided sightseeing, 9 meals, local guides, services of a AAA Tour Manager (if minimum-participation goal is met) and more. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Visit AAA.com/travel for more information.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
AAA MOTORIST
PAGE 11
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
LIGHT UP THE HOLIDAYS
Irish Pubs
&Folklore
FOR THE
TRAVELERS
ESCORTED TOUR OPERATED BY CIE TOURS INTERNATIONAL
IN YOUR LIFE
Sláinte!
New reduced rate!
Cheers!
Feel like a local at friendly pubs full of the craic — Ireland’s unique mix of news, gossip, fun, entertainment and enjoyable conversation! Tour Dublin: St Stephen’s Green, Georgian squares, O’Connell Street, Famine Memorial & more. Quaff a pint at the Guinness Storehouse • Meet the owners of a working beef/ sheep/horse farm. • Tour medieval Kilkenny, then explore it on your own. • Visit the House of Waterford; watch craftsmen transform molten glass into elegant tableware. • Kiss the “Stone of Eloquence” at Blarney Castle. • Browse at Blarney Woolen Mills...or visit a pub instead! • Circumnavigate scenic Dingle Peninsula and sample a local brew at Dingle Brewing Company. • Sit down to dinner & traditional entertainment (including step-dancing) in Killarney. • Ferry across the Shannon to view the Cliffs of Moher. • Stop in Galway on the way to Connemara. • Overnight in attractive Westport. • Cross over to Achill Island and see the Deserted Village (stone cottages abandoned around the time of the Famine). • Tour Kilbeggan Distillery and enjoy an Irish coffee. • Enjoy storytelling at Dublin’s oldest pub. • Spend a day on your own in Dublin, using included vouchers for an open-top bus tour and a visit to Old Jameson Distillery.
Help make their travel dreams come true this year! AAA Travel Gift Certificates (in amounts of $200 or greater) are available at all AAA Travel locations.
May 12-21 • Certificates are redeemable at any AAA East Central Travel Agency toward the purchase of airline tickets, tour packages or escorted tour reservations. Certificates expire 60 months (5 years) from date of issue. © GVS - FOTOLIA.COM
AAA.com
AAA Member Rate: $1,899 $1,809
Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, motorcoach sightseeing, itinerary attraction admissions, local taxes, hotel service charges & baggage handling (1 bag per person), walking-tour audio headsets, 15 meals (including Kate Kearney’s Cottage Irish Night, “Food, Folk & Fairies” dinner show at Brazen Head Pub and 3 table d’hote dinners) and in-Ireland professional guide & driver. Ask about available add-on airfare.
UNIQUE OFFER — A DOUBLE DELIGHT FROM TRIPLE-A!
New Orleans 3 DAYS, 2 NIGHTS
Linking you & your next vacation! FLIGHTS RENTAL CARS HOTELS Research & book travel arrangements from the comfort of your home – 24/7. TRAVEL WITH SOMEONE YOU TRUST.®
Hotel in the French Quarter City tour, including Katrina-impacted sites Louisiana swampboat tour Mardi Gras World Demonstration & dinner at the New Orleans School of Cooking Jazz show at Preservation Hall
plus Western Caribbean 8-DAY, 7-NIGHT CRUISE
Serenade of the Seas® $50.00 per stateroom onboard credit Western Caribbean ports: Falmouth, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; Cozumel, Mexico; 3 full days at sea
March 12-21 • A AA Member Rate: from $1,530 Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip airport/hotel/pier transfers, hotel accommodations/taxes/service charges/baggage handling (1 piece per person), 4 meals (on land), cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals, onboard group cocktail party (if participation goal is met), government fees and services of a AAA tour manager (if participation goal is met). Ship’s registry: Bahamas. Ask about available add-on airfare. Visit AAA.com/travel for more details.
PAGE 12
AAA MOTORIST
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
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 EVENING/WEEKEND EXPRESS RESERVATIONS CENTER
1-800-354-8761
AAA Featured Vacations are specific cruise, motorcoach or air tour vacations created or selected by AAA Travel for their value, amenities and/or inclusions.
____________________________________________________________
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.
Look for the AAA Featured Vacations logo to identify out-of-the-ordinary offerings.
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 BRANSON HOLIDAY
Dec 1-6 •
AAA Member Rate: $989
Overnight in St Louis. Enjoy the Osmond Brothers and Lennon Sisters during a Christmas show at Andy © ORHAN ÇAMdynamic / FOTOLIA.COM Williams Moon River Theatre. The Down Home Country Morning Show features country classics, comedy, bluegrass, gospel and more. Enjoy Mickey Gilley, a high-profile country music entertainer who performs regularly in Branson. See Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express, a highenergy variety show. The Brett Family Morning Show delivers high-caliber professional entertainment to audiences of all ages. Enjoy the hilarious Yakov Smirnoff Dinner Show with comedy that could only come from a Ukrainian-born American comedian, painter and teacher. At the Shoji Tabuchi Evening Show, this accomplished violinist and his family offer amazing instrumental and vocal music. Overnight in Illinois. 8 meals.
CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL: WASHINGTON DC April 9-12 •
AAA Member Rate: $739
Overnight in Chantilly VA. This patriotic springtime tour begins at Arlington National Cemetery, where you’ll get to see the very moving Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns and the final resting places of President John F Kennedy, his wife Jacqueline and other notables. See the nearby Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima statue). Then visit the Capitol Visitor Center and its on-site cafeteria and take a tour of the US Capitol. Next, visit the Library of Congress and tour the Supreme Court building (exterior tour). Take the Pink Blossom Tidal Basin Stroll, enjoying photo opportunities among the cherry trees. Visit the FDR, Jefferson and Martin Luther King Jr memorials. After dinner, 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, the festival’s largest public event; it combines some of the best entertainment into one spectacular show. Afterward, head to the National Mall to explore your choice of the Smithsonian Institution’s many museums. Meet your guide for a White House photo opportunity. Stop at each of the national memorials dedicated to World War II, the Vietnam War, President Abraham Lincoln and the Korean War. Depart for home with lots of patriotic memories of our nation’s capital. 6 meals.
CHARLESTON SC & SAVANNAH GA May 1-5 •
AAA Member Rate: $899
Overnight in Columbia SC. In Savannah GA, tour the Lowcountry by winding through the Victorian District, Ardsley Park and a charming fishing village. Enjoy a Bull River Eco-Adventure Cruise through salt marshes to the barrier islands. Watch dolphins at play and egrets stalking along oyster beds. See Ft Pulaski, Ft Screven and Tybee Lighthouse. Enjoy a great photo opp on the beach at Tybee Island. Tour through Savannah's 2.2-square-mile National Historic District and delight in the city’s charm, beauty and Southern hospitality. In Charleston SC, tour Charleston Tea Plantation, America’s only tea garden. Learn how tea is made during the factory tour, ride a trolley through tea fields and help yourself to all the iced American Classic Tea you want. Tour Charleston’s historic district, steeped in history, heritage and culture. See the original plan of the Walled City. Hear about
the city’s firsts — the first chamber of commerce, museum, pharmacy and municipal college. At the Military College of SC (The Citadel), visit the Cadets’ Chapel. Continue to the Battery, one of Charleston’s most historic sites. View White Point Garden, part of the Old Walled City, Ft Sumter, Rainbow Row and many beautiful houses. Finish the day with dinner and entertainment. Travel home with fond memories of these beautiful, historic, charming Southern towns. 7 meals.
”SISTER ACT“ AT THE PALACE THEATRE: COLUMBUS OH May 2 •
AAA Member Rate: $130
Enjoy reserved seats at the beautiful Palace Theatre. Produced by Whoopi Goldberg, “Sister Act” tells the story of a wanna-be diva who witnesses a crime and is then hidden by the cops in the last place anyone would think to look — a convent! She helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own. On the way home after the show, enjoy dinner on your own at a Cracker Barrel restaurant.
NASHVILLE & MEMPHIS TN
with Graceland & Antique Archeology (from TV's "American Pickers" show) July 21-25 • AAA Member Rate: $699 Take a guided tour of Nashville, America’s “Country Music Capital.” Visit the Johnny Cash Museum whose letters, photos, awards and costumes reveal the man who became one of America’s greatest entertainers. Enjoy a stop at Antique Archaeology in the old Marathon Automobile factory; this shop is full of antiques “picked” by Mike Wolfe, one of the stars of "American Pickers," the History Channel reality show. See your favorite Antique Archaeology clothing gear plus some “picks” you may have seen on the show. And, you never know who might drop in. Enjoy dinner and a show at Nashville Nightlife Theatre. Then travel to Memphis for a day trip to Elvis Presley’s Graceland; throughout his career, this was always his home base and a constant in his life. Elvis purchased the home and grounds for just over $100,000 in 1957, at age 22. Only 10% of the items in the Graceland Archives are on display, but the collection consists of more than 50,000 photographs, 3,000 textiles, thousands of documents and a large collection of furniture, musical instruments, awards, automobiles and other artifacts! Enjoy free time on legendary Beale Street — not only a significant location in the city’s history but also an essential part of the birth of the “blues” music style. Dine at Casey Jones Village on the way to Nashville, where you’ll enjoy a free day to explore the downtown area; 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! Travel home with “a little Country and a little Rock ’n’ Roll” included in your memories of Tennessee. 6 meals.
ADDITIONAL DEPARTURES June 10-27 ........... Southwest National Parks ........................... AAA Member Rate: $3,399 June 17-20 ........... Niagara Falls & Niagara-on-the-Lake............. AAA Member Rate: $689 July 14-16............. Mystery Tour.................................................... AAA Member Rate: $629 Oct 3-11 ............... Autumn in New England ............................. AAA Member Rate: $1,799
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
AAA MOTORIST
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
Discover Spain’s Classics
PAGE 13
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
& Portugal!
TOLEDO
MAGNÍFICO! Even if you know no other Spanish or Portuguese, this single word sums up all of the sights, culture, foods and experiences you’ll encounter & enjoy on AAA’s 12-night “Spain’s Classics & Portugal” tour. Lisbon • Fátima • Obidos Sintra • Estoril • Madrid Toledo • Córdoba Seville • Granada Valencia • Barcelona
April 15-28 •
LISBON’S TOWER OF BELÉM
AAA MEMBERS SAVE MUCHO! Premier....$625 Plus .........$575 Basic .......$525 Book & deposit by 11/23/14 PER ROOM, DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
AAA Member Rate: $4,719
Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Columbus-Lisbon, Barcelona-Columbus), accommodations, motorcoach sightseeing/admissions, 21 meals, tour director (in Portugal & Spain), government taxes/fees. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Visit AAA.com/travel for more information.
This 11-night vacation has everything you’ve always wanted in a trip to Italy. Enjoy multiple-night stays in Rome, Florence, Venice, the Amalfi Coast and Stresa in the Lakes District. Discover the treasures of Classical and Christian Rome. Walk in the footsteps of the ancient Romans in Pompeii. See the gems of the Renaissance in Florence’s Academy Gallery, including Michelangelo’s “David.” Visit Locarno, Switzerland, and cruise to Isola dei Pescatori, one of the scenic Borromean Islands. A guided walking tour of Venice illustrates how this city gained its wealth and power. Enjoy the magic of the Italian Lakes District in the captivating resort of Stresa. Stop at a winery & farm in the heart of Tuscany to sample local wines and specialities for an included lunch. Sail to enchanting Capri and explore this island paradise. Special inclusions: “Rome by Night” tour...Vatican museums & St Peter’s... a family-style Tuscan feast...and a serenaded gondola cruise in Venice! Experience Whisper headsets, designed for better communication between you and your guides throughout your tour. Enjoy regional wines with every dinner.
Book now; this is always a very popular tour! Oct 19-31 •
AAA Member Rate: $5,779
Before-discount 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.
MAMA MIA! AAA Member Savings through 11-30-14 Premier ........................$650 Plus ..................................$600 Basic ...............................$550 SAVINGS PER ROOM. NEW BOOKINGS ONLY (NOV 1-30, 2014).
PAGE 14
AAA MOTORIST
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
Explore Down Under...from the Outback to the Glaciers!
AUSTRALIA Oct 15–Nov 4, 2015 •
&
AAA Member Rate: from $10,524
Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes flights (Columbus-Cairns, Sydney-Columbus plus flights in Australia & New Zealand), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, hotel luggage handling (1 bag per person), taxes/gratuities/government fees for included features, 31 meals, professional guide in Australia & New Zealand and the services of a AAA Tour Manager (if minimum-participation goal is met). AAA Member Choice Vacations® door-to-door transfer service is unavailable on this departure. Visit AAA.com/GoAustralia for complete itinerary and important pre-travel information. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.
AAA MEMBER SAVINGS
Book & make a deposit by 11-30-14 to save! Premier ..................... $1,000 AAA Plus ...................... $950 Basic ............................. $900
Savings per room, based on double occupancy. To qualify, you must purchase air through AAA.
NEW ZEALAND Cairns, catamaran ride Great Barrier Reef Glass-bottom boat ride Daintree Rainforest/ Mossman Gorge, meet Aboriginals Uluru/Ayers Rock, Champagne toast Alice Springs, Aboriginal drummers Dreamtime tour, bush dinner
Melbourne, Opal Centre Phillip Island Little Penguin colony Christchurch Tranz-Alpine Express train ride Franz Joseph Glacier Queenstown, gondola to dinner Milford Sound cruise “Middle Earth” touring
Steamship cruise, farm life tour Winery tour & tasting Overnight in Mt Cook National Park Herding/shearing demo Dine with a NZ Family Sydney & Opera House Koala Park & Opal Collection Sydney Harbour dinner cruise
Unique add-on options — including a camel ride, a jet boat ride and a night out in Sydney — are also available. Talk to your AAA Travel Agent for rates and availability. ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF CINDY STAYCHEFF
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
AAA MOTORIST
PAGE 15
PAGE 16
AAA MOTORIST
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
The dress casual version of Palm Beach Set your watch to island time on the Lee Island Coast “How wonderful are islands!” wrote Anne Morrow Lindbergh in Gifts from the Sea, a slim volume of essays that became an improbable 1950s bestseller. “The past and future are cut off. Only the present remains.” Lindbergh sought solace in the Sanibel-Captiva archipelago, using the fragile shells she collected as a metaphor for human relationships. Sanibel and Captiva form part of a necklace of barrier islands that stretches along Florida’s Lee Island Coast. Located between Naples and Sarasota, it was named after Robert E. Lee, despite the fact that the Confederate general never visited the area. They’re connected to the mainland by a lift bridge and causeway, and to each other by a blink-and-you’llmiss-it bridge at Blind Pass. The “out island” atmosphere persists despite a mere three miles separating Sanibel and Captiva from Fort Meyers. Brown pelicans dive for their daily diet of fish and dolphins delight in the spectacular sunsets. More than 40 percent of the islands’ land mass has been preserved as wildlife sanctuaries like the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Near sunset, flocks of roseate spoonbills darken the sky over Wildlife Drive. During the winter, millions of deep-water shells are carried onto the beaches by offshore winds and strong
ISLAND STYLE — More than 100 barrier islands dot the Lee Island Coast. (Image credit: The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, FortMyersSanibel.com) underwater currents. Shellers are usually out in force before dawn, scouring the beaches for sand dollars, alphabet tulips and the rare junonia. According to legend, the name “Captiva” is derived from the women held captive during the days of Jose Gaspar, a pirate who plundered the Gulf waters during the 1700s. A white ribbon of beach stretches five miles to
Redfish Pass at the island’s northern tip. Nearby Cabbage Key is one of a chain of barrier islands that shelter Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound. In the 1930s, mystery writer Mary Roberts Rinehart helped her son build a property at Milemarker 60 on the Intra-coastal Waterway that is now the Cabbage Key Inn & Restaurant. The views across
sound are memorable and the burgers so tasty they inspired Jimmy Buffett to compose “Cheeseburger in Paradise.” Patrons have plastered the walls with thousands of autographed dollar bills a custom which has generated at least $70,000 worth of George Washington wallpaper. The tradition began when a thirsty fisherman taped a bill to the wall, insuring a cold drink the next time he stopped by. John F. Kennedy and Ernest Hemingway are among those who have left their mark, and so can you, if you can find the space. Cayo Costa State Park lies just off of North Captiva Island, and is accessible by private boat or one of the passenger ferries. Beachcombers will find nine miles of soft, white sandy beaches, pine forests, oak-palm hammocks, and mangrove swamps. The island is home to four species of sea turtles and West Indian Manatees, which can be seen swimming in the canals. Bottlenose dolphins are often spotted wave surfing and frolicking offshore. Each one has its own personal whistle as distinct and recognizable as any human voice.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please see this issue’s Departures Guide or log on to AAA.com/TravelPlanner for special values on sunbelt vacations.
CHILLY MOUNTAIN LANDSCAPES WARM FUZZY GLOVES HIGH-ALTITUDE THRILLS
go EXPLORE
Visa TravelMoney® Card AAA.com/travelmoney or call 1-866-674-9622.
Accepted at merchants and ATMs where Visa debit cards are accepted, you will feel comfortable knowing the card is not linked to any of your accounts and can be replaced in as little as 24 hours. Cards issued by MetaBank™, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Terms and conditions apply.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
AAA MOTORIST
PAGE 17
Turn a love of travel into a rewarding career Openings available for AAA travel agents
D
o you love learning about different places, and sharing that knowledge with others? Do friends and family often refer to you as “the planner” for your talent of organizing the perfect trips, down to the last detail? Do you have a background in customer service, hospitality or sales? If you answered “yes” to the above questions, a career as a AAA travel agent may be the perfect fit. AAA East Central will be hiring travel agents throughout its five-state territory — including regions of Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia — over the next several months. Ideal applicants have either travel industry experience or a strong customer service or sales background. Travel agents come from a wide range of college majors, including liberal arts, business and hospitality majors. Well traveled candidates are also encouraged to apply. AAA travel agents help members and clients navigate through today’s ever changing travel landscape. “The main responsibilities of AAA travel agents are to promote, sell and arrange travel services for our members,” said Ruth Nagy, AAA East Central Managing Director, Travel Services. “Here at AAA, we provide our travel
highly-respected organization that has provided more than a century of service to its members. “The best benefit of being an AAA Travel agent for me is coming into work knowing I am going to make someone’s day by reserving them the vacation package of a lifetime,” said Andrea Wagner, Senior Travel Agent in the East Liberty AAA office in Pittsburgh, Pa. “AAA also gives travel agents the opportunity to see the world, so we can tell clients about these amazing places we’ve have been and help make a better decision on what’s best for them.” If you are interested in joining AAA East Central as a travel agent, please visit AAA.com/okcJobs or email careers@aaaec.com.
AN IMPORTANT JOB — Members rely on AAA travel agents’ expertise to create the perfect vacation. agents with the necessary training and tools to become successful.” Technology has changed the travel industry significantly, easing access to products and services for everyone. A variety of factors can determine what destination or package is the perfect match for a particular traveler — including interests, activity level, schedule, budget and age. The best travel agents
Take two for tire safety
T
ires influence the braking, steering, comfort, handling, fuel efficiency and overall safety of every vehicle, but are often ignored or misunderstood by many consumers. Worn tires can send a car into dangerous skids and spins on wet and icy winter roads. Checking tire pressure and tread depth monthly can help motorists keep tires in optimal condition. “The two most important tire safety checks — a pressure reading and tread depth measurement — are very simple to do,” according to Greg Brannon, AAA’s director of Automotive Engineering. “If motorists spend about two minutes on each tire, they will keep their tires at peak performance.” Monthly tire checks take two steps: • Measure tread depth with a quarter rather than a penny. When the top of Washington’s head is exposed, the tread depth is 4/32” or less and it’s time to start shopping for new tires. Look for signs of uneven wear or damage such as cuts, cracks, splits, punctures and bulges • Use a quality gauge to check tire pressure. For proper results, make sure tires are cold, meaning they have been driven lees than a mile. Look for the recommended air pressure in the vehicle’s owner’s manual, the tire information decal located inside the driver’s
side door, or in the glove compartment. The number molded into the tire sidewall is not recommended for normal operating condition. This specification is for a tire that is carrying its maximum rated payload. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at the U.S. Department of Transportation, one of every four (27 percent) passenger cars on U.S. roadways has one or more under-inflated tires. Tires that are under-inflated by just four to 12 psi (pounds per square inch) can reduce gas mileage by five percent or more, and tire life by as much as 40 percent. “Worn tires should be replaced immediately because they significantly impact safety,” says Brannon. “Testing has shown that tires with only half of their tread depth can take up six feet longer to stop from 40 miles-per-hour on a wet surface, even with the antilock braking system engaged.” Drivers in areas that receive snow more than three months should consider installing winter tires. Snow tires are made of softer components and have a unique tread design that provide better traction and road-gripping abilities. Winter tires should always be installed on all four wheels, whether your vehicle has front-wheel drive, rear-wheel-drive, or all-wheel drive.
are those who can filter the seemingly endless array of travel offerings out there and pinpoint to right fit for each person and circumstance. “As a travel agent, there’s always an opportunity to learn more, whether it’s about a new product or an unfamiliar destination,” said Nagy. “You’ll never have the same day twice.” Best of all, you’ll be part of a stable,
DID YOU KNOW?
AAA East Central full-time employees qualify for a comprehensive benefit package. Benefits include: Medical, Dental, Prescription, Vision, Short & Long-Term Disability coverage; Life & AD&D Insurance; a 401(k) with a generous company match; Paid Time Off (including Holidays, Vacation, Personal & Sick days); free AAA Plus Membership; tuition reimbursement and more.
PAGE 18
AAA MOTORIST
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
Uniworld showcases new ships and new destinations River cruise line has some exciting additions for 2015
T
ravelers are discovering that a river cruise is an extraordinary way to experience the Continent. Europe’s historic rivers drift past pastoral valleys, medieval villages and mighty castles, with the stately grace of a Viennese waltz. They flow into the heart of elegant Baroque cities that grew around a millennium of river trade. River cruising also means no packing or unpacking, no sea days and no lines to get on or off the ship. Distance between ports is typically short and the ships usually dock in the middle of town, so the charming squares, and bustling marketplaces are typically just a brief stroll away. New destinations, a new ship, and new itineraries are all part of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises’ 2015 portfolio. The 155-guest S.S. Maria Theresa launches next spring, filled with fine art and Old World antiques. Named after the Archduchess of Austria and mother of Marie Antoinette, S.S. Maria Theresa will sail this very same region on the European Jewels itinerary. Onboard amenities include a heated swimming pool, well-equipped fitness center, Serenity River Spa, guest laundry, free Internet and Wi-Fi access, and a cinema. Staterooms and suites feature handcrafted Savoir of England beds, and LCD TVs with infotainment center. Marble baths are stocked with
ONE ROOM, A THOUSAND VIEWS — Uniworld travels through history on Europe’s original highways. L’Occitane en Provence products, plush towels, cozy bathrobes, and slippers. Travel through time along the great rivers, uncovering the crown jewels of European history, culture, scenery, and art. Uniworld has crafted 33 allinclusive European itineraries with six new programs for 2015, and 45 more
Young vehicle renters will save with AAA and Hertz
J
ust in time for holiday break, Hertz is waiving the Young Renter fee for 23 and 24 year olds. That’s a savings of up to $30 a day (depending on car class). Just include promotion code 204083 in your reservation and pick up your vehicle on or before December 15, 2014. It’s that easy. Hertz always offers young renters great savings on one of the most fuel-efficient fleets in the industry. The Hertz Green Traveler Collection offers eco-friendly hybrid rentals that are easy on the environment and the wallet. All Green Traveler cars have fuel efficiency ratings starting at 33+ highway mpg, reducing fuel costs and emissions. And with the option of Hertz 24/7, you have the ability to rent when YOU need it — by the hour, the day or more — right in your neighborhood. Need an SUV or van for your next ski weekend getaway? Hertz has you covered. With discounts on Hertz NeverLost GPS and SiriusXM Satellite Radio, not only will you get there, but you’ll also enjoy the ride. There are three simple ways to book
your reservation today: Visit AAA. com/hertz, call 1-800-653-3080, or contact your local AAA Travel agency. The Young Renter Fee may appear on your reservation confirmation, but will be deducted at time of rental. Offer is valid on all car classes (excludes Adrenaline, Prestige Collection or other exotic cars). Offer is available at participating locations in the U.S. and Canada (excluding New York metro). Valid for vehicle pickup through 12/15/14. For full details and restrictions, visit AAA.com/hertz.
departures on their popular Rhine and Danube cruises. New itineraries include an eight-day Holland & Belgium at Tulip Time; a 10-day Delightful Danube & Prague; 13-day Jewels of Spain, Portugal & the Douro River; and 22-day Ultimate France. European itineraries will also delve deeper into
local customs and culture with more authentic experiences like the “Choice is Yours” and “Do as the Locals” tours. Ramble along thousand-year-old cobblestones in Passau, cycle along the Inn River, or stroll across the 650-yearold Charles Bridge in Prague. A magical city of castles, cathedrals and goldpleated domes, Prague’s timeless silhouette is mirrored in the Vltava River. The striking mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings are among the best preserved in all of Europe. Most Danube cruises navigate the narrow Strudengau into the Wachau Valley, through the gently sloping vineyards of Austria’s wine-growing region. Then it’s on to the enchanted city of Vienna, and Budapest, known as the “Paris of Eastern Europe.” River cruising with Uniworld is a truly all-inclusive experience, including shore excursions and world-class gourmet cuisine. Services and amenities on all European cruises include unlimited fine wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, and bottled water, and all gratuities for all onboard and onshore services. FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please see this issue’s Departures Guide or log on to AAA.com/cruises for special values on cruise vacations.
Take the pledge — Drive drug and alcohol free
T
he holiday season is a time for family, friends, and festive celebrations. Unfortunately, it’s also a time when there’s a tragic jump in the number of alcoholrelated fatalities. About 40 percent of all traffic fatalities between Christmas and New Year’s involve alcohol. New Year’s Day is one of the deadliest days of the year for alcohol-related fatalities for motorists and pedestrians alike. The real tragedy is that drunk driving deaths, injuries and crashes are totally preventable if people make responsible choices. If you’re planning to drink this holiday season, make sure you bring a designated driver. Trying to stay within the legal limit can be tricky, since blood alcohol content not only depends on how much and how fast you drink, but on factors such as how much food is in your stomach, and how quickly your metabolism works. The average person metabolizes alcohol at the rate of about one drink per hour. Don’t forget that prescription, overthe-counter medications and illegal drugs also can impair a person’s ability to drive. If you feel like you’ve had too much to drink, call a friend or a cab — don’t drive. Never allow yourself or your loved ones to ride in a vehicle driven by someone who is intoxicated. Only time will sober a person up. Drinking
strong coffee, exercising or taking a cold shower will not help. If you’re planning a party try to include activities that shift the focus away from drinking. Offer alternative, alcohol-free beverages, and be certain all guests leave with a sober driver. Take their keys if you think they’re about to drive while impaired. Friends don’t let friends drive drunk. AAA works year-round, educating motorists about the hazards and driving practices that will help keep them safe and reduce alcohol-related crashes. DUIjusticelink.AAA.com is an online resource offering impaired driving facts, transportation alternatives and expert advice. While you’re there, AAA encourages visitors to Take the Pledge to drive drug and alcohol-free. Simply provide your name, email and zip code, and then “sign” the pledge by checking the box. Then, help spread the word to family and friends via social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. Send personalized E-cards to encourage others to do the same with timely messages that could one day, help save their lives. DUIjusticelink.AAA.com is not only a gateway for people to publicly commit to the fight against impaired driving, but a valuable resource for prevention tips and up-to-date statistics, to help people become more effective advocates and drive more responsibly.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
AAA MOTORIST
PAGE 19
PAGE 20
AAA MOTORIST
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
Inspiring Iceland continued from page 1 double cascade of mighty Gullfoss (Golden Waterfalls), whose mist clouds give rise to dozens of rainbows on sunny days...and the countless splendors of Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. That continental “meeting” helps fuel Iceland’s underground “furnace”; the resulting geothermal activity surfaces in several ways. For a better understanding of this, you’ll visit Reykjavik’s Volcano House to discover how important volcanism is to Iceland and to learn about its last 2 eruptions. The other less disastrous eruptions we call geysers owe their name, the only Icelandic word in the English language, to Great Geysir in southwest Iceland; though somewhat shy in recent decades, it lives up to its name when it does perform, spewing steam 200 feet skyward. More reliable is nearby Strokkur (“churn”), spouting a jet up to 100 feet nearly every 5 minutes. Reliably more gentle, Iceland’s pintsize and remarkably sure-footed horses were once the country’s primary form of transport. Dating back to when the Vikings colonized the island, they were bred to cross glaciers and lava deserts and are fabled for their endurance and smooth gait, traveling up to 20mph over rough ground. Their hardy descendants can carry 250-pound riders up 60-degree slopes with the agility of a mountain goat!
Reykjavik, the self-proclaimed “Capital of Cool” with a population of about 180,000, is a happy and intriguing mix of cosmopolitan culture and local village. Named “Steamy Bay” after the geothermal steam which heats local homes & pools, its colorful houses stand in stark contrast to the towering gray Hallgrimskirkja, an imposing church sprouting geyserlike from the town’s center. The city’s more than 170 restaurants comprise an Epicurean world tour, including sushi, tapas, Indian, French, Mexican, Italian, Thai and American. Native traditional cuisine evolved from the country’s seafaring traditions; a pungent national delicacy, hákarl is preserved—some say “putrified”—shark meat. (Dare to try it on a visit to a family-run operation that processes Greenland sharks.) Less “exotic” traditional dishes include gravlax (salmon in salt & dill) and hangikjöt (smoked lamb). On his Reykjavik visit, President Bill Clinton famously preferred the pylsur (Icelandic-style hot dogs loaded with unique toppings) from a little shack that’s become an attraction all its own! The beauty of Iceland is that you can find your very own “happy place” while you’re there...and then remember it when you need a pick-me-up! To book this AAA Member Choice Vacation,® log on to AAA.com/Iceland, call 1-800-354-8761 or visit a AAA Travel office. You’ll be happy you did!
INSPIRING ICELAND
July 19-27 •
AAA Member Rate: $5,274
Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Columbus-Reykjavik), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, 7-night hotel accommodations, 11 meals, in-Iceland guide, luggage handling (1 bag per person) and more. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; consult your travel agent for details. Visit AAA.com/Iceland for more information.
Vacationers find value in working with a travel agent Survey shows Americans appreciate the personal level of service travel agents offer
A
ccording to a recent survey by AAA, a majority of Americans see value in using a travel agent. Eighty-five percent of Americans find travel agents provide cost-effective, trouble-free, personalized vacation planning. The most frequent benefits travelers cited when using the services of an agent were: Travel agents are a knowledgeable resource: Planning a vacation that is fun for all can be a daunting. An experienced and knowledgeable travel agent can provide recommendations to clients based on their interests and expectations, whether that’s a family-friendly vacation, a stay at an all-inclusive resort, a memorable honeymoon, or a firsttime cruise. Travelers who work with the same agent repeatedly also enjoy a familiarity that makes it even easier to select a destination or cruise to match their travel tastes. Travel agents know the best deals: Travel agents work with cruise lines, hotels and tour operators every day and often have access to special rates and added benefits that are not available elsewhere. They can provide clients information on values and savings during certain times of the year—for exam-
ple when a cruise line is offering extra incentives to sail to a destination, special offers for residents or military personnel, or special promotions for kids to travel, eat or stay free. Travel agents save travelers time: Selecting the right destination, hotel, cruise line or theme park is a time-consuming task. A qualified travel agent can take care of all the arrangements and stay on top of every detail, saving travelers time to focus on other priorities. Travel agents can help if something goes wrong: Perhaps one of the greatest values in working with a travel agent is the peace of mind they offer when something goes wrong on a vacation. If flights are suddenly cancelled, a hotel doesn’t meet travelers’ standards, or a hurricane hits a key tourist destination, travelers who booked their trip through a travel agent can make a call to their agent, who can make alternate arrangements immediately. FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact a local AAA travel agent today to help you plan your next getaway. See page 2 for branch locations, or visit AAA. com/branch to find the nearest AAA East Central office.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
AAA MOTORIST
PAGE 21
Diagon Alley brings new Harry Potter adventures to life Universal Orlando’s newest attraction will have you under its spell
D
iagon Alley has expanded The Wizarding World of Harry Potter across both Universal Orlando theme parks. This revolutionary, multi-sensory melding of live-action, advanced robotics and innovative filmmaking, opened this summer at Universal Studios Florida, and has become the most talked about theme park attraction on the planet. Guests travel between London and Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, aboard an actual Hogwarts Express — just like in the books and films. Visitors will marvel at the 60-foot, firebreathing Ukrainian Ironbelly Dragon perched high atop Gringotts Wizarding Bank. They’ll pass through the marble halls where goblins are seen hard at work, and race through a labyrinth of underground vaults. Here, you’ll encounter the villainous Bellatrix Lestrange, as she attempts to send you to your doom. Diagon Alley also features a magical menu of entertainment and interactive experiences. Wander up the cobbled lane into Carkitt Market, and enjoy a live performance by one of the wizarding world’s most popular singing sensations. Perhaps you’d like to see stories from The Tales of Beedle the Bard — a 15th-century author of wizarding fairytales — come to life right before your eyes. The show features an itinerant troupe of thespians from the Wizarding Academy of Dramatic Arts, who perform a dramatic retelling two of the Bard’s
currency for Wizarding Bank Notes. These can be used within Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, as well as the rest of Universal’s two theme parks, to purchase snacks and items from the shops. Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 BC, is one of the wizarding world’s premier wand shops. Visitors will step into the small, dusty shop and experience “a wand choosing a wizard” firsthand, reminiscent of one of the most iconic scenes from the Harry Potter books and films.
AAA MEMBER SAVINGS
LONDON TOWN — Diagon Alley offers entertainment for the entire family. best-loved tales. In “The Fountain of Fair Fortune” three witches and a knight attempt to reach the fountain in an enchanted garden. “The Tale of the Three Brothers” — featured in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” — recounts the fable of three wizard brothers who come face to face with Death. The Singing Sorceress features the wizarding world’s musical sensation Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees. The swinging show features songs with titles penned by J.K. Rowling, including “You
Stole My Cauldron But You Can’t Have My Heart” and “You Charmed the Heart Right Out Of Me”. The three-story Knight Bus was made famous in “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.” Guests will be able to chat with the conductor of the iconic purple bus and witness his rapport with the shrunken head hanging from the rearview mirror. Gringotts Money Exchange is the place where guests can meet a Gringotts bank goblin and exchange their Muggle
AAA members receive additional savings at Universal Orlando when they pre-purchase tickets or vacation packages through AAA: • 10% off at participating food/beverage locations in the parks; • 10% off merchandise with $50 minimum purchase at participating locations; • 15% off merchandise with $75 minimum purchase at participating locations; • 10% off at participating Universal CityWalk® locations; • One free CityWalk Party Pass, with the Purchase of 1 CityWalk Party Pass; • 10% off at the Palm Restaurant, located at the Hard Rock Hotel; • 15% off at the Mandara Spa, located at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel; • 10% off the purchase of Blue Man Group show Tier 1 and Tier 2 tickets at the Blue Man Group Box Office.
Teens: Make responsible driving your New Year’s resolution
AAA East Central supports ignition interlock legislation in Ohio
Get off to a safe start in 2015 with Auto Club Driving Schools
AA East Central is supporting Ohio House Bill 469, sponsored by Representative Terry Johnson (Dist. 90) and Representative Gary Scherer (Dist. 92). The lifesaving ignition interlock legislation known as Annie’s Law, is named after Annie Rooney, a Chillicothe, Ohio attorney who was killed by a drunk driver on July 3, 2013. Alcohol impaired driving is a significant public health issue. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), reported 10,322 fatalities in crashes involving a driver with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher in 2012, accounting for 31 percent of all traffic fatalities for the year. This represents an average of one alcoholimpaired driving fatality every 51 minutes. In Ohio, 385 people were killed in crashes involving drunk drivers in 2012, representing 34 percent of all traffic fatalities in the state. AAA’s recommendation to require the use of IIDs for all convicted offenders is grounded in research which shows that IIDs are more effective than other methods at reducing re-arrest among convicted drunk drivers and keeping impaired drivers off the road. According to the Centers for Disease Control, ignition interlock devices (IIDs) are effective in reducing repeat drunk driving
L
earning to drive is a rite of passage filled with mixed emotions – excitement, anticipation, and often some worries. Auto Club Driving Schools offer new drivers the confidence and the education they need to accept the challenges and responsibility of driving safely. “Driver education is a continuous learning process,” said Al Salyers, manager of Auto Club Driving Schools. “It teaches teens an important life skill, one that will help them lead a more productive, independent life.” A recent study for the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found key differences between teenagers who complete formal driver education and those who do not. Results revealed that driver education is associated with a lower incidence of both crashes and convictions. Also, teens that completed driver education not only scored higher on their driving exams, but they also demonstrated modest increases in knowledge compared with peers who did not take any formal training. Auto Club Driving Schools provide both the classroom and behind-thewheel instruction teenagers need to be safe, confident drivers. It offers con-
venient, flexible classroom and in-car training options to accommodate even the busiest family’s schedule. All instructors are state-certified and attend regular training on the latest state laws and advances in driver training techniques. Individual behind-the-wheel instruction is another important component of AAA driver training. Unlike some other driving schools, all of AAA’s behind-thewheel lessons are conducted one-on-one with the licensed and instructor and one student. Through this personalized format, the instructor can best evaluate the student’s strengths and weaknesses to best prepare him or her for the driving test. “Learning essential driving skills and habits early creates the foundation for a lifetime of safe defensive driving,” Salyers said. “What better way to start a new year?” Parents can enroll their teens in Auto Club Driving Schools by calling or visiting their local AAA East Central office. They can also enroll online at DSSAPP. US/AAAEC. Classroom instruction is available throughout in 20 counties throughout Southern and Eastern Ohio. Visit AAA.com/community for details.
A
offenses by 67 percent. Drivers must blow into the device and register a sober blood alcohol level or the car will not start. Currently, interlocks are only required for repeat offenders in Ohio. In addition to fewer arrests, drivers with IIDs also have fewer alcoholinvolved crashes than drivers who simply had their licenses suspended. In fact, research suggests 50 percent to 75 percent of DUI offenders with suspended licenses continue to drive and have more alcohol-involved crashes than drivers with an ignition interlock device. Nearly eight in 10 Americans support requiring ignition interlocks for all convicted DUI offenders, even if it’s their first conviction according to the 2012 Traffic Safety Culture Index conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Nearly all (97 percent) surveyed find it unacceptable for a driver to get behind the wheel when they have had too much to drink. “Requiring lifesaving ignition interlocks for first-time offenders will save lives,” said Theresa Podguski, director of legislative affairs for AAA East Central. “Impaired driving affects all road users, and we look forward to working alongside the state legislature to eliminate the number one killer on our roadways.”
PAGE 22
AAA MOTORIST
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
Sinkhole Corvettes become a major draw Only three of eight historic vehicles are being restored
L
ast February, National Corvette Museum personnel received a call from their security company that motion detectors had gone off at the facility. When staff members arrived at the red and yellow mushroom-shaped structure they discovered an enormous sinkhole in the Skydome area of the museum. Measuring about 45 feet wide, 60 feet long and up to 30 feet deep, the sinkhole swallowed eight historic Corvettes — two on loan from General Motors and six owned by the museum. It could have been much worse. At the time of the collapse a total of 27 vintage Corvettes were housed in the Skydome, a separate structure connected to the main museum. Security camera footage showing the floor’s collapse has been viewed nearly 8.3 million times on YouTube. Vehicles sucked into the sinkhole included a 1962 Corvette, the 1-millionth production Corvette, and the 2009 ZR1 “Blue Devil” prototype. The Blue Devil was the first car recovered and despite significant damage was started up and driven away. The last two — the 2009 1.5-millionth Corvette and 2001 “Mallett Hammer” Z06 — were pulled from the sinkhole after workers were initially unable to find them amid all the debris. All eight cars were placed in a special display, fueling a nearly 60-percent jump in museum
THAT SINKING FEELING — The “Blue Devil” prototype was still drivable after being pulled from the sinkhole. visitor traffic in the months after the sinkhole disaster. Now, three of the Corvettes will be restored by Chevrolet and the museum. The other five will remain in their as-recovered state to preserve their historical significance. Museum officials even contemplated creating a permanent exhibit that included placing one or two of the wrecked vehicles back into a preserved portion of the
sinkhole, but decided it would be cost prohibitive. “Our goal was to help the National Corvette Museum recover from a terrible natural disaster by restoring all eight cars,” said Mark Reuss, GM executive vice president, Global Product Development. “However, as the cars were recovered, it became clear that restoration would be impractical because so little was left to repair. And, frankly,
there is some historical value in leaving those cars to be viewed as they are.” It’s a sentiment echoed by Corvette enthusiasts from around the globe. “There has been an outpouring of messages from enthusiasts the world over, asking us not to restore all of the cars,” said Wendell Strode, executive director for the National Corvette Museum, which celebrated its 20th anniversary last August. “For Corvette enthusiasts, the damage to the cars is part of their history, and part narrative of the National Corvette Museum. Restoring them all would negate the significance of what happened.” Chevrolet will restore the Blue Devil prototype, and the 1-millionth Corvette — a white 1992 convertible. In addition, Chevrolet will fund the restoration of the 1962 Corvette, which the National Corvette Museum will oversee.
IF YOU GO
The National Corvette Museum is located at 350 Corvette Drive, off I-65 in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The museum is open daily, except for Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day, and New Year’s Day, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is Adults $10, Seniors $8, Children 6-16 $5, and under 6 free. Visit www.corvettemuseum.com.
Winter driving means battery failure is no longer an option
W
your driving safety. And cold weather affects batteries more than any other vehicle component. As temperatures cool, motor oil thickens and more power is needed to
hether it’s the first start up in the morning or having the reserve power to run the heater and other accessories, your battery is critical to
Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation (All Periodicals Publications Except Requester Publications) 1. Publication Title
2. Publication Number
AAA Motorist Ohio/West Virginia 4. Issue Frequency
0 0 1 6
_
3. Filing Date
1 8 6
5. Number of Issues Published Annually
Bi-Monthly
6
7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication (Not printer) (Street, city, county, state, and ZIP+4 ®)
AAA 1414 Twelfth Street Portsmouth, Scioto CTY. Ohio 45662-4235
$1.00 Included in Membership Dues
Doug O'Neil
412-365-7203
9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor (Do not leave blank) Publisher (Name and complete mailing address)
Managing Editor (Name and complete mailing address)
14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below
Aug./Sept. 2014
15. Extent and Nature of Circulation
Average No. Copies No. Copies of Single Each Issue During Issue Published Preceding 12 Months Nearest to Filing Date
192,010
190,862
188,570
187,166
Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies)
0
0
(3)
Paid Distribution Outside the Mails Including Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Outside USPS®
0
0
(4)
Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS (e.g., First-Class Mail®)
0
0
188,570
187,166
d. Free or (1) Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County Copies included on PS Form 3541 Nominal Rate Distribution (2) Free or Nominal Rate In-County Copies Included on PS Form 3541 (By Mail Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through the USPS and (3) (e.g., First-Class Mail) Outside the Mail) (4) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or other means)
569
574
0
0
0
0
0
0
e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3) and (4))
569
574
189,139
187,740
a. Total Number of Copies (Net press run)
Contact Person
AAA 1414 Twelfth Street Portsmouth, Ohio 45662-4235
Editor (Name and complete mailing address)
13. Publication Title
AAA Motorist Ohio/West Virginia
9/11/14 6. Annual Subscription Price
Telephone (Include area code)
8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher (Not printer)
turn over your engine. Batteries also lose approximately 35 percent of their efficiency when the temperature dips below freezing and close to 60 percent when the temperature falls below zero.
James E. Lehman 5900 Baum Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15206 Douglas L. O'Neil 5900 Baum Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15206 Douglas L. O'Neil 5900 Baum Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15206
b. Paid Circulation (By Mail and Outside the Mail)
(1)
Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies)
(2)
c. Total Paid Distribution [Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), and (4)]
f. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15e)
10. Owner (Do not leave blank. If the publication is owned by a corporation, give the name and address of the corporation immediately followed by the names and addresses of all stockholders owning or holding 1 percent or more of the total amount of stock. If not owned by a corporation, give the names and addresses of the individual owners. If owned by a partnership or other unincorporated firm, give its name and address as well as those of each individual owner. If the publication is published by a nonprofit organization, give its name and address.) Full Name Complete Mailing Address
AAA East Central
1414 Twelfth Street
A Pennsylvania Nonprofit Corporation
Portsmouth, Ohio 45662-4235
2,871
3,122
192,010
190,862
99.70%
99.69%
g. Copies not Distributed (See Instructions to Publishers #4 (page #3)) h. Total (Sum of 15f and g) i. Percent Paid (15c divided by 15f times 100)
* If you are claiming electronic copies, go to line 16 on page 3. If you are not claiming electronic copies, skip to line 17. 16. Electronic Copy Circulation
Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months
No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date
a. Paid Electronic Copies b. Total Paid Print Copies (Line 15c) + Paid Electronic Copies (Line 16a) c. Total Print Distribution (Line 15f) + Paid Electronic Copies (Line 16a) 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities. If none, check box X None Full Name
Complete Mailing Address
d. Percent Paid (Both Print & Electronic Copies) (16b divided by 16c Í 100) I certify that 50% of all my distributed copies (electronic and print) are paid above a nominal price. 17. Publication of Statement of Ownership
X If the publication is a general publication, publication of this statement is required. Will be printed Nov./Dec. 2014 in the ________________________ issue of this publication. 18. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner
,Managing Editor 12. Tax Status (For completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at nonprofit rates) (Check one) The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes: Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months Has Changed During Preceding 12 Months (Publisher must submit explanation of change with this statement) PS Form 3526, July 2014 [Page 1 of 4 (see instructions page 4)] PSN: 7530-01-000-9931
PRIVACY NOTICE: See our privacy policy on www.usps.com.
Publication not required.
Date
9/11/14
I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties). PS Form 3526, July 2014
PRIVACY NOTICE: See our privacy policy on www.usps.com.
Slow cranking, corroded terminals, a bulging or cracked case are all signs that a battery has been subject to harsh conditions and getting weaker. But diagnosing batteries can be tricky and they sometimes fail without warning. If your battery is more than three years old, have it tested to ensure it can survive the coldest winter months and/ or replace it as a preventative measure. AAA Battery Service offers fast, accurate and convenient mobile battery testing and replacement. State-of-theart diagnostic equipment will confirm whether your battery will hold a charge, or if the problem lies deeper in the electrical system. If a new battery is needed, you can have one installed right on the spot. Members even receive a $25 discount when they purchase the replacement battery through AAA. AAA Battery Service vehicles carry batteries compatible with 90 percent of all cars, SUVs and light trucks on the road. The high-quality AAA branded battery comes with a 72-month warranty, including 36-months free replacement, and 36-months pro-rated replacement. In addition, AAA will recycle your old battery for free. Count on AAA to turn battery problems into solutions. 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.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
AAA MOTORIST
PAGE 23
PAGE 24
AAA MOTORIST
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014