For two decades, the wizarding world of Harry Potter has captured the imaginations of young adults and adults alike. And if you thought the books and movies were magical, you should see the Universal Studios theme parks.

Back in the late nineties when Harry Potter made its debut, it quickly began to take the world by storm – of course, all I knew was that it was popular in the halls of my middle school, which at the time, basically was the world to me. For years, the series of novels were a staple of book bags everywhere as kids anticipated each new revelation in the story of the courageous young wizard with a funny forehead scar, his friends and “You-Know-Who,” the evil Lord Voldemort.

I remember reading the first book in the series, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” and being transported to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry on the Hogwarts Express. In my head, the magical world of Harry Potter unfurled itself – a place accessed through invisible train platforms, with spells and wands and chocolate frogs. It was the first book that I can remember feeling totally absorbed in, in a can’t-put-it-down, lose-track-of-time type of way.

After first being brought to life on the big screen in a hugely successful collection of films, author J.K. Rowling’s remarkable world can be experienced in tangible, physical form at Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter. AAA members get discounted tickets to the park!

I recently got to see it for myself. I was on the Hogwart’s Express, I flew with Harry Potter on the Quidditch field and I drank Butterbeer like nobody’s business (it is delicious, by the way. It tastes like cream soda and butterscotch). Fiction became reality.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is made up of two lands, which are separated between the two Universal Orlando parks. A park-to-park pass, is the only way to access The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade and Hogwarts, located in Islands of Adventure, and Diagon Alley, which opened in Universal Studios in summer of 2014.

I may not be anywhere near “Potterhead” status – the Harry Potter super fans infamous for their passion for the particulars, but the level of detail and accuracy in the two parks was captivating. The attention put into every storefront, sign and sound to make it true to the story, made it all feel pretty real – and pretty magical. From Owl Posts to Moaning Myrtle crying in the bathroom, there are many nuances to be picked up on, many more of which I’m sure I missed. It was very impressive for a Muggle (non-wizard) like me.

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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley

At the far end of Universal Studios, past Hollywood and the Simpson’s Springfield area, you are suddenly transported to London. The replicated streets of the city are complete with Kings Cross Station, Leicester Underground Square Station and red phone booths. The purple triple decker Knight Bus towers amid the scenery, welcoming you into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Visitors are invited to walk up and take pictures with the conductor and talking shrunken head from the film.

Diagon Alley is hidden just beyond the London Walls. The village is colorful and wonky, with signs that advertise wands and Quiddich supplies, “like Dickens through a fun house mirror” as it was described in AAA’s C&T magazine back when it first opened.

Some of the stores are real, others only storefronts. Among them are Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes for your love potions and gag gifts, Madam Malkin’s selling wizard robes for all occasions and a dark corridor which leads to Knockturn Alley, filled with sinister and dark arts objects.

For food, there’s The Leaky Cauldron, an exact copy of the eatery in the movies that serves authentic British Pub Food, Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour and vendors throughout that sell quintessential Harry Potter fare such as Butterbeer and pumpkin juice.

At Ollivander’s wand shop park goers can purchase a replica of their favorite wizard’s wand or take part in the magic themselves with an interactive wand. People of all ages can be seen casting spells throughout the park. If you happen to see lights flickering or water jumping, it just may be the handy work of a wannabe wizard’s wand.

At the far end of Diagon Alley is Gringotts Bank. You’ll spot it by the fire-breathing dragon perched on top. It’s the home of the 3D roller coaster and virtual reality ride, “Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.”

As with all of the rides, the experience begins on line. The queue leads through the bank’s elaborate marble lobby beneath massive chandeliers, past hard working animatronic goblin tellers. The premise is that you are on your way to take a tour and open an account in the “Safest Place on Earth.”

A simulated elevator takes you all the way down to the underground vaults of Gringotts where Muggles are not welcome. Featuring familiar faces from the film, you become a part of the action as your rail cart is sent on a high speed chase, ducking the security dragon and menacing spells cast by villains including Lord Voldemort.

Seeing that the Hogwarts Express left such a memorable impression on me from the books, hopping aboard the iconic steam engine was one of my favorite parts about visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The train allows park goers to travel between both lands/Universal parks. Of course, it’s more than just a way to get from one point to another. Naturally, it is its own adventure.

At Kings Cross Station, the red Hogwarts Express train awaits at Platform 9 ¾. Don’t miss the illusion on the line (like I did), where you can watch the people in front of you disappear through the wall, just like in the story. Inside of the train car, the “windows” depict shadows of characters passing through the train on one side and scenery leading to Hogwarts on the other. A story plays out through the overheard conversations of Harry and friends, seemingly there in the car next to you.

Universal Studios Harry Potter: Hogsmeade

The snow-capped village of Hogsmeade has similar shops to Diagon Alley, selling wands, wizardry school supplies and such. Honeydukes candy store was one of the most popular, jam-packed with eager tourists looking to get their hands on all kinds of novelty sweets from Chocolate Frogs to Every Flavour Beans.

Besides plenty of Butterbeer stops, snacking options include quick-service dining at Three Broomsticks casual British tavern, and if you’re in the mood for a real beer, Hog’s Head Pub next door. Rides in Hogsmeade include the Flight of the Hippogriff family coaster.

But the main attraction looms in the background: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Inside Hogwarts, there are surprises around every corner as you journey through hallways and corridors including Dumbledore’s office, the Gryffindor Common Room and the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom.

It all leads to “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey,” a high-action ride that combines complex animatronics and sets with visual technology, for an experience that is as close to reality as you can get. Once again you are placed into the story as you fly beside Harry Potter over Hogwarts Castle, meet face to face with creepy dementors, and come within inches of a whomping willow.

For fans of the story, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is an experience that can’t be missed, but I would recommend at least catching up on the movies first to fully appreciate all it has to offer.

Have you been to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios? Tell us about your favorite part of the park in the comments.

Learn more about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and find discounted ticket options with AAA.

Is the park open year-round?

 Yes, Yosemite National Park is open all year. Some roads are closed in the winter, and some entrances are not manned for the entire day in the offseason.

Where is the park located?

 Yosemite National Park is in east-central California.

How big is the park?

 The park covers approximately 1,169 square miles.

How do I get around in the park?

 Most visitors drive their own cars and campers into the park. In addition, the park operates various shuttles around the Yosemite Valley as well as to trailheads, visitor centers and viewing areas.

What activities are available?

 Some of the popular activities in a Yosemite National Park travel guide include:

• Rock climbing: Yosemite is rightly known as a climber’s playground. The wide variety of climbing opportunities – from the crack climbs of the Merced River Canyon to the multiday climbs in the Yosemite Valley to the iconic Half Dome wall – enable every enthusiast to find his or her dream climb.

• Backpacking and hiking: Yosemite National Park contains over 750 miles of trails to explore. Whether visitors are seeking a short walk, a day hike, or a multiday trek, there are a wide variety of backpacking and hiking experiences. Permits are required for overnight hikes. Yosemite also sees numerous through hikers who are doing the Pacific Crest Trail or John Muir Trail, as both trails go through the park.

• Birdwatching: More than 165 bird species migrate through or breed in the park, and 100 additional species are known to visit from time to time. Birdwatchers can go out on their own, or they can join the Yosemite Conservancy for a guided expedition.

• Winter sports: When the winter arrives and snow blankets the ground, Yosemite National Park becomes a haven for cross-country skiers and snowshoers. Downhill skiing is also available at the oldest such ski center in California, Yosemite Downhill Ski & Snowboard Area.

• Guided tours: Some guests prefer guided tours of the park, allowing the experts to share their knowledge. The park guides lead groups to various parts of Yosemite National Park, including the valley floor, Glacier Point, and Tuolumne Meadows.

Are pets allowed?

Pets are permitted only in the developed areas of the park: some campgrounds, paved roads and developed areas. They are not allowed in the backcountry or on trails.

Is the park accessible?

There are paved recreational trails in the park that are accessible. In additional several of the hotel and campgrounds have accessible facilities.

What accommodations are available?

Lodging in Yosemite National Park ranges from deluxe rooms in The Majestic Yosemite Hotels to comfortable motor inns to numerous campgrounds and rustic backcountry cabins. As with most national parks, reservations are strongly recommended for all types of accommodations, particularly during the summer months.

Are there restaurants in the park?

Dining options in the park include fine and casual restaurants throughout the park as well as several grocery stores. Picnicking is popular as well, though as in all wilderness areas, guests must be vigilant about storing their food in bear-proof containers and removing all trash from the park.

What are the most popular areas of the park?

• Yosemite Valley: Though constituting only a small fraction of the entire park, this seven square miles is the destination for most tourists in Yosemite. The high cliffs and waterfalls, along with the visitor center and other museums and information centers, are all easy to see from the road.

• Mariposa Grove: This area has the most examples of mature sequoia trees in the park.

• Hetch Hetchy: This quiet northwest corner of the park boasts Yosemite’s longest hiking season. Many visitors to Hetch Hetchy seek the tranquility and solitude this area provides, away from the better-known attractions of the Yosemite Valley.

• Waterfalls: Yosemite National Park is home to several well-known waterfalls. Like most waterfall, they are most spectacular in the spring and early summer when they are fed by the melting snow from the mountains. Some of the most popular are Yosemite Falls, Sentinel Falls and Bridalveil Fall. Horsetail Fall provides a special show in late February; the setting sun reflects off the water, giving the falls the appearance of being on fire.

• Rock formations: Some of the most iconic scenes from Yosemite National Park include its rock formations: Half Dome, El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, Sentinel Rock and Glacier Point.

Which national park would you like to visit most? Is Yosemite National Park on your list? Tell us in the comments.

Plan a national park vacation with AAA travel. 

During a long road trip with kids, your little passengers can become big distractions. Snacking, whining and arguing over whose turn it is with the iPad can make it next to impossible for mom or dad to focus on the road.

In this article, you will learn how to limit the real distractions that come with a road trip or weekend getaway with kids. We will also cover how to make the experience more fun for everyone involved.

A road trip with kids comes with distractions? No way.

There is more than a tinge of sarcasm in that question, but there are some real risks for the driver and occupants of a vehicle when kids enter the road trip equation.

While it seems like second nature to repeatedly glance in your rear-view mirror to check on a sleeping baby or to make sure the older kids have not turned the back seat into WrestleMania, it is always a gamble to take your eyes off the road, even for a matter of moments.

Some federal safety studies have concluded that interactions with passengers are more dangerous than cellphone use (even though talking on your phone or texting is still extremely dangerous with kids onboard or not).

Child passengers are also considered bigger distractions than adult passengers, according to safety experts. Child passengers are four times as distracting as adult passengers, and babies are eight times as distracting, according to research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

What this boils down to is simple: Drivers need to focus on driving while driving. You can’t ignore your children, but there are certainly ways to limit the distractions during a road trip or weekend getaway with the kids.

Here’s some advice to keep your kids happy (and quiet) during your next driving vacation.

Set expectations.

Setting ground rules, like everybody uses the bathroom at the rest stop and everyone gets 30 minutes to play their music in the car, lets everyone know what’s expected of them. It will also help the dreaded “that’s not fair” from the peanut gallery. Reward good behavior and stick to your guns when rules are broken.

Bring the toys.

Let each child bring a couple of his or her favorite toys to keep busy. If they are a little older, try having them work on a travel journal. They can work together, with one writing and the other taking pictures, and then vice versa. “Keeping them occupied prevents typical sibling squabbling and antsy kids,” said Karen Blackburn, a Traffic Safety Specialist for AAA Northeast. Just make sure everything is at the feet of the adult riding shotgun, or where the kids can reach them without unbuckling or climbing into the back, which is incredibly dangerous. For those parents who enjoy a good podcast, I wrote about the Brains On! science podcast, which is interesting for both kids and adults. They recently did a summer series on cars, which can learn more about here.

Schedule plenty of stops.

Build frequent stops into your itinerary. AAA recommends stopping every two hours on a long trip. This could be a pit stop at a rest area or an hour at a park not far off your path. It gives your children something to look forward to and helps the driver remain alert when you get back on the road. You might even want to throw a ball around during your breaks to expend pent-up energy.

Keep them involved.

Let each child pick a stop along your route, at somewhere like a restaurant or a museum. This should keep them busy looking for cool places nearby with apps and maps.

Snack smart.

Dodge the dreaded “I’m hungry” or “I’m thirsty” by packing lots of drinks and snacks. Spill-proof cups are ideal for younger kids and foods like pretzels and granola bars are best to avoid the mess. String cheese is good, too, if you’re toting an insulated bag. Again, don’t go reaching for the food while the car is in motion. Keep it somewhere close or wait until your next stop to grab it.

Ready your ride.

A vehicle breakdown is not going to go over well. Before a road trip with kids – or any road trip for that matter – schedule a check up with your auto repair shop to make sure everything is good to go. Address any warning lights on your dashboard, check the condition of your oil and battery and inspect the tires for cracks, bulges and proper air pressure. You should also make sure there is adequate tread on the tires before you roll out. AAA strongly encourages drivers to keep emergency supplies in the trunk of their vehicles. A roadside emergency kit should include a flashlight, a blanket, a first aid kit and some basic tools. These could help you out of a jam or at least keep you comfortable until AAA arrives.

A vehicle break down is not going to over well with your children. Before a road trip with kids or with anybody for that matter, schedule a check up with your favorite auto repair shop to make sure everything is in good working order. Address any warning lights on your dashboard, and inspect the tires for cracks, bulging and air pressure. You should also make sure there is adequate tread left before you roll out. AAA strongly encourages drivers to pack emergency supplies in the trunk of their vehicles. A roadside emergency kit should include a flashlight, a blanket, a first aid kit and some basic tools. These could help you out of a jam or at least keep you comfortable until AAA arrives.

A road trip with kids is an awesome way to make memories. Do you have any tips for how to enjoy a road trip with your smallest passengers? Share them with us below!

Click here to learn more about automobile services from AAA.

Boston is one of the most culturally rich and historically significant cities in the United States. The city is home to over 35 colleges and universities, world-class sports venues, and some of the most influential sites of the Revolutionary War. With so much to do and see, and so many fantastic hotels in Boston, it’s no wonder the city is a tourist hot spot.

Along with its numerous attractions, Boston is also home to superb hotels that make visiting the city all the more enticing. These are some of the best AAA Four Diamond Rated hotels in Boston to help make planning a trip to the historic city easier than ever.

Fairmont Copley Plaza

Built in 1912, the Fairmont Copley Plaza hotel has been a Back Bay institution for over a century. The hotel is known for its majestic architecture that has remained unchanged since its opening. The hotel’s decor has kept with the times and features modern rooms with flat-screen TVs. Fairmont’s on-site restaurant, the Oak Long Bar and Kitchen, features an elegant atmosphere and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The hotel is located directly next to the Boston Public Library and historic Trinity Church and is a short walk away from the renowned shopping of Newbury Street.

Revere Hotel Boston Common

Revere Hotel Boston Common is a trendy, contemporary hotel in the center of Boston’s Theater District. The hotel has a heated indoor pool, 24-hour amenities and dog-pampering options like doggie treats and plush bedding for man’s best friend. Many rooms at the 24-story hotel feature private balconies and most have fantastic views of the city. Boston’s Public Garden is located just two blocks away, and a subway stop provides easy access to Haymarket and Fenway Park. The famed Orpheum Theatre is a 15-minute walk away from the hotel.

Hotel Commonwealth

Elegance and intimacy are everywhere at this charming hotel. All 149 rooms at the Hotel Commonwealth feature mini-libraries and marble bathrooms, making guests feel like they’re in the lap of luxury. Aside from its beautiful amenities, the hotel’s location just off of Interstate 90 is a major draw. Faneuil Hall Marketplace is located 3 miles away from the hotel and Fenway Park is right across the street, making this one of the best AAA Four Diamond hotels in Boston for anyone who wants to catch a game. The hotel is great for visiting either Boston University (across the street) or MIT (across the Charles River). For those who are into the culture of the city, the Museum of Fine Arts is located just a mile away.

Loews Boston Hotel

The Loews Boston Hotel is located in Boston’s Back Bay, just a short walk away from some of Boston’s best attractions. The hotel is located in the former headquarters of the Boston Police Department. Each of the 225 rooms in the hotel offer free Wi-Fi, 46-inch LCD TVs and contemporary decor. Loews Boston is also home to a stylish bar and grill. The hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the Charles River and less than 2 miles away from Fenway Park and TD Garden, home of the Boston Celtics and Bruins. If you’re not into sports, there are many museums within 2 miles, including the Museum of Science and Museum of Fine Arts. The Boston Public Garden is also just three blocks away.

Seaport Boston Hotel

Located in Boston Harbor, the Seaport Boston Hotel offers Bose Wave radios and marble bathrooms in each of its rooms. While you’re there relaxing, be sure to check out the hotel’s heated indoor pool, which has a unique system that plays music under the water. The hotel is one block away from Boston’s World Trade Center and is a short walk away from many family-friendly attractions including the New England Aquarium (1 mile away from the hotel), the Boston’s Children’s Museum and the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum (both within a 15-minute walk). The hotel also features a restaurant with a diverse, globally inspired menu.

The Langham, Boston

Opulence defines this beautiful Boston hotel in a building that was once home to the Boston Federal Reserve Bank. The Langham is home to both a restaurant that aims to reflect Boston’s diversity with seafood and ethnic cuisine, and a lounge that hosts entertainment. Guests have said that the hotel is within walking distance of everything, with many popular spots nearby. Located in the financial district, the Langham is across the street from Post Office Square, a 10-minute walk from Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Rowes Wharf, and 2 miles away from Symphony Hall. For history buffs, Boston’s Freedom Trail is just a half-mile west of the hotel.

InterContinental Boston Hotel

The waterfront InterContinental Hotel boasts luxurious amenities and a prime location. The nine-story hotel’s 424 rooms feature stylish decor, soaking tubs and pillow-top mattresses. It’s easy to relax at the hotel, as it offers massage services and its own steam room. It is also home to three separate restaurants: Sushi-Teq is a modern Asian-fusion restaurant that features contemporary takes on many sushi dishes; Miel Brasserie Provencale serves French cuisine in an elegant setting; and RumBa Rum and Champagne Bar is a chic bar and grill with a varied menu that features everything from fish tacos to fried calamari. The hotel is one block away from the subway, which provides easy access to Fenway Park and TD Garden. Faneuil Hall is a half-mile from the hotel.

The Lenox Hotel

This extravagant and historic hotel has operated continuously since its opening in 1900 and is one of Back Bay’s most popular lodging options. The Lenox Hotel has cemented its place in show business history – it was once home to actress Judy Garland. The hotel’s rooms feature sumptuous decor like crystal lamps, luxury bedding, marble baths and high ceilings. The hotel offers three on-site dining options: City Table, a casual American eatery; Solas, an Irish pub and grill; and City Bar, a hip drinking spot. The hotel’s location is as exquisite as its amenities – it’s just blocks from Trinity Church, Newbury Street and Copley Place.

Boston Harbor Hotel

History and elegance come together to create a wonderful atmosphere at this beautiful hotel named for the harbor it borders. The Boston Harbor Hotel offers stunning water views in each of its 230 rooms, as well as marble bathrooms fit for a king. The hotel’s on-site spa is the perfect place to unwind during a business trip or add to a relaxing vacation. It is situated on Rowes Wharf, which is a five-minute walk from the aquarium and a nearby subway stop. If you’re  in a walking mood, Boston Common and the Public Garden is about a mile away, and Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a half-mile away. The Rowes Wharf Sea Grille calls the hotel home and offers seasonal selections of fresh seafood, most of which comes from local fisherman.

Ames Boston Hotel

Housed in what was once Boston’s tallest building, the Ames Boston Hotel perfectly combines the city’s history with its modern culture. The building that the hotel occupies was built in 1893 and was used as office space until 1999. It was completely renovated and became the Ames Hotel in 2007. The rooms at the Ames boast minimalist styling, with oak floors and high ceilings. The hotel is the most centrally located of the AAA Four Diamond hotels in Boston, as it sits on the convergence of the financial district, midtown and the Faneuil Hall neighborhoods. Guests at the hotel are a quick walk away from the shopping at Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Quincy Market, the entertainment and restaurants of the theater district and a short subway ride to the Back Bay.

*The Ames Boston Hotel permanently closed in September 2019.

Have you ever been to Boston? What are your favorite hotels in Boston? Let us know in the comments below!

Learn more about the AAA Diamond Rating system.

Plan and book your next getaway with AAA. 

“My first car (in the early ’50s) was a 1940 Ford convertible. My brother gave it to me when he went into the Navy. I loved the car and had few dates in high school as I spent all my money on repairing, souping up and customizing it.

It was a dark green, eight-cylinder, 100-horsepower Ford with a black top. The top was made of cotton in those days and only lasted for about a year. With every rainstorm or snowstorm the driver and front seat passenger would get soaked. I also added two large spotlights to the front window frame, leopard seat covers and fog lights.

I replaced everything under the hood with chrome parts. I was convinced that the chrome head mounting nuts provided me with extra horsepower. If I couldn’t replace anything under the hood with chrome I painted it high-gloss red. I installed duel Hollywood mufflers with chrome tailpipes. I added a flying angel hood ornament to the hood and a Cadillac emblem to the trunk. I never added fuzzy dice to my rearview mirror as I didn’t want to get gaudy.

My machine (named by my grandfather) also had a leopard steering wheel cover, a big custom rearview mirror and a steering wheel whip.”
— Paul E. Moody, Barrington, R.I.

Want to share your first car story? Visit AAA.com/YourStory.

This New York City real estate mogul is best known as one of the stars of Bravo’s “Million Dollar Listing New York.” Since the show’s premiere in 2012, Serhant and his team have sold billions of dollars of real estate. His success led to his own spinoff, “Sell It Like Serhant,” which debuted in April. He is also a frequent contributor to major news networks like CNBC, Bloomberg and CNN.

What was your first car?

My first car was a Ford Taurus. Silver with gray interior. I got it when I turned 16 in 2000. I called it the Babe Mobile (because it most definitely was not).

How did you acquire it?

My parents got it for me for my 16th birthday.

What is your favorite memory of the car?

My favorite memory was when my dad and I took it cross country when we moved from Boston to Steamboat Springs, Colo. Lots of books on tape and rolling fields in that smooth ride.

What happened to it?

Pretty sure I sold it back to my parents. That, or they just took it back…

Do you remember your first car? Share in the comments below!

For more celebrity stories, visit AAA.com/MyFirstCar.

May 17 started out like any other day in Mike Benson’s life. The owner of Powder Mill Towing & Auto Repair in Parsippany, N.J., was towing a car to Pennsylvania. But as he drove through the Mount Olive section of Interstate 80, everything changed.

In front of him, a bus taking fifth-graders on a field trip collided with a dump truck. The body of the bus was ripped away and fell on its side. Benson acted immediately, closing off the highway with his truck.

“I didn’t want any kids running around in the highway,” he said.

Benson ran to help. He freed children from under and inside the bus. Some were stuck in their seats, pinned in and dangling from their seat belts. Benson cut them free.

Benson guided the students through a blown-out back window. A few minutes later, another bystander noticed that one of the students wasn’t breathing. Benson immediately began performing CPR. The student survived.

Although two people – a student and a teacher – were killed, the situation could have been far worse if not for Benson’s heroic actions. After the incident, he went right back to work.

His actions didn’t go unrecognized. Benson received an award for outstanding EMS action by a citizen at a ceremony in October. The New Jersey Department of Health’s Office of Emergency Medical Services and the New Jersey Medical Services Council nominated him for the award.

Powder Mill Towing & Auto Repair has been a AAA Preferred Service Provider since August 1985, and a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility since June 2009.

Visit AAA.com/AAR to search for a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility in your area.

There are many perks to staying at a Walt Disney World resort. Guests staying in the Orlando park have access to the Disney Dining Plan, free transportation, Extra Magic Hours and more. And because of the wide price ranges, you don’t have to break the bank. Whether you’re looking for a deal or dreaming of a luxury getaway, there’s a Disney resort for you.

Budget

Stay: Disney’s value resorts, like Pop Century and the All-Star collection, have everything one could need, from a cafeteria to a huge pool. Art of Animation is Disney’s newest value resort; rooms are modeled after Disney movies, like “The Little Mermaid” and “The Lion King.” It’s the perfect place for a young family.

Do: Enjoy the huge sculptures of iconic moments from Disney movies, like Simba, Timon and Pumbaa singing “Hakuna Matata” while walking across a gigantic log. Want to cool off? Play in the largest hotel pool of any Disney resort – the Big Blue Pool, inspired by “Finding Nemo.”

Dine: Landscape of Flavors is the best budget cafeteria at any Disney resort, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner amid a colorful atmosphere of Disney concept art. It’s a great place to grab a bite before a day in the parks. If you’re looking for a drink, head on over to The Drop Off – a Nemo-themed outdoor bar.

Mid-Range

Stay: Disney’s moderate resorts offer a step up. The Port Orleans Resort (split into two wings: Riverside and French Quarter) is the perfect place to stay on a moderate budget. Lush, Louisiana-
inspired decor will transport you and your family straight to New Orleans.

Do: There’s always something to do at Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride, play in one of the many pools or go to a Cajun campfire at nightfall. Take part in the paint classes, offered every Wednesday by a Disney instructor.

Dine: You can enjoy live jazz in Scat Cat’s Club in the French Quarter. At Riverside, Boatwright’s Dining Hall serves Louisiana comfort food like jambalaya, catfish, grits and slow-roasted prime rib. Afterward, head on over to River Roost Lounge for a rollicking cabaret act.

Luxury

Stay: The Wilderness Lodge’s lobby is cavernous with exposed log beams, giant totem poles and an indoor geyser, plus, the Magic Kingdom is a short boat ride away. The Grand Floridian has beautiful Victorian finishes and a glut of deluxe amenities.

Do: Both resorts offer boat rentals and fishing in the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake, and have unique pools and great views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks. The Grand Floridian offers specialty cruises and is home to Disney’s Senses Spa.

Dine: The Wilderness Lodge’s Whispering Canyon Cafe has an Old West-theme and buckets of food (it’s all-you-care-to-eat). The Grand Floridian’s claim to fame is Victoria and Albert’s. It’s the only Disney restaurant with a AAA Five Diamond Rating.

What are your go-to’s at Disney World? Tell us in the comments!

Want to book a Disney vacation? Let AAA help you plan your magical getaway.

As you’re planning your holiday travel, how about planning not to be stressed? The key to staying chill during this most-traveled season is a solid routine that starts a year in advance, according to stress-reduction expert Kimberly Palm, aka the Stress-Free Travel Diva.

So, during this year’s holiday gathering, start planning – and booking transportation and lodging – for next year. “Creating a travel routine really relieves a lot of stress because there’s no guessing involved,” Palm said. Put a specific set of steps together, then set calendar reminders to help you follow them. These might include checking your passport to make sure it’s current, checking the condition of your luggage, restocking travel toiletries and buying snacks for the plane or car.

One of your steps should be to check the weather forecasts for your destination during the days leading up to your trip, so you can pack the appropriate clothing. If you’re bringing gifts, Palm suggests shipping them ahead rather than putting them in your suitcase. That way, you can insure your packages and carry less luggage.

“If you’re packing gifts, you’re really creating a lot of trouble for yourself,” she said.

If you’ll be flying, cut down on your airport stress by loading your airline’s app onto your phone. The app will usually let you check in for your flight 24 hours beforehand – reducing your chances of being bumped if the flight is overbooked – and monitor for gate changes and flight delays. Loading your ticket onto your phone, or printing it out at home, also means one less airport line to stand in.

Want even less stress? Get to the airport early. That means more than three hours ahead of your scheduled international flight departure and at least two hours ahead of domestic flights. This gives you plenty of time to deal with checking luggage, airport security, terminal transfers, gate changes and anything else that comes your way.

“The worst-case scenario is you go early and get through it quick and then you have a bunch of time,” Palm said.

That’s much better than arriving late, rushing around stressed out and possibly missing your flight.
“It’s all about simplifying your life,” she says of a good travel routine. So, figure out your list of steps, start crossing them off, and have a happy holiday.

Do you have stress-free travel tips? Share in the comments!

Visit AAA.com/LiveWell for more articles on healthy travel. 

There’s nothing like a jam session in your car to some great tunes. Remember popping your favorite cassette tape into the stereo?

Cassettes, successors to eight-track tapes, once dominated the car music scene. Now our speakers are ruled by the digital domain of Bluetooth stereos and Apple CarPlay. But fear not, nostalgia fans: cassette tapes are making a comeback.

According to Neilsen Music, cassette sales rose by 35 percent in the United States in 2017, with 174,000 copies sold.

Why the sudden resurgence?

We have pop culture to thank for the cassette’s popularity in the 2010s. Peter Quill from Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” traversed the galaxy with his Walkman, jamming out to 1970s pop hits, including favorites from Blue Swede and the Jackson 5. “Awesome Mix: Vol. 1,” “Awesome Mix: Vol. 2” and “Cosmic Mix: Vol. 1,” the soundtrack for the animated television series, were released on cassette and took in 22 percent in sales.

“Stranger Things,” the hit sci-fi/horror series that took Netflix by storm, just oozes ’80s aesthetic. The music chosen for the series reflects popular bands of the time like The Clash and Foreigner. Naturally, a cassette release wasn’t far behind. The “Stranger Things, Volume One” soundtrack landed in the No. 4 spot on the cassette selling charts, following the three “Guardians of the Galaxy” tapes.

Much like vinyl records, cassette tapes are becoming the next must-have retro music medium. So dust off your old Walkman, pop in a tape and let the good tunes roll.

What do you think about this returning trend? Tell us in the comments!

For more trips down memory lane, visit AAA.com/NowThen.

Getting older doesn’t have to result in giving up familiar surroundings. Aging safely in your own home may be a distinct possibility.

“We have more control than we think” over our immediate environment, said Dr. Alexis Eastman, a geriatrician in the Institute on Aging at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in Madison.

Eliminating trip and slip hazards can go a long way toward preventing falls and preserving mobility and independence. Among the dangers older people often overlook are broken or uneven steps and throw rugs or clutter.

More than 1 out of 4 people age 65 and older falls each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Falls are the most common cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in the aging population.

“A fall doesn’t necessarily mean you hit the floor,” Eastman said. Even if you catch yourself on a piece of furniture or a counter, that can still be pretty injurious.

In terms of trip hazards, “sometimes we forget that the exterior can be as much trouble as the inside,” said Fritzi Gros-Daillon, director of training at Age Safe America, a national advocacy organization focused on fall prevention.

Outdoor hazards may include overgrown landscaping, gardening tools, and unintended toys on the lawn or in the driveway – anything that we just don’t see as we’re walking, she said. For maximum visibility, bushes should extend no higher than 3 feet tall, while branches should hang no lower than 7 feet from the ground.

Good lighting is paramount to guide aging eyes. “The older you get, the more light you need to get around your house in general, but especially at night,” Eastman said.

Motion-sensor lights can help. Gros-Daillon recommends installing them under kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities and handrails along stairs or hallways.

In bathrooms, grab bars are a prudent addition, particularly around the toilet for people who have difficulty getting up from a chair, Eastman said.

Grab bars come in different colors, finishes and forms, resembling tree branches or other shapes. Simultaneously beautiful and functional, they spruce up a bathroom while lending stability. “Everyone needs them whether we want them or not,” Gros-Daillon said. “For people of all ages, they are like safety handles.”

Before making plans for any home modifications, it would be wise to consult with an expert who has the Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist designation from the National Association of Home Builders.

Dwellers of all ages should try to avoid rushing from one place to another, whether inside or outside the home. Slow down. Haste increases the likelihood of preventable accidents, said Becky Turpin, director of home and community safety at the National Safety Council.

“Most of us are not Olympic athletes,” she said. “Pausing to think about our safety and how we’re navigating our world can make a big difference.”

Easy Measures to Make Your Home Safer

Falls pose a major threat to remaining in the comforts of your home as you age, but there are simple ways to minimize risk. Here are a few things to watch out for.

Keep walking paths clear of cords, wires and clutter. These obstacles can cause an unexpected slip or trip.

Beware of creating wet conditions. Walking around with a beverage in an uncovered container can lead to unintended drips and slippery floors. Carry a water bottle or a mug with a lid instead of a cup or a glass.

Repair broken or uneven steps inside and outside the home.

Install grab bars in bathrooms, especially around the toilet, if standing up from a chair is difficult.

Ditch the throw rugs. It’s easy to catch your toe in them. Instead, opt for either wall-to-wall carpet or hardwood floors. Choose house slippers with grip soles. Bath rugs should have a strong grip, too.

Add illumination wherever possible. Install motion-sensor lighting under kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and handrails along stairs or hallways.

Increase visibility inside and outside the home. Clear front and back yards, sidewalks, and driveways of overgrown landscaping, gardening tools, and toys for children and pets. Trim bushes and tree branches.

Do you have any home hazard safety tips? Tell us in the comments!

Looking to modify your home? Let AAA help you finance your home improvements.

The young family standing in front of Darlene Ford, branch manager of the AAA Tewksbury location, had nothing.

No diapers for their baby. No wallet or pocketbook. No house.

They fled their home during the Sept. 13 gas explosions, and were now facing Darlene at an Elks Lodge serving as a resource center for those affected by the crisis in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover.

“The mom looked beside herself, but calm,” said Ford, a Lawrence native. “I think she just wanted someone to tell her everything would be OK.”

Darlene did what she could: She gave them a warm smile, made sure they were taken care of, and filled the young son’s pockets with snacks. The family was able to secure housing and a debit card for groceries, vouchers for clothing and a duplicate license to replace the one lost in the explosion.

Other AAA Northeast employees volunteered that day, too – on company time.

About a dozen other AAA employees who live in the affected area couldn’t get to their homes. AAA human resources and travel employees helped secure hotel rooms and funds for food, toiletries and clothing for a day or two. The employee-run Charitable Giving Committees donated to the Merrimack Valley chapter of the American Red Cross, and the club provided matching gifts for individual donations by employees.

For Josh Varone, director of compensation-benefits for AAA Northeast, the effort is a reminder that AAA Northeast helps and serves members – as well as employees – every single day.

AAA Northeast encourages its employees to volunteer and help local causes. Check out the career possibilities at AAA.

I’d hiked on a glacier before – but this time was different. As I dug my spikes into glistening Windex-blue ice and stared at a massive crevice that a yeti would love to call home, I felt as small as the frozen crystals beneath my feet yet as large as the vast blue Argentine sky above my head. This is why people climb mountains, I thought.

I was with a group of fellow adventure-seekers on the Perito Moreno Glacier near El Calafate in Argentina. Every moment on our 10-day hiking tour had been spectacular. Just days before, we’d trekked up a steep ridge to one of the most serene lakes imaginable. Its glacier-fed water was a surreal milky blue, and nothing but an occasional wind gust and a lone Andean condor circling overhead interrupted the stillness.

Not so at Perito Moreno, where we scrambled down from our icy perch and walked along the pebbly moraine to a viewing platform. There, right in front of us – like an Imax 3D movie come to life – large chunks of azure ice creaked and cracked and plummeted with a thunderous rumble into Lago Argentino below. More, please!

Heavenly Torres del Paine

When we crossed the border into Chilean Patagonia, I discovered that you don’t need a close encounter with a calving glacier to be wowed. There, as dawn painted Lake Pehoe in Torres del Paine National Park in luminous shades of purple and mauve, I decided that I’d finally found the most beautiful place on earth.

I could have stared at that view of the Paine massif from the Explora Lodge forever. And hiking there, amid herds of grazing guanacos and beneath skies filled with the wispiest, day-dreamiest of clouds, I realized that Patagonia has a pure and visceral beauty that defies description. It needs to be experienced.

A River of Amazement in the Peruvian Amazon

From feeling this close to heaven to swatting mosquitoes in the rainforests of Peru, my next South American adventure was also a game changer. I’d feared I would hate the jungle and all the creepy, crawly, potentially lethal things that live there: spiders on steroids, poisonous tree frogs, giant anacondas and dagger-toothed piranhas.

But there I was, standing in a small skiff with a fishing pole, casting a line into murky green water. My guide, Roger – one of several aboard Aria Amazon, a 32-passenger river boat operated by Aqua Expeditions – assured me that he would handle whatever happened next. I felt a tug and reflexively jerked my pole upward, startled as my catch flew through the air, thrashing from the hook, its jaw lined with menacing teeth.

I’d just caught my first piranha.

Roger grabbed my catch and asked if I wanted a photo with it. I nodded yes, handed him my phone, gingerly grabbed the line and dangled one of the Amazon’s fiercest predators just inches from my face. As nervous dread welled in my chest, Roger smiled and said, “Queso” – and I smiled back, giggling at the craziness of it all.

The Sunset to End All Sunsets

There were dozens of reasons to smile on this four-day cruise from Iquitos through the isolated tributaries of the Amazon: pink river dolphins with long pointy noses swimming alongside our ship, sleepy three-toed sloths and adorable Capuchin monkeys perched like acrobats on tree branches, the laughter of indigenous children playing near the riverbanks.

And then there were the sunsets.

The one on our final evening just might be my favorite ever. Roger had navigated our skiff to a spot where a patchwork of lavender-flowered lily pads carpeted parts of the river as if painted by Claude Monet. He popped open a bottle of bubbly and we clinked glasses as the dusky pink-and-tangerine sky was reflected in the mirror-like water. Piranhas and mosquitoes be damned – this was perfection.

Have you traveled to South America? Tell about your trip in the comments!

Plan your next world getaway with a AAA travel advisor.

A crowd had gathered outside the big glass windows of a boutique halfway down the corridor of Bellagio’s Promenade Shoppes.  They were jockeying for position, wriggling for a peek, holding cell phones up for photos, murmuring and squealing. They wore flip flop and T-shirts, cowboy hats and miniskirts. They were all on a casino vacation, not gambling, but getting their thrills at a retail store instead.  They were dazzled by both the store’s merchandise – blingy, lusciously hued shoes and handbags — and its owner, Sarah Jessica Parker, on hand for the opening of her second SJP boutique.

Welcome to casino shopping. Big names, flashy fashion, and high-roller price tags.

Retail has become a major growth area for casinos as they look for non-gaming sources of revenue, they’re pulling out decorative elements and filling them with boutiques; they’re creating new shopping malls and additions for visitors to stroll, window shop, and buy.  Now casinos tout their latest retail coup, claiming to be the “first east coast outlet of this brand” or the “the only Givenchy boutique in America.”  Foxwoods’ new Tanger Outlets Mall is under construction, “with over 80 fashion outlet stores including American Eagle, H&M, Banana Republic Factory Store, Calvin Klein, Fossil, LOFT, Nike Factory Store, Steve Madden, Tommy Hilfiger and many more are expected to draw shoppers from all over the world.”

I don’t get it.  The prices for everything on casino resort properties are almost always inflated ($8 for Band-Aids??). And the brands — deluxe or down to earth – are unsurprising.  There’s little in the way of one-of-a-kind or locally-made casino shopping (at least not yet).

Yet more and more travelers plan to shop on casino vacations, and revenue from retail is thriving in major casino destinations such as Las Vegas, Macau, and Singapore.

After a few retail experiences in Las Vegas recently, I decided one reason for the success is that casino shopping is a lot like casino gambling: It’s designed by masters in the art temptation.

Those lusciously colored shoes at SJP?  I wanted a pair. I even told myself that $395 wasn’t all that expensive, really. I could cut down on, say, paper towel usage, to make up for the splurge. The “buyer beware” caution is particularly fitting when shopping (or just passing through the stores) at a casino hotel.

I do most of my buying – souvenirs, mostly, and local specialties – off casino property. I think of casino shopping as simply another form of entertainment, a mix of artistry, excess, beauty, comedy and fantasy. If the setting for all of this adds to the experience, that’s a winning casino vacation shopping experience.  Vegas, of course, has some of the best. Here are my picks.

Caesars Forum Shops

Caesars Palace raised the retail bar forever when it opened Caesars Forum Shops 25 years ago. Caesars Palace was the first Vegas casino to create an entirely themed retail environment, the first to sign up high-end designers like Gucci and Ferragamo, and the first to offer celebrity chef restaurants. Add 160 specialty stores and eateries, the free animatronic fountain shows, a 50,000-gallon saltwater aquarium and a faux sky that changes from dawn to dusk, and, well, that’s the sin qua none of casino shopping.

Grand Canal Shoppes

Walking along a cobblestone path, blue sky above, and gondolas floating by on the canal – you can almost believe you’re in Italy at the 75,000-square-foot Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian and Palazzo.  Not only is the setting terrific, but you will find some out-of-the ordinary gems along with the litany of luxury icons like Van Cleef & Arpels, Christian Louboutin, Diane von Furstenberg, and Chopard.  New York’s famous Bauman Rare Books has an outpost here, and the Double Helix Wine Bar & Boutique, a gathering spot for Vegas sommeliers, can track down any rare wine label you ask for. The crowd favorite of the enclave is the 85,000-square-foot Barneys New York. Oh, and the gondola rides.

Miracle Mile

Planet Hollywood knows its target market, and came up with just the right mix of features for its Miracle Mile retail promenade. The “shopping adventure” includes 170 shops, covering the young and trendy brands (DC Shoes, Urban Outfitters, Steve Madden, H&M, White House/Black Market), plus Kush Fine Art Gallery and a Swarovski shop. The adventure part of the experience is in the attractions shoppers find along the way: a Beatles tribute show, a fountain with a fog and light show, and rainstorm every hour over the Tommy Bahama shop.

The Esplanade at Wynn

The Esplanade at Wynn offers 75,000 square feet of the classiest and most exclusive names: Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Jean Paul Gaultier, Oscar de la Renta, Manolo Blahnik. Alexander McQueen, to name a few.  Of particular note here: the largest in Rolex store North America, complete with a Rolex museum and the  Ferrari/ Maserati dealership.

Oh, back to those must purchase souvenirs.  There are endless tourist shops all over town, but Gambler’s General Store on 800 South Main Street is one of the mother lodes for Vegas-style gifts.

Where are your favorite places to go casino shopping? Let us know in the comments!

Click here to plan your own trip to these hot spots of commerce. 

Many of us would consider a hospital stay of more than a day or two a long time to be under medical care.
But what about if you’re seriously injured in a car accident, have a heart attack or develop Alzheimer’s disease? Then a stay in a health care facility could last weeks, months or years. That’s when long-term care insurance can limit the financial damage that can follow an injury or the onset of a serious disease.

Long-term care goes beyond medical care and nursing care to include all the help you could need if you ever have a chronic illness or disability that leaves you unable to care for yourself for an extended period of time.

Just as long-term care is not limited to the setting in which it is received, neither is it limited to the age of the recipient. A young adult or middle-aged person might need long-term care due to an accident or illness, just as likely as an elderly grandmother might need those services for a chronic condition such as heart disease.

For insurance purposes, long-term care is not limited to the services or treatments delivered in a hospital setting. Long-term care covers time spent in a nursing home or assisted-living facility – and even care you receive in your home.

Many services are available outside nursing homes, delivered by visiting nurses, home health aides, visitor and meal delivery programs, caregiver respite services or provided in adult daycare centers.

The vexing problem for so many families is that lengthy periods of medical or nursing home care mean spending lots of money.

How much depends on the level of services you need and the length of time you need them. A year in a nursing home can average more than $50,000. Assisted-living facilities can about $24,000. Home care is less expensive but still costly, perhaps $1,000 a month.

That’s more than a year of mortgage or car payments. You’re probably asking yourself, “How will I ever afford to pay that much?” Generally, your typical health insurance policy isn’t going to cover long-term care.

Well, that’s what Medicare is for, isn’t it? Yes, to a point.

Medicare pays for a limited amount of long-term supportive services – up to 100 days of care in a nursing home. Medicare doesn’t cover long-term care (also called custodial care), if that’s the only care you need. In this case, you may need to look into a supplemental insurance to cover any out-of-pocket costs not covered.

Typically, individuals and their families pay about one-fourth of all nursing home costs out-of-pocket.

Long-term care insurance is generally available through groups, such as your employer, and to individuals directly. The coverage and costs vary and depend on the benefit levels you choose.

An indemnity or “per diem” policy pays up to a fixed amount. With such a policy, you choose the benefit amount and are reimbursed for medical expenses up to a certain amount of money per day.

There are also “pooled benefit” policies, which provide money that may be used for different types of services. These also have limits based on daily, weekly or monthly periods.

You choose a daily benefit amount for the insurer to pay and you pick up the rest of the tab.

Some life-insurance policies include an option for long-term care benefits. Under certain circumstances a portion of the life insurance benefit is paid to the policyholder for long-term care services instead of to the beneficiary at the policyholder’s death.

Just like a standard life insurance policy, what you pay for long-term care insurance will depend on certain factors, such as your age, how much coverage you want, when you want that coverage to start and how long you want benefits and payments to last.

And, just like life insurance, the younger you are when you buy the policy, the lower your annual charges.

That doesn’t mean your premiums will stay the same until the end of your life. On the contrary, charges may rise if the insurer raises the cost for the entire group of policyholders to which you belong.

Also, most policies offer inflation adjustments. The initial benefit amount will increase automatically each year at a specified rate, compounded over the life of the policy. Inflation adjustments can add between 40 percent and 100 percent of your premium.

All policies contain limits and exclusions. Alzheimer’s disease is virtually always covered, but some mental illnesses and nervous disorders are not included. Alcoholism and drug use are usually not covered.

So, before you buy long-term care insurance, ask yourself some important questions: Do I understand what is – and is not – covered? Do I understand what it is I am buying and for how long it will last? Will I be able to afford this coverage as I age and my income becomes limited?

What other questions do you have about long-term care insurance? Let us know in the comments below! 

In today’s world everyone seems to be in a rush, whether it’s due to deadlines at work, running late to pick up the kids or simply feeling behind on life. Dinner ideas are often the last thing we’re thinking about.

On crazy busy weeknights, instead of defaulting to an online food ordering service like GrubHub, your favorite pizza or Chinese food delivery, try cooking up something simple at home.

With the right recipes, cooking dinner can be faster, healthier and save you money. Don’t forgo your taste buds – just pick an easy dinner idea from this arsenal of mouthwatering dishes.

Get your grill on

Fire up the grill and you’ll have dinner on the table in no time. Dinner ideas are endless on the grill, so get inspired and get cooking. The best part of grilling is that it leaves the mess outside! Win, win.

Carne Asada Tacos (Camp Chef)

Grilled BBQ Pork Tenderloin Recipe (Baking Beauty)

Chicken Street Tacos (Camp Chef)

Simple, delicious salads

Salads are sometimes thought of as a side dish or appetizer, but these hearty salad recipes can stand on their own as a dinner idea. The hardest part of preparing one of these fast and fresh dinner salads will be choosing one. So add them to your dinner menu rotation and don’t forget you can easily add and subtract ingredients to your salad to customize it for your family. Opt for a homemade salad dressing like olive oil, lemon, salt and pepper, or take a peek at the salad dressing recipes here.

Chef Luke Venner’s Kale Salad (CT Eats Out)

Santa Fe Tempeh Quinoa Salad (Nutrisource)

Wild Rice Salad (Williams-Sonoma)

Asian Chicken Salad (Delish)

Pasta is always a good idea

Mmm pasta! You can’t go wrong with a pasta dish when you’re in a rush. Boiling spaghetti takes about 10 minutes or less and you can make a simple sauce in just a few minutes. Lose the jarred sauce; flavorful recipes like the ones below are truly endless.

Pasta is also a great fall-back plan for when you have nothing in the house to cook. Take this as a challenge and see what you can create from the ingredients you have in your refrigerator or pantry. Or you can try SuperCook – the app lets you check off which ingredients you have at home and instantly finds matching recipes from the most popular cooking websites.

One Pan Spaghetti With Tuna, Olives, Fennel and Lemon (Nourished and Whole)

Quick and Easy Skillet Pasta (The Salted Pepper)

Crispy Oven-Fried Gnocchi and Veggies (Sustainable Cooks)

Quick soups

With a little chopping and dicing, a robust soup can be on the dinner table in less than an hour. These easy dinner soup recipes are hearty enough to call a meal and will leave you satisfied. Most soups can be frozen too, leaving you with a nutritious meal on hand for several days

Pizza Soup (Taste of Home)

Sweet Potato, Kale and Chickpea Soup (COOKIE + Kate)

Butternut Squash Soup (Simple Recipes)

Delish Fish

So many people shy away from fish because they think it’s difficult to cook, but I’m going to let you in on a little secret – it’s really not! Fish is a great dinner idea for when you have recipe fatigue and need to mix it up because you can prepare it so many different ways. Plus, many types of fish are nutritious.

Pick from one of these easy dinner ideas and you’ll be surprised how simple cooking fish can be.

Sheet Pan Salmon With Sweet Chili Sauce (The Foodie Physician)

Sri Lankan Sambal Shrimp Salad with Green Beans, Jicama, Honeydew and Peaches (Brooks Wine)

Mom’s Fried Catfish With Hot Sauce (Food and Wine)

Slow cooker

These one-pot meals are truly the easiest dinner ideas for busy weeknights and school nights. If you don’t have a slow cooker, consider investing in one. Just throw all your ingredients into the pot in the morning and come home to a house that smells like your grandmother has been cooking a homemade meal all day!

Slow Cooker Cauliflower Corn Chowder (Side Chef)

Crock-Pot Chicken Fajitas Pasta (My Heavenly Recipes)

Slow Cooker Barbeque Beef Brisket (Betty Crocker)

Comfort foods

After a long day, what sounds better than some home-cooked comfort food? Dig into these easy-to-make, soul-satisfying dinner ideas.

5 Ingredient Cheesy Beef and Egg Noodle Casserole (Sweet Phi)

Parmesan Garlic Baked Chicken Wings (Living with Ashley)

Homestyle Meat and Veggie Lasagna (Dash of Evans)

Easy Chipotle Shrimp Tacos (Lively Table)

Vegetarian

Even if you’re not vegetarian, try going meatless at least once a week. These simple, yet tasty recipes will surely have you coming back for seconds.

Chickpea Burgers With Spicy Harissa Yogurt Sauce (Wellness by Kristen)

Riced Cauliflower and Fresh Corn “Risotto” (Cafe 222)

Pistachio Pesto Zoodles With Avocado and Pepper (Setton Farms)

Kid-friendly

Let’s be real here. Getting your little one to eat their dinner can sometimes be harder than getting dinner on the table. Skip the hot dogs and chicken nuggets and check out these kid-friendly dinner ideas that will have their plates cleared and a new recipe in your meal plan rotation. You can thank us later.

Sloppy Joes (We’re Parents)

Brad’s Famous Grilled Cheese (Carrington Farms)

Turkey Parmesan Pasta (Moneywise Moms)

What is your go-to weeknight dinner recipe? Tell us in the comments!

Home lighting is an essential aspect of our everyday lives that often goes unnoticed. However, the type of light fixtures you choose can often have a huge impact on the atmosphere of your interior. With so many different choices to pick from, it’s a good idea to know about the different options available.

The 3 types of home lighting

When we think of a light bulb, the classic incandescent bulb usually comes to mind. To this day, incandescent bulbs are still the most popular type of home lighting. Unfortunately, they come at a cost; the typical incandescent bulb wastes energy in the form of heat and it’s not the best option for your energy bill or for the environment. Halogen bulbs, though they look similar to incandescent bulbs, save around 30% more energy. Fluorescent and LED lights, however, are the most energy efficient by far. These new types of lights are being implemented in more and more homes, and with time they will begin to replace most incandescent bulbs.

What you need to know about fluorescent lamps

Fluorescent lamps (CFLs) have a wide range of benefits: their lifespan can be up to ten times longer than that of a typical lightbulb, the light is of a higher quality, and considering the energy output it comes at a much lower cost. Still, some consumers claim to dislike the “artificial” color emitted by fluorescent light. Although CFLs in general look less “natural,” the color and temperature of the bulb differs depending on the model. You can easily find fluorescent light bulbs that have a softer and more natural light.

What you need to know about LED lighting

LED lamps are the newest lighting option of the three. However, LED technology is still developing, so performance varies depending on the product. They also tend to be more expensive than CFLs or incandescent bulbs. LEDs work great for certain home lighting fixtures, especially to provide a unique accent to your kitchen or bathroom, and the technology will continue to become more prevalent over time.

How your home lighting sets the mood

Lighting plays a strong role in establishing different moods and provoking certain emotions. For instance, softer, warmer lights suggest comfort and rest, while brighter, cooler lighting suggests clarity and focus. In general, while light in the bedroom should be more relaxed, light in your workspace, kitchen or garage should be stronger.

And depending on the room, you might want to invest in a dimmer. It’s also a great idea to have a dimmer in the living room or entertainment room; you’ll generally want stronger lighting for a family discussion, but softer lighting for movies or games.

How to choose the perfect light fixtures for your home

The home lighting fixtures you choose for each room are just as important as the color and temperature of the bulb. You want to be sure your lamps and fixtures match the décor of the rest of the room. A chandelier is a good option for the dining room or living room, and can look either extravagant or modern. Large hanging pendants made of brass or other metals bring a sleek, industrial look and look great in many kitchens.

Dome-shaped shades are a subtle accent and look nice in most rooms. Box lamps can work well depending on the furniture and décor in the rest of the room. The same goes for lantern fixtures or anything with a very rustic look. You’ll want to make sure your room has the same vibe before you start hanging any oil-lantern style lamps!

Essential home lighting styles

Of course, beyond the look of the fixture itself, you want to be certain what kind of lighting you want for each room. Common lighting styles include ambient, accent and task lighting. These are oftentimes used in combination with each other to achieve the desired effect.

Ambient lighting provides a subtle glow to a room and is usually achieved using a sconce or paper lantern; this kind is great for relaxed areas like the bedroom or dining room. Accent lighting is directional lighting used to emphasize a particular part of the room, like a shaded table lamp. Finally, task lighting is focused, clear light that’s perfect to assist in daily tasks like cooking or putting on makeup.

Home lighting and interior design

All of these factors are essential when choosing your home lighting options. Your choice of bulb temperature, décor and style can make or break your interior design, so it’s a good idea to experiment with different lighting options for each room. And in case anything goes wrong and your lights or interior are damaged, be sure to sign up for AAA Homeowner’s Insurance.

Got a unique lighting tip for our readers? Share it in the comments!

Looking for a safe way to invest your money? Certificates of deposit are a sure bet for nervous investors who want security and a fixed rate of return on their investment.

First, let’s define certificate of deposit.

“A CD, or a certificate of deposit, is essentially a bank account that you establish that will earn a specific rate of return over a specific amount of time,” said Ted Lyons, director of financial services at AAA Northeast. “Unlike your bank account, where you have money coming in and going out, with a CD you invest X amount of dollars over a specified term.”

That term generally determines the annual percentage yield, commonly referred to as the APY, said Lyons.

Why is a certificate of deposit considered a safe investment?

There are two main reasons.“All the CDs are FDIC insured,” Lyons said, referring to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. In fact, CDs are insured by the FDIC up to $250,000 per depositor. “Another reason is, as long as you keep the account, a CD doesn’t lose money,” Lyons said. “If market rates change, you are guaranteed to keep the rate you signed up with.”

On the other hand, if the market rates improve, you may miss out on possible earnings. “If the rates continue to climb, you won’t necessarily be able to take advantage of the higher rates that come out,” Lyons said.

And, the penalties can be stiff for taking money out before a CD matures. Penalty amounts vary by institution, and usually eat into a portion of the earned interest. “Ultimately, it will reduce the earnings you would have made,” Lyons said.

One way to avoid these penalties is through a CD ladder. These are a group of CDs that mature at different times, so investors can take advantage of the higher interest rates of long-term CDs while having access to a portion of their funds.

“A lot of times people will stagger CDs,” Lyons said. “If you want to hedge against rates going up and you don’t want to have your money tied up for long periods of time, laddering is a good option.”

Laddering gives investors the flexibility to move their money around: If interest rates change for the better, some money can be freed up to reinvest; if rates go down, the longer-term CDs maintain a fixed rate.

Long-term CDs offer the highest rates. For example, AAA investment programs offer CDs that mature anywhere from three months to 10 years, Lyons said, with a 10-year CD offering an annual interest rate more than six times the annual interest rate of a three-month CD.

AAA now offeres a three-month CD with an annual interest rate of 0.4 and an annual interest rate of 2.5 percent for a 10-year CD.

There are a host of different types of CDs on the market. No-penalty CDs offer lower interest rates in exchange for access to funds without a penalty. Jumbo CDs require higher minimum balances along with higher rates of return. And, liquid CDs allow investors to withdraw a certain portion of their funds without a penalty.

CDs can be set up as joint accounts, transferred to trusts, traditional IRAs and ROTH IRAs. Share certificates – another type of CD that is offered by credit unions – come insured up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration.

CDs are offered by brick-and-mortar banks, as well as online banks such as Barclays, Capital One, Discover Bank and Marcus: By Goldman Sachs. Provided they are FDIC insured, online banks are as safe to invest with as traditional banks, said Lyons. Moreover, online transactions can be “seamless,” he said, and generally offer higher interest rates than traditional banking institutions.

Online banking is not for everyone, Lyons pointed out. Online banks are web-based and typically offer customer service via chat or telephone instead of tellers and loan officers. “The investor needs to consider whether they are OK not having a building to walk into,” he said. “A person’s comfort level is the biggest issue there.”

A word of caution: CD interest must be reported as interest income on tax returns. “If you’re earning interest, you have to report it for taxes,” Lyons said. In most cases, the bank will send you a 1099-INT statement at the end of the year. Investors can use this information to report interest earnings to the IRS.

However, retirement accounts offer considerable tax advantages. These include traditional individual retirement accounts, which may contain CDs and do not require taxes to be paid until money is withdrawn, and ROTH IRAs that allow investors to earn interest on CDs without having to report it on their tax returns.

The holidays are a joyous time of year but can also be taxing and stressful. We all need an opportunity to get away from, or recover from, the stress of the season. A weekend vacation can be just the right remedy.

Fortunately, the newly opened MGM Springfield is the perfect winter weekend getaway destination. Experience luxury and entertainment all under one roof or conquer the great outdoors with a wintry excursion at one of the many local attractions. Whatever your idea of a cold-weather retreat looks like, MGM Springfield has you covered.

Activities Galore

It wouldn’t be winter without a few twirls on the rink. From November through early March, the Plaza at MGM Springfield transforms into a 75-by-26-foot ice skating rink. Guests can lace up their skates for a jaunt on the ice or enjoy the pop-up entertainment throughout the Plaza.

If the weather is a bit too much to get in a round of 18, just bring the fun indoors. MGM’s Topgolf Swing Suite offers a one-of-a-kind simulation suitable for golfers and non-golfers alike. Players take turns hitting golf balls against a massive simulator screen that tracks each shot’s accuracy and distance. Groups can choose from a variety of virtual games, or even try their hand in baseball pitching and hockey shots. Even better? It all takes place inside a luxury suite that features a comfortable lounge and delicious food and drink.

If it’s the chance to knock down some pins that you seek, head to the Tap Sports bar, which features a bowling alley next door. The lounge-like atmosphere allows guests to experience bowling in a unique way. The location also features an arcade, making it an entertainment stop for people of all ages.

The Finer Things

No matter what time of year you visit MGM Springfield, it’s still a vacation and your trip should be treated as such. Fortunately, the resort has all of life’s little luxuries under one roof.

Relax and unwind at the spa, which offers a host of massage and skincare services, or work up a sweat at the fitness center and pool, free to hotel guests. If it’s retail therapy you crave, all of your shopping needs, from apparel to jewelry to specialty gifts, can be met at the resort’s retail stores.

When it’s time to sit back and enjoy good old-fashioned entertainment, head to the hotel’s in-house movie theater, Regal MGM Springfield. The facility features seven auditoriums complete with luxury recliner seating. There is also a full bar offering handcrafted cocktails, a wide selection of wine and beers on tap.

Restaurants and Nightlife

When hunger strikes, MGM Springfield has eatery options to satisfy every taste. Start your day off with a hot cup of coffee at Kringle Emporium. While you’re there, try one of their freshly baked goods. For lunch, the South End Market has a host of food options including Hearth Grill, Wicked Noodles and Jack’s Lobster Shack. For a sit-down dinner, The Chandler Steakhouse features the finest wines and aged cuts of meat. If it’s an Italian flavor you’re after, Cal Mare marries authentic coastal cuisine from the Amalfi Coast with New England’s signature style to create delectable seafood, handmade pastas and pizza.

For a nightcap, the Commonwealth Bar and Lounge has it all: innovative mixology, live music and perfect location on the casino floor. The Knox Bar offers a more intimate setting and allows guests to gamble as they indulge.

Local Attractions

It wouldn’t be a true winter getaway if you didn’t get to experience the great outdoors. Less than an hour away from MGM Springfield, the Berkshires is the perfect place for some open-air excursions. The surrounding mountains are perfect for skiing and snowboarding and the miles of groomed trails can be used for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.

Closer to home, Springfield’s very own Forest Park contains more than 700 acres of open space for a variety of recreation options for the whole family. One can’t-miss holiday attraction is Bright Nights at Forest Park, a three-mile drive-through holiday light display. The annual event, which lasts through January 1, also includes horse-drawn carriage and wagon rides, a carousel and gift shop. Since its opening in 1995, Bright Nights has attracted more than four million visitors.

Other local attractions include the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Hall and Citystage, and the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum. (Theodor Seuss Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss, was a Springfield native.)

Gaming

With all the other amenities and attractions at your beck and call, it can be easy to forget that MGM Springfield is a casino. In fact, the resort holds the largest gaming floor in the state of Massachusetts. Take a seat at a table game like blackjack, craps, roulette and Texas Hold ‘Em, or try your luck at one of the countless slot machines.

Start planning your winter weekend at MGM Springfield today. 

The most important thing to know when you’re preparing for your first Southeast Asia travel experience is that you’re going to have an amazing time. Southeast Asia is a mesmerizing tapestry of culture, luxury, authenticity, beaches, food, extreme sports, and rugged adventure.

Focus on depth

A book of tips could be written about each of the ten countries in Southeast Asia. The geographical group comprises ten countries: Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, East Timor, and Brunei. However, it’s essential to remember when planning your Southeast Asia travel excursions that you don’t have to do it all!

When you’re on a Southeast Asia vacation, it’s not about collecting stamps in a passport, it’s about fully experiencing what each country has to offer.

If you have one month, choose two countries. Two months, add two more. Three, months narrow it down to only five and dive deep into the cultures and experiences, rather than skimming along the surface.

Now, if you’re Southeast Asia trip will be for less than a month, choose one country. Though from the outside we often think of these countries as single places, there are noticeable regional difference. For example, southern Thailand is famous for islands, its karst topography, and beaches, while the north is considered the cultural heartland of ancient Siam – each worthy of more than a week of your time.

Double down

Because you aren’t about to commit yourself to spending more time in airports than in the actual countries you’re visiting, make a list of what’s most important in your holiday.

At first, avoid naming destinations, such as Angkor Wat or Borno. Do you want to spend time in the sand, exploring cuisine, going diving, trekking, golfing, or reading a book by the pool? Once you’ve established your top three priorities for your Southeast Asia travel experience, then name your must-see destinations or monuments.

See where this is going? All you have to do now is see how many of these activities can be found in a country with a must-see destination when you’re on your Southeast Asia trip.

Keep it light

Hopefully, your Southeast Asia travel won’t take you into more than one climate, which will help keep your bag light. Heavy backpacks and roller suitcases become increasingly cumbersome for travelers who plan on being on the move, often adding stress to situations and making you feel more vulnerable.

Laundry is cheap to do on the road in most Southeast Asian countries, so don’t worry about packing extra jeans. Have one set of clothes for going out, one for the beach scene and one for trekking – that’s really all you’ll need.

And, to most people’s surprise, they have stores. Southeast Asia has gobs of well-stocked stores where you can find just about anything you forgot to pack. By starting off with a light bag with a little extra room, it’s easy to discover what you really need, and buy it there.

Get in my tummy

Street food is gold during Southeast Asia travel from bowls of Vietnamese bun cha to Thai-style fried chicken. There are so many ways to expand your culinary horizons. However, the reality of traveler’s tummy – a euphemism for having the runs – is a real possibility, but not only with street food.

Having a little local yogurt when you first arrive can help your body adjust to all the unfamiliar bits and bobs that are going down the hatch. Charcoal tablets can also help absorb what’s going on in your stomach if you’re really suffering.

That said, you don’t want to miss the street food. By honing in on stalls that are bustling with locals, you’ll probably be finding the cleanest, safest, and most delicious foods on your Southeast Asia trip. Though the definition of “delicious” might vary from country to country – Thai’s seem to be inordinate fans of deep fried bugs and chicken feet, while snake-blood vodka is a thing in Vietnam.

Home is where to stay

Unless you’re looking for a luxury resort experience, of which there are many to choose from for your Southeast Asia travel, take advantage of the surge in homestays in many Southeast Asian countries.

Homestays, where you often live and eat with a local family, provide authentic experiences off the beaten track. However, homestays vary dramatically, so do your research ahead of time and check what experiences other travelers have there. An alternative to homestays, but still a great way to connect with a local community, is Couch Surfing.

Temple tantrum

If this is your first Southeast Asia travel experience you might think that it’s impossible to see too many temples. However, it is possible and almost inevitable unless you’re careful. Temples throughout the region, from glittering Buddhist wats to Hindu temples covered in mythological figures, are a must-see – but you can’t see them all. Too often temple fatigue sets in and all the wondrous elements of these distinct structures melt away in the tropical sun.

So, plan ahead and understand why you’re going to see certain temple complexes before you arrive. This way, you can fully appreciate all they have to offer without a temple tantrum.

Essential tips for Southeast Asia travel

No matter how much time you have for your Southeast Asia travel, keep it as stress-free as possible. By not cramming your schedule and spending too much time in airports, you’ll be able to get a better taste for whatever country you decided to visit – especially if you’re brave enough to get involved in the street food scene.

Have any travel tips you don’t see here? Tell us all about them in the comments below!

Learn more about AAA Vacations specialty tour packages when you click here.