Visit two of the continent’s most iconic cities, London and Paris, as you travel Europe the way it was meant to be traversed on a AAA Vacations tour. Both are distinct in history, grandeur and abundance of amazing sites.

Discover the treasures of London at your own pace while on a hop-on/hop-off tour. Perhaps you’ll visit Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Hyde Park or the British Museum. You could even attend a live theatrical performance at the Globe Theatre or on the West End. After your days in London, travel Europe in style aboard the Eurostar high-speed train to Paris.

The city of Paris will enchant you, bursting with life, elegant and yet quaint. Enjoy a guided city tour taking in the timeless Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Èlysées, to the impressive Notre Dame Cathedral. A cruise along the River Seine will give you a new perspective of this incredible city. Do all of this with the helping hand of your dedicated city ambassadors, who will open the door to every step of your European journey. See what a sample itinerary for one of these trips looks like below.

Travel Europe, London and Paris

Day 1 – Arrive in London

After your plane lands, you’ll be greeted upon arrival at London’s Heathrow airport by your driver. Your driver will then escort you to your hotel, which is situated in the very heart of London. Here you will meet your local city ambassador, whose experience and sage expertise will guide you in planning your personalized sightseeing itinerary. Your city ambassador’s aim is to make your visit to the iconic city of London both memorable and exciting. For a particularly engaging experience, you can enjoy a complimentary traditional pub dinner at a favorite local restaurant.

Day 2 – London

Explore London and its top attractions from an open top hop on / hop off bus ride. Climb aboard for the day, sit back, relax and enjoy the live commentary recounting London’s 2,000-year history. Hop on and off as often as you wish to visit famous landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and so much more. Don’t be afraid to ride the towering London Eye—it’s one of the best ways to get a bird’s eye view of the city.

Day 3 – London

On day three, you’re free to discover London at your leisure. You may decide to shop at the world famous Harrods department store, or wander through picturesque Hyde Park. Or you may opt for an adventure outside the city of Windsor Castle, one of the oldest royal residences still in use today. For lovers of English literature, Shakespeare’s reconstructed Globe Theatre is not to be missed. History buffs can head on over to the Tower of London for a historic tour given by a bonafide Beefeater.

Day 4 – Travel to Paris

After breakfast, transfer to the train station and depart Paris with a first class train ticket aboard the Eurostar high-speed train. Cross the English Channel to arrive in the beautiful “City of Lights.” Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and meet with your local city ambassador for an introduction to Paris. The rest of the day is yours for independent exploration. There’s nothing more romantic or inspiring than losing yourself in the twisting streets of gay Paris.

Day 5 – Paris

A guided tour of Paris takes you to all of the city’s quintessential landmarks. On the tour, you will be able to visit amazing Parisian treasures, such as the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Champs Elysees and the Pont de la Concorde as well as others. The tour concludes with a romantic cruise along the Traversée de Paris, or Paris waterway, of the River Seine. The Seine winds through the very heart of the city and has been the site of innumerable historic events throughout Paris’ long history. After the cruise, the afternoon is yours to continue to enjoy and discover Paris. You may choose an optional Art Nouveau walking tour, to visit the Louvre or to simply enjoy the sights and sounds of the city.

Day 6 – Paris

On day six, the city of Paris is yours to uncover. You may decide to relive history with a visit to Louis XIV’s magnificent Palace and Gardens of Versailles on an optional excursion. Make sure not to miss a visit to Paris’s most famous landmark, the Eiffel Tower, where you may enjoy a romantic dinner and magnificent panoramic views of the city.

Day 7 – Adieu

Bid adieu to Paris and say farewell to London as you return home after a visit to two of the world’s most beloved cities.

Do you have stories from your favorite trip to London, Paris or another way to travel Europe? Let us know in the comments below.

Learn more about this exciting trip. 

Get in touch with a AAA travel counselor to learn about AAA Vacations and start planning your next getaway today. As a AAA member, you’ll save even more. Not a member? Join now!

Why drag your luggage from the curb to the terminal when you can ride it? Yup, ride on luggage is not a pie-in-the-sky Jetson’s concept. It’s here today, already invading airports across the globe.

For anyone who has been in the market for a suitcase or luggage set, you already know that the buying process is akin to purchasing a car or a mattress: The reality is, you won’t know if you made the right decision until you start to use it on a regular basis.

And there are more options and considerations than ever before.

From total luggage weight to navigability to the number of pockets to visibility – buying a suitcase takes some research.

Ride on luggage

Today, we bring you the Modobag, the self-proclaimed first motorized/smart/connected carry-on bag that is TSA and FAA compliant. In a nutshell, this piece of ride on luggage will take a person under 260lbs approximately 6 miles. It charges using a standard outlet in around an hour. It also boasts two USB charging stations and delivers over 4,000 charges throughout its lifetime. Add on a proprietary tracking app for an extra layer of loss prevention.

The motorized bag has come to life thanks to funding via Indiegogo.

As with any investment, you want to make sure you are purchasing what you actually need. If your travel generally consists of one annual vacation, ride on luggage is likely not for you. With a price tag that can exceed four digits, it’s unlikely the motorized purchase would ever pay for itself.

Plus, what type of person are you? I am a gadget junkie. But I’m also fairly quiet. I also pride myself on being an active person. So as much as I dig the convenience of rideable luggage, I would feel guilty sacrificing steps and likely be self-conscious over the additional attention early adopters are likely to get when they are zipping along at the airport.

There are plenty of people who like to walk but would love to simply scoot along after a long day of flying. Ride on luggage does sound like a hard deal to pass up on.

What makes the perfect carry-on?

The ideal carry-on is a subjective topic. Here are a few things that are important to me.

Wheels  

For years I made the mistake of throwing things into a duffel bag. The reality is, as you get older, draping anything over your shoulder for an extended period is not a good idea. As my work travel schedule picked up over the years, I finally caved to a set of wheels. I started with generic wheels, similar to the small ones you would find on a skateboard. However, this setup still requires the operator to manage a good portion of the weight. Enter spinner wheels. These move in all four directions and require less stability from the user.

Pockets
My carry-on bag often includes an eclectic mix of stuff. To be blunt, I don’t need my boxers mingling with my protein bars; my hairspray spritzing my laptop. A useful bag will keep the separation of church and state at all times. I look for waterproof pockets (leaks happen!), mesh netting to hold an extra pair of shoes, and ways to divide all of my portable chargers and electronics.

Weight
Even if you opt for ride on luggage, keep in mind that these bags can weigh over 20 lbs. before you pack a single item! And curb jumps and stairs are a guarantee. Often, a hard case versus soft case carry-on comes down to sheer preference. The additional pockets, lighter weight and flexibility you get with soft luggage come with a tradeoff: less protection and weakened security.

Exterior Material
Ripstop nylon is my bag material of choice. Aside from being weatherproof, it is tear and rip resistant, with an awesome strength-to-weight ratio. If you are in the market for a hard shell carry-on, consider polycarbonate. It’s fairly lightweight and impact-resistant.

Design
It still blows my mind that the majority of luggage circling on the carousel is black or dark blue. When I check luggage, I try not to depend on a unique luggage tag or colorful knotted rope. Instead, I buy the most colorful bag I can find. Time is money, and the quicker I get my bag, the quicker I’m where I want to be – which is pretty much any place other than the airport. The same rule applies for carry-ons. Your item can shift during travel. You also might forget which bin you placed it in or, worse yet, it can be placed into a hold before you board.

Whether or not ride on luggage moves past the novelty stage remains to be seen. But with airlines turning bags into big business, I expect the future will hold greater fees for bigger carry-on bags. You’ll also have many travelers taking advantage of rewards offered to passengers willing to leave a lot of their stuff at home.

Keep in mind that airlines are permitted to have individual policies in regards to carry-on luggage. Be sure to check with your favorite air provider before making a luggage purchase.

So where do you sit when it comes to ride on luggage? Willing to put yourself out there and take it for a spin? Or will you stick to spinning wheels and people movers?

While the big U.S. gaming  brands have been focused on developing properties in the new Asian gambling hubs of Macau and Singapore, one Malaysian company has set its sights on the USA – and  hit  the jackpot when it won a license to open Resorts World New York City – the first-ever casino in the Big Apple.

Genting Group of Malaysia made a proposal to build a casino on the Aqueduct Racetrack property in Ozone Park in 2009. They paid $380 million to the state for the license to develop its “racino.”

Resorts World New York opened in 2011 with 5,500 slots and electronic table games on two levels.  It was an immediate success, attracting not only locals but also travelers on flights into nearby JFK airport. For those with long layovers, or stopovers in NYC, Resorts World New York casino was a great option.

The Resorts World Queens property soon became the highest-grossing slots casino in the world. Players drop about $20 billion a year into those 5,500 machines, and the returns are higher than at almost any other gaming destination in the States, according to Genting.

Resorts World New York has helped revitalize and upgrade the area, and contributed an estimated $1.9 billion to the New York State Education Fund. There’s been some protest, but for the most part the local politicians and businesses are supportive.

In July, they received approval for a $400 million expansion that will add another 1,000 gaming machines, four new dining spots (one with an as-yet-unnamed celebrity chef), retail stores selling  locally produced goods and a four-star, 400-room hotel. They broke ground in late summer and expect the new additions to be open sometime in 2019.

About two hours north of the Queens casino, Catskills’ Resorts World casino opened in the spring of 2018. It has 100,000 square feet of gaming space, 100-plus gaming tables, 2,150 state-of-the-art slot machines, private gaming salons and a poker room. The 18-story casino also features 332 all-suite luxury rooms, including even two-story villas, eight garden suites, 12 penthouse suites, spa and fitness center and two indoor pools. 10 bar and restaurant options include fine dining and an Italian steakhouse created by celebrity chef Scott Conant.

Resorts World Catskills casino is part of a $1.2 billion, four-season destination resort complex in Sullivan County. Adelaar, as it’s called, encompasses 1,700 acres of this scenic region once known as the Borscht Belt. It will offer all types of outdoor activities and sports, including a Rees Jones-redesigned golf course, an indoor waterpark, and an “entertainment village” with a mix of  restaurants, theaters, night spots, and  lodgings.

Resorts World Las Vegas is currently under construction. On the horizon? Miami.

Have you ever been to Resorts World New York? Let us know about your experience in the comments below!

Plan your next trip with AAA. 

Kids and credit cards may not seem like a match made in heaven, but in many ways starting you children on the path to responsible credit should start when they are young. Teaching your kids about the benefits and dangers of credit cards will go a long way toward their financial stability in the future. Here’s why giving your child their first credit card might not be such a crazy idea.

• Managing credit teaches financial literacy – This knowledge is not ingrained in American children, and it isn’t often taught in school either. Using a credit card will teach your children to budget, manage debt and track spending. With a cash allowance, kids may not remember or care where their money goes each month, but a credit card comes with a paper (or electronic) trail that allow kids to see what they’re spending their money on.

Teaching your children to use their first credit card

Teaching your kid to use their first credit card responsibly is a step-by-step process. Move from one step to the next only when your kids have proven that they are ready. While it’s never too early to start teaching your kids about managing their finances, transitioning to credit cards will depend on their ages and maturity level. Here’s an overview of the transition process, starting from elementary school age.

Give your young children an allowance

You can start teaching your children about saving, spending and budgeting when they are very young. Give them a cash allowance and have them keep half for spending and half for savings. You could also have them set aside a small portion for tithing or donating to a charity they care about. Their savings can be put in a bank account or a piggy bank. Encourage your kids to save up for something big. Young children will feel a huge sense of accomplishment when they plan and budget for a large item with their own money.

Teach your children to use a debit card

Once your kids understand the ins and outs of budgeting and saving, you can start putting their allowance, birthday money and other savings into a joint bank account. By the time they are in middle school, they should be ready for debit card that they can use to pay for items that they need or want. Teach kids about making safe online purchases and keeping their card and PIN number secure. A debit card will help your kids get used to carrying around a card and not buying what they can’t afford to pay for. To avoid overdraft fees on the account, be sure to open an account that offers overdraft protection.

Make your kids authorized users on your credit card account

By the time your kids are in high school, they will hopefully be well on their way to a healthy relationship with money and credit cards. When you think they’re ready, the next step is to make them an authorized user on your account. It’s important to note that if your kids overspend or can’t pay you for their purchases, you will be legally responsible to pay the bill. Many card issuers will let you set up an alert if your authorized users spend past a certain threshold.

Making your child an authorized user will also allow you to transfer your credit history for that card to your child, which will help them to build credit faster.

Your child’s very own credit card

By the time your children turn 18, they will be ready to take the leap and get their first credit cards on their own. A first credit card should have a low interest rate, no annual fee,  and ideally, a very low credit limit. Let your children research credit cards themselves, and then discuss their choices with you before deciding which card to apply for.

By taking small steps with your children to help them learn about credit and credit cards, you will teach them a valuable lesson – not only about the importance of budgeting and spending wisely, but also about the importance of a good credit score and how it affects future borrowing. No matter how old your child is, they’re never too young to start learning the importance of responsible credit card use.

Do you think kids should use debit or credit cards? Why or why not? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section.

By Rebecca Galib and Cassandra Raposo

The Caribbean islands have much to offer, from cultural traditions to pristine beaches kissed by the clear, blue ocean. Whether you’re bumming it at the beach, exploring a tropical island paradise or tasting some local cuisine, you’ll find utter satisfaction and relaxation no matter your budget.

Budget: Jamaica

Stay: The Courtyard by Marriott Kingston is a 25-minute drive away from the Norman Manley International Airport. The hotel is close to shopping, dining, entertainment and tourist sites such as Emancipation Park and the Devon House. With free parking, gym access and Wi-Fi, you’ll feel right at home.

Do: Take in 200 acres of natural beauty at the Hope Botanical Gardens with a variety of exotic flowers, cactuses and bougainvillea. If you’re a history buff, visit Fort Charles in Port Royal, the home of pirates and outlaws in the 1600s, or take a trip to the Institute of Jamaica in Kingston to learn about art, science and agriculture.

Dine: For full-fledged Jamaican flavors, head to Sweetwood Jerk Joint in Kingston for a wide menu of jerk meats, like pork and chicken, grilled right in front of you. Usain Bolt’s (yes, that Usain Bolt) Tracks and Records offers authentic Caribbean flair with a contemporary twist. Try the whole fried fish or the jerk chicken spring rolls.

Mid-Range: Aruba

Stay: One of the best Aruba beaches for swimming is 2-mile-long Palm Beach. As such, the area has the highest concentration of oceanfront resorts, like Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club. This affordable, family-oriented resort offers up plenty of fun for parents and kids alike, from a lazy river to themed buffet nights.

Do: Eleven casinos call Aruba home. But if casinos aren’t your thing, you can snorkel or scuba dive in the island’s crystal-clear waters. For a change of pace, underwater tours with Atlantis Submarines Expedition in Oranjestad give visitors an up-close look at Barcadera Reef and different shipwrecks.

Dine: There’s something for everyone at the restaurants in Aruba, from surf and turf to international cuisine. Papillon Restaurant in Palm Beach features classic French flavors with a Caribbean flair, while Yemanja Woodfired Grill in Oranjestad offers a menu of comfort food for vegetarians and carnivores alike.

Luxury: St. Lucia

Stay: The AAA Four Diamond Rated Anse Chastanet Resort in Soufriere has a view of the Petit Piton and Gros Piton mountains. Its spacious cottages, stunning views and beautiful art murals earned a AAA inspector’s “Best Of” award for wow effect.

Do: Dig your toes into the black sand at Anse Chastanet Beach, play 18 holes at St. Lucia Golf Club or take a helicopter tour of the island. On Friday night, go to a “jump up,” a street party with reggae and soca music, in Gros Islet or Anse la Raye.

Dine: Great Room, a AAA Four Diamond Rated restaurant in Soufriere, features Caribbean and international fare like rack of lamb and yellowtail snapper. In Marigot Bay, you’ll find Masala Bay, which serves Hakka cuisine, a blend of Indian and Chinese cooking.

Have you vacationed in the Caribbean? Share your adventures in the comments!

Let AAA help you plan your next vacation. Go to AAA.com/Travel.

Though it may be fun having your pet partake in the Thanksgiving meal, be cautious when giving handouts. Some food items are toxic to animals and can cause health problems down the road.

You should always use caution when feeding your pet human food, said Dr. Deborah Linder, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University.

“If your pet doesn’t have any medical conditions, they can have up to 10 percent of their daily calories from treats, including some human foods,” she said, noting, however, that some pets have sensitive stomachs and shouldn’t have any sudden changes in food.

Common Thanksgiving dishes can make healthy snacks for pets, Linder said. For instance, white meat turkey breast (40 calories per ounce), baby carrots (4-5 calories each) and green beans (2 calories each) won’t upset their balanced diets.

“Fruits and vegetables are usually the safest way to provide pets a little extra on the holidays without hurting them,” Linder said.

Linder warns against feeding your pet any of the following toxic foods.

• Macadamia nuts.
• Garlic.
• Onions and chives.
• Grapes.
• Raisins.
• Chocolate.
• Xylitol (found in sugar-free gum and other products).

Onions and garlic can cause blood problems, while raisins and grapes can lead to kidney disease. She also warns against giving pets fatty foods, like turkey skin, that can cause vomiting or pancreatitis. Linder also cautions against giving pets bones, which can get stuck in airways or intestines.

If your pet eats something it shouldn’t, call your vet. If it’s not open, contact animal poison control for instructions.

For healthy human foods to give your pet, visit the Cummings Veterinary medical Center’s pet nutrition blog, Petfoodology, at vetnutrition.tufts.edu/petfoodology.

What healthy snacks do you share with your pet? Tell us in the comments!

For more articles on pets, click here.

Increasing a home’s energy efficiency benefits both the environment and a homeowner’s wallet.

That’s why the folks at Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven, in Connecticut, make the homes they build and rehabilitate as energy efficient as possible.

“It’s the right thing to do,” said Executive Director Bill Casey. “Both for the environment, and for keeping monthly utility bills down.”

Keeping energy costs down is particularly important, since the homes are sold to low-income families in need of housing. To this end, the organization uses all LED light fixtures, high efficiency gas boilers and Energy Star-certified appliances, typically donated by companies, at its build sites.

Insulation and caulking, which reduce heat loss, are also important to increasing the energy efficiency of a home, Casey said.

Once the home is complete, a certified Home Energy Rating System rater conducts an energy performance assessment. The score is determined by variables such as air leakage, windows and doors, ceilings and roofs, attics and crawlspaces, and the HVAC and water heating system. Having an energy audit done on your home is a good place to start if you want to see what can be improved. In the meantime, here are some quick tips for keeping your energy costs down.

Double up on insulation.

The attic is where the most heat loss occurs, Casey said. Heat escapes during cold months, causing homeowners to turn up the heat and cranking up the heating bill. Installing additional insulation may help keep heat loss at a minimum.

Check for drafts.

Caulking around windows and doors can also prevent heat loss. Check for areas that need caulking by walking around your home with a candle. Watch the flame – outside air will make it fl icker as you walk by, indicating a draft.

Use Energy Star-certified appliances.

Refrigerators, dishwashers, washers and dryers, heating and cooling equipment, water heaters and even electronics can be Energy Star-certified. Look for the blue Energy Star label – products that have it are independently certified to save energy, help protect the environment and help reduce energy bills.

Switch to LED lighting.

According to www.energystar.gov, LED light fixtures produce light approximately 90 percent more efficiently and last longer than incandescent light bulbs.

Look for rebates.

Some states offer rebates, incentives and tax credits for energy-efficiency improvement projects. Visit the U.S. Department of Energy’s website, www.energy.gov, to search for programs in your state.

Consult a professional before making any home improvements.

How do you keep your home energy efficient? Share in the comments!

Visit AAA.com/Insurance for a free quote.

Since 1959, kids around the globe have been captivated by Barbie, playing with her dolls, her friends and accessories like the Barbie Dream House. They’ve even watched her on the big screen. Today, they’re still watching her, but on a smaller screen.

That’s right: Barbara Millicent Roberts is a YouTuber.

Barbie sits in front of a camera, at her desk in her bedroom in Malibu, Calif., and “vlogs” – or video blogs – about what’s on her mind on her official YouTube channel. Some videos are about serious topics like bullying, while others are tutorials or fun challenges.

She’s like every other “vlogger” in many ways, except one: She’s animated and played by a voice actor.

Her first vlog was uploaded in June 2015 and, since then, her videos have amassed over 7 million views.

Some of her videos have gained attention from adults. A video titled “Feeling blue? You’re not alone,” where she says it’s OK to be sad sometimes, has more than 1 million views.

Is her channel an attempt by Mattel to remain relevant in the digital age? Or is it an attempt to make up for Barbie’s sometimes-spotty past? (Barbie dolls have received criticism for reinforcing gender stereotypes and being unhealthy role models for young girls.)

But today’s vlogger Barbie is more empowering. Her videos highlight inspiring women like Frida Kahlo and Amelia Earheart, encourage viewers to use math and science to solve everyday problems, and promote wellness activities like yoga and meditation. At the end of each video, she signs off by saying “PACE!,” an acronym for “Positive Attitude Changes Everything.”

Along with the recent introduction of Barbie dolls of varying body types and sizes, perhaps this signals a new age for Barbie.

What was your favorite toy when you were young? Tell us in the comments!

For more Now & Then articles, visit AAA.com/NowThen.

Holiday travel season and cold-and-flu season are upon us and, for many, the two go hand in hand.

“Around the holidays, people have to travel, sick or well,” said Dr. Nina Shapiro, author of “Hype: A Doctor’s Guide to Medical Myths, Exaggerated Claims and Bad Advice.” That puts a lot of contagious people in close quarters, which perpetuates these illnesses, she said.

Myths and misinformation add to travelers’ woes. Follow Shapiro’s advice for a healthier trip.

Myth 1:

A flu shot will give you the flu. You hear lots of stories of folks who came down with the flu the week they got their flu shot, but the shot didn’t cause the illness. “The shot takes about two weeks to have effect, so during that two-week period after the flu shot people can get the flu because they were exposed to the flu, not because they got the flu shot,” Shapiro said. Getting your flu shot is one of the best ways to keep from getting sick during flu season.

Myth 2:

Cold weather will give you a cold. “Cold temperature does not cause a cold. A virus causes a cold,” Shapiro said. So worry less about what the weather is doing and more about commonsense preventive measures like hand-washing and staying away from people who are sick.

Myth 3:

Megadose on vitamin C to stay healthy. “There is no supplement or tea or pill that will  prevent colds,” Shapiro said. Those massive doses of vitamin C just wash through your

body without doing anything for your immune system. What will? A good night’s rest. “People really underestimate the importance of regular, good-quality sleep,” Shapiro said.

“Because if you are sleep deprived you are a little more susceptible to getting illnesses.”

Myth 4:

Antibiotics will help. “Antibiotics are one of the most overused medications in this country,” Shapiro said. Most respiratory illnesses are viruses, and antibiotics won’t touch those at all.

The best thing you can do if you have a cold or the flu is stay home and rest. If you must travel, Shapiro recommends bringing everyone their own bottle of nasal saline to help clear inflammation, packing plenty of tissues and baby wipes to keep hands, faces and surfaces clean, and trying an over-the counter decongestant to help with takeoff and landing.

How do you travel when you’re sick? Leave some tips in the comments!

For more articles healthy travel, visit AAA.com/LiveWell.

Ah, Thanksgiving. Time to gather with family and friends, give thanks for what we have … and stuff our faces with all the traditional favorites: turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, veggies and oodles of desserts.

Why not spice up your Turkey Day table this year with a new twist on a favorite classic? Who knows – you may just start a new tradition.

Corn

No matter what form it takes – cornbread, creamed corn or just plain corn on the cob – there’s no escaping corn on Thanksgiving. How about putting it in a soup this year? Chef Chris Coombs of AAA Four Diamond Rated Deuxave, in Boston, shared his recipe for cream of corn soup. He makes his own stock by letting corncobs steep in a large saucepan for 45 minutes. Add this, along with cream, to cooked corn and onions, then puree and pass through a fine mesh sieve for a silky, smooth soup.

Green Bean Casserole

Don’t spiff up green bean casserole by adding bacon or french-fried onions; use a different vegetable instead: kohlrabi. Chef Rhys Lewis from the AAA Four Diamond Rated Woodstock Inn and Resort in Woodstock, Vt., uses kohlrabi – a cousin of cabbage, broccoli and Brussels sprouts – in a casserole- like kohlrabi pave. Lay a thin layer of shaved kohlrabi in a baking dish. Top with a layer of Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped basil. Next layer on thin sliced potatoes and repeat layers until all ingredients are used. Next, pour cream over the pave and bake until golden brown and tender.

Grandma’s Pecan Pie

Give Grandma a break from baking this year and serve these kicked-up pecans just right for nibbling. The spiced pecans made by executive chef Peter Davis at Henrietta’s Table, the restaurant at the AAA Four Diamond Rated Charles Hotel in Cambridge, Mass., are spicy and satisfying. Toast pecans, then toss with melted butter and maple syrup. Then, dust them in cumin, cayenne pepper, chili powder, cardamom, paprika and cinnamon.

Do you serve up traditional fare or spice up old recipes at your Thanksgiving table? Share in the comments.

For more recipes from AAA diamond-rated chefs, visit AAA.com/FoodForAll.

Even in the most chaotic cities, gardens big and small are a balm for the soul, enwrapping us in tranquility. Beyond giving us a botanical education, gardens also reveal the artistry of different landscaping styles and offer insights into a destination’s culture, history and geology.

1. Gulbenkian Gardens, Lisbon, Portugal

Paths weaving through dark woodland and thick brush suddenly open to a sun-filled meadow in these gardens around the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, a major cultural and art institution. Streams crisscross the leafy landscape where visitors often lounge beside a lake, attend a con-cert at the al fresco amphitheater or bring binoculars for birdwatching.

2. Gardens of Suan Pakkad Palace, Bangkok, Thailand

Set in the unlikeliest location, beside a car-choked highway, a verdant oasis surrounds the elegant teak Thai houses comprising this former palace cum art museum. Behind tall walls, orange jasmine, heliconia, golden shower trees and other botanicals grow in this expanse where small tributaries flow from a broad pond.

3. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town, South Africa

Sprawling along the slopes of Table Mountain, this tiered garden is renowned for its extensive variety of native flora, including endangered species. The stepped terrain holds a Braille trail and numerous individual gardens, some devoted to ancient cycads, and medicinal and fragrant plants.

4. Japanese Gardens, Buenos Aires, Argentina

In this harmonious garden of cherry, ginkgo and other Japan-sourced trees as well as native flora, vibrant crimson footbridges span streams and a koi-stocked lake. Vines drape a pergola near a tumbling waterfall, an ornate tea house offers private ceremonies and a zigzag-shaped bridge provides different views from each angle along its length.

5. Seoullo 7017 Skygarden, Seoul, South Korea

Soaring high above Seoul’s main railroad station, an abandoned highway overpass has been transformed into a half-mile, green promenade. More than 20,000 flowers, shrubs and trees from all over South Korea are sprinkled along this elevated corridor that’s also peppered with entertainment options, including children’s trampolines and a shallow, tiled, foot-soaking pool.

6. Gardens of the Rodin Museum, Paris, France

This 7-acre garden has two tiny themed walks beside a central lawn: the Garden of Springs with winding paths, miniature pools and trickling springs and the Garden of Orpheus with blooms amid rockeries. The Thinker and other Rodin sculptures dot the landscape where some 2,000 rose bushes thrive.

7. Reykjavik Botanic Garden, Reykjavik, Iceland

In a country noted for its austere landscape, the 60-foot-high Sitka spruce trees clustered in this garden are a treat. Visitors who stroll the network of paths winding through shady wood-land and sunny stretches can explore myriad botanical collections of native flora and specimens from as far away as the Himalayas.

8. Gardens of the Golden Rock Inn, Nevis, Caribbean

Renowned designer Raymond Jungles transformed the grounds of this former sugar plantation into a wild garden lush with African tulips, lipstick palms, bougainvillea and other blooms. Splashes of reds, oranges, and purples stand out against a blanket of green pierced by volcanic boulders.

9. El Capricho Park, Madrid, Spain

Despite its distance from downtown Madrid, horticulture enthusiasts flock to this expansive park that was commissioned in the 18th century as a garden playground for aristocrats. Its romantic vibe is evoked by ornamental finds, like a French-style parterre of boxwood hedges, laurel trees arranged in a hide-and-seek labyrinth, elaborate fountains and a striking palace.

10. River Gallery Sculpture Garden, Chattanooga, Tennessee

Overlooking the Tennessee River, this petite garden is speckled with sculptural works by Frank Stella and other notables, with a formal garden giving way to more naturalistic landscaping. On this 2-acre site, a ribbon of a path parallels a slim stream that ends at a tiny cascade where, surprisingly, a bronze of several fish hides.

Let’s be honest. College is just plain expensive.

A bachelor’s degree can cost anywhere from $37,000 to over $130,000, according to the College Board. In 2017, members of Generation X had outstanding student loans averaging $40,000, according to Experian’s State of Student Debt report. Compare that to baby boomers, who owed an average of $36,200, and millennials, who owed about $33,600.

Donald Kerr, senior manager of student lending for AAA Northeast, recommends researching financing options for specific schools.

“It’s good to know what resources are available ahead of time,” he said. “Researching your options ahead of time will save headaches and heartache down the road.”

Exploring alternatives to a bachelor’s degree may save you some money. Here are some options.

Community College

Students attending public two-year colleges pay $3,440 per year on average in tuition and fees as opposed to the whopping $32,410 that students at private four-year colleges pay, according to the College Board.

There are community colleges within commuting distance of 90 percent of the U.S. population, according to The Princeton Review, saving students money on campus housing fees.

Still have your sights set on a four-year degree? Credits earned at a community college are transferrable to most four-year colleges. Research the institution you’re interested in transferring to for its transfer credit policy.

Distance Learning

One of the biggest attractions of distance learning is flexibility. Taking online courses gives you the freedom to work around busy schedules and complete your coursework whenever you choose, based on your professor’s instructions.

And you can get your work done wherever you feel most comfortable. So, if you want to listen to a lecture in your local coffee shop, cappuccino in hand, nothing’s stopping you.

Technical Training

Technical colleges offer shortened educations focused on a specific skill set in careers in fields like plumbing, carpentry, hospitality, health care, information technology, cosmetology and the culinary arts. They’re affordable, too. Attending trade school costs $33,000 on average, much less than the estimated cost of a bachelor’s degree, according to Career School Now, a career school network.

A report by JPMorgan Chase & Co. showed that 4 million skilled-services jobs that don’t require bachelor’s degrees were added in 34 states. The emphasis on pursuing a bachelor’s degree has opened the job market for such workers, almost guaranteeing a job in your chosen field of study.

Do you have money-saving tips and advice for pursuing a college degree? Share in the comments!

AAA can help pay for college. Visit AAA.com/StudentLending.

“Manhattan? Fuhgettaboudit!” That’s the slogan of A Slice of Brooklyn pizza tours, which set out to prove to tourists and local day-trippers alike that Brooklyn is the superior borough. As the creators of the original pizza bus tour, they win over visitors the best way that any true Brooklynite knows how – with a slice of their favorite neighborhood pie.

Though born and raised on Long Island, I know Brooklyn pizza well. As the daughter of a Brooklynite, my dad made sure that I knew what good pizza was. I lost count of the L&B Spumoni Gardens squares I’ve consumed a long time ago.

Curious to learn the backstory behind some of the most famous and long-standing pizzerias in Brooklyn, I reached out to the owner of A Slice of Brooklyn Bus Tours, Tony Muia, who invited me to go on one of his top-rated pizza tours.

Read about my adventure then grab your seat on the bus. AAA members receive a 15% on all tours booked online.

A Slice of Brooklyn Pizza Tour

“How you doin’?” Our guide Paula greeted us in an unmistakable drawl, holding a little longer on the “doin’.” She – like all Slice of Brooklyn pizza tour guides – is from Brooklyn, giving an immediate sense of authenticity to the tour.

The bus picked up the group at a convenient meeting spot in the Union Square section of Manhattan and by exactly 11 a.m. we were on our way. Surprisingly, there were not too many out-of-towners on the day I went. The most distant travelers were a couple from Germany, but mostly it was groups of friends and families from around the area looking for a fun way to spend a Sunday.

As we headed across the Williamsburg Bridge to our destination past pristine views of the Brooklyn Bridge and downtown Manhattan, Paula (who is Tony’s cousin), delivered facts and commentary with signature Brooklyn banter, throwing in some local gossip, humor and a few lighthearted zingers about Staten Island. When we reached the other side, Frank Sinatra began to croon “The Brooklyn Bridge” over the speakers – we had arrived!

The standard Slice of Brooklyn Pizza Tour covers Brooklyn from one end to the other. Featuring the two distinctive styles of NYC pizza, the 4¼ hour tour starts at Grimaldi’s under the Brooklyn Bridge for their round Neapolitan-style pie and heads east to the opposite end of the borough for the Sicilian at L&B. Each person gets a soft drink and at least two slices at each stop.  It’s Pizza 101 for those who might have previously believed that Domino’s is what real Brooklyn pizza tastes like.

“Folks are always blown away by the quality of the pizzas, the authenticity of each style, and often go home spoiled and never able to go back to their hometown pizzas again,” Tony said.

Not only are these two of the most iconic pizzerias in town (and many would argue, two of the best), they’re large enough to accommodate the tour groups. Best of all, you walk right past the lines!

On the way from one pizzeria to the other, guests were treated to a neighborhood sightseeing tour, which included a stop at Brooklyn Bridge Park for some of the best views of the bridge and Manhattan, a look at the million-dollar homes on Shore Road in Bay Ridge and a ride past famous landmarks and movie locations. It concluded at the Coney Island Boardwalk, where everyone was free to do what they wanted. Some shopped, while others rode the Cyclone for the first time.

To enhance the experience, an audio-visual program accompanied the sights with music and movie clips. So if you only know Brooklyn from the movies, they make it real by matching up famous film scenes with their locations. Picture yourself in the introduction of “Saturday Night Fever” while following John Travolta’s steps down 86th Street to the tune of the Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive.” How Brooklyn is that?

The Pizza

At Grimaldi’s in the DUMBO neighborhood, we walked past the always-long line (and a few stink eyes) right to our tables. To enjoy the pizza in its purest form, we were served the Neapolitan pie made simply with ground San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and fresh basil. But the real star – and the reason why people wait for hours – is the coal.

Grimaldi’s is one of the few remaining pizzerias in New York City with an authentic coal-fired brick oven, which allows the oven to come up to an optimal pizza-making temperature of 900 degrees and provides a lightly charred, crispy crust with hard-to-find genuine fiery flavor. It’s a taste of traditional New York-style pizza as it was originally made.

Next up was L&B Spumoni Gardens. “It’s almost like angels should sing when I say it,” Paula joked. L&B is known for its Sicilian upside-down pie, made with the mozzarella cheese on the bottom, sauce on top, and a finishing sprinkle of pecorino Romano cheese over the sauce.  This method is often imitated but never duplicated! One signature of the L&B slice is the crust, which unlike other Sicilian slices is light and airy (cooks let the dough rise two times).

L&B is the legacy of Ludovico Barbati, who used to sell homemade Italian ices and spumoni on a horse-drawn wagon through the streets of the Bensonhurst neighborhood where the pizzeria is located today. Barbati, who learned how to make pizza in a garage from a baker on West 8th Street, gradually expanded the business over the years to meet growing demand. Evident by the lines, double-parked cars – and now buses – out front, that demand grows more every year.  As it says on the sign out front, it’s been family-owned for over 70 years, and the recipes for the pizza and spumoni ice cream remain the same.

Tour History

With dark slicked back hair and a tattoo of the Verrazano Bridge on his arm, Tony is the face of the company and exactly who you might picture as an ambassador for Brooklyn. He is a slice of Brooklyn himself.

Physically and emotionally drained after 20 years of working in the health care industry as a respiratory therapist, he was encouraged by those closest to him to pursue his business idea of doing what he does best: talking about his neighborhood for a living.

“I always boasted to friends about Brooklyn pizza and loved showing people around my hometown, which was essentially the pizza tour, but with my car and without an audio-visual program,” Tony said. “I started to think to myself, ‘Maybe this could work if we had a bus?’ While tourism to NYC had increased dramatically under Mayor Rudy Giuliani during his time in office, there really wasn’t much of it coming to Brooklyn. I figured it was worth a try and folks really took to it right away.”

A Slice of Brooklyn Bus Tours has now been in business for over 10 years.

Other Pizzerias

Although public tours only stop at two pizzerias, Tony includes more on smaller private tours, including other classic Brooklyn pizza institutions such as Totonno’s, Di Fara, J&V and more. As a fan of what he calls “walk-up-to-the-window slice joints” other pizzerias he recommends include DaVinci in Bensonhurst, Pizza Wagon in Bay Ridge and Smiling Pizza in Park Slope.

Each pizzeria has something different to offer, and depending on whom you ask, any one of them is “the best” –in New York or anywhere.  Most people’s loyalties rest on their childhood neighborhoods.

So what’s the secret to Brooklyn’s history of longstanding pizza joints? For one, families use recipes that have been passed on for generations from their Italian immigrant ancestors who settled in Brooklyn. And like any good eatery, they maintain quality and consistency, Tony said. “You want to know that every time you go to a place like L&B Spumoni Gardens, or any of the classic Brooklyn pizzerias, that the pizza is going to be just as amazing as the last time you went…even if you haven’t been back in years.”

In addition to pizza tours, A Slice of Brooklyn also offers neighborhood tours and Christmas light tours of the over-the-top displays in Dyker Heights. Plus, more are currently in the works! Don’t forget to book online to save with your AAA discount.

What’s your favorite Brooklyn pizza? Tell us in the comments below!

Save on more local tours and attractions with AAA discounts. 

Once upon a time, carousels were the most popular amusement park rides and attractions around the country. Here are some of the top historic and antique carousels in and around Boston and New York that are still in operation today. Bring your family and enjoy some old-fashioned fun.

George F. Johnson Recreation Park Carousel
Binghamton, N.Y.

The Recreation Park Carousel dates back to 1925; it is one of six in the Binghamton region – known as the “carousel circuit” – donated by George F. Johnson, president of the successful Endicott-Johnson shoe manufacturer. The community benefactor believed that carousels helped to foster happiness and insisted that every ride on each of his carousels be free of charge, a practice that is maintained. As this particular carousel and park inspired an episode of the Twilight Zone entitled “Walking Distance,” Rod Serling is honored with a bronze plaque at the site, along with paintings of famous scenes from the show. The carousel and cupola have been restored, but the ride has its original organ and bells.

Central Park Carousel
New York, N.Y.

Four different carousels have been known as the Central Park Carousel since 1871. The current was installed in 1951 and is one of the largest in the United States. It was built in 1908 and was originally located in the Coney Island Trolley Terminal until the late 1940s. Many may remember the carousel’s symbolic role in J.D. Salinger’s classic coming-of-age novel “Catcher in the Rye.”

Nunley’s Carousel
Garden City, N.Y.

Built in 1912 and operated at Golden City Park in Brooklyn for 26 years, this carousel was relocated to Nunley’s Amusement Park in Baldwin, N.Y., in 1940 where it lived until the park closed in 1995. After years in storage, the beloved merry-go-round was restored through various fundraising efforts and in 2009 opened again next to the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City. It plays an organ version of Billy Joel’s piano composition “Waltz No. 1 (Nunley’s Carousel),” which was inspired by the singer’s childhood memories of the carousel.

Herschell Carousel Factory Museum
North Tonawanda, N.Y.

The Allan Herschel Company was founded in 1872 and has built many famous carousels throughout the nation. The company moved to this location in North Tonawanda in 1915 and operated there until the 1970s. Today, the factory building is home to a museum featuring two operating antique carousels – a 1916 merry-go-round that was one of the company’s first and a small 1940s children’s carousel. There is also an exhibit devoted to Wurlitzer Music Rolls, which provided the music for many carousels.

Bushnell Park Carousel
Hartford, Conn.

Surrounded by the city of Hartford, smiling faces can be seen making their rounds on this vintage 1914 carousel featuring 48 hand-carved horses and a Wurlitzer band organ. The carousel is opened, operated and continuously restored by the New England Carousel Museum in Bristol, which is also worth a visit. The museum houses the largest collection of carousel pieces in the country.

Crescent Park Looff Carousel
Riverside, R.I.

Charles Looff was one of the earliest and most notable carousel designers. This carousel was his showcase, originally built for prospective buyers, and it is his most elaborate. Looff was known for glittery embellishments such as mirrors, decorated animals, jewels and real horsehair tails, and you’ll see all of them on display here. Said to have built around 40 in his career, this is one of about 10 of Looff’s carousels that are still in operation today.

Flying Horses Carousel
Oak Bluffs, Mass.

They don’t make amusement park rides like this anymore. Constructed in 1876, the Flying Horses Carousel on Martha’s Vineyard is the oldest operating platform carousel and one of the only surviving flying horse carousels in America – the other is the Watch Hill Flying Horse Carousel in Westerly, R.I. (also in operation), which is said to have been constructed around the same time. These types of carousels are referred to as “flying” because the horses, carved from real wood and with real horsehair manes and tales, are suspended from chains and appear to soar when they start spinning.

Salem Willows
Salem, Mass.

For antique charm and a huge selection of animals and unique creatures to choose from, you don’t want to miss this carousel. The merry-go-round originally opened at Salem Willows Park in 1866 and includes a hand-carved menagerie of animals such as camels, sea monsters, lions, buffalo and dogs, in addition to over 50 horses. Be sure to take a spin while visiting the city’s nearby waterfront park or arcade.

Paragon Carousel 
Hull, Mass.

The Paragon Carousel is all that remains from the much-loved Paragon Park amusement park that operated on Nantasket Beach and closed in 1985. Today its 66 carved horses and booming Wurlitzer Band Organ continue to bring joy to all who visit. Like so many carousels and restored amusement park rides, it is a piece of the past that will live on into the future thanks to its community.

What’s your favorite carousel or carousel memory? Tell us in the comments.

Plan your own trip across the Northeast with AAA. 

Uncover the history and beauty of Spain as you explore three of the country’s most vibrant cities one of the best Europe packages like this one. A Europe trip package like this will send you on a thrilling journey through the historic cities of Barcelona, Madrid and Seville. Take in the sights of the sunny and charming seaside city of Barcelona on a hop on/hop off bus tour.

You will want to visit the La Sagrada Familia Church, one of Barcelona’s most famous sites and one of the world’s most unique churches. Get to know Madrid on a guided city tour and see Madrid’s highlights including its many elegant squares, the Royal Palace and the Cathedral of Almudena. Discover the art of flamenco during a performance! Seville awaits, take in the stunning beauty of the city, best known for its architecture and culture. See the sights with a hop on/hop off pass. Travel in first class in a high-speed train between cities and explore with the assistance of your city ambassador.

Best Europe Packages: Spain

Day 1 – Arrive in Barcelona

¡Bienvenidos! Welcome to Spain! You will be greeted upon arrival at Barcelona’s El Prat Airport and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the Old City. Here you will meet your local city ambassador whose experience will guide you in planning your personalized Europe tour packages to ensure that your visit to this historic city is memorable. Your city ambassador will help craft a sightseeing itinerary just for you. At night, you can become acquainted with the city as you have a complimentary dinner at a favorite local restaurant.

Day 2 – Barcelona

The city awaits! We’ve included a hop on / hop off tour to assist with your discovery of all that the grand city of Barcelona has to offer. You’ll want to explore both the East and West routes – don’t miss La Sagrada Familia. You’ll also want to explore La Boqueria, the largest and oldest open-air market in the city. Wander down Las Ramblas Boulevard or simply stop at a local café to enjoy the afternoon.

Day 3 – Travel to Madrid

Board your high-speed train to Madrid with first class tickets. After transferring to your hotel you will meet your local city ambassador to design your personalized touring plan for your visit to Madrid. The rest of the day is yours to explore and tour the city at your leisure.

Day 4 – Madrid

Explore the historic sights of Madrid today during a locally guided city highlights tour. Discover historic landmarks including the Puerta del Sol and Palacio Real, elegant squares such as Plaza de Oriente and Plaza Espana, as well as the exciting Retiro’s Parkland Las Vantas Bullring. The remainder of the day is yours to explore. This evening, experience one of Spain’s great arts – the flamenco. For an especially engaging experience, dine at the famous Café de Chinitas while you take in the spectacular flamenco performance.

Day 5 – Madrid

Day five is yours to see Madrid at your own pace. You may opt to visit the famed Museum Triangle, home to three world-famous museums; Museo del Prado, Reina Sofia National Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum of Art. You may choose to wander through the stunning Retiro Park or simply enjoy lunch at a charming local café of your choosing.

Day 6 – Madrid to Seville

Board the high-speed train this morning to Seville, the heart of Spain’s Andalusia region. Known for its spectacular architecture and culture, Seville’s beauty is sure to captivate. Meet your local city ambassador upon arrival at your city center hotel to plan out your time in Seville.

Day 7 – Seville

Today, explore the sights of Seville on an open top hop on / hop off tour. You may hop on and off as you wish while you discover the city at your own pace. Enjoy included admission to several Seville museums and attractions as well as your choice of four free walking tours. You won’t want to miss the Seville Cathedral, the Royal Alcazar and the Giralda Bell Tower. You may also want to wander along the charming Guadalquivir River.

Day 8 – ¡Adios!

At one point or another, you will have to say “adios” to these beautiful cities of Spain. On day eight, you will return to Madrid via high-speed train for your return flight home.

Have any happy memories of your last visit to Spain? Share them in the comments below.

Learn more about this exciting trip. 

Get in touch with a AAA travel counselor to learn about AAA Vacations and start planning your next getaway today. As a AAA member, you’ll save even more. Not a member? Join now!

If you’re heading to Chicago and want to be in the middle of everything, book a stay at the AAA Four Diamond Rated Hilton Chicago. This classic Windy City hotel is ideally situated on Michigan Avenue and takes up an entire city block between Seventh and Eighth streets, plus, it’s across the street from Grant Park and Lake Michigan. I was fascinated to learn more about this historic Beaux-Arts property, which recently unveiled a $150 million renovation. Here’s an overview of my experience and what you can expect while at the Hilton Chicago.

History of the Hilton Chicago

The structure opened in 1927 as the Stevens Hotel with 3,000 rooms. It was one of the largest and most opulent hotels in the world, with a grand two-story entrance hall with twin staircases, marble columns and fresco-style gilded ceilings. It also had a bowling alley and an ice skating rink! When the Depression hit, the hotel fell on hard times and during WWII it was used as military barracks. Eventually, it was bought by Conrad Hilton who brought it back to its former prominence. Today, the lobby is still grand, with its famous clock tower where people make plans to meet (I loved the people-watching in this elegant, bustling space).

The Hilton Chicago has hosted numerous U.S. presidents (it was known as the Midwest White House) as well as Charles Lindbergh, Queen Elizabeth II, Michael Jordan and JFK, Jr. President Obama gave his victory speech just across the street in Grant Park in 2008 and held numerous press conferences here throughout his campaign. In the lobby is a wall of old black-and-white photos and a timeline of important events in the hotel’s history, as well as artifacts from yesteryear including old menus from the gourmet dining room as well as a photo of the Stevens family. Fun fact: John Paul Stevens, a son of the original owner went on to become a Supreme Court Justice. There is also a display of the many movies that were filmed in the hotel including The Fugitive, My Best Friend’s Wedding, Road to Perdition and more recently, TV shows like Chicago P.D. and Empire.

Rooms & Suites 

The Hilton Chicago has a total of 1,544 rooms and suites. I was on the 24^th floor and had incredible views out over Lake Michigan and sprawling Grant Park. It was nicely decorated with modern artwork, glass lamps, leather chairs and wooden furnishings. Rooms feature all the high-tech gadgets you’d expect and also come with large flatscreens. My room was on the Executive Level, which has a central communal area with comfy seating and a small kitchen-type area where continental breakfast and evening hors d’oeuvres are laid out each day. These floors are ideal for business people on the go but quite handy even for leisure travelers.

One of the top suites is the Conrad Hilton Suite (above), which is spread out over two levels with a master bedroom and a marble bathroom with a large whirlpool tub. It also has a large dining room as well as a billiards room and bar. When the room is not booked, private events can take place here, which might include cocktail parties, intimate dinners or even a small wedding. I was fortunate to experience a tasting menu beautifully prepared by executive chef Mario Garcia (who started in the kitchen in 1996 and worked his way up to become the top toque in 2010) in the suite that included prawns with ramps and Peruvian peppers, and lamb with sunchokes, wild rice and quinoa. And we topped that off with a plate of Wisconsin cheeses and honey from the Hilton Chicago’s rooftop hives.

Dining at the Hilton Chicago

In the lobby of the Hilton Chicago is the 720 South Bar & Grill, which is open all day long. The breakfast buffet has just about everything you would want from made-to-order omelets and Belgian waffles, pancakes and pastries along with healthy items like fruit and yogurt. After a day of sightseeing or pre-dinner, you can have a drink in the stylish bar area (above) that overlooks Michigan Avenue. The bar is known for its craft cocktails with names like Mango Fire and Glass Slipper and its small plates menu includes flatbreads, charcuterie and wings. The bar does a brisk after-work business and stays busy well into the evening.

Another place to dine is Kitty O’Shea’s, a classic Irish bar that recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. I was there for the anniversary party and to see the bagpipers performing was quite something! But no matter when you are there, the homey atmosphere and decor – rich woodwork, tiled floors and brass fittings – make it a fun, casual spot (and there’s often live music). Some of the beers on tap include Guinness, Smithwick’s, Harp and Kitty O’Shea’s Red Ale, made specially for the bar. There’s also a wine and whiskey selection and the menu features classics like burgers, fish ‘n chips, shepherd’s pie and corned beef and cabbage.

If you need a quick bite, either a salad or sandwich or even a deep dish pizza or a cup of Starbucks’s coffee you can stop in at Herb N’ Kitchen, which is just off the main lobby — and, of course, there’s always room service.

Event Spaces

With a hotel of this magnitude, there are plenty of events going on throughout the day and night, perhaps a wedding, convention or business function. In all, there is 234,000 square feet of meeting space at the Hilton Chicago, which includes numerous state-of-the-art meetings rooms, the International Ballroom and the jewel in the crown of the hotel, the Grand Ballroom. Seeped in history, this spectauclar space boasts 10 gorgeous crystal chandeliers and gilded ceiling accents. The room can accommodate up to 1,000 people and it’s quite the coup to have an event here, especially a wedding.

Nearby Attractions

A ten minute walk from the Hilton Chicago brings you to the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the world’s great museums. There are so many famous works here, it truly is mind-boggling. In addition to Marc Chagall’s America Windows (above), three blue-hued stained glass windows created by the artist in 1977, there are several American classics in its collection including American Gothic by Grant Wood and Nighthawks by Edward Hopper as well as several works from Georgia O’Keeffe. In Millennium Park, you can catch an outdoor concert on the Great Lawn and snap a photo of the famous Cloud Gate sculpture, dubbed the Bean. The Navy Pier, is a great spot to grab a bite to eat and take a spin on the Centennial Wheel, a giant Ferris wheel. You can also catch an architecture boat tour from here that goes along the Chicago River, passing the city’s famous skyscrapers. And be sure to do some shopping along Michigan Avenue, a.k.a., Magnificent Mile.

Haven’t been to a Cubs game yet? After Boston’s Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, on Chicago’s North Side, is the oldest baseball stadium, built in 1914. I have never been to the stadium so I was excited to be able to catch a game while in town. The weather was perfect for the afternoon game and with a sausage sandwich and a beer in hand, I took it all in: the ivy on the wall, the bleachers on the neighboring buildings and just the fantastic baseball atmosphere in general. To cap it all off, the Cubs won so I got to hear the victory song, “Go, Cubs, Go.”

Later that evening, I caught some live music at Buddy Guy’s Legends and I didn’t even have to venture too far — the venue is just across the street from the hotel. Owned by blues legend Buddy Guy, who was born in Louisiana but made his name in Chicago, the place was packed (Israeli-born guitarist Guy King was the headliner). I got lucky because Mr. Guy made a brief appearance on the stage with Mr. King that night, something I’m told is increasingly rare. After such an action-packed day and night, I was ready to call it a night and was very happy to be heading back to the comfort of the Hilton Chicago.

What are your favorite things about Chicago? Let us know in the comments below!

Plan and book your next getaway with AAA.

Is the park open year-round?

 Yes, Zion National Park is open all year. The most popular time to visit is from April to October.

Where is the park located?

 Zion National Park is in Springdale, Utah, on State Route 9.

How do I get around in the park?

 Highway 9, which traverses the park from east to west, is open to private vehicles year-round. The park offers a free shuttle service for access to the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, located off of Highway 9, from April through October, when private vehicles are banned. Bicycles are permitted on this road from April to October, but bicyclist must yield to shuttle buses.

How big is the park?

 The park is 229 square miles.

What activities are available?

 Some of the popular activities for a Zion National Park vacation include:

• Backpacking and hiking: The park contains ninety miles of trails winding through 124,400 acres of designated wilderness. Whether visitors are seeking a short walk, a day hike, or a multi-day trek to take advantages of the thirty-seven designated backpacking sites, Zion National Park offers a wide variety of backpacking and hiking experiences. Wilderness permits are required for overnight hikes.

• Birding: Up to 291 species of birds call this park home. Some of the most well-known species include the peregrine falcon, the Mexican spotted owl, and the California condor. The visitor center offers a bird checklist for the park.

• Rock climbing: Zion National Park contains world-renowned, 2,000-foot sandstone cliffs that are a popular destination for experienced climbers. Early- and late-season climbing is recommended to avoid the high temperatures of the summertime. A permit is required only for overnight bivouacs, not for day climbs.

• Other activities: Guided horseback tours are also available as part of the Zion National Park vacation package. Boating is permitted on the Virgin River when the water flow allows; permits are required. Bicycling is allowed on the Pa’rus Trail and Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. The free shuttle buses are equipped with bicycle racks.

Are pets allowed?

Pets are permitted only in limited areas of Zion National Park. They are not allowed in any wilderness areas or on trails, except for the paved Pa’rus Trail, which is accessed from the visitor center or Canyon Junction.

Are the trails accessible?

The Pa’rus Trail and the Riverside Walk are wheelchair-accessible.

What accommodations are available?

The Zion Lodge, three miles north of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, offers rooms and cabins year-round. Camping is permitted in designated camping sites only, not in parking lots or pull-offs. Zion National Park has three campgrounds: the Watchman and South campgrounds are near the south entrance, and Lava Point is about one hour from Zion Canyon, on the Kolob Terrace Road. In addition, several private campgrounds can be found just outside the park.

Are there restaurants in the park?

The Red Rock Grill Dining Room at the Zion Lodge is open year-round, and the Castle Dome Café, also at the lodge, is open seasonally. Other dining options are available outside the park.

What are the most popular areas of the park?

• Zion Canyon Scenic Drive: This seven-mile drive along the canyon floor showcases the park’s magnificent scenery. Guests can enjoy it from the free shuttle bus, while bicycling or hiking, or from their own car from November to March.

• The Narrows: This twenty- to thirty-foot-wide river gorge surrounded by 1,000-foot walls is the narrowest point of Zion Canyon and a popular destination in the park. Visitors can include the Narrows as part of a day hike or can view it from an accessible, paved path, the Riverside Walk, which follows the Virgin River. Short hikes in this area do not require a permit, but longer, multiday hikes do. Check with the park before setting out. Hiking the Narrows requires walking in the river, which can be dangerous in winter and early spring when the water is cold and the flow high. Summer is the most popular time, but that is also when flash flooding can occur during storms. Always check the weather forecast before setting out on a hike.

• Kolob Canyon: This section of the park, about forty miles north of Zion Canyon, is quieter than other parts of the park. With its soaring red sandstone cliffs, pristine streams carving their way through the canyon, and waterfalls providing a cooling mist, the Kolob Canyon provides visitors a place to relax and take in the wilderness. Numerous hiking trails lead through the canyons.

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

Plan a national park vacation with AAA. 

For me, freedom comes in the form of a folding bike that fits in the trunk of my hatchback.

Oh, and did I mention that the tires NEVER go flat?

Now that is freer than free!

I know, a folding bike with puncture-proof tires sounds like a parlor trick, but it’s true. Thanks to advances in technology and science, you can keep a small-footprint bike, with never-flat tires in the trunk of your car and experience the great outdoors like never before.

I’ve trotted around the Citizen Seoul in my trunk for the better part of six months. I love the fact that if New York traffic gets unbearable, I can put the car in park and just cycle away. Of course, I would never do that, but simply knowing it’s an option puts me at ease in gridlock.

Needless to say, the folding wheels have helped me create a few extra adventures.

First, you should know that folding bikes are not new. In fact, the first documented instances date back to the 1890s. The French army, along with other military outfits, deployed folding bikes for infantry use. Despite their history, people are clearly unaccustomed to seeing collapsible bikes in the wild.  If your riding experience is anything like mine, people will take notice. Something about the style of the bike draws attention … and questions! These convenient contraptions are a magnet for conversation. Be prepared to get grilled by cycling purists and novice riders alike.

If you are considering purchasing a folding bike or adding one to your two-wheeled fleet, let me answer some of the more common questions I’ve been asked. When riding, be sure to follow normal bike safety protocol.

Is the folding bike light?

Not really. Folding bikes generally weight around 30 pounds. The Seoul I am riding weighs 26 pounds, thanks in part to the lightweight Muffin tires. Lifting the bike in and out of the trunk or a backseat is relatively easy for people of all strength levels. However, I imagine it would be difficult to carry the bike in its folded state for any distance.

Is the folding bike fun to ride?

Kinda. It’s not as easy to propel as a full-scale bike, but convenience comes at a trade-off. You will find yourself having to pedal harder – while you are moving slower – then you would have to with standard 26-inch tires. The model I have been using has 20-inch tires. You will find that most folding bikes offer up tires between 16 to 24 inches.

Does the bike fold easily?

Yes. Lower the seat post, unhinge the handlebars, collapse the pedals and fold. It’s a very simple process that requires no tools. Once you do it two or three times, folding is a cinch.

Cool tires. What kind are they?

The Citizen Seoul I’m riding is equipped with Muffin airless tires. These tires are beasts: they are puncture proof, flat-proof and lighter than standard tires. There is a bit of trade-off when it comes to ride quality, but it pales in comparison to the benefit of never having to deal with a patch, a pump or AAA bicycle service!

If the tires don’t go flat, why don’t they use tires like that on all bikes or even on cars?

Apparently, the secret is the compounded macromolecule elastic material and natural, stable gas. This just got way too scientific for me. I checked in with John Paul, AAA’s Car Doctor, who knows a lot more about tires than I do.

“I suspect the type used with Muffin tire, if scaled to a car tire, would get hot and fail,” he said. “The first tires on bikes were solid rubber, but that didn’t translate well to motor vehicles. At one time all tires had tubes and then tubeless tires replaced those. Perhaps one day when the technology is further developed motorists will be driving around on tires that never need air.”

My time with a folding bike

After several dozen rides, the Citizen Seoul has performed like a champ, requiring little maintenance (in part, thanks to those puncture-proof ties) aside from chain grease and some brake caliber shifting.

A folding bike like the Seoul will not fit everyone’s needs. If you are like me, and simply looking to add a little extra exploration and exercise into your everyday life, keeping two wheels in the back of your car feels like freedom.

Grip shifters have that familiar feel and make gear adjustments on the fly seamless. The seven speeds are sure to help reduce effort on inclines. However, the gears do not negate the extra pedaling power you will have to provide to compensate for the smaller 20-inch wheels.

The Citizen Seoul is equipped with fenders over the tires to keep dirt and mud from kicking up on your pants. A flat cargo holder allows you to transport books or other items. These two items were super helpful when using the bike during commutes and errands.

The standard brake pads work without a hitch. I own a regular-size commuter bike fitted with disc brakes. While they help you brake faster in wet conditions, they add weight and expense to the bike. Plus, how often will you find yourself riding in the rain? In my opinion, disc brakes are not essential.

For my needs, where I like to explore several miles here and several miles there, or get in a little fresh-air-inspired cardio during lunch, having a foldable bike has hit the spot.

If you are trying to determine if a folding bike is for you, start by thinking about WHY you would need to fold it. To get on a bus? To tuck underneath your desk at work? To toss in the backseat so you don’t have to hassle with a bike rack? If you’re gonna spend your hard-earned money, be sure the purchase of a folding bike is practical and necessary. The length of the Seoul I’m riding is approximately 33 inches when folded.

Personally, I love having a folding bike as an option but I will still retain my full-size commuter bike. I’m sure as the industry evolves the bikes will get lighter, fold faster and may, perhaps, one day outsell their larger counterparts. For now, a folding bike delivers extra exploration, lots of questions and a whole lotta freedom.

Feel free to leave your folding bike questions and/or experiences in the comments section below.

May 17 started out like any other day in Mike Benson’s life. The owner of Powder Mill Towing & Auto Repair in Parsippany, N.J., was towing a car to Pennsylvania. But as he drove through the Mount Olive section of I-80, everything changed. “The accident happened right in front of me, maybe a quarter mile ahead,” Benson recalled.

The accident occurred when a bus taking fifth graders on a field trip collided with a dump truck, causing the body of the bus to be ripped from its chassis and fall on its side. Benson acted immediately. “When I got up to the accident I closed the highway off with my truck and the truck I was towing. I didn’t want any kids running around in the highway.”

Once he had the highway blocked, Benson went to help the victims. “I looked inside the bus and I see all these kids jammed up and some were scattered underneath the bus.” He helped the children get out from under the bus and then attended to those stuck inside. “When the dump truck hit the bus, it tightened up the seatbelts, so some kids were dangling. I couldn’t release the seat belt because it was so tight, so I had to cut the seatbelts open.”

Once the children were free from their restraints, Benson helped them all get out of the bus through a blown-out back window. A few minutes later, another bystander noticed that one of the students wasn’t breathing. Benson immediately began performing CPR. “About five minutes later an EMT arrived and I said, ‘This kid just started breathing. We got to get her out of here.’” The student survived.

Although two people were killed in the accident, a student and a teacher, the situation could have been far worse if not for the heroic actions of Benson. Yet the tow truck driver wasn’t looking for any praise. Afterward, he went right back to work. “I did my due diligence and left.” But his work did not go unrecognized. Benson was nominated by the New Jersey Department of Health’s Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) and the New Jersey Medical Services (EMS) Council for Outstanding EMS Action by a Citizen. He received the award during a ceremony in October.

Watch Benson receive his award:

Powder Mill Towing & Auto Repair has been with AAA Northeast as a Preferred Service Provider since August 1985. It has also been a AAA Approved Auto Repair Facility since June 2009 and a Fixed Battery Site since April 2015

Guided from start to finish, our engaging Thai trip leader guides you on incredible Thailand tours through the history, culture and tribal villages of this exotic land. Along the way, unique excursions by ox cart, motorboat and bamboo raft add fun and excitement. And every evening, you’ll delight in our hand-selected hotels and resorts. You’ll never forget Thailand tours like this one! Here’s a sample of what it could look like.

Thailand tour with AAA Vacations 

Day 1 – Welcome to Bangkok

Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted to your city central accommodations at the Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn. Tonight’s complimentary pre-tour stay is an exclusive AAA Vacations amenity.

Day 2 – Bangkok on Your Own

This entire day is yours to enjoy as you wish in this friendly and vibrant city.

Day 3 – Tour the Grand Palace

Your morning tour begins with the glittering halls and pavilions of the magnificent Grand Palace, including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Coronation Hall. Then set out in a traditional motor launch to explore along the city’s canals passing serene family homes and bustling temples that reveal scenes of daily life in this exotic city. You’ll see the beautiful Royal Barges before disembarking to visit Wat Arun, the amazing Temple of Dawn. Cruising along Bangkok’s waterways is a delightful way to witness colorful scenes of daily life in the city, fondly known as the “Venice of the East.”

Day 4 – Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

This morning, we’ll take you outside of the metropolitan area to Ratchburi Province. The floating market here at Damnoen Saduak is one of the country’s busiest and most colorful. Hundreds of vendors ply the canal in their traditional wooden boats selling everything from tropical fruits and produce to daily staples and even souvenirs. You’ll also visit Phra Pathom Chedi, the world’s tallest Buddhist pagoda, before returning to your hotel in Bangkok.

Day 5 – Kanchanaburi and the Bridge Over River Kwai

Travel into the lush forests of Kanchanaburi Province, the site of the infamous Bridge over the River Kwai – immortalized in book and film. Begin your exploration at the JEATH Museum, highly regarded for its unique collection of photographs and memorabilia from World War II. You’ll also visit an allied cemetery before setting out on an unforgettable train ride that takes you from the River Kwai Bridge Station to Nam Tok, a thrilling route through gorgeous scenery punctuated by cliffs and forests. After lunch, check in to your spacious floating villa at the inviting Float House River Kwai Resort. Later this afternoon, rejoin your guide to venture by boat through spectacular river gorges into the jungle to visit a Mon tribal village. Enjoy dinner and a performance of Mon music and dance at our resort before retiring to your floating room.

Day 6 – Ayutthaya and Phitsanuloke

Journey through the fertile farmlands and jungle-clad mountains that lie along Thailand’s eastern border with Myanmar to visit the former capital of Ayutthaya. These vast ruins bear witness to the splendor of the ancient kingdom of Siam which flourished from 1350 until 1767. Visit Wat Yai, beloved for its golden statue of Buddha, and check in to the stylish Pattara Resort in Phitsanuloke with time to refresh before dinner. Later this evening, set out in a trishaw to visit the city’s bustling and exotic Night Market. Hop aboard a traditional trishaw and join city residents in a typical Thai night market.

Day 7 – Phitsanuloke to Chiang Mai

Check out after breakfast and travel to Sukhothai, the venerated first capital of the Kingdom. Recognized as a World Heritage Site, its fabulous ruins date back to the 13th century. After lunch, continue overland to Chiang Mai. Embraced for its beauty as the Rose of the North, it’s beloved by the Thai people for its long heritage of art, culture and deep spirituality. This evening’s Khantoke Dinner features the region’s Lanna-style cuisine and the music and dance of the northern hill tribes.

Day 8 – Out and Around Chiang Mai

This morning, we’ll take you into the countryside to spend time with local farmers; learn the many steps of rice cultivation as practiced for centuries and try your hand at planting this important staple. Then sit down to lunch surrounded by sweeping rural vistas and rice paddies. Continue into the forested mountains to visit a Meo hill tribe village before ascending to 3,500 feet to visit Doi Suthep Temple. Your tour of this venerated complex has been specially timed to coincide with the evening chants of Buddhist monks. Receive a private blessing from one of these resident monks and then take in the nighttime views of the city. Return to your hotel in Chiang Mai. Experience Thailand’s enduring ways when you spend time with farmers and receive a private blessing from a Buddhist monk at Doi Suthep Temple.

Day 9 – To Thaton on the Burmese Border

Join residents early this morning as they “gain merit” with food offerings to local monks, an ancient ritual that offers rich insight into an enduring facet of Buddhist culture. After breakfast, head into the jungle to see elephants at work in their native habitat. Then explore the forest from a variety of perspectives: By ox cart and down the Mae Taeng River on a bamboo raft expertly steered by a native Thai. Continue to the Maekok River Village Resort in Thaton. Participating with locals in their daily alms ritual is a genuine way to experience Thailand’s ancient Buddhist customs.

Day 10 – Onward to Chiang Rai

Embark on a one-hour boat ride along the Mae Kok River to Baan Mai. Continue overland through the countryside to visit a Karen village. The women of this tribe are famous for the brass rings which they wear around their elongated necks. Visiting with Lahu, Akha and Yao tribal villagers offers deeper insight into the traditional ways which endure in the mountains of northern Thailand. After lunch, travel to Chiang Rai to visit the unusual White Temple and then check in to the stylish Legend Chiang Rai River Resort & Spa.

Day 11 – Into the Golden Triangle

Visit Mae Sai, the northernmost town in Thailand where a bridge over the river connects the country with Burma (Myanmar). From here, venture deeper into the Golden Triangle, the region where the borders of Burma, Laos and Thailand come together. After lunch, explore Chiang Saen, a charming town along the Mekong River rich with historical artifacts including temple carvings and ancient Buddhist statues. Return to your hotel in Chiang Rai where you can dine at your leisure.

Day 12 – Fly Back to Bangkok

We include your flight to Bangkok where you’ll be met and escorted to the deluxe city-central Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn. The rest of this day is yours to enjoy as you wish.

Day 13 – Depart Thailand

You’ll be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

Have you always dreamed of a trip to Thailand? Have another trip to Asia in mind? Tell us about it in the comments section. 

For information on  this exciting trip, click here. 

Get in touch with a AAA travel counselor to learn about AAA Vacations and start planning your next getaway today. As a AAA member, you’ll save even more. Not a member? Join now!