Whether it’s a picnic in a park, backyard barbecue or camping cookout, nothing spoils the ambiance of alfresco dining faster than food poisoning.

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 48 million Americans suffer from foodborne illnesses each year, a problem that can rise with the temperature in summer months.

“It gets warmer. There’s higher humidity. People are preparing food outside,” said Ernest Julian, chief of the R.I. Department of Health’s Center for Food Protection. “They tend to leave food out in 90-degree temperatures, where bacteria can double every 20 minutes.”

Don’t let salmonella, Campylobacter, E. coli or any other contaminant spoil your food – or your summer. Food-handling basics that work indoors also work outdoors. Sanitizing surfaces and proper hand hygiene – washing at least 20 seconds with warm soapy water before and after food preparation – are essential.

These precautions will also help you ward off foodborne illnesses.

Picnics and Cookouts

• Don’t leave food sitting for more than two hours – one hour maximum when temperatures spike to 90 degrees or higher.
• Keep cold foods in a cooler, and serve small portions, replenishing when needed.
• Dairy products, sliced fruits and vegetables and raw meats should be put on ice. Keep perishable food cold until ready to be cooked.
• Packed coolers keep cold longer than partially filled ones.
• Position an insulated cooler in shade or a shelter, away from direct sun. Fill with ice, frozen gel packs or frozen food, which can serve double duty as cold packs.
• Avoid opening the cooler too often.
• Consider keeping meats in their own cooler.

Grilling

• Avoid cross-contamination. Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and ready-to-eat items like vegetables or bread.
• Cook to proper temperatures. Food thermometers can ensure meat and poultry are cooked thoroughly, to safe minimum internal temperatures.
• Keep meat and poultry 140 degrees or warmer until served. You can avoid overcooking by moving cooked food to the side of the grill rack.
• Always use clean plates and tongs for serving cooked food. Never reuse items that touched raw meat or poultry.

Read also: Summer Health Head to Toe

What are some of your favorite summer cookout foods? Tell us in the comments section.

There’s something about summer that sensitizes even Olaf, the snowman from “Frozen,” and sends him singing.

But when the heat rolls in, it’s the beginning of our battle to balance exercise and play beneath the blazing sun. If we’re not careful, we could overheat as quickly as the engine of a car stuck in bumper-to-bumper beach traffic.

“Emergency rooms and physicians’ offices fill up every year with people who weren’t exercising safely in the heat and then end up with dehydration, heat exhaustion or heatstroke,” said Dr. Deborah Ann Mulligan, an American Academy of Pediatrics spokesperson and AAA member.

Older adults and children are among those most susceptible to heat-related illnesses. But young and healthy adults who participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather can also be affected.

Here are just a few prevention strategies.

But if there is a single best preventive measure, it is drinking water.

“Our bodies crave water,” Mulligan said. “This becomes especially true during periods of high-intensity activity or extended heat exposure.”

The American College of Sports Medicine recommends drinking six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily and increasing the amount before, during and after exercise – especially when in outdoor heat.

Water should be readily accessible, and consumed regularly during athletic activities.

The need for water is especially important as we get older.

“It is critically important for older adults to hydrate,” said Barbara Resnick, a geriatrics nurse practitioner and past president of the American Geriatrics Society. “It’s No. 1. Their thirst drive is not the same as a younger person’s – their bodies don’t tell them they’re thirsty.”

Also read: Good Workout Plans for Warm Weather.

What types of physical activity do you enjoy in the summer? Share ideas with our readers in the comments section.

AAA members save on deliveries from ReadyRefresh by Nestle. Visit our discounts site for more information.

Rising temperatures and longer days have people bounding toward summer – springing from simple spruce-ups around the house to major projects.

“The days are longer, and you can fit more in – you want to be outside,” said Becky Turpin, director of home and community safety for the National Safety Council.

But there are dangers to working under the merciless summer sun. Since June is National Safety Month, and the beginning of summer, the council is urging do-it-yourselfers and professionals alike to protect themselves against heat-related illnesses.

Here is some advice from the safety council and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that can help you stay cool and safe.

Drink plenty of fluids – early and often: Avoid sugary, caffeinated or alcoholic liquids, which can be dehydrating, or super-cold beverages that can cause stomach cramps.

Cover up: Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats.

Mind the hour: Work during the coolest hours of the day – in the morning and evening. Take it easy between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., which can be the hottest time of the day.

Take a siesta: Rest often in shady or air-conditioned areas. Napping during peak sun hours can allow your body to recover.

Wet down: Apply cool, damp washcloths or towels to your wrists, ankles, armpits and neck during breaks. Take tepid showers, baths or sponge baths when you feel warm, during lunch and dinner breaks, and before bed.

Pace yourself: Start slowly then gradually increase the pace, especially if unaccustomed to working in hot environments.

Eat light: Avoid hot and heavy meals.

Use a buddy system: Work together and keep tabs on each other. Heat-induced illness can cause confusion or unconsciousness.

Be alert: Stay informed of extreme heat alerts and plan accordingly. Check on people ages 65 or older who are more susceptible to high-heat conditions.

Read the signs: Practice safety precautions, and know the symptoms of and treatments for heat-related illnesses.

Read also: Summer Health Head to Toe and When to Replace Your Central AC System.

What are your DIY plans this summer? Tell us about them in the comments section.

After panting up another slope, enveloped by a quilt of green rice paddies and agricultural fields, I encountered a sight that sent my heart soaring. I pedaled into a village of thatch-roofed houses where residents spontaneously gathered, lining the road. Three dozen grinning children waved and jumped with glee, while older men wearing straw hats shouted “Salama,” the local greeting, and women, swaddling their infants against their chests, perched on a stone wall yelling “Bonjour” and “Bon voyage.” This joyous welcome by the citizenry, unaccustomed to tourists, continued until I was long out of sight, and recurred in each and every village I visited.

During my week cycling and hiking through Madagascar, the world’s fourth largest island off the east coast of Africa, I experienced the country’s disparate beauty. It’s rough and tumble, with pothole-pocked roads filled with motorbikes, minivans, bicycles, wooden carts pulled by zebu (ancient humped, prized cattle) and locals walking to market with goods balanced on their heads. And yet it’s magical, populated by unique creatures and flora found nowhere else in the world, and precious ecosystems like dense rainforests and expansive savannahs that sprawl to the foot of majestic peaks.

Luckily for curious travelers, many tour operators now offer hiking, biking and other itineraries that are opening an intimate connection with this country’s often curious features.

Unexpected Geological Finds

In the Itasy region, near the town of Analavory, I pedaled through a stunning landscape flecked with rounded mounds – old volcanic cones – and veered down a side road toward a series of geysers that bubbled and spewed carbonic acid-laden water. It formed peculiar structures resembling wax-encrusted candles streaked rusty orange. I strolled around ochre-colored rocks to a large pool of turquoise water where I detected the faint odor of sulfur swirling about.

A Grand Rainforest

Rolling into 100,000 acres of Ranomafana National Park, I cruised down switchbacks, enjoying the sun-dappled light and dramatically cooler temperatures. Water dripped from thick foliage all around me, and waters gushed into the Namorona River. The next day, I hiked steep trails hemmed in by bamboo, fig, strawberry guava and immense fern trees with Rajeriarison Emile, the park’s first guide who’s been there since 1985. He pointed out adorable golden bamboo and red-fronted brown lemurs – two of the park’s dozen lemur species – as they sprang from one branch to the next. Endangered lemurs are unique to Madagascar and tiny nearby islands. Even the ladybugs are different: They’re tinged with blue.

Striking Towers

After cycling south through a vast savannah with impressive granite outcrops and herds of zebu, I traded my bike for hiking boots the next day. I wandered with my guide, Jules, through Isalo National Park, a colorful sandstone realm of water-battered and wind-polished gorges and rock towers. We ambled through the Canyon des Makis where the rugged cliffs are honeycombed with caves that the Bara people use as temporary burial chambers. I felt the isolation as we stood beside wondrous massifs splashed with green, white, black and crimson and listened to the sound of the wind.

Eccentric Trees

Once I reached Ifaty on the southwest coast, I settled into Hotel de la Plage. The resort fronts a white sand beach beside Madagascar’s largest lagoon, where simple sailboats called laka ply the teal waters. Fascinated with the oddly shaped baobab, Madagascar’s national tree, I reserved a van to the nearby Parc Mosa-Spiny Forest. As we meandered through the private park, my guide, Clovis, explained how these trees with their canopies of finger-like branches that reach for the sun are unusual in so many ways. For one, they’re bulging with water. Stopping at the park’s 1,400-year-old specimen, I tried wrapping my arms around its 40-foot trunk, and marveled at Madagascar’s precious inhabitants.

Talk to a AAA travel agent about a trip to Madagascar or other out-of-the-way places.

Atlantic City has long been a hot destination for gambling and partying. This south Jersey city is home to world-class restaurants, a famous boardwalk and beach, an amusement park and great concerts and entertainment. Whether you’re a high roller or are traveling on a smaller budget, here’s where to stay in Atlantic City, including AAA Diamond Rated hotels.

Where to stay in Atlantic City: Budget

Sheraton Atlantic City

The Sheraton  is the perfect option for those looking to hit Atlantic City on a budget, but it is also great for families. The hotel is located a short distance from the main strip of hotels and resorts, so it’s a bit quieter. The lack of a casino at this hotel is also a plus for families, as there is no all-night action on the premises. The rooms are all non-smoking, and have a warm feel with gold, burgundy and plum accents throughout. And if you love to shop, you can spend all day next door at the Atlantic City Tanger Outlets.

Courtyard by Marriott Atlantic City

Just one block from the beach and boardwalk, the Courtyard by Marriott Atlantic City gets you close to the action at an affordable price. The lobby and well-appointed roomed are sleek, stylish and modern to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. There’s also an on-site fitness room and a bistro, so you don’t have to go too far to start your day off with a good breakfast.

Where to stay in Atlantic City: Mid-range

The Chelsea

The Chelsea Hotel is a hip but affordable option for your stay. The hotel is very popular among younger guests, with a retro feel and a happening social scene. Fireplace lounges, private poolside cabanas and intimate nightclubs give the hotel more of a sophisticated vibe than what many of the Atlantic City hotels offer. The property also features two pools (one on the rooftop), two restaurants, a spa and resort-style beach service. The Chelsea doesn’t have its own casino, but is just a short walk down the boardwalk to gamble.

Tropicana Casino and Resort

If you’re looking for the full Atlantic City experience at a reasonable price, the Tropicana Casino and Resort is an excellent option. This massive waterfront property, which has over 2,000 rooms split between three towers, includes free Wi-Fi, contemporary décor and even video game consoles. Tropicana is home to eight full-service restaurants including the Atlantic City locations of famous eateries like The Palm Restaurant and Carmine’s, as well as numerous casual eateries and sports bars that offer everything from Tacos to seafood.

The Tropicana also has its own three-floor casino that consists of over 3,000 slot machines and over 100 table games. Or if you would rather spend your money on more tangible things than gambling (or if you win big), the hotel has its own mall called The Quarter. For relaxing and entertainment, the resort contains both an indoor and outdoor pool (complete with a swim-up bar), a full-service spa, beach service that includes cabanas for rent right on the sand and an IMAX movie theater. Catch a live show at their 2,000-seat theater, which regularly hosts headlining acts.

Where to stay in Atlantic City: Luxury

Caesars Atlantic City

The Caesars Atlantic City location keeps with the ancient Roman theme of its Las Vegas counterpart and offers a wide array of attractions. The 1,100 room resort is located right on the beach and boardwalk and is home to its own casino with over 3,400 slot machines and 135 table games. All of the rooms at Caesar’s have floor-to-ceiling windows that offer incredible views. And you don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to relax by the rooftop pool.

Caesars’ many dining options range from places to grab a quick bite to upscale steakhouses, including a pub and grill by world-famous chef Gordon Ramsey, while nightlife at the hotel features the 8,500 square foot DUSK nightclub and two full-service bars. For fun, day or night, there’s also The Playground, a nightlife, entertainment and shopping complex located on a pier adjacent to the resort, connected by a skyway, which offers a unique indoor row of shops, pubs, bars and live music venues inspired by Nashville’s Broadway and Memphis’ Beale Street.

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa

The Borgata is one of the newer complexes in Atlantic City, having opened in 2003, but it has cemented itself as one of the town’s best hotels in its relatively young life. The hotel’s casino is one of the largest in Atlantic City with almost 3,500 slots and 200 table games occupying its 161,000 square feet. And when it comes to dining, Borgata is second to none. Among its many dining options, it has five fine-dining restaurants with establishments by world-renowned chefs like Bobby Flay and Wolfgang Puck. The Borgata’s outdoor pool, surrounded by lush gardens and palm trees, is one of the top in the city.

Nightlife is also a huge draw at the Borgata. The complex is home to two concert venues as well as a comedy club, numerous bars and lounges and nightclubs that regularly feature celebrity DJs. The hotel is located about two and a half miles from the Atlantic City beach and boardwalk, but it runs shuttles to neighboring beaches on Saturdays and Sundays during the summer months.

The Water Club at Borgata is also a AAA Four Diamond property and includes its own spa, pools and shopping.

Golden Nugget Atlantic City 

The Golden Nugget Atlantic City is not only one of the top Atlantic City hotels, but one of the top New Jersey hotels. This resort and casino complex shies away from the gimmicky themes that many places in Atlantic City offer and focuses on giving it’s guests a more luxurious stay. Smaller than the city’s mega-resorts with only 727 rooms, the hotel boasts are more intimate feel throughout, while also offering an outdoor pool with a poolside lounge and fire pits, a 500-seat theater, a full-service spa and a varied selection of restaurants.

Nightlife at the Golden Nugget includes Haven Nightclub, which plays a blend of EDM and hip-hop music. But for those looking for something a bit more relaxing Rush Lounge, Bar 46, and the H20 poolside bar and grill are all great places to sit and have some drinks with friends. Be sure to also check out The Deck, an outdoor restaurant that has been voted as having the best deck by the Atlantic City Press.

Where are your favorite places to stay in Atlantic City? Share them with us in the comments!

Plan and book your next getaway with AAA.

In August 1969, over 400,000 people descended on an alfalfa field on Max Yasgur’s farm in Bethel, N.Y., for what was advertised as “An Aquarian Exposition: 3 Days of Peace & Music.” Nearly a half-century later, the vibe from this generation-defining event, better known as Woodstock, still resonates in this Catskills town.

Visit the Museum at Bethel Woods

Relive the sights, sounds, and spirit of the 1969 Woodstock festival and the transformative decade of the ‘60s. Tour the grounds, now a National Historic Register site in Bethel, N.Y. On view thru December 31: Peter Max: Early Paintings featuring pieces from the Casterline and Fireman family collections.

Learn More

Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, located on the land where the festival took place, continues the magic of Woodstock with live performances, a museum showcasing the 1960s, and other cultural and educational events.

At the National Register Historic Site, visitors can stand in the footprint of the stage or relax in the festival field, where you can almost hear Jimi Hendrick’s version of “The Star-Spangled Banner” reverberating through time. Later this summer, the first trail of the restored Bindy Bazaar area that served as the marketplace at Woodstock will open to the public.

For those who were there to experience Woodstock and want to relive the memories or folks who simply would like to get a sense of where it all happened, Bethel Woods is a cultural destination like no other.

Preserving History Through Music  

This unique place and its legacy is protected by staying true to its roots in music. No matter what kind of tunes you’re into – rock, country, pop, jazz, classical or folk – Bethel Woods is a memorable place to see live performances.

The Pavilion amphitheater at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts opened in 2006 and has since hosted numerous well-known performers, including Bob Dylan, Elton John, the New York Philharmonic, The Eagles and The Zac Brown Band.

Click here for a full list of performers and events.

Experience the ’60s

Visitors to Bethel Woods can immerse themselves in the social, political and cultural vibe of the 1960s at The Museum at Bethel Woods. For those old enough to remember the era, the videos, personal stories and artifacts bring back the feelings from the Summer of Love. For younger generations, the museum both entertains and educates about the significance of the Woodstock festival taking place at the end of a decade filled with cultural change.

The permanent collection takes visitors on a journey through time, back through the struggles and idealism of the 1960s. Informative, interactive displays explain the changes that occurred throughout the decade, from the initial middle-class prosperity of the 1950s to the Cold War and the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. Video footage and photographs tell the story of the civil rights movement and the U.S. involvement in Vietnam, two of the defining pressures that led to the call for peace, brotherhood and love that culminated in the Woodstock festival.

Images of the crowds filling Yasgur’s hallowed field, just down the hill from the Museum, cover the multihued walls. One can even take a seat on the psychedelic bus, decorated with whorls of bright colors and beaded curtains over the windows, and pretend it’s August 1969 again.

Complementing its extensive and growing permanent collection, the Museum also hosts special exhibits each year. These temporary shows range from artists such as Peter Max, who influenced social change in the ’60s, to a photography exposition of civil rights leaders from the era, to sculpture spread across the historic grounds. Two fast-approaching milestone anniversaries will be commemorated with special shows: the 1968 U.S. elections and, of course, the 50th anniversary of Woodstock in 2019.

Educational Immersion

Bethel Woods has continued to develop educational initiatives and events to further its mission to be the premier ’60s cultural and educational center. A major goal is to educate the public about the lessons the 1960s imparted and how society can maintain its engagement with peaceful change. To meet this goal, the center offers a multidisciplinary arts program, through which the spirit of the Woodstock era is shared with upcoming generations.

The weekly Saturdays at the Woods program encourages parents and children to work together to develop artistic and self-expression skills. A more structured program, Explore the ’60s, teaches schoolchildren about the importance and lasting effects of the decade through a reading, writing and speaking curriculum that meets several Common Core state standards objectives. A program designed specifically for high school students, Project: Identity, combines art instruction with the development of imagination and innovation skills to help teens transition and help them realize the importance of the arts to a well-rounded life.

Festivals

Bethel Woods hosts several festivals throughout the year, providing an opportunity for visitors to gather and celebrate the bounty of the Catskills region. The Harvest Festival, which has been held for two decades, occurs every Sunday in September. This family-friendly event features farmers markets, artisans and crafters, live performances, a sit-down farm-to-table brunch and kids’ activities.

The Bethel Woods Wine Festival and CRAFT: Beer, Spirits, and Food Festival, both held in October during the peak foliage splendor, showcase the best of the region’s vintners, brewers, distillers, and food producers. Rounding out the year, the Holiday Market brings together local artisans offering a wide variety of gifts from New York state.

Baron Wolman, a photographer best known for his candid portraits of musicians for “Rolling Stone,” described the importance of the 1969 festival: “Woodstock showed the world how things could have been, and for this reason it’s important that we never forget this experience, this place, this time, this dream that came true … if only for three days.”

Today, nearly 50 years later, this seminal moment in U.S. history is preserved for generations to come, and the ideas and lessons from that time, nearly 50 years ago, will not be forgotten.

Learn more about Bethel Woods Center for the Arts and start planning your visit today.

This summer, as the temperatures rise, be sure to pay attention to what your body is telling you. Heat exhaustion is a result of your body overheating. Though not as serious as heatstroke, which can be fatal, heat exhaustion can be scary. It could also lead to heatstroke if untreated.

The Causes of Heat Exhaustion

According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common causes of heat exhaustion are exposure to hot weather – particularly when combined with high humidity – and strenuous physical activity. Dehydration, which reduces your body’s ability to sweat, is another cause.

All three disrupt your body’s ability to cool itself efficiently, causing symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, nausea, heavy sweating, fainting and more.

Athletes who train outdoors during the summer are prone to heat exhaustion, as are people under 4 years old and over 65 because they are less tolerant of heat.

How to Prevent Heat Exhaustion

To protect yourself and your family from heat exhaustion, follow these prevention tips from the Mayo Clinic.

• Wear loose, lightweight clothing.
• Avoid sunburn by wearing sunglasses with UV protection and wide-brimmed hats, as well as applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
• Avoid strenuous physical activity in hot weather. Do it indoors if you can or schedule it for the cooler times of the day (usually morning or evening).
• Be mindful of medications that may increase your risk of having heat-related problems.
• Don’t leave anyone – pet or person – in a parked car for even the smallest amount of time. The temperature in a parked car can rise about 20 degrees in 10 minutes. Cracking the windows or parking in a shady area won’t keep the temperature down. Even a seemingly harmless, 70-degree day could quickly become dangerous.

If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion, stop all activity, move to a cooler place and drink cool water or sports drinks with electrolytes. Contact your doctor if symptoms worsen or don’t improve within one hour.

Have any tips for staying cool during summer activities? Tell us in the comments below.

AAA members save on ReadyRefresh by Nestle.

This summer, take hold of your health by exercising your green thumb. In addition to improving your mood, getting your body moving and exposing you to more vitamin D, gardening ensures you’ll have a store of healthy cooking ingredients. Whether from your garden or the local farm stand, fresh fruits and vegetables add nutritional value and delicious flavor to your meals.

Take a summer garden staple like tomatoes – they can be used in so many ways other than just tossed in a salad. We reached out to AAA Diamond Rated restaurants for ideas. Which will inspire you to get creative in the kitchen with garden-fresh vegetables?

Pump up the Jam

Get a party going in your mouth with a spiced tomato jam from chef Matthew Varga of AAA Four Diamond Rated Gracie’s in Providence, R.I.

Ingredients

3 pounds ripe, cherry tomatoes
1½ cups sugar
¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
3 tablespoons fresh grated ginger
1 tablespoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cayenne

Peel the tomatoes by blanching them for a moment, then plunging them in an ice bath. The peels will slip off easily.

Combine all ingredients in a heavy-bottomed, large saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium high heat, stirring the pot often.

Once it boils, reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally. In about an hour, the mixture should cook down to a thick jam. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Dress up a Summer Classic

Executive chef Chris Eddy, from the AAA Five Diamond Rated Restaurant at Winvian Farm in Morris, Conn., makes a tomato sauce with a kick. He likes to use green zebra tomatoes in this recipe.

Ingredients

1 medium tomato, chopped
1 cup low-fat mayonnaise
Fresh basil
Virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper

Combine chopped tomato, mayonnaise, a few leaves of basil and a drizzle of olive oil in a blender. Blend until smooth. You could also drain the mixture through a fine mess strainer.

Add salt and pepper to taste.

How do you get creative with tomatoes? Share your ideas in the comments below.

Get a head start on growing your own tomatoes and other produce with our list of gardening resources and tips.

Headlight restoration not only makes your car look better, but it can have a major impact on driver safety. In fact, a AAA study found that cleaning your headlights doubles the maximum light intensity of your lamps and reduces glare-producing light scatter by up to 60 percent – both very good things if you want to see where you’re going on a dark night or rainy day.

But the problem is, only about 20 percent of drivers have attempted to clean their car’s headlights, according to AAA. Considering that headlights start to deteriorate after five years, and the average age of cars on the road is more than 11 years, chances are you know someone who could benefit from a headlight cleaning and new bulbs.

Take some time to check the condition of your headlights, and keep reading for headlight care tips from Brian Noble of Sylvania Automotive Lighting.

Q. Do drivers really need to clean their headlights and if so, why?

Absolutely. Headlights are a critical, active safety item within a vehicle, as they serve as the first line of defense when driving at night or in dark conditions. Being able to see an object in the road or on the side of the road is an important step to being able to react appropriately. If a driver detects an object or animal in the road sooner, they will make a better, faster decision to avoid an accident. 

Q. What are some best practices for headlight maintenance?

First, you want to make sure you are replacing the headlights before they burn out. All too often, vehicles with a burned-out headlight or obviously dim headlights can be found traveling on dark roads, posing a risk to both the driver and others on the road. With one headlight out, drivers are essentially seeing half as well as they potentially could. If a vehicle owner cannot remember the last time headlights were changed, it may be time for replacements. Headlights dim over time and both bulbs are on the same amount of time. If one bulb burns out, you can assume the other bulb isn’t too far behind since they were made to the same specifications.

That brings us to my next point: Always replace in pairs. It’s very important to replace headlights in sets of two. Since headlights dim over their lifetime, a new bulb paired with an old bulb will create an uneven field of vision, which can be a major distraction on the road for both drivers and oncoming traffic.

Remember to clean your vehicle’s headlights and brake lights regularly, such as when filling up at the gas station, and, during the winter, be sure to clean off any snow on your front headlights and brake lights.

Q. Should drivers consider buying a headlight restoration kit?

The average age of vehicles on the road today is more than 11 years old. Millions of these vehicles have faded, cloudy plastic headlight lenses. This cloudiness, caused by degradation from the sun’s bright rays, reduces and diffuses the light going through the lenses, making it difficult to see when driving in the dark. Consider DIY clean headlight restoration kits that restore clarity and remove the hazy yellow appearance on headlight lenses. As a differentiator, Sylvania’s kits provide a UV Block Clear Coat, which protects headlights from future UV ray damage, the No. 1 reason headlights become cloudy. A good headlight restoration kit can restore a headlight to almost new condition, getting back the two-thirds of the light that is lost when a head light is cloudy.

Q. Do you have any tips to make bulb installation easier? 

Installation varies by vehicle. Sylvania Automotive Lighting and the CarCareKiosk have created step-by-step tutorial videos for various car makes and models on the road today, so leverage online videos when installing headlights yourself.

Remember to replace both high and low headlight beams at the same time. All headlights dim over time, so be sure to replace in pairs to avoid uneven lighting, which is a major distraction to other drivers on the road.

And, of course, stay safe. Wear safety glasses and gloves during installation. Be sure to handle the headlight properly – never touch the bulb itself; always handle the lighting by the base.

Learn more about AAA’s automotive services. 

Choosing sunscreen can be confusing, but all travelers should pack some.

Fortunately, as you ponder sprays, sticks, lotions and gels with various UV levels and ingredients, there is actually very little you need to know.

“Sunscreens fail for two reasons,” said Dr. Neal Schultz, a New York dermatologist in practice for 30 years. “Either you don’t put on enough or you don’t reapply.”

Because of this, Schultz says that liking the way your sunscreen feels and smells could be more important than the kind you use, as long as your choice has broad-spectrum UV protection with an SPF of at least 30.

If it follows the above guidelines and is sold in the U.S., Schultz says you don’t even need to worry about your sunscreen’s ingredients. “That’s all been done by the government and by the manufacturer,” he said.

Schultz says sunscreen lotions are easiest to apply and you should use about an ounce. Spray-on sunscreens are fine, except that people often miss spots. Put on your sunscreen before you put on your clothes or bathing suit for best coverage. Pay particular attention to the tops of the ears, tops of the feet and back of the neck. Men with thinning hair also need to cover those patches.

For the face, Schultz recommends using sunscreen pads, which contain light formulas that won’t run into your eyes if you sweat. Products that claim to be for sun protection, moisturizer and anti-aging generally include just trace amounts of the active ingredients, so he advises against them.

Your skin constantly perspires. “That’s why you need to reapply every two to three hours, even if you’re sitting under a tree reading and you haven’t moved a muscle,” said Schultz.

So, in the sunscreen aisle, look for products that smell good, feel good on your skin – and even have packaging you like. “A cardinal rule of skin care is you’ve gotta love your skin care product or you’re not going to use it,” Schultz said.

Need to brush up on your sunscreen basics? Check out our guide to understanding SPF.

What do you like most about your sunscreen? Share your recommendations with other readers in the comments section.

America is a land of stories. From coast to coast, it’s not hard to find them if you know where to look. There are hundreds of landmarks across the country that give voice to its history, whether from the vantage point of western settlers, Native Americans, immigrants or Mother Nature.

Discover America's Greatest Treasures

Tour America's greatest natural treasures with AAA Member Choice Vacations. AAA members receive savings of $50 per person and $50 for an excursion!

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Natural Landmarks That Will Leave You in Awe

While man-made monuments are great, there’s something truly powerful about feeling so small as you witness the sheer size of a redwood tree, a massive waterfall, an ancient mammoth or an expansive canyon – all created by nature’s tireless persistence. All four of these wonders can be experienced in both famous (and lesser known) landmarks across America.

Redwood Park, California

Ever wanted to know what it’s like to stand beside a redwood tree? The amazing breadth and height of this iconic species will take your breath away. Go for a short walk, a hike or a full-on camping trip under the shadow of these majestic trees that can live up to 3,000 years. Check out Roosevelt elk at Elk Meadow, watch the flight of a western red bat or spot a Steller sea lion on the park’s rocky coast.

Niagara Falls, New York

You will hear the falls before you see them. Actually, you may feel them before you see them, if the wind blows the mist the right way. Prepare to get a little wet – or perhaps very wet, if you plan to ride the Maid of the Mist. On this boat tour that sails at the base of the falls, the crew will give you a poncho, but be prepared to get soaked regardless.

In fact, if you like the idea of taking a shower as part of your tourist experience, visit the Cave of the Winds, where you will walk 175 feet down wooden walkways till you reach the “Hurricane Deck” at the base of the Niagara Gorge.

Click here for more fantastic things to do in Niagara Falls.

Waco Mammoth National Monument, Texas

Forty years ago, two archaeologists were digging through an area near the Bosque River hoping to come across old arrowheads. Instead, they found mammoth bones belonging to not just one mammoth, but an entire herd. The bones are 67,000 years old, and you can still see them where they lay in what’s known as the bone bed, beneath a shelter that was constructed to protect the bones.

Grand Canyon, Arizona

Have you ever imagined yodeling into the Grand Canyon? Come try it out while hiking or riding a horse or mule across this stunning landscape. Stay overnight at the Phantom Ranch at the base of the canyon and enjoy the rustic atmosphere. Raft down the Colorado River for just a day or make it a longer trip. Gaze down 3,000 feet from the Toroweap Overlook – if you don’t get too dizzy. There is much to see at this sprawling national park, and it will make memories that last a lifetime.

Check out this guide to Grand Canyon National Park.

Landmarks That Shine a Light on Immigrants and Pioneers

Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, New York and New Jersey

It’s a surreal experience to stand where your ancestors once stood, viewing almost the same images they would’ve viewed. If any of your relatives passed through Ellis Island from another land into this country, you may find their names in the database at the National Immigration Museum that stands on this famed island.

Walk up the stairs and through the halls of the building they would’ve walked through and imagine the hustle and bustle of the crowds of immigrants, carrying their luggage and new dreams. Then, one boat ride away, visit Lady Liberty herself, take a walk inside, and read the text of the New Colossus by Emma Lazarus on the statue’s pedestal.

Angel Island, California

Alternatively, your ancestors may have arrived in this country via Angel Island. Sadly, the original immigration station on the island burned down in 1940, but the barracks in which new arrivals stayed still stands. You can still view Cantonese poetry carved into the wooden walls by those waiting for news about their immigration status.

Oregon National Historic Trail: Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming

This trail, the largest landmark on our list, snakes through seven states, and tells the story, not exactly of immigrants, but of emigrants, as those from the east who moved westward. If you’ve ever played the popular game Oregon Trail, you’ll know how difficult the journey was. Come view the landscapes these pioneers would’ve seen and walk the remnants of the trail just as they did.

Landmarks That Tell the Stories of Native Americans

Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, Ohio

Near the city of Chillicothe, Ohio, is a large, grassy park with dozens of rolling hills. Those hills weren’t carved out by the hand of Mother Nature – these massive, graceful mounds were created by the Hopewellian Native Americans two millennia ago.

The word “Hopewell” refers not to one tribe, but to an entire network of tribes that stretched all the way from the east coast to the Rocky Mountains and comes from the last name of the landowners on whose property the mounds were first discovered. Come explore the six different mound sites at this park, all connected by a series of trails, and learn about the history of this unique landmark.

Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, New Mexico

At this little-known national monument stand three sites – Abo, Quarai, and Gran Quivara – that give us a glimpse into a time and place when Pueblo Indians met Spanish settlers. All three sites contain fascinating architecture dating back to the early 1600s and even earlier, from Spanish missions and defense towers (“torreones”), to adobe pueblos, and more.

Of course, these are just a few of the amazing national landmarks this country has to offer. If you have any recommendations for other exciting American monuments, don’t hesitate to share in the comments!

Visit one of these amazing landmarks when you book a trip with AAA Member Choice Vacations. AAA members get exclusive benefits.

One of the East Coast’s most charming cities, Boston is compact but jam-packed with stuff to do – no matter what your budget. History buffs will love Beantown’s Colonial heritage encompassing numerous Revolutionary War-era treasures, while culture lovers can visit top museums like the Museum of Fine Arts. There’s also great shopping, dining and, of course, Red Sox baseball. So if you’re heading to Boston, here are some varied itinerary suggestions.

Boston, budget-style

Stay: The AAA Two Diamond Chandler Inn Hotel is situated in the trendy South End and within walking distance to shops and restaurants (Copley Place is 10 minutes away). The 56 rooms are on the small side but are comfortable and feature a stylish, modern decor. There’s a 24-hour front desk and some cool free amenities include Wi-Fi, coffee/tea and newspapers. You can enjoy dishes like calamari fritto and steak frites while sipping on a craft cocktail at the Trophy Room restaurant just off the lobby.

Do: It’s free to walk along the Freedom Trail (marked by a red line on the pavement), where you’ll pass historic sites, including the Old North Church and the Bunker Hill Monument. Check out two of Boston’s beloved green spaces, the Boston Common, established in 1634, and the Public Garden, where you can glide along the lagoon on one of the famous swan boats. Afterward, cross the street to see where the state’s top movers and shakers craft legislation inside the golden-domed State House. Free guided tours are offered weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Dine: Faneuil Hall is a top spot for dining in Boston. It has a bustling food court where you can enjoy New England classics like clam chowder and lobster rolls. Wanna go where everybody knows your name? Head to the Cheers outpost, where you can grab a brew at the famous bar where Sam, Diane, Carla and crew traded witty remarks and barbed banter. There are also plenty of food trucks around town for a quick and inexpensive bite to eat – try Roxy’s Grilled Cheese for gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and Bon Me for tasty Asian fare (check online for the most up-to-date truck locations).

Mid-range Boston finds

Stay: The AAA Three Diamond Boston Marriott Copley Place is in a prime location, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of Back Bay. Interiors are contemporary with sleek leather couches in the lobby atrium and flat-screens and picture windows offering city views in the rooms. Start out with a coffee in the on-site Starbucks and late night, catch a game in Champions sports bar.

Do: Kids will love the New England Aquarium, featuring thousands of nautical creatures. Highlights include the penguin exhibit and the Atlantic harbor seals exhibit. Everyone in the family will enjoy the Museum of Science, which straddles the Boston/Cambridge line along the Charles River. Hundreds of exhibits, along with a planetarium, Imax movie theater and dining area, fill the cavernous, three-level space. You could also visit Boston’s cultural institutions, including the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, known for its rare tapestries and illuminated manuscripts, and the Museum of Fine Arts, featuring silverware by Paul Revere.

Dine: Hit the North End, Boston’s oldest neighborhood, for its many Italian restaurants and cafes lining the main drag, Hanover Street (and down its side streets). Join the lines outside Giacomo’s for delicious chicken parm or veal Marsala, while Panza is tops for pasta dishes. And dining in Boston isn’t complete until you’ve tried some cannoli (there are over a dozen flavors to choose from) at Mike’s Pastry.

Here are 10 signature Boston foods and eateries you don’t want to miss!

Luxury Boston

Stay: Rooms at the AAA Five Diamond Rated Mandarin Oriental feature marble baths, silk curtains and king-size beds with Frette linens. At Bar Boulud – from famed French chef Daniel Boulud, dine on dishes like coq au vin and sip wine from the Burgundy region. Luxuriate in the spa with a three-hour Taste of the Orient treatment and have the concierge arrange Theater District tickets.

Do: Catch a Red Sox game at Fenway Park, built back in 1912 (splurge on box seats to be closest to the action). Ready to shop? Head to Newbury Street in the Back Bay, which is lined with boutiques like Burberry and Chanel. In the market for a diamond ring or a high-end watch? Stop into Shreve, Crump & Low, dating from 1796.

Dine: Barbara Lynch is one of Boston’s most respected chefs, and her fine dining restaurant Menton is a much sought-after reservation. The cuisine, an Italian-French hybrid, might include yellowfin tuna crudo and wagyu beef sirloin. At the elegant L’Espalier, try the five- or eight-course tasting menus, or book the chef’s table, which is located in the kitchen, for a singular dining in Boston experience.

Do you have any tips on where to save and splurge in Boston? Share them with us in the comments below!

To book these hotels and find other lodging options, click here.

When you walk into a room in your house, do you feel welcomed by its light, cheery atmosphere? Or do you notice a dark, gloomy air that doesn’t seem to go away, even when you turn on the lights? Hopefully, the latter isn’t the case, but if you find that you or your guests are feeling a bit less at home due to a room’s ambiance, you may need some new interior furnishing ideas to help you redecorate.

The first step is to determine the cause of the room’s gloominess. It could be that there isn’t enough natural daylight, or that there are too many heavy pieces of furniture or accessories weighing down its design. It may even be the size of the room; small spaces can feel darker than they actually are.

Your initial thought may be to make some drastic changes to your home – a full remodel. But before you start researching feng shui, consider these easier interior furnishing ideas instead.

1. Switch up your window treatments

In the warmer months, heavy drapes and curtains can help you save money on your energy bill. They block sunlight, which keeps the room cool and the need for air conditioning down. In the colder months, they can do well to keep out the cold air, thus keeping your heating bill down – but they still block sunlight.

Natural daylight can transform a room from drab to lively. To make a space more inviting, but still protect from cold air seeping in, opt for window treatments made from medium-weight fabrics such as canvas or cotton.

Dress up your living room windows with Roman shades or sheer cotton curtains, which provide some protection while still letting the sun’s rays warm the room (literally and figuratively).

2. Add reflective surfaces

You’ve got sunlight back. Now what?

Placing a mirror directly across from the largest window allows sunlight to bounce off of its surface and illuminate the room. Mirrors tend to make a space feel larger and brighter anyway, but this strategic placement allows for the most light to fill a space.

If a mirror doesn’t tickle your fancy, try a glass-topped coffee or end table. Then, for extra shine, place metallic accessories on its surface.

3. Light the way

Now that you’ve tackled natural light, what about artificial?

After the sun sets, it’s a no-brainer – flip the switch and let there be light. But the wrong light fixtures, or right ones with the wrong placement, can actually make the room fare worse in terms of lighting.

Mirrors reflect natural light. Aim a lamp upwards or towards a wall, and walls and ceilings will reflect the artificial light just the same. If you can, aim a bedside table or desk lamp at the ceiling or a nearby wall. Or try a torchiere floor lamp, which directs light upwards. Your bedroom or office will feel bigger and brighter.

If you have a darker ceiling, say, in your kitchen, recessed ceiling lights might help the room feel less like a cave and more like a charming country abode. Install a dimmer switch and you’ll be able to adjust brightness to your needs.

If your kitchen has a lighter ceiling, but some areas still seem darker than others, try pendant lighting, which can give your kitchen a bit more personality as well as brighten up a dark corner.

4. Choose pieces that contrast with one another

Despite how it may seem, having dark pieces of furniture and darker colored walls is A-OK. You don’t have to give up that dark wood dining table you love or paint over that burgundy wall in your entryway.

The trick to brightening up a room with darker-colored accents and furnishings is to contrast them with lighter-colored accents and furnishings.

That burgundy wall making it feel like the entryway to a vampire’s lair rather than a friendly home? Contrast it with a tan armchair or white end table.

That dark wood table making your dining room seem dreary? Contrast it with chairs covered in a light, neutral fabric or place a light area rug underneath it. Another helpful trick: If you can, place the table closer to a window to let the sunlight illuminate an otherwise dark focal point.

5. Other interior furnishing ideas

• Place houseplants strategically throughout the room. Small, low-maintenance plants – such as succulents – add brightness to a room without weighing it down. Plus, some houseplants can improve air quality.

• Move your bookshelf or partition to a wall that isn’t parallel to a window so it doesn’t obstruct light.

• Swap a solid interior door for a glass door. A pair of French doors, for example, can make an office, bedroom or living room feel more open and bright.

Have you got any other interior furnishing ideas to brighten up a room? Tell us in the comments below!

Before you take these ideas further and make drastic changes, protect your home with AAA homeowners insurance. 

Medicare may be a financial life saver for most elderly or disabled Americans, but not in every case. There are times when the well-known health insurance plan falls short in paying medical bills. That’s when supplemental health care for Medicare, also known as Medigap, can fill the “gaps” in Medicare coverage.

Medigap policies are sold by private insurance to help pay for health-care costs not covered by the original Medicare plan. The two policies, used together whenever possible, will each pay a share of medical expenses.

There are 10 types of Medigap policies, lettered A through D, F, G, and K through N. Each must be labeled “Medicare Supplement Insurance.” The plans offer varying types and levels of coverage, leaving consumers to sort out their health-care priorities and budget before choosing a plan that fits their health-care needs and finances.

Thinking about traveling outside the United States when you retire? You can find a policy that will cover medical care should you need it while in a foreign country. But there are gaps in Medigap policies, both large and small. For instance, they don’t cover long-term care. Nor do they cover mundane costs, such as eyeglasses.

Plans F and C became the most popular plans over the years. However, Congress decided to wind down those Medigap options to cut government spending. If you choose either of those, make sure you understand how long that coverage will last and have a fallback plan for dealing with your medical bills at the ready.

That leaves you with two major questions to ask yourself. The first is: Can I take the chance that I will have enough money to pay medical bills that Medicare won’t cover?

The second is: If not, should I buy supplemental health insurance before 2020 so that I’m not locked out of the plan I may want later?

If you are turning age 65 or are otherwise entitled to Medicare due to a disability, you will be able to take advantage of a six-month open enrollment period for Medicare supplemental insurance that begins the month you first enroll in Medicare Part B. After this period, your option to buy a Medicare supplemental policy may be limited.

If you apply for a Medicare supplemental policy during your six-month open enrollment period, any insurer you apply to must insure you and must give you the plan you choose. This is known as “guaranteed issue.” Insurers may ask you medical questions during this period, but you cannot be refused coverage during open enrollment, even if you have a medical condition.

Disabled Medicare beneficiaries who enroll in Medicare Part B before age 65 have a Medicare supplemental health care open enrollment period at that time and an additional six-month open enrollment period when they turn age 65.

After these initial periods, “guaranteed issue” for Medigap applies only in specific cases, such as:

• Your Medical Advantage plan shuts down or you move out of its service area.
• Your retiree plan shuts down.
• You joined Medicare Advantage but decide to switch back to original Medicare within a year.
• Your Medigap plan shuts down.

When you buy a Medigap policy you must have Medicare Part A and Part B. Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D are not supplemental health care for Medicare. You must pay the monthly Medicare Part B premium. In addition, you must pay a premium to the Medigap insurance company. As long as you pay your premium your Medigap policy is guaranteed to be renewable. Your coverage will continue year after year as long as you pay your premium. However, your premium may go up each year.

Something else to remember if you’re married: both you and your spouse must purchase separate policies.
Another caveat: be aware of the timing should you decide to switch Medigap plans. Late enrollment fees may apply if you wait too long between ending the old policy and starting a new one.

Medigap policies must follow federal and state laws. The federal government sets minimum rules to help protect consumers, but many states have added additional consumer protections of their own. Each Medigap plan must offer the same basic benefits, no matter which insurance company sells it. Still, Medigap costs vary, so it’s important to compare policies before choosing coverage. Also, if you’re married, you and your spouse must buy separate policies.

It’s important to remember that Medigap plans simply fill in health coverage; they don’t make any decisions about what to cover. Medigap plans pick up the tab for a specific part of health care costs not covered by Medicare, such as deductibles and co-pays.

You can find a complete list of Medigap insurance carriers in your area on Medicare.gov. Quality and financial ratings for the insurers are thin because the plan offerings are dictated by federal and state regulations. Still, buying supplemental health care insurance may be the financial decision that helps you sleep when medical bills stack up.

Do you have supplemental health care insurance for Medicare? Tell us about your experience and share your advice for choosing supplemental health care in the comments below.

Have you ever found yourself snapping vacation photos only to find your phone’s battery draining more quickly than ever? Maybe you needed to make a business call and had to scramble for a portable charger. With phones being an indispensable hub of personal and business activity, running low on power puts us in a bind, and over time the situation can happen more frequently.

Review these strategies to improve efficiency and preserve the performance of your phone’s battery.

Enable Power Saving Mode

When you’re quickly losing power, take advantage of your phone’s power saving setting, which is referred to as low power mode in iOS and battery saver mode in Android. This setting reduces the amount of power required to operate your phone and helps to stretch what is left. Once activated, it takes measures such as reducing screen brightness and stopping automatic email fetches, background app refreshes and automatic downloads. Your phone will operate more slowly in this mode, but the amount of power you save is substantial.

Identify and Limit Major Power Drains

If you’re not struggling to conserve power at the moment, investigate which apps use the most. Both iOS and Android allow you to accomplish this easily via their native monitoring features, which show the percentage of battery usage attributable to each app. Usual suspects include those related to messaging, social media and anything that uses location services.

While location pinging is essential for on-the-go driving directions, it’s not so essential for social media, which often uses it anyway. In fact, many apps rely on GPS to customize your experience and deliver local content such as weather forecasts, news stories and restaurant recommendations. You can pare down battery usage by digging a little deeper into location settings and adjusting when each app is able to determine your location. Limit or completely prevent the ability of apps to access location services on a case by case basis.

Although it’s possible to completely turn off location services, they’re useful in certain situations, particularly when traveling.  While you can use general direction apps to navigate a new area, some destinations are easier to explore using ones that have been custom designed.  National Park Service apps use GPS features to help you navigate trails and explore wilderness areas more easily, even suggesting activities you might otherwise have missed. Since you won’t need these recommendations once you’ve returned home, remember to delete the app so that it doesn’t continue to locate you.

Turn Off Background App Refresh

Between checking email, watching videos, taking photos and relying on door to door directions, you might not be surprised that your phone habits drain battery life. What might be surprising is the amount of power that apps use even when you’re not actively using them.  As apps update themselves with fresh content such as status updates, they individually drain battery life and collectively become a major drain on your phone.

As with location services, background app refresh can be turned off completely, but it’s often best to review the list of apps currently set to update their content.  Social media, game and news apps generally don’t need to grab new content until you open them, so these are easy ones to turn off.  While scrolling through the list, you might be unsure about others.  Compare the apps allowed to refresh content with the those that rank high in terms of overall battery usage.  This can help you determine if the continual updates are the cause of rapidly decreasing battery percentages during the course of the day.

Fine-Tune Mail Account Settings

Adjusting the way your phone fetches email while you’re busy doing other things requires another step since mail accounts won’t be in the list of apps set to background refresh.  Navigate to your mail accounts and reduce the frequency of automatic fetching or opt for manual refreshes. During the work day, you may need business email constantly updated, while less important accounts can be set to fetch hourly or manually.

Reduce Screen Brightness

One of the easiest ways to increase battery life is to turn down the brightness of your screen.  Many of us never adjust the visual effects on our phone, leaving them at their maximum setting. When you factor in the number of times that you switch on the display during the day, you are wasting power that is better spent other ways. Experiment with brightness to find the level that balances power conservation with comfortable viewing. Since some research suggests that using screens at maximum brightness in the evening might interfere with sleep, you may reap benefits in other ways as well.

Decrease Automatic Lock Timing

With screen brightness factoring into power percentages, it also makes sense to adjust the auto-lock feature on your phone. By reducing the amount of time that your display is on, you lessen the amount of battery life wasted on keeping it lit. When you’re figuring out how to increase battery life, this is another easy strategy to try, and it saves power exponentially depending on the number of times your screen times out from inactivity.

Turn Off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

Sometimes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are essential to what you’re doing at the moment, say listening to a podcast on your car stereo or connecting to your home router. At other times, your phone is constantly trying to connect for no particular purpose. Turn off both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when not in use to prevent this power drain. When you’re running low on power also remember that streaming media over Bluetooth won’t make your predicament better, so you might want to listen to that audiobook at a different time.

While batteries will degrade over time, these strategies should help your phone operate more efficiently. Remember to stay current with software updates, as sometimes these can make an unexpected and dramatic difference. Updates require a lot of power to install, but once up and running, they can conserve battery life by fixing battery drain issues you didn’t even know existed.

When I think of road trips, I think of the time my family and I – a group of seven or eight of us – drove to Canada in my grandmother’s old van. If that not-so-glamorous image isn’t enough for you to cringe, wait until you hear about the time five of us drove 21 hours (not including traffic holdups) to Florida from Rhode Island in a Honda Accord. We didn’t rent a luxury car for these trips. On your next road trip, why not go big or go home?

Most people think renting a luxury car will cost an arm and a leg, since buying it seems like it would cost that and more. In reality, you’d only be splurging a bit more than you would renting the same old Ford Focus everyone else is renting.

AAA Members Save With Hertz!

Save 20% on everyday rentals and enjoy special limited time offers. Plus, get perks like waived young renters fee and more.

Learn More

Got fantasies of cruising down winding roads in a drop-top Porsche? Rental car companies like Hertz can hook you up with your dream car.

Learn how AAA members save with Hertz.

How to rent a luxury car

It’s about as easy as renting any other car. Most rental car companies like Hertz will have convertibles, luxury SUVs, sports and exotic cars in their collection. What’s available to you depends on where and when you’re renting, but most luxury car collections include makes like Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Land Rover and Tesla.

Other companies, like Gotham Dream Cars, specialize in offering “ultra-exotic” luxury cars from manufacturers like Aston Martin, Rolls Royce, Lamborghini and more.

Though it’s easy to go right up to the counter and request a luxury car for your trip, you’re more likely to get a better deal if you reserve in advance and, when you do, expect some extra restrictions such as daily mileage limits.

Hertz normally rents cars to drivers 20 years old and up, with an added surcharge in some circumstances for those 20 to 24 years old. (Young renter fee is waived for AAA members  ages 20-24.) But if you’re renting a vehicle from Hertz Dream Cars collection, you must be at least 25 years old.

Plus, at the time of rental, you will need additional forms of identification, which will vary depending on location and the vehicle that you are renting.

Restrictions and qualifications vary from company to company, so be sure to check on those before you rent.

Other Tips

• Before renting any car, ensure that your auto insurance policy covers rentals. Usually, full coverage auto policies, or policies that include comprehensive and liability coverage, will extend to rentals. However, you may want extra coverage for a luxury car in case of a collision. Many car rental companies such as Hertz offer Loss Damage Waivers or Liability Insurance products. Call your credit card company and find out if they’ll cover any gaps in your auto insurance policy.

• Ask to be given a walk-through of the car. Luxury cars will often have advanced technology that our run-of-the-mill vehicles may not have. If your rental company can go through safety features, how to operate the transmission and how to avoid potential dangers with you, you’ll spend less time figuring out the car and more time enjoying a smooth ride.

• Examine the terms and conditions closely. What’s included in a standard rental agreement can differ from what’s included in a luxury rental. For example, Hertz Dream Car rentals don’t include unlimited miles.

Now that you’re ready to rent a luxury car, the question is – where do you take it? Which are the most scenic journeys in the country, made even more memorable in a stylish Mercedes-Benz or sporty Range Rover?

Mountainside Road Trips

Kancamagus Scenic Byway, New Hampshire

The Kancamagus Scenic Byway – or the “Kanc” as it’s known to locals – in New Hampshire connects Lincoln to Conway and, while popular for its foliage in the fall season, its views are exquisite at any time of the year. The White Mountains surround you on this 34.5-mile route. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop along your drive and snap photos of the mountains, as well as picnic or hike. You’ll feel one with nature cruising through the mountains and past waterfalls and rivers in a luxury electric car.

Hudson Valley, New York

Begin your trip through the Hudson Valley of New York on the Taconic State Parkway in Mount Pleasant, catching views of the Taconic Mountains and admiring the foliage as you pass by in a flashy luxury car. The Taconic leads to several state parks, including the Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park, perfect for a day trip. Along the parkway are the 10 New York counties that make up the Hudson Valley, which is designated a National Heritage Area. There are plenty of opportunities to eat, stay and immerse yourself in the history and culture of the area.

Desert Rides

Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway, South Dakota

Badlands National Park in Interior, South Dakota, is home to the best views in the Badlands. The loop is 58 miles long and full of desert-like hills, cliffs and buttes, wildlife, hiking trails and overlooks for your viewing pleasure. Imagine getting to enjoy a rugged nature getaway from behind the wheel of a luxury SUV. Among the incredible rock formations, you’ll feel like you’re on another planet, or the surface of the moon. But from inside a leather-seated vehicle, you’ll feel on top of the world.

Zion National Park Scenic Drive, Utah

The byway begins at the intersection of Highway 9 and Interstate 15 near St. George, Utah, and ends in Mt. Carmel Junction. The 54-mile byway cuts through Zion National Park, which is distinguished by can’t-miss views of the Zion Canyon’s red cliffs. Also along the byway are the Virgin River, Quail Creek and Sand Hollow Utah State Park. Movie buffs won’t want to miss the ghost town of Grafton, which was featured in “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” Imagine seeing these blistering desert views from the comfort of an air-conditioned Range Rover Sport. The best part? The byway isn’t far from the Grand Canyon or Las Vegas, so you can continue your road trip in style.

Coastal Drives

State Road A1A (Beachfront Avenue), Florida

Yes, it is the A1A Beachfront Avenue from Vanilla Ice’s “Ice Ice Baby.” Part of the A1A is designated as a National Scenic Byway, as it stretches from Key West all the way to Fernandina Beach, just south of Georgia. It’s nicknamed Beachfront Avenue because it runs through most of Florida’s coastal towns and cities, like Miami Beach and Boca Raton. You’ll feel like a celebrity rolling through the beach towns in an exotic car, passing by palm trees and ocean views.

Hana Highway, Maui, Hawaii

How do you explore Maui, the second-largest Hawaiian island, in a day, making sure to fit in coastal views, waterfalls and tropical rainforests? Take the Hana Highway (a.k.a. Highway 36) from Kahului to the town of Hana, making sure to stop and see the attractions along the 52-mile ride. Drive the winding roads hugging the mountainside in a sleek convertible with the top down to fully experience the beauty of the island. The ride only takes about three hours, but you can spend the whole day hitting the beach, hiking, relaxing at the park and more.

Start planning a fall foliage road trip with our guide to the best in the Northeast.

Have you driven along any of these routes? If you could rent a luxury car for a road trip, which would it be? Tell us in the comments below!

Need a ride? AAA members can take advantage of discounts of up to 20 percent on daily, weekend, weekly and monthly car rentals with Hertz. Click here to learn more about this and other Hertz savings.

We all need to relax, unwind and take a break from time to time. But with the demands of work and other responsibilities it can be hard to get away.

Journeying to exotic destinations takes time, and travel costs can stack up. Why not maximize your time off—and go easy on your bank account—by indulging in a staycation?

Book a Hilton Staycation!

AAA members save up to 15% at Hilton family hotels and resorts.

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Lucky for us, New York City is right next door. Venture out of the confines and familiarity of your neighborhood and devote a weekend to fun, relaxation and exploration in Gotham. From world class entertainment to luxury and relaxation, it’s all here.

Laundry beckoning to be done? Leave behind your domestic cares! Book a hotel room for one or two nights and make it a true vacation.

Here are four fabulous New York City staycation ideas that will have you feeling recharged in no time.

For Theater Lovers

Feel like you’re always too busy to catch a show? Get back to your passion with a theater-themed weekend! Check in at the Hilton Times Square or New York Hilton Midtown and enjoy floor-to-ceiling views of the crossroads of the world.

AAA members can enjoy up to 15% off at Hilton locations plus daily parking.

Take a walking tour with Broadway Up Close and hear fascinating stories of Broadway’s origins and rich history. Or embark on the popular “HamilTour” that retraces the steps of Alexander Hamilton and shares inside stories of the creation of the smash hit musical.

Grab a quick lunch at The Little Beet, then let your inner theater nerd out to play as you spend the afternoon browsing the shelves at the historic Drama Book Shop.

Immerse yourself in the hubbub of Times Square for some fascinating people watching (all the world’s a stage, after all), or get an elevated perspective with the breathtaking views from Top of the Rock’s 3-tiered observation deck at 30 Rockefeller Center.

Enjoy some beautiful, Japanese home-style cooking at Oootoya, then head to the theater for the main course. From “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” to “Angels in America” to the newest ground-breaking masterpiece, Broadway’s theaters offer plenty of options to choose from. Afterward, wind down your evening with fascinating cocktails and live jazz at The Rum House.

 For Creatives and Art Lovers

Book a stay at The Renwick Hotel in historic Midtown East which previously housed studios for notable creatives such as John Steinbeck and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Each room is themed, celebrating a different artist or intellectual, and features functional art created by local New York artists.

When you’re not soaking up The Renwick’s creative vibes and enjoying your own private artist’s retreat, venture out to MoMA to see the latest exhibitions.

If the weather’s nice, bring a blanket and find a relaxing spot in Bryant Park where you can break out your sketchbook, notebook or camera. Stroll over to The Morgan Library and Museum, the fascinating and majestic private library of J.P. Morgan (turned museum) which boasts an incredible collection of rare books, manuscripts and art.

Nourish yourself with savory ramen and pork belly bao at Momosan Ramen & Sake, or satisfy your fine food cravings at Benjamin Steakhouse. Then finish off the night like a member of the Lost Generation with cozy drinks at Bedford & Co., The Renwick’s Argentinian-inspired in-house restaurant.

For Foodies

There’s no shortage of incredible food wherever you go in the city, but why not set aside some time to really partake in your favorite hobby? Venture out to Brooklyn for a culinary themed adventure and stay at the modern and vibrant Hilton Brooklyn New York.

Sit down to a sumptuous brunch at gorgeous Sauvage or enjoy the hearty fare and cozy environs of American bistro Esme, a local favorite.

Celebrate and explore food’s connection to culture with a visit to the newly-opened Museum of Food and Drink (MOFAD) where you can touch, smell and even taste the exhibits.

Get your fix of authentic Polish delicacies at local mainstay Restaurant Pyza, serving up heavenly pierogies and foot-long cheese blintzes. Or spend a relaxing afternoon at Milk and Roses, an Italian secret garden.

Sign up for a hands-on class at Bedford Cheese Shop and take your cheese-plus-beverage pairing game to the next level. Or learn how to make your own burrata from an expert cheesemonger.

Treat yourself to a responsibly sourced dinner at Greenpoint Fish & Lobster Co., or if you’re feeling truly adventurous (or just want to pretend you’re in more exotic climes) check out Selamat Pagi, serving up Balinese realness.

Spend the rest of your evening getting to know the impressive tap list at TØRST or catch a movie and delicious bites at Nitehawk Cinema. After a long day of feasting, you’ll be ready to head back to your comfy and spacious room to sleep off your food coma.

For Hard Workers in Need of Major R&R

Whether you’re celebrating a job well done or need a break for self-care while you’re still in the fray, devoting a day or weekend to luxurious relaxation is always a smart move.

Treat yourself to a stay at the deluxe Conrad New York in Battery Park City. (AAA members get 5% off their stay, plus $50 per day in hotel rewards).

Open your staycation with a leisurely brunch at Little Park featuring sustainably sourced, seasonal ingredients. Then head to Aire Ancient Baths to bring balance to your mind and body with a truly unforgettable spa experience. Soothe and unwind in the thermal baths, detoxify with a Himalayan salt scrub, or even indulge in their legendary four-handed massage.

Continue the relaxation with a mani-pedi at the lovely Tenoverten where the polishes and nail care products are vegan and cruelty-free. Then take your pick of lavish dinner options, such as Grand Banks (oysters and rosé on an historic wooden schooner), Bâtard (sumptuous modern European cuisine) or Brushstroke (Japanese kaiseki and sushi, where every dish is a work of art.)

Cap off the night back at the Conrad’s Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar where you can enjoy views of the Hudson River, the Statue of Liberty and the glittering lights of lower Manhattan.

In need of some R&R? What’s your ideal NYC staycation? Tell us in the comments.

Book your next Hilton stay with AAA.

Once upon a time, families were able to not only survive but thrive on a single income. But those days are far behind us. In fact, from 1960 to 2012, the number of dual-income families skyrocketed from 25 percent to 60 percent, a figure that remains on the rise. This is due to several factors, of course, but chief among them is the amount of debt most families have acquired over the years.

According to one report, the average household carries roughly $260,000 in debt across mortgage, student and auto loans and credit card bills. With such a burden, many households are in desperate need of guidance on how they can control costs without sacrificing quality of life.

Believe us, it’s not impossible if you approach your expenses with the right strategies in place. Case in point, here are a few easy ways to cut down on expenses and still have fun.

Make a budget, and stick to it.

The value of having a meticulous budget cannot be overstated. Crunching the numbers of your expenses against your income might be a somber task, but it is still the best way to uncover spending habits that might reveal opportunities for improvement in your household. Just be honest with yourself as you assess how much you’re currently spending. Once you take a closer look at your financial statements, you might be tempted to let your defensive bias adversely affect your estimates. Resist this urge, as you’ll only be undermining the entire objective.

Small changes make all the difference.

A grand, sweeping gesture—like trading in your car or moving to cheaper housing—might present a simple solution for trimming expenses, but you might not immediately be ready for such a drastic move. So start out by finding more modest ways to save money. Seemingly inconsequential tactics like cutting down on your home’s energy expenditure, exploring alternatives to cable television or joining a carpool can be significant approaches to eliminate unnecessary costs. You’d be surprised the difference these relatively painless methods can make on your bottom line.

Find free or cheap things to do.

These days, most cities are cognizant of the fact that budgets are tight for families and have risen to tap into their specific needs. If you do a bit of research, you will likely find a ton of free or cheap events in your community, including everything from museum exhibits to puppet shows. Local libraries and parks often host such family-friendly festivities. If you know where to look, discounts on fun things to do are also readily available. No matter what activities you and your family are interested in, you will surely discover something that suits you.

Cook at home instead of dining out.

For many American families, this one is bound to hurt. After all, according to a report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average household spends just over $3,000 each year on dining out. By cooking at home more often than not, you’ll be able to feed your entire family for a much lower price and have the opportunity to create healthier meals in the process. Just be careful to plan your week’s menu ahead of time to prevent buying more groceries than you need (especially perishables). Prepare several meals at once, and you can consolidate cooking time. Even better, try involving the kids and make meal prepping a family affair!

Shop the sales or go outlet hunting.

Cooking more might be a practical solution to saving money, but groceries are only a fraction of your household expenses. For some items, you might be able to trim costs by simply keeping a close eye on sales. Many stores have regular discounts on a wide variety of products to incentivize shopper loyalty, while others offer coupons or even loyalty programs. For quality items at a greatly reduced price, look into any outlet malls or consignment shops in your city. Although you’re cutting back on luxury items, you don’t need to completely do without.

Moderate your holidays and other celebrations.

In the quest for creating unforgettable memories, many families fall into the trap of emptying their bank accounts to celebrate birthdays, Christmases and other holidays. Remember though that it is the time you spend with your children, not the amount you spend, that will ultimately make a lasting impact. Reorient your focus away from the expense of it all, and set a budget specific to the occasion or event you’re planning. Moreover, you can find plenty of cheaper, more homemade ways to make holidays special and foster those familial bonds. You just might have a richer experience by the time all is said and done.

Don’t be afraid to treat yourself.

Although we’ve highlighted various ways to cut expenses and control costs, don’t neglect the importance of giving yourself a bit of leeway with how you spend your money. Over time, your family may manage to save using the strategies above, and you should—on occasion—feel comfortable to splurge on something of particular interest. Maybe that’s an overnight trip, concert tickets or a fun night out at your family’s favorite restaurant. Whatever it is, be sure to build the occasional treat or extra purchase into your budget to prevent the frustration and fatigue that might accompany your newfound financial control.

With some practical steps to apply to your household, it’s very possible that you might be able to even begin building a savings. Learn how AAA can help.

It’s a throwback, but Kool & the Gang got the message right with their anthem rallying the world to come together for a celebration. They asked, what’s your pleasure? We’ve got some answers. These journey-worthy jamborees provide a chance to experience people and places amid galvanizing gatherings.

Bordeaux Wine Festival

Oenophile joie de vivre reverberates through Bordeaux, France, during the Bordeaux Wine Festival (June 14-18, 2018). Tasting pavilions sprawl for nearly a mile between the 18th century facades of the city and the Garonne riverfront, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Vineyard excursions, workshops by the famed Ecole du Vin Bordeaux and a tall ships regatta enhance the event.
Find and book a hotel near Bordeaux.

Fourth of July

Put politics aside and enjoy the pure, patriotic pomp of Independence Day in Washington, D.C. Revelry reigns, from a parade down Constitution Avenue to a free concert that culminates with fireworks bursting over the U.S. Capitol dome while the National Symphony Orchestra plays. Plus, where else can you spy the original Declaration of Independence?
Find and book a hotel near Washington.

Read Five Northeast Road Trips for a Fantastic Fourth of July

Oktoberfest

Hoist a stein in Munich at the world’s oldest and largest Oktoberfest (Sept. 22-Oct. 7), where the beer is cold and the potato salad is warm. Savor spicy sausages and crusty pretzels, sway to the sounds of an Oom-pah band and eye a Bavarian costume parade complete with horse-drawn beer wagons from local breweries.
Find and book a hotel near Munich.

Lantern Festival

Let your worries float away while making a wish for the future at the Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai, Thailand (Nov. 20). Witness the spectacle of countless paper lanterns glowing in the night sky and illuminating the hopeful faces of the crowd members who released them. The ritual honors Buddha and represents spiritual renewal.
Find and book a hotel near Chiang Mai.

New Year’s

Forgo frigid temps and get a jump start on welcoming the new year in Sydney, the first major city in the world to watch the calendar flip. Aussies go all-out. Aerobatics, a glittering parade of boats and two tech-savvy fireworks shows set Sydney’s iconic waterfront, including the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, ablaze.
Find and book a hotel near Sydney.

Chinese New Year

To celebrate the Chinese or Lunar New Year (Feb. 5, 2019), Beijing beckons. Wander through vibrant temple fairs where folk art performances bring dragons and lions to life through dance. Dine on dumplings and appreciate doorways decorated in red couplets hailing prosperity. And, in this country that invented fireworks, be prepared for grassroots displays that blow your mind.
Find and book a hotel near Beijing.

Carnival

Rio de Janeiro is synonymous with Carnival (March 1-6, 2019), a celebration you have to see to believe. From the epic samba schools, with their costumed dancers and elaborate floats parading through the purpose-built Sambadrome, to the exclusive balls in signature haunts like the Copacabana Palace, to roaming street parties around every corner, unbridled Brazilian-style merriment abounds.
Find and book a hotel near Rio.

St. Patrick’s Day

Hop the pond to the Emerald Isle where Dublin does St. Patrick’s Day right, with an epic parade and quaint pubs pouring pints of Guinness, along with a multiday festival (March 15-18, 2019) honoring the country’s patron saint. Even public buildings get in on the action by getting bathed in emerald lights.
Find and book a hotel near Dublin.

Holi

Head to Mumbai, India, for Holi (March 20-21, 2019), a kaleidoscopic festival that begins with a soul-cleansing bonfire during the night of winter’s final full moon on the Hindu calendar. It ends the next day with everybody in the streets dusted in colorful powders that magically render unity. The fete symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.
Find and book a hotel near Mumbai.

Cherry Blossoms

Relish cherry blossom season (late April, 2019) in Hirosaki, Japan, where ancient pruning techniques coax 2,600 cherry trees to erupt like pompoms cheering the arrival of spring. The fleeting show symbolizes life’s ephemeral nature. Hirosaki Park boasts blossom tunnels, a castle with a petal-strewn moat for boating, nighttime illuminations and snow-capped Mount Iwaki as the ultimate backdrop.
Find and book a hotel near Hirosaki.

Do you know where to celebrate these occasions closer to home? Tell us about it in the comments section.

Talk to a AAA travel agent to find our more about visiting these festive locales.

If you visit Bristol, R.I., be prepared: You might never want to leave. Love at first sight is a familiar story in this seaside town. Many a vacationer has become an entrenched community member.

Among them was Anthony Quinn. The famous actor, artist and writer chose Bristol to live out the last years of his life. He was so enamored of his waterfront property that he is buried there and left a prolific art collection, including many of his own works.

Bristol is a bastion of U.S. patriotism. Its main roadway, Hope Street, is striped in red, white and blue year-round, an homage to its annual Fourth of July Celebration. Dating to 1785, the festivities are said to be the longest-running Independence Day celebration in the U.S. They last three weeks and culminate in an impressive parade.

The peninsula town is situated between two bays – Narragansett and Mount Hope – and nestles Bristol Harbor near its middle. So, it’s no wonder the sea has historically been a mainstay in town life.

Colt State Park is 464 acres of grassy hills, peaceful coves, sweeping water views and a shoreline for swimming, fishing and other activities. A paved bike path circles the property and is an attractive detour from the East Bay Bike Path, a 14.5-mile paved connector between Providence, R.I., and Bristol.

Downtown Bristol is lined with quirky shops, centuries-old buildings, streets lined with beautifully maintained Colonial and Federal period houses and quite a few AAA Diamond Rated restaurants.

With all of that going on, it’s hard to believe that there is even more to do in this 10-square-mile community (20 miles with the harbor) – but there is.

What to Do

Linden Place– Bristol Art Museum: Bristol can’t deny its involvement in the slave trade, but perhaps poetic justice was meted out at this 1810 Federal mansion. Gen. George DeWolf built this house above his means hoping to gain fortune in the already illegal trade. He lost it in financial ruin that also took down most of the town. His and other stories of some former residents and guests will hold you enthralled on this tour. Famous among them were actress Ethel Barrymore and four U.S. presidents. The art museum takes up the carriage house.

Mount Hope Farm: The history of this property can be traced back more than 300 years to King Philip, the sachem of the Wampanoags infamous for King Philip’s War, a series of deathly Indian uprisings across New England in the late 1600s. Each subsequent generation brought more noteworthy occupants. Today, the 127-acre property on Mount Hope Bay is operated by the Mount Hope Trust and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Besides the glorious views from a network of trails, enjoy the local farmers market every Saturday for local produce and products, sheep shearing and other demonstrations.

Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum: The 1908 45-room mansion is styled after a 17th-century English country house and features the heirlooms of the Van Wickle family, its original owners. The 33-acre grounds overlook Narragansett Bay and are impressively manicured and naturally partitioned into a number of different gardens. Each garden bears a marker explaining its origin or a historical note. The property hosts programs all year long.

Bristol is also home to the Audubon Society of Rhode Island’s Environmental Education Center and the Herreshoff Marine Museum – America’s Cup Hall of Fame and the Coggeshall Farm, a 1790s living history museum.

Where to Eat

The Hope Diner: Get a heaping helping of local flavor for breakfast or lunch. Dishes like chourico hash, linguica omelets and sweet bread French toast are influenced by Bristol’s large Portuguese population. Choose a seat at one of the tightly packed tables or at the counter overlooking the grill.

DeWolf Tavern: Outdoor seating overlooks busy Bristol Harbor. Indoor seating is in a 1818 building handsomely restored to highlight its storied past. Chef Sai Viswanath’s inspired menu is an ode to the abundance of locally caught seafood with a hint of Indian – he cooks in an intensely high-heat charcoal tandoor.

Lobster Pot: Besides the requisite lobster – whether it be boiled, broiled, grilled, stuffed, baked into a pie or mac and cheese, served as a salad in a roll or many other ways – this restaurant offers New England classics like fish and chips and a fried seafood platter. The large dining room is lined with windows for a fantastic perspective of the setting sun over Bristol Harbor.

Enhance Your Visit

Read: “Anthony Quinn’s Eye: A Lifetime of Creating and Collecting Art” is heavy with photos of the late actor’s own sculptures, paintings and drawings as well as his vast collection of works by other artists and offers an insider’s perspective of his life through his widow, Katherine, and others.

Watch: “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale” was filmed mostly in Bristol and Woonsocket, R.I. Starring Richard Gere, it is a touching story of a dog’s devotion to his adopted owner.