TRAVEL | INSURANCE/FINANCIAL | AUTOMOTIVE | MEMBER SERVICES | AAA.com
JANUARY 2016
Happy days are here ...again!
It’s January, and that means Dis-
ney Month at AAA Travel. And that means the year’s best savings and perks for all things Disney!
This year’s no exception. AAA, your trusted Disney va-cation expert, has a full line-up of values for Mouse lovers who book their 2016 adven-ture Jan 4-30, 2016.
Walt Disney World® ResortFirst up is a $25.00 Disney
Gift Card for Value Resorts...or a $50.00 Disney Gift Card for Moderate Resorts!
A Disney Gift Card offers thousands of possibilities — from shopping to dining and from Resort stays to Theme Park visits. Use it at Walt Dis-ney World® Resort, Disney Store, DisneyStore.com, Dis-neyMusicStore.com, Disney’s Club Penguin and Disney PhotoPass®.
Go for a Deluxe Resort stay of 5 to 8 nights and, in addi-tion to a $50.00 Disney Gift Card, you get a Birnbaum’s 2016 Official Guide to Walt Disney World® and a AAA Travel cell phone power bank (smartphone-compatible)!
AAA’s pocket-size 3000mAh
battery is handy for when your phone’s running out of energy, and it offers peace of mind, especially if you’re us-ing the My Disney Experience mobile app, which lets you explore Walt Disney World® Resort on an interactive GPS-enabled map, get wait times for attractions, access fire-works/parade schedules, find Character greeting locations/times and browse restaurant menus & make dining reser-vations.
You can get even more: Book a Deluxe Resort Magic Your Way Vacation Package of 9 nights or longer (including a Disney Dining Plan, a convenient and affordable way to enjoy snacks and meals throughout Walt Disney World® Resort) and re-ceive a $50.00 Disney Gift Card, a Birnbaum’s 2016 Official Guide to Walt Disney World®, a AAA Travel cell phone power bank AND Memory Maker, a Disney PhotoPass® Service product valued at $169.00!
Memory Maker lets you capture and relive the magical memories of your Walt Disney World® vacation through un-limited digital downloads of your Disney PhotoPass® pho-tos, including...• Magic Shots and photos from Character Experiences
• Photos from select attraction and dining locations
• Animated Magic Shots and videos from select attractions (MagicBand required to collect attraction videos)
Not familiar with Disney Dining Plans? They provide a number of meals for each guest on a reservation each night of your stay; choose from more than 100 select res-taurants available. Your allot-ment of quick-service meals (similar to fast food), table service (sit-down) meals and snacks depends on the plan selected. Present a valid Dis-ney Resort ID to a server or ca-shier before ordering; the Key to the World card electroni-cally monitors your party’s usage; an easy-to-read receipt displays your remaining meal balance. Redeem meals in any order throughout your pack-age stay until each person’s meal total is complete.
Disney Cruise Line®
Get a Disney Gift Card of up to $100.00 on a Disney Cruise Line® stateroom PLUS a DCL logo duffel bag and a DCL logo beach bag!
A Disney cruise offers “me time” for adults, and fun for kids and family time for all.
Great gifts and discounts abound during Disney Month at AAA Travel
Open “Mouse”Vacation Planning EventsSee page 17for Disney Month events near you!
Did YouKnow Mickey Mouse Club At AAA, we want your vacation to the “Happiest Place on Earth” to be one you’ll never forget for all the right reasons! Plan your trip with our experts. At your local AAA branch location, find the best ticket deals for your visit, including Park Hopper, Water Park Fun & More, as well as additional ticket combinations to pack the most fun into your stay. Plus, your AAA membership saves you as much as $21 off of gate prices for tickets three days in length or more. Make the magic of Disney your own by personalizing your vacation right from home. Purchase your park tickets at a AAA office, then customize your itinerary through MyMagic+ at MyDisneyExperience.com. Each ticket allows you to select three attractions as part of the complimentary FastPass+ benefit. Avoid the wait times by reserving the times you want to take a ride, enjoy a show or meet your favorite Disney character. Plan your FastPass+ ride options, keep track of dinner reservations and get access to show times, character appearances and maps that let you see what’s happening near you in the park with the My Disney Experience Mobile App. You can begin making your FastPass+ selections up to 30 days before your trip with a ticket. Tofindoutmoreor toplan yourDisney escape,stopbyyourlocalAAAbranch.
Forget the Stamp with AutoPay With Auto Pay, you can avoid late payments and a lapse in your AAA membership. You’ll still receive a paper bill, and you can update your membership prior to making a payment. The credit or debit card you leave on file will be charged the amount of the bill. Any payments from your card will be debited 10 to 15 days before your renewal date. Simply logon to your account at AAA.com and select “Enroll” under Billing Information, or call the Member Service phone number on the back of your membership card to sign up.
ADMINISTRATION OFFICE1020 W. Hamilton Street, P.O. Box 1910
Allentown, PA 18105-1910
AAA EAST CENTRALChairman: Richard S. HamiltonVice Chairman: James E. Broome, Jr.Vice Chairman: Gregory E. GrimVice Chairman: Mary Lynn LaughlinVice Chairman: Martha Hartle Munsch
OFFICERS:President: James E. LehmanExecutive Vice President: Thomas J. AshleyVice President of Operations: Allen J. RuchSecretary: Robert H. ComptonTreasurer: Robert S. Collins
GOVERNING BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Glenn B. Bachman, 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, Gregory E. Grim, Richard S. Hamilton, James H. Kanicki, Mary Lynn Laughlin, William Duff McCrady, James M. McDonnell, Thomas V. McKernan, Jr., Martha Hartle Munsch, Gary K. Munsie*, Terrence L. Walton*
AAA EAST PENN REGION BOARD
Llyena F. Boylan, Chairman, Carol Dean Henn, 1st Vice Chairman, Barnet H. Fraenkel, 2nd Vice Chairman/Secretary, Richard A. Adams**, Glenn B. Bachman, Ralph A. Clemmer, G. Patrick Frank**, Pamela C. Fritz, Gregory E. Grim, James W. Harper**, Robert M. Johnson**, Charles J. Kelly**, Joseph Kovatch**, Frederick E. Kutteroff, John P. Lavelle**, Richard D. Linderman**, Franklin Mann 3rd**, Robert E. McNabb, Charles M. Meredith III**, Terrence L. Walton *Emeritus Directors **Honorary members
AAA EAST PENN REGIONAL STORE HOURS
Allentown Bethlehem & Lansdale Store Hours:
Mon., Tues., Wed. & Fri. : 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thurs. : 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.Sat. : 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Quakertown & Royersford Store Hours:Mon., Tues., Wed. & Fri. : 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thurs. : 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sat. : 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
ALLENTOWN 2072 Downyflake Ln. 610-434-5141BETHLEHEM 1520 Stefko Blvd. 610-867-7502LANSDALE 1250 N. Broad St. 215-855-8600QUAKERTOWN 632 N. West End Blvd. 215-538-5150ROYERSFORD 70 Buckwalter Rd. 610-323-6300TDDs 610-435-0226 • Visit us online: www.AAA.com
Reservation Center: 1-800-472-9367
Affiliations: AAA, Pennsylvania AAA Federation. A not-for-profit organization. Issue #1075-668X USPS | #0309-620 Vol. 94, No. 1 | JANUARY 2016
AAA Traveler (USPS 309-620) is published 8X annually (Jan., Feb., Mar., Apr., May, July, Sept. and Nov.) at 1020 W. Hamilton St., P.O. Box 1910, Allentown, PA 18105-1910
Publisher: James E. Lehman | Editor: Theresa E. Deutsch | Associate Editor: Lori McLaughlinPERIODICAL POSTAGE PAID: At Allentown, PA 18101 and additional mailing offices. Subscription: $1 per year to PRIMARY members, paid through dues; non-members $1 per copy.POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to: AAA Traveler, P.O. Box 1910, Allentown, PA 18105-1910.Advertisements in this publication, except for AAA club services and products, do not constitute an endorsement of the automobile club or the publisher. Liability of the publisher for errors and omissions in advertising or editorial copy is limited to printing a correction in the next issue of the publication after the publisher has been notified of the error or omission.
AAA TRAVELER GENERAL INFORMATION
Resolve to Make Your Membership Work For YouFind the level of benefits that fits your lifestyle by Llyena Boylan, Chairman, AAA East Central, East Penn Region
At AAA, our New Year’s Resolution is always the same: add more value to the exceptional service and benefits your membership has to offer. Everyone’s needs are different; that’s why AAA offers three levels of membership —Classic, Plus and Premier — giving you the freedom to choose the option that fits your budget and works best for you.
AAA Classic members are entitled to 24-hour roadside assistance with free unlimited distance towing back to a AAA service provider or three miles towing to any other destination. AAA membership not only protects you when you drive, but as a passenger in a non-member’s vehicle. Your AAA card also means access to quality automotive advice at AAA.com and service at AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities that meet our strict standards of excellence.
Planning a trip? Members have almost unlimited access to AAA maps, TourBooks®, TripTik® Travel Planner on AAA.com, plus AAA savings on hotels, restaurants, attractions, and Hertz car rental discounts. AAA Members also receive special benefits on a variety of cruises, tours, and packages when they use the AAA Travel Agency.
Making your dollars go further is always a priority and we’ve made it possible to save the entire cost of your membership with AAA “Discounts and Rewards.” This innovative new shopping experience on AAA.com features deep discounts, limited-time offers and everyday savings on electronics, apparel, attractions, movie tickets and more. Choose from approximately 30,000 participating merchants, including national chains including Home Depot, NAPA, and Tanger Outlets, or recent additions like LA Fitness, Papa John’s, and Ticketmaster. You’ll also earn WOWPoints — AAA’s online rewards program — for every dollar you spend.
Help safeguard your privacy and personal information with ProtectMyID® Essential, our new identity-theft monitoring service. Comparable to plans costing $79 a month, it’s free with your AAA membership when you enroll.
The AAA mobile app makes membership more convenient than ever. Need a tow? Request AAA
Roadside Assistance from within the app. Use it to find the cheapest gas prices on your route, plan your trip with interactive maps and turn-by-turn directions, get mobile battery quotes and instant replacement (where available) and locate the AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities and AAA branches nearest you.
Step up to AAA Plus and enjoy all the benefits of AAA Classic membership with some significant enhance-ments. Plus covers you for up to 100 driving miles for tows, up to $100 for locksmith services and up to two service vehicles for extrication/winching assistance.
AAA Plus RV Membership offers all the benefits of AAA Plus extended to cover eligible RVs like your motor home, boat trailer, pickup truck with camper, and motorcycle.
With a multitude of advanced benefits and services AAA Premier delivers the ultimate in AAA coverage. Premier members are entitled to one tow of up to 200 miles per household, in addition to up to 100 miles on remaining tows per membership year. Identity Theft Insurance, free personal notary services, up to $1,500 in Trip Interruption benefits, and up to $300,000 in Travel Accident Insurance are just some of the many perks.
And remember to keep it all in the family with a AAA Associate membership. Associate memberships are available for a primary member’s spouse, or one adult age 18 and older, and dependent children through age 23, residing at the primary member’s address. The cost is surprisingly modest and new associate membership fees will be pro-rated to your expiry date for added savings and convenience.
If you have a teen that is reaching driving age, don’t let them go it alone. AAA members can extend AAA protection and security — absolutely free — for dependents age 16 to 18, with a Junior Associate membership.
Best of all, you can add associate members, or upgrade your existing AAA membership level at any time. For more information, contact your local AAA office, visit AAA.com/membership, or call the Member Service Center at 1.800.441.5008.
JANUARY 2016 | AAA Traveler4
AAA’s Safe Driving for Mature Operators Course Choose one from the following 8-hour or 4-hour courses.
8-HOUR COURSES
AAA MEMBER: $15AAA Member & Spouse: $20 per couple (both must be AAA members)Non-Member: $25
4-HOUR COURSES
AAA MEMBER: $10AAA Member & Spouse: $15 per couple (both must be AAA members)Non-Member: $20
SIGN UP TODAY! SAVE on Auto Insurance Premiums.
Class size is limited.
AAA’s four-hour and eight-hour programs have been approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for an insurance reduction. To qualify for the insurance reduction, all named insureds on the policy must be 55 years of age or older and successfully complete a AAA driver improvement course which meets PennDOT standards.
To register for a course in Allentown or Bethlehem, call 610-434-5141; Royersford or Lansdale, call 800-564-0300.
4-HOU
R COU
RSE ALLENTOWN: LEHIGH VALLEY ACTIVE LIFE,
1633 W. ELM STREET JANUARY 11 MONDAY 12:30 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. FEBRUARY 4 THURSDAY 9:15 A.M. – 1:15 P.M.BETHLEHEM: 1520 STEFKO BLVD.JANUARY 12 TUESDAY 9:15 A.M. – 1:15 P.M. MARCH 16 WEDNESDAY 9:15 A.M. – 1:15 P.M.LANSDALE: 1250 N. BROAD STREETJANUARY 6 WEDNESDAY 12:30 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. FEBRUARY 24 WEDNESDAY 12:30 P.M. – 4:30 P.M.ROYERSFORD: 70 BUCKWALTER ROAD JANUARY 20 WEDNESDAY 12:30 P.M. – 4:30 P.M.
To qualify for the four-hour refresher course, participants must be 55 years of age or older and have taken AAA’s eight-hour or four-hour Safe Driving for Mature Operators course within the past three years.
ALLENTOWN: LEHIGH VALLEY ACTIVE LIFE, 1633 W. ELM STREETJANUARY 20 & 21 TUES/WED 12:30 P.M. – 4:30 P.M.BETHLEHEM: 1520 STEFKO BLVD. FEBRUARY 16 & 17 TUES/WED 9:15 A.M. – 1:15 P.M.LANSDALE: 1250 N. BROAD STREET FEBRUARY 2 & 3 TUES/WED 12:30 P.M. – 4:30 P.M.ROYERSFORD: 70 BUCKWALTER ROAD MARCH 8 & 9 TUES/WED 12:30 P.M. – 4:30 P.M.
8-HOU
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RSE
In an era when every new piece of technology promises a magical new future, AAA has opted for a more practical approach. Virtual and mobile platforms aren’t just the flavor of the month, but a means to extend AAA products and services to an increasingly mobile and tech-savvy audience.
“Integration with the newest platforms enables AAA to deliver a great member experience with timely, accurate information across the entire consumer technology space,” notes Jim Lehman, president AAA East Central, “whether a member uses a desktop or notebook computer, a smartphone, a tablet or wearable technology.”
AAA’s new Apple Watch functionality puts consumers in charge of their time and helps them make decisions on how much they spend on fuel. Apple Watch owners can now find the fastest route to nearby stations. AAA Gas Price functionality for Apple Watch searches gas station pricing within a multi-mile radius of the user. It then shows the options the user selected — fastest or cheapest. The fastest gas station is determined by reviewing detailed turn-by-turn directions of the eight closest stations and layering traffic information to compute drive times. Navigation to the stations is routed through Apple Maps. Users can also configure the app to select the price for the type of fuel they use.
A Great Member Experience Across Every Platform New and enhanced services expand AAA’s digital footprint
Be sure to program the watch before driving, then follow Apple Watch’s turn-by-turn voice commands or designate a passenger to help navigate to a destination. Pricing is updated seven times per day to ensure consumers have access to the most current information.
“Updating our app shows AAA’s commitment to lead in the consumer technology space and provide value for our members and the traveling public,” says Lehman.
The AAA Mobile app is designed to look and work great on your IOS or Android device. Use it to access Roadside Assistance, interactive maps, turn-by-turn directions and more all from one integrated app. For more information or to download the AAA Mobile app, visit the AAA Mobile Solutions page at AAA.com/Mobile.
AAA’s TripTik Travel Planner at AAA.com provides unprecedented access to AAA travel resources in multiple formats and across all devices. Users will notice a new look in the system’s tab and tool selections. The changes are designed to streamline access to core features and present a more fluid and responsive layout for all desktop and mobile screen sizes. Along with TripTik maps, directions and Drive Trips, AAA’s all-in-one platform for trip-planning resources, will also become a portal for location-based content when a user maps to or explores a destination.
Members can easily access AAA Road Service Online, from their PC or tablet device by clicking on the Road Service Online link at AAA.com. You’ll be guided through the online request process, and requests made online go directly to the dispatcher, so the time it takes to request service online can be considerably shorter than by phone. This is particularly true during severe weather when call volume can be heavy.
FOR MORE INFORMATIONAAA.com is now more informative, more reader-friendly, and more in-synch with the busy lives of AAA members. It’s an indispensible online companion and a perfect complement to the brick and mortar AAA locations that you know and trust.
Visit AAA.com the next time you need roadside assistance.
While technology offers a seemingly endless capacity to enhance our motoring and travel lives, AAA reminds motorists that safety is always the number one priority. No application or device should be used in a manner that will distract a driver from their primary responsibility of driving safely and without distractions.
AAA Traveler | JANUARY 2016 5
FREEFOR AAAMEMBERS!
1 Identity Theft Insurance underwritten by insurance company subsidiaries or affiliates of American International Group, Inc. The description herein is a summary and intended for informational purposes only and does not include all items, conditions and exclusions of the policies described. Please refer to the actual policies for complete terms, conditions and exclusions of coverage. Coverage may not be available in all jurisdictions. Visit AAA.com/idsafeguard for more details.
ProtectMyID® Deluxe is provided by ConsumerInfo.com, Inc., an Experian company. To be eligible to enroll in and receive this benefit, you must be 18 years of age or older and a current valid AAA Member. Benefit subject to change or termination at any time without notice. Certain terms, conditions and restrictions apply.
Get the MOSTfrom your membership with the LEAST impact to your piggybank
Email alerts of key changes to your Experian Credit Report
Dedicated Fraud Resolution agents to help you investigate and resolve fraud
One call to cancel and replace credit, debit and medical cards
$10,000 for AAA Premier Members
Daily Credit Monitoring
Fraud Resolution Support
Lost Wallet Assistance
Identity Theft Insurance1
PROTECTMYID® ESSENTIAL*
IDENTITYTHEFT
MONITORING
*Membership requires a valid email address and online access
FREEfor AAA
members
Visit AAA.com/IDtheftor call 800-440-6943
When a big storm blows into town, are you holding your breath, wondering if your roof will leak? While rain falls outside, do you kick yourself for not having hired that contractor to inspect your roof?
If so, you’re not alone. Too many homeowners discover that their roof needs repairs only after it starts to leak. Then, if the leak causes serious water damage, there’s a chance their insurance may not cover repairs.
The best way to avoid expensive repairs resulting from a leaky roof is to perform regular preventive maintenance and replace your roof when damage or age dictates it’s time. Here are a few maintenance tips, along with some guidelines for choosing a contractor:
Check your roof for signs of wear annually. From the ground, take a detailed look at your roof with a pair of binoculars. Are any shingles torn, loose, or missing? If so, you may need to hire someone to secure or replace them. Is there any sign of other damage? Often the first place a roof shows its age is in the shingles that cap the roof peaks. Replacing these will cost far less than a
Keeping the Roof Over Your HeadProper maintenance can help you avoid expensive repairs By Robin Jones
whole new roof and can give your roof up to five more years of life.
Inspect the gutters. Clear out debris that’s stuck in the gutter system. Leaves, twigs, and other waste can stop water from draining properly, which can lead to water damage to your roof, walls, and ceiling. What’s more, heavy mounds of debris can cause gutters to sag and even fall down. Trim tree limbs so that the leaves and branches can’t fall on your roof and cause damage.
Look for other signs your roof might need replacing. If you can clearly see a leak stain on the ceiling inside your home, if shingle granules start to show up in your roof gutters or fall onto the driveway, or if it looks as if your roof is sagging or dipping, you probably have a problem. Call a contractor and schedule a roof inspection as soon as possible to ward off further damage.
Replace it on time. Most roofing types are designed to last an average of 15 years, but certain types can last as long as 25 years. Also, roof warranties can vary widely depending on the materials used. Maintain records detailing when your roof was installed and what the warranty
protects so you’ll know when it’s time to replace it. Putting on a new roof increases your home’s value, and you might also get a discount on your insurance.
Check their credentials. Before you sign a contract or hand over any money, ask your roofer for proof that he or she is licensed and carries general liability and worker’s comp insurance. Then ask for referrals, and check them. You want to
FOR MORE INFORMATIONTrust 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 800.207.7947, or visit AAA.com/insurance for more information or to schedule a comprehensive Insurance review. AAA – your trusted insurance advisor.
hire someone with a solid reputation and many years of experience in the trade.
Get it in writing. A good contractor will provide you with a written estimate on the cost of the roof repair and how long it will take. If your roofer can’t (or won’t) give you a contract, or if he asks you for more than half of the price upfront, you’re probably better off find-ing someone else.
UP ON THE ROOF — Homeowners often discover a roof problem only after a leak.
JANUARY 2016 | AAA Traveler6
AAA members enjoy added convenience and security when traveling abroad when they use a AAA “chip” credit card and take advantage of AAA’s foreign currency program.
While abroad, many travelers encounter merchants that won’t accept their traditional credit or debit cards. That’s because in the United States, credit card transactions are processed primarily by card readers that read the magnetic stripe on the back of the credit card. In Europe and many other countries, credit card transactions are processed primarily by card readers that read an embedded microchip on the card. The chip makes transactions more secure and as a result this technology has been widely adopted.
The good news for AAA members is that AAA credit cards are available with chip technology. If you already have a AAA credit card you can call the number on the back of your card to request a chip card. If you’re not a AAA cardholder, visit your local branch office or AAA.com/creditcard to learn about the many benefits of carrying a AAA credit card.
Enjoy a Safe and Secure Trip Abroad with AAA
Here are a few key things you need to know about chip cards before you travel.
Chip cards come in two types: ‘Chip & PIN’ and ‘Chip & Signature.’ With Chip & PIN, the cardholder enters a 4-digit PIN to complete each transaction. With Chip & Signature, the cardholder simply signs for the transaction. AAA credit cards with chip technology are Chip & Signature cards.
Most of Europe and a number of other countries prefer Chip & PIN technology, while most issuers in the U.S. are offering Chip & Signature technology. Therefore, when traveling abroad with a chip card issued by a bank in the United
States, including your AAA credit card, you may need to let the merchant know that you’ll be signing for your transaction rather than entering a PIN.
In addition, be sure to carry some cash in the local currency since U.S.-issued chip cards cannot be used in unattended terminals and kiosks in countries that issue Chip & PIN cards. That way you’ll be ready to grab a quick bite to eat or pay for ground transportation upon arrival. By purchasing foreign currency before you leave you also save on service fees.
So relax, have a great trip, and enjoy the added security and peace of mind that comes with your AAA membership.
Count on AAA to help you with foreign currency and passport photos for that trip abroad.
Stop in any AAA East Central branch office for a TipPak. They’re small amounts of select foreign currency that come in handy when you first arrive at your destination and need cash for tips, snacks, or bus or cab fare. Euros, British Pounds Sterling and Canadian dollars are usually in stock. Other currencies — in all quantities — can be ordered, including Japanese yen, Mexican pesos and Australian dollars. Members can choose from over 70 varieties of foreign currency.
TipPaks are only available for pur-chase at our branch office locations, but larger foreign currency quantities can be purchased in branch, online or by phone toll-free at 1-888-626-2027.
If you’re applying for a new or renewed passport, you’ll need a set of two 2” x 2” photos. You can have your photo taken at one of our branch offices and no appointment is necessary. AAA Premier® Members get one set of passport photos for free annually; Classic and AAA Plus® Members are charged a nominal fee of $8 per set.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION: Advance reservations required and must include your AAA CDP# (Club Discount Code) along with Promotional Code (PC#) 103445. Subject to availability, offer is redeemable on 2-day minimum weekend and 5-day minimum weekly rentals at participating locations in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and Mexico. Offer excludes Dream Cars®. Blackouts may apply. Offer has no cash value, may not be used with Pre-pay Rates, Tour Rates or Insurance Replacement Rates and may only be used with a AAA CDP#. Taxes, tax reimbursement, fees and optional service charges are not included. Savings in USD or local currency equivalent. At time of rental, present your AAA membership card or Hertz/AAA Discount Card for identifi cation. Offer valid for vehicle pickup through 3/31/16. Go to hertz.com for additional terms and information.
Hertz & AAA. Where value rules the road.
Save up to 20% as a AAA member PLUS an additional $5/day up to $30 on weekly and weekend rentals.
LOVE TO TRAVEL?Book Your Next Trip Today.
For reservations and additional information on exclusive AAA member discounts and benefi ts:
Call: 1-800-654-3080Click: AAA.com/hertzVisit: Your Local Travel Offi ce
HERTZ - 153153Project: Love To Travel?
Campaign: JAN- FEB 2016
Creative: 153153_HertzAAA_JanFeb16_C
AE: Mike Leach
Publication: Various
IO #: NA
Issue: Jan-Feb 2016
Ad Type: Single
bleed = 9.5” X 11.375”
trim = 9.5” X 11.375”
safety = 9.5” X 11.375”
Various
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Attn: Various
t: None f: None
Ship Info:
Contact AD Production with any questions regarding these materialsph: (973) 952-8273 email: [email protected]
T:9.5”
T:11.375”
JANUARY 2016 | AAA Traveler8
Barbados mingles British Colonial traditions with a Calypso beat. The most easterly of the Lesser Antilles, it lies about 300 miles off the coast of Venezuela. Just 21 miles long and 14 miles wide most of the pear-shaped island is encircled by coral reefs teeming with marine life.
Bridgetown, the capital was once known as “the London of the West Indies.” Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, in the 18th and 19th centuries the British Colonial Garrison was the largest in the British Colonies. Often the first landfall for ships making the Atlantic crossing it remains a popular port. Cruise lines calling in here include Carnival, Oceania, Princess, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity.
The island offers over 70 miles of beaches, ranging from mild to wild. The west coast stretching from Bridgetown to Holetown, is known as the “Platinum Coast” because of its powdery white beaches framed by upscale resorts like Sandy Lane, where golfer Tiger Woods was married.
Crane Beach, on the quieter south coast, is consistently ranked among the best beaches in the world. With its alluring backdrop of cliffs and smiling
Why It’s Better in BarbadosCaribbean culture and old colonial charm
crescent of pink sand, it’s perfect for a romantic getaway.
The East Coast Road overlooking the rugged northeast coast is one of the island’s most scenic drives. Surfers will be drawn to windswept Bathsheba Beach, cradled by hills with giant mushroom-shaped boulders rising out of the sea. The cliffs offer spectacular views of the legendary “Soup Bowl” where huge Atlantic rollers batter the shore.
Nearby Andromeda Botanic Gardens cascades down a verdant hillside strewn with enormous coral rock formations. Peaceful paths lead through gentle gullies filled with an astonishing array of orchids, ginger lilies, heliconia and palms.
Barbados' extravagant tropical foliage even gave the island its name. In 1536 Portuguese explorer Pedro Campos called the island Los Barbados “the bearded ones” after seeing the long hanging aerial roots of island’s bearded fig trees.
While the atmosphere in town and on the beaches is generally laid back, Barbados does maintain a certain sense of decorum. Topless sunbathing is illegal and so is wearing camouflage clothing.
Remnants of the old sugar plantations and mills still dot the lush green hills of the interior. Visitors can tour restored Bajan Great Houses like St. Nicholas Abbey, completed around 1660 and set among mahogany and silk cotton trees.
Barbados’ famous Mount Gay rum was first distilled in 1703. Learn all about the world’s oldest brand of rum and the essential ingredient in Planter’s Punch,
on a tour and tasting session at the Mount Gay Distillery.
Journey deep beneath the earth at Harrison’s Cave, where hundreds of icicle-shaped stalactites and stalagmites create an unearthly underground cathedral. Highlights of the crystallized limestone cavern include a spectacular subterranean waterfall plunging 25 feet into a deep emerald pool.
FOR MORE INFORMATIONPlease see your AAA Departures Guide or log on to AAA.com for special values on cruise vacations from AAA Travel.
ON THE BEACH — Crane Beach is ranked among the world’s best beaches.
Distinguished by gracefully sweep- ing lines and meticulous details, Disney Dream celebrates sea travel with un-mistakable Disney touches. A host of new enhancements combine technology-infused innovations with imagination to create a whole new level of magical family experiences.
Two new interactive youth areas were added during a recent dry dock, one featuring a Star Wars theme, the other based on the Disney Infinity video game. Also new is the ever-popular Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, and for adults, a relaxing new splash pool and sun deck.
Children ages three to 12, will be transported to a galaxy far, far away at Star Wars: Millennium Falcon. The Force-filled play area was inspired by Han Solo’s spacecraft known as “the fastest piece of junk in the galaxy.” Entering the space-ship, younglings join the Rebel Alliance in the epic battle of good versus evil by assisting with navigation of this powerful and unpredictable space vehicle. From the cockpit, children can pilot the super-cool spaceship through hyperspace and trigger light speed jumps to different locations around the galaxy.
Disney Dream Creates Magical Family ExperiencesNew experiences and onboard adventures await guests
Children can express their creativity through Star Wars-themed crafts, games and activities. They can also watch episodes from the new Disney XD animated series, “Star Wars Rebels,” on a large screen or virtually join the rebellion at gaming stations featuring the series’ action-packed adventures.
The excitement continues during a shipboard version of the popular Jedi Training experience that invites young Jedi hopefuls to learn light saber moves from a Jedi Master.
In the Disney Infinity area, children can experience a whole new way of playing together with exciting virtual experiences and immersive activities. Customized, on-screen adventures bring to life characters and stories from across The Walt Disney Company.
The complete set of Disney Infinity character figures is on display for creative inspiration and available for gameplay. Kids visiting this special room – found only on the Disney Dream – can also unlock exclusive Disney Cruise Line content that they can continue to enjoy when playing Disney Infinity at home.
The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique gives aspiring young princesses and pirates the full fairy tale treatment with pixie-dusted and piratical makeovers. This very special salon offers aspiring princesses, ages three to 12, the chance to transform into royalty with the help of a fairy godmother-in-training, while swashbuckling pirates of all ages will have the opportunity to unleash their inner buccaneer.
Satellite Falls, a circular splash pool exclusively for adults features a gently
falling rain curtain. Grown ups can soak up the sun in loungers or relax in the shade under a canopy.
Disney Dream sails alternating three-, four- and five-night cruises to the Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay from Port Canaveral, Florida.
FOR MORE INFORMATIONPlease see your AAA Departures Guide or visit AAA.com for special values on Disney cruise vacations.
FEEL THE FORCE — The Jedi Training experience that invites young hopefuls to learn from a Jedi Master.
Celebrating the National Park Service’s Century of Stewardship
Multiple-park vacations, $100 off & a guide!
American MajestyOh, give me a home where the buffalo roam / Where the deer and the
antelope play; /where seldom is heard a discouraging word, /And the sky is not cloudy all day.... Celebrate the American West during the 100th year of the National Park Service by roaming the home of the buffalo and discovering America's wide-open spaces and iconic landmarks.
Start in Salt Lake City, with an opportunity to witness the weekly spectacle of a Mormon Tabernacle Choir broadcast performance (choir schedule permitting). Travel past Great Salt Lake, through Logan Canyon and beside Bear Lake. At Grand Teton National Park, take a scenic float trip on the Snake River. Next, visit Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs and other sites in Yellowstone National Park.
Enjoy historic Cody, the Buffalo Bill Center and a chuckwagon-style dinner. Mar- vel at Devil’s Tower, feel the Old West at Deadwood and enter the scenic Black Hills on the way to Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse Monument. After a Wildlife Jeep® Safari at Custer State Park to see buffalo (and more), end at the inspirational Mt Rushmore Evening Lighting Ceremony.
MORE TOURS FEATURING NATIONAL PARKS AND/OR OTHER U.S. WEST DESTINATIONS ON THE NEXT PAGE
“Mighty 5 & More” CelebrationCommemorate the National Park Service centennial on a spectacular
tour of some of the USA’s most popular and beautiful parks. After an evening in Las Vegas (“Entertainment Capital of the World”), travel past Lake Mead and Hoover Dam, visit Kingman's Route 66 Museum and be enchanted by the Grand Canyon. Enter the Navajo Nation with a stop at a trading post offering Native American handicrafts. Continue to Lake Powell and photographically famous Antelope Canyon (bottom photo). Enjoy a scenic cruise on Powell and a 4-wheel-drive-vehicle tour of spectacular Monument Valley, sacred to Navajos. Experience an evening of Navajo culture, food and entertainment.
Time for the “Mighty 5” national parks: See many of the more than 2,000 natural arches in Arches NP. Dine outside at a dramatically located lodge on the Colorado River. An exciting Jeep® tour of Canyonlands NP reveals its amazing beauty. Ride a jet boat on the Colorado. See ancient ptetroglyphs at Capitol Reef NP, the fairyland hues and shapes of Bryce Canyon NP and the 2,000-foot-high stone towers of of Zion NP.
AUG 27–SEPT 3. AAA MEMBER RATE: $3,239. Rate is per person, double occupancy, is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Philadelphia–Salt Lake City, Rapid City–Philadelphia), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, 13 meals, hotel luggage handling (1 bag per person), sightseeing per itinerary, taxes/gratuities for included features, services of a AAA Tour Manager (upon arrival in Las Vegas, if participation goal is met).Visit AAA.com/USA for more information. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.
OCT 11-19. AAA MEMBER RATE: $3,845. Rate is per person, double occupancy, is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Philadelphia–Las Vegas), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, 16 meals, hotel luggage handling (1 bag per person), sightseeing per itinerary, taxes/gratuities for included features, services of a AAA Tour Manager (upon arrival in Las Vegas, if participation goal is met).Visit AAA.com/USA for more information. Ad-ditional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.
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$22.95 value
Published by National Geographic
Full color
272 pages
Maps, facts & photos
President Woodrow Wilson signed the National Park Service into being 100 years ago; AAA celebrates with a pair of Featured Vacations that combine several parks in 1 tour!Save $100 per room, double occupancy, and get a Secrets of the
National Parks guide when you book with deposit Jan 4-30, 2016.
President Woodrow Wilson signed the National Park Service into being 100 years ago; AAA celebrates with a pair of Featured Vacations that combine several parks in 1 tour!Save $100 per room, double occupancy, and get a Secrets of the
National Parks guide when you book with deposit Jan 4-30, 2016.
BRIGHT LIGHTS/BIG CANYONSFly to Las Vegas and settle into your centrally located casino hotel. An evening Pink Jeep® tour lets you experience the dazzling excitement of the Strip in a unique way. Enjoy a full day to explore everything Vegas has to offer. Travel on to Lake Powell and your lakeside hotel; enjoy a dinner cruise. Appreciate the spiritual aspect of Navajo territory and the photographic beauty of Antelope Canyon on a guided off-road tour. Enjoy 2 nights in a historic lodge at the Grand Canyon. Ride the Grand Canyon Railway to Williams. At
Sedona, take a Pink Jeep® tour to see ma-jestic red rock forma-tions. 12 meals. MAY 22-30. FROM $2,895. AIR INCLUDED.
YELLOWSTONE EXPERIENCEOur first national park’s first explorers were called liars when they described its otherworldly 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 Cen-ter. 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. JUNE 20-26. $1,859.
GLACIER NP DISCOVERYTour a silver mine in Wallace ID (once “Silver Capital of the World”) and Smokejumpers 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 Gla-cier NP. 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 gon-dola. Visit Lake Coeur d’Alene. Dine on a paddle boat. 11 meals. JUNE 21-27. FROM $2,939. AIR INCLUDED.
SAVE $50 on these perennially popular US West Featured Vacations!
AAA MEMBER RATES are per person, double occupancy, are subject to availability at time of booking and include roundtrip flights from Philadelphia (except YELLOWSTONE EXPERIENCE, which is a land-only package), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, meals as noted, hotel luggage handling (1 bag per person), sightseeing per itinerary, taxes/gratuities for included features, services of a AAA Tour Manager (upon arrival at destination, if participation goal is met). Visit AAA.com/USA for more information. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.
AAA MEMBER RATES are per person, double occupancy, are subject to availability at time of booking and include roundtrip flights from Philadelphia (except COLORADO TRAIN ADVENTURE, which is a land-only package), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, meals as noted, hotel luggage handling (1 bag per person), sightseeing per itinerary, taxes/gratuities for included features, services of a AAA Tour Manager (upon arrival at destination, if participation goal is met). Visit AAA.com/USA for more information. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.
THE BEST OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIASo many de-lights in 1 tour — from the endless charms of San Fran-cisco to the natural splendor of the redwoods at Muir Woods to the opulence of Hearst Castle. Cross Golden Gate Bridge, enjoy the Mediterranean ambiance of Sau-salito, 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 won-ders. Explore coastal Carmel, Big Sur and Monterey. 14 meals. JULY 21-29. AIR INCLUDED. $4,379.
COLORADO TRAIN ADVENTUREThis Centen-nial State tour features rides on the Pike’s Peak Cog Railway, the Royal Gorge 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 Colo-rado 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. JULY 9-16. $2,145.
Get $75 off & a guidebook when you book with deposit
Jan 4-30, 2016!
CALIFORNIA WINE COUNTRYHere’s a tasty tour from scenic Car-mel-by-the-Sea and the M o n t e r e y Peninsula to San 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. AUG 28–SEPT 2. AIR INCLUDED. $3,319.
Explore & experience the world in a uniquely different way on an intimate, luxurious, value-packed Viking River Cruise.
River cruising is a better way to explore. Immerse yourself in local culture. Travel in comfort. Enjoy enriching
excursions, regional cuisine, revolutionary eco-friendly ships. And Viking Inclusive
Pricing is a great value.
RATES FOR THESE FEATURED VACATIONS REFLECT A $125 MEMBER DISCOUNT!Tulips & Windmills: Netherlands & Belgium ................from $3,246 APRIL 3-12: Amsterdam, Hoorn, Arnhem, Kinderdijk, Antwerp, Burges, Ghent, Veere, Rotterdam, Keukenhof Gardens, Amsterdam
Grand European Tour: Danube & Rhine Rivers ........... from $4,136 OCT 8-22: Budapest, Vienna, Krems, Melk, Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, Rothenburg, Würzburg, Miltenberg, Koblenz, Cologne, Kinderdijk, Amsterdam
Elegant Elbe: Czech Republic & Germany ..........................from $2,974 OCT 15-24: Melnik, Litomerice, Bad Schandau, Dresden, Meissen, Torgau, Wittenberg, Dessau, Magdeburg
Rhine Getaway: Basel to Amsterdam ...............................from $2,630 OCT 16-23: Basel, Breisach, Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Rudesheim, Braubach, Koblenz, Cologne, Kinderdijk, Amsterdam
Paris & the Heart of Normandy: France .............. from $2,530 OCT 21-28: Paris, Giverny, Vernon, Rouen, Les Andelys, Conflans, Paris
Romantic Danube: Germany, Austria, Hungary ............. from $2,530 OCT 23-30: Nuremberg, Main–Danube Canal, Kelheim, Regensburg, Passau, Krems, Vienna, Budapest
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Unique add-on options — including a camel ride, a jet boat ride and a night out in Sydney — are also available. Talk to your AAA Travel Agent for rates and availability.
Cairns, catamaran ride
Great Barrier Reef
Glass-bottom boat ride
Daintree Rainforest/
Mossman Gorge, meet Aboriginals
Uluru/Ayers Rock, Champagne toast
Alice Springs, Aboriginal drummers
Dreamtime tour, bush dinner
Melbourne, Opal Centre
Phillip Island Little Penguin colony
Christchurch
Tranz-Alpine Express train ride
Franz Joseph Glacier
Queenstown, gondola to dinner
Milford Sound cruise
“Middle Earth” touring
Steamship cruise, farm life tour
Winery tour & tasting
Overnight in Mt Cook National Park
Herding/shearing demo
Dine with a NZ Family
Sydney & Opera House
Koala Park & Opal Collection
Sydney Harbour dinner cruise
Oct 17–Nov 6 • AAA Member Rate: from $9,344Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and in-cludes flights (Philadelphia-Cairns, Sydney-Philadelphia, plus flights in Australia & New Zealand), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, hotel luggage handling (1 bag per person), taxes/gratuities/gov-ernment fees for included features, 31 meals and a professional guide in Australia & New Zealand. AAA Member Choice Vacations® door-to-door transfer service is unavail-able on this departure. Visit AAA.com/GoAustralia for complete itinerary and important pre-travel information. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.
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AUSTRALIA
NEW ZEALAND
From the Outback to the GlaciersAAA MEMBERS SAVE!
Premier ..................... $625AAA Plus ................... $575Classic ...................... $550
PER ROOM, DOUBLE OCCUPANCY BOOK WITH DEPOSIT BY 1/4/16–1/30/16
May 13-22AAA Member Rate: $1,798
Feel like a local at friendly pubs full of the “craic” — Ireland’s unique mix of news, gossip, fun, entertainment and enjoyable conversation!
Dublin: St Stephen’s Green, Georgian squares, O’Connell Street, General Post Office, Teeling Distillery, Glasnevin Museum • Medieval Mile and Smithwick’s Brewery in Kilkenny • Water-ford Crystal • Blarney Castle & the “Stone of Eloquence” • Blarney Woolen Mills • Killarney • Scenic Dingle Peninsula • Meet a farmer whose skilled dogs herd sheep. • Dinner & traditional step-dancing in Kate Kearney’s Cot-tage in Killarney • Cross the River Shannon by ferry. • In Doolin, board a boat to view the Cliffs of Moher from the sea. • Galway walking tour • Westport • Achill Island and its Deserted Village • VIsit the Guinness Storehouse and then enjoy “Food, Folk & Fairies” at Dublin’s oldest pub, the Brazen Head. • Spend a day with an independent Dublin open-top bus tour.Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommoda-tions, motorcoach sightseeing, itinerary attrac-tion 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 & Fair-ies” dinner show at Brazen Head Pub and 3 table d’hote dinners) and in-Ireland professional guide & driver. Ask about available add-on airfare.ESCORTED TOUR OPERATED
REACH NEW HEIGHTS IN CRUISING!Board the world’s newest and most revolutionary ship — Anthem of the SeasSM. Feel the rush of skydiving right on the deck of the ship. Or play at SeaPlexSM, an activities space that’s a real game change. Enjoy breathtaking sights from the best seat in any house, the North StarSM. Take in transformative entertainment at Two70. Or grab a drink at Bionic Bar, where mixology meets
technology. Adventure has a new AnthemSM.
Canada & New England Roundtrip from Cape Liberty NJ to Boston MA,
Portland ME, Bar Harbor ME, Saint John NB, Halifax NS. Plus 3 full days at sea.
Sept 8-17 or Oct 6-15 AAA Member Rates: balconies from $1,778
Rates are per person (double occupancy), are subject to availability at time of booking and include roundtrip motorcoach transportation (Le-high Valley Industrial Park–Cape Liberty NJ), cruise accommodations/en-tertainment, most onboard meals, $50 shipboard credit per stateroom and taxes/fees/port expenses of $468.52 per person. Passport required. Ship’s registry: Bahamas.
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HIGHLIGHTSRipCord by iFly® (above, top)
North StarSM observation capsule (above, bottom)
FlowRider® surf simulatorSeaPlexSM indoor activity space with bumper
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 sub-ject 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 loca-tions. For tour details, contact AAA or visit AAA.com/travel. 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. FEATURED VACATIONS include services provided by third-party tour destination service companies; see your AAA Travel Agent for details. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for more details or visit the air carrier’s website for baggage allowance and fee information.
Look for the FEATURED VACATIONS logo to identify out-of-the-ordinary offerings... and be sure to visit
AAA.com/FeaturedVacations to see the latest offerings.
FEATURED VACATIONSare specific cruise, motorcoach or air tour vacations created or selected by AAA Travel for their
July 7-16 • AAA Member Rate: from $6,155 Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes flights (Philadelphia-Fairbanks, Anchorage-Philadelphia), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, motorcoach sightseeing, accommodations (Fairbanks, Denali, Anchorage, Seward: 2 each, Girdwood: 1), 16 meals, luggage handling (1 bag per person), gratuities for included features (includes driver, escort), in-Alaska escort and services of a AAA Tour Manager (upon arrival in Alaska, if participation goal is met). Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.
See the incredible interior of the Last Frontier on this escorted tour!
Unforgettable experiences not found 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 ParkA ride on Girdwood’s Alyeska Tram — from sea level to 2,300 feet!
Special welcome & farewell dinners with your fellow travelers
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 limited-time savings & gifts for 5-night-or-longer 2016 vacations at Caribbean properties available through our preferred travel partner Pleasant Holidays. Just book with deposit Jan 4-30, 2016.
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 children...a group of friends and/or relatives? Do you prefer the value and conveniences of an all-inclusive 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 on Aruba’s sandy Palm Beach is a majestic resort providing breathtaking sea views 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 (sits along Ocho Rios’ longest beach and offers waterfalls, 2 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 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 the benefit of 2 resorts in 1, with clifftop or beachfront views. Unwind with signature bedding and first-class service & amenities. 478 rooms. Babysitting. Fitness center. Full-service spa. 4 pools. 6 restaurants. Swim-up 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.
Chill out on a hot beach in the Caribbean!
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 district 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 & cui-sine 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 world-renowned 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.
New bookings with deposit Jan 4-30, 2016. 5 nights or longer. Savings & 2 towels per room, based on double occupancy.
In addition to AAA’s limited-time offer, many Caribbean resorts ALSO qualify for a 2016 AAA Vacations ®/Pleasant Holidays Double Member Benefit —
$100 off per booking! Choose from 4- and 5-star (Pleasant Holidays rating system) properties with minimum 5-night stays in Antigua, Aruba, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and St Lucia; for
all other Caribbean destinations, receive a $100 activity voucher per booking.
Fly to Calgary and drive into the spectacular Canadian Rockies to the resort town of Banff, your home for 4 nights. Ride Banff Gondola for panoramic vistas...then enjoy a gentle guid-ed float trip on the Bow River; keep an eye out for wildlife! 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”) and ride another gondola. Spot more wildlife along Colum-bia Icefields Parkway to Athabasca Glacier (ride atop the glacier in a unique Ice Explorer vehicle) and turquoise Peyto Lake. Cap off the week at Calgary’s famous Stampede, a 10-day celebration of cowboy life, chuckwagon races, rodeos, parades, fireworks and more. Enjoy the thrilling Afternoon Rodeo from reserved seats. Later, gaze out over the city from atop the Calgary Tower, where dinner will be served at the Sky 360 restaurant.
Around TownJanuary 9BRITISH REGIMENTS State Theatre, 453 Northampton Street, Easton The Band of the Royal Marines and the Pipes, Drums, and Highland Dancers of the Scots Guards bring their unparalleled performance to the State Theatre. Celebrated for the quality of their music, visual grandeur and precision drill, the Band’s repertoire includes popular classics, Big Band, stimulating contemporary works and entertaining solo features. The Corps of Drums brings movement, color and the tradition of the ceremonial occasions integral to the Royal Marines. Special Guests will be the Liberty High School Grenadier Band. Tickets are $35/$40. Performance at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and information, visit statetheatre.org.
January 9-16 PENNSYLVANIA FARM SHOW PA Farm Show Complex and Expo Center, 2300 N. Cameron Street, Harrisburg Celebrating 100 years in 2016, the farm show is the largest indoor agricultural exposition in the nation with nearly 6,000 animals, 10,000 competitive exhibits and 300 commercial exhibits. The week features a wide variety of agricultural events, activities and spectacles, from animal exhibits and competitions to
culinary demonstrations, farm equipment displays, rodeos, duck slides, wine sampling, grape stomping, horse pulling contests, square dancing, potato donuts, milk shakes and fried veggies. There is literally something for everyone. Free admission. For information visit farmshow.state.pa.us.
January 10DANCING WITH THE STARS: LIVE! Sands Event Center, 77 Sands Boulevard, Bethlehem Fans of Dancing with the Stars, ABC’s leading entertainment show, have the opportunity to see their favorite stars dance live in Bethlehem. The Dance All Night Tour features a bigger cast than ever before, including pro dancers Lindsay Arnold, Sharna Burgess, Artem Chigvintsev, Valentin Chmerkovskiy, Keo Motsepe, Peta Murgatroyd, Emma Slater, Alan Bersten, Brittany Cherry and Jenna Johnson with more casting to be announced. In this all-new production, the dancers are freed from the ballroom to bring you a 90-minute action-packed live show. Audiences will watch exciting and romantic performances, from choreography never before seen, to some of the most memorable numbers from show. Tickets are $49.50-$79.50. Show at 3 p.m. For tickets and information, visit sandseventcenter.com or call 610-297-7414.
January 16MUMMENSCHANZMiller Symphony Hall, 23 N. Sixth Street, Allentown By creating a playful and compelling experience through the inventive use of shadow, light and creative manipulation of objects, Mummenschanz offers timeless insight on the human condition. The entire program of puppetry and visual antics is performed without music or sound. The result transcends cultural barriers and sparks the imagination. Performance at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35-$45. For tickets and information, visit allentownsymphony.org or call 610-432-6715.
January 23 M-PACT: ONSTAGE CABARET Zoellner Arts Center, 420 E. Packer Avenue, Bethlehem Imagine the smooth soul of Stevie Wonder, the percussive power of Stomp and the brass bite of the Harry Connick Jr. Big Band, all created by this respected cutting-edge a cappella ensemble. Tickets for Dinner and Show at 6 p.m. are $62; Show Only tickets for 7 p.m. or 9 p.m. are $25. For information and tickets, visit zoellnerartscenter.com.
January 29 THE AMISH OUTLAWS Musikfest Café, 101 Founders Way, BethlehemThree out of six of The Amish
Outlaws were born and raised with a strict Amish upbringing. Once they trampled in the “Devil’s Playground,” there was no turning back. In the years since leaving on Rumspringa, the members of Amish Outlaws have become well acclimated to the modern world … music, most of all. Each show is different, but expect to see six men in full Amish garb releasing all of their pent up energy with an infectious joy. Doors and dinner at 6:30 p.m. Show at 8 p.m. For tickets and information, call 610-297-7100 or visit steelstacks.org.
January 31 JUDY COLLINS Sellersville Theater, 24 W. Temple Avenue, Sellersville Folk icon Judy Collins has thrilled audiences for over 50 years with her dulcet tones and poetic lyrics. She galvanized a generation as she released more than 40 albums that include several gold and platinum sellers and numerous Top 10 hits such as "Both Sides Now" and "Amazing Grace." A performance not to be missed, Judy Collins continues to create music of hope and healing that lights up the world. Tickets are $50 and $75. Performance at 8 p.m. For tickets and information, visit st94.com.
Every voyage includes Disney’s atten-tion to detail and world-class hospital-ity. Activities & entertainment include Broadway-style shows, deck parties and Port Adventures at every desti-nation. Adults can escape to adults-only spa treatments, intimate dining, exciting night clubs & a pool. Led by trained counselors, kids enjoy Charac-ter Greetings, arts & crafts, games and themed parties. Most cruises include a stop at Disney’s private island para-dise, Disney’s Castaway Cay.
Adventures by Disney®
Get a $100.00 Disney Gift Card with any 2016 Adventures by Disney® vacation.
A very magical world awaits your ex-ploration; Disney’s guided group vaca-tions are the way to go — in the USA and all around the world. Knowledge-able and friendly Adventure Guides bring you and your entire family closer to some of the world’s most popular destinations through authentic cultur-al experiences with local experts. With VIP admissions and VIP access to ac-tivities, your family can see the world in a whole new way. Expect hassle-free travel, spectacular dining and excep-tional hotels.
Savings & gifts end Jan 30!Get the best and the most value for
your hard-earned vacation dollar; it makes all the difference in the world in how you enjoy your Disney time. Whether you’re at a Walt Disney
World® Resort Theme Park, aboard a Disney Cruise Line® ship or on a fam-ily-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 ex-tras during Disney Month is a bonus!
Savings & gifts from AAA Travel during Disney MonthJanuary’s the absolute best time to plan & book 2016 Disney vacations at AAA! Hotel, cruise and tour availability for the year will never be better. AAA Travel offers special savings and gifts when you book with deposit Jan 4-30, 2016.
January Is Disney Month! continued from page 1
Walt Disney World®
Value Resort — 5 nights or longer• $25.00 Disney Gift Card
Moderate Resort — 5 nights or longer• $50.00 Disney Gift Card
Deluxe Resort — 5 to 8 nights• $50.00 Disney Gift Card • Birnbaum’s 2016 Official Guide to Walt Disney World • Portable Cell Phone Battery Charger with Cord
Deluxe Resort with Disney Dining Plan — 9 nights or longer• $50.00 Disney Gift Card • Birnbaum’s 2016 Official Guide to Walt Disney World • Portable Cell Phone Battery Charger with Cord • Memory Maker — $169 value Unlimited downloads of your favorite digital memories (photos taken by Disney PhotoPass® Photographers at iconic locations, photos/videos made at select attractions, Character Dining Photos and Magic Shots (photos enhanced with special surprises)
Disney Cruise Line®
Inside Stateroom• $25.00 Disney Gift Card
• Disney Cruise® Line logo zippered red nylon duffel bag (approximately 23” x 10” x 12” and expandable to approximately 28” x 10” x 12”) with simulated-leather handles (to carry by hand or shoulder) and interior pocket
• Plus a Disney Cruise Line® logo canvas beach bag (approximately 10.5” x 16”) with carrying straps
Adventures by Disney® • $100.00 Disney Gift Card
Outside Stateroom• $50.00 Disney Gift Card
Balcony Stateroom• $100.00 Disney Gift Card
Visit your local AAA Travel • Call 1-800-552-6679 • Log on to AAA.com/Disney
Each offer is per room and limited to the first 100 rooms, based on double occupancy, or while supplies last. New bookings with deposit Jan 4-30, 2016, for travel in 2016. Gifts have no cash value and will be available upon final payment. Not combinable with any other offer.
MEMORY MAKER includes photos taken during the Memory Maker window and linked to the Memory Maker Guest’s Disney account. A Magic Band is required to receive certain attraction photos and other digital content. Photos and other digital content will expire pursuant to the expiration policy at https://mydisneyphotopass.disney.go.com/help-and-support. Any photos and other digital content taken within three days from the date Memory Maker is added to your Magic Your Way package will not be included and must be purchased separately. Valid theme park admission required for certain photo locations. Memory Maker is subject to Memory Maker terms and, if applicable, Family & Friends terms at http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/media/park-experience-terms-and-conditions.html. Not responsible for missing, lost or damaged photos.
$25
$50
$100
Open “Mouse”Vacation Planning
EventsSee page 17
for Disney Month events near you!
JANUARY 2016 | AAA Traveler20
Alaska's majestic landscapes and abundant wildlife beckon travelers to explore and discover in new ways. Travelers have literally hundreds of opportunities to immerse themselves in the countless facets of Alaska's culture, outdoor adventures and resident wildlife, while enjoying the luxuries and comforts of a cruise.
The spirit of adventure permeates every part of life in the Great Land and there are experiences that cater to every interest. The adventure begins as soon as you board the high-speed catamaran in Juneau, on the Tracy Arm Fjord & Glacier Explorer tour. Travel the full length of this ice-carved fjord, tracing the face of cliffs that rise 4000-feet above the jade-colored sea. An onboard naturalist offers a wealth of information as the Captain skillfully guides the vessel almost directly under a plunging waterfall. Breathe in the glacier-fresh mist as bald eagles circle overhead. There are frequent stops to view wildlife, such as orcas, harbor seals, mountain goat and bear.
Juneau’s Ultimate Zipline & Canopy Adventure Expedition lets you soar above the canopy of the rainforest along a series of cables suspended among thick stands of spruce, hemlock and cedars. This eco-adventure crosses two aerial
Enjoy Alaska’s Coolest Excursions on a Cruise The Last Frontier offers some first-class attractions
suspension bridges, with breathtaking views of scenic Bullion Creek. Take in views of Juneau from the treetops and zip over a 150-foot-deep “glory hole.” Make a beach landing on remote Douglas Island and discover the ruins of the 1881-1917 Treadwell Mine, one of the world’s largest gold mines. Finish your adventure by rappelling into base camp after the final zipline.
In Ketchikan join the Captain and seasoned Bering Sea fishermen for an extraordinary journey of discovery on the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour. Board the Aleutian Ballad, the storied crab boat seen on Season 2 of the Discovery Channel series Deadliest Catch.
Sailing the calm protected water-ways of the Inside Passage, visitors can relax in the heated and sheltered outdoor amphitheater while on the deck below you, a skilled fishing crew hauls up 700 lb. crab pots and long lines from the depths, revealing all manner of sea life. Learn the personal stories from men who have spent their lives working on the ocean. A stop near Annette Island reveals bald eagles, seals, otters, sea lions, whales, and native Alaskan fishermen working the scenic coastline.
The Heli-Hike & Rail Adventure from Skagway combines a thrilling helicopter
flight over the Juneau Icefield and along the Sawtooth mountain range, with a scenic ride aboard the historic White Pass Railroad. Board the vintage railcars and enjoy the spectacular scenery as this famous narrow-gauge train retraces the route of Klondike Gold Rush. In between there’s breathtaking 4 to 5 mile
wilderness hike along the Skagway River to the magnificent Laughton Glacier in the Tongass National Forest.
FOR MORE INFORMATIONPlease see your AAA Departures Guide or go to AAA.com for special values on Alaska cruise vacations.
INTO THE WILD — The White Pass Railroad retraces the route of Klondike Gold Rush.
AAA Traveler | JANUARY 2016 21
Potentially unsafe mental dis-tractions can persist for as long as 27 seconds after dialing, changing music or sending a text using voice commands, according to surprising new research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
These lingering distractions are referred to as “residual costs” and the results raise new and unexpected concerns regarding the use of phones and vehicle information systems while driving.
“These residual costs are notable,” says David Strayer, the University of Utah psychology professor who led the study. “At 25 mph, a vehicle would travel up to 988 feet [the approximate length of three football fields] before the residual costs completely dissipate. These findings have implications for people who think it’s safe to dial or send a text message at a stoplight, because the distractions from these interactions are likely to persist after the light turns green.”
In prior research, Strayer’s team established a five-point scale to assess distraction levels resulting from activities
Distractions Linger Long After Hands-Free Tasks EndNew technologies can pose hidden dangers for drivers
such as listening to the radio (Category 1) and sending voice-activated texts from an error-free system (Category 3). A set of complicated math-memory problems was used to establish the top end of the scale (Category 5).
The latest study, completed in October, analyzed distraction levels caused by using voice-controlled information systems available in 10 vehicles and three smartphones. Sensors and video recorded the participants’ reaction times to potential hazards as they used hands-free systems to place calls, change radio stations and use the smartphones’ voice-texting features while driving in a residential neighborhood. The systems that performed best generally had fewer errors, required less time on task and were relatively easy to use.
Among the vehicles, the Chevy Equinox had the lowest, or best, distraction rating (2.4), while the Mazda
6 (4.6) had the highest, or worst, rating. Of the smartphone systems, Google Now performed best (3.0), followed by Apple Siri (3.4) and Microsoft Cortana (3.8), and using the latter three systems to send text messages significantly increased distraction levels. Based on prior research, AAA considers distractions at Category 2 or higher to be unsafe, and none of these systems met this threshold.
The researchers also determined that in-vehicle systems placed greater mental demands on older drivers than on
younger drivers. Even after familiarizing themselves with their vehicles’ infor-mation systems, participants showed only marginal improvement in driving performance, leading researchers to conclude that such distractions “cannot be practiced away.”
“The lasting effects of mental distraction pose a hidden and pervasive danger that would likely come as a surprise to most drivers,” said Peter Kissinger, President and CEO of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “The results indicate that motorists could miss stop signs, pedestrians and other vehicles while the mind is readjusting to the task of driving.”
FOR MORE INFORMATIONEstablished by AAA in 1947, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety’s mission is to prevent crashes and save lives through research and education about traffic safety. Visit AAAFoundation.org for more information on this and other research.
MEASURING THE RISK — Researchers introduce participants to devices designed to gauge mental distraction.
Winter weather can be a challenge even for the most experienced driver. The best drivers learn to anticipate problems early. Before you drive away you should take the time to remove frost and snow from the entire vehicle so it doesn’t obstruct vision or blow onto your windshield or the windshields of other drivers. Make sure mirrors and lights are clean as well.
Drive slowly — Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads. Acceler-ating, stopping, turning — nothing happens as quickly as on dry pavement. Give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry. And take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
Know your brakes — Whether you have antilock brakes or not, the best way to stop is threshold breaking. Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to ten seconds. This increased
Don’t Go Spinning Your Wheels on Winter RoadsWhy you should take it slow in ice and snow
margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
Don’t stop if you can avoid it — There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.
Don’t power up hills — Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed down hill as slowly as possible.
Don’t stop going up a hill— There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.
Stay home. If you really don’t have to go out, don’t. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can. Don’t tempt fate: If you don’t have somewhere you have to be, watch the snow from indoors.
Understand your vehicle — Many drivers mistakenly believe that all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive is a cure-all.
Four-wheel drive does make more effective use of available traction by splitting driving torque four ways rather than two. It does not improve braking or cornering effectiveness. Most modern vehicles are also equipped with traction-
control systems and stability-control systems that can impact how a vehicle will handle in inclement weather. Make sure you understand these systems, and how they operate in emergencies.
APPROVED AUTO REPAIRCar problems that may be a nuisance in the summer can turn dangerous during winter. That’s why a thorough inspection of the cooling, charging, braking and suspension systems is a must. Garages that participate in AAA’s Approved Auto Repair (AAR) program offer qualified technicians, a wide range of professional repair services and guaranteed quality. These shops meet AAA’s strict quality standards and repairs, parts, labor, and components are guaranteed for 24 months or 24,000 miles under normal operating conditions. Turn to page 23 to locate the AAA Approved Auto Repair facility nearest you.
IT’S ELEMENTAL — Protect yourself against the elements by preparing your vehicle for winter driving.
JANUARY 2016 | AAA Traveler22
To find a participating AAA Approved Repair facility near you:
CALL 800.233.9733 | CLICK AAA.com/FreeInspectionVISIT your local AAA branch
1 Members save 10% (up to $50) on regularly-priced parts and labor at AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities if discount is requested. Cannot be combined with any other discount or coupon. Valid AAA membership card must be presented at a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility at time of service.
2 All repairs are guaranteed by the facility for 24 months or 24,000 miles, whichever occurs first, under normal operating conditions, unless otherwise stated in writing. Other restrictions may apply. See facility for details.
Free 40-point AAA Vehicle Maintenance Inspection is a limited-time offer for members, valid 12/16/15–3/31/16. No purchase necessary. Free inspection is limited to items identified on the AAA Maintenance Inspection form only. Cost of any repairs not included. Most passenger cars and light trucks are eligible. Appointment may be required. Contact the facility in advance for details. Other restrictions may apply. Not valid with any other offer. Valid AAA membership card must be presented at a participating AAA Approved Auto Repair facility at the time of service.
A little preventive maintenance can keep your car going strong. For a limited time, AAA members can get a FREE 40-point AAA Vehicle Maintenance Inspection. This $80 value includes:
Brake inspection Battery test Check fluids
Inspection of belts & hoses Tire pressure check And more
Plus, upon request, members save 10% on any needed regularly-priced parts and labor,1 and all repairs are guaranteed up to 24 months or 24,000 miles. 2
40-POINT AAA MAINTENANCE INSPECTION
FREEan $80 value!
PLUS SAVE 10% ON PARTS AND LABOR.1
Available at participating AAA Approved Auto Repair Facilities.
Restrictions apply.
Valid December 16, 2015 - March 31, 2016
LIMITED TIME OFFER
HELP PREVENT COSTLY REPAIR BILLS
WITH A FREE40-POINT INSPECTION
A N D R E P A I RM A I N T E N A N C E
AAA Traveler | JANUARY 2016 23
MONTGOMERY COUNTYUpper Gwynedd Service Center1-10 E 215/699-6640790 Sumneytown Pike, LansdaleWes Jackson Automotive Center1-9 E 610/489-68881851 Ridge Pike, RoyersfordWynne’s Express Lube & Auto Repair, Inc.1-10 E 610/489-40501635 W. Main St., TrappeNORTHAMPTON COUNTYAlex’s Tire Center, Inc.1-10 E 610/759-8473102 Commerce Way, Stockertown Blue Ridge Service & Tire of Walnutport1-10 E 610/767-2220308 S. Best Ave., Walnutport Car-Doc, Inc.1-10 E 610/767-71104982 East Valley Dr., WalnutportEaston Auto Body1-10 E 610/252-65021328 Elm St., EastonJeff's Automotive, Inc.1-9 E 610/253-65654110 William Penn Hwy., EastonMidas Auto Service Experts1-6, 8,9 E 610/253-90702914 William Penn Hwy., EastonMidas Auto Service Experts1-10 E 610/863-7777933 S. Broadway, Wind GapMurante Auto Repair1-10 E 610/759-6121128 W. Beil Ave., Nazareth Paul’s Garage1-10 E 610/837-9877219 W. Northampton Street, Bath T&D Automotive 1-10 E 610/253-02121400 S. 25th St., EastonThe Brake Shop & Shop Repair1-9 E 610/253-25663601 Sullivan Trail, EastonWeddes Auto Center1-10 E 610/837-6411450 Monocacy Dr., Bath Young Volkswagon, Inc.1-10 E 610/991-9100191 Commerce Park Dr., Easton
Approved facilities offer service in areas indicated by the numbers to the left of each phone number. 1 – Engine Performance 2 – Minor Engine Repair 3 – Brake Service 4 – Electrical Systems 5 – Tire, Steering, Suspension 6 – Heating, Air Conditioning
For more information on AAA Approved Auto Repair®, call 610-778-3443 or 1-888-627-9227 or log on to AAA.com
BERKS COUNTYDave’s Auto Service, Inc.1-10 E 610/367-1844925 W. Philadelpia Ave., BoyertownFred Beans Ford1-10 E 610/367-2081525 Rt. 100 N., BoyertownBUCKS COUNTYCarr’s Tire & Automotive Specialists1-10 E 215/536-8454211 E. Broad St., Quakertown Grandview Service Centre1-9 E 215/257-7033530 Arch Street, PerkasieMidas Auto Service Experts1-6, 8, 9 E 215/538-1095335 S. West End Blvd., QuakertownSands Chrysler Jeep Dodge1-10 E 215/536-0946501 N. West End Blvd., QuakertownVillage Center Automotive 1-10 E 610/346-77743150 Main St., SpringtownCARBON COUNTYBlue Ridge Service Center1-10 E 610/826-4959505 Little Gap Road, PalmertonCHESTER COUNTYCJ’s Tire & Automotive Services1-9 E 610/705-550118 Glocker Road, Pottstown Hometown Automotive Repairs1-9 E 610/469-91181851 Pottstown Pike, PottstownNew Street Auto Service, Inc.1-9 E 610/948-44143751 Schuylkill Road, Spring CityLEHIGH COUNTYAustin’s Auto Service 1-10 E 610/866-5440 1843 W. Broad St., Bethlehem Auto Collision Specialists 1-10 E 610/965-2060 3893 Tank Farm Rd., Emmaus Autolex Dealerships, Inc.1-10 E 610/740-3005 725 N. 15th St., AllentownDreisbach’s Auto Service & Sales1-10 E 610/435-7505614 N. 18th Street, AllentownGetz Service Station1-7, 9 E 610/395-941310635 Hamilton Blvd., BreinigsvilleHaldeman Ford/Lincoln, Inc. 1-10 E 610/791-4900 2443 Lehigh St., Allentown Interstate Fleets Service Center, Inc.1-10 E 610/289-6170619 Union Blvd., Allentown Midas Auto Service Experts1-6, 8, 9 E 610/791-49113141 Lehigh Street, AllentownNo.1 Service Center1-7, 9 E 610/432-70441637 Tilghman Street, Allentown
LEHIGH COUNTYPark Manor Automotive1-10 E 610/395-67121185 Bulldog Drive, AllentownRothrock Motor Sales1-10 E 610/439-84851648 Plaza Lane, AllentownSacks Automotive1-9 E 610/791-1135511 Fawn Street, AllentownSchweikert’s Auto Service, Inc.1-9 E 610/821-56001701 Roth Ave., AllentownStar Service Center, Inc.1-10 E 610/437-3374738 N. Graham Street, AllentownMercedes Benz SpecialistStrohl Automotive Services1-10 E 610/395-33457831 Main St., FogelsvilleMONTGOMERY COUNTYAlbitz Garage, Inc.1-10 E 610/326-14382827 East High Street, PottstownBergey’s Buick GMC 1-10 E 215/721-3431 436 Harleysville Pike, SoudertonBergey’s Chevrolet, Inc.1-10 E 215/822-4100610 Route 309, ColmarBob Adams Auto Service Center1-9 E 215/368-4700534 W. Main Street, LansdaleCenter Point Exxon1-10 E 610/584-92512005 Valley Forge Road, WorcesterCJ’s Tire & Automotive Services1-9 E 610/409-04001405 S. Township Line Rd., LimerickGodshall’s Auto Service1-10 E 215/855-7800225 S. Main St., HatfieldInterstate Fleets Service Center, Inc. 1-10 E 215/822-8115696 Bethlehem Pike, Route 309, ColmarJ’s Auto Service, Inc.1-9 E 215/362-92361669 School Road, HatfieldJack Nolan’s Exxon1-9 E 610/489-9028567 Main Street, TrappeLansdale Chrysler-Jeep1-9 E 215/855-9540Route 309, Montgomeryville North Penn Gulf1-9 E 215/362-2223 Valley Forge Road & Sumneytown Pike, LansdaleReiter’s Service Station, Inc.1-9 E 610/287-91861224 North Gravel Pike, ZieglervilleSpanial’s Service Center1-10 E 215/855-703045 W. Orvilla Road, Hatfield
AAA Approved Auto Repair® Scope of Service
7 – Major Engine Repair 8 – Automatic Transmission 9 – Manual Transmission 10 – Diesel Engine E - Emissions Testing Site
CARBON COUNTYLiberty AutoGlass 610/377-7787509 N. First St., LehightonLEHIGH COUNTYMesko Glass & Mirror Co., Inc. 610/264-3000171 Lloyd St., AllentownMONTGOMERY COUNTYAlderfer Glass Co. 215/723-1192144 Telford Pike, Telford
The AAA Approved Auto Repair program guarantees AAA members quality auto care service from facilities that have passed our stringent standards for manpower, appearance, equipment, customer service and scope of automotive services provided. AAA continuously monitors the performance of these facilities, ensuring that our quality standards are constantly maintained.
AAA Approved Auto Repair®, AAA Approved Auto Body®, and AAA Approved Auto Glass® facilities are not the only facilities capable of competent repairs.
BERKS COUNTYDouglassville Auto Body & Sales, Inc.1-3, 5-10, 12 E 610/326-04221501 Ben Franklin Hwy., DouglassvilleFred Beans Collision Center1-12 E 610/327-2680525 Rt. 100 N., BoyertownLEHIGH COUNTYAuto Collision Specialists 1-12 E 610/965-20603893 Tank Farm Road, EmmausHaldeman Auto Body, Inc.1-12 E 610/797-64002443 Lehigh St., Allentown Mikitz Gordon Street Collision Center1-12 610/437-3041229 W. Gordon St., AllentownReliable Auto Body1-12 610/433-3212967 Sumner Ave., WhitehallMONTGOMERY COUNTYBergey’s Collision Center of Lansdale1-12 215/855-47541301 N. Broad St., LansdaleNORTHAMPTON COUNTYBrown Daub Collision Center1-12 E 610/253-16721650 Butler St., EastonEaston Auto Body1-12 E 610/252-65021328 Elm St., EastonYoung Volkswagen Collision Center1-12 E 610/991-9115191 Commerce Park Dr., Easton
Replacement10 - Corrosion Protection11 - Upholstery Repair12 - Auto Detailing E - Emissions Testing Site
Scope of Service
Approved facilities offer service in areas indicated by the numbers to the left of each
phone number.
JANUARY 2016 | AAA Traveler24
WINTER TRAVEL
ACCESSORIES
Biomimicry is an innovative approach that looks to nature for sustainable solutions to modern-day challenges. Now Ford is hoping that biomimetic innovations can make auto manufacturing more sustainable and transform a vehicle’s interior design. A key challenge is glue used to adhere foams to plastics and metals can make disassembling parts for recycling nearly impossible.
Enter the gecko.The lizard’s toe pads allow it to
stick to most surfaces without liquids or surface tension. The reptile can then easily release itself, leaving no residue. Consider, too, that a mature 2.5-ounce gecko is capable of supporting 293 pounds.
"The gecko could inspire a host of adhesive innovations for global applications at Ford," said Debbie Mielewski, Ford senior technical leader for plastics and sustainability research.
“Solving this problem could provide cost savings and certainly environmental savings,” said Mielewski. “It means we could increase the recycling of more foam and plastics, and reduce our environmental footprint.”
Carmakers Seek Solutions by Mimicking NatureGeckos may provide answers to some sticky problems
The biomimetic approach is not new. Nature has provided numerous ideas for high-strength materials, and low-friction surfaces. A dolphin’s snout became the model for the pear-shaped bow, which enables ships to cross oceans with less water resistance. And Airbus engineers have copied the rough skin of the shark to develop a striated foil coating for the wings of their aircraft. Self-cleaning surfaces are based on the example of lotus leaves, and some of the latest, self-sharpening cutting tools were copied from rodent teeth.
"The Bullet Train in Shinkansen, Japan was inspired by the kingfisher. Velcro took its cues from a burr. And improved medical needles were developed based on the mosquito. Interest in the approach has increased in the last decade," said Gretchen Hooker, project manager for design challenges at The Biomimicry Institute.
In the auto industry Mercedes-Benz engineers worked hand in hand with biologists to model their Bionic Car design concept on Ostracion Cubicus — more commonly known as the boxfish. Despite its unusual shape, this humble sea dweller from the tropics is extremely aerodynamic, and moves
using a minimal amount of energy. It’s also able to withstand high pressures and collisions thanks to an outer skin consisting of hexagonal bone plates. In the case of automobiles this honeycomb-like structure increases stiffness by up to 40 percent, while the weight is reduced by around 30 percent.
Nissan is working on a revolutionary approach to traffic management that draws its inspiration from self-organizing biological systems such as birds and
schools of fish that demonstrate an extraordinary ability to navigate without colliding with one other. The technology would allow vehicles to communicate with each other and behave as a self-organizing network.
“Taking a holistic, biomimetic approach makes sense because nature has efficiencies in design and uses minimal resources,” said Ford’s Mielewski. “Nature is the ultimate guide.”
FOR MORE INFORMATIONVisit AAA.com for information on all things automotive including tips on buying, operating and maintaining a vehicle.
BIG FISH STORY — The Mercedes-Benz Bionic Car was modeled after the boxfish.
AAA Traveler | JANUARY 2016 25
NEW YEAR OF
AAA Premier members are an elite group. Their status guarantees them access to the most comprehensive package of travel and roadside assistance benefits.
With AAA Premier®, each household is entitled to one tow of up to 200 driving miles from the point of breakdown. Whether you travel in your own car, a friend’s car or a rental, this level of membership is for you.
This 200-mile tow is one of the four allowable service calls per membership year. The other three calls can be up to 100 driving miles from the point of breakdown.
If you’re a AAA Premier member and your vehicle needs to be towed, AAA will provide you with a complimentary one-day car rental (standard car class). If an emergency car rental turns out to be two days or more, and you rent from Hertz using your Hertz Gold Plus Rewards membership (free to Premier members) the second day of the rental is free.
Towing is the reason most people join AAA, but that benefit is just the tip of the iceberg. Premier members are
The Many Benefits of Premier Membership You Never Knew Existed
entitled to a long list of benefits that come into play when traveling – benefits that Classic and Plus members have to pay for, but Premier members get for free.
For instance, did you know that there is no charge for passport photos? That’s a savings of $8 per set. Also, when you buy airline tickets through any AAA office, the customary $35 flight reservation fee is waived (up to $70). Those savings can really add up for frequent flyers.
If you’ve ever made travel arrangements through AAA, you know we’re big on travel insurance. As a Premier member you are eligible for up to $300,000 in Travel Accident Insurance if you book through the AAA Travel Agency.
In the event a trip is delayed or interrupted due to a collision, mechanical failure, vehicle theft, illness, injury, natural disaster or even severe weather, AAA Premier members are never left high and dry – or out in the cold, depending on the season! Trip Interruption, Vehicle Return and Baggage Coverage benefits provide peace of mind if you’re more than 100 miles from home. You can be reimbursed up to $1,500 for covered out-of-pocket expenses, including meals
and accommodations, and/or substitute transportation to continue the trip.
But that’s not all. You can also be reimbursed up to $500 to help you get your car back home if an unexpected illness or injury prevents you from completing your trip. If baggage is lost, damaged or stolen while you’re away, there’s up to $500 of coverage for that, too.
Another free benefit is Global Emergency Assistance. The next time you’re on a domestic or international vacation, one call is all it takes to arrange medical provider referrals, prescription replacement, lost ticket and document replacement and emergency translation services.
It doesn’t cost much to upgrade. AAA Premier is available at an annual fee of just $35 per household, in addition to the members’ AAA Plus membership dues. Premier can be added at any time to an existing membership (towing benefit subject to a seven-day waiting period).
To upgrade to Premier, visit AAA.com or call or stop by your local AAA branch office, or contact the Club’s Member Service Call Center at 800-441-5008.
Shopping for a New or Used Car? AAA Can Help!
If you’re in the market for a new or used car, truck or SUV, look no further than the AAA Car Buying Service. It’s easy to use and comes with no hassles. Most of all, you can be confident you are getting a great deal from a Certified Dealer on your purchase.
To get started, go to AAA.com/autobuying. Enter in the make and model of the vehicle you want and see what others have paid for the same new or used car in your area so you don’t overpay.
Next, use AAA’s research tools to get your car’s trade-in and private-party values and access the AAA Mobile App for on-the-go shopping and locating Certified Dealers and view estimated dealer prices. You can select Certified Dealers to contact you on the vehicle you want.
The dealers you select will send you a Guaranteed Savings Certificate (for a new car) or Used Vehicle Certificate with the estimated price. Any manufacturer rebates will be included. Take the Certificate to the dealer to see the car and complete the buying process. So simple!
No computer? Call 1-800-446-7433 for assistance..
JANUARY 2016 | AAA Traveler26
AAA Traveler | JANUARY 2016 27
At AAA, one of our chief delights is finding more ways to help members hold on to their hard-earned dollars. Call us the Savings Sleuths!
Here is what we’ve uncovered.Americans consume about 100
acres of pizza a day or about 350 slices per second -- that’s a lot of pizza. To satisfy members’ cravings, we’ve partnered with Papa John’s to offer a pizza deal. Whether you prefer hand-tossed crust with cheese or thin crust loaded with toppings, AAA members can save 25 percent off menu prices when ordering online using promo code 25AAA.
To get yours, visit papajohns.com or download the Papa John’s app onto your phone. Sign into your Papajohns.com account and enter 25AAA in the promo code field before placing the order. Fun fact: Pepperoni is the most popular pizza topping, included on 36 percent of pizzas ordered.
Too much pepperoni, however, can equal too many inches of waistline. Fortunately, AAA has a remedy for that: LA Fitness. Our region has several convenient locations, including Allen-town, Montgomeryville and Collegeville. All are state-of-the-art facilities with equipment that is both familiar and
Extra! Extra! New Places Where Membership Means a Discount
comfortable for most people. Members will enjoy no initiation fee -- a $99 saving – and dues of just $29.95 per month.
If getting back into a pair of skinny jeans is a New Year’s goal, visit AAA.com/lafitness to join today. Expect a warm welcome from the staff who will expertly train you. LA Fitness employees are an enthusiastic team and dedicated to making your fitness experience an exceptional one.
A new you in the New Year will likely mean new sneakers. Again, AAA comes to your rescue with savings on athletic footwear at Reebok Outlets and adidas Outlet Store. These leaders in sporting gear offer an incredible selection of quality footwear, plus apparel and accessories to keep you fashion-forward during workouts. Members save 20 percent off their total purchase when they shop in stores at locations for both retailers.
Is it just us or do computer printers seem to suck up ink like a sponge? To avoid running to Staples every time your magenta or cyan runs out, consider shopping at HP.com. And it’s more than just ink! Members now get access to the hottest technology products at members-only prices. Shop a full
line of consumer products, including customized PC options, student bundles and third-party accessories. Members save up to 10 percent or more off list prices (15 percent on printer ink) when they shop at AAA.com/hp. If you are unsure about what to buy, HP’s expert sales agents are happy to assist you with purchases via phone, chat and email both before and after the sale.
If lately you’ve been straining to hear conversation at the dinner table or elsewhere, it may be time to check your hearing. AAA partner Connect Hearing is one of the nation’s leading providers of audiological and hearing-aid services. Members receive a 40 percent discount on hearing aids, plus an exclusive Price Match Guarantee (online orders excluded) and a free three-year supply of batteries. Call 1-800-222-1076 to schedule an appointment for a free consultation with a provider in your area. Do it soon--you don’t want to miss a thing!
These are just a drop in the bucket of the over 100,000 places – that’s right, five zeros – that offer discounts to AAA members. To search for savings to your heart’s content, visit AAA.com/discounts.
Dues adjustments set for AAA members
The Governing Board of Directors of AAA East Central has approved $1 increases in the annual
membership dues for Basic Associate, Plus Primary and Plus Associate membership,
effective March 1, 2016.
AAA MEMBER PERKS FOR BALCONY STATEROOMS (& ABOVE)2016 BOOKINGS WITH DEPOSIT: JAN 4-30, 2016
1. Your 2016 Celebrity Cruises sailing includes...• $300 ONBOARD SPENDING MONEY per stateroom
• PREPAID CLASSIC BEVERAGE PACKAGE for 2
Ask how you can also get Unlimited Internet for 2 and Prepaid Tips for 2.
2. If it’s a AAA Vacations® sailing, it also includes...• ADDITIONAL $25 ONBOARD SPENDING MONEY 4-5 nights, per stateroom
ADDITIONAL $50 ONBOARD SPENDING MONEY 6-9 nights, per stateroom
ADDITIONAL $100 ONBOARD SPENDING MONEY 10+ nights, per stateroom
• VIP PRIORITY CHECK-IN does not grant priority boarding
• AAA VACATIONS ® BEST PRICE GUARANTEE PROGRAM
• AAA VACATIONS ® 24 x 7 MEMBER CARE
3. Select 2016 sailings include a AAA airfare offer.1st & 2nd passengers in stateroom; applies to these gateways —
Buffalo NY, Cleveland OH, Columbus OH, Louisville KY, Philadelphia PA, Pittsburgh PA
CARIBBEAN ITINERARIES 10+ nights from Ft Lauderdale on Celebrity Eclipse or Celebrity Equinox
BUY 1 AIRFARE, GET 1 AIRFARE FREE WHEN BOOKING WITH CRUISE DEPARTURE first 25 balcony staterooms
EUROPE ITINERARIES 10+ nights
$500 OFF ROUNDTRIP AIR WHEN BOOKING WITH CRUISE DEPARTURE per person, first 20 balcony staterooms
ALASKA CRUISETOUR ITINERARIES 7 nights from Vancouver or Whittier plus a Celebrity Cruises land tour of 4+ nights = 11+ nights
$500 OFF ROUNDTRIP AIR WHEN BOOKING WITH CRUISE DEPARTURE per person, first 20 balcony staterooms
Celebrity Cruises
Modern LuxurySM
AMAZING AIRFARE OFFERS FOR AAA MEMBERS ONLY! Caribbean — Buy 1 airfare, get 1 free!
Europe — $500 off! Alaska Cruisetours — $500 off!
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 from ordinary. That’s Modern Luxury.SM
Concierge Class staterooms are ex-ceptional 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, Hans- grohe® showerheads, enhanced breakfast room-service menus, plush 100% cotton bath sheets, personalized concierge ser-vice, 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, featuring a “Clean Cuisine” menu.
With 1 staff member for nearly every 2 guests, Celebrity’s personal service an-ticipates your every need. Unobtrusively. Intuitively. Feel restored and relaxed — effortlessly. In your stateroom, out by the pool, in the spa, anywhere at all, at anytime, Celebrity’s onboard fam-ily goes the extra mile to ensure every aspect of your cruise turns out just the way you want it.
2016 BOOKINGS WITH DEPOSIT: JAN 4-30, 2016OFFERS PER PERSON
Visit your local AAA, log on to AAA.com/Cruises or call 1-800-552-6679.
