SEE PAGE 3
Vol. 53 No. 2
SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY REGION
Intimate. Human-scaled. Personal. Docked in the heart of a destination. Perks virtually unimaginable on large-ship ocean cruises!
MARCH/APRIL 2014
Receive the Latest AAA News in Your Inbox
SAVE $100.00!
Book select 2014 European river cruises by 3/31/14. PER STATEROOM
Travel | Insurance/Financial | Automotive | Member Savings | AAA.com
AAA WANTS A BILL OF RIGHTS FOR CAR DATA
Learn about the latest AAA specials and find more ways to save when you sign up for the monthly AAA e-Update newsletter. Each newsletter includes information about your AAA member benefits, along with savings offers, automotive news and more. Once you receive your first newsletter, select which additional free updates you’d like to receive. Interested in learning about Travel specials? Get the Travel e-News, with getaway packages and offers just for members. Or get the Insurance Insight, with information to help you protect your valued possessions. There’s no cost to you, and you can discontinue your AAA e-newsletter subscription at any time. Visit AAA.com/enews to sign up today.
Universal Orlando Offers Free Third Day
The European River Cruising Experience
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hen is a cruise not just a cruise? When it’s a European river cruise. More and more travelers are discovering — and supremely enjoying — this fastest growing “current” in travel. Today’s river cruise is an exceptional travel experience that takes you to — and into — a destination in a way that no other tour can. It’s simultaneously relaxing, exciting and even educational (but in the most enjoyable way!). AAA Travel now makes European river cruising even more attractive by offering $100.00 per stateroom (double occupancy) for new bookings & deposits by 3/31/14 of a 2014 cruise with these partners: AmaWaterwaysTM, Uniworld® Boutique River Cruise Collection® and Viking River Cruises. And AAA members also enjoy exclusive benefits (box at right). & enjoy
ish bathroom with gleaming fixtures. These floating hotels dock either right in the heart of downtown areas or within easy walking distance; great location and ease of access mean a better cultural experience.
GREAT CITIES, GREAT SIGHTS On an ocean cruise, the ship is often the destination; though luxurious itself, a river cruise vessel is more a means to experience the destination rather than being the destination itself. Throughout the course of human history, great cities grew along waterways — Paris on the Seine, London on the Thames, Budapest on the Danube. Today river cities continue to embrace the arteries along which they sprouted, and their true hearts are revealed on and around their banks. Witness the timeless connection and interaction between city and river these from the water’s perspective – landmarks hugging shorelines, AAA Member Benefits vessels ferrying folks from bank AmaWaterwaysTM to bank, bridges soaring and $100.00 SAVINGS per person arcing overhead, couples snugand a BOTTLE OF WINE per stateroom gling on overlooks.
SAVE $100.00 ADDITIONAL
SUPER VESSELS Low-slung and luxurious river cruise liners glide in style through picturesque valleys peppered with historic castles, verdant vineyards and charmUNIWORLD® CULTURE, HISTORY, PEOPLE ing villages and into inviting Boutique River Cruise Collection® Unlike ocean cruising, river vibrant cities that traditional Up to $250.00 SAVINGS per person, based on cruise duration cruising very often allows you ocean cruises can’t reach. And, more opportunities (and, often, with guest capacities all unVIKING RIVER CRUISES more time) to fully experience der 200, these sleek rivercraft Up to $200.00 ONBOARD CREDIT and get an authentic sense of a never feel crowded, greatly enper person, based on cruise duration place. By docking right in the hancing your onboard experiheart of a city, little time is needed to transence. fer to points of interest. In some places, local Vast open-air top decks allow 360° views of entertainers may even board your vessel to passing scenery. Large windows and French present special cultural performances. Complibalconies permit private viewing from the mentary shore excursions feature local guides, comfort of your stateroom just feet above the VIP access to attractions and like-minded river’s placid and serene waters. guests. Beyond the included daytime sightseeSoak up the never-ending panoply of life uning, some passengers opt to go ashore during folding before and beside you; it’s a mesmerizthe evening to embrace the local nightlife on ing, relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable way to their own. For example, instead of a cocktail see the world. Plus, you’ll unpack just once in onboard, they may stroll into a centuries-old your elegantly appointed boutique stateroom tavern for a local libation and entertainment. featuring sumptuous bedding, as well as a stylcontinued on page 18
Through May 9, AAA members purchasing a two-day Universal Orlando ticket will receive free admission for a third day. The resort features two theme parks – Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure – along with the Universal CityWalk nightlife attraction and three AAA Four Diamond hotels. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, is the most talked about theme park attraction on the planet. Special member savings are available on advance purchases through AAA.com/universal.
The Polar Bear Capital of the World Every fall, hundreds of polar bears gather on the outskirts of Churchill, Manitoba, on the western shore of Hudson Bay, about 1,000 miles northeast of Winnipeg. Now you can view one of nature’s greatest spectacles on AAA Travel’s Oct. 20-26 Polar Bear Adventure. This AAA Featured Vacation also offers member level discounts of $200-$300 when you book and deposit by Mar. 31, 2014. SEE PAGE 15
Say Aloha With Aloha Days Deals There is never a bad time to visit the Aloha State and AAA Travel and Pleasant Holidays are making Hawaii more affordable than ever with some amazing Aloha Days deals, including a $50 per booking Activity Voucher, plus a free 5-day Hertz car rental, or a $100 Activity Voucher per booking, plus a Hertz car rental upgrade. SEE PAGE 7
Set Your Sails for the Caribbean Set sail on a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise to Nassau, St. Thomas and St. Maarten aboard Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas. AAA members who book a Balcony Stateroom by March 30, 2014 will receive prepaid gratuities (value up to $168), plus a $50 onboard credit per stateroom, plus Specialty Dining. (1 night for 2 guests). SEE PAGE 7
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Data breaches a growing venture for identity thieves Take steps to protect yourself with ProtectMyID®
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illions of Americans have their identities stolen every year, often through no fault of their own. According to the 2013 Payment Card Data Security Report: Combating Breaches, Perfecting EMV, and Safeguarding Mobile Payments by Javelin Strategy & Research, card breach-related fraud has increased 340 percent since 2010. Hackers are increasingly focusing on U.S. credit card accounts because of their relatively insecure magnetic strip technology, first introduced in the 1970s. Many other countries, particularly in Europe, have converted to credit cards with EMV (EuroPayMasterCard Visa) technology that uses an embedded microprocessor to encrypt and store account information. AAA recently rolled out EMV technology on its AAA Member Rewards Visa® credit card through our partner Bank of America. The chip-enabled cards expand purchase options, add convenience and transaction security for Americans traveling abroad and also include the traditional magnetic stripe, used by U.S. merchants. Identity thieves are relentless in their pursuit of your most private information, but now AAA East Central members have another way to help protect themselves. ProtectMyID Essential is a new, no cost benefit available exclusively for AAA members. Comparable to plans costing $7.95 per month, it
AAA DIRECTORY INTERNET WEB SITE: www.AAA.com AAA MEMBER SERVICES • ADDRESS CHANGE triptiks, tourbooks, maps, license 412-363-5100 or 1-800-441-5008 APPROVED AUTO REPAIR 412-365-7411 or 1-800-233-9733 EMERGENCY ROAD SERVICE 412-362-1900 or 1-800-222-4357 EXPRESS TRAVEL RESERVATIONS
airline tickets, tours, cruises, rental cars
412-363-7283 or 1-800-354-8761
INSURANCE SERVICES: 1-800-207-7947 MEDIA RELATIONS: 412-365-7157 AAA MOTORIST: 412-365-7017 SAFETY: 412-365-7211 TDD for the hearing-impaired: 412-363-7144
AAA BRANCH OFFICE LOCATIONS
LACK OF SECURITY — Hackers prey on U.S. credit card accounts because of their relatively insecure magnetic strip technology. includes these important features: • Daily Credit Monitoring of your Experian® Report — Your credit report is monitored daily to detect key changes. • Email Alerts — Receive email alerts when key changes are detected on your credit report. If no changes are detected, you’ll be sent a monthly all-clear email. • Dedicated Fraud Resolution Support — Agents are available to walk you through each step of resolving identity theft—from beginning to end.
Give Yourself an Upgrade— to the highest level of protection available! Get more from your membership. 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
MARCH 2014
• Lost Wallet Assistance— Securely store your debit and medical card numbers in one safe place. If your wallet is lost or stolen, it only takes a single call to a ProtectMyID agent for assistance in canceling and replacing your cards. In addition, ProtectMyID Essential also provides AAA Premier members with $10,000 in no cost identity theft insurance.* ProtectMyID Deluxe, available to members at just $8.95 per month, adds an extra level of protection with these advanced features: • Comprehensive Daily Monitoring of all three national credit bureaus— Experian, Equifax® and TransUnion® for new credit cards, loans, delinquent payments and more. • Experian Credit Report and Score — Lets you review your credit upon sign up to catch inaccuracies, potential fraud and suspicious activity even sooner. • ChildSecure® — Monitors children’s Social Security numbers, and alerts you if someone applies for credit or opens credit accounts in their names. • Internet Scan — Conducts confidential, daily scans on illegal websites and chat rooms for signs your identity is exposed. • Identity Theft Insurance — $1 million identity theft insurance.* FOR MORE INFORMATION
AAA’s ProtectMyID can help catch identity theft and fraud when it happens and help you restore your credit and your good name. To register for your free subscription to ProtectMyID Essential, or to upgrade to ProtectMyID Deluxe at a special members-only price of just $8.95 a month, simply go to AAA.com/ ProtectMyID or call 1.877.440.6943. You must have a valid email address to enroll. *Identity theft insurance underwritten by insurance company subsidiaries or affiliates of American International Group, Inc. (AIG). The description herein is a summary and intended for informational purposes only and does not include all terms, conditions and exclusions of the policies described. Please refer to the actual policies for terms, conditions and exclusions of coverage. Coverage may not be available in all jurisdictions.
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
MARCH 2014
AAA MOTORIST
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AAA wants a consumer bill of rights for car data
Connected cars improve safety, but raise privacy concerns 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 Debra A. Dinnocenzo, Chairman, Neil D. Bassi, Vice Chairman, Carol Asam, Christian Asam, Jack A. Barkley, William E. Bierer**, Ellsworth T. Bowser**, Peter Burton, Marianne B. Campbell, Charles O. Casto, Michael A. Cochran, Daniel J. Collins Jr.**, Robert S. Collins, Robert H. Compton, 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.
By Richard Hamilton Chairman, AAA East Central ew car technologies are changing the way we drive by making the experience both simpler and safer than ever before. The must-have option for cars in the near future won’t be a sunroof or leather seats—it will be ultra high-bandwidth connectivity. Within a decade the majority of vehicles on the road will be able to identify problems before breakdowns occur, reduce crashes and help drivers save time and money. These vehicles can automatically send real-time data about a crash along with vehicle location to first responders. They are capable of generating prognostic data that can predict a mechanical problem even before the problem occurs. This could prevent the inconvenience of a breakdown and help consumers better manage the timing and expense of vehicle care. Vehicle-to-vehicle or (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communications can warn drivers of potential collisions, dangerous road conditions and other impediments to safe travel. In February, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that it wants V2V technology installed in all new cars and trucks. Research conducted at DOT and NHTSA estimates that V2V has the potential to help drivers avoid or mitigate 70 to 80 percent of vehicle crashes involving unimpaired drivers. This could help prevent thousands of deaths and injuries on our roads every year.
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Richard Hamilton Location-based services and connected cars offer the promise of a brave new world of driving security, but some of these benefits may come with a price — your privacy. Many of these functions are only made possible through the collection of vast amounts of data. About 1-in-5 new cars sold this year will collect and transmit data outside the vehicle, yet most drivers have no idea about the information they’re sending out. While AAA applauds NHTSA’s recent V2V announcement, we would still like to see better privacy protections in place. Congress needs to pass legislation that prohibits access to this data without permission from the owner, or from a court order, unless the data is used for research purposes and cannot
be tracked to a single vehicle. Motorists should also retain ownership of any data their vehicles generate. AAA is urging the administration to enshrine the tenets of transparency, choice and security by adopting its “Consumer Rights for Car Data.” Transparency — Consumers have a right to clearly understand what information is being collected from their vehicle and how it is being used. Businesses and the government should be transparent about the collection and use of vehicle data. Choice — Consumers have a right to decide with whom to share their data and for what purpose. This includes ongoing monitoring of vehicle systems, repair and any data of the vehicle owner’s choice. Customers should not be forced to relinquish control as a condition of purchasing or leasing a vehicle, or of receiving a connected-vehicle service. Security — Consumers have a right to expect that connected-vehicle manufacturers and service providers will use reasonable measures to protect vehicle data systems and services against unauthorized access and misuse. As vehicles become more integrated with wireless technology, there will be more avenues through which your personal information can be accessed, harvested and shared with third parties. Without clear disclosures and safeguards in place, there is no guarantee that it will not be misused or exploited, or compromise a driver’s basic right to privacy.
membersonly
Moving home from college made easy Penske Truck Rental offers tips for moving 101
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illions of students shift their belongings back and forth from colleges and universities each year and students will soon begin their annual trek back home. Moving is never any fun, but there are things you can do to make it easier for everyone involved. Whether you’re a senior or a sophomore, the experts at Penske Truck Rental have a curriculum to help you, or your college-age student make the move home: Don’t wait — Springtime and graduation weeks are peak moving times for both students and families living near or around campus. Reserve a truck before they’re all rented out — at least two weeks prior to your move. If you can, try to move on a weekday — weekends are always the busiest moving days. Pack in increments — Start early to avoid the stress of last-minute rushing. It’s OK to leave a box open in case you need something you’ve packed inside it.
Pack smart — Bring home only ® what you need. Before you toss something consider donating any usable items to fellow students or various charities. Load your heaviest items on the truck first to create a sturdy base, then start stacking on top. Boxes, packing tape, bubble pack, moving blankets, and hand trucks are also essential to keeping your belongings safer and making your move easier. Think safety — A moving truck is taller, wider and heavier than cars or SUVs. So, drive a bit slower and take extra care when making turns, driving under overhangs or near low tree branches. Penske offers 24/7/365 emergency roadside assistance in case you have a problem. Make it fun — Keep a positive attitude during the move – play music, spring for pizza after all the work is done and don’t let frustration get to you. Penske moving trucks have CD
players, radios, air conditioning and cell-phone outlet chargers — all the things necessary for a comfortable, enjoyable ride. Go green and save green — Save on expenses and be kinder to the environment by moving together with someone from your area. Check with your residence life office on campus to help find someone to share the load. Pack a go bag — With most belongings packed tightly away, create a travel bag for moving day to keep important paperwork, credit cards, identification, change of clothes, drinks and snacks close at hand. Whether you need a truck for moving across the country or down the street, Penske Truck Rental offers significant savings for AAA members. Save 12% on one-way & local truck rentals and 12% off moving supplies and accessories. Offer only applicable to daily fixed rate and any mileage charges. Book online and save up to 20% on one-way rentals at PenskeTruckRental.com.
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It’s time to spring for an auto clean up Undoing the damage done by a rough winter
WASH AWAY WINTER — A good spring cleaning can help spot damage done by a tough winter.
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our car has just slogged through another season of grit, grime, slush, and corrosive road salts. Now that spring is on its way it’s time to give your vehicle a thorough spring cleaning. A well-maintained car is actually like a triangle with three sides — the outside, the inside and the underside. Careful attention to those three sides will lead to improved appearance, longer wear and greater resale value. The outside — Car washing is one of the few occupations where you start at the top and work your way down. You want to float the dirt off the surface, so make sure the car is kept wet during the wash. Never use harsh soaps or dishwashing detergents as they can remove wax, and even the clear coat layer. Instead, use a mild detergent specially formulated for car finishes and a water blade and soft towel to fully dry the vehicle. Cleaning goes well beyond wash and dry. Today’s aerodynamic cars shed water via hidden channels and drains. These collect all sorts of debris and if you don’t keep them clear, water can collect inside the car’s body, eventually causing your vehicle to rust from the inside out. Clean wheels and tires separately. Using the same wash mitt or bucket can transfer dirt particles from the wheels to the body and damage the finish. Special wheel cleaners are available that are designed to remove brake dust. The inside — Now it’s time to turn your attention to the interior. First, remove the floor mats and shake them vigorously. For fabric, carpets, cloth seats and safety belts, use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and loose dirt. And don’t forget to vacuum the trunk. Now that
the surfaces are clean, you should apply a top-quality protectant for car interiors and upholstery. Never use cleaners that contain silicone or alcohol on leather seats. Saddle soap is best for keeping them soft and pliable. Cleaning the inside glass is particularly important as interior plastics release gaseous materials — sometimes called “that new car smell” — that leave a film. Use a vertical motion for the exterior, and a horizontal motion for the interior. If you have any streaking, you won’t have to guess which side of the windshield it’s on. The underside — When the worst of winter is over, thoroughly wash the underside to eliminate the corrosive road salt. Add three tablespoons of baking soda to your undercarriage wash water to neutralize the salt. When the car is clean, check for damage caused by potholes or road salt and have it repaired as soon as possible. With a little time and know-how, this spring’s cleaning will not only have your house in tip-top shape but also your car running and looking like new both inside and out.
PAYING THE PRICE
Keeping your car clean contributes to its long-term condition and value. Cars in excellent mechanical condition and appearance can be valued as much as $1,500 higher than those in good or fair condition. And consumers spend more than $24 billion a year battling corrosion. FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit AAA.com for information on all things automotive including tips on buying, operating and maintaining a vehicle.
MARCH 2014
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AAA MOTORIST
Member Benefits • Exclusive Offers
1-800-354-8761 • AAA.com/travel
GETAWAYS FROM THE Now’s the k time to kicth e the cold to lfill fu curb and tion your vaca dreams in 2014!
PREPAID GRATUITIES OF UP TO $168 PREPAID COMPLIMENTARY SPECIALTYDINNER DININGFOR FOR22 $75.00 ONBOARD CREDIT
$50.00 SAVINGS FREE 5-DAY HERTZ RENTAL & $50.00 ACTIVITY VOUCHER FREE HERTZ RENTAL UPGRADE & $100.00 ACTIVITY VOUCHER
Bask in sultry HAWAII with car & activity values and $50.00 savings!
Heat-seeking CARIBBEAN CRUISE on Allure hotter with member perks!
The only real cold you’re likely to experience in Hawaii is an ice-filled tropical drink...a traditional rainbow-hued “shave ice” snowcone treat... or your accommodation’s air conditioning turned on full blast! In addition to an ideal year-round climate and plentiful sunshine, Hawaii offers a warm and inviting Aloha Spirit and promises you an unforgettable vacation experience. Hawaii is hiking sculpted cliffs or diving amid coral reefs in the afternoon and dining to slack-key guitar at sunset. Fresh, floral breezes energize you. Warm, tranquil waters refresh you. The breathtaking natural beauty renews you. Year-round gentle weather surrounds you on every island. With fiery volcanoes and cavorting whales, the islands are rich with natural wonders. Look around.There’s no place on earth like Hawaii. AAA Travel and Pleasant Holidays can customize the perfect Hawaii vacation for every traveler — from 5-star luxury to family-friendly value. And, when you book your Hawaiian getaway during Aloha Days (now through April 30, 2014), you’ll enjoy added perks to enhance your vacation experience — from $50.00 savings to a free 5-day Hertz car rental or a rental upgrade. And don’t forget your AAA member benefits — a voucher valued at up to $100.00 toward an optional sightseeing tour or activity. See the offer details in the ad on the next page. The size and scope of AAA and Pleasant Holidays give us unique purchasing power to negotiate low accommodation rates — and we pass those savings on to you. We also offer ultimate peace of mind, with round-the-clock customer service and a choice of travel protection plans. The folks at Pleasant Holidays are known as the Hawaii activity experts. Before leaving for the Aloha State, you can choose from hundreds of optional activities that will make your vacation even more enjoyable and more memorable. Whether you enjoy partaking in physically active pastimes or just taking in a special dinner or entertainment (or both!), you’ll find something of interest in Pleasant Holidays’ Hawaii’s activities “menu.” And you can utilize Pleasant Holidays’ exclusive concierge services to set up golf tee times in ad-
Banish the winter blues with a plan to make your dreams of abundant abunsunshine, dant sunshine, bathing-suit bathing-suit temperatures temperatures and adventures and adventures of a lifetime of a lifetime come comethis true true October. this October. That’s That’s when when Royal Royal Caribbean’s Caribbean’s “floating “floating fantasy fantasy reresort,” sort,” Allure Allure ofof the the Seas, Seas, embarks embarks onon a 7-night a x-night fantastic fantastic voyage voyage from from Ft Lauderdale to Nassau, St Thomas and St Maarten. Maarten this Oct 26–Nov 2. Book a balcony stateroom (facing the ocean or overlooking the awesome atrium) and enjoy the added benefits of prepaid gratuities (for room stewards, maître maitre d’, ’d, servers) of up to $168.00 for up to 2 people per stateroom, complimentary dinner for 2 one evening and a $75.00 credit valid toward the purchase of onboard products and/or services (beverages, spa treatments, shop items, shore excursions, etc). See the ad on the next page for complete details. And on Allure of the Seas you’ll be able to enjoy a Royal Caribbean exclusive! Meet and have your photo taken with your favorite DreamWorks Animation characters like Madagascar’s Alex & the Penguins, Shrek & Fiona and others. Start the day with a breakfast visit from your favorite character. And from Aqua Shows to colorful parades to ice shows, your favorite characters will wow you with their talents. See the latest DreamWorks films onboard the same day they release on land. Watch them (and others like Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, Shrek and more) brought to life in the 3D theater or in your stateroom. Visit these fun ports and consider a shore excursion or two in each: • Nassau, Bahamas. An island paradise just miles from Miami known for its Junkanoo celebrations and famous conch chowder. A “must do” is a day at the world-renowned Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island; take a self-guided tour of the ruins of ancient Atlantis in The Dig and enjoy a reserved area of the beach. Slip & slide at Atlantis Aquaventure, complete with waterslides, river rapids, pool and beach. At Predator Lagoon, see sharks, barracudas and many other creatures. • Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas USVI. Make sure to soak up the sun at Magens Bay. This heart-shaped beach is on National Geographic’s top 10
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SEE THE ADS ON THE NEXT PAGE FOR COMPLETE OFFER DETAILS & RESTRICTIONS.
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1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers GETAWAYS FROM THE
HAWAII ‘Aloha Days’ values
CARIBBEAN CRUISE on Allure
vance, arrange spa treatments, plan a romantic dinner at sunset, order a birthday cake for “the little one” or arrange a gift basket for your room. Recharge your senses with a chocolate macadamia nut scrub, plumeria euphoria bath or lomilomi massage at a deluxe spa. Love golf? Choose from world-class courses designed by Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones Sr and others.
list. Enjoy great snorkeling on the Turtle Cove Sail & Snorkel tour, with coral formations, fish and turtles, a friendly crew and a fun atmosphere aboard a beautiful boat. On the Beach & Snorkel Tour, travel to Trunk Bay for snorkeling along the underwater trail of reefs, or kick back and bask in the tropical sun. • Philipsburg, St Maarten. Under joint French and Dutch control, the island offers the heritage of both amid endless stretches of beach, beautiful landscapes and great shopping. Back on ship, don’t miss all that jazz and more with the Tony® and Grammy® award-winning Chicago. Or try your luck at Casino Royalesm...or dance the night away in a nightclub...or watch dazzling aerial acrobatic shows. The possibilities are almost endless. Don’t miss the boat!
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Trust the travel experts. Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape for 2 or a spacious family-friendly condo for a multigenerational celebration, Pleasant Holidays offers just what you need for a memorable vacation, including customized itineraries, multi-island vacations, inter-island transportation, added values (including free nights, resort credits and more) and activities, tours and excursions.
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Sail on ALLURE OF THE SEAS for 7 nights to the Eastern Caribbean and enjoy the fun and entertainment of the DreamWorks Experience! Cruise roundtrip from Ft Lauderdale to Nassau, Bahamas; Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas USVI; and Philipsburg, St Maarten. 3 days at sea. Member-exclusive AAA Featured Vacation benefits
PREPAID GRATUITIES of up to $168
Total for 2 persons in a stateroom, when you book a balcony stateroom by 3/30/14.
COMPLIMENTARY DINNER for 2 •
$75 ONBOARD CREDIT
Complimentary dining is available only for the first 15 staterooms booked. Credit per stateroom.
PLUS... Get $50 savings from AAA Travel! PER ROOM BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY NEW BOOKINGS ONLY
Oct 26–Nov 2 •
AAA Member Rate: from $1,068
Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals & government taxes/fees. Ask about available add-on airfare. Ship’s registry: Bahamas. Royal Caribbean International reserves the right to impose a fuel supplement on all guests if the price of West Texas intermediate fuel exceeds $65 per barrel. The fuel supplement for 1st and 2nd guests would be no more than $10 per guest per day, to a maximum of $140 per cruise; and for additional guests would be no more than $5 per person per day, to a maximum of $70 per cruise.
Get up to $100.00 savings!
AAA MEMBERS ONLY — NOW ’S THE TIME! Book & make a deposit by April 30 on a 2014 7-night-or-longer air-inclusive Pleasant Holidays vacation to the Caribbean, Mexico or Europe and enjoy:
$50.00 SAVINGS FROM AAA TRAVEL (per room, based on double occupancy • new bookings only)
PLUSEXCLUSIVE
S! THESE ER BENEFIT AAA MEMB
EUROPE
$50.00 SAVINGS off package price, per booking
THE CARIBBEAN & MEXICO
$50.00 CERTIFICATE toward purchase of optional sightseeing or activity, per booking
MARCH 2014
PAGE 9
AAA MOTORIST
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
s t a s i V n a It ali
Celebrity Cruises & AAA Vacations® offer some of the best values at sea & great benefits unavailable elsewhere!
This 13-day escorted adventure features visits to 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Rome, Pompeii, Florence, Pisa, Venice and Verona! Enjoy included extra-special “moments” you’d have to research & add on at your own expense & effort:
Priority Check-in
does not grant priority boarding
Enjoy 2 valuable benefits EXCLUSIVELY for members
Up to $100.00 Onboard Credit
BEST-PRICE GUARANTEE
per stateroom
DATE NTS SHIP
6/15 7/11 7/12 7/18 7/25 8/8 8/15 8/26 9/4 9/12 10/2 10/14 10/19 11/23 11/29 12/7 12/8 12/28
7 7 7 7 10 7 10 12 12 11 12 13 6 7 7 14 5 7
Century Millennium Equinox Solstice Reflection Millennium Infinity Equinox Century Solstice Constellation Equinox Summit Silhouette Reflection Eclipse Constellation Silhouette
ITINERARY
Alaska Inside Passage: R/T from Vancouver BC Alaska Southbound: Seward AK to Vancouver BC Eastern Mediterranean: Venice IT to Istanbul TU Alaska Inside Passage: Roundtrip from Seattle WA E Mediterranean: R/T from Civitavecchia (Rome) IT Alaska Southbound: Seward AK to Vancouver BC N Europe: Roundtrip from Harwich (London) UK Western Mediterranean: Barcelona SP to Venice IT Alaska Inside Passage: R/T from San Francisco CA Alaska Inside Passage: Seattle WA to Vancouver BC Eastern Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Istanbul TU Western Mediterranean: R/T from Barcelona SP Eastern Caribbean: Bayonne NJ to San Juan PR Eastern Caribbean: R/T from Ft Lauderdale FL Eastern Caribbean: Roundtrip from Miami FL Southern Caribbean: Roundtrip from Miami FL Western Caribbean: R/T from Ft Lauderdale FL Western Caribbean: R/T from Ft Lauderdale FL
New bookings only. Offers listed available only on AAA Vacations® departures. Combinable with exclusive AAA Member Benefits; ask your AAA Travel Agent or visit AAA.com/travel for details & restrictions.
If you find a better rate for the exact same cruise itinerary & experience within 24 hours of booking, AAA Vacations ® will match the lower rate...and you’ll receive a $50.00 future-travel credit certificate.
• •
24 / 7 MEMBER CARE
Get peace of mind whenever you need emergency assistance while traveling — a toll-free domestic number and collect-call instructions for international travelers.
• •
A special kind of cruise stands apart from all others — a AAA Vacations ® cruise available only from AAA Travel. It delivers unique features designed to ensure you have the best vacation experience. Compare a AAA Vacations ® cruise against the same cruise offered elsewhere; see how much more your vacation dollar gets you at AAA. Even if you find the same cruise (without AAA Vacations ® benefits, of course!) at a lower price some-where else within 24 hours of booking your AAA Vacations ® cruise, AAA will match that rate and give you a $50.00 future-travel voucher... LOOK FOR guaranteed! THIS LOGO
Guided visits to St Peter’s Basilica and Vatican City’s museums, including the Sistine Chapel A 4-course dinner with wine in Rome, with live performances of arias from the best operas After-hours visit to a 14th-century monastery, followed by a family-style feast of Tuscan dishes, with wine! A serenaded gondola cruise on the canals of Venice — one of the world’s most famous travel experiences
Enjoy relaxing multiple-night stays in Rome (3), Sorrento–Amalfi Coast (2), Florence (2), Venice (2) and Stresa–Lakes District (2).
Oct 18-30 • AAA Member Rate: $5,279 Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes flights (Philadelphia-Rome, Milan-Philadelphia), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, hotel accommodations/taxes/service charges/baggage handling (1 piece per person), 20 meals, air taxes & fees/surcharges, in-Italy tour director. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Visit AAA.com/GoItaly for details.
Discover the Best of the West with AAA! BEST OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
© SCOTT BUFKIN / FOTOLIA.COM
AMERICAN MAJESTY
AUG 30–SEPT 7 • $3,619
JULY 24–AUG 1 • $3,699
So many delights in 1 tour — from the endless charms of San Francisco to the natural splendor of the redwoods at Muir Woods to the opulence of Hearst Castle. Cross Golden Gate Bridge, enjoy the Mediterranean ambiance of Sausalito, sample wines at Napa Valley vineyards, savor lunch aboard the Napa Wine Train. Ride Amtrak’s scenic California Zephyr to Lake Tahoe. Visit the ghost town of Virginia City NV. Dine & dance on a riverboat paddlewheeler. Marvel at Yosemite National Park’s wonders. Explore coastal Carmel, Big Sur and Monterey. 14 meals.
From Salt Lake City to Denver, take in some of America’s favorite national landmarks. Hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (choir schedule permitting). Visit Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks (including Old Faithful & Mammoth Hot Springs), Devil’s Tower, Deadwood, Mt Rushmore (during the day and again in the evening for its inspiring lighting ceremony), Crazy Horse Monument, Custer State Park, Ft Laramie National Historic Site, Cody’s Buffalo Bill Historic Center and Cheyenne. Take a wildlife Jeep® safari through South Dakota’s Black Hills. 15 meals.
GRAND CANYON & ARIZONA ADVENTURE
SEPT 21–28 • $2,559
Fly to Phoenix and ride to the luxurious Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa. Explore scenic backcountry on an exciting off-road Pink Jeep® tour. Visit the IMAX Theater at Williams, then ride the Grand Canyon Railway (first class) to the canyon’s South Rim. Spend 2 nights there in a national park lodge, then ride the vintage Verde Canyon Railroad. Explore Old Town Scottsdale, marvel at intriguing plants at the Desert Botanical Garden and Western art at the Heard Museum. Enjoy a memorable farewell steakhouse dinner — cowboy-style! 11 meals.
DISCOVER GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST
YELLOWSTONE EXPERIENCE
COLORADO TRAIN ADVENTURE
CANYON COUNTRY EXPERIENCE
JUNE 22-28 • $3,425
AUG 3-10 • $3,619
AUG 11-17 • $2,645
SEPT 13-20 • $2,739
OCT 8-14 • $2,249
© SNEHIT / FOTOLIA.COM
© ANDREANITA / FOTOLIA.COM
AAA Member Rates are per person (double occupancy), are subject to availability at time of booking and include 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.
PAGE 10
AAA MOTORIST
MARCH 2014
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
Portugal & its Islands
LEWISBURG . . . . . . . . . . . .570-524-2244 SUNBURY . . . . . . . . . . . . . .570-286-4507
It’s hot — and fast becoming Western Europe’s last “undiscovered” destination! Lisbon: Alfama Quarter, Jeronimo’s Monastery, Monument to the Discoveries, Tower of Belem • Sintra, summer residence of kings • “Riviera” • Silver Coast villages, vineyards & castles • Fatima Basilica • Batalha Monastery • Azores Islands • Madeira Island
©STEVANZZ/FOTOLIA.COM
Sept 12-24 • AAA Member Rate: $4,619 • Book by 3/31 & save $200! Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Philadelphia-Lisbon), in-Portugal flights, roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, hotel accommodations/taxes/service charges/baggage handling (1 piece per person), 19 meals, air taxes & fees/surcharges and an in-Portugal tour director. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Visit AAA.com/GoEurope for details.
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
May 12-20...............................Exotic Eastern Caribbean ..............................Carnival Splendor June 15-22 ..............................Bermuda ................................................Norwegian Breakaway July 15-23................................Exotic Eastern Caribbean ..............................Carnival Splendor July 20-27................................Bermuda ................................................Norwegian Breakaway Aug 31–Sept 7........................Bermuda ................................................Norwegian Breakaway Sept 6-13.................................Florida & the Bahamas ....................................Norwegian Gem Sept 21-28 ..............................Bermuda ................................................Norwegian Breakaway Oct 18-27 ................................Caribbean .........................................................Norwegian Gem Oct 19-26 ................................The Bahamas & Florida ........................Norwegian Breakaway Oct 25–Nov 4..........................Caribbean ..............................................................Royal Princess
MOTORCOACH CRUISES FROM BAYONNE NJ
from $1,045 per person
Sept 7-21........................................Canada & New England ..........................Celebrity Summit Sept 25–Oct 4 ................................Bermuda & Caribbean ................. RCI Explorer of the Seas Dec 12-20 .......................................The Bahamas............................... RCI Quantum of the Seas Jan 23–Feb 2, 2015 ......................Eastern Caribbean ...................... RCI Quantum of the Seas
MOTORCOACH CRUISES FROM BALTIMORE MD from $1,199 per person June 22-29 .....................................Florida & the Bahamas .................................Carnival Pride
ESCORTED MOTORCOACH TOURS May 7 ............ A Day in Lancaster May 31 .......... NYC Broadway: ”Raisin in the Sun“ with Denzel Washington June 10-15 .... Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine June 14 ......... Washington DC July 14-18...... Niagara Falls and Toronto, Canada 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!
MARCH 2014
PAGE 11
AAA MOTORIST
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
ESCORTED TOUR OPERATED BY CIE TOURS INTERNATIONAL
&Folk Tour
Irish Pub
Bunratty Folk Park Medieval banquet in a 15th-century castle Cliffs of Moher
ESCORTED TOUR OPERATED BY CIE TOURS INTERNATIONAL
Flying Boat Museum
Cheers!
Book by 3/31/14!
SAVINGS PER PERSON • GIFT PER ROOM
Feel like a local at friendly pubs full of the craic — Ireland’s unique mix of news, gossip, fun, entertainment and enjoyable conversation!
Killarney National Park, including Muckross House Ring of Kerry, Skellig Experience & Moll’s Gap Waterford Crystal tour Russborough House Dinner & song at a pub Dublin: tour & free time ...AND MUCH, MUCH MORE!
Oct 5-12 •
Sláinte!
$100.00 SAVINGS PLUS AN IRISH-FLAVORED GIFT
AAA Member Rate: $1,459
Before-discount 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.
Glacier NP Discovery CHICAGO to SEATTLE
Tour Dublin: St Stephen’s Green, Georgian squares, O’Connell Street, Famine Memorial & more. Quaff a pint at the Guinness Storehouse • Meet the owners of a working beef/ sheep/horse farm. • Tour medieval Kilkenny, then explore it on your own. • Visit the House of Waterford; watch craftsmen transform molten glass into elegant tableware. • Kiss the “Stone of Eloquence” at Blarney Castle. • Browse at Blarney Woolen Mills...or visit a pub instead! • Circumnavigate scenic Dingle Peninsula and sample a local brew at Dingle Brewing Company. • Sit down to dinner & traditional entertainment (including step-dancing) in Killarney. • Ferry across the Shannon to view the Cliffs of Moher. • Stop in Galway on the way to Connemara. • Overnight in attractive Westport. • Cross over to Achill Island and see the Deserted Village (stone cottages abandoned around the time of the Famine). • Tour Kilbeggan Distillery and enjoy an Irish coffee. • Enjoy storytelling at Dublin’s oldest pub. • Spend a day on your own in Dublin, using included vouchers for an open-top bus tour and a visit to Old Jameson Distillery.
May 12-21, 2015 •
AAA Member Rate: $1,899
Before-discount 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.
Jazz, Blues & Rock ’n’ Roll
NEW ORLEANS
CHICAGO – MEMPHIS – NEW ORLEANS
Ride Amtrak’s Empire Builder from the Windy City to the Emerald City and explore the Crown of the Continent in between! Begin with a reception at Palmer House, a worldclass hotel steps from Chicago’s best attractions. Enjoy a city tour and a cruise on the Chicago River. Start your rail journey with Mississippi River views and glimpses of the Twin Cities skyline. Awaken in your private sleeping accommodations to cross North Dakota’s plains and traverse Gassman Coulee Trestle. Cross into Montana’s Big Sky Country to Glacier National Park; this vast ice-carved terrain of ridges, peaks, waterfalls, hanging valleys, glaciers, forests and more than 200 lakes is one of the world’s most pristine natural environments. Deer are among the most commonly spotted wildlife, but elk, moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, wolves and bears are seen. Tour in a 1930s red “jammer”; rebuilt in 2001, they ply the park’s primary route — Going-to-the-Sun Road. Cross into Canada to visit Alberta’s Waterton Lakes National Park. Enjoy 2 nights at Glacier Park Lodge; its massive fireplace invites fireside chats, and there’s an outdoor pool, a golf course, a pitch-n-putt and a day spa on site. Your other in-park home for 2 nights is the Swiss-themed Many Glacier Hotel on Swiftcurrent Lake. Reboard the Empire Builder for Seattle. See the city’s many gems, including lively Pike Place Market. Then ascend the iconic Space Needle for breathtaking views and then, all too soon, it’s time to fly home!
The metronomic rhythm of your Amtrak® train will set you in the right frame of mind on this north-to-south music-inspired sojourn. Visit 3 fascinating cities where 3 authentically American music genres were born and continue to flourish. Train by night and day; be soothingly rocked to sleep on the overnight Chicago-to-Memphis leg (after enjoying an evening meal in the Dining car) and observe landscapes passing by your window on the Memphis–to–New Orleans portion. In the Windy City, settle into the luxurious Palmer House in the heart of the Loop. Tour the city’s landmarks, browse the Magnificent Mile and enjoy a Chicago River cruise to observe the city’s renowned architecture. Overnight on the train on the way to Beale Street, official “Home of the Blues.” Clubs and restaurants are just steps away. Tour Graceland, the home of Elvis; then, with musicians aboard (audience participation welcomed!), tour other sites of this city on the Mississippi named after the ancient Egyptian capital on the Nile. See Sun Studios, the Staxx Museum and the Rock ’n’ Soul Museum. Enjoy the relaxing journey to the Big Easy. Be welcomed into New Orleans by a jazz brunch in the French Quarter. Take a tour of the Crescent City, including the Garden District. Top it all off aboard a paddlewheel steamboat for a grand finale dinner cruise!
Glacier National Park Discovery: Chicago-Seattle
Jazz, Blues & Rock ’n’ Roll: Chicago–Memphis–New Orleans
GLACIER NP
Aug 9-18 •
AAA Member Rate: $4,979
Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes flights (Philadelphia-Chicago, Seattle-Philadelphia), train (Chicago-Seattle), roundtrip airport/hotel, 7-night hotel accommodations, 2-night train roomette accommodations, 17 meals, meal gratuities (except on train), welcome reception, 4 tours & 1 cruise in Glacier National Park, sightseeing per itinerary, hotel baggage handling (1 per person), air & hotel taxes and services of an Amtrak Vacations® escort (Chicago-Seattle). Visit AAA.com/travel for complete itinerary. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.
Sept 26–Oct 4 •
AAA Member Rate: $4,489
Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes flights (Philadelphia-Chicago, New Orleans–Philadelphia), train (Chicago–New Orleans), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, 7-night hotel accommodations, 1-night train roomette accommodations, 14 meals, meal gratuities (except on train), welcome reception, Chicago river cruise & evening activity, motorcoach tours (Chicago, Memphis, New Orleans), hotel baggage handling (1 per person), air & hotel taxes and services of an Amtrak Vacations® tour escort (Chicago–New Orleans). Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.
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AAA MOTORIST
MARCH 2014
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
AAA.com
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.®
Catch the
ALOHA SPIRIT 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 2-11: from $1,965 Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes hotel/pier transfers, 2 nights at the Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa, USS 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.
MARCH 2014
AAA MOTORIST
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
Beijing
INTRO to CHINA AN ESCORTED EXPERIENCE
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers Walk on the GREAT WALL! Enter the FORBIDDEN CITY! And so much more!
SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Escort & driver s gratuitie ! included
PAGE 13
• PEKING DUCK & “HOTPOT“ DINNERS • FAMILY-HOME VISIT & HOME-COOKED MEAL • KUNG FU ACADEMY VISIT & DEMONSTRATION
Enjoy the comfort & security of an escorted experience — a comprehensive, informative & personal look at this rapidly growing city and an in-depth introduction to its fascinating culture. See landmarks & learn customs for nearly a week; then enjoy an entire day independently exploring & indulging your interests — art, history, cuisine, shopping, photography, parks & zoos — it’s all up to you, with suggestions, advice, directions, etc, from your expert guide! Marvel at ancient & modern, urban & rural, rich & poor, simple & sophisticated, serene & chaotic. Beijing’s unique combination of seemingly contradictory elements may well change your understanding of this city & nation...and provide moving memories that last a lifetime.
Sept 11-18 • AAA Member Rate: $3,349 Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (PhiladelphiaBeijing), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, 12 meals, in-China guide, sightseeing/admissions, baggage handling (1 per person), driver/escort gratuities, AAA Tour Manager (if minimum-participation goal is met) & government taxes/fees. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Visit AAA.com/GoAsia for the complete itinerary! 4 UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES — THE GREAT WALL AT BADALING, THE IMPERIAL PALACE (FORBIDDEN CITY), THE SUMMER PALACE AND THE TEMPLE OF HEAVEN • TIANANMEN SQUARE • 2008 SUMMER OLYMPICS SITE • LAMA BUDDHIST TEMPLE • HUTONG MARKET VISIT, HOME VISIT & HOME-COOKED MEAL • BELL & DRUM TOWERS TEA CEREMONY JADE FACTORY • PEDICAB RIDE • KUNG FU DEMONSTRATION & STUDENT INTERACTION • TRADITIONAL PEKING DUCK & HOTPOT DINNERS • & MORE!
PAGE 14
AAA MOTORIST
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
NEW SHIPS! NEW ITINERARIES!
Carnival Dream® from New Orleans — 7 nights to East or West Caribbean Carnival Sunshine from Pt Canaveral — 5, 7 & 8 nights East or West Caribbean TM
MARCH 2014
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
MARCH 2014
AAA MOTORIST
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
PAGE 15
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
LIMITEED! SPAC
ALASKA BY LAND! See the incredible, inspirational interior of the Last Frontier on this 9-night escorted tour — unforgettable experiences not on cruises!
Traditional salmon bake & a sternwheeler river cruise in Fairbanks 4-hour adventure flying over the Arctic Circle, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and the Yukon River 7-hour Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali National Park, looking for grizzlies, moose & more... with an overnight in the park Meet a 4-time winner of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race and his canine crew Visits to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation & Begich Boggs Visitor centers 2-hour river float trip in Kenai Fjords National Park A ride on Girdwood’s Alyeska Tram — from sea level to 2,300 feet! Special welcome & farewell dinners with your fellow travelers
July 8-17 •
AAA Member Rate: $4,999
Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes flights (Harrisburg-Fairbanks, Anchorage-Harrisburg), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, motorcoach sightseeing, accommodations (Fairbanks, Denali, Anchorage, Seward: 2 each, Girdwood: 1), 16 meals, luggage handling (1 bag/person), gratuities for included features (includes driver, escort), in-Alaska escort and AAA Tour Manager (if minimumparticipation goal is met). Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.
One-of-a-kind Polar Bear Adventure! Tour also features Winnipeg, dog sledding, Eskimo Museum
Come with AAA to Canada’s “Polar Bear Capital of the World” — Churchill, Manitoba. Spend 2 full days tracking, sighting and capturing (by camera) polar bears on the tundra! Each October and early November, the massive bears (adult males weigh around 770 to 1,540 pounds and females about half that) wait near Churchill for Hudson Bay to freeze so they can hunt their primary food, ringed seals. Ride aboard the Tundra Buggy® Adventure’s specially designed all-terrain vehicles into and throughout the Churchill Wildlife Management Area on established trails that minimize impact on the tundra. Safely get right to the best locations with a high probability of wildlife sightings; viewing and photographing wildlife in its natural environment are thrills you’ll never forget! The interpretive drivers are experienced tour leaders and passionate adventurers knowledgeable about the tundra ecosystem and skilled at positioning the vehicle for optimal photography opportunities and wildlife viewing. The Tundra Buggy® Adventure’s long-standing relationship with Polar Bears International (PBI), the world’s leading polar bear conservation group, affords you an opportunity to spend time on the tundra with PBI Field Ambassadors and to learn about these incredible carnivores and their icy environment. Polar bears are surely the focus, but this getaway’s also packed with other great elements. Enjoy an excursion hosted by a local dog-sledding expert; learn about sledding’s historical significance and then enjoy an exhilarating ride behind a strong team of huskies on a custom-made sled. You’ll also visit Port Merry, the Port of Churchill, the Eskimo Museum, the Parks Canada Interpretive Center and Manitoba Conservation’s Polar Bear Holding Facility (weather
COOL MEMBER SAVINGS! Premier............... $300.00 Plus ..................... $250.00 Basic.................... $200.00
Book & make a deposit by 3/31/14. savings per room, double occupancy
permitting). In Winnipeg, Canada’s seventh largest city, enjoy a stay at the centrally located and stylish Inn at the Forks. After a half-day tour that includes downtown, the historic Exchange District, St Boniface and the French Quarter, you’ll visit Assiniboine Park Zoo’s “Journey to Churchill” exhibit, which addresses issues related to climate change, polar bears and other northern species. Its Gateway to the Arctic zone is a viewing point for polar bears and ringed seals; from inside a 10-foot-wide acrylic tunnel, you can watch these creatures below the water surface of a swimming area where they often frolic between ice chunks. With only a clear wall bisecting the 2 habitats, the bears and seals see and smell each other, creating a dynamic and enriching environment.
Oct 20-26 • AAA Member Rate: $6,455 Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Philadelphia-Winnipeg, Winnipeg-Churchill), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, hotel accommodations, luggage handling (1 piece per person), 17 meals, taxes/gratuities on included items and services of a AAA tour manager (if minimum-participation goal is met). Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Visit AAA.com/travel for details. Passport required.
PAGE 16
AAA MOTORIST
MARCH 2014
Reach the beach on Florida’s Emerald Coast Unpretentious, uncomplicated and unspoiled
S
ugary white sands and dazzling blue-green waters are the hallmark of Florida’s Emerald Coast. This luminous ribbon of sand curls along the Florida panhandle and the water really does have a deep, emerald glow. Florida’s upper gulf coast is actually closer in distance and demeanor to Dixie than to the rest of Florida. Cottages nestle between the dunes and dusty beach roads often meander off to no place in particular. While the rest of the state marches to Eastern Standard Time, the Emerald Coast follows languidly behind in the Central Time zone. This carefully preserved string of beach enclaves along Highway 30-A includes Destin, Ft. Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island. Acclaimed as one of America’s great coastal beach destinations, miles of dunes, sea oats and pines characterize the thin peninsula separating the Gulf of Mexico from Choctawhatchee Bay. Bikers can pedal the “Scenic Highway 30-A Bike Path,” while hikers can explore the 2,200-acre Grayton Beach State Recreation Area. Area resort communities range from the award-winning architectural plan of Seaside, to the more unassuming Fort Walton Beach. Just across the pass, Destin has become a newer, slightly more upscale version of its neighbor. Destin is known as “The World’s
SAND IN YOUR SHOES — White sands and crystal waters give the Emerald Coast its sparkle. Luckiest Fishing Village,” no idle boast since the area claims a variety of saltwater world records and harbors the largest charter boat fleet in Florida. Experienced skippers take you beyond the shoreline in search of grouper, amberjack and red snapper. Surf casters pull in Pompano by the dozen from an abundant sea. Okaloosa Island — the barrier island
between Fort Walton Beach and Destin — is famous for pristine beaches, water sports and awesome family attractions. Destin features a wealth of recreational opportunities. You can dive or snorkel on the natural reefs, and golfers will find dozens of links like the Tom Fazio designed Camp Creek Golf Club. True beach buffs will want to check out Henderson State Recreation Area just
east of town. It’s less likely to be crowded and features incredible, undulating, snow-white dunes. Unpretentious and uncomplicated Fort Walton Beach has a number of family attractions. Gulfarium is one of America’s original marine parks and huge underwater viewing panels bring visitors face to face with sharks, eels and bottlenose dolphins. The park also features a quartet of live shows and participates in a marine rescue program. The nearby Emerald Coast Science Center presides over beautiful Santa Rosa Sound. In addition to more than 250 touchable, interactive exhibits, visitors can picnic on playground facilities available right on waterfront. The Air Force Armament Museum at Eglin Air Force Base, houses an impressive collection of 25 reconnaissance, fighter and bomber planes, including the fastest plane ever built — the SR-71 Blackbird Spy Plane. Inside, you’ll find more than 1,500 artifacts ranging from World War I right up to today, including interactive displays such as a fighter cockpit simulator.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please see this issue’s Departures Guide or visit AAA.com for great Florida vacation values from AAA Travel.
New tire gets its groove back as it wears down Revolutionary new design helps maintain grip on wet roads
A
utomobile safety has improved dramatically over the past few decades, with major advancements including side airbags, collision avoidance systems and electronic stability control making driving safer for the masses. Many people associate these advances with the car itself; however, one of the most important safety devices may be right under you. Few parts are as critical to maintaining control as the tires connecting your car to the road. Brakes can stop your wheels, but only tires can stop your car. The role of tires becomes even more crucial in wet conditions. As tires wear, they lose their gripping ability on wet roads, increasing the stopping distance and likelihood of hydroplaning. In fact, when roads are wet, you are more than two times as likely to have an accident as when they are dry. The standard automobile tire has changed greatly over time. However, one major issue has persisted. Tire makers have been able to create tires with more traction when they are new, but what about when they are worn? On average, a family drives 19,850 miles a year, making 2.08 stops per mile. That’s 41,288 stops a year! And with each mile and each stop, traction deteriorates on wet roads.
FEELING GROOVY — The new Michelin Premier A/S tire has more than 150 hidden grooves. Now Michelin is introducing a revolutionary new tire that provides drivers with exceptional levels of safety even as their tires wear down. Unveiled at the North American International Auto Show last January, the Michelin Premier A/S tire combines a unique tread compound with expanding rain grooves that widen over time for better wet grip. In addition, there are more than 150 hidden grooves that emerge as the tire becomes worn, to provide addi-
tional help in channeling water away and maintaining wet traction. Michelin claims that worn tires with EverGrip technology stop shorter on wet roads than the leading competitors’ brand new tires. Tire engineers are constantly testing new combinations of materials and tread designs to see what produces the best possible tire, providing the driver with the best grip in all weather conditions.
Creating a better tire is equal parts chemistry, design and alchemy. A tire is a complex combination of chemicals molded together and then wrapped in an intricate tread. Manufacturers jealously guard their formulas and today’s high-tech tires feature such exotic materials as volcanic ash for icy conditions, and carbon fiber and Kevlar belts to toughen sidewalls and reduce road noise and vibration. What consumers may not realize is that at any given point your tires are touching the road with a rubber contact patch about the size of your hand. With so much riding on such a small surface area, tire manufacturers go to great lengths to ensure your tires deliver maximum performance.
UNDER PRESSURE
According to the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA), tire pressure can drop 1-2 pounds per square inch (psi) for every 10 degree Fahrenheit drop in temperature. An estimated 4.5 million tires wear out too early each year due to under-inflation. FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit AAA.com for information on all things automotive including tips on buying, operating and maintaining a vehicle.
MARCH 2014
AAA MOTORIST
PAGE 17
Riding the rails into the wild red yonder It’s all aboard for Australia’s great rail journeys
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ustralia is an extraordinary continent where you can tour lush vineyards or drive sheep across dun-colored hills. The legendary Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest living organism, taking in an area half the size of Texas. So it is with Australia’s signature trains. They are as storied as the great passenger trains that once crisscrossed America. Even the names are magical, conjuring images of adventure and intrigue: “The Indian Pacific,” “The Gulflander” and “The Ghan.” Australia’s signature trains are a great way to explore this sprawling land, offering comfortable compartments, elegant dining cars and convivial lounge cars. Travelers may choose to purchase point-to-point fares for single journeys or select from a wide variety of passes. The Indian Pacific spans the breadth of Australia, from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific. Running from Sydney to Perth, it travels 2,704 miles, including the longest stretch of straight track in the world — 297 miles through the Nullarbor Plain, a landscape unmarked by the passing millennia. No other rail journey in the world crosses so many different types of terrain, including the spectacular Blue Mountains, the rugged Outback and the historic town of Broken Hill. It’s all part of the mosaic that makes up this legendary threenight train journey.
Territory — the Red Centre and the tropical Top End. Departing from the southern coastal city of Adelaide, The Ghan heads north passing the majestic Flinders Range and Ayers Rock on the way to Alice Springs, a small city in the heart of the Outback’s Red Centre. Ayers Rock is an enormous, single piece of stone rising up over 1,200-feet from a flat plain and has a circumference of 6-miles. Known as Uluru in the ancient Anangu tongue, its color shifts with the light, changing at sunset from red, to orange, to lilac in just minutes. Eventually the saltbush and spinifex give way to the swamp and eucalyptus as the 1,851 mile journey takes you through the heart of the continent to Darwin, a city closer to Singapore than Sydney, with its distinctive mixture of Australian and Asian cultures.
ALL ABOARD — The legendary Ghan traverses the entire continent from Adelaide all the way to Darwin. Fondly referred to as the “Old Tin Hare”, The Gulflander is one of the world’s last great characters of rail travel. This historic little train takes you on a 120-mile ride from remote Normanton to Croydon, through Queensland’s inhospitable Gulf Country. Built to follow the gold rush this remarkable feat of engineering marks its 120th anniversary this year. The Kuranda Scenic Railway is a
memorable 90-minute journey through Barron Gorge National Park, passing rainforest, steep ravines and picturesque waterfalls. Constructed between 1882 and 1891, the fifteen hand-dug tunnels and thirty seven bridges stand as a monument to the hardy pioneers of tropical North Queensland. The legendary Ghan runs from Adelaide to Darwin, traversing the two jewels of Australia’s Northern
ONE HUMP OR TWO
The Ghan’s name is an abbreviated version of its previous nickname The Afghan Express. In the days before the railway, camel trains guided by Afghan drovers, once followed the identical route. FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please log on to AAA.com/travel for special member values on Australia and New Zealand vacations and cruises from AAA Travel.
Discover your own private island on a cruise Be swept away on these exclusive island adventures “How wonderful are islands!” wrote Anne Morrow Lindbergh. “The past and future are cut off. Only the present remains.” Once the exclusive domain of the wealthy, private islands are now a popular perk on many Caribbean cruises. Vacationers consistently rate them as among their favorite ports of call. Half Moon Cay — with its beautiful, crescent-shaped white-sand beach and warm, blue-green waters — has evolved into an idyllic playground for cruise guests. Holland America Line’s private Bahamian island is a staple of most Caribbean and Panama Canal itineraries, as well as Carnival’s Eastern Caribbean departures. Lapped by calm azure water and thick with powdery sand, Half Moon Cay’s 2.5-mile-long beach is the stuff of legends. The 700-acre lagoon is ideal for watersports, or you can spend the day soaking up the sun, or playing with the kids in the nearby Aqua Park. The Pegasus Ranch riding tour is one of the island’s most popular excursions. Hooves splash as the bathtub-warm water reaches your toes. With former careers ranging from show jumping to polo to racing — a far cry from swimming in the ocean — the 40 or so resident horses enjoy a lifestyle that would make Mr. Ed envious.
ISLAND IN THE SUN— Half Moon Cay’s beach is the stuff of legends. A secluded tropical paradise, Labadee nestles along the mountainous north coast of the island of Hispaniola. This semi-private island paradise is a staple of Royal Caribbean’s Western, Eastern and Southern Caribbean itineraries. Once the home of the actual pirates of the Caribbean, this 260-acre wooded peninsula features five spectacular beaches and a treasure chest of new enhancements and amenities.
Columbus Cove Beach offers a variety of family-friendly attractions including water slides. Nearby Splash Bash is a pirate-themed water playground, featuring a “sunken” pirate ship. Labadee Town Square boasts a popular artisan market and a festive atmosphere that comes alive with music, folkloric dancers and more. Adventure-hungry guests will find a fresh variety of activities including the
new Dragon’s Tail Coaster, a high-speed joyride through 2,232 feet of tropical flora and rock formations. Located on the southern tip of the island of Eleuthera, Princess Cays offers more than a mile and a half of pristine, white-sand beach reserved exclusively for Princess Cruise guests. Kick back island-style in a private beachfront bungalow just steps away from the beach, or explore a serene coral reef, teeming with a rainbow of tropical fish. Excursions include a coastal cruise, glass-bottom boat cruises and deep sea fishing. Surrounded by the gentle, translucent waters of the Bahamas chain lies the secluded island of CocoCay. Reserved exclusively for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruise guests, this 140-acre tropical paradise was awarded a GoldLevel Eco-Certification for its environmentally friendly activities and tours. CocoCay has recently been updated with new aquatic facilities, nature trails and a ton of great places to just sit back, relax and enjoy a tropical drink.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please see this month’s Departures Guide or log on to AAA.com/cruises for great vacation ideas from AAA.
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AAA MOTORIST
European River Cruising River cruising can be as active as you choose to make it. Some lines provide bikes onboard for guest use, and onboard facilities can range from small fitness rooms to walking tracks and even pools on some ships. INTIMATE & WORLD-CLASS Since European river ships average fewer than 200 guests (compared with ocean liners hosting thousands), expect a quiet and intimate onboard atmosphere, with more space per person. Plus, there’s no need to wait in long lines. And personalized, intuitive, gracious service from crew and staff enhances your experience; but-
continued from page 1 ____________________________________________________________________________
lers are available on some vessels. Enjoy locally inspired world-class meals (often with locally procured ingredients) and complimentary wines; open seating allows you to dine where (inside or out) and with whomever you wish. Some boats feature alternative fine-dining restaurants, culinary demonstrations and wine/cuisine-focused shore experiences. VALUE FOR YOUR TRAVEL DOLLAR For all that they offer, river cruise vacations are great values. Their allinclusive pricing provides a carefree approach to a vacation. You pay once and eliminate surprise charges, fees
and add-ons. The best values are offered further out from the departure date. The best deals are typically early bookings, when the choice of accommodations is optimum. Picture yourself in a chair looking out your stateroom window, sitting in the main dining room enjoying a savory meal while peering at gorgeous scenery or simply relaxing in the ship’s lounge. The romance of Europe — combined with the comfort and convenience of being right there in the destination locales — is yours to enjoy when you partake in the unique charms of river cruising!
MARCH 2014
MOST SHORE EXCURSIONS/ACTIVITIES INCLUDED!
EVER CHANGING SCENERY AS YOU RELAX!
!
AmaWaterways is waiving the single supplement on nearly 70 European cruises in 2014.
Explore & experience the world in a uniquely different way on an intimate, luxurious, value-packed river cruise. JEWELS OF FRANCE: 21 DAYS 2 nights in Paris. 7-night Seine cruise. Highspeed train to Lyon for a 7-night Lyon-Arles cruise. 3 nights in Barcelona. ENCHANTING DANUBE: 8 DAYS Budapest to Vienna, then through Austria’s Wachau Valley to Melk and Linz (with option of full-day Salzburg or tour of Linz and the countryside) and on to Passau.
RHINE
BOOK & DEPOSIT BY MARCH 31 AND GET $100.00 SAVINGS PLUS THE AAA MEMBER BENEFITS ON PAGE 1.
RHINE GETAWAY: 8 DAYS Amsterdam to Basel. Germany’s Marksburg Castle, Heidelberg Castle, Cologne, Black Forest region, Rüdesheim. Holland’s windmills and waterworks. France’s multicultural Strasbourg.
DANUBE
For these and scores of other European river cruises, visit your local AAA Travel office or AAA.com/cruises.
Reach for the sky with AAA Plus ®
Upgrade your membership to AAA Plus® and experience a higher level of benefits! Extend your benefits for even more driving security Benefit
Basic Membership
AAA Plus® Membership
Towing
Back to the AAA station that comes to your rescue or Anywhere up to 100 miles. up to 3 miles to a destination of your choice.
Emergency Road Service When Out of Gas
Free delivery of emergency gas. Member will be charged for fuel at current pump price.
Free delivery of emergency gas. Fuel is free.
One service vehicle and one driver.
Two service vehicles and two drivers (if needed) at no extra charge.
Off-Road Rescue Service Lock & Key Service
Free service call (to gain entry) and up to $60 for Free service call (to gain entry) and up to $100 for locksmith charge. Towing benefit applies if necessary. locksmith charge. AAA Plus towing benefits applies if necessary.
When AAA Emergency Road Service is not Available
Reimbursement according to published limits
Get more out of your membership! Visit your local AAA office, AAA.com, or call the Member Service Center at 1-800-441-5008
Full amount reimbursed for covered AAA services (as long as costs are based on commercial rates.)
DEC 14
The difference between summerand winter-blend gasoline
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t happens every spring. Gas prices seem to jump to the highest levels of the year. We often hear experts say that many of the refineries are “down for maintenance while transitioning from winter-blend to summerblend gasoline,” but what exactly does this mean? The difference between summer- and winter-blend gasoline involves the Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) of the fuel. RVP is a measure of how easily the fuel evaporates at a given temperature. The more volatile a gasoline (higher RVP), the faster it evaporates. Winter-blend fuel has a higher RVP because the fuel must be able to evaporate at low temperatures for the engine to operate properly, especially when the engine is cold. If the RVP is too low on a frigid day, the vehicle will be hard to start and run rough. Refineries raise the RVP by adding butane, which is relatively inexpensive and produces less energy. That’s one reason why winter blend gasoline is cheaper and why you get fewer miles per gallon. Studies typically report a reduction of 2 to 8 percent. Summer-blend gasoline has a lower RVP to prevent excessive evaporation when outside temperatures rise. Depending on where you live, the EPA mandates an RVP below 9.0 psi (pounds
per square inch), or 7.8 psi for summergrade fuel. Reducing the volatility of summer gas decreases emissions that can contribute to unhealthy ozone and smog levels. A lower RVP also helps prevent drivability problems such as vapor lock on hot days, especially in older vehicles. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says conventional summer-blend gasoline contains 1.7 percent more energy than winter-blend gas, which is one reason why your gas mileage improves in the summer. However, summer-blend is also more expensive to produce, and that cost is passed on to you, the consumer. Other price increases may be related to external factors such as world oil prices and higher demand during summer travel season. The switch between the two fuels happens twice a year, once in the fall (to winter-blend) and again in the spring (to summer-blend). The changeover requires significant work at refineries, so oil companies schedule their maintenance for those times when they will already be “down” for the blend switches. The main thing to keep in mind is that there are valid reasons for the switch from winter- to summer-blend fuel. Even though it costs more, the extra pain at the pump is usually offset because you’re burning less of it.
MARCH 2014
AAA MOTORIST
PAGE 19
American Empress retraces the route of Lewis & Clark American Queen’s new sibling follows the road less traveled
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ust as the American Queen brought luxury and grandeur to river cruising America’s heartland, the American Empress will do the same for the Pacific Northwest. The 360-foot riverboat features five towering decks and accommodates 223 guests in seven stateroom categories. All staterooms feature a balcony or picture window with dramatic views of the scenery unfolding along the shoreline. Dozens of skilled craftsmen and engineers have been hard at work prepping the American Empress for her April, 2014 debut on the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Whether you travel east from Portland or west from Clarkston, this extraordinary nine-day journey immerses you in the splendor of the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Ports include some of the Pacific Northwest’s most storied places like Astoria, Oregon; Stevenson, Washington; The Dalles, Oregon; and Sacajawea State Park, Washington. From the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge — carved by the great floods — to the golden coulees and scablands, and the great black pinnacles of basalt that guided early explorers, much of the terrain looks just as it did to Lewis & Clark in 1805 — majestic, mythic and unimaginably glorious. In Portland, the volcanic forces of the coast are apparent in snow-capped
STEAMBOATING — American Empress reflects the elegance of the great 19th-century paddlewheelers. mountains and the evergreen forests coating the Cascade Range. Witness the raw power of nature firsthand in the collapsed caldera of Mount St. Helens. At Multnomah Falls, snowmelt streams plunge over 600 feet in two tiered cascades, down a sheer cliff face, while bald eagles traces lazy circles in an impossible blue sky. Deeper than the Grand Canyon, Idaho’s Hell’s Canyon is a dramatic
crack in the earth with raging waters best explored on a thrilling jet boat ride. With the American Empress serving as a floating boutique hotel for your journey, travel into the heart of Washington’s wine country. The many acclaimed wineries overlooking the Columbia River have made their mark among wine connoisseurs, earning the celebrated Walla Walla Wine Trail its
nickname, the Napa of the North. Tour a millionaire’s Victorian home in Astoria, Oregon or marvel at the engineering achievement of the Bonneville Dam. Breathe in the scenery from Mt. Hood’s Timberline Lodge, or climb the Astoria Column to view the restless Pacific. That doesn’t mean you’ll be roughing it. American Empress reflects the refined elegance of the great 19th-century paddlewheelers, with dark mahogany accents, rich upholstery and soft lighting. In the Romanov Dining Room, enjoy the best of Pacific Northwest cuisine. Complimentary wine and beer are served with dinner, as are cappuccino, espresso, bottled water and soft drinks throughout your voyage. Attend daily lectures by a Riverlorian, an onboard history and culture expert. Complimentary shore excursions in every port include the cultural and historical landmarks. Travelers with specific interests are encouraged to enjoy the variety of Premium Experience Excursions such as the Walla Walla Wine Trail, or the Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please see this issue’s Departures Guide or log on to AAA.com/cruises for special values on cruise vacations.
Flower Power invades the Walt Disney Resort Epcot Flower & Garden Festival will color your world
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ermit the Frog will find it is easy being green when his artfully-crafted character topiary debuts during the 21st Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival at Walt Disney World Resort. With flamboyance to spare, a floral Miss Piggy joins Kermit and his blooming banjo in the World Showcase topiary display. A little gardening magic goes a long way with over 100 topiaries in all. Disney topiary specialists worked overtime to create the striking new designs for the festival, which runs from March 5th through May 18th. One of the most interesting challenges is finding just the right plant materials to bring the park’s topiaries to life and the details can be daunting. Topiary experts pulled out all the “chops” to create showstoppers like the Goofy, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck topiaries in a new Epcot front entrance garden vignette. A new Mike & Sulley’s Monstrous Garden welcomes families, while dozens of character topiaries, including Mickey Mouse and Peter Pan will delight guests beyond the park’s iconic Spaceship Earth. It takes an entire year and 400 Walt Disney World horticulturists to create the lush rose gardens and floating floral islands, flower towers and expert-
LOVE IN BLOOM — The Lady and the Tramp topiaries from the Disney animated classic. ly crafted bonsai trees. Thirty million blooms create a tapestry of brilliant color across the 260-acre Epcot landscape. Epcot guests can explore topiaries and gardens, learn planting, style and design techniques and rock the house at popular Flower Power concerts. The concert series will welcome stars like the Alan Parsons Live Project, The Guess Who, Chubby Checker, and the Village People to the America Gardens
Theatre with their timeless tunes. The festival, including most gardening programs and exhibits, is included in regular Epcot admission. The festival’s eleven food and beverage garden marketplaces have been dubbed Outdoor Kitchens, where chefs will be cooking a variety of new and returning menu items, including vegetarian and gluten-free dishes. Urban Farm Eats will be the new Outdoor
Kitchen on the promenade with a sustainable garden featuring tilapia, eggplant and other farm-raised treats. Hummingbirds at Home, a new exhibit presented by the National Audubon Society, will feature walk-through hummingbird gardens and tips on how to attract these magical creatures. Beyond the dazzling displays of bursting blooms, home and garden aficionados will enjoy a constellation of HGTV design stars like Vern Yip, “Design Star” judge, David “Color Splash” Bromstad, and John Gidding of “Curb Appeal.” Three HGTV stars will “crash” the festival for the first time: Matt Blashaw from “Yard Crashers,” Matt Muenster from “Bath Crashers” and Alison Victoria from “Kitchen Crashers.” Disney horticulturists will also share gardening tips and lead guests in handson activities at the Festival Center.
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.
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AAA MOTORIST
MARCH 2014
Ireland is like no other place under heaven The Emerald Isle really is like Irish stew for the soul
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t’s said that Ireland, once visited, is never forgotten. Here the landscape has a poetic resonance, and history is something you can touch and feel. Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, near Limerick, is a 25-acre living history museum that vividly recreates 19th-century Ireland with rural farmhouses, village shops and of course a pub. The 15th century Bunratty Castle is the most complete and authentic medieval fortress in Ireland. Ireland has over one thousand castles and visitors can explore 800 years of history at King John’s Castle in the heart of medieval Limerick. The 13th century castle stands watch over the banks of the River Shannon and is one of the best-preserved Norman castles in Europe. Towering 700-feet above the coast are the fabled Cliffs of Moher. Those who brave the chill can actually watch the gales sweeping in from the Atlantic. In Foynes, the Flying Boat Museum recalls the early days of air travel, when transatlantic traffic landed here to refuel. Visitors can learn how to make authentic Irish Coffee, invented here to warm weary passengers. The Ring of Kerry — a 100-mile route that winds around the Iveragh Peninsula — is Ireland’s most popular scenic drive. Here the mountains tumble into the sea in a landscape woven like a fine Irish tweed. Green valleys stitched with heather, flecked with wildflowers and
From the elegant Georgian townhouses, to the whimsical Hapenny Bridge over the River Liffey, Dublin is a cosmopolitan city with a quality all its own. View the gaunt figures at the Famine Memorial, or trace your family history at the Glasnevin Museum. Ireland’s national necropolis is the final resting place of Michael Collins, Brendan Behan and many more. View the 1,200-year-old Book of Kells at Trinity College, or enjoy a Guinness in an authentic Irish pub. Here the art of conversation finds effortless expression and no one remains a stranger for long.
IF YOU GO
ON THE EDGE — Ireland’s magical landscapes will take your breath away. wandering sheep. Take in a sheepdog demonstration and learn how these amazing border collies are trained. Stop by Moll’s Gap for expansive mountain vistas and visit the Skellig Experience on Valencia Island, to learn about the medieval monks who worked and prayed on these isolated, rocky islands. Historic Blarney Castle is about five miles from the ancient city of Cork. High up in the battlements is the Blarney Stone, believed to be half of the Stone of Scone, and said to bestow the
gift of eloquence for a kiss. In the port town of Cobh, visit the Cobh Heritage Centre, which traces the history of Irish emigration to America. Waterford is the creative heart of Ireland’s traditional crafts. Learn about glass blowing and cutting at the House of Waterford Crystal. Experience the delightful scenery of the Wicklow Mountains on the way to Blessington, and stately Russborough House, a Palladian mansion filled with antique treasures.
AAA’s 6-night Irish Heritage departs October 5-12, 2014. Highlights include medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, Blarney/ Cobh Heritage Centre, Waterford Crystal Tour, and Dublin City Tour. This AAA Featured Vacation includes motorcoach transportation, 6 nights hotel accommodations, 11 meals, admissions, sightseeing and guide as per itinerary, hotel taxes, service charges, and baggage handling. Ask about add on airfare. FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please see this issue’s Departures Guide or log on to AAA.com/Europe for more European vacation ideas.
Membership for Them.
Peace of Mind for You. You always want the best for them. So give them the benefits of AAA membership. With roadside assistance, vacation planning, maps, travel guides, exclusive savings, and much more, they can rely on AAA almost as much as they rely on you. To add an associate to your membership, or to buy a gift membership, call or visit your local AAA office, or AAA.com.
HOME OF THE STONE — Blarney Castle was built nearly 600 years ago.
MARCH 2014
AAA MOTORIST
PAGE 21
The perils of potholes and how to avoid them You could find yourself in a rut this spring
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t’s that time of year again when rain, snow and changing temperatures mark the arrival of pothole season. Potholes are as much a springtime ritual as dandelions. And this year’s harsh winter with its heavy freeze-thaw cycles guarantees a bumper crop. Potholes are caused by cracks in the road surface that allow water to seep underneath. These cracks get larger when the water freezes because ice takes up more volume than water. When the ice melts it creates a void, causing the pavement to cave in and form a pothole. We’ve all had those bone jarring moments hitting a pothole, or even sustained a blowout or wheel damage as a result. According to Modern Tire Dealer, the average cost of a passenger car tire is $126.16. And a new tire may be the least of your problems. Most experts agree that the life expectancy of components such as ball joints, tie rod ends and idler arms is shortened more by potholes and rough roads than by long-distance driving. When a wheel strikes a pothole, it falls into the hole, then has to “climb” out. Unless the hole is extremely deep, falling into it seldom causes much damage. Climbing out is another matter. The severity of the pothole damage depends on a combination of factors such as tire diameter, hole depth,
Motorists should never brake during pothole impact because a locked wheel will suffer more damage than a rolling one. Apply the brakes before hitting a pothole and release them just prior to impact. Braking during impact sets up the tire/wheel assembly for a “solid hit” against the edge of the hole. Don’t swerve to avoid potholes. Swerving can create a situation where the front wheel and tire on the car can impact the edge of the pothole at an obtuse angle, which might do more damage than hitting it squarely. Potholes are often blamed for collisions but studies have shown that striking even a large hole in the pavement seldom cause a loss of vehicle control. More accidents are caused by swerving to avoid a pothole.
A GOOD CROP — Hazardous potholes often seem to pop up overnight. length of the hole and vehicle speed. The wrong combination can cause enormous problems. Longer potholes typically cause the most damage simply because the tire has time to fall to the bottom of the hole before climbing out. To give drivers a fighting chance with monster potholes, automotive engineers tune shock rebound rates to keep the wheel and tire suspended so
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
it can glide over the pothole, preventing the tire from dropping down into it and impacting the edge of the tire and wheel. It’s also why pothole impacts are amplified when chassis parts are worn. While it may be more easily said than done, avoiding a pothole is the best way to control damage. If hitting a pothole is inevitable, try to roll through it rather than braking.
PROTECT AGAINST POTHOLES
Never underestimate the value of having your alignment checked along with rotating and balancing your tires. A thorough inspection of your vehicle’s suspension system can reveal under-car problems that could affect your driving safety. FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit AAA.com for information on all things automotive including tips on buying, operating and maintaining a vehicle.
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AAA MOTORIST
MARCH 2014
Savor the sweet life in Italy this year Italy made easy with AAA Member Choice Vacations
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here are as many ways to experience Italy, as there are coins in the Trevi Fountain. But if you don’t have the time or the inclination to do the planning yourself, consider the benefits of an escorted vacation. AAA Member Choice Vacations have mastered what the Italians call sprezzatura — the art of making the difficult look effortless and easy. No need to worry about coping with traffic, traveling on your own, finding your hotel, or getting your bags to and from your room. All the hassles are taken care of for you. You’re free to relax and enjoy the ride on a safe, comfortable coach, in the company of like-minded companions. AAA Member Choice Vacations’ 13-day Italian Vistas includes threenight stays in Rome, and two nights each in Venice, the Stresa Lakes District, Sorrento-Amalfi Coast, and Florence, capital of Tuscany. The cradle of the Italian Renaissance is crowned by the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, known locally as Il Duomo, while Michelangelo’s David stood for centuries in the Piazza Signoria. Rome wasn’t built in a day so why try and see it in a day? The Arch of Titus stands watch over the Forum and offers sweeping views of the ruins that litter Palatine Hill. Basilica Square is a monumental piazza crowned by the massive
with the Tenors” in a Roman restaurant, then embark on a Rome by Night Tour, with the Eternal City’ monuments illuminated against an evening sky. At the end of the day, relax in a comfortable hotel. With AAA Member Choice Vacations sightseeing arrangements include all the “must see” attractions with admissions and reservations booked in advance, so you spend less time waiting and more time enjoying cultural treasures like the Sistine Chapel, and St. Mark’s Square & Basilica. Or glide through Venice’s timeless canals, serenaded by a spinetingling barcarole that seems to float over the calm bosom of the sea. IF YOU GO
BLUE HIGHWAY — With its shimmering liquid streets, Venice is the Adriatic’s “Bride of the Sea.”
Join AAA Travel on Italian Vistas October 18-30, 2014. Highlights include Rome, the ruins of Pompeii, Sorrento Coast, Isle of Capri, Florence, Pisa, Venice, Verona, Stresa and Locarno, Switzerland. This AAA Member Choice Vacation includes round trip air, airport/hotel transfers, 11 nights hotel accommodations; 21 meals, sightseeing per itinerary (including five unique excursions); Whisper headsets for better communication between you and your guide; air and hotel taxes.
dome of St. Peter’s. The perfectly proportioned interior is filled with relics and priceless works of art, including Michelangelo’s Pieta. Savor la dolce vita on the Via Veneto, or linger over cappuccino in one of Piazza Navona’s outdoor cafés. Fountains gush and gurgle under Bernini’s mighty, recumbent gods, while couples make beautiful music together in the city that gave romance its name. A knowledgeable Tour Director
accompanies your group opening doors to history and culture in a way no guidebook ever could. Revel in the idyllic blue-green waters of Lago Maggiore in the Italian Lake District, or savor the serenity of the Blue Grotto on the enchanted Isle of Capri. Does Italy have the best food in the world? You be the judge. Discover the lusty pleasures of Italian home cooking with a visit to a Tuscan winery to enjoy lunch and sample local wines. “Dine
FOR MORE INFORMATION
See this month’s Departures Guide or log on to AAA.com/GoEurope for great European vacations values from AAA.
Drip Drip Drip
How to handle a water damage loss—and avoid one in the first place
By Robin Jones huck and Peggy Ruedebusch got a rude welcome upon arriving home from a two-week vacation in Russia. While the couple was away, their refrigerator ice maker had leaked, ruining a large portion of the kitchen’s hardwood floors. While the Ruedebusches were happy to learn their homeowners insurance policy covered the loss, they suffered a big inconvenience. Due to extensive damage, their kitchen as well as the washer and dryer were out of commission for two weeks. “We were lucky that it was a slow leak. It could have been a lot worse,” Chuck says. “We now know it’s a good idea to shut off the water supply to all of our home fixtures when we go on vacation.” Of all homeowners insurance claims nationwide, water damage losses are the second-most common (behind wind and hail claims). Many people often don’t consider the risks in their own homes until it’s too late. If you follow a few basic steps, you may be able to avoid many hazards that can cause water damage claims. And if you do have to file a claim, you’ll be much better off if you adhere to a few simple guidelines.
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To avert water damage:
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Check for leaks. Periodically inspect the area around the refrigerator, washer, dishwasher, water heater, sinks, and toilets for drips, puddles, and flooring that’s discolored, warped, or soft. Warm spots on the floor may indicate a leak underneath. Pay attention to your water bill. Fluctuations from month to month could indicate a leak. Use steel-braided hoses for your washing machine instead of rubber ones. The stainless steel-reinforced hoses can cost about double, but are much more resistant to bursting. Periodically check your water pressure. Water losses often occur due to excessive water pressure. Pick up an inexpensive water pressure gauge at a home center and hook it up to a hose bib. The water pressure should be between 45 and 65 PSI. If it’s too high, you may want to consider installing a water pressure regulator. If you’re going on vacation, take protective measures. If the temperatures in your area could dip below freezing, make sure any exposed pipes are insulated. Also, turn off the water supply to individual fixtures such as the washing machine, ice maker, toilets, sinks, and so forth. Finally, leave
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your home furnace heat on low to ensure the pipes stay warm enough to avoid bursting.
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If you experience water damage:
Stop the source of the water as best you can. Do what’s necessary to keep the damage from getting worse. That likely means turning off the water main. Call your insurance company. Most insurers have staff available 24/7 to help you set up appointments with prescreened, licensed, and bonded general contractors who can dry out your house. Your insurer can also make sure an adjuster visits your resi-
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dence to assess the damage as soon as possible. Don’t start any major repair efforts until the adjuster has been to your home. If your possessions are sitting in a puddle of water, you should take reasonable measures to salvage them. If it’s safe to do so, fish them out and put them in a place where they can start to dry. But be careful how you store damaged material (e.g. don’t place wet items on a wood floor) so you don’t cause additional damage to other items. Determine what was lost and document it. Even if things were ruined, don’t throw them away. Keep pieces of the damaged floor or ceiling, along with any valuable personal property, such as electronics or furniture. At the very least, take photos or video of the damage.
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MARCH 2014
AAA MOTORIST
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AAA MOTORIST
MARCH 2014