SEE PAGE 3
Vol. 19 No. 3
OHIO/WEST VIRGINIA • WEST VIRGINIA/STEUBENVILLE REGION
MAY/JUNE 2014
LensCrafters Helps Keep You Safe Behind the Wheel
KICK OFF SUMMER...
with great GETAWAYS &
GREAT GIFTS valued at up to $120.00 SEE BOX BELOW.
A
fter a seemingly endless (and very BRRR-utal) winter, summer can’t get here fast enough! Everyone from kids to parents to grandparents has eagerly (desperately) anticipated its arrival. As a reward for surviving the “Winter That Wouldn’t Quit,” AAA Travel presents a Sizzling Summer Kick-off featuring an array of unique gifts perfect for summertime enjoyment! Book & make a nonrefundable deposit on a new 7-night-or-longer 2014 air-inclusive vacation and you can choose 1 of 5 sensational summertime gifts valued at up to $120.00 (see box below) based on the length of your vacation. But you’ve got to hurry: This special offer ends 5/17/14! Just ask your AAA travel agent to arrange your vacation with one of these AAA travel partners — AAA Member Choice Vacations®, Insight Vacations®, Pleasant Holidays or Trafalgar. Once it’s booked, AAA will make sure you receive your gift in plenty of time for all your summer activities.
SIZZLING SUMMER
BOOK BY 5/17/14
AAA’s travel partners go where you want to go — whether that’s America’s cities, beaches or national parks...or the islands of Hawaii and the Caribbean. Canada, Mexico, Europe, Asia, Africa? You name it; our partners have got hundreds, if not thousands, of options. There’s also a range of vacation options to suit every budget and travel style — whether you’re watching your pennies or you’ve got an “urge to splurge.” Do you want a fully prepared package that includes a professional tour manager, preselected hotel accommodations and a scheduled touring itinerary? Or are you an independent traveler who prefers to select your own accommodations and sightseeing tours? Either way, you’re covered by our Summer Kick-off travel partners. And each partner offers exclusive AAA Member Benefits, from additional savings to vouchers valid toward the purchase of optional tours and excursions; see the chart on page 23. Let’s take a closer look at each partner: AAA Member Choice Vacations® Offering destinations all over the world, AAA Member Choice Vacations® combines the flexibility of independent travel with the con-
Travel | Insurance/Financial | Automotive | Member Savings | AAA.com
PUTTING EYES IN THE BACK OF YOUR HEAD
Sunglasses not only lend a “cool” vibe to your summer fashion, they also provide a functional benefit by fighting eye strain and fatigue. But don’t wear just any old shades! Did you know that by wearing polarized sunglasses, you can improve your reaction time when driving? That’s right — you’re reaction time is up to 20% quicker compared to driving without any sunglasses, and up to 40% quicker than ordinary sunglasses. Faster reaction time can help prevent auto accidents and improve driving safety. Reducing glare and improving clarity is crucial when behind the wheel. Polarized lenses work by filtering light waves and absorbing some of the reflected glare, while letting other light waves pass through the lenses. LensCrafters wants to introduce AAA members to the benefits of polarized lenses. For a limited time — simply show your AAA card and save 40% off prescription sunglasses, plus AAA members receive and extra $5 off. To find a participating location near you, visit www.AAA.com/visionsavings.
AAA Discounts Now on Pinterest Members have a new way of keeping up with the latest AAA discounts and savings – the AAA Discounts board on Pinterest. Learn more about everyday and limited-time offers from partners including Hertz, Tanger Outlets, New York & Company, and more. The board is updated regularly to reflect the newest discounts and partners. Visit www.pinterest.com/AAA to see all of AAA’s boards on the social media site — featuring everything from travel photos to safety tips to AAA Diamond listings.
AAA Mobile Releases Version 3.0 Featuring a next-generation user interface AAA Mobile 3.0 is designed to improve access to AAA services and travel-planning tools. Released in April through the Apple App Store, the updated app allows users to develop multiday itineraries, and locate AAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants. AAA Mobile was recently named a top10 app by AutoGuide.com, which called it a “must-have for AAA members”. The website also highlighted the app’s ability to “point out nearby gas stations with up-todate fuel prices and public charging stations for electric car owners.”
continued on page 23
Pick a gift based on your vacation’s length!
NIGHTS 7-11 12+
GIFT
•
EXTRA-WIDE ZERO-GRAVITY LOUNGER OUTDOOR CHAIR CUISINART PETIT GOURMET TABLETOP GAS GRILL FITBIT® FLEX™ WIRELESS ACTIVITY & SLEEP WRISTBAND OUTDOOR WIRELESS SPEAKER & VERSATILE DOCK GRILL ALERT TALKING REMOTE MEAT THERMOMETER AAA reserves the right to substitute a gift of equal or greater value.
• •
• • • •
•
Travel To Germany’s Christmas Wunderland Germany’s colorful Christmas markets are truly unique. Shop for traditional handcrafted Christmas merchandise and gifts in historic and charming cities dressed in their holiday best. AAA Travel’s December 2-10 escorted tour features visits to Nuremberg, Rothenburg, Bamberg, Bayreuth, Regensburg, Munich, and Fussen, plus a half-day stop at Neuschwanstein, Bavaria’s fairytale castle. Earn special member level discounts when you book and deposit by May 31, 2014. SEE PAGE 9
PAGE 2
AAA MOTORIST
Get ready to go with AAA TourBook® guides Digital or print they’re packed with great information
W
ith so many handy resources for travelers — from websites and apps to printed guidebooks — why do members request AAA TourBook guides by the millions, year after year? The answer is simple: They’re free, easy and packed with great information. Updated annually AAA TourBooks have evolved by expanding geographical regions, enriching content and supporting social and technological shifts such as WiFi service, pet acceptance and sustainability issues. Easy to read, easy to carry, they’re free for the asking as part of your AAA membership. Love to plan? Kick back and pore through the fascinating destination overviews, followed by pages of hotel, restaurant and attraction listings. Get a fix on the big picture with history and visitor information and references like the Annual Events, GEM Attraction Index and Points of Interest. Or, when time is short, leave the legwork to AAA’s travel experts. Turn to trip planning shortcuts like the Must Do: AAA Editor’s Picks, 1-Day Itineraries and Top Picks for Kids, available for many destination cities. We’ll help you make the most of your time with inspiring photos and informative content you can trust. Save yourself the effort of checking multiple resources to get the lay of the land or find your way. Use the hotel, restaurant and attraction location maps
Save $10 on a New Primary AAA Gift Membership through May 31st
INTERNET WEB SITE: www.AAA.com AAA MEMBER SERVICES
triptiks, tourbooks, maps, license, address change
AAA MOTORIST: 412-365-7017 APPROVED AUTO REPAIR 412-365-7411 or 1-800-233-9733 EMERGENCY ROAD SERVICE 412-362-1900 or 1-800-222-4357 EXPRESS TRAVEL RESERVATIONS
airline tickets, tours, cruises, rental cars
412-363-7283 or 1-800-354-8761 INSURANCE SERVICES: PA/WV: 1-800-207-7947 OH: 1-800-589-8308.
MEDIA RELATIONS: 412-365-7157 PUBLIC AFFAIRS: 216-606-6701 SAFETY: 412-365-7211 DRIVER EDUCATION 800-329-2415 TDD for the hearing-impaired: 412-363-7144
GOING BY THE BOOK — The 2014 AAA TourBooks are available in both print and electronic media. throughout the guides for a bird’s-eye view of the places you plan to stay, dine and play in relation to landmarks and one another. Plus, to help you navigate the roadways we’ve added overview and detail maps from the AAA Road Atlas series for easy route planning — all in one guide. Use the overview map to get your bearings, then use the individual maps to plan your route. TourBook guides are like traveling
The
Perfect Gift!
Graduations, Father’s Day, Birthdays, Weddings … Whatever the occasion, it’s the perfect time to give a AAA Gift Membership. With roadside assistance, vacation planning, maps, free identity theft protection, travel guides, exclusive savings, and much more, you can trust AAA membership to be a perfect fit.
1-800-441-5008
AAA DIRECTORY 412-363-5100 or 1-800-441-5008
with a friend who is from the area and knows it like the back of their hand! They are loaded with firsthand expertise from our professional travel editors and inspectors. Our 1-Day Itineraries and Must Do: AAA Editor’s Picks enhance the destination city sections, while AAA Inspector Notes are highlighted in the restaurant listings. Before your next trip, stop by your local AAA office or visit us on AAA.com to request your 2014 edition TourBook guides — available free, and exclusively for members.
AAA eTourBooks
To purchase a AAA Gift Membership, call or visit your local AAA Office or AAA.com.
MAY 2014
AAA members have relied on the printed TourBook guides for nearly a century. Now they can pack a wealth of AAA travel information on the portable wireless devices they already carry. AAA’s trusted travel information is now available for your portable device for on-the-go use. AAA offers over 100 free eTourBook guides, in file formats designed for today’s digital democracy. eTourBook guides provide detailed trip-planning information for top travel destinations and locations across North America, including national parks. Each one is packed with detailed destination information. There are Editor’s Picks for essential experiences including events and attractions, recommended oneand three-day itineraries, and top picks just for kids. Some titles even provide maps displaying key local areas and highway networks. Sync files to your tablet, or download them directly to your iPad or smartphone to put everything you need for your next trip in the palm of your hand. Content is refreshed daily to ensure you receive the most up-to-date travel information. They’re available free, exclusively for AAA members at AAA.com/ebooks. If you do not already have a user name and password, you can register on the login page. Then prepare to enjoy your easiest, more enjoyable travel planning experience yet.
AAA BRANCH OFFICE LOCATIONS ATHENS, OH 130 E. State St. ...................740-593-6677 BRIDGEPORT, WV 138 Barnett Run Rd............304-842-2221 CHILLICOTHE, OH 141 W. Main St. ..................740-702-3838 COLUMBIANA, OH 118 South Main Street.......330-482-3836 EAST LIVERPOOL, OH 516 Broadway ....................330-385-2020 GALLIPOLIS, OH 360 Second Ave. .................740-446-0699 HILLSBORO, OH 125 W. Main St. ..................937-393-3489 HUNTINGTON, WV 1126 Sixth Ave. ..................304-523-6423 IRONTON, OH 624 S. Fourth St..................740-532-3242 JACKSON, OH 126 E. Gay St. .....................740-286-5077 LOGAN, OH 82 W. Main St. ....................740-385-8595 MARTINSBURG, WV 284 Retail Commons Parkway. .............................304-263-4619 MORGANTOWN, WV 482 Suncrest Towne Centre Drive ...... 304-598-7470 PORTSMOUTH, OH 1414 Twelfth St. ................740-354-5614 VIENNA, WV 1100 Ninth St., Unit D........304-295-7101 WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE, OH 334 E. Court St. ..................740-335-3950 WAVERLY, OH 217 W. Emmitt Ave. ...........740-947-7775 WEIRTON, WV 3126 West St. .....................304-748-1616 WHEELING, WV 846 National Rd. . ..............304-233-1810
MAY 2014
AAA MOTORIST
PAGE 3
Putting eyes in the back of your head Ohio/West Virginia West Virginia - Steubenville Edition Official publication of AAA East Central Published bi-monthly by AAA East Central 1414 Twelfth Street Portsmouth, OH 45662-5614 USPS 0016-186 ISSN 1074-097X Periodicals Postage Paid at Portsmouth, OH and additional mailing office Postmaster: Send address changes to AAA Motorist South Central Ohio 1414 Twelfth St., Portsmouth OH 45662-0371 Subscription Rate: $1 included in Primary Membership dues. All others: $2/year.
Publisher.....................................James E. Lehman Managing Editor ..........................Doug O’Neil Ohio Editor ............................Babbette L. Bays Editorial Offices 1414 Twelfth Street Portsmouth, OH 45662-4235 5900 Baum Blvd, Pittsburgh PA 15206-3854
e-mail: motorist@aaaec.com
AAA EAST CENTRAL Chairman: ................................................Richard S. Hamilton Vice Chairman:....................................... James E. Broome, Jr. Vice Chairman:....................................... Douglas W. Caldwell Vice Chairman:.........................................Mary Lynn Laughlin Vice Chairman:.................................... Martha Hartle Munsch OFFICERS: President: ....................................................James E. Lehman Assistant Treasurer: ........................................ Edith W. Martel Secretary: ................................................ Robert H. Compton GOVERNING BOARD OF DIRECTORS James E. Broome, Jr., Steve D. Bullock**, Douglas W. Caldwell, Charles O. Casto, Edward C. Coaxum, Jr., Robert S. Collins, Robert H. Compton, Jon E. Denney, Debra A. Dinnocenzo, Pamela C. Fritz, Richard S. Hamilton, James H. Kanicki, Mary Lynn Laughlin, Richard D. Linderman**, William Duff McCrady, James M. McDonnell, Thomas V. McKernan Jr., Martha Hartle Munsch, Gary K. Munsie** EAST CENTRAL REGION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Neil D. Bassi, Chairman, Robert S. Collins, Vice Chairman, Carol Asam, Christian Asam, Jack A. Barkley, William E. Bierer**, Ellsworth T. Bowser**, Peter Burton, Marianne B. Campbell, Michael A. Cochran, Daniel J. Collins Jr.**, Robert H. Compton, Debra A. Dinnocenzo, James J. Dodaro, Jack G. Ellis, Mona N. Generett, Charles W. Groce , Richard S. Hamilton, Mark Henschen, Luke Howe, Richard Kallenborn, Herbert G. Koenig, Mark S. Mansour, W. Duff McCrady, Martha Hartle Munsch, W. Lee Oswalt, III, Michael Parkes, John D. Petruso, Louis Pomerico, Leonard L. Scheinholtz**, James C. Stump, Jr., James F. Ward *ex officio **emeritus directors
Huntington Regional Board of Directors William H. Blenko, Noel P. Copen, Earl W. Heiner Jr., Samuel Kapourales, Charles Lanham, Robert M. Levy, Thomas J. Maxwell, James H. Morgan, William D. Stark, Maurice G. Taylor Jr. Marion County Regional Board of Directors Robert H. Martin Northern West Virginia Regional Board of Directors Carol Asam, Christian Asam, Forest Bowman, Nikki Bowman, James B. Bruhn, Wayne J. Northey, Sharon Sakacsi, Harold J. Shamberger, Thomas Shamberger, Thomas H. Van Landingham, Monte Williams Parkersburg Regional Board of Directors Charles O. Casto, Joe C. Hushion, Art Oliver Jr.
Copyright ©2014 by AAA East Central.
Rearview cameras can prevent driveway tragedies By Wayne Northey President, AAA West Virginia ackover accidents are a particularly tragic type of crash, frequently claiming the lives of young children in the driveways of their own homes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are 210 fatalities and 15,000 injuries each year caused by backover crashes. These disproportionately impact the elderly and the very young. The agency found that children under 5 years old account for 31 percent of backover fatalities, while adults over 70 comprise 26 percent of victims. It’s a problem that’s exacerbated by the popularity of larger, taller vehicles like SUVs, pickups, and minivans, which have larger blind zones than passenger cars. New research by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found SUVs and pickup trucks typically have the biggest blind zones, preventing drivers from seeing objects behind the rear bumper, especially objects that are low to the ground. The IIHS study found rear cameras dramatically improve driver vision, reducing the blind zone by about 90 percent on average. They were much more effective than parking sensors, which use ultrasonic sound waves or radar to detect objects around the vehicle, at helping drivers avoid objects while traveling in reverse. In contrast, drivers with no technology hit a stationary child-sized cutout 100
B
Wayne Northey percent of the time in IIHS testing. NHTSA says the technology significantly reduces the risk of fatalities and serious injuries. In March they issued a final rule requiring backup cameras in most new vehicles by May 1, 2018. It will be implemented in stages over a three-year period beginning in 2016. The ruling calls for all vehicles under 10,000 pounds, including buses and trucks, to be equipped with technology that expands the rear field of view to include a 10-foot by 20-foot zone directly behind the vehicle. NHTSA estimates up to 69 lives will be saved annually once the nation’s entire fleet is equipped with rear visibility systems.
According to the Auto Alliance, an association of 12 vehicle manufacturers, automakers already provide rearview cameras as a standard or optional feature on two-thirds of the nation’s 50 top-selling vehicles. The Alliance is also petitioning NHTSA to allow carmakers to use cameras as an alternative to conventional side-view and rearview mirrors. AAA endorses the NHTSA decision as a step in the right direction. Rearview cameras will help prevent needless injury and death among our nation’s most vulnerable populations. They can be very useful in detecting people and objects behind a vehicle, but as with any technology there are limitations, particularly in bad weather or under poor lighting conditions. In the IIHS study for example, even drivers using rearview cameras hit a stationary foam cutout of a small child 56 percent of the time. Caregivers should never forget that children may not have the cognitive maturity to judge the speed, weight, and power of a vehicle. They are particularly vulnerable because they are harder for motorists to see and their actions can be unpredictable. Children also tend to think that if they see a driver, the driver also sees them. AAA cautions motorists to use this technology to supplement, not replace traditional safe driving practices. You still need to turn and check blind zones — both rear and lateral — while backing up in order to ensure safety.
membersonly Protect your summer adventures with travel insurance Make sure your coverage goes along for the ride
M
emorial Day signals the start of the unofficial summer travel season. Don’t let the unexpected put a damper on this summer’s vacation plans. Protect your investment with travel insurance.
Trip Cancellation Insurance
Trip cancellation insurance is one of the most popular types of travel insurance. It reimburses your travel expenses if your trip is delayed or cancelled for a covered reason, such as a major injury or other unforeseen circumstances. Other reasons often covered by trip cancellation policies include: death of an immediate family member, jury duty, and bankruptcy of the travel vendor. If your trip cancellation policy does not cover a specific reason that may apply to your situation — such as military deployment or pregnancy — talk with your agent to see if that coverage can be added on. Additional options may include reimbursement for delayed or lost luggage and missed connection coverage.
A A A also offers C a n c e l Anytime, a cancell a t i o n insurance option that reimburses you no matter why your plans change. With the Cancel Anytime package, travelers receive 100 percent cash back if they cancel their trip for a covered reason like those previously mentioned. They receive 80 percent cash back if they cancel their trip due to almost any other reason. Cancel Anytime coverage offers travelers a lot more flexibility than a traditional trip cancellation policy. It’s a great option for anyone whose travel plans may change for a variety of reasons not covered by most trip cancellation plans.
Emergency Medical Coverage
Emergency medical coverage is another important aspect of travel
insurance. If traveling internationally, most people are not covered by their health insurance. Even if you are staying within the United States, your health insurance may not cover outof-network care. Many travel insurance plans include options to cover expenses and medical evacuation, if needed. There may be exclusions such as preexisting condition, so review the coverage and ask your agent about what options are best for your situation. There are several factors affecting the cost of a travel insurance policy, including the age of the travelers, the length of the trip, and the distance they are traveling. In most instances, a travel insurance policy costs approximately 10 to 20 percent of the total trip cost. Before deciding on any travel insurance plan, be sure you understand what you’re buying and what each policy does and does not cover. Protect your next getaway — whether you purchased your trip through AAA Travel or not — and visit AAA.com/travelinsurance.
PAGE 4
AAA MOTORIST
MAY 2014
MAY 2014
AAA MOTORIST
PAGE 5
PAGE 6
AAA MOTORIST
MAY 2014
Car Rental Reimbursement
If you found yourself car-less after a collision, what would you do? By Robin Jones hen Maggie Kent first got the news that her husband, Jack, had been in a collision that totaled his Jeep, she didn’t even think about the car—just about her husband, who fortunately sustained only minor injuries. “I was just grateful that he was okay,” she says. But later that day, the challenges of having only one car started to sink in. “Our jobs are in different directions, so we couldn’t really share a car,” Maggie says. “We figured we’d be buying a new car within a couple of weeks. But in the meantime, we knew we’d have to get a rental car for Jack.” Unfortunately, the Kents didn’t have rental reimbursement coverage on their auto policy. Maggie had waived it about a month before the incident to save money. “I really wish I’d kept it,” she says. “It would have made things so much easier.” Indeed, rental reimbursement coverage can be a lifesaver if you suddenly find yourself without a car after an accident. If you’re wondering whether you should add it to your policy, here are some things to consider. Q: What does rental reimbursement cover? A: Generally, it covers the cost of a rental car, up to certain limits, while your insured car is being repaired fol-
W
A CAR IN NEED — Consider rental reimbursement coverage on your policy. lowing a covered loss (such as a crash, vandalism, or fire) or for a specified amount of time set by your policy if your car is deemed not repairable. Q: How does it work? A: Typically in one of two ways: You can get a car from a rental agency that’s been approved by your insurance company, in which case the agency will bill your insurance carrier directly. Or you can rent a car yourself and submit the receipts to your insurance company for reimbursement. Either way, the limits on the coverage are usually for a certain time period with per-day and
per-accident limits— for example, $30 per day and $900 per accident. That means you’ll pay for any costs over $30 a day, and you won’t be reimbursed for more than $900, even if the total costs are more. Q: Is there anything rental reimbursement doesn’t cover? A: You can’t use it to cover the cost of a rental while your car is in the shop for scheduled maintenance. It also usually doesn’t cover the cost of fuel or any optional insurance you might decide to purchase from the rental agency. Q: How much does it cost?
A: The cost of rental reimbursement varies depending on your car and your insurance company, but the average cost per vehicle could be around $40 per year. Compare that to the average amount policyholders without coverage would have to pay after a loss: $364—based on a rental car cost of $28 per day and about 13 days in the shop. Q: Are there people who might not need the coverage? A: If you don’t need your car to handle daily activities—you work from home, for example, or you can walk or take public transit to all the places you need to go—you may not need rental reimbursement. Same goes if you have an extra car or know that you can borrow a car from a friend or relative. But if you don’t fall into one of those categories, it’s probably a good idea to add rental reimbursement to your policy.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Trust AAA to steer you right on all your current and future Auto, Home and Life insurance needs. Combining your coverage with one insurance company could make a significant difference in your premium. Call 866.802.8210, or visit AAA.com/insurance for more information or to schedule a comprehensive Insurance review.
MAY 2014
AAA MOTORIST
PAGE 7
PAGE 8
AAA MOTORIST
MAY 2014
Carnival cruises from the Crescent City Let the good times roll aboard Carnival Dream
N
ew Orleans is as gaudy and appealing as a string of Mardi Gras beads. Here legends seem to collect like driftwood along the levees. Visitors can revel amid the Old World charm of the French Quarter, or explore the leafy Garden District on a streetcar named Desire. Bourbon Street is where the spirit of Mardi Gras permeates the raucous clubs and bars 365 days a year. Just one block over, Royal Street is more sedate, housing many of the city’s upscale restaurants and boutiques. New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz and the best spots for live music are on Frenchmen Street in the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood, just below the lower edge of the Quarter. The “Big Easy” has added another new moniker: cruise destination. The Port of New Orleans not only offers a convenient and affordable departure point, it’s also a great place for a pre- or post cruise vacation. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) an industry trade group, ranks New Orleans as the sixth largest cruise port in the U.S. In April, Carnival Cruises launched year-round seven-day service from New Orleans aboard Carnival Dream. New Orleans’ largest year-round cruise ship, the 3,646-passenger Carnival Dream, offers a host of on-board innovations, including a water park featuring the
THE BIG EASY — A carriage ride in New Orleans’ French Quarter. 303-foot-long Twister water slide. Carnival WaterWorks also features twin, double-lane, 80-foot-long racing slides and various water spray apparatus with squirting fountains, splash zones, “dump buckets” and more. Open-deck activities include a halfmile wrap around promenade and whirlpools that extend over the ship’s sides.
Carnival Dream’s family friendly features even extend to the ship’s accommodations, which include spacious deluxe ocean view staterooms with a unique configuration featuring two bathrooms. Carnival Dream sails three distinctly different itineraries — Western Caribbean cruises visiting Montego Bay, Cozumel, and Grand Cayman;
or Mahogany Bay (Isla Roatan), Belize and Cozumel; and a Bahamas/Florida route calling at Key West, Freeport and Nassau. It joins Carnival Elation, which sails year-round four- and five-day cruises from New Orleans to Mexico. Roatan is the largest of the eight Bay Islands that lie some 40-miles off the Caribbean coast of the Honduras. Carnival’s $62 million Mahogany Bay Cruise Center features the “Magical Flying Beach Chair,” a unique chair lift system that takes guests from the welcome center to beautiful Mahogany Beach. The six-minute ride across nearly 1,200 feet of suspended cables, not only provides convenient beach access, but expansive views of this lush tropical paradise. Located about twelve miles off the coast of Cancun, Cozumel is known as the Aquarium of the Modern World, famous for its spectacular coral formations and extraordinary water clarity. The temperate seas, and silky sand beaches appear to be unchanged since the time of the Mayan empire more than 1,000 years ago.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please see this issue’s Departures Guide or log on to AAA.com/cruises for special values on New Orleans and Carnival Cruise vacations.
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
MAY 2014
AAA MOTORIST
Member Benefits • Exclusive Offers
y nd! b ck ema a B rd ula p po MEMBERS SAVE BIG!
PAGE 9
1-800-354-8761 • AAA.com/travel
Step into a fairy-tale world...
German Christmas Markets
Premier ...$200.00 Plus.........$150.00 Basic .......$100.00 PER ROOM...NEW BOOKINGS ONLY
Book & deposit by 5/31/14
Visit markets in • Nuremberg • Rothenburg • Bamberg • Bayreuth • Regensburg • Munich • Füssen
PLUS... NEUSCHWANSTEIN
Ludwig II built his fairy-tale castle in order to withdraw from public life. After Bavaria’s “shy king” died in 1886, spectacular Neuschwanstein opened to the public; ironically, 1.3 million people now visit here every year. A half-day excursion to this fascinating architectural marvel is included in AAA’s tour.
Treat yourself to a wunderbar escorted tour full of history, scenery & traditional crafts & foods. Granted, Christmas may not be on your mind at this very moment...but it should be! Especially considering everything that AAA’s bigger-and-better Dec 2-10 German Christmas Markets tour offers! For AAA members, one element is a Christmas gift of sorts — a limited-time, many-dollars-off discount based on your membership level. Premier members booking & depositing by 5/31/14 get $200 off the regular rate per room, based on double occupancy. AAA Plus members save $150.00, and Basic members save $100.00. Experience the Old World tradition of welcoming the Christmas season at public marketplaces large and small, where walkways lined with rustic stalls hum with holiday strollers and shoppers young & old. Local artisans exhibit traditional handmade decorations, art and craft items; purveyors of aromatic seasonal culinary delights tempt passersby with gingerbread cookies and spice-mulled wine; and musicians and performers add a festive note to the ambience. Some markets even sport carnival-type rides and amusements. Most German cities of any significant size present at least 1 Christkindlmarkt; on this get-in-the-spirit tour in the southeastern state of Bavaria, you get to visit at least 7 (yes, 7!), each unique in size and style — from some of the most famous and popular to some of the most intimate and charming. And, be-
cause they’re usually in the heart of the community, they’re ideal bases from which to explore surrounding landmarks like cathedrals and castles, as well as year-round brick-andmortar shops and restaurants. This unique tour operates on the same principles of convenience and efficiency. Spend 4 nights in Nuremberg and 3 in Munich; you’ll be able to comfortably “settle in” in those cities, taking short rides each day to the markets and landmarks surrounding them. Forget traipsing from a hotel in one town one day to another hotel the next day to yet another hotel the following day, and so on. Best of all, forget about packing and unpacking each time! With only 2 base hotels, you’ll have more time to see and do (or rest and relax) — whatever your travel style may be. All in all, it makes for a much more pleasant, satisfying experience...and it maximizes your valuable time and energy. And all the while, you and your fellow travelers will enjoy the company and insider knowledge of your professional English-speaking native European guide. From start to finish, you’ll have peace of mind knowing an experienced expert is at your side and at your service to provide practical information and interesting background about all you see and tour. He’ll even be able to offer suggestions about what to do during free time after touring. continued on next page
PAGE 10
AAA MOTORIST
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
Bavarian markets are the
MAY 2014
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
of this popular holiday tour
When you’re on your own, you can medieval, Advent and arts & crafts. A “Route of Nativity Scenes” links explore cobblestone streets lined with festively decorated boutiques and 40 churches, museums, public buildings and other places via a series of German charming squares brimming with high-quality crafts and gifts (toys, diverse Christmas creches. Also visit the nearby market in Bayreuth. wood carvings, jewelry, nutcrackers and delicate ornaments, among Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Germany’s Christmas others). Discover Christmas goods that aren’t mass-produced — nativbest preserved medieval cities, has markets sparkling with decoraMarkets ity figurines, puppets, beeswax candles and lambskin shoes. It’s an tions, nativity scenes, toys and other presents; the creative people ideal opportunity to make a dent in your gift shopping list! who fashion the objects happily explain their techniques. Other MEMBERS Few items may be as difficult to resist as the baked apples and booths invite you to sample gingerbread and Christmas cookies. SAVE BIG! Glühwein (“glow-wine,” from hot irons once used to mull this red Dating to the 14th century, Munich’s Marienplatz market ofwine spiced with cinnamon, vanilla, cloves, star anise, citrus and fers live Alpine holiday music from Town Hall’s balcony. While Premier ........ $200.00 sugar). Enjoy them all beneath twinkling lights, evergreen garin town, savor an included traditional dinner featuring Spätzle Plus ............. $150.00 lands and other holiday decorations. (dense egg noodles; the name means “little sparrow”) and Strudel Basic............ $100.00 Nuremberg’s Old Quarter market, the world’s most famous, (“whirlpool” — layered pastry filled with fruit or sweet cheese). PER ROOM...NEW BOOKINGS ONLY is opened each year by a youngster playing the Christ Then, escape on a fun morning excursion to Mad LudBook & deposit by 5/31/14 Child. Kids of all ages love the Kinderweihnacht (chilwig’s Alpine castle, Neuschwanstein. Spectacularly dren’s Christmas area) and its carousel featuring an uplocated, the shy king’s palace appears prominently in per tier, reindeer and Santa’s sleigh. Nuremberg’s also many movies and inspired Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauknown for its honey and its thin brown sausages. ty Castle. Then it’s on to Füssen, which holds its marRothenburg ob der Tauber (“Red Fortress above the ket in the festively illuminated monastery courtyard of Tauber River”) on the Romantic Road offers, fittingly, St Mang in the heart of the town’s historic cobblestone one of the most romantic markets. An ancient walled streets. On the way back to Munich, enjoy a short tour in town largely untouched for centuries, it Oberammergau to see its world-famous boasts some of Europe’s most impressive wood carvings, including a Holy Family Dec 2-10 • AAA Member Rate: $3,105 medieval architecture. The Schneebälle so small they fit in a nutshell! Before-discount rate includes roundtrip flights (Pittsburgh(“snowballs” of deep-fried dough dustIf these markets/treats whet your Frankfurt, Munich-Pittsburgh), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, ed with sugar) are a local specialty. wanderlust/appetite, visit AAA.com/ accommodations, motorcoach transportation, hotel taxes/service Four markets in the UNESCO World GoEurope for more information! charges, hotel baggage handling, 13 meals, Neuschwanstein tour, services But hurry: Book & deposit by Heritage town of Bamberg come in difof a AAA tour manager (if participation goal is met) and in-Germany escort. 5/31/14 to save up to $200.00 per room! ferent shapes and sizes — traditional,
continued from previous page
MAY 2014
AAA MOTORIST
PAGE 11
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
Avoid potential airport hassles. Motorcoach to your cruise! Park for free, then relax & ride AAA’s convenient “Cruise Express” motorcoach to Baltimore to board Grandeur of the Seas!
KICK OFF SUMMER...
with great GETAWAYS &
GREAT GIFTS valued at up to $120.00 SEE BOX BELOW.
BERMUDA Oct 10-16 • from $885 EASTERN CARIBBEAN Nov 11-21 • from $1,094 WESTERN CARIBBEAN Jan 24–Feb 3 • from $1,122 EASTERN CARIBBEAN Feb 3-13 • from $1,053
BOOK BY 5/17/14
EASTERN CARIBBEAN March 3-13 • from $1,153
SIZZLING SUMMER KICK-OFF!
WESTERN CARIBBEAN April 18-28 • from $1,122 EASTERN CARIBBEAN April 28–May 8 • from $1,102 AAA MEMBER RATES are per person (double occupancy), are subject to availability at time of booking and include roundtrip motorcoach transportation, cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals and government fees. Ship’s registry: Bahamas. Visit AAA.com/motorcruise for itinerary details & Western Pennsylvania pick-up points.
Tap into the magic of your Disney 8GB BUILT-IN vacation MEMORY with AAA BLUETOOTH
DUAL FRONT & REAR CAMERA
Y POWERED 4B.2 ID O R AND
Book & make a nonrefundable deposit on a new 7-night-orPick a gift based on your vacation’s length. longer 2014 air-inclusive vacaNIGHTS tion & choose 1 of 5 summery GIFT 7-11 12+ gifts (value up to $120) based on your vacation length. Ask a AAA EXTRA-WIDE ZERO-GRAVITY LOUNGER OUTDOOR CHAIR travel agent to arrange your CUISINART PETIT GOURMET TABLETOP GAS GRILL vacation with 1 of these AAA partners — AAA Member Choice ® Vacations®, Insight Vacations®, FITBIT FLEX™ WIRELESS ACTIVITY & SLEEP WRISTBAND Pleasant Holidays or Trafalgar; once it’s booked, AAA will make OUTDOOR WIRELESS SPEAKER & VERSATILE DOCK sure you receive your gift in time GRILL ALERT TALKING REMOTE MEAT THERMOMETER for all your summer activities.
• •
• • • • • •
AAA East Central reserves the right to substitute a product of equal value if item becomes unavailable.
HURRY — BOOK BY MAY 31
Get a FREE 7" TABLET when you book select Disney vacations at AAA in May!
Valid on new AAA Vacations® Magic Your Way® packages that include...
• 7 nights (or more) at these Walt Disney World® Resort hotels: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Beach Club Resort or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge • 7-night (or longer) Disney Deluxe Dining Plan — 3 meals and 2 snacks per person per night plus 1 refillable mug per person • 8-day Park Hopper® tickets • Roundtrip shuttle — Orlando International Airport • Allianz travel protection insurance plan
AAA Member Benefits
• Exclusive AAA Vacations® Diamond Savings Card. Enjoy discounts of up to 20% at restaurants, shops, recreational venues and tours throughout the Walt Disney World® Resort.
GRAND FLORIDIAN
• Exclusive AAA Diamond Parking. Take advantage of convenient preferred parking spaces at all 4 Walt Disney World® Resort Theme Parks.
• AAA Magic Moments® Savings. Save up to 25% on the room portion of your AAA Vacations® package (subject to availability).
©Disney
Offer valid for new AAA Vacations® Walt Disney World® Resort Magic Your Way® plus Deluxe Dining Plan package bookings of 7 nights or longer at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Beach Club Resort or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. One tablet per room/booking. 2014 booking must be made 5/1–5/31 for travel by 12/31/14. Tablet will be mailed after final payment; allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. AAA East Central reserves the right to substitute a product of equal value if item becomes unavailable. Offer has no cash or store credit value if returned. Offer is not combinable with other AAA East Central promotional offers. See a AAA associate for details. AAA Member Benefits are for 2014 arrivals. One Diamond Savings Card per package; nontransferable and void if sold. AAA Diamond Parking is subject to availability; voucher with guest name required; block-out dates apply; nontransferable; void if sold. AAA member savings of 10%, 15%, 20% or 25% is on the nondiscounted rate of room portion of select AAA Vacations® packages and is subject to availability.
BEACH CLUB
ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE
PAGE 12
AAA MOTORIST
MAY 2014
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
See the Bucs in DC — Twice!
2 games in 1 weekend! Guided DC sightseeing tour Newseum admission Free time on the National Mall Central hotel with rooftop pool & on-site dining & lounge
Aug 15-17 AAA Member Rate: $609
Friday, Aug 15 Pre-game Meal Saturday, Aug 16 Pre-game Picnic Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip motorcoach (PittsburghWashington DC), accommodations, baggage handling (1 per person), 2 meals, 2 games (1 ticket each: baseline reserved), sightseeing and services of a AAA tour manager.
AAA: The Preferred Travel Agency of the Pittsburgh Pirates
Altoona PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bridgeport WV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Butler PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Columbiana OH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cranberry Township PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . East Liverpool OH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Erie PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Greensburg PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harborcreek PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Indiana PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kittanning PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lower Burrell/New Kensington Area PA . . Martinsburg WV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Meadville PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Morgantown WV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New Castle PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
814-946-1277 304-842-7676 724-282-8810 330-482-3836 724-772-1122 330-385-2020 814-866-0246 724-834-8300 814-897-9508 724-349-4193 724-543-4244 724-339-4440 304-263-4619 814-724-3157 304-598-7470 724-658-8551
Pittsburgh PA area Century III (Pleasant Hills) . . . . . . . . . Downtown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . East Liberty/Shadyside . . . . . . . . . . . . Monroeville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . North Hills Area (Ross Twp) . . . . . . . . Robinson Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . South Hills (Bethel Park) . . . . . . . . . . White Oak/McKeesport . . . . . . . . . . . Rochester PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . St Marys PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Uniontown PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Warren PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Washington PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Waynesburg PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wheeling WV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Weirton WV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
412-655-6105 412-338-4305 412-365-7272 412-858-4640 412-367-7625 412-809-2803 412-833-5060 412-675-3404 724-728-6230 814-781-3003 724-438-8575 814-723-6660 724-225-3600 724-627-3434 304-233-1810 304-748-1616
GENERAL TRAVEL DISCLAIMER: AAA Travel Agency makes every effort to provide accurate, up-to-date prices as of press time and cannot assume responsibility for typographic errors. Rates/offers are per person based on double occupancy, unless otherwise indicated, and are subject to availability and airline/operator changes. International rates/ offers are subject to currency fluctuations and additional tax & security charges. Rates that include airfare include all taxes, government fees and surcharges. Additional restrictions may apply. Rates/offers are available at all AAA East Central travel agency locations. For tour details, contact AAA or visit AAA.com/travel. AAA FEATURED VACATIONS are specially priced, unique departures; therefore, tour operators, cruise lines and other travel providers often exclude them from additional discounts or specials they offer. 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.
and save up to
$348.00
with AAA’s exclusive rates! AAA’s special 9-night Hawaiian vacation features a 2-night pre-cruise stay in Honolulu, a tour of the USS Arizona Memorial and a 7-night Pride of America cruise featuring 4 islands (Oahu, Maui, Hawaii & Kauai). OCT 30–NOV 8 INSIDE
PUBLIC RATE $2,160 AAA RATE $1,985 YOU SAVE $175.00
OUTSIDE
BALCONY
$2,786 $2,953 $2,505 $2,605 $281.00 $348.00
Rates are per person (double occupancy), are subject to availability at time of booking and include hotel/pier transfers, 2 nights at Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa, Arizona Memorial/Pearl Harbor tour, 7-night cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals and government taxes/fees. Ship’s registry: USA. Ask about available add-on airfare.
Member-only ing discounts for book . 14 20 , 31 ay M by Premier......... $300 Plus ..............$250 ....$200 Basic......... ROOM PER
ERIENCES
PEAK EXP
Rocky Mountaineer Train Summit Helicopter Tour
CANADIAN ROCKIES: Seattle to Calgary Discover the pleasures of a Rocky Mountaineer journey; enjoy the highest-level GoldLeaf Service on 3 daytime train rides. Witness stunning mountainscapes...alpine lakes of hues more often associated with jewels...star-bright nights, silent but for sounds of the wild… forests redolent of evergreen and what can only be described as the smell of “clean.” This extraordinary 9-day tour includes rides from Seattle to Vancouver, Vancouver to Kamloops and Kamloops to Jasper. Even more extraordinary? They’re just 1 highlight of this tour! Also visit natural wonders in 3 national parks that form the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site. And enjoy hotel stays in Seattle, Vancouver (3 nights), Kamloops, Jasper (2 nights), Banff and Calgary.
Exclusive AAA MEMBER BENEFIT: Each adult receives a $100 onboard Rocky Mountaineer souvenir credit!
Sept 12-22 •
AAA Member Rate: $5,999
Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Pittsburgh-Seattle, Calgary-Pittsburgh), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, 10-night hotel accommodations, luggage handling (1 piece per person), 3 train rides, 5 meals and taxes on included items. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Visit AAA.com/travel for details. Passport required.
MAY 2014
AAA MOTORIST
PAGE 13
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
Car-free, carefree adventures Rates are per person, are subject to availability at time of booking and include roundtrip motorcoach transportation from the Pittsburgh area, accommodations (for multiday tours, based on double occupancy), sightseeing/ admissions, taxes/gratuities for included features, baggage handling (for multiday tours), meals as indicated and the services of a AAA Tour Manager. Visit AAA.com/USA for complete itinerary details and pick-up points.
ONLY IN 2014!
HISTORY & TALL SHIPS!
LEAVE YOUR CAR AT HOME! ONLY IN 2014!
FALL FESTIV!AL FUN
FT McHENRY
Star-spangled Spectacular
Louisville Centennial of Riverboats
Celebrate the bicentennial of our national anthem in Baltimore, where it originated. Enjoy a patriotic picnic at the Museum of Industry and a possible pass-over by the Blue Angels. At the Tall Ships Festival at the Inner Harbor, tour vessels from around the world. Enjoy a harbor cruise and dine on the waterfront. At Ft McHenry, where Francis Scott Key was inspired to pen the Star-Spangled Banner, watch the Parade of Sails depart Baltimore Harbor. 5 meals.
Join this riverfront city’s commemmoration of the 100th anniversary of the Belle of Louisville (world’s oldest operating Mississippi-style riverboat) with art, food and music. See riverboats from around the country. Enjoy a dinner cruise on Spirit of Peoria, a race cruise on Belle of Cincinnati and a dinner cruise on Belle of Louisville. Visit the Howard Steamboat Museum. Enjoy dinner in and watch fireworks from the Riverfront Suite of Galt House, your historic hotel. 6 meals.
Sept 14-16 •
AAA Member Rate: $525
Boston & Cape Ann MA
Aug 3-8 •
AAA Member Rate: $999
From the oceanfront Nantasket Beach Resort, explore Scituate Lighthouse, Boston & its landmarks (Freedom Trail, Harvard Square, Quincy Market/Faneuil Hall and a harbor cruise) and the villages of Salem, Gloucester, Rockport & Pymouth. Enjoy a sunset sail from Cape Ann on a 65-foot schooner, then a lobster dinner. 7 meals.
Just Wright in Buffalo NY Aug 9 •
AAA Member Rate: $165
Fontana Boathouse with boxed lunch. Martin “Prairie House.” 4-house driving tour. Forest Lawn Cemetery mausoleum. 1 meal.
Farm to Fork in Lancaster PA Aug 16-17 •
AAA Member Rate: $335
Here’s a culinary exploration ideal for “foodies” or those seeking a fun day tasting wonderful cuisine! At Lancaster’s Central Market, delight in the vast expanse of fresh foods on a tour by a local chef (plus free time). At your charming boutique hotel, the resident chef presents a kitchen demo featuring PA Dutch cuisine (including dessert!). Visit local farms and enjoy lunch at an area winery. Take home tasty purchases found only in Lancaster. 3 meals.
Deep Creek MD Art & Wine Festival Sept 6 •
AAA Member Rate: $149
Attend this annual festival featuring wine tasting from more than 200 wineries, hand-crafted works by local & regional artisans, live music and more. Enjoy a lakeside dinner. 1 meal.
Chautauqua NY Wine & Dine Sept 8-9 •
AAA Member Rate: $359
Sample wine and fine food at 3 wineries on western NY’s Vintage Trail. Enjoy a cooking class & dinner at a charming inn. Visit Chautauqua, a Victorian lakeside community, and dine at its Athanaeum Hotel followed by a dessert & Champagne cruise. 4 meals.
Oct 17-20 •
Colors of Agawa Canyon & Mackinac Island
Sept 28–Oct 3 • AAA Member Rate: $1,359 Attention leaf-peepers! Celebrate fall foliage, see the Lumberman’s Monument in Michigan’s Huron National Forest and overnight at rustic & secluded Thunder Bay Resort. Enter an elk preserve by horse-drawn carriage. Cross Mighty Mac Bridge to Tahquamenon Falls, Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum and Kewadin Casino Resort Hotel. Ride Ontario’s Algoma Central Railway down into 575-footdeep Agawa Canyon and then ferry over to Mackinac Island for a carriage tour of this Victorian no-cars resort. Follow scenic highways to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Grand Rapids. Tour Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. 11 meals.
Lions, Tigers & Jack Hanna Sept 19-20 •
AAA Member Rate: $305
Tour The Wilds, a conservation facility featuring rhinos, cheetahs, giraffes and other animals in open-range habitats. Meet nationally recognized animal ambassador Jack Hanna & a few of his animal friends at a private breakfast at the Columbus Zoo. Visit the Africa exhibit, designed by Jack. 2 meals.
Seaside in Ocean City MD
Sept 21-25 •
AAA Member Rate: $715
Experience this popular Atlantic Seaboard vacation destination minus the crowds & congestion! Enjoy oceanfront accommodations, winery visits, dinner at Phillips Seafood Restaurant, a variety show at the Ocean City Jamboree Theater, a tour of Assateague Island (home of the wild ponies), charming Berlin MD and more. 7 meals.
PA’s “Grand Canyon”
Oct 2-3 •
AAA Member Rate: $385
Travel to charming Wellsboro PA. Board a covered wagon and follow the scenic Upper Gorge of Pine Creek in Pennsylvania’s own “Grand Canyon.” Enjoy a hearty home-cooked meal afterward.
AAA Member Rate: $975
Overnight in Mansfield. Take a guided driving tour of the area and visit the canyon’s overlook and visitor center. Ride on the Tioga Central Railroad to Hammond Lake and back. 3 meals.
New England Rails & Trails Oct 5-12 •
AAA Member Rate: $1,899
Take in autumn splendor in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont & Connecticut from several trains, a schooner & your coach! Visit a submarine museum, Plymouth, Nantucket, Kancamagus Highway, Quechee Gorge, Billings Farm & Museum, Bennington, the Finger Lakes (Sonnenerg Gardens) & more. 16 meals.
Virginia: Mountains to Sea Oct 12-17 •
AAA Member Rate: $925
Discover Virginia’s amazing beauty and history on this fall journey to Richmond, Williamsburg, Jamestown, Virginia Beach (enjoy an oceanfront hotel), Charlottesville and the Skyline Drive in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Cruise on a tall ship in Norfolk. 10 meals.
One-of-a-kind Girls’ Getaway Oct 17-18 •
AAA Member Rate: $485
Travel with friends, moms, sisters, daughters and grandmas to Columbus OH for a 3-stop progressive dinner in trendy Short North, cocktails, candle-making, North Market and Easton Town Center (Nordstrom’s café breakfast, fashion consultation, $15 gift card and beauty makeover). 2 meals.
Gettysburg PA: Civil War & Beyond
Oct 24-26 •
AAA Member Rate: $495
Fall is an ideal time to visit this quaint town that played such a large role in American history. Take a guided tour of the National Battlefield after a stop at the National Military Park Visitor Center. Enjoy a tour of President Eisenhower’s farm, lunch at a historic tavern, a tasting at a winery, a “ghostly encounter” at the Jennie Wade House and a visit to Seminary Ridge Museum. 6 meals.
PAGE 14
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
AAA MOTORIST
MAY 2014
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
MAY 2014
PAGE 15
AAA MOTORIST
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers
LAST CHANCE!
Yellowstone Experience AUG 11-17 $2,695
Our first national park’s first explorers were called liars when they described its otherworldly geysers & bubbling mudpots and its freeranging bison, elk, moose, bears & wolves. Begin at Salt Lake City and travel through scenic Idaho to Yellowstone. Enjoy Old Faithful & many other natural landmarks, as well as the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. A Wildlife Safari includes a picnic dinner. Also enjoy Grand Teton National Park, the cowboy town of Jackson, a Jenny Lake cruise, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (schedule permitting) and more! 12 meals. AAA Member Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights from Pittsburgh, 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.
THIS THANKSGIVING Wouldn’t you rather “roast” in the Caribbean? Leave cooking & cleaning to someone else this year; cruise for 10 relaxing days on Celebrity Equinox. Receive these AAA MEMBER PERKS! VOUCHER FOR A BOTTLE OF WINE $75.00 ONBOARD CREDIT MARTINI TASTING
Nov 21–Dec 1 AAA Member Rate from $1,685
Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes balcony cruise accommodations/ entertainment, most onboard meals & government taxes/fees. Ship’s registry: Malta. Ask about available add-on airfare. Visit AAA.com/travel for detailed itinerary.
Receive a SPECIAL GIFT for booking & depositing by 5/31/14! $100.00 VISAPERGIFT CARD STATEROOM
Celebrity Cruises & AAA Vacations® offer some of the best values at sea & great benefits unavailable elsewhere! Priority Check-in
does not grant priority boarding
GET A HEAD START ON HOLIDAY GIFT BUYING!
Enjoy 2 valuable benefits EXCLUSIVELY for members
Up to $100.00 Onboard Credit
BALCONY OR HIGHER STATEROOM. RESTRICTIONS APPLY.
BEST-PRICE GUARANTEE
per stateroom
DATE NTS SHIP
7/18 7 7/20 7 10/27 8 11/4 15 11/8 7 11/23 7 11/29 5 11/29 7 12/7 14 12/7 7 12/8 5 12/12 10 12/20 7 12/21 14 12/22 11 12/27 7 12/27 7 12/28 7
Solstice Century Infinity Infinity Summit Silhouette Constellation Reflection Eclipse Silhouette Constellation Equinox Summit Eclipse Equinox Reflection Summit Silhouette
ITINERARY
Alaska Inside Passage: Roundtrip from Seattle WA Alaska Inside Passage: Roundtrip from Vancouver BC Eastern Caribbean: Roundtrip from Ft Lauderdale FL Panama Canal: Ft Lauderdale FL to San Diego CA Southern Caribbean: Roundtrip from San Juan PR Eastern Caribbean: Roundtrip from Ft Lauderdale FL Western Caribbean: Roundtrip from Ft Lauderdale FL Eastern Caribbean: Roundtrip from Miami FL Southern Caribbean: Roundtrip from Miami FL Eastern Caribbean: Roundtrip from Ft Lauderdale FL Western Caribbean: Roundtrip from Ft Lauderdale FL Southern Caribbean: Roundtrip from Ft Lauderdale FL Southern Caribbean: Roundtrip from San Juan PR Southern Caribbean: Roundtrip from Miami FL Southern Caribbean: Roundtrip from Ft Lauderdale FL Eastern Caribbean: Roundtrip from Miami FL Southern Caribbean: Roundtrip from San Juan PR Western Caribbean: Roundtrip 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
PAGE 16
AAA MOTORIST
MAY 2014
1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel
Member Benefits Exclusive Offers Walk on the GREAT WALL!
AAA Featured Vacations
AAA MEMBER SAVINGS $200 $150 $100
are specific cruise, motorcoach or air tour vacations created or selected by AAA Travel for their value, amenities and/or inclusions. Look for the AAA Featured Vacations logo to identify out-of-the-ordinary offerings.
PREMIER
PLUS
BASIC
ALL SAVINGS PER ROOM. BOOK & DEPOSIT BY 5/15/14.
SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Escort & driver s gratuitie ! included
• PEKING DUCK & “HOTPOT“ DINNERS • FAMILY-HOME VISIT & HOME-COOKED MEAL • KUNG FU ACADEMY VISIT & DEMONSTRATION
LAST CHANCE!
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: $3,249 Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Pittsburgh-Beijing), 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 travel agent for details. Visit AAA.com/GoAsia for full 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!
You’re invited to AAA Travel’s Viking River Cruises vacation planning presentation, featuring a special offer for booking this night only. June 19 • 6 :30pm Treesdale Country Club 1 Arnold Palmer Way • Gib sonia PA
RSVP by April 30: 1-800-354-8761
MAY 2014
AAA MOTORIST
PAGE 17
PAGE 18
AAA MOTORIST
MAY 2014
Cruising into the Pearl of the Adriatic Fact meets fiction in Dubrovnik’s Old Town
A
living museum on the southern tip of Croatia, Lord Byron called Dubrovnik “the pearl of the Adriatic.” Gleaming marble streets are lined with baroque buildings, punctuated by finely sculpted Renaissance fountains and facades, and polished by the footsteps of history. One of Europe’s most spectacular ports of call, cruise lines calling here include Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Holland America, Oceania, Princess and Azamara. Ships typically dock at the port located about two miles northwest of the walled Old Town. George Bernard Shaw once said “those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik and find it.” Only a few faint scars remain from the 1991 bombardment by Yugoslav forces during the Croatian War of Independence. More recently, Dubrovnik’s Old Town has become familiar as the real-world locale for King’s Landing in the HBO TV series Game of Thrones. Old Town’s labyrinth of streets is completely encircled by walls and fortresses. Constructed between the 12th and 17th centuries, these massive walls are among the best preserved in Europe and the city’s premier attraction. Towering up to 80 feet high, the limestone walls are over 20 feet thick
KING’S LANDING — Old Town and Lovrijenac Fortress from Minceta Tower. Photo by Dennis Jarvis.
in places. The Pile Gate — Old Town’s principal gateway — is defended by the circular-shaped Fort Bokar, with a wooden drawbridge spanning what is now a dry moat. The best way to explore the Old City is by walking the 1.5-mile circumference of the ramparts. There are dozens of stairs to climb and it’s best to go
early before the sun gets too hot. Minceta Tower, the highest point on the walls, offers a breathtaking panorama of the city with its jumble of red tile roofs providing a perfect counterpoint to the Adriatic’s dazzling blue shimmer. The Maritime Museum is located inside St. John’s Fortress in the battlements’ southeast corner. The museum
is full of artifacts like scale models of ships, surprisingly accurate ancient maps, and antique treasures from Dubrovnik’s nautical past. During the Middle Ages the former Republic of Ragusa rivaled Venice for influence and power. The 15thcentury Rectors’ Palace was once the city-state’s seat of government. Today, the palace is a museum with furnished rooms, Baroque paintings, and historical exhibits. The 1673 Cathedral is home to an impressive patrimony of art including Titian’s The Assumption. Right beyond the walls, forbidding Lovrijenac Fortress perches on a rocky promontory. Often called “Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar” Game of Thrones fans will recognize it as the Red Keep — home to the legendary Iron Throne. Outside of Old Town, a cable car makes the 3-minute transit to the top of Mount Srdj, crowned by the Naopleonic era Fort Imperial. From the summit visitors have a bird’s eye view of the town, the sea and the quiet islands scattered like stepping stones, along the Dalmatian coast.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please see your AAA Departures Guide or log on to AAA.com/cruises for special values on European cruise vacations.
Running hot and cold with Electric Vehicles AAA testing finds temperature affects EV driving range
E
lectric Vehicles (EVs) are energy efficient and environmentally friendly with the added benefit of reducing fuel costs for motorists. But, just as motorists need to know how far the gas in their tank will take them, EV drivers need to be aware of how far their vehicle can travel on a single charge. According to new AAA research conducted by the AAA Automotive Research Center in Southern California, electric vehicle range can be reduced by an average of 57 percent based on the outside temperature. “Electric motors provide smooth operation, strong acceleration, require less maintenance than internal combustion engines, and for many motorists offer a cost effective option,” said John Nielsen, managing director, AAA Automotive Engineering and Repair. “However, EV drivers need to carefully monitor driving range in hot and cold weather.” To better understand the impact of climate on electric vehicle batteries, AAA conducted a simulation to measure the driving range of three fullyelectric vehicles in cold, moderate and hot weather. Temperature made a big difference in driving range for all three EVs. Vehicles were tested for city driving to mimic stop-and-go traffic, and to
RANGE ANXIETY — AAA found temperature made a big difference in driving range for all three EVs they tested. better compare with EPA ratings listed on the window sticker. The average EV battery range in AAA’s test was 105 miles at 75°F, but that dropped 57 percent to 43 miles when the temperature was held steady at 20°F. Warm temperatures were less stressful on battery range, but still delivered a lower average of 69 miles per full charge at 95°F. AAA performed the testing between
December 2013 and January 2014 on three fully-electric vehicles — a 2013 Nissan Leaf, a 2012 Mitsubishi iMIEV and a 2014 Ford Focus EV. They were selected because they are the most widely available electric cars in the country. Each vehicle completed a driving cycle for moderate, hot and cold climates following standard EPA-DOE
test procedures. The vehicles were fully charged and then “driven” on a dynamometer in a climate-controlled room until the battery was fully exhausted. According to a 2012 survey conducted by AAA, eight out of ten U.S. adults are unsure about or unlikely to buy an electric vehicle and 30 percent of them say it is due to mileage limitations and availability of charging stations locations. Even the reduced range of the test vehicles was still more than enough for the average driver’s daily commute which the U.S. Department of Transportation says is around 16 miles one way. AAA has initiated several projects including mobile recharging units and EV charging stations to support members who drive electric vehicles. EVs provide owners with many benefits, but every motorist needs to be aware of conditions that can impact vehicle driving range. EV drivers need to plan carefully in hot and cold weather. Mapping tools such as the AAA TripTik® Travel Planner pinpoint charging stations to keep motorists on the go.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit AAA.com for information on all things automotive including tips on buying, operating and maintaining a vehicle.
MAY 2014
AAA MOTORIST
PAGE 19
PAGE 20
AAA MOTORIST
MAY 2014
Your golden ticket to a great new car deal Take a test drive and be rewarded for your feedback!
I
f you’re shopping for a new or used car this spring, the AAA Auto Buying Program is the easiest way to save both time and money. AAA members cut down the average amount of time spent at the dealership with Guaranteed Savings and upfront dealer pricing information* before ever walking on the lot. Using the Auto Buying Program online tools, AAA members have saved an average of $3,078 off MSRP**, receive additional used car discounts, and enjoy a hassle-free experience with pre-screened Certified Dealers. AAA Auto Buying Program Certified Dealers are committed to providing a simple and painless purchase process and want shoppers’ feedback about their service. For a limited time, take a test drive with a Certified Dealer, complete a quick survey about your experience and you’ll get a $25 gift card in the mail. (Details provided with your certificate.) Take your first step on the AAA Auto Buying Program site at AAA.com/autobuying where you can research new and used cars. Learn about any regional incentives and special cash-back offers available from the manufacturer or estimate the trade-in value of your used car and your potential monthly payment. The AAA Auto Buying Program lets you know when you’re getting a good deal and gives you unlimited access to
CARE FREE CAR BUYING — Get upfront dealer pricing info before you step on the lot at AAA.com/autobuying. free TrueCar Price Reports which show what others paid in your area for cars with the same features as the one you have chosen. You’ll also find reviews, photos, and specifications for a variety of vehicles and safety and crash test results allowing shoppers to compare
various vehicles at one time. Once you’re ready to purchase, be sure to print your Guaranteed Savings Certificate or Used Vehicle Certificate, see how to get your gift card and visit your selected Certified Dealer. Your certificate is like a Golden Ticket, so
bring it with you, or have it ready to show on your mobile device to make sure you receive your AAA member savings and enjoy a hassle-free shopping experience. If you end up picking a different car on the lot than what’s on your certificate, our Certified Dealers will give you the member savings for the car you choose on the spot. And unlike some other programs, there’s no additional charge to access this service — you have unlimited access as part of your AAA membership! So if you’re ready to buy a car, or want to find out how much you could save, go to AAA.com/autobuying and request upfront dealer pricing information for the car you want. You can also reach one of our representatives by calling 800-446-7433. Our Certified Dealers are waiting to take you on that test drive! *Guaranteed Savings and upfront dealer pricing information not available in all states. **See AAA.com/autobuying for details.
IT’S A GIFT
Take your first step on the AAA Auto Buying Program site at AAA.com/autobuying. And for a limited time, take a test drive with a Certified Dealer, complete a quick survey about your experience and you’ll receive a $25 gift card in the mail.
Give Yourself an Upgrade—
SEE CLEARLY AND COMFORTABLY IN THE SUN.
to the highest level of protection available! Get more from your membership.
40% OFF SUNGLASSES MADE WITH YOUR PRESCRIPTION*
AAA members get a bonus $5
**
** Additional $5 off of complete pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses made with your prescription (frame and lenses). Valid AAA membership required. May be combined with vision and insurance plans and other offers. No cash value. Some brands excluded, including Maui Jim and Oakley lenses or Cartier frames. Limit one AAA discount per customer. Discount Code: 678946. * Valid on multiple pairs. Both frame and lenses purchase required. Cannot be combined with any vision or insurance benefits, any store or other offer, discount or sale, previous purchases, readers or non-prescription sunglasses. Savings applied to lenses. Valid prescription required. Discounts are off tag price. Some brands excluded including Totallens, Varilux lenses, Maui Jim and Oakley sun frames and Authentics lenses, or Cartier frames. See store for details. Purchase a Cartier frame at tag price and get 40% off the quoted list price of the lenses. If Varilux lenses are selected, get 20% off the complete pair purchase (frame and lenses). Savings applied to the lenses. Offer expires 07/02/2014.
Upgrade to AAA Premier. With expanded roadside assistance — and a host of other benefits — AAA Premier is a smart choice. To upgrade your membership, call or visit your local AAA office or AAA.com, or call the Member Service Center at
1-800-441-5008
MAY 2014
AAA MOTORIST
PAGE 21
Some electrifying developments in the automotive industry Car batteries no longer being taken for granted
M
otorists typically don’t think much about their battery until their car doesn’t start. This humble workhorse of your daily commute not only provides the power for ignition, but a growing number of automotive electronics are drawing more power from your battery than ever before. Invented in 1859 by French physicist Gaston Planté, the lead–acid battery’s ability to provide the high current required by automobile starter motors, along with its relatively low cost, have made it a mainstay for starting, lighting and ignition (SLI) functions for the past 50 years. Most hybrid electric vehicles including the Ford Fusion, and the Chevrolet Volt depend on lead-acid batteries for the SLI functions, as do those equipped with “start-stop” technologies. Lead-acid batteries have undergone their own remarkable evolution to keep pace with the demand for more power and reliability. First, the sealed valve regulated lead-acid battery (VRLA) or maintenance free battery was developed, which meant motorists no longer needed to check or top off the electrolyte levels. In fact, forcing or prying these caps open may destroy or permanently damage your battery. VRLA batteries are designed in two ways — gel electrolyte and absorbed glass mat (AGM). Gel batteries, introduced in the 1960s, use electrolyte in
surement and is the amount of current a battery can deliver at 0°F for 30 seconds. Where and how you use your vehicle and the electronic load that your battery supports should also be considered. Winter may be over but few people realize that hot weather can be even harder on your car’s battery. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, and also accelerates the rate of corrosion on your battery terminals. Both conditions can lead to insufficient electrical power being available, and leave a motorist stranded without warning.
AAA BATTERY SERVICE
POWER CENTER — AAA’s Mobile Battery Service can accurately diagnose your battery-related problems at the roadside. gel form for greater stability. The AGM battery, which came to market in the 1980s, uses porous glass mats to absorb and hold the electrolyte. AGM batteries are usually found in hybrid and other high performance vehicles. AAA’s Mobile Battery Service now carries an AGM hybrid battery that meets OEM requirements for 17 Toyota hybrid models, including Prius generations I-V, and three Lexus models, covering nearly a million vehicles in North America. Right now, intensive technical devel-
A GOOD FIT — AAA East Central conducted a CarFit training seminar for students from West Virginia University, last March. Once trained, these students will be able to lead senior drivers through a 12-point checklist with their vehicle, and recommend car adjustments and adaptations that could save their lives. AAA Safety Advisors are also available to train other groups and organizations to conduct their own CarFit programs for senior drivers.
opment work is underway in the industry to adapt the lithium-ion technology used in cell phones and laptops to the far more robust requirements of automobile batteries. Cars have to work in huge temperature extremes, stand up to more shocks and vibrations and have a much higher energy throughput than consumer electronics goods. When selecting a battery, the right size and cold cranking amps (CCA) are the most important considerations. CCA is the most widely used cranking mea-
• Fully mobile service; • Free battery testing using advanced technology; • All batteries meet or exceed original manufacturers specs; • Fast, professional installation; • Environmentally friendly disposal and recycling; • Battery freshness guarantee; • 36-month nationwide replacement warranty; • Exclusive AAA-member pricing. FOR MORE INFORMATION
AAA Battery Service is available from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. 7-days a week. To verify AAA Battery Service availability in your area, call our toll-free number: 1.800.222.4357.
PAGE 22
AAA MOTORIST
MAY 2014
Universal Orlando is bringing the Hogwarts Express to life Fans can experience even more Harry Potter adventures
I
magine riding the Hogwarts Express — just as your favorite characters did in the Harry Potter films. Watch in amazement as the train pulls into the station — its billowing steam beckoning you to hop aboard. Look outside the cabin window and enjoy the British countryside as you encounter some of your favorite Harry Potter characters. Travel from the Muggle world to the Wizarding World as you pass through the brick wall at King’s Cross Station to arrive at Platform 9 ¾. The Hogwarts Express will debut as part of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter–Diagon Alley — the all-new, magnificently themed land opening this summer. The train will connect the new land in Universal Studios Florida with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter– Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure — allowing guests with park-to-park admission to enjoy a real journey aboard the iconic locomotive. The experience combines powerful storytelling, live special effects, lifelike animation and state-of-the-art technology to take riders on the journey of a lifetime. Guests will enjoy two completely different experiences depending on whether they’re traveling to Hogsmeade or London. Once seated in the cabin, riders will look out their windows on an incredibly authentic and magical adventure.
and Burkes — a shop specializing in the Dark Arts. The will offer a wide variety of Dark objects, such as Death Eater masks, skulls, and other sinister items. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, a multi-dimensional new thrill ride, will place riders in the middle of an incredible adventure as they navigate their way through the perils of the Gringotts vaults.
SHOW YOUR CARD AND SAVE
A HEAD OF STEAM — Everything about the Hogwarts Express is authentic right down to the whistle. They’ll see Hagrid come alongside the train on his flying motorbike, Buckbeak the Hippogriff swoop gracefully over the black lake, the Weasley twins on brooms and up to their usual antics, the Knight Bus swerving through London traffic — and other special moments and surprises. Universal’s creative team has been working closely with Warner Bros., and the production team to bring Diagon
Alley and the Hogwarts Express to life — just as it did for Hogwarts and Hogsmeade. Everything about the train is authentic — from the paint and the materials used to build it — all the way down to the whistle. Diagon Alley will also recreate many of the key locations from the Harry Potter series. Discover the darker side of magic in Knockturn Alley, the darkest of dark places that features Borgin
AAA members receive additional savings at Universal Orlando when they pre-purchase tickets or vacation packages through AAA: • 10% off at participating food/beverage locations in the parks; • 10% off merchandise with $50 minimum purchase at participating locations; • 15% off merchandise with $75 minimum purchase at participating locations; • 10% off at participating Universal CityWalk® locations; • One free CityWalk Party Pass, with the Purchase of 1 CityWalk Party Pass; • 10% off at the Palm Restaurant, located at the Hard Rock Hotel; • 15% off at the Mandara Spa, located at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel; • 10% off the purchase of Blue Man Group show Tier 1 and Tier 2 tickets at the Blue Man Group Box Office.
Let Hertz put you in the driver’s seat With exclusive members-only discounts and benefits
S
ummer vacation season is nearly here, and travelers will soon be shopping for rental cars for their travel destinations. One of the benefits of AAA membership is the special package of savings available when you rent from Hertz. Members receive up to a 20 percent discount on car rentals, free Hertz Gold Plus Rewards membership, plus an array of money-saving opportunities, including special upgrades, dollarsoff coupons, and more. Their Member Satisfaction Guarantee is your assurance that the rate and car class, or a higher car class, will be available as reserved. The key to these exclusive Hertz savings and benefits is the CDP number. Your Hertz CDP number is 215, the same as your club code, which appears on the front of your membership card. It’s your gateway to savings and value. The Hertz system will automatically assign the best rate available within the chosen channel of distribution at the time of reservation. Exclusive AAA member benefits include free unlimited mileage on most rentals. Families receive free use of one child, infant or booster seat, and there’s no charge for an additional driver if they are a AAA member with a credit card in their own name. Hertz frequently offers AAA members special single and double upgrade cou-
Plus, your Hertz Discount Code (CDP#) is automatically included in your reservations. Join at AAA.com/ HertzPremier. Hertz’ premier frequent renter program entitles you to membership privileges at more than 40 major airports and 1,000 locations around the world. Just get in, show your driver’s license at the exit gate and drive away. There’s no waiting in line, nothing to sign. Your car will be waiting in a weatherprotected #1 Club Gold area. AAA demands the best for its members. That’s why Hertz is the only car-rental company endorsed by AAA. The next time you need a rental car let Hertz put you in the driver’s seat.
GOOD AS GOLD — AAA members receive free Hertz Gold Plus Rewards membership. pons in addition to dollars off coupons. These coupon or coupon-less offers are available from AAA travel offices, in your club publication and on AAA.com. While most leisure and/or promotional weekly rates require that a car be rented over Saturday night, AAA members don’t have to worry. They qualify for low weekly rates without having to keep the vehicle over a Saturday night. And when you return, a Hertz agent will give you an Instant Return receipt
before you even leave the vehicle. AAA Basic & Plus Members receive free Hertz Gold Plus Rewards membership, plus 675 Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Bonus points — enough for One Free Rental Day, after their first Gold rental! Join at AAA.com/HertzGold. In addition to Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, AAA Premier Members get 1,100 Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Bonus points — enough for Two Free Weekend Rental Days, after their first Gold rental!
FOR MORE INFORMATION
May is Hertz Month at AAA and bigger summer savings start now. During May and June, AAA members will save 20% more on already discounted weekly rates at the airport for vehicle pickup through July 31, 2014 when Promotional Code 196700 is included in the reservation. Hertz always saves you more with exclusive benefits for AAA members including free use of a child seat and discounted Hertz Neverlost GPS rental for just $6.99 per day. Visit AAA.com/hertz for further details.
MAY 2014
AAA MOTORIST
AAA Travel’s Sizzling Summer Kick-off venience of an escorted tour. Itineraries designed by experts maximize your time. Accommodations and transportation are pre-booked with upscale vendors; you need not do any research before your trip or deal with unexpected hassles along the way. Accommodations are chosen to enhance your experience; most feature abundant amenities and are near attractions so that you may spend your leisure time relaxing in the comfort of your hotel or exploring the destination at your own pace. Each AAA MCV package includes a knowledgeable tour manager and unique activities that give you an authentic glimpse into local culture. Insight Vacations® For more than 30 years, Insight (The Art of Touring in Style™) has provided premium escorted road, rail and cruise tours in Britain & Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean and Morocco. Enjoy more intimate groups (40 passengers max), an experienced tour director and the assurance of staying in centrally located premium & luxury hotels. Travel in comfort on luxury reconfigured coaches (fewer seats, more legroom), so the journey is just as enjoyable as the destination. Choose from these touring styles: • Gold Luxury: Boutique and 5-star hotels, epicurean delights and more. • Easy Pace: Leisurely guided vacations with at least 3 nights in almost every destination. Lots of free time.
PAGE 23
from page 1 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________
• Country Roads: Get off the beaten track; usually features a sought-after chateau or manor house. • Regional Experiences: Focus indepth on a specific region for your full appreciation. • Discovery Journeys: Multi-country journeys are the perfect introduction to Europe; experience the full diversity of the continent in 1 tour. Pleasant Holidays Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Europe, the South Pacific. Hotels, condos, villas, all-inclusive resorts, rental cars, in-city tours & activities. Pleasant Holidays makes it easy for you to select the elements and destinations you desire. Choose from a selection of accommodations for families, couples and singles. Take advantage of “Skip the Line” tours in 3 of Europe’s most popular cities; enjoy priority admission to famous — and often crowded — attractions like the Colosseum in Rome, the Louvre in Paris and the Accademia Gallery in Florence. Trafalgar For more than 50 years Trafalgar has created exciting vacations to sought-after destinations all over the world, while ensuring unrivaled standards of quality, value and reliability. Each itinerary is designed by travel experts, skilled in forming experiences that explore the true beauty, history and culture of
a destination. Tour styles include... • Discoveries: Multi-country vacations give an overview of a continent. • Regionals: In-depth experiences of 1 or a few countries. • Family Experiences: Trips made for sharing time together. • At Leisure: Later starts and longer
stays for a more relaxed pace. • Special Interest: A focus on interests, from food to history. • City Breaks: Single and multi-city unescorted vacations, with all the essentials organized. Summer’s coming fast; plan your vacation and get your free gift now!
AAA Member Benefits
FREE GIFTS fo
AAA Member Choice Vacations®
•
$25-$100 savings based on purchase price
•
$40 voucher per person ($25 for AAA Vacations®–branded packages) toward the purchase of select optional tours on escorted motorcoach tours (with exceptions)
Insight Vacations
r booking by 5/17/14!
®
SEE PAGE 1.
Pleasant Holidays
•
•
$50 certificate per booking toward the purchase of an optional sightseeing or activity for Hawaii, Mexico, Costa Rica or Caribbean packages (does not apply to air-&-car–only packages) $40 savings per person off price of Tahiti, Fiji or Cook Islands packages $50 savings per booking off price of Australia/New Zealand or Europe packages $25 savings per booking off price of US city packages (not valid on Fly/Drive packages) “Bounce Back Offer”: Book within 12 months of your original holiday, no travel expiration date (does not apply to Air by Pleasant or Mainland USA) — $50 savings per booking off price of a Hawaii, Mexico, Caribbean or Costa Rica package — $100 savings per booking off price of a Tahiti, South Pacific, Australia/New Zealand or Europe package
• • •
Trafalgar
•
$40 credit voucher per person ($25 for AAA Vacations®–branded packages) toward the purchase of an optional excursion (details at AAA.com/Trafalgar)
Fee-free, 24/7 reservations online with AAA.com/travel Enhanced site offers convenient services & exclusive discounts
A
AA.com/travel is a one-stop web destination for members looking to research, plan and book the perfect air, land or sea getaway. The AAA.com/travel homepage features a scrolling banner with the latest cruise and tour packages, member promotions and travel destinations. The slideshow is regularly updated, so check often — you never know what you’ll find! On the left hand side of the homepage, you’ll find a blue drop down menu with some of the most popular AAA Travel features online. Here, you can search for available hotels, flights or rental cars (or any combination of the three). You can also find the perfect cruise by date, destination or cruise line. You can also access the “bookings” menu, which allows you to view all of your reservations and upcoming trips made through AAA.com/travel. When you make your reservations online through AAA.com/travel, you can feel confident knowing you are getting a great rate. There are no transaction fees, and AAA member rates are clearly marked, so you know exactly what you are paying and how much you are saving. To the right of the drop down menu, you will see four red banners,
GOES WHERE YOU GO — AAA.com/travel offers user-friendly navigation which is both simple and intuitive. each identifying another section of AAA.com/travel. AAA Featured Vacations is on top, and this link takes visitors to a showcase of trips and itineraries created or selected by AAA Travel for out-of-theordinary value, amenities or inclusions. The Research & Planning banner offers members a wide range of travel resources. Learn about everything from
international travel document requirements to purchasing travel insurance. Also in this section is a link to the online versions of the always-popular AAA TourBook Guides. Prefer hard copies of your travel materials? You can also order TripTik Travel Planners, TourBook Guides and maps under the Research & Planning tab.
As the name suggests, the Top Destinations banner includes perennial favorite member destinations in one central location. Select the location you have your eye on (including Las Vegas, Universal Orlando, Caribbean, Mexico, Disney or USA) and you will be taken to the AAA Travel Planner page, where you can follow the easy-to-use prompts to book your perfect getaway. The final banner links visitors to Travel Discounts, where members can take advantage of special offers like luggage discounts, last-minute travel packages, and rental car offers through Hertz. The “more savings” link takes you to AAA Discounts & Rewards platform, an online shopping destination where members can save even more from more than 31,000 popular online retailers. This is the perfect place to stock up on all the little “extras” for your trip — like attraction tickets, or a new pair of sunglasses. Visit AAA.com/travel to plan, book and save on your next getaway today.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Planning your next trip? Please see this issue’s Departures Guide or visit AAA.com/travel for great vacation values from AAA Travel.
PAGE 24
AAA MOTORIST
MAY 2014
YOU’LL BE GLAD YOU CHOSE ENHANCED IDENTITY THEFT PROTECTION… WHEN daily Internet scans help protect your identity for just pennies a day. WHEN you can move quickly to shut down your phony “new” address. WHEN you feel secure that your social security number is yours alone.
$8.95/month—plus two free months for AAA Members 1
Daily Credit Monitoring
Email or U.S. Mail alerts of key changes to your credit report from all 3 bureaus
Fraud Resolution Support
Dedicated Fraud Resolution Agents to help you investigate and resolve fraud
Change-of-Address Monitoring
National monitoring to alert you if criminals try to redirect your mail
Lost Wallet Assistance
One call to cancel/replace cards
Identity Theft Insurance
$1 million coverage2 to help with lost wages and legal fees
Internet Scans
Daily monitoring to help protect your identity from ID theft online
ChildSecure®
Monitoring your child’s social security number 1
Another reason it pays to be a member: 60% off ProtectMyID® Deluxe. For $8.95 a month, just pennies a day, you can get ProtectMyID Deluxe. It’s comprehensive ID theft protection exclusively for AAA Members. So you can enjoy more of what AAA always brings you: peace of mind.
EXCLUSIVELY FOR AAA MEMBERS
Pay for year at once and get 2 months free.
Call 1.877.440.6943 to enroll today. 2
Identity Theft Insurance underwritten by insurance company subsidiaries or affiliates of American International Group, Inc. Refer to the actual policies for complete terms, conditions and exclusions of coverage. ProtectMyID Deluxe is provided by ConsumerInfo.com, Inc., an Experian ® company. To be eligible to enroll in ProtectMyID Deluxe, you must be 18 years of age or older and a current valid AAA East Central Member. Products subject to change or termination at any time without notice. Certain terms, conditions and restrictions apply. Valid AAA membership required at time of enrollment. Copyright © 2014 AAA East Centrall. All Rights Reserved.
T:10.5”
60% Discount
S:10”
DELUXE
BENEFIT