Is the park open year-round?

Yes, Badlands National Park is open all year. Some facilities have limited hours during the offseason.

Where is the park located?

Badlands National Park is located in southwest South Dakota.

How big is the park?

The park covers approximately 242,756 acres.

How do I get around in the park?

Most visitors drive their own cars and campers into the park. Some local companies offer guided bus tours.

What activities are available?

Some of the popular activities in Badlands National Park include:

• Hiking: The park contains several trails, ranging from flat prairie terrain to uphill treks through the area’s unique rock formations. The park supports an “open hike” policy, meaning visitors can go anywhere in the park they wish. The lucky few who stumble upon fossils should report them to park rangers.

• Scenic drives: The Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240; accessed from Interstate 90) is a two-lane paved road that goes through the north part of the park. This is the only paved road in the park. The Sage Creek Rim Road, which is unpaved gravel, traverses the north rim of the Badlands Wilderness Area. Another rougher road, the Sheep Mountain Table Road, is passable only under dry conditions and in a high-clearance vehicle.

• Wildlife viewing: Badlands National Park is home to many animals, including bighorn sheep, bison, elk and mule deer. These creatures can be seen and photographed from the road and from hiking trails throughout the park.

• GPS activities: The park offers an activity book that visitors can download and use with their GPS device to find points of interest, such as natural features, trails and wayside exhibits. Unlike geocaching, this activity does not involve taking or leaving an item in a cache; rather, players record information in their books.

• Visiting the fossil prep lab: Numerous fossilized remains of saber-tooth tigers, dinosaurs and other creatures from the past have been discovered in the park. Visitors can watch as paleontologists work to preserve and identify recently found items.

• Night sky viewing: Because Badlands National Park is far from cities and other forms of artificial lights, stargazing is particularly good here. In the summer, park rangers offer the Night Sky Program during which they point out constellations and make available telescopes for visitors to see the stars more closely.

Are pets allowed?

Pets are permitted in campgrounds, on paved roads, and in parking lots. They are not allowed on trails, public buildings, in the wilderness, or in areas with prairie dog colonies.

Is the park accessible?

The facilities in the park, including the visitors’ center and campgrounds, are fully accessible. Some trails, such as the Fossil Exhibit Trail, are made of boardwalks and are accessible.

What accommodations are available?

The Cedar Pass Lodge and Cedar Pass Campground are open seasonally. Backcountry camping is allowed; no permit is required, but campers should sign in at the visitor center or at a trailhead. Accommodations can also be found outside the park in nearby communities.

Are there restaurants in the park?

There is one restaurant in the park, at the Cedar Pass Lodge, which operates seasonally.

What are the most popular areas of the park?

• The Badlands “Wall”: This 100-mile-long ridge of rugged cliffs cuts through the park and contains many trails to explore.

• Roberts Prairie Dog Town: Five miles down the unpaved Sage Creek Rim Road, guests can find this former homestead that has been converted into a giant network of prairie dog tunnels. Visitors can watch as these playful, chatty rodents scamper around.

• Fossil Exhibit Trail: Along this quarter-mile trail, visitors can see exhibits of fossil replicas and displays illustrating the animals that once lived in this area when it was an inland sea. The boardwalk makes this trail one of the only fully accessible routes in the park.

• Ben Reifel Visitors’ Center: The park’s visitor center has a bookstore and features exhibits on the history of the park as well as fossils that have been found on the park’s land. The center is also the starting point for the various ranger-led tours and programs.

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

Plan a national park vacation with AAA. 

There’s a ton of fun things to do in Rochester, NY. If you’re looking for ways to spend a visit, we’ve got all the bases covered from beer tastings to museums to amusement parks and more.

The Strong National Museum of Play

Visitors to this popular museum will be able to take part in its interactive collection devoted to the history of play, including toys, games and video games. Visitors can also take a walk down “Sesame Street.”

Finger Lakes Beer Trail

The Finger Lakes region is known as one of New York’s top wine producers, but it also puts out a lot of great craft beer. Visit the taphouses, brewpubs and tasting rooms along the beer trail: There’s over 100 to try! Enjoy the trail responsibly – if you’re going to imbibe, let someone else do the driving.

George Eastman Museum

Kodak (aka the Eastman Kodak Company), is headquartered in Rochester, so there’s a lot of photo history here. The George Eastman Museum, first opened in 1949, is the oldest museum dedicated to photography and it includes one of the oldest film archives.

Geva Theatre Center

Plays and events are held at this renovated 19th century arsenal, which also includes a bar and cafe.

Seabreeze Amusement Park

Open since 1879, this historic amusement park debuted as a trolley park with picnic grounds. Often referred to as the “Coney Island of the West,” the park includes a carousel, four roller coasters, a water park, log flume, bumper cars, family rides and other attractions.

Mount Hope Cemetery

Dedicated in 1838, this historic cemetery is home to the final resting spots of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass. You’ll find several kinds of trees and ornamental gardens strewn across its 196 acres.

Highland Park

This 150-acre park and arboretum features the Gothic-style Warner Castle, a conservatory greenhouse and a famed lilac collection. The park also holds an annual lilac festival in May that is the largest of its kind in North America and draws visitors from around the world.

National Susan B. Anthony Museum and House

This historic site was the home of Susan B. Anthony for 40 years during her time as a national figure in the women’s rights movement. The property was purchased for use as a memorial in 1945 and designated as a National Historic Landmark Museum. Visitors can view papers and memorabilia about the leader of the suffrage movement.

Artisanworks

Artisanworks houses nearly 500,000 pieces of art as well as antiques and automobiles.Visitors to the renovated factory building can view multidisciplinary art pieces and attend events.

Frontier Field

Catch a Rochester Red Wings game!

Memorial Art Gallery

This gallery at the University of Rochester boasts a massive collection, including medieval through contemporary works and paintings by Rembrandt and Monet.

Rochester Museum and Science Center

Featuring exhibits related to science, the center hosts a number of interactive and hands-on experiences. The museum also operates the nearby Strasenburgh Planetarium  and Cumming Nature Center, located an hour away in Naples.

Seneca Park Zoo

This 15.5-acre zoo is home to more than 90 species of mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians, fish and arachnids. Open year-round, the zoo has a constantly rotating collection of animals and hosts events, including conservation education days and an annual jog through the zoo.

Rochester Public Market

Operated by the city, this public market offers fresh produce, ethnic foods, specialty items and other merchandise. The market also provides space for cafes, food stands, coffee shops, breweries and florists. It is open on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Genesee Riverway Trail

An off-road trail used for walking, running and biking along the Genesee River, the riverway extends from the Erie Canal to downtown Rochester and Lake Ontario. Sites along the trail include the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse, Bridge Square and 12 parks.

Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse

A stone octagonal lighthouse dating back to 1822, this 40-foot tower is located on Lake Ontario at the mouth of the Genesee River. Visitors can view displays both inside and outside the lighthouse’s museum. The lighthouse provides beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding areas.

What are some of your favorite fun things to do in Rochester, NY? Tell us in the comments. 

FIND AND BOOK A HOTEL WITH AAA IN ROCHESTER, NY 

“Got any hot tips?” is a phrase you’ll hear around Saratoga Springs, N.Y., during racing season and it seems just about everybody you ask, does indeed, have a tip on a horse that’s a sure thing. Winnie’s Flower in the 3rd or Golden Touch in the 8th. OK, I just made those up but you get the idea. But the best tip I received was from a friend, a frequent visitor to the area, who advised me to take time to explore all that Saratoga has to offer – yes, a day at the track is an absolute must but this historic city, less than an hour from Albany, also has healing mineral springs, a major Revolutionary War battlefield and a buzzing downtown with a rockin’ live music scene. I planned to see it all, and over one jam-packed weekend last August, I did just that – or made a valiant attempt to.

A 1 p.m. reservation was made at the Turf Terrace – perhaps the fanciest of the many dining options at Saratoga Race Course, dating from 1863, making it one of the oldest tracks in the country. My traveling companion and I could have watched the races from the Grandstand or brought a cooler to have a picnic on the grounds but, I figured, why not go all out? The Terrace crowd was very Blue Blood-y, lots of Blue Blazers on the gents and Big Hats on the ladies. I kept an eye out for the Queen of Saratoga, socialite and philanthropist Marylou Whitney, who at 89 still makes track appearances but, alas, no sightings this day.

Click here for Saratoga Race Course ticket information.

As we dined on shrimp cocktails and cheese plates and sipped chilled wine from our prime table overlooking the finish line (Golden Touch, by a nose?), we’d periodically make our way up to the window to place our bets. Lady Luck seemed to be with me as I won a few races – hit an exacta and a trifecta…not bad for a novice! For the last few races (there were 12 in all), we headed to the Clubhouse’s ground level where we could get right up to the fence, joining the folks hooting and hollering as the majestic thoroughbreds zoomed by. Between lunch and the losses I suppose I broke even on the day but no matter, it was well worth it to experience a day at “The Spa.”

Our hotel was the stylish Pavilion Grand, an all-suite boutique steps from the town’s main drag, Broadway. Its 48 rooms – probably the largest in all of Saratoga – feature kitchens, modernist artwork, leather armchairs and massive flatscreens (during racing season the gorgeous penthouse loft suites with either private terraces or rooftop gardens are the most sought-after rooms). Nearby, we strolled along Broadway, passing wine bars, boutiques and a hat shop called Hatsational (so that’s where they get them!). We had a martini at 9 Maple Avenue, a fabulous speakeasy-style hole-in-the-wall with live jazz. For more raucous bands – and a guarantee that at some point you will be singing along to “Livin’ on a Prayer” – hit the Caroline Street bars.

After breakfast at the Triangle Diner, a local Maple Avenue spot, we headed off to Saratoga National Historical Park in nearby Stillwater, passing rich farmland and patchwork quilt landscapes along the way. If you remember your history lessons (and I certainly had to brush up on mine), this is where, in 1777, the tide of the Revolutionary War turned in America’s favor after the defeat of General Burgoyne by generals Gates and Arnold (as in Benedict) during the Battles of Saratoga. Operated by the National Park Service, you can take a 10-stop self-guided driving/biking tour to see the former farms and fields that saw battle as well as the Neilson House (Arnold’s quarters), the sole surviving structure from that time. I got chills just thinking of this spot’s importance to our nation, yet it made me sad to see so few people there.

As the weekend drew to a close, I thought, what better way to cap off a visit to Saratoga Springs then to sample the actual waters the area is known and named for? Once home to more than 100 mineral springs, today only 17 remain but one can still “take the waters.” After overnighting at the Gideon Putnam, the historic grande dame hotel located within Saratoga Spa State Park, I booked a mineral bath at its Roosevelt Baths & Spa. The naturally carbonated water—cold when captured from a natural underground spring then mixed with warm – was a blissful 97 degrees, an absolutely ideal bathing temperature. I soaked for 45 minutes; afterward, I felt relaxed, invigorated. And after my action-packed weekend, allow me to offer my own hot tip: If you haven’t yet experienced Saratoga Springs, make this the year to do it.

Got any hot tips about Saratoga Springs, N.Y.? Let us know in the comments!

Plan your own weekend in Saratoga Springs with AAA.

From outdoor adventures to educational opportunities to just kicking back and relaxing, Banff National Park is a great place to get in touch with nature. Discover all the reasons why Canada’s first national park is a can’t-miss destination.

Wildlife Viewing

Perhaps one of Banff’s biggest attractions is its abundant wildlife – majestic elk, grizzly and black bears, cougars and bighorn sheep, as well as numerous song birds, birds of prey and waterfowl. Though animals can be spotted anywhere in the park, some tips for successful spotting include:

• Go out at dawn and in the late afternoon near dusk, when the animals are more likely to be active and feeding.

• Visit the park in the off-season. During the spring, fall, and winter, many creatures move closer to town in the search for food and mates.

• Check out areas of the park such as Vermilion Lakes, Bow Valley Parkway and Minnewanka Loop, which are less traveled and quieter.

Of course, always remember that wildlife is just that – wild. Keep your distance, and do not disturb the animals. If your presence causes an animal to move away, you are too close.

Paddling

The tranquil turquoise waters of Banff’s numerous lakes invite paddlers of all kinds. Whether you choose to canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard, the serene lakes and meandering rivers are the perfect destination for those seeking a quiet exploration of the scenery. Many areas along the shoreline are accessible only by boat, and wildlife-viewing opportunities are around every corner.

Like other activities in the park, visitors can set out in their own boats or can participate in a guided outing through one of the many outfitters in the area. In the Banff Town area, boat launches can be found in Vermilion Lakes, Johnson Lake and Two Jack Lake, as well as the Bow River. A little further away, Lake Louise and Moraine Lake also offer scenic vistas from the water. Along the Icefields Parkway, Herbert Lake features spectacular scenery with fewer visitors than some of the other waterways in the park.

Hiking

With more than 1,000 miles of maintained trails, Banff National Park is a hiker’s paradise. Options can be found for visitors seeking a quiet walk in the woods as well as for those looking for a more strenuous climb. Sunshine Meadows, which straddles the Continental Divide, contains several popular trails. Adventurers can set out on their own or take one of several guided excursions through the alpine meadows. Or for a quicker ascent to summit, the Sunshine Village ski resort’s chairlift gondola ferries passengers to the Standish platform, where a breathtaking view of the surrounding Rockies awaits.

The Parker Ridge Trail off the Icefields Parkway is a short climb with a big payoff; though moderately steep, this 1-mile climb leads to a panoramic view of the mountains and the Saskatchewan Glacier. Another easier climb that begins right in downtown Banff is the Tunnel Mountain Trail. This two- to three-hour hike affords a 360-degree view of the town of Banff and the surrounding mountain ranges.

Soak in the Hot Springs

Though the park offers an unending supply of physical adventures, sometimes it’s nice to just sit back and relax in the geothermally heated waters found throughout the area. The hot pools at Banff Upper Hot Springs were first enjoyed by local indigenous people. Their “discovery” by workers on the Canadian Railway led to the creation of Banff National Park, in an effort to protect this natural wonder. In addition to a dip in the warm mineral waters, visitors can learn about the history of the springs at the Cave & Basin National Historic Site. This educational center features a tour as well as multimedia presentations about the bubbling waters and cave system.

Drive Through the Icefields

The Columbia Icefields, the largest body of ice in the Canadian Rockies, covers 125 square miles along the Continental Divide. Visitors can take guided or self-driving tours of the area, with photo opportunities in every direction. The icefield consists of eight major glaciers, including the Columbia, Athabasca, and Saskatchewan Glaciers. During the summer months, snow coaches transport passengers onto the glaciers.

Take a Gondola up a Mountain

The quickest way to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, just south of Banff Town, is on the year-round gondola. The enclosed four-person cars whisk passengers to the top of this 7,486-foot peak in around eight minutes. From the moment the car leaves its base station, the vast views of six mountain ranges make the short ride memorable. At the top, visitors can stop in the restaurant for a quick meal, explore the ridgetop boardwalk for more bird’s-eye views of the surrounding landscape, or learn more about the geophysical work that once was carried out on this mountaintop at the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station.

Plan a national park vacation with AAA.

A Germany trip like this one hosted by AAA vacations could take you on a journey through the scenery of the Rhine, Black Forest and Bavarian Alps; the history of Frankfurt, Rothenburg and Heidelberg; the modernity of Berlin and Munich – it’s a European vacation at its best. You could enjoy moments like your first glimpse through Castle Liebenstein’s ramparts down to the villages and boats on the Rhine below, as you make your way up to the hillside fortress, a sight worthy of the Brothers Grimm.

Best European vacations: Germany

Day 1 – Arrive Frankfurt

Begin your tour through Germany in Frankfurt, the largest financial center in Europe and the smallest metropolis in the world. Frankfurt is a popular European destination for international travelers and businesspeople, so there will always be someone who speaks your language and serves your country’s food. Check out medieval Römerplatz as well, a square full of traditional neo-Gothic architecture and the site of Frankfurt’s city hall since 1405. Visit the Historical Museum to learn more about Frankfurt, or check out the modern Schirn Kunsthalle, or Art Space, for an easygoing first day in Germany.

Day 2 – Rhine Cruise

No trip to Germany is complete without seeing the Rhine river, the mighty body of water that flows from high in the Swiss Alps, through Cologne, Germany and empties into the North Sea in the Netherlands. Visit Lorelei Rock, a steep slate rock on the right bank of the river, then begin your cruise down the Rhine, marveling at the medieval castles and vineyards as you pass by.

How many people can say that they’ve had lunch at a castle? Stop at one of the castles for lunch before you continue on to Cologne, Germany’s fourth-largest city. Explore Cologne’s streets, making sure to see the twin-spired Cologne Cathedral before the day ends.

Day 3 – Hamelin

En route to Hamburg, stop in Hamelin, a picturesque town of fairy tale fame that is immortalized in poems by Goethe and Robert Browning. In fact, many of the sights in Hamelin are associated with the tale of the Pied Piper.

Once you get to Hamburg, see sights like the town hall, Rathausmarkt market and Treppenviertel, a small village in the Blankenese neighborhood of Hamburg where you can get a nice view of the Elbe river. Also, consider a guided cruise along the city’s waterways and discover why the city is called Germany’s “Gateway to the World.”

Day 4 – Berlin Sightseeing

Next is a city so big, you need two days to explore it. Follow the valley of the Elbe river from Hamburg to Berlin, the capital of Germany, a popular European destination because it’s home to many world-renowned universities, museums, entertainment venues and orchestras.

Start with a landmark tour of Berlin as you explore the old East and West sections of the city. See the Brandenburg Gate, Unter den Linden and the Reichstag Building, which were all major points of focus in 1990 during the reunification of East and West Germany. After getting in your dose of Germany’s history, check out the Tiergarten and Kurfürstendamm for shopping and entertainment.

Day 5 – Berlin Sightseeing and Free Time

To travel Europe and not have enough time to see all of Berlin would be a tragedy. Today, continue your exploration of the city at your leisure. Try the Berlin Zoological Garden, the oldest zoo in Germany, or Museum Island, a complex of Berlin State Museums that sits on the northern half of an island in the Spree river. Also consider visiting the Berlin TV Tower, where you can get a fantastic 360° view of the city

Day 6 – Dresden

Next, head south to Dresden, the capital city of the Free State of Saxony in Germany, situated on the valley of the Elbe river. Dresden is known as “Florence on the Elbe” because of its location, mild climate and Baroque-style architecture. Some highlights of Dresden include the Opera House and Zwinger Palace.

If you fall in love with Dresden, consider taking an optional experience for a more in-depth look at the city.

Day 7 – Modlareuth-Bayreuth

Historical significance is what makes most European destinations fascinating. The historical significance of Mödlareuth lies in the separation of East and West Germany. Visit the Mödlareuth Open Air Museum for an insight into how that is. See parts of the original Berlin Wall and learn the differences between East and West Germany.

Then, stop in Bayreuth, where you can visit the Wagner Festival Theatre, the opera house dedicated to performing works by German composer Richard Wagner. Afterwards, head to Nuremberg, where you can spend the rest of the day and the following morning at another important historical site.

Day 8 – Nuremberg – Rothenburg

Travel Europe’s historical sites by visiting Nuremberg, the most well-preserved medieval town in Germany. Expect to see half-timbered houses, the Old Town Hall and little shops with wooden Christmas ornaments for sale. Follow parts of the Romantic Road through picturesque villages and pristine countryside to Munich, the capital of Bavaria. Make one more stop before the day ends at the must-see Olympic Stadium.

Day 9 – Munich Sightseeing and Free Time

Spend the day leisurely sightseeing in Munich, visiting landmarks like Odeonsplatz, a large square in central Munich, and Marienplatz, the city’s main square famous for the Glockenspiel. Check out a museum, like the Deutsches Museum, or an art gallery like the Museum Brandhorst. This evening, consider a tour of one of Munich’s world-famous beer halls.

Day 10 – Black Forest

No trip to a fairy tale European destination is complete without visiting a castle. Stop at Neuschwanstein to visit King Ludwig II of Bavaria’s 19th-century castle, which has appeared in movies like “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” and serves as the inspiration for Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Then, travel through the hills and lakes of the Black Forest on your way to your next stop.

Day 11 – Heidelberg

In Heidelberg, the university town built alongside Neckar river, see a demonstration of how the famous cuckoo clocks are made. Visit Heidelberg Castle, which was demolished in the 17th and 18th centuries, but has since been partially rebuilt. Then, before you finish off your time in Heidelberg with some souvenir shopping, visit the Baroque-style Old Town.

Later, head back to where it all started in Frankfurt and enjoy a dinner there, celebrating the lovely trip you’ve had and looking forward to more opportunities to travel Europe.

Day 12 – Depart Frankfurt

This morning, say ‘Auf Wiedersehen’ to Germany as your memorable European vacation comes to an end.

Have you been to Germany for a wonderful European vacation? Share your memories 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!

There are a lot of benefits to using your credit card — consumer protections, reward programs and convenience, to name a few. While it may be tempting to use your credit card for just about everything, think twice before doing so.

Here are 8 things you should never use your credit card for.

Buying a car

While it’s technically possible to use your credit card to pay for a portion of your new or used car, it’s often not a wise decision. Interest rates on car loans are usually much lower than interest rates on credit cards, which means you will spend more in the long run when using plastic. There is one situation where paying for a car on plastic makes sense — if you already have the money, but you use your credit card to earn incentives. This only works if you pay off your balance in full at the end of your billing cycle.

College tuition

The cost of higher education has skyrocketed in recent years, but using your credit card is one of the worst ways to pay for it. This huge expenditure should be planned for well in advance. Start by filling out the Free Application for Student Aid or FAFSA, which will enable you to apply for various grants and scholarships. If you don’t have the money to pay for the remainder of your tuition bills out of pocket, set up a payment plan with the school, or apply for student loans. The best part? Interest paid on student loans are tax deductible.

Coffee

Using your credit card to buy small indulgences is a great way to send your balance sky-high without even realizing it. One cappuccino may not seem like much, but credit is so easy to use, that before long, one turns into a dozen. Instead of using plastic for these little treats, give yourself a cash allowance each week. You’ll be much happier at the end of the month.

Cash advances

A cash advance is a loan you can borrow against your credit card when you’re short on cash. As tempting as it may be, taking a cash advance should be reserved for true emergencies. The fees and interest rates on cash advances are much higher than on regular purchases, and cash advances don’t come with the grace period that purchases come with. Interest will start accruing on your loan the moment you leave the ATM machine.

Medical bills

If you have large medical bills, and let’s face it — they’re all large, don’t even consider trying to pay them off with your credit card. Because medical emergencies are stressful enough, institutions are fairly lenient when it comes to paying your bills. Most will be happy to work with you to set up long-term payment plans at a very low interest rates. Credit card companies are not interested in any stories of woe or hardship, and if you can’t pay off your balance at the end of the month, you can expect to be slapped with hefty interest rates.

Income taxes

The IRS imposes a transaction fee for credit card payments. The fees range from two to three percent, which is usually much higher than what you would stand to gain in rewards points. If you don’t pay off your credit card balance at the end of the month, your out-of-pocket expenses could be double your initial tax bill. Instead of using plastic, budget for your tax bill throughout the year, and send a check to the IRS.

Business start-up fees

Using a credit card to finance your business start-up fees is risky business indeed. For one thing, credit cards carry much higher interest rates than small business loans. You should also consider the personal guarantee you make when you get a credit card. While nobody expects their new business to fail, if it does, you could lose a lot more than your start-up costs. Using credit cards makes it so much easier to spend beyond your budget, and if you start your business with huge debts, you put the success of your company at risk.

Unreliable websites

How do you know that a website is trustworthy enough to safeguard your personal information? While you can never be 100% sure, there are a few things to consider. First, only do business with a URL that starts with “https.” If the URL begins with “http,” it isn’t secure. You should also be wary of websites with obscure extensions, or any company with suspicious wording in their web copy.

Your credit card is an incredibly useful tool to have on hand, but if used inappropriately, you could wind up in serious debt. When you learn how to use your credit card wisely, you are taking the first step toward becoming a savvy consumer.

Do you have a cautionary tale about credit card use to share with our readers? Let us know in the comments section below.

In a world where extreme wealth is shamelessly flaunted on social media, it’s difficult to remember that it’s the small things in life that bring true happiness. And the small ways you save money every day can lead to big savings.

Pinching pennies doesn’t have to be an unpleasant experience. Make a game out of saving money. Set daily objectives to make it easier to reach your long-term goals. Incorporating fun money saving tips into your life is a matter of forming new habits and tossing out your old, costly habits. Get started on your journey to daily budgeting by reading these good tips on how to save money.

Your budget roadmap

Before you begin any endeavor you need a plan. You wouldn’t head out on a road trip without first mapping out your journey with stops along the way and an end destination in mind. To be successful at saving money you must first sit down and establish a road map. Where are you going? How will you get there? And what’s the end goal?

You don’t have to set an unattainable savings goal. Make small budget changes like pledging to stop eating out as often or pay off your debt. Whatever your goal is, write it down and come up with a plan to reach it. The following fun money saving tips can help.

Fun money saving tips – cutting your daily expenses

The biggest expenses in any household are shelter, food and transportation, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Cut back on one of these expenses – or all – and you’re bound to see savings.

Where do you waste the most cash? Maybe you’re like most Americans who have been spending more on eating out and entertainment. Research conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from 2014 to 2016 found that spending on eating out rose from $2,787 to $3,154. Money spent on entertainment also increased from $2,728 to $2,913 during that same time period.

Consider these tricks and other fun money saving tips to cut back on your discretionary spending:

Save $5 bills. Have you heard of the challenge where you pick a specific cash denomination and save it in an envelope or jar? The money challenge works like this: Assume you buy gas and you get back a $5 bill and $1 bills from the cashier. Put that $5 bill in a safe spot and keep doing that for a month or six months. Never keep a $5 in your wallet. It’s a fun game that will also save money. This can also work with a $1 bills.

Barter services. Are you a skilled baker, hairdresser or acupuncturist? Barter services with a friend or an associate. Instead of paying for your haircut, offer to swap services with your hairdresser. You’d be surprised to learn how many people barter regularly to save cash.

Cut subscriptions. Are those magazine subscriptions piling high month after month and you don’t have time to read them? Cancel any subscriptions or services you aren’t using. This includes cable, magazines or website domains you’ve been renewing since college “just in case.” A $19.99 subscription for a year may seem insignificant but if you’re not using it, you’re throwing money away.

Free outings. Test yourself to see how many weekends you can take advantage of free events in your town or city. See a free musical performance, listen to a book reading at your local library or take a free tour. Having fun doesn’t have to be expensive.

Brown bag it. You don’t have to be master chef to cook your own meals. You simply must be organized and plan out your breakfast, lunch and dinner for the entire week. Raid your pantry and refrigerator to see what you already have at home, and then only buy the essentials at the grocery store. Rather than going out to eat with friends, meet at your place to cook dinner. It helps to also socialize  with other people who want to budget.

Use less energy. Are you wasting money and energy at home? The U.S. Department of Energy suggests setting your thermostat to 68 degrees during the day or when someone is home, and turning it down at night. If you don’t already have one, install a programmable thermostat. Change your incandescent lights to light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). Also turn off your computer when you’re done and unplug your chargers. Another fun money saving tip: Use your microwave or convection oven instead of the stove.

While you’re at it, create a daily money diary to record your expenses. If you’d prefer to keep a digital record of your bills, try these apps: Dollarbird and Wally.

Doing this will allow you to identify where you’re spending unnecessarily. Are you spending money on a cable bill when you mostly stream movies and TV shows? Are you buying fancy coffee drinks every morning when you can make free coffee at work? Eliminating a $3.95 whipped coffee drink every weekday will save you $948 a year. Changing your daily habits leads to big long-term savings.

What do you do to save a couple of bucks here and there? Think you’re going to try the hide the $5 game? Let us know in the comments section.

To save even more money, visit AAA.com/Discounts. 

This fabled seaside city in Rhode Island is known for its yacht-studded marinas and magnificent Gilded Age mansions. When you make the choice to travel in the USA, Newport, R.I. has to be on the top of your list. While the Astors and Vanderbilts once roamed here, its clapboard houses, cobbled lanes and gas lanterns in the historic district speak to its rich Colonial heritage. Plus, fun activities like scenic boat rides around the harbor and shoreline walks coupled with plenty of great seafood restaurants make Newport an ideal getaway.

Things to do in Newport, R.I.

The city is home to presidential history, beyond Jackie and JFK’s wedding, noted below. It was also the so-called “summer White House” for President Dwight Eisenhower. And while the summer is an excellent time to stroll down Newport’s historic byways, the holiday season offers stunning views of those Gilded Age mansions lit up and decked out.

1.

Tour the magnificent mansions, aka “summer cottages,” including the Breakers, a 70-room Renaissance fantasy with Baccarat chandeliers and mosaic ceilings built in 1895 by Cornelius Vanderbilt II. While the Breakers may be the most famous of the Newport mansions, Rough Point, a former Vanderbilt enclave, has a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean from the grounds. And the Elms offers grounds that may eclipse the rest of the city’s “summer cottages.”

2.

Take an hour-long scenic boat ride around Newport Harbor aboard the Rum Runner II, a 1929 wood-hulled boat that actually was a “rum runner” during Prohibition (rum punches included). Touring the Harbor like a 1920s smuggler on a class yacht might work up some thirst for boat riders.

3.

Stroll Newport’s historic district, which is known for its cobbled lanes, street lanterns, Colonial-era homes (many of which now house charming B&Bs), steepled churches and centuries-old graveyards. One of Newport’s most distinctive landmarks, Trinity Church, towers over this neighborhood. Founded in 1698, it is the oldest Episcopal parish in Rhode Island and the building dates back to 1725.

4.

Immerse yourself in a little Gilded Age-style glamour by having lunch at Castle Hill Inn. Dine on lobster rolls and risotto while overlooking the water-facing patio as sailboats glide by. In the right season, you can get on the Lawn, Castle Hills’ peerless al fresco dining experience, and feast on oysters and local littlenecks.

5.

Visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame, featuring Grand Slam trophies and outfits worn by players such as Serena Williams in the museum, then check out the outdoor grass courts on the 7-acre grounds. It offers an interactive tour through tennis history with a touch table tennis game serving trivia questions back and forth and a booth for visitors to record themselves calling famous tennis matches.

6.

Spend the morning meandering along the Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile National Recreation Trail that hugs the shoreline. The water and mansion views are spectacular – have your camera ready! Much of the walk goes over various mansion properties and some of the cliff-side drops are near 70 feet, so be careful.

7.

Visit historic Trinity Church with its distinctive box pews; St. Mary’s Church, where John F. Kennedy and Jackie Bouvier married in 1953; and Touro Synagogue, the oldest synagogue building still standing in the United States. JFK, like his predecessor Ike, made Newport the summer getaway for his presidential administration.

8.

Head down to Bannister’s and Bowen’s wharves, which are lined with nautical-themed shops and seafood restaurants, including the AAA Two Diamond Rated Black Pearl (the clam chowder is a must). Items on offer at shops along Bannister’s Wharf range from coffee and European clothing to yachting parapehnalia and sunglasses. A perfect range of items should you decide to set off on a voyage on the Madeleine, a 72-foot schooner designed especially for the harbors and surrounding waters of Newport.

9.

Step back in time with a dinner at the city’s oldest restaurant, the White Horse Tavern, a AAA Three Diamond Rated eatery that dates from 1673. The menu features items like New England oysters, beef Wellington and lobster mac and cheese. Just be sure to wear a collared shirt. Though jackets are not required, some old-thyme New England standards must be adhered to.

10.

Newport has a pretty lively nightlife scene, especially along Thames Street, where you can catch live music on most weekends. The 1.5 mile strip is the nerve center of Newport life, with cute shops and even some bed and breakfasts for those that like to be in the middle of all the action. There are also jazz clubs, waterfront brewpubs and wine bars.

Do you know a great spot to add to our list of things to do in Newport, R.I.? Let us know in the comments!

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

Hit the jackpot. Strike it rich. Go from rags to riches. Games of chance appeal to our fantasies.  No wonder the gaming industry is on a roll and casino travel is becoming more popular than ever! The word of gambling is exciting, opulent and glamorous. It’s also mysterious and completely random. No wonder it’s generated so many casino myths!

Some of the misconceptions are harmless, while others can reduce your chances of winning — and even lead to a gambling addiction. Then again, a few casino myths are actually true.

Top 10 casino myths

Casino Myth 1: If I lose and keep playing, I will win back my losses.

It’s called “chasing losses,” and it’s exactly the wrong strategy when you’re in the red.  The longer you play, the more you’re likely to lose.

Casino Myth 2: I’m due to win now.

Also known as Gambler’s Fallacy, the idea is that if a random outcome occurs more often than expected in a short period, then it is less likely to happen in the future. For instance, if you’re playing roulette and black wins six times in a row (it’s happened), you place your bet on red because you figure it can’t happen again.  But that’s not how randomness works. Each new spin of the wheel or roll of the dice or pull of the arm of the slot machine is independent, not based on previous outcomes.

Casino Myth 3: Card counting is illegal.

Despite all the movies based on this casino myth, it’s not illegal. Keeping track of high and low cards dealt at the blackjack table is a skill and a successful betting strategy.  While you won’t get thrown in jail if you’re counting cards, you may get thrown out of a casino. Since they are privately owned and run, the management has the right to “back off” or “bar” anyone from their property.

Casino Myth 4: Slot machines are looser near the aisles/at the front of the casino.

This is based on the idea that more payouts, noise, and excitement in these high traffic areas would encourage others to keep on playing. But all slot machines at any given casino are programmed for the same odds – though those odds vary, depending on the casino.

Casino Myth 5: They pump oxygen into the air to keep gamblers awake and playing longer.

Really, does casino air smell healthy and oxygenated to you?  And given the size of these casinos, filling the air with all that gas might get a little expensive (not to mention dangerous when striking a match).

Casino Myth 6: There are no clocks or windows in casinos so you lose track of time.

Maybe in the old days, but more casinos open their gaming environments to the outdoors, some even have gaming on terraces, or natural lighting through skylights. But you still won’t find a clock on the wall.

Casino Myth 7: The most fabulous suites are reserved for high-rollers only.

In recent, casino hotels have opened the doors of at least some of their amazing suites to the public. So if you do much in the way of casino travel and want to go all in lodging-wise, you too can stay in that penthouse suite with the private pool, bowling alley or billiards room. If you can pay the  $35,000-or-more-a-night rates. If not, you still have a chance — look for discounts, especially during slump periods, when you might be able to grab a room for as little as $5,000.

Facts that sound like casino myths

Casino Fact 1: The Nevada State Prison used to have a casino for inmates.

The casino was on the prison’s grounds in Carson City from 1932 to 1967.

Casino Fact 2:  The storied Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco is one of the meccas of casino travel.

From its opulent surroundings to its high stakes games, it’s the ultimate casino for any gambler – except the local ones. Princess Caroline made it illegal for citizens to gamble in the casino in the mid-1800s, insisting that the revenue generated come only from foreigners.

Casino Fact 3: Casinos have to replace their carpeting since some gamblers refuse to take bathroom breaks.

According to David Schwartz, director of the Center for Gaming Research at UNLV; “I think some people do it out of spite, and then there are those who have genuine bladder problems…  But it is true that some die-hard gamblers don’t ever want to leave the table.” He advises that it “wouldn’t be a bad idea to check the seat before you sit down at a casino.”

On that note, what are some crazy casino myths that you’ve heard? Let us know in the comments below!

To see how true some of these rumors are, you might have to take a casino vacation for yourself. Plan and book your next trip with AAA.  

I have been to three or four conventions in my entire life. But I went to two just this year. And both were casino trips.

Not really surprising today, considering casino resorts have become meetings magnets. Las Vegas is the number one convention destination in the U.S. There were 22,000 conventions in Sin City last year, bringing in 6 million people. Given the rise of small casinos all over the country, the steady business represented by conventioneers (and their corporate expense accounts) convinced casino executives to go for the meetings and conventions gold.

Odds are good that many convention attendees will find that their business travels are also casino trips.

If you’re a gambler, hooray. If not, well, you’ll have to deal with it.

After two conventions over the equivalent of two long casino trips, I consider myself an experienced non-gamer. But there’s more to life at a casino resort than slots and high stakes.

Any casino that does good convention business is going to have lots of attractions to keep non-gamers entertained and happy.

Some of the amenities that have become de rigueuer include:

Dining

It’s common for casino resorts to have a dozen or more good restaurants, and at least a few of them bearing the names of celebrity chefs. If you’re a foodie, you’re in luck. Keep in mind that these restaurants are so popular you will need advance reservations. Even the run-of-the-mill places may involve a long wait to get in. At the Bellagio, for instance, there are restaurants by Michel Mina, Todd English, Julian Serrano, Roy Ellamar, Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, as well as the fabled Le Cirque. I waited half an hour for a table at Noodles – a good choice for a solo traveler, not to mention a vegetarian and almost as long for my takeout order at Snacks, a fast-food joint for pizza slices, fries and spiked shakes.

Also note that the legendary casino buffet is not what it used to be. It’s now about three times the size, and three times the price.

Shows/Nightlife

Every casino has at least one big-spectacle or high-profile entertainer. Vegas has more than a dozen different Cirque du Soleil shows.

There’s probably some form of entertainment that will fit your taste from magic acts to canine cancan dancers. Hit a club or lounge afterward for a late-night drink. Some of the nightclubs have become attractions themselves. Remember, however, that you’re at a convention and you have an 8 a.m. workshop you need to attend the next morning.

Shopping

Some casinos are known for their retail space, others have more limited number of boutiques. In most cases, shopping is more about entertainment, since the brands are usually luxury names like Cartier and Gucci, and the prices are in the high-roller-only range.  Souvenir buying is usually a necessity, however, and even if it’s pricey at the casino, the tchotchkes can be pretty imaginative, even hilarious.

Gambling Lessons

Every casino offers lessons for novices to the world of gambling. It’s a good way to get your feet wet without being susceptible to newbie mistakes.

Pampering

Book a treatment at the spa – every good casino resort has at least one.  Some have extensive exercise facilities, and even offer yoga and other classes.

Swimming

Casinos now boast some elaborate pools, including waterfalls, light shows, and, swim-up slot machines.  They’re also home to happy hours and pool parties  that may be  free for hotel guests.

These are the basics. Depending on where you’re spending your casino weekend, there may be other site-specific attractions and activities.

For instance, you can play golf on the course at Wynn Las Vegas or the two courses at Turning Stone in upstate New York, take a cooking class from the Viking School at Harrah’s Atlantic City, hit the beach or lounge in a cabana at a casino in Aruba or Puerto Rico.

Then, too, if your casino trip takes you to one of the new hot spots in Asia, you’ll find some pretty nifty non-gaming activities and attractions at the “integrated casino resort” developments, which can include hotels, shopping malls, 4-D theaters, concert halls, amusement rides, waterparks, etc.  Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore, for instance, is so huge it includes a Universal Studios theme park and the largest oceanarium in the world.

A couple of lessons learned from my recent casino trips:

Casino resorts can be huge. Your feet will be getting a workout. Bring comfortable shoes – and lots of Band-Aids.

No matter where your casino trip takes you, people-watching is always a sure bet for entertainment.  And it’s free.

Have conventions ever taken you to a casino? Let us know in the comments!

Plan your next trip with AAA. 

Planning a trip to Hogwarts but can’t seem to find Platform 9¾? Universal Orlando Resort™ has you covered. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, which spans two of the complex’s theme parks, will transport you right into the heart of J.K. Rowling’s imaginary wizard universe.

But as you’re strolling through the streets of Diagon Alley™ or waiting for an ice-cold Butterbeer in Hogsmeade™, it can be easy to miss the secrets that lie all around you. Since you deserve to have the full experience, we’re highlighting the secret sights, sounds and tastes that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ has to offer.

Straight From the Screen

The detail and authenticity of every inch of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ makes it look like it was ripped straight from the films and planted in Universal Orlando Resort™. That’s because, in many cases, it was. The team at Universal Creative spent years combing through warehouses for props and sets from the movies and they can be found throughout the park.

On the second level of the Borgin and Burkes™ store in Diagon Alley™, 90 percent of the props and set dressings are straight from the Harry Potter films. The barometer found in Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment was used twice in Harry Potter films: in Dumbledore’s office in “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” and in the Room of Requirement in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.” The Knight Bus at Universal Studios Florida™ is one of the two authentic prop buses used in “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.”

When team members couldn’t find exact props from the film, they spent months creating identical replicas. Along the waiting line for the Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts™ ride is a bank cart built to the exact blueprints of the real cart Harry, Ron and Hermione rode in the film. Inside Borgin and Burkes™ is a replica of the Vanishing Cabinet from “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.” It took Universal team members six months to build the 12-feet tall prop.

Easter Eggs

With all the sights and sounds of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, it’s easy to miss appearances from some of the story’s most memorable characters. On your way to Diagon Alley™, you have to pass through a street in Muggle London. Step into the classic red phone booth and dial the word “Magic” to hear a message straight from the Ministry of Magic itself. When strolling past Sirius Black’s dismal London residence at 12 Grimmauld Place, take a look at the upstairs window. You can often catch Kreacher, the house elf, peaking out. Moaning Myrtle, who haunted the bathrooms at Hogwarts, has made her way to Universal’s Islands of Adventure™, as well. If you keep your ears open, you can hear her ghostly crying in the Hogsmeade™ bathrooms.

Interactive Experiences

If you really want The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ to come to life, head to the Owl Post™ where you can send a letter complete with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ stamp and special Hogsmeade™ postmark. At the Gringotts Money Exchange™, you can trade your U.S. currency for Gringotts™ bank notes, which can be used within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and select locations throughout Universal Orlando Resort™. Also, make sure to pick up an interactive wand at Ollivanders™ to see what spells you can cast throughout Diagon Alley™ and Hogsmeade™.

Beyond Butterbeer™

A mug or two of Butterbeer™ is a must when visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™. But don’t think that our favorite cold beverage is the only option. The creative minds at Universal Studios have taken the delicious Butterbeer™ flavors and created some new delectable concoctions.

Frozen Butterbeer™ is your best option for those hot summer days, plus it’s served with a whipped topping. Hot Butterbeer™, with flavors of shortbread and butterscotch, is the perfect cold-weather treat. The smooth, creamy Butterbeer™ potted cream is an ideal dessert. Butterbeer™ fudge offers another sweet bite. And no trip to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ would be complete with Butterbeer™ soft serve ice cream, a perfect swirl of vanilla and butterscotch.

Exclusive Drinks

There are three different beers created exclusively for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™. The Hog’s Head Brew™ is an Irish red, Dragon Scale is an amber lager and Wizard’s Brew is a sweet stout with notes of chocolate and coffee. In addition to custom beer, the park is also the only place to find Pumpkin Juice™. The preferred drink of every wizard, Pumpkin Juice™ is perfect for fall (or any other season) and comes with a collectible bottle. Other exclusive beverages available include Fishy Green Ale, Gillywater, Fire Whisky and more.

Exclusive Food

Beverages aren’t the only thing unique to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, there are plenty of food items that you’ll only find at the Universal Orlando Resort™ attraction. In Hogsmeade™, Honeydukes™ has all the delicacies to satisfy your sweet-tooth desires including Chocolate Frogs™, Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans™, Exploding Bonbons and Jelly Slugs.

When in Diagon Alley™, be sure to try a scoop or two of Florean Florescue’s ice cream, which includes flavors like Chocolate Chili, Strawberry and Peanut-Butter, and Earl Grey and Lavender Ice Cream. You can also pick up a skiving snackbox from Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, filled with Fainting Fancies, Nosebleed Nougat, Fever Fudge and Puking Pastilles.

Secret Numbers

Many magical forces created The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™. Just some of them include the 7,456 bricks, weighing more than 37,000 pounds, needed to construct the entrance to Diagon Alley™. In addition, there are 13 different types of creatures inside the Magical Menagerie including Kneazles, Demiguises and Graphorns. The four chandeliers within the lobby of Gringotts™ bank contain nearly 62,000 crystals and the Gringotts™ dragon breathes fire that is 3,560 degrees Fahrenheit, more than 16 times hotter than boiling water.

Planning a trip to Universal Orlando Resort™? Make sure to take advantage of the benefits and savings when you book through AAA.

Most people worry about how to clean a car seat after some dark, smelly liquid has already left its mark.

Exhibit A: The last time I cleaned the beige seats in my Toyota Corolla, it was after I gave a friend a ride home, and he gave me a back seat covered in oil marks from his bicycle chain (I’m not bitter, I swear).

Had I known my fast response and a little elbow grease would have the seats looking like new, I might not have freaked out when I got home.

Of course, the results can differ when you pit different seats versus different foes. Here is some advice on how to clean car seats, including tips on how to clean cloth car seats, how to clean leather car seats and how to clean a child safety seat.

How to clean a car seat: cloth

It’s not just spills that soil car seats. They get dirty each time someone gets in or out of the car, as dirt and other contaminants transfer from clothing to the cloth.

To restore them to their former glory, start by vacuuming the seats. This will suck up grime that would otherwise get mashed into the seats and probably make them dirtier.

Here are the supplies you’ll need:

• Car seat detergent
• Interior cleaning brush or scrub pad
• Microfiber towel
• Wet/dry vacuum

Some people use stain removers like Shout or carpet cleaner in place of dedicated car seat soap. In fact, I used a bottle of carpet cleaner with a built-in brush to remove the oil stains on the back seat of my Corolla and it worked pretty well. But if you decide to go with an unconventional soap, test it on a small, less visible area first to make sure it doesn’t stain.

One of the most important things to understand about how to clean seats is to make sure you don’t use too much soap. You are cleaning the upholstery. You do not want the soap to seep into the padding underneath. That’s why it’s best to work in small areas and apply the soap as you go.

Isolate the area you want to clean and apply soap. Use the brush to agitate the dirt (but don’t be so rough that you damage the fibers). Then wipe the dirt away with your microfiber towel. Suck up what’s left with the vacuum. This should speed up the drying process, too. You could also park the car in the sun, open the windows and/or stick a couple of fans inside it to help the seats dry faster.

How to clean a car seat: leather 

Like cloth seats, begin by vacuuming as much dirt as you can from the surface of the seat and its crevices. (You can use a can of compressed air to dislodge dirt in the hard to vacuum areas if you want).

There are lots of different products out there for cleaning leather seats. Some are “one-step” cleaners. Others either clean the seats or help preserve the natural oils and flexibility of the leather. Do your research and pick what you want.

Some products will need to sit on the leather and others need to be cleaned up right away. So always read and follow the instructions closely.

If your seats are perforated because they have heating/air conditioning capabilities, apply your cleaning product to the brush, not directly to the seat. You can also turn the heat/air conditioning on to help the seats dry faster.

How to clean car a seat: vinyl 

Vinyl upholstery is easy to please. It can be cleaned with a rag dampened with a mild detergent solution. A product like ArmorAll, which many people use to wipe their dashboard clean, works well. There are many dedicated vinyl care products on the market, and some offer cool benefits like preservatives and UV protection.

How to clean a child’s car seat

The golden rule of cleaning a child’s car seat is to follow what’s in the manual, says Karen Blackburn, a AAA Northeast car seat expert. The manual will tell you what kind of detergents to use (usually something mild) and how to get the cover off, she said.

Most car seats must be uninstalled to be cleaned properly.

As you remove the fabric, pay attention to how it comes off, Blackburn said. You’ll have to put it on the same way, but in reverse order. (Take pictures of each step, if it helps).

Wash the fabric based on the instructions in the manual. Most manufacturers do not recommend putting the fabric in the dryer, Karen said. Parts could melt or shrink, making it impossible to put on again.

Shake the dirt off the seat and clean it with either a damp rag or some baby wipes.

Pay special attention to the harness straps as you put the fabric back on the car seat. Make sure the straps are not twisted through any of the belt paths.

Again, it is very important to follow the instructions in the owner’s manual. If you lost or can’t find your owner’s manual, check the manufacturer’s website – almost all have copies and cleaning instructions online.

Those who are unfamiliar with how to install a car seat can have their seat inspected for free by a nationally certified technician. Click here to find events in your area.

Do you have suggestions for how to clean car seats? Share your best tips and tricks in the comments section.

Learn about AAA’s automotive services.

Choosing a small living space is a great idea for some and it can save a lot of money. For those who don’t mind limiting their apartment décor and who aren’t claustrophobic, choosing a less spacious apartment makes a lot of sense. However, without the proper planning and design, a small living space might not be the most comfortable place to spend time in. Here are some small space living ideas for making your small apartment or home more livable and welcoming.

How to divide a small living space

One of the first things to consider is that you’ll want to divide your small living space into different “zones,” with each zone being meant for a specific activity. Think of each zone as a room in a house, but in a studio or other small living space, these “rooms” all fit into one single space. For instance, you’ll probably need one area for bedtime, one area to work, to watch TV, etc. One easy way to designate each zone is to paint the wall in a different color, or use some kind of partitioning like a curtain. These divisions will help make the space seem less cluttered and confusing, and more livable, especially if you plan on having guests over.

Being flexible with furniture

Since you’re limited with a small living space, sometimes your work desk might also have to double as your dining table. Cube seats are another great idea, as they can act as a seat, but also as a table and potentially for storage if they have an inner compartment. Furniture that transforms to fit your needs is always a good idea. Look for tables that can also fold into small sofas, etc. That way, if you have guests visiting, you can fold out the sofa just like that. Otherwise, furniture for your guests can take up a lot of space.

In the same way, if you can invest in any setup that involves furniture that folds up onto the wall, this can be a useful asset. For instance, if you have a small work desk that’s usually folded, but that you can swing out whenever you need to, this will save you a lot of elbow room. In fact, there’s even companies that produce wall units to store your bed. When you need to sleep, just fold out the bed; in the morning, the bed folds into a drawer on the wall.

How mirrors make your small living space look bigger

Any kind of transparent material or mirror is going to be a major asset for making your space look bigger than it is. Set up mirrors in your kitchen area or along the wall to help the space seem almost double its size. You can also look into transparent glass tables, bookshelves or other furniture to achieve the same kind of effect. In the bathroom, a glass door will also look great on your shower!

Designing your small living space

You’ll want to have a consistent color scheme throughout the entire space. The continuity of the same (or similar) colors will make the room look more spacious in a subtle kind of way. Go for lighter, softer colors like light peach or pastel blue to make your small living space look more expansive. And interestingly, if you want to make your room look taller, you can put wallpaper on the wall or bookshelves in high places. Anything that makes the eye look upward will make the room look more spacious, so use this optical illusion to your advantage!

Space-saving interior design ideas for apartments

Utilizing vertical space is absolutely essential in a small living area. Make sure your bookshelves, cabinets and other storage furniture reach as high up to the ceiling as possible. If you have a partner or other family members that live with you, a bunk bed arrangement is often a typical way to save on precious horizontal space. Another great small space living idea is to have extra storage units built into it different pieces of furniture, from your table to your bed.

Keep your small living space clean

Finally, one of the most important rules for any small living space is to keep it clean. It might seem obvious, but even a little clutter can make a small space seem messy and tight, so maintain a consistent cleaning schedule and limit the apartment décor to just a few items.

With these great tips, you can transform a cramped space into one that looks and feels spacious and comfortable. After you settle down in your small living space, be sure to sign up for AAA’s Renter’s Insurance, which can be a life saver if anything is damaged.

If you have any small space tips of your own, share them with us in the comments below!

Learn about homeowner and condo insurance from AAA.

No matter who you want to get away with this fall – your family, your girlfriends, the guys, the love of your life – there’s a trip that combines the season’s scenic splendor with activities that match your travel style. Enjoy reading about these fall escapes nestled throughout the Northeast.

Romantic Escape
Block Island, R.I.

This small island – reachable year-round by ferry from Point Judith in Narragansett, R.I. – enters low season in September, making it ideal for an affordable stay at a romantic inn. Visit the circa-1834 Gothic Revival-style Southeast Light atop the Mohegan Bluffs, stroll a deserted beach, spread a picnic blanket and bird -watch, and dine on fresh seafood in and around Old Harbor.

Savoring The Season
Family Get-Together
Mystic, Conn.

Family-friendly lodging, activities for kids and cool hangouts for adults – this popular Connecticut destination has it all. Mystic Aquarium features everything from African penguins to beluga whales; Mystic Seaport Museum showcases 19th-century wooden ships and buildings; and historic downtown Mystic has shops, galleries, a craft brewery and even a beer garden.

Girlfriends’ Getaway
North Fork of Long Island, N.Y.

For a relaxing midweek getaway with the girls (weekends draw crowds), head to this farm-and-vineyard region located two hours east of Manhattan to sip wine at convivial tasting rooms, dine on fresh local fare and scoop up just-picked apples, pumpkins, squash and more. From Jamesport to Greenport, the North Fork’s charming towns are ripe with autumn goodness.

Spiritual Journey
Walden Pond State Reservation
Concord, Mass.

If you’re a Henry David Thoreau fan who hasn’t yet visited the 19th century philosopher-naturalist’s neck of the woods in eastern Massachusetts, September and October are lovely. Thoreau lived here for two years, two months and two days, and a calming walk through this protected 462-acre site might inspire your own autumn awakening.

Spa Retreat
The Poconos, Pa.

Whether you’re a couple, best friends or a mother and daughter duo, The Lodge at Woodloch in the Pocono Mountains offers relaxation to the max – and its 400 soothing woodland acres are especially splendid in autumn. When you’re not hiking, biking, kayaking or being massaged at the adults-only resort, you’ll be wrapped in a cozy robe by a fireplace.

Guys’ Weekend
Burlington, Vt.

When it’s time to hang with the guys, the great outdoors kayaking and fishing and the great indoors (craft brewpubs serving seasonal ales and sports bars with TVs tuned to NFL games) merge at this Vermont city on the shores of Lake Champlain. Add juicy burgers, spicy wings and pancakes smothered in fresh maple syrup and your taste buds (and best buds) will be happy.

Foodie Road Trip
Portsmouth, N.H., to Portland, Maine

It’s a 52-mile drive and there’s plenty of satiating spots along the route. Portsmouth’s booming foodie scene offers everything from tapas-style bites and curried mussels to a traditional New England raw bar. Kennebunkport and Ogunquit are the spots for lobster rolls, fried clams and chowder. And Portland’s memorable nibbles range from gastropub burgers to sophisticated menus by James Beard Award semifinalists.

Friend-cation
Cape May, N.J.

Rent a house, invite your friends and enjoy sea-meets-seasonal splendor as you sip morning coffee on the deck, check out the city’s Victorian and Italianate architecture, cook family-style dinners and gather around a fire pit beneath the stars. Added bonus: If you have a thing for birds, the New Jersey Audubon’s annual three-day Autumn Festival happens in October.

Artsy R&R
Rockland, Maine

With two art museums, 20-plus galleries and scenic inspiration for your own artistic dabbling, Rockland is the perfect getaway for the creatively inclined. For modern immersion, visit the Center for Maine Contemporary Art, while the Farnsworth Art Museum’s collections span all genres.

Back-to-Nature Adventure
White Mountains, N.H.

Foliage peaks in mid-September in the White Mountains, and while the weather can be unpredictable, anyone up for a challenge should consider a guided hut-to-hut hiking adventure. You’ll enjoy panoramic views, small-group camaraderie and insights into the Appalachian Trail and 6,289-foot Mount Washington.

Go to AAA.com/YourAAAFoliage to read about more ways to enjoy the season.

It doesn’t matter where you’ve been or what you’ve done – if you haven’t traveled by train, you haven’t seen it all.

Train travel around the globe allows travelers to glimpse gorgeous landscapes that, in many cases, can’t be enjoyed from a car or from the sky in the kind of relaxed, scenic fashion afforded by rail.

Here is just a small snapshot of train travel experiences that deserve a spot on your travel bucket list.

The best train travel across the globe

Rocky Mountaineer, Canada

Rocky Mountaineer offers several different routes through the Canadian Rockies for those looking to travel by train, and you can’t go wrong with whatever you choose. The Journey through the Clouds includes Mount Robson, the highest point of the Canadian Rockies, Coastal Passage offers a ride along the Pacific Ocean between Seattle and Vancouver, and First Passage to the West includes a ride through the Spiral Tunnels. If it’s too hard to choose, passengers can combine a few routes into a longer journey.

The Belmond Grand Hibernian, Ireland

The Belmond Grand Hibernian is the answer to all those who’ve dreamed of taking a luxury rail journey through the Irish countryside. Up to 40 guests enjoy two-, four-, or six-night journeys, splitting time between suite-style cabins, two restaurants and an observation car. Depending on your trip, stops along the way may include everything from an opportunity to kiss the Blarney Stone to an Irish whiskey tasting.

The Ghan, Australia

Few places represent the word vast like the Australian Outback. If you’re not up for four-wheeling through the desolate terrain or enduring some kind of soul-searching walkabout, consider travel by train with the Ghan, a perfect bet for experiencing this largely undisturbed part of the planet. It takes four days and three nights to traverse the roughly 1,850-mile route, which crosses the continent north-to-south. Relax in your private cabin aboard the train between optional excursions, such as a camelback ride. Shorter trips covering portions of the route are available as well.

The Flam Railway, Norway

A fjord is a narrow inlet or valley that twists and turns through steep, majestic cliffs. Norway is loaded with these natural wonders and the Flam Railway – also known as the Flamsbana, which is undoubtedly the coolest word you’ve read all day – is a perfect way to enjoy them. The two-hour round trip starts at sea level but rises quickly, ascending more than 2,800 feet to Myrdal. Along with beautiful fjords, the route rolls through tunnels and past waterfalls.

The Glacier Express, Switzerland

The Glacier Express moves slowly, and you wouldn’t want it any other way. The seven-hour journey from Zermatt to St. Moritz is graced with the best of Swiss scenery, including the Oberalp Pass through the Alps, 90-plus tunnels and more than 290 bridges.

The Blue Train, South Africa

The Blue Train runs a 994-mile route from Cape Town to Pretoria, South Africa. It’s a relaxed 27-hour ride. Along with sweeping scenery, the trip includes a stop at the Kimberley Mine Museum, which tells the story of area diamond mining history, and a lookout over the museum’s famous Big Hole, the largest hand-dug excavation in the world.

Grand Canyon Railway, Arizona

The Grand Canyon Railway is the trip back to the Wild West you’ve always dreamed of. Your experience starts in Williams, Ariz., on the iconic Route 66. Guests of the railway start their adventure with a Wild-West-themed show that (naturally) ends in a shootout. From there, it’s a scenic, 65 mile, two-hour-and-15 minute ride to the south rim of Grand Canyon National Park. En route, guests enjoy visits from costumed, period musicians and, perhaps, some train robbers.

Royal Canadian Pacific

Train travel with the Royal Canadian Pacific is about luxury. The line’s fleet consists of 10 vintage business cars resorted with brass fittings, circassian walnut wall paneling and imported bird’s eye maple, combined with modern amenities such as gourmet cuisine and fine wines and top-notch service. The line travels a 650-mile loop from Calgary, Alberta, wrapping through beautiful Rocky Mountains scenery populated by wildlife ranging from elk to moose to grizzly bear.

Have a favorite out of the bunch? Want to share your train travel experiences with other AAA members? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below. 

Learn more about train travel with AAA Travel. 

What’s not to love about a place where you can listen to a world-famous orchestra as you picnic, go hiking and antiquing in the same day, and visit cool museums? That place is the Berkshires, a hilly corner of western Massachusetts where the focus is on living well via active pursuits, cultural immersion and culinary indulgence. And it doesn’t hurt that the Berkshires features some of the Northeast’s most beautiful landscapes. Here is what to do in the Berkshires when you visit.

Top 10 things to do in the Berkshires, Mass.

1.

When summer arrives, the Boston Symphony Orchestra decamps to Tanglewood, a 529-acre music complex in the town of Lenox, where it performs in the Koussevitzky Music Shed from late June to early September. The 5,100-seat performance complex has been home to the orchestra since 1937.

2.

Nostalgic Americana awaits at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, where 998 of the artist’s paintings and drawings reside. It is also home to a collection of over 100,000 other items like photographs, fan mail and more. Pair a visit with lunch at the atmospheric Red Lion Inn, established in 1773.

3.

There are plenty of places to hike in the Berkshires – even a 15-mile segment of the Appalachian Trail. Hardy trekkers can tackle its most rugged section and climb 3,491-foot Mount Greylock  for a panoramic view. And thrill-seekers can get their wet adrenaline fix at Crab Apple Whitewater, a family owned and operated whitewater rafting outpost that provides nothing but memorable experiences.

4.

Head to Lenox for dinner, where options include upscale chow at Table Six, a fine-dining restaurant with unbeatable décor and an amazing outdoor view. Or try local cuisine at the cozy and casual Nudel, where farm-fresh feasts are a fact of life. Other spots include Alta Restaurant & Wine Bar, where you can taste Mediterranean delights (and 24 wines by the glass).

5.

This region is known as Antiques Alley, and the browsing opportunities are non-stop along Route 7, where you will find specialized shops as well as the multi-dealer Great Barrington Antiques Center. Peruse the thousands of collectables, art and antiques in the 5,000-square-foot shop, which is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (they close on Wednesdays during the winter). Their inventory of oriental carpets, antique furniture and more changes daily, so you never know what you will find during your next stop.

6.

Contemporary art lovers can check the schedule at MASS MoCA in North Adams, where both temporary and long-term exhibitions ­– notably 105 wall drawings by Sol LeWitt – are on display. The converted factory building is one of the largest centers for art and performance art in the United States. Other exhibitions on display include a presentation of work by German painter and sculptor Anselm Kiefer and a project that shows the growth of six live – and inverted – trees.

7.

Whether you prefer wine, beer or distilled spirits, sampling local artisanal brews makes for a fun afternoon. Options include Balderdash Cellars, Big Elm Brewing and Berkshire Mountain Distillers. Try the Truth Serum Albariño at Balderdash for a light and crisp taste with a hint of lime. The 413 Belgian ale brewed with chamomile and orange zest at Big Elm is also a treat, as is the Greylock Gin at Berkshire Distillers.

8.

Known for its wood-fired sourdough-crust pizzas, Baba Louie’s in Great Barrington is a hotspot. The Isabella Pizzarella is a delicious pizza option with roasted sweet potatoes, roasted parsnips, shaved fennel and balsamic vinegar. So is the Pomodoro Bianco, which is topped with fresh mozzarella, roasted portabellas, goat cheese and pesto.

9.

At the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, you can browse amid work from impressionist masters like Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Established in 1955, the museum and research institution is home to Renoir’s “Self-portrait,” Monet’s “The Cliffs at Etretat and Pissarro’s “The Road: Rain Effect.” Plus, there are many other European and American paintings, sculptures, drawings and photographs from the 14th century to the 20th century.

10.

Golfing is a top activity here from May through October. There are more than a dozen courses with options that include Cranwell Golf Club in Lenox and Wahconah Country Club in Dalton. Bas Ridge Golf Course in Hinsdale and the Blandford Golf & Tennis Club in Blandford are also open to the public. But call ahead for tee times because the word is out on the Berkshires. The area offers so much more than just an amazing place for hiking and camping – although it’s perfect for that too.

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

Today’s savvy travelers expect more. Hotel guests are no longer satisfied with just a clean bed to sleep in and a TV with on-demand movies. Innovative hotels have taken notice of the modern traveler’s needs and are making technologies like artificial intelligence and voice recognition a mainstay of the guest experience. Here are some of the latest hotel tech trends you may encounter on your next trip.

How Hotel Tech is Changing the Way You Plan Travel

Cutting-edge hotels are using technology to augment their guests’ experience before they even book their stay.

Artificial Intelligence 

While robotic butlers and maids may one day become hotel standards, the artificial intelligence being used by hotels today is a little less sci-fi; nonetheless, it still makes the planning process a lot easier.

Innovative hotels are using information about guests and their travel preferences to create the best travel experience possible. All that stands between you and your perfect vacation are a few questions. Best Western has partnered with IBM’s AI, Watson, to make online ads that enhance their customers’ stay before they’ve even booked a room.

Let’s say it’s May and you live in Boston. If you are looking up average temperatures in San Francisco in June, you may see an ad asking you about the kinds of activities you plan on doing while you’re in San Francisco. If you select, “We’re going wine tasting,” the ad could give recommendations for the best wineries in Sonoma, and suggest Best Western’s Sonoma Valley Inn as the perfect home base for your stay. AI-powered ads take the stress out of travel planning so that you can spend more time enjoying yourself.

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Virtual Reality 

Virtual reality is no longer just for video games. Hotels are starting to embrace virtual and augmented reality to help make the hotel selection process easier for discerning travelers.

With so many hotel comparison tools out there, travelers are often left with decision fatigue after reading dozens of reviews and scrolling through seemingly endless user-submitted photos of rooms and hotel amenities. In the end, you may even be disappointed to learn that the hotel you’ve selected after hours of research feels nothing like the photos and reviews you saw online.

If you’re selective about where you stay when you travel, you will appreciate how virtual reality is being used to help guests know exactly what they’re getting when they book a room.

Best Western recently introduced a virtual reality experience that lets travelers explore all of their North American properties before booking a room. The hotel group has partnered with Google Street View to collect almost two million photos of their 2,200+ North American hotels to create Best Western Virtual Reality Experience (BWVRE). BWVRE helps you make sure you’ve picked the best Best Western hotel for your trip. Will your room’s TV be large enough to fully enjoy that playoff game? Does the business center have everything you and your colleagues need for a quick meeting before the conference? Will there be enough space for you to do your nightly yoga routine in your room?

The Best Western Virtual Reality Experience guides you through their hotels with 3D, panoramic videos that you can watch before you click “book.” The best part is that you don’t need a VR headset to partake in these immersive virtual tours. All of Best Western’s virtual hotel tours can be viewed on YouTube.

How Hotel Tech Makes Life Easier After Check-In

Here’s a look at how tech-focused hotels are using voice recognition technology and mobile apps to enhance your stay.

Mobile Engagement Platforms 

From in-room tablets that replace the need to call room service, to bypassing the front desk for check-in, hotel tech is making it easier than ever for travelers to get what they need for a comfortable stay.

Imagine you’ve just gotten to your hotel after a delayed red-eye flight. Your kids are cranky and you feel like a zombie. The last thing you want to do is to make small talk with the hotel’s front desk staff while they get your room key ready. Best Western’s Mobile Guest Engagement Platform lets guests use their smartphones to check-in and out of their rooms, communicate with staff and even order transportation from Uber. Hotel apps make getting what you need during your stay as painless as possible.

Voice Recognition 

If you prefer to be totally hands-off when you travel, you’ll appreciate how hotels are making voice recognition technology a part of the guest experience. With a little help from Siri, Alexa and Google, travelers are getting information about their hotels as conveniently as possible.

Want to know when the pool closes without having to rummage around your room to find the hotel guidebook? Want to request late check out without having to call the front desk? Best Western guests in select hotels can use the Amazon Echo Dot in their rooms to ask Alexa their most-pressing questions and make simple requests.

While many of us use voice-activated personal assistants in our daily lives, they can augment a hotel stay by suggesting local restaurants, giving you your wake-up call or helping you plan for the weather ahead.

From the booking process to the stay, hotel tech is enhancing the way travelers make decisions about where to stay and how they experience hotels. Artificial intelligence, virtual reality, smartphone apps and voice recognition technology are making it easier than ever for guests to maximize their travel experience.

Great new hotel tech doesn’t have to be pricey. By booking your hotel room with Best Western and AAA, you can save you up to 15% and earn 10% bonus Best Western Rewards points.

What hotel tech are you looking forward to? Let us know in the comments below!

Your windshield wipers are an essential part of staying safe on the road. No one wants to drive with a dirty windshield and poor visibility is downright dangerous. Don’t wait until something goes wrong to take care of your windshield wipers. Take care of your wipers now and you won’t find yourself squinting to see through a messy windshield.

Never run wipers over a dry windshield

It might be tempting to turn them on to knock off dust or pollen, but don’t let them run across the windshield dry. Always use the washer button if the windshield isn’t already wet. Your wipers are designed to work best when the glass is wet, so even if the material blocking your view is dry like pollen and not really stuck to the windshield, wet the glass first.

Also, remember to turn off your wipers before you turn off your engine. If it’s raining and you simply turn off the car with the wipers still on, then they’ll finish their swipe across the glass when you turn the engine back on even if the rain has stopped. Turning the wipers off first ensures they’re tucked away and won’t end up swiping across dry glass.

Defrost and scrape ice and snow before using the windshield wipers

Sure, the wipers may move a layer of snow and even scrape off some ice, but it’s never a good idea to try. Heavy snow and ice can make your wipers stick. Instead of trying to use your wipers, brush the snow off the windshield and turn on the defroster to make sure the blades aren’t stuck.

Even if your wipers manage to break free, the blades may be damaged and leave streaks on your windshield. Trying to use wipers that are stuck can also damage the motor and the mechanism that moves the blades back and forth. This can be expensive to replace and it means you won’t be able to drive your car until the repair is done.

How to clean windshield wiper blades

If your windshield wiper blades are caked with dirt and debris they’re not going to be very good at cleaning the glass. They’ll end up leaving streaks and making a mess instead of helping you see better. Make it a habit to clean your windshield with the squeegee whenever you stop to get gas and take a second to clean the wiper blades, too.

Run your finger along the blades to make sure any debris is knocked free or use a cloth to remove anything stuck to the wiper blades. This is also a good time to take a solid look at the blades. If you notice the rubber is torn or any chunks are missing, then it’s time to buy a new pair. If your rear window has a wiper, don’t forget to check that one, too.

Clean the bottom of the windshield

Every time the wipers cross your windshield they push dirt and debris to the sides and down to the bottom of your windshield. This leaves you with a clear view, but it also can leave a buildup at the bottom of the windshield right where the wipers rest.

If you see dirt, leaves, or snow caught at the bottom of the windshield, then take the time to clean this area. This keeps your wipers from dragging that debris right back up into your line of sight. Not only does this help avoid streaking, it also helps prevents scratching.

Replace your windshield wiper blades regularly

It’s recommended to replace your windshield wiper blades every six months. This is a good way to make sure that they’re always in top condition and ready to do their jobs. It does not mean that you can only replace them every six months.

If you notice any problems with your windshield wipers, then replace them right away. This includes streaking across the whole windshield, sections of streaking, wipers that skip across the glass, or wipers that are excessively squeaky. They aren’t an expensive purchase and are something you can install yourself in just a few minutes.

Get the right windshield wiper blades for the job

Wiper blades come in a range of sizes to fit different vehicles. When you measure them, be sure to check both blades since there may be two different lengths that work together to clean the whole windshield. A better bet is to look in the owner’s manual to see exactly what the manufacturer recommends and purchase that size.

There is a wide variety of windshield wiper blades available. Some are specially designed for winter weather with tougher rubber composites made to withstand the rigors of snow and ice. These are more expensive, but a good idea if you drive where there is significant snowfall each year. Replace your old wipers with the right new wipers as a part of regular car maintenance.

When was the last time you checked your windshield wipers? Let us know in the comments below.

To find a reputable repair facility for a serious repair, click here.  

One of the hardest parts about traveling is sticking to a nutritious diet. Between the stress of being on the go and staying in an unfamiliar place, it’s easy to falter from a healthy eating plan. Fortunately, a few tips and tricks can help get your day started right, whether you’re dining in your guest room or enjoying a hotel breakfast buffet.

Healthy Restaurant Dishes

Hotel restaurants do offer a lot of high-calorie dishes, but you don’t have to skip breakfast to be health conscious while traveling. You can get just as much satisfaction from a veggie omelet — hold the cheese — with whole-wheat toast on the side, or make your own delicious breakfast sandwich from scrambled eggs and an English muffin. If buckwheat pancakes or waffles are on the menu, get them with fresh strawberries instead of butter and syrup, or opt for dishes like avocado toast or hash browns topped with peppers, mushrooms and onions. Many hotel restaurants also offer nutritious breakfast-in-a-bowl selections like Greek yogurt and muesli.

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Nutritious Selections From the Buffet

Although a complimentary breakfast buffet might be easy on the wallet, it’s not always easy on your waistline. Happily, most buffets have at least a few healthy choices. Look for good sources of protein like eggs and yogurt, and supplement with fresh fruit. Almost all buffets serve oatmeal, and you can make it tastier with a small packet of dried fruit and nuts. Trade a muffin or a pastry for whole-grain toast and peanut butter, and top it with sliced banana if available. To get the same amount of nutrients with less concentrated sugar, always choose whole fruit over fruit juice, and stir a little cinnamon and stevia into your cup of Joe instead of flavored creamers.

Wholesome In-Room Options

If your hotel breakfast buffet serves nothing but pancakes, sausage and other high-calorie, high-fat foods, borrow a plate and utensils and whip up a healthier meal in your guest room. For cook-free, no-refrigeration-needed fare, hit the grocery store for oranges, apples and bananas. Pack a little more substance into your morning meal with granola bars, whole-grain bagels, and trail mix.

If your room offers amenities like a coffee maker, mini-fridge and microwave, then the sky is the limit for a healthy, delicious breakfast. Use your microwave to prepare turkey bacon, and cook hard-boiled eggs with your coffee maker by submerging them in brewed water and allowing them to sit for 10 to 12 minutes. For another breakfast or healthy snack option, stock your mini-fridge with single-serve containers of Greek yogurt.

Convenience Store Choices

Some hotels don’t offer breakfast, so you may have to settle for the convenience store in the lobby or around the corner. No problem. Kick start your day with string cheese. Typically under 100 calories, this protein-rich, fun-to-eat food makes a great option for breakfast. To add healthy fats and carbs to the mix, choose whole-grain cereal cups, fresh fruit if available, or single-serve packets of pistachios, almonds or cashews. To satisfy a sweet tooth, opt for fig cookies, a healthier alternative to sugary doughnuts and cinnamon rolls. When it comes to breakfast beverages, sip vegetable juice rather than orange or apple juice, and trade a fattening coffee drink for plain black coffee or green tea.

Nutritious eating isn’t impossible when you’re traveling. Follow these tips and tricks for the best hotel breakfast options to suit a healthy lifestyle.

Originally published on Hertz.com.