Feb2015 Traveler

www.AAA.com FEBRUARY 2015

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AAA Travelers Get Special Amenities When They Upgrade Their Membership to AAA Premier®

Turn to page 8 to learn about the many travel benefits enjoyed by AAA Premier® members.

What Is a Life Insurance Needs Analysis?See page 3 to learn more about how much is enough. Take Advantage of One Sweetheart of a Deal!Turn to page 6 to learn how you can purchase a $50 VISA gift card for only $4.95.

Catch the Big Wave during AAA Travel’s “Sail Sale”See pages 10 & 11 for special savings & benefits.

You’ve Booked Your Dream Vacation, But Is Your Investment Protected?See page 20 to learn more about the perfect companion for your perfect vacation.

Shopping for a New Car? Don’t Miss the President’s Day Weekend Sale!See page 21 to learn more about the AAA Auto Buying Program.

Follow us on Facebook!Frequently posted topics include: AAA.com website features, travel specials, online discounts, gas price information, safety tips, car care advice and upcoming events.

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TAMARINDO BEACH

Eureka! Tropical paradise found in fun-&-sun-blessed Costa Rica

Almost everyone who’s ever visited there can confirm that tiny Costa Rica has more natural delights per square mile than nearly anywhere on earth.

All that nature can affect the senses in ways that can improve our moods: Sunshine warms us, lifting low spirits. Balmy breezes caress us, soothing weary souls. Melodic birdsongs and rhythmic tides com-fort us, calming frayed nerves. Floral hues and fragrances captivate us, enhancing our sensual pleasure. And wild ani-mals mesmerize us, in-spiring awe and joy.

Feeling nature’s phys-ical and emotional im-pact is a significant part of the allure of Costa Rica, a tiny Central American nation with enormous potential to host your most memo-rable — and most revi-talizing — vacation.

Abundant with lush tropical forests, unique & exotic creatures, spectacular uncrowded beaches, genuinely hospitable people and end-less outdoor activities, this is a magical place almost guaranteed to transform your mood from good...to better...to great!

And AAA will even further improve your mood, by saving you as much as $450.00 when you book & make a deposit on our Oct 12-20 Costa Rica “cost a-little” escorted getaway now through Feb 28, 2015.

The specific discount you’ll enjoy is tied to your AAA membership level and is per room (double occupancy). AAA Premier members

save $450.00, AAA Plus members save $400.00 and basic AAA members save $375.00.

Costa Rica’s pristine beauty beckons those seeking to reconnect with nature — and them-selves. But you certainly don’t have to be an

eco-activist to feel the restorative powers of this “green” scene: If you’ve ever felt dis-tanced from the purity of nature, Costa Rica just may be the ideal antidote to the “artifi-ciality” of the workaday world.

Fittingly, Costa Rica’s legendarily friendly ti-cos (what locals call themselves) use Pura Vida (literally “pure life,” but something akin to “this is living!” or “cool!”) as a greeting or to convey enthusi-asm or agreement.

The size of Vermont and New Hampshire, Costa Rica boasts an immense variety of

landscapes, climate zones and life-forms; it’s estimated that as much as 6% of the world’s species flourish here — from enormous ficus trees to 1,500 different orchids, from elusive margays to showy macaws. Monkeys, sloths, wild cats and other fascinating creatures co-exist with an amazing as-sortment of birds (800+ spe-cies), both migratory and resident.

AAA’s adventure begins in San Jose, the colorful capital, and travels through verdant Central Valley to...

Take a ‘beak’

at the rest of this tour

on page 19.

MEMBERS SAVE! Premier ... $450 Plus ............ $400 Basic ..........$375

Book & deposit by 2/28/15. Per room, double occupancy.

Get close to residents of the

rainforest canopy!

TAMARINDO BEACH

MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST

FEBRUARY 20152

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:

Neil D. Bassi, James E. Broome, Jr., Steve D. Bullock*, Charles O. Casto*, Edward C. Coaxum, Jr., Robert S. Collins, Robert H. Compton, Jon E. Denney, Debra A. Dinnocenzo, Pamela C. Fritz, Gregory E. Grim, Richard S. Hamilton, James H. Kanicki, Charles J. Kelly*, Mary Lynn Laughlin, William Duff McCrady, James M. McDonnell, Thomas V. McKernan, Jr., Martha Hartle Munsch, Gary K. Munsie*

AAA EAST PENN REGION BOARD

Charles J. Kelly*, Chairman, Llyena F. Boylan, 1st Vice Chairman, Carol Dean Henn, 2nd Vice Chairman/Secretary, Richard A. Adams**, Glenn B. Bachman, Charles R. Broderick**, Ralph A. Clemmer, Barnet H. Fraenkel, G. Patrick Frank**, Pamela C. Fritz, Gregory E. Grim, James W. Harper**, Robert M. Johnson**, 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. 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. 215-855-8600ROYERSFORD 70 Buckwalter Rd. 610-323-6300TDDs 610-435-0226 • Visit us online: www.AAA.com

Reservation Center: 1-800-472-9367

by Charles J. Kelly, Chairman, AAA East Central, East Penn Region

Continued on page 22

When members think about AAA they usually think about tow trucks, and battery service vehicles. That’s understandable because our 24-hour Emergency Roadside Assistance is such a visible reminder of the kind of security and peace of mind that’s difficult to put a price on.

But your AAA membership is working just as hard for you in places that go well beyond the side of the road. Your membership makes you a partner in an association that offers a broad range of benefits and services, not just towing privileges or travel planning. When you add up all the savings available through programs like AAA Discounts & Rewards and the AAA Auto Buying program, they can pay for the cost of your annual membership many times over.

AAA Discounts & Rewards is an innovative shopping experience on AAA.com featuring deep discounts, limited offers and everyday savings on dining, electronics, home, apparel, entertainment, and more, from approximately 100,000 participating merchants nationwide. In addition to discount offers, you’ll earn reward points redeemable for extra savings. Registration is completely free at AAA.com — a valid AAA membership and email address are all you need.

AAA Prescription Savings will save everyone money on their medications — even the family dog! While not an insurance plan, members save an average of 35 percent on generic and 15 percent on brand name prescriptions at more than 59,000 pharmacies nationwide, including major retail outlets like Walgreens, Walmart, Rite Aid and CVS/pharmacy.

Get guaranteed savings on your next new car before you visit a dealer with the AAA Auto Buying program at AAA.com. Powerful research tools help you access unlimited price and market reports, plus you can compare car read reviews, and check the trade-in value of your current vehicle. You’ll also learn what others paid for the car you want, all at no cost or obligation.

Another Way to Look at Your AAA MembershipIt’s the card that can pay for itself each year

Over one million AAA members have enjoyed the convenience of having a AAA battery delivered and installed on the spot. AAA Battery Service provides state-of-the art mobile battery testing along with high quality, competitively priced batteries installed at the roadside. AAA members receive a $25 discount on every battery, and each AAA battery is protected by an unprecedented 36-month free replacement warranty.

Turn everyday purchases into unlimited rewards with the AAA Member Rewards Visa® credit card. Earn points for each dollar you spend that can be redeemed for cash, AAA vouchers good for travel, membership, Approved Auto Repair, and more. The AAA Member Rewards Visa® credit card now comes with chip technology for enhanced security and protection when making purchases at chip-enabled terminals. And because you're a AAA member, there’s no annual fee.

There are plenty of options for online maps and directions, but there’s only one that combines AAA’s professional hotel and restaurant ratings and in-depth travel information with Google maps. AAA members who stay at AAA preferred hotels receive discounts ranging from five to 15 percent off the best available rate and the comfort of a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.

AAA members are also entitled to variety of travel benefits including special perks and discounts on vacation packages, tours and cruises, when they plan and book through their local AAA Travel Agency, or online at AAA.com.

In an era when newly minted experts promote a bewildering array of contradictory choices, it’s comforting to know AAA has stood by its commitment for over 100 years. We will continue to provide high quality service; offering members more and better quality solutions to their motoring, travel and financial needs.

Reminder: Motorists Should Clear Vehicles of Snow, Ice Before Traveling; Use Headlights Whenever Wipers Are On

AAA reminds motorists that driving in snow and ice conditions can be very challenging. In Pennsylvania, the law requires that motorists clear their vehicles' windows of ice and snow before driving. Clean windows offer drivers optimal visibility. Under Pennsylvania law, if snow or ice is dislodged or falls from

a moving vehicle and strikes another vehicle or pedestrian causing death or serious bodily injury, the operator of the source vehicle is subject to a fine of $200 to $1,000 for each offense. Police may cite motorists for not clearing their vehicles’ windows, and the citation carries a fine of $25 plus associated costs.

FEBRUARY 2015 3

AAA TRAVELER GENERAL INFORMATION:

Affiliations: AAA, Pennsylvania AAA Federation.

A not-for-profit organization. Issue #1075-668X USPS

#0309-620 Vol. 93, No. 2 FEBRUARY 2015

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.

To register for a course in Allentown or Bethlehem, call 610-434-5141; Royersford or Lansdale, call 800-564-0300.

8-hour coursesAAA MEMBER: $15AAA Member & Spouse: $20 per couple (both must be AAA members)

Non-Member: $25

4-hour coursesAAA MEMBER: $10AAA Member & Spouse: $15 per couple (both must be AAA members)

Non-Member: $20

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 success-fully complete a AAA driver improvement course which meets PennDOT standards.

AAA’s Safe Driving for Mature Operators Course

SIGN UP TODAY! Class size is limited.

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.

BETHLEHEM: 1520 STEFKO BOULEVARDAPRIL 7 & 8 TUES./WED. 9:15 A.M. TO 1:15 P.M.LANSDALE: 1250 N. BROAD STREETAPRIL 28 & 29 TUES./WED. 5:00 P.M. TO 9:00 P.M.ROYERSFORD: 70 BUCKWALTER ROADMARCH 10 & 11 TUES./WED. 12:30 P.M. TO 4:30 P.M.

Choose from the

following 8-hour

courses

ALLENTOWN: 2072 DOWNYFLAKE LANEMARCH 7 SATURDAY 9:15 A.M. TO 1:15 P.M.BETHLEHEM: 1520 STEFKO BOULEVARDMARCH 17 TUESDAY 9:15 A.M. TO 1:15 P.M.LANSDALE: 1250 N. BROAD STREETAPRIL 1 WEDNESDAY 9:15 A.M. TO 1:15 P.M.ROYERSFORD: 70 BUCKWALTER ROADAPRIL 16 THURSDAY 12:30 P.M. TO 4:30 P.M.

Choose from the

following 4-hour

courses

SAVE on Auto Insurance Premiums.

John and Sallie Smith, ages 38 and 36, have a mortgage on their home and have two children: Johnny, 4, and Karen, an infant.

Both parents work outside the home, and both want the surviving spouse to be able to maintain the family’s current standard of living and continue to contribute toward important family goals (like sending the kids to college) if one of them should die unexpectedly.

The Smiths, a hypothetical family, are perfect candidates for a life insurance needs analysis, which some insurance providers, including the Auto Club, conduct for no charge. John and Sallie already have some life insurance, but because they now have two kids, they don’t think they have enough.

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but nearly everyone with dependents needs a life insurance policy. If a family plans for their long-term needs when they first purchase a policy, they can feel secure knowing they’ll have enough coverage if tragedy strikes. A complete analysis of your life insurance needs will help determine if you have enough coverage to protect your family. Below, we look at the Smiths’ situation to give you an overview of what’s involved.

Immediate Cash Needs/Ongoing Income NeedsImmediate Expenses: Funds to cover such things

as funeral expenses, legal fees, unpaid taxes, and hospital or doctor bills need to be accessible right away,

so the Smiths set aside about $15,000 each for John and Sallie.

Education Funding: The Smiths provide enough in their individual policies for each child to attend a four-year university—approximately $151,000.

Debt Repayment: The Smiths owe $250,000 on their mortgage and have $45,000 in other debt, including student loans, car loans, and credit card debt, so they include $295,000 in each of their policies for debt repayment. The money doesn’t have to be used for that purpose, but the funds would enable the survivor to pay off the debt and remain in their home instead of possibly being forced to sell.

Ongoing Income Needs: John’s current annual salary is $80,000, and Sallie’s is $45,000—that’s $125,000 combined. If either died before retirement, the surviving spouse would probably need to replace most of the lost income. If John were to die first, the family would need 70 percent of John’s after-tax earnings over his expected lifetime, or about $1.25 million (which includes a 2.5 percent annual increase to offset inflation). Using the same assumptions, the family would need $355,000 to cover Sallie’s income.

Cash Sources and Income SourcesBefore their needs were analyzed, the Smiths had a

$200,000 life insurance policy for John and a $100,000 policy for Sallie. Other income sources would include Social Security benefits, money they’ve set aside for retirement, and a small amount of savings. The surviving spouse would continue to work outside the home.

The ConclusionAfter adding up their immediate cash needs,

education funding, debts, and ongoing income needs, then subtracting their existing life insurance, the Smiths decide to add $1.5 million to John’s existing life insurance policy and $716,000 to Sallie’s to secure their family’s financial future and give them peace of mind.

How Much Is Enough? Steps to figuring out your life insurance needs

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.

DOING THE MATH — A life insurance needs analysis can help determine your needs.

FEBRUARY 20154

Send a Valentine’s Wow!

25% O� *

truly original flowers & giftsUse Promo Code AAAFD4

*Prices & Discounts are exclusive of applicable service and shipping charges and taxes. Items may vary and are subject to availability, delivery rules and times. Items available online and by phone. Offers cannot be combined, are not available on all products and are subject to restrictions, limitations and blackout periods. Offer valid through 2/15/15. Prices and charges are subject to change without notice. Void where prohibited. ©2015 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, INC.

Valentine’s Day is Saturday, Feb 14th. Deliver a wow with truly original flowers and gifts guaranteed to make the special

people in your life smile like never before.

Call 1-800-FLOWERS® (1-800-356-9377) OR

Click AAA.com/1800flowers

Send a Valentine’s Wow!

25% O� *

truly original flowers & giftsUse Promo Code AAAFD4

*Prices & Discounts are exclusive of applicable service and shipping charges and taxes. Items may vary and are subject to availability, delivery rules and times. Items available online and by phone. Offers cannot be combined, are not available on all products and are subject to restrictions, limitations and blackout periods. Offer valid through 2/15/15. Prices and charges are subject to change without notice. Void where prohibited. ©2015 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, INC.

Valentine’s Day is Saturday, Feb 14th. Deliver a wow with truly original flowers and gifts guaranteed to make the special

people in your life smile like never before.

Call 1-800-FLOWERS® (1-800-356-9377) OR

Click AAA.com/1800flowers

CELEBRATETHOSE YOU LOVE

on all Valentine’s Day flowers & gifts*

25%Save

*Exceptions Apply. See Website for Details.Valid from: 1/18/15 – 2/14/15.

Order online at www.AAA.com/FTD or call 800.SEND.FTD and

mention code 11000.

CELEBRATETHOSE YOU LOVE

on all Valentine’s Day flowers & gifts*

25%Save

*Exceptions Apply. See Website for Details.Valid from: 1/18/15 – 2/14/15.

Order online at www.AAA.com/FTD or call 800.SEND.FTD and

mention code 11000.

FEBRUARY 2015 5

FEBRUARY 20156

FOR MORE INFORMATIONPlease see this issue’s Departures Guide or visit AAA.com/cruises for special values on Celebrity cruise vacations.

There’s an old adage that you should “go big or go home.” In 2015 Celebrity Cruises is going very big in Europe with more ways to experience the Continent than ever before. Celebrity will offer 19 distinct Mediterranean itineraries aboard five ships, visiting 94 ports in 28 countries, with more than 65 enticing overnight stays.

Ships include Celebrity Reflection, their newest and most advanced vessel. Celebrity’s impeccable design taste is readily apparent in the elegant public rooms filled with contemporary artwork, while the Alcoves is a cool, cabana-style retreat. Staterooms are generous with 85 percent of the 1,498 cabins incorporating private verandahs. Amenities include smarter storage and closet space, spacious bathrooms, and plush European bedding.

The Lawn Club is a unique top deck environment with just over a half-acre off real growing grass and a Hamptons-esque vibe. There are ten memorable dining venues, including Qsine a “uniquely unordinary” interactive bistro with menus delivered on an iPad.

Reflection will be retracing the voyage of Odysseus on a series of 10- and 11-night Eastern Mediterranean sailings

roundtrip from Rome to the Greek Isles and Turkey. The 10-night itinerary calls in at Messina, Sicily, Mykonos, Greece, Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey, Rhodes, Santorini and Athens Greece, and Naples, Italy.

The postcard perfect island of Mykonos is filled with windmills and dazzling white houses set against a shimmering blue sea. Basket-laden donkeys make their way through a maze of ancient streets designed to frustrate marauding pirates.

Kusadasi, a popular resort town on the Turkish coast, is the gateway to the ancient ruins of Ephesus, once the second largest city in the Roman Empire. Walking down the Arcadian Way, an ancient street paved with white marble, you can almost hear the footsteps of Alexander the Great and Anthony and Cleopatra reverberate on the stone.

Dolphins frolic in the wake as you sail into storied ports of call like Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese islands. The island’s thickly walled Old Town is Europe’s largest inhabited medieval city.

Santorini may be the quintessential Greek Isle, with whitewashed buildings and blued domed churches perched on dramatic cliffs overlooking an Aegean

Sea the color of your dreams. Visitors can ride the mules up the 547 steps from the harbor up to the ancient town of Fira.

The cradle of Western civilization Athens is revered for its golden age monuments like the Acropolis, the Parth-enon, and the temple of Athena Nike.

Naples is the gateway to the famous archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum, located under the looming

shadow of Mount Vesuvius. The two towns remain frozen in time, buried by volcanic eruption in AD 79.

For centuries Rome was the center of the world, filled with hidden squares, and ancient wonders like the Colosseum and the Pantheon, that still have the capacity to amaze. Don’t forget to toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return.

Celebrity’s Biggest Stars Are Aligned on Europe

Five Solstice-class ships will cruise the Continent in 2015SIREN SONG —Santorini may be the quintessential Greek Isle.

FEBRUARY 2015 7

Data breach woes aren’t just plaguing the United States. The world over, data breach incidents are happening at government, technology, education, healthcare, retail and financial service organizations. These are the industries in which the biggest and most breaches are occurring, according to KPMG’s Data Loss Barometer.

Truth be told, data breaches happen at any type of business, from local dental clinics to big online retailers. The discomforting part is, the privacy of our data depends on the companies with which we share it. And sometimes those companies share data with third-party vendors, such as payment processors or cloud service providers, that we don’t even know about. So you can see why data breaches have become so prevalent–both people and companies have data in so many places.

When a company’s records are lost or stolen, your sensitive information (like your Social Security number or bank account information) can land in the hands of an identity thief. The thief then

What Is a Data Breach & What to Do in Case You Become a Victim

can use your information to siphon money from your bank account, gain access to your credit cards, or to create new accounts in your name. As a result, your credit reports can be blemished with unpaid accounts and you can start receiving phone calls from collection agencies.

What you should know:1. State laws typically require the

business to notify affected customers within a certain amount of time or be subject to a fine.

2. The District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands all have some type of data breach law. Five states – Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Colorado – do not.

3. In the past, some companies have paid for six to twelve months of credit monitoring for affected individuals. While this is something the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends to businesses that have suffered a data breach, it isn’t a requirement.

What to Do if You Are a Victim of a Data Breach

• Contact one of the three credit bureaus. Have an initial security alert added to your credit report which can help prevent further damage. Additional precautions will be taken to make sure anyone applying for credit in your name is you. You will have more time to investigate and get a free copy of your credit report.

• File a police report. A police report can be instrumental in helping you place long-term alerts on your credit report and helping you recover from fraud and other crimes where your identity was used.

• Thoroughly review your credit report for suspicious information or activity. Request a copy of your credit report from the credit bureaus. You should also review your billing statements and immediately notify each creditor to dispute what you believe is fraudulent charges. Keep detailed records of your conversations and interactions.

If you suspect, or you are a victim identity theft due to a data breach, you have first-hand knowledge of the stress it can cause. ProtectMyID®, offered to AAA members, can help you address identity theft as soon as you become aware of suspicious activity.

This article is provided for general guidance and information. It is not intended as, nor should it be construed to be, legal, financial or other professional advice. Please consult with your attorney or financial advisor to discuss any legal or financial issues involved with credit decisions.

Published by permission from ConsumerInfo.com, Inc., an Experian company. © 2014 ConsumerInfo.com, Inc. All rights reserved.

IN BRUGES — The Rozenhoedkaai with the Belfort tower in the distance.

Sometimes referred to as “the Venice of the North” Bruges is famous for its canals and medieval architecture, most of which remains intact. Highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage Site include the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a 12th century Gothic church, and the Belfort, a 272-foot-high tower that figured so prominently in the 2008 film In Bruges, a dark comedy about two Irish hit men on the run.

The view from the Rozenhoedkaai is one of the most photographed places in the Historic Center. This is where the Groenerei and Dijver canals intersect, and it’s a popular stop for the tour boats plying the waterways encircling the town. Visitors can stroll the ramparts and admire the windmills as well as several medieval town gates.

The Belfort, which presides over Market Square, forms part of a 13th century complex that served as a market hall during the Middle Ages. Visitors up for the challenge of climbing the 366 steps to the top of tower can stop for a breather and admire the old treasury, used during the Middle Ages, a carillon with 47 melodious bells and an imposing clockwork mechanism. Those who succeed in making the strenuous climb

will be rewarded with unforgettable views of the city and surrounding countryside.

The Stadhuis — Bruges’ City Hall — is one of the oldest in the Low Countries. Constructed in 1376, the Gothic hall is a work of art in itself, with its splendid 19th century murals and a colorful vaulted ceiling.

The 400-foot high tower of the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk, or Church of Our Lady, makes it the second tallest brick building in the world. Construction began in 1225 and it was nearly 300 years later before it was completed. The interior houses a treasure trove of art, including Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child carved in 1505. The Nazis looted this exquisite, 4-foot tall marble sculpture from the church in 1944. It was saved from destruction in a German salt mine a year later, a story recounted in the 2014 film “The Monuments Men,” starring George Clooney.

The Groeninge Museum houses an impressive collection of Belgian painting from the late Middle Ages to postwar modern art. One highlight is the world famous collection of ‘Flemish Primitives’, which includes works by Jan Van Eyck, the father of oil painting.

Minnewaterpark in the south part of Bruges, is home to a small rectangular lake known as the Lake of Love. Legend has it that if you walk over the lake bridge with your partner you will experience eternal love.

Bruges is a popular destination on European river cruises. Travelers are

discovering that river cruising is one of the most comfortable intriguing ways to explore discover Europe. River cruising allows up-close-and-personal access to cosmopolitan cities and quaint villages — because so many towns were built along these medieval highways.

Bruges Is Belgium’s Medieval MasterpieceCity of canals offers a magical tranquility

FOR MORE INFORMATIONPlease see your AAA Travel professional, or log on to AAA.com/cruises for more European river cruise vacations.

FEBRUARY 20158

FEBRUARY 2015

1-800-552-6679 • AAA.com/travelMember Benefits • Exclusive Offers

9

2015 — A banner year for European travelAAA and its travel partnersunfurl a variety of vacation valuesand exclusive member savings

The varied countries, cultures & cuisines of Europe coax ever more AAA members to “cross the pond” for unforgettable vacations. And now AAA Travel makes it easier and more affordable to enjoy a Eu-ropean escorted tour with several of our travel partners.

Traveling on a fully packaged tour from a well-respected AAA Travel partner may save you as much as 40% of what you’d pay if you invested the time and energy to plan, reserve and purchase the exact same vacation experience on your own.

Save up to $200.00 per room when you book and deposit on a 2015 Europe escorted tour (valued at $3,500 or more per room) from a selection of AAA Travel partners by Feb 28, 2015.

Because many escorted tours sell out months before their departure dates, it’s always advisable to book as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Booking early enables you to take advantage of the best availability in tours, accommodations and transportation options; the longer you wait, the greater the chance that the hotels, flights or excursions you really want won’t be available.

But the best reason to book early is to save money. The farther away from the departure date, the less you pay. With some travel partners, you can save up to 10% off the land-only portion of select tours by booking and paying in full in advance. So pay early and save more.

Choose now from hundreds, if not thousands, of exciting European tour packages from AAA Member Choice Vacations,® Alexander+Roberts, Insight Vacations and Trafalgar.

From additional savings to vouchers valid toward optional tours and excursions, AAA members are entitled to exclusive benefits on select packages (ask a AAA Travel Agent for details). Also, some AAA partners offer frequent-travel programs for those who’ve toured with them in the recent past; travel with that same partner again and get additional savings on the land-only portion of select itineraries.

What are the benefits of an escorted tour? No need to worry about language, finding your hotel or missing a train. No need to rent a car, to drive yourself along unfamiliar terrain, to decipher maps instead of appreciating the passing scenery. Professional guides provide history and cultural context as well as a personal touch that you’d never experi-ence on your own. All in all, you’re free to enjoy because the hassles have all been taken care of for you. And most tour operators have spent years developing a perfect balance between organized activities and the freedom to spend time on your own. So save yourself valuable time & money and get the most out of your hard-earned vacation. You may even develop new friendships among your fellow travelers — all the more reason not to go it alone!

AAA MEMBERS SAVE! $200 $150 $100 Premier Plus Basic

Savings per room (double occupancy) on new air-exclusive bookings (minimum $3,500/room) with deposit by 2/28/15

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL: AAA MAKES IT EASIER!Utilize AAA’s services before

visiting Europe or other international locales — whether

you’re on a package tour or traveling independently.

Visa / Passport AssistancePassport Photos

International Travel BooksAAA Travel Money / TipPaks®

Minor-Child Consent-to-Travel FormsSightseeing & Activities

International Destinations InfoAAA Member Discounts

International Driving PermitsDiscounted Rail Tickets

Car RentalsTravel Insurance

MOST SERVICES AVAILABLE ONLINE AT AAA.COM/TRAVELAND/OR AT MOST AAA TRAVEL LOCATIONS.

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FEBRUARY 2015

1-800-552-6679AAA.com/travel

Member BenefitsExclusive Offers

10

Catch the big wave... of special savings &

CRUISE

Ask your travel agent about eligible sailings

3/31/15 3/29/15 2/28/15 2/28/15 2/28/15

Choose 1...

$1,000 per stateroom

Choice Air credit

$1,000 per stateroom onboard credit

1-category upgrade

GO SALE

Reduced rates

2-category upgrade

1-2-3-Go! with choice of...

Classic beverage package per person

Free gratuities per person

Up to $300 per stateroom onboard credit

Book a Concierge Class stateroom and receive all 3 of the

offers above.

175th Celebration Package

Free balcony upgrade

Double balcony upgrade on Europe cruises


$175 per person reduced deposit

Grills Inclusive Package

$60 per day per stateroom onboard credit

Complimentary gratuities

Captain’s wine collection

Alternative-dining credit

Internet minutes

Keepsake photo

Specialty coffee card

Ready, Set, Sail

Free stateroom upgrades

to oceanview or veranda

Up to 10% off selected shore

excursions50% reduced deposit

Free or reduced cruise fares

for 3rd/4th guestBook a suite and

receive up to $300 per stateroom onboard credit,

free Wine Navigator package and

2 free soda cards.

Yes YesYes Yes

$150 per oceanview stateroom (or above)

onboard credit

Waiver of the deposit of the 2nd guest


On applicable

sailing dates

SOME RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY; PLEASE CONSULT YOUR AAA TRAVEL AGENT FOR DETAILS. NEW BOOKINGS FEB 1-28, 2015.

BOOK BY...

CRUISE LINE

2015 “WAVE

SEASON”CRUISE

SAVINGS AND

PERKS

AAA MEMBER BENEFITS

AAA Vacations® AMENITIES

24-hour best-price guarantee24–7 member care assistance

Ask about others, which vary by cruise line & sailing.

FEBRUARY 2015



11

NEWS — “SAIL SALE” AT FULL SPEED!

VALUE: It’s what cruising is all about. The price of a cruise includes your accommodations, activities,

parties and entertainment; most meals and snacks on board; and an exciting voyage to some of the most enchanting and culturally enriching places in the world.

At AAA Travel, right now the cruising industry’s annual “wave season” of special limited-time savings, stateroom upgrades, onboard credit and other perk opportunities is cresting!

Contact us now to take advantage of the many ways you can get more for your hard-earned cruise vacation dollar. There are options to suit every budget. By choosing to cruise, you’ll know what your vacation will cost you before you go; typically, your only extra expenses are drinks, specialty restaurants, optional shore excursions and personal services such as massages or hairstyling.

perks cresting now!3/31/15 2/26/15 3/31/15 2/28/15

Your World. Your Way.

2-for-1 cruise fare

Early-booking savings

50% off deposits

Free gratuities

Unlimited internet

Up to $1,000 per stateroom onboard credit

Yes

50th Anniversary

Sale

Savings up to $500 per person

Complimentary specialty dinner

for 2


Yes

Onboard value booklet (valued up to $325)

Reduced cruise deposit

per person

“Why Choose?” Offer

Up to $1,000 per suite

onboard credit

Free unlimited

WiFi

Business-class air from $499 per person

Yes

Up to $500 per suite onboard credit

Invitation to a group onboard cocktail party

on selected sailings

DreamWorks Experience

Offer

1 free soda package per stateroom

1 free DreamWorks

character photograph

Free character breakfast

Yes

1 per balcony stateroom (or above) complimentary spa

treatment (3 choices)

& maximum savings!

FEBRUARY 2015



12

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

Enjoy multiple-night stays in Rome, Florence, Venice, the Amalfi Coast and Stresa in the Lakes District. Discover the treasures of Classical and Christian Rome. Walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans in Pompeii. See gems of the Renaissance in Florence’s Academy Gallery, including Michelangelo’s

“David.” Visit Locarno, Switzerland, and cruise to Isola dei Pescatori, one of the Borromean Islands. A guided walking tour of Venice illustrates how this city

gained its wealth and power. Enjoy the magic of the Italian Lakes District in the captivating resort of Stresa. Stop at a winery & farm in the heart of Tuscany

to sample local wines and specialities for an included lunch. Sail to enchanting Capri and explore this island paradise.

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

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

with every dinner.

Oct 19-31 • AAA Member Rate: $5,579Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (New-ark-Rome, Milan-Newark), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, hotel accommodations, guided motorcoach sightseeing, en-trance fees, 20 meals, in-Italy tour director and air & hotel taxes (subject to change). Visit AAA.com/Italy for itinerary and more information. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

FEBRUARY 2015



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

unforgettable experiences not on cruises!Traditional salmon bake & a sternwheeler river cruise in Fairbanks

4-hour adventure flying over the Arctic Circle, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and the Yukon River

7-hour Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali National Park, looking for grizzlies, moose & more...with an overnight in the park

Meet a 4-time winner of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race and his canine crew Visits to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation & Begich Boggs Visitor centers

2-hour river float trip in Kenai Fjords National ParkA ride on Girdwood’s Alyeska Tram — from sea level to 2,300 feet!

Special welcome & farewell dinners with your fellow travelers

ALASKA BY LAND!

July 8-17 • AAA Member Rate: $5,675 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), 17 meals, luggage handling (1 bag/person), gratuities for included features (includes driver, escort), in-Alaska escort and AAA Tour Manager (if minimum-participation goal is met). Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

FEBRUARY 2015



14

PLUS

THIS EXCLUSIVE

MEMBER BENEFIT!$50.00

CERTIFICATEtoward purchase of optional

sightseeing or activity, per booking

NOW’S THE TIME!Book & make a deposit by Feb 28

on a 2015 7-night-or-longer air-inclusive Pleasant Holidays vacation to Hawaii

and enjoy:

$50 SAVINGS FROM AAA TRAVEL per room, based on double occupancy • new bookings Feb 1-28, 2015

Get up to$100.00in perks!

FEBRUARY 2015



15

&Folklore

Irish Pubs

Sláinte!Cheers!

Tour Dublin: St Stephen’s Green, Georgian squares, O’Connell Street, Famine Memorial & more. Quaff a pint at the Guinness Storehouse • Meet the owners of a working beef/sheep/horse farm. • Tour medieval Kilkenny, then explore it on your own. • Visit the House of Waterford; watch craftsmen transform molten glass into elegant tableware. • Kiss the “Stone of Eloquence” at Blarney Castle. • Browse at Blarney Woolen Mills...or visit a pub instead! • Circumnavigate scenic Dingle Peninsula and sample a local brew at Dingle Brewing Company. • Sit down to dinner & traditional entertainment (including step-dancing) in Killarney. • Ferry across the Shannon to view the Cliffs of Moher. • Stop in Galway on the way to Connemara. • Overnight in attractive Westport. • Cross over to Achill Island and see the Deserted Village (stone cottages abandoned around the time of the Famine). • Tour Kilbeggan Distillery and enjoy an Irish coffee. • Enjoy storytelling at Dublin’s oldest pub. • Spend a day on your own in Dublin, using included vouchers for an open-top bus tour and a visit to Old Jameson Distillery.

May 12-21 • AAA Member Rate: $1,899 $1,809Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, ac-commodations, motorcoach sightseeing, itinerary attraction admissions, local taxes, hotel service charges & baggage handling (1 bag per person), walking-tour audio headsets, 15 meals (including Kate Kearney’s Cottage Irish Night, “Food, Folk & Fairies” dinner show at Brazen Head Pub and 3 table d’hote dinners) and in-Ireland professional guide & driver. Ask about available add-on airfare.

Feel like a local at friendly pubs full of the craic — Ireland’s unique mix of news, gossip, fun, entertainment and enjoyable conversation!

ESCORTED TOUR OPERATED BY CIE TOURS INTERNATIONAL

New reduced rate!

FEBRUARY 2015



16

LONDON PARIS

LONDON & PARIS! Experience the history and charm of both of these capitals of culture in 1 fabulous tour. Enjoy 3 days discovering the pageantry of London, then ride the EUROSTAR HIGH-SPEED TRAIN beneath the English Channel to the City of Lights for 3 days of Parisian joie de vivre!

Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Newark-London, Paris-Newark), roundtrip airport/hotel and hotel/train transfers, Eurostar train seating, 6-night hotel accommodations (London: 3, Paris: 3), 10 meals, sightseeing & admissions per itinerary, hotel baggage handling (1 per person), air taxes & fees/surcharges and services of an in-Europe tour escort. Visit AAA.com/travel for complete itinerary. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Passport required.

A TRAVEL CLASSIC

A Tour of 2 CitiesSept 14-21

AAA Member Rate: $4,199

London Highlights• Special welcome dinner with your fellow travelers

• Panoramic city tour: See Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, “Big Ben,” the London Eye and more!

Special Inclusion• In a quaint town west of London, visit the British Monarchy’s stately, expansive Windsor Castle. Queen Elizabeth II uses the thousand-room castle as both a private home and as a Royal residence where formal duties of state are performed. Enjoy time for lunch in the village.

AAAMEMBERS

SAVE!Premier .......$675Plus ............$625Basic ..........$600

BOOKING WITH DEPOSIT BY 2/28/15

SAVINGS PER ROOM (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY)

Paris Highlights• Dinner at 58 Eiffel inside the Eiffel Tower• Seine River “City of Lights” nighttime cruise• City tour: See the Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame, Champs-Élysées, Place de la Concorde, Place Vendôme and more!• Dinner with wine & show at Paris’ oldest cabaret theater

Special Inclusion• “An Evening in Paris”: Visit Montparnasse Tower for open-roof terrace views, then dine with wine & music at a traditional Latin Quarter restaurant.

FEBRUARY 2015



Canadian Rockies and the Calgary Stampede

Fly to Calgary and drive into the Canadian Rockies to Banff. Enjoy 5 nights at Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa. Ride Banff Gondola for panoramic vistas. Visit thundering Bow Falls and cruise serene Lake Minnewanka. Enjoy a day in Banff on your own; you could play a round on Banff Springs’ golf course, take an unforgettable helicopter sightseeing tour or relax on a river float trip. Banff offers shopping and dining opportunities – as well as an occasional moose! Cross the Continental Divide on the way to Yoho and Banff national parks. See Takakkaw Falls, Emerald Lake and Lake Louise (“Jewel of the Rockies”), where you may ride the gondola. Spot wildlife along Columbia Icefields Parkway to Athabasca Glacier and turquoise Peyto Lake. Cap off the week at the Calgary Stampede, a celebration of cowboy life, chuckwagon races, rodeos, parades, fireworks and more. Enjoy the thrilling Grandstand Show from reserved seats.

DOWNTOWN BANFF BANFF SPRINGS LAKE LOUISE

RELAX IN 1 “HOME” FOR 5 NIGHTS!Located in Banff National Park, Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa offers a mountain lodge hotel,

a steakhouse and a full-service spa, all in one location. This ideal vacation spot is on Banff’s main street, surrounded by mountains, with

plenty of activities to keep you busy.

July 5-11 • AAA Member Rate: $2,779 Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Philadelphia-Calgary), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, services of a AAA Tour Manager (if minimum-participation goal is met), 9 meals, motorcoach sightseeing and baggage handling (1 per person). Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Passport required.

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Retrace portions of the Lewis & Clark Trail on Am- trak’s Empire Builder from the “Windy City” to the “Emerald City” and explore the “Crown of the Continent” in between!

Begin with a reception at Chicago’s Essex Inn on bustling Michigan Avenue, then take a city tour before boarding Em-pire Builder at magnificent Union Station.

Start your rail journey with Mississippi River views and glimpses of the Twin Cities skyline. Awaken in your private sleeping accommodations to cross North Dakota’s plains and traverse Gassman Coulee Trestle. Enjoy breakfast and lunch onboard as you cross into Montana to Glacier National Park.

This vast ice-carved terrain of serrated ridges, jutting peaks (6 more than 10,000 feet high), waterfalls, hanging val-leys, 50 glaciers, dense forests and more than 200 lakes is one of the world’s most pristine natural environments.

Designated a national park (the 10th) in 1910 by President Taft, the park covers some 1.2 million acres. Deer are among the most commonly spotted wildlife, but elk, moose, moun-tain goats, bighorn sheep, wolves and bears are seen.

Tour in a 1930s “jammer” with a canvas roll-top; rebuilt in 2001, these vehicles ply the park’s primary route — Going-to-the-Sun Road. Cross the border into Canada to visit Al-berta’s Waterton Lakes National Park, site of the Canadian Rockies’ deepest lakes. The park is part of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, a World Heritage Site.

Enjoy 2 nights at Glacier Park Lodge, built by the Great Northern Railway. The lobby’s massive fireplace invites fire-side chats, and there’s an outdoor pool, a golf course, a pitch-n-putt and a day spa on site. Your other in-park home for 2 nights is the Swiss-themed Many Glacier Hotel on Swiftcur-rent Lake. Its balcony offers 180º views of the lake, 3 glaciers and serrated peaks. This secluded Old World–style hotel is a one-of-a-kind national park lodging experience.

Reboard the Empire Builder for Seattle. See the city’s many gems, including lively Pike Place Market. Cap it all off with an ascent of the iconic Space Needle for breathtaking views!

CHICAGO

GLACIER NP

GLACIER NP

GLACIER NP

Glacier National Park DiscoveryAug 1-10 • AAA Member Rate: $3,935 Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip hotel/train transfers, 2-night train roomette accommodations (Chicago-Seattle), 7-night hotel accommoda-tions, 17 meals, meal gratuities (except on train), welcome reception, 4 tours & 1 cruise in Glacier National Park, sightseeing per itinerary, hotel baggage handling (1 per person), hotel taxes and services of an Amtrak Vacations® tour escort (Chicago-Seattle). Visit AAA.com/travel for complete itinerary. Ask about available add-on airfare.

SEATTLE

Glacier DiscoveryCHICAGO to SEATTLE

AAAMEMBERS

SAVE!Premier ... $400Plus ......... $350Basic .........$325

BOOKING WITH DEPOSIT BY 2/28/15

SAVINGS PER ROOM (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY)

ALLENTOWN . . . . . . . 610-434-5141 BETHLEHEM . . . . . . . . 610-867-7502LANSDALE . . . . . . . . . 215-855-8600 ROYERSFORD . . . . . . . 610-323-6300 ____________________________________________________________

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. AAA Featured Vacations are specially priced, unique departures; therefore, tour operators, cruise lines and other travel providers often exclude them from additional discounts or specials they offer. AAA Featured Vacations include services provided by third-party tour destination service companies; see your AAA Travel Agent for details. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for more details or visit the air carrier’s website for baggage allowance and fee information.

FEBRUARY 2015



PACIFIC NORTHWESTAscend the Space Needle at Seattle Center, site of the 1962 World’s Fair. Wander through Chihuly Garden & Glass. Enjoy a land-&-water excursion, the Future of Flight Aviation Center and a Boeing tour. Explore Pike Place Market. Visit Mt St Helens Visitor Center, the Astoria Column and Ft Clatsop. Enjoy a Tillamook cheese plant, a culinary demonstration, Oregon Coast Aquarium, Sea Lion Caves and an oceanfront dune buggy ride at the National Dunes Recreation Area. Tour Portland and its renowned rose gardens. Marvel at the Columbia Gorge’s Bonneville Dam and Multnomah Falls as well as historic Timberline Lodge on Mt Hood. 9 meals.

JULY 19-25 • $1,815

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

OCT 13-19 • $1,415

AMERICAN MAJESTYFrom Salt Lake City to Denver, take in some of America’s favorite national landmarks. Hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (choir schedule permitting). Visit Grand Teton and Yellowstone parks (including Old Faithful & Mam-moth Hot Springs), Devil’s Tower, Deadwood, Mt Rushmore (during the day and again in the evening for its inspiring lighting ceremony), Crazy Horse Monument, Custer State Park, Ft Laramie National Historic Site, Cody’s Buffalo Bill Historic Center and Cheyenne. Take a wildlife Jeep® safari through SD’s Black Hills. 15 meals. AIR INCLUDED.

AUG 29–SEPT 6 • $3,485

COLORADO TRAIN ADVENTUREThis Centennial 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 Colorado Springs. Ride the country’s steepest incline and walk on the world’s highest suspension bridge at Royal Gorge. Visit Great Sand Dunes and Mesa Verde national parks. See the monoliths of Colorado National Monument. Visit the CO Railroad Museum in Golden. 15 meals.

BEST OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIASo many delights in 1 tour — from the end-less charms of San Francisco to the natural splendor of the redwoods at Muir Woods to the opulence of Hearst Castle. Cross Golden Gate Bridge, enjoy the Mediterranean am-biance of Sausalito, sample wines at Napa Valley vineyards, savor lunch aboard the Napa Wine Train. Ride Amtrak’s scenic California Zephyr to Lake Tahoe. Visit the ghost town of Virginia City NV. Dine & dance on a riverboat paddlewheeler. Marvel at Yosem-ite’s wonders. Explore coastal Carmel, Big Sur and Monterey. 14 meals. AIR INCLUDED.

JULY 23-31 • $3,819

© SCOTT BUFKIN / FOTOLIA.COM YELLOWSTONE EXPERIENCEOur first national park’s first explorers were called liars when they described its other-worldly geysers & bubbling mudpots and its free-ranging bison, elk, moose, bears & wolves. Begin at Salt Lake City and travel through scenic Idaho to Yellowstone. Enjoy Old Faithful & many other natural land-marks, as well as the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. A Wildlife Safari includes a picnic dinner. Also enjoy Grand Teton National Park, the cowboy town of Jackson, a Jenny Lake cruise, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (schedule permitting) and more! 12 meals.

AUG 10-16 • $1,765

© ANDREANITA / FOTOLIA.COM

GRAND CANYON & ARIZONA ADVENTUREFly to Phoenix and ride to Sedona’s beautiful Poco Diablo Resort. Explore scenic backcoun-try on an exciting off-road Pink Jeep® tour. Visit the IMAX Theater at Williams, then ride the Grand Canyon Railway (first class) to the canyon’s South Rim. Spend 2 nights there in a national park lodge, then ride the vin-tage Verde Canyon Railroad. Explore Old Town Scottsdale, marvel at intriguing plants at the Desert Botanical Garden and Western art at the Heard Museum. Enjoy a memorable farewell steakhouse dinner — cowboy-style! 11 meals. AIR INCLUDED.

SAN FRANCISCO & NAPA WINE COUNTRYHere’s a tasty tour from scenic Carmel-by-the-Sea and the Monterey 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 Fish-erman’s Wharf. Cross Golden Gate Bridge to visit Mediterranean-flavored Sausalito and the redwoods at Muir Woods; ferry back across San Francisco Bay. Tour & sip samples at 4 wineries (enjoy a chef-prepared picnic lunch at one!), blend your own Merlot and savor an elegant dinner aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train. 8 meals. AIR INCLUDED.

JUNE 18-24 • $3,495

GLACIER NATIONAL PARKStart with a tour of Spokane. Descend into a silver mine in Wallace ID (once the “Silver Capital of the World”) and visit the Smoke-jumpers Aerial Fire Depot. See artsy Big Fork MT and enjoy a float trip on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. Stay at an Old World–style lodge in Glacier National Park. Cruise on 2 lakes. Travel “Going to the Sun” Road amid snowy peaks and virgin forest. Ride a vintage Red Jammer Touring Car. Cross the Continental Divide. Take America’s longest gondola up to Silver Mountain. Visit Lake Coeur d’Alene. 11 meals.

JUNE 21-27 • $1,939

© SNEHIT / FOTOLIA.COM

NEW MEXICO BALLOON FIESTAExplore Albuquerque, the Land of Enchant-ment’s largest city, then a 3-night stay in charming Santa Fe. Visit historic Chimayo vil-lage. Enjoy artsy Taos and the impressive Rio Grande Gorge. Take a fun salsa-making class. Ride Sandia Peak’s Aerial Tramway. At the International Balloon Fiesta,® witness the mass ascension of hundreds of balloons. Explore Rte 66, Old Town Albuquerque, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and Acoma Pueblo. See the Balloon Fiesta’s evening “Glowdeo” of illuminated balloons & fireworks afterward! 11 meals. AIR INCLUDED.

OCT 4-9 • $3,265

MAY 17-24 • $2,695

SEPT 12-19 • $2,145

SIZZLIN’ WESTERN USA TOURS!AAA MEMBER RATES SHOWN. VISIT AAA.COM/USA FOR ITINERARIES, INCLUSIONS AND OTHER INFORMATION.

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FEBRUARY 2015 19

Around TownFebruary 6-7SNOWBLAST WINTER ARTS FESTIVALDowntown EmmausThe 8th Annual SnowBlast Winter Arts Festival is a perfect opportunity to bundle up and head to Emmaus for community-wide art related events. The festival kicks off Friday night on the Emmaus Triangle with an appearance by the SnowBlast Ice Princess, sculpted ice demonstrations and the popular Ice Bar. Saturday features an art show and sale, plus music at the Emmaus Community Center for the Arts, with other events throughout the borough. Free. For information, visit emmausarts.org.

February 14-15CIRQUE DE LA SYMPHONIEMiller Symphony Hall, 23 North Sixth Street, Allentown This new production brings the magic of Cirque to the music hall. Artists include the most amazing veterans of exceptional Cirque programs throughout the world—acrobats, contortionists, dancers, jugglers, balancers, and strongmen. Each artist’s performance is professionally choreographed to classical masterpieces in collaboration with the Maestra. Performances: Saturday at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday at 3:00 p.m. Tickets: $19-$52. For information and tickets, visit allentownsymphony.org.

February 15-22LEHIGH VALLEY BEER WEEKBrought together by a love of and passion for craft beer, pubs, restaurants and breweries in and around Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton have risen to champion Lehigh Valley Beer Week. Events include pub takeovers, brew tours, beer tastings, beer dinners, rare beer releases, and more. For the schedule, visit lehighvalleybeerweek.com.

February 21HABITAT FOR HUMANITY POLAR PLUNGEDutch Springs, 4733 Hanoverville Road, BethlehemChill out with Habitat for Humanity and take a quick dip in the lake to help build homes, communities and hope; $50 donation. Registration 10:00 -11:00 a.m., PlungeFest and costume contest 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 noon, and plunge at 1:00 p.m. For information, call (610) 776-7737 or visit habitatlv.org.

February 27RED HOT CHILLI PIPERSState Theatre, 453 Northampton Street, EastonThis amazing nine-piece ensemble of pipers, guitarists and keyboards entertains with their signature “Bagrock” sound, a unique fusion of tricked up bagpipes and clever covers of popular songs including Queen’s “We Will Rock You,” a fantastic rock medley of Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water,” and AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck.” Special guests are

the Liberty High School Grenadier Band and Bagpipers. Tickets are $35. 7:30 p.m. For tickets and information, call (610) 252-3132 or visit statetheatre.org.

Through March 1NOEL COWARD’S PRIVATE LIVES Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut Street, Philadelphia Champagne and laughter will explode with Noël Coward’s timeless comedy “Private Lives.” Glamorous, rich and reckless, Elyot and Amanda have been divorced for five years. Now both are honeymooning with their new spouses at a French seaside resort. By chance they meet again, and their romantic feelings for each other are immediately rekindled. Without a care for scandal, they hurl themselves headlong into love. For tickets and information, call (215) 574-3550 or visit walnutstreettheatre.org.

February 27 and March 1NEIL DIAMOND PPL Center, 701 Hamilton Street, Allentown Neil Diamond, iconic Grammy Award-winning rock and pop singer/songwriter and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, embarks on his highly anticipated Neil Diamond World Tour 2015, kicking it off with two shows at Allentown’s new PPL Center. Tickets $65-$150. Performance at 8:00 p.m. For tickets and information, call (610) 347-8499 or visit pplcenter.com.

Through July 5 DINOSAURS OF THE DEEPAdventure Aquarium, 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ Prehistoric marine reptiles that ruled the primeval seas more than 100 million years ago are taking over Adventure Aquarium for a limited-time exhibit. Five thousand square feet of large-scale skeletons, ancient fossils and more than 20 life-size replicas will be on display to teach guests about the most intriguing sea monsters that ever existed – from massive pliosaurs and prehistoric armored fish to the whales, sharks and turtles that inhabit our oceans today. For information, call 1 (856) 365-3300 or visit adventureaquarium.com.

February 28- March 8 PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOWPennsylvania Convention Center, 12th and Arch Streets, Philadelphia The world’s oldest and largest indoor flower show features large-scale gardens, elaborate landscapes and over-the-top floral creations. The 2015 Flower Show will “Celebrate the Movies” with the world’s great floral and garden designers taking inspiration from the world’s great cinema. Tickets are $27 in advance, $32 at door. For tickets and information, visit theflowershow.com.

Costa Rica cont from page 1

world-renowned coffee farms on the fertile slopes of Poas Volcano; at Doka Coffee Estate, learn of the history and cultivation of this lifeblood of the tico economy. Sip samples before heading to Tamarindo Beach in Guanacaste, a Pacific-side region known for breath-taking scenery and fine beaches. Rest & relax here amid tropical greenery for 2 nights.

Set sail on an included catama-ran sunset cruise along Guanacaste’s coastline, glimpsing dolphins, turtles, flying fish, maybe even a whale. Stop at a charming bay for snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, sunbathing or beachcombing. Ascend into the Mon-teverde Cloud Forest, with trees as high as 100 feet and the largest num-ber (500) of orchids in the world. It’s also a stop for 91 species of migratory birds; keep your eyes peeled for the elusive jewel-toned quetzal, which re-sides here seasonally. Resident mam-mals include marsupials, bats, pri-mates, wild cats, wild pigs and others.

Next, venture into one of the world’s largest butterfly gardens at Selvatura Park, a reserve in the heart of Monteverde. A nearby gallery hosts more than 100 beautiful humming-birds. Enjoy a guided walking tour on “hanging bridges” among the cloud forest treetops to learn more about this fascinating ecosystem. If you crave a little more excitement, for just $75 you may opt to experience the unique sensation of flying through

nature on a nearly 3-hour Rainforest Canopy Zip Line Tour Adventure (one of the longest in Costa Rica...and the only zip line inside the actual virgin cloud forest of Monteverde). You’ll be outfitted with equipment, then safely guided to 19 platforms along 12 cables ranging from 120 to more than 2,000 feet in length and 60 to 400 feet in height. Feel pure adrenaline and the exhilaration of gliding up to 35 mph, viewing magnificent landscapes.

Later, visit a tree nursery to learn about indigenous-tree reforestation efforts. Travel through stunning mountain country to Tierras Morenas to visit a local school, where you’ll meet students and learn about the educational system and life-style of a small farming community.

At Arenal, cruise on a lake of the same name (Costa Rica’s largest) by a volcano of the same name. Spend 2 nights at a lodge in sight of the vol-cano, which has spewn lava for 30 years. You’ll even enjoy a cooking demonstration and learn how native exotic vegetables and other plants contribute to the unique tico cuisine.

Of all Costa Rica’s nature preserves (which cover 25% of it), remote Cano Negro boasts the largest viewable se-lection of indigenous wildlife. Embark on a covered-canoe river excursion, stopping to watch and photograph crocodiles, otters, sloths, turtles, birds and butterflies. The area around Are-nal Volcano is also a land of spas and hot springs; experience supreme pam-pering during an included 2-hour ses-

sion at Arenal Springs Hotel’s spa.Travel to charming Zarcero for its

whimsical topiary garden. At pictur-esque Grecia, see an unusual church made of brick-red metal panes, walk a beautifully landscaped park or shop at a traditional market. Visit San Jose’s colorful Plaza de Cultura and magnifi-cent National Theater. Cap it all off

with a farewell dinner with your fel-low travelers and newfound amigos.

This tour’s a unique way to recon-nect with nature. And, once you’re back home, whenever you’re in need of a mood boost, just remember Costa Rica — naturally. ¡Pura Vida, amigo!

Log on to AAA.com/GoCostaRica, visit a AAA Travel location or call 1-800-354-8761.

Tropical Costa Rica • Oct 12-20 • AAA Member Rate: $2,704Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Newark–San Jose), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, hotel accommo-dations, guided motorcoach sightseeing, entrance fees, 14 meals, in–Costa Rica tour director and air taxes & fees/surcharges. Visit AAA.com/GoCostaRica for complete itinerary and more information. Additional airline fee may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

After-tour Optional Extension: 3-night Jungle Adventure Oct 20-23 • AAA Member Rate: $449

Continue to Tortuguero, the “Amazon of Costa Rica.” Explore the region’s wildlife by boat, viewing macaws, sloths, monkeys, falcons and other native species. Enjoy a memorable 2-night stay at an eco-lodge surrounded by tropical forest and amazing wildlife. Visit the world’s first Green Turtle Research Station and discover how to protect the turtles’ nesting habitat and eggs. Enjoy a bird watching excursion and learn about local and migratory birds that flock to this area. Experience a spectacular canal cruise, keeping an eye out for howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, aquatic birds, bats and caimans, as well as exotic flora. Tortuguero National Park is a study in rainforest, freshwater and marine biol-ogy; it protects more than 350 species of animals, including green macaws, 57 species of amphibians, 111 species of reptiles and 60 mammal species, including endangered jaguars, tapirs, ocelots, cougars, river otters and manatees. Return to San Jose for your last night in Costa Rica. 8 meals.

ARENAL VOLCANONew research by the Global

Tourism Monitor Survey asked 23,000 vacationers in 26 countries to name

the destination they’d most recommend to others based

on their experiences in places they’d visited in the previous

year. Costa Rica came out on top, followed by Austria,

Israel, New Zealand and Italy.

FEBRUARY 201520

FOR MORE INFORMATIONSeveral factors can affect the cost of any travel insurance policy. Before deciding on a plan, be sure you understand what you’re buying and what each policy does and does not cover. For more information, visit AAA.com/travelinsurance.

STAY COVERED — If something happens, you want to be prepared.

Whether your idea of a spring break is sipping a cocktail by the pool, skiing a double black diamond, or touring the capitals of Europe, travel insurance can provide valuable assistance and financial protection.

“Emergencies are rare, but everyone should have a backup plan,” notes Jim Lehman, president AAA East Central. “Unexpected illnesses and medical emergencies are the number one reason trips are canceled. A good travel insurance plan will cover you for virtually every contingency — from travel delays due to bad weather, or a missed connection — to lost luggage, or a medical emergency in a foreign country.”

TripAssist Family Care Plan, AAA’s newest travel insurance product, covers more of the unexpected for less. It includes valuable features like comprehensive trip cancellation and primary emergency medical coverage, and 24-hour travel assistance. An array of optional benefits helps you tailor a plan to your own specific needs.

As any parent can tell you, children always seem to become ill at the worst possible moment. With TripAssist Family Care there’s no additional charge for children up to age 17 when traveling with parents or grandparents, and no surprise processing fees!

“TripAssist Family Care makes travel insurance premiums more affordable,

particularly for families with young children,” notes Ruth Nagy, AAA East Central Managing Director of Travel Services. “It’s our most popular plan for vacations, cruises, and tours.”

Should your luggage fail to arrive when you do, the plan now offers increased baggage protection. Baggage loss and damage coverage is $1,000 — double that of comparable packages. Baggage delay coverage has been increased to $300, a 50 percent improvement over previous plans.

TripAssist Family Care also provides expanded trip cancellation and interruption coverage. It protects your travel investment if your trip is delayed or cancelled for a covered reason, such as a major injury, jury duty or other unforeseen circumstances. Recent additions to this plan include reimbursement of Frequent Flyer miles and associated airline fees, and vehicle return coverage if your road trip is interrupted.

Medical treatment on your domestic or overseas vacation may leave you with expensive out-of-pocket expenses. TripAssist Family Care includes $25,000 in primary medical coverage for emergency medical costs during your travels. There’s no need to file claims with your regular health insurer first.

Emergency medical evacuation can be a lifesaver when traveling to a

destination where health care is not up to U.S. standards. TripAssist Family Care will reimburse you for transportation costs to the medical facility and back home, up to $500,000.

Several add-ons are available to help you customize your coverage. TripAssist Family Care Trip+ offers double the limits for select benefits, including missed connection coverage, travel delay, emergency medical coverage and transportation, and baggage loss/damage or delay.

The Required to Work option provides trip cancellation and interruption

coverage when your travel plans change due to work related issues.

Travelers can also add Cancel Anytime coverage to their TripAssist Family Care plan. As the name suggests, Cancel Anytime reimburses you no matter why your plans change, up to an hour before your scheduled departure. This option offers greater flexibility than a traditional trip cancellation policy. It’s a great choice for anyone whose travel plans may change for a variety of reasons not covered by most trip cancellation plans.

Travel Insurance Protects Your Travel Investment The perfect companion for your perfect vacation

The polar plunge that chills much of the nation during winter cold snaps does much more than bring out the ice scrapers and antifreeze. Big temperature drops can trigger vehicles’ tire pressure monitoring systems overnight, sending nervous drivers to dealers and service providers because their tire pressure warning (TPMS) icons are illuminated. Usually, a quick shot of compressed air re-inflates their tires and gets them on their way.

Here’s why a cold snap affects tire pressure and sets off the tire pressure monitoring system warning lamp. For every 10-degree-Fahrenheit drop in temperature, tire air pressure decreases about 1 pound per square inch (psi), said David Cowger, global sub-system manager for tires in General Motors’ Tire and Wheel Lab. On top of that, tires slowly lose air anyway – the equivalent of between .25 and .5 psi per month – because air passes through rubber.

“So if you last checked your tire pressure a few months ago when it was 70 degrees and now it’s 20, a tire with a recommended psi of 35 could be down to 27 or 28 and set off the TPMS warning,” said Cowger. “It’s very common when cold weather arrives.”

Unless there are issues such as punctures or damage, the TPMS light will turn off once the tires are properly inflated.

It’s important to keep tires inflated to their recommended psi (found on a placard on the driver’s side center pillar or door edge), said Cowger. Underinflated tires can wear out prematurely, negatively affect vehicle handling, reduce fuel economy and overheat, leading to blowout.

Tire pressure monitoring systems have been required on new vehicles since 2007. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requires the TPMS to display an alert when a tire’s pressure

drops 25 percent below its recommended psi.

General Motors and AAA recom-mend these tips for cold-weather tire care:

• If your vehicle is equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system, check individual tire pressure readouts in the driver information center and re-inflate to the tires’ recommended psi as necessary;

• Check tire pressure at least monthly with a quality tire gauge. To get an accurate tire pressure reading, measure tire pressure when the tires are “cold,” meaning that the vehicle has not been driven for at least three hours. Tire inflation increases 2-3 psi when the tires warm up during driving;

• When refueling, visually inspect tires for sharp, foreign objects that could work their way into the tire, as well as cuts, bulges, uneven and worn tread.

• Have your tires rotated and — if needed — balanced according to the schedule in the owner’s manual. If the TPMS isn’t one that automatically resets, a technician will do it manually.

Baby It’s Cold Inside — Your TiresDon’t let winter weather leave you feeling flat

FOR MORE INFORMATIONVisit AAA.com/auto for information on all things automotive including tips on buying, operating and maintaining a vehicle.

NO PRESSURE — As many as four out of five motorists drive with at least one underinflated tire.

FEBRUARY 2015 21

Auto Buying Program

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PMS 485 PMS 287 #CC0000 #003366Presidential Savings

You could save thousands this President’s Day weekend with the AAA Auto Buying Program:

• Upfront dealer pricing information and Guaranteed Savings* on new cars• Save hundreds of dollars off the list price with used car discounts on most inventory**• Certified Dealers provide a hassle-free car buying experience

*Guaranteed Savings and upfront dealer pricing information not available in all states. In these states, a Target Price is shown, which is a market-based example of what you can reasonably expect to pay for your vehicle as configured. Your configured vehicle may not be available or in-stock at the Certified Dealer.**Used car discounts not available in all states

See your savings at AAA.com/AutoBuying or call 800-446-7433

FEBRUARY 201522

DOWN TO EARTH —The AeroMobil 3.0 flies and drives on premium gas.

Flying cars have occupied our collective imaginations, if not the skies for generations. A sci-fi staple in everything from The Jetsons, to the Landspeeder from Star Wars, the term “where’s my flying car” has become a punch line for the failure of technology to match our utopian visions of the future.

Although a completely air-worthy family car won’t be in your garage any time soon, a number of prototypes have been successfully flight-tested, from the World War I-era Autoplane, to today’s Terrafugia Transition. Most have been grounded by difficult engineering challenges and high R&D costs. Surprisingly, the dream has not crashed and burned, even though many of the prototypes have.

The Autoplane, an aluminum triplane created by aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss, managed a few short hops before crashing in front of spectators at the 1917 Pan-American Aeronautical Exposition in New York.

The first flying car to actually fly was the Arrowbile. In 1936, inventor Waldo Waterman added detachable wings to a three-wheeled car with a 100-horsepower Studebaker engine. Because it had three wheels and a single headlight, the DMV actually classified it as a motorcycle.

The 1946 Aerocar was designed to drive, fly, and drive again without interruption and became the second flying car to earn FAA certification. The

Aerocar had folding wings, which could be converted into flight mode in five minutes. You can still see a 1968 model in the Great Gallery of Seattle’s Museum of Flight.

With an airframe that consisted of a Cessna Skymaster plane grafted onto a Ford Pinto, the AVE Mizar seemed doomed from the start. It was scheduled to go into production in 1975 for $18,000, but crashed during a test flight.

More recently, the two-seat Terrafugia Transition takes less than 30 seconds to transform from plane to car and it fits inside a standard garage. The brainchild of five MIT graduates who are also pilots, the Transition is designed to fly up to 500 miles at over 115 mph. The company hopes to offer the Transition to well-heeled early adopters sometime this year for about $300,000.

Advanced Tactics Inc., a small California-based aerospace company, is developing what appears to be a mutant hybrid of a multi-rotor drone and a monster truck. Designed for use by the military, the AT Black Knight Transformer successfully completed its first flight test last April. The modular construction allows the automotive component to be detached, or exchanged for an amphibious hull.

The Slovakian-built AeroMobil 3.0 prototype made its debut at the Pioneers Festival in Vienna last October. The most futuristic looking flying car to date, it

It’s 2015 and Still No Flying CarsPersonal aircraft still coming in for a landing

BACK TO THE FUTUREIn 1940, Henry Ford famously predicted: “Mark my word — a combination airplane and motor car is coming. You may smile, but it will come.” History may yet prove Ford right, but most skeptics believe that flying cars are 20 years away, and always will be.

features a carbon fiber airframe and swept back wings that employ a variable angle of attack to significantly shorten take-off. On the ground, it burns

premium gas and can be parked in a standard parking space. The entire machine tips the scales at a featherweight 992 lbs.

FREE 90-minute workshop for parents and

their pre-permit teens focusing on concepts that a teen may not

normally hear in a driver education class such as:

Pennsylvania’s graduated driver licensing law;

parent-teen agreements; crash statistics; and

insurance coverage for teen drivers.

6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. ALLENTOWN – March 19 2072 Downyflake Ln. ROYERSFORD – April 2 70 Buckwalter Rd.

BETHLEHEM – May 7 1520 Stefko Blvd. LANSDALE – June 4 1250 N. Broad St.

R.S.V.P.: AAA Public Affairs Dept. at 610-434-5141 or register online at AAA.com/events

In addition, Pennsylvania law requires motorists to turn on their headlights anytime their vehicle’s windshield wipers are in continuous or intermittent use due to weather conditions. Daytime running lights are not enough. The vehicle’s tail lights must

be on as well. Motorists who do not comply with the law may face a fine of $25, plus associated costs. When driving in times of limited visibility, motorists should keep their headlights on the low beams, especially during heavy snowfall.

Reminder: Motorists Should Clear VehiclesContinued from page 2

FEBRUARY 2015 23

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Whether you’re driving to your local supermarket or traveling from International Falls to Winnipeg, temperatures can fall fast and winter storms can be dangerous for those caught unprepared. Motorists should always monitor weather conditions, pay close attention to storm warnings and road reports and trust them.

Heavy snow and ice can trap motorists in their cars but attempting to walk for help in a blizzard can be a deadly decision. Disorientation and confusion come very quickly in heavy blowing snow.

People should remain in their vehicle and wait for help to arrive. Emergency crews can find your vehicle a lot easier than they can find you. Don’t expect to be comfortable. The challenge is to survive until you’re found.

Carry a winter survival kit. This should include a flashlight, batteries, hand/foot warmers, first aid supplies, high-energy snacks, brightly colored cloth or flag, a candle, matches, a cell phone, and a shovel. Don’t forget some kitty litter or sand, which can be used to provide added traction.

If your car breaks down or gets stuck, pull off the road as far as possible and

don’t panic. Being hit by a passing car is the greatest danger at this point, so stay put.

Let others know you are in trouble. Call first responders or AAA to inform them of your location and situation. Hang a distress flag from your aerial or window. Raise the hood when the snow stops falling.

Run the engine and heater approximately ten minutes of each hour.

Change positions and do minor exercises to maintain body heat.

Use newspapers, road maps, seat covers, floor mats or extra clothing for insulation and warmth. If there are two or more people, huddle together for warmth.

Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by clearing snow from the exhaust pipe and cracking the window for ventilation.

Turn on your inside dome light at night so first responders can spot you.

Never overexert yourself. Avoid shoveling heavy snow or trying to push your car out of a deep snowdrift.

Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Symptoms of frostbite include loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in your fingers, toes, nose and earlobes. Hypothermia symptoms

can include uncontrollable shivering, slow speech, memory lapses, drowsiness, exhaustion and frequent stumbling.

If you suspect frostbite or hypothermia, warm the victim’s mid-trunk section. Warm the arms and legs last to avoid moving cold blood toward the heart. Avoid giving caffeine (such as coffee or tea) or alcohol to a frostbite or

hypothermia victim. Sugary drinks are better than hot drinks for beating the cold.

Delay your trip if possible in poor driving conditions, and if not, notify others of your plans. If you do become stranded, preparation and knowing how to react are vital to keeping you safe.

THE COLD HARD TRUTH — In any weather emergency, the challenge is to survive until you’re found.

GIVE YOUR CAR A CHECK-UPTo avoid mechanical breakdowns, have a qualified automotive technician like those in AAA’s Approved Auto Repair program, inspect the brakes, tires, cooling system, windshield wipers, battery, electrical system, lights, emergency flashers, ignition, defroster, and exhaust system.

How to Survive a Winter Weather EmergencyKeep your cool if you’re stranded in your car

Feb2015 Traveler

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