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SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY REGION
Vol. 53 No. 3
MAY/JUNE 2014
LensCrafters Helps Keep You Safe Behind the Wheel
KICK OFF SUMMER...
with great GETAWAYS &
GREAT GIFTS valued at up to $120.00 SEE BOX BELOW.
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fter a seemingly endless (and very BRRR-utal) winter, summer can’t get here fast enough! Everyone from kids to parents to grandparents has eagerly (desperately) anticipated its arrival. As a reward for surviving the “Winter That Wouldn’t Quit,” AAA Travel presents a Sizzling Summer Kick-off featuring an array of unique gifts perfect for summertime enjoyment! Book & make a nonrefundable deposit on a new 7-night-or-longer 2014 air-inclusive vacation and you can choose 1 of 5 sensational summertime gifts valued at up to $120.00 (see box below) based on the length of your vacation. But you’ve got to hurry: This special offer ends 5/17/14! Just ask your AAA travel agent to arrange your vacation with one of these AAA travel partners — AAA Member Choice Vacations®, Insight Vacations®, Pleasant Holidays or Trafalgar. Once it’s booked, AAA will make sure you receive your gift in plenty of time for all your summer activities.
SIZZLING SUMMER
BOOK BY 5/17/14
AAA’s travel partners go where you want to go — whether that’s America’s cities, beaches or national parks...or the islands of Hawaii and the Caribbean. Canada, Mexico, Europe, Asia, Africa? You name it; our partners have got hundreds, if not thousands, of options. There’s also a range of vacation options to suit every budget and travel style — whether you’re watching your pennies or you’ve got an “urge to splurge.” Do you want a fully prepared package that includes a professional tour manager, preselected hotel accommodations and a scheduled touring itinerary? Or are you an independent traveler who prefers to select your own accommodations and sightseeing tours? Either way, you’re covered by our Summer Kick-off travel partners. And each partner offers exclusive AAA Member Benefits, from additional savings to vouchers valid toward the purchase of optional tours and excursions; see the chart on page 21. Let’s take a closer look at each partner: AAA Member Choice Vacations® Offering destinations all over the world, AAA Member Choice Vacations® combines the flexibility of independent travel with the con-
Travel | Insurance/Financial | Automotive | Member Savings | AAA.com
PUTTING EYES IN THE BACK OF YOUR HEAD
Sunglasses not only lend a “cool” vibe to your summer fashion, they also provide a functional benefit by fighting eye strain and fatigue. But don’t wear just any old shades! Did you know that by wearing polarized sunglasses, you can improve your reaction time when driving? That’s right — you’re reaction time is up to 20% quicker compared to driving without any sunglasses, and up to 40% quicker than ordinary sunglasses. Faster reaction time can help prevent auto accidents and improve driving safety. Reducing glare and improving clarity is crucial when behind the wheel. Polarized lenses work by filtering light waves and absorbing some of the reflected glare, while letting other light waves pass through the lenses. LensCrafters wants to introduce AAA members to the benefits of polarized lenses. For a limited time — simply show your AAA card and save 40% off prescription sunglasses, plus AAA members receive and extra $5 off. To find a participating location near you, visit www.AAA.com/visionsavings.
AAA Discounts Now on Pinterest Members have a new way of keeping up with the latest AAA discounts and savings – the AAA Discounts board on Pinterest. Learn more about everyday and limited-time offers from partners including Hertz, Tanger Outlets, New York & Company, and more. The board is updated regularly to reflect the newest discounts and partners. Visit www.pinterest.com/AAA to see all of AAA’s boards on the social media site — featuring everything from travel photos to safety tips to AAA Diamond listings.
Members Save with Online Mature Driver Course The rules of the road are constantly changing. Taking a safe driving class is a simple way for older drivers to keep their skills sharp so they stay safe behind the wheel. AAA’s Mature Driver Course, offered online at AAA.com, is a convenient, self-paced program divided into six, simple-to-do chapters. It’s also approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Drivers 55 or older who complete this course receive a mandatory discount on their auto insurance, good for three years after course completion. Visit AAA.com/community for more information.
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Pick a gift based on your vacation’s length!
NIGHTS 7-11 12+
GIFT
•
EXTRA-WIDE ZERO-GRAVITY LOUNGER OUTDOOR CHAIR CUISINART PETIT GOURMET TABLETOP GAS GRILL FITBIT® FLEX™ WIRELESS ACTIVITY & SLEEP WRISTBAND OUTDOOR WIRELESS SPEAKER & VERSATILE DOCK GRILL ALERT TALKING REMOTE MEAT THERMOMETER AAA reserves the right to substitute a gift of equal or greater value.
• •
• • • •
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Travel To Germany’s Christmas Wunderland Germany’s colorful Christmas markets are truly unique. Shop for traditional handcrafted Christmas merchandise and gifts in historic and charming cities dressed in their holiday best. AAA Travel’s December 2-10 escorted tour features visits to Nuremberg, Rothenburg, Bamberg, Bayreuth, Regensburg, Munich, and Fussen, plus a half-day stop at Neuschwanstein, Bavaria’s fairytale castle. Earn special member level discounts when you book and deposit by May 31, 2014. SEE PAGE 11
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AAA MOTORIST
Get ready to go with AAA TourBook® guides Digital or print they’re packed with great information
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ith so many handy resources for travelers — from websites and apps to printed guidebooks — why do members request AAA TourBook guides by the millions, year after year? The answer is simple: They’re free, easy and packed with great information. Updated annually AAA TourBooks have evolved by expanding geographical regions, enriching content and supporting social and technological shifts such as WiFi service, pet acceptance and sustainability issues. Easy to read, easy to carry, they’re free for the asking as part of your AAA membership. Love to plan? Kick back and pore through the fascinating destination overviews, followed by pages of hotel, restaurant and attraction listings. Get a fix on the big picture with history and visitor information and references like the Annual Events, GEM Attraction Index and Points of Interest. Or, when time is short, leave the legwork to AAA’s travel experts. Turn to trip planning shortcuts like the Must Do: AAA Editor’s Picks, 1-Day Itineraries and Top Picks for Kids, available for many destination cities. We’ll help you make the most of your time with inspiring photos and informative content you can trust. Save yourself the effort of checking multiple resources to get the lay of the land or find your way. Use the hotel, restaurant and attraction location maps
Save $10 on a New Primary AAA Gift Membership through May 31st
INTERNET WEB SITE: www.AAA.com
APPROVED AUTO REPAIR 412-365-7411 or 1-800-233-9733 EMERGENCY ROAD SERVICE 412-362-1900 or 1-800-222-4357 EXPRESS TRAVEL RESERVATIONS
airline tickets, tours, cruises, rental cars
412-363-7283 or 1-800-354-8761
INSURANCE SERVICES: 1-800-207-7947 MEDIA RELATIONS: 412-365-7157 SAFETY: 412-365-7211 TDD for the hearing-impaired: 412-363-7144
AAA BRANCH OFFICE LOCATIONS
GOING BY THE BOOK — The 2014 AAA TourBooks are available in both print and electronic media. throughout the guides for a bird’s-eye view of the places you plan to stay, dine and play in relation to landmarks and one another. Plus, to help you navigate the roadways we’ve added overview and detail maps from the AAA Road Atlas series for easy route planning — all in one guide. Use the overview map to get your bearings, then use the individual maps to plan your route. TourBook guides are like traveling
The
Perfect Gift!
Graduations, Father’s Day, Birthdays, Weddings … Whatever the occasion, it’s the perfect time to give a AAA Gift Membership. With roadside assistance, vacation planning, maps, free identity theft protection, travel guides, exclusive savings, and much more, you can trust AAA membership to be a perfect fit.
1-800-441-5008
AAA DIRECTORY AAA MEMBER SERVICES • ADDRESS CHANGE triptiks, tourbooks, maps, license 412-363-5100 or 1-800-441-5008
with a friend who is from the area and knows it like the back of their hand! They are loaded with firsthand expertise from our professional travel editors and inspectors. Our 1-Day Itineraries and Must Do: AAA Editor’s Picks enhance the destination city sections, while AAA Inspector Notes are highlighted in the restaurant listings. Before your next trip, stop by your local AAA office or visit us on AAA.com to request your 2014 edition TourBook guides — available free, and exclusively for members.
AAA eTourBooks
To purchase a AAA Gift Membership, call or visit your local AAA Office or AAA.com.
MAY 2014
AAA members have relied on the printed TourBook guides for nearly a century. Now they can pack a wealth of AAA travel information on the portable wireless devices they already carry. AAA’s trusted travel information is now available for your portable device for on-the-go use. AAA offers over 100 free eTourBook guides, in file formats designed for today’s digital democracy. eTourBook guides provide detailed trip-planning information for top travel destinations and locations across North America, including national parks. Each one is packed with detailed destination information. There are Editor’s Picks for essential experiences including events and attractions, recommended oneand three-day itineraries, and top picks just for kids. Some titles even provide maps displaying key local areas and highway networks. Sync files to your tablet, or download them directly to your iPad or smartphone to put everything you need for your next trip in the palm of your hand. Content is refreshed daily to ensure you receive the most up-to-date travel information. They’re available free, exclusively for AAA members at AAA.com/ebooks. If you do not already have a user name and password, you can register on the login page. Then prepare to enjoy your easiest, more enjoyable travel planning experience yet.
Altoona 1634 Valley View Blvd. ............................. 814-946-1277 Butler 138 Clearview Circle .................................... 724-287-2713 Cranberry The Village Shoppes, 20510 Rt. 19 .......... 724-772-1122 Erie 6660 Peach St. Unit #2 .............................. 814-866-0246 Franklin 102 Sugar Creek Town Center Rd. ........... 814-432-3960 Greensburg Eastgate Shopping Center 5142 Route 30, Suite 135 ......................... 724-834-8300 Grove City 24 Pine Grove Village Dr. .......................... 724-458-8930 Harborcreek 4430 Buffalo Rd. ........................................ 814-897-9508 Hermitage 1749 E. State St.......................................... 724-981-9141 Indiana 1169 Wayne Ave........................................ 724-349-4193 Jamestown (New York) 111 W. Fifth St., Jamestown, N.Y.. ........... 716-488-1981 Kittanning Franklin Village Mall. ............................... 724-543-1924 Lewisburg 530 1/2 North Derr Drive . ....................... 570-524-7455 Lower Burrell/New Kensington Area Crossroads Plaza 2503 Leechburg Rd.................................... 724-339-4440 McKean County (Bradford) 587 South Ave. .......................................... 814-368-3113 Meadville 18939 Park Avenue Plaza Unit #7 ............ 814-724-2247 New Castle 40 East St.................................................... 724-658-8551 Niagara-Orleans 7135 Rochester Rd, Lockport, NY. ............ 716-434-2865 Pittsburgh–Century III Area (Pleasant Hills) 9 Clairton Blvd. (RT 51). ........................... 412-655-6100 Pittsburgh–Downtown 538 Smithfield St. ...................................... 412-338-4300 Pittsburgh–East Liberty/Shadyside 5900 Baum Blvd. ........................................ 412-365-7196 Pittsburgh–Monroeville 2725 Mosside Blvd. .................................... 412-858-4640 Pittsburgh–North Hills Area (Ross Township) 4790 McKnight Rd. .................................... 412-367-7600 Pittsburgh–Robinson Township Robinson Town Centre 1760 Park Manor Blvd. ............................. 412-809-2800 Pittsburgh–South Hills Area (Bethel Park) 160 Ft. Couch Rd. ...................................... 412-833-5203 Rochester 300 Adams St. ............................................ 724-775-8000 St. Marys 1375 Bucktail Rd. ...................................... 814-834-7838 Somerset 110 N. Center Ave. .................................... 814-443-6526 Sunbury 1001 Market Street. .................................. 570-286-4507 Uniontown 111 W. Main St. ......................................... 724-438-8575 Warren 2285 Market St. ......................................... 814-723-6660 Washington 196 Murtland Ave. .................................... 724-222-3800 Waynesburg 184 Greene Plaza, US 21 & I-79 ................ 724-627-3434 White Oak/McKeesport Area Oak Park Mall, 2001 Lincoln Way ............ 412-675-3400
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Putting eyes in the back of your head Susquehanna Valley Region Official publication of AAA East Central Published bimonthly by AAA East Central 1001 Market Street, Sunbury, PA 17801-2403 USPS 530-080 ISSN 0890-7455
Periodicals Postage Paid at Sunbury, PA and at additional entry offices Postmaster: Send address changes to AAA Motorist Susquehanna Valley Region P.O. Box 788 1001 Market Street Sunbury, PA 17801-2403 Subscription Rate: $1 included in Primary Membership dues. All others: $2/year. Publisher..................................... James E. Lehman Managing Editor.............................. Douglas ONeil Business Manager ..................... Sherry A. Madison Editorial Office 1001 Market Street, Sunbury, PA 17801-2403 570.286.4507 e-mail: motorist@aaaec.com
AAA EAST CENTRAL Chairman: ................................................Richard S. Hamilton Vice Chairman:....................................... James E. Broome, Jr. Vice Chairman:....................................... Douglas W. Caldwell Vice Chairman:.........................................Mary Lynn Laughlin Vice Chairman:.................................... Martha Hartle Munsch OFFICERS: President: ....................................................James E. Lehman Assistant Treasurer: ........................................ Edith W. Martel Secretary: ................................................ Robert H. Compton GOVERNING BOARD OF DIRECTORS James E. Broome, Jr., Steve D. Bullock**, Douglas W. Caldwell, Charles O. Casto, Edward C. Coaxum, Jr., Robert S. Collins, Robert H. Compton, Jon E. Denney, Debra A. Dinnocenzo, Pamela C. Fritz, Richard S. Hamilton, James H. Kanicki, Mary Lynn Laughlin, Richard D. Linderman**, 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, Leonard L. Scheinholtz**, James C. Stump, Jr., James F. Ward *ex officio **emeritus directors
Regional President ......................................Gregory S. Shaffer 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.
Rearview cameras can prevent driveway tragedies By Richard Hamilton Chairman, AAA East Central ackover accidents are a particularly tragic type of crash, frequently claiming the lives of young children in the driveways of their own homes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are 210 fatalities and 15,000 injuries each year caused by backover crashes. These disproportionately impact the elderly and the very young. The agency found that children under 5 years old account for 31 percent of backover fatalities, while adults over 70 comprise 26 percent of victims. It’s a problem that’s exacerbated by the popularity of larger, taller vehicles like SUVs, pickups, and minivans, which have larger blind zones than passenger cars. New research by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found SUVs and pickup trucks typically have the biggest blind zones, preventing drivers from seeing objects behind the rear bumper, especially objects that are low to the ground. The IIHS study found rear cameras dramatically improve driver vision, reducing the blind zone by about 90 percent on average. They were much more effective than parking sensors, which use ultrasonic sound waves or radar to detect objects around the vehicle, at helping drivers avoid objects while traveling in reverse. In contrast, drivers with no technology hit a stationary child-sized cutout 100
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Richard Hamilton percent of the time in IIHS testing. NHTSA says the technology significantly reduces the risk of fatalities and serious injuries. In March they issued a final rule requiring backup cameras in most new vehicles by May 1, 2018. It will be implemented in stages over a three-year period beginning in 2016. The ruling calls for all vehicles under 10,000 pounds, including buses and trucks, to be equipped with technology that expands the rear field of view to include a 10-foot by 20-foot zone directly behind the vehicle. NHTSA estimates up to 69 lives will be saved annually once the nation’s entire fleet is equipped with rear visibility systems.
According to the Auto Alliance, an association of 12 vehicle manufacturers, automakers already provide rearview cameras as a standard or optional feature on two-thirds of the nation’s 50 top-selling vehicles. The Alliance is also petitioning NHTSA to allow carmakers to use cameras as an alternative to conventional side-view and rearview mirrors. AAA endorses the NHTSA decision as a step in the right direction. Rearview cameras will help prevent needless injury and death among our nation’s most vulnerable populations. They can be very useful in detecting people and objects behind a vehicle, but as with any technology there are limitations, particularly in bad weather or under poor lighting conditions. In the IIHS study for example, even drivers using rearview cameras hit a stationary foam cutout of a small child 56 percent of the time. Caregivers should never forget that children may not have the cognitive maturity to judge the speed, weight, and power of a vehicle. They are particularly vulnerable because they are harder for motorists to see and their actions can be unpredictable. Children also tend to think that if they see a driver, the driver also sees them. AAA cautions motorists to use this technology to supplement, not replace traditional safe driving practices. You still need to turn and check blind zones — both rear and lateral — while backing up in order to ensure safety.
membersonly Protect your summer adventures with travel insurance Make sure your coverage goes along for the ride
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emorial Day signals the start of the unofficial summer travel season. Don’t let the unexpected put a damper on this summer’s vacation plans. Protect your investment with travel insurance.
Trip Cancellation Insurance
Trip cancellation insurance is one of the most popular types of travel insurance. It reimburses your travel expenses if your trip is delayed or cancelled for a covered reason, such as a major injury or other unforeseen circumstances. Other reasons often covered by trip cancellation policies include: death of an immediate family member, jury duty, and bankruptcy of the travel vendor. If your trip cancellation policy does not cover a specific reason that may apply to your situation — such as military deployment or pregnancy — talk with your agent to see if that coverage can be added on. Additional options may include reimbursement for delayed or lost luggage and missed connection coverage.
A A A also offers C a n c e l Anytime, a cancell a t i o n insurance option that reimburses you no matter why your plans change. With the Cancel Anytime package, travelers receive 100 percent cash back if they cancel their trip for a covered reason like those previously mentioned. They receive 80 percent cash back if they cancel their trip due to almost any other reason. Cancel Anytime coverage offers travelers a lot more flexibility than a traditional trip cancellation policy. It’s a great option for anyone whose travel plans may change for a variety of reasons not covered by most trip cancellation plans.
Emergency Medical Coverage
Emergency medical coverage is another important aspect of travel
insurance. If traveling internationally, most people are not covered by their health insurance. Even if you are staying within the United States, your health insurance may not cover outof-network care. Many travel insurance plans include options to cover expenses and medical evacuation, if needed. There may be exclusions such as preexisting condition, so review the coverage and ask your agent about what options are best for your situation. There are several factors affecting the cost of a travel insurance policy, including the age of the travelers, the length of the trip, and the distance they are traveling. In most instances, a travel insurance policy costs approximately 10 to 20 percent of the total trip cost. Before deciding on any travel insurance plan, be sure you understand what you’re buying and what each policy does and does not cover. Protect your next getaway — whether you purchased your trip through AAA Travel or not — and visit AAA.com/travelinsurance.
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Car Rental Reimbursement
If you found yourself car-less after a collision, what would you do? By Robin Jones hen Maggie Kent first got the news that her husband, Jack, had been in a collision that totaled his Jeep, she didn’t even think about the car—just about her husband, who fortunately sustained only minor injuries. “I was just grateful that he was okay,” she says. But later that day, the challenges of having only one car started to sink in. “Our jobs are in different directions, so we couldn’t really share a car,” Maggie says. “We figured we’d be buying a new car within a couple of weeks. But in the meantime, we knew we’d have to get a rental car for Jack.” Unfortunately, the Kents didn’t have rental reimbursement coverage on their auto policy. Maggie had waived it about a month before the incident to save money. “I really wish I’d kept it,” she says. “It would have made things so much easier.” Indeed, rental reimbursement coverage can be a lifesaver if you suddenly find yourself without a car after an accident. If you’re wondering whether you should add it to your policy, here are some things to consider. Q: What does rental reimbursement cover? A: Generally, it covers the cost of a rental car, up to certain limits, while your insured car is being repaired fol-
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A CAR IN NEED — Consider rental reimbursement coverage on your policy. lowing a covered loss (such as a crash, vandalism, or fire) or for a specified amount of time set by your policy if your car is deemed not repairable. Q: How does it work? A: Typically in one of two ways: You can get a car from a rental agency that’s been approved by your insurance company, in which case the agency will bill your insurance carrier directly. Or you can rent a car yourself and submit the receipts to your insurance company for reimbursement. Either way, the lim-
its on the coverage are usually for a certain time period with per-day and per-accident limits— for example, $30 per day and $900 per accident. That means you’ll pay for any costs over $30 a day, and you won’t be reimbursed for more than $900, even if the total costs are more. Q: Is there anything rental reimbursement doesn’t cover? A: You can’t use it to cover the cost of a rental while your car is in the shop for scheduled maintenance. It also usu-
ally doesn’t cover the cost of fuel or any optional insurance you might decide to purchase from the rental agency. Q: How much does it cost? A: The cost of rental reimbursement varies depending on your car and your insurance company, but the average cost per vehicle could be around $40 per year. Compare that to the average amount policyholders without coverage would have to pay after a loss: $364—based on a rental car cost of $28 per day and about 13 days in the shop. Q: Are there people who might not need the coverage? A: If you don’t need your car to handle daily activities—you work from home, for example, or you can walk or take public transit to all the places you need to go—you may not need rental reimbursement. Same goes if you have an extra car or know that you can borrow a car from a friend or relative. But if you don’t fall into one of those categories, it’s probably a good idea to add rental reimbursement to your policy. 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 877.222.3974 to speak to an insurance professional.
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Fall foliage highlights Canada & New England cruises Close to home cruising from Cape Liberty onboard Celebrity Summit
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ew England and Atlantic Canada have an unmistakable culture, history and natural beauty all their own. And there’s no better time to visit than the fall. Travelers will witness the transformation of summer’s soothing greens into a fiery palette of crimson, orange and gold, all the while visiting seaside hamlets, and historic port towns. Celebrity Cruises is going all out to capture the Eastern Seaboard’s many charms this fall with 14-night Canada/ New England cruises from Cape Liberty (Bayonne) New Jersey aboard Celebrity Summit. Just seven miles south of Manhattan, Cape Liberty offers unparalleled views of the Statue of Liberty, New York Harbor and the Manhattan skyline. Summit’s Canada/New England sailings offer land-locked residents in the northeast an opportunity to set sail without air transportation. Ports of call include Saint John, New Brunswick, (Bay Of Fundy); Charlottetown, P.E.I.; Québec City and Saguenay, Québec; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Portland, and Bar Harbor, Maine. Atlantic Canada is a culture nurtured and sustained by the sea. Cruise down iceberg alley and ride the world’s highest tides in the Bay of Fundy. When the tide pulls the plug on the ocean that spills into Passamaquoddy Bay, it drops the water level as much as 52-feet, leaving fishing boats high and dry beside their moorings.
FRENCH CONNECTION — The majestic Chateau Frontenac dominates Québec City’s skyline. Charlottetown is where the land and sea meld with a vibrant Acadian culture. Green Gables, the island’s foremost attraction, is located in nearby Cavendish. Lucy Maude Montgomery was inspired to create her beloved tale of a red-haired orphan, while living here at her uncle’s farm. The 400-year-old cradle of French civilization in North America, historic
dent in the picturesque cobblestone streets lined with Victorian-era buildings. The Portland Head Light was constructed in 1787, and is the most photographed lighthouse in North America. Bar Harbor is the gateway to the remarkable beauty of Acadia National Park. The rock-bound coast, soaring granite cliffs, majestic mountains have attracted visitors for over 200 years. Summit now sails with a new sense of style. The 2158 passenger ship has been “Solsticized” with some of the hottest features from Celebrity’s newest Solstice-class ships. The dazzling revitalization included the addition of spa-inspired AquaClass staterooms. Qsine is uniquely unordinary restaurant with a whimsical approach to the familiar. The menu and wine list are presented on an iPad and dishes are served without traditional courses and are intended to be shared. Finish your evening with a chilled Lychee Martini at the ultra-cool, ice-topped Martini Bar.
Québec City is perched astride a 350foot cliff overlooking the majestic St. Lawrence River. The style is quintessential New France — thick stone walls, heavy wooden doors and shutters, and bright tin roofs. A granite and sandstone wall runs in medieval fashion, around the perimeter of the Old City. Portland’s 360-year-history is evi-
IF YOU GO
Join AAA Travel on 14-night Canada and New England cruise aboard Celebrity Summit October 5-19. Package includes free transportation to and from the pier in Cape Liberty NJ. Visit AAA.com/cruises for a detailed itinerary and pickup and drop off points.
Reach for the sky with AAA Plus ®
Upgrade your membership to AAA Plus® and experience a higher level of benefits! Extend your benefits for even more driving security Benefit
Basic Membership
AAA Plus® Membership
Towing
Back to the AAA station that comes to your rescue or Anywhere up to 100 miles. up to 3 miles to a destination of your choice.
Emergency Road Service When Out of Gas
Free delivery of emergency gas. Member will be charged for fuel at current pump price.
Free delivery of emergency gas. Fuel is free.
One service vehicle and one driver.
Two service vehicles and two drivers (if needed) at no extra charge.
Off-Road Rescue Service Lock & Key Service
Free service call (to gain entry) and up to $60 for Free service call (to gain entry) and up to $100 for locksmith charge. Towing benefit applies if necessary. locksmith charge. AAA Plus towing benefits applies if necessary.
When AAA Emergency Road Service is not Available
Reimbursement according to published limits
Get more out of your membership! Visit your local AAA office, AAA.com, or call the Member Service Center at 1-800-441-5008
Full amount reimbursed for covered AAA services (as long as costs are based on commercial rates.)
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Tails are wagging for the 2014 AAA PetBook Pennsylvania Dalmatian is a top dog in this year’s edition
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he world of canine couture has a brand new star. Jazz, a liver and white Dalmatian from Gibsonia, PA was awarded the coveted cover slot in the 2014 AAA PetBook® Photo Contest sponsored by Best Western, a AAA Preferred Hotel Partner. The photogenic Fido is featured on the cover of the 16th annual edition of Traveling With Your Pet: The AAA PetBook®, available in May. Jazz was photographed relaxing at Hatteras Island in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. “For my husband and I, the ultimate relaxing vacation includes spending time with our three Dalmatians,” said owner Lisa Ann Bauer. “The dogs always provide us with an opportunity to meet new people, and they love all the petting and the attention they receive,” she added. Along with the celebrity that comes from being on the cover, Jazz’s prizes included cash, pet treats, copies of the book and a Best Western Travel Card® usable at more than 4,000 hotels worldwide, including more than 1,600 pet-friendly properties. This year’s winners and a number of finalists will also enjoy a year of star treatment in the AAA.com/PetBook photo gallery. Other contest winners include Phoochie, a mixed-breed and avid runner from California, featured on the back cover in a photo taken outside the
STAR POWER — Jazz, the 2014 AAA PetBook cover girl, strikes a pose with owners Lisa Ann and James Bauer. California State Capitol in Sacramento. “One of the most surprising things about the photo is that Phoochie sat still long enough for someone to take it,” said owner Melissa Banda. Radar, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi from Rhode Island, graces the book’s spine, enjoying an autumn afternoon at Cathedral Ledge in New Hampshire. “Many of the shops welcome dogs, and we stayed at one of the many dog-
friendly hotels,” said owner Nancy Liu. “It even had a cookie jar full of dog biscuits at the desk!” Forty-six more contest finalists are pictured inside of the book and, new this year, on a AAA Pinterest board where all pet lovers had the opportunity to vote in their favorite — a pair of Samoyeds named Moxie and Brio at a beach in their home state of Oregon. Many Americans long to hit the
road with their canine companions, but hesitate for fear of not finding accommodations that accept four-legged family members. Traveling with Your Pet: The AAA PetBook® provides listings for nearly 15,000 pet-friendly AAA Approved accommodations in the U.S. and Canada. These include thousands of Diamond Rated hotels, as well as some 800 campgrounds. Detailed lodging listings include fees, permitted pet sizes and conditions of stay for properties at every Diamond Rating level including — for pampered pets — AAA Five Diamond Award® hotels. The book also includes information about pet-friendly activities, planning tips, travel safety. The AAA PetBook, cover price $18.95 U.S., is on the shelves at participating AAA offices, and bookstores. The digital edition, cover price $9.95, is available through online booksellers. READY FOR YOUR CLOSE-UP
Capture your pet’s most memorable travel moments on camera and enter your ‘bestin-travel’ photograph before November 30, 2014. Two winning pet photos, chosen in January 2015, will be featured on the cover and spine of the AAA PetBook, published in May 2015. Photos of winners and finalists, contest rules, entry forms and valuable pet travel tips can be accessed at AAA.com/PetBook.
MAY/JUNE 2014
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Member Benefits • Exclusive Offers
y nd! b ck ema a B rd ula p po MEMBERS SAVE BIG!
1-800-354-8761 • AAA.com/travel
Step into a fairy-tale world...
German Christmas Markets
Premier ...$200.00 Plus.........$150.00 Basic .......$100.00 PER ROOM...NEW BOOKINGS ONLY
Book & deposit by 5/31/14
Visit markets in • Nuremberg • Rothenburg • Bamberg • Bayreuth • Regensburg • Munich • Füssen
PLUS... NEUSCHWANSTEIN
Ludwig II built his fairy-tale castle in order to withdraw from public life. After Bavaria’s “shy king” died in 1886, spectacular Neuschwanstein opened to the public; ironically, 1.3 million people now visit here every year. A half-day excursion to this fascinating architectural marvel is included in AAA’s tour.
Treat yourself to a wunderbar escorted tour full of history, scenery & traditional crafts & foods. Granted, Christmas may not be on your mind at this very moment...but it should be! Especially considering everything that AAA’s bigger-and-better Dec 2-10 German Christmas Markets tour offers! For AAA members, one element is a Christmas gift of sorts — a limited-time, many-dollars-off discount based on your membership level. Premier members booking & depositing by 5/31/14 get $200 off the regular rate per room, based on double occupancy. AAA Plus members save $150.00, and Basic members save $100.00. Experience the Old World tradition of welcoming the Christmas season at public marketplaces large and small, where walkways lined with rustic stalls hum with holiday strollers and shoppers young & old. Local artisans exhibit traditional handmade decorations, art and craft items; purveyors of aromatic seasonal culinary delights tempt passersby with gingerbread cookies and spice-mulled wine; and musicians and performers add a festive note to the ambience. Some markets even sport carnival-type rides and amusements. Most German cities of any significant size present at least 1 Christkindlmarkt; on this get-in-the-spirit tour in the southeastern state of Bavaria, you get to visit at least 7 (yes, 7!), each unique in size and style — from some of the most famous and popular to some of the most intimate and charming. And, be-
cause they’re usually in the heart of the community, they’re ideal bases from which to explore surrounding landmarks like cathedrals and castles, as well as year-round brick-andmortar shops and restaurants. This unique tour operates on the same principles of convenience and efficiency. Spend 4 nights in Nuremberg and 3 in Munich; you’ll be able to comfortably “settle in” in those cities, taking short rides each day to the markets and landmarks surrounding them. Forget traipsing from a hotel in one town one day to another hotel the next day to yet another hotel the following day, and so on. Best of all, forget about packing and unpacking each time! With only 2 base hotels, you’ll have more time to see and do (or rest and relax) — whatever your travel style may be. All in all, it makes for a much more pleasant, satisfying experience...and it maximizes your valuable time and energy. And all the while, you and your fellow travelers will enjoy the company and insider knowledge of your professional English-speaking native European guide. From start to finish, you’ll have peace of mind knowing an experienced expert is at your side and at your service to provide practical information and interesting background about all you see and tour. He’ll even be able to offer suggestions about what to do during free time after touring. continued on next page
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AAA MOTORIST
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Bavarian markets are the
MAY/JUNE 2014
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
of this popular holiday tour
When you’re on your own, you can medieval, Advent and arts & crafts. A “Route of Nativity Scenes” links explore cobblestone streets lined with festively decorated boutiques and 40 churches, museums, public buildings and other places via a series of German charming squares brimming with high-quality crafts and gifts (toys, diverse Christmas creches. Also visit the nearby market in Bayreuth. wood carvings, jewelry, nutcrackers and delicate ornaments, among Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Germany’s Christmas others). Discover Christmas goods that aren’t mass-produced — nativbest preserved medieval cities, has markets sparkling with decoraMarkets ity figurines, puppets, beeswax candles and lambskin shoes. It’s an tions, nativity scenes, toys and other presents; the creative people ideal opportunity to make a dent in your gift shopping list! who fashion the objects happily explain their techniques. Other MEMBERS Few items may be as difficult to resist as the baked apples and booths invite you to sample gingerbread and Christmas cookies. SAVE BIG! Glühwein (“glow-wine,” from hot irons once used to mull this red Dating to the 14th century, Munich’s Marienplatz market ofwine spiced with cinnamon, vanilla, cloves, star anise, citrus and fers live Alpine holiday music from Town Hall’s balcony. While Premier ........ $200.00 sugar). Enjoy them all beneath twinkling lights, evergreen garin town, savor an included traditional dinner featuring Spätzle Plus ............. $150.00 lands and other holiday decorations. (dense egg noodles; the name means “little sparrow”) and Strudel Basic............ $100.00 Nuremberg’s Old Quarter market, the world’s most famous, (“whirlpool” — layered pastry filled with fruit or sweet cheese). PER ROOM...NEW BOOKINGS ONLY is opened each year by a youngster playing the Christ Then, escape on a fun morning excursion to Mad LudBook & deposit by 5/31/14 Child. Kids of all ages love the Kinderweihnacht (chilwig’s Alpine castle, Neuschwanstein. Spectacularly dren’s Christmas area) and its carousel featuring an uplocated, the shy king’s palace appears prominently in per tier, reindeer and Santa’s sleigh. Nuremberg’s also many movies and inspired Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauknown for its honey and its thin brown sausages. ty Castle. Then it’s on to Füssen, which holds its marRothenburg ob der Tauber (“Red Fortress above the ket in the festively illuminated monastery courtyard of Tauber River”) on the Romantic Road offers, fittingly, St Mang in the heart of the town’s historic cobblestone one of the most romantic markets. An ancient walled streets. On the way back to Munich, enjoy a short tour in town largely untouched for centuries, it Oberammergau to see its world-famous boasts some of Europe’s most impressive wood carvings, including a Holy Family Dec 2-10 • AAA Member Rate: $3,305 medieval architecture. The Schneebälle so small they fit in a nutshell! Before-discount rate includes roundtrip flights (Philadelphia(“snowballs” of deep-fried dough dustIf these markets/treats whet your Frankfurt, Munich-Philadelphia), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, ed with sugar) are a local specialty. wanderlust/appetite, visit AAA.com/ accommodations, motorcoach transportation, hotel taxes/service Four markets in the UNESCO World GoEurope for more information! charges, hotel baggage handling, 13 meals, Neuschwanstein tour, services But hurry: Book & deposit by Heritage town of Bamberg come in difof a AAA tour manager (if participation goal is met) and in-Germany escort. 5/31/14 to save up to $200.00 per room! ferent shapes and sizes — traditional,
continued from previous page
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AAA MOTORIST
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1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel Member-only ing discounts for book . by May 31, 2014 Premier......... $300 Plus ..............$250 Basic.............$200 PER ROOM
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
ERIENCES
PEAK EXP
KICK OFF SUMMER...
Rocky Mountaineer Train Summit Helicopter Tour
with great GETAWAYS &
GREAT GIFTS valued at up to $120.00 SEE BOX BELOW.
CANADIAN ROCKIES: Seattle to Calgary Discover the pleasures of a Rocky Mountaineer journey; enjoy the highest-level GoldLeaf Service on 3 daytime train rides. Witness stunning mountainscapes...alpine lakes of hues more often associated with jewels...star-bright nights, silent but for sounds of the wild… forests redolent of evergreen and what can only be described as the smell of “clean.” This extraordinary 9-day tour includes rides from Seattle to Vancouver, Vancouver to Kamloops and Kamloops to Jasper. Even more extraordinary? They’re just 1 highlight of this tour! Visit natural wonders in 3 national parks that form the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site. And enjoy hotel stays in Seattle, Vancouver (3 nights), Kamloops, Jasper (2 nights), Lake Louise, Banff and Calgary.
AAA Member Rate: $6,099
•
Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Philadelphia-Seattle, Calgary-Philadelphia), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, 10-night hotel accommodations, luggage handling (1 piece per person), 3 train rides, 5 meals and taxes on included items. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Visit AAA.com/travel for details. Passport required.
Tap into the magic of your Disney 8GB BUILT-IN vacation MEMORY with AAA BLUETOOTH
DUAL FRONT & REAR CAMERA
Y POWERED 4B.2 ID O R AND
SIZZLING SUMMER KICK-OFF!
Book & make a nonrefundable deposit on a new 7-night-orPick a gift based on your vacation’s length. longer 2014 air-inclusive vacaNIGHTS tion & choose 1 of 5 summery GIFT 7-11 12+ gifts (value up to $120) based on your vacation length. Ask a AAA EXTRA-WIDE ZERO-GRAVITY LOUNGER OUTDOOR CHAIR travel agent to arrange your CUISINART PETIT GOURMET TABLETOP GAS GRILL vacation with 1 of these AAA partners — AAA Member Choice ® Vacations®, Insight Vacations®, FITBIT FLEX™ WIRELESS ACTIVITY & SLEEP WRISTBAND Pleasant Holidays or Trafalgar; once it’s booked, AAA will make OUTDOOR WIRELESS SPEAKER & VERSATILE DOCK sure you receive your gift in time GRILL ALERT TALKING REMOTE MEAT THERMOMETER for all your summer activities.
•
Exclusive AAA MEMBER BENEFIT: Each adult receives a $100 onboard Rocky Mountaineer souvenir credit!
Sept 12-22 •
BOOK BY 5/17/14
• • • • • •
AAA East Central reserves the right to substitute a product of equal value if item becomes unavailable.
HURRY — BOOK BY MAY 31
Get a FREE 7" TABLET when you book select Disney vacations at AAA in May!
Valid on new AAA Vacations® Magic Your Way® packages that include...
• 7 nights (or more) at these Walt Disney World® Resort hotels: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Beach Club Resort or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge • 7-night (or longer) Disney Deluxe Dining Plan — 3 meals and 2 snacks per person per night plus 1 refillable mug per person • 8-day Park Hopper® tickets • Roundtrip shuttle — Orlando International Airport • Allianz travel protection insurance plan
AAA Member Benefits
• Exclusive AAA Vacations® Diamond Savings Card. Enjoy discounts of up to 20% at restaurants, shops, recreational venues and tours throughout the Walt Disney World® Resort.
GRAND FLORIDIAN
• Exclusive AAA Diamond Parking. Take advantage of convenient preferred parking spaces at all 4 Walt Disney World® Resort Theme Parks.
• AAA Magic Moments® Savings. Save up to 25% on the room portion of your AAA Vacations® package (subject to availability).
©Disney
Offer valid for new AAA Vacations® Walt Disney World® Resort Magic Your Way® plus Deluxe Dining Plan package bookings of 7 nights or longer at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Beach Club Resort or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. One tablet per room/booking. 2014 booking must be made 5/1–5/31 for travel by 12/31/14. Tablet will be mailed after final payment; allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. AAA East Central reserves the right to substitute a product of equal value if item becomes unavailable. Offer has no cash or store credit value if returned. Offer is not combinable with other AAA East Central promotional offers. See a AAA associate for details. AAA Member Benefits are for 2014 arrivals. One Diamond Savings Card per package; nontransferable and void if sold. AAA Diamond Parking is subject to availability; voucher with guest name required; block-out dates apply; nontransferable; void if sold. AAA member savings of 10%, 15%, 20% or 25% is on the nondiscounted rate of room portion of select AAA Vacations® packages and is subject to availability.
BEACH CLUB
ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE
PAGE 14
AAA MOTORIST
MAY/JUNE 2014
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
AAA.com
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers Linking you & your next vacation! FLIGHTS RENTAL CARS HOTEL/MOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS Research & book travel arrangements from the comfort of your home – 24/7. TRAVEL WITH SOMEONE YOU TRUST.®
LEWISBURG . . . . . . . . . . . .570-524-2244 SUNBURY . . . . . . . . . . . . . .570-286-4507 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. 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. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for more details or visit the air carrier’s website for baggage allowance and fee information.
SUSQUEHANNA REGIONAL DEPARTURES CALL 570-286-4507 • E-MAIL sunbury-trav@aaaec.com • VISIT 1001 Market St in Sunbury MOTORCOACH CRUISES FROM NEW YORK NY
from $959 per person
June 15-22 ..............................Bermuda ................................................Norwegian Breakaway July 15-23................................Exotic Eastern Caribbean ..............................Carnival Splendor Aug 31–Sept 7........................Bermuda ................................................Norwegian Breakaway Sept 6-13.................................Florida & the Bahamas ....................................Norwegian Gem Sept 21-28 ..............................Bermuda ................................................Norwegian Breakaway Oct 18-27 ................................Eastern Caribbean............................................Norwegian Gem Oct 19-26 ................................The Bahamas & Florida ........................Norwegian Breakaway Oct 25–Nov 4..........................Caribbean ..............................................................Royal Princess Dec 1-13 ..................................Southern Caribbean ........................................ Norwegian Gem
MOTORCOACH CRUISES FROM BAYONNE NJ
from $799 per person
Sept 6-11........................................Bermuda ........................................ RCI Explorer of the Seas Sept 7-21........................................Canada & New England ..........................Celebrity Summit Sept 25–Oct 4 ................................Bermuda & Caribbean ................. RCI Explorer of the Seas Jan 23–Feb 2, 2015 ......................Eastern Caribbean ...................... RCI Quantum of the Seas
MOTORCOACH CRUISES FROM BALTIMORE MD
from $855 per person
March 3-13, 2015 .........................Eastern Caribbean ..................... RCI Grandeur of the Seas April 10-18, 2015..........................The Bahamas.............................. RCI Grandeur of the Seas May 3-10, 2015.............................Eastern Caribbean .........................................Carnival Pride June 28–July 5, 2015 ....................Florida & the Bahamas .................................Carnival Pride Aug 2-9, 2015 ...............................Eastern Caribbean .........................................Carnival Pride Sept 6-13, 2015 ............................Florida & the Bahamas .................................Carnival Pride
“CHRISMAN MORNING SHOW” CRUISES Feb 7-14, 2015 ..............................Western Caribbean ........... RCI Independence of the Seas July 12-21, 2015 ...........................Rhine River ..........................................................Viking Hlin
ESCORTED MOTORCOACH TOURS May 31 .......... NYC Broadway: ”Raisin in the Sun“ with Denzel Washington June 10-15 .... Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine June 14 ......... Washington DC July 19 ........... NYC Broadway: ”Disney’s Aladdin“ Aug 17-23 ..... Golden Isles of Georgia Sept 10 .......... Lancaster Sight & Sound: ”Moses” Sept 20 .......... NYC Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Oct 6-10........ Cape Cod & Nantucket Island
LEAVE YOUR CAR AT HOME!
MAY/JUNE 2014
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
AAA MOTORIST
PAGE 15
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
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AAA MOTORIST
MAY/JUNE 2014
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
LAST CHANCE!
THIS THANKSGIVING
Yellowstone Experience AUG 11-17 $2,645
Our first national park’s first explorers were called liars when they described its otherworldly geysers & bubbling mudpots and its freeranging bison, elk, moose, bears & wolves. Begin at Salt Lake City and travel through scenic Idaho to Yellowstone. Enjoy Old Faithful & many other natural landmarks, as well as the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. A Wildlife Safari includes a picnic dinner. Also enjoy Grand Teton National Park, the cowboy town of Jackson, a Jenny Lake cruise, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (schedule permitting) and more! 12 meals. AAA Member Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights from Philadelphia, roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, sightseeing admissions, taxes/gratuities for included features, baggage handling (1 bag per person) and meals as indicated. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Visit AAA.com/travel for itinerary details.
and save up to
$348.00
with AAA’s exclusive rates! AAA’s special 9-night Hawaiian vacation features a 2-night pre-cruise stay in Honolulu, a tour of the USS Arizona Memorial and a 7-night Pride of America cruise featuring 4 islands (Oahu, Maui, Hawaii & Kauai). OCT 30–NOV 8 INSIDE
PUBLIC RATE $2,160 AAA RATE $1,985 YOU SAVE $175.00
OUTSIDE
BALCONY
$2,786 $2,953 $2,505 $2,605 $281.00 $348.00
Rates are per person (double occupancy), are subject to availability at time of booking and include hotel/pier transfers, 2 nights at Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa, Arizona Memorial/Pearl Harbor tour, 7-night cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals and government taxes/fees. Ship’s registry: USA. Ask about available add-on airfare.
Wouldn’t you rather “roast” in the Caribbean? Leave cooking & cleaning to someone else this year; cruise for 10 relaxing days on Celebrity Equinox. Receive these AAA MEMBER PERKS! VOUCHER FOR A BOTTLE OF WINE $75.00 ONBOARD CREDIT MARTINI TASTING
Nov 21–Dec 1 AAA Member Rate from $1,685
Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes balcony cruise accommodations/ entertainment, most onboard meals & government taxes/fees. Ship’s registry: Malta. Ask about available add-on airfare. Visit AAA.com/travel for detailed itinerary.
Receive a SPECIAL GIFT for booking & depositing by 5/31/14! $100.00 VISAPERGIFT CARD STATEROOM GET A HEAD START ON HOLIDAY GIFT BUYING! BALCONY OR HIGHER STATEROOM. RESTRICTIONS APPLY.
MAY/JUNE 2014
AAA MOTORIST
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
PAGE 17
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers ESCORTED TOUR OPERATED BY CIE TOURS INTERNATIONAL
Bunratty Folk Park • Medieval banquet in a castle • Cliffs of Moher • Flying Boat Museum • Killarney National Park • Ring of Kerry • Skellig Experience • Moll’s Gap • Waterford Crystal • Dinner & song at a pub • Dublin: tour & free time ...AND MUCH, MUCH MORE!
Oct 5-12 •
AAA Member Rate: $1,459
Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, guided motorcoach sightseeing, entrance fees, 11 meals (including Bunratty Castle medieval banquet/entertainment & Merry Ploughboy pub dinner/ entertainment), in-Ireland tour director, hotel luggage handling (1 piece per person), hotel taxes & service charges. Ask about available add-on airfare. Visit AAA.com/GoIreland for itinerary and information.
Irish Pubs
&Folklore
ESCORTED TOUR OPERATED BY CIE TOURS INTERNATIONAL
May 12-21, 2015 AAA Member Rate: $1,899
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.
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AAA MOTORIST
MAY 2014
Living the barefoot life in Virginia Beach Taking it easy on the world’s longest pleasure beach
A
fter a long winter, Virginia Beach is ready to put a little spring back in your step and sand in your shoes. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Virginia Beach is the “World’s Longest Pleasure Beach,” boasting more than 35 miles of waterfront stretching from the mouth of Chesapeake Bay to Virginia’s southern border. A 34-foot cast bronze statue of King Neptune presides over the Boardwalk, honoring the region’s long maritime legacy. In 1607, America’s first British colonists made their landfall at nearby Cape Henry — now part of First Landing State Park — before heading off toward Jamestown. The Boardwalk has always been the place to see and be seen. Originally constructed in 1888, the nearly three mile long concrete thoroughfare fronts a beach wider than a football field. During the summer, the oceanfront comes alive with special themed entertainment along the sidewalks of Atlantic Avenue. Beach Street U.S.A. features buskers, jugglers, magicians and more, entertaining crowds on the sidewalks, seven nights a week. Chesapeake Beach (known to locals as Chick’s Beach) is located in the northern part of the city and is famous for its tranquil sands along Chesapeake Bay. Sandbridge, located 15 miles south of the Resort Area, is a secluded beach hideaway with 5 miles of sand dunes
First Landing State Park, protects 2,700 quiet acres of salt marsh habitat and freshwater ponds. The most-visited state park in Virginia, 19 miles of trails wander through various ecosystems, from bald cypress swamp to high, forested dunes. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, an 8,500-acre plot is made up of barrier islands, dunes, freshwater marshes, maritime forests, ponds and six miles of unspoiled ocean beach. The park is home to wild horses, feral pigs, loggerhead turtles, and bald eagles. People with a passion for the paranormal can gather at Edgar Cayce’s Association for Research and Enlightenment on Atlantic Avenue. One of the most celebrated clairvoyants of the early 20th century, Cayce was known as the Sleeping Prophet.
KING OF THE SEA — Neptune on the Boardwalk overlooking Neptune Park. and sea oats dancing in the breeze. Some of Virginia Beach’s most intriguing summer visitors are the midAtlantic’s largest population of bottlenose dolphins, who come to feed just off the coast. Dolphin watching excursions offer visitors the chance to see these intriguing creatures up close and in their natural environment. The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is one of the nation’s premier aquariums. It features 700,000
gallons of tanks, live animal habitats, more than 300 hands-on exhibits and the IMAX® 3D Theater. A one-third mile-long nature trail connects the two pavilions that make up this “must sea” museum, and an outdoor aviary offers an up-close glimpse of the marsh birds seen along the shore. A new Adventure Park, located on the aquarium grounds, and featuring multiple zip lines and aerial ropes courses, is scheduled to open this summer.
OVER AND UNDER
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is one of the seven engineering wonders of the modern world? This 17.6-mile man-made phenomenon connects Virginia’s Eastern Shore to Virginia Beach and saves motorists 95 miles on their trip from points north. FOR MORE INFORMATION
Choose from hundreds of AAA Exclusive Getaways featuring hotel and city package rates to destinations throughout the U.S. on AAA.com/travel.
Talk with teens about driving safety on prom night Safer proms mean calmer moms and dads
P
rom night is a big night for most teenagers, filled with glamour and great expectations. For parents though, it can be a long evening fraught with worry that won’t end until their teen returns home safely. Parents have good reason to worry. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 15- to 20-year-olds. Parents need to coach their teens on safe driving. Make sure they know that drinking and driving is illegal, and find ways to help them become more confident behind the wheel. Teen alcohol use kills about 4,700 people each year, more than all illegal drugs combined. Eighteen percent of drivers age 16-20 involved in fatal crashes in 2012 had a blood alcohol content over the legal limit. Texting while driving is another area of concern. Research by Ford Motor Company shows that teens do not have the experience that allows them to self-limit tasks while driving. NHTSA estimates that distracted driving, including the use of nomadic electronic devices, may be involved in some capacity in up to 80 percent of road collisions. Safety may be the last thing on your
A POSITIVE INFLUENCE — Parental involvement is crucial in teaching teens safe driving behavior. teen’s mind on prom night, but parents know that anytime is a good time to offer young driver these guidelines for the road: Buckle up — Remind your teenager again and again how important that single little click can be. Statistics show that seat belt usage is lowest among teenagers, even though seat belts con-
tinue to be proven as the No. 1 lifesaving device in accidents. Don’t drink and drive — You may assume your teen knows this, but it’s worth a sit-down talk. Make sure your teen understands the dangers of driving under the influence — or getting into a vehicle with someone who’s been drinking.
No text zone — Remind your teen driver to avoid distractions such as texting, loud music and any activities that take their eyes away from the road for extended periods of time. Research shows this combination significantly increases the risk of accidents. Take a drive — Is your son or daughter taking the car that night? Drive the route with him or her; make sure they know exactly where they’re going and limit the number of passengers who will be in the car at all times. Renting a limo? — Check the safety record of the limo company. Make sure the company you (or the kids) are renting from has a reputable history. Set a check-in time and curfew — Have the couple call you when the dance is over, or when they’re changing venues, so you know where they are at all times. Set a curfew. Make sure your teens know when you expect them home, and make sure they know it’s not debatable.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Parents and caregivers can learn more at Keys2Drive, a groundbreaking new website that offers a variety of tools and resources for teens and their parents at www.teendriving.AAA.com.
MAY 2014
AAA MOTORIST
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MAY 2014
Your golden ticket to a great new car deal Take a test drive and be rewarded for your feedback!
I
f you’re shopping for a new or used car this spring, the AAA Auto Buying Program is the easiest way to save both time and money. AAA members cut down the average amount of time spent at the dealership with Guaranteed Savings and upfront dealer pricing information* before ever walking on the lot. Using the Auto Buying Program online tools, AAA members have saved an average of $3,078 off MSRP**, receive additional used car discounts, and enjoy a hassle-free experience with pre-screened Certified Dealers. AAA Auto Buying Program Certified Dealers are committed to providing a simple and painless purchase process and want shoppers’ feedback about their service. For a limited time, take a test drive with a Certified Dealer, complete a quick survey about your experience and you’ll get a $25 gift card in the mail. (Details provided with your certificate.) Take your first step on the AAA Auto Buying Program site at AAA.com/autobuying where you can research new and used cars. Learn about any regional incentives and special cash-back offers available from the manufacturer or estimate the trade-in value of your used car and your potential monthly payment. The AAA Auto Buying Program lets you know when you’re getting a good deal and gives you unlimited access to
CARE FREE CAR BUYING — Get upfront dealer pricing info before you step on the lot at AAA.com/autobuying. free TrueCar Price Reports which show what others paid in your area for cars with the same features as the one you have chosen. You’ll also find reviews, photos, and specifications for a variety of vehicles and safety and crash test results allowing shoppers to compare
various vehicles at one time. Once you’re ready to purchase, be sure to print your Guaranteed Savings Certificate or Used Vehicle Certificate, see how to get your gift card and visit your selected Certified Dealer. Your certificate is like a Golden Ticket, so
bring it with you, or have it ready to show on your mobile device to make sure you receive your AAA member savings and enjoy a hassle-free shopping experience. If you end up picking a different car on the lot than what’s on your certificate, our Certified Dealers will give you the member savings for the car you choose on the spot. And unlike some other programs, there’s no additional charge to access this service — you have unlimited access as part of your AAA membership! So if you’re ready to buy a car, or want to find out how much you could save, go to AAA.com/autobuying and request upfront dealer pricing information for the car you want. You can also reach one of our representatives by calling 800-446-7433. Our Certified Dealers are waiting to take you on that test drive! *Guaranteed Savings and upfront dealer pricing information not available in all states. **See AAA.com/autobuying for details.
IT’S A GIFT
Take your first step on the AAA Auto Buying Program site at AAA.com/autobuying. And for a limited time, take a test drive with a Certified Dealer, complete a quick survey about your experience and you’ll receive a $25 gift card in the mail.
Give Yourself an Upgrade—
SEE CLEARLY AND COMFORTABLY IN THE SUN.
to the highest level of protection available! Get more from your membership.
40% OFF SUNGLASSES MADE WITH YOUR PRESCRIPTION*
AAA members get a bonus $5
**
** Additional $5 off of complete pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses made with your prescription (frame and lenses). Valid AAA membership required. May be combined with vision and insurance plans and other offers. No cash value. Some brands excluded, including Maui Jim and Oakley lenses or Cartier frames. Limit one AAA discount per customer. Discount Code: 678946. * Valid on multiple pairs. Both frame and lenses purchase required. Cannot be combined with any vision or insurance benefits, any store or other offer, discount or sale, previous purchases, readers or non-prescription sunglasses. Savings applied to lenses. Valid prescription required. Discounts are off tag price. Some brands excluded including Totallens, Varilux lenses, Maui Jim and Oakley sun frames and Authentics lenses, or Cartier frames. See store for details. Purchase a Cartier frame at tag price and get 40% off the quoted list price of the lenses. If Varilux lenses are selected, get 20% off the complete pair purchase (frame and lenses). Savings applied to the lenses. Offer expires 07/02/2014.
Upgrade to AAA Premier. With expanded roadside assistance — and a host of other benefits — AAA Premier is a smart choice. To upgrade your membership, call or visit your local AAA office or AAA.com, or call the Member Service Center at
1-800-441-5008
MAY 2014
AAA MOTORIST
AAA Travel’s Sizzling Summer Kick-off venience of an escorted tour. Itineraries designed by experts maximize your time. Accommodations and transportation are pre-booked with upscale vendors; you need not do any research before your trip or deal with unexpected hassles along the way. Accommodations are chosen to enhance your experience; most feature abundant amenities and are near attractions so that you may spend your leisure time relaxing in the comfort of your hotel or exploring the destination at your own pace. Each AAA MCV package includes a knowledgeable tour manager and unique activities that give you an authentic glimpse into local culture. Insight Vacations® For more than 30 years, Insight (The Art of Touring in Style™) has provided premium escorted road, rail and cruise tours in Britain & Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean and Morocco. Enjoy more intimate groups (40 passengers max), an experienced tour director and the assurance of staying in centrally located premium & luxury hotels. Travel in comfort on luxury reconfigured coaches (fewer seats, more legroom), so the journey is just as enjoyable as the destination. Choose from these touring styles: • Gold Luxury: Boutique and 5-star hotels, epicurean delights and more. • Easy Pace: Leisurely guided vacations with at least 3 nights in almost every destination. Lots of free time.
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• Country Roads: Get off the beaten track; usually features a sought-after chateau or manor house. • Regional Experiences: Focus indepth on a specific region for your full appreciation. • Discovery Journeys: Multi-country journeys are the perfect introduction to Europe; experience the full diversity of the continent in 1 tour. Pleasant Holidays Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Europe, the South Pacific. Hotels, condos, villas, all-inclusive resorts, rental cars, in-city tours & activities. Pleasant Holidays makes it easy for you to select the elements and destinations you desire. Choose from a selection of accommodations for families, couples and singles. Take advantage of “Skip the Line” tours in 3 of Europe’s most popular cities; enjoy priority admission to famous — and often crowded — attractions like the Colosseum in Rome, the Louvre in Paris and the Accademia Gallery in Florence. Trafalgar For more than 50 years Trafalgar has created exciting vacations to sought-after destinations all over the world, while ensuring unrivaled standards of quality, value and reliability. Each itinerary is designed by travel experts, skilled in forming experiences that explore the true beauty, history and culture of
a destination. Tour styles include... • Discoveries: Multi-country vacations give an overview of a continent. • Regionals: In-depth experiences of 1 or a few countries. • Family Experiences: Trips made for sharing time together. • At Leisure: Later starts and longer
stays for a more relaxed pace. • Special Interest: A focus on interests, from food to history. • City Breaks: Single and multi-city unescorted vacations, with all the essentials organized. Summer’s coming fast; plan your vacation and get your free gift now!
AAA Member Benefits
FREE GIFTS fo
AAA Member Choice Vacations®
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$25-$100 savings based on purchase price
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$40 voucher per person ($25 for AAA Vacations®–branded packages) toward the purchase of select optional tours on escorted motorcoach tours (with exceptions)
Insight Vacations
r booking by 5/17/14!
®
SEE PAGE 1.
Pleasant Holidays
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$50 certificate per booking toward the purchase of an optional sightseeing or activity for Hawaii, Mexico, Costa Rica or Caribbean packages (does not apply to air-&-car–only packages) $40 savings per person off price of Tahiti, Fiji or Cook Islands packages $50 savings per booking off price of Australia/New Zealand or Europe packages $25 savings per booking off price of US city packages (not valid on Fly/Drive packages) “Bounce Back Offer”: Book within 12 months of your original holiday, no travel expiration date (does not apply to Air by Pleasant or Mainland USA) — $50 savings per booking off price of a Hawaii, Mexico, Caribbean or Costa Rica package — $100 savings per booking off price of a Tahiti, South Pacific, Australia/New Zealand or Europe package
• • •
Trafalgar
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$40 credit voucher per person ($25 for AAA Vacations®–branded packages) toward the purchase of an optional excursion (details at AAA.com/Trafalgar)
Fee-free, 24/7 reservations online with AAA.com/travel Enhanced site offers convenient services & exclusive discounts
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AA.com/travel is a one-stop web destination for members looking to research, plan and book the perfect air, land or sea getaway. The AAA.com/travel homepage features a scrolling banner with the latest cruise and tour packages, member promotions and travel destinations. The slideshow is regularly updated, so check often — you never know what you’ll find! On the left hand side of the homepage, you’ll find a blue drop down menu with some of the most popular AAA Travel features online. Here, you can search for available hotels, flights or rental cars (or any combination of the three). You can also find the perfect cruise by date, destination or cruise line. You can also access the “bookings” menu, which allows you to view all of your reservations and upcoming trips made through AAA.com/travel. When you make your reservations online through AAA.com/travel, you can feel confident knowing you are getting a great rate. There are no transaction fees, and AAA member rates are clearly marked, so you know exactly what you are paying and how much you are saving. To the right of the drop down menu, you will see four red banners,
GOES WHERE YOU GO — AAA.com/travel offers user-friendly navigation which is both simple and intuitive. each identifying another section of AAA.com/travel. AAA Featured Vacations is on top, and this link takes visitors to a showcase of trips and itineraries created or selected by AAA Travel for out-of-theordinary value, amenities or inclusions. The Research & Planning banner offers members a wide range of travel resources. Learn about everything from
international travel document requirements to purchasing travel insurance. Also in this section is a link to the online versions of the always-popular AAA TourBook Guides. Prefer hard copies of your travel materials? You can also order TripTik Travel Planners, TourBook Guides and maps under the Research & Planning tab.
As the name suggests, the Top Destinations banner includes perennial favorite member destinations in one central location. Select the location you have your eye on (including Las Vegas, Universal Orlando, Caribbean, Mexico, Disney or USA) and you will be taken to the AAA Travel Planner page, where you can follow the easy-to-use prompts to book your perfect getaway. The final banner links visitors to Travel Discounts, where members can take advantage of special offers like luggage discounts, last-minute travel packages, and rental car offers through Hertz. The “more savings” link takes you to AAA Discounts & Rewards platform, an online shopping destination where members can save even more from more than 31,000 popular online retailers. This is the perfect place to stock up on all the little “extras” for your trip — like attraction tickets, or a new pair of sunglasses. Visit AAA.com/travel to plan, book and save on your next getaway today.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Planning your next trip? Please see this issue’s Departures Guide or visit AAA.com/travel for great vacation values from AAA Travel.
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AAA MOTORIST
MAY 2014
Let Hertz put you in the driver’s seat With exclusive members-only discounts and benefits
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ummer vacation season is nearly here, and travelers will soon be shopping for rental cars for their travel destinations. One of the benefits of AAA membership is the special package of savings available when you rent from Hertz. Members receive up to a 20 percent discount on car rentals, free Hertz Gold Plus Rewards membership, plus an array of money-saving opportunities, including special upgrades, dollarsoff coupons, and more. Their Member Satisfaction Guarantee is your assurance that the rate and car class, or a higher car class, will be available as reserved. The key to these exclusive Hertz savings and benefits is the CDP number. Your Hertz CDP number is 215, the same as your club code, which appears on the front of your membership card. It’s your gateway to savings and value. The Hertz system will automatically assign the best rate available within the chosen channel of distribution at the time of reservation. Exclusive AAA member benefits include free unlimited mileage on most rentals. Families receive free use of one child, infant or booster seat, and there’s no charge for an additional driver if they are a AAA member with a credit card in their own name. Hertz frequently offers AAA members special single and double upgrade coupons in addition to dollars off coupons.
Rental Days, after their first Gold rental! Plus, your Hertz Discount Code (CDP#) is automatically included in your reservations. Join at AAA.com/ HertzPremier. Hertz’ premier frequent renter program entitles you to membership privileges at more than 40 major airports and 1,000 locations around the world. Just get in, show your driver’s license at the exit gate and drive away. There’s no waiting in line, nothing to sign. Your car will be waiting in a weatherprotected #1 Club Gold area. AAA demands the best for its members. That’s why Hertz is the only car-rental company endorsed by AAA. The next time you need a rental car let Hertz put you in the driver’s seat.
GOOD AS GOLD — AAA members receive free Hertz Gold Plus Rewards membership. These coupon or coupon-less offers are available from AAA travel offices, in your club publication and on AAA.com. While most leisure and/or promotional weekly rates require that a car be rented over Saturday night, AAA members don’t have to worry. They qualify for low weekly rates without having to keep the vehicle over a Saturday night. And when you return, a Hertz agent will give you an Instant Return receipt
before you even leave the vehicle. AAA Basic & Plus Members receive free Hertz Gold Plus Rewards membership, plus 675 Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Bonus points — enough for One Free Rental Day, after their first Gold rental! Join at AAA.com/HertzGold. In addition to Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, AAA Premier Members get 1,100 Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Bonus points — enough for Two Free Weekend
FOR MORE INFORMATION
May is Hertz Month at AAA and bigger summer savings start now. During May and June, AAA members will save 20% more on already discounted weekly rates at the airport for vehicle pickup through July 31, 2014 when Promotional Code 196700 is included in the reservation. Hertz always saves you more with exclusive benefits for AAA members including free use of a child seat and discounted Hertz Neverlost GPS rental for just $6.99 per day. Visit AAA.com/hertz for further details.
Human biology breathing new life into compressed natural gas vehicles
2014 Approved Auto Repair Centers SNYDER COUNTY Selinsgrove Paul Stine Chevrolet Rts. 11 & 15 ....................(570) 374-1151 UNION COUNTY Lewisburg E.L. Smeltz Automotive 2563 Old Turnpike Rd. ...(570) 524-0310
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ompressed natural gas (CNG) is helping to fuel the future of transportation. That’s because CNG vehicles run cleaner and cost less to operate than gasoline, diesel or other alternative fueled vehicles. No other energy source has more potential to solve America’s energy woes or reduce our dependence on foreign oil, especially in light of huge shale gas reserves. America now has more natural gas than Saudi Arabia has oil. While CNG has a per-gallon-equivalent cost-advantage of approximately $1 compared with gasoline, its energy density is less by volume. As a result, CNG-powered vehicles require much larger fuel tanks to deliver driving range that is comparable to that of gas- or diesel-powered vehicles. Current CNG tank designs also are limited to cylindrical shapes to accommodate the pressure at which the gaseous fuel is stored. Now Chrysler Group is looking inward — to the human body — for inspiration to design the next generation of fuel tanks powering compressed natural gas vehicles. “Within the human lung are countless individual sacks called alveoli,” says Enrico Pisino, Chrysler Group’s Senior Manager-Innovation. “These sacks combine to expand the lung’s total air capacity. We are using this same approach to
improve the packaging of CNG tanks.” Chrysler Group’s patent-pending technology addresses both issues by expanding tank capacity and enabling designs that conform to the vehicle, as do other fuel tanks. The result is a no-compromise solution that preserves space intended for passengers and/or cargo. Chrysler has a long history with CNG. In the 1990s and early 2000s, the company produced dedicated CNGpowered full-size vans, minivans and pickup trucks and currently have a dual fuel CNG vehicle on the market. The Ram 2500 Compressed Natural Gas truck is the industry’s only factory-built CNG-powered pickup, rolling off the same assembly line as conventionally powered vehicles The Ram 2500 features a 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine that burns CNG. When that fuel is depleted, it automatically and seamlessly switches to gasoline. The truck can travel 255 miles on CNG and a total of 745 miles on a single fill-up, when equipped with an available 35-gallon reserve gas tank. While consumer interest continues to grow, high mileage commercial fleets remain the largest market for natural gas vehicles. Currently, about 20 percent of all new transit buses are being fuelled by natural gas.
MAY 2014
AAA MOTORIST
PAGE 23
Cruising into the Pearl of the Adriatic Fact meets fiction in Dubrovnik’s Old Town
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living museum on the southern tip of Croatia, Lord Byron called Dubrovnik “the pearl of the Adriatic.” Gleaming marble streets are lined with baroque buildings, punctuated by finely sculpted Renaissance fountains and facades, and polished by the footsteps of history. One of Europe’s most spectacular ports of call, cruise lines calling here include Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Holland America, Oceania, Princess and Azamara. Ships typically dock at the port located about two miles northwest of the walled Old Town. George Bernard Shaw once said “those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik and find it.” Only a few faint scars remain from the 1991 bombardment by Yugoslav forces during the Croatian War of Independence. More recently, Dubrovnik’s Old Town has become familiar as the real-world locale for King’s Landing in the HBO TV series Game of Thrones. Old Town’s labyrinth of streets is completely encircled by walls and fortresses. Constructed between the 12th and 17th centuries, these massive walls are among the best preserved in Europe and the city’s premier attraction. Towering up to 80 feet high, the limestone walls are over 20 feet thick
KING’S LANDING — Old Town and Lovrijenac Fortress from Minceta Tower. Photo by Dennis Jarvis.
in places. The Pile Gate — Old Town’s principal gateway — is defended by the circular-shaped Fort Bokar, with a wooden drawbridge spanning what is now a dry moat. The best way to explore the Old City is by walking the 1.5-mile circumference of the ramparts. There are dozens of stairs to climb and it’s best to go
early before the sun gets too hot. Minceta Tower, the highest point on the walls, offers a breathtaking panorama of the city with its jumble of red tile roofs providing a perfect counterpoint to the Adriatic’s dazzling blue shimmer. The Maritime Museum is located inside St. John’s Fortress in the battlements’ southeast corner. The museum
is full of artifacts like scale models of ships, surprisingly accurate ancient maps, and antique treasures from Dubrovnik’s nautical past. During the Middle Ages the former Republic of Ragusa rivaled Venice for influence and power. The 15thcentury Rectors’ Palace was once the city-state’s seat of government. Today, the palace is a museum with furnished rooms, Baroque paintings, and historical exhibits. The 1673 Cathedral is home to an impressive patrimony of art including Titian’s The Assumption. Right beyond the walls, forbidding Lovrijenac Fortress perches on a rocky promontory. Often called “Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar” Game of Thrones fans will recognize it as the Red Keep — home to the legendary Iron Throne. Outside of Old Town, a cable car makes the 3-minute transit to the top of Mount Srdj, crowned by the Naopleonic era Fort Imperial. From the summit visitors have a bird’s eye view of the town, the sea and the quiet islands scattered like stepping stones, along the Dalmatian coast.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please see your AAA Departures Guide or log on to AAA.com/cruises for special values on European cruise vacations.
Pennsylvania motorists dig deeper to fund transportation Some higher fees can be still be avoided before July 1
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ennsylvania’s highway infrastructure is crumbling and old and deteriorating roads and bridges have taken a significant toll on motorists and their vehicles. Many state maintained roads and bridges are in dire need of repair or improvement. The state legislature passed Act 89, the Transportation Funding Act, which Governor Corbett signed it into law last November. A portion of the new law includes higher fees for some driver’s license and vehicle products. The first phase of this new fee schedule went into effect April 1. These included the replacement of a noncommercial driver’s license or Pennsylvania ID card if it is lost, stolen, or mutilated. The fee has increased from $13.50 to $27.50. There will still be an additional $5.00 charge if the driver’s license includes the motorcycle class. When renewing a Pennsylvania ID Card, the fee has also been increased from $13.50 to $27.50 for a four-year card. The price of a four-year driver’s license has remained the same. Those needing a new title for their car — whether buying a new car or replacing a lost title — the fee has risen from $22.50 to $50.00. Other fee increases are recording a lien on a title, now $23.00, and requesting a driver or vehicle record history. Those fees went
SAVE ON THE TIGER — The PA Zoological (tiger) plate will not go up in cost until July 1. from $5.00 to $8.00 with the cost of certified copies of those same records being raised from $10.00 to $30.00. The second phase of pricing changes will begin July 1, 2014. While the April changes were situational, and could not be avoided by applying early, some of the July changes can be avoided
if you apply for the products being increased before the end of June. If you are considering purchasing a personalized plate for example, the onetime fee will increase from $20.00 to $76.00. The PA Zoological (tiger) plate and the Railroaders Heritage plate — popular special plate options — both
increase from $35.00 to $54.00. Fifteen dollars from the sale of those plates is designated to the groups that they represent. If you have been contemplating one of these items, make sure to visit to your local AAA branch office before June 30th and an experienced Branch Specialist will assist you with the application process. AAA service fees apply to all PennDOT transactions. Other PennDOT fees will increase on July 1 as well. Registration fees for motor homes, trailers with a registered weight higher than 10,000 lbs, special mobile equipment, implements of husbandry, farm trucks, ambulance, taxi, and hearse plates will all be increased. The cost of transferring a plate between vehicles is rising by $3.00 and the price of a plate being issued when titling a vehicle is going up by $9.00. When an existing plate needs to be replaced, whether it is lost, stolen, or mutilated, the fee will increase from $5.00 to $14.00. These are the first PennDOT fee increases in 17 years and by 2018, Act 89 will provide about $2.3 billion more a year to fix roads, bridges, and expand public transit. Pennsylvania motorists may take some time to become familiar with new fees so please contact the Member Service Center at 1-800-4415008 if you have any questions.
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AAA MOTORIST
MAY 2014
Pleasant Holidays now offers Windstar Cruises to Tahiti Bali Hai is calling you to this South Seas paradise
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ahiti shimmers like a string of pearls in the South Pacific. A seductive garden of earthy delights, coconut palms nod in the breeze and the air is redolent with orchids and ferns. Ancient volcanoes loom over lush tropical lagoons in shades that seem struck from the palette of Gauguin. But why should it remain a not-sodistant yet unattainable place in your imagination? Find your Polynesian paradise aboard a Tahitian cruise from Pleasant Holidays and Windstar Cruises. Pleasant Holidays has been making vacations more memorable for 50 years. They make it easy to book cruise vacations in Tahiti, as well as in Europe, Hawaii, Asia, Mexico and river cruises on the Mississippi and the Pacific Northwest. Many cruise packages feature inclusive perks such as onboard credit, meals, beverages, room service, shore excursions and onboard entertainment. Windstar Cruises was created as an alternative to the typical cruise experience with memorable itineraries, luxurious accommodations and pampering without pretense. Relax and watch the wind fill the sails or visit the bridge on what feels like your own private yacht. The 148-passenger Wind Spirit was designed to harness the subtle South Pacific trade winds. Officially, a fourmasted schooner, the designation belies the craft’s unique rigging. Everything
PARADISE FOUND — Sailing into Cook’s Bay, Moorea. is operated by a few microchips. Sails unfurl at the push of a button and there are no sheets or winches on deck. Wind Spirit’s 7-day “Dreams of Tahiti” itinerary sails round-trip from Papeete, Tahiti and visits the idyllic islands of Moorea, Taha’a, Raiatea, Bora Bora, and Huahine. Onboard amenities include the WindSpa, a casino and entertainment lounge, water-sports platform, library, pool and hot tub. The 74 deluxe staterooms feature ocean views, queen beds,
AAA Vacations® is your connection to the world Hand-crafted itineraries and exclusive member values
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AA Vacations® travels the globe to bring you the world’s most remarkable journeys. These cruise and land-based vacations are hand-selected by AAA with carefully crafted itineraries that seamlessly mingle the “must sees” with intimate glimpses of other cultures. And they are only available through AAA Travel. AAA Vacations® are an exceptional value because AAA has negotiated great members-only savings and benefits. Every vacation includes the AAA Vacations® Best Price Guarantee and AAA Vacations® 24/7 Member Care. You can also rely on the expertise of your AAA Travel Agent in selecting the right vacation package for you.
Do it your way
AAA’s land vacation program features dozens of guided and locally hosted programs to the world’s most sought after locales. All are designed to reveal the very heart and soul of the places you’ll see, touch and taste. Travel independently or share the experience with a host and other likeminded nomads. No matter how you go you’ll travel in confidence. AAA Vacations® 24/7 Member Care delivers peace of mind should you need assistance on you journey. Looking to chill out on a beach or plunge under a waterfall in a tropical
lagoon? Choose from more than 100 resorts across the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii and the South Pacific. Enjoy premium amenities like complimentary room upgrades, early check in and late check out, resort credits and optional excursion certificates. And nobody does Disney like AAA Vacations®. Let your AAA travel professional create a package to Walt Disney World® Resort or Disneyland® Resort that will make magical memories. You’ll also receive exclusive AAA Vacations® benefits, plus AAA member benefits on select AAA Vacations® packages.
Choose your cruise
AAA has partnered with some of the industry’s best cruise lines and with more than 400 departures, you won’t have to wait for your ship to come in. Plus, AAA Vacations® offers exclusive bonus amenities like priority check-in on day of boarding, champagne on arrival, onboard spending credits and specialty dining experience, just to a name a few. Look for the AAA located next to the cruise listed on AAA.com/ aaavacations, then click on the link that says “Special Offer” to see the added amenities for that particular departure. Pick up your 2014 AAA Vacations® catalog today at any AAA Travel Agency location, or download the new 2014 AAA Vacations® eBrochure at AAA.com/aaavacations.
flat-screen TV with DVD player and Bose SoundDocks for Apple iPods. In the evening the AmphorA Restaurant serves gourmet, course-bycourse cuisine, while the Veranda restaurant offers casual and full-service dining at breakfast and lunch. Windstar gets you closer to the Tahiti you want to see. Visit places larger ships can’t go and enjoy a more authentic on-shore experience with smallgroup excursions. Swim and snorkel in crystal-clear lagoons, meander along hidden paths, or revel in Polynesian culture and customs. Every island has its own personality. A circle of majestic peaks crowns Tahiti — the largest and most populous island. The legendary seductress of sailors and capital of French Polynesia has bewitched everyone from Captain Cook to Jack London and Gauguin. Visit Les Trois Cascades waterfalls, or purchase a “pareu” at Le Marché’ an intriguing two-story marketplace in Papeete. The view from Magic Mountain is just that — magical. Those who dream of a tropical paradise are dreaming of Moorea. Just eleven miles across the Sea of the Moon from Tahiti, it seems a world apart. Said to be the inspiration for James Michener’s
mythical island of Bali Hai, miles of coconut-colored beaches frame a shallow lagoon, while waterfalls cascade down ancient lava flows draped in the green velvet of the jungle. Flower-shaped Taha’a is ringed by almost sixty motus (islets) and a magnificent coral reef. Taha’a is called the Vanilla Island for its much sought-after spice, which sweetens the air with its rich aroma. It also produces some of the finest black pearls in the Pacific—a testament to the purity of the water. Raiatea, the Sacred Island, is located just across the lagoon from Taha’a and shares the same barrier reef. Visitors can climb Mt. Temehani in search of the Tiare Apetahi, a flower so rare it grows no place else on earth. Blossoms open at dawn with a slight crackling sound — said to be the sound of a breaking heart. With its lush rainforests, and quaint villages, Huahine offers a vision of old Polynesia. Offshore motu lie inside the barrier reef, filled with fragrant gardens of orchids and melons. Restored Tahitian marae (temples) and centuriesold stone fish traps reflect the island’s ancient culture. Bora-Bora means “the first-born.” Natives call it Pora-Pora because the letter B does not exist in the Tahitian language. Half island, half atoll, palmcovered motu encircle a topaz lagoon teeming with tropical fish. In the center of the island are the remnants of an extinct volcano rising to two peaks, Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu, Visitors can pause at the tomb of Alain Gerbault, the first French sailor to solo circumnavigate the world. He passed through Tahiti in 1926 and like so many others, could not bear to leave.
IF YOU GO
Pleasant Holidays is now offering 7-night Tahiti cruises aboard Windstar Cruises, Wind Spirit, departing May 2 to November 7, 2014 and sailing roundtrip from Papeete. AAA Members receive $40 per person discount at time of booking. For more information see your AAA Travel Agent or visit AAA.com/travel.
MAY 2014
AAA MOTORIST
PAGE 25
Running hot and cold with Electric Vehicles AAA testing finds temperature affects EV driving range
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lectric Vehicles (EVs) are energy efficient and environmentally friendly with the added benefit of reducing fuel costs for motorists. But, just as motorists need to know how far the gas in their tank will take them, EV drivers need to be aware of how far their vehicle can travel on a single charge. According to new AAA research conducted by the AAA Automotive Research Center in Southern California, electric vehicle range can be reduced by an average of 57 percent based on the outside temperature. “Electric motors provide smooth operation, strong acceleration, require less maintenance than internal combustion engines, and for many motorists offer a cost effective option,” said John Nielsen, managing director, AAA Automotive Engineering and Repair. “However, EV drivers need to carefully monitor driving range in hot and cold weather.” To better understand the impact of climate on electric vehicle batteries, AAA conducted a simulation to measure the driving range of three fullyelectric vehicles in cold, moderate and hot weather. Temperature made a big difference in driving range for all three EVs. Vehicles were tested for city driving to mimic stop-and-go traffic, and to better compare with EPA ratings listed
RANGE ANXIETY — AAA found temperature made a big difference in driving range for all three EVs they tested. on the window sticker. The average EV battery range in AAA’s test was 105 miles at 75°F, but that dropped 57 percent to 43 miles when the temperature was held steady at 20°F. Warm temperatures were less stressful on battery range, but still delivered a lower average of 69 miles per full charge at 95°F. AAA performed the testing between
Pennsylvania Driver’s License expired? Pennsylvania vehicle registration sticker missing? AAA East Central offices in Pennsylvania can help you with these inconveniences and other Driver License and Vehicle related questions. Call the Member Service Center at 1-800-441-5008 or your local Branch Office for Details
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ON-LINE MESSENGER
Most Pennsylvania AAA locations are Authorized On-Line Messengers and are approved to instantly produce a wide variety of products normally obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. State and Service Fees Apply
December 2013 and January 2014 on three fully-electric vehicles — a 2013 Nissan Leaf, a 2012 Mitsubishi iMIEV and a 2014 Ford Focus EV. They were selected because they are the most widely available electric cars in the country. Each vehicle completed a driving cycle for moderate, hot and cold cli-
mates following standard EPA-DOE test procedures. The vehicles were fully charged and then “driven” on a dynamometer in a climate-controlled room until the battery was fully exhausted. According to a 2012 survey conducted by AAA, eight out of ten U.S. adults are unsure about or unlikely to buy an electric vehicle and 30 percent of them say it is due to mileage limitations and availability of charging stations locations. Even the reduced range of the test vehicles was still more than enough for the average driver’s daily commute which the U.S. Department of Transportation says is around 16 miles one way. AAA has initiated several projects including mobile recharging units and EV charging stations to support members who drive electric vehicles. EVs provide owners with many benefits, but every motorist needs to be aware of conditions that can impact vehicle driving range. EV drivers need to plan carefully in hot and cold weather. Mapping tools such as the AAA TripTik® Travel Planner pinpoint charging stations to keep motorists on the go.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit AAA.com for information on all things automotive including tips on buying, operating and maintaining a vehicle.
PAGE 26
AAA MOTORIST
MAY 2014
Disney Festival of Fantasy debuts at Magic Kingdom New daytime spectacular opens at Walt Disney World Resort
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nchanting stories spring to life in the new Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade. This is the first of Disney Parks’ next generation parades, an eye-popping fusion of breathtaking floats, Cirque du Soleil-style theatrics and never-beforeused technology. Stilt walkers, fairies, a fire-breathing dragon, and a Cha Cha Girl with hair like pulled taffy, add an element of whimsy as they accompany Disney characters from more than a dozen classic stories. The parade debuted in March with nine gargantuan floats rolling down Main Street, U.S.A to the pulsating beat of an original soundtrack inspired by your favorite Disney films. Elegantly costumed Swan Court couples lead the 50-foot-long Princess Garden float, capped off with a special appearance by Anna and Elsa from “Frozen.” A pageantry of Disney princesses relax in a garden of topiaries filled with songbirds and woodland creatures. Flynn Rider and Rapunzel from Tangled are showcased in a massive long ship as they go in search of adventure and another Best. Day. Ever! Rapunzel’s iconic tresses are woven throughout this 36-foot-long float decked out with dastardly thugs swinging precariously on enormous pendulums. Ariel and her friends ride atop a colorfully kinetic seashell music box on the Under the Sea float from The Little
IMAGINE DRAGONS — A Steampunk-inspired dragon from Sleeping Beauty is one of the parade’s signature attractions. Mermaid. Conga dancing fish kick up their fins with bubbles galore, while runway-inspired costumes for the Lion Fish, Seashell and Sea Horse performers shimmer in the Florida sunshine. Peter Pan and Wendy soar high aboard the Jolly Roger pirate ship complete with Captain Hook and smoking cannons. Tinker Bell hovers among the giant flowers, while “Newsies-inspired” Lost Boys kick up their heels. High stepping Highland dancers
announce the arrival of Merida on a float shaped like an enormous bagpipe in celebration of the popular Disney*Pixar film, “Brave.” Walt Disney World Resort guests will feast their eyes on some of the most extravagant and imaginative costumes in Disney Parks’ history. Designer Mirena Rada has put a thoroughly modern spin on classic themes, from the iridescent feathers on the Princess Garden’s Swan Court gowns, to the
sculpted conch shell headpiece that adorns the Little Mermaid’s Seashell Girl. The hauntingly elegant raven costumes from “Sleeping Beauty” were brought to life using innovative 3D printing technology. Prince Phillip battles a fire-breathing Steampunk-inspired dragon from Sleeping Beauty in one of the parade’s many show-stoppers. The spectacular, 53-foot-long dragon was built on an articulating chassis allowing it to bend and flex as it snakes along the route — a first for Disney parades. Festival of Fantasy culminates with Mickey and Minnie Mouse perched high aboard Mickey’s Airship — a giant hot air balloon leading a 90-footlong caravan of characters featuring Pinocchio, Dumbo, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and the Mad Hatter. There are dancing hippos, a ticking croc, sassy Bubble Girls with crazy, cotton-candy hair and more, all exuding the essence of New Fantasyland.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
AAA members receive special lodging programs at selected hotels, preferred parking at the theme parks when they purchase a select AAA vacation package or pre-purchase select theme park tickets at AAA. See your AAA Travel Agent or log on to AAA.com for special member values on Disney Vacations.
Make sure your A/C system keeps its cool this summer A minimum of maintenance can ensure a maximum of cool
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ummer tends to sneak up on many motorists. Most of us are aware of the rigors of winter driving and the benefits of winterizing your vehicle, but there’s a natural tendency to ease off during the summer. Sunshine coming through car windows makes your car work like an oven. A closed vehicle can heat up to over 100 degrees in minutes and your car’s A/C system has to work even harder to keep you comfortable. With the Memorial Day Holiday weekend upon us, and summer vacation season fast approaching, now is the time to inspect your air conditioning system. Here are some things to look for: • Are A/C component mounting bolts in place and tightly secured? • Are caps installed on the A/C system service ports? This keeps out dirt, and provides a seal for refrigerant. • With the engine running, does the compressor clutch engage when the A/C is switched on? If it doesn’t, or you hear rapid clicking or cycling noises at the compressor, this usually indicates low refrigerant due to a leak, or an electrical problem. Have it checked by your service technician. Leaks should be fixed immediately, because if the system continues to run, it can damage the compressor. (Note: Some A/C systems pre-
resulting in reduced A/C performance. You can rinse the condenser clean with a garden hose. Always be extremely careful any time you’re under the hood while the engine is running. Stay away from all rotating components with your hands, clothing, and hair, and always wear eye protection around a running engine. Air conditioning repairs are best left to professionals who have the specialized equipment. It is also illegal to release refrigerant into the air. HFC134a, the most common refrigerant, is a greenhouse gas about 1,400 times as potent as carbon dioxide.
TURNING UP THE HEAT — Ford tests the Explorer A/C system in Dubai. vent compressor clutch engagement in low temperatures, typically at or below 40° F.) • With the engine running and the A/C switched off, listen for knocking or rumbling sounds in the vicinity of the compressor. These could indicate a failing compressor clutch, and/or loose mounting hardware. • Check all belts for cracks, wear, and glazing. Have them replaced at the first sign of any of these conditions. Also, check for belts that vibrate while the engine is running and
the A/C is on. This may indicate a belt that needs to be tightened, or a defective automatic belt tensioner. • Examine all A/C and cooling system hoses for cuts, abrasion, weak spots, and signs of leakage. Leakage from the A/C system hoses is often indicated by an accumulation of dirt and oil, particularly at connections and fittings. • Make sure the condenser (located in front of the radiator) is free of any obstructions, such as leaves or insects. This could reduce airflow,
APPROVED AUTO REPAIR
Garages that participate in AAA’s Approved Auto Repair (AAR) program offer qualified technicians, a wide range of professional repair services and guaranteed quality. AAA members also are guaranteed a written estimate, and are assured that the cost of work on their vehicle may not exceed the written estimate by more than 10 percent unless this increase is authorized in advance. Repairs, parts, labor, and components are guaranteed for 12 months or 12,000 miles under normal operating conditions. Visit www.AAA.com to locate the AAA Approved Auto Repair facility nearest you.
MAY 2014
AAA MOTORIST
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AAA MOTORIST
MAY 2014
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