Who doesn’t dream of a California road trip? With a vacation package like this one from AAA Vacations, you can make your dreams of a coastal California road trip a reality!

From the great cities of San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego to Mother Nature’s masterpiece, Yosemite National Park, you’ll see the amazing sights and landmarks that make California so unique and unforgettable. This California road trip will have you daydreaming about it long after you leave. Keep reading to learn what a California road trip looks like with AAA Vacations.

California road trip itinerary 

Day 1 – San Francisco – Tour Begins

Tour America along California’s thrilling coast. Your journey opens in “the City by the Bay,” San Francisco. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner on Pier 39, overlooking beautiful San Francisco Bay.

Day 2 – Choice Of San Francisco Bay Cruise Or City Tour Of San Francisco

After breakfast the choice is yours! Perhaps you’ll choose to take an hour-long cruise on San Francisco Bay featuring an in-depth narration of its history and landmarks including Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. Or join a local guide for a sightseeing tour of the city. Hear stories of the city’s past and present as you drive past its famous landmarks including the Twin Peaks, Seal Rocks and the Golden Gate Bridge. Your afternoon is at leisure to explore the shops at either Fisherman’s Wharf or Union Square. Perhaps you’ll take a ride up and down the city’s thrilling hills on a classic cable car.

Day 3 – Yosemite National Park

Today you wind through the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains en route to one of Mother Nature’s greatest masterpieces – Yosemite National Park, a national landmark no American traveler can miss. While camping at the park in 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt called Yosemite “the most beautiful place in the world.” Yosemite’s remarkable granite cliffs, deep valleys, Alpine meadows and groves of beautiful trees will leave you awestruck as they did Ansel Adams, who lived in the park while taking his famous portfolio of striking photographs.

You will have the chance to explore the park on a tram ride that takes you along the floor of Yosemite. Look up at the magnificent formations, including El Capitan and Half Dome, while a local guide gives a narration of the history, geology and wildlife of this internationally famous park.

Day 4 – Monterey

Travel to Monterey, the city often called the greatest meeting of land, sea and sky. It’s where California’s statehood began in 1849. Monterey is filled with lovingly restored historic buildings and Spanish adobes and is home to the famed 17-Mile Drive, also known as one of the most breathtaking coastlines in the world.

Along the drive you will pass through the Del Monte Forest and see such famous sights as the Lone Cypress Tree, perhaps the most photographed tree in the world; Seal Rock, where the seals may actually bark at you; and the prestigious Pebble Beach Golf Course, where the fairways run along seaside cliffs. Time is available to independently explore charming Monterey and shop at Cannery Row, made famous by John Steinbeck.

Day 5 – San Simeon

Journey 90 miles along the Big Sur coast, flanked by the Santa Lucia Mountains and the sea-sprayed rocky Pacific, for a trip that will surely take your breath away.

Upon arrival in San Simeon, visit one of the world’s greatest showplaces, the palatial mountaintop retreat of Hearst Castle, built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. Tour the castle, built on a 40,000-acre ranch that Hearst frequently camped on as a child. Now a National Historic Landmark, Hearst was constantly building and rebuilding what he simply called “the ranch.” As a result, the estate was not completed during Hearst’s lifetime and was later donated to the State of California in 1957. Explore some of its 165 rooms and 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools and walkways. Later, arrive in enchanting Santa Barbara, famous for its breathtaking setting and natural beauty fused from the dramatic mix of mountains, valleys, beaches, islands and the sea.

Day 6 – Santa Barbara

This morning your tour manager will show you some of Santa Barbara’s most historic sites. A docent will guide you through the Old Mission Santa Barbara, established in 1786. It is often referred to as the “Queen of the Missions.” Some free time allows you to explore the downtown area laced with pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and paseos, with the Santa Ynez Mountains as a lovely backdrop. You may prefer to grab a pedicab (Santa Barbara’s answer to the rickshaw) or hop aboard an eco-friendly electric shuttle to the waterfront area famous for Stearns Wharf, which has been a part of the scene since 1872.

Day 7 – Los Angeles

Tour America’s entertainment capital as the coastal journey takes you to glittering Los Angeles, the “City of Angels,” and home to Universal Studios, as well as a host of your favorite musical and film celebrities.

A local guide will board our coach to take you on an exciting tour of Los Angeles and the surrounding area. You’ll begin your tour at the Grand Central Market, then continue past Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Staples Center. A real treat is planned for you with a stop at the Original Farmers Market. Have time on your own to explore. Perhaps you’ll browse the shops or partake in some farm-fresh fare. Continue on to two of the most famous sections of town – Beverly Hills and Santa Monica.

Day 8 – Pasadena

The day is yours to enjoy as you wish. Explore the area independently or choose to join an optional tour of Hollywood to learn secrets of the stars and catch a glimpse of their homes and hangouts. Your tour manager will help you make a perfect choice. Tonight, gather with your fellow American travelers for a farewell dinner.

Day 9 – Pasadena – Tour Ends

Your California road trip comes to an end, but the memories will stay with you forever.

Have you ever taken a West Coast or California road trip? Have advice for your fellow AAA members? Share your thoughts in the comments. 

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!

Living in the Northeast, nothing sounds better during or after a long, harsh New England winter than catching some rays on the deck of a Caribbean cruise ship. And because the trip from New York, Boston or New Jersey can mean a lot of days at sea, there’s all the more reason to take advantage of some of the amazing Caribbean ports that you can call home for a few days on your cruise travels.

While your ports of call may vary depending on the length of your cruise, your final destination, and whether or not you’re round-tripping, each provides a unique view of the Caribbean and offers plenty to do.

Royal Naval Dockyard, King’s Wharf Pier, Bermuda

Home of the British Royal Navy’s outpost after the Revolutionary War, most cruises stop here, giving them easy access to not only attractions in the Dockyard itself, but also to nearby Hamilton, Bermuda’s capital city, as well at historic St. George’s.  Both Hamilton and St. George are easily accessed by ferry.

While the Dockyard and King’s Wharf hasn’t been used much as a navy outpost since 1951, there’s still plenty to do at the pier itself.  Snorkel Park Beach and the Bermuda Maritime Museum are all within walking distance from where cruise ships dock.

If you’d rather get out and about, head to the beach! Horseshoe Bay, Church Bay and Warwick Long Bay Beach are nearby and easily accessible by public transportation.

If shopping is more your scene, you’ll find plenty to bring home.  Hit up the Clocktower Shopping Mall or Bermuda Craft Market where you can score everything from designer duds to locally-produced banana dolls, jewelry made of the area’s signature pink sand and pottery.  While there is no sales tax in Bermuda, you will incur import duties included in the price of foreign goods.

Are you a history buff? The area’s rich history leaves the intellectually curious plenty to learn.  Travel back in time to 1609 and follow in the footsteps of Sir George Somers, the founder of Bermuda. Wander down tiny cobbled streets to get a taste of what life was like back then; take in the churches, forts and historic buildings of this UNESCO World Heritage site.  You’ll need at least four hours if you plan to head to St. George’s.  If you’d rather stay local, you’ll still have plenty to do; work out your sea legs by climbing the Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, one of the first to be made of cast iron.

Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Upon landing in Tortola in 1493, Christopher Columbus supposedly dubbed this Caribbean cruise port the “Land of the Turtle Dove.”  Notorious for being a pirate’s hideaway as late as 1972, you can make like Blackbeard and tuck away in one the island’s many coves or get lost it is crystal blue waters.

After arrival and clearing customs, the hardest thing is deciding on how to spend your time!  It’s an active person’s paradise, where you can take to the water for snorkeling, scuba, surfing or fishing. If you’d rather stay dry, hike to the top of Sage Mountain to check out a total view of the area from the highest peak on Tortola.  Want to just relax? Stop by the Callwood Rum Distillery for a history lesson and a drink.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan is a popular Caribbean Cruise stop for ships departing the Northeast for the Eastern or Southern Caribbean.  The oldest city under U.S. jurisdiction, it’s a melting pot of food, music and culture on the island.

Get out your walking shoes and head to Old San Juan, walkable from the San Juan cruise pier.   There, you’ll be able to take in the country’s history, parading down cobblestone streets for a step back in time. The forts of San Cristóbal, San Felipe del Morro, San Juan de la Cruz (El Cañuelo) set against glistening San Juan Bay are a must-see.

All that sightseeing sure works up an appetite, and lucky for you, San Juan is quite the foodie destination.  Since Puerto Rico is the home of the piña colada, you’ll want to head to the Bacardi distillery to learn about all things rum or if yours is a booze-free cruise, check out a coffee plantation tour.  Cap the day off with a big bowl of Creole deliciousness before heading back to your ship.

Nassau, Bahamas

The Bahamian islands have a long and multicultural story to their past and it’s woven into the very fabric of life in the Bahamas. Even the native speech has a distinct cadence; a little Queen’s English, a few echoes of Africa and a sprinkle of island flair.

With its consistent tropical climate, there is no bad time to visit the Bahamas. Nassau is the capital city on New Paradise island, and if your cruise docks here, you’ll likely find yourself with too little time and too much to do.  If you know that you’re planning a stop here, speak to your travel agent or cruise company to see if they can arrange a Caribbean vacation package that includes a trip to the Atlantis Resort and Casino, one of the island’s most popular destinations.

If it’s seclusion you seek, hop a ferry to Blue Lagoon island, a three mile trip that seems worlds away. You’ll need to ensure transportation to/from your cruise ship, but a day at this private paradise is worth it for the up close and personal encounters with sea life!

If you’d rather stay close to port, there is plenty to do on a city tour of town, where you’ll see Fort Fincastle, the Queen’s staircase, Fort Charlotte and Fort Montagu, all remnants of British influence that permeates Bahamian history.

Finally, if shopping is on your agenda, be aware of U.S. Customs requirements;  U.S. citizens out of the country for 48 hours are allowed up to $800 worth of duty-free merchandise.

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

While one of the smaller island stops on the Caribbean cruise circuit, there is no shortage of things to do. While St. Thomas offers many of the same features- beach, snorkeling, shopping, dining, history- than other cruise ports, there are few sights that are uniquely St. Thomas that you shouldn’t miss.

Mountain Table, the highest point in St. Thomas, is your sure stop for the best vantage point in town to snap the best picture, so have your camera ready.  Keep it out, because a tour of the island will take you past other prize shots:  Blackbeard’s Castle, Beacon Point, Drake’s Seat and the Botanical Gardens, just to name a few.

If you really want a bird’s eye view of St. Thomas, walk to Paradise Point Skyride and get yourself a day gondola ticket.  Want to speed things up?  The Tree Limin Extreme Experience, located in the rainforest of St. Peter Mountain will send you soaring over 6 different zip lines, 2 sky bridges, and 8 platforms.

Finally, St. Thomas is truly a shopper’s delight since it is duty-free, meaning that you can bring home $1,200 in merchandise- more than from most of the other Caribbean pit stops.

Kralendijk, Bonaire

Moving away from British influence, upon arrival in Bonaire and you’ll find yourself in a land decidedly Dutch.  A municipality of Holland, this island boasts some of the most spectacular scuba diving around since it’s surrounded by a marine park.

Note that most beaches are a 10-25-minute walk from the pier, though taxis are readily available. However, if you do have the time to spend, plan a trip to Washington Slagbaai National Park where you can meet and greet with some of the parrots, flamingos, parakeets, iguanas and other creatures that call Bonaire home. You can also browse through a museum or strap on your boots for a hike. Whatever you do, it’ll be worth the 45-minute ride from the ship.

Note to self – don’t be tempted to pick up and stowaway shells while you’re out exploring – it’s against the law!

Fort de France, Martinique

The Caribbean is not without French influence and nowhere is this more evident than in Fort de France. The largest city in Martinique, it’s part France, part New Orleans.  The terrain is two-fold:  part beach, part rainforest. And if you only have one day at port, you’ll have to choose.  The beaches at Pointe du Bout, Pointe des Salines and Sainte-Anne have a decidedly St. Tropez flair to them. If you’re getting beach-ed out, head for the hills to experience the rainforest at Head north to Mont Pelee.

Parlez-vous Francais?  If so, you’re lucky! French is the language spoken by most.

What Caribbean cruise ports are you most excited about exploring? Tell us in the comments.

Plan and book your next cruise vacation with AAA. 

When it comes to family-friendly vacations, a trip to Disney is truly magical. For those that love all things Mickey, but also want to explore destinations beyond the Magic Kingdom, a Walt Disney Cruise gives you the best of both worlds.

Ships

The Walt Disney Cruise Line features four gorgeous ships designed to be kid-friendly: Disney Magic, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Disney Wonder. All of the ships feature spacious staterooms, with some offering concierge service, ocean views and private balconies.

In terms of size, style and amenities, the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder are both 83,000-ton vessels with 875 staterooms (2,400 passengers maximum), while the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy are both 122,000 tons and two decks taller than the older ships, with 1,250 staterooms (4,000 passengers maximum).

The Magic and Dream are decorated in an Art Deco style, while the Wonder and Fantasy feature an Art Nouveau design.

Entertainment

There is plenty of kid-friendly entertainment, including Broadway-caliber live musicals. Starting in November 2017, the Dream will host a musical production of Beauty and the Beast. The Wonder is home to Frozen, A Musical Spectacular, while the Magic showcases Tangled: The Musical and the Fantasy has Aladdin, A Musical Spectacular.

There are also awe-inspiring fireworks at sea, new Disney movies shown in 3D, and themed dance parties.

And why should the kids have all the fun? Mom and dad can take advantage of free babysitting at the Kids Club and hit up one of the adult-only nightclubs and lounges.

Destinations

The Disney Cruise Line visits various ports of call in Alaska, Europe and the Caribbean. Those traveling to the Bahamas, Western and Eastern Caribbean will also have access to Castaway Cay, Disney’s very own private island. There, guests can spend the day relaxing on pristine beaches, snorkel in its sparkling lagoons filled with sea life, splash around in play areas, take in the scenic walking trails and dine at one of the open-air BBQ dining locations.

For families that want to spend some time at Disney World, many cruises leaving from Port Canaveral combine a stay at the parks with your time at sea. Other U.S.-based departure cities include Miami, Galveston, Texas and San Diego. In addition, the company does offer cruises leaving from New York City, usually in the fall. For example, Disney Magic will be sailing to both Bermuda and Quebec City for the first time in late 2018, with the trips leaving from NYC and taking place on the Disney Magic. The Magic will also take a special trip from New York to Port Canaveral in late 2018.

And there are specialty cruises for Star Wars and Marvel super fans, as well as Halloween on the High Seas (September and October) and Very Merrytime Cruises (November and December).

Characters

Of course, the ships are packed with all of your favorite Disney characters that make these especially kid-friendly cruises: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Cinderella, Captain Hook and more. Your little princess can have royal tea with some of the Disney princesses, and there is a pirate night featuring a scallywag-themed dinner and buccaneer bash that ends with an amazing fireworks show. And on select seven-night or longer cruises, there is a special character breakfast – an easy way to meet and snap photos with an array of characters.

Dining

One of the biggest perks of cruising is the food. Disney cruises offers everything from gourmet dining to quick-service meals. There are also late-night snacks in the adult nightclubs and lounges, as well as all-you-can-eat ice cream, so even your pickiest eaters will end the day with a full stomach!

Spas & Salons

This is a vacation, so you want some time for rest and relaxation. Each ship has a Senses Spa & Salon, where you can get a spa or beauty treatment. For the teen in your life, the Chill Spa offers treatments designed specifically for kids ages 13-17 – including mother/daughter and father/son treatments.

And little girls can have their princess fantasies come true at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique on the Fantasy.

Cost

The cost of a Disney cruise really depends on the type of cruise. Obviously, the more nights you’re on the ship, the more it will cost you. Typically, the cruise cost starts at $2500 for a family of four, and includes room, food, entertainment, and on-board activities (not the spa/salon). Airfare and excursions are not included.

Disney cruise deals

Disney offers special rates for Florida residents and U.S. military members, and there are sometimes deals offered to Canadian residents and Southern California residents. In addition, there are often deals depending on the time of year and type of cruise booked. Check out AAA.com/Disney to find offers for AAA members.

Onboard booking

If you’re on a Disney cruise and love it so much you know you want to take another one within the next 24 months, be sure to book your next voyage while you’re on the ship. You’ll receive a 10 percent discount on the final cruise fare (with some blackout dates; does not apply to concierge bookings; up to $200 onboard credit per stateroom ($100 for 3-6 night cruises, $200 for 7+ night cruises); and a lower deposit requirement of only 10 percent on 7+ night cruises (regular deposit requirement is 20 percent).

You can book a “placeholder” cruise for $250 without picking a specific sail date and change or cancel it later with no penalty.

Have you ever gone on a magical Disney cruise? Tell us about it.

Plan and book your next cruise vacation with AAA. 

Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2017, Foxwoods Casino in southeastern Connecticut, a property with almost 10 million square feet of space, offers a staggering variety of activities, from games in seven casinos to more than three dozen restaurants. Foxwoods is owned operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, who always seem to be adding and improving upon the resort. Four hotels can accommodate 2,200 guests, two spas can pamper them, and in addition, there are two golf courses, two theatres, six nightclubs, a bowling alley, and enough shops and stores to keep anyone busy for days. There are even hiking trails, a museum and, coming soon, a zipline, for those who want to get out and about. Here are some of the highlights visitors will find at Foxwoods Resort.

Gaming

In total, Foxwoods Resort Casino offers 340,000 square feet of gaming space, including 4,800 slots, 249 table games, 94 poker tables, high-stakes Bingo, Keno, and more. Table games, of which there are 22 varieties, include all the favorites, such as Baccarat, Blackjack, Caribbean Stud Poker, Craps, Pai Gow Poker, Roulette, Texas Hold’ Em Poker, and Three Card Poker. If you’re a timid player like me, the $1 Blackjack tables allow you to gamble without stressing out.

Dining

There are more than 40 dining venues at Foxwoods, from super casual to high end, touching on every type of cuisine. Highlights include Alta Strada, a modern Italian restaurant with an impressively large wine list; David Burke Prime, which features steaks from Kentucky that are dry-aged on the property in a salt tiled aging room; and VUE 24, which is located on the 24th floor of the Grand Pequot Tower and offers stunning panoramic views. Celebrity chef Guy Fieri’s Foxwoods Kitchen + Bar serves up some of his classic dishes and there’s even an outpost of Junior’s, a Brooklyn, New York landmark.

Entertainment

A lot of big-name acts come to play at Foxwoods 4,000-seat Grand Theater, from comedians like Jerry Seinfeld to musicians like Mariah Carey, but there are so many venues at the resort, it can be hard to choose where to spend your evening. The more intimate 1,400-seat Fox Theater is an outstanding place to catch acts like Criss Angel, Tracy Morgan, and Rob Schneider. There’s also a host of bars and lounges to enjoy and high-energy nightclubs with DJs brought in from around the world.

Spas

There are two luxurious spas to indulge in at Foxwoods, the Norwich Spa and the G Spa & Salon. The G Spa, created by Gretta Monahan, is a 21,000-square-foot sanctuary found in the Fox Tower. There is an array of treatments to choose from, from facials to massages, but the signature ones are those inspired by Native American treatments, such as the maize and mountain laurel scrub, which uses ground maize to exfoliate your skin. Happily, day passes are available, which allows guests to enjoy the eucalyptus steam room, sauna, waterfall whirlpool, sun decks, fitness center, co-ed pool and whirlpool, without booking a service. You can even dine there if you like. Norwich Spa, located in the Grand Pequot Tower, offers similar treatments and also offers a day pass.

Golf

Foxwoods is home to two championship golf courses, both designed by renowned golf course architect Rees Jones. Named Lake of Isles for the 90-acre-lake on the property, the courses are located on over 900 acres next to the Foxwoods Resort Casino. Visitors of the casino can play on the North Course, which is open to the public. An all-inclusive golf fee includes 18 holes with a cart, range balls, yardage card and bottle of water. The South Course is by membership only. In addition, there is a golf academy with four indoor teaching studios; Matches Tavern; and a golf shop. Guests can also sign up for lessons with PGA and LPGA teaching professionals.

Pequot Museum

The museum tells the story of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and offers insight into the histories and cultures of Native Americans in the northeast. Permanent exhibits include the excellent “Pequot Village,” a recreated 16th-century Pequot village, pre- and post-European contact, where you can see wigwams, traditional clothing and ornamentations, all made by Native craftspeople. In addition, there are a variety of other multi-sensory dioramas, exhibits, films, videos and interactive programs. Make sure to check out the 185-foot stone and glass tower, which offers amazing views of the area. You should definitely visit the restaurant, which features a variety of Native American cuisines.

Have you ever been to the Foxwoods Resort? Tell us about your visit in the comments below!

Plan and book your next trip with AAA.  

Close enough to feel the energy of NYC, yet far enough away to appreciate the quiet, Westchester delivers a New York experience with an appeal that’s all its own. With historic sites, a vibrant food and culture scene, and parks and preserves for all your nature adventures, it’s an ideal spot for a day trip or quick weekend jaunt.

Budget

Stay: The Crowne Plaza White Plains Downtown is centrally located near local attractions and less than a mile from the White Plains Metro North train station (a train ride to Grand Central Station takes less than an hour.) The Three Diamond Rated property was renovated in 2014 and features accommodations such as a free airport shuttle, valet service, indoor pool, fitness and business centers and an on-site restaurant. AAA members receive a 5-15 percent discount on the current best rate.

Do: Walk or jog along the scenic carriage trails at Rockefeller State Park Preserve. The roads, designed by John D. Rockefeller Jr., lead visitors to wetlands, woodlands, rivers, streams and lakes. Bring your best friend – leashed dogs are welcome. A $6 vehicle entry fee is all it will cost you. On weekends, PepsiCo opens the sculpture garden on its corporate grounds in Purchase to the public for free. And a stroll through quaint downtown Tarrytown never disappoints.

Dine: Hot dogs at Walter’s in Mamaroneck are consistently ranked among the top in the country. Since 1919, the institution has been making its signature franks the same way – split down the middle, grilled in a secret sauce and served on a toasted bun with housemade mustard. Grab one from the copper-roofed Chinese pagoda roadside stand or track down the food truck. More local favorites include award-winning soups from grab-and-go Ladle of Love, and the Greek eatery Lefteris Gyro, which each have several locations throughout Westchester.

Mid-Range

Stay: Restored from a 18^th century barn and carriage house, Crabtree’s Kittle House Inn B&B in Chappaqua offers 13 rooms of old-world comfort and modern amenities like high-speed internet. It is home to an acclaimed farm-to-table restaurant, which pairs modern American cuisine with an award-winning wine cellar. Come for a memorable dinner and stay for the hospitality.

Do: Tour historic Hudson Valley, including Kykuit, the opulent Rockefeller estate recognized for its stunning architecture, gardens and art galleries. Or walk the grounds at Lyndhurst, a 19^th century Gothic Revival mansion overlooking the Hudson, complete with a recently restored and fully operational bowling alley (the oldest regulation lanes in the Western Hemisphere!). Of course, Washington Irving’s Sunnyside is a must-visit in Sleepy Hollow country. For family fun, there’s plenty to be found at Rye Playland amusement park. And Legoland Discovery Center in Yonkers will entertain the little ones for hours.

Dine: Relax with a cocktail and seasonal comfort foods presented with style at chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s rustically elegant, Three Diamond Rated The Inn at Pound Ridge. For indoor or outdoor dining with stunning Hudson River views (and the bright lights of the Manhattan skyline in the distance), Half Moon in Dobbs Ferry and nearby Harvest on Hudson are two excellent choices with fresh fare, great atmosphere and prime sunset viewing.

Luxury

Stay: AAA Four Diamond Rated Castle Hotel & Spa is located in Tarrytown, but pulling up to the Lismore Castle-inspired property feels like entering a fairy tale in a land far away. Dine at Equus overlooking the gardens and the Hudson River in the distance – a view that only the highest point in Westchester County affords, or indulge in ultimate tranquility at the Thann Sanctuary Spa, which specializes in Thai treatments and techniques.

Do: Visit The Westchester mall and treat yourself at shops like Neiman Marcus, Tiffany & Co. and Louis Vuitton, catch a show at the Capital Theatre or the Paramount Hudson Valley, or play a round at the 18-hole Hudson Hills Golf Course. The more adventurous can charter an Awesome Flight helicopter tour of NYC from the Westchester County Airport.

Dine: When it comes to dining in Westchester – or anywhere, for that matter – there are few better options than Blue Hill at Stone Barns. Chef Dan Barber’s standard-setting field-to-table restaurant was ranked number 11 on World’s 50 Best Restaurants list for 2017. Based at the Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, there are no menus, just a multi-course feast created from what’s currently available at  the fully sustainable farm and locally within the Hudson Valley. Baldanza, the signature fine dining restaurant at Richard Gere’s bed and breakfast, Bedford Post Inn, is also worth a visit whether your staying over or just stopping in for a meal.

For more things to do in Westchester, go to VisitWestchesterNY.com.

And for all of your travel planning needs near or far, get in touch with a AAA travel counselor.  

Tokyo is one of the world’s premiere destinations for food tourism. From street food staples like ramen and gyoza to high end sushi and Michelin-rated restaurants, Tokyo has something for every palate and budget.

Asia tour packages for foodies

1. Ramen at Karashibimisoramen Kikanbo

Some fans say that Karashibimisoramen Kikanbo (known as Kikanbo) has the best ramen in all of Tokyo, while others say it has the best ramen in all of the world. Either way, Kikanbo’s ultra-spicy miso ramen will make heat lovers feel right at home. Only the bravest visitors order ramen “demon demon” style, which cranks up the heat with not one, but two too-hot-to-handle spices.

2. Sushi at Sawada

If sushi is an art, then Chef Sawada is one of its masters. Chef Sawada prepares his sushi omakase style, which means that there is no menu. He decides what to serve based on what ingredients are fresh that day and the rapport he’s built with his guests. Guests can expect dinner and a show at this Michelin-starred restaurant while they watch Chef Sawada deftly assemble piece after piece of seafood-and-rice masterpieces.

3. Tempura at Ten-ichi

Ten-ichi elevates battered, deep-fried tempura to a dining experience good enough for guests like Frank Sinatra, Mikhail Gorbachev and Bill Clinton. You’ll be mesmerized by the ease with which Chef Suzuki flips battered seafood around a pan of boiling oil using only his chopsticks. A reservation is your best chance for dining at Ten-ichi and sitting next to an international dignitary.

4. Tonkatsu at Tonki

After almost 80 years of preparing the deep-fried breaded pork dish known as tonkatsu, Tonki has it down to a science. From the decor to the menu, simplicity is the modus operandi at Tonki. Guests choose between rōsu-katsu (fatty) or hire-katsu (lean) meat and then wait twenty-or-so minutes for it to slow cook. The end result is piping-hot tonkatsu accompanied by rice, shredded cabbage (the traditional side dish), miso soup and spicy mustard.

5. Gyoza at Harajuku Gyozaro

If dumplings are your guilty pleasure then add Harajuku Gyozaro (also known as Harajuku Gyoza Lou) to your list of must-try restaurants while visiting Tokyo. Harajuku Gyozaro’s simple menu offers gyoza two ways: fried or steamed. At about $3 for six pieces, you can afford to try them both. Fans say that these juicy dumplings are tasty enough to be eaten without any sauces. Come hungry, but not too hungry as there is usually a wait at this popular spot.

6. Matcha at Kosoan

Kosoan is the perfect retreat from Tokyo’s hustle and bustle. The teahouse is built inside of a traditional Japanese house – complete with a perfectly landscaped garden. Take a seat on the floor at a traditional low table and enjoy the serenity of the garden while sipping on matcha, tea made of ground green tea leaves, paired with a seasonal sweet.

7. Teppanyaki at Hakushu

Called the “Holy Grail for meat lovers” by one fan, Hakushu prepares Japan’s finest kobe and wagyu beef teppanyaki-style. Teppanyaki involves cooking on an iron griddle, much like hibachi. Hakushu is a multi-generational family operation so if you’re lucky, grandma will cook for you. Reservations are highly recommended as foodies come from all over the world to try this Japanese steakhouse.

8. Udon at Udon Shin

From ramen to udon, Tokyo is a noodle-lover’s paradise. Udon noodles are ramen noodles’ thicker, chewier cousins. Udon Shin in Tokyo’s Shinjuku neighborhood is known for its hand-made noodles that are cut and cooked to order. Guests can enjoy udon two ways: served cold with a side of tempura or served hot in soup-form topped with beef.

9. Pastries at Hidemi Sugino

Paris may be the first metropolis that comes to mind when conversation goes to pastries, so you so you may be surprised to learn that Tokyo’s patisseries are equally as delicious. Chef Hidemo Sugino, who was named Asia’s Best Pastry Chef in 2015, is best known for his mousses. You’ll want to photograph these sweet treats before eating them because they look as good as they taste.

10. Japanese breakfast at Tsukiji Shouro

Whether you’ve planned your trip to Tokyo yourself or are visiting Japan via Asia tours, you’ll need a hearty breakfast to prepare you for exploring. Instead of bacon and eggs, a traditional Japanese breakfast consists of rice, miso soup and seafood. For something a bit more familiar head to Tsukiji Shouro for tomagoyaki, Japanese omelette made of several layers of rolled up eggs. You’ll be able to find tomagoyaki filled with anything from chicken to pickled plums at Tsukiji Shouro.

Have you ever had something tasty in Tokyo? Tell us about it in the comments below!

See Tokyo and the best that Asia has to offer on AAA’s Asia tours. Click here to explore our Asia tour packages. 

Some castles in Italy are fortified but stately residences clinging to rocky outcroppings that loom over fishing boats bobbing in the aquamarine bays of the Mediterranean Sea. Others are ancient, windowless defenses built to keep an eye over once-vast inland territories.

What they share is a sense of living history that can anchor fantastic day trips from Rome, Florence and Venice. Or they’re worth planning an entire trip around.

Despite the variety available in Italy, Americans who daydream about castles probably think first of Britain or Germany. There are more than enough castles in Italy to satisfy any traveler with a taste for medieval architecture.

To help fix the mistake, here’s a quick look at some of the coolest:

Andrea Doria, Portovenere

The Liguria region in the northwest, home to Genoa and the famous colorful towns of Cinque Terre, has some of the most spectacular castles in the country. One of the most famous is Andrea Doria, which shares a name with the Italian ocean liner than that sank in 1956. Now used for weddings and other functions, the castle hovers over the tiny village of Portovenere with a magnificent view of St. Peter’s Church.

Odescalchi, Lake Bracciano

Just a few miles north of Rome, this 15th-century castle with rounded turrets and high stone walls served as the home for two families that sent popes to the Vatican, the Borgias and the Orsini. Lately, it has become famous for hosting celebrity weddings, including Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes. Besides a penchant for bling, the castle also boasts Renaissance frescoes and period furnishings in its cavernous halls, plush and manicured gardens throughout the grounds.

Castello Brown, Portofino

The Italian castle with an English name, Castello Brown was built in the 16th century on the site of a Roman watchtower. It was in ruins when a British diplomat restored it in the 1800s, and now visitors can take in a beautiful view of the boats of the international jet-set that fill the Portofino bay. When a posh wedding isn’t taking place here, you can walk through the lush gardens that cover the hills around the castle, stopping to relax under a pergola amid the rose bushes.

Scaligero, Lake Garda

Not far from Venice, Lake Garda is ringed by a handful of castles built by the Scaligero lords of Verona. The most impressive, in Sirmione, features well-preserved towers and crenelated walls that dominate the entrance to town, and passing through its gate is the only way to access the village by land. The fairytale setting sometimes is called the Sinking Castle, but that’s a misnomer. It was actually built into the lake as a fortified port, with high walls that rise straight from the glacial-blue water, making it appear flooded from above.

Rocca Maggiore, Assisi

Since it’s in the hometown of St. Francis of Assisi, the Rocca Maggiore often gets overlooked even though it’s perched on a promontory above. But once you make a pass through the saint’s cathedral, head uphill for commanding views of the Umbrian countryside. For centuries used as a defensive citadel, the muscular fortress was built starting in the 1100s. Visitors nowadays can wander through its claustrophobic passageways and see recreations of medieval life in several halls.

Vezio, Verenna

This 12th century castle may be in ruins, but it still has a working drawbridge and panoramic views of Lake Como, in the Lombardy region. What mostly remains up a steep hill from Varenna are a walled enclosure built around a square tower and haunting sculptures of shrouded figures. One thing that also sets it apart is a falconry show.

Fortress of San Nicola, Tremiti Islands

This fortress in the Tremiti Islands off the coast of Puglia, or the heel of the Italian boot, seems as if it were carved from the sun-bleached limestone cliff it sits upon. The contrasting aquamarine sea below helps make this castle one of the most beautiful scenes in all of Italy. It’s well off the beaten path, but the castle and idyllic island of San Nicola are easily reachable by ferry from the mainland.

Naturally, once you get there, the castle is a sliver of the bounty that awaits. Take the time to visit AAA Exclusive Vacations to see how counselors can help you plan a trip to see castles in Italy.

What is your favorite Italian castle? Tell us in the comments below.

A lot of Americans are going on family vacations in 2018. According to AAA, the go-to expert on family travel, a whopping 88 million Americans plan to take family vacations this year. After tracking family travel plans and preferences with a series of comprehensive surveys, AAA found that road trips remain the most popular option, making up around 65 percent of all family trips.

While family getaways are usually intergenerational, it seems that millennials are taking a bit of a lead. Forty-four percent of millennials are planning family getaways this year, compared to 39 percent of Gen Xers and 32 percent of baby boomers.

“No matter their age,” says Bill Sutherland, AAA senior vice president of travel and publishing, “families are going on not just one, but multiple vacations throughout the year to revisit favorite destinations and experience new places.”

To help young families prep for their next vacation, AAA’s Inspectors have identified some of their favorite family-friendly hotels and restaurants for 2018. Here are some of the highlights.

Hotels

Ludlow’s Island Resort, Minnesota (AAA Three Diamond Rated)

This resort is really a series of charming cottages and cabins, dotted across the minuscule paradise of Ludlow’s Island. Located right in the middle of scenic Lake Vermilion, Ludlow’s Island Resort is an outdoor paradise, filled with activities the kids will love. Go fishing on the lake, have a family cookout at your cabin or get behind the wheel of one of Ludlow Island’s amphibian cars. There are also daily children’s activities for the kids who can’t get enough of island life. Book with AAA.

Castle in the Sand Hotel, Maryland (AAA Two Diamond Rated)

This family-run resort looks almost like a towering sand castle – an appropriate theme for Ocean City. Castle in the Sand Hotel is right on the water, making the commute from your hotel room to the beach about a minute long. You can enjoy the swimming pool and tiki bar in the courtyard. Younger guests of the Castle in the Sand Hotel can enjoy the series of summertime activities exclusively for kids. Book with AAA.

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Arizona (AAA Five Diamond Rated)

It’s no surprise that adults love the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. With five AAA Diamonds to its name, this luxury resort is a first-class experience. But while the adults are golfing or lounging at the spa, the kids are off on their own adventure. The Trailblazers Family Adventure Center is filled with interactive games and activities for kids. Trailblazers kids can go on nature walks, pan for real gold, catch fish in the lagoon and go swimming in the six different pools – including Sonoran Splash, a pool with two 200-foot waterslides. After dark, they become techno waterslides, with disco lights, fog and pumping music. There’s no better time to take the plunge. Book with AAA.

Rocking Horse Ranch, New York (AAA Three Diamond Rated)

I have personally dreamed of going to Rocking Horse Ranch ever since I was a small horse girl. This upstate New York treasure features over 100 horses. That’s right. Rocking Horse Ranch is an equine paradise, with year-round trail rides, carriage rides, ponies and horseback riding demonstrations. Sick of horsing around? Don’t worry! There’s also mountain tubing, bungee jumping, rock climbing and water sports. Afterward, you and your little cowpokes can head to the Silverado Saloon, where there’s live nightly entertainment. There’s also indoor activities for all ages. The kids will love the arcade, while the parents might appreciate the spa a little bit more.

Weekapaug Inn, Rhode Island (AAA Four Diamond Rated)

Located on the banks of Quonochontaug Pond in Westerly, the Weekapaug Inn has been around since 1899. Take advantage of the staff naturalist, who is in charge of daily nature activities like star gazing, bird-watching and hiking trips. Go on a boat or kayak tour around the pond, which is so calm that you’ll see some guests doing yoga on paddleboards. Enjoy nightly s’mores around the fire before collapsing in one of the luxurious rooms. It’s the perfect place to unplug and unwind.

Restaurants

Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor, Indiana (AAA Two Diamond Rated)

Step back in time at Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor in Columbus. This city landmark has been serving sweet treats for nearly 120 years. With marble countertops, antique soda fountains and mahogany fixtures, it still looks just like it did back then. The whole family will love the colorful sodas and ice creams, but you can also enjoy a full meal.

Babe’s Chicken Dinner House, Texas (AAA Two Diamond Rated)

This small restaurant chain, with several locations around the Dallas-Fort Worth area, is a great place to bring the whole family. The servers treat guests like family, serving up heaping plates of homestyle comfort food. Kids of all ages will love dancing the hokeypokey with the waitstaff and singing along with the music.

The Boat House Restaurant, Pennsylvania (AAA Two Diamond Rated)

This Hawley restaurant is located right on the edge of Lake Wallenpaupack. In fact, guests can (and often do) arrive by boat, mooring at the dock in the back of the restaurant. The Boat House Restaurant is appropriately nautical-themed, but its surf n’ turf menu will please even the pickiest of eaters. With live entertainment and a retinue of different events, there’s always something new to try.

Where does your family love to eat or stay? Let us know in the comments below!

For more information on family fun, visit AAA.com/TravelTips.

River cruises are popular vacations abroad, but what about floating a little closer to home? U.S. river cruises might be the best kept secret in American travel. Rivers used to be the lifeblood of American trade and travel, and the cities that have cropped up along the banks of these rivers are filled with rich history and culture. Floating at a steady pace, you’ll be able to take in the grand, sweeping sights of trees and fields and mountains. And by stopping throughout these ports of call, you’ll be able to experience a delightful cross-section of life across America.

Most U.S. river cruises sail along the Mississippi River, the Hudson River and the Columbia and Snake rivers. River cruise boats are small, and they usually carry around 200 passengers. Many of these vessels are styled after historic paddle wheel boats in a nod to the American river-faring traditions of the past. Riverboats can dock closer to more populated downtown areas than cruise ships can, plopping you right in the center of the action no matter what city you land in.

Sometimes, U.S. river cruises can have more upfront expenses than other vacations, scaring off would-be travelers. However, most river cruise tickets include room, board, gratuities, city tours, entertainment and beverages, so the price winds up being pretty cost-effective.

UnCruise Adventures

Fjords of Alaska Cruise – Ultimate Expedition

UnCruise Adventures bills its small-boat cruises as the ultimate adventure travel trips, with unique experiences and wild destinations. It delivers on its promises with the Fjords of Alaska cruise, which goes along Alaska’s Inside Passage. On this 15-day cruise, you can see glaciers, rainforests, fjords and waterfalls. Take to a skiff or kayak to get up-close and personal with nature, like playful otters and cliffside mountain goats. Aboard the boat, you’ll see humpback whales and pods of orcas.

The American Queen Steamboat Company

The American Queen Steamboat Company has three stylish paddleboats: The American Duchess, the American Empress and the American Queen, the largest riverboat ever built. AAA members can get up to $70 per-person onboard spending credit on the American Queen Steamboat fleet, plus $100 per booking savings.

American Music Cruise

Celebrate the South’s musical heritage on this nine-day cruise. Starting in Memphis, the “birthplace of rock ’n’ roll,” and tracing down the Mississippi to the jazz haven of New Orleans, this river cruise is a tour through American music history. The onboard entertainment and music lecturers change style with every region that you travel through. Try some premium excursions, like a tour of Graceland or a visit to the hometown of B.B. King.

The Beauty and Bounty of Nature

Follow in the footsteps of Sacajawea, Lewis and Clark on this cruise through the Pacific Northwest, from Clarkston to Vancouver, Wash. From dense forests to sweeping mountain vistas, the Columbia and Snake rivers offer some of the most beautiful sights in the country. On your shore excursions, you can visit Sacajawea State Park, the Columbia River Maritime Museum, the Nez Perce National Historical Park and more.

Mark Twain’s Mississippi

Discover the Big River at the center of Mark Twain’s stories on this nine-day cruise from Alton to Red Wing. Spend a day in Twain’s hometown of Hannibal, Mo., and see the inspiration for the home of characters like Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer.

Blount Small Ship Adventures

Locks, Legends and Canals of the Northeast

Blount boats are tiny by design: their small stature means that they can slip under bridges and through canals with ease. These luxurious, yet cozy, vessels accept no more than 83 guests at a time. One of Blount’s most unique excursions is its Locks, Legends and Canals of the Northeast cruise. It isn’t merely a Hudson River cruise: Blount boats are the only river cruise vessels that can sail through the Erie Canal. You’ll get the best of two countries as you cruise from New York City to Quebec City, then land in Montreal. From the castles of the Thousand Islands to the wide expanse of Lake Ontario, you’ll see it all.

American Cruise Lines

Great Rivers of Florida Cruise

American Cruise Lines has a fleet of small ships and riverboats for touring America’s rivers and surrounding waters. Its most interesting cruise, however, is their Great Rivers of Florida Cruise, which tours the St. John’s River, Lake George and the Tolomato River. In the Ocala National Forest, you can meet alligators and bald eagles. In Green Cove Springs, you can go on a Victorian-inspired horse-drawn carriage tour. You and your fellow cruisers can find the fountain of youth in St. Augustine, one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in America.

Have you ever been on a U.S. river cruise? Tell us about it in the comments below!

Get a deal on an American Queen Steamboat Company cruise and explore river cruises around the world at AAA.

I’ve always longed to live in the Mediterranean metropolis of Barcelona. One of Europe’s most stylish cities, it’s an architecture lover’s paradise where Gothic spires share space with the otherworldly designs of Antoni Gaudi.

And it is Gaudi – and the food – that brings me here. Fascinated by architecture and well-versed in the world’s cities where it reigns supreme (like Stockholm, St. Petersburg, and Tallinn, Estonia), I cannot help but be drawn to the capital of Spain’s Catalonia region and its beautiful ironwork balconies, colorful facades and Gothic towers.

But ultimately, I come to see Gaudi, the Modernist architect whose Sagrada Familia remains under construction in Barcelona nearly a century after his death. Designed with God’s creation in mind, the cathedral’s towering columns emulate trees, with leafy bowers skimming the ceiling and bolstering the nave.

Finding Gaudi

Gaudi is so revered here that some have lobbied for his beatification. And it’s no wonder: The Sagrada Familia’s cloud-reaching spires can be seen from all over the city, and touring its interior is an exercise in looking up for hours. “God’s Architect,” as he was sometimes known, designed seven structures that have been named UNESCO World Heritage sites, many of them in Barcelona.

Be sure to take a ramble along Passeig de Gracia. The boulevard is lined with extravagant mansions, including Gaudi’s Casa Calvet and the aptly named House of Spikes, Casa de les Punxes. You’ll find it in L’Eixample, a 19th-century neighborhood built as an extension to the old city.

Gaudi’s most significant patron was industrial tycoon Eusebi Guell, for whom he designed Palau Guell. The mansion features a signature parabolic entrance gate and central hallway with tiny windows in the ceiling that resemble a starlit sky.

Another Gaudi creation – the curved apartment building christened La Pedrera (“open quarry”) – is famous in large part because of its ruled surface design, which results in a structure with no apparent straight lines. The highlight of the building is the rooftop with its undulating surface and 26 chimneys that resemble nothing if not, perhaps, the surface of Mars.

Finally there is Gaudi’s Park Guell, which, like Sagrada Familia, has become synonymous with Barcelona. Storybook-like and whimsical, the park features entrance pavilions with ice cream-emulating rooftops, a tiled-bedecked dragon, and a famous undulating mosaic-covered bench designed by Josep Jujol.

A Foodie’s Delight

Barcelona’s food culture mirrors the diversity and playfulness of its architecture. Here you’ll find restaurants and tapas bars clustered around intimate squares and along cobblestone streets, where even the tiniest cafes serve up palate-pleasing delights.

Be sure to eat like a native and order pa amb tomaquet, which is essentially bread rubbed with tomatoes, garlic and olive oil. And don’t forget the wine. Lunch or dinner, it’s a staple of the meal.

Continue your Gaudi-themed exploration of Barcelona by dining at Casa Calvet on Carrer de Casp. Gaudi designed the building, which features Modernista stained glass. It’s also a perfect spot for trying traditional Catalan dishes like albondigas con sepia y gambas –meatballs with squid and prawns.

Be mindful of traditional siesta time. Most shops open mid-morning, then close in the early afternoon for lunch, reopening at 4 or 5 p.m. And Spaniards dine late. In fact, many restaurants don’t open for dinner until 8 p.m.

Beauty Reborn

While you can certainly spend the night in one of Barcelona’s many luxurious hotels, consider a lodging experience that allows you to live like a native, perhaps in El Born, which borders both the Gothic Quarter and Port Vell. Here you can rent a walk-up with your own private balcony overlooking the narrow streets below, and sample small plates and Catalan wines within the quarter’s many tapas bars come nighttime. Santa Maria del Mar, a fine example of Catalan Gothic architecture that regularly hosts concerts, is also located in the trendy neighborhood. Try the tiny tapas bar across the street – La Vinya del Senyor.

Barcelona’s best-loved park, Parc de la Ciutadella, is located on the eastern edge of El Born. Its treasures include a wild fountain, designed by Gaudi and Josep Fontsere, as well as a beautiful boating lake and the city’s zoo. A stroll through this fanciful landscape is a perfect way to close the day in Barcelona, the city to which Gaudi sought to bring so much of the forms and symmetry of nature via the medium of design. As an elderly man, the architect wrote, “I captured the purest and most pleasant images of nature, that nature that is ever our Mistress.”

Atlanta is a destination city. The cosmopolitan capital of Georgia offers a variety of attractions for all sorts of travelers, from restaurants and shops to sprawling parks to historical homes and museums, all with Southern hospitality. Whether you’re on a budget or enjoying the ATL in style, here’s where to stay in Atlanta, including AAA Diamond rated hotels.

Where to stay in Atlanta: Budget

Country Inn & Suites Atlanta Northwest

Just off of I-75, the Country Inn & Suites is perfect for the budget-minded traveler. Located northwest of Atlanta, guests get free breakfast, parking and WiFi. Amenities also include a 24-hour fitness center, an indoor pool, and freshly baked cookies in the lobby, as well as a free shuttle to businesses within a three-mile radius. The hotel also has a 24-hour business center with T1 internet access and free printing.

Shop at the nearby Cumberland Mall, or go to a convention at the Cobb Galleria Centre – both places are less than two miles from the Country Inn & Suites. Baseball fans are especially welcome, as the hotel is down the road from SunTrust Park, the new home of the Atlanta Braves.

Springhill Suites Atlanta Buckhead 

Located in the affluent Buckhead district of uptown Atlanta, this Marriott hotel offers many amenities, including free breakfast,Wi-Fi and an indoor pool. This hotel is conveniently located right next to major roadways, and is a short drive away from family-friendly attractions such as the Atlanta History Center, and the Legoland Discovery Center. Not to mention quick access to a public transit MARTA station, and shopping at nearby malls Phipps Plaza and Lenox Square.

Where to stay in Atlanta: Mid-range

The Hyatt Regency Atlanta 

Right in the center of downtown Atlanta, this newly renovated hotel offers plush beds, a heated outdoor pool, and a direct connection to the city’s MARTA public transit. Eating options include Polaris, a rotating restaurant 22 stories up with a panoramic view of the Atlanta skyline, and Sway, a southern-style kitchen that Thrillist.com named “One of the Nine Places that Define Atlanta Fried Chicken.”

Shop around at the Peachtree Center Mall and AmericasMart Atlanta, both only a block away. The Georgia Aquarium and the Center for Civil and Human Rights are within a half a mile of the Hyatt Regency.

Sheraton Atlanta Hotel 

This eco-friendly hotel is right in the heart of downtown Atlanta, with many amenities for all sorts of travelers. The Sheraton Atlanta Hotel has 90,000 square feet of recently renovated event space. Both the full-service business lounge and fitness center are open 24 hours. Especially unique is the Garden Courtyard Pool, which is heated year-round and covered by a retractable glass roof.

Fandangles Restaurant & Bar offers southern-inspired and locally grown food, as well as gluten-free and vegetarian menus. In addition, the hotel has a casual breakfast and lunch restaurant, and an in-house deli that is open all day.

The Sheraton Atlanta Hotel is also just two blocks from the Atlanta Convention Center.

Where to stay in Atlanta: Top-rated and luxury

Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center 

A modern complex right in the middle of CNN world headquarters, the Omni Atlanta Hotel occupies a 15-story high-rise and a 24-story tower. Children get a backpack filled with fun activities upon check-in, and milk and cookies delivered to their room on the first night of their stay. Restaurant Prime Meridian serves sophisticated new American fare alongside fantastic views of Atlanta and the famous Centennial Olympic Park. Begin your day with gourmet coffee and a quick snack at Morsel’s, and cap it off with a cocktail and appetizer at Latitudes Bistro and Lounge.

Amenities include free WiFi in public areas, a soothing spa, a year-round outdoor heated pool and a 24-hour fitness center. For sports lovers, the Georgia Dome — home of the Atlanta Falcons — and the State Farm Arena — home of the Atlanta Hawks — are down the road, while the College Football Hall of Fame is next door.

The Georgian Terrace Hotel 

Built in 1911, this gorgeous hotel has seen a lot of history, including the 1939 premiere gala of “Gone with the Wind.” The Georgian Terrace still has that glamour, as it often hosts top events in the area in its impressive boardroom and three ballrooms. Guests also praise the rooftop swimming pool and sun deck for its great views of Atlanta.

The common rooms are decked out with chandeliers, polka-dot carpets and stylish, modern furnishings, while each room has marble floors, iPod docking stations and free WiFi. Suites have impressive views of the city and a full kitchen.

Dine at the Livingston Restaurant & Bar, a modern-meets-Southern kitchen surrounded by grand architecture. Drink barrel-aged cocktails at the rustic Edgar’s Proof and Provision, or grab a fresh breakfast and coffee at Buffalo Bayou.

The Georgian Terrace Hotel is close to a number of midtown attractions, including the famous Fox Theatre next door.

Stonehurst Place 

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this bed and breakfast was built in 1896 as a mansion for the wealthy Hinman family. These days, travelers come to enjoy the luxurious six rooms and suites at this restored midtown Atlanta inn. Each has been updated with modern amenities while still retaining its turn-of-the-century charm. Relax in the landscaped gardens and enjoy the daily gourmet breakfast. Special diets can be accommodated with advance notice.

Only a 10-minute walk away is Piedmont Park, a sprawling, picturesque 189 acres with history going back to the 19^th century and a farmer’s market every Saturday from March to December.

Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta 

Located on the first 19 floors of a 50-story tower, the Four Seasons offers a world of luxury in midtown Atlanta. Pets are allowed, so you can bring your four-legged friends along as well. See a 360-view of Atlanta from the 50^th floor event spaces. Relax at the spa with a massage and treatments for the face, body, hands and feet, or try a seasonal special. Each treatment room is soundproofed for a secluded retreat.

Guests can swim in the indoor saline pool, which has a hot tub and sunny terrace. Exercise with weights, treadmills and bikes at the 4,500-square-foot fitness center, and sweat it out in the steam rooms and saunas. Enjoy a red velvet pancake breakfast at restaurant Park 75 and end the day with dinner and a drink at Bar Margot.

Take a stroll in the nearby Atlanta Botanical Garden, or walk half a mile to the High Museum of Art. “Gone with the Wind” fans must go to the nearby Margaret Mitchell House, where the Pulitzer-Prize winning novel was written.

FIND & BOOK MORE HOTELS IN ATLANTA

Have you decided where to stay in Atlanta? Let us know in the comments below!

Plan and book your next vacation with AAA.

For many, meeting theme park characters are the highlight of their family vacation. There is nothing like the excitement on a child’s face when meeting a beloved character in person for the first time. (And plenty of adults will admit to feeling the same way, too!)

Characters are the celebrities of theme parks. A Mickey Mouse sighting in the Magic Kingdom kind of feels like spotting George Clooney in Beverly Hills, except Mickey has way more fans, is always ready with a smile and doesn’t mind if you go in for a hug.

Theme park characters are actually more like old friends. They are open, approachable and friendly; it’s their job to make you smile, establish connections, however brief, and create lasting memories. Every encounter is special (might we say, magical?) and should be treated as such.

Coming face to face with a favorite character is exciting and it can be easy to get caught up in the moment, but maintaining courtesy towards them, the supporting staff and fellow guests, guarantees that the experience is fun for all. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind when meeting theme park characters.

• Have your autograph books and camera ready. For meet-and-greets and character dining experiences, make sure to have everything prepared before they get to you. The less time you spend fumbling for a pen or flipping through pages in your autograph book, the more time you will have to spend with the character.

• Respect the character attendants. A character will always have a staff member or two around to assist them. These attendants also help guests, maintain the flow of traffic, take photos and enhance interaction with characters (which is especially useful with characters that can’t talk.) Waiting for over an hour in 90-degree heat and 100% humidity can bring out the worst in anyone. Try not to take it out on the staff.

• Wait your turn. You can always expect a line at a theme park; it comes with the territory. When waiting for a character, don’t push or yell and most importantly, don’t interfere with someone else’s time. Let everyone have their moment and you will get yours. Your kids may get antsy, but it will hopefully be a rewarding lesson in patience.

• Watch where you stand. Fur characters have limited vision and can easily knock little people over or hurt them without knowing. Always try to stand in front of fur characters and let them know when a kid is around so that they are aware.

• Talk to the characters…Characters love it when you talk to them, so don’t be afraid to spark up a conversation! Even if they can’t talk they will find a way to communicate through gestures and the help of their attendants. Not sure where to start? If you are familiar with their story, discuss what you know about them. You can ask Rapunzel how long it takes to brush her hair or where Ariel keeps her thingamabobs. You might be surprised at their answers.

• …But respect character integrity. Character integrity is basically a rule for sustaining the magic and authenticity felt within theme parks like Disney and Universal Studios. For example, if someone were to ask a cast member how many Donald Ducks there are in the Disney parks, they will kindly respond that there is only one Donald Duck. There are many questions that you can and should ask the characters, but do not challenge them or try to get them to break character.

• Treat characters how you would like to be treated. Treat a princess like a princess and all other characters like a friend. That means no grabbing, play fighting or inappropriate language. And guys, please don’t try to slip Cinderella your number. Prince Charming will not like that!

Character sightings and meetings are one of the most exciting parts of a theme park trip. Have you had a memorable interaction with a theme park character? Tell us in the comments!

Save on theme park vacations with AAA.

Pets spend a lot of time inside, even in the warmer months. Imagine asking your dog how you could improve things for him, and him saying, “Well, actually, I’ve got a few ideas…”

Since we don’t (yet) have the technology to understand animals, why not try the following tips to make your home into a healthier, happier environment for your pets?

Try out one of these DIY pet beds while you’re at it.

Plant Responsibly

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals warns that lilies, tulip bulbs, azalea, English ivy, chrysanthemums, poinsettias and other common house plants, if ingested by pets, can result in vomiting, diarrhea, depression of the central nervous system, abdominal pain and more. In extreme cases, the toxins can be fatal.

You can satisfy your kitties by planting cat grass. A mix of oat, rye, barley and wheat grasses, cat grass is a safe snack for cats to munch on. When planted in a big enough container, it can also serve as a natural bed.

Mix Food and Play

Dogs and cats alike can benefit from more exercise, especially when their owners are often away from home. But that’s not always true.

“You may think that since your pet has access to toys or a yard while you’re away, he may be thoroughly entertained without you,” said Dr. Amy Farcas, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist who writes for VetStreet.com. “However, most pets don’t engage in much play on their own.”

Food-dispensing toys keep pets entertained, active and mentally stimulated when you can’t be around. They also slow your pet’s food intake. Swap your pet’s food bowls for a feeding station that includes puzzles he must solve in order to get his food.

Baby-Proof Your Home

Pet owners must act as if there’s a baby in the house until their pets are trained to not chew on everything in sight. Try to hide wires and cords, which are serious hazards to any pet that might be roaming freely around the house.

How do you make sure your home is a healthy haven for your pet? Tell us in the comments below!

Keep your pet in good health with pet insurance.

Every day, AAA Northeast’s expert roadside technicians demonstrate a dedication to helping and serving people.

Some days, their efforts are downright heroic.

May 30 was one of those days. That’s when Norman Strom helped save an elderly couple from a fire in their Grafton, Mass., home.

Strom was passing their house on his way to a Roadside Assistance request when he noticed smoke billowing from the garage. Strom, a volunteer firefighter of 15 years, stopped to knock on the door of the house and notify anyone inside. The couple had no idea of their plight.

Strom helped them out of the house and to a safe place. Then, as the first flames emerged, he returned inside to rescue a cat and some of the couple’s personal items.

Not 10 minutes later, a propane tank in the garage exploded, setting the entire house ablaze.
“He saved our lives,” Norman Daigle told a Boston-based TV station. Daigle and his wife lived at the house with his daughter and his son-in-law.

Multiple media outlets reported the story as did the Your AAA website and the AAA Northeast Facebook page. AAA members commended Strom for his actions. Daigle’s daughter, Debra Rixham, was among them. She wrote:

“Thank you do [sic] much Norman. I do not have the words to express how grateful we are. This was my house and it was my parents that you saved along with my cat Kevin. We will meet in the near future so that we can thank you properly.”

Soft-spoken and humble, Strom said he was simply doing his job on that fateful Wednesday afternoon.

“I would do it again,” he said. “If everybody helped one another, we’d live in a better world.”
But Strom’s actions went far beyond his AAA duties, and club leaders felt he should be celebrated for it.

“At AAA Northeast, we help and serve as a way of life. Norman took that to the next level,” John Nardolillo, senior vice president of member services, said. “He was driving by that house for a reason. If he didn’t stop, if he didn’t go inside, I don’t believe those folks would have made it.”

Strom wasn’t interested in formal recognition, though. He asked that the club instead do something to help the victims. So, a donation in Strom’s name was made to a GoFundMe page set up for the family.

Strom’s wishes regarding a recognition event went unheeded. The club held a small celebration for him in early June.

Other AAA Heroes

Strom is not the only AAA hero.

On June 11, Nellie Hutchinson and Kitt Sewer-Small, employees at the AAA Wayne, N.J., office, helped prevent a possible suicide on a bridge in Paterson, N.J.

In December 2016, roadside technician Bobby McCollough pulled a man from a burning building in Providence, R.I.

Belle was sprawled on the bed, pawing through Four Legs & a Tail magazine, after a long day enjoying the pleasures of Vermont’s great outdoors. Her sister, Sadie, was already under the covers, snoring, when there was a knock at the door.

Belle and Sadie made it to the door before I could stand up and were ecstatic when it opened up-on two women in hotel uniforms, brandishing covered plates.

“Which of you gets the chicken potpie?” asked one server, removing a cover, releasing chicken aromas into the hotel room. “Who gets the steak and vegetables?” asked the other.

Belle was getting pushy. Sadie was circling. The servers remained calm, raising their voices over the excitement. “Where should we put these?” the chicken potpie woman asked.

“The floor?” I blurted. And there was a just a beat, a split second of OMG in each dog’s eyes as plates were placed before them, and they realized that every morsel was theirs.

Room service is just one of the amenities at the AAA Three Diamond Rated Essex Resort and Spa in Essex Junction, Vt., where canines are welcomed with bowls, Frisbees and snacks. And the Essex is just one of many places in Vermont where the welcome mat is rolled out for your dog – or cat. Here, pet-friendliness is not just a buzzword, but a heartfelt part of the hospitality. You’ll find that families with four-footed members are welcome at accommodations, attractions and, of course, in the great outdoors.

Stay at the Essex Resort and Spa.

Seasonal Splendor

Vermont is especially great in fall, when the state’s fall foliage turns it into leaf-peeping mecca.

Belle and I stayed at three different inns over the course of a six-day trip – my husband Paul came up with Sadie, our one-eyed Jack Russell mix, halfway through, meeting us at the Essex. All our accommodations were at well-known, well-heeled places that are prime bases for a fall getaway.

Our first stop was the historic Woodstock Inn and Resort, a AAA Four Diamond hotel, in central Vermont. Belle and I hadn’t really been on an adventure in a couple of years – our first was when I transported her some other rescues from West Virginia to a foster home in New Jersey. I wound up falling in love with the beagle-mix passenger with calm brown eyes, and a mouth that occasionally curled up in a smile. I knew she was a good traveler. I also knew she had a bit of separation anxiety.

So, I wasn’t entirely blindsided when, during an incredible dinner at the Red Rooster, the Woodstock Inn’s AAA Four Diamond restaurant, the maitre d’ apologized, but suggested that I have des-sert in my room. Another guest had reported that Belle was … well, maybe howling wasn’t the right word, but whining did not convey the decibel level, either. My dessert was delivered and eaten in front of an indignant Belle, who got no rewards for whine-howling.

We did spend quality time together late that night in the game room – a cozy retreat with a pool table, around which I imagined several cigar-chomping canines with cues in hand. Belle immediately became fascinated by a small can marked “rubbish.” Eventually, I coaxed her over to the fire, where we took a nap in a miasma of warmth, panting and floating dog fur.

Stay at the Woodstock Inn.

Canine Capers

The next day we visited Sugarbush Farm, 5 miles from Woodstock down a bumpy gravel road. The place is known for its cheeses and maple syrup, and dogs are allowed on the grounds – to visit the animals, walk the maple trail and visit the sugar house.

The tasting room is supposedly off-limits, but the staff, noting Belle’s excitement after gleaning her first whiff of cheese, ushered her in – with me in tow. She continued pulling as I sampled the cheddar cheese cubes near the entrance. Then I noted that the pulling had stopped.

I found Belle standing – yes, on her two back legs – with her front paws on a table heaped with crackers, syrups, cheeses and sausages. She stood watching as the samples disappeared into human mouths. I could almost see the “Drop it!” thought-balloon. She gave a longing look toward the venison container as I tugged her away, instead buying two boxes of handmade, bone-shaped dog biscuits with “Vermont” imprinted in them. I promised they would be a great treat when our trip was over.

Dogs don’t have a good grasp of time, however. After lunch the next day, we found our room festooned with bits of biscuit box; not a crumb was left.

Our second stop was the aforementioned Essex, which bills itself as Vermont’s Culinary Resort and Spa.

Waiting in our room was a collapsible bowl and rope throw toy for the dogs, and a plate with three Triscuity looking crackers for me. I was surprised at how tasteless they were, considering the Essex had such a foodie rep. Only at checkout did I learn they were dog treats.

The Essex is 10 minutes from Burlington and the notably pet-friendly Vermont Pub & Brewery. Though we had to sit outside, the server was extra-attentive to Belle and brought her a bowl of water before getting my order.

Pampered Pooches

Our final stop was at Topnotch in Stowe, where both Belle and Sadie had in-room massages. The masseuse was patient and gentle, though neither dog seemed to have an out-of-body experience. At least no blood was drawn, always the bottom line on a successful day with dogs.

Topnotch is known for its cuisine, its tennis program and its convivial (and pet-welcoming) bar. But best of all for dog families are the canine rooms – suites on the first floor with a fenced-in porch; just open the gate and off you and your dog can go – or, well, she can go. You get indoor plumbing.

Stay at the Topnotch Resort and Spa.

Speaking of outdoors. Stowe is full of options for dog walks and hikes. We all loved the Stowe Recreation Path, a trail you can pick up right from the village that leads through foliage-fringed meadows, along a creek, even past a classic white-spired church and red barn.

We got more Vermont biscuits to take home. And maple syrup. But the best souvenirs were our memories – not just of beautiful Vermont in the fall, but of our pups, having the time of their lives, with us in tow.

Where have you gone on vacation with your pets? Tell us in the comments section below and enter the AAA Pet Travel Photo Contest.

Read more about pets and pet adventures.

The Mediterranean sparkled, and the smell of cypress trees warmed by the summer sun filled the air as I cruised around the Greek island of Paros on my dual-sport motorcycle.

Find and book a hotel in Paros.

It was paradise. Until an oncoming tour bus entered my lane around a blind cliff-side turn. I avoided disaster by leaning deeper into the curve and not locking the brakes. Otherwise I would have slid right into the bus or right off the cliff, as Greek tarmac is notoriously slick for motorcycles.

Driving overseas on vacation or for work can be very liberating, but you must use common sense and have some basic preparation. Here’s some perspective I have gained that may help you on your way.

In Europe

Europe encompasses more than 40 countries, with 100-plus border crossings and 90 languages spoken. Having a firm grasp of your main destinations is essential and realizing beforehand that road signs will be written in foreign languages will help you arrive in confidence.

Tip: Studying a map and familiarizing yourself with the notion of driving on a city grid, circuitous harbor town or country landscape will help create peace of mind. Know what the names of your destinations look like when written in the native language. Studying self-made flash cards is my favorite way to prepare.

Down Under

Australia has modern amenities and conveniences, yet surprisingly underdeveloped infrastructure. While major cities are easy to navigate, don’t expect to see much outside of them on the two-lane roads that connect the dots.

Find and book a hotel in Sydney.

The lack of human footprints, however, lends itself to pristine natural environments. Brilliantly colored rainbow lorikeets and other exotic wildlife are in abundance, and you can see kangaroos freely crossing the road at any time of day. If you’re lucky, you may even get to take a nap with some, as I did. The Aussie vibe is relaxed and friendly and this island continent offers much to discover.

Tip: In countries like Australia and the UK, the basics are flipped. Our left hand passing lane is their slow lane. Manual transmission vehicles are the dominant type of drivetrain, so you’ll be steering from the right side of the car and shifting with your left hand.

South of the Border

Mexico is so close to the U.S., but recent headlines may leave travelers feeling trepidatious. Having enjoyed driving and even off-road racing there, I can attest to the overwhelming generosity offered by the locals if you lead with humility and curiosity. “Buenos dias,” “como estas” and “muchas gracias” are your passport to many unexpected opportunities while dining, shopping and beyond.

Find and book a hotel in Mexico City.

Tip: Know the uniform of federal and local police and how to drive to the nearest police station in case of emergency.

I hope this little guide helps you do like they do when in Rome, especially if that’s where you find yourself.

Have you driven abroad? What do you remember most about the experience?

AAA members get savings and special perks on Hertz rental cars worldwide.

The saying goes that our pets are like our children, and we always want the best for our children, right?

Whether you want to introduce healthier snacks into your pet’s diet or give a reward for good behavior, preparing a homemade treat may do the trick.

Try one of these recipes at home and you’ll become pet owner of the year – in your pet’s eyes, at least.

Pupsicles

Need a tasty treat to cool down Rover on a hot August day? Ditch the doggie ice cream for a peanut butter and strawberry popsicle, courtesy of pastry chef Ashley Corrao of Twenty-Eight Atlantic, a AAA Four Diamond Rated restaurant in East Harwich, Mass. Dogs will enjoy licking the half-peanut butter, half-strawberry popsicle until it’s gone.

Ingredients

½ cup strawberries
1/3 cup peanut butter
1 1/2 tablespoons water

1. Blend strawberries and water in the mixer until smooth.
2. Fill ice cube tray with peanut butter, stopping halfway.
3. Fill remaining half of ice cube tray with strawberry mixture.
4. Freeze until solid.

Listen to Our Podcast

Ready to bring home a new best friend? Listen to Episode 8 of our podcast, Merging Into Life: First-Time Pet Owner’s Guide.

Tune In

A Dog-gone Delightful Biscuit

Speaking of peanut butter, chef Adam Noe of the AAA Four Diamond Rated Topnotch Resort in Stowe, Vt., shared a recipe for peanut butter and pumpkin dog treats. These bone-shaped biscuits are made with nutrition-packed pumpkin puree and whole-wheat flour, so you can feel good about what you’re feeding Fido.

Ingredients

1 1/3 cups pumpkin puree
½ cup smooth peanut butter
4 large eggs
3 cups whole-wheat flour

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Mix all wet ingredients until smooth.
3. Slowly add flour until dough is no longer sticky.
4. Roll out dough to ¼-inch thickness.
5. Cut out desired shapes (e.g. bones).
6. Place on greased sheet pan.
7. Bake 20-25 minutes until edges are golden.
8. Let cool completely.

Kitty Kisses

This recipe for kitty kisses from www.allrecipes.com uses only two ingredients: catnip and canned wet cat food. Blend together and form into “kisses” shapes to make a mouthwatering snack.

Ingredients

3-ounce can wet cat food
1 teaspoon catnip

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
3. Place the cat food and catnip in a blender. Cover and puree until smooth, or until the puree looks like frosting.
4. Spoon pureed cat food into a resealable plastic bag. Cut a small hole in the corner of the bag.
5. Squeeze ½-inch “kisses” shapes onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 15 minutes.
6. Let cool completely and store in an airtight container.

Ask a veterinarian before introducing new foods into your pet’s diet.

What homemade treats do you like to make for your pet? Tell us in the comments below!

Enjoy a post-snack backyard game with your four-legged friend.

My dog’s absolute favorite place to go in the summer and fall is the beach.

If you’re looking for a romp on the beach with your favorite furry pal, exploring the Northeast coastline is a must-do. Cape Cod, Long Island and Maine offer some great places to play.

Cape Cod

Parts of the Cape Cod National Seashore in Massachusetts allow dogs, provided they’re on a 6-foot-long leash (for specific regulations, visit click here). Some other area beaches are dog-friendly before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. during the summer months. A long leash (not a retractable leash) is a great option to let your dog explore the water without wandering in too far. Cotton long leashes range in size from 10 to 100 feet and can be found at most pet stores.

Long Island

If you’re heading to Long Island, there are more pet-friendly beaches than even the locals know about. Many areas of the Fire Island National Seashore are dog-friendly; for details, click here. Each town has its own rules for dogs on the beach. Again, some are dog-friendly before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m., some are just for residents or require a permit. Or maybe you’ll be adventurous and find a beach along the way. In my opinion, finding a hidden gem – locally or while traveling – is the best part.

Maine

In Maine, Biddeford Pool and Hills beaches are dog-friendly before 9 a.m. and after 8 p.m., while Mackworth Island is great for hiking and exploring the beach with your pup. Other beaches in Maine have summer hours and many require dogs to be leashed. Most beaches will tell you if dogs are welcome on entrance-area signs. Some even have baggie dispensers, a telltale sign the beach is dog-friendly (but check the signs just in case).

Wherever you decide to go, you’re sure to have fun with your dog while exploring.

Nancy Hassel is the president of American Pet Professionals.

Enter the AAA Pet Travel Photo Contest.

Pets need a lot of things from their owners, like food and exercise. Food puzzles – feeding stations that require your pet to solve a puzzle in order to get food or a treat – provide a bit of both.

Pet stores often carry such enrichment toys, and some can be found online. But you can also make your own. Here are a few ideas for easy DIY food puzzles you can make with household items.

Tennis Ball Treat

This food puzzle from Instructables.com is perfect for bigger dogs. Using a knife, cut into a tennis ball along the seam, leaving a flap that can be tucked in to hide treats away. Place your dog’s favorite snack inside the ball. He’ll chew the ball until it releases the treats. To make it a bit easier, cut an X into the ball – Fido will only have to bat the ball around to release the treats. Just be sure that the ball isn’t small enough to be swallowed.

Suspended Sustenance

This idea from the Best Friends Animal Society requires only a small paper cup, wet cat food and a bit of string. Fill a small paper cup, such as a Dixie cup, with wet food. Then, make small hole in the cup in order to tie a string through it. Do this a few times, and you can hang the cups from varying heights around your house. Your dexterous kitty will enjoy the challenge.

Snack-in-a-Bottle

This food puzzle from the blog ProudDogMom.com is quick and simple. Take an empty plastic water bottle and remove the label and cap. Then cut a few small holes around the bottle with a pair of scissors. Place treats small enough to fit through the holes inside. Screw the cap back on, and let your pup play.

Always supervise your pet with a new food toy to make sure he doesn’t eat the non-ingestible parts.

Does your pet play with food puzzles? Which are his favorite? Tell us in the comments below! 

AAA members save up to 75 percent on prescriptions not covered by insurance with AAA Prescription Savings, including many pet medications! Learn how Fido is covered, too.

Maybe you’re in a car, far from the next rest stop. Perhaps you’re on a plane waiting for the drink cart to come around, or you’re marveling at the inflated price of a water bottle from your hotel mini bar. Maybe your exotic destination has the words “Don’t drink the water” ringing in your head.

Staying properly hydrated during travel isn’t always easy, but it is important. And dehydration often goes unnoticed. You might feel fatigued, headachy, cranky or like you’re coming down with something when, in reality, you may just need a glass of water.

“That’s always the first thing to try,” said Dr. Amaka Eneanya, a kidney specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital. “A lot of people don’t recognize that bad feeling that they have is really dehydration.”

Eneanya recommends bringing water on the plane and in the car, and advocates stocking up on bottled water when you reach your destination – especially if you’re traveling someplace where water quality is questionable.

“I travel quite a bit. I always buy water in areas where water may be unsafe to drink,” she said. “I have a few bottles in my hotel room. If I am out and about all day I will bring them with me.”

Nothing beats plain water when it comes to hydration.

“You’re made up of water, not coconut water, not some sports drink,” said Eneanya, who advises drinking caffeinated drinks (like coffee, tea and soda) and alcohol only in moderation.

If your travel schedule makes you forget to drink regularly, consider using a reminder app. Try the utilitarian “Daily Water,” or maybe “Plant Nanny,” which pairs reminders to drink your water with the care of a cute virtual plant. Both are free.

Eating fruits and vegetables – especially watermelon, strawberries, oranges, lettuce, cucumbers and tomatoes – will also help hydrate you. But if you have trouble with some foods – for example, spicy foods or dairy – avoid those, because diarrhea will make your body lose water.

Salty snacks, on the other hand, won’t.

“The human body is very tightly regulated in terms of salt and water balance,” Eneanya said. “So if you eat a lot of salt, you then become thirsty and drink more water.”

Carry water, drink plenty and you’re sure to feel better wherever you roam.

Keep cool during the sweltering months with our head-to-toe tips for warm-weather well-being. And if you’re really dedicated to staying in shape, check out our guide to living a healthier life.