Looking for a vacation destination that’s sure to please every member of your family, from toddlers to grandparents? A well-organized and fun place that’s also within a reasonable driving range? Hershey, Pa., is the answer.

A former factory town, the “Sweetest Place on Earth” has evolved into a full-blown mecca for intergenerational travel, with a broad array of attractions and interests bound to appeal to the inner child in all of us.

Here are a few musts for your chocolate-filled itinerary.

Hersheypark

Hersheypark, originally created as a recreation hub for Hershey factory workers, has blossomed into a world-class attraction that provides entertainment for all ages. Thrill-seekers will enjoy 14 roller coasters (the SooperDooperLooper and the Great Bear will get your heart pumping!), and families can bond over tamer rides such as bumper cars, spinning teacups and a galloping, wooden carousel.

Visiting during the summer? Soak in the 378,000-gallon wave pool or float along the 1,360-foot-long lazy river at The Boardwalk. The staff members at Hersheypark are courteous, caring and safety-conscious – a relief for parents and grandparents alike.

FIND & BOOK A HOTEL WITH AAA IN HERSHEY, PA. 

ZooAmerica

ZooAmerica is a quiet oasis uniquely set adjacent to the amusement area. Constructed on the edge of Hersheypark, the rattle of roller coasters fades in the distance as the zoo gives visitors of all ages the chance to view brown bears, elk, mountain lions and dozens of other animals from around the world. The naturalistic setting is also a great place for everyone, from kids to seniors, to recharge their batteries.

The Hershey Story

Set in an elegant two-story building in a downtown lit by Hershey’s Kiss-shaped street lamps, the museum tells Milton Hershey’s rags-to-riches real-life story. Most exhibits are child-friendly and interactive. Some trace the history of chocolate making while others showcase actual equipment used in the original Hershey factory. There are historic photos of factory life, including one that captures workers circa 1920 individually hand-wrapping Hershey kisses. Children can enjoy experimenting in the aptly named Chocolate Lab, where they get to create (and eat) their own creations. A small cafeteria provides well-made sandwiches and a variety of snacks.

Chocolate World

Welcome aboard America’s only tram ride through a fictional chocolate factory!

This interior attraction takes travelers into the world of chocolate making via a series of animated scenes. From growing cocoa beans in the tropics to assembly-line packaging techniques, everyone from tykes to seniors will learn something along the way. And be sure not to miss a chance to make your own individualized chocolate bar and personally designed wrapper. Eat the chocolate but save the wrapper – it’s a great souvenir.

The Hotel Hershey

If you’re taking the clan to Hershey, this is THE place to stay. The AAA Four Diamond Rated resort is elegant without being stuffy and successfully exudes a sense of luxury, while never losing its family-first focus. The grounds are flawlessly maintained with an abundance of walking trails – and benches. Amenities include outdoor and indoor swimming pools, a professional spa (Whipped Cocoa Bath, anyone?) and three award-winning golf courses. The Circular, the hotel’s flagship restaurant, offers everything from foie gras to chicken fingers. The dining room is luxurious and the views are serene. Don’t miss the nighttime s’mores fire pit. In addition to Hotel Hershey, there are over two-dozen places to stay in the immediate vicinity.

Hershey Gardens

Hershey Gardens, which overlooks the town of Hershey, provides a stunning visual of industry intersecting with nature. An impressive assortment of flowers and rare trees are a feast for the eyes, and the indoor butterfly atrium is not to be missed.

One thing that all generations seem to agree on: the self-proclaimed “Sweetest Place On Earth” certainly lives up to its moniker.

Please share your Hershey experiences in the comments section.

FIND & BOOK A HOTEL WITH AAA IN HERSHEY, PA. 

As China rises as a superpower, the country is also becoming one of the most popular Asia destinations for globe trekkers. While Shanghai, Hong Kong and Macau are already tourist hotspots, China’s other coastal cities are worth a visit while you travel in Asia. From metropolises to beach towns, we explain China’s coastal cities from north to south to help you expand your travel plans.

Coastal Asia destinations

Dalian

Located directly west of the Korean Peninsula across the Yellow Sea, the port city of Dalian should not be missed. Its name translates to “Great Link” because of its easy access to trade partners like Russia, Korea and Japan.

Dalian was actually founded by the Russians in the late 19th century, and their influence can be seen in some of the city’s architecture.

Named China’s most-liveable city in 2006, Dalian is a favorite of locals and tourists for its beautiful beaches.

Qingdao (Tsingtao)

While Dalian was founded by the Russians, vestiges of Qingdao’s German colonization can be felt through the city’s remaining German architecture and beer heritage.

Founded in 1903 by the Germans, Tsingtao Brewery is booming today and is China’s second largest brewery. If you visit in August, don’t miss the renowned Qingdao International Beer Festival, which is lovingly known as Asian Oktoberfest.

If beer isn’t your thing, you can soak up the sun at the city’s most popular – and aptly named – beach, No. 1 Bathing Beach.

Shanghai

China’s largest city, Shanghai, is a booming metropolis best known for its futuristic skyscrapers. The Oriental Pearl Tower is Shanghai’s most iconic building and can be seen from the historic Bund promenade across the Huangpu River.

As one of the top Asia destinations, Shanghai truly has something for everyone. Art lovers can explore the Shanghai Museum and China Art Museum for free. Shopaholics can pop in and out of shops along Nanjing and Huaihai Roads. Foodies can sample authentic Shanghainese dishes like bao dumplings and eel noodles (no General Tso’s chicken here!). The kids can enjoy the magic of Shanghai Disney Resort.

Xiamen

Just west of Taiwan across the Taiwan Strait is the Chinese city of Xiamen. Millions of visitors come to Xiamen each year to visit Gulangyu (also known as Kulangsu), a pedestrian-only island located five minutes from downtown via ferry. Not even bicycles are allowed on this tropical island, making it a unique destination.

East meets west on Gulangyu. The island was a popular place for western diplomats and businessmen to settle during the colonial period, each bringing their culture to the island, including music and architecture. The island is known for its tradition of classical music and Amoy Deco architecture – a Chinese take on European Art Deco (Xiamen is known as “Amoy” in the local Hokkien dialect).

Hong Kong

While Hong Kong isn’t exactly part of China depending on who you ask (it’s technically an autonomous special administrative region of China), your travel in Asia wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Hong Kong. Not only is Hong Kong one of the most popular Asia destinations, it is also the world’s most-visited city.

The former British colony comes close to the top of several other lists, including most important ports and financial hubs and highest population densities. Hong Kong also outranks every other city in the world in the number of skyscrapers it has – 317 and counting.

To get the best views of these modern marvels, ride the tram up to the Peak, Hong Kong’s highest and most exclusive neighborhood. You’ll be hungry after soaking in these breathtaking views, so you’ll want to try some of Hong Kong’s famed foods, like dim sum and roast poultry. After the sun sets, head to Temple Street Night Market flea for some of the best shopping in the world. Travelers with higher budgets would be remiss not to have a bespoke suit made by one of Hong Kong’s famed tailors.

Macau

An hour-long ferry across the Pearl River Delta from Hong Kong will transport you to Macau, another Chinese special administrative region with its own flavor. Macau is known as the gambling capital of the world and the Las Vegas of Asia for its famed casinos along the Cotai Strip.

Macau was a Portuguese colony for almost 500 years under a lease from China and in in 1999 it switched back to Chinese sovereignty. The blending of Portuguese and Chinese cultures is apparent in the world’s most densely populated region — from the cuisine to the street names, languages and architecture.

If gambling isn’t for you, head south to Coloane Village for beaches and a slower pace, or north to Taipa Village for iconic Macanese architecture.

Sanya

Hainan Island, home to the city of Sanya, is the island of nicknames. Some call it “China’s Florida” for the Chinese senior citizens that migrate there in the winter. Others call it the “Chinese Hawaii” for its renowned beaches and luxury resorts. Another moniker is “Moscow on the South China Sea” for its popularity with Russian tourists looking for a warm getaway. Whether you’re young, old, Russian, Chinese or other, the consensus is that Sanya is China’s premiere tropical paradise.

For a taste of the local culture after some fun in the sun, visit the Buddhist Nanshan Temple, which is marked by the towering statue of goddess Guanyin.

Seaside Asia destinations: China’s coastal cities explained for your travel in Asia 

There’s much more to coastal China than Shanghai. We hope we’ve inspired you to add some of China’s other seaside cities to your Asia vacation plans. AAA makes booking your next Asian adventure incredibly easy.

Have you been to any of these coastal metropolises on your travels in Asia? Let us know in the comments below.

Is the park open year-round?

Yes, Everglades National Park is open all year. The two major seasons for the park are the summer wet season (approximately April–October) and the winter dry season (approximately November–March).

Where is the park located?

Everglades National Park is in south Florida. This was the first national park created to protect a fragile environment, as opposed to preserving unique geographic features.

How big is the park?

The park covers approximately 1,505,976 acres.

How do I get around in the park?

Most visitors drive their own cars and campers into the park.

What activities are available?

Some of the popular activities in Everglades National Park include:

• Boating: Because a large portion of the Everglades National Park is accessible only by water, boating—both motorized and hand-powered—is a popular activity. Canoe and kayak trips of just a few hours, longer ones of seven to ten days on the ninety-nine-mile-long Wilderness Waterway, and everything in between are possible.

• Bicycling: The Pineland area offers 45 miles of former paved and unpaved logging roads for bicycling. Shark Valley contains a fifteen-mile bike path.

• Birdwatching: Some of the popular birdwatching locales are the Anhinga Trail, the Gulf Coast Visitor Center, Mahogany Hammock, and the Shark Valley trail. Look for wading birds, songbirds, and birds of prey.

• Geocaching: The National Park Service sponsors this educational activity to help visitors learn about the park’s geological resources during an Everglades National Park visit. Using a GPS device, visitors can explore the park by following the clues and geographic coordinates from the park’s website.

• Slough slogging: These ranger-guided off-trail hikes through the swamps of the park allow visitors to see a side of the Everglades not visible from boats and roads. Though muddy and wet, this up-close view of the park’s “River of Grass” is a highlight for many.

• Guided tours: Visitors to the Everglades National Park can select from several guided tours in the park. Whether from a boat, an airboat, or just walking, the rangers share loads of information about the park’s flora and fauna as well as its history. Specialty tours, such as fishing and photography, are also available.

Are pets allowed?

Pets are permitted only in the developed areas of Everglades National Park: some campgrounds, paved roads, and developed areas.

Is the park accessible?

The park’s facilities, including visitor centers and campgrounds, have features to enhance accessibility.

What accommodations and restaurants are available?

Other than camping, there is no lodging available inside Everglades National Park. The surrounding communities offer a multitude of accommodations, from high-end hotels to lower-cost motels to private campgrounds. Restaurants can also be found in the towns outside the park.

What are the most popular areas of the park?

• Anhinga Trail: Though relatively short, this 0.8-mile trail that starts at the Royal Palm Visitor Center brings visitors into the wild, where alligators, wading birds, and other wildlife reign.

• Paradise Key and Royal Palm: These areas were among the first to be preserved by the park. Visitors can see some of the largest palms in the park here as well as numerous wading birds.

• Mahogany Hammock Trail: This short hike along the boardwalk leads through nine distinct ecosystems, including a dense forest of its namesake trees.

• Shark Valley: Located in the northern section of the park, this area boasts a fifteen-mile trail for walking, biking, or riding a tram to an observation deck where one can view wildlife.

• Visitor Centers: There are four visitor centers, roughly located at each corner of the park. While each center is unique, they all contain educational displays and information about the park, its wildlife, its plant life, and its history. Visitors can find park employees at the centers to answer any questions they may have about visiting the park.

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

Plan a national park vacation with AAA. 

Sometimes, nothing else quite hits the spot like a a big, delicious, juicy steak. (Unless you’re a vegetarian – in that case, check out the sweet potato hash recipe below.)

We spoke to chefs from two of New York City’s top steak institutions, Uncle Jack’s Steakhouse and Gallaghers Steakhouse – both AAA Three Diamond Rated restaurants – for recipes and tips on how to cook the perfect steak.

So head to the store and grab your ingredients, fire up the grill and let’s get cooking!

Choosing a steak

First things first, which is the best cut to use? Willie “Jack” Degel, chef and owner of Jack’s Steakhouse, explains that while the popular filet mignon is most tender, he favors the boneless New York strip. “[The filet] does not have the flavor and texture of the New York strip … it doesn’t have as much fat and marbling.”

So fat equals flavor? No surprise there! Gallaghers Steakhouse executive chef Alan Ashkinaze’s favorite cut of meat is the rib-eye. “It’s a lot fattier,” he said, which amplifies the taste.

At both restaurants, the porterhouse for two is the best-selling steak on the menu. Similar to a T-bone but with a larger tenderloin, the porterhouse has both the strip and the filet on each side of the bone, combining the best of both worlds to satisfy everyone.

AAA members get an extra 10 percent off Omaha Steaks online and in stores! Learn more. 

When it comes to quality, the first step to how to cook the perfect steak is choosing the best grade. All meat should be USDA Prime. And check that they are stamped that way, emphasizes Degel. “Make sure you are not paying Prime prices and instead receiving Choice!”

Many menus and butcher shops promote aged steaks. Gallaghers especially is known for its dry-aged meat locker, which can be seen both from the street and from a window inside the restaurant. What is the benefit? “When meat is aged you are removing the moisture, so you are intensifying the flavor of the steak,” Ashkinaze said. With quality, well-marbled steaks and time, the humidity-controlled environment enhances the character.

Preparing & seasoning the steak 

To help promote even cooking, steak should be cooked at room temperature. When very cold meat is put to heat it tends to constrict, making it tough. Ashkinaze recommends removing the steak from the refrigerator one hour before cooking for best results.

When it comes to seasoning, a good steak should always be allowed to shine on its own. Both chefs agree that when working with high-quality cuts and aged meats, minimal doctoring is required. A simple seasoning of kosher salt and black pepper will suffice.

“Season the steak while it is getting to room temperature,” instructs Degel. “Massage it with the salt and pepper. Don’t be scared to use the fat cap and rub it into the meat. This will melt and enhance the fire and flavor.”

For a kick, Gallaghers uses a sweet chili rub on its aged steaks (recipe below).

Marinades are reserved for inexpensive cuts such as skirt steak or hanger steak, where flavor is not as naturally present. When using these cuts, “a soy-based marinade with agave, sesame, ginger and garlic is very good,” said Ashkinaze.

How to cook the perfect steak

To make steakhouse-quality steaks at home, consider the thickness of the meat and the flavors you would like to incorporate when choosing which cooking method to use.

Degel suggests that thicker steaks (about 2 inches) are best when grilled and charred on each side to a nice dark brown color. The trick is getting your grill well heated and being familiar with its quirks. “Know your grill and how it operates. What is the temperature and where is the hot spot?”

Smaller cuts work better when pan-seared on the outside and finished in the oven. “I love cooking steak over charcoal and lump wood,” said Ashkinaze, “however, I also like pan-searing the meat in a cast-iron pan, then placing in the oven for two minutes with butter, garlic and thyme.”

Serving tips

For steaks that look as good as they taste, try these chef-approved finishing touches:

• Let the meat rest five to ten minutes before slicing, depending on the thickness.

• For nice looking tender slices of meat, look for the direction of the grain and cut across it, not with it.

• Serve with seasonal vegetables like asparagus and potatoes prepared your favorite way.

Recipes

Willie Degel’s Sweet Potato Hash

Chop up sweet potatoes small; rinse with water.

Saute a little garlic and onion with butter, olive oil and salt and pepper until caramelized. Set aside.

Put the sweet potatoes in a super-hot pan, searing them on all sides. Add the onions and garlic. Cover the pan and let it simmer on the stove for 10-15 minutes.

Gallaghers Sweet Chili Rub
(Provided by executive chef Alan Ashkinaze)

1 box dark brown sugar
1 cup Sugar in the Raw
1 1/4 cups kosher salt
3/4 cup paprika
2 tablespoons ground black pepper
2 tablespoons ground white pepper
3 tablespoons onion powder
3 tablespoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons celery seed
1 tablespoon ancho chili pepper

Use your AAA discount to save on Omaha Steaks and get free shipping when you order online. 

To learn more about AAA Diamonds, visit AAA.com/Diamonds.

Staying focused for an entire day can feel impossible. By the afternoon our attention spans have gone south, and along with it, our moods. But a quick snack break could be an easy fix to your mid-day hump. While some may worry those extra calories can lead to extra pounds, healthy snacking can actually fight weight gain, curb cravings and boost your energy and brain power during the day. It all depends on what you eat. So instead of grabbing that tempting chocolate bar, opt for one of these wholesome top 10 snacks.

The top 10 snacks to fuel your day

Natural Sugar Boosts

Many people who snack are looking for something sweet. But processed foods like cookies and candy are known for short energy boosts and harsh lows. Instead, try pleasing that sweet tooth with something a little more nutritious. Fresh fruits have natural good-for-you sugars that provide energy, without the unwanted crash.

Grapes

Sweet, crunchy and easy to pack, grapes are perfect for long days at work or school. They’re low in calories, but rich in antioxidants and other nutrients such as potassium, which can help to negate the effect of sodium in the body for those with high blood pressure. You can eat this snack guilt-free.

Pineapple

The perfect balance of sweet and tart, pineapple is another great snack for those never-ending work days. Chop them up and place them in a small Tupperware for later. This fiber and nutrient-rich powerhouse is full of vitamin C which helps to boost your immune system.

Protein Powerhouses

A good snack should curb your hunger. Studies show that eating protein helps keep you fuller, longer. While fruits are light and refreshing, this next group of foods on our list of top 10 snacks will help to get you ready to power through the day.

Peanut Butter and Apple Slices

Salty, sweet and crunchy, this snack has it all. Protein from the peanut butter and natural sugars from the apple will provide that needed energy boost. Try this combo with a Granny Smith apple for something a little tangier.

Peanut Butter Banana Toast
Loaded with potassium and protein, peanut butter banana toast is one of the most filling snacks around. The bananas add a nice sweetness, while the toast provides the crunch. Pack the ingredients separately to avoid soggy bread.

Almonds

Tackle those mid-day munchies with some nuts. Just one ounce of almonds (or a small handful) has 6 grams of protein and 3.5 grams of fiber, plus other health benefits. This small snack packs a big punch.

Greek yogurt

Depending on the brand, some Greek yogurts can have 13 to 20 grams of protein per serving. With the added bonus of calcium and those gut-friendly microbes, this snack is not only filling, but great for you.

Mozzarella String Cheese

With lots of calcium and protein packed in each pre-portioned serving, this tasty snack will provide some bone-building nutrients. But not all brands are created equally. Be sure to check the nutrition labels for sodium content.

Veggie Delights

Most of us probably aren’t eating enough vegetables. By adding a few veggies in between meals, you’ll add more of those essential vitamins and nutrients to your diet. Plus, like fruit, vegetables are a lightweight snack that won’t leave you feeling too full. Check out this next section on our list of top 10 snacks for fun ways to eat your veggies.

Vegetables and Dip

Skip the ranch dressing (which can have 122mg of sodium in just one tablespoon) and explore healthier options like hummus. This chickpea-based dip is traditionally lower in fat and sodium, and high in protein and fiber. Baby carrots, red peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers will all pair great!  

Ants on a Log

You probably haven’t had this snack since you were a kid, but this oldie is definitely still a goodie. The celery, peanut butter, raisin combo has a nice crunch and sweetness. Plus, this snack is nice and light.

Plantain Chips

This delicious tropical product is loaded with potassium, vitamin A, fiber and other key nutrients. Slice them finely and try this recipe for a healthy alternative to traditional chips.

Snack attacks can get the best of anyone. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Just remember, it’s all about what you eat. So be sure to rid those pantries of temptation and stock up on some fresh, healthy alternatives. It’s a lot easier to snack healthy when the options are available.

What are some of your favorites from our list of top 10 snacks? Let us know in the comments below.

Gone are the days of the endless buffets and uninspired fare on cruise ships. Today, passengers expect the best gourmet restaurants and creative cuisine at sea, and cruise ship companies have stepped up, often teaming with a celebrity and fine dining chefs to help elevate their food game.

In such a competitive market, it’s actually hard to find a cruise line that doesn’t have some sort of celebrity chef affiliation, which means passengers have a wealth of tasty options from exquisite fine French cuisine to award-winning barbecue.

For anyone who never misses an episode of “Top Chef” or watches more Food Network than is probably advisable, here’s where to find some of the best celebrity chefs in the world at sea. While the chefs probably aren’t in the kitchen whipping up your dinner, they sometimes come aboard for special appearances and cookbook signings.

The best gourmet restaurants on cruise ships

Jacques Pépin on Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises went straight to the top of the culinary world when it brought legendary French Master Chef Jacques Pépin into the fold as its executive culinary director. While he’s got a say over all of the menus across the line, fans of his in particular will want to dine at Jacques Bistro, which boasts his family’s recipes for lunch, and at the more formal Jacques, found onboard the Riviera and Marina ships. Super fans should plan ahead and book a cruise when Pépin is hosting a special culinary-themed trip, which he does once a year.

Thomas Keller on Seabourn Cruise Line

Seabourn Cruise Line teamed up with renowned California-based chef Thomas Keller – the toque behind the Michelin-starred and AAA Five Diamond Rated restaurants The French Laundry and Per Se – to advise on the cruise line’s menus and culinary programs. The Grill by Thomas Keller, a classic steakhouse restaurant, is one of the best gourmet restaurants on a cruise ship and certainly a highlight of any vacation at sea. Happily, Keller’s creations can also be found at the cruise line’s other restaurants too, with special dishes and highlighted menus.

Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa on Crystal Cruises

Nobu Matsuhisa has had a working relationship with the luxury Crystal Cruises for more than a decade and even created the first sushi bar at sea, so diners are in for a treat when dining at either The Sushi Bar or at Silk Road, the more formal restaurant which features his classically styled Japanese dishes that have Peruvian and European influences. Signature items, like black cod glazed with sweet miso and rock shrimp tempura in a ponzu sauce, are favorites.

Jose Garces on Norwegian

Iron Chef Jose Garces, has two restaurants on the Norwegian Escape, a fine dining spot called Bayamo, and a more casual restaurant called Pincho Tapas Bar. Bayamo offers a menu with dishes inspired from Cuba and Peru, while Pinchos has a variety of tapas and dishes to share featuring Mediterranean flavors and recipes.

Curtis Stone on Princess Cruises

In a fun take on the dining experience, famous Australian chef Curtis Stone created SHARE restaurant on several Princess Cruise ships, in which guests enjoy a six-course menu at large communal tables which encourage family-style dining. While SHARE isn’t on every Princess ship (as of now), some of Stone’s dishes can be found on menus in the main dining rooms across the line.

Michael Schwartz on Royal Caribbean

The James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schwartz, of Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, Harry’s Pizzeria, Cypress Tavern, and Ella Pop Café fame, has created 150 Central Park restaurant onboard the Harmony of the Seas, the Allure of the Seas and the Oasis of the Seas, much to fine dining lovers’ delight. The restaurant is the centerpiece of the lush Central Park “neighborhood” onboard each of the ships and features a multi-course menu created by Schwartz. The 23-ounce dry-aged rib eye presented tableside is a highlight of the menu, as is the outstanding cheese cart.

Best Casual Restaurants of Cruise Ships

Guy Fieri on Carnival Cruise Line

It makes sense for a cruise line that stresses fun and frolicking to have tapped the lively Food Network personality Guy Fieri as a consultant. At Guy’s Burger Joint, a casual poolside eatery, passengers can order freshly grilled burgers with hand-cut fries without even having to put on their shoes. Fieri also created another open-air option for Carnival, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, which features his award-winning meats and signature sauces.

Jamie Oliver on Royal Caribbean

British chef Jamie Oliver teamed up with Royal Caribbean to create an outpost of his wildly popular Jamie’s Italian restaurant on board several of the cruise line’s ships. The menu offers Oliver’s interpretation of classic Italian dishes with a rustic touch. The pasta, which is always made fresh daily, is a standout, as are the antipasti “planks,” platters piled high with cheeses, meats, and pickles.

What do you think is the best gourmet restaurant on a cruise ship? Tell us in the comments.

Plan and book your next cruise vacation with AAA. 

Is the park open year-round?

Yes, Rocky Mountain National Park is open all year. Some roads and facilities are closed or limited during the offseason.

Where is the park located?

Rocky Mountain National Park is located in northeast Colorado, between Estes Park and Grand Lake.

How big is the park?

The park covers approximately 415 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 offers a free shuttle bus service along Bear Lake Road.

What activities are available?

Some of the popular activities in Rocky Mountain National Park include:

• Hiking: The park contains over 355 miles of trails to explore. Whether visitors are seeking a short walk or a day hike, Rocky Mountain National Park offers a wide variety of experiences. Wilderness camping is allowed, with a permit, so visitors can plan multiday hikes.

• Scenic drives: The park’s roads lead visitors through its diverse terrain – from meadows and aspen groves up to the subalpine forest to the 12,000-foot mountain peaks.

•  Wildlife viewing: Rocky Mountain National Park is known for its wildlife, including the regal elk, the majestic bighorn sheep, and graceful mule deer, as well as over 280 species of birds.

• Photography: From the wide range of fauna to the breathtaking landscapes, Rocky Mountain National Park provides nature photographers with a vast outdoor studio. Whether from the paved roads or a backcountry trail, photographers can find outstanding shots throughout the park.

• Horseback riding: The park holds two stables – Glacier Creek and Moraine Park – and several more can be found in the surrounding area that are permitted to bring riders into the park.

• Fishing: Rocky Mountain National Park has more than fifty lakes and numerous streams in which visitors can sport fish. A state fishing license is required, and some regulation must be followed.

Are pets allowed?

Pets are permitted in campgrounds (not wilderness campsites), on paved roads, and in parking lots. They are not allowed on trails or in the wilderness.

Is the park accessible?

Several trails in the park are accessible, including Bear Lake Trail, Coyote Valley Trail, Lily Lake Trail and the Sprague Lake Trail. In addition, many facilities, such as visitor centers, overlooks and restrooms, are accessible.

What accommodations are available?

While there are no lodging facilities within Rocky Mountain National Park itself, the neighboring communities have numerous accommodations ranging from high-end hotels to less expensive motels. The park does have several campgrounds with spaces for tents and RVs as well as backcountry camping sites. The surrounding area also has multiple private campgrounds with varying facilities.

Are there restaurants in the park?

Rocky Mountain National Park has one dining facility, the Trail Ridge Store, which offers a café and coffee bar from late May until early October. Numerous restaurants and grocery stores can be found in the towns outside the park.

What are the most popular areas of the park?

• Trail Ridge Road: This forty-eight-mile drive between Estes Park and Grand Lake winds through the park’s forests and tundra, with eleven miles of the road being above the tree line. Opportunities to view the park’s wildlife are abundant, and the scenic views are spectacular. Though it doesn’t take long to drive the entire stretch, it recommended that visitors allot at least half a day to enjoy this road.

• Old Fall River Road: For those who don’t find the Trail Ridge Road exhilarating enough, the eleven-mile-long Old Fall River Road might do the trick. When opened in 1920, this road was the first to offer access to Rocky Mountain National Park’s high country. The gravel surface, hairpin turns, and steep grade make this a slow-going drive, but one worth the struggle due to the outstanding scenery and close-up wildlife viewing in the area.

• Kawuneeche Valley: This valley on the west side of the park is filled with hiking trails, campgrounds, and chances to fish in the Colorado River. For visitors with an interest in history, the Holzwarth Historic Site offers a glimpse into Rocky Mountain life from a century ago.

•  Bear Lake: This area on the west side of the park has beautiful scenery and several hiking trails and can be accessed by the free shuttle bus during the summer. During the winter, the lake freezes, creating a cold-weather destination for cross-country skiers and snow tubers.

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

Plan a national park vacation with AAA.

Located approximately 55 miles north of Nassau, Bahamas, Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay is a must-see destination with more than enough ways to relax and let loose.

Beginning May 2019, cruisers traveling to the private slice of paradise will have access to all-new attractions and experiences. From exciting waterslides and beachside activities to quiet overwater cabanas atop dreamy blue waters, this island has everything you need for, well, the perfect day.

Thrills

Excitement is around every turn at CocoCay. You can ride the tide in the largest wave pool in the Caribbean or conquer Daredevil’s Peak – the tallest waterslide in North America, with a spiraling 135-foot plunge. Take your vacation even higher on the island’s helium balloon ride, which soars up to 450 feet above land and sea for one of the best vantage points in the Bahamas. Those seeking thrills that are a little less heightened might enjoy zip lining with a refreshing splash ending, or a full throttle jet ski ride over the crystal-clear waters.

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At South Beach, visitors have the choice to get pumped up or wind down. Fuel your competitive spirit with a heated volleyball match or dribble your way down the basketball court. More leisurely options include paddle boarding and glass-bottomed kayaking. Or you can take it down a notch further and simply cool down with a drink at the floating bar.

If you’re headed to The Perfect Day at CocoCay with a large group, there are plenty of multi-player adventures. At the Family Tower you can double the fun on The Twister, where two-rider tandem rafts shoot down winding tubes. There’s also the fearsome four-person Slingshot (not for the faint of heart), and 6 multi-rider slides for the whole crew to do together. Outdoor explorers might like hiking the island’s trails, where it’s not uncommon to run into wild locals like iguanas and chickens.

Chills

Vacations are a great time to be adventurous, but they are also a perfectly good excuse to be lazy. Luckily, there are a number of prime relaxation spots on the island for when you want to decompress. Kick back in a teepee or a beachside cabana, or rent an overwater bungalow for a bit of Bora Bora-style R&R. Ready to treat yourself? Go the extra mile and upgrade to the CoCo Beach Club where an oceanfront infinity pool awaits, and waterfront dining promises locally-caught fish and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

…And More!

There is so much to see and do during your Perfect Day at CocoCay, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had before and after your trip to Royal Caribbean’s private island.

Bahamas itineraries typically include a stop in Nassau where travelers can experience the vibrant and colorful Junkanoo culture, with its bustling straw markets and glitzy casinos. And of course, you’ll be surrounded by palm trees swaying in the warm breeze, white-sand beaches and those famous crystal-clear turquoise Bahamas waters. Go ahead and lounge like a local at Junkanoo Beach, which is a free, public stretch of sand only 15-minutes from the harbor and home to tasty Bahama Mamas.

Other Caribbean destinations like Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis, offer a more eco-focused experience. History buffs will enjoy exploring fortresses, colonial estates and monuments, while the outdoorsy can gear up to hike Mount Liamuiga, a 3,792-foot dormant volcano, that promises sights like towering trees, tangled vines, tropical flowers, and at the end of your 6-mile ascent, views of neighboring islands.

Between shores, there’s also a wide range of on-board entertainment. Every ship offers something special, like the Flowrider surf machine on both Mariner of The Seas and Navigator of the Seas, or Navigator of the Seas’ indoor ice skating rink and mini golf course. Of course, eating is another big part of cruising, and Royal Caribbean offers some of the best eats at sea, including Izumi (Japanese) and Chop’s Grille (prime steaks), featured on several of their ships.

Check out the virtual tour of Perfect Day at CocoCay and let us know what you’re most excited for in the comments!

There was a time when the Mile High City was better known as a stop-off on the way to Aspen or Vail than a place to visit on its own, but an influx of innovative chefs, artists and other creative types have added an element of cool to Denver’s Western swagger. What hasn’t changed is the city’s love affair with the outdoors. No matter the weather, there are so many fun things to do in Denver, Co., including hiking, tubing and cycling during the warmer months to cross-country skiing, dog sledding and ice fishing in winter.

Here are 10 the best things to do in Denver, Co.

1.

Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater, about a half-hour outside Denver, in Morrison, is among the nation’s most breathtaking concert venues, and a visit is definitely one of the best things to do in Denver, Co. It seats an audience of about 9,500 beset by 400-foot-tall sandstone formations. Red Rocks isn’t all about music, however. The venue has great hiking as well, making it a good option for Denver day trips. Trails wind around the park’s namesake garnet-colored monoliths and through scenic meadows and valleys. The park is more than 6,400 feet above sea level, and it links the Great Plains with the Rocky Mountains.

2.

The Source is a food-centric urban market filled with restaurants, bars and a brewery, as well as retail establishments that range from a cheese shop to an art gallery. This mix makes it a good option for inclusion in a variety of Denver day trips.

3.

Art, indoor exhibits and fun seasonal displays make the Denver Botanic Gardens one of the best things to do in Denver, Co., any time of year. Stop by the help desk for free garden advice from Master Gardeners. The 24-acre attraction houses rare and endangered plants from around the world as well as those native to Colorado, among other flora. If you visit in the summer, be sure to see the Monet Pool, which is filled with hundreds of aquatic plants. And, if you visit around the holidays, don’t miss Blossoms of Light, a special event where lights give the garden an unforgettably festive glow.

4.

Watch coins being made, learn how they’re designed and get a penny for your thoughts at the Denver Mint, easily one of the best things to do in Denver, Co. Tours are free, and tickets are available starting at 7 a.m. Monday through Thursday, except for federal holidays. You can get them at the gift shop entrance on Cherokee Street, between West Colfax and West 14th avenues. Tickets are for same day tours only, they’re distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and they’re limited to five per person. There are six tours per day. They run every 90 minutes starting at 8 a.m.

5.

Open May through October, the outdoor Cherry Creek Fresh Market is Denver’s largest, and a great option to anchor a variety of Denver day trips. Grab breakfast or lunch and shop for fresh produce, flowers and handcrafted cheeses, jams and baked goods.

6.

Gear up at the massive flagship store of outdoor outfitter REI. On Saturdays, a specially built, 47-foot-tall climbing wall is open to the public. The store regularly offers classes too, touching on everything from camping basics to climbing first aid, meaning you can bolster your outdoor prowess while enjoying one of the best things to do in Denver, Co.

7.

Some of a city’s best attractions tend to be those you can’t find elsewhere, like the Tattered Cover, a Denver institution and one of the nation’s largest independent bookstores. Roam the stacks or stop by for live events. More than 400 authors, illustrators and other well-known folks typically appear in a given year.

8.

The River North Art District – RiNo – overflows with the work of painters, ceramicists, video artists, photographers and other artists, as well as museums and restaurants. No tour of the best things to do in Denver, Co., is complete without a visit. If you’re in town early in the month, plan on checking out First Fridays when more than four dozen studios and galleries are open until 9 p.m.

9.

One of the best things to do in Denver, Co. is explore “secret” bars and speakeasies. One of the best is Williams & Graham, which is hidden behind the shelves of a bookstore of the same name. You can also check out Retrograde, secretly located through a freezer door at Frozen Matter, an ice cream shop.

10.

Reflecting the peaks and rock crystals of the Rocky Mountains with more than 1 million glass tiles, the Denver Art Museum’s North Building, is as much a work of art as the 70,000 works inside. The museum’s collection includes American, Asian, European, Native American, African, Spanish Colonial and modern art.

Have a great spot to visit in Denver? Let your fellow AAA members in on the secret by sharing your experiences in the comments section!

Looking for a variety of great lodging options in the area? Find and book great hotels in Denver. Call 1-800-873-8283 to speak to a AAA travel counselor today or click here.

As you scour through the internet for tips on writing a real estate listing, the multitude of advice out there can be a bit overwhelming.

To make things a little easier for first-time sellers, we’ve compiled some of the best real estate listing tips. Keep this article handy and follow these tips to get more inquiries from prospective buyers.

Imagine you are the buyer

It’s important to ask yourself what you would want to see in a real estate listing. If you’ve purchased a house before, what pulled you in and made you start reading the ad? What are some important pieces of information that convinced you to call the seller? You can also look over other real estate listings to see what kind of language and information piques your interest.

Put the asking price in the title

Imagine scrolling through listing after listing, clicking on beautiful houses that seem perfect for your family, only to find out they’re out of your price range. Going through that process can be disappointing and frustrating.

Save your buyer time and energy and put your price right in the title. It’s only fair to the buyer. After all, unlike ads for shoes or books, an ad for a home is asking a buyer for a major financial commitment.

More tips for your real estate listing title

Though you should put yourself in the shoes of the buyer, it’s also important to note that each buyer is unique – and so is your house. Though you may not have a green thumb, would a fan of gardening love your spacious yard? Would a foodie enjoy the trendy restaurants nearby? Would car collector be thrilled at the size of the garage?

Take one or two things that stand out about your house and use them as your first eye-catching selling point. For example: “Home with picturesque garden just off Park Drive East. Asking price $200,000.”

Location, location, location

You’re not just selling a house, you’re also selling the neighborhood. Is there a scenic hiking trail nearby? A good school? How about access to public transportation? Highlighting some of the best traits about your neighborhood in your real estate listing can help sway the buyer toward a decision in your favor.

Alternatively, what if your neighborhood isn’t so appealing? For example, what if you live in the middle of a noisy city? Fear not – you can use that to your advantage. Take your neighborhood’s negative trait and portray your home as the exact opposite. A buyer looking to live in the middle of the city will crave the “peaceful haven” that is your home!

Use imagery when writing a real estate listing

While you’re not looking to write a book, you do want to be as descriptive as possible in your real estate listing. For example, don’t just tell your buyer that you’ve got hardwood floors. Find out what kind of wood it is and put that in the description. They may have no idea what the difference is between Brazilian cherry and spalted maple, but the names have an elegant ring to them, and so will your house.

How to take pictures for a real estate listing

As much as you might want to, you can’t fit a thousand words into your real estate listing. But the old cliche that a picture is worth a thousand words is true. Taking good photos is key. Here are a few simple things you can do to make your pictures enticing to your buyers.

1) Hold your phone/camera sideways. Taking landscape-style shots instead of a portrait orientation allows the viewer to get a better grasp of the breadth of the room.

2) Consider getting a tripod, especially for taking pictures of the outside. If your hands are even slightly shaky, you risk your photos coming out blurry. Balancing your camera on a tripod will help to stabilize it, especially when you turn, zoom in or angle your camera as you experiment to find the best view.

3) Taking a photo of the outside of your property at dawn or dusk can enhance the image’s beauty. Our eyes tend to go to the brightest object in a picture, so a faintly glowing and dramatic sky will contrast nicely against the exterior of the house. Just make sure your house is well-lit for the photo.

These tips will help almost any real estate listing read better and get more inquiries. If you have a good tip we didn’t mention, be sure to share it in the comments!

Learn about AAA home loans.

Smartphones are evolving everyday. What were once convenience devices simply used for dialing up friends and family are now necessities for nearly every aspect of our lives. And yet still, they keep improving. We’ve rounded up the new smartphone trends you can expect to see on your next phone.

5G Phones

When manufacturers aren’t trying to make smartphones smaller, they’re trying to make them faster. With that in mind, one term you’ll be hearing a lot about in the future is 5G. In the simplest of terms, 5G is an upgrade of the current data networks our smartphones use, resulting in improved speed and strength of cellular connections.

This upgrade would allow cellular service to deliver up to 10 times the capacity of current systems, significantly increasing data speeds for customers in high-traffic locations. In other words, you’ll be able to download full-length HD movies in mere seconds, and play graphic-heavy videos and high-speed games without delays or lag-time.

Augmented Reality

While virtual reality creates a whole new world, augmented reality enhances the actual world a user is seeing. It does this by superimposing information onto the physical reality a person is viewing through a digital device. It essentially takes all the information available on the internet and applies it, in real time, to your surroundings.

Though this technology has already been seen in the gaming world (think Pokemon Go) the applications for augmented reality on your smartphone are limitless. Instead of watching a how-to video on replacing a flat tire, you’ll be able to point your smartphone at the tire and receive a visual, interactive walk-through. You’ll go furniture shopping and see how that couch looks in your living room. You’ll scan a row of restaurants and be able to see the menus of each as well as which one has an open table.

Improved Batteries

Since their onset, smartphones have had one consistent critique held against them: poor battery life. With each new model, manufacturers have built more efficient batteries, but have also added faster processors, which drain more energy and leave users still clamoring for longer-lasting charges.

To fix this, companies have been experimenting with a variety of power solutions including solar power, nanobatteries, hydrogen fuel cells and even kinetic energy, which would charge your phone as you move.

Whatever the right answer proves to be, your smartphone’s energy source will be able to charge faster, possibly in seconds. In addition, get use to charging your smartphone wirelessly, as businesses continue to install wireless charging units for customers. IKEA has even begun building wireless charging stations into its furniture.

Bezel-less Phones

The bezel-less look, in which the edges around a smartphone screen are trimmed to allow for a larger screen, began in 2016 but has since caught on with major manufacturers. The outcome is an increased screen size on a smaller and thinner phone.

Your phone will always need some bezel in order to provide structure to the phone, so the trend of creating larger screens on smaller phones is probably reaching its end. However, as popular as the bezel-less aesthetic has been, it has traditionally been a premium feature on premium phones, such as the iPhone X. But more and more, even budget-friendly smartphones are incorporating the look.

Built-in Projectors

The paradox of smartphones is the desire to continually make them smaller in size while new technology allows for activities (reading, watching, playing) that require larger screens. One potential solution to this problem is a phone that not only displays images but also projects them. Digital projectors have been in the works for some time and Wireless Mobi Solutions unveiled its Movi Smartphone earlier this year. The Android phone casts a 100-inch image. Another possibility with projections systems is the use of holograms, a moving 3-D image projecting out of your phone.

This technology doesn’t come without its challenges. The projectors must be small and the smaller a projector, the less light it can emit. It will likely take several years for the development of inexpensive and reliable technology to introduce into all smartphones.

Flexible Phones

There has long been talk of smartphones becoming flexible or even foldable and it might finally be available in the near future. The technology that would enable phones to bend or fold is the organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, which is made of flexible materials such as plastic instead of the traditional glass. OLED produces its own light, eliminating the thick, heavy backlight that LCD phones require and render inflexible.

The benefits of a foldable phone are numerous. They would allow for a larger screen if you wanted to watch a video or play a game, but still be able fold into a pocket-sized phone. Since it would be made out of plastic and not glass, the phone would be lighter and less likely to crack or be damaged. OLEDs are also paper thin, meaning a flexible phone would be even thinner than the one currently in your pocket.

What new trends are looking forward to the most? Let us know in the comments below!

Rhine River cruises are some of the most popular European river cruising options. Winding past scenic sections of Germany, France and the Netherlands, the waterway is graced by sweeping hillsides and majestic castles.

What’s more? Some trips combine the awesome experiences of Rhine cruises with spots on the Moselle River, giving travelers looks at different parts of France, Germany and Luxembourg.

Here are some highlights you might encounter on Rhine cruises that include some time on the Moselle.

Rhine Cruises: Amsterdam, Netherlands

You won’t be hard pressed to enjoy the many charms of Amsterdam, a popular starting or ending point for Rhine cruises.

One of the best ways to discover the city’s historic architecture is with a scenic canal cruise. After that, check out the Museumplein and visit the famed Rijksmuseum, home to one of the world’s most important collections of artwork by the Dutch Masters.

De Hoge Veluwe Nat’l Park, Netherlands

Arnhem is home to the near 16,000-acre De Hoge Veluwe National Park and its many endangered plant and animal species. The inspiring Kröller-Müller Museum is in the midst of this glory. It features works of such luminaries as Pablo Picasso, Georges Seurat and Vincent van Gogh, along with a massive sculpture garden.

Cologne, Germany

Cologne is a regular stop on many Rhine riverboat cruises. You’ll want to take a few minutes to gaze over Cologne Cathedral, one of the city’s most breathtaking pieces of architecture, and be sure to visit charming Old Town. If you visit Cologne between late November and the end of December, you’ll be fortunate to enjoy a festive Christmas market with delicious food, sparkling lights and handmade crafts. Such happenings are a big reason for the popularity of Rhine riverboat cruises around the holidays.

Cochem, Germany

You won’t reach Cochem if you cruise stays on the Rhine. To reach this German town, you’ll need a Rhine riverboat cruise that shifts to the Moselle River. Stepping ashore in Cochem is like entering the pages of a medieval fairy tale. Picture-perfect, 1,000-year-old Reichsburg Castle looks down on Cochem’s quaint market square from above. The area has a centuries-long winemaking tradition, which can be enjoyed at the Schlagkamp Wine Museum.

Luxembourg

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is home to Parliament, the Palace of the Grand Duke and centuries-old battlements that are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial is the resting place of over 5,000 American casualties of World War II’s Battle of the Bulge. Gen. George S. Patton is buried there, too.

Bernkastel, Germany

If you can, check out charming Bernkastel, known as both the “Pearl of the Moselle” and the “international town of vines and wine.” The town is celebrated not only for its wines, but also for its medieval market square surrounded by half-timbered houses.

Trier, Germany

Trier is Germany’s oldest town and it was once a residence for several Roman emperors.  Reminders of that period include a 2nd-century city gate and a basilica built in 310. Explore the town and its Marktplatz, marked by a 16th-century fountain that features images of St. Peter.

Heidelberg, Germany

Heidelberg is home to one of Europe’s oldest universities, and it’s the setting for a famous operetta – The Student Prince. The city has numerous examples of medieval, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Be sure to ride the funicular (think cable car meets railway) up the imposing Heidelberger Schloss, perched 300 feet above the city. Cruises will likely head back to Rhine if you’re going from trier to Heidelberg.

Baden, Germany

For many generations, wealthy folks have flocked here Baden to enjoy the town’s famous healing, thermal waters. Baden, in fact, translates to bath. Town treasurers the ruins of Roman baths to ornate, 250-year-old Belle Èpoque casino, the Kurhaus.

Strasbourg, France

Architectural beauty is a big draw of Rhine cruises, and Strasbourg, France, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a perfect example of why. It’s renowned for its fairy-tale beauty, including La Petite France is an enchanting corner of Old Town where historic canals, medieval watchtowers, and half-timbered houses are picture-postcard perfect. The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg is at the city’s center. Enjoy the 12th- to 14th-century stained glass windows and a dancing astronomical clock.

Basel, Switzerland

Basel, Switzerland, is a beautiful city on the banks of the Rhine River, and, like Amsterdam, it’s a popular starting and finishing point for Rhine cruises. Head to Old Town to see the bright-red Rathaus, Basel’s Town Hall, then visit one of more than three dozen museums in the city.

Looking for Rhine River cruise deals? Contact your local AAA Travel Counselor or visit AAA.com/Vacations.

Are you a young invincible when it comes to your health? It’s easy to ignore health risks for young adults when your age isn’t a worry. What’s to worry about? Your joints don’t ache when it’s damp. You’re not having trouble sleeping. Headlight glare doesn’t make it difficult to drive at night. You’re not winded when you climb three flights of stairs.

You’re too young for all that, right?

The concern for you should be that as you move out on your own, the health-care support you once took for granted may not be there. But ignoring your health care when you’re in your 20s or 30s is a good way to find yourself in bad health for years to come.

Smoking, drinking alcohol and using drugs may not seem like such a big deal when you’re in your prime. Just hit the gym or run it out of your system, just like those hipster actors do in the beer commercials, right?

Wrong. Bad habits have a way of developing into serious medical conditions as you age.

For young adults, health problems often arise out of social issues that spring from no longer having a mom, dad or older adult watching over them. There’s no one there to remind you to eat your vegetables, get a good night’s rest, or ask: Do you really need to drink that third beer? Or that shot of tequila to celebrate your best bud’s 25th birthday?

And what about that burger and fries you had at the bar? High cholesterol doesn’t just “happen.” You help it along by ignoring good eating habits. Even mild blood pressure or cholesterol problems can lead to any number of long-term health care issues.

Even if you’re conscientious about exercising you can run into trouble with your health. There is a cost to beauty that goes beyond the cosmetic. Everyone is susceptible to changes in their skin due to ultraviolet rays – even college kids on spring break or young professionals cashing in those business-trip frequent flyer miles on a vacation to the Caribbean. Skin cancer is among the leading causes of cancer deaths in women ages 25 to 30. Melanoma is the third-most-common cancer among women ages 20-39 and the second-most-common cancer in men ages 20-39. So, cover up; wear a hat and put on sun screen when you’re going to be out in the sun for extended periods – whether that’s a 5-mile run, a round of golf or an afternoon on the beach.

If you’re wondering why you seem to have regained that “freshman 15,” there are several causes beyond a rainy summer that discouraged you from jogging regularly. That weight won’t lose itself as you get older. Try to keep it in check so that it doesn’t lead to such things as diabetes, hypertension, back pain or cancer. The longer a young adult is obese, the greater the chance of developing heart disease in middle age, a new study reports. The finding hints that preventing or even delaying the onset of obesity might help reduce heart disease in later years.

Attacking the weights to help trim off the fat can lead to back problems, even in young adults. And, you know you’re not going to do those ab workouts just for the fun of it. You’re doing it, at least in part, so other people find you attractive. If you’re going to bed hop, remember that sexually transmitted diseases can lead to infertility, sterility, cancer and death. Be careful out there.

Early adulthood is a period marked by changes and growth physically, mentally and emotionally. It is also during this time that the onset of mental health disorders can occur – illnesses that can severely impact the life of the individual for years to come.

For a young adult, getting help for mental health disorders can prevent a variety of problems from occurring as they age. The consequences of mental health problems can include poor performance in school or at work, lack of friends and social interactions, substance or alcohol abuse, risky sexual behavior and suicide. In fact, suicide is the second-leading cause of death among persons ages 10 to 24 years.

A UCLA Medical Center survey released in 2016 found that people under age 45 often underestimate the symptoms of a stroke and the urgency to seek medical help. The survey asked more than a thousand people across the United States what they would be likely to do within the first three hours of experiencing numbness, weakness, or difficulty speaking or seeing, which are all common symptoms of a stroke.

Only about one in three respondents under age of 45 said they would be very likely to go to the hospital. That delay could prove deadly.

Many younger people assume strokes occur only in the elderly, dismissing the symptoms. While strokes may be more common among the elderly, people of all ages can experience them.

There are many minor ailments or conditions that, if ignored for too long, may develop into serious health care issues as you age. You may be a young invincible today, but how long will you remain so? Paying attention to your health now will help you avoid physical problems later in life.

How do you guard yourself against these and other health risks for young adults? Tell us in the comments below.

Picture it. You’re on a huge cruise ship with your family. It’s the first day of your vacation and you’re all excited to experience your first cruise vacation. You haven’t even been on a boat many times in your life. Then, suddenly, the boat rocks a certain way, you hear the waves slap against the side of the ship and an unexpected but familiar feeling starts creeping up your throat. Oh no, you think.

When you and your family embark on the first of many cruise vacations, what is the worst thing that could happen to you? That’s right. Sea sickness. Or you can call it motion sickness. Either way, that unpleasant, nauseous feeling can overwhelm certain people when they embark on their first sea voyage.

What is motion sickness?

Travel means moving, but when we’re not moving under our own power, about 30 percent of us experience motion sickness.

“Any kind of conveyance makes people sick,” said Millard Reschke, chief of neuroscience at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Reschke has been studying the phenomenon for about 40 years, and with good reason: Around 70 percent of crew members on space missions get sick. Motion sickness occurs because of something called retinal slip, which you can see for yourself.

Hold your hand up and move your head back-and-forth, and you’ll see the lines on your palm clearly. Move your hand back-and-forth instead and the lines appear blurry. That’s what happens when we move in a space shuttle, car or on a boat, and that blurring or slipping of the image on the eye’s retina confuses the sensory system in the inner ear and makes (some of) us sick.

Essentially, your eyes are telling you that you’re moving and your inner ear is telling you that you’re not. That difference between expectation and reality seems to be what leads to feeling nauseous. It’s unclear why our bodies decide that nausea is the appropriate reaction, but one theory suggests that our evolutionary mechanisms are the cause.

Charles Darwin, originator of the theory of evolution, wrote about his expeditions on the sea in a letter to his father. “If it was not for sea-sickness, the whole world will be sailors,” he said.

Why do some get it and others don’t? 

The answer to this question is also unclear, but there is evidence that suggests that genetics have something to do with it. Genetic company, 23andMe, found in a study that there are associations between motion sickness and genes involved in balance and eye and ear development.

But this then raises the question: How do people who are prone to motion sickness as children become less prone with time?

Another theory of the cause of motion sickness points to postural stability. On a ship, our bodies’ normal method of balancing is thrown way off course, making our bodies feel unstable. Around puberty, where we carry the most of our weight changes, and our methods of balancing change as well. So, someone who vomits during every long car ride at the age of 6 might start to fare better in his teenage years.

Of course, everyone is built differently; the unlucky few might just be more sensitive to motion than others.

Is there a sea sick remedy?

Our best bet is to try to limit the body’s confusion. “What I do about it is stop moving,” said Reschke. And if that isn’t an option? “I know you don’t want to hear ‘Look at the horizon and eat crackers, but it helps,” he said.

Another trick is a smart one for passengers in a car. The driver of a car is less susceptible to motion sickness because he can anticipate what’s coming. The answer is simple: pretend you’re the driver.

Though it’s harder to pretend you’re the captain of a ship than the driver of a car, trying your best to focus on where the ship is going might help.

A sea sick remedy that works for some is to consume gingery food and drinks. As a general health tip, drinking ginger ale can calm an upset stomach, but has been more so proven to be effective when the nausea is caused by motion sickness. It can also work as a placebo. If junior is complaining of motion sickness, tell him ginger ale is a 100 percent effective cure, and he might just believe you.

The other option requires less effort but much more determination – wait it out. Over time, our bodies get used to the motion. If you can get through the initial discomfort (and potential upchuck), you’ll be golden in time, and ready to enjoy the rest of your vacation.

Don’t get too used to the motion, though. You might find yourself feeling land sick once the cruise is over!

What’s your home remedy for sea sickness? Tell us in the comments below!

Don’t let motion sickness scare you from a cruise vacation of a lifetime! Plan and book your next cruise with AAA. 

A large draw of many river cruise destinations is the excellent chance they provide passengers to learn about various topics, from wine to food to history, in an in-depth fashion. Cruise lines plying the rivers from Europe to Egypt often offer similar itineraries, using local guides as experts to provide insight into the past.

For history buffs, some bucket-list historical river cruises include France, Portugal, Germany and Russia. Below are examples of typical itineraries with specific themes relating to history.

River cruise destinations for those interested in WWII history

Paris to Normandy is hands-down one of the most popular river cruise destinations for those interested in history. Typically, cruises include an excursion to the Normandy Landing Beaches, including Omaha Beach, plus visits to the Point du Hoc monument and the American Cemetery.

A stop in Rouen, best known as the home of Joan of Arc, is also included, where visitors can visit the gothic Rouen Cathedral and other historic sites. Excursions to Giverny, where Claude Monet lived for almost four decades, is another stop. In Les Andelys, situated on a bend of the Seine, options include visiting the historic Parish Church of Le Petit Andely or hiking to the ruins of Château Gaillard, built by England’s King Richard the Lionheart as a fortress in 1196.

Search for similar river cruises. 

River cruise destinations for those interested in castles

Several river cruise lines offer castle tours through Europe. Itineraries may include a trip from Luxembourg to Nuremberg, with stops in several medieval villages along the way. You may visit Trier, Germany’s oldest city, and learn about its Roman history and tour Trier Cathedral, the Basilica of Constantine and the Porta Nigra gate, which dates back to 179 A.D.

You may visit historic Reichsburg Castle in Cochem. And as you cruise along the river to Rüdesheim, beautiful scenery, including castle ruins, fortresses and the famous Lorelei Rock, keep passengers glued to the deck or their balconies on the river.

Mainz is home to the Gutenberg Museum, which houses two copies of the world’s first printed Bible. And Heidelberg is Germany’s oldest university town. Other nearby highlights include the Residenz Palace and gardens, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Bamberg, yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site.

River cruise destinations for those interested in pyramids and Cleopatra

A cruise down the Nile River, where passengers take in its ancient sites, is like traveling back in time. Your itinerary will most likely include tours of the major sights in Cairo, Luxor and Aswan. In Cairo, you’ll visit the excellent Egyptian Museum, where you can view the treasures of King Tut, and of course, pay a visit the Great Pyramids and the Great Sphinx. Along the Nile, stops include the Valley of the Kings, where royals were buried for more than 500 years; the Temple of Hatshepsut, built by a female pharaoh; and the tomb of King Tut. Certainly, for anyone fascinated with history, this is a bucket-list river cruise destination.

River cruise destinations for those interested in tsars

From Red Square in Moscow to the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, and all the smaller villages in between, tours include the Kremlin, the Bolshoi Theater, St. Basil’s Cathedral, Tretyakov Galler and the Cosmonaut Museum.

St. Petersburg beckons with the Hermitage Museum, the Catherine Palace, (the 18th-century summer residence of the Russian tsars, named for Catherine I), and much more. A traditional Russian ballet performance is another not-to-miss event.

There are, of course, variations on all of these historical cruises depending on which river cruise destination and cruise line you pick.

Of all of the time periods each cruise line features, which one would you most likely choose to explore? Tell us in the comments.

Book a river cruise vacation with AAA. 

Geocaching is the high-tech treasure hunt that has people exploring the outdoors one hidden gem at a time. Millions of caches are tucked away in different locations around the world, like in treetops at the end of long hiking trails or at the side of city streets – even underwater. All you need to do to get involved is sign up for a free account and download the Geocaching app.

For those who already know the excitement of hunting down hidden treasures in the least likely of places, there are plenty of ways in which you can take your adventures to the next level. Many travelers add geocaching to their travel itineraries and, in some cases, even make it the focus of their trip. Read on for our interview with a geocacher whose quest for caches has led him to places near and far.

Geocaching Road Trip

One of the most exciting things about geocaching is the opportunity to explore places you’ve never been before. So if cruising isn’t you thing, don’t worry; there are still ways to enjoy geocaching with your feet (or should we say tires) firmly planted on the ground. Christopher Lund, a real estate attorney in New York, has found caches in more than 20 states and throughout the world.

Q: How did you get started?

A. My girlfriend, Meghan, and I got into geocaching through a friend of mine. He was always talking about finding different caches and it seemed like a lot a fun. So one day we downloaded the Geocaching app and finally gave it a try. On our first day we found seven caches all within walking distance of my apartment. We’ve been hooked since!

Q: Why do you enjoy it?

A. It’s great to be able to spend an afternoon just hiking through quiet, large patches of woods to find classic caches, especially with all the noise and hectic pace of Long Island. Through geocaching, I’ve met new people and made many new friends in the local caching community. It’s also a great way for me and my girlfriend to spend time together. Geocaching has taken us to lots of local spots that I never would have discovered on my own.

Q: Has geocaching ever taken you out of New York? What about the country?

A. Yes! So far I’ve cached in about 20 different states, mostly up and down the East Coast and in the Southeast. Just last week my girlfriend and I went on a Caribbean cruise and we cached outside the U.S. for the first time. We found caches in Haiti, Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire. The next  trip on my travel list is Alaska, which I’m hoping to do next summer.

Q: Do you prefer to geocache locally or while traveling?

A. When I first started caching, I preferred doing it locally. It was convenient and despite living on Long Island for most of my life, geocaching still brought me to new places I had never seen before. I was able to explore local history and connect with the small caching community. However, after several years focused on Long Island, I’m starting to get more enjoyment out of caching while traveling.

When I’m traveling out of state (and out of the country), the best caches in the area are still new to me. And due to the rules governing geocache hides, most are hidden by people familiar with the area, making them a great way to discover local spots. So, when you’re not from around an area, geocaching is a cool way to find places off-the-beaten-path. A few weeks ago Meghan and I were staying at a hotel in Miami, so we pulled up our caching app and saw there was a hide about a quarter-mile away. The spot was known by the locals as a manatee hangout, and sure enough when we went looking for the cache, we saw a large manatee swim by. That’s an experience I never would have had if not for geocaching!

Q: Are there any other cool ways to experience geocaching?

A. Absolutely. Hit the road! Last summer Meghan and I took a road trip with our friend Nick to West Virginia. Our main purpose was finding a series of caches that are somewhat famous in the caching community. But other times, we choose a destination first and then look for fun caches in that area. Last winter we did a trip to New Orleans, Mississippi and Alabama. Once we were there, we made sure to find plenty of local caches.

And there are a number of tools available to help plan geocaching road trips, like the Trip Planner on the official geocaching website and GSAK. But my personal geocache road trip planning tends to be far less formal. It’s usually a combination of asking other experienced cachers for recommendations and using the advanced filters and search features available on the geocaching site and apps.

Geocaching Road Trip Tips

Barb Kessel has explored both coasts on her geocaching adventures. In fact, pretty soon she’ll be heading to Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay with a caching tour group. She hosts occasional classes with tips, like how to plan a road trip around the hobby. Check out a few of her pointers.

Decide how much time you want to spend on the road in advance. A three-hour drive could turn into an eight-hour drive easily once you start geocaching. So include extra time for caching on your route and plan accordingly.

Make sure to weed out caches that are too hard to find or might be missing ahead of time. GSAK can help with this.

And finally, try not to go more than half-mile off of the route (unless there’s a really special cache along the way). It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re geocaching.

Tell us about your geocaching adventures in the comments and let AAA help you with your next geocaching adventure.

Get started at AAA.com/Travel.

On October 15, AAA Northeast announced the creation of the new member benefit Approved Auto Glass, a network of providers that offer quality auto glass services throughout Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut. AAA Auto Glass has partnered with JN Phillips Auto Glass to launch the program.

AAA Auto Glass provides high-quality windshield, as well as rear and side window, repair and replacement done by certified technicians. The glass meets original manufacturer standards and comes with a lifetime warranty on workmanship. The program also offers mobile service, meaning the work can be done virtually anywhere.

Currently, AAA Auto Glass serves parts of Rhode Island and Massachusetts. But the partnership with JN Phillips immediately adds 40 new glass locations in southern New England.

AAA members who require glass service will first be directed to AAA Auto Glass , but the addition of Approved Auto Glass partners expand the club’s abilities to serve members in new markets, including in Connecticut where it has not previously been. This partnership significantly increases AAA Northeast’s service area.

“AAA Northeast is thrilled to partner with JN Phillips,” said Tom Terwilliger, Vice President of AAA Auto Glass. “For more than 100 years we’ve dedicated ourselves to providing excellent products and services to our members. Partnering with JN Phillips broadens that mission, extends our reach, and opens up new opportunities for millions of members throughout our territory.”

Modeled on the very successful AAA Approved Auto Repair program, all approved auto glass facilities must meet strict quality standards and undergo regular inspections and reviews. JN Phillips is registered with the Auto Glass Safety Council, an organization dedicated to ensuring safe auto glass replacement and is also committed to recycling 100 percent of the windshields they replace. With more than 200 vans, JN Phillips also offers convenient mobile service that provides safe auto glass replacement at home or at work.

For more information or to find an AAA Approved Auto Glass facility near you, head to AAA.com/glass.

As staying connected becomes more and more important, cities around the world are changing to accommodate our electronic needs. Cell phone charging stations are on the rise, and more often than not, free Wi-Fi can be found in restaurants, coffee houses and other designated public areas. However, connecting to a free public Wi-Fi network often means risking your personal and financial information.

Finding a secure network is the most effective way to avoid being hacked, and those who need constant internet should invest in portable Wi-Fi devices, which are great for providing private networks.

Portable Wi-Fi devices are exactly like the internet boxes in your home. Except, instead of being attached to a phone cable, these routers use SIM cards. Meaning, the palm-sized devices can be taken anywhere there’s network coverage. But not all of these devices are created equal. With varying internet speeds, prices and features, there’s a lot to choose from.

Portable Wi-Fi gadgets

Locked or unlocked?

When buying portable Wi-Fi, consider whether you want a locked or unlocked device. What’s the difference? Well, if your device is locked to one network, that means you’ll be restricted to using one company for data rates. But an unlocked device will work with any SIM card, meaning you can purchase the best deal in whatever country you’re in. Our suggestion: if life or work has you traveling out of the country often, spring for the unlocked. Check out some of our favorites below.

Huawei E5330 Mobile Hotspot
(Starting at $55)

Topping out at 3G HSPA+, this portable Wi-Fi device doesn’t exactly deliver the fastest internet speeds. But it comes unlocked and will do the trick for on-the-go email and web browsing. It provides 5-6 hours of battery and can support 10 Wi-Fi devices simultaneously. It’s a great option for travelers who just want to check in with friends and family every now and again. Just be aware that this particular model won’t work in the U.S. Check out the HUAWEI E5220s-6 for other options.

Novatel Wireless MiFi Liberate
(Starting at $60)

While this portable Wi-Fi device is usually sold through specific providers like AT&T, you can find unlocked versions on eBay. So, if you don’t mind a little extra leg work, this device’s easy set-up is a nice payoff for the technologically challenged user. It can use 4G, 3G and 2G networks, features a 10-hour battery life, and has an intuitive touch screen. Plus, it supports Windows and Mac OS X and up to 10 devices.

TP-Link M7350
(Starting at $103)

A little pricier (but well worth the money), this portable Wi-Fi device covers all the basics and more. It provides 10 hours of battery life, can operate on 4G/LTE, 3G or 2G networks, supports up to 10 devices and offers download speeds up to 150Mbps. It also provides a duel-band Wi-Fi option (both 2.4GHz or 5GHz) and comes equipped with a micro SD card slot for up to 32GB of optional storage. Plus, the ability to control the device through its app (available for iOS and Android) is an extra nice perk.

Huawei E5786s Wi-Fi Hotspot
(Starting at $210)

This unlocked portable Wi-Fi device is compact, lightweight and top of the line. Available in black or white, it has unbeatable downloading speeds, maxing out at 300Mbps compared to 150Mbps (and sometimes less) in other devices. It also features duel-band LTE (both 2.4GHz and 5GHz) and up to 10 hours of battery on a single charge. And not only can you support up to 10 devices with this personal hotspot, but you can also use it to charge your phone and other electronics in a pinch. However, this device doesn’t support all U.S. LTE networks, so it’s best for traveling abroad.

Whether you’re a professional that needs access to Wi-Fi for answering work e-mails, or a traveler who just wants to stay in touch with friends and family, portable Wi-Fi provides all the convenience of internet without the high risk. As you head off on your adventures, gear up and stay connected!

Do you have any must-have portable tech and gadgets for traveling? Let us know in the comments below.

Because of their proximity to water, Vietnam, China and Japan lend themselves to be explored by ocean and river. An organized Asia cruise tour lets you travel in style without having to plan more than a flight. We’ve made it even easier for you by researching the best cruises through East Asia’s top destinations so that you’ll be hearing “all aboard” in no time.

Take an Asia cruise tour through China 

Experience both modern and ancient China on a luxurious river cruise like Uniworld’s Highlights of China & The Yangtze River cruise, which allows you to explore Beijing and offers excursions to the Forbidden City, Beijing’s Summer Palace and the base of the Great Wall.

Other highlights include the dumplings in Xi’An, China’s first capital and the opportunity to see the legendary Terracotta Army that protects Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor, in the afterlife.

You’ll fly to Chongqing where you’ll board your ship and begin your cruise along Asia’s longest river – the Yangtze, sailing through picturesque canyons and sheer cliffs past the legendary Three Gorges and Goddess Stream.

Search for savings on river cruises with AAA.

Float through Japan with Celebrity Cruises 

Aboard the Celebrity Millennium guests can dive into Japan’s history and modern culture. You could begin your expedition exploring the sights, flavors and sounds of Tokyo before boarding your ship in the evening. You’ll wake up to iconic views of Mount Fuji, the highest peak in Japan and one of the country’s most sacred landmarks.

Other experiences on your itinerary may include sampling steak in Kobe, known around the world for the marbled beef it exports; indulging in katsuo no takaki in Kochi, the city’s signature dish made of lightly seasoned, broiled bonito; and checking out the 6,000-year-old Sannai-Maruyama settlement ruins in Aomori,

Search for deals on Celebrity Cruises with AAA.

Sail through Vietnam on a river cruise 

An eight-day voyage like on Ama Waterways’ Vietnam, Cambodia & the Riches of Mekong Cruise could begin in Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, where vestiges of French colonialism meet vestiges of the Vietnam War.

On day two you’ll take a local boat to Cai Be where you’ll have the option to visit a traditional historic home or local craftsmen in their workshops. You’ll then tour nearby Sa Dec, which was the inspiration for French writer Marguerite Duras’ novel The Lover.

Next, you’ll cruise to Tan Chau where you’ll be able to explore the town by boat or on a xe-loi –a three-wheeled rickshaw. In the evening your ship will cross into Cambodia.

On your first day in Cambodia you’ll visit the Killing Fields where Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge communist party killed and buried more than a million Cambodians during the Cambodian genocide in the 1970s. After a grim morning, you’ll learn about brighter times in Cambodia’s history at the National Museum and Royal Palace in Phnom Penh.

The next morning you’ll explore the Cambodian capital by tuk-tuk before embarking to Koh Chen to visit a silversmith village.

On the sixth day, you’ll explore a Buddhist monastery in Oudong, Cambodia’s royal capital from the 17th until the 19th century.

On the penultimate day of your cruise through Vietnam and Cambodia, you will ride through the floating villages of Kampong-Chhnang and enjoy exotic bird watching. Your Mekong River cruise disembarks in Prek Kdam, Cambodia. You and your travel partners will never forget this Asia cruise tour through French Indochina.

Search for savings on river cruises with AAA.

Explore the best of East Asia with Holland America 

Travelers looking for the ultimate East Asia cruise tour will be able to see China, Japan, Vietnam and much more on cruises like Holland America Line’s 28-Day Taiwan, Japan & Far East Discovery Collector.

The cruise embarks in Shanghai, China — the “Paris of the East.” Spend two days exploring this booming metropolis before reveling in the luxury of the MS Volendam during a day on the sea.

You’ll arrive in the Japanese port city of Fukuoka on day three, where you’ll be able to sample street food favorites from the city’s iconic yatai outdoor food stalls. Other stops along your journey around Japan include Nagasaki, Naha and Ishigaki Island.

On day eight you’ll arrive in Taiwan and will have free time to explore Taipei, the island nation’s booming capital. You’ll see a mix of modern skyscrapers and traditional temples in Kaohsiung the following day.

After a day at sea you’ll spend time exploring the Filipino capital, Manila, where Spanish colonialism meets southeast asian culture.

Next, you’ll have two days in Hong Kong to experience another mashup of cultures – British and Chinese.

After several days in densely-populated cities you’ll yearn for the tropical calm that awaits in Vietnam’s picturesque Ha Long Bay. Other stops in Vietnam include the imperial city of Hue, the resort town of Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh – the city that never sleeps.

After a beach day in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, you’ll be ready for the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, Thailand.

Your month-long cruise will end in Singapore, the tropical city-state island where cultures and religions intermingle (Singapore has four official languages) and jaw-dropping architecture is the norm.

Search for deals on Holland American cruises with AAA.

Which cruise sounds most appealing to you? Let us know in the comments below.

Book a cruise vacation with AAA Travel.

River cruises are relaxing, intimate and offer more opportunities to explore onshore than ocean cruises – and usually appeal to a mature clientele. But as the industry grows, cruise lines are branching out to a different demographic: families.

Take a European river cruise, which is usually cheaper than a river cruise through Asia, Africa or the Americas. Cruising the Danube, Rhine, Seine or Douro rivers will take passengers through countries like France, Portugal, Austria, Hungary, Germany, Switzerland and more. River cruises place passengers right in the heart of each country. Travelers can stop at each port and tour the town or city, go on hikes, visit historic sites and experience authentic culture. It’s one of the best ways to explore multiple countries in Europe within a week’s vacation.

Any parent will tell you that this doesn’t sound like an ideal vacation for young children.

Toddlers may not be suitable for a long walking tour through castle ruins and monasteries. Even the older kids may not appreciate a performance of fado, the traditional music of Portugal, like an adult will. On top of that, river cruise ships have to be smaller than ocean cruise ships in order to travel through the boundaries of a river, so staterooms are smaller and there are fewer amenities like water slides and rock climbing walls on deck.

What’s a kid to do?

To answer this, river cruise lines have created family-driven cruises and added family-friendly itineraries to existing cruises. This includes biking tours in place of walking tours, kid-oriented cooking and baking classes, guided sightseeing paired with storytelling and more to keep kids engaged and active.

But it’s not all games and fun; many family-friendly river cruises balance activities and downtime. There’s time to unwind onboard, as well as family entertainment to keep the kids occupied.

As far as the sleeping situation goes, some family river cruises offer more spacious rooms than a typical river cruise ship, and even family suites. Others may offer adjoining rooms for kids and other family members, like grandparents.

And since picky eaters and unfamiliar foods usually don’t mix, family-friendly cruises typically include casual dining options as well as regional cuisine.

Read on for some river cruises suited for families.

Answers to your top 10 questions about river cruise vacations.

Adventures by Disney and AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways, a leader in luxury river cruising, has partnered with Adventures by Disney to provide several opportunities for families to sail down the Danube and Rhine rivers. Once onboard, like a choose-your-own-adventure book, you can choose your itinerary for the day. Activities onshore range from zip lining to guided horseback tours to museum visits. An Adventure Guide will handle all of the details of your trip and, along with local experts, tell the story of your destination. Onboard, activities range from kid-friendly Disney movie nights to adult-friendly wine tastings.

Tauck Bridges Family River Cruises

Tauck Bridges has long been in the family river cruise business. Days on a Tauck Bridges cruise are action-packed, so the kids are never bored. One upfront price covers all shore excursions, unlimited complimentary beverages aboard the ship, gratuities for Tauck staff and local guides, and more. With no surprise expenses, you can relax and enjoy the ride. And where better to relax than in the spacious 300-square-foot suites, each equipped with a sofa bed to accommodate families. Plus, the single supplemental price is waived, making it easier for a solo family member to tag along.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

The river cruises in Uniworld’s Generations Collection may just be the kids’ favorite option. With cooking and dessert-making classes just for kids, child-friendly workshops tailored to the destination, a young travelers’ lounge with a game room and local treats, kids-only movie nights and more, the fun is nonstop. Plus, there are kid-friendly menus on board, and a Young Travelers’ Table, where younger guests can eat and hang out. The onshore excursions appeal to a wide range of travelers, from art lovers to thrill-seekers, while some are geared toward children, tweens and teens. To help offset the cost for families, Uniworld offers discounted prices for travelers ages 4-17.

Vantage Deluxe World Travel

Vantage river cruises are group-focused, whether you’re traveling with family or friends. In addition to guided walking tours, cooking demonstrations and history lectures, there are also more active options for families to engage in. Vantage ships have bicycles on board for use during your free time, giving families the perfect opportunity to grab a road map and explore on their own. When it comes time to unwind, families can return to their spacious triple- and quad-occupancy rooms (on select trips). Vantage also offers group incentives so the whole family can join in on the fun.

CroisiEurope Family Club Cruises

CroisiEurope’s special Family Club river cruises are tailored to multigenerational families, with activities and excursions that kids, parents and grandparents will love. CroisiEurope offers trips that aren’t as commonly offered, like cruises on the Po and Guadalquivir rivers, which run through Italy and Spain, respectively. It’s also one of the more inexpensive cruise lines – children under age 16 travel free on cruises in Portugal, Spain and Italy.

Have you ever been on a family river cruise? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!

Book a river cruise with AAA Travel today.