Dinnertime at one of the U.S. National Parks evokes images of burgers and hot dogs sizzling on portable grills, families noshing from paper plates while gathered at a picnic table and kids roasting marshmallows over a campfire as day turns into night.

But what about a juicy hand-cut fillet mignon with roasted jalapeño chimichurri? Or a huckleberry elk burger with organic goat cheese? Or a five-course dinner in a 1930s-era log cabin?

You might have roughed it all day, but you can certainly find fine dining at several of the country’s national parks.

Death Valley National Park, Eastern California and Nevada

Nestled in the middle of the vast Death Valley National Park, the recently-renovated inn, The Oasis, touts itself as “in the middle of nowhere you’d rather be.” The inn’s culinary offerings transport guests from the desolate surroundings into a culinary paradise that features many flavors of the region, such as dates, cactus and various citrus fruits. Three meals a day are served either in the Southwestern-hued banquettes and tables of the dining room or in wicker dining sets on the veranda, where guests can enjoy the never-ending panorama of the Panamint Mountains and the surrounding saltpans.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Another destination in a desert setting, Grand Canyon National Park contains numerous places to dine, but perhaps the most elegant is El Tovar in the historic El Tovar Hotel. The dining room’s atmosphere is one of history and quiet elegance, with native stone, pine décor and murals depicting scenes of the region’s Native American tribes.

The menu offers both traditional dishes such as French onion soup and Weiner schnitzel, as well as others that riff on the flavors of the Southwest, like polenta corncakes with prickly pear–pistachio butter and local beef and pork red chili tamales with adobo crema. Several celebrities have been known to visit this restaurant, including Teddy Roosevelt, Bill Clinton and Paul McCartney. Reservations for dinner are not required but are highly recommended.

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Acadia National Park, Maine

The crown jewel of the North Atlantic coast, Acadia National Park sprawls across Mount Desert Island and the Schoodic Peninsula, a network of trails, carriage roads and small towns oozing with New England charm. The largest town, Bar Harbor, offers several restaurants, from the high-end to the grab-and-go.

Located on the Park Loop Road in Seal Harbor, overlooking Jordon Pond and about a 20-minute drive from Thunder Hole, the only restaurant inside the park itself is the AAA Diamond Rated Jordan Pond House. Their all-day menu showcases the best of what Downeast Maine has to offer, from the obligatory boiled lobster and Maine-style lobster roll to desserts featuring locally grown blueberries.

What brings diners back to Jordan Pond House time and again are the light and airy, yet decadently rich, popovers served with butter and locally made strawberry jam. The restaurant has been serving these delights since the late 1890s when Thomas and Nellie McIntyre opened up shop. The recently renovated lawn, overlooking Jordan Pond, is a relaxing and scenic spot to carry on – or create – a summer tradition.

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Jenny Lake Lodge, just north of its namesake lake, is a AAA Four Diamond resort that takes guests back to simpler times, or at least to the romantic vision of them.

The dining room, located in a log cabin built in the 1930s, serves a five-course prix fixe meal in a rustically elegant dining room. The rotating menu includes mouthwatering dishes such as elk tenderloin, rack of lamb and buffalo rib-eye with pickled blackberries and a juniper demi-glace. The chef and his team select the freshest ingredients to include in each night’s offerings from the Jackson Farmers Market and local purveyors. Reservations are highly recommended for breakfast and lunch and are required for dinner.

Glacier National Park, Montana

The more than one million acres of wilderness that make up Montana’s Glacier National Park might be several hours from a major city, but visitors to two of the park’s restaurants wouldn’t know it.

At the Ptarmigan Dining Room, housed in the Many Glacier Hotel on the shore of Swiftcurrent Lake, diners can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner against the backdrop of the park’s numerous peaks. The dinner menu features local ingredients, from the smoked trout to the bison chili to cheeses produced nearby. Even the drink menu is pure mountain West, with huckleberry margaritas, a Manhattan made with locally-distilled bourbon and bitters, and a wide selection of Montana-brewed craft beers and ciders.

About two hours southwest of the Many Glacier Hotel, the Lake McDonald Lodge hosts a fine restaurant of its own: Russell’s Fireside Dining. Like the Ptarmigan Dining Room, Russell’s Fireside Dining espouses the importance of sustainability and sourcing its ingredients as locally as possible. Diners enjoy meals in the rough-hewn log walls that reflect the lodge’s past as a hunting getaway.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

The Pollock Dining Room is perched at the highest elevation (3,680 feet) on the renowned Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. Part of the Skyland Resort, this popular destination is open seasonally from late March until late November.

With a strong focus on farm-to-fork ingredients, the Pollock offers many local specialties such as locally-sourced hamburgers, a charcuterie plate with meats and cheeses produced in the region and blackberry pancakes covered with fresh berries, blackberry-infused syrup and lavender vanilla whipped cream. And the signature blackberry ice cream pie, with a graham cracker crust, meringue and blackberry compote can’t be missed (no worries – visitors can burn this off on one of the park’s many hiking trails!) The wine list features a private label made for the resort, and a taproom next door pours several regional brews.

Tour America’s national parks with AAA Member Choice Vacations.

If you’re like me, you see a trip to the beach as the perfect opportunity to crack open that book you’ve been meaning to read. There’s nothing like getting lost in a good book while the sun’s rays tickle your skin and the rhythm of the waves crashing against the shore acts as your soundtrack. I can hear the summer beach reads calling out to me from the bookshelf…“Read me! Read me!”

Check out our beach safety tips before you hit the shore.

This year’s new releases cover all genres. So whether you lean toward romance, mystery or fantasy, you’ll likely find something intriguing to pack with your beach essentials.

Which will make it onto your summer beach reading list?

This year’s best summer beach reads

My top pick

“Captive Audience: On Love and Reality TV” by Lucas Mann

Our society often deems watching reality TV as shameful or, at least, less endearing than watching scripted television. If you’ve ever found yourself engrossed in “Cops” or “Keeping Up With the Kardashians,” you’ll appreciate this love letter to reality TV. But what makes this humorous memoir so brilliant is its double-duty as a love letter to the author’s wife. Watching reality TV is one of their favorite things to do together. Criticism of reality TV and the way we view it is weaved in with scenes of his marriage, turning “Captive Audience” into a reality show of its own.

Of all of the summer beach reads on this list, “Captive Audience” has the most heart. Not only is the depiction of love and relationships honest and real, but the unique, personal approach also allows me to view reality TV from a perspective I never would have considered before. Despite what the title and subject matter may imply, you don’t have to be a fan of reality TV to enjoy this book. You’ll likely finish this in one sitting, leaving the beach with a positive attitude and hankering for an episode of “Vanderpump Rules.”

For true crime fanatics

“I’ll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman’s Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer” by Michelle McNamara (introduction by Gillian Flynn and afterword by Patton Oswalt)

True crime journalist Michelle McNamara, founder of TrueCrimeDiary.com, was determined to solve the case of the elusive Golden State Killer. Who was he and what was his motive? “I’ll Be Gone in the Dark” illustrates this chilling case, as well as McNamara’s search for the answers. This posthumous memoir has been credited by authorities as revamping interest in the case. Authorities charged a man with the killings in April 2018, two years after McNamara’s sudden death and two months after this book’s publication.

For romantics

“My Lady’s Choosing: An Interactive Romance Novel” by Kitty Curan and Larissa Zageris

You’ve heard of a choose-your-own-adventure book, but have you heard of a choose-your-own romance? You begin as a “plucky but penniless” heroine in 18th century London. You’re looking for love. On which path will you find it? Will you choose Sir Benedict Granville, Capt. Angus McTaggart, Lord Garraway Craven or Lady Evangeline? This fun romp into the cliches of romance novels is sure to entertain avid readers of the genre – and maybe even make them blush.

For young adults

“Children of Blood and Bone” by Tomi Adeyemi

In this New York Times best-seller, magic is in danger of being erased for good. The main character, Zelie Adebola is the last living maji in Orisha, which is ruled by a king who ordered all maji to be killed, including Zelie’s mother. Zelie is the only person who can bring magic back. With the help of a rogue princess, she must evade the king’s son and save her people. It’s an epic story informed by West African mythology – something that doesn’t get represented often in young adult fiction.

For foodies

“The Best Cook in the World: Tales from My Momma’s Table” by Rick Bragg

Both cookbook and memoir, “The Best Cook in the World” tells the stories behind the food. Margaret Bragg, the author’s mother, uses recipes passed down to her from generation to generation, many predating the Civil War. She makes traditional Southern foods like cornbread, short ribs and chicken and dressing, and she knows all the secrets to making them perfectly. You can enjoy the stories Bragg tells of his mother, her cooking and the stories that framed her cooking, then try one of her recipes once you get home. Of the summer beach reads on this list, this might be the only one that makes you hungry – be sure to bring a snack!

For horror fiends

“The Outsider” by Stephen King

The king of literary horror is back at it with “The Outsider,” a story that begins as a murder mystery and then takes a turn for the supernatural. An 11-year-old boy is found dead in Flint City, Okla., and one of the town’s most popular residents, a Little League coach, is the prime suspect. As the investigation continues, the suspense builds and more horror unfolds. The Little League coach may not be what he seems. It’s a creepy tale, but a page-turner that will have you on the edge of your seat, eager for more.

For beach bums

“The Art of the Wasted Day” by Patricia Hampl

Instead of getting lost in your own thoughts while laying out in the sun, why not read about others getting lost in thought? Patricia Hampl follows the lives of people who have turned leisure and daydreaming into art forms throughout history. Take Michel de Montaigne, a French philosopher, who retreated to a chateau tower to think and write about whatever came to mind. Hampl recounts her own life and others’, finding that leisure is the key to being human.

For anti-beachers

“Calypso” by David Sedaris

Most summer beach reads are happy-go-lucky, but maybe you’re the opposite of a beach bum. Maybe the sand, crowds and seagulls put you in a dark mood. In that case, the dark humor found in David Sedaris’ collection of short stories and essays will be your most favorite beach companion. He tackles serious topics, from his sister’s death by suicide to his own mortality, with self-deprecating and observational humor. You may get an odd look or two when you start belly laughing, but you’ll be too engrossed in Sedaris’ voice to notice.

What did you think of these summer beach reads? What other books are on your summer beach reading list? Tell us in the comments below! 

Plan your next beach vacation with AAA Travel.

Oui oui, July 14^th is Bastille Day, so it’s time to grab some tricolore flags and French baguettes. In all seriousness, Bastille Day is a huge holiday in France and versions of Bastille Day are celebrated all around the world. Here’s how you can celebrate liberté, égalité and fraternité no matter what country you call home.

What is Bastille Day?

In France, Bastille Day is known as la Fête nationale (the national celebration) and as le 14 juillet (the 14^th of July). Bastille Day celebrates the anniversary of the Storming of the Bastille in 1789, during the French Revolution.

The Bastille was a fortress in Paris that held political prisoners, as well as ammunition and gunpowder. The prisoners held there had been critical of the king and the Bastille came to represent the injustice of an absolute monarchy.

Shortly after the storming of the Bastille, feudalism was abolished in France and the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen was proclaimed.

While Bastille Day is on the anniversary of the Storming of the Bastille, it also celebrates the whole of French culture and history. It is comparable to the Fourth of July, when we celebrate our independence and America in general.

How is Bastille Day celebrated in France?

Much like the Fourth of July, Bastille Day is most often celebrated with fireworks and parades.

The main Bastille Day Parade is in Paris, along the Champs Élysées. It’s a military parade featuring the French president, servicemen and women from the French Army and Navy, military cadets, the French Foreign Legion, the fire brigade and military aircraft soaring overhead. The parade starts at the Arc de Triomphe and ends at Place de la Concorde. In the evening, fireworks are set off from the Eiffel Tower.

Many fire stations in France hold Bastille Day celebrations known as firemen’s balls for the public.

You can also dance the night away at the Bal du 14 juillet, a wild dance party held in the place where the Bastille once stood. This party is usually held the night before Bastille Day.

Many French citizens celebrate Bastille Day with their friends and family. They have barbecues and picnics, like the Fourth of July traditions we have in America. They might even play a little pétanque, a French lawn game similar to bocce.

How is Bastille Day celebrated in the U.S.?

There are many different kinds of Bastille Day celebrations in America, ranging from the traditional to the incredibly odd.

In New York City, you can go to Bastille Day on 60^th Street, the largest Bastille Day celebration in New York. This fête populaire celebrates France with traditional cuisine, music, dancing, art and other live entertainment. The Bastille Day on 60^th Street celebration is over 20 years old, and stretches along 60^th Street from Fifth Avenue to Lexington Avenue. The celebration is presented by the French Institute Alliance Française. The FIAF also hosts a Champagne and jazz party, and a tasting of food and wine from southern France.

Vive la France!

Do you celebrate Bastille Day? Tell us how in the comments below.

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Cape Cod, the crescent-shaped peninsula on Massachusetts’ coastline (about 1.5 hours southeast of Boston), is composed of 15 towns, which all have their own charms, from maritime history to stunning beaches. Many people pick one town to visit, but that’s a shame, since there are so many things to do in Cape Cod. Historic lighthouses, stunning national parks, extensive bike trails, unusual museums and much more make the entire region worth exploring.

10 things to do in Cape Cod

1.

Swim, sunbathe and relax at one of the six stunning beaches along the Cape Cod National Seashore, stretching 40 miles between Chatham and Provincetown. There’s history on these beaches. Coast Guard Beach is where the pilgrims first landed in the New World (before Plymouth). And Marconi Beach – named for Guglielmo Marconi – is where the radio pioneer made the first transatlantic wireless communication all the away to England in 1903.

2.

Follow in the footsteps of the Kennedys on the 1.6-mile self-guided Legacy Trail in Hyannis, which features 10 sites significant to the powerful political family, starting at the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum. Other stops include where JFK gave his acceptance speech when he was elected president, and Hyannis Port, where the Kennedy’s kept their sailboats.

3.

Indoor and outdoor attractions await visitors at the Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich, which has 100 acres of gardens, an adventure park and a museum with folk art. At the adventure park there are five trails which offer safe and challenging climbing courses and zip lines.

4.

Take a deep breath and inhale the fragrant scent of lavender at the Cape Cod Lavender Farm in Harwich. Lavender fields, formal gardens and wooded walking trails beckon visitors to explore. The lavender farm is typically in bloom late June-early July. Be sure to go for a walk in the Enchanted Garden, where you’ll find fairy houses and doorways, and even a miniature medieval castle.

5.

Bike the 22-mile paved Cape Cod Rail Trail, which passes through Dennis, Harwich, Brewster, Orleans, Eastham and Wellfleet. The trailhead is a half-mile from the Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham and provides many opportunities to stop at a beach. If you don’t have your own bike, bike rentals are also available at designated bike concessions throughout the trail.

6.

Take a peek into the world of quirky author and illustrator Edward Gorey at his home-turned-museum in Yarmouth Port, where exhibits showcase his many talents. A treasure of Cape Cod, Mass., the museum is open from mid-April through the end of December.

7.

Enjoy wines or liquors at Truro Vineyards and South Hollow Spirits, a joint family-owned business, where you can kick back on the lawn with a chardonnay or a gin cocktail. $10 tastings are available, which buys a souvenir glass and a sample of several wines or spirits.

8.

The Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre is a throwback to a simpler time, but no worries – the theater shows first-run double features on a 100-by-44-foot screen with a Dolby Digital sound system. Open from late May through mid-September, there is also a vintage mini golf course, ice cream, snack bar and playground on the property for a full night of good times with the family. On select days they also host the Wellfleet Flea Market.

9.

Stop for a scoop at Four Seas, an iconic and award-winning ice cream parlor in Centerville, which has been serving up delicious flavors, like fresh peach and chip chocolate, since 1934. In the mood for an authentic Cape Cod, Mass., lobster roll? The AAA Diamond Rated Arnold’s Lobster and Clam Bar in Eastham is always busy, and for good reason. The classic establishment is known for both hot and cold lobster rolls, made with fresh native lobster that is caught fresh daily. They also offer lobsters steamed or in a clam bake, served informally in the old Cape Cod tradition with paper plates and plastic utensils.

10.

Browse the many galleries, studios and shops in Provincetown, home to one of the oldest art colonies in the U.S. The sea, the dunes and the gorgeous light have inspired artists for decades. The Pilgrim Monument is a tower that commemorates the historic landing of the Mayflower in Provincetown in 1620; climb to the top for sweeping views of Cape Cod and the ocean.

What are some of your favorite things to do in Cape Cod? Tell us in the comments.

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

When you think about the best Asian countries to visit, you probably want one where you know you will feel safe.

Travelers who feel wary about an Asian vacation in Hong Kong must have seen too many movies where the international Chinese city is portrayed as a cesspool of Triad gangsters. The reality is that Hong Kong and Singapore—another southeast Asian metropolis about 1,600 miles southwest—are among the safest places to travel in the Far East, boasting very low crime rates. That’s a good thing because without having to worry, you can concentrate on really enjoying what two of the best Asian destinations have to offer.

Singapore

Once a British colony that later became a part of the Federation of Malaysia, Singapore is now its own city-state—an independent country that is comprised of just one city. There are actually 63 islands that comprise Singapore, but the main one is Pulau Ujong, which holds most of the urban landscape. However, “urban” here is far from gritty. Singaporeans call their home the “Garden City,” and it’s green, strikingly clean, and well-organized. Laws maintain order and discipline –there are strict rules against littering, public smoking, and even chewing gum. Collectively, it’s so harmless and crime-free that locals jokingly call it “Singabore.”

Jokes aside, boredom isn’t common for a visitor to this Southeast Asian destination. There’s plenty to see when you stroll through its streets—and its gardens. Gardens by the Bay is the most striking of them all, a solar-powered botanical garden with indoor waterfalls and iconic “supertrees”—futuristic-looking towers holding a variety of flora.

Walking around to experience Singapore’s diverse neighborhoods is easy, from the oldest Chinese temple, Thian Hock Keng, in Chinatown, to the colorful Sri Veeramakaliamman temple in Little India. High-end fashion shops line Orchard Road, while hip boutiques and cafés are found during a stroll through the Tiong Bahru neighborhood. At night it’s still safe to be out; the only creatures that come out are literal animals in Singapore’s popular Night Safari, which you observe from the safety of a tram car. And speaking of cars, getting around to all these Singapore sights is straightforward, especially with Uber and taxis. Drivers are so considerate and harmless that some locals put their young children in random taxis by themselves to go places, simply because they know they can trust the driver.

If you ever start getting hungry from all the touring, there’s more than enough places to eat. Singapore is famous for its hawker centers, urban food courts serving the vast gamut of Malaysian and Singaporean fare, from entry-level Hainanese chicken rice, to more daring dishes like pig organs soup—all prepared sanitarily with government cleanliness standards.

Hong Kong

Like Singapore, Hong Kong is a former British colony that served as a major international trading port for centuries. The United Kingdom’s 99-year-long lease on the Chinese territory expired in 1997, when it was returned back to the Chinese government. However, Hong Kong evolved so independently of its original parent country that when it was reunited, it was designated a special administrative region so that it could retain its international policies for its huge immigrant and ex-pat communities and global businesses. That being said, Americans don’t need a Chinese visa to visit Hong Kong for up to 90 days, which is one less thing to worry about—making it one of the best Asian destinations you can go on a whim, in one of the best Asian countries to visit.

Hong Kongers lead a generally worry-free life when getting around town, and a tourist should feel no different. There’s plenty to do in this Asian region, spread out over three regions: the New Territories, the northern mountainous terrain and outlying islands; the Kowloon Peninsula, the developed southern tip of the mainland; and Hong Kong Island, the urban city center, known for its towering skyscrapers, which most people are familiar with.

Above the urban center of Hong Kong Island is Victoria Peak, which offers great views and an opportunity to look down at the tall buildings. The safest and easiest way up is with the vintage Peak Tram, but if you have the 45 minutes and the urge to leisurely stretch out your legs, the peaceful and shaded Morning Trail gets you there along a paved pathway.

At the top, you can look around and get your bearing: at the bottom is Central, the business district that is more than just iconic office buildings like the IFC (International Finance Centre), Bank of China Tower, and the HSBC Main Building. There are plenty of world-class stores and restaurants between them, with indoor promenades linking them together for convenience and above all, air-conditioning to shield you from all the heat generated from urban life and the tropical climate. And speaking of heat, the Hong Kong Police are everywhere. They are the main reason why crime rates are so low—although you should always take the usual precautions as you would in any major city, not just on an Asian vacation.

Between Central and Victoria Peak are the Mid-Levels district, a less-congested residential area halfway up the hill that encompasses scenic parks and the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens. To go up and down the hill in this part of town, you can safely ride the Central-Mid-Levels Escalator, a free attraction in its own right, dubbed the “world’s longest outdoor escalator system.”

The Star Ferry gets you across Victoria Harbour to the Kowloon side on the mainland, which has its own parks, temples, and historic sights like the Hong Kong Clock Tower, and more recently, the tribute statue of Bruce Lee. Above all, the must see in Kowloon is to look southward towards the island for the classic view of the Hong Kong skyline. And if you’ve had your fill of buildings, you can easily head to the island of Lantau by rail or bus, to see one of China’s largest religious statues, the 112-foot bronze Tian Tan Buddha, surrounded by mountains.

Getting around to all these places is fairly straightforward and safe. The MTR metro train system has maps and signage everywhere so you know where you’re going. When you’re on foot and you aren’t used to the British-influenced sides of the road, there’s almost always a reminder to “look left” or “look right” at each crosswalk. And if you ever get lost, you can always ask for directions; conveniently enough, in both Hong Kong and Singapore, English is ubiquitous—making them two places that are amongst the best Asian vacation destinations.

Have you already been to Hong Kong or Singapore? Have suggestions for other cities or the best Asian countries to visit? Share your experience with us below!

To learn about travel to Asia with AAA Vacations, click here. 

When you’re on vacation, your hotel room is your home base. It’s where you can slip away for a little downtime, store all your belongings and where every adventure-filled day starts and ends.

By organizing your hotel room – and all the clothes and toys in it – it’s possible to ensure each day of your trip gets off to a no-hassle start.

Battling Bathroom Clutter

Bathroom clutter, especially when there’s more than one person staying in your room, is the primary culprit for chaos.

The simplest way to declutter your hotel bathroom is to bring along a clear plastic over-the-door shoe rack. This isn’t for shoes – the clear pockets allow you to see everything you need at a glance and keep it all up and out of the way.

You can use your shoe rack to store toiletries, as well as sunscreen and bug spray. Nobody wants to sift through clothes and sheets trying to find sunscreen when there are only so many hours you’ll get to spend on the beach.

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You can also leave everything packed in the shoe rack when you move on to your next hotel if you’ll be staying in multiple cities during your vacation. For those who are uber-organized, feel free to make labels for each pocket; this way, if a pocket is empty, you know exactly what’s missing.

To Stay Packed or Not to Stay Packed, That Is the Question

You can be a live-out-of-a-suitcase sort of person or a move-right-in kind of person, either way – do it. Don’t get stuck halfway between.

A good rule of thumb is that if you’re going to be spending more than two nights at a place, go ahead and unpack. Move right in. Hotels typically offer a plethora of drawers, bedside tables and closet space. Take advantage of it.

There are coat hangers in the closet, so hang up everything you can before packing the rest away in drawer space.

Organize your drawers by people’s possessions – so your kids know where to put their belongings – or by activity. This will help you to hit the ground running each day and stay organized when everyone comes “home.”

Keep it Clean

Dirty clothes happen, and they happen fast while enjoying vacation. When you’re living out of a hotel room for several days you don’t always have easy access to a laundry room or laundry service.

So, pack a dirty laundry bag. If you have room in your luggage, you could bring a pop-up hamper. If not, any large bag will do the trick. Even a grocery bag will do in a pinch!

The idea is to keep your dirty laundry separate from your clean clothes. Not only does this stop you from having to conduct a sniff-test on shirts before going out, it also makes it easy to do the laundry when you get home.

Keys, Wallet, Phones and Power Cords

The essentials are too easy to misplace, especially in a hotel room. The easiest way to avoid losing anything is by committing to put everything in a designated place when you get back to your hotel room.

Though you can choose anywhere to keep your keys, wallet, phone and power cords, the drawer in the bedside table is without a doubt the easiest place to store everything.

As soon as you walk into the room, empty your pockets into the drawer; otherwise, you might end up having to dig through your laundry bag right when you’re trying to get out the door for your next adventure.

Fill the Fridge

There’s often snacks in the mini-fridge when you arrive at your hotel (for a price). However, if you want to make your hotel room the perfect hub for your vacation, you’ll want to stock up.

All it takes is a quick run to the local grocery store to pick up healthy snacks, such as bags of baby carrots, celery and fruit. They key is to fill your fridge with snacks that you can quickly pack but aren’t too messy.

Set up a Workspace

It’s painful to even talk about work when taking a vacation. The reality of the situation is that more and more people are needing to at least check in while they are out of the office.

Most hotels recognize this and will supply you with a desk area and a good chair. To take it to the next level, make sure you pack your office essentials and really carve out a place in your hotel room for work – this often means keeping the desk space free of clutter.

If there’s too much going on in your hotel room, most hotels also have dedicated business centers where you can get away for a bit.

Keep the Counter Clean

Counter space in a hotel room is a prime victim of clutter. And clutter is what turns your hotel room from a basecamp for adventures to a disaster zone.

By taking full advantage of drawer space – and perhaps using non-residue stickers to help you remember where everything is – you can quickly whisk items from the countertops into their proper place. If you’re traveling as a family, you can have the kids make sure everything is in its proper place.

The Perfect Vacation Hub

Fundamentally, each of these seven essential travel tips is designed to help you battle clutter. Vacations can become stressful due to thousands of tiny inconveniences in those moments when you deserve to be relaxing and enjoying yourself. By keeping your hotel room organized, you can minimize the number of stressors during your holiday and feel right at home.

Part of feeling right at home is spending less on your hotel room. 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.

Do you have a favorite tip for keeping your hotel room organized? Share it in the comment section below.

No autumn in the Northeast is complete without a trip to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of fall foliage lighting up the landscape.

And if forests of vibrant reds, yellows and oranges weren’t stunning enough, imagine the magic of those colorful forests reflected in sunlit water.

Instead of sticking to the same old highways, come explore the Northeast’s waterways and take your leaf-peeping experience to a whole new level.

Small Ship Cruising in the USA

Blount Small Ship Adventures takes curious travelers on unique cruises throughout the U.S., Canada and Central America. Built different by design, they go where the big ships cannot. Avoid long lines and crowded ports. With fewer than 84 passengers, guests enjoy a casual onboard experience, delicious chef-prepared meals and unique destinations.

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The Hudson River

Trade in the rumble of the highway for the majesty and tranquility of the Hudson River as you survey autumn’s brilliant hues from a vantage point on the water. The Hudson flows through the heartland of the Northeast, winding its way through historic towns and breathtaking countryside.

Journey up the Hudson with Blount Small Ship Adventures on their 9-day fall foliage cruise that explores both the Hudson River and the scenic coastal waterways of New England in 2019. Blount’s specially engineered boats can navigate waterways as shallow as 7 feet, allowing you to access unique ports and steer clear of crowded tourist spots. Experience a taste of American history and legend as you stroll the streets of colonial towns. This fall foliage cruise takes you to several New York destinations such as Troy and Catskill, as well as New England ports including Mystic, Conn., and Bristol and Newport, R.I.

And if a fall foliage cruise sounds incredible, be sure to book your spot on Blount’s 14-day foliage cruise from New York to Montreal and experience the Erie Canal on the only overnight cruise line able to transit this historic waterway – now discounted at 40% through August 27th.

The Original Vacation is Calling

Fall is alive with color in the Lake George Area. It brings lively celebrations of the harvest, the sky-high magic of the Adirondack Balloon Festival, peaceful morning boat rides among the foliage on untouched Lake George, pint-after-pint of local craft beers, and more. Plan your Lake George Area vacation today.

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Lake George, New York 

In New York’s Adirondack Mountains lies majestic Lake George, 44 square miles of crystal clear water with a rich history as the favorite vacation destination for the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts of the Gilded Age.

Venture out on the water and view the kaleidoscope of autumn colors from a whole new perspective. The Lake George Steamboat Company offers several daily cruises to choose from, on three different boats. Enjoy live music on The Minni-Ha-Ha, champagne brunch on the Lac du Saint Sacrement or pick a themed dinner cruise on The Mohican (tour boat since 1908).

Grab your camera and take a hike or drive up to the summit of iconic Prospect Mountain for spectacular, panoramic views. Then head down to The Sagamore Resort for some recreation, relaxation and fine dining. Built on a private island, this historic hotel and resort features a golf course, tennis courts, luxury spa and sweeping views of the surrounding lake and forested hills.

Ocean Drive – Newport, Rhode Island 

Bordered by historic mansions on one side and the rugged Atlantic on the other, Rhode Island’s famed Ocean Drive in the city of Newport is 10 miles of dramatic waterfront and gorgeous architecture peeping out among the colorful leaves.

This scenic drive has plenty of activities and opportunities to explore along the way. Ten ornate mansions are open for tours, including The Breakers (a “70 room Italian Renaissance-style palazzo”) and Marble House, both owned by notable Vanderbilts. You can also tour the beautiful Touro Synagogue which was built in 1763 and is the oldest synagogue in the U.S.

Relax in the outdoors at Brenton Point State Park where you can picnic, camp, hike, fish and even fly a kite. Then hike the 3.5-mile Cliff Walk along Newport’s rocky shoreline and enjoy fantastic views of crashing ocean waves and lovely mansions – just watch your step, some cliffs have a drop of over 70 feet.

North Conway, New Hampshire 

This charming resort town in the White Mountains of New Hampshire is home to forested mountainsides and the clear waters of the Saco River. Sit back, relax and watch the leaves turn as you float down the river.

Whether you prefer a kayak, tube or canoe, the experienced staff at Saco Bound Outdoors will help you gear up and guide you on your river adventure so all you have to do is enjoy the sights.

When you’re ready to stretch your legs take a hike over to Diana’s Baths Waterfalls which features 75-foot cascading waterfalls and refreshing pools of water that are wonderful to splash in on a warm day. Check out the Black Cap Hiking Trail, an easy trek great for kids and non-hikers with a summit that yields expansive views of the surrounding mountains.

Or sit back and watch the lovely scenery go by as you take a train ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad. By day, enjoy the panoramic vistas, and on certain special October nights board the train for an evening of Murder Mystery Dinner Theater.

The Berkshires, Massachusetts

Just a short drive from NYC and Boston, the Berkshire Mountains are famous for their spectacular autumn colors and are home to shining lakes and clear rivers.

Try your hand at boating on the peaceful Onota Lake in Pittsfield (Onota Boat Livery will get you set up with everything you need). For glimpses of local wildlife including great blue heron, red-tailed hawks, beavers, muskrats and painted turtles, take a guided canoe tour with Berkshire Scenic Treks and Canoe Tours. And if you’re thirsting for adventure, Crab Apple Whitewater leads action-packed rafting trips on the Deerfield River in Charlemont.

Unleash your inner foodie at one of the Berkshire’s incredible farmers’ markets, then get in touch with the region’s rich artistic history with a visit to the Norman Rockwell Museum and Arrowhead, the historic home where Herman Melville wrote Moby Dick.

Go for an afternoon drive and cruise among the vivid crimson and gold leaves, past verdant pastures and family farms. For views of gorgeous Lake Mahkeenac take a drive on Route 183 which runs between Lenox and Stockbridge. Or get an elevated view of the autumn landscape via Route 8, which connects North Adams to Massachusetts’ highest peak, Mount Greylock, at 3,491 feet.

What’s your favorite Northeast location for waterfront foliage views? Tell us in the comments.

If you have an aging heating system that doesn’t perform as well as it used to, it might be a good idea to consider your options. But when should you replace your heating system, and when is it best to repair it? This quick guide will point you in the right direction.

Different Heating Systems

First, it’s important to know which fuel you use to heat your home.While gas heating systems are more efficient than oil, they’re usually at least 10-15% more expensive than oil heating systems. That being said, gas fuels costs are usually less than oil, so you’ll typically be saving more money in the long run. Still, to have a gas heating system, your house needs to be in an area where a gas supply is readily available.

Geothermal technology is another promising option for heating your home. These innovative systems use minimal energy to warm your home by directly using the earth’s heat. Although it’s typically a lot more expensive to install, it has the lowest operating cost out of any of the three options. But as oil and gas are by far the most common, we’ll concentrate on those two kinds of heating systems.

When You Should Replace Your Heating System. And When You Should Repair It.

Generally, it’s best to repair your heating system if it’s relatively new (under 12 years old.) If it’s been part of your home for 15 years or more, it’s likely not working as efficiently as you’d like, so it might be wise to invest in a replacement.

In the same way, if you notice minor issues like leaking water or an inaccurate thermostat reading, a repair makes sense; on the other hand, if the heat exchanger is damaged, you could be setting your family at risk of a carbon monoxide leak, so replacing your heating system is the better choice.

It’s also important to not neglect the financial aspect: if your repairs are so extensive that they’re going to cost you more than half of what a new heating system would cost, it just makes more sense to have a new unit installed.

Finally, if you notice that your house is heating unevenly, it might be an issue with your heating system. More likely, it may be an issue with your air duct system. Be sure to call your HVAC specialist for an evaluation and see what’s causing the issue. If the heating system is the culprit, a replacement is probably in order.

What to Look for When Evaluating Your Heating System

Fuel efficiency is essential when evaluating your heating system. If it’s an older model, it’s likely not up to the same standards as today. You’ll want to determine the model’s Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency score and compare your options. If your heating system has an AFUE rating lower than 56%, it’s better for the environment and your wallet to get a new heating system installed. While a higher efficiency model may cost you a bit more for the initial purchase, over the lifetime of the heating system you’ll be paying a lot less on your bill.

With a gas system, you can also observe the color of the flame to give you a hint how well your heating system is working. If the flame is blue with just a slight appearance of orange or yellow, this is a sign that your heating system is working as it should. If the flame is totally yellow, this can be a major warning sign that your heating system is giving off carbon monoxide, so make sure it’s checked out by a professional as soon as possible!

Aside from the fuel efficiency and flame color, there are a few other signs that your heating system needs a checkup. If it’s expelling dusty or dry air or giving off strange smells, if you noticed a marked increase in your bill, or if you hear any strange noises coming from your heating system (like popping or banging), contact a professional for assistance.

Replacing Your Heating System: Things to Look for in a New Model

One of the most essential factors to be aware of when buying a new heating system is the unit size. It needs to be sized according to your home’s heating needs; otherwise, you might not see the results you hope for. An HVAC professional can determine the best size to adequately heat your home.

You’ll also want to do a bit of research and make sure the model you are buying is reliable. You don’t want to purchase a cheap or poorly reviewed heating system, only to find that you need repairs done every other month. Be sure to check your chosen model’s AFUE rating as well.

Finally, make sure you factor in your maintenance costs. If you’re buying an oil heating system, you’re going to need regular maintenance on the unit to keep it running efficiently. On the other hand, a gas heating system won’t need as much maintenance beyond any unexpected repairs.

When You Can DIY and When to Call a Pro

For some simple repairs, you can skip calling an HVAC professional and just make the fix yourself. For example, a clogged filter causing poor airflow is a common repair issue; simply replace the filter and you’re good to go. If your thermostat doesn’t seem to be reading properly, check for any loose wires or change the batteries. If you still notice the thermostat doesn’t work, have it evaluated by a specialist.

In the same way, if you think your heat exchanger is damaged or you notice another serious issue with your heating system, don’t try to fix it yourself. Repairing or maintaining your heating system is a lot riskier than many jobs around the house, so you always want to err on the side of safety and consult a professional.

AAA members receive exclusive savings on Petro home services. Learn more.

Las Vegas, whose neon-lit strip is home to some of the world’s best casinos, has linked its fortune with gambling ever since its first casino, The Golden Gate, opened in 1906 (it’s still there on Fremont Street). Gambling didn’t actually become legal in Nevada until 1931, and it took another two decades for this desert city to attain the razzle-dazzle that has made rolling the dice one of the top things to do in Vegas. As Vegas segued into the 21^st century, wide-eyed visitors were transfixed by its newest, glitziest hotel-casinos with their dancing fountains, singing gondoliers and even a replica of the Eiffel Tower. Who had the craziest hotels? Who had the best casinos?

Nothing, it seemed, could out-Vegas Vegas. Or could it?

While it still lays claim to some of the world’s best casinos, Vegas definitely has some competition. Here’s a look at the biggest, craziest and most over-the-top casinos in the world.

Las Vegas is bigger and better than ever 

With 40 glittering casinos stretched out over several miles, there are plenty of things to do in Las Vegas. Approach The Venetian and you’ll feel transported by replicas of Venice’s Campanile, Doges Palace and Rialto Bridge. The casino’s interior is awash in painted frescoes, gilded fixtures and polished marble. The mazelike Grand Canal Shoppes has 160 stores set along canals lit in perpetual twilight and plied by actual gondoliers.

Time your visit to Bellagio right and you can watch a dazzling spectacle as 1,200 water jets send plumes 460 feet into the air, choreographed to 30 pieces of music—and it’s all free. Inside, a massive glass sculpture by Dale Chihuly dominates the lobby ceiling and the 100,000-square-foot casino buzzes with round-the-clock action. Aromas from 19 eateries (including the AAA Five Diamond restaurants Picasso and Le Cirque) tempt those looking to hit the gastronomic jackpot. Certainly worthy of the title as one of the best casinos.

Fancy a beach? (Yes, in Vegas.) You can feel sand between your toes (2,700 tons of it) at Mandalay Bay, with its 1.6 million gallon wave pool and “Toptional” Moorea Beach Club. Prefer a pool? Choose a chaise, daybed or cabana at MGM Grand’s Wet Republic; kick back amid the palms, cypresses and Roman statues at Caesar’s Palace Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis (and play swim-up blackjack); or hit the happening day-and-night scene at the Boulevard Pool at The Cosmopolitan, overlooking The Strip.

For an aerial view of it all, ride the 550-foot-tall High Roller at The LINQ, the world’s tallest Ferris wheel—because everything is bigger and better in Vegas, right?

Macau embraces the mega casino

Perhaps you’ve heard of Macau, the autonomous region of China located across the Pearl River Delta from Hong Kong. It’s been a gambling mecca for centuries. Today, it’s the casino capital of the world (sorry, Vegas). And the names both familiar and not-too-familiar top mega hotel-casinos that cost billions to build. The nighttime skyline resembles July 4^th fireworks. MGM’s undulating three-tiered façade and Wynn’s mirrored crescent of desert orange are intermingled with the over-the-top golden-quill-shaped skyscraper that is the Grand Lisboa and the sprawling, multi-building City of Dreams. Just like Vegas, it’s glittering and gaudy, making its as one of the best casinos—but should a casino city look any other way?

The Northeast ups the ante

Two Native American-owned casinos have put Connecticut on many gamblers’ maps: Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket with seven casinos totaling 340,000 square feet, and Mohegan Sun in Uncasville with three casinos totaling 300,000-plus square feet. Foxwoods is about to add a 10-story “Thrill Tower” ride and a one-mile-long zip line. And it already has 35 restaurants and a Rees Jones-designed golf course. Mohegan Sun, home to 40 restaurants, bars and lounges, is known for its 55-foot waterfall. It attracts performers like Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Tony Bennett to its 10,000-seat Arena.

And while Atlantic City in New Jersey is suffering a bit of a slump, its biggest and chicest property, the $1.1 billion Borgata Hotel Casino, is home to the largest poker room in the city, a 54,000-square-foot spa and two concert venues. Is that enough to qualify it as one of the best casinos?

Tropical locales say place your bets 

If you prefer to roll the dice near the beach, consider Atlantis Casino & Resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Inside the Caribbean’s largest and arguably one of best casinos, you’ll find millions of dollars of art. Outside, there’s a two-mile white-sand beach, an aquarium with 50,000 sea creatures and a thrilling Mayan Temple-themed water park.

You’ll have to wait until 2019 to stay in the planned guitar-shaped tower at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, but right now you can rock out on your loaner Fender Guitar and check out memorabilia from everyone from Taylor Swift to Guns N’ Roses. Oh, and watch music videos as you place your bet and hope the roulette ball lands in the pocket marked with your lucky number.

What’s the craziest casino you’ve ever been to? Let us know in the comments!

Plan and book your casino vacation with AAA. 

Car rentals are supposed to be about convenience, a way to give you control and ease while you travel. But one of the most confusing things about renting a car is the fuel that goes in it.

When you borrow a car from a friend, it’s polite to refuel it upon return. Is it the same when you rent a car from a rental service? Will you be charged extra if you forget to fill up the tank again? It depends on which car rental company you choose, and which options they offer.

All car rental companies have different rules for how rental car refueling works – and about just how much should be in your tank upon return.

Decisions, Decisions

Let’s get this out of the way – fuel isn’t free. There’s no way to get out of paying for it. But there are ways to control just how much you pay.

Sometimes, less reputable car rental companies will charge exorbitant fees to refill tanks on returned cars, and you might not even notice that it happened until you look at your credit card statement later.

Hertz. We’re Here to Get You There.

Complimentary use of one child safety seat with every rental for AAA members.

Book Now

Most car rental companies have different refueling tiers, based on when you want to pay and how much you want to pay. Hertz, for example, has a few different rental car refueling options, so the decision is up to you.

At Hertz, you can choose between prepaying for the fuel, refueling the car yourself or having Hertz refuel.

Prepaying the Fuel

When you prepay for fuel, there’s no need to refuel the vehicle before you return. You purchase the gas in the tank at the time of the car rental at local prices, and you can return it at any level you like.

With this option drivers don’t have to worry about getting a receipt to show that they filled their tank, and they don’t need to think about or factor in extra time to get gas on the way back to the airport. This will also help to avoid fuel fees when the rental is returned.

Best of all, AAA members get 10% off prepaid fuel with Hertz.

Hertz Refuels

If you choose this option, Hertz will refuel the rental car for you. You can return the car with the gas at any level you like. You pay for the fuel, as well as a refueling service fee.

You Refuel

This is the most common refueling option across car rental companies. In this case, you refuel the tank of the rental car prior to your return. Make sure your fuel upon return is the same level the fuel was at when you rented the car, or you’ll be charged for the difference. As long as you maintain the fuel level in the tank, this is the most cost-effective option. You pay for the fuel you use, and nothing more.

Basically, it’s a cost-benefit analysis between saving money, or having some convenience. By prepaying for fuel or having Hertz refuel, you don’t have to worry about finding a gas station or taking the time to refuel the car before returning it.

Protecting Your Wallet

Not all car rental companies play fair when it comes to the market pump price of fuel. Some services impose draconian punishments upon renters who don’t return with a full tank. Some car rental companies will charge up to $10 per gallon of fuel that they had to replace.

To avoid getting hit with these wild costs, take some precautionary steps.

• Take a picture of the rental car’s gas gauge before you even drive off the lot. That way, you know exactly how much gas was in the tank, and you have proof.
• Fill up your tank within a 10-mile radius of the car rental service (or even closer). Some car rental services will hit you with extra fees if you don’t fill your tank up close enough to the building.
• After you refuel, keep your receipt. This will not only prove that you have refueled, it will also show the address of the gas station that you have refueled at.

Learn more about the exclusive benefits AAA members receive on Hertz services.

If you’re selling your home, your real estate agent may have shared some home decor staging tips. Don’t balk – staging can have a real effect on how well your home does on the market. In a 2015 study, the National Association of Realtors found that 96 percent of buyers are affected in some way by home staging, with 81 percent of buyers saying it makes it easier to see the property as a future home.

Quick DIY tips for irresistible home decor

1. Get rid of the family photos. You want potential buyers to imagine themselves living there, but it’s hard to do that if they’re surrounded by pictures of Johnny, Sue, Aunt Selma and Fido. Zillow.com advises packing up the pics and putting generic, yet tasteful, wall art in their place.

2. Create a homey atmosphere. Fresh-cut flowers can add simple sophistication to a room, and a bowl of fruit creates a lived-in feel. Complete the home decor with a comfy throw neatly folded on a sofa and a book on a nearby end table, says Realtor.com.

3. Freshen it up. The paint, that is! Consider painting over drab walls with a new coat. Keep colors neutral, though. You may dig lime green, but a potential buyer might run screaming from any home decor colors that aren’t beige or ecru.

4. Clear the clutter. You may not realize it, but stuff tends to accumulate after years of living in a home. Shelves, counters and basements are some of the worst offenders, according to Bankrate.com. So box up what you don’t need – c’mon, your baseball card collection and 90s-era CD collection will be OK without you for a few months – and see if a friend or family member has any extra storage space.

5. Go for easy luxury. Transform your bedroom from drab to fab with a simple bed-in-a-bag set, which you can easily get for under $100 at department stores. Rich colors and details will draw the eyes of prospective buyers.

6. Spruce up your entryway. A little curb appeal goes a long way when it comes to potential buyers, says the National Association of Realtors. Consider what they’ll see as they pull up to your house. Will they wince at the sight of long-neglected bushes or a garage door that’s seen better days? Investing in a few inexpensive fixes will pay off when it comes time to sell.

7. Light it up. Lots of natural and overhead lighting will show off your home’s best assets. No one will be inspired walking through a dingy, dark-lit home. So clean and open your windows, turn on as many lights as you can and consider adding a few tasteful lamps in crevices that need some brightening.

8. Group furniture together. Create conversation nooks with your furniture, says HGTV.com, instead of putting the sofas against the wall to make the room look larger. Grouping a sofa and two chairs around a coffee table will create a cozy spot that will appeal to buyers.

9. Don’t forget the dining room! This surface is often overlooked when it comes to staging a home. Try three small vases of lilacs in the spring, or autumn leaves in vintage bottles in the fall. Just avoid a huge floral centerpiece; they look too stiff and formal.

10. Add some polish. Even if your bathroom looks like it’s straight from the Brady Bunch era, some coordinating home décor accessories, rolled up towels and candles can make viewers feel like they’ve just entered a spa.

11. Clear out your closets. Potential buyers love homes with plenty of storage space. Show your closets’ potentials by clearing out the clutter and letting only a few strategic pieces remain. Think five pairs of shoes neatly lined up, rather than 20 packed into every available space.

12. Think cozy. Spread comfort throughout your home with thick, colorful throws and coordinating pillows on the sofas, chairs and beds. Small investment, big rewards.

13. Scatter your art. Hanging photos and art high on the walls make them nearly invisible. Delight potential buyers by scattering prints and knickknacks in staggered patterns and lower groupings, advises HGTV.com. It will catch the eye and really make your artwork pop.

14. Banish pet odors. We all love our fur babies, but not everyone appreciates their, um, scents. Steam clean your carpets, wash the walls thoroughly, and make sure all the catnip toys and rawhide chew toys are securely put away when potential buyers come to visit. Spread baking soda on cushions, sofas, beds and wherever your pets hang out. Let it soak in for a few hours, then vacuum completely.

15. Add charm in the kitchen. You might not be able to remodel your kitchen, but a few strategic DIY touches will turn it into an inviting space. Clear clutter from the countertops, put out a beautiful bowl (or two or three) of fruit and clean, clean, clean! Buy puck lighting units that attach to the bottom of cabinets to really brighten up the countertop area.

Learn more about AAA’s homeowner’s insurance options.

A moment ago, the sky was filled with birds, but now my vantage from Parque del Amor (Park of Love) in Lima, Peru, is of a trio of paragliders hanging between the clouds above and the Pacific Ocean below.

Everyone in the park has stopped taking photos of a giant statue of lovers embracing to watch the parachutes fill with the thermal winds rising off the oceanside cliffs. In the hush of awe brought on by these flying men, I can hear the wind whistling through the lines tethering them to their parachutes.

Earlier this week I was on the Amazon River, zipping along in a swift river skiff in search of birds on a pond filled with lily pads the size of dinner tables. We rounded a bend to find what looked like a thousand cormorants flying our way. With their wingtips just inches from the river, lines of them flapped toward us, parting to make room for our boat. As on the cliff in Lima’s Miraflores district, a hush fell over our boat. The only sound was the subtle beat of wings amplified exponentially to make a sound like wet snow falling on wet snow.

Peru is a feast for the senses. From the massive and metropolitan capital of Lima to the jungles of the Amazon, I was awed by the variety and intensity of the country.

On the Amazon, the crew of the Delfin III led jungle hikes and took us piranha fishing. Birds – red crested and yellow bellied and boasting flashes of teal and jade feathers – called to our boat from the trees while monkeys lazed in the branches. When a pink river dolphin surfaced, my guide said, “It’s OK to swim here. The dolphin, he keeps the bad fish away.” I jumped into the black water.

Lima provides a stark urban contrast to the nature and wonder of the Amazon. It’s full of Spanish architecture and colonial churches, shopping districts catering to wealthy Limenos and simple markets filled with produce and fish. I find myself at one such market in San Isidro on my first morning in the city, eating fresh cebiche (the citrus-cooked fish dish we call ceviche; Peru claims it’s the birthplace of the dish). That evening I find myself eating more cebiche, along with cuy – guinea pig – accompanied by inventive revisions of the pisco sour at Astrid y Gabor, a ritzy restaurant named one of the 50 best in the world.

That afternoon, I walked through Miraflores, visiting churches and shops, picking up spices in an open-air market, and finding my way to Parque del Oliver where nearly 1,700 olive trees stand in neat rows and hold prominent places in the yards and gardens nearby. The park and grove date back to 1560 and tie Lima’s past to the present. In a way, the light here and the scent of the blossoms mirror two very different sides of the country: Lima’s cathedrals with their stained glass and smoldering incense, and the Amazon River, where soccer-ball-size flowers on the lily pads perfume the air with a heady scent.

Find and book a hotel in Lima, Peru.

If you’re interested in coastal Connecticut getaways the whole family can enjoy, look no further than Mystic. Not only does this charming New England village have deep maritime roots, which you can explore at the thoroughly engaging Mystic Seaport, but it has plenty of seafood restaurants, shopping opportunities and wineries nearby. If you’re in the mood for gaming, nightlife and world-class dining, the area’s two casinos – Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun – have got you covered.

Connecticut getaways on a budget

Stay: Just a few minutes from attractions such as the Mystic Aquarium, the Hilton Mystic offers well-equipped, modern rooms (and free Wi-Fi), along with an indoor pool, a fitness center and, in season, a courtyard with comfy couches and fire pits. A free shuttle takes guests to spots within a 5-mile radius of the hotel. The Irons, its casual eatery, serves up burgers – including a veggie option – locally sourced seafood (think East Coast dayboat halibut with sweet corn succotash and whipped carrots), fun dishes like lobster poutine and craft beer.

Do: Mystic Seaport is a must for any visitor (AAA members save $3 per ticket). Highlights of the 40-acre complex include a re-created 19th century village with various businesses, a planetarium, and the Charles W. Morgan, the oldest surviving wooden whaleship in America. You can also see craftspeople repair historical vessels in the shipyard and check out the seaport’s collection of antique wooden figureheads.

Dine: You’ve no doubt heard of Mystic Pizza, the famous pizzeria which inspired the movie of the same name starring a young Julia Roberts. Well, you can’t leave town without trying a slice. Order the classic pie or one of the specialties, such as the seafood delight, topped with shrimp, clams and scallops, or the chicken teriyaki with chicken, peppers and pineapples. End dinner on a sweet note with an order of Greek rice pudding or a slice of apple pie.

Mid-range options

Stay: Amenities at the 57-room Inn at Mystic include an outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, walking trails and complimentary continental breakfast on weekday mornings. Standouts at the on-site restaurant, Harbour House, include Cajun-style fish tacos, lobster crepes and crabmeat-stuffed sole. Tuck into a weekend brunch, where specialties like chocolate chip bacon pancakes and lobster Benedict tempt hungry diners.

Do: One of the best Connecticut day trips you can take involves the Mystic Aquarium, which features an array of nautical creatures like beluga whales, stingrays, African penguins, jellyfish and sea lions. Brave visitors can pet a gentle shark and learn how to hold a crab, while the more demure can enjoy a sea lion show or take in a movie at the 4-D theater. Adults will enjoy adjoining Olde Mistick Village, a shopping and dining complex that resembles an 18th century New England community.

Dine: A great spot for lunch is the waterfront S&P Oyster Company – start with oysters, followed by shrimp scampi or blue crab ravioli. Another seafood spot is Red 36, with delicious lobster rolls, creative cocktails and exotic dishes like Thai peanut calamari and five-spice duck wings. Enjoy clam chowder and a burger in the Colonial-era Captain Daniel Packer Inne, which is said to be haunted.

Luxury experiences

Stay: Spicer Mansion, housed in a former sea captain’s home built in 1853, has been transformed into an exclusive inn with just eight rooms, each individually decorated. Have a cup of tea by the fireplace in the parlor, tuck into a six-course tasting menu in the restaurant, or take a stroll in the manicured gardens with a picnic lunch packed in a charming wicker basket.

Do: Winery tours and tastings make great Connecticut day trips. Stonington Vineyards produces rose, chardonnay and cabernet franc, among others, while Jonathan Edwards Winery has a selection of merlots, pinot gris and cabernet sauvignon. Or sip on a sauvignon blanc or cabernet rose while taking in the beauty of the nature preserve setting at  Saltwater Farm Vineyard. Nearby are Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun, both AAA Four Diamond Rated resorts, with casinos, restaurants, entertainment and spas.

Dine: Savor locally sourced seafood at the Oyster Club, which has creative New American dishes on the menu including pan-roasted fluke with black beluga lentils. Enjoy your meal on the upstairs deck in warm weather. Craving a steak? Head to David Burke Prime at Foxwoods, which features a Himalayan pink salt-brick aging room. Feeling indulgent? Try the Grade A wagyu filet mignon, or dig into the Prime Tower raw bar appetizer, which features a 1-pound lobster, mussels, Alaskan king crab legs, oysters, scallops and jumbo shrimp.

For more great Connecticut day trip ideas and to book a trip for a weekend, click here. 

Summer is finally here in the Northeast, and many of us will be jumping in the car and taking road trips near and far. During this time, you’re bound to experience more drivers on the road than any other time of year. If you’re like me, you’re also noticing the increasing number of drivers who just aren’t paying enough attention to the road.

We see it every day: someone talking on the phone, texting or finding their favorite song on the music app in their car. Yet we know this is risky behavior.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety produces the annual Traffic Safety Culture Index, a nationwide survey of U.S. motorists that measures the degree to which traffic safety is valued and pursued by drivers. The 2017 index found that although most drivers desire a greater level of security behind the wheel, their actual behaviors often contradict their attitudes.

Unsafe driving behaviors – such as running red lights, texting while driving and driving while impaired – are perceived as posing serious threats to personal safety. However, despite these strongly held concerns many individuals admit to engaging in unsafe driving practices. Most drivers (89 percent) reported engaging in at least one of the risky behaviors examined in the survey within a 30-day period.

We can do better. To stay safe on the road this summer, avoid distractions that take your eyes or attention off the road, including using cellphones, infotainment systems or navigation systems. Preprogram your GPS and properly secure children and pets before you hit the road. Avoid eating messy foods and set your phone to “do not disturb” mode to help keep your focus on what’s happening on the road.

AAA urges drivers to avoid distractions and act responsibly when behind the wheel. Lives depend on it.

Visit AAA.com/DistractedDriving to learn more.

In today’s digital world, the most valuable currency is information. It’s easier than ever for identity thieves to hack, phish and social-engineer their way into your private accounts, right from the comfort of home. All they need is a crack in the system, a gap in a profile, a proverbial blank check to cash. A blank check is dangerous precisely because of the lack of information written on it. It lets thieves fill in the blanks with whatever they want. The same goes for hackers and would-be identity thieves: they are looking for the Swiss cheese holes in your accounts that they can exploit.

To some, it might seem counter-intuitive to combat identity thieves and social engineers with more information, but that is exactly what it takes to stop them in their tracks. If AAA already has your information, it makes it harder for social engineers to impersonate you and access your Membership. In maintaining and protecting your information, AAA can also protect your safety, security and peace of mind. AAA does this with our Member Identity Security Protocol, which gathers, verifies and protects your data, such as email, date of birth and phone number. AAA protects your private information by confirming your identity with each call, transaction or branch visit. With each of these transactions, AAA Counselors will always ask for your email, date of birth and phone number to both confirm and protect your identity. This in turn protects your Membership from misuse, such as theft and unauthorized use of tows.

The most effective way to be proactive in keeping your Membership safe is by providing your information when you join AAA, when you have a transaction with a AAA Counselor, or by registering your account on AAA.com. This will allow Counselors to confirm your identity during future transactions.

Cyber-crime damage costs are projected to hit $6 trillion by 2021. To protect our members’ data, we utilize strong controls such as password protection, anti-virus protection, limited remote access, encryption and tokenized credit card data. Our staff network security engineers monitor our systems closely, safeguarding your private information, and AAA will never provide your information to third parties. Just as you trust us to protect you on the road; you can trust AAA to protect you on the information super-highway.

To find out more about how your information is being used to bring you better service and keep your account secure, visit AAA.com/Membership. 

To learn about how to protect yourself from identity theft, click here.

Thanks to AAA inspectors, you don’t need to wonder where to eat this weekend … or any weekend.

Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a fine-dining experience, inspectors have it covered. They visit hundreds of restaurants across the country each year to judge the food, service and decor, among other things. They approve only those that meet AAA quality standards.

Once a restaurant is approved, it receives a AAA Diamond Rating based on the style of dining it offers. Whether it’s a One Diamond (quick-service style) or a Five Diamond (leading-edge, fine dining), it’s among the best in its category.

We reached out to Diamond Rated restaurants across the spectrum for some of their favorite recipes. All should get your taste buds tingling!

Find out what each Diamond Rating means.

Five Diamond Baked Whole Red Snapper

Le Bernardin, Eric Ripert’s AAA Five Diamond Rated restaurant in New York City, shared a recipe for baked whole red snapper. The fish is seasoned with butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme and lemon and then baked inside a salt crust. Display your encrusted snapper to dinner guests before filleting and serving to make a lasting impression.

Ingredients
(Serves 2-4)

2¼ cups coarse sea salt, plus ½ cup for crust
¾ cup chopped rosemary, plus 2 branches
½ cup chopped fresh thyme (leaves and stems chopped together), plus 5 branches
4½ pounds all-purpose flour, plus more for kneading and rolling
5¼ cups egg whites (about 42 egg whites)
1½ tablespoons butter
2-3 cloves garlic, peeled
1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds
3-4 pound whole red snapper, head on, cleaned, and with scales removed
Freshly ground white pepper to taste
3 egg yolks

1. To make the dough, start by taking half the coarse salt, chopped rosemary and thyme, and pulse them in a food processor until roughly blended (about 30 seconds). Next, combine flour, the ground salt and herbs, and the remaining salt in a large mixing bowl. Gradually add the egg whites, mixing them in by hand, until the mixture forms a soft but not sticky dough. Using additional flour as needed, turn the dough out onto a work surface and knead until smooth. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let stand for at least 2 hours at room temperature or up to 1 day under refrigeration before using.
2. When ready to prepare the snapper for baking, place the butter, garlic cloves, 2 branches rosemary, 5 branches thyme and the sliced lemon inside the belly of the fish. Generously sprinkle the inside of the belly and both sides of the fish with pepper.
3. Flour a large work surface. Pull off half of the dough, then cover the rest with plastic wrap so it doesn’t dry out. Using more flour as necessary, roll the dough into a 17-by-12-inch rectangle, about 4-5 millimeters thick, with a rolling pin. Line a large baking sheet (turn it upside down to get more surface area if needed) with parchment paper and transfer the dough to the parchment paper. Roll the remaining dough into a 24-by-16-inch rectangle. Lay the fish onto the dough on the baking sheet, diagonally if necessary to make it fit. Cover the fish with the remaining large rectangle of dough.
4. Closely press the top piece of dough around the fish, sealing it well. Trim the excess from the top piece of dough, 2 inches out from the base of the fish. Don’t trim any of the bottom dough. Patch any thin spots in the dough covering the fish. It’s OK if the tail of the fish or a little extra dough is hanging over the edge of the pan; just make sure the rest of the fish is well-sealed. Whisk the egg yolks together with 3 tablespoons water and brush over the dough to coat well. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup salt over the fish and dab more of the egg wash over the salt. (The recipe can be made to this point up to 1 hour before baking – 2 hours before serving.)
5. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Bake the snapper until a digital skewer reads 175 degrees when inserted into the center of the fish (about 25 minutes). Remove the snapper from the oven and let rest for 20 minutes.
6. Slide the fish (crust still on) off the baking sheet and paper and onto a large cutting board. Trim the bottom crust evenly with the top and place on a large serving platter. Present the fish to your guests and then bring it back to the kitchen. Cut through the top crust at the bottom base of the fish and carefully lift off the domed top. Discard.
7. Fillet the snapper, running a knife under the fillet to separate it from the bone. Place each serving on a plate and season with pepper. When the top fillets have been served, lift off the fish bones and cut the bottom in the same manner.

Four Diamond Scallops

Enjoy an innovative diver scallop dish courtesy of chef Matt Voskuil, of AAA Four Diamond Rated Spiced Pear in Newport, R.I. He pairs plump scallops with a flavorful peppernade of red and yellow peppers, onion, garlic and guanciale. Then it’s drizzled with an oyster butter sauce and garnished with basil puree and prosciutto chips for some extra flair.

Ingredients
(serves 4)

For peppernade:
3 ounces extra-virgin olive oil
1 ounce guanciale, fine julienne
2 cloves garlic, fine julienne
2 red bell peppers, peeled, seeded, julienned
2 yellow bell peppers, peeled, seeded, julienned
1 yellow onion, peeled, julienned
1 sprig rosemary
1 hard-boiled egg, peeled, finely grated
1 ounce Saba
1 lemon, juiced

4 paper-thin slices prosciutto
8 ounces basil leaves

For butter sauce:
1 shallot, sliced
12 ounces chardonnay
1 tablespoon heavy cream
8 ounces unsalted butter, chilled, diced
½ teaspoon espelette pepper
8 oysters, shucked
½ teaspoon chives, finely sliced

8 large diver scallops, cleaned
2 tablespoons grapeseed oil
12 micro basil

1. To prepare the peppernade, combine olive oil and guanciale in a heavy bottomed sauce pan over low heat and cook slowly until the fat of the guanciale is nicely rendered. Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Then, add the red and yellow peppers and onion. Season lightly with salt and continue to cook over low heat for 4 to 5 hours, stirring occasionally. Take care not to caramelize the mixture at all. Once most of the liquid has reduced, add the sprig of rosemary and let it steep for 1 minute. Remove the rosemary and discard it. Add the egg, Saba and lemon juice and season with salt. Set aside and keep warm, or chill and reserve for later use.
2. To prepare the prosciutto chips, arrange the prosciutto slices in a dehydrator and set to 130 degrees. Dehydrate for 6 hours. Remove and store in an airtight container for later use.
3. To prepare the basil puree, blanch basil in salted, boiling water for 90 seconds. Remove and chill in an ice bath. Drain and process in a blender for 45 seconds. Chill, season with salt, and place in a squeeze bottle until needed.
4. To begin the butter sauce, place shallot and chardonnay in a small saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat until wine is mostly reduced. Add heavy cream, then bring to a boil for 5 seconds. Reduce heat and whisk in butter, bit by bit, until emulsified. Strain through a fine mesh strainer. Season with salt and espelette pepper. Keep warm.
5. Season the scallops with salt and pepper. Heat a cast iron pan over high heat and sear the scallops in the grapeseed oil for two minutes. Turn the scallops over and continue cooking for another two minutes.
6. While the scallops are cooking, stir the oysters and chives into the butter sauce. Check seasoning.
7. Place two small mounds of peppernade and two scallops on each plate.
8. Spoon some of the oyster butter onto each plate, taking care to portion two oysters on each plate.
9. Garnish with the basil puree, micro basil and prosciutto chip.

Three Diamond Sliders

For a unique take on a party favorite, look no further than the hickory-smoked pulled duck sliders from the AAA Three Diamond Rated Twenty8 Food & Spirits at Patriot Place in Foxborough, Mass. The pulled duck is tossed in a delectable Korean-inspired barbecue sauce, placed on a brioche bun and topped with cilantro-lime slaw, shaved jalapenos and Sriracha. These sliders will spice up the menu at the next family cookout.

Ingredients
(recipe yields 3 cups of shredded duck meat)

4 duck breasts
4 duck legs
Hickory wood chips (as needed)

1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Smoke duck for 3 hours, adding new wood chips to the smoker every 15 minutes.

2. While the duck is still hot, pull and shred the meat using two forks.

For Korean barbecue sauce:
½ cup ketchup
½ cup of hoisin sauce
½ cup teriyaki sauce
¼ cup Coca-Cola
1 tablespoon sliced scallions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients until fully incorporated.

For cilantro-lime slaw:
1 head cabbage, thinly sliced
1 carrot, julienned
1 jalapeno pepper, julienned
¼ cup sliced scallions
¾ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Pinch ginger powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

1. In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients until fully incorporated.
2. To serve, place hickory-smoked duck onto bottom half of brioche buns. Cover with Korean barbecue sauce, cilantro-lime slaw and top bun.

Two Diamond Crabcakes

You’ll find crabcakes with whole grain mustard sauce on the menu at Fire & Oak, a AAA Two Diamond Rated restaurant at the Westin Luxury Hotel in Jersey City, N.J. The perfect summer appetizer or entree, they’re made with a mixture of jumbo lump crabmeat, red peppers, jalapenos, Dijon mustard and chives, topped with breadcrumbs and cooked until golden brown. Keep the mustard sauce on the side or give the plate an artful drizzle.

Ingredients

¼ cup red peppers, diced fine
¼ cup jalapenos, diced fine
¼ cup celery, diced fine
1 tablespoon chives, chopped fine
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1½ pounds jumbo lump crab

1. Mix all ingredients with mayonnaise, except for the crab meat.
2. Fold in crab meat, taking care not to break it up too much.
3. Divide crab mixture into 4 equal portions. Working with one portion at a time, pack tightly into ring mold set on a parchment-lined baking sheet and smooth the top. Carefully remove ring mold.
4. Repeat with remaining crab mixture.
5. Cover with plastic wrap and chill at least 1 hour. The cakes will firm slightly when chilled.
6. If you want to make these ahead of time, crabcakes can be formed 1 day ahead. Keep chilled.

For mustard sauce:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small shallot, finely chopped
1 tablespoon flour
½ cup chicken broth
¼ white wine
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup whole grain mustard
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter

Breadcrumbs
Parsley

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium. Cook shallot, stirring often, until softened (about 5 minutes). Whisk in flour and cook, whisking often, until just beginning to smell nutty (about 3 minutes). Whisk in wine, bring to a boil, and cook until thick enough to coat a spoon (about 5 minutes). Add cream, bring to a simmer and cook, whisking occasionally, until mixture is again thick enough to coat a spoon (about 4 minutes). Whisk in mustard, then cover sauce and keep warm.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium.
4. Working with two crabcakes at a time, sprinkle 1 teaspoon breadcrumbs over each cake and carefully place, crumb side down, in skillet. Cook, occasionally swirling fat in pan around, until bottom sides of crabcakes are deep golden brown (about 5 minutes). Sprinkle 1 teaspoon breadcrumbs over top sides of each cake, then very carefully turn over (cakes will be very delicate, so you may need two spatulas). Cook until breadcrumbs are golden (about 2 minutes). Transfer to a plate.
5. Wipe out skillet and repeat with remaining crabcakes.
6. After the second batch of crab cakes is done cooking, return crabcakes on plate to skillet and transfer to oven. Cook until warmed through (about 3 minutes).
7. Serve crabcakes over mustard sauce and top with parsley.

One Diamond Squash Bloom Pancakes

Chef Claire Criscuolo, of the One Diamond Rated Claire’s Corner Copia in New Haven, Conn., was inspired by her Italian grandmother’s recipe for squash blossom pancakes. Edible squash blossoms grow on zucchini and other types of squash plants. You can often find the delectable battered treats on menus come summertime, when squash is abundant. Serve with a bit of marinara sauce on the side for added flavor.

Ingredients
(makes about 24 pancakes)

3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
5 eggs
1 cup milk
¾ cup water
15 squash blossoms, pistil removed, rinsed and coarsely chopped
¼ cup Italian flat-leaf parsley, chopped
Sea salt and pepper
½-¾ cup grapeseed, olive or canola oil for frying

1. Measure flour and baking powder into a bowl. Whisk to combine. In a separate bowl, add eggs, milk and water; whisk to combine. Pour liquid evenly over dry ingredients and stir.
2. Add chopped blossoms and parsley, sprinkle with sea salt and pepper; stir to mix well. Place a cookie sheet alongside the stove and line it with a double layer of paper towels or a paper bag.
3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully drop ¼ cup of batter into heated oil, leaving space to allow for turning. Do not overcrowd the skillet or the temperature will drop and you’ll have greasy pancakes.
4. Cook for about 2 minutes, or until the underside is medium golden-brown. Turn and cook the other side for about a minute, or until the underside is medium golden-brown. Transfer the pancakes to the paper towel-lined cookie sheet.
5. Continue frying remaining batter, heating additional oil as needed. Serve hot, at room temperature or chilled.

Have you been to any of these Diamond Rated restaurants? Have you made similar recipes at home? Tell us in the comments below!

Visit AAA.com/Diamonds for more about the AAA Diamond Ratings program and to find a great place to eat based on your style.

If you’re heading out to eat at a high-end restaurant for the first time, be prepared to find some unfamiliar utensils on your table. The standard fork, knife and spoon just won’t cut it (pun intended) during multi-course meals.

Here are some utensils you may find while dining at Coast, the AAA Four Diamond Rated restaurant at Ocean House in Westerly, R.I.

Appetizer fork and knife. Made for a small appetizer or fruit plate, the appetizer fork and knife are just like the entree fork and knife, but smaller in size.

Steak knife. You may see two knives on your table – both the same size, but one sharper and with a finer point. The sharper knife is made for tougher meats, like lamb and steak.

Fish fork. These are smaller than entree forks and have three wide tines instead of four thinner ones.

Fish knife. This utensil is for serving fish. It has a dull edge and a wide, fin-shaped blade with a notch on one side, used to remove the fish skeleton from the body.

Soup spoon. Wider and more circular in shape than a regular tablespoon, soup spoons are made for scooping up more broth (versus an oval spoon that would carry meat and vegetables).

Dessert spoon. This long, thin spoon is similar to a tablespoon but made for eating puddings and other sweet dishes.

Salt spoon. Hailing from a time before salt and pepper shakers, diminutive salt spoons are perfect for transferring salt from a bowl to your plate.

Butter knife. With a wide blade, rounded point and notch on one side, a butter knife is made for spreading butter onto bread without tearing it apart.

Which fancy utensil is your favorite? What other fancy, funny-looking or practical utensils are there? Tell us in the comments below!

Click here to learn more about AAA Diamond Ratings and find a Diamond Rated hotel or restaurant near you.

We shadowed a AAA inspector to understand what it takes to be AAA Diamond Rated. Take a look behind the scenes.

All drivers must start somewhere, and sometimes that means learning from mistakes.

AAA driving instructors Paul Neubeck and Howard Garthwaite are quite familiar with some of the missteps new drivers make.

Here are a few common mistakes that new drivers make, plus tips on how parents can help their newly licensed teens avoid them.

Distracted Driving

Cellphones, conversations, radio controls, breakfast – all are distractions that can take the focus off driving and put drivers at risk of a collision. New drivers are particularly susceptible because of their inexperience.

Remind teens that driving requires their full attention, and that something as trivial as changing the radio station can be dangerous. Set rules and expectations for teen drivers and consequences for breaking them. For example, if you catch your teen texting or calling while driving, limit their cellphone use or restrict their driving privileges.

Teach Awareness

Motorists must be aware of everything going on around them. New drivers often have a laser focus on the road ahead of them, but miss what’s going on in their peripheral vision.

Teach your teens to look left and right as well as straight ahead, and to look for “red flags” like a pedestrian stepping into the street or a truck trying to merge into their lane. Potential hazards can be avoided if your teen knows how to assess the situation and act quickly.

Following Too Closely

While driving, motorists should leave two seconds of space between their vehicle and the vehicle ahead. In bad weather, that space should increase. New drivers may not understand the importance of this guideline.

Remind teens of the potential consequences of tailgating and perhaps share some statistics on rear-end collisions. But the most important thing parents can do is set a good example. You are your teen’s first role model when it comes to most things, including driving. Always keep a safe distance while driving so that your teen will learn from your example.

There’s new technology on the market that can help keep young drivers safe. Click here to learn more.

How do you facilitate conversations with your teen about safe driving habits? Tell us in the comments below.

Set your teen up for success by enrolling them in AAA Driving School.

At a AAA Five Diamond Rated resort such as Ocean House in Westerly, R.I., guests can expect luxurious, personalized service.

Take the napkin, for example. Whether you receive a black or white cloth napkin – rolled up like Thai ice cream and gently placed in front of you with a pair of tongs – depends on the color of your clothing. You wouldn’t want to get white lint on your black pants or dress, after all.

Every detail – from the French china and homemade sea salt (yes, you read that right), down to the silverware placement – comes together to make an unforgettable dining experience.

Click here to find a Diamond Rated hotel or restaurant near you.

Want to recreate a similar experience at home? Restaurant leaders and waitstaff recently shared their secrets to setting the perfect table.

• Place several drinking glasses to the right of guests’ plates: one for plain water, another for sparkling water and a third for Champagne. Ask which they’d prefer, then remove the other two glasses.
• Use different utensils based on what guests are eating. For example, fish knives may be a bit funny-looking, but they’re perfect for removing bones from cooked fish. Appetizer forks and knives are smaller than entree forks and knives. Steak knives have a sharp tip and serrated edge, made for cutting thick portions of meat. Soup spoons are more circular than dessert spoons, made to hold as much broth as possible.
• Fold cloth napkins into fun shapes. Luckily, you don’t have to be an origami master to bring art to the table. There are helpful step-by-step instructions with photos online for doing every fold there is – from a simple pyramid to an intricate lotus fold.
• Set the mood with decorations. At dinner, a candle in the center of the table will set the mood. At breakfast or lunch, a colorful flower in a small vase will brighten up the table.
• Provide several different types of salt and pepper for your guests to sprinkle on their food.
• Place utensils a fingernail length away from the edge of the table – close enough for guests to comfortably reach them, yet far enough to keep them from falling off.
• Open up a dessert box or bring out a three-tier dessert stand at the end of the meal to get one last smile out of your guests.

Curious about the AAA inspection process? Check out our behind-the-scenes look at a restaurant inspection.

What steps do you take to impress your dinner guests? Tell us in the comments below!

Book your stay at a AAA Diamond Rated hotel such as Ocean House with AAA Travel.

A father is driving with his three children in the back seat. His left hand is firmly on the steering wheel while his right hand is gripping a beer bottle.

Shocking, right? But would you be as shocked if the same man was holding a phone instead?

Distracted driving can be as devastating as driving under the influence. That’s the message of the AAA Don’t Drive Intexticated campaign. The above scenario plays out in a video made for the campaign.

Think of these statistics the next time you reach for the phone while driving, and click here for a look at how distracted driving can impact your daily commute.

Sources: AAA, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

What do you do to avoid distractions when you’re behind the wheel? Share your tips in the comments. 

For more on AAA’s campaign to curb distracted driving, visit AAA.com/DistractedDriving.