Wva jan 15

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Vol. 20 No. 1

OHIO/WEST VIRGINIA • WEST VIRGINIA/STEUBENVILLE REGION

JAN./FEB. 2015

AS TO ARTWORK: © DISNEY

Increase in Associate Age Limit Approved

LOOK

at what you can get during

DISNEY MONTH

New year brings new savings and gifts for Disney vacations

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EEING IS BELIEVING, and when you get a gander at AAA Travel’s long list of savings and gifts for booking a 2015 Disney vacation in January, you’ll believe becoming a member was one of the best moves you ever made. (See what we mean in detail in the sidebar on page 20.)

If you’re looking to make this a Disney year for your family and/or friends, then January is the month to plan, book and deposit on Walt Disney World ®, Disney Cruise Line® or Adventures by Disney® vacation packages.

Look no further than AAA Travel; we’ve got many Disney experts with years of experience. Our knowledgeable travel agents will see to it that you get the vacation you’ve always dreamed of, along with the great savings and gifts available during Disney Month (for the first 200 rooms booked).

AAA Disney Month savings & gifts: Stay at least 5 nights at a Walt Disney World® Deluxe resort and get all of this: $75 off, a framed print of Cinderella Castle (featuring 4 collectible Disney character pins), up to 4 water park admissions, 2 minigolf rounds and a keepsake photo album! You can also get $50 off at a Moderate resort and $25 off at a Value resort.

Disney Cruise Line® A Disney cruise offers “me time” for adults, and fun for kids and family time for all. Every voyage includes Disney’s attention to detail and world-class hospitality. Activities & entertainment include Broadway-style shows, deck parties and Port Adventures at every destination. Adults can escape to adults-only luxurious spa treatments, intimate dining, exciting night clubs & a pool. Led by trained counselors, kids enjoy Character Greetings, arts & crafts, games and themed parties. Most cruises Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida include a stop at Disney’s private island paraThis beloved Orlando destination truly has dise, Disney’s Castaway something for everyone in the family — from Cay. young to old and from active to maybeUP TO AAA Disney Month not-so-active. The Magic Kingdom® Park, $100 OFF savings & gifts: Get Epcot,® Disney’s Hollywood See $100 (balcony), $50 Studios® and Disney’s page 20 Disney Cruise Line® for (outside) or $25 (inAnimal Kingdom® Adventures details. side) off staterooms, Theme Park abound by Disney ® UP TO plus 2 Disney Cruise with unforgettable $75 OFF Line® duffel bags and rides, high-quality Walt Disney Duffel Bags 2 DCL logo beach bags! entertainment and World® Collectible Pin Sets unique experiences.

Resorts Fantasia Gardens Minigolf Adventures by Disney® Disney’s Blizzard Blizzard Beach or Typhoon A very magical world Beach and Disney’s Lagoon admission awaits your exploration; Typhoon Lagoon water Photo Albums Disney’s guided group parks keep you cool, while Beach Bags vacations are the way to Downtown Disney Area, Disney’s ALL OFFERS FOR 1ST go — in the USA and all BoardWalk, Cirque du Soleil – La 200 ROOMS around the world. KnowlNouba and ESPN Wide World of Sports ONLY! edgeable keep you entertained and well-fed. continued on page 20

GIFTS

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

HANDS FREE IS NOT RISK FREE

Here’s a bit of good news for young adults living at home while attending college or starting their careers. The Governing Board of Directors of AAA East Central has approved an increase in the maximum associate age to 23, from 22, effective January 1, 2015. This associate age limit continues to apply to dependent children living in the same household as the primary member.

AAA member research suggests that more young adults are living at home longer, to finish their educations or to start careers. Many are struggling with student loan debt or a stagnant job market. Increasing the associate age to 23 allows these young adults living at home to stay on their parents’ AAA memberships as associate members for one additional year before converting to their own primary membership at age 24.

“We realize that in today’s economy, young adults are often struggling to start their careers,” states AAA East Central President Jim Lehman. “We are delighted to announce this change which continues to make AAA membership affordable to them and their parents while ensuring their continued access to the broad array of AAA products and services.”

The Governing Board of Directors of AAA East Central also approved a revised dues structure and rates. For more information please see the article on page 6.

AAA Battery Service Gets You Back on the Road Winter can wreak havoc on your car’s battery. If your vehicle won’t start and you suspect your battery may be the problem, call 800-AAA-HELP and ask for AAA Mobile Battery Service. A technician equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostics will test the battery of the disabled vehicle. This technology eliminates the guesswork out of whether a boost will get your battery running and you on the go, or if a new battery is required.

If a new battery is needed, you can have one installed right on the spot. Members even receive a discount when they purchase their replacement battery through AAA. Visit AAA.com/battery for details. (Service not available in all areas.)

Follow us on Facebook!

AAA East Central’s Facebook page features the latest information on member savings and more. Frequently posted topics include: AAA.com website features, travel specials, online discounts, gas price information, safety tips, car care advice and upcoming events.

Visit Facebook.com/AAAEastCentral to start following AAA East Central today.

Save today with AAA Discounts & Rewards Is your New Year’s Resolution to save money? Look no further than AAA Discounts & Rewards, an online shopping portal exclusively for AAA members.

This innovative shopping experience on AAA.com offers deep discounts and daily deals from approximately 30,000 participating online merchants nationwide. You could save on a winter coat from Macy’s, ice skates from The Sports Authority or even a snow blower from The Home Depot. In addition to discount offers, you’ll earn reward points to redeem for extra savings.

To begin using AAA Discounts & Rewards today, register online at AAA.com/discounts. Registration is completely free — a valid AAA membership and email address are all you need. Then shop, save and earn on national and local brands, tickets, travel, restaurants and retailers.

Save Cold, Hard Cash on the Hottest Destinations Cast like stepping-stones across an iridescent blue sea, the islands of the Caribbean are famous for their palm-fringed beaches and perpetual sunshine. Find your place in the sun this winter with exciting Caribbean vacations from AAA Travel and Pleasant Holidays. AAA members who book & deposit a 5-night or longer Caribbean getaway by Jan. 31, 2015, can save up to $100, plus receive a special gift from AAA Travel. SEE PAGE 7.

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AAA MOTORIST

New look, new features for 2015 AAA TourBook® Popular on-the-go guides are free for members

D

espite an ever-increasing amount of websites and apps available for travelers, AAA TourBook guides continue to be a popular resource for members year after year. They’re free, easy to carry, and packed with great information for all kinds of trips.

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.

New features in the 2015 TourBook guides include: The “Guided Tour” icon indicates if a guided tour is available for a particular attraction.

Mass transit information is listed for seven additional cities: Charlotte, Orlando, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Seattle, Tampa and Vancouver.

Points of Interest Index now includes nightlife suggestions.

TourBook guides are like traveling with a friend who is from the area. The books are loaded with firsthand expertise from our professional travel editors and inspectors.

Love to plan? Kick back and pore through the destination overviews, followed by pages of hotel, restaurant and attraction listings. Get a sense of the big picture with history and visitor information and references like the Annual Events, GEM Attraction Index and Points of Interest.

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

triptiks, tourbooks, maps, license, address change

APPROVED AUTO REPAIR 412-365-7411 or 1-800-233-9733 EMERGENCY ROAD SERVICE 412-362-1900 or 1-800-222-4357 EXPRESS TRAVEL RESERVATIONS

airline tickets, tours, cruises, rental cars

412-363-7283 or 1-800-354-8761 INSURANCE SERVICES: PA/WV: 1-800-207-7947 OH: 1-800-589-8308.

MEDIA RELATIONS: 412-365-7157 PUBLIC AFFAIRS: 216-606-6701 SAFETY: 412-365-7211 DRIVER EDUCATION 800-329-2415 TDD for the hearing-impaired: 412-363-7144

AAA BRANCH OFFICE LOCATIONS

ADD TO YOUR READING LIST — The 2015 AAA TourBooks are available in print and digital format.

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.

Use the hotel, restaurant and attraction location maps throughout the guides for a bird’s-eye view of the places you plan to stay, dine and play in rela-

®

Upgrade your membership to AAA Plus® and experience a higher level of benefits!

Extend your benefits for even more driving security 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

AAA DIRECTORY 412-363-5100 or 1-800-441-5008

Reach for the sky with AAA Plus Benefit

JANUARY 2015

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 15

tion to landmarks and one another.

Plus, overview and detail maps from the AAA Road Atlas series are included for easy route planning — all in one guide. Use the overview map to get the lay of the land, then use the individual maps to plan your route.

Before your next trip, stop by your local AAA East Central office or visit AAA.com to request your 2015 edition TourBook guides. There are 33 titles to choose from, covering the United States and Canada. AAA TourBook guides are free, and exclusively for members.

AAA eTourBooks

AAA also offers more than 100 free eTourBook guides designed for today’s mobile devices.

The eTourBook guides provide detailed trip-planning information for top travel destination locations across North America. Each one is packed with detailed destination information. There are Editor’s Picks for essential experiences including events and attractions, recommended one- and three-day itineraries, and top picks just for kids. Some titles even provide maps displaying key local areas and highway networks. For example, the Washington, D.C., eTourBook guide includes a color-coded map for the city’s Metrorail system.

The eTourBook content is refreshed daily to ensure you receive the most up-to-date travel information. Sync files to your tablet, or download directly to your iPad or smartphone to put everything you need for your next trip in the palm of your hand.

The eTourBooks are available free, exclusively for AAA members at AAA.com/ebooks. If you do not already have a AAA.com user name and password, you can register on the login page before downloading your eTourBook. You must have an eReader app installed on your device to view the AAA eTourBook guides.

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

JANUARY 2015

AAA MOTORIST

PAGE 3

New research sheds light on driver distractions 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.......................................... ames E. Broome, Jr. Vice Chairman............................................... Gregory E. Grim Vice Chairman..........................................Mary Lynn Laughlin Vice Chairman..................................... Martha Hartle Munsch OFFICERS: President: ....................................................James E. Lehman Executive Vice President ............................... Thomas J. Ashley Secretary .................................................. Robert H. Compton Treasurer .......................................................Robert S. Collins GOVERNING BOARD OF DIRECTORS Neil D. Bassi, James E. Broome, Jr., Steve D. Bullock**, Charles O. Casto**, Edward C. Coaxum, Jr., Robert S. Collins, Robert H. Compton, Jon E. Denney, Debra A. Dinnocenzo, Pamela C. Fritz, Gregory E. Grim, Richard S. Hamilton, James H. Kanicki, Charles J. Kelly** , Mary Lynn Laughlin, William Duff McCrady, James M. McDonnell, Thomas V. McKernan Jr., Martha Hartle Munsch, Gary K. Munsie** EAST CENTRAL REGION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Neil D. Bassi, Chairman, Robert S. Collins, Vice Chairman, Carol Asam, Christian Asam, Jack A. Barkley, William E. Bierer**, Ellsworth T. Bowser**, Peter Burton, Marianne B. Campbell, Michael A. Cochran, Daniel J. Collins Jr.**, Robert S. Collins, Robert H. Compton, Debra A. Dinnocenzo, James J. Dodaro, Jack G. Ellis, Mona N. Generett, Charles W. Groce , Richard S. Hamilton, Mark Henschen, Luke Howe, Richard Kallenborn, Herbert G. Koenig, Mark S. Mansour, W. Duff McCrady, Martha Hartle Munsch, W. Lee Oswalt, III, Michael Parkes, John D. Petruso, Louis Pomerico, Jacob N. Skezas, James C. Stump, Jr., James F. Ward *ex officio **emeritus directors

Huntington Regional Board of Directors William H. Blenko, Noel P. Copen, Earl W. Heiner Jr., Samuel Kapourales, Charles Lanham, Robert M. Levy, 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 ©2015 by AAA East Central.

Hands-free technology is not risk free

By Richard Hamilton Chairman, AAA East Central he next time you chat with a voice-activated gadget, ask it about the dangers of distracted driving. Just don’t do it while you’re behind the wheel.

A brave, new world of integrated, voice-driven communications is transforming your vehicle into a rolling portal for voice, data and social media.

Hands-free technology lets you make phone calls while you’re negotiating rush-hour traffic, or tune your radio using voice commands. But let the driver beware: Despite these ostensible benefits, hands-free technology does not minimize all driver distraction.

A growing body of evidence suggests that hands free is not risk free.

A new study by the University of Utah and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, took a close look at what happens when drivers use hands-free devices.

The study builds on earlier research into what is known as cognitive distraction—a kind of mental overload that occurs when we try to take on too many tasks at once.

In the University of Utah’s initial report, researchers found that drivers using voice commands to send

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Richard Hamilton and receive text messages experienced significant levels of mental distraction, which compromised their performance behind the wheel.

This time around, the team investigated why, exactly, hands-free technologies are distracting, and what can be done to alleviate the mental demands they place on drivers.

They found that not all distractions are created equal. Listening to a text or an email, for example, is less demand-

ing than composing a message, just as voice-activated tasks of short duration are less distracting than those that consume longer periods of time.

Distracted driving is a serious public safety issue that has the full attention of AAA. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an estimated 3,300 people in the United States were killed—and 421,000 injured in 2012—in crashes involving distracted drivers. What’s more, driver distractions are increasing exponentially. The number of vehicles with built-in infotainment systems on U.S. roads is expected to swell from 7 million today, to 370 million by 2020.

It’s not all bad news. The new research concludes that automakers and suppliers can reduce distractions and the risks they pose by making voice-based systems less cumbersome, more accurate and easier to use.

The challenge facing motorists is thinking more intelligently about the benefits and risks associated with these devices, and the choices they make behind the wheel. Yes, we have the technology to send a text message, or check in with social media while driving, but that doesn’t mean we should do it, or ignore the risks.

membersonly

New Year – New AAA Membership Find the level of benefits right for you

A

new year brings with it new possibilities. It’s the perfect time to review your AAA membership level and make the most of your benefits. AAA gives you the freedom to choose the membership option that fits your budget and lifestyle.

Basic, Plus & Premier – Three levels of protection

AAA Basic Membership covers 24-hour roadside assistance, free printed and online maps, TourBook and eTourBook guides, TripTik Travel Planner on AAA.com, plus AAA savings on hotels, restaurants, attractions, Hertz car rentals, and online and instore retailers. ProtectMyID, an identity-theft monitoring service, is the newest AAA member benefit.

AAA Plus Membership offers all the basic AAA membership benefits, with enhancements including: • Up to 100 miles of extended distance towing • Free fuel and delivery – to get you to the nearest service station • Up to $100 in vehicle locksmith services • Extrication/winching – two trucks and two drivers, if needed • Reimbursement for pre-approved non-AAA roadside services AAA Plus RV Membership offers

all the benefits of AAA Plus, extended to cover eligible RV’s like your motor home, boat trailer and motorcycle.

For the highest level of AAA benefits and services, choose AAA Premier Membership. Premier members enjoy a wealth of added privileges, including: • One emergency tow per household per year of up to 200 miles • Free professional concierge service • $1,500 Trip Interruption protection • One day free emergency rental car reimbursement, with tow • 24/7 global emergency assistance • Dedicated AAA Premier toll-free line • Up to $500 car return protection • $35 flight reservation fee waived* • Member discount plus an extra 15% savings at AAA Travel Store* • Free worldwide emergency medical assistance • Notary fees waived on personal documents* • One free passport photo session per member* • Free Hertz Gold Plus Rewards membership with 1,000 Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Bonus Points, second day rental free on a two-day emergency rental (with tow) and discounts on Hertz rentals. * Discounts on select services available only at AAA East Central branch locations. For complete details on Premier

services, review the AAA Premier Guide to Member Services

All in the family: Primary and Associate memberships

Share AAA membership with each family member in your household.

Not only does AAA membership protect you when you drive, but also as a passenger in a non-member’s vehicle.

Primary membership means you are either the first or only AAA member within your household.

Associate memberships are for eligible individuals residing in the primary member’s household, namely the primary member’s spouse (or one adult age 18 or older) and dependent children ages 16 through 23. Associate members receive the same benefits as primary members.

Dues amounts for AAA Plus are in addition to Basic dues, and require all members in the household to be enrolled. AAA Premier and AAA Plus RV dues cover all family members, and are in addition to Basic and AAA Plus dues.

You can add associate members, or upgrade your existing AAA membership to a higher level at any time.

For more information, contact your local AAA office, visit AAA.com, or call the Member Service Center at 1.800.441.5008.

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AAA MOTORIST

JANUARY 2015

JANUARY 2015

AAA MOTORIST

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the U.S. To help you watch over your identity, AAA is now offering members ProtectMyID® identity theft monitoring provided by Experian®. You can choose to enroll in the Essential plan with no charge to you as a AAA member—a $79 value, or get even more benefits with the Deluxe package—including ChildSecure® for $8.95 a month. Monitoring your identity has never been more important.

Enroll today.

AAA.com/IdTheft or call 877-440-6943

ProtectMyID Essential and ProtectMyID Deluxe are provided by Consumerinfo.com, Inc., an Experian company. To be eligible to enroll in either ProtectMyID Essential or ProtectMyID Deluxe, you must be 18 years of age or older and a current valid AAA Member. Products subject to change or termination at anytime without notice. Certain terms, conditions and restrictions apply. Valid AAA membership required of time of enrollment. © 2014 AAA.

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AAA MOTORIST

JANUARY 2015

Boosting coverage to protect your belongings Valuable info about sublimits and scheduled coverage

By Robin Jones pon arriving home from vacation, you discover that burglars broke in and stole your grandmother’s diamond ring, a piece that was appraised at about $5,000. The loss is certainly an emotional one, as you know you’ll never recover the ring’s sentimental value. But given the amount of personal property coverage you have in your homeowners insurance policy, you figure you’ll at least be able to recoup its monetary value.

However, when you call your insurer to report the loss, you get an unwelcome surprise: Your policy caps payments for the theft of jewelry.

Rather than the ring’s $5,000 worth, you’ll get just the maximum amount allowed—often around $1,000.

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Many people find out too late that their insurance has “sublimits” within the overall limit for certain items.

That means that even if you have a total of $200,000 or more of personal property coverage, you might only get a fraction of that, depending on the type of loss. For example, sublimits are common for the theft of items such as jewelry, firearms, or silverware. But be careful: Sublimits often also apply for items such as money, collectibles, and personal computers, regardless of the type of loss.

What’s more, a basic homeowners policy won’t always cover every type of loss. For example, many policies won’t cover the loss of a precious stone if it falls out of a ring and is lost.

However, almost every insurer will allow you to purchase more coverage

DUES ADJUSTMENTS SET FOR AAA MEMBERS

The Governing Board of Directors of AAA East Central has approved the following dues rates summarized in the table below, effective February 1, 2015. These rates standardize dues across all AAA East Central regions, including the adoption of “per member” pricing of AAA Plus.

Dues amounts for AAA Plus are in addition to Basic dues, and require enrollment of all AAA members living in the household. AAA Premier and AAA Plus RV dues continue to cover all family members and are in addition to Basic and AAA Plus dues.

• Basic Primary $49 • Basic Associate $25 (per member) • AAA Plus Primary $33 (per member)* • AAA Plus Associate $8 (per member)* • AAA Premier $35 (Family)** * Requires enrollment in Basic • Plus RV $35 (Family)** ** Requires enrollment in AAA Plus

for valuable items. Most insurers have two options: scheduled coverage and increased policy sublimits.

Scheduled Coverage

Insurers often recommend scheduled coverage, also known as a personal articles floater (a.k.a. PAF), for particularly valuable items. You list each asset, along with a description and value, on a “schedule,” which also notes the coverage for each item in the event of a loss. Scheduled coverage is good for something you wear every day, such as a wedding ring, because the potential for loss is greater.

Pros: Some companies offer scheduled coverage with no deductible.

Also, in general, more types of loss are covered, including what insurers call a “mysterious disappearance.”

Cons: The process usually requires you to get your valuables independently appraised. Also, premiums are generally higher for scheduled items than those for an increased sublimit.

Increased Policy Sublimits

With increased policy sublimits, you simply pay extra on your homeowners insurance premium or purchase an endorsement to raise the limit for a particular category of valuables. Increased limits are good for people who own many nice items,

but none that have a particularly high value. For instance, if you have a cabinet full of fine china you’d like to protect more thoroughly, but it doesn’t seem worthwhile to insure each piece, you can increase the sublimit total from, say, $1,500 to $5,000.

Pros: The process is easier than the one for scheduled items, and premiums for raising the limit(s) tend to be less expensive.

Cons: There is still a limit on how much can be paid out for each item, and pieces are usually covered in fewer situations than with scheduled coverage.

Consider making a new year’s resolution to take inventory of your valuable items and assess whether to purchase more coverage. While a higher payout won’t bring back a family heirloom, it might help cushion the feeling of loss.

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.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

AAA MOTORIST

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1-800-354-8761 • AAA.com/travel

Capturing your dreams. Creating memories.

There’s a lot not to like about COLD. The snow, ice and wind of winter...and almost everyone has, had or is catching a COLD. But there’s at least one thing to love about COLD — AAA Travel’s “cold” remedy of limitedtime savings & gifts for 5-night-or-longer 2015 vacations at Caribbean properties available through our preferred travel partner Pleasant Holidays. Just book & deposit Jan 1-31, 2015.

Escape the cold with up to $100 in savings...and a pair of attractive heavyweight cotton velour AAA Travel beach towels, which you can spread out on the silky white sands in front of your resort. Choose a property that comfortably suits your vacation budget and travel style from the scores available on practically every Caribbean island.

Will you be traveling as a couple...a family with ALLINCLUSIVE children...a group of friends and/or relatives? Do you RESORT! prefer the value and conveniences of an all-inclusive RIU PALACE, ARUBA resort or the comforts of a more traditional hotel setting? Will you stay on-site all during your stay or include off-site touring and sightseeing as part of your experience? Whatever your answers, there are resorts to fit your needs.

All-inclusive resorts provide the best of both worlds — value and convenience. One price covers nearly everything — all meals & drinks (including alcoholic beverages), nonmotorized water sports, daily activities for adults & children, nightly entertainment and tips & hotel taxes. Additional all-inclusive indulgences include on-site gourmet restaurants, premium-brand drinks, 24-hour room service and in-room liquor & mini-bars.

Riu Palace (above) on Aruba’s sandy Palm Beach NO PASSPORT is a majestic resort providing breathtaking sea views HERE! and inviting warm breezes combined with comfort and luxury. Guests have a wealth of choices for daily activities and nightly entertainment. 450 rooms.

Babysitting. Casino. Fitness center. Full-service spa.

Kids’ program. Pool. 5 restaurants. Swim-up bar. Wi-Fi.

Jamaica’s Moon Palace Grande (below) sits along Ocho Rios’ longest beach and offers waterfalls, 2 FRENCHMAN’S REEF, ST THOMAS USVI thrilling lighthouse waterslides, plunge pools and a rope bridge. After a $50 million renovation, it features refreshed rooms, common areas and a FlowRider® Double wave simulator. 705 rooms. Full-service spa. Kids’ program. 5 pools. 5 restaurants. Swim-up bar. Wi-Fi. If an all-inclusive atmosphere isn’t for you, consider a comprehensive property such as Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort (above right) on St Thomas, breathtakingly perched on a cliff above the coral-blue waters of Charlotte Amalie, capital of the US Virgin Islands. This contemporary resort exudes a luxurious Caribbean elegance with MOON PALACE GRANDE, JAMAICA the benefit of 2 resorts in 1, with clifftop or beachfront views. Unwind with signature bedding and first-class ALLINCLUSIVE service & amenities. 478 rooms. Babysitting. Fitness RESORT! center. Full-service spa. 4 pools. 6 restaurants. Swimup bar. Wi-Fi.

Of course, there are far too many resorts to list and describe here, but you can explore all of them by logging on to AAA.com/Pleasant or by consulting a travel agent at your nearby AAA Travel location.

MORE OFFERS ON NEXT PAGE

New bookings with deposit Jan 1-31, 2015. 5 nights or longer.

Savings & 2 towels per room, based on double occupancy.

Don’t have a passport and/or the time necessary to get one?

Don’t fret. US citizens can travel without one to several American territories in the Caribbean. All you need is a valid government-issued ID (driver license) and a certified copy of a state-issued birth certificate. And you’ll feel at home because English is widely spoken, and US dollars are the official currency.

PUERTO RICO. Capital city San Juan boasts a charming historic dis-

trict with pastel-hued houses and imposing fortifications. Stretches of enticing beaches lined with hotels and resorts both contemporary and old-style abound. Explore El Yunque, the rain forest of the interior, or embrace local culture & cuisine in villages all over the island.

ST THOMAS, US VIRGIN ISLANDS. The most populous and most popular of the US Virgin Islands, St Thomas offers the vibrancy of Charlotte Amalie, which brims with duty-free shopping, historic & cultural landmarks and friendly locals. The rest of the island retains a secluded sense of Caribbean paradise, with glorious beaches.

ST JOHN, US VIRGIN ISLANDS. Two-thirds of St John is a national park. Its comfortable pace is perfect for enjoying the island’s worldrenowned beaches such as Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay and Salt Pond Bay. A nature lover’s favorite, St John offers hiking, camping, specialty shopping and breathtaking views.

ST CROIX, US VIRGIN ISLANDS. St Croix’s Danish influence is perfect for visitors who prefer a laid-back experience. Historic Frederiksted and Christiansted offer quaint shops, charming pastel buildings and refreshing cultural diversity. From horseback riding to playing golf on 3 scenic courses, you’ll find something to suit your tastes.

© SELLINGPIX / FOTOLIA.COM

Member Benefits • Exclusive Offers

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AAA MOTORIST

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel Capturing your dreams. Creating memories.

© SELLINGPIX / FOTOLIA.COM

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

New bookings with deposit Jan 1-31, 2015. 5 nights or longer. Savings & 2 towels per room, based on double occupancy.

In addition to AAA’s limited-time offer (above), many resorts ALSO qualify for a 2015 AAA Vacations /Pleasant Holidays Double Member Benefit — $100 off! Choose from select 4- and 5-star (Pleasant Holidays rating system) properties in Anguilla, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Curacao, Grenada, La Romana, Martinique, St Barths, St Croix, St Kitts & Nevis, St Martin, St Vincent & Grenadines and Turks & Caicos. Some samples include... ®

BAHAMAS

Rosewood at Baha Mar •

CAYMAN ISLANDS

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman •

Grand Cayman Beach Suites

MARTINIQUE

Le Cap Est Lagoon Resort & Spa •

Hotel Plein Soleil

PUERTO RICO

Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve •

ST LUCIA

The BodyHoliday LeSport •

TURKS & CAICOS

Beaches Resort Villages & Spa •

Riu Palace Paradise Island

W Retreat & Spa, Vieques Island

Windjammer Landing Villa Resort Seven Stars Resort

Plus, 4- and 5-star resorts in any other Pleasant Holidays Caribbean destination not listed above qualify for a $100 activity credit voucher.

This 11-night vacation has everything you’ve always wanted in a trip to Italy.

Enjoy multiple-night stays in Rome, Florence, Venice, the Amalfi Coast and Stresa in the Lakes District. Discover the treasures of Classical and Christian Rome. Walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans in Pompeii. See gems of the Renaissance in Florence’s Academy Gallery, including Michelangelo’s “David.” Visit Locarno, Switzerland, and cruise to Isola dei Pescatori, one of the Borromean Islands. A guided walking tour of Venice illustrates how this city gained its wealth and power. Enjoy the magic of the Italian Lakes District in the captivating resort of Stresa. Stop at a winery & farm in the heart of Tuscany to sample local wines and specialities for an included lunch. Sail to enchanting Capri and explore this island paradise.

Special inclusions: “Rome by Night” tour...Vatican museums & St Peter’s... a family-style Tuscan feast...and a serenaded gondola cruise in Venice!

Experience Whisper headsets, designed for better communication between you and your guides throughout your tour. Enjoy regional wines with every dinner.

Oct 19-31 •

AAA Member Rate: $5,679

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Pittsburgh-Rome, Milan-Pittsburgh), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, hotel accommodations, guided motorcoach sightseeing, entrance fees, 20 meals, in-Italy tour director and air & hotel taxes (subject to change). Visit AAA.com/Italy for itinerary and more information. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers Century III (Pleasant Hills) . . . . . . . . . . .412-655-6105 Downtown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .412-338-4305 East Liberty/Shadyside . . . . . . . . . . . . . .412-365-7272 Monroeville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .412-858-4640 North Hills (Ross Twp). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .412-367-7625 Robinson Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .412-809-2803 South Hills (Bethel Park) . . . . . . . . . . . . .412-833-5060 Wexford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .724-933-3000 White Oak/McKeesport . . . . . . . . . . . . . .412-675-3404 Rochester PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .724-728-6230 St Marys PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .814-781-3003 Uniontown PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .724-438-8575 Warren PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .814-723-6660 Washington PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .724-225-3600 Waynesburg PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .724-627-3434 Wheeling WV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .304-233-1810 Weirton WV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .304-748-1616

PITTSBURGH PA AREA

Altoona PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .814-946-1277 Bridgeport WV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .304-842-7676 Butler PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .724-282-8810 Columbiana OH. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .330-482-3836 Cranberry Township PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .724-772-1122 East Liverpool OH. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .330-385-2020 Erie PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .814-866-0246 Greensburg PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .724-834-8300 Harborcreek PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .814-897-9508 Indiana PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .724-349-4193 Kittanning PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .724-543-4244 Lower Burrell/New Kensington Area PA . . .724-339-4440 Martinsburg WV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .304-263-4619 Meadville PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .814-724-3157 Morgantown WV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .304-598-7470 New Castle PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .724-658-8551

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.

Avoid potential airport hassles. Motorcoach to your cruise! Park for free, then relax & ride AAA’s convenient “Cruise Express” motorcoach right to your ship!

GRANDEUR OF THE SEAS FROM BALTIMORE

Enjoy the NBA & Rock 'n' Roll in the Land of LeBron!

Whoop it up on a hoops-&-more getaway to Cleveland!

Stay downtown in a conveniently located full-service hotel.

Enjoy reserved Section 100 seating at an exciting professional basketball game at nearby Quicken Loans Arena.

Visit the must-see Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Museum.

Hall of Fame lunch voucher, hotel pre- or post-game reception, hotel breakfast

AAA BENCHWARMER BONUS 5 ticketholders at each game will win a courtside seat on the players’ bench during the game’s warm-up session!

AAA Member Rate: $475 per person for each game getaway

Feb 8-9: Los Angeles Lakers • Feb 11-12: Miami Heat Feb 26-27: Golden State Warriors Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip motorcoach transportation from the Pittsburgh area, accommodations, sightseeing/admissions, taxes/ gratuities for included features, baggage handling, meals as indicated and the services of a AAA Tour Manager. Visit AAA.com/USA for complete itinerary details and pick-up points.

LEAVE YOUR CAR AT HOME!

EASTERN CARIBBEAN from $1,153 • WESTERN CARIBBEAN April 18-28 • from $1,122 EASTERN CARIBBEAN April 28–May 8 • from $1,102 BERMUDA May 8-15 • from $1,167 BAHAMAS July 10-17 • from $1,272 BAHAMAS Aug 21-28 • from $833 CANADA/NEW ENGLAND Sept 3-11 • from $1,069 CANADA/NEW ENGLAND Oct 15-24 • from $995 WESTERN CARIBBEAN Nov 1-11 • from $1,194 March 3-13

AAA MEMBER RATES are per person (double occupancy), are subject to availability at time of booking and include roundtrip motorcoach transportation, cruise accommodations/entertainment and most onboard meals; taxes, fees and port expenses of up to $357.17 per person are also included. Ship’s registry: Bahamas. Visit AAA.com/ motorcruise for itinerary details & Western Pennsylvania pick-up points.

Be among the first to cruise on the new ANTHEM OF THE SEAS and get $25 shipboard credit!

Experience comfort & convenience: Each Anthem sailing below includes a 1-night before-cruise hotel stay near Cape Liberty NJ (and a short driving tour of New York City).

Jan 14-25, 2016 • fr om $1,885 Eastern Caribbean: San Juan PR • Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas USVI • Philipsburg, St Maarten Basseterre, St Kitts • 5 days at sea April 17-30, 2016 • fr om $2,345 Eastern Caribbean: Labadee, Haiti • San Juan PR Philipsburg, St Maarten • Fort de France, Martinique Bridgetown, Barbados • Basseterre, St Kitts • 5 days at sea AAA MEMBER RATES are per person (double occupancy), are subject to availability at time of booking and include roundtrip motorcoach transportation, 1-night pre-cruise hotel accommodations, cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals and $25 shipboard credit per stateroom; taxes, fees and port expenses of up to $524.25 per person are also included. Ship’s registry: Bahamas. Visit AAA.com/motorcruise for itinerary details & Western Pennsylvania pick-up points.

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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

LEAVE YOUR CAR AT HOME!

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.

“SEAS” THE MOMENT!

TRULY UNIQUE GETAWAY

Courtesy of Nature Inn

EAGLE MIGRATION WEEKEND: Central PA March 13-15 •

SEASIDE IN MYRTLE BEACH SC

AAA Member Rate: $535

March 23-28 •

Attention, bird lovers! See majestic Golden Eagles soaring overhead from atop Tussey Mountain during the annual spring migration. Relax at the lovely Nature Inn surrounded by Bald Eagle State Park and overlooking Sayers Reservoir. Enjoy an Owl Prowl, a nighttime search for owls. See a live Birds of Prey program, hear about eagle & hawk migration from speakers and enjoy a Sunrise Woodcock Trot. Includes a keepsake birdfeeder! 5 meals.

“Magdalene”: Ligonier PA

March 25 •

AAA Member Rate: $115

Leave winter behind and escape to the sandy shores and entertaining live-music shows of Myrtle Beach. After an overnight in Charlotte NC on your journey south, check in to your oceanfront hotel accommodations and avail yourself of all that Myrtle has to offer, including admission to 4 fun shows at Alabama Theatre, Carolina Opry, Palace Theatre and Broadway at the Beach.

Overnight in Beckley WV on the way home. 9 meals.

Cherry Blossom Festival & Parade

April 10-12 •

AAA Member Rate: $665

Witness the moving biblical story of Mary Magdalene. This thoughtful and entertaining multi-media presentation incorporates music and dance to tell this inspiring story. Enjoy free time to explore the unique shops and other delights of the charming village of Ligonier. 1 meal.

Enjoy this annual festival in Washington DC, including a reserved seat for the big parade, dinner overlooking DC, a jazz brunch in trendy Georgetown and guided landmark touring.

Enjoy free time to explore the Smithsonian Museums and other landmarks lining the National Mall. 5 meals.

Vera Bradley Outlet Sale: Ft Wayne IN

Cultural DC — Embassy Open House

Calling all shoppers! Enjoy 2 days finding the ultimate bargains. Start at Ohio’s Lodi Station Outlets (60+ name-brand outlets), then at Indiana’s Jefferson Pointe (60+ restaurants, shops). Beat weekend crowds & attend the first ticketed session of the Vera Bradley sale, featuring a private check-out for AAA guests. Also visit the popular cinda b bag store. 2 meals.

Enjoy international food & entertainment in our nation’s capital by visiting European embassies, dining in one and taking a private tour of another. Take a nighttime tour of DC’s illuminated landmarks. At the National Mall, visit Smithsonian museums & other sites. Tour Hillwood estate & “Brewmaster’s Castle.” Dine & see a show at the Kennedy Center. 4 meals.

April 7-8 •

AAA Member Rate: $345

May 7-9 •

AAA Member Rate: $985

LAST CHANCE TO JOIN THE FUN — BOOK NOW! Valentine Getaway: Niagara Ontario Feb 13-14 •

AAA Member Rate: $389

Wine, chocolate, flowers — it’s all here! Visit Victorian Niagara-on-the-Lake’s charming shops & restaurants, a regional winery and The Chocolate Factory. Overnight in Niagara Falls near Fallsview Casino and attractions. Enjoy Broadway love songs & dinner at Oh Canada, Eh? Visit floral displays and Table Rock Centre at the falls; have lunch on the brink of the falls. 3 meals.

Washington’s Birthday: Alexandria VA Feb 14-16 •

AAA Member Rate: $599

Near Washington DC, tour quaint Old Town Alexandria, where George & Martha Washington once strolled. Visit the Masonic Memorial to Washington, and Mt Vernon on the Potomac. Dine at Gadsby’s Tavern, one of George’s favorites; enjoy an 18th-century dance lesson in its ballroom. Attend the nation’s largest Washington’s Birthday parade. 4 meals.

AAA Member Rate: $1,099

Horsin’ Around in Kentucky

May 11-15 •

AAA Member Rate: $935

Explore Kentucky, from horse farms to distilleries. Visit Lexington & Louisville; includes KY Horse Park, KY Derby Museum at Churchill Downs, Louisville Slugger Museum, 2 distilleries, a dinner theater, a dinner cruise & much more. 8 meals.

Ultimate New York City

May 22-25 •

AAA Member Rate: $965

This Memorial Day weekend getaway features a comprehensive 4-hour city tour, including a visit to the 9/11 Memorial Museum, as well as visits to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (ferry & audio tour included). Explore the endless variety of stores, restaurants, theaters, parks, museums and other attractions the Big Apple has to offer — all just steps from your conveniently located Times Square hotel.

BEAT THE CROWD ON THESE TOURS — BOOK EARLY! Visit AAA.com/USA for itineraries of these upcoming tours.

Blooming Pittsburgh (1 day) ......................May 3 ................. $119 Harborfest: Norfolk VA .................................June 5-8.............. $789 Lilac Festival: Mackinac Island MI.......June 6-10......... $1,055 Maine Seacoast .......................................................June 15-21 ...... $1,309 A Taste of Pittsburgh (1 day) ....................June 14 ............... $109 Shows & More: Lancaster PA...................June 18-20 ......... $595

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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Enjoy extra-special amenities & $400.00 toward airfare!

LIMITED-TIME OFFERS ON 2015 AAA MEMBER APPRECIATION CRUISES

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN on Celebrity Reflection — June 19-29 Modern Luxury • Timeless Ports • Limited-time Offers!

SM

1 — FREE Classic Beverage Package for 2 2 — FREE Prepaid Gratuities for 2 3 — FREE Shipboard Spending Money Enjoy all 3 offers when you book a Concierge Class stateroom or higher

OR

Airy spaces with all the right tasteful details. Restaurants where design is just as important as cuisine. Intuitive service with a keen eye for detail. Doing as much (or as little) as you choose. More than you expected?

Celebrity Cruises believes every moment of your vacation should be measured by just how far it takes you SM from ordinary. That’s Modern Luxury — and you’ll experience it on Reflection, newest of the Solstice® Class ships (“a new benchmark in cruise ship design” by the International Interior Design Association).

Modern rubs shoulders with timeless in the many enticing ports of call on this cruise — from Italy’s ROME (Civitavecchia), SICILY (Messina) and NAPLES to Greece’s MYKONOS, RHODES, SANTORINI and ATHENS (Piraeus) to Turkey’s EPHESUS (Kusadasi). Experience their natural beauty, fascinating history and unique cultures sailing roundtrip from Rome on a voyage that’s simultaneously relaxing and invigorating.

And, if you book a balcony stateroom (or higher) while this limited-time offer is still available, you’ll also enjoy these far-from-ordinary amenities on this June 19 AAA Member Appreciation Cruise around the Eastern Mediterranean: $400.00 airfare credit† (when you purchase your flights through AAA) • $75.00 onboard credit In-room bottle of wine • Onboard martini tasting • Compact high-quality binoculars Only AAA members can get these extras from AAA Travel — and only for a limited time.

Concierge Class staterooms are exceptional veranda accommodations set in the most desirable locations and are designed for those who believe the little details make a big difference. Enjoy fresh flower arrangements, Hansgrohe® showerheads, enhanced breakfast room-service menus, plush 100% cotton bath sheets, personalized concierge service, complimentary daily canapés and a pillow menu.

Spa-inspired AquaClass® staterooms feature private verandas, complimentary access to the soothing Persian Garden and the spacious Relaxation Room, a spa concierge to help arrange spa treatments and plentiful in-stateroom amenities including a Hansgrohe® “shower tower,” aromatherapy selections and daily delivered bottled waters and teas. Dine in your own highly rated restaurant, Blu, AAA MEMBER RATE featuring a “Clean Cuisine” menu. from $2,643 per person Ask your AAA Travel Agent about extending your stay in Rome before ADDED MEMBER VALUES * and/or after your cruise. $400.00 AIRFARE CREDIT

per person, when purchased through AAA Travel (1st & 2nd passengers per stateroom only)

SHIPBOARD CREDIT — $75.00

per stateroom • for beverages, spa, shops, etc

IN-STATEROOM BOTTLE OF WINE 1 per stateroom

Europe Cruises: Choose 2 of the 3 offers when you book a balcony stateroom

OR

Alaska Cruises: Choose 1 of the 3 offers when you book a balcony stateroom Ask your travel agent for complete details.

ONBOARD MARTINI TASTING 2 vouchers per stateroom

COMPARE AND SAVE! STATEROOM TYPE

AAA MEMBER RATE

CELEBRITY INTERNET RATE**

Balcony ................... from $2,643 .................$2,938 Concierge Class ...... from $2,813 .................$3,288 AquaClass® ............. from $3,023 .................$3,248

AAA Travel professionals ready to help!

Rates are per person (double occupancy), are subject to availability at time of booking and include 10-night cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals, government taxes/fees ($399.25), $75 shipboard credit per stateroom, in-cabin bottle of wine and martini tasting vouchers (2 per stateroom). Ship’s registry: Malta. Ask about available add-on pre- and/or post-cruise hotel stays. Visit AAA.com/GoEurope for more information.

*valid for balcony and higher-level staterooms

**based on rate as of 12/10/14 on CelebrityCruises.com

COMPACT HIGH-QUALITY BINOCULARS 1 per stateroom • view scenery from the ship

IN-PERSON PLANNING ASSISTANCE

ALASKA on Celebrity Millennium — May 22-29 or Aug 14-21 Book a balcony stateroom (or higher) on either of these Alaska Northern Glacier cruises and you’ll enjoy these amenities:

COMPARE AND SAVE! STATEROOM TYPE: SAIL DATE

AAA MEMBER RATE

CELEBRITY INTERNET RATE**

Balcony: 5/22.................. from $1,635 .................$2,060 Balcony: 8/14.................. from $2,075 .................$2,400 Concierge Class: 5/22..... from $1,705 .................$2,250 Concierge Class: 8/14..... from $2,145 .................$2,950 ® AquaClass : 8/14............. from $2,355 .................$3,050 Rates are per person (double occupancy), are subject to availability at time of booking and include 7-night cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals, government taxes/fees ($436.19), $50 shipboard credit per stateroom, in-cabin bottle of wine and martini tasting vouchers (2 per stateroom). Ship’s registry: Malta. Ask about available add-on pre- and/or post-cruise hotel stays. Visit AAA.com/Alaska for more information. **based on rate as of 12/10/14 on CelebrityCruises.com

$400.00 airfare credit† (must purchase flights through AAA) $50.00 onboard credit • In-room bottle of wine Onboard martini tasting • Compact high-quality binoculars Only AAA members can get these extras from AAA — & only for a limited time.

Experience the real Alaska, where mountains are taller, rivers are mightier and wildlife is more plentiful. It’s a rugged, untamed wilderness where forests go on forever and summer days never end...a pristine wilderness of ice-blue glaciers and snowcapped peaks. Sail from Vancouver BC to Seward, with daytime visits to Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneau and Skagway. You’ll also cruise through the spectacular Inside Passage and along Hubbard Glacier. † 1st & 2nd passengers per stateroom only

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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

see the PENGUINS WITH AAA... ®

WATCH HOME-ICE ACTION from THE COMFORT OF A PRIVATE canadian club party suite AT CONSOL ENERGY CENTER! • p arty suite game ticket AND buffet • co mfortable leather seating • nonalcoholic beverages • TV monitor with live game feed • co mplimentary access to 3 clubs

HOME

AAA member rate: $299 each game

LEXUS, CAPTAIN MORGAN & FIRST NIAGARA

NASHVILLE ... FEB 1 @ 2 PM boston ....... March 14 @ 1 pm arizona ...... March 28 @ 1 pm

GAMES, TIMES & OPPONENTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

AAA Member Rates are per person per game and are based on double occupancy when accommodations are included.

AWAY

Go ON THE ROAD! enjoy AN AWAY-GAME PACKAGE WITH Roundtrip TRANSPORTATION, HOTEL room, RESERVED-SEAT TICKET, aaa gift & much MORE. NEW YORK CITY: MARCH 16-18

Motorcoach to NYC. See the Penguins take on the NJ Devils at Prudential Center (transfers included) during a fun-filled St Patrick’s Day weekend! Stay in midtown Manhattan (Times Square right outside your door!).

Enjoy dinner at an Irish pub. During ample free time, enjoy the St Patrick’s parade or explore all that NYC offers. 1 meal. $799 ®

official travel agency of the pittsburgh penguins

®

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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

See the incredible, inspirational interior of the Last Frontier on this 9-night escorted tour!

Unforgettable experiences not on cruises!

Traditional salmon bake & a sternwheeler river cruise in Fairbanks 4-hour adventure flying over the Arctic Circle, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and the Yukon River 7-hour Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali National Park, looking for grizzlies, moose & more...with an overnight in the park Meet a 4-time winner of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race and his canine crew Visits to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation & Begich Boggs Visitor centers 2-hour river float trip in Kenai Fjords National Park A ride on Girdwood’s Alyeska Tram — from sea level to 2,300 feet!

Special welcome & farewell dinners with your fellow travelers

Member-only savings!

Premier ...... $200 Plus............. $150 Basic........... $100 Book & deposit by 1/31/1 5. per room, based on double occupa ncy

ALASKA

BY LAND! July 8-17 •

AAA Member Rate: $5,675

Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes flights (Pittsburgh-Fairbanks, Anchorage-Pittsburgh), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, motorcoach sightseeing, accommodations (Fairbanks, Denali, Anchorage, Seward: 2 each, Girdwood: 1), 17 meals, luggage handling (1 bag/person), gratuities for included features (includes driver, escort), in-Alaska escort and AAA Tour Manager (if minimum-participation goal is met). Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

DOWNTOWN BANFF

BANFF SPRINGS

Fly to Calgary and drive into the Canadian Rockies to Banff. Enjoy 5 nights at Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa. Ride Banff Gondola for panoramic vistas. Visit thundering Bow Falls and cruise serene Lake Minnewanka.

Enjoy a day in Banff on your own; you could play a round on Banff Springs’ golf course, take an unforgettable helicopter sightseeing tour or relax on a river float trip.

Banff offers shopping and dining opportunities – as well as an occasional moose! Cross the Continental Divide on the way to Yoho and Banff national parks. See Takakkaw Falls, Emerald Lake and Lake Louise (“Jewel of the Rockies”), where you may ride the gondola. Spot wildlife along Columbia Icefields Parkway to Athabasca Glacier and turquoise Peyto Lake.

Cap off the week at the famous Calgary Stampede, a celebration of cowboy life, chuckwagon races, rodeos, parades, fireworks and more. Enjoy the thrilling Grandstand Show from reserved seats.

JULY 5-11

SAVE $50

per person!

Canadian Rockies and the Calgary Stampede

Book & deposit Jan 131

AAA MEMBER RATE: $2,899

LAKE LOUISE

Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Pittsburgh-Calgary), roundtrip airport/ hotel transfers, accommodations, services of a AAA Tour Manager (if minimum-participation goal is met), 9 meals, motorcoach sightseeing and baggage handling (1 per person). Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Passport required.

WHAT MAKES THIS TOUR EXTRA-SPECIAL? RELAXING IN 1 GREAT HOTEL “HOME” FOR 5 NIGHTS!

Located in Banff National Park, the Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa offers a mountain lodge hotel, a great steakhouse restaurant and a full-service spa, all in one outstanding location. This ideal vacation spot is located on Banff Avenue, the main street in the town of Banff. Surrounded by mountains, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy.

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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Sizzlin’ Western USA Tours: MEMBERS SAVE $50.00!

SAVINGS PER PERSON WHEN TOUR IS BOOKED & DEPOSITED BY 1/31/15. AAA MEMBER RATES SHOWN. VISIT AAA.COM/USA FOR ITINERARIES, INCLUSIONS AND OTHER INFORMATION.

GRAND CANYON & ARIZONA ADVENTURE

SAN FRANCISCO & NAPA WINE COUNTRY

Fly to Phoenix and ride to the luxurious Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa. Explore scenic backMAY 17-24 • $2,465 country on an exciting off-road Pink Jeep® tour. Visit the IMAX Theater at Williams, then ride the Grand Canyon Railway (first class) to the canyon’s South Rim. Spend 2 nights there in a national park lodge, then ride the vintage Verde Canyon Railroad. Explore Old Town Scottsdale, marvel at intriguing plants at the Desert Botanical Garden and Western art at the Heard Museum. Enjoy a memorable farewell steakhouse dinner — cowboy-style! 11 meals. Air included.

Here’s a tasty tour from scenic Carmel-bythe-Sea and the Monterey Peninsula to San JUNE 18-24 • $3,495 Francisco and Napa Valley. See landmarks of the City by the Bay — Twin Peaks, Golden Gate Park, Cliff House, the Presidio and Fisherman’s Wharf. Cross Golden Gate Bridge to visit Mediterranean-flavored Sausalito and the redwoods at Muir Woods; ferry back across San Francisco Bay. Tour & sip samples at 4 wineries (enjoy a chef-prepared picnic lunch at one!), blend your own Merlot and savor an elegant dinner aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train. 8 meals. Air included.

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

PACIFIC NORTHWEST

© SNEHIT / FOTOLIA.COM

Tour a silver mine in Wallace ID (once the “Silver Capital of the World”) and the SmokeJUNE 21-27 • $1,939 jumpers Aerial Fire Depot. Visit artsy Big Fork MT and enjoy a float trip on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. Stay at an Old World–style lodge in Glacier National Park. Cruise on 2 lakes. Travel “Going to the Sun” Road amid snowy peaks and virgin forest. Ride a vintage Red Jammer Touring Car. Cross the Continental Divide. Take America’s longest gondola up to Silver Mountain. Visit Lake Coeur d’Alene. Dine on Spokane’s River Queen paddle boat. 11 meals.

From San Francisco to Seattle, see wonders along the Pacific. Explore the City by the Bay JULY 19-25 • $1,815 and California’s Wine Country. See redwoods on the Avenue of the Giants and in Redwood National Park. Enjoy rides on a jet boat on Oregon’s Rogue River and a dune buggy at the National Dunes Recreation Area. Tour Portland and its renowned rose gardens. Marvel at the Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah Falls and Mt St Helens National Volcanic Monument. In Seattle, dine atop the Space Needle and tour the world’s largest building, a Boeing assembly plant. 9 meals.

BEST OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

YELLOWSTONE EXPERIENCE

© SCOTT BUFKIN / FOTOLIA.COM

© ANDREANITA / FOTOLIA.COM

So many delights in 1 tour — from the endless charms of San Francisco to the natural JULY 23-31 • $3,699 splendor of the redwoods at Muir Woods to the opulence of Hearst Castle. Cross Golden Gate Bridge, enjoy the Mediterranean ambiance of Sausalito, sample wines at Napa Valley vineyards, savor lunch aboard the Napa Wine Train. Ride Amtrak’s scenic California Zephyr to Lake Tahoe. Visit the ghost town of Virginia City NV. Dine & dance on a riverboat paddlewheeler. Marvel at Yosemite’s wonders. Explore coastal Carmel, Big Sur and Monterey. 14 meals. Air included.

Our first national park’s first explorers were called liars when they described its otherAUG 10-16 • $1,765 worldly geysers & bubbling mudpots and its free-ranging 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.

AMERICAN MAJESTY

COLORADO TRAIN ADVENTURE

From Salt Lake City to Denver, take in some of America’s favorite national landmarks. Hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (choir schedule AUG 29–SEPT 6 • $3,485 permitting). Visit Grand Teton and Yellowstone parks (including Old Faithful & Mammoth Hot Springs), Devil’s Tower, Deadwood, Mt Rushmore (during the day and again in the evening for its inspiring lighting ceremony), Crazy Horse Monument, Custer State Park, Ft Laramie National Historic Site, Cody’s Buffalo Bill Historic Center and Cheyenne.

Take a wildlife Jeep® safari through South Dakota’s Black Hills. 15 meals. Air included.

This Centennial State tour features rides on the Pike’s Peak Cog Railway, the Royal Gorge SEPT 12-19 • $2,145 Route RR, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic RR and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge RR. Tour the US Air Force Academy and marvel at the rock formations of the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. Ride the country’s steepest incline and walk on the world’s highest suspension bridge at Royal Gorge. Visit Great Sand Dunes and Mesa Verde national parks. See the monoliths of Colorado National Monument. Visit the CO Railroad Museum in Golden. 15 meals.

NEW MEXICO BALLOON FIESTA

CANYON COUNTRY EXPERIENCE

Explore Albuquerque, the Land of Enchantment’s largest city, then a 3-night stay in OCT 4-9 • $3,265 charming Santa Fe. Visit historic Chimayo village. Enjoy artsy Taos and the impressive Rio Grande Gorge. Take a fun salsa-making class. Ride Sandia Peak’s Aerial Tramway. At the International Balloon Fiesta,® witness the mass ascension of hundreds of balloons. Explore Rte 66, Old Town Albuquerque, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and Acoma Pueblo. See the Balloon Fiesta’s evening “Glowdeo” of illuminated balloons & fireworks afterward! 11 meals. Air included.

Eroded for eons by wind & water, the colorful canyons of AZ, UT and NV captivate all who OCT 13-19 • $1,415 visit. Begin in the Entertainment Capital of the World — Las Vegas! Enjoy an afternoon & evening on your own before departing for Kingman’s Route 66 Museum. Marvel at the magnificence of the Grand Canyon; enter the Navajo Nation and see Monument Valley from a 4WD vehicle. Enjoy a sunset jet boat ride on the Colorado River followed by a BBQ dinner. Visit 4 national parks — Arches, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon and Zion — and 2 state parks too! 11 meals.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

AAA MOTORIST

PAGE 17

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

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AAA Member Rate: from $4,895

See more of Hawaii by cruising with NCL! AAA’s 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).

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Western Caribbean ports: Falmouth, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; Cozumel, Mexico; 3 full days at sea

March 12-21 • A AA Member Rate: from $1,530 Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip airport/hotel/pier transfers, hotel accommodations/taxes/service charges/baggage handling (1 piece per person), 4 meals (on land), cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals, onboard group cocktail party (if participation goal is met), government fees and services of a AAA tour manager (if participation goal is met). Ship’s registry: Bahamas. Ask about available add-on airfare. Visit AAA.com/travel for more details.

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Tour Dublin: St Stephen’s Green, Georgian squares, O’Connell Street, Famine Memorial & more. Quaff a pint at the Guinness Storehouse • Meet the owners of a working beef/ sheep/horse farm. • Tour medieval Kilkenny, then explore it on your own. • Visit the House of Waterford; watch craftsmen transform molten glass into elegant tableware. • Kiss the “Stone of Eloquence” at Blarney Castle. • Browse at Blarney Woolen Mills...or visit a pub instead! • Circumnavigate scenic Dingle Peninsula and sample a local brew at Dingle Brewing Company.

• Sit down to dinner & traditional entertainment (including step-dancing) in Killarney. • Ferry across the Shannon to view the Cliffs of Moher. • Stop in Galway on the way to Connemara.

• Overnight in attractive Westport. • Cross over to Achill Island and see the Deserted Village (stone cottages abandoned around the time of the Famine). • Tour Kilbeggan Distillery and enjoy an Irish coffee. • Enjoy storytelling at Dublin’s oldest pub. • Spend a day on your own in Dublin, using included vouchers for an open-top bus tour and a visit to Old Jameson Distillery.

May 12-21 •

Live la dolce vita!

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Pittsburgh-Rome), rountrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, 13 meals, inItaly guides and air/hotel taxes. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Visit AAA.com/GoItaly for itinerary and more information.

Western Caribbean

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Rome & Southern Italy

AAA Member Rate: $1,899 $1,809

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, motorcoach sightseeing, itinerary attraction admissions, local taxes, hotel service charges & baggage handling (1 bag per person), walking-tour audio headsets, 15 meals (including Kate Kearney’s Cottage Irish Night, “Food, Folk & Fairies” dinner show at Brazen Head Pub and 3 table d’hote dinners) and in-Ireland professional guide & driver. Ask about available add-on airfare.

AAA MEMBER RATES are per person (double occupancy), are subject to availability at time of booking and include airport/hotel transfers for flights purchased through NCL, 2 pre-cruise nights at the Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa, USS Arizona Memorial/Pearl Harbor excursion, hotel/pier transfers, 7-night NCL Pride of America cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals, government taxes/ fees, port charges, pier/airport transfers for flights purchased through NCL and $50 per stateroom shipboard credit. Ship’s registry: USA. Ask about available add-on airfare.

PAGE 18

AAA MOTORIST

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

It’s just another day in Paradise Island Sun, sand and surf are all better in the Bahamas

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ess than 200 miles from Miami, the Bahamian archipelago embraces some 700 islands scattered over 100,000 square miles in the Atlantic. Only about twenty are inhabited and life on the Family or Out Islands offers a marked contrast to the fast lanes of Nassau and Freeport.

Nassau, the historic Bahamian capital, is known for it beautiful beaches and rich pirate history. Take a carriage ride past West Indian style buildings, in subtle shades of pink, and peach, or climb aboard a glass-bottom boat that reveals an incredible diversity of rainbow-colored marine life.

Back in the 17th century, pirates actually ruled Nassau and Blackbeard, the most notorious pirate of them all, declared himself Nassau’s magistrate.

Today, Nassau’s pirate past is remembered at Pirates of Nassau, a popular downtown attraction that occupies nearly an entire block. Visitors can tour a full-scale pirate ship, a dungeon and a pirate lair.

The Queen’s Staircase is Nassau’s most visited attraction. Carved out of solid limestone by slaves in the late 18th century, the 102-foot staircase was named in honor of Queen Victoria. The climb up the 65 steps culminates near Fort Fincastle, perched atop Bennet’s Hill overlooking the city. Constructed in 1793, the unusual fort is shaped like the prow of a ship.

PARADISE FOUND — The 3,600-room Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island is one of the largest in the world.

Just west of the wharf, The Pompey Museum of Slavery and Emancipation displays photographs, artifacts and replicas depicting the history of slavery in The Bahamas, and the 1834 emancipation.

A short walk from the duty-free shops on Bay Street, the Straw Market is the ultimate destination to bargain for Bahamian souvenirs such as handwoven straw hats, bags, mats, and

conch shell jewelry.

Paradise Island — the Bahamas’ glittering resort mecca — is connected to Nassau by two 600-foot bridges.

Sometimes called the Las Vegas of the Caribbean, the just over one square mile island is known for its azure waters, and wide expanses of white sand framed by swaying palms, sea grapes, and casuarinas.

The exotic screen locale for James

Bond films like Dr. No and Thunderball, Paradise Island is home to some of the Caribbean’s best entertainment and resorts like the sprawling 3,400-room Atlantis. This unique, ocean-themed destination features a variety of accommodations, all built around a 141-acre waterscape comprised of over 20 million gallons of fresh and saltwater lagoons, pools and habitats. Home to the largest open-air marine habitat in the world, there are over 50,000 marine animals in lagoons and displays, including The Dig, a maze of underwater corridors and passageways features a Mayan temple and journey through ancient Atlantis.

Aquaventure is a non-stop water experience consisting of 18 thrilling water slides, a mile-long lazy river ride with high intensity rapids and wave surges, and never-before-seen special effects.

Dolphin Cay, the resort’s interaction and education center, is one of the largest dolphin habitats in the world. Have your picture taken with these intelligent creatures while standing waistdeep in the water.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please see this month’s Departures Guide or log on to AAA.com/TravelPlanner for great Caribbean and Caribbean cruise vacation ideas from AAA.

World’s most beautiful boulevard celebrates 150 years The Ringstrasse is Vienna’s open-air museum

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ienna’s most celebrated street has been called “the grandest public space in Europe.”

Emperor Franz Joseph officially opened the Ringstrasse on May 1, 1865, and the city is celebrating its 150th birthday this year with numerous events and exhibitions.

Designed to express the might of the Habsburg monarchy, construction of the 3.3-mile-long thoroughfare lasted for more than half a century. The old city walls were razed, and a grand boulevard was constructed encircling the old town.

Considered a masterpiece of urban planning, the almost circular route is lined with double rows of trees, palatial homes, parks and squares and monumental public edifices. These include the Rathaus (City Hall), the Austrian Parliament, the Natural History Museum, the State Opera House and the Neue Burg, an expansion of the Hofburg Imperial Palace.

Each building is based on idealized forms from architectural history that echoed its intended purpose. The Parliament building with its famous Pallas Athene fountain, was modeled on a Greek temple. The State Opera, the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Natural History Museum were built in the Neo-Renaissance style, while City Hall is an extraordinary example of Flemish Gothic. Statues and monu-

A GRECIAN FORMULA — The Parliament building was modeled on a Greek temple. ments along the route honor rulers like Emperor Franz Joseph, and composers like Mozart and Johann Strauss.

When the Belvedere garden palace was built as a summer residence, it was still outside the gates of the city. This Baroque gem consists of two palaces (Upper and Lower Belvedere), which today house Austrian art from the Middle Ages to the present day. The influential works of Ringstrasse painters,

including Gustav Klimt will be showcased here from July 3 to October 11.

The Belvedere houses the largest collection of Klimt works in the world, including his celebrated masterwork “The Kiss.”

Klimt painted the ceilings above the staircase in the spectacular National Theater, and the frescoes at the Kunsthistorisches. He also created the enormous Beethoven Frieze in

the Vienna Secession in 1902. This Art Nouveau masterpiece, with its golden, bay leaf cupola, was originally planned for the Ringstrasse, but city council considered it “too modern.”

The palatial Kunsthistorisches or Museum of Art History opened in 1891, and is one of the world’s great museums. Constructed to house the art treasures of the Habsburgs, the collection includes works by Caravaggio, Vermeer, Rembrandt and Brueghel.

The Museum of Natural History is virtually identical to the Kunsthistorisches and the two museums face each other across Maria-Theresien-Platz. Crowned by an enormous octagonal dome, the museum’s 25-million artifacts include the 25,000-year-old “Venus of Willendorf,” one of the earliest known images of the human body.

Visitor can get to know Vienna’s famous boulevard aboard the Vienna Ring Tram. LCD TV screens inside the 31-seat tramcars point out highlights along the route, supplemented with narration in several languages over the headphones.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please see the Departures Guide or visit AAA.com to learn more about European vacation options from AAA Travel.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

AAA MOTORIST

PAGE 19

Experience Great Britain’s most memorable views Natural wonders and new additions to London’s skyline

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here’s nothing quite like the view from the top. In Britain you can look up from a glacial-carved glen, or look down upon the glorious Lake District. If that sounds a little too strenuous, catch a lift to the top of ‘The Shard’ or take a spin on the London Eye. Along with the ride, the famed observation wheel offers some of London’s most dramatic views. Riders can see up to 25 miles in all directions, as far as Windsor Castle on a clear day. On your 30 minute ‘flight’ you’ll see The Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral, ‘the Gherkin’ and more.

London isn’t short of spectacular viewpoints, but the view from The Shard may be the most spectacular one of all.

At just over 1,000-feet-tall, the new, 87-story skyscraper is not just the tallest building in London, but the tallest in Western Europe. High-tech ‘tell:scopes’ will help you learn about the landmarks you’ll see from every side.

You won’t want to leave any stone unturned at Stonehenge. Britain’s prehistoric icon is shrouded in druidic lore and speculation about its origins continues to this day. Some claim it was sacred monument or a temple. Others believe it was neolithic computer for calculating astronomical events. What’s not up for debate is Stonehenge’s power to inspire and mystify.

Britain’s Lake District is a scenic

CHALK TALK — The white chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters on the Sussex Heritage Coast. masterpiece that has inspired poets like Coleridge, and Wordsworth. Wastwater is a sublime, 3-mile long ribbon of glass caressed by scree-strewn mountains and some of England’s highest peaks. Its remote location only adds to the appeal.

For as long as anyone can remember

EXPERIENCE THE PREMIER ADVANTAGE

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AAA Premier has many added privileges, including all of these exciting services and benefits: • Expanded Emergency Roadside Assistance, including one tow of up to 200 miles to the destination of your choice.

• Up to $150 Locksmith and $100 Home Lockout service.

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• 24-hour Concierge Service.

• Free delivery of emergency gas, plus the fuel is also free.

PLUS MUCH MORE! 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

the South of England’s white chalk cliffs have welcomed home weary seafarers.

The most dramatic of these are the Seven Sisters along the Sussex Heritage Coast. Located about 80 miles from the White Cliffs of Dover, they are often used as a stand-in for their more famous neighbor in TV and movies, because

they lack Dover’s streaks of black flint.

The ‘classic’ view from Seaford Head provides a sweeping panorama of their alabaster beauty.

Edinburgh’s legendary cityscape blends graceful Georgian and gothic architecture with a rugged, volcanic terrain. And there’s no better place to see it than from Calton Hill. From here you get an almost 360 degree view of the city that takes in the castle, the Old and New Towns, Arthur’s Seat and the sea beyond. You can also admire an array of neoclassical monuments located right on Calton Hill.

Wales’ 750 miles of coastline offer some of the most picturesque and unspoiled scenery in all of Britain.

The view over Three Cliffs Bay on the south coast of the Gower Peninsula, describes a perfect semi-circle of sea cliffs and stark white beach framed by unusual rock formations. Scattered over the landscape are historic reminders of past — castles, medieval churches, iron-age fortifications, and prehistoric standing stones.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please see this issue’s Departures Guide or visit AAA.com/Europe for Great Britain and European vacation values from AAA Travel.

PAGE 20

AAA MOTORIST

Disney Month

Disney Month savings & gifts

continued from page 1

and friendly Adventure Guides bring you and your entire family closer to some of the world’s most popular destinations through authentic cultural experiences with local experts.

And with VIP admissions and VIP access to activities, you and your family can see the world in a whole new way.

Expect hassle-free travel, spectacular dining and exceptional hotels.

Disney Month savings: $100 off any 2015 Adventures by Disney® vacation.

Act now: Savings & gifts end Jan 31!

The peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re getting the best and the most value for your hard-earned

vacation dollar makes all the difference in the world in how you experience and enjoy your Disney time.

Whether you’re at a Walt Disney World® Resort theme park, aboard a ship of the Disney Cruise Line® or on a family-friendly Adventures by Disney® guided tour, your vacation will be one you’ll never, ever forget...and neither will your children or grandchildren. Priceless memories are a great reason for a Disney vacation, and getting extra goodies is a bonus!

January’s cold, but it’s the hottest month to book Disney vacations; “snow way” you want to miss Disney Month’s sizzling savings and gifts!

January’s the absolute best time to plan & book 2015 Disney vacations at AAA! Hotel, cruise and tour availability for the year will never be better. And, in addition to travel agent expertise in booking Disney vacations, AAA offers special savings and gifts when you book & deposit by 1/31/15. Visit your local AAA Travel, call 1-800-354-8761 or log on to AAA.com/Disney.

•

Walt Disney World® Resorts — 5 nights or more • $75.00 off Deluxe properties, PLUS... + 1 pin set: 4 colorful detachable enameledmetal collectible pins (Tinker Bell, Goofy, Mickey Mouse, Cinderella) mounted beneath plastic on a matted full-color print of Cinderella Castle in a black frame (14.75” x 12.75”) + up to 4 gift cards for 1 day at Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon water park (expires 9/20/15) + 2 gift cards for 1 round of minigolf at Fantasia Gardens (expires 9/20/15) + 1 photo-safe, acid-free album: 50 sleeves for up to 200 4” x 6” photos, with memo area $50.00 off Moderate properties

•

Make their Disney dreams come true in 2015!

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

$25.00 off Value properties Disney Cruise Line® — any number of nights • $100.00 off balcony staterooms, $50.00 off outside staterooms, $25.00 off inside staterooms, PLUS... + 2 DCL logo zippered red nylon duffel bags (approximately 23” x 10” x 12” — and expandable to approximately 28” x 10” x 12”) with simulated-leather handles (to carry by hand/shoulder) and interior pocket + 2 DCL logo canvas beach bags (approximately 10.5” x 16”) with carrying straps Adventures by Disney® — any number of nights • $100.00 off

AS TO ARTWORK: © DISNEY

Each offer is per room and limited to the first 200 rooms, based on double occupancy. New bookings with deposit Jan 1-31, 2015, for travel in 2015. Gifts have no cash value. Items available upon final payment. Not combinable with any other offer.

Membership for Them...

Peace of Mind for You. You always want the best for them. So give them the benefits of AAA membership. With roadside assistance, vacation planning, maps, travel guides, exclusive savings, and much more, they can rely on AAA almost as much as they rely on you.

To add an associate to your membership, or to buy a gift membership, call or visit your local AAA office, or AAA.com.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

AAA MOTORIST

PAGE 21

Princess Cruises showcases Alaska’s coolest attractions Glacier experiences you won’t want to miss

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ith breathtaking coastal scenery and abundant wildlife an Alaska cruise gives you a front row seat to the wonders of nature. Princess Cruises’ 2015 Alaska program offers a multitude of ways to experience the “Great Land,” with more sailings that include Alaska’s “must see” destination — Glacier Bay National Park.

The incredible solitude and size, coupled with the sound and fury of “white thunder” make Alaskan glaciers one of the greatest shows in all of nature.

Princess’ signature “Voyage of the Glaciers” includes two glacier experiences with visits to Glacier Bay National Park, plus either Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord.

Glacier Bay is home to 12 tidewater glaciers and from your vantage point on deck, you can watch icebergs being born. Mammoth slabs of ice “calve” off the face of a glacier and crash into the sea. The bay’s Muir, Johns Hopkins and Margerie Glaciers are among the world’s most active. Margerie Glacier at the end of the bay, is an ice age relic, 21-mileslong and 25 stories high. Crumpled and crenellated its nearly vertical face allows cruise ships to get so close that you can almost reach out and touch it.

Known as the “Galloping Glacier,” Hubbard Glacier is a gigantic ice formation that flows into breathtaking Disenchantment Bay. The largest tidewater glacier in North America mea-

the mountainside. Visitors can witness enormous chunks of ice crashing into the fjord, or catch a glimpse of a humpback whale breaching the waters near the bay.

Princess’ Inside Passage cruises from Seattle and San Francisco feature dramatic glacier viewing in either Glacier Bay National Park or Tracy Arm. Located approximately 50 miles south of Juneau, Tracy Arm Fjord twists and weaves through the Tongass National Forest. Waterfalls topple from the sheer, moss covered cliffs framing the narrow, 30-mile-long channel, while Harbor seals lounge on the ice floes drifting in a milky green sea. Tracy Arm’s crown jewels are the twin Sawyer glaciers that form a monolithic wall of ice where the mountains meet the sea.

IF YOU GO

SOLID ICE — Princess brings more passengers to Glacier Bay than any other cruise line. sures 76-miles-long and looms nearly 400 feet over passing cruise ships.

Hubbard Glacier is mother to a flotilla of electric-blue icebergs that crack and growl in the bay. The glacier’s intense blue color is due to its age. Over the eons ice gradually loses its oxygen and becomes pure frozen hydrogen.

College Fjord was discovered in 1899 when members of the Harriman

Expedition made their way into the northwest corner of Prince William Sound. The fjord is home to five tidewater glaciers — glaciers that terminate in water, plus five large valley glaciers, and dozens of smaller ones. Members of the expedition named them after their Ivy League Alma maters and sister schools. The glaciers appear as a collection of frozen rivers cascading down

Princess offers 24 tour options for a complete Alaska land and sea experience. All cruisetours include a seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers sailing with a visit to Glacier Bay National Park. Alaska tours include up to four nights in the Denali National Park area and stays at Princess’ own wilderness lodges.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

Annual SEMA show is fashion week for vehicles Trend-setting concepts take center stage in Las Vegas

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he future of transportation was on the minds of car enthusiasts in Las Vegas at the industry’s most cutting-edge auto show. The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, which took place November 4-7, is an industry-only show, where automobile manufactures and suppliers showcase new ideas for current and future vehicles. It’s not hard to see why over 60,000 people show up to comb through 2,500 exhibits and pour over hundreds of dream machines.

Toyota’s expansive display focused on its performance legacy — past, present and future — with 15 unique vehicles that boldly underscored their commitment to push the limit of both man and machine. Taking center stage was the Toyota FT-1 sports car concept, labeled the spiritual pace car for Toyota Global Design. FT stands for Future Toyota and its “function-sculpted” exterior features a unique slingshot cockpit and fighterjet-inspired heads-up display.

Ford showcased over a dozen 2015 Mustangs customized and tweaked by tuners like Roush, Steeda and Petty’s Garage. Galpin Auto Sports celebrated 50 years of Mustang with a stunning, golden anniversary model, featuring a metallic gold-flecked black paint job.

A gold powder-coated Whipple supercharger helps the 5.0-liter V8 devel-

SHOW STOPPER — Toyota is shaking up its conservative image with the FT-1. op 725 horsepower. The 2015 Ford Mustang took home top honors in SEMA’s “Hottest Car” category.

Chevy walked away with the “Hottest Truck” of the show award for the 20142015 Silverado. Chevrolet debuted several performance-oriented concepts of some of the brand’s most popular passenger cars, including the Sonic, Impala Cruze and SS Sport. They also

announced that the Corvette Stingray Atlantic convertible and Corvette Stingray Pacific coupe concepts — introduced at last year’s SEMA Show — will be going into production.

Mopar added plenty of muscle to the show with a display high-powered Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram and FIAT brand vehicles. The Dodge Challenger T/A Concept featured an eye-popping

Sublime Green paint job, underscored by full-length matte black T/A graphics.

A modern interpretation of the legendary T/A package available in the 1970s, it features a Viper-inspired center scoop hood, and 6.4-liter HEMI engine.

Chrysler also debuted two custom versions of their new compact crossover, the Renegade Riptide, with such surferinspired touches as a surfboard rack and teak floor mats, and the Renegade Frostbite, trimmed in wintery white with aqua blue accents.

For the third year in a row, Hyundai partnered with powertrain gurus Bisimoto Engineering to create a souped-up Sonata for the 2014 show. Bisimoto’s team specializes in extracting huge output from Hyundai’s engines. Using Hyundai’s 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine as the starting point, they added goodies like forged pistons, and a high-boost turbocharger, to extract 708 horsepower from the normal 200 horsepower engine. Rounding out the exterior is a Bisimoto front splitter and aero package.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Visit AAA.com for information on all things automotive including tips on buying, operating and maintaining a vehicle.

PAGE 22

AAA MOTORIST

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

It’s not such a small world, after all Walt Disney World Resort has big plans for 2015

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overing nearly 40 square miles, Walt Disney World Resort is about the size of San Francisco or two Manhattans. And this year, Walt Disney World Resort will be marking its calendar with a full slate of attractions and events.

The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, a rocking, rollicking family-style coaster, is the crown jewel and centerpiece of New Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom.

Inspired by the Disney animated film classic “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” the new attraction has just the right blend of heart, humor, and thrill, sending riders on a playful musical adventure into the mine “where a million diamonds shine.” It also marks the completion of New Fantasyland, the largest expansion in the history of the Magic Kingdom.

But that’s just the beginning of what guests will discover. Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid, is a major new attraction where guests travel with Ariel and her friends above and below the waves. In Princess Fairytale Hall Aurora, Cinderella and other Disney princesses, greet guests in their new home in the Castle Courtyard. A new Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade rolls down Main Street, U.S.A in an eyepopping fusion of breathtaking floats, Cirque du Soleil-style theatrics and nev-

Two new full-size character cars, created by “Cars” creative director Jay Ward, have entered the line-up at the Richard Petty Driving Experience at Walt Disney World Speedway. The #28 Aiken Axler and #80 Sage VanDerSpin cars are part of the new Piston Cup Junior RideAlong program. Children ages 6 to 13 (and at least 48 inches tall) can experience real-life racing excitement as they ride shotgun with a professional driving instructor for three thrilling laps in a specially equipped Piston Cup race car.

Walt Disney World Resort will be blooming with more than 30 million colorful blossoms, during the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.

The annual festival, which runs from March through May, features interactive garden activities for kids and workshops with national gardening experts.

PIXIE DUST — Peter Pan float at the Festival of Fantasy parade. er-before-used technology.

Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort, continues its multi-year transformation into Disney Springs, a unique and vibrant shopping/dining/ entertainment destination set amid beautiful open-air promenades, meandering springs and waterfront charm.

Drawing inspiration from Florida’s historic waterfront towns, Disney Springs

will boast four interconnected outdoor neighborhoods and be home to everything from shopping boutiques to flagship stores to great new restaurants.

The Landing opens in early 2015 and features nationally known restaurateurs including The Boathouse. This upscale waterfront dining experience features some spectacular floating artwork — dream boats from the 30s, 40s and 50s.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

AAA’s Disney Specialists can show you how to add more value to every Disney vacation. They will be happy to assist you with all your Disney plans, including Disney theme parks and resorts, Disney Cruise Lines and the Adventures by Disney. See your AAA Travel Agent or log on to AAA.com/Disney.

Rust never sleeps during winter driving season It’s time to put your vehicle on a low-salt diet

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lick snowy roads can make driving a challenge. Fortunately, de-icing and anti-icing chemicals help improve traction and speed snow removal. What’s more, studies show that treating roads with these materials reduces crashes and saves lives.

Salt or sodium chloride has long been used as the principal de-icer and millions of tons of road salt are dumped on American roads every winter. About 3.5 pounds of that ends up on your car.

Most states and municipalities say that salt is the most cost effective way of dealing with snow and ice. It works by lowering the freezing point of water.

When the salt is dissolved by moisture, the resulting brine melts or dissolves snow and ice.

Road salt has another cost — damage to the environment and corrosion of bridge decks, vehicles and roadways.

Rust occupies four times the volume of the steel it replaces, which can break up any concrete it reinforces. A study by the Federal Highway Administration estimated that the overall direct cost of motor vehicle corrosion in the U.S. is $23.47 billion annually.

Alternative liquid de-icing solutions are more effective at melting snow and ice on roadways, but de-icing chemicals like calcium and magnesium chlorides

SALTING THE WOUNDS — Dirt, grime, salt and slush all take their toll on your car’s finish. are even more corrosive than rock salt, because they can penetrate deep into underbody cracks and crevices. They are also hygroscopic, meaning they attract water and continue to pull moisture out of the air after they dry.

So how can motorists protect their cars from corrosion? Here are some practical maintenance tips that can make a difference: • Thoroughly wash the underside of

your vehicle to eliminate the corrosive road salt. Add three tablespoons of baking soda to neutralize the salt.

Pressure washers can leave behind corrosive deposits and may actually drive chemicals further into vehicle cracks and crevices. Always open your doors after washing your car to allow any accumulated water to drain out.

• Automatic car washes should use fresh — not recycled — water. Recycled

water may contain salt or chemicals from other cars. Many automatic car washes now offer low pH pre-rinse cycles. Low pH detergents can help break up and neutralize corrosive deposits.

• Don’t use an ice scraper on anything but the windows. You could damage the finish and expose metal surfaces to corrosion trying to scrape snow or ice off painted surfaces.

• Paint scratches and chips should be repaired in a timely manner to prevent rust and corrosion, and regular vehicle waxing adds an effective layer of protection. A well-maintained finish will be a big advantage when you sell or trade.

• Routine vehicle maintenance checks should include inspections of safetyrelated undercar components such as brake and fuel lines, whose failure could result in a crash or fire.

Modern cars are far more corrosion resistant than earlier models, but for maximum vehicle life there is no substitute for proper car care.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Visit AAA.com for information on all things automotive including tips on buying, operating and maintaining a vehicle.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

AAA MOTORIST

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Identity theft prevention checklist Protect your personal information with these steps

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dentity theft can create real and serious problems for any victim.

The best defense is to protect yourself from the start. Taking precautions and being proactive can decrease the risk of becoming an identity theft victim.

Criminals use victims’ data to empty their bank accounts, make purchases, take out loans, open utility accounts, gain employment and even secure medical treatment. Due to the wide-ranging nature of the crime, it’s important that you take an active part in safeguarding all of your personal details.

Secure Your Paper Documents: Keeping your Social Security card, passport, mortgage statements and tax information locked securely in your home will cut down on your identity theft risk in the event a burglar breaks into your home. Many criminals look for old bank statements or bills in your garbage, so make sure to cross-shred these documents before disposing of them.

Watch Your Mail: Always make sure you get your mail as soon as possible.

If you are not going to be around, ask for a hold on your mail. For outgoing mail, always send your bills/payments from your local post office. Never leave them in your mailbox to be picked up because there could be enough information for an identity thief to use.

not respond, and contact the business immediately to alert them to the situation.

Don’t Reveal Too Much Online: Social networking websites are becoming more popular among criminals who use Facebook and Twitter to meet potential victims and peruse their information. Avoid posting details such as your mother’s maiden name, your address, place of birth, and workplace. It may be fun to tweet that you’re on vacation or at a concert, but this information may also alert criminals that you’re not home, giving them the opportunity to break in potentially undetected.

PROTECTMYID MEMBER BENEFITS

MORE SECURE — ProtectMyID® can help catch identity theft and fraud when it happens.

Don’t Carry More Than You Need: Having a back-up credit card is good for emergencies, but walking around with four credit cards, a check book and your Social Security card will put you at greater risk of identity theft if your purse or wallet is lost or stolen. Carry the bare essentials with you when you leave your home and know what type of payment system you plan to use.

Update Your Computer Security Settings: Phishing scams, Trojans and

AAA East Central members are eligible for two identity theft monitoring products: ProtectMyID Essential and ProtectMyID Deluxe. ProtectMyID Essential is free to all members over the age 18 as part of their AAA East Central membership.

ProtectMyID Deluxe provides all of the features of Essential plus additional benefits at a deeply discounted member rate.

For more information, and to subscribe to ProtectMyID Essential or Deluxe, simply go to AAA.com/ID or call 1.877.440.6943. To enroll, you must have a valid email address and be 18 or older.

key-stroke programs are common ways criminals trick you into revealing personal information. Protect yourself by making sure your security and antivirus software is up-to-date. Avoid responding to emails from senders you don’t recognize. Many criminals send emails that appear to be from a legitimate source, such as a bank or utility company, and ask for personal account details. Legitimate companies never ask for financial details via email, so do

Women now in the drivers seat on new car buying Carmakers respond to growing clout of female customers

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en and women often disagree about which gender has better driving skills, but changing gender demographics are having major implications on vehicle design, energy consumption and road safety. There are now more women than men on the road in the United States, driving automakers to launch models and features aimed at female buyers.

“As women become the dominant car buying segment, auto makers and suppliers need to change their product development strategy,” advises Olivia Price-Walker, Visionary Innovation Senior Consultant with the consulting firm Frost & Sullivan. “The rise of the female car purchaser is broadening some car categories and OEMs will win by developing products and strategies that are directed at women.”

By some estimates women now buy or influence the purchase of 80 percent of new vehicles, and they tend to place more emphasis on design, comfort, safety, quality of materials, storage and sustainability. It’s a trend that began with smaller city cars and has migrated to traditionally male categories such as luxury and SUVs. The Porsche Macan for example, is a luxury compact crossover targeted at affluent women buyers. Mercedes Benz recently added a fragrance dispenser to its flag-

LADIES FIRST — Ford’s “kick-gesture” power liftgate was designed for female drivers who often have their hands full. ship S-Class.

Earlier attempts at building a “ladies car” usually failed because they focused more on style and less on substance.

The 1955-1956 Dodge La Femme was offered in Heather Rose and Sapphire White paint finishes and came with a stowaway pink calfskin purse that coordinated with the pink rosebuds on silver-pink upholstery and pale pink vinyl trim. Accessories included a compact, lipstick case, comb, and change purse. Marketing materials

proclaimed La Femme was made “By Special Appointment to Her Majesty... the American Woman.” Not surprisingly, buyers give it a “pink slip.”

According to a recent gender and car buying study by AAA Auto Buying program partner TrueCar, vehicles with an over 50 percent ratio of female buyers include more down-to-earth models like the Honda CRV, Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Rogue, as well as Volkswagen’s Beetle and Eos convertible models. “Female car buyers really

gravitate toward smaller, more fuel-efficient cars and crossovers,” said Kristen Andersson, Senior Analyst at TrueCar. In Japan, they’re finding out that if you want to sell a car that women love, it helps to have a woman sell it.

Nissan’s Ladies First dealerships provide nursing rooms and spacious children’s play areas, while a female staff that includes sales consultants and technicians works with customers.

The Volvo YCC — a concept car designed almost exclusively by women — incorporated useful amenities like run flat tires, interchangeable seat covers and a headrest designed to accommodate a ponytail. It also included features that would appeal to men, too, including a better line of vision, user selectable ride height and computerized parking assistance.

AAA AUTO BUYING PROGRAM

If you are in the market for a vehicle, the AAA Auto Buying program provides unbiased new and used car pricing information free of charge to AAA members through AAA’s preferred supplier TrueCar. To save money and get the upfront price on your next new car, visit the AAA Auto Buying Program at AAA.com/AutoBuying.

Mobile users can download the AAA Auto Buying Tools App at AAA.com/Mobile.

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015