your aaa - aaa pioneer valley€¦ · your aaa official publication of aaa pioneer valley editorial...

JANUARY 2017 VOL.1, ISSUE 1

PIONEER VALLEYYour AAA

On the cover: The U.S. Capitol in Wash-ington, D.C., sparkles at twilight.

By Roberto X. Cruz

Before work, every minute counts. Here’s some advice on how to get snow and ice off your car in a hurry.

Make or buy a de-icer spray and use it on the windshield, side windows and mirrors to kick ice clearing into high gear.

Use de-icer on the wiper blades and pull them off the glass before scraping the windshield. Tears on the rubber parts of the blades could ruin them.

A telescoping foam snow brush can help you clear hard-to-reach areas on the roof. Plus, unlike brooms and shovels, foam tools are less likely to

Car Care CornerYour snow and ice removal cheat sheet

Savings GenerationTM

Every month we share a few ways AAA Mem-bership saves you... Time: Let an expert AAA travel agent plan your next getaway whether you're looking to travel solo, with a companion, with your family or with an entire group. Money: Save up to 75 percent off prescriptions (including those for pets) with AAA Prescription Savings. Worry: Don't let a dead battery stop your day. AAA will come to you to test your battery and replace it on the spot, if necessary.

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Make your own de-icer 1 part cold water 2 parts rubbing alcohol Mix together in a spray bottle and apply generously.

scratch the clear coat finish that protects the paint.

Work from the top down, pulling snow toward you. It re-quires less effort and helps you avoid having to clear the same areas twice.

When possible, park facing east the night before. This will give the sun a chance to get the melting going in the a.m.

Never use hot water to melt ice; instead, let your front and rear defrosters work their magic – just make sure your car’s tailpipe is clear and never start a car in an enclosed area like a garage.

And remember, removing snow and ice from your vehicle is important, even if you’re in a rush. Driving with snow cascad-ing from your car’s roof is rude and, more importantly, it can limit visibility for others on the road, which could put people in danger. It is even a traffic violation in some states.

By Judy Koutsky

One of the reasons families go back to Florida’s Walt Disney World Resort year after year is because it’s always up-ping its game. Whether it’s creating something brand new or expanding on a much-loved attraction, Disney doesn’t rest on its laurels. Truth be told, my kids, ages 5 and 7, would be happy to go back each year even with no changes, but for those die-hard Disney fans who want the latest and greatest, 2017 will not disappoint. ANIMAL KINGDOM

The big news happening at Disney this year is taking place at Animal Kingdom, where Pandora – The World of Avatar will soon be unveiled. Inspired by the popular James Cam-eron film, the new area is sure to keep both tots and adults entertained with everything from floating magical mountains to after-dark entertainment.

On the family-friendly Na’vi River Journey, riders embark down a mysterious, sacred river on canoes, gliding through a bioluminescent rainforest with exotic glowing plants and mystical sea creatures. The journey culminates in an encoun-ter with a Na’vi shaman, who has a deep connection to the

DISNEY UNVEILSMUST-SEE MAGIC

Continued on page 12

Pandora – The World of Avatar opens this year at Walt Disney World Resort.

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THIS MONTH Tell us your

AAA savings story Have you saved money with your AAA Membership? Tell us your AAA savings story and we'll tell other Your AAA readers. A story will be selected randomly and published in the next issue of Your AAA. If your story is cho-sen, you'll win a one-year member-ship renewal! For more information, visit AAA.com/Promo.

Travel presentation in West SpringfieldHead to the AAA West Springfield office 6:30 p.m. Jan. 18 to learn more about our Member Choice Vacations tour of Australia and New Zealand. Or watch a webinar about Peru 6 p.m. Jan. 3. To register for both events, call 413-785-1381 or visit AAA.com/TravelEvents.

Spaces available for driver educationSpots are still available for driver ed-ucation classes held during February school vacation at AAA offices in Hadley, Springfield and West Spring-field. Visit AAA.com/DrivingSchool or call 413-785-1381 to register.

RMV services at AAA offices AAA Members can visit the West Springfield and Hadley offices for Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicle services including license, registration and state ID renewals and duplicates, replacement license plate stickers and more. Offices are open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

E-ZPass devices available at AAA AAA Members can apply for a new E-ZPass account for passenger vehicles and motorcycles (commercial vehicles and trailers not applicable) at AAA offices. Please note that all ap-plications processed at AAA must use a credit/debit card as the payment option. For more information, visit AAA.com/EZPass.

AAA offices closed for holidays AAA offices will be closed Mon-day, Jan. 2, in observance of New Year’s Day and Monday, Jan. 16, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. As always, 24-hour roadside assistance will be available.

JANUARY 2017 | PIONEER VALLEY 2

UPGRADE TO AAA PLUS®

OR AAA PREMIER®

You’ll get up to 200 miles of towing and more peace of mind.

You never know what’s around the next turn...so why not get even more peace of mind for you and your family by upgrading your membership. AAA Premier features valuable expanded benefits including one-day FREE car rental when your vehicle is towed.* And AAA Plus offers a great move up from Basic Membership. So hit the road with added peace of mind – upgrade today!

SERVICES AAA PREMIER® AAA PLUS® BASIC

Towing Benefit*

Emergency Fuel Delivery

Car Rental (with tow)*

Vehicle Locksmith Service

Home Lockout Services*

Towing up to 100 miles, one tow can be up to 200 miles^

FREE Emergency Gas

One-Day free Car Rental^

Up to $100

Up to $100^

Towing up to 100miles

FREE Emergency Gas

Up to 3 miles

You pay for gas

Discounted rate

Up to $50

CALL 413-785-1381 VISIT your local AAA branch CLICK AAA.com

Discounted rate

Up to $100

Roadside Assistance within Pioneer Valley: (800) 622-9211

For Service Outside Pioneer Valley: (800) 222-4357

429

*This chart shows just some of the benefits available to members. Certain conditions and restrictions apply. Visit AAA.com/Membership for details.

^Per household per membership year

N/A N/A

One of the most natural partnerships a AAA club can have is with a state’s Registry of Motor Vehicles. These partnerships, which allow AAA Members to obtain select RMV services at AAA branch offices, feature convenient locations and free parking. The state benefits through shorter lines and wait times at its RMV branches.

At AAA Pioneer Valley, our members benefit from such a partnership. Our long-standing relationship with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles pro-vides choice and convenience for members who want to renew their driver’s licenses or vehicle registrations. And did I mention that AAA is the only location in the state with Saturday RMV hours? For those whose schedules don’t allow for an RMV visit during the week, Saturday hours are a vitally important part of the service.

This relationship has also enabled our AAA Mem-bers to access E-ZPass transponders, saving members a trip to the RMV or a toll service center. This past fall alone we processed close to 10,000 transponders in an effort to make our members’ lives a little bit easier.

As you may have learned, AAA and the RMV are in the process of further expanding registry ser-vices throughout Massachusetts. We are pleased to announce that our AAA Springfield office will soon provide registry services. We will notify our members of the launch date via the AAA e-newsletter, AAA.com and the Your AAA publication. AAA Members will be able to renew driver’s license and vehicle registrations, receive duplicate licenses, state ID renewals, re-placement license plate stickers, duplicate titles, plus registration amendments and transfers. Full details of our RMV program are available at AAA.com/Registry.

In the future, we look for-ward to also expanding the menu of registry services. The growth of this partnership rep-resents a victory for members, who will hopefully enjoy a greater number of options as the program moves forward.

RMV services at AAA a timesaving benefit

SFI-00993

AAA PIONEERVALLEY OFFICERS

Chairman of the BoardMichael Godek

Vice ChairJames Russell

President & CEOChris E. MensingCFO & TreasurerRobert M. Dwyer

AAA OFFICESADMINISTRATION150 Capital Drive

W. Springfield, MA 010891-413-785-1381

CHICOPEE863 Montgomery StreetHOURS: Monday - Friday

9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.413-536-2655

Insurance Services Only

GREENFIELD91 Main Street

HOURS: Monday - Friday9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

HADLEY458 Russell Street*

HOURS: Mon, Tue, Wed,Fri - 9 am - 5:30 pm;

Thursday - 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.Saturday - 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.Registry Services Available

SPRINGFIELD270 Cooley Street*

HOURS: Mon, Tue, Wed,Fri - 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Thursday - 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.Saturday - 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

WEST SPRINGFIELD150 Capital Drive*

HOURS: Mon, Tue, Wed,Fri - 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Thursday - 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.Saturday - 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.Registry Services Available*Insurance Services unavailable Saturday

Your AAA

Official Publication ofAAA Pioneer Valley EDITORIAL OFFICE150 Capital Drive

W. Springfield, MA 01089413-785-1381

[email protected]

PUBLISHER & EDITORMindy J. Ginley

TRAVEL EDITORSandra J. Marsian

Your AAA Pioneer Valley is published ten times a year by AAA Pioneer Valley, 150 Capital Drive, W. Springfield, MA 01089 (USPS 002-740). Subscription rate: 50

cents per annum with Periodicals Postage Paid at W. Springfield, MA and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address correction changes to AAA Pioneer

Valley, 150 Capital Dr., West Springfield, MA 01089.

PIONEER VALLEY

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK | CHRIS E. MENSING

MEMBERSHIP

PIONEER VALLEY | JANUARY 20173

As winter weath-er tightens its grip, the last thing you need to worry about is being stuck in the cold without a valid AAA Membership. With AAA auto re-newal, you’ll never have to worry about your mem-bership benefits lapsing.

Sign up, and your member-ship renewal will automatically be charged to your credit or debit card each year. We’ll even send you a reminder before billing your card. As a bonus, you’ll save $5 on next year’s membership renewal when you enroll!

Auto renewal can be added to your membership at any time, regardless of your membership expiration/renewal date. You’ll rest easy knowing your AAA Membership is always there providing uninterrupted service. And you can cancel at any time.

Don't be left in the cold

For more information or to sign up, visit AAA.com/AutoRenew.

5 things to know

about AAA this month

5. Dash through the snow in style. AAA

Members get one free day on five-day rentals

when promotional code 310334 is included in the

reservation. Go to AAA.com/Hertz.

1. Hit the slopes! If you’re planning a ski trip this month, make sure to take advan-tage of AAA’s great

rates on hotels. Go to AAA.com/Hotels to

book.

2. Resolve to save. Getting a new quote

on your auto insurance can ensure you're

getting the best rates possible. Go to

AAA.com/Insurance to get started.

3. Taking a vacation? Save 20 percent on new luggage and

travel accessories at eBags. Go to

AAA.com/eBags to learn more.

4. The roar of the crowd. AAA Members can get discounts on

tickets to theatrical per-formances, concerts and sporting events through

Ticket Monster. Visit AAA.com/TicketMonster

for upcoming events.

Income tax filing season is upon us, and if past years are any indication, roughly 30 million people will use TurboTax to file their returns.

While tax filing isn't always viewed as an exciting en-deavor, fun facts can provide a small bit of levity to even the driest of the tasks. Did you know, for example, that AAA Members are eligible for an exclusive discount of up to $20 on TurboTax federal products?

Here are a few other interesting tax facts to help you show off in front of family and friends, or crush your next neighborhood trivia night.

Partner Spotlight

1

3

2

In 1861, President Abraham Lincoln and Congress created the nation's first income tax. It was aimed at helping pay for the Civil War. The income tax was repealed 10 years later, reinstituted in 1894 and struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1895 before the 16th Amend-ment was ratified in 1913, giving Congress the authority to enact an income tax.

Approximately 87 percent of returns for the 2015 tax year were filed electronically.

There’s a 20 percent chance of filing a paper return with an error, compared to less than a 1 percent chance for electronically filed returns. E-filing has been offered nationwide since 1990.

By George Morse

For more, visit AAA.com/TurboTax.

WHILE IT’S HOT

DELL Save $50 on select

Dell PCs $499 and up, or save $100 on select Dell PCs $999 and up

through Jan. 31.

This month’s limited-time offers

HIT THE SLOPES Get exclusive lift tick-et prices at ski areas around the region.

AAA.com/Dell

AAA.com/Discounts

PAPA JOHN’S Score a 25 percent dis-count on regular-price menu items for your

game-day pizza order online with promo

code 25AAA.

DISNEY MONTH Book a Disney vaca-tion in January and

receive a special Disney gift.

AAA.com/Discounts

AAA.com/DisneyMonth

For more, visit AAA.com/Discounts

MEMBERSHIP

With the way the world is today, your personal information might be spread out all over the place. And even if you’re extra careful with using public Wi-Fi, shopping online or handing out your Social Security number, the fact is what makes the internet so convenient for everyone is also what makes it convenient for ID thieves.

Some victims don’t even realize their identity has been stolen until years later, and trying to resolve those issues could mean hours and hours of frustration.

Many people believe that their credit card company or banking institution protects them from identity theft with free credit monitoring services. But this only monitors changes in your credit, not threats to your identity. Identity thieves can rack up utility bills, drain retirement accounts and even commit crimes in your name.

Luckily, there is something that you can

do to help protect yourself and your family from identity theft. A full-service identity theft protection company like LifeLock is definitely worth considering.

With its proprietary technology, LifeLock scans hundreds of millions of transactions every second looking or threats to your identity – even on the dark web. If something suspicious is detected, LifeLock will alert you to make sure the transaction was legitimate. Plus, should you ever become a victim of identity theft while a LifeLock member, you’re backed by a $1 million service guarantee to help restore your good name.

AAA Members receive a 30 day free trial and 15 percent off Lifelock mem-bership. Visit AAA.com/LifeLock for more information.

LifeLock keeps identities safe

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Attractions Entertainment Shopping Dining Hotels

AAA Discounts & Rewards: Check AAA.com/Discounts for discount listings, codes and restrictions. Offers and discounts subject to change without notice. *Online discounts only available through AAA.com/Discounts. Valid AAA membership card may be required at time of purchase. DR.91662.16_All

From getting fit to staying healthy, you’ll save on everything you need to keep your resolutions all year long. Use your card on fitness apparel, sports gear, and even prescriptions. You’ll never pay more than you have to. With hundreds of ways to save,

your AAA membership quickly pays for itself.

WHAT WILL you SAVE WITH AAA?

BE PART OF THE SAVINGS GENERATION™

For how & where to save, go to AAA.com/Discounts

Savings for the entire family (and all of their resolutions)

20% OFF entire purchase

15% OFF one item

Up to 30% OFF

10% OFF entire purchase

Up to 75% OFF

Up to $20 OFF*

10% OFF membership

15% OFF and 30 days FREE


Now we’re always by your side.

Downlod the AAA Mobile app and start saving all over the map.

The AAA Mobile app won’t just help you explore the country. It’ll help you save on gas, find AAA Diamond-rated restaurants and hotels and get interactive roadside assistance if you need it. What’s more, it will help you locate everything from electric vehicle charging stations to drugstores. The journey starts the minute you download.

LIFESTYLE

By Christina Elston

Valerie Grubb loves to travel. Not only that, she loves to travel with her mom. In the past 20 years, the author of “Planes, Canes, and Automobiles: Connect-ing With Your Aging Parents Through Travel” has logged more than 300,000 miles with her mother, now 85.

“It’s been one of the best things I’ve ever done,” she said.

You, too, can have a great trip with mom or dad, even if they have mobility chal-lenges. Just follow a few of Grubb’s tips. Watch them walk

Don’t leave home without understanding your parent’s physical capabilities. “That may actually help you decide

where you want to go,” said Grubb. A parent who strug-gles with the porch stairs won’t be climbing the 387 steps to the top of Notre Dame Cathedral. If you can, pay your parents a visit and observe them so you can help them make the best choices for the trip.Talk to the doc

Go with your parent for a pretrip checkup to discuss health concerns and details about medications (including generic names) your par-ent is taking. Carry a list of those medications and their doctors’ contact information with you at all times. “It’s rare that something hap-pens when you’re just at the hotel,” Grubb said.

Remember that things change

If you haven’t spent extended recreational time with your parents in a while, be aware that their dietary preferences may have changed, their mem-ory may have diminished, or they may need more frequent rest stops. Grubb said that her mother was once “fearless” but became more wary of new places and of flying alone as she grew older.

With patience and fore-thought, most issues can be overcome. “It changes the vacation a bit, but I can tell you it’s worth it,” Grubb said.

Travel puts you and your parent in a new adventure and allows you to deepen your relationship. Grubb, for instance, learned during one trip that her demure mom had been kicked out of high school for fighting. “You’re going to find out so much more about your parents when you’re with them,” she said. “New places trigger memories in all of us.”

Live Well

Traveling with aging parents

Illustr

ation

: Gary

Hov

land

Our motivation drops with every snowfall, but you can stay active when cold weather hits.

Shoveling snow• A person weighing 170 pounds can burn about 250 calories over 30 minutes of shoveling, according to North Dakota State University.• Shoveling increases your heart rate and provides a full-body workout.• To prevent injury, make sure you use the right approach. Stretch and warm up then start slowly and take frequent breaks. Use proper posture to prevent back injuries. Bend at the knees and lift with your legs, rather than your lower back. Keep one hand at the shovel handle and the other close to the blade to maximize leverage.

Ice skating• According to the United States Figure Skating Associa-tion, a 150-pound person skating for one hour burns 600 to 800 calories and gets the same aerobic exercise as running 5 miles. • Skating exercises your quadriceps, hamstrings, abdomi-nal muscles and lower back.• Skating is low impact and avoids the joint strain com-mon with running.

Snowshoeing• According to www.snowshoes.com, snowshoers burn between 430 and 1,000 calories per hour, depending on speed, terrain and snow density.• Snowshoeing is a low impact, cardiovascular activity that exercises the legs and promotes balance.• And it’s easy! All you need are snowshoes, weather- appropriate clothes and brief instruction to start.

Please consult you physician before beginning any new exercise regimen.

AAA TrainerWinter workoutsBy Nick Tavares

2 Jerks BBQ701 Broadway, Raynham, Mass.

This casual barbecue joint special-izes in all things cooked slow and low, like tender St. Louis ribs and juicy brisket that’s sliced to order. But Phantom prefers the Southern-style tater tots served poutine-style in a big bowl, piled high with pulled pork and smothered with country gravy.

Barrel House American Bar252 Cabot St., Beverly, Mass.

Serving craft cocktails and a unique take on French-American cuisine, its poutine is served in a cast-iron skillet, crispy truffle fries get amped up with the help of cheese curds, bacon and stout gravy – with an optional fried egg on top.

Boston Chops1375 Washington St., Boston

This modern steakhouse sports high ceilings, dim lighting and a bustling bar. While you may come for the steaks, you’ll stay for the sides, like the poutine-style twice-baked loaded potato. It’s injected with housemade gravy, topped with pork belly, cheese curds, scallions and chives and garnished with two crispy potato skins. Keep in mind – this “side” is big enough for a whole table to share.

Charlestown Rathskeller489 Old Coach Road, Charlestown, R.I.

This sprawling space features a cozy dining room and a fun outdoor area. It’s known for its fries, which can be kicked up with seasonings from hot and spicy to salt and vin-egar. Phantom prefers to go all in and get the fries with short ribs and gravy, tossed in truffle oil and pecori-no cheese, or loaded up with bacon, cheddar, sour cream and chives.

Chez Vachon136 Kelley St., Manchester, N.H.

A destination for folks looking for plate-tipping piles of American comfort food and French-Canadian favorites, it might serve the region’s most authentic plate of poutine (employees pronounce it “PUT-sin”), with cheese curds and spicy chicken gravy. Big eaters can take the grand challenge: 5 pounds of poutine.

Clean Plate345 South Water St., Providence, R.I.

This casual spot serves crazy comfort food. And nothing is wackier – or tastier – than its latke poutine. It starts with crispy potato pancakes as the base. Then they’re loaded up with sliced pastrami, farmer cheese, pickles and gravy.

dNB Burgers22 Elm St., New Bedford, Mass.

At this funky fast food alternative the specialty may be burgers, but the hand-cut fries are available in a variety of poutine styles. The clas-sic is smothered with cheese curds and beef and cheddar gravy, while a New Bedford version adds a layer of housemade chourico. A chicken cordon bleu poutine pairs Swiss Mornay sauce, house-cured ham and butter-toasted bread crumbs.

Ogie’s Trailer Park1155 Westminster St., Providence, R.I.

This throwback space has sputnik chandeliers, vintage seating and lava lamps. The menu has six varieties of tater tots topped with everything from Italian Grana Padano cheese, to French-Canadian poutine style with fried bacon strings, goat cheese, gravy and an egg served sunny side up.


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LIFESTYLE

GREAT 8 | POUTINE

Five pounds of poutine at Chez Vachon.

By Phantom Gourmet

By Nick Tavares

When the cat’s away, the mice will play. But when the human’s away, what does the cat do?

Food puzzles keep your pet occupied when you’re not home. They can be found at pet stores and online, and have several difficulty levels for various animal species. These puzzles compel pets to forage for food using their senses. According to www.bestfriends.org, food puzzles engage pets mentally and physically, improve be-havioral health, and promote confidence through overcom-ing obstacles.

One do it yourself puzzle repurposes a muffin tin and tennis balls: Fill a muffin tin with tennis balls, hiding a treat under one of the balls, and challenge your pet to find the snack and remove the obstacle.

Food puzzles may be difficult. Using their favorite treats, teach your pets how the puzzle works so they can crack the dinner code when you’re away from home.

Pet ProjectsPuzzles tickle your pet's funny bone


You’re Invited!

RSVP today! 413-785-1381 or AAA.com/TravelEvents

Discover amazing travel opportunities and find great deals at these presentations, hosted by AAA Travel

and our preferred travel partners.

South Pacific WondersExplore two great countries of the Southern Hemisphere – Australia and New Zealand. From the tropical splendor of the Great Barrier Reef on Australia’s northeast coast, to the ethereal beauty of glacial fjords on New Zealand’s South Island, learn about AAA Member Choice Vacation’s 15-day journey to the lands "Down Under" where you’ll explore the best of both countries at an enjoyable pace.Office PresentationWed., Jan. 18, 6:30 pm, AAA West Springfield

2017 AAA President’s Tour

Peru: Ancient Land of MysteriesExplore Peru’s archaeological treasures as you travel through the soaring Andes to the spectacular Incan city of Machu Picchu. Discover Lima’s colonial heritage and see why the “City of Kings” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join us to learn about AAA Member Choice Vacation’s 10-day tour, hosted by AAA’s President, Chris Mensing and his wife Martha.

Online WebinarTue., Jan. 3, 6:00 pm - Enjoy from the comforts of home!RSVP at AAA.com/TravelEvents

Selections vary by location.

Get Travel-Ready and Save!Get everything you need for your travels

in one convenient location, with exclusive AAA Member discounts

Driving School

AAA.com/DrivingSchool413-785-1381

Graduates receive a FREE one-year AAABasic Membership**visit website for details

MembersSAVE$75

Learn from the experts in traffic safety

Register Today for one-week accelerated classes during February school vacation

Classes held in

Hadley, Springfield and West Springfield


413-785-1381

AAA.com/DisneyMonth

Mention this ad and receive a special offer when booking your next Disney vacation compliments of AAA Pioneer Valley.

WHERE

WHEN

CALL

GO ONLINE

January 1–31, 2017

Your Local AAA Travel Agency

Come to Disney Month at AAA Travel and

discover more about magical vacations to

the Disneyland® Resort, Walt Disney World®

Resort, an Adventures by Disney® or Disney

Cruise Line vacation or Aulani, A Disney

Resort & Spa. Find out the latest news and

special offers as we help plan the vacation of

your dreams.

Be sure to contact AAA Travel to book your

next magical Disney vacation!

Call 413-785-1381 or stop by our office.

Ships’ Registry: The Bahamas

It’s MONTH atAAA TRAVEL

PORT-17-54271 As to Disney artwork, logos, and properties: ©Disney

©Disney/Pixar

PIONEER VALLEY | JANUARY 20179 TRAVEL

A

TOP 10 THINGS WE LOVE IN… Washington, D.C.

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s an ever-evolving repository of American history, our nation’s capital is the place where politics and “we the people” intersect. The city, which straddles the Poto-mac River bordering Virginia and Maryland, rewards visitors with grand neoclas-

sical architecture and dozens of monuments honoring leadership, heroism and sacrifice. Ongoing downtown revitalization, including a thriving international dining scene, contin-ues to make D.C. more appealing than ever. Here are some can’t-miss attractions.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: A tapas-style dish at Zaytinya; cherry trees ring the picturesque Tidal Basin; the Columbus Fountain outside Union Station.Greg

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The Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum complex, and within its 19 buildings there’s a ton of cool stuff – from the Apollo 11 command module to Dorothy’s ruby slippers.

Walking up the 58 steps to the Lincoln Memorial brings you face-to-toe with the 19-foot-tall white marble statue of our 16th president, seated and looking toward the Washington Monument.

You’ll be charmed by a stroll through Georgetown, a resi-dential neighborhood dating to 1751 that’s home to great restaurants, the M Street shopping district and the university bearing its name.

Every president since John Adams in 1800 has called the White House home – and it will soon have a brand-new occupant – and it’s worth reserving a free tour with your Congressional representative (requests can be submitted up to three months in advance).

There are only a few places in the U.S. where you can see giant pandas, and the National Zoo is one of them. It current-ly has three – although popular Bao Bao will head to China in late 2017.

Union Station is arguably one of our country’s prettiest train stations. The circa-1907 Main Hall, fresh from a restoration, has an optical-effect coffered ceiling.

The Tidal Basin is one of Washington’s most photogenic sights, best experienced in early spring when the 3,000 cherry trees that ring it (a gift from Japan in 1912) are in bloom.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, which features austere black-granite walls engraved with the names of the more than 58,000 Americans who died during the conflict, is one of Washington’s most-visited monuments.

The D.C. restaurant scene includes power lunch spots (Blue Duck Tavern), tapas-style menus by Jose Andres (Zaytinya) and Asian fine dining by Wolfgang Puck (The Source). Sit in one of the red-velvet banquettes at the Off the Re-

cord Bar in the basement of the AAA Four Diamond Rated Hay-Adams Hotel and order a cocktail. It doesn’t get more D.C. insider than this.


With 435 Jacuzzi® Suites, gourmet cuisine and world-class Vassa Spa, Azul Sensatori offers the Karisma Gourmet Inclusive® Experience on a grand scale. Yet as expansive as this multi-generational resort is, every guest is treated like royalty.

3 Gourmet Inclusive® Nights from $679 per person

Reduced Rates Promotion Booking Window: Now – 3/31/17 | Travel Window: 5/1/17 – 7/31/17

Tours operated by Travel Impressions, Ltd. Rate is land only, per person, based on double occupancy. Advertised rate is based on travel 5/8/17–5/11/17 and varies by departure date. Blackout, weekend, holiday and peak season surcharges apply. Rates and promotions are accurate at time of publication and are subject to changes, exceptions, cancellation charges and restrictions. All advertised savings are reflected in rate. Rates are subject to change based on currency fluctuations. Not responsible for errors or omissions in the printing of this ad. Additional higher priced packages available. Valid for new bookings only. Not combinable with other offers. Travel Impressions materials (including, but not limited to, names, trademark, service marks, logos, marketing materials, etc.) shall not be used, reproduced, transmitted or distributed in any way, except with the express written consent of Travel Impressions. CST #2029006-20, IOWA #758, Washington UBI #602 425 801. AG1196-16_VK_11.23.16

Call or visit your nearest AAA Travel agent today

413-785-1381 | AAA.com/Travel

SAVE 38% AT AZUL SENSATORI MEXICO, A GOURMET INCLUSIVE® HOTEL BY KARISMA

Gourmet Inclusive® package price is per person and includes:

• 3-night resort accommodations in a Luxury Jacuzzi Suite

• Roundtrip resort transfers• Resort tax and service charges• All meals, drinks and snacks• Daily activities• Non-motorized watersports • Nightly entertainment and more

Don’t forget the AAA Member Benefits with TI!

TRAVEL

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BUDGET

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Save & SplurgeThe AAA Two Diamond Chandler Inn Hotel is situat-ed in the trendy South End and within walking distance to shops and restaurants (Copley Place is 10 minutes away). The 56 rooms are on the small side but are com-fortable and feature a stylish, modern decor.

The AAA Three Diamond Rated Boston Marriott Copley Place is in a prime location, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of Back Bay. Inte-riors are contemporary with sleek leather couches in the lobby atrium and flat-screens and picture windows offering city views in the rooms.

Rooms at the Mandarin Ori-ental – a Five Diamond Rated property – feature marble baths and king-size beds topped with Frette linens. At Bar Boulud – also Five Diamond Rated – from famed French chef Daniel Boulud, dine on dishes like coq au vin and sip wine from the Burgundy region.

ne of the East Coast’s most charming cities, Boston is compact but jam-packed with stuff to do – no matter what your budget. History buffs

will love Beantown’s Colonial heritage encompass-ing numerous Revolutionary War-era treasures, while culture lovers can visit top museums like the Museum of Fine Arts. There’s also great shopping, dining and, of course, Red Sox baseball. So if you’re heading to Boston, here are some varied itinerary suggestions.

Boston

Baseball fans (Go Sox!), history buffs, gourmands, art lovers and shopaholics will all find something to do in historic Boston.

It’s free to walk the Freedom Trail, where you’ll pass historic sites, including the Old North Church and the Bunker Hill Monument. Check out two of Boston’s beloved green spac-es, the Boston Common and the Public Garden, where you can glide along the lagoon on one of the famous swan boats.

Kids will love the New En-gland Aquarium, featuring thousands of nautical crea-tures. Highlights include the penguin and Atlantic harbor seals exhibit. Visit Boston’s cultural institutions, including the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts.

Catch a Red Sox game at Fenway Park, built way back in 1912 (games start up again in the spring; to be closest to the action splurge on field box seats). Ready to shop? Head to Newbury Street, which is lined with designer boutiques like Burberry and Chanel.

Faneuil Hall has a bustling food court where you can nosh on New England classics like clam chowder and lobster rolls. There are also plenty of food trucks around town – try Roxy’s Grilled Cheese for gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and Bon Me for tasty Asian fare.

Hit the North End to sample the neighborhood's many Ital-ian restaurants and cafes. Join the lines outside Giacomo’s for delicious chicken parm or veal Marsala, while Panza is tops for pasta dishes. And be sure to try some cannoli (there are over a dozen flavors to choose from) at Mike’s Pastry.

Barbara Lynch's fine dining restaurant, AAA Five Diamond Menton, is a much sought-af-ter reservation. The cuisine, an Italian-French hybrid, might include yellowfin tuna crudo and wagyu beef sirloin. At elegant L’Espalier, also Five Diamond Rated, try the five- or eight-course tasting menus.

To book these hotels and find other hotels, visit AAA.com/Hotels.

STAY DO DINE

STAY DO DINE

STAY DO DINE


SCHOOL VACATION WEEK!7-night Eastern CaribbeanROYAL CARIBBEAN • Harmony of the Seas 4/15/17 - 4/22/17Highlights: Fort Lauderdale, FL, Nassau, Bahamas, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, Philipsburg, St. Maarten, Fort Lauderdale, FLfrom $1,089*

7-night BermudaCELEBRITY CRUISES • Summit8/27/17 - 9/3/17Includes: Roundtrip motorcoach to NJ Highlights: Cape Liberty, NJ, Kings Wharf, Bermuda, Cape Liberty, NJfrom $1,138*

U.S. River CruisesTHE AMERICAN QUEEN STEAMBOAT CO. The American Queen • Select 2017 DatesHighlights: Cruise the Ohio, Tennessee and Mississippi Rivers. $200 per stateroom onboard spending credit,

$50 savings per booking.

The American Empress • Select 2017 DatesHighlights: Cruise the Columbia and Snake Rivers. $200 per stateroom onboard spending credit, $50 savings per booking

15-day Panama CanalHOLLAND AMERICA • ms Westerdam 3/24/18 - 4/8/18 • Escorted by AAAHighlights: Fort Lauderdale, Half Moon Cay, Bahamas, Catagena, Columbia, Enter Panama Canal, Cristobal, Cruising Panama Canal, Exit Panama Canal, Balboa, Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica, Corinto, Nicaragua, Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala, Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, San Diego AAA Escort based on meeting minimum participationfrom $2,729* oceanview Call for other rates and air add-on

NO

NEEDED

AAA Escort based on minimum participation

CRUISES

Rates valid on new bookings only. Rates are per person based on double occupancy, unless otherwise noted. Rate and member benefits shown are current at time of print, capacity controlled and subject to change and availability. Offers and itinerary are subject to change, availability, terms and conditions, and may be withdrawn or changed at any time without notice. AAA does not assume responsibility for any errors or omissions in the content of the offers displayed. Ask your AAA Pioneer Valley Travel Agent for best rate and full terms and conditions at time of booking. Not combinable with AAA ClubDeal offers. Other certain restrictions may apply. † AAA Exclusive Vacations is a subsidiary of Member Select Vacations LLC. AAA does not assume responsibility for any errors or omissions in the content of the offers displayed. AAA Exclusive Vacations reserves the exclusive right to change or cancel itineraries, hotels, and other tour components whe ever it is deemed necesary. If this occurs, every effort will be made to offer alternate dates, hotels or other tour components. Please note: These are hosted packages. Travelers will not be escorted to all activities and functions. Your City Ambassador will be available to answer questions through the duration of the tour. Ask your AAA Pioneer Valley Travel Agent for best rate and full terms and conditions at time of booking. Restrictions may apply. CST# 2125005-50 †Rates are land only, per person, based on double occupancy and subject to availability and terms and conditions, (7-day Discover London and 9-day Discover Italy valid 11/2 – 12/14/16, 9-day Discover Prague valid 11/8 – 12/13/16). Packages shown are current at time of print, capacity controlled and subject to change and availability. *AAA Vacations® Best Price Guarantee and 24/7 Member Care are applicable to AAA Members only. If you book a qualifying AAA Vacations® cruise or tour package and find a valid better rate for the exact itinerary within 24 hours of your booking, AAA will match the lower rate and send you a $50 AAA Vacations® future travel credit certificate. Certain restrictions apply. Visit AAA.com/AAAVacations for full details. ^Port charges of $175 per person are additional.

11-night Double Denali Alaska Land & SeaHOLLAND AMERICA • MS Noordam 8/11/16 - 8/21/16 Hihlights: 3 Nights in Denali National Park, 7 Night Inside Passage cruise to Vancouver Services of A

AA Vacations® hosts during the trip, pre-night stay at Hilton Anchorage with welcome cocktail party, “Music of Denali” show, meal plan on land portion, onboard cocktail party and morefrom $3,110*

SEE THE USA & CANADA

EARN

3XPOINTS

Tell your AAA Travel Agent you want to apply for the AAA

Member Rewards Visa card when you book your next trip.

Triple your rewards on your next AAA Trip!

AAA PRESIDENT’S TOUR

NEW SHIP!

9-day Canyon CountryAAA MEMBER CHOICE VACATIONSDates through 11/7/17Includes: 8-night hotel accommodations, 11 meals, expert travel director, sightseeing,all on-tour transportation and related fees, hotel transfers, taxes and feesHighlights: Scottsdale, Sedona, Grand Canyon National Park, Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Springdale, Las Vegas Rate includes $50 savings per person

from $2,309* double

8-day Northern National ParksAAA MEMBER CHOICE VACATIONS5/12/17 - 9/22/17Includes: 8-night hotel accommodations, 10 meals, expert travel director, sightseeing,all on-tour transportation and related fees, hotel transfers, taxes and feesHighlights: Park City, Utah, Salt Lake City, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole, Wyoming Rate includes $50 savings per person

from $1,799* double

13-day Alaska and The YukonAAA MEMBER CHOICE VACATIONS5/12/17 - 9/22/17Includes: 12-night hotel accommodations, 19 meals, expert travel director, sightseeing,all on-tour transportation and related fees, hotel transfers, taxes and feesHighlights: Anchorage, Tok, Whitehorse, Skagway, Carmacks, Dawson City, Fairbanks, Denali, Whittier Rate includes $50 savings per personfrom $4,849* double

AAA MEMBER APPRECIATION CRUISE

INCLUDED

INCLUDED

AAA Member BenefitsAAA Vacations® Best Price Guarantee and 24/7 Member Care Service

AAA Travel has the best price on thousands of departures!

413-785-1381 • AAA offices • For more information, visit AAA.com/FeaturedVacations

10-day Peru:Ancient Land of Mysterieswith optional 3-night Peruvian AmazonPost Tour ExtensionAAA MEMBER CHOICE VACATIONS10/21/17 - 10/30/17Includes: 9-night hotel accommodations, 15 meals, expert travel director, sightseeing, all on-tour transportation and related fees, roundtrip motorcoach transportation to airport, roundtrip air from Logan, hotel transfers, taxes and fees Highlights: Lima, Culinary Tasting Experienc-es, Sacred Valley of the Incas, Local Andean Cultures, Ollantaytambo Ruins, Machu Picchu, Cuzco, Lake Titicaca, Uros Floating Islands, Home-Hosted Lunch, Larco Museum Rate includes $50 savings per person

AAA Escort based on meeting minimum participationfrom $4,699* double

from $5,559* singleSpecial offer: Rate includes additional $200 savings per person if you book by 4/21/17

15-day South Pacific Wonders AAA MEMBER CHOICE VACATIONS2/13/18 - 2/27/18Includes: 12-night hotel accommodations, 20 meals, expert travel director, sightseeing, all on-tour transportation and related fees, roundtrip motorcoach transportation to airport, roundtrip air from Logan, hotel transfers, taxes and fees Highlights: Cairns, Austrailia, Great Barrier Reef, Hartley’s Croc Farm, Sydney, Sydney Opera House, Christchurch, New Zealand, Dinner in a family home, Mount Cook National Park, Queenstown, Milford Sound cruise, Arrowtown Rate includes $50 savings per person AAA Escort based on meeting minimum participation

from $5,999* double

from $7,199* singleSpecial offer: Rate includes additional $700 savings per person if you book by 8/15/17

AAA Escort based on meeting minimum participation

TRAVEL


SAVE UP TO 10%* WITH 2016 AAA PARTNER OF THE YEAR, TRAFALGARCall or visit your nearest AAA Travel agent today 413-785-1381 | AAA.com/Travel*10% Early Payment Discount (EPD) valid on new 2017 Europe bookings if paid in full by 1/12/17; 7.5% EPD valid on new 2017 Europe bookings if paid in full by 2/28/17. Savings vary; not valid on all itineraries/departures. Not valid with other promotional offers. Other conditions apply. CST#2077132-20

LOVE THE SPECIAL MOMENTS OF AUTHENTIC TRAVEL

Imagine a private, after-hours tour of The Vatican followed by an exclusive dinner in the Vatican Museums. Wherever you choose to travel with us, you will experience authentic moments like this, bringing you closer to the heart of your destination.

13759 2017 Europe Ad AAA Pioneer Valley Jan Club Pub QP.indd 1 11/17/16 10:19 AM

AAA sources its in-club foreign currency from Wells Fargo. Foreign currency sold at AAA o�ces is sold by the AAA club at that location. Questions or concerns about currency exchanged in club locations should be directed to AAA. ECG-2433001

Arrive ready with foreign currency and TipPaks®.

Three convenient ways to order:• In person at participating clubs• Over the phone at 1-888-626-2027• Online at AAA.com/travelmoney

Ready. Set. Travel.AAA o�ers foreign currency for more than 100 countries.

AAA sources its in-club foreign currency from Wells Fargo. Foreign currency sold at AAA offices is sold by the AAA club at that location. Questions or con-cerns about currency exchanged in club locations should be directed to AAA.

ONE-DAY TOURSApr. 29 West Point Dress Parade..................................$130May 6 Bronx Zoo.............................................................$90May 20 Museum Without Walls....................................$113Jun. 17 Tall Ships..............................................................TBA Jul. 22 For the Love of Lobster.....................................$135 Aug. 13 Providence - Italian Style.................................$123 Sep. 9 Backroads of Vermont......................................$139Sep. 17 NYC 9/11 Memorial Museum............................$94Oct. 15 Granite State Oktoberfest................................$112Oct. 22 Salem.....................................................................$98Nov. TBA Radio City.............................................................TBADec. TBA Nelson Hall.........................................................$118

MULTI-DAY ESCORTED TOURSJun. - Boston Red Sox in Baltimore Jul. - Washington D.C. Sep. - Jonah/PA Dutch Oct. - Virginia Beach

Dec. - Cape May Christmas

2017 Motorcoach Tours

For tour details, visit

AAA.com/Motorcoach or call 413-785-1381 *Call for dates and pricing. One-day tour prices are per person; multi-day tour prices based on double occupancy; prices and dates subject to change

*Sneak Peek*

TRAVEL

life force of Pandora and sends out positive energy through her music. The peaceful at-traction is full of fantasy, beauty and wonder.

Avatar Flight of Passage is another anx-iously-awaited attraction. This ride will let kids and adults simulate riding a banshee (a bird-like predator) over a vast alien world. The fast-paced adventure will give your kids a birds-eye view of the beauty and grandeur of the world of Pandora. TYPHOON LAGOON

2017 will see the launch of the new ride Miss Fortune Falls, which promises to deliver

high adventure and plenty of wet moments. Aboard this aqua adventure, families will slowly ascend to the top in a raft before plunging into a whitewater splashing thrill below. With a ride time of two minutes, Miss Fortune Falls will be among the lengthiest attractions at both Disney water parks (Bliz-zard Beach is the resort’s other water park). DISNEY SPRINGS

In restaurant news, The Edison, similar to its sister location in Los Angeles, will open its doors this summer at Disney Springs. This culinary delight, centered around a 1920s-era electric company, will have an industrial gothic feel and 35-foot ceilings. It will feature classic American food (with plenty of options for picky-eating kids and the more seasoned palates of adults), craft cocktails and plenty of live bands and enter-tainment.BEYOND 2017

Two attractions slated for Disney’s Holly-wood Studios will surely be worth the wait. Go to infinity and beyond at the 11-acre Toy Story Land, where little ones and adults can explore the adventurous outdoors of Andy’s backyard. Two new rides will include Slinky Dog Dash, a family-friendly roller coaster, and Alien Swirling Saucers.

Meanwhile, a “Star Wars” themed land is also taking shape, where characters will come to life through a variety of rides and encounters. Highlights include an attraction that allows kids to take control of one of the most recognizable ships in the galaxy – the Millennium Falcon – on a customized secret mission.

NEW DISNEY DELIGHTSContinued from page 1

Disn

ey

The Edison, a restaurant modeled on a 1920s electric com-pany, opens in Disney Springs this summer. A "Star Wars" themed land – complete with the Millennium Falcon – is also in the works.


©2016 Celebrity Cruises Inc. Ships’ registry: Malta and Ecuador. 16053969 • 11/2016

For more information call 413-785-1381or visit AAA.com/Travel

EXCLUSIVE AAA PIONEER VALLEY OFFER! Book any NEW Alaska Cruise Tour and receive a 3 Piece Delsey Luggage Set! (a retail value of $760- SKY) Offer valid on new bookings only, Balcony and higher staterooms. Luggage will be collected when picking up cruise documents after final payments have been processed.

TRAVEL

Even if you’re a first-time cruiser, you likely know that ships these days offer just about anything you could imagine (robot bartenders? Check) so here’s a sampling of areas in which cruise lines have upped their game.

Royal Caribbean: Cuisine Onboard restaurants by celebrity chefs are defi-nitely a trend, and Royal Caribbean’s Jamie’s Italian, by British chef Jamie Oliver, is one of the more successful partnerships (the menu features cured meats, antipasti and penne car-bonara). There are branches on the Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas, and some of Royal Caribbean's newer ships like Harmony of the Seas.

Celebrity Cruises: Spa Celebrity has teamed up with Canyon Ranch, one of the best destination spas in the country, to bring Canyon Ranch SpaClub to many of its ships, including Solstice and Equinox. Expect daily fitness classes, a state-of-the-art gym, steam and sauna areas and a wide range of treatments, including seaweed wraps, hot stone massages and Asian remedies including reiki.

Norwegian Cruise Line: Entertainment Norwegian’s ships offer some of the best enter-tainment at sea. The Breakaway, for example, has the Broadway show “Rock of Ages,” the dinner show “Cirque Dreams” (complete with aerialists), a Second City comedy troupe and

live music in the Fat Cats Jazz & Blues Club. Not ready to call it a night? Hit the Bliss Ultra lounge for some late-night dancing.

Cruising Corner

By Jill Fergus

Matt

Russe

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Jamie's Italian graces some of Royal Caribbean's new ships.

To learn more about each line, its fleet of ships and to book your cruise, visit AAA.com/Cruise.


Terms & Conditions: Promotional rates are valid in USD on new bookings for select 2017 sailings only and based on double occupancy. Other restrictions apply. Visit www.AmaWaterways.com for full Terms & Conditions. AAA Vacations® Amenities apply to select 2017 sailings. $250 per person ($500 per stateroom) discount applies to cruises 13 nights or less; $400 per person ($800 per stateroom) discount applies to cruises 14 nights or more; $75 per person ($150 per stateroom) onboard credit applies to 7-night cruises; $100 per person ($200 per stateroom) onboard credit applies to Myanmar cruises; $150 per person ($300 per stateroom) onboard credit applies to 14-night Europe cruises. Combinable with other promotions in the marketplace. Cruise must be booked through AAA Travel in order to receive AAA Vacations® Amenities. CST#2065452-40

THE HIGHEST RATED RIVER CRUISE SHIPS

Receive AAA Vacations® Amenities From $500-$800 savings per stateroom

plus $150-$300 onboard credit per stateroomCall or visit your nearest AAA Travel agent

1-413-785-1381

The luxury of more.MORE VIEWS Enjoy stunning panoramic views in our spacious twin-balcony staterooms that feature both French and outside balconies.

MORE DINING We offer critically acclaimed, locally inspired dining in a variety of venues, including The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant.

MORE INCLUDED TOURS Your days will be full of exploration. Often, you’ll even have a choice of excursions – and it’s all part of the cruise fare.

MORE ACTIVE OPTIONS Join one of our included guided bike tours or hikes and experience the beauty and nature of Europe in a unique way.

SAVE UP TO $1,500 ON SELECT 2017 RIVER CRUISES

AAA PioneerValley_Jan2017.indd 1 11/14/16 9:17 AM

Rate is based on roundtrip air travel to/from Hartford, CT (BDL), and is per person, based on double occupancy. Advertised vacation rate(s) valid for departure 6/1/17. Rates for other travel dates may vary. Rates, terms, conditions and itinerary are subject to availability. Certain restrictions apply. Rate shown includes government-imposed fees and taxes. Rate is current as of 11/9/16; at the time you purchase your package, rates may be higher. For current prices, please see http://www.pleasantholidays.com. Airline fees for optional services, including, but not limited to, fees of up to $25 per bag for the first checked bag and up to $40 per bag for a second checked bag, may apply. Baggage fees are current as of 11/9/16. Airline tickets are non-refundable and subject to airline change/cancellation penalties and rules, including pre-flight notification deadlines. Fees and policies vary among airlines and are subject to change without notice. Please contact the airline directly for details and answers to specific questions you may have. Additional restrictions apply. Advertised rates do not include any applicable daily resort or facility fees payable directly to the hotel operator at check-out; such fee amounts will be advised at the time of booking. AAA Member Benefit: Activity voucher does not apply to air/car only bookings. AAA members must make advance reservations through AAA Travel to obtain Member Benefits. *Age restrictions may apply. Not responsible for errors or omissions. [Pleasant Holidays acts only as an agent for the various travel providers shown above.] CST# 1007939-10. UBI# 601 915 263. TAR# 5308. Copyright © 2017 Pleasant Holidays, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Call or visit your nearest AAA Travel Agent today1-413-785-1381 • AAA.com/Travel

Caribbean

LOSE THE WINTER BLUESHead for theWARM SUN of the

AAA Member Benefit: Members receive a $50 per booking activity voucher valid toward a

variety of select activities in Aruba.

Riu Palace Antillas All-Inclusive, Adults Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . from $1645Vacation includes: Roundtrip air, 5 nights’ accommodation in a Junior Suite Ocean View, FREE Wi-Fi and taxes.

All-inclusive resorts include all meals, drinks*, activities and more!

Italian Vistas13 Days, 17 Meals • Starting at $2,849*

*Rate is land only, per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Rate includes $50 AAA Member Benefit savings. AAA Vacations® Complimentary Inclusion: Receive a $50 credit to use toward a pre-booked optional tour of your choice.†Not valid on group travel. Included in many U.S. cities within a 50 mile radius of more than 90 airport gateways. Service is available between 51 and 75 miles for a small fee. One transfer per room booking. Additional stops are not permitted on route. Other restrictions may apply; call for details. CST# 2006766-20 UBN# 601220855 Nevada Seller of Travel Registration No. 2003-0279

Italy…

Highlights…Rome, Colosseum, Ruins of Pompeii, Sorrento Coast, Isle of Capri, Florence, Statue of David, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Tuscan Winery, Venice, Murano Island, Verona, Stresa, Locarno - Switzerland

On all air-inclusive tours, receive roundtrip home to airport sedan service†

more captivating

AAA Members SAVE $50 per person!

AAA Vacations® Complimentary Inclusion: Receive a $50 credit towards a pre-booked optional tour.

Call or visit your nearest AAA Travel Agent today!

413.785.1381 • AAA.com/Travel

TRAVEL

TRAVEL BYTESLuggage 2.0

We’re getting more high tech in almost every aspect of our lives, so it was only a matter of time before smart luggage became a reality. What exactly, you might ask, is smart luggage? Think suitcases that come with their own smartphone app, which allows you to weigh your case using a built-in scale and track its location via GPS. They also have USB ports (connected to a built-in battery), which you can use to recharge your phone and other de-vices – so you never have to miss your Uber airport pickup. fur

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A new year means a new semester for the college stu-dent in your life. Chances are, at some point, he or she may have the option of traveling or studying abroad.

Whether they’re planning to visit for a week over spring break or dive into the cul-ture of a new country for a semester, international travel offers students an immersive opportunity. But the same opportunity can also be an anxiety-inducing prospect. Before the process becomes too overwhelming, here are some steps to ensure every-one’s peace of mind.

For spring breakers head-ed abroad, making sure all the essentials are covered is integral. A short trip overseas requires at least a passport. Longer stays, depending on the country, may also re-quire a visa. Be sure to allow enough time – roughly four to six weeks – for the application to be processed.

Passport applications require several documents: A copy of the applicant’s birth certificate, a photocopy of a valid driver’s license, two pass-port photos – which you can get at AAA offices – and the application form and fee.

First-time applicants and children younger than 16 must submit their applications in person, either at a regional passport agency or a partic-ipating post office. Passport renewals can be sent by mail. Visit www.travel.state.gov for more information.

Follow travel alerts and statements through the U.S. Department of State. The department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) keeps travelers informed about concerns in other

countries. U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad can register their trips with the nearest U.S. embassy.

Don’t forget to make insurance arrangements. Not all health insurance policies cover medical care abroad, and those that do often have stipulations regarding the type of issues covered.

Allianz Global Assistance travel insurance covers the unexpected while overseas. With a travel insurance policy, travel investments are protect-ed if the trip needs to be can-celled due to illness or injury, flight delays or bad weather.

Travel insurance goes beyond borders, whereas domestic medical insurance or Medicare may not. Depend-ing on your destination, the cost of health care, hospi-talization and emergency medical evacuation can be prohibitive.

Allianz Global Assistance offers several different pack-ages to meet travelers’ needs. A AAA travel agent can assist you in choosing the right package, no matter where your student is headed.

Safeguard your adventures

For more information, visit AAA.com/TravelInsurance.

By Jill Fergus


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© Club Assist U.S. LLC • AAA logo used with permission • CAUSA-AAA-16NOV-01

GET A FREE TEST! 1-800-AAA-HELP

AAA Batteries... Power you can trustTM

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Being able to see and be seen while driving is especially important in bad weather. Once a week, walk around your car and check that the headlights and taillights are working. When you can, ask a family member or friend to help you check the brake lights, too!

Driving School

Under the HoodIs warming up my car hurting my engine?Q.

With today’s vehicles, idling is not necessary and vehicle manufacturers recommend that you drive your car right away. Modern engines require much less fuel at startup than most

people think. According to the U.S. Environmental Pro-tection Agency, a car that idles for more than 30 seconds increases air pollution, wastes fuel and causes excessive wear or damage a car’s engine components. Remember, a vehicle gets 0 mpg when idling, and the result is lower fuel economy and wasted money.

– Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council

A.

Tech TalkBuying used? Go online for deals

TOOLS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS From eBay Motors and TrueCar to Kelley Blue Book and NADAguides, there’s no shortage of online resources at your disposal. Use them to compare prices and get a sense of your daily driver’s trade-in value. If you find a car you like, run an online vehicle history report by using the 10-digit vehicle identification number (VIN). This will tell you if it’s been in any major accidents, while helping con-firm that information – like its mileage – is as advertised.

PRIVATE PARTY VERSUS DEALER WEBSITEDealers handle the paperwork and most offer financing options, yet perhaps the best part is you won’t be meeting up behind an abandoned grocery store to pick up the car. Of course, you can find the occasional gem being sold privately, Paul said, but know that these sales are “as is,” meaning you won’t be getting a warranty like you would at a dealership. If you do buy private, document the purchase with a bill of sale and make sure you get the title certificate before driving off.

TAKE IT OUT FOR A SPIN Serious sellers should let serious buyers test drive the vehi-cle, even a collector car, Paul said. During your test, put it in reverse to make sure it changes gears without hesitation and listen for odd sounds and vibrations. Check the fluids, sniff for mold and ask for service records, then have it brought to a mechanic you trust for a used car inspection. If you’re buying a vehicle that’s hundreds of miles away, hire a mechanic or appraiser to inspect the vehicle before you buy.

By Roberto X. Cruz

Shopping for a used car online is easier than ever. Here are some tips for buying used on the internet courtesy of AAA Car Doctor John Paul.


AGAWAM V&F Auto Service 443 Springfield Street (413) 789-2181 CHICOPEE KLM Auto Repair 443 Springfield Street (413) 331-4105 GREENFIELD Art’s Tire 10 Silver Street (413) 774-4349HADLEY Firestone Tire & Service 336 Russell Street (413) 347-1707HOLYOKE D. E. Bourque & Sons 1280 Dwight Street (413) 539-2552Ken’s Auto Sales, Inc. 921 Main Street (413) 532-7476

NORTHAMPTON Firestone Tire & Service 327 King St. (413) 586-1584PALMER Jackson’s Auto Sales & Service 1307 Park Street (413) 289-1016 SOUTH HADLEY Veryl’s Automotive 644 Newton Street (413) 536-0794SPRINGFIELD Bing’s Auto Service 512 St. James Avenue (413) 739-8641

Firestone Tire & Service 1666 Boston Road (413) 543-1312

Leonard’s Auto Repair 288 Allen Street (413) 785-1434

Lyndale Garage, Inc. 87 Warehouse Street (413) 732-3750 WEST SPRINGFIELD Spartan Auto Care Center 865 Memorial Avenue (413) 739-2175WESTFIELD Brill’s Auto Sales 388 Southampton Road (413) 568-9487WILBRAHAM Spartan Auto Care Center 2714 Boston Road (413) 596-2479 WILLIAMSBURG Cichy’s Garage 5 Main Street (413) 268-7901

Plus, as a AAA member you’ll also receive:24-month/24,000-mile limited warranty on repairs

Complimentary dispute resolution • ASE-certified technicians

AAA Approved Auto Repair (AAR) facilities always offer you a 10 percent discount on any repair or maintenance work (labor only)

at over 8,000 AAR facilities around the country.

Participating APPROVED AUTO REPAIR FACILITIES

Participating APPROVED AUTO BODY FACILITIES

100% PEACE OF MIND

REPAIR & MAINTENANCE*10%

OFF

NORTHAMPTON Acme Automotive 220 King St. (413) 584-3710

SPRINGFIELD Rick’s Auto Body 375 Pasco Road (413) 543-3368

*Discount on labor up to a maximum of $50 at AAA Approved Auto Repair (AAR) facilities. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer.

AAA DRIVERSNATIONSM

With big treads and softer rubber, winter tires give your vehicle better traction on nasty roads. If you recently made the switch to winter rollers, here’s some advice from AAA’s Car Doctor John Paul on what to do with your summer set for the next few months.

DOClean the tires with soap and water and scrub them with a tire brush if you have one. While it’s not as effec-tive, a wet rag will also do the trick.

DON’TNever stash tires in a wet or damp location, which could cause corrosion. Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from electric motors, furnaces and generators, too. Heat from the sun and

ozone from electric motors can damage the rubber compounds in tires.

DOKeep the tires in a dry location like a garage or shed. Climate-controlled rooms are even better. Store the tires upright, inflated at 50 percent of their normal pressure. If storing the tires outside, place each in its own plastic leaf or trash bag and poke a couple of holes in the bags for ventilation. This keeps heavy moisture out and important oils in.

DON’TTires don’t last forever. Do not remount them before checking for cracks in the sidewall and excessive wear on the treads. Both are signs that it is time for a replace-ment.

DOS AND DON'TSThe right way to store your summer tires

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SAFETY FIRSTBad-weather driving

By Roberto X. Cruz

The top three mistakes made by teen drivers are speeding, poor visual scanning and giving in to driver distractions, accord-ing to the results of a recent survey of driving instructors conducted by AAA. Within the survey, 44 percent of driving instructors said they believe their states should require more practice hours for novice drivers. Almost a third of those surveyed

(32 percent) said they think their state should require some form of driver education for all new drivers and 15 percent said they want their state to strengthen its road test.

Toyota Motor Corp. is taking peer-to-peer car sharing to the next level with a Bluetooth device that allows users to open and start a car with a smartphone. Known as the Smart Key Box, the device gives Toyota owners the ability to rent their cars to others without ever having to give out their car key. The device can be placed on a vehicle’s dashboard, and customers are given an access code via an app to get inside the car. The pilot program testing the device is expected to roll out this month through San Francisco’s Getaround car-sharing service, according to a news release from Toyota.

Ford Motor Company has unveiled what it calls a suite of “next-generation technologies” for parking and avoiding collisions. The features, expected to debut in Fords within the next two years, include wrong-way alerts, enhanced parking assist and cross-traffic alert with braking, which monitors the area behind a car that is backing out and au-tomatically applies the brakes if the potential for a crash is detected, according to Ford.

Around the Horn

By Roberto X. Cruz

By Roberto X. Cruz

When the weather is really bad, it’s a good idea to stay home. If you have to drive, here are some things to keep in mind.

HARD BRAKING CAN BE DANGEROUS. Slamming on the gas or brakes in winter weather could cause you to lose control. Gently apply the brakes when needed, and if

you’re going downhill, pro-ceed as slowly as possible and avoid using the brake pedal when you can.

IT’S HARDER TO START AFTER A COMPLETE STOP. If you can safely avoid stopping on a snowy road, especially while going up a hill, do it. Inertia is your friend in snowy conditions,

and a little bit can make a big difference when a light turns green.

IT TAKES LONGER TO STOP ON SLICK ROADS. Drive slowly and increase your following distance from three to four seconds to eight to 10 seconds on slippery streets, so you’re ready to stop for traffic sig-nals and objects in the road.


No matter where you are in life, combining your auto and home insurance through AAA will save you money, time, and hassles, too. AAA insurance agents can compare major insurers to find you the right policy—and even help with claims. Whether you own or rent, drive a sports car or sedan, our agents are always ready to help you save.

DIFFERENT AGES, DIFFERENT STAGES—BOTH SAVING BIG ON AUTO & HOME INSURANCE.

BE PART OF THE SAVINGS GENERATION™

Get your quote today! AAA.com/QuoteNow or 413-785-1381

Products and rates may vary. Insurance may be offered through Pioneer Valley Automobile Club Insurance Agency, Inc. Advance purchase required. Some restrictions may apply.

AUTO + HOME LIFE

Business Insurance

Superior service. Outstanding value.

413-785-1381AAA.com/Insurance

AAA will work with you to insure your business vehicles and business property

and liability exposures. We offer competitive rates on Business Auto, Business Owners,

Package and Fire Policies.

Pioneer Valley Auto Club Insurance Agency, Inc.

Ask a AAA Insurance account manager for a quote today.

INSURANCE & FINANCIAL

Contact Jacob at [email protected] or at 203-400-7590. For more information, visit AAA.com/Insurance.

New options in insuranceThere are a lot of choices and decisions to make when it comes to buying life insurance. It’s important to meet with an experienced life insurance agent to help you decide how much life insurance is right and explain the various products available to you.

AAA Insurance has recently aligned with New York Life Insurance Company to better serve our members’ life insur-ance needs. As a result, we have strengthened our life in-surance product offerings and added fixed annuities to help members secure their financial future, said Steve Brochu, vice president of insurance services for AAA Pioneer Valley.

As part of this alliance, New York Life agent Jacob Rocchi is available to evaluate mem-bers’ needs, assess the current economic landscape and recommend a plan of action to protect your family’s wealth, lifestyle and future dreams.

WINTER … BY THE NUMBERS

28.3 PERCENT: Percentage of AAA Pioneer Valley roadside assistance

requests for battery problems between December 2015 and March 2016.

Batteries tend to fail in extreme weather. – AAA Pioneer Valley

$635: The average cost to heat a home with natural gas from Oct. 1, 2016,

through March 31, 2017. About 50 per-cent of U.S. homes use natural gas.

– U.S. Department of Energy

$1,370: The average cost to heat a home with oil from Oct. 1, 2016,

through March 31, 2017. About 22 per-cent of homes in the Northeast use oil.

– U.S. Department of Energy

$2.9 BILLION: Amount paid out by U.S. insurers for winter-related property and casualty losses in the first half of 2015, a particularly snowy season in the Northeast. The number was $1.5 billion for the same period of 2016.

– Insurance Information Institute

210,341: Average annual num-ber of automobile crashes during snow or sleet from 2005 to 2014.

– Federal Highway Administration

Many college students enjoy health care and auto insurance coverage through their parents, along with the freedom to live with-out curfews or get sweet tattoos on a whim.

But all good things come to an end, and soon these students will have to build their own insurance lineups. To that end, here are some considerations to weigh when it’s time to leave the familial coverage nest.

AUTO INSURANCE: Students who don’t bring a car to school should remain on their parents’ policies. That way they’re covered if they come home and use a family vehicle.

If students take a car to school, parents should update the garage address with their

insurance companies. Many companies allow vehicles to remain on parents’ policies if addresses are updated and vehicles remain in the same state.

Cost is one of the biggest reasons stu-dents stay on their parents’ policies. Some students remain until their mid-20s, when rates drop for some drivers, or until they can afford their own coverage.

There is no deadline for how long stu-dents can stay on their parents’ auto policy. Children can stay on their parents’ plan for as long as they’re living at home.

HEALTH INSURANCE: Most health insur-ance companies allow children to remain on their parents’ coverage until age 26. If students can’t get coverage through an employer or spouse, they should purchase coverage on their own. If not, they may face a tax penalty.

LIFE INSURANCE: Yes, budgets tend to be tight for students and recent grads, but purchasing life insurance now can have sig-nificant benefits. As students age, premiums can rise and emerging health issues can limit their eligibility for coverage.

RENTERS/TENANTS INSURANCE: Parents’ homeowners policies typically give students living on campus liability protection and some personal property protection. Off campus, students don’t enjoy the same protection. Renters insurance protects tenants' belongings and provides liability coverage should guests be injured in their apartments.

AAA has a great student lending program.

Call or visit today!1-888-222-9413AAA.com/FinancialAid

All advertised rates are current as of the date this advertisement was printed and are subject to change without notice. All loans are subject to the lender’s receipt and approval of a completed loan application. The APR and loan fees applicable to your loan will depend on several factors, including the repayment option you select and your credit history. AAA Advantage Loans are made by SunTrust. Consolidation and education refi nance loans are made by the Rhode Island Student Loan Authority, Darien Rowayton Bank and Citizens Bank. See rates and fees at AAA.com/FinancialAid for Annual Percentage Rate (APR) examples and other important information about private student loans through the AAA Student Lending Program. AAA encourages prospective borrowers to exhaust scholarships, grants, and federal loan options before applying for a private student loan. Federal loans are often less expensive and offer the widest variety of repayment options. FIN.94156.16_PV

Our refi nance and consolidation loans will help put money back in your pocket after you graduate from college, and our private loan product provides competitive rates to help pay tuition and expenses.

We have the answer!


YESTHE CLUB

FOR PREFERRED MEMBER CD RATES,

YOU’RE IN

24-MONTH AAA CD AND IRA CD

APY1,2

Deposit Accounts offered by Discover Bank, Member FDIC ©2016 Discover Bank

1 Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 11/15/16 and subject to change daily without notice. This offer applies to personal accounts only. A penalty may be charged for early withdrawal. Fees could reduce earnings on the account. There is no minimum opening balance required to open a CD account.

2 Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 11/15/16. Interest rate will be disclosed and will be fixed for entire IRA CD term once funding is received. Written confirmation of the interest rate, APY, and maturity date is sent after the account is opened and funded. This offer applies to personal accounts only. A penalty may be charged for early withdrawal. Consult a financial advisor or tax professional for guidance. Minimum opening balance is $2,500.

OPEN AN ACCOUNT USING INVITATION CODE: AAABRIANPV

HIGH-YIELD CDs & IRA CDs • ONLINE SAVINGS • MONEY MARKET ACCOUNTS

Visit AAA.com/Deposits Call 1.800.347.7056

For the latest rates or other low rates and terms, call 1-800-222-9415 or visit AAA.com.

Who Knew?

AAA offers auto loans at competitive rates, too!

*All loans offered through AAA Pioneer Valley. Rates and terms subject to change without notice. Some fees and restrictions may apply. All loans subject to credit approval, appraisal and satisfactory title examination where applicable. Consult your tax advisor regarding the deductibility of interest. Rates are for AAA members only. Other rates and terms available. Actual rate determined by individual credit worthiness. Rates may not be available in all areas. No down payment required for qualified applicants. FIN.93121.16_PV

Borrowing at 2.69% APR for 60 months results in payments of $17.83 per $1,000 borrowed*

Rates as low as APR

Borrowing at 2.44% APR for 48 months results in payments of $21.88 per $1,000 borrowed*

Rates as low as APR

2.44%

2.69%

New & used 2010–2017 models up to 48 months

New & used 2010–2017 models from 60 months

INSURANCE & FINANCIAL

INSURANCE CONFIDENTIALBy George Morse

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job#:16Hertz057

filename: 16Hertz057AAASize8-7-75x13-75.INDD

date/time: November 18, 2016 11:02 AM

art director: Steve

copywriter: Dan

project manager: Janie

production artist: Erik

Publications: Issue: Jan/Feb 17

AAA Horizons (AAA SNE), AAA Times (AAA Pioneer

Valley), NJ Auto Club.

Bleed: None

Trim: 9.75" x 13.75"

Live: NA

4 Color, Non-Bleed, Page

400 First Avenue North, Suite 220

Minneapolis MN 55401

612.279.1500 • www.bdd.us

ALC

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15 South 5th Street • Suite 1148 • Minneapolis, M

N 55402 • 612.386.0546

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