Paying off student loans can become especially confusing when you’re making multiple monthly payments. One way to solve this is to combine your loans into a single new loan. It’s like keeping all of your eggs in one basket — except your eggs are student loans, and they’re going straight to the frying pan to become an omelet. When you consolidate student loans, the multiple payments you’ve been paying each month become one monthly bill.

Check out the following rundown on student loan consolidation to find out whether or not it’s right for you.

How To Consolidate Student Loans With a Direct Consolidation Loan

The U.S. Department of Education allows you to consolidate your federal student loans with a Direct Consolidation Loan. Like the omelet in the above analogy, this loan allows you to combine multiple loans into a new loan for a single monthly payment, instead of the confusing barrage of loan payments that many students are stuck with after graduation. However, only certain federal loans are eligible.

The benefits? In addition to one monthly payment, with a Direct Consolidation Loan, you can change your repayment plan. For some, that could mean being given a longer time period — up to 30 years — to repay the new loan. Keep in mind, though, that this could cost you more in the long run if you’re paying more in interest than you would have originally.

Another plus is that it’s free to apply, and anyone can, as long as their loans are in repayment or in the grace period. You can download an application at StudentLoans.gov and submit by mail, or complete and submit it online.

But there are pros and cons to everything. One disadvantage is that you may lose the benefits you get with your current loans, like interest rate discounts or loan cancellation benefits. Also, if you’re paying your current loans with an income-driven repayment plan, or if you’ve made qualifying payments toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness, you may lose credit for those payments upon consolidating.

How To Consolidate by Refinancing Student Loans

For those who want to consolidate federal and private loans or have federal loans that don’t qualify for the Direct Consolidation Loan, student loan refinancing is another way to combine multiple loans into one. However, instead of doing this through the U.S. Department of Education, you would do this through a private lender.

The benefits? In addition to one monthly payment, refinancing can lower your interest rate. Most lenders offer both variable and fixed rates. If you have good credit and a steady income or can co-sign with someone with good credit and a steady income, you could qualify for low rates.

Like consolidating through the Direct Consolidation Loan, consolidating by refinancing allows you to change your repayment plan. You can choose to repay them faster with higher monthly payments or take a longer period of time with lower monthly payments.

While it is possible to combine federal and private student loans into one private consolidation loan, you will lose federal benefits and protections such as loan forgiveness and income-based repayment plans and should consider it very carefully before you do. 

When weighing student loan refinancing as an option, be sure to compare offers from private lenders. Some may offer options such as deferment, forbearance or flexible repayment to help out during those tough times, when an income-driven repayment plan would’ve come in handy.

When To Consolidate Student Loans

You’re eligible to consolidate your student loans after you graduate, leave school or drop below half-time enrollment.

In order to consolidate student loans under a Direct Consolidation Loan, the loans you’re consolidating must be in repayment or in the grace period, which is typically the six months after graduation.

If you want to consolidate a defaulted loan, you must either wait to consolidate until after making three consecutive monthly payments on the loan, or you must agree to repay your new consolidation loan with one of the federal Income-Driven Repayment Plans.

As for consolidation through refinancing, private lenders may have their own requirements. Some may require you to have made a minimum number of payments before refinancing. A good record of making payments on time for several years can help your cause.

In any case, be sure to weigh your options before you choose to consolidate or refinance your student loans and make the decision that is best for your situation.

Learn more: AAA Answers All Your Student Lending Questions.

To figure out which is the best way to consolidate your student loans, call (888) 422-2536 to talk to a AAA Student Lending specialist.

Have you consolidated your student loans? How did it help you? Tell us in the comments below!

The beauty of automotive design is that it has evolved in lockstep with societal changes. License plates were needed to keep track of all the cars that filled the roads in the early 1900s. Bumper stickers were the product of wartime technologies.

The humble car cup holder is no different. If you follow its lifespan, you get a glimpse into how changes in the way we live gave rise to this new feature. It’s less about a circular indentation in your console and more about societal shifts.

Overreaching? Maybe. But there is some psychology behind our love of the cup holder. Cultural anthropologist Clotaire Rapaille theorized that their presence makes us feel safe by allowing us to drive next to warm liquid, which reminds us of mother’s milk.

Whatever the reason, this feature clearly matters to drivers. Believe it or not, “cupholder frustration” stood out among the top complaints in J.D. Power’s 2025 U.S. Initial Quality Study, as more people struggle to fit their oversized reusable tumblers into standard car cup holders.

So, how did the ubiquitous car cup holder come about? Let’s dig in.

The Early Days of Cars and Beverages

Although automobiles were much different in the early 20th century than they are today, food was clearly still on the minds of passengers back then. Some early cars came with picnic baskets and kitchenette sets in the trunk or attached to the sideboards. In “The Great Gatsby,” F. Scott Fitzgerald describes Gatsby’s Rolls Royce as having “supper-boxes.”

But the idea of eating or drinking while the car was in motion was still far away. Cars didn’t run very smoothly, and most roads were anything but pristine. Traveling by automobile was not conducive to eating a meal or sipping a drink.

The Origin of Car Cup Holders

The history of the car cup holder can be traced back to the 1950s and ’60s when it became popular to eat in your car as drive-in restaurants were having their heyday. But in this case, customers were stationary when eating and drinking. Any beverage could be placed on the dashboard or floor or secured between the knees.

However, it wasn’t completely uncommon to see rudimentary cup holders incorporated into snack trays. A newspaper image from the 1950s shows a snack tray hanging from the dashboard with two holes cut out to hold beverages.

In 1953, the Automobile Seat Article Holder received a patent. This device consisted of a metal plate wedged between two seat cushions. Three years later, a slightly enhanced version emerged in the Refreshment Tray for Automobile Instrument Panel, which had wells better able to hold beverages upright.

Glove Compartment Cup Holders

Starting in the late 1950s, car designers began incorporating cup holders into the backside of glove compartment doors. For one reason or another, these were usually a miss. In 1957, Cadillac devised a magnetic glove compartment for its Eldorado Brougham. But it was designed to be used with the four metal tumblers that came with the vehicle, not just any beverage you had on hand.

As we moved into the 1960s, manufacturers continued to look to the glove compartment in an attempt to accommodate beverages. These early iterations, however, were usually a pair of very shallow circular indentations that would never be able to keep a beverage upright if the vehicle was in motion.

Learn more about the history of the glove compartment.

The Minivan Arrives

Car cup holders as we know them today can trace their origins back to 1983. That’s when Chrysler invented the minivan. The manufacturer’s Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager were the first two mass-produced cars to have built-in cup holders.

Although they still were not a standard feature, more and more manufacturers added cupholders throughout the 1980s and into the ’90s. These times were marked by a steep increase in the number of women, particularly mothers, entering the workforce. Some have suggested that rise of dual income households led to a surge in popularity of drive-thru restaurants. Families could drive up to a window and receive an inexpensive meal in mere minutes. But they needed a place to put their drinks.

Car cup holders quickly became a necessity instead of luxury, at least in the United States. By the mid-1990s, built-in cup holders were a standard feature among manufacturers around the world.

Hot Coffee and the Modern Car Cup Holder

It seems strange, but many of the innocuous components of an automobile, like the license plate, have found their way into the center of major court cases. The car cup holder became a national headline in 1994, when 79-year-old Stella Liebeck sued McDonald’s after spilling on her lap the 180-degree coffee she just ordered at the drive-thru. She was sitting in her grandson’s car at the time, opened the lid to add sugar and cream, and spilled the hot coffee, which burned her skin. The jury awarded Liebeck $640,000 at the conclusion of the trial. The whole ordeal may have been avoided had the Ford Probe not been devoid of even a single cup holder.

If manufacturers were hesitant to include cup holders in vehicle design before, the hot coffee incident helped push them over the threshold. Even European companies, which had long resisted adding the feature, began building cars with cup holders when U.S. sales started to drop. We’ve gotten to a point that if cars don’t include a place to store your beverage, or don’t include enough places, they will face the wrath of the public.

Car cup holders continue to evolve in design as beverage containers change in size and shape. Other features, like LED-lighted cup holders, have also been introduced into the market. But maybe the most telling sign of how times have changed is the number of cup holders you’ll find in vehicles. While 20 years ago, you’d be lucky to find a handful, many cars today have more than a dozen. The Subaru Ascent, in fact, has 19 cup holders.

Read more auto history stories.

How important are car cup holders to you? Do you take them into consideration when purchasing a new vehicle? Let us know in the comments below!

Featured image: Courtesy of Toyota

This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.

Brimming with locals and visitors alike, Madrid’s vibrant energy pulsates as you stroll through its plazas and winding network of streets. Untold treasures wait around every corner. The ornate edifices, fountains and monuments — including Gothic and Romanesque churches, and a stunning palace with Baroque and Neoclassical elements — are a testament to the city’s more than a millennium-long history. As you meander about, you also pass countless green spaces and cafes with outdoor seating that beckon you to sit and linger. It’s easy to become delightfully lost.

Having visited Spain’s capital city many times, I have found that these are some of the best things to do in Madrid.

Admire Stellar Art

Madrid is home to a trio of landmark museums: the Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza. You can easily walk from one to the next, though art aficionados may want a full day to explore each of the first two. Millions of visitors flock annually to the Prado, which is celebrated for its assemblage of works by the Spanish masters, such as Rubens, El Greco, Goya and Velazquez. Goya’s disturbing “Black Paintings” are attention grabbers, as are the dozens of paintings by Velazquez — the world’s largest such collection.

With its duo of multi-floor buildings, the Reina Sofia’s biggest draw may be Picasso’s masterwork “Guernica.” Painted on an almost 26-foot-long canvas, it depicts the devastating consequences of Spain’s Civil War. The museum is especially rich in modern and contemporary art, including the iconic and reality-disrupting pieces by Dali, as well as important works by Miro, namely his dream-like painting, “Hombre con pipa” (Man with a Pipe).

Set in an original 18th century mansion that was later renovated, the Thyssen is renowned for displaying a comprehensive art collection spanning medieval to contemporary periods in an intimate setting. Those who gravitate to 20th century art will easily get an education in Surrealism (Magritte), Abstract Expressionism (de Kooning) and Pop Art (Lichtenstein).

Explore Verdant Oases

Perhaps Madrid’s most signature green space, Parque del Buen Retiro or simply Retiro, was the stomping grounds of Spain’s royal family centuries ago. Its name translates to Park of the Pleasant Retreat, and it’s no wonder, since members of the monarchy and their court spent their leisure time participating in equestrian events, boating on the man-made lake and enjoying theatrical performances. Now it’s an almost 300-acre public park threaded with paths that attract a wide swath of society, including joggers, bladers, cyclists and walkers. With swans and ducks gliding across its surface, the lake is an appealing venue (in good weather) for boating using rental watercraft. Horticultural enthusiasts will be thrilled with the well-organized landscaping, including a rose garden growing 100 varieties.

Another park that’s acclaimed for its stunning rose garden is the much more tranquil Parque del Oeste, located outside Madrid’s city center. There are hundreds of rose varieties to admire in this sweeping greenspace that’s also populated by pines, cedar, birch and other trees. But Oeste’s most surprising find is the Templo de Debod, a second-century B.C. Egyptian temple. It was given to Spain by Egypt to save it from flooding when the Aswan Dam was built across the Nile. Perched on a hill and surrounded by lawns and reflecting pools, it’s an ideal venue for admiring the sunset.

Sample Spanish Cuisine

Socialize, soak up a lively vibe and nibble your way through delectable Spanish and international dishes by visiting one of Madrid’s food halls. Each has a different personality, and these two are definitely worth a visit.

The expansive Mercado de San Miguel is a mecca for tourists who flock to this wrought iron and glass historic structure, constructed in the early 20th century on the site of an old fish market. Get there when it opens to avoid some of the bustle and amble the narrow aisles, sampling iberico ham, manchego (sheep’s milk cheese) and tortilla espanola (a quiche-like, potato omelet).

For a slightly less frenetic experience, the multi-story Mercado San Anton offers plenty of delicacies from around the world. Here you’ll find such dishes as Vietnamese dumplings, sushi, Norwegian smoked salmon and Valencian paella, all sold in a contemporary setting.

Indulge in a Scenic Outdoor Playground

Stretching for miles along the banks of the Manzanares River, Madrid Rio Park is a stunning recreational space that’s enjoyed by all, from families with young children and lunch-hour picnickers, to cyclists and birdwatchers. In the summer, you can cool off at the urban (cement) beach, thanks to the misting system, wading pool and a variety of water jets. The lawns are also great for sunning.

Numerous children’s play facilities are populated by hammocks, swings and climbing vines made from hemp, timber and other natural materials. Whether you’re walking or cycling, you may spy egrets, kingfishers, herons and other birds on your route. You can make different size loops by navigating over the many bridges where, depending on your location, you’ll have a dramatic view of the Royal Palace. A climbing wall, roller rink and a skate park round out the myriad offerings.

Wander Where Literary Giants Walked

One of Madrid’s most atmospheric neighborhoods is the Barrio de Las Letras (Literary Quarter), where narrow lanes slope up and down and weave about like a maze. This is where the most illustrious writers lived during Spain’s Golden Age of Literature (in the 16th and 17th centuries). They hung out at cafes, bars and open-air theaters. Some of the streets are named for these luminaries, like Quevedo, Cervantes and Lope de Vega.

The centuries-old house where the prolific poet and playwright Lope de Vega lived and worked in his later years was renovated into a museum that’s worth visiting on a guided tour. Highlights include the home’s chapel, studio and inviting backyard garden, lush with orange and pomegranate trees and sweet-smelling flowers.

Start planning your vacation to Spain with a AAA travel advisor.

Your car lease is coming to an end, but you love your car and aren’t quite ready to let it go. Should you buy out your car lease?

Owning your previously leased vehicle could make financial and practical sense. You can skip the shopping stage and stay in a vehicle with a known history and drivability rather than take a chance on another used car.

Here’s what to consider before making a decision.

Why Buy Out Your Car Lease?

When you reach the end of your lease agreement, you have the option of returning the vehicle to the dealership or taking the buyout option, where you pay to own the car. Some contracts also allow drivers to buy out their lease before the agreement expires.

The buyout price of the vehicle, also known as the purchase price option, is usually set at the time of the lease signing (you should be able to find it on your agreement contract). It is determined based on the car’s residual value, the car’s predicted price at the end of the lease.

This is where the current car market comes into play. If you signed your lease agreement when the car price was lower, your purchase price option could be more favorable compared to what a used car on the open market could cost you.

Another consideration is the condition of your leased car. The dealership will inspect your vehicle when your contract comes to an end. If there’s any damage above the normal wear and tear, you’ll be responsible for the costs. If you choose to buy out your lease, however, you won’t need to pay. That money could instead go toward purchasing the car.

The same is true with mileage. If you exceed your lease agreement mileage limits, you’ll be on the hook for per-mile penalties if you return the vehicle to the dealership — but you won’t be if you buy out the lease.

How to Buy Out Your Lease

If you’re thinking about buying out your lease, take a look at your current lease agreement terms and the car’s residual value. Then compare these numbers to the going rate of the car today. Remember, when buying out a lease, you’ll have to pay the residual value plus any applicable taxes and fees. You also may have to register the vehicle in your name and pay any applicable sales tax.

Fortunately, lease buyouts can be financed through auto loans. The process is very simple and much like that of any other car purchase or refinance. It’s always a good idea to shop around for loans with the best terms and lowest interest rates.

Looking to buy out your car lease? AAA has you covered with low-interest auto loans to help finance your purchase.

Any day at the beach is likely to be a good one, but there is magic to be discovered on some shores.

In the Caribbean, Mexico, and Hawaii, coastlines sculpted by volcanic eruptions, fierce currents and sweeping winds unveil geologic wonders and one-of-a-kind ecosystems you truly have to see to believe.

The Swimming Pigs of Pig Beach, Bahamas

Like a farm that has pleasantly gone to seed, the uninhabited island of Big Major Cay is home to several dozen wild, friendly pigs, as well as a few goats and cats. No one knows for sure how the pigs ended up out there, but they have become good swimmers and proficient at seeking out snacks from visitors. You can access the island by boat or by plane and interact with its bovine residents on the shore.

Puerto Rico’s Bioluminescent Bays

Bioluminescent bays are filled with plankton which give off a blue-green light in the water at night when disturbed. Puerto Rico offers three great opportunities for viewing this technicolor phenomenon. Mosquito Bay in Vieques is believed to have the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world. Laguna Grande in Fajardo, though not a bay, is popular and just a little over an hour’s drive from San Juan. La Parguera in Lajas is the only bioluminescent bay off the island that allows swimming and motorboats. See if you can pick a moonless evening to see the glow.

The Crystal Caves of Bermuda

Just a half mile from the ocean is a magical subterranean kingdom, with two caves of majestic white limestone formations. Crystal Cave, the easier to navigate of the two caves, offers stunning views of both stalactites and stalagmites reflected in azure water. The steeper Fantasy Cave offers dramatic, dense rock formations that can resemble waterfalls frozen in time. There is a restaurant on site, and a picnic area. 

A short walk from the Crystal Caves, AAA Three Diamond Grotto Bay Beach Resort & Spa also has two caves on its property. Visitors are invited to take a dip in the cool water of Cathedral Cave, and Prospero’s Cave is home to Grotto Bay’s Natura Spa.

Fly to Bermuda direct from Boston under one hour with Bermudair. Contact a AAA travel advisor to learn more.

Sian Ka’an, Mexico

This expansive nature preserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, shows the biological richness that can occur when a terrestrial ecosystem meets the ocean. Located along 75 miles of coastline of the Yucatan Peninsula, Sian Ka’an is home to more than 300 species of birds and many dolphins and manatees. Visitors may even be able to spot jaguars, pumas and ocelots. Sian Ka’an is a sought-after ecotourism destination where you can explore tropical rainforest, mangroves and coral reefs.

Hanauma Bay State Park, Hawaii  

This pristine, calm bay was formed from a volcanic cone and is protected by crater walls and a reef. The geologic combination provides the perfect canvas for swimmers and snorkelers to enjoy the beauty of the Pacific Ocean and the island of Oahu. This bay was restored to its splendor after years of overuse and was voted by Forbes as the Best Beach of the United States in 2016. Reservations are required to visit.

Napali Coast, Hawaii

There are few coastlines as dramatic as this 17-mile stretch of Kauai Island, which features vertical cliffs, sea caves and dramatic waterfalls. This coastline, which has been featured in several movies, might best be explored by sea, but some visitors may opt for a helicopter tour. Prepared hikers may find opportunities for secluded camping, as well.

Start planning your beach vacation with a AAA travel advisor online or call 866-423-5585.

No one understands the importance of life insurance better than those who have needed it, usually in unforeseen circumstances. AAA life insurance agents are among those people. They know how much life insurance matters because of their own experiences and are wholly committed to helping others set up a solid plan for an uncertain future.

Here are some of their stories.

Darius Jackson

Field Life Insurance Agent, Massachusetts

For Darius, life insurance is so much more than a product — it’s a passion.

“What motivates me to sell life insurance is knowing I’m helping give families peace of mind, and being a component in providing a little bit of light in a family’s time of need,” said Darius.

Seeing firsthand the tough situations that can unfold if someone is not insured, he makes sure to drive home the true importance of planning ahead for your loved ones.

“Life insurance is personally meaningful to me because I have seen the outcomes of not being insured within my own family,” says Darius. “Watching family members struggle financially after the loss of a family member made the grief harder to bear. Because of these experiences, I believe every family should have a [life insurance] policy.”

Contact Darius to discuss your life insurance options.

Jeff Flowers

Field Life Insurance Agent, Rhode Island

Jeff was a mortgage broker for nearly 30 years before coming to AAA, so he’s seen his fair share of unfortunate situations that life insurance could have helped avoid.

“I’ve gotten calls from past clients who lost their spouse and ended up needing to sell their home as their mortgage rate was now too high to pay off on their own. Life insurance would have prevented that,” said Jeff.

When he got his first term policy many years ago, Jeff didn’t really know anything about life insurance — only that it was the right thing to do with a wife, mortgage and children.

But now, after losing friends close to his age, he can truly appreciate its value. “One friend had life insurance and the other didn’t. I was able to see close up the difference it made on the family in both situations,” he said.

Looking back on his career, he’s happy to have been a part of such big, important life stages in people’s lives. “Helping people buy homes over the years was very rewarding,” he said. “My late-in-life career change protecting families in their homes is rewarding as well.”

For answers to your life insurance questions, reach out to Jeff.

Melvin Teasley

Internal Life Insurance Agent, New Jersey

Melvin’s mother was 76 years old and in relatively good health when she visited a doctor for a routine appointment in 2015. It’s still hard to fathom how she lost her life that day.

Melvin was at work when his brother called to tell him that his mother was sick and that he needed to come to the hospital right away.

“He wouldn’t tell me what happened as he knew I had a 45-minute drive and would be too upset. I didn’t find out until I got to the hospital that she had a heart attack at the doctor’s office,” Melvin said.

His mother fell into a coma and never returned.

Of six children in the family, he and his brother were the only two living in-state, so the responsibility of making final arrangements fell on them – a funeral, cremation and other matters totaling about $6,500. That’s when they found out that their mother’s life insurance coverage had lapsed.

They were no more prepared for these unexpected expenses than they were for their mother’s passing. It was a strain for Melvin, who had his own family to take care of.

“I learned that it is important to have a plan in place for these moments. If there was life insurance, we wouldn’t have had to worry about the financial burden at such an emotional time,” said Melvin, who became a life insurance agent in 2018.

“It became important for me to help as many families as possible avoid that hardship,” he said.

Speak with Melvin to secure your life insurance plan.

Melissa Bruning

Field Life Insurance Agent, Newburyport, Mass., Branch

As a registered nurse in mental health care for 20 years, Melissa recognizes how illness and death of a loved one can impact emotional well-being.

Dealing with grief is challenging enough, never mind the financial stress that often accompanies it.

“When a loved one passes away, there are numerous and sometimes unexpected expenses. This can be very challenging for a family that is grieving,” said Melissa, who left nursing for more family time before entering the health and life insurance field a few years ago.

“My role can help people and families navigate that part of life with a little less worry,” she said. “My hope is that my clients can focus more on the important things in life and worry less about the future.”

The important things can vary between families or depending on a person’s point in life. That’s why Melissa says life insurance is not a one-size-fits-all arrangement.

“At AAA Life, we have the unique opportunity to get to know our clients and design policies that fit them and their wishes best. I consider it a privilege to help people navigate this process in life,” she said.

Get in touch with Melissa and explore your coverage options.

Get a Life Insurance Quote

If you’ve ever locked your keys inside the car, you know it’s not a great feeling. Just as the car door slams shut and locks, realization kicks in, your stomach drops, and you see the key dangling from the ignition or the fob lying on a seat. To make matters worse, this always seems to happen when it’s raining or when you are already late for school pickup.

Thanks to fobs and keyless entry apps, locking the keys inside a car should happen far less often than in the past. But it still happens more than you think. AAA Northeast reported that 198,618 members locked themselves out of their cars in 2024.

Today, the retrieval often requires more than a coat hanger and metal rod.

“The newer the car, generally the harder it is to get into,” according to AAA’s Car Doctor John Paul, senior traffic safety manager for AAA Northeast.

Here’s what to do if you lock your keys in your car.

Not Your Mother’s Car Keys

Car keys have evolved over the decades from switches that controlled the car’s electrical circuit to keyless fobs with chips that exchange radio signals with vehicles to open the doors. By 2019, 91% of vehicles had keyless ignitions as standard or optional equipment, according to Edmunds. Some manufacturers also have apps that allow drivers to lock, unlock and start their cars with their phones. Phone apps are extremely handy but must be set up ahead of time and could require a subscription. Such systems are more convenient because people don’t have to remove keys from their pockets or purses.

While it is rare for a car to lock when the fob is inside, it can happen if the fob battery is depleted, the key fob is out of sync with the car or the car battery is dead. If you have a second fob with a hidden key, you are in luck. Often the keyhole is under a door handle.

In the case of ignition keys, if someone is distracted or their hands are full, it is easy to see how the key gets left behind.

“The reality is, it is just a change in habits,” noted Paul. “You add one more thing to your routine, and suddenly, you left your keys on the seat, because you were carrying a pie or an extra bag.”

Check Every Door

Before full-blown panic sets in, examine the car, because it’s possible only the driver’s door is locked, advised Paul.

“Try all the doors, even the hatch,” he said. “You may find that with an SUV, the hatch is unlocked. And while it’s awkward to crawl over the seats, it’s better than being outside in the rain.”

Whether the car is occupied determines what happens next. If a child or animal is locked inside the car, call the police. Officers will likely arrive more quickly than roadside service and will get into the car the most expedient way.

Don’t Forget the Keys — or AAA

Of course, before you consider breaking a window, you can call or request AAA Roadside Assistance online 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for help getting into your vehicle. 

The best way to avoid forgetting your keys is preparation. Always try to keep the key or fob in the same place and attach it to a brightly colored lanyard or keychain, so you can see it if you put it down. Try to keep a spare key with you.

“Develop a routine where you always have your keys in your hand,” Paul added.

AAA Roadside Assistance can be reached online, by phone or through the AAA Mobile app.

Have you ever locked your keys inside the car? Tell us your story in the comments below.

This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.

When your grandson calls and says, “Grandpa, we need to take a trip together,” you start planning.

So, Karen and Simon Landsman stopped by AAA’s Garden City, New York, branch to make hotel reservations for a grandfather-grandson trip to Portugal and to get advice on planning side trips from travel advisor Rosetta Varuola.

Find a AAA branch near you.

Both foodies, Simon and his college student grandson planned to sample different dishes in various locations during their trip and had talked about numerous exotic and distant destinations before settling on Portugal.

The Landsmans were impressed with how knowledgeable Varuola was and how quickly she pulled up information. She has been a travel advisor with AAA Northeast for 11 years and has worked in the travel industry for 30 years.

Karen Landsman had already booked the flight for the trip without realizing the full breadth of AAA travel services.

“I wish we’d done everything here,” Simon Landsman said. “We’ll be calling Rosetta first the next time we plan a trip.”

Here are a few more AAA member benefits you you might not know about.

Do you have a story about how AAA helped you plan a trip, get insurance or buy a house? Let us know in the comments below.

When Dan O’Neill had to register his new car, he chose AAA’s Garden City, New York, branch for its convenience and customer service.

“This is close to work, and it’s much easier to get an appointment,” O’Neill said during his visit.

Find a AAA branch near you.

Did you know AAA offers DMV services? You may save yourself the trip to the DMV (and a potentially long wait) for vehicle registrations, license renewals, REAL IDs and more.

As a member for 26 years, O’Neill relies on AAA for roadside assistance, hotel and theme-park discounts and AAA TripTiks.

“It’s worth it for the discounts alone,” said O’Neill, who travels frequently for business and leisure. He also appreciates AAA’s commitment to accommodating its members.

“The service is fantastic,” he said. “They are always helpful.”

Check out the full list of AAA Discounts.

Do you have a AAA member story you’d like to share? Tell us in the comments.

You may think that taking care of your teeth and gums is mostly cosmetic, but the truth is, your mouth is more connected to your overall health than you might realize.

Researchers have uncovered strong links between oral health and brain health, especially among older adults. So, those regular dental checkups might be doing more than just keeping your smile bright, they could be protecting your memory and cognitive function, too.

And there’s another good reason to schedule your next dental cleaning. Altus Dental™ has teamed up with AAA Northeast to offer exclusive dental coverage for AAA Northeast members in Massachusetts.

Here are five ways that oral health and cognitive health are connected.

Mouth bacteria can move to the brain.

The bacteria that causes gingivitis has been found in the brains of those impacted by Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers found that the bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis can move from the mouth to the brain. Once in the brain, the bacteria releases enzymes that can impact the function of neurons and lead to memory loss.

Inflammation in the gums can raise dementia risk.

When bacteria attacks the gums, it not only causes inflammation in the mouth but throughout the body — including the brain. Researchers have found that prolonged, excessive brain inflammation can put you at higher risk for cognitive decline.

One way to lower your risk is to keep up with regular checkups at the dentist, made easier with the affordable coverage from Altus Dental.  

Good oral health helps feed your brain.

Anyone who has had a toothache knows how quickly it can change your diet just to avoid the pain. In the long term, poor oral health can limit what food you are able to chew, which can often lead to a less healthy diet. A diet deficient in nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables and proteins has been shown to be a significant risk factor for cognitive decline. That makes it even more important to fix issues with oral health before they lead to a long-term shift in diet.

Missing teeth are linked to cognitive impairment.

Researchers reviewing 14 studies on oral health and cognitive health found that older adults with missing teeth had a 48% higher risk of cognitive impairment and a 28% higher risk of dementia. That’s the bad news. The good news is that the same researchers found that older adults who used dentures did not have a significantly higher risk of dementia, possibly because dentures can help people with tooth loss maintain a healthier diet. If you experience tooth loss, ask your dentist about options for dental prostheses.

Regular dental checkups can lower the risk of cognitive decline.

Long-term studies of large populations of older adults show that those who regularly visit the dentist lose fewer teeth and have better oral health. That means those older adults are likely at lower risk of cognitive decline.

Going to the dentist at least twice a year is an investment in your overall well-being, and with exclusive savings on dental insurance with Altus Dental, AAA members living in Massachusetts don’t have to don’t put off their next dental visit any longer.

Altus Dental provides easy access to in-network care with more than 10,000 locations locally and nearly 420,000 nationwide.

Explore the benefits and enroll today.

When considering the physical effects of stress, we may typically think of headaches, back pain or digestive issues. However, one area that often gets overlooked is the impact that stress can have on our oral health and vision.

You can combat the effects that mental health struggles can have on your teeth and eyes by pairing regular dental and eye exams with other preventive measures. For AAA members living in Rhode Island, it’s even easier with access to affordable dental and vision insurance from Delta Dental of Rhode Island and DeltaVision®.

Let’s look at the different ways stress can potentially affect your smile and eyes.

How Stress Can Impact Your Oral Health

• Teeth grinding: Also known as bruxism, teeth grinding is a common issue that affects millions of people worldwide. People who grind their teeth often do so unconsciously, especially during sleep or periods of stress. Over time, bruxism can lead to worn-down, chipped or cracked teeth, and even tooth loss. Additionally, it can cause jaw pain, headaches and earaches. If you are a teeth grinder, consider using a night guard.
• Gum disease: When we are under stress, our immune system can become compromised, making it easier for bacteria to thrive in our mouths. This can lead to inflammation and infection of the gums, also known as gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss.
• Anxiety and depression: Stress can trigger these mental health struggles, which may lead to neglecting oral hygiene. This neglect can worsen dental issues, potentially intensifying anxiety and depression even further.
• Social and psychological effects: People who are self-conscious about their teeth and smile may purposely avoid social situations, which creates feelings of isolation and loneliness, compounding the effects of stress.

How Stress Can Impact Your Eyes

• Discomfort and irritation: High stress levels can contribute to dry eyes and eye twitching. Lubricating eye drops can help moisten your eyes and improve comfort, especially during long hours of screen time or stressful periods.
• Eye disease: Research has found that stress is both a consequence and cause of vision loss. Chronic stress weakens the immune system, making the eyes more vulnerable to diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and dry eye syndrome. At the same time, vision loss can trigger emotional distress, leading to anxiety, fear and difficulty coping with everyday tasks, which in turn can worsen stress levels.
• Physical appearance: Stress-related sleep loss can lead to dark under-eye circles and puffiness due to poor circulation and fluid retention.

How to Stress Less for Healthier Teeth and Eyes

• Identify your stressors. The first step to mitigating the effects of stress on your oral health and vision is to recognize what’s stressing you out. Once you know your stressors, you can start to develop strategies for coping with them.
• Reduce stress in a way that works for you. Managing stress looks different for everyone. Some folks like exercise, others may prefer meditation or deep breathing exercises. Seeking support from a good friend or family member can distract you from your worries, but quiet time alone could also be a great way to relax and reset.
• Establish healthy habits. Getting enough sleep and avoiding smoking and drinking will benefit your overall well-being. And of course, practicing good hygiene habits like brushing and flossing regularly, avoiding sugary and acidic foods and drinks, and routinely seeing a dentist and eye doctor for checkups can significantly lessen your chances of developing stress-induced dental and vision health issues.

By recognizing the signs of stress, taking steps to manage it and keeping up with regular dental and eye exams, you can support your overall well-being. With affordable dental and vision plans from Delta Dental of Rhode Island and DeltaVision, you can protect and maintain a healthy smile and healthy eyes for life. If self-care is not enough, your physician or a professional therapist can also help.

AAA members in Rhode Island can take advantage of exclusive rates from Delta Dental and DeltaVision®. Get your custom rate today.

The yellow school bus is emblematic of the American public school systems, but everyone plays a part in maintaining kids’ safety from bus stop to drop off.

There were 113 fatalities in school transportation vehicles from 2014 to 2023, according to the most recent report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 48 of which were drivers and 65 were passengers. It is imperative for both parents and fellow drivers to understand the specific rules, regulations and facts about school buses to ensure every child arrives to school and back home safe.

Here, we’ve explained some of the most common questions regarding school buses, from why they’re yellow to when it’s OK to pass and when it’s definitely not.

When do you have to stop for a school bus?

One of the most critical aspects of school bus safety is understanding when to stop. If driving behind or approaching a school bus with flashing red lights, you must come to a complete stop. In most states, this includes stopping on both sides of a divided roadway unless there is a physical barrier or median separating the lanes. New York law requires drivers to stop for a school bus on a divided highway even if there is a barrier. Failing to stop for a school bus can result in hefty fines and, more importantly, poses a severe risk to students’ safety.

Can you pass a school bus with flashing yellow lights?

Flashing yellow lights on a school bus indicate that it’s preparing to stop. In most cases, you are not required to stop when you see these yellow lights, but you should exercise caution. Slow down and prepare to stop as the transition from yellow to red lights signals the loading or unloading of students.

Is it illegal to pass a school bus?

Passing a school bus when its red lights are flashing and the stop sign is extended is illegal in every state. This law is in place to protect the safety of students getting on or off the bus, and penalties for disregarding can be severe, including fines and even license suspension.

A growing number of states, including Rhode Island, Connecticut and New York allow stop-arm cameras on school buses to crack down on illegal passing.

Why don’t school buses have seat belts?

School buses are designed with a safety concept called compartmentalization which uses high, padded seatbacks and closely spaced seats to protect passengers in the event of a collision. By creating a protective cocoon-like structure, the unique design is effective in minimizing injuries and is why seat belts are commonly not found on school buses.

Why do school buses stop at railroad tracks?

After a 1938 crash in Utah that killed 25 children and the driver, national laws were put in place to prevent such a tragedy from ever happening again. Now, bus drivers are required to open the bus door, look around and listen intently for approaching trains to make sure there is no imminent danger before proceeding. This practice ensures that students and the bus itself are not in harm’s way when crossing railroad tracks, reducing the risk of accidents.

Why are school buses yellow?

The iconic yellow color of school buses unsurprisingly serves a practical purpose – visibility. Yellow is a highly visible color that stands out in various weather conditions and lighting, making it easier for other drivers to spot school buses from a distance. This enhanced visibility plays a significant role in preventing accidents and making sure students are as safe as possible.

How do you feel about school bus safety? Do you think more states should allow stop-arm cameras on school buses to help control illegal passing? Tell us in the comments.

This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your puzzle playing experience.

The countdown is on for the launch of Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas! Making its debut in July 2026, this extraordinary vessel is packed with restaurants, pools, neighborhoods, theaters and even an onboard water park.

The third ship in Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class — the cruise line’s largest and most innovative fleet — Legend of the Seas will join Star of the Seas and Icon of the Seas and officially claim the title of world’s largest cruise ship.

Prior to starting its regular schedule, Legend of the Seas is slated to spend the summer sailing the Mediterranean from Barcelona, with destinations including France, Italy and Spain.

After settling into its homeport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the ship will begin its Caribbean voyages in November 2026. Guests can choose from western and southern Caribbean itineraries, which include a stop at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas.

Reservations are open — book now!

Swim, Slide, Surf, Sip

With a 7,000-passenger capacity, Legend of the Seas is designed for luxury, leisure and lots of fun. Passengers can go for a dip in seven different pools, including Royal Bay, the biggest pool at sea, while the FlowRider surf simulator delivers nonstop wave-riding excitement. Adventure awaits at Category 6, the world’s largest water park at sea, featuring six exhilarating slides, including the first open freefall waterslide on a cruise ship.

Thrill seekers can try the ship’s Crown’s Edge challenge, described by Royal Caribbean as “part skywalk, part ropes course and part thrill ride.”

There are also 40 different dining options, from casual bites and cocktail bars to a luxury multicourse supper club with drink pairings.

For a vacation that delights everyone, check into Surfside, a neighborhood designed with families in mind, featuring family-friendly activities and accommodations, including the three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse with unique spaces.

When grown-ups need time, they can head for the adults-only neighborhood Hideaway, to sip cocktails and relax in an infinity pool suspended over the ocean.

Guests can feel good about relaxing on a ship designed with the environment in mind. Powered by liquefied natural gas and outfitted with other environmentally friendly features, including waste heat recovery systems and shore power connection capabilities, Legend of the Seas fits in with Royal Caribbean’s goal of launching a net-zero cruise ship by 2035.

Set Sail

If this sounds like the perfect vacation, don’t wait — reservations are now open for 2026 and 2027. Book your cruise with a AAA travel advisor and get a $100 onboard credit per stateroom, as well as welcome chocolates and sparkling wine, exclusive for AAA members.

Would you like to cruise aboard Legend of the Seas? Have you been on a Royal Caribbean cruise before? Tell us in the comments.

Mexico has emerged as one of the world’s most compelling luxury destinations, offering an irresistible blend of ancient culture, stunning natural beauty and world-class hospitality.

Hilton’s exceptional portfolio of properties across Mexico’s most coveted locations provides the perfect gateway to experience this remarkable country’s treasures, from the pristine beaches of the Riviera Maya to the dramatic desert coastlines of Baja California.

Hilton Vallarta Riviera All-Inclusive Resort

Nestled in a secluded cove at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains, Hilton Vallarta Riviera All-Inclusive Resort offers a refined escape for travelers seeking an authentic Puerto Vallarta experience. With 444 oceanfront guest rooms, the resort blends natural beauty with upscale amenities. Guests can unwind on a private beach, enjoy two oceanfront infinity pools and stay active at the fitness center. Daytime activities, nightly entertainment, pool and beach service, and unlimited drinks, meals and snacks at the property’s five craft cocktail bars and seven restaurants are all included. or those looking to elevate their stay, premium experiences such as spa treatments and Bali Bed reservations — complete with shaded views, sparkling wine, massages, and chocolate-covered strawberries — are available for an additional fee.

Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya

Sustainable Luxury in the Riviera Maya

This AAA Four Diamond resort blends ancient Mayan heritage with modern sustainability commitments. Located just minutes from Chemuyil Beach, Conrad Tulum offers 11 unique restaurants and bars, five resort pools and 16 spa treatment rooms designed around traditional Mayan healing principles.

The signature restaurant, Autor, creates culinary masterpieces blending ancient and modern Mexican flavors and offering chef-curated tasting menus. The resort also features Japa Chi, an exclusive Mexican wine collection created specifically for Conrad Tulum. Guests seeking elevated experiences can access the exclusive Ceiba Club with curated amenities, dedicated concierge service and top-tier hospitality.

Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort

All-Inclusive Excellence

Nestled in a secluded bay overlooking white sands and turquoise waters, this expansive, all-inclusive resort boasts 735 rooms and suites across villa-style buildings, all with private balconies. With 13 diverse restaurants and bars, a luxury spa, lively family pools and direct beach access, every day brings unlimited dining, drinks, entertainment, fitness classes and cultural activities. Upgrade to the Enclave for exclusive pools, lounge access and personalized service. Family-friendly, with daily kids’ and teens’ programs.

Hilton Cancun an All-Inclusive Resort

Gateway to the Caribbean

Located south of Cancun’s bustling Hotel Zone, this secluded beachfront property is a paradise of endless inclusions: 12 unique dining venues (including five specialty restaurants plus casual dining and bars), daily entertainment, yoga and fitness, splash zones for youngsters and spacious modern suites. With infinity pools, kids’ waterpark and comprehensive all-inclusive amenities, this resort provides effortless vacation planning where every detail is covered, allowing families to focus entirely on creating memories together.

Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya

Pinnacle of Luxury

Nestled on 100 acres of pristine coastline about 15 minutes from Cancun International Airport, this refined haven offers 173 oceanfront rooms and suites, each with private balconies and soaking tubs. Dining options span international and Mexican flavors — from fresh seafood at Malpeque to cocktails at Peacock Alley. The lavish spa features 21 indoor/outdoor treatment rooms, hydrotherapy pools and holistic rituals inspired by Mexican wellness traditions, surrounded by lush mangroves for genuine tranquility.

You’ve read about it — now experience it.

AAA Travel Advisors will turn your inspiration into a memorable vacation, providing trusted guidance and exclusive member benefits. Connect with us to learn more.

Call 866-423-5585  |  Find a AAA Branch  |  Contact Online

Featured image: Courtesy of Pleasant Holidays.

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EPISODE SUMMARY

What if adventure wasn’t something you had to fly across the world for, but instead something you could find right in your own backyard?

In this episode, our host Kim Rodrigues is joined by Mikah Meyer who visited all 419 U.S. National Park Service sites in one continuous journey to redefine what adventure travel can look like. They dive into everything from beginner adventure travel tips to what it means to chase joy now, not someday.

Whether you’re curious about planning your first national park trip or just want to find small ways to break out of your routine, this episode is your sign to start packing your bags!

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Adventure travel isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s not about climbing the tallest mountain or checking off countries. It’s about being curious, stepping outside your routine and doing something just for you, even if it’s just exploring your local park or planning a food tour in the next town over.
• Beginner-friendly travel is real. If you’re new to hiking, glamping or national parks, start small. Pick one place or an interest and let that guide your trip.
• The visitor center is your secret weapon. Before you hit the trail, stop by the park’s visitor center. Rangers can give you real-time advice, trail conditions and tailor a route to your comfort level and interests.
• Take the trip and don’t wait. We often delay joy for someday, but Mikah’s story reminds us that life is unpredictable, and the time to start living your travel dreams is now.
• Lead with intention, not fear. Travel can help transform your mindset from focusing on fear of the unknown to a deep appreciation for the present, and that shift can change everything.

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TRANSCRIPT

[00:00:05] Kim: Life is a lot sometimes, and I know for me when I feel like I have too many responsibilities and I have too many things going on, my calendar is too full, that’s usually when I want to take a solo trip. When I just want to take a step back, go somewhere, explore a different city, be around completely different people. It’s almost like jumping from one life into another life just being able to be free from that responsibility. I can do something for me, not feel so overwhelmed, have that step back, and then, I can go back to my responsibility-filled life. Welcome back to Merging Into Life, a podcast by AAA Northeast here to help you navigate through smarter, more intentional choices. I’m your host for the travel series, Kim Rodrigues. Adventure travel means different things to different people. For some people it’s going to the furthest land and experiencing a completely different culture. For me, lately, it’s been about exploring my own backyard. I’m currently on a mission to explore all 50 states. This is something that, as an avid traveler, I’ve never done before, but I’m really excited to hear all about what our country has to offer. And there’s no better way to explore that than by talking to our next guest who has explored all 419 national parks. Mikah Meyer is a speaker, filmmaker and the first person to visit every single national park service site in one continuous journey. Mikah’s focus continues to be travel beyond convention and using his expertise to engender others’ dreams. Thank you so much for joining me, Mikah.

[00:01:50] Mikah: It’s a pleasure. Thanks for having me.

[00:01:51] Kim: So, I’d love to start by just learning a bit more about what initially drew you to the outdoors. I know that you went to college for singing, and you’re like, you’re a classically trained vocalist. I’m so curious about how you made that transition and what made you decide to pursue like a vocation around traveling and embracing the outdoors? I know you started in Nebraska, but tell me more.

[00:02:14] Mikah: I like talking about Nebraska, because I think, so often when we think of outdoor adventures, we imagine the mountains of Colorado or people who grew up in Seattle and went camping every weekend. And that was not my reality. Like my mom was a teacher, a music teacher, and my dad was a pastor. And, so, he worked on Sundays. And, so, we did not do the weekend camping trip. I was not part of the Boy Scouts. Like I grew up with three older sisters who all did dance team and musical theater. And whenever the like high school theater show needed a kid, like I was the one to play the part. And I say all that in the sense of I think many of us can feel like the outdoors is not for us or that we’re not that type of person because of our backgrounds. And I hope if anything, that my background shows that that is just completely bunk. Because I come from one of the flattest states in the country. I have two degrees in classical singing, and yet I set a world record when it comes to the outdoors. So, if it’s possible for me to get out there and do this with my background, then I think really anybody, wherever you are, no matter how you grew up, you have the ability and the expertise to go out and enjoy our nature.

READ MORE

[00:03:21] Kim: How did you go from being so green to now being someone who holds a record for visiting every single national park? That’s huge. What inspired you to do that?

[00:03:33] Mikah: Yeah, well, my dad passed away before he got to retire. He was 58, and I was 19. And I kind of was on this path of like you go to school, you work hard, you get good grades, and then you go to college, you get a good job. And then once you do that job, and you work your whole life, then when you turn 65, you get to retire and rent an RV and go to all these amazing places and do all this stuff. And it’s the payoff for a life’s worth of hard work. And when I saw my dad passed away at 58, he sort of suddenly got cancer out of nowhere, and after a three-year battle, he passed. And it just shook that, that sort of timeline for me. And it showed me, oh, you can do everything right. Like my dad was an award-winning campus minister. At one point, he had the largest Lutheran campus ministry in America. So, like he did everything right, and yet, he didn’t get that payoff. And so that, at age 19, really shook me, and my dad was a big fan of road trips. And so, a few weeks after his funeral, I got in his car, and I took my first ever independent road trip. And his sunflower seeds were still on the floor. It still smelled like his pipe. And I had an old-school atlas. This was like pre-cellphone GPS. And I took my first ever road trip, because I just thought I wanted to do something to honor him and connect with him. And then, that first road trip was so moving for me and so helpful and healing to get over his passing that I ended up doing one every year from then on around the time of his passing, April 29. And that’s kind of what inspired this world record journey is, every year, I did that, and I just learned more and more about how precious life is. And I really made it a goal that, when I turned 30, I was going to do one of my retirement goals to honor my dad.

[00:05:31] Kim: That’s incredible. So from your days when you were on the road constantly, did you ever have a moment where you just stopped and thought, I can’t believe this is happening. I can’t believe this was my life right now.

[00:05:45] Mikah: Yeah. I mean, I think one of the most amazing parts of that three-year journey was: There is a national park service site that more people climb Mount Everest every year than visit this national park service site. It’s actually the least-visited park service site in the entire system. And it’s on the Aleutian Island range of Alaska. So, sort of those islands that make their way — if you know where Anchorage is on a map and you head west — they kind of lead towards Russia. And so, it’s way out in the Aleutian Islands. It’s a super volatile place as far as weather, like they’re, you, you never really know what you’re going to get, which is why it’s so hard to reach. And to reach this national park service site, they recommend you have a week of waiting for like a three-hour window, because you need to have the weather be good enough in the town of King Salmon to take off in like a little sea plane, you need to have the weather be good enough in Aniakchak National Monument & Preserve, the park service site. And then the weather for like the hourlong flight in between has to be good. And so, getting there is just, it takes an amount of time, perseverance and luck. And I had only scheduled five days to reach Aniakchak as part of my whole three-year journey where everything was scheduled down to the day. And on that fifth day, the weather was not good enough. And I was just like, oh my gosh, it’s going to throw off months of plans. Like, I’m doomed. The pilot said we can try to take off, we can try to make it happen. I can’t guarantee anything. By the way, you have to pay us the $5,000 that it costs to rent this private plane, whether or not we make it into the park. And we ended up making it into the park. The pilot, he landed in the park, and he goes, “that’s the first time I’ve ever done this.” And we’re all like, “thanks for telling us after you landed.” So, that was one of those moments where you’re just like, I’m standing in a place that so few humans have ever stood, and we’re here right now, and like it’s not storming, and we think we’re going to make it back out alive.

[00:07:46] Kim: Wow, thank you for sharing that.

[00:07:48] Mikah: Yeah, it was a magical, magical moment. If people go to my website and go to my blog, there’s a whole blog that I write about it. And I made a video, and I interviewed all of us in the plane ahead of time. Like, do you think we’re going to make it? And I interviewed us afterwards. And it’s so funny to see people’s faces because you can just see like how much relaxed they are afterwards, having made it.

[00:08:09] Kim: Seeing that you’ve been through so many adventures, and especially with this epic adventure, how would you say, I mean, obviously you’re continuing with your travels, how would say the idea of adventure has evolved and changed for you?

[00:08:25] Mikah: Maybe, unless you grew up in Manhattan or LA, like, maybe you feel this way, but I always felt like there was way more out there in the world than my hometown could offer. And so, I sort of grew up with this like burning desire to just go everywhere and see everything and meet everyone. And I wanted to go to every location on the planet Earth and just experience everything. Sort of the older I get, I’m a little more selective now with my adventures. You go to enough cathedrals in Europe, or you go to enough museums in South America, or etc., etc. You start to see similarities. Not to say that every place isn’t special in its own way. Before you travel and see so much of the world, you have these ideas about how magical everywhere is going to be. For me, it’s more about intention of where I’m going. Rather than saying, I just want to check this country off my list or this state off my list. I try to pick an event that I know I’ll really enjoy, or a convention where I know I’ll meet people who have similar interests as me. And to me, that’s kind of more exciting, building my adventures now around people and around hobbies and interests, as opposed to just wanting to say, I physically covered every corner of the map.

[00:09:45] Kim: Let’s say that there’s someone out there who wants to start having more adventures, wants to start taking charge of their life. What would you say are some myths or misconceptions that you hear often about enjoying outdoor travel?

[00:10:01] Mikah: I’ve met so many people over the years from every walk of life. And to some people, enjoying the outdoors is a family reunion and a cookout. And they go to a state park and the kids are running around and playing with twigs and digging in the dirt and looking at ants. And to other people, it’s hiking a 14-er in Colorado, and both experiences are just as valid. So definitely don’t take yourself out of the race before you start. And don’t discount your interests just because they might feel simple. I live in Minneapolis, which has one of the best city park systems in the country. They say 97 percent of Minneapolis live within a 10 minute walk of a city park. And so I really love enjoying my city parks. There are so many ways to experience outdoor adventure beyond just the stuff you see in ads.

[00:10:51] Kim: I think sometimes one of the biggest challenges that people have when they’re planning trips, and you touched on this a bit earlier, is the myth of later, right? I think a lot of people also feel really guilty for taking time off work, and they feel like they’re never fully ready. How can we shift our mindset to start making space for these kinds of experiences?

[00:11:13] Mikah: It’s tough to anybody who is listening to this who feels that way. Like, I get it. I mean, we kind of live, we live in a culture where we’re sort of conditioned to work. It’s like you get a car payment or a house payment or student loans and you’ve got debt and you’re like, I have to work, I think, especially in the U.S. we are really conditioned to build our life around our job, and as I’ve traveled to other countries, they kind of laugh at us, and they’re like why don’t you take your vacation, or like of course you should take a vacation because then you will be well rested and you won’t burn out. I think it’s just it’s acknowledging that, and saying you know what I know there’s a lot of pressure but like the Earth will still keep spinning if I take a three-day weekend or the Earth will keep spinning. If I set an out of office for five days the more you do it, the less scary it becomes and then it’s easier to take your vacation days that you’ve been earned or that you earned or been promised or a part of your compensation.

[00:12:12] Kim: Whether you’re chasing fall foliage, stargazing in the mountains, or setting up camp by the lake, your ride matters. AAA members save up to 20 percent off the base rate of all rentals with Hertz. So you can get that extra rugged SUV for your next off-road adventure. So, what are you waiting for? Check out www.AAA.com/Hertz and get going.

[00:12:37] Kim: What are some of the benefits that you have discovered by saying yes to something that initially felt, but maybe you were a little apprehensive or you were intimidated. I’m sure traveling to all 419 national parks was intimidating. What are some of the lessons that you’ve learned and some of benefits that you gained from pushing yourself?

[00:12:55] Mikah: I think, too often, we are motivated more by fear in all aspects of our life. Fear of what could go wrong, fear of what we might say, fear of something that could happen, and we don’t lead by love. We don’t lead with the assumption that everything will work out, that we will have a beautiful experience, that we will say the right thing. And so, what I love about travel is that it’s really helped me overcome that sort of fear of the unknown or fear of others that I think we’re just like evolutionarily made to have. And so, I think a great way to overcome that is to start small. Maybe start out with London, because it’s a foreign country. They have a different currency, but they still speak English. And so, go on a London tour first. And then you realize, OK, I can handle this. So then maybe the next trip you do Paris. And it’s a different language, but you’ve already gotten over those fears of those other things. And then maybe the next trip is Morocco. And so, by taking these baby steps, you can really start to conquer some big adventures, and they don’t become fearful anymore.

[00:14:03] Kim: I love that. Would you say that starting small would be a good place for someone, like, let’s say, someone who doesn’t have a lot of PTO or they only have their weekends to work with, along with starting small, how would you recommend that they start exploring?

[00:14:18] Mikah: I always advocate traveling based on your hobbies and interests. So pickleball is becoming a really big thing. I love pickleball. I was recently looking at a tournament in Columbus, Ohio, that was a pickleball tournament. And so, I think it’s a great thing to look at your hobbies, and say, I really like doing blank. Is there a gathering or a convention or a tournament or something around my interests, because then you go to those places, and you get to meet people who share your hobbies, and that opens up the location in a whole new way and just makes you way more comfortable. So, I would definitely look at your interests first. And when it comes to national parks, actually the cool thing is that every single U.S. state and territory has at least one national park service site.

[00:15:07] Kim: While we’re on the topic of national parks, what are the few national park sites that are in the northeast that people may not know about, but you feel like they’re totally worth visiting?

[00:15:18] Mikah: Yeah, there’s so many, actually, the Northeast with National Park Service sites. And I think a lot of people when they hear national parks, they instantly think Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Mount Rainier, these big parks out west. And actually, our National Park service manages lots of different sites. Like the Thomas Edison National Historical Park is in Northern New Jersey. That’s a really cool examination of like all of the inventions he had and all the impacts he had on American culture. You can go to the home of Teddy Roosevelt. His house is like full of all the animals that he killed on his safaris. And so, it’s kind of like going into a Jumanji game as you go into his house. That’s out on Long Island. There are sites like in Massachusetts, Cape Cod National Seashore is super beautiful. And you can pair that with a trip to Provincetown. So many people take the ferry out from Boston, but you can actually drive out that way to Provincetown, so you can go to all these spots along the seashore as you’re heading up there. There’s also some really quirky sites, like the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. That’s all about the history of whaling in America, and sort of our earlier years as a country, when the physical whale was used for a lot of products that we now don’t use whales for. There is the African Burial Ground National Monument, which is in in lower Manhattan, like surrounded.

[00:16:44] Kim: I’ve been to that one. Yeah, it’s really cool.

[00:16:46] Mikah: Really?

[00:16:47] Kim: Yeah. Yeah. That’s really, really cool.

[00:16:48] Mikah: Well, how’d you find out about it?

[00:16:49] Kim: I think I found out about it through a Google search, but I have been, yet all the way down in lower Manhattan, and it’s it’s really awesome.

[00:16:58] Mikah: Yeah, there’s actually a ton in the New York City area, like a dozen basically, and even things like Hamilton’s house. It’s on the northern edge of Manhattan. It used to be when he was alive, it was like the country. But Hamilton Grange, you can go to his house. And so, when I was in New York and saw “Hamilton” the musical, that day, before I saw the show, I went to the Hamilton Grange National Park Service site. And it just added so much to seeing the musical. So, I think there are a lot of fun things you can do when you’re traveling. Maybe you’re doing stuff that’s like a modern tourist popular event, and there’s a National Park Service site nearby that probably somehow ties into it.

[00:17:37] Kim: Yeah, I love that idea, too, of integrating it, being able to integrate a national park into what you’re already doing. For any newbie travel outdoors or anyone that’s new to just national parks in general, are there any go-to tips that you have maybe regarding gear or just practical tips that you had for people?

[00:17:58] Mikah: Yeah. So the No. 1 piece of advice I give people when they’re visiting a National Park Service site is, so often, you can drive into these parks, and so, people drive up, they pay their entry fee or they show their parks pass, they get the map from the ranger and they immediately drive to like the trail head they’ve been thinking about or to the location they’ve been wanting to go to. And I always say that’s the absolutely wrong thing to do. The first thing you should do is go to the visitor center, because at every visitor center, they’re either going to have a park ranger, or they’ll have a volunteer. And I always go talk to them because number one, there’s often trail closures, and you might drive 20 miles into the park, find out it’s closed, and then you wasted an hour of driving. So, I always talk to him to find out like today, what are the conditions? What are the things we need to know about? But then what I love to do is I will tell volunteer or the park ranger these are the things that really interest me. Maybe you say, hey, I’ve got some mobility issues, and I really like hikes that are one mile total, but I really liked loop hikes instead of out and back. And these people are going be able to basically design a custom itinerary for you on the spot. So, these are experts who can craft you a bespoke custom vacation with a snap of a finger. So don’t skip the visitor center and just go to what you think you need to go to. Always talk to the local experts.

[00:19:26] Kim: So before we go, can you share a little bit more about what’s coming up next for you. I think you have another documentary in the works. Can you tell us a little bit more about that?

[00:19:35] Mikah: I do. Yeah. For anyone listening right now, you can go online and type in “Canyon Chorus.” And that is the name of my current short film that is touring the world right now with the Banff Mountain Centre Film Festival Tour. So basically, one of the largest outdoor film festivals in the world has deemed my film was 1of the best 30 outdoor films of the year. And it’s only 16 minutes. And so, I tell people that it’s kind of like a Ted Lasso episode, like, you’ll both laugh and you’ll cry. But get on YouTube and type in “Canyon Chorus” or go to my website, mikahmeyer.com. You can watch it there for free as well. Based on the success of that short film, I’m working on a feature length documentary, which is called “Wild Goose Chase,” which is all about that three-year journey I did to every National Park Service site told through the story of a wild Canadagoose that followed me for four days and three nights. And many people believe that this goose was the spirit of my father, because geese are the most symbolic and important animal in Lutheranism. So, a lot of folk have heard the story of George the Goose and are convinced that it was my dad coming back to find a way to join me on this national park journey.

[00:20:48] Kim: That’s awesome. Thank you so much, Mikah, for joining me. This was a really awesome conversation.

[00:20:53] Mikah: It’s a pleasure.

[00:20:56] Kim: Big thanks to Mikah for joining me on the podcast. I’ve learned so much from our conversation. I couldn’t relate more to just being present in the moment and knowing that adventure travel is whatever you want it to be. You don’t have to go across the globe. You can still explore something new, even if it’s in your own backyard. Thanks for listening to Merging Into Life. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use a little encouragement to start their own journey.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are not necessarily the views of AAA Northeast, AAA and/or its affiliates.

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*The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are not necessarily the views of AAA Northeast, AAA and/or its affiliates.

Portugal may be Europe’s best-kept secret, but it won’t stay hidden much longer. This remarkable country offers everything from volcanic islands and pristine beaches to historic cities and world-class cuisine.

What makes Portugal especially appealing for North American travelers is how surprisingly accessible it has become. SATA Azores Airlines provides a direct gateway that transforms Portugal from a hard-to-reach getaway into an easy weekend escape.

Getting There Is Easier Than Ever

The journey to Portugal has never been more straightforward for East Coast travelers. SATA Azores Airlines provides year-round, nonstop service from Boston Logan International Airport and New York John F. Kennedy International Airport. The flight is under five hours, with convenient onward connections to Madeira’s dramatic cliffs or mainland Portugal’s golden Algarve coast through the Azores hub.

The real game-changer? SATA’s stopover program automatically appears as an option when booking eligible routes. This unique offering allows travelers connecting between North America and Europe to spend up to seven nights in the Azores at no additional airfare cost. It’s essentially two destinations for the price of one ticket.

Year-Round, Stay-and-Play Weather

Portugal enjoys sunshine most days of the year, making it a welcoming destination no matter the season.

Madeira boasts comfortable year-round weather, with temperatures typically ranging from 64°F to 75° F. This mild climate not only nurtures the island’s renowned wine production but also creates ideal conditions for sightseeing and outdoor adventures. Visitors can explore scenic hiking trails and levadas that wind through forests and valleys, passing cascading waterfalls along the way. Discover the charm of small villages and take in dramatic coastal views, such as those from the Achada do Gramacho cliff. And of course, no trip is complete without visiting the vineyards and sampling Madeira wine straight from the source.

Smart travelers capitalize on shoulder seasons — April through May and September through October — when the weather remains excellent but crowds thin and prices drop.

The Hidden Gems of the Azores, Madeira and the Algarve

Portugal’s three distinct regions each offer compelling reasons to visit. The nine-island Azores archipelago serves as one of the world’s premier whale watching destinations, with more than 20 species passing through its waters year-round. Visitors discover 500 miles of waymarked hiking trails threading through volcanic landscapes, including the iconic Sete Cidades crater lakes.

Madeira presents a subtropical paradise where the vibrant city of Funchal showcases renowned botanical gardens and serves as a basecamp for exploring scenic trails. Now a wellness destination, the island integrates therapeutic thermal waters and mineral-rich volcanic stones into luxurious spa treatments.

The Algarve delivers classic Mediterranean appeal with dramatic limestone cliffs, golden beaches and historic cities that embody southern Portuguese charm. Fresh seafood, easy living and gentle Atlantic rhythms define the experience.

Making the Most of an Azores Stopover

SATA’s network makes experiencing multiple regions surprisingly simple, with the Azores stopover program serving as the perfect introduction before continuing to your primary destination. You can turn a simple layover into a mini vacation.

When booking qualifying routes, choose your stopover island and duration. São Miguel offers the complete Azorean experience with Ponta Delgada as the base. Spend four nights exploring Sete Cidades’ twin lakes, soaking in Furnas’ geothermal valley and whale watching from the marina.

Alternatively, three nights in Terceira allow time to wander UNESCO-listed Angra do Heroísmo’s cobblestone streets. The program includes flexibility to add curated experiences through partner Azores Getaways.

Book a round-trip ticket, experience two completely different destinations and pay no additional airfare. With stays up to seven nights, you have time to truly experience the Azores rather than simply passing through.

You Can Choose to Go Fast or Slow

Portugal accommodates your travel style without compromise. Adventure seekers find paradise with canyoning opportunities on São Miguel, São Jorge and Flores islands, where you’ll rappel down waterfalls and navigate pristine river canyons. The Azores offer dozens of paragliding locations for aerial adventures, while whale watching provides close encounters with blue whales and playful dolphins.

Wellness travelers discover an equally rich landscape of relaxation. Madeira’s thalassotherapy spas harness seawater and marine elements for rejuvenating treatments, while the Azores feature natural thermal pools like Terra Nostra Park — perfect for soaking in iron-rich waters surrounded by botanical gardens.

Portugal’s flexibility makes it ideal for travelers with different interests — start the morning with a canyon descent, then end it with a sunset spa treatment overlooking the Atlantic.

Plan Your Portugal Vacation With AAA

Portugal delivers on every promise: stunning natural beauty, rich cultural experiences, exceptional value and surprising accessibility.

With SATA Azores Airlines’ convenient Boston and New York routes and innovative stopover program, you can experience multiple destinations while enjoying direct transatlantic travel.

Whether you’re seeking adventure in volcanic landscapes, relaxation in thermal spas or simply discovering Europe’s most welcoming hidden gem, Portugal accommodates every desire. The combination of year-round perfect weather, diverse experiences and the unique opportunity to explore the Azores at no additional cost creates an irresistible value proposition.

Start planning your Portugal vacation with a AAA travel advisor online or call 866-423-5585.

Featured image: Beautiful view of Seven Cities Lake (Lagoa das Sete Cidades). Courtesy of SATA Azores Airlines.

 

Your home is filled with personal treasures and expensive items, and it’s important to keep track of all of it for your homeowners insurance. Having to remember every single item in your house could be a very difficult, if not impossible task, after a major loss. A list is a good place to start, but a home inventory video can serve as a valuable visual record in case you need to make a claim.

How to Get Started

First, talk to your insurance company. They may have suggestions or a starter checklist to assist you  in counting your possessions. There are also apps that can help you categorize your valuable items and create your home inventory video.

Then, make a list of the rooms in your home. Don’t forget about the hallways, attic, garage and basement, especially if you use those spaces for storing valuables such as collectibles, antiques and holiday decorations.

Go outside if you have a garden, porch, pool or a patio. Any furniture you keep out there is included in your homeowners insurance and should be documented for your home inventory.

Taking Stock as a Homeowner

Going through every room in your home can be intimidating. But while it may seem like a lot of work, it can be broken up into smaller steps.

Create a spreadsheet for each room in your house. Make organized columns where you can list each item, along with the model/serial number, when and where you bought it and the purchase price. This is all important information in case you need to make a claim and replace something that has been lost.

When you document the items in a room, start with big pieces of furniture, such as closets, dressers and large electronics. Then move to pictures and decorations on the walls and bookshelves. Open drawers and closets to count the items inside, especially clothes, shoes and accessories. Even a small wardrobe can be expensive to replace once you add up the prices of garments.

As always, check with your insurance agent to see what is covered by your policy. You may need extra coverage for certain possessions.

Filming Your Home Inventory Video

A smartphone will get the job done. And while you’re making your home inventory video, bring a friend or family member along to take pictures. Again, more documentation is better for your homeowners insurance.

Turn on your lights as you walk through your home. A video needs to be well lit. Bring a flashlight for dark corners, or have your friend use the light on their smartphone (since you can’t film and use the flashlight on a smartphone at the same time).

Open all drawers, closets and cabinets as you go along. Describe each item as you film it. You don’t have to go into too much detail though. For example, just say you have a set of 12 forks and spoons instead of picking up each one. However, take more time to describe a piece if it is particularly valuable or unusual. Pick it up while you’re filming and hold it close to the camera.

When You’re Done Filming

Store your home inventory video in a safe place — back it up, keep a copy, upload it to the cloud or keep it on an external hard drive. You may also want to keep a physical copy at a friend or relative’s house.

And save your receipts for expensive items! Make copies to keep with your video, and save the originals in a safety deposit box.

If you make a big purchase, add it to your home inventory while your memory is still fresh. Alternatively, set a reminder in your personal calendar to update your list twice a year or so.

If you move to another home, you may want to film another version of your video, especially if you have to buy new furniture.

Get a Home Insurance Quote

Have you made a home inventory video? Has it helped you? Let us know in the comments!

This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.

Camping offers an opportunity for relaxation and reconnection with nature — but the privilege to spend time enjoying and living in the great outdoors comes with great responsibility.

When campers neglect to leave no trace and fail to embrace a mindset of environmental stewardship, it can lead to lasting damage and a diminished experience for others.

By practicing sustainable camping habits, you can help to preserve the beauty of the outdoors and ensure that future campers can continue to enjoy the same unspoiled landscapes.

Need directions to your campsite? Let AAA guide the way.

Embracing Sustainable Camping

Camping has been growing in popularity over the past few years. More Americans went camping in 2023 and 2024 than in prior years, and more than 21 million people went for the first time since 2021, according to the annual camping report by The Dyrt, a camping app.

All those campers can strain natural resources, which is why interest in sustainable camping, also known as eco-friendly or low-impact camping, has been on the rise as well, especially with younger generations.

More than half of Millennial and Gen Z campers say they’re willing to pay more for an outing that prioritizes sustainability, according to Kampgrounds of America’s 2025 Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report.

“Campgrounds are, by nature, deeply connected to the land,” said Jenny McCullough, associate vice president of brand growth at Kampgrounds of America. “KOA campgrounds rely on healthy ecosystems to deliver the experiences campers seek,” she explained. “We believe sustainability isn’t a trend — it’s a responsibility to ensure future generations can enjoy and connect with the outdoors.”

Each of Kampgrounds of America’s more than 500 campgrounds across North America take a tailored approach to sustainability.

“Many have introduced eco-friendly features such as water refill stations, solar power installations and comprehensive recycling programs,” said McCullough.

The organization’s Kamp Green program also provides practical, easy-to-implement guidelines to help campgrounds reduce their environmental impact. These include ways to conserve energy and water, improve waste management and teach campers about responsible outdoor behavior.

Tips for Sustainable Camping

Campsites and many campers follow the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace. The golden rule of sustainable camping encourages visitors to leave their campsite as they found it — or even better — without leaving anything behind, guided by core principles developed by the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management.

Here are recommendations for eco-friendly camping based on the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace and tips from Kampgrounds of America.

• Pack less, use less. The key to sustainable camping is to bring and use as few supplies as possible and leave nothing behind but footprints. “If you pack sustainably, you will camp sustainably,” according to guidelines from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
• Camp close to home so you use less fossil fuel traveling.
• Bring only essentials. If you can, borrow equipment rather than buy new.
• Leave the plastic bags at home. Pack food in reusable containers and then do the same with leftovers. You can even crack eggs and put them in a glass jar before you leave home. This will occupy less space in a cooler and you can leave the egg crate at home.
• Pack dry goods and other supplies in canvas or paper bags rather than plastic.
• Bring reusable plates, cups and utensils. Don’t bring plastic water bottles.
• If possible, buy local produce and firewood.
• Do not cut vegetation on your campsite or anyplace in the campground.
• Respect wildlife. Don’t approach animals or pick up rocks or plants. Take photos instead.
• Do not dump any waste into rivers or streams.
• Be mindful of where you build a campfire to prevent fire from spreading or damaging nearby trees.
• Separate waste into bags for garbage and recycling.
• Don’t leave anything behind except footprints!

“Sustainable amenities resonate strongly with today’s campers, especially younger generations and families with children,” said McCullough. “For these guests, eco-conscious travel isn’t optional — it’s expected.”

Search campgrounds with AAA. And for more camping tips, check out our Northeast Camping and Hiking Guide.

Do prioritize sustainable camping? Share your tips in the comments below.

A new term has entered the zeitgeist — one that could only come at a time when news is easier to see, search and endlessly scroll through now more than ever before: news fatigue.

A broad term, news fatigue aims to describe the way we feel after overdoing it with disturbing headlines, and as a reaction, seek out the news less and less. It’s the complicated crossroads of needing to take a step back, but wanting to stay informed, too. So how do we strike that delicate balance in today’s constant news cycle, without going full digital detox?

For some insight, we spoke to Renee Hobbs, professor of communication studies at the University of Rhode Island. There, she also codirects the graduate certificate in digital literacy, is an expert on media and AI literacy education and has helped cultivate a network of more than 10,000 educators in the U.S. and around the world through her work at the media education lab.

The following Q&A depicts her answers to our questions.

What, in your view, causes news fatigue?

Because we now encounter most news through our digital devices, news presented on social media is designed to attract and hold attention. The combination of a headline and an image can be riveting. Though it’s easy to click and swipe through large volumes of increasingly eye-popping headlines, the experience can be overwhelming and exhausting. Plus, exposure to news can trigger strong emotions, because seeing images of starving children, violence against immigrants and even politically polarizing talk can activate unpredictable and troubling feelings. 

Can news fatigue be harmful?

When news fatigue leads to news avoidance, it can be harmful. When people withdraw from news consumption, they often disengage from civic life more broadly. Without exposure to current events, people are less likely to vote, attend community meetings or advocate for issues that affect them. This weakens democratic participation and can allow misinformation to dominate public discourse unchecked. When people avoid the news, this reduces their background information — and this limits the ability to critically analyze information and develop informed perspectives. Research has shown that news avoiders are more vulnerable to rumors, misinformation and extremist narratives that circulate on social media or word-of-mouth. By comparison, access to range of credible sources helps people make good decisions about health, the environment, economics and politics.

How can we stay informed while avoiding news fatigue?

Staying informed without burning out requires intentional strategies that balance information needs with emotional well-being. Here is some advice that works for people of all ages:  

• Set boundaries around news consumption. Schedule news windows. Decide on specific times of day to check the news rather than constantly scrolling.
• Avoid doomscrolling: Continuous exposure, especially before bed, can heighten stress and fatigue.
• Curate your sources: Follow a small number of trusted outlets rather than trying to track everything.
• Balance hard news — politics, crises, conflict — with solutions journalism, stories that highlight responses, innovations and progress.
• Include local news to stay connected to community-level issues, which can feel more relevant and manageable.
• Limit exposure to breaking news cycles: Wait for updates that offer context and verified details, rather than chasing every alert.
• Seek out long-form or explanatory reporting instead of only headlines, which can be more nuanced and less overwhelming.

Most importantly, I recommend the practice of reflection and critical engagement. After viewing or reading, ask yourself, “What does this mean for me, my community or the world?” and then take time to discuss your perspective with friends, coworkers and family. As you view or read news, notice how certain types of news affect your mood. It’s OK to step back temporarily if you feel overwhelmed. Look for small ways to act, like donating, volunteering or advocating. It’s a terrific antidote to passive news consumption. 

What are your tips for avoiding news fatigue? Let us know in the comments.