Whether you’re planning a road trip, a theme park outing or a backyard barbecue, AAA has you covered with discounts that keep your wallet cool.
Thrilling Theme Parks
There’s no better way to spend a summer day than by heading to a theme park. Whether it’s a local amusement park or one of the heavy-hitters in California and Florida, AAA members can score big savings on admission at parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, Six Flags and more! Check out all the theme park savings you can get on the East Coast.
Local Attractions
Summer is a perfect time to check out the local attractions in your area, like zoos, aquariums and museums. If you want to take a walk on the wild side, AAA members can get exclusive savings at zoos, aquariums, virtual events, museums and more.
Can’t-Miss Water Parks
It’s time to beat the heat and cool off at the water park. Whether you’re lounging in the lazy river or tackling every slide in sight, AAA members can splash into savings at water parks like Splish Splash, DreamWorks Water Park, Water Country, the Jay Peak Pump House and so much more. You can even save at the Walt Disney World water parks.
Movie Night
Get some popcorn and some sweet, sweet air conditioning at your local movie theater this summer. If you want to catch the latest summer blockbuster in theaters, you can get movie theater discounts at AMC Theatres, Regal, Showcase Cinemas and Cinemark Theatres.
Deals on Tickets
From sports games to live music, AAA Tickets has you covered for your next big summer event. AAA members can access special discounts for tickets to Broadway shows, concerts, music festivals, comedy shows and more. You can also get discounted tickets to sports events like baseball, basketball and football.
See Clearly
With such a bright summer, you’re going to need shades. At LensCrafters, AAA members can save on eye exams, plus discounts on new lenses, frames and contacts. It’s the perfect place to get a pair of stylish sunglasses for your summer adventures. Don’t need a prescription? You can even get 30% off select non-prescription sunglasses.
Sizzling Steaks
Ready to throw some steaks on the grill? You can save every time you shop with Omaha Steaks. Get free shipping on select combos and enjoy 10% off on all items sitewide. At Omaha Steaks, you can find steak, chicken, pork, seafood, appetizers and even complete meal kits. It’s a treat for grill masters and new home cooks alike.
Road Trip Maintenance
Show your car some love during these hot summer months with car parts, tools, accessories and repair services from NAPA. AAA members can save on auto parts and accessories online and at participating locations – plus, you’ll earn NAPA rewards points.
Fuel Savings
One of the best ways to save all year round is at the pump. AAA members can get complimentary Gold Status with the Shell Fuel Rewards Program. By signing up for free, you can save instantly on all your fill-ups. This is a great way to save money on gas, especially if you’re someone who commutes long distances or loves road trips.
AAA projects 72.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home over the Independence Day holiday period from Saturday, June 28, to Sunday, July 6. This year’s domestic travel forecast is an increase of 1.7 million travelers compared to last year and 7 million more than in 2019.
“Summertime is one of the busiest travel seasons, and July Fourthfalling on a Friday creates a long weekend that many are taking advantage of,” said Jillian Young, director of public relations for AAA Northeast. “Following Memorial Day’s record forecast, AAA is seeing strong demand for road trips and air travel over Independence Day week.”
By Car
AAA projects a record 61.6 million people will travel by car, 1.3 million more road travelers and a 2.2% increase compared to last year.
Last July Fourth week, AAA responded to nearly 700,000 emergency roadside assistance calls for issues like dead batteries and flat tires. AAA recommends getting routine vehicle maintenance ahead of your trip and packing an emergency kit. Especially over the busy holiday weekend, AAA urges drivers to watch for stopped vehicles and Slow Down, Move Over for emergency responders.
For travelers renting cars, AAA car rental partner Hertz says Thursday, July 3, is expected to be the busiest day to pick up vehicles. MA ONLY: Boston is among Hertz’s top destinations based on advanced bookings.
By Air
The number of people traveling by air is also projected to set a record. AAA expects 5.84 million travelers will fly to their destinations, a 1.4% increase over the previous record set last year.
Round-trip domestic flights cost 4% more than last year, according to AAA data on what travelers paid when they booked their July Fourth trips. When booking last-minute flights for summer trips, consider flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday for the best deals.
By Other Modes
AAA projects 4.78 million people will travel by bus, train or cruise, a 7.4% increase from last year. Cruising is leading this category, particularly at this time of year, when Alaska cruise season is in full swing.
AAA’s Top Independence Day Destinations
The top holiday destinations listed below are based on AAA booking data for the Independence Day travel period. Cruises, beaches and fireworks are the main motivators for travelers heading to these cities. Alaska cruises are in peak season, Florida and Hawaii are in high demand for their resorts and attractions, and New York and Boston host two of the most popular fireworks shows in the nation.
DOMESTIC
INTERNATIONAL
Orlando, Florida
Vancouver, Canada
Seattle
Rome
New York City
Paris
Anchorage, Alaska
London
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Barcelona, Spain
Honolulu
Dublin
Denver
Amsterdam
Miami
Calgary, Canada
Boston
Athens, Greece
Atlanta
Lisbon, Portugal
Best & Worst Times to Drive
Wednesday, July 2, and Sunday, July 6, are expected to be the busiest days on the road, according to INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights. With afternoon hours predicted to be the most congested, drivers are encouraged to hit the road in the morning to avoid the worst anticipated traffic.
Ghost plates, like smoked license plate covers and other license plate hiders, are putting a scare into public officials — not because they’re haunted, but because they help drivers evade tolls and tickets, costing cities and states millions of dollars.
Some of the modified license plates belong to stolen or uninsured cars, while others are altered to prevent cameras from capturing an accurate photo at tolls. Some drivers use license plate flippers, which are devices that flip up to cover the plate as the car reaches a toll.
“Drivers using ghost plates are typically trying to avoid paying tolls or getting caught by red light and speed cameras,” said Alec Slatky, managing director of public and government affairs for AAA Northeast. “Sometimes people are even trying to commit insurance fraud or attempting to register in a different state so they can avoid accountability in the state where they actually live.”
Evading tolls hurts states and cities that rely on the revenue. In New York City, about 5% of the cars passing through tolls have ghost plates, costing the Big Apple as much as $200 million annually, according to Gothamist. Money collected from tolls often is used to maintain and improve bridges and roads.
Are Ghost Plates Illegal?
Ghost plates have existed for years, but with cashless toll collections and, more recently, congestion pricing in New York City, the demand for ghost plates has shot up as more people seek to evade paying.
The online market for kits to disguise license plates exploded, to the point that New York State made it illegal to use or distribute materials for modifying license plates.
In September 2024, New York City Mayor Eric Adams launched a ghost car crackdown, aimed at getting untraceable cars with illegal license plate covers off the streets. Almost 300 cars were removed in the first five days.
Ghost-Busting Efforts
With more tolls come more scofflaws, but also more enforcement.
Blocking your license plate is illegal in almost every state. New York, Tennessee, Washington and Pennsylvania have laws banning the use of plate flippers, with fines that could cost violators thousands of dollars.
Cities have also been stepping up efforts to catch toll evaders. In 2024, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey issued more than 7,000 summonses for toll evasion, a 27% percent increase from 2023 and collected almost $18 million in unpaid tolls and related fees.
“Everyone should have to play by the same rules on the road,” Slatky said. “So, when someone tries to skirt those rules, there should be consequences for that behavior.”
What do you think about license plate covers? Tell us in the comments.
Whether you’re buying a house or car, going to college or simply charging expenses to your credit card, being in debt is one thing just about everyone can relate to.
Total household debt in the United States surpassed $18.20 trillion in June 2025, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The average household accumulates nearly $105,056 in debt, including mortgage loans, credit cards and student loans.
But not all debt is created equal. In fact, some types of debt can be viewed as investments that will benefit your long-term financial outlook. Other forms of debt, however, can be dangerously problematic. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of good and bad debt.
What Is Good Debt?
While there is no hard and fast definition of good debt, it is generally considered to be any debt that helps you increase your income or net worth. Furthermore, most examples of good debt also fall under the category of installment debt, in which the borrower is forced to pay the debt down in fixed amounts over a defined period of time, greatly reducing the risk of financial disaster.
Student Loans
The cost of college tuition has skyrocketed over the years, meaning nearly all students wanting to get an advanced degree will have to go into debt by taking out student loans. But there is a direct relationship between education level and both median income and unemployment rate. Therefore, student loans can be viewed as an investment in your future, increasing the likelihood that you land a well-paying job.
Another advantage of student loans is that they generally have lower interest rates, particularly if they are federal loans. This makes them easier to pay off.
Mortgages
There may be no better type of debt to own than a mortgage. Unlike many other purchases and expenses, housing is a necessity. If you choose to rent, you’ll be paying money that you’ll never recoup. The beauty of buying a house, however, is that it forces you to save money. Each monthly mortgage payment you make increases the amount of equity you own in your house. Once your mortgage is paid off, the full value of your home belongs to you.
Not only do you then own a very valuable asset (thus increasing your net worth), real estate values usually increase each year, meaning you’re making money without even doing anything. If you choose to sell your house down the road, you’ll likely be making a profit.
In the market for a new home? Learn more about low-rate mortgages through AAA.
Home Equity Loans
The value of your home will increase over time even if the property is left alone. A few home improvements projects will bump that number up even more. This is where home equity loans come into play. If you need to borrow money to complete these projects, and the increase in home value is greater than the total cost of the loan, you can file that home equity loan under good debt.
Home equity loans can often come with low interest rates and the interest you do pay on them may be tax deductible.
Car Loans
Car loans tend to straddle the line between good and bad debt, as car ownership, from a financial aspect, has both pros and cons. Opposed to homes, which gain value over time, new cars lose value from the minute you drive one off the lot.
That being said, cars are a necessity for most people, needed to, amongst other things, get them to work where they can earn a living. In order to make a car loan as “good” as possible, find one with favorable terms, including a low interest rate.
AAA can get you get behind the wheel of a new car or refinance the one you already have. Learn more about our Auto Buying Program and low-rate Auto Loans.
What Is Bad Debt?
Bad debt not only puts you in the hole for your immediate future, it also offers no redeeming qualities, such as increasing your income or net worth. Furthermore, it can often cause your debt totals to spiral out of control. Here are some types of bad debt to look out for.
Credit Card
What mortgages are to good debt, credit cards are to bad debt. Credit card debt doesn’t help your long-term financial outlook and, even worse, it can cause your debt totals to spiral out of control. Credit card debt is the prime example of what’s known as revolving debt, in which there is no predefined repayment plan and minimum payments change as you pay off your debt or add to it.
Credit cards offer an easy way to pay for things, but consumers pay for that convenience in the form of extremely high interest rates. This means that even a small amount of debt can grow to a significant amount in a short period of time. This significantly increases the total amount of debt you owe and makes getting even on your debt all that more difficult.
Piggybacking off credit card debt, any loan with a high-interest rate can be labeled as bad debt and should be avoided. It can be very difficult to catch up with your payments if you fall behind on these types of loans, putting you in a worse financial position than you began. A prime example of this is payday loans, which provide short-term cash you’re required to repay by your next paycheck, usually within a week or two. However, payday loans can have interests rates as high as 600%. If you’re late on your repayment, it’s a very slippery slope into a massive hole of debt.
Find low rates on auto, home and student loans with AAA.
This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.
Summer flights represent an outsize percentage of cancellations
The bags are packed, the car is parked, and you’ve made it through the security lines. But is your flight taking off on time? During the busy summer travel season, the earlier the flight, the better chance the answer to that question will be yes.
Summer flights bring an increased risk of delays and cancellations compared to the rest of the year. Across the country, from June to August 2024, 72% of flights departed on time, compared to 80% throughout the rest of 2024, according to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation. And while June through August flights made up just over a quarter of 2024’s total flights, they accounted for 33% of all delays and 40% of all cancellations.
Early flights are more likely to depart as scheduled. Across the country last year, flights from June through August in the 6 a.m. hour had just a 1-in-9 chance of being delayed or canceled. By the 10 a.m. hour, those odds jump to 1-in-5; by 3 p.m., flights had a whopping 1-in-3 chance of being delayed or canceled. The odds of delay or cancellation only increase into the evening hours.
“Any travelers concerned about the potential for delays and cancellations are best served by choosing flights earlier in the day, which are most likely to take off on time,” said Jillian Young, director of public relations for AAA Northeast. “Travelers should prepare by signing up for text alerts and downloading apps for the airline they’ve booked and an alternative airline, as that can be the quickest way to rebook if needed.”
State-specific airport data:
Connecticut: At Bradley International Airport, 80% of flights took off on time in 2024. In June, July and August, that average dropped to just under 73%. And in 2024, flights during those three months accounted for almost half of cancellations for the entire year.
Massachusetts: At Boston Logan International Airport, 79% of flights took off on time in 2024. In June, July and August, that average dropped to approximately 72%. And in 2024, flights during those three months accounted for over half of cancellations for the entire year.
During the 2024 summer travel season, roughly 85% of flights between 6 and 9 a.m. took off on schedule at Logan, compared to approximately 53% of flights between 6 and 9 p.m.
At Worcester’s Regional Airport, 75% of flights took off on time in 2024. In June, July and August, that average dropped to just under 69%. And in 2024, flights during those three months accounted for over 40% of cancellations for the entire year.
New Jersey: At Newark Liberty International Airport, approximately 76% of flights departed on time in 2024. In June, July and August, that average dropped to 68%. And flights during those three months accounted for over 53% of cancellations for the entire year.
During the 2024 summer travel season, roughly 83% of flights between 6 and 9 a.m. took off on schedule, compared to less than 50% of flights between 6 and 9 p.m.
New York: Across New York City area airports, delays and cancellations increase in the summer, with most delays occurring later in the day compared to early morning. Flights in June, July, and August accounted for an outsize portion of cancellations for the entire year: nearly 65% at JFK, over 60% at LaGuardia, 53% at Newark, 57% at Stewart, 39% at Westchester and 38% at MacArthur.
Percentage of Flights Departing on Time for June, July and August 2024
Airport
6–9 a.m.
6–9 p.m.
JFK
~84%
~53%
LaGuardia
~86%
~56%
Newark
~83%
~49%
At Syracuse Hancock International Airport, about 82% of flights took off on time in 2024. In June, July and August, that average dropped to about 76%. And flights during those three months accounted for just over 60% of cancellations for the entire year.
Rhode Island: At Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport, about 82% of flights took off on time in 2024. In June, July and August, that average dropped to roughly 75%. And flights during those three months accounted for just over 41% of cancellations for the entire year.
Q. I was reading an article online about the start stop feature cars use today to save on gas. This mechanic says it is the worst thing invented. Says everyone should disable this feature because it ruins your engine. Stating, starting an engine that many times shortens the life of the engine. Is there any real data about this feature? I really do not care for the feature myself but would like to know if it does save on gas and help the environment without shorting the life of the engine.
A. The starters are supposed to be more robust, if fact Toyota has a code for starter replacements and it is in the hundreds of thousands of starts. Chrysler and Hyundai both also claim the starting components are designed for repetitive start/stops. With today’s computer-controlled fuel injected engines there is very little chance of oil dilution, so I do not see this feature ruining an engine. Does it save on gas, yes it does, a little. About 11 years ago we did this study and found the tech does save fuel and lowers vehicle emissions. https://newsroom.aaa.com/2014/07/aaas-tests-reveal-real-world-benefits-automatic-stop-start-technology/. Is it my favorite new car feature, no. In fact the EPA is considering a ban on auto start/stop technology in new cars.
Q. I maintain my 2016 Honda Odyssey by the book hoping to drive it for 300,000 miles. At 104,000 miles I had the spark plugs changed. My gas mileage dropped from 27.8 mpg to 26.1 mpg under the same driving conditions. I asked my mechanic if there may be something that was not reconnected causing this 6% drop in mpg. He replied that there were many different things that could affect miles per gallon. Nothing else had or was changed. Thinking about this I decided to change the air filter. Now my MPG is back to my normal 27.8. Do you think that the hotter spark from new plugs may have required greater airflow for efficient combustion? It is recommended that the air filter be changed every 30,000 miles. I was going with the air filter manufacturer recommendation of 12 months. Which do you think is better? Also, for this test I purchased a Fram 18-month filter. Which brand filter do you prefer?
A. The idea that the filter improved the mileage is interesting, since technically the computer system should keep the fuel mixture the same-a clogged filter will reduce power which you need to add more throttle and end up using more fuel. Personally, I still look at the air filter and if it is dirty or dusty or pollen filled, I replace it. This is probably every 18 months of so. I try, when possible, to use factory filters or if not tend to use WIX filters which are made by Mann-Hummel. They also make many of the OE filters. Is Fram a good company I am sure, but I had a weird issue with a Fram oil filter on one car. I would get a lifter tap sound in the morning when I switched to the OE filter no tap. Since then, I have used WIX or the factory filter.
Q. My brand-new Kia K4 just turned 1500 miles and has an 8-speed automatic transmission with Normal setting and a Sport setting. I just went on a trip driving in a normal setting. On the highway at 70 MPH the tachometer is reading 2300 RPM’s. I discovered the car is in 7th gear. I can manually paddle shift to 8th gear and the RPM’s drop to 1600. On my trip there I did this all the time and got 45 MPG. On the way home I did not touch the paddles and got 38 MPG. Any thoughts?
A. This does sound a little strange. I can understand that in the sport setting, the computer will lock out 8th gear for better performance. In the normal setting they transmission should go into 8th speed at highway speeds. I would go back to the dealer and road test another K4 for comparison. Having an 8-speed transmission that does not shift into 8th gear automatically does not make much sense to me.
Q. I was watching YouTube and saw a mechanic checking for parasitic electrical drain with a thermal imaging camera. Does this work and have you tried it?
A. I recently have been using an Innova Infrared Inspection Camera. I did find a relay that stayed on when the car was off because of the heat signature. Although it is a versatile tool, it is not the quick answer to finding parasitic draw, it is just another tool for diagnostics and troubleshooting that can get you down the correct path. I think we watch the same channels.
Do you have car questions? Email AAA’s Car Doctor for a personal reply: jpaul@aaanortheast.com.
Getting married is one of life’s biggest milestones and, consequently, is something that necessitates a lot of important conversations. While choosing your wedding florist is undoubtedly important, we mean something more to the tune of discussing your financial future. In essence, life insurance.
No one wants to imagine the possibility of losing someone they love, but planning for the unexpected is an act of love that can protect both of you for the future.
The Importance of Life Insurance in Marriage
Life insurance isn’t just a policy, much like how your marriage license is more than just a piece of paper. Both are essentially a promise in good faith.
Whether it’s covering debts, protecting your partner’s standard of living or ensuring that your children or future dependents are taken care of, life insurance plays a vital role in providing peace of mind. In the event of an untimely passing, having life insurance can ease the financial burden that might otherwise fall on you or your partner. It can make sure they’re not left to manage things like funeral costs, mortgages, student loans or other financial obligations.
Before you even consider the specifics of a policy, it’s important to sit down and have an honest conversation about life insurance with your partner. Although it will likely feel uncomfortable or emotional, it’s crucial to approach the discussion from a place of care and responsibility.
Start Early
Don’t wait until you have children or until your financial situation becomes more complex before you start talking about life insurance. The earlier you start, the more options you’ll have and the easier it’ll be to secure affordable coverage. Starting early means locking in lower premiums and giving yourselves time to adjust coverage as your needs evolve.
Be Transparent
Make sure you discuss your financial goals, debts and income. This will give both of you a clearer picture of how much life insurance you’ll need. Whether you’re paying back student loans, a mortgage or are considering family planning, being clear about your financial obligations will ensure your policy covers all the necessary expenses.
Talk About Your Needs
There are various types of life insurance, such as term life, whole life and universal life, each with different benefits. Make sure you understand the differences and discuss which type of coverage fits your lifestyle and goals.
Consider Each Other’s Opinions
It’s always important to listen to your partner’s concerns and desires, and especially when it comes to life insurance. It’s a shared responsibility and understanding what matters most to each other will help in choosing the right coverage and beneficiary designations.
How to Provide a Financially Secure Start to Your Marriage
Happy finances, happy life? We say so! By setting yourself and your partner up for success early on, you can focus on your future together without being burdened by financial stress.
To start, establish a clear and realistic budget before making any big financial decisions. Determine how much you each earn, what your regular expenses are and where you can save. This can help you both feel aligned on your financial goals and prevent future misunderstandings.
If either or both partners come into the marriage with debt — credit card, student loans, car loans, etc. — it’s important to address it head-on. Consider taking out life insurance to cover any large debts that would otherwise fall to your partner in the event of your passing.
Life insurance isn’t the most romantic topic to discuss, but it is one of the most practical ways to ensure your loved one’s well-being in the event of the unexpected. By encouraging open conversations and planning for a secure future together, you can start your happily ever after worry-free.
Incorporating one meatless meal, or even an entire meatless day, into your weekly routine might seem like a small change, but its impact can be surprisingly powerful. Whether you’re motivated by improving your health, environmental concerns or ethical considerations, embracing meatless meals on a regular basis offers a host of benefits for you and the planet alike. And no, it doesn’t mean only eating plain, boring salad.
Improved Health and Nutrition
Let’s start with your health. Studies have shown that daily consumption of processed meats is associated with higher instances of coronary heart disease and that eating plant-based foods can help lower that risk. Diets centered around vegetables, legumes, whole grains and fruits, on the other hand, are linked to a reduced risk of chronic illnesses such as Type 2 diabetes.
This is because plant-based meals tend to be lower in saturated fat and cholesterol while still providing protein sources like beans, lentils, tofu, quinoa and nuts. Even one day of eating this way can help your body reduce inflammation and improve digestion.
Environmental Sustainability
The environmental cost of meat production (especially red meat) is significant. Livestock farming contributes to deforestation, water pollution and high greenhouse gas emissions — more than the world’s cars, trucks, planes and trains combined, according to Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future. Reducing global meat consumption could dramatically cut these emissions, per the United Nations Environment Programme.
Processing meat uses a lot of water, as well, with beef having the highest water footprint of all foods — over 1,800 gallons of water to produce a single pound of beef, to be exact. In addition, livestock production accounts for a whopping 75% of the planet’s agricultural land and has directly contributed to an over 60% decline in species population since the 1970s, per Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future.
By skipping meat just once a week, you’re effectively reducing your carbon footprint, conserving water and helping to preserve natural ecosystems. Not a bad trade off.
Cost Savings on Your Weekly Grocery Trip
Meat is often one of the most expensive items on a market receipt, even if you’re purchasing cheaper cuts. Replacing that line item on your shopping list with plant-based proteins like beans, lentils, rice and seasonal vegetables can save you money without compromising nutrition. A recent study found that being vegetarian or “flexitarian” (a diet that’s mostly vegetarian but makes allowances for the occasional consumption of meat) could decrease your food bill by up to one-third.
Culinary Creativity
Having to incorporate some new ingredients into your diet creates an opportunity to be a little innovative in the kitchen. Even a simple ingredient like chickpeas can be prepared in a variety of different ways, in a multitude of dishes. Try your hand at different methods of preparation like braising or air-frying to experiment with texture or get creative and find a recipe for a whole new dish you’ve never made before. No matter what, choosing to eliminate meat for at least one meal a week can open your palate to delicious alternatives.
Watch how we brought simple, plant-based ingredients together for a hearty soup that, in our opinion, is even better the next day:
Blend 1 can of cannellini beans and 1 cup of vegetable broth in a blender until smooth. Set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and carrots and cook for 7-8 minutes. Add garlic, stir. Add remaining can of cannellini beans, can of chickpeas and rosemary.
Stir in the blended broth and bean mixture along with the remaining 3 cups of broth, kale, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil before reducing to a simmer to cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes.
Stir in lemon zest and juice. Slowly add Parmesean cheese while continuing to stir to avoid clumps.
Plate and enjoy! Try with additional pepper on top, more cheese or a hunk of sourdough bread.
Check out more meatless recipes on Your AAA Network:
Summer is the perfect time for a road trip, and nothing beats a beach excursion. The Northeast has miles of coastline to explore, from the rocky shores of Maine to the bustling coastal villages of Connecticut and New York.
It’s not just about setting out a beach blanket and soaking in the sun. There are also hiking trails, bike routes, historical sites, and plenty of shops and restaurants to experience. Here are the top coastal destinations in the Northeast to visit this summer.
This family-friendly destination has something for everyone. There’s the beautiful Maine coast for the water lovers, where you can enjoy the view, go for a swim, or rent a kayak and create your own personal adventure. You can also head into Acadia National Park where early risers can catch the sun coming up along the rocky shoreline and spend the day exploring the many hiking trails found throughout the park.
After a busy day, take some time to wander downtown and see the shops, from art galleries to specialty food and clothing stores. Finish your day by choosing from an array of restaurants where you can order a lobster roll or even a whole lobster and learn how to shell one like a true Mainer.
At just 13 miles, New Hampshire has the shortest coastline of any state, but there’s plenty to see and do along that short distance. There’s Wallis Sands State Park where families with little ones can play in the sand or grab a bite to eat in the snack shack. For more adventure, head to Hampton Beach and wander the boardwalk. And don’t miss 135-acre Odiorne Point State Park. The New Hampshire coast might be small, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in fun.
You’ll find Provincetown way out on the tip of Cape Cod, making the meandering drive that leads here half the fun. Stop along the way at one of the many beaches to dip your toes in the water or grab a little something to nibble on for the rest of your trip.
This busy town has something for everyone, including an active nightlife that you won’t find in most seaside towns. Miles of picturesque beaches, galleries featuring local talent and restaurants where you can lounge away the day enjoying fresh seafood, make Provincetown a great coastal destination.
Any list of top coastal destinations in the Northeast would be incomplete without including Martha’s Vineyard. A trip to this island located south of Cape Cod starts with a ferry ride, and yes, you can bring your car along for the trip. Once there, get ready for winding country roads and incredible views around every corner.
The streets are full of unique shops featuring art, clothes and all manner of souvenirs. Rent a bike to fully enjoy the island and take time to catch a show at Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse. This is the place to see and be seen, so keep your eyes open for celebrities from your favorite actors to politicians.
A visit to Mystic offers a chance to explore the coast and experience a bit of our nation’s history. The Mystic Seaport Museum takes you back in time where you can climb aboard a wooden whaleship, meet blacksmiths and coopers, and learn about the country’s rich maritime history.
There’s also the Mystic Aquarium with the only beluga whales in New England — a sight the kids will not want to miss. Explore the shops at Olde Mistick Village and wind down after a busy day with an evening cruise on the ocean or dinner at a seaside restaurant.
You can’t beat the views on the soft sandy beach in Narragansett. And while you may think of surfing as a west coast thing, there’s a section of the beach specifically reserved for surfers, so don’t forget your board.
If you’re a lobster fan, plan to check out the village of Galilee. It’s home to the largest fishing fleet in Rhode Island with both commercial fishermen and deep-sea fishing cruises. It boasts a wide range of seafood restaurants, or you can purchase lobster and fish right from the fisherman at the docks. It doesn’t get any fresher.
Those looking for an oceanside getaway with a dose of opulence and old-world charm should have Newport on their lists. It has the seaside charm of shops, restaurants and beaches, along with the over-the-top grandeur of the Newport Mansions. These historic properties show off the finest in American architecture from the Colonial Era to the Gilded Age and are open for touring. There are also special programs focusing on servant life, daily operations of these grand estates and even food and wine tours. Once you finish exploring the homes, take some time to walk the expansive grounds and enjoy the spectacular ocean views.
A popular getaway spot for New York City residents, Montauk is located at the easternmost tip of Long Island and offers beautiful views of the ocean and miles of sandy beaches. Plan to visit Montauk Point Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in New York. It’s well worth the climb to the top for the incredible 360-degree view of Block Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean.
After a day of exploring the beaches of Montauk, enjoy the evening at one of the many seafood restaurants in the area. Expect excellent cuisine prepared by local chefs in a casual yet upscale setting, perfect for relaxing.
There is no shortage of amazing coastal destinations to visit this summer. Whether you’re looking for a day at the beach or museum with the kids, an afternoon wandering through boutiques full of local creations or the ultimate seafood dinner to finish the day, it’s all waiting for you here in the Northeast.
Dealing with a lightning strike and navigating your homeowners insurance to ensure you’re covered is probably not something you’d normally expect to have to do. The probability of a house being struck by lightning is low, but if it does happen the damage can be severe. The best course of action is to always be prepared.
Surge and Damage to Electronics
Electrical surges caused by lightning strikes can wreak havoc on connected electrical appliances.
A standard homeowners insurance policy will cover damage to personal property — including electronics and appliances — resulting from covered events, such as a lightning strike. However, the insurance will only cover up to the limits of your policy. Given the increase of expensive electronics in homes, it is important to check with your insurance agent to ensure the limit in your policy is set high enough.
You may also want to review your homeowners policy to see if reimbursement for personal possessions is based on actual cash value or replacement cost. Actual cash value pays the amount needed to replace the item, minus depreciation. Replacement cost generally pays the dollar amount needed to replace a damaged item with one of similar kind and quality without deductions for depreciation.
Creating a full inventory of personal items before disaster strikes can ease the process of making a claim, as well as help to clarify if you have enough insurance or not.
Home Damage
If your house has been directly hit by a lightning strike, you should immediately call the fire department. Lightning strikes often lead to fires starting in an attic or within the walls of a house, which might be hard to identify until it’s too late.
Standard home property insurance will cover damages to your house and property due to fires caused by lightning. In the case of fire damage, it is also good to know if your homeowners insurance will cover additional living expenses, which are designed to foot the bill of living elsewhere while your home is being repaired. This payout is usually about 20% of your home’s value.
The Best Insurance Is Disaster Avoidance
Taking steps to protect your valuable electronics and appliances, as well as your home from a lightning strike, can amount to tremendous financial, mental and emotional savings.
Most homes will already have a grounding system, such as a lightning rod, built into their house. Lightning rods are now designed to be incredibly inconspicuous, often not much bigger than a pencil. A good grounding system should be paired with point-of-use surge protection devices. These devices can vary from whole-house surge protectors, which are installed at your home’s main electrical panel, to surge protector strips. Even with surge protectors in place, it is advisable to unplug high-value electronics during storms.
Also, be sure to cut down or trim trees that may be in danger of falling on your home.
Professional Protection
If you’ve recently moved or made an addition to your current house, it is wise to call in a certified professional to ensure your place is as safe as it can be from lightning-strike damage.
Lightning will always take the easiest way to the ground when it hits a home, which means a custom lightning-protection system for your home can create pathways to safely guide the powerful surge of electricity away from valuables. However, only professionals will be able to install such a system with confidence.
Get more tips on how to safely deal with the potential dangers of thunderstorms and lightning before, during and after a storm occurs from Ready.gov.
By taking the necessary precautions, it is possible to minimize the chances of significant damage to your personal property and home. However, if a disastrous lightning strike does cause a power surge or fire in your house, your standard homeowners insurance policy should have you covered.
Learn about AAA home and condo insurance in your state.
Worried about lightning strikes and your homeowners insurance coverage? Leave your thoughts in the comments.
This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.
Even though windshield wipers are critical for safe driving, we tend to not think about them until it’s raining or snowing. It’s only after you flip them on and streaks spread across your windshield that you remember it’s time for new ones.
We asked Justin Fortier, general manager of AAA Approved Auto Repair facility Fortier’s Auto Sales & Service in Fall River, Massachusetts, exactly how often to replace windshield wipers.
He recommends at least once a year, and twice is probably better.
“I replace mine in the fall and the spring,” he said.
At Fortier’s shop, wipers usually come up when a customer is getting the oil changed. The technician may notice that the wipers are worn or are cracked while cleaning the windshield.
“The average customer doesn’t mention wipers unless it’s raining,” he said. “They put it out of their minds.”
Learn the signs to spot car trouble early, avoid breakdowns and manage repairs with confidence. Listen to Season 2, Episode 7 of our podcast, Merging Into Life: Your Essential Car Maintenance Checklist
Conditions That Influence Windshield Wiper Efficiency
Wear and tear, infrequent cleaning and environmental factors can all affect windshield wiper performance. Fortier suggests using alcohol to clean the blades regularly to help maintain them.
Ice and snow can take a toll on wipers, especially if the wipers freeze to the windshield. Before a snowstorm, Fortier recommends you stand your wipers upright, but when it is time to put them down, do so slowly; people have broken their windshields by dropping the wipers onto the glass.
Another tip to save your wipers when the temperature drops: Turn the wipers off before shutting off the car. If you don’t and the wipers freeze to the glass, they could break or the windshield could shatter when you turn the car on.
Replacing Wiper Blades
When it’s time to replace your windshield wipers, “try to get a name brand with a guarantee,” advised Fortier. An autobody shop could help you put them on if you are not comfortable tackling the task on your own.
Do you replace your windshield wipers often enough? Tell us in the comments.
For auto repair and maintenance you can trust, find a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility near you. With savings up to $75 per visit on labor, it’s a service that essentially pays for your membership.
For answers to more of your car questions, check out our Ask a Mechanic series.
Expansive beaches, rocky shores, miles of hiking trails, charming towns, gourmet seafood — it’s all yours to enjoy on a road trip along the Bay of Fundy coast in New Brunswick, Canada. About a 200-mile drive can give you a taste of all this amazing region has to offer.
Located east and northeast of Maine, New Brunswick is a proud mix of Indigenous, Acadian (French), English, Irish and Scotch cultures that define the province, along with its seafaring history, all of which are on display as you take to the roads.
Sample the area’s renowned fresh lobster and seafood, then dive into the fascinating world of local marine life at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre. At the Fundy Discovery Aquarium, you can interact with local sea creatures through touch tanks and engaging exhibits.
Explore the Bay of Fundy and the City of Saint John
Continue your journey by driving east about 60 miles to the City of Saint John.
New Brunswick’s famous Bay of Fundy boasts the highest tides in the world, reaching up to 52 feet. For an unforgettable experience, you can walk on the bay floor three hours before and three hours after the low tide mark. You can also go kayaking on the Bay of Fundy or Saint John River, but before any tidal activities be sure to check the tide schedule.
While you are here, you have to see the Reversing Falls Rapids, another amazing natural phenomenon that happens twice a day when the bay reaches high tide and its powerful waters collide with Saint John River and reverse the river’s flow.
Ready for a bite and a drink? There is something for every taste bud and budget. Saint John has more than 80 bars and restaurants within a 10-block radius in the city. Seafood, of course, is at the top of many menus.
Diners might also want to try dulse, a dried red seaweed. Eaten plain or mixed in with other foods like salads and sandwiches, the dulse harvested from the Bay of Fundy is said to be the best in the world.
If you are a beer drinker, take a tour of the Moosehead brewery, Canada’s oldest family-owned independent brewery.
After you bid the City of Saint John goodbye, continue driving east and stop in the town of Moncton, in the area known as the Hub of the Maritimes. Sample local spirits at the Magnetic Hill Winery, one of 19 wineries in New Brunswick.
If you are traveling with children, head to Magic Mountain, Atlantic Canada’s biggest waterpark, with waterslides, a lazy river and wave pool, plus games and golf. For a drier outing, visit Magnetic Hill Zoo, a 40-acre park home to more than 60 native and exotic species of animals and a fun zone with inflatables.
Next, it’s off to the show-stopper — Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park, where the beach features more than 20 sea “stacks” of rocks shaped over thousands of years by the highest tides in the world. Visitors can descend stairs (99) or use a ramp to get to the sea bottom at low tide. When the tide is in, kayak around and through the sea stacks for amazing views. The admission fee covers two full days, so visitors can experience high and low tides.
Fundy Trail Provincial Park is another New Brunswick icon you don’t want to miss. As you head back home, take the scenic Fundy Trail Parkway down along the coast and find waterfalls, beaches, hiking and biking trails and inspiring lookouts along the way.
So, bring your explorer’s spirit, hiking boots and a passion for seafood as you set out on your Fundy Coast road trip. Book now.
Amsterdam may have once taken on a mythical quality for those who have never visited. Too often, the capital city of the Netherlands was portrayed either as a quaint land of tulips, windmills and wooden shoes or as a party destination with a wild nightlife.
The true identity of Amsterdam is more vibrant and nuanced than either of these caricatures, of course. Amsterdam is one of the rare European cities that has a contemporary feel while still retaining its old-world charm. The city is dotted with welcoming cafes, inviting parks and cultural attractions. It is eminently walkable and even easier to travel by bike, with great public transportation also available.
Amsterdam is also considered one of the safer large cities in Europe, and many of its inhabitants speak at least some English, making it a welcoming destination for U.S. families.
If you ever have the good fortune to visit, here are some suggestions for what to do in Amsterdam.
6 Things to Do in Amsterdam
Take in Museum Quarter
Three of the Netherlands’ most important art museums are within walking distance from each other in this quarter. Rijksmuseum offers an encompassing survey of Holland’s rich art history, including works by Rembrandt and Van Gogh. The Van Gogh Museum features the world’s largest collection of paintings by the famous Dutch painter. Be advised that tickets should be booked well in advance for this museum. For a different vibe, check out the Stedelijk Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art and Design, which also serves as a community art-making hub.
The Museum Quarter is lined with high-end shops and welcoming cafes. In warm weather months, you also can find great options for outdoor dining and street food.
Tulip season in Holland runs from mid-March to mid-May, and it is truly a sight to behold. If you happen to be in Amsterdam during the height of tulips, be sure to visit Keukenhof botanical garden, one of the largest flower gardens in the world. A short ride from the city, Keukenhof has some 7 million bulbs, making a vibrant backdrop for any trip photo.
There are windmills in the garden, but there is also the historic Molen van Sloten Windmill within Amsterdam’s city limits. The 1847 mill is still in use today, and both the windmill and a connected museum are open to the public. Also, the bridges spanning Amsterdam’s canal system are picturesque. You can hop aboard one of several canal rides to pass under them all and be given a guided tour of the city’s history.
Walk Through the Markets
Amsterdam has many great opportunities for casual shopping. Most famously, the Albert Cuyp market in the city center is a three-block open-air market with an eclectic mix of wares for tourists and locals alike, and opportunities to snack on Holland’s famous stroopwafels and other foods. The ever-bustling Leidestraat is lined with shops offering high-end fashion at reasonable prices. And if you happen to be in Amsterdam on the holiday of King’s Day in late April, the city itself turns into an open-air market and street festival, with locals selling a little of everything on the sidewalk in celebration of the king’s birthday.
Holland is shaped by its World War II history, and the modern city wears this history in the open. The Anne Frank House provides a haunting glimpse of the city’s most famous refugee. Frank’s diary provided an important history of the horror of the Holocaust. Tickets for this small museum must be purchased in advance, as it is one of the most popular things to do in Amsterdam.
Also, the Verzets Resistance Museum documents the Dutch resistance movement’s efforts to fight Nazi occupation, as well as the fall of the Dutch colonial empire in the world’s post-war realignment. Throughout the city, you can also find plaques and artwork documenting the city’s wartime history.
Animal lovers can happily spend the day at Artis Zoo and botanical garden. The zoo has an impressive labyrinth of indoor and outdoor attractions. There you can also find Micropia, a museum dedicated to understanding microbial life. The Artis grounds include a large aquarium, but it is undergoing extensive renovations and will reopen in spring 2026.
Quirky Stops
Of course, Amsterdam does have a quirky and wild side. For family-friendly fare, The Upside Down Amsterdam is a relatively new museum, offering the perfect opportunity for seemingly gravity-defying selfies to send to friends. There also are micromuseums for all sorts of interests, including ones dedicated to Dutch cheesemaking, cat art and even historic smoking pipes.
Amsterdam is a culturally rich destination that is easy to get acquainted with. With so many attractions, however, it may take a lifetime of visits to get to know the city well.
Plan your trip to Amsterdam with a AAA travel advisor. Browse our Amsterdam vacations, then start making your dream trip a reality. Travel advisor services are included with your membership at no extra charge.
Have you ever been? Share your favorite things to see and do in Amsterdam in the comments below.
If you need a break from the grind of everyday life, try shutting down your devices and escaping to the wilderness for some camping and hiking.
The last time I went camping, I turned off my phone for three days. I didn’t read or reply to any emails, liked zero social posts and not once did I hear it ring or ding to notify me of a message. If someone wanted to reach me, they would have had to drive five miles into the piney forest of Massachusetts and hike up a dirt path to my campsite or track my steps along a thin trail snaking beside the shores of a strikingly, seemingly impossibly blue lake.
My feet were dirty, my clothes were slightly damp from the morning dew and my hair gave off the slightest scent of smoke that it had absorbed while my face had been warmed by the glow of the campfire. My senses were rejuvenated through environmental immersion, and – even if only temporarily – I was freed from the constraints of technology, hurry and responsibility.
Here, I was reminded why hiking camping trips are my happy place. It offers a reprieve from the everyday hustle and bustle, a reconnection with nature and reminder of the simplicity of life’s necessities: cooking, breathing clean air, exercising and – perhaps most importantly– relaxing.
Whether getting lost in the woods brings you joy or you prefer enjoying the great outdoors from the comforts of an RV parked in a resort, check out our collection of bucket list-worthy destinations for the best camping and hiking in New England and New York.
First-time camper? Take a look at the infographic below for tips on how to survive (literally and figuratively) out in the wilderness.
Novice hikers, we’ve got you covered too. This list of essentials will get you on the trail with all the right gear and supplies needed for a successful hike.
On a trip into the Litchfield Hills of Connecticut, you’ll find yourself leaving quaint, small towns in your wake and diving deep into the woods, traveling along winding, hilly, tree-lined roads where acorns ping off the roof of the car and the smells of pine and the countryside waft in through the windows. The area is dotted with picturesque lakes, including Lake Waramaug, upon whose shores you’ll find 76 campsites, some overlooking the water and others hidden within the trees.
There is also a number of cabins on site, for those campers who aren’t quite willing to give up the comforts of the indoors. The campground is open Memorial Day through Labor Day and contains fishing, picnic, swimming and boating facilities, including canoe and kayak rentals.
Located on Mount Desert Island, surrounded by the chilly Atlantic waters off the central Maine coast, Acadia National Park offers world-class hiking on the island’s mountain with dramatic views of the Maine coastline and encircling foliage. There are five different camping and hiking areas in the park, and choosing the right one for your trip depends on the experience you hope to have.
Blackwoods Campground is open year-round, offering traditional tent camping facilities during the warmer months and primitive camping experiences during the off-season, when campers must hike to their sites. Seawall Campground, on the Southwest Harbor, and Schoodic Woods Campground, on the Schoodic Peninsula just southeast of Winter Harbor, offer amenities such as drive-in tent camping and RV accommodation sites.
Those looking for a more rustic, immersive and wilderness-focused experience should make a reservation at Duck Harbor Campground located on Isle au Haut, a smaller island located about 30 miles south of Mount Desert Island. You’ll have to catch a ride on the mail boat to get to this island where you won’t find any vehicles, but instead five fantastically primitive campsites that ooze adventure, each of which includes a lean-to shelter for a tent and a composting toilet.
After you’ve set up camp, head out on the 18 miles of hiking trails that explore the island’s marshes, bogs and mountains. Wildwood Stables Campground is only open to visitors with stock animals.
What makes Cathedral Pines Campground one of the best places for camping in New England? It meets many campers’ criteria for a fabulous and comfortable camping and hiking experience. It’s in the middle of nowhere, provides access to great outdoor activities, and yet still has flushing toilets.
Set within towering red pines in northwestern Maine, and less than 30 miles from the Canadian border, this campground offers a rural outdoors feeling while providing the comforts of bathroom, shower and laundry facilities. There’s also a playground, recreational hall and boating amenities.
Whether you find yourself among the warm sunshine of the spring and summer months, the stunningly beautiful reds, oranges and yellows of the autumn months, or – if you’re brave enough – the snow in winter, Mother Nature practically guarantees campers in the Berkshires a visually beautiful experience no matter what the season.
Savoy Mountain State Forest offers some of the best camping and hiking in New England. It features 46 campsites, available for reservations seasonally and located below the bowing branches of an apple orchard, as well as four cabins that can be rented year-round.
Campers can choose from a variety of outdoor experiences and adventures, accessible from each of their 50 miles of collective hiking trails. The trails pass through floating bog islands, climb up to overlooks to offer spectacular views and weave through the forest before emerging over cliffs to reveal hidden, crystal clear waterfalls.
Chocorua Camping Village is the ideal destination for resort-style, all-inclusive family camping and hiking in the woods of the New Hampshire White Mountains. Here you’ll be surrounded by the quieting comforts associated with camping like sprawling lakes, towering pine trees, fire pits and picnic tables.
But, you and the kids will also have access to many activities and amenities, including a game room, movie theater, swimming pool and treasure hunts. Both tent and RV sites are available, and more indoors-y, yet still adventurous campers can rent one of 10 Wabanaki Lodges. These log cabins are accessible only by venturing over a footbridge.
Who says you have to choose between camping and going to the beach? Charlestown Breachway offers campers and beachgoers the best of both worlds. RV-suitable campsites are located right on a man-made breachway that separates the Atlantic Ocean from Ninigret Pond. Campers also have access to the state beach, freshwater fishing and shell fishing. There is even a boat launch on site. Campers must have a self-contained RV (this means no tent camping), as there are no sanitation facilities.
Nickerson State Park in Cape Cod is a mini paradise. A world away from the crowds, scorching sun and crashing surf of the Cape Cod National Seashore, you’ll discover an enchanting forest refuge offering warm breezes, picturesque hiking trails and private beaches overlooking crystal clear waters of eight kettle ponds, formed thousands of years ago by glaciers and lined with white sand.
You’ll have your pick of more than 400 campsites and access to swimming, boating and fishing facilities, as well as the Cape Cod Rail Trail, a paved bike path that runs through the park. There is also a nature center on site that offers recreational programs and yurt camping options.
Like Cathedral Pines, Moosalamoo Campground affords campers an outdoor, backwoods getaway without feeling too in the backwoods. The 19 sites, located at the base of Mount Moosalamoo, offer drive-in tent camping, toilet facilities, accessible drinking water and trash disposal. Once on site, campers can challenge themselves on the mountain’s more than 70 miles of nearby trails, which are open for biking, cross-county skiing, hiking, horseback riding and snowmobiling in the winter.
One of the state’s most popular camping spots, Taconic State Park can easily get crowded. So, it’s a good idea to plan ahead. Some highlights include standing under Bish Bash Falls, hiking Brace Mountain and walking the famed Appalachian Trail.
Visitors can opt for tents or cabins, which include kitchens and outdoor campfire and picnic areas. Fishing is available at the campground. Deer and turkey hunting is also allowed, but with restrictions. The Copake Iron Works Museum, where visitors can learn about the area’s iron industry, is also nearby.
Referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth offers a variety of amenities. Swimming, camping, hiking, fishing, lectures and cultural activities are some of the many features it has to offer. The site has camping spots for tents and trailers, but also private cabins and hotel-style lodging.
The park features 66 miles of hiking trails. Horseback riding, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, biking, swimming, kayaking and whitewater rafting are also available. And, if you’re not afraid of heights, you can see the park from a hot air balloon.
Overlooking Otsego Lake, this area is the one described in James Fenimore Cooper’s “Leatherstocking Tales.” The park offers biking, camping, fishing, hiking and picnicking. In the winter months, there is skiing and ice fishing. The campgrounds include concession stands, a nature trail, pavilions, picnic tables, showers, grills, volleyball courts and fire rings.
Campfire wood is sold in the park. There are also a variety of nearby attractions, such as the Canadarago Boat Launch, Herkimer Home State Historic Site and Hyde Hall State Historic Site.
There are plenty of natural wonders to explore at the Adirondacks, from waterfalls and lakes to mountain views and tree-lined hiking trails. Campers will enjoy the privately run Adirondack campgrounds which include lakeside amenities like daily paddleboard rentals. Some sites also offer RV hookups. For a more rugged experience, there are backcountry campsites, which are located a little more than 150 feet away from trails or water sources, and are served by outhouses.
Considered the most famous of the Finger Lakes state parks, this spot offers 305 campsites with restrooms, showers, dumping stations and firewood for sale. It also offers concession stands, a gift shop, picnic tables and grills, playing fields, an Olympic sized swimming pool, kiddie pool, playgrounds and 19 waterfalls.
Reservations for campsites may be booked nine months in advance for a two-night minimum stay. Visitors to the park can also hike, fish in Seneca Lake or Catherine Creek and hunt in designated areas.
One of the main draws to this state park is its huge beach at Canopus Lake. For hikers, there are more than 14,000 acres of forest. Fishermen can catch bass, pickerel, perch, brook and rainbow trout in the park’s waters. The site also offers picnic areas, hikes led by park staff, a bridle path for horses, concession areas and more. And in the winter, Fahnestock is a popular locale for sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing and cross-country skiing.
Home to more than 47,000 acres, this park is considered the second largest in New York State. The scenic campgrounds include approximately 200 miles of hiking trails, 31 lakes and plenty of quiet, secluded spots for spending the night. The Beaver Pond Campgrounds feature comfort stations, laundry facilities and a dumping station. Activities in the park include fishing, camping and hiking, picnicking and boating.
For those hoping to camp out on the water, this 168-site campground features a 40-acre freshwater lake and two-mile sandy beach. Visitors can also spend the night on oceanfront property. There’s also a self-guided nature trail, sport fishing, opportunities for biking and hiking, picnic areas, woodlands and more. In the summer, Hither Hills offers movies, folk and line dancing, children’s theater and magic shows.
Shut down your smartphone for a few days and appreciate the beauty of nature in the Northeast region. You’ll come back feeling reinvigorated and better than ever.
Need a ride? Get exclusive deals on Hertz car rentals when you book with AAA.
Tell us your favorite camping spot in the the comments below.
This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which begins June 1 and extends through Nov. 30, is likely to be a busy one.
Colorado State University’s Tropical Weather and Climate Research predicts an “above normal” year, anticipating 17 named storms, four of which could become major hurricanes.
Despite even the most accurate forecasts, it’s hard to pinpoint the property damage total that can result from a hurricane or severe storm. From Katrina to Sandy to Ian, storms continue to make historic benchmarks in losses. Weather and climate disasters in the U.S. from 1980 to February 2025 cost approximately $2.9 trillion in damages, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Without the right insurance coverage, it can be hard to recover after a hurricane hits. Here are some of the most important things to know about hurricane insurance deductibles.
In 1992, Hurricane Andrew left insurers with $15.5 billion in losses – at the time, the costliest hurricane in U.S. history. From that point, hurricane insurance was determined to be a necessity in coastal areas to help cover high-cost property losses due to storm risks like hail and high winds.
“After the wake-up call of Andrew, insurers in many coastal states began to sell homeowners insurance policies with percentage deductibles for storm damage,” according to the Insurance Information Institute. “These deductibles are stated as a percentage of the insured value of the homes and generally are a higher dollar amount than traditional dollar deductibles used for other types of losses such as fire damage and theft.”
Nineteen states and the District of Columbia have hurricane deductibles. In the Northeast, this includes Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island.
A deducible is the amount of loss paid by the policyholder before insurance kicks in. Percentage deductibles are calculated as a specified percentage of the insured value of your property.
The exact percentage of your hurricane insurance deductible will be noted on your homeowner policy.
In the event a hurricane damages your home, you’ll be responsible for around 1-5% of the insured value before your coverage starts. As explained by the Insurance Information Institute, “If a house is insured for $300,000 and has a 5% deductible, the first $15,000 of a claim must be paid out of the policyholder’s pocket.”
Based on where you live, some insurance companies may offer hurricane deductibles stated as higher dollar amounts or possibly no separate hurricane deductible at all. In both cases, this will be reflected in the premium that’s being charged. You can ask your agent about what options are available to you.
When Does Hurricane Insurance Coverage Kick In?
There are a few things necessary for hurricane insurance to apply. These triggers vary by state and insurance carrier, but a good indicator comes from the National Weather Service. Once a hurricane watch or warning is issued, the intensity level is crucial. The moment a Category 1 hurricane makes landfall is when the deductible becomes applicable.
How Well Do You Understand Your Hurricane Insurance Deductible?
Of the homeowners surveyed in New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Florida 34% had never heard of hurricane deductibles, according to a 2017 report by the Insurance Research Council. It was found that over 25% lacked understanding of basic deductibles and 33% were unsure of the percentage applied.
New Jersey respondents demonstrated the lowest level of awareness and understanding of several hurricane deductible issues, despite the fact that about 346,000 homes in New Jersey were damaged or destroyed by Sandy.
This lack of understanding makes it harder to gain coverage in the aftermath of a hurricane-related event.
Know Your Insurance
When shopping for insurance, always check the financial rating of a company, especially if you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes. Catastrophic weather events result in large swaths of damage that may generate large losses for a particular company and can exceed their ability to pay all the claims.
Each state has its own rules regarding hurricane insurance. Talk to your insurance agent to run through all of the technicalities of your policy to make sure you can get the right coverage.
Over the past couple of years, Disney parks have been experimenting with different ways for guests to line up for rides. In 2021, they introduced a paid system called Lightning Lane to replace the previous line-skipping option known as FastPass+
At the end of summer 2024, Lightning Lane received a major update that might sound a little familiar to FastPass+ fans.
We went to Walt Disney World in August to figure out how to skip lines at Disney using the Lightning Lane rules.
Save on Walt Disney World park tickets with AAA Tickets.
Lightning Lane Multi Pass vs. Lightning Lane Single Pass
With Lightning Lane Multi Pass, guests can choose from a variety of attractions, up to three at a time. These attractions might be separated into tiers, depending on which park you visit. After you’ve used all your Lightning Lanes, you may schedule additional attractions, if there are reservations left. The most popular rides in the park probably will not be listed as options in Lightning Lane Multi Pass. But if you want to make sure you ride without a wait, you can get a Lightning Lane Single Pass.
Lightning Lane Single Pass can be used for one ride, one time. At time of writing, Single Pass rides include TRON Lightcycle / Run, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Avatar Flight of Passage and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Make sure to check which rides are available before scheduling your Lightning Lane Single Pass.
Lightning Lane reservations are an additional cost per person, per day, on top of your ticket. The price fluctuates based on the park you’re attending and the anticipated crowd levels, but is usually somewhere between $15 and $25.
Lightning Lane now has rules similar to the way FastPass+ worked before 2021, with rides separated into different tiers and the opportunity to schedule additional reservations throughout the day.
To get the most out of Lightning Lane Multi Pass or Single Pass, you have to know about it before you even walk through the gates. Well, ideally you should know about it seven days before you walk through the gates.
Rules
If you have a park ticket and are staying at a Walt Disney World hotel, you can make Lightning Lane reservations up to seven days prior to your check-in date, starting at 7 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. You may make Lightning Lane selections for the duration of your stay, up to 14 days. You can do this through the My Disney Experience app.
Anyone with park admission can book Lightning Lanes three days in advance of their trip, starting at 7 a.m.
Lightning Lane arrival windows are usually an hour, and they cannot overlap. For example, if your window for Space Mountain ends at 2:30 p.m., you can’t get a Haunted Mansion Lightning Lane that starts at 2:15 p.m.
However, a la carte Lightning Lane Single Pass purchases can overlap with your Multi Pass Lightning Lanes.
In Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios, the rides are separated into two tiers. When you are making your original three reservations, you are allowed to choose only one attraction from Tier 1, and two attractions from Tier 2. All Animal Kingdom attractions are in the same tier, so this rule does not apply.
If you want, you can edit your Lightning Lanes and switch them out with same-tier attractions that have available time slots.
Strategy
Do not use your Disney World Lightning Lanes for shows, parades or nighttime experiences. No matter what anybody tells you, they’re not worth it. It doesn’t change your wait time, and it might not even guarantee you a better view.
Schedule your first three Lightning Lanes as early as possiblein the day. This way, you can knock out your original Lightning Lanes fast and have more time to schedule your additional rolling Lightning Lanes.
Don’t see what you want? Refresh the page a few times. Sometimes you’ll find additional time slots that you didn’t see before.
I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to schedule my Lightning Lane Multi Passes on my trip to Hollywood Studios. I was able to snag reservations for Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Star Tours and Toy Story Mania.
On top of that, I got a Single Pass to ride Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. I was nervous about the return window overlapping with my Runaway Railway pass, which would have been an issue in the FastPass+ days. However, I got scanned in to both attractions with no issue at all.
Plus, since I’d made the reservations days in advance, I didn’t need to wake up early in the morning on my vacation to make sure I was able to do everything I wanted. I even got the opportunity to schedule additional Multi Pass reservations when I was done riding Toy Story Mania. There were only some time slots at select rides left, but I feel like I got my money’s worth by getting to skip a few additional lines.
The My Disney Experience app had some hiccups, but it ran a lot better than it has in previous years. I paired it with my phone, with my MagicBand+ and with a park ticket at various times throughout my trip, and it worked great no matter what.
Disney is always introducing new and exciting changes, but it can feel overwhelming at times. To help you navigate your next trip, AAA has travel advisors who specialize in Disney vacations. It’s their job to stay on top of all the latest happenings and help you plan.Reach out to one of our Magic Makers today!
Have you tried the new Disney World Lightning Lane system? Are you still confused about how to skip lines at Disney? Let us know in the comments below.
Are you planning to buy or sell a home? Maybe it’s your first time. If so, you’re probably wondering what to expect on closing day.
In a nutshell, the buyer pays the outstanding balance on the home along with any closing costs and fees. After signing a pile of paperwork, the seller transfers the property over to the buyer, who closes on the mortgage and celebrates becoming a new homeowner.
Simple, right? Not quite!
There are many steps that need to be taken before the big day. Perhaps most important, a buyer will need to be financially prepared, with ample funds to make a down payment, prove creditworthiness and pay closing costs.
On the Day of the Closing
Typically, the buyer, seller, closing attorney and real estate agent attend the closing. Sometimes the mortgage lender sends a representative to attend, too. Mortgage co-signers need to be present. A buyer’s spouse may also need to attend the closing, depending on the state.
One thing you can be sure to expect at closing? Lots of paper. Documents to sign include the property deed, bill of sale, promissory note and closing disclosure. Which paperwork you sign depends on the state you’re in, but you can plan on signing a stack of more than 30 documents.
Ideally, buyers are handed the keys to their new home after the closing. Quite often, the move-in date takes place on the same day of the deed recording. Depending on what city or county you’re in, it may take up to a few days.
Sometimes, a specific move-in date will be set in the purchase agreement. Ask your realtor about your move-in date well in advance of the closing. Also, try to schedule the closing in the morning and earlier in the week so there is enough time to record the deed with the city or county.
Closing Costs Explained
Closing costs can be substantial. They may include origination fees, appraisals, taxes, surveys, title searches, recording fees, credit reports, attorney’s fees, home inspections and homeowners insurance. Buyers often go into sticker shock when they see the total closing-day bill.
Sellers may also have closing expenses such as utility bills and real estate agent commissions. Closing costs are paid for with a cashier’s check, certified check or wire transfer.
To pave the way for a smooth transaction, AAA Northeast mortgage specialist Louis Alfaia suggests buyers first get pre-qualified for a mortgage. “I recommend buyers start with a mortgage company or bank they trust,” he said.
“You’ll meet with a mortgage loan originator or specialist,” said Alfaia. “They’re going to review your income, your assets and your credit profile. In doing so, they’ll qualify you and tell you what you can finance. Once that’s done and you have your prequalification in hand, you start shopping for your home.”
Learn more about the benefits of prequalifying for a mortgage.
Once a buyer is pre-qualified, they move to the next step: pre-approval. A pre-approval gives the buyer a competitive edge, as sellers know are serious and likely to be approved for a mortgage. Pre-approval typically lasts for up to 90 days, Alfaia said.
He warns buyers not to make any major financial changes leading up to the closing. Examples include changing or quitting jobs, making large purchases or opening a new line of credit.
Sometimes buyers get excited and go out and buy new home items on credit, Alfaia said. This is a big no-no. “If you go out and get a credit card to purchase furniture, it can affect your credit and your ability to repay the mortgage. You’ve just added debt to the scenario.”
Timing Is Key
The purchase and sale agreement is completed soon after the buyer’s offer is accepted. It specifies the final sale price, the closing date, the title company and the terms of the earnest money deposit, which can be used as a down payment on the home. “It’s the actual contractual agreement between buyer and seller, with final terms of the purchase,” said Alfaia.
It also lays out what are known as “closing contingencies.” These include dates by when to have your financing approved and when you’ll need to complete a home inspection. “Once you have the signed purchase agreement, you normally have 10 days to do a home inspection,” Alfaia said.
At least three days before the closing, the lender will provide a closing disclosure that further outlines the terms of the mortgage, he said. This document lists closing fees, monthly payments and total balance due. “It’s like a balance sheet,” said Alfaia.
A final walk-through of the home is scheduled very near to closing day. “It’s usually recommended to have it done the day before closing,” said Alfaia, to ensure buyers are getting the property they signed up to purchase.
No Deal: Parents Urged to Avoid Counterfeit and Used Car Seats
Raising children is expensive, so every parent appreciates a good deal. When it comes to selecting the right car seat, however, deals that seem too good to be true often are.
In recent years, reports of the prevalence of counterfeit and unsafe car seats and harnesses being sold online have been on the rise, putting children at risk. Unwitting parents might think they’ve found a great price on a name brand car seat only to end up buying a knockoff that hasn’t been crash-tested. Bogus seats might look nearly identical to genuine seats, but a close inspection usually reveals troubling details, such as flimsy plastic, lack of crash-absorbing padding, low-grade belts and weak clasps and clips — all of which mean the child is less protected.
To determine whether a seat is real or counterfeit, AAA Northeast offers parents and caregivers the following tips:
Genuine seats come with a detailed instruction booklet and registration card, usually tucked inside a compartment or placed on the seat itself in the shipping box.
All car seats approved for use in the U.S. are clearly marked with regulatory compliance and safety information labels. Approved seats are required to list the manufacturer and date of manufacture and often include an expiration date. Newer seats include QR codes that will take you to the manufacturer’s website. Seats should also include a sticker that states: “This child restraint system conforms to all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards,” as well as a date of manufacture and often an expiration date.
All car seats sold in the U.S. are required to have a three-point harness.
Check every label for misspellings, off-center text or odd use of English language possibly caused by poor translation.
If you’re still uncertain, provide the serial number to the manufacturer and ask for help confirming whether the seat is real or a dupe.
To avoid buying a counterfeit car seat in the first place, parents and caregivers should keep the following in mind:
Buying car seats directly from the manufacturer is a safe way to avoid unscrupulous sellers.
If buying from a major retailer, only shop from authorized sellers listed on car seat manufacturer websites.
If buying online from a store that features a marketplace, make sure the car seat is shipped and sold from the first-party seller, like Amazon or Walmart, not a third-party reseller. A seller’s customer service number should be an 800 number or have a U.S. area code.
Consider buying a car seat in person from an established retailer.
Avoid auction, drop-ship and foreign deal sites, like Temu, Wish, eBay and Alibaba, and be skeptical before buying from an advertisement on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok that isn’t clearly from the manufacturer or authorized seller.
Never buy a used seat from garage or yard sales, Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist since there’s no way to guarantee it hasn’t been involved in a crash.
