The Pros and Cons of Refinancing a Car

Refinancing your auto loan can be a big decision. You may be able to lower your interest rate and save money. However, in many cases, a new loan may cost you even more than the original.

Here are a few of the pros and cons of refinancing a car to help you decide if it is the right decision for you.

What Is Loan Refinancing?

Simply put, loan refinancing is replacing one loan for another. When you refinance, you are essentially paying off your old loan with money from your new loan, then repaying the latter under new terms. There are several reasons you may choose to refinance depending on your personal circumstances and motivations. Typically, borrowers look to refinance their car if they believe they can receive a new loan with more favorable terms or they need to increase their immediate cash flow.

Pros

Lower Interest Rate

One of the most common – and financially beneficial – reasons to refinance your car loan is to reduce your interest rates. Interest rates can fluctuate depending on the market, so choosing to refinance your loan may simply come down to the fact that rates have lowered.

But the current market isn’t the only factor affecting interest rates. An important component lenders consider when calculating the interest rate they offer is the borrower’s credit score. This number helps financial institutions determine how likely you are to pay the loan back. Therefore, if you had a poor credit score when you took out your initial loan, your loan had a higher interest rate. Conversely, if your credit score has improved since then, you may qualify for a lower interest rate.

Lower Payments

If your financial situation has changed since you took out your original car loan and you are looking to lower your recurring expenses, refinancing could prove to be a good option. In this situation, a lender would offer you a new loan with lower monthly payments over an extended duration. Essentially, you would be paying less money each month but over a longer timespan. The downside of this, however, is that by extending the loan, the total amount you pay over the lifetime of the loan will increase (more on that below).

Increased Cash Flow

If you are in immediate need of cash, such as for a sudden home improvement need, a cash-out loan is also an option. This refinance option works if you currently owe less than what your vehicle is worth. You can then take out a new loan based on the equity of your car and pocket the money left over. For example, if your car is currently worth $12,000 and you owe $8,000, you have $4,000 in equity. A new loan would allow you to pocket the equity you have in your car.

There are some downsides to this option. Cars, unlike houses, are deprecating assets. Even if maintained well, a car will continue to lose value the longer you have it. This creates a possible pitfall of having an upside-down loan in which you owe more than what the car is worth. If you are involved in a crash that damages the car, the value will likely decrease drastically, making it even more likely that you go underwater on your loan.

Another consideration with cash-out loans is that interest rates tend to be much higher than with traditional car refinance loans. You’ll want to ensure that the total interest you will pay on the loan is less than the cash-out you receive.

pros and cons of refinancing a car

Cons

Increase in Total Cost 

Is refinancing a car worth it? It depends. If you need to lower your monthly costs, refinancing is a great place to start. However, this option will likely extend the terms of your current loan and cost you more in the long run.

If you are extending the length of your loan, you will end up paying more over the life of that loan because interest will continue to be charged until the debt is fully paid. For example, if you have an $8,000 loan with a 5% interest rate paid over four years, you’ll pay a total interest rate of $843.25. If you extend your loan to six years, you will end up paying $1,276.44 in interest.

This may not be a problem if you are expecting to be in a better financial situation in the future or simply need a short-term influx of cash.

Higher Interest Rates

There’s no guarantee that you will be able to secure a lower interest rate when you refinance your car loan, particularly if you are refinancing in order to lower monthly payments or receive a cash-out loan. Because of this, you should review your auto loan at least annually to see if you can secure an interest rate lower than what you currently have. If you see a lower rate you may want to jump at the opportunity, even if you weren’t considering a refinance before. It’s better to get a good deal when you can rather than a bad deal when you need it.

You will also be susceptible to higher interest rates if you have an older car. Most lenders won’t issue a loan on an asset that has significantly depreciated in value. If they do, to make the deal financially viable, they will charge a higher interest rate.

Learn about refinancing options with AAA Auto Loans.

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

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AAA Driving Instructors Share Tips for Young Drivers

If experience is the best teacher, there’s no better driving instruction than from AAA. For more than 80 years, AAA has educated young drivers on how to stay safe behind the wheel. All training is based on data acquired from decades of AAA traffic safety research.

AAA Driver Training instructors have an unparalleled level of experience – and success – in turning new students into lifelong safe drivers. So, we spoke with six esteemed AAA driving instructors to share their best tips for young drivers.

With nearly a quarter-century of driving instructor experience among them, Frank Malone, Linda Brookfield, Ray Lamore, Rick Field, Rick Phelan, Gary Driscoll and Justin Cares have plenty of good advice. 

What are the top tips you would give a new teen driver to make them a better driver?

Frank Malone: Practice. Practice. And practice. Oh, and wear your seatbelt and use your blinker.

Linda Brookfield: 1. Keep the phone off and out of sight. 2. Keep a proper following distance. 3. Stay focused on driving – SIPDE (Search, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute).

Rick Field: 1. Slow down to allow time for decisions. 2. Read the Road 3. Look left, right, left until safe to go.

Rick Phelan: Respect the speed limit, use your directional and check your blind spots.

Gary Driscoll: Take the time to build your foundation first. Start at the beginning: work on adjusting your seating.

Justin Cares: Put all technology away and use the new car technology sparingly. All of your attention needs to be focused on looking out the windshield. 

AAA driving instructor
AAA Driving Instructor, Linda Brookfield.

What is the best thing about teaching new drivers? What is the worst?

Field: It’s very rewarding to witness students progressing and mastering concepts. The worst experiences are related to parents who fail to prepare and teach basic driving skills prior to the first driving lessons. Many students may have less than 30 minutes behind the wheel with a parent. These students are typically very difficult to teach and it’s an unproductive use of instructor expertise.

Malone: Helping students build confidence is the best part of teaching driver education. The worst part is having to break bad habits they pick up after watching other drivers become lazy role models!

Brookfield: The best thing is seeing students progress. I do my best to explain why we have to do things the way we do in order to be safe on the road. The worst thing is having a student who believes they already know what they’re doing. This is the person who will agree to my instruction yet continue to do things their own way – incorrectly!

Phelan: Interacting with the students and seeing them gain confidence in their abilities is great, but the best thing is getting a happy phone call from the student or parent letting me know they passed their road test or, better still, being with them as they pass! The worst feeling is their disappointment if they happen to fail the road test. Thankfully, that doesn’t happen too often.

Driscoll: The best thing is when you provide the student driver with the knowledge and training to be a good safe driver. Most student drivers want to learn how to drive safely and appreciate getting training that can help them achieve that goal. On the flip side, I’ve had a few students that didn’t want to get their driver’s license and were getting lessons only because their parents were making them. That usually creates a hostile training environment and can be very frustrating for the instructor.

Cares: In teaching new drivers, it’s really awesome to watch them grow as drivers and acquire new skills. It is also really a challenge sometimes because a lot of new drivers don’t take the driving task seriously. 

What’s the funniest or strangest experience you’ve ever as a driving instructor?

Field: One of the strangest experiences I had involved a student who, at the start of the lesson, vocalized ‘119,’ and then later continued with ‘118, 117, 116,’ and so on. Eventually, I asked what was going on and he said, ‘I am looking at the dash clock and counting down every minute until this lesson is over.’ The student was very uncooperative and only taking driving lessons because his mom made him. He preferred to use his bicycle as primary source of transportation. He never finished our program.

Malone: One time I had a student who was nervous about the infamous Kelly Square in Worcester. I took the student through the intersection at noontime, a fairly busy time of day. After having the student enter Route 290 while leaving the square, I said, ‘I’m not sure why you were so nervous about Kelly Square … you did just fine.’ The student was surprised. “That was it?” they asked. Sometimes they get nervous just because of what they hear from others.

Lamore: Recently, a student approached a red light at a high rate of speed. I repeatedly asked him to slow down, but he didn’t. Consequently, I needed to apply my brake. The student exclaimed, ‘You’re chill! My mom would have freaked!’ I replied, ‘Well, your mom loves you and cares about you. She wants to make sure that you’re a safe and cautious driver. But to be honest, I would have freaked if I didn’t have a brake!’

Driscoll: The strangest thing is how some teenagers and college students don’t know their right from their left. Still blows my mind how often that happens. 

Cares: I once was followed by a parent of a student for the entire two-hour lesson because she didn’t trust me. 

Enroll in the AAA Driver Training program today.

Tell us a memorable story from when you or your child was learning to drive in the comments. 

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

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Fenway Park Stadium Guide

It’s easy to see why any baseball historian would cherish a day at Fenway Park. Opened in April 1912, it’s the oldest stadium in Major League Baseball, rich in iconic features from the Green Monster in left field to Pesky’s Pole in right. If you’ve never visited before, or it’s been awhile, our Fenway Park stadium guide will help you make the most of your time in Boston this season.

Buying Tickets

Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to have tickets before heading to the field. Tickets are available online or at the stadium’s box office (open on game days two hours prior to game time until two hours after). You can also take advantage of special AAA member discounts on MLB games with AAA Tickets.

Check out the view from every section with this interactive chart.

Green Monster seats provide unique views from atop the famous 37-foot tall left field wall. Keep an eye on the park’s website for availability. You can also call 877-REDSOX-9.

If you don’t have tickets in advance, a limited number of game day tickets might be available. These tickets are sold at Gate E, 90 minutes before the game, but fans can get in line as early as five hours ahead of time. Those who purchase game day tickets must enter the park immediately.

Getting to Fenway Park

Getting around Boston can be challenging, so you’ll definitely want to give yourself extra time to get to the ballpark. Don’t worry about being too early; there’s plenty to do, as we’ve outlined below.

Brave souls who decide on driving to the stadium need to keep an eye out for one of several garages and lots in the area. You might find somewhere for less than $30, though you should expect the majority of options to be pricier. Advance online parking purchases are certainly worth looking into.

Riding the T – Boston’s subway system – is one of the most popular and least expensive ways to get to Fenway. The Green Line’s Kenmore Square and Fenway Park stations are just a short walk from the stadium. If you’re coming from outside the city, the MBTA’s commuter rails are a good bet. See the MBTA’s website for details.

If you’re looking to travel in style, you can always consider a Red Sox limousine package.

fenway park
(Photo: Joseph Sohm / Shutterstock)

Fenway Park Concessions and Food

You will not go hungry inside Fenway Park. After you have an obligatory Fenway Frank, everything from Italian sausage sandwiches to popcorn to Cracker Jack is just a quick between-inning stroll away. You can even get in the local spirit with options like lobster rolls and New England clam chowder.

Things are just as tasty outside the stadium, too. Restaurants and bars abound in the blocks around Fenway Park, offering plenty of opportunities to put down some seriously delicious grub. Cask’n Flagon is probably the area’s most well-known restaurant and bar. Located across the street from the stadium, it’s an incredibly popular spot before and during games, with fans often joining in raucous celebrations that echo into the street. You’ll find pizza, barbecue, steaks, sandwiches, pasta and burgers on the menu. The House of Blues is one of the best places in Boston to catch live music, be it pop, rock, metal, hip-hop, or, well, blues. It’s also a great place to eat. The restaurant and bar opens at 4 p.m. on show nights, two hours before day games and three hours before night games.

fenway park
(Photo: Marcio Jose Bastos Silva / Shutterstock)

Things to Do Before and After the Game 

As if a day at the ballpark wasn’t awesome enough, a trip to Fenway Park can easily be combined with other activities to make for an unforgettable experience.

60-minute guided tours are available year-round. On game days, tours are available three hours before games. These trips include a stop on the field’s warning track and a visit to the top of the Green Monster.

If you’re visiting more than three hours before or after a Red Sox game, spend some time on Jersey Street. It’s open only to ticket-holders (another reason to buy in advance) and pre-game festivities can include live music, a stilt walker and a juggler, among other fun happenings. Here you can also swing by the official team store to pick up some Red Sox merchandise and apparel.

Don’t leave town without snapping a selfie at the Teammates statue near Gate B at the corner of Ipswich and Van Ness streets. It depicts former players Dom DiMaggio, Johnny Pesky, Bobby Doerr and Ted Williams.

Beyond Baseball

Of course, like most major metropolitan areas, baseball isn’t the only thing going on in Boston. If you’ve tagged along to a game to humor a significant other, or simply to check an item off your travel bucket list, Beantown is loaded with other attractions.

Two of the closest to Fenway Park illustrate the city’s diversity. Lucky Strike Lanes, on the third floor of Jillian’s Boston, offers bowling and billiards in a surprisingly stylish setting. The fun is 21-plus after 8 p.m.

For a complete change of pace, the world-class Museum of Fine Arts is about a 15-minute walk from the stadium. It’s the fourth-largest museum in the U.S., with 500,000 works spanning the globe and thousands of years of history.

Extras

Download the MLB Ballpark app before your visit. It’s an essential companion when visiting your favorite Major League Baseball ballparks. It perfectly complements and personalizes the trip with mobile check-in, social media, offers, rewards and exclusive content. Select MLB ballparks allow you to experience upgrade components and also offer mobile food ordering.

And if you need a hotel, find great rates with AAA on nearby lodging.

For helpful tips and recommendations on things to see, do and eat in and around all three Northeast Major League Baseball stadiums, be sure to check out our full Northeast Baseball Guide.

What are your favorite things to do in and around Fenway Park? Tell us in the comments.

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

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Why Use a Mortgage Broker?

You are finally ready to buy a house and like most folks, you need a mortgage. Traditionally, big banks beckon, but increasingly people are seeking out mortgage brokers for more personal attention and expedited service.

Mortgage brokers work as intermediaries between homebuyers and lenders to find customers the best mortgage for them.

Find out how AAA can help you with your mortgage.

Listen to Our Podcast

For expert advice on the homebuying process, listen to Episode 7 of our podcast, Merging Into Life: Buying Your First Home.

Tune In

Mortgage Brokers vs. Banks

Consumer appetite for mortgage brokerage services has been growing and is anticipated to increase significantly in the coming years, according to a recent report by Allied Market Research.

The demand for mortgage products is highly dependent on the loan interest rates and housing market, according to Steven Vieira, AAA Northeast’s director of mortgage sales and operations. “Although both are severely depressed right now, it’s expected to turn around dramatically in the summer when the Federal Reserve begins to lower interest rates for the first time in several years,” he added.

When you compare AAA mortgage brokers to big banks, the two experiences are vastly different. “We have wholesale rates versus the retail rates,” Vieira explained. “Big banks have behind-the-scenes costs. We can access those same programs without the extra costs.”

AAA is paid by the lender for its services, Vieira said. “This covers our expenses.” The borrower still has traditional closing costs like attorney’s fees, title insurance, appraisals and recording fees.

Choices Make Choosing a Mortgage Easier

The biggest advantage of mortgage brokers is they have access to a variety of lenders and can compare rates, terms and other factors. When people apply for a mortgage with a bank and they don’t get it, they need to find another bank and apply again, which eats up valuable time.

In Vieira’s case, if the first mortgage application he submits to a lender is not approved, he simply goes to the next lender on his list. “When buying a house, the most important thing is not the rate and closing costs, but if a lender is going to approve you,” Vieira continued. “A lot of first-time homebuyers are concerned about rate, but you want to know if a lender is going to deliver an answer to you quickly and easily, because you need to have everything ready quickly.” If the loan application is delayed or rejected, the buyers run the risk of losing the house they had their eyes on.

“The biggest thing to do is to get preapproved for a mortgage,” noted Vieira. “Sellers move fast, and you have to have your financing set.”

Learn more about how to be the best mortgage candidate.

why use a mortgage broker

Get Extra Help

AAA loan officers also assist members by participating in regular free homebuying webinars, where members get advice on what to look for when buying a house and ways to prepare before making an offer. “We look at the entire process,” Vieira said. “Buyers have to do more themselves now and it’s good to bring along someone who knows what to look for.”

Mortgage brokers are required to keep up with industry regulations. New requirements for mortgage brokers were developed after the 2007-2009 financial crisis, when thousands of foreclosures flooded the market, primarily due to banks and brokers approving home loans people could not afford.

Now brokers now need to take courses to earn certification, and according to Vieira, are held to a high standard. “With a mortgage broker, the federal government wants to make sure the education is up to par.”

Regulations passed after the housing market collapsed in 2009 outlawed many subprime mortgages, established separation between the appraisers and the lenders and created a licensing and registration system for all loan officers, according to Vieira.  “The reforms have stabilized the mortgage industry and made it much more resilient against challenges,” he said. “When you look at the whole industry today, it’s so much better than before.”

Schedule a meeting with an experienced loan officer or start your mortgage loan application online today.

Have you ever used a mortgage broker? How was your experience?

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Yankee Stadium Guide

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or are a diehard fan, our Yankee Stadium guide has you covered if you plan on seeing baseball in the Bronx this year. We show you the most practical ways to get to the stadium, how to find cheap tickets, tell you about the ballpark’s must-see features and give you a rundown of the local eateries and attractions to visit before or after the game.

Buying Tickets

There are several reputable ways to get Yankees tickets, including the official MLB website or the stadium’s box office (open on game days until the 7th inning and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday on non-game days). You can also take advantage of special AAA member discounts on MLB games with AAA Tickets.

Tip: Typically, the best deals on tickets are upper-level grandstand seats. Choose ones as close as possible to home plate. This interactive seating chart guide shows you the best seats in the house and how much they cost. In general, the sooner you get your tickets, the better.

Getting to Yankee Stadium 

Driving: The stadium highly recommends using mass transit to avoid traffic congestion and parking fees. If you must drive, give yourself extra time. The Yankees’ website has directions to the stadium from the other boroughs, Long Island, Westchester County and New Jersey. Parking lots and garages line the streets leading up to the stadium.

Walking: On a nice day, save a few bucks and park across the Harlem River near 155th Street Manhattan. The Macombs Dam Bridge spans the river and has a pedestrian walkway that you can traverse, dropping you off on 161st Street where the stadium is located.

Public Transportation: The 4, B and D trains make stops at 161st Street-Yankee Stadium and a trip from midtown Manhattan takes approximately 25 minutes. Note that the B and D only stop there at certain times of the day.

If you’re coming from outside of New York City, take the Long Island Railroad or MTA Metro-North Railroad and transfer to a subway. If riding the LIRR to Penn Station, walk one block east to the 34 Street-Herald Square subway station, where you can pick up the B or D train to the 161st Street-Yankee Stadium stop; the ride takes approximately 35 minutes. Metro-North’s Hudson line goes directly to Yankees-E 153rd Street station from Grand Central Terminal in approximately 15 minutes.

The MTA has detailed information on on all public transportation options, including extra Metro-North shuttle trains and direct stops on game days and buses.

Hire a car: Why not hire a driving service to take you to and from the stadium? This will guarantee you a relaxed and stress-free trip.

Yankee Stadium Concessions and Restaurants

The stadium has a wide selection of food vendors to satisfy your hunger beyond just hot dogs and fries. Spice things up with Harlem’s own fried hot bird sandwich from Marcus Samuelsson’s Streetbird stand in section 112, try a sushi burrito at Benihana in section 127 or stick with a classic hand-carved steak sandwich from Lobel’s of New York in section 134. Need something sweet? The shakes found in sections 112, 125 and 324 are hard to resist.

For a casual sit-down meal before the game, the Hard Rock Cafe is accessible from outside the stadium (ticket required). And if you really want to spoil yourself, leave a few innings early and watch the rest of the game on the TVs at NYY Steakhouse. Among the most indulgent options on the menu of dry-aged steaks and seafood, the tender 27-ounce long bone rib-eye steak arrives Instagram-ready with your name carved into the bone.

yankee stadium
(Photo: Marcho Verch / CC BY)

Food Near Yankee Stadium 

The Feeding Tree: This must-visit eatery is located almost next door to Yankee Stadium. It specializes in Jamaican cuisine like jerk chicken and shrimp, oxtail stew and curried goat.

Giovanni’s: A bit further away from the stadium commotion, Giovanni’s specializes in home-cooked Italian fare, which is perfect if you’re on a date. The Italian entrees rely on authentic family recipes. If you’re looking for something more casual, it also serves coal-fired-oven pizza.

Sam’s Soul Food Bar and Lounge: Sam’s serves up soul food like macaroni and cheese, ribs, cornbread and baked ham. The eatery caters to game-goers, students and attorneys from the nearby courthouse. Don’t miss Sam’s at night if you’re in the area; it transforms into a nightclub with the same service as in the daytime, but with better music and an upbeat atmosphere.

Yankee Tavern: If you’re looking for a more casual meal, this is the place for you. Located just one block from Yankee Stadium, patrons love the pastrami sandwiches and other pub favorites.

yankee stadium
(Photo: Maxim Pierre / CC BY)

Must-See Spots

The new Yankee Stadium opened its doors at the beginning of the 2009 season as a replacement for the original stadium, which operated from 1923 to 2008. The new ballpark was constructed across the street, northeast of the old location.

Memorabilia from the team’s history lives on in the New York Yankees Museum, free with a valid game day ticket. Highlights include a ball wall featuring hundreds of baseballs autographed by past and present Yankees, a showcase of World Series rings and an exhibit honoring George Steinbrenner. Located on the main level adjacent to Section 210, the museum is open 90 minutes before the first pitch through the end of the 8th inning.

Make sure to spend some time in Monument Park, an open-air museum that contains a collection of monuments, plaques and retired numbers honoring players, including Lou Gehrig, Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle.

Keep in mind that both of these attractions get crowded on game days.

Extras

Download the MLB Ballpark app before your visit. It’s an essential companion when visiting your favorite Major League Baseball ballparks. It complements and personalizes the trip with mobile check-in, social media, offers, rewards and exclusive content. Select MLB ballparks also offer mobile food ordering and seat and experience upgrade components.

And if you need a hotel, find great rates with AAA on nearby lodging.

For helpful tips and recommendations on things to see, do and eat in and around all three Northeast Major League Baseball stadiums, be sure to check out our full Northeast Baseball Guide.

What are your favorite things to do in and around Yankee Stadium? Tell us in the comments.

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

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Crossword: At the Ballpark

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Celebrate Earth Month With AAA

April is devoted to Mother Earth, so commit some time to sprucing her up.

AAA Northeast is celebrating Earth Month throughout April with volunteer projects designed to bring members, employees and community groups together to help beautify the environment.

If you’re looking to make a difference in your neighborhood, join AAA branch teams as they spruce up parks, beaches and more. Cleanup events are happening monthlong across the Northeast.

“We try to find the most central areas for events,” said Maggie McMenemy, branch manager in Webster, MA. “We want to join events that are happening and bring members with us.”

Typically, employees show up in force, but the branches are trying to draw more members by involving community groups, explained Thomas Ryan, district branch manager and chairman of the Branch Operations Member Engagement Committee.

“This is our biggest member engagement program of the year,” Ryan said.

community cleanup

In 2024, the club hosted 22 well-attended Earth Month events across the AAA Northeast territory, generating a member involvement rate of 64 percent. Among the highlights was a Keep Blackstone Valley Beautiful day in Smithfield, RI, which drew 31 volunteers, including 21 employees.

Other club and joint community-club cleanups:

  • Collecting trash from the Farmington Canal in Hamden, CT, which drew 19 member volunteers.
  • A total of 25 people, including 18 members, turned out for Save The Bay at Squantum Point in Quincy, MA. Volunteers included an enthusiastic group of Girl Scouts from Swansea, MA.
  • Despite rain, members turned out for three events in Massachusetts Earth Day weekend. Cleanups at the Worcester and Merrimack Rivers attracted 11 and 13 members and an event in Salisbury drew 13 member volunteers.

“Besides cleaning up our community, the most rewarding part is creating relationships with members,” McMenemy said.

AAA has been spreading the word about volunteer events to members and McMenemy remained in contact with some volunteers from last year who already have signed up. The branches try to keep events family-friendly, she added, by holding them in parks and at beaches.

“It’s a great opportunity to get involved in the community, do something with your family and learn more about community organizations,” Ryan added.

To sign up for a AAA Earth Day cleanup, visit AAA.com/EarthDay or your local branch.

Learn more about AAA in the community.

What will you do to celebrate Earth Day this year?

AAA Northeast is committed to making a positive impact for our members and the communities we serve. Read our 2023 Environmental, Social and Governance report to learn more about our goals, our progress and what we do to live our values every day.

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Citi Field Stadium Guide

Mets games are one of the hottest attractions in New York City. Check out our Citi Field stadium guide for the best ways to get there, plus what to eat before, during and after the game.

Buying Tickets

You can buy Mets tickets from the official MLB website or at the stadium’s box office (open on game days until the 7th inning and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday on non-game days). You can also take advantage of special AAA member discounts on MLB games with AAA Tickets.

Check the 3D seating map of the stadium to see what the view looks like from every section.

Getting to Citi Field

Citi Field is located within Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens and easy to get to.

If you plan on driving, the Mets website provides directions on how to get to Citi Field from other boroughs, Long Island, Westchester, Connecticut and New Jersey.

If you are taking public transportation, the MTA has all the details on getting to the stadium via bus or train.

And if you prefer two wheels, did you know that you could also bike to Citi Field? There are 11 bicycle parking racks surrounding the stadium where you can safely park.

Citi Field Stadium Parking 

Citi Field has lots of on-site and remote parking available. Note that only credit, debit and mobile payment (Apple Pay or Google Pay) are accepted to pay for parking.

Most of the lots open three hours prior to the game, so feel free to bring a few coolers, set up a grill and tailgate.

AAA Northeast provides free emergency services to stranded motorists in Citi Field parking areas. These services are available to all guests and include recharging drained batteries, changing flat tires and being towed to affiliated AAA Approved Auto Repair Shops. The club truck and driver will be on the premises for all home games from the seventh inning until one hour after the completion of the game.

Get more information on parking lot locations, rates, Access-A-Ride services and more.

Concessions and Restaurants at Citi Field 

Ever since opening in 2009, Citi Field has been known as a top baseball stadium food destination.

The Centerfield Promenade has fantastic dining options, including The Pizza Cupcake (which is exactly how it sounds), Dole Whip and Shake Shack. There are also new venues with not-to-be-missed offerings.

If you’re hungry and willing to splurge a bit, you might want to spring for the Pat LaFrieda filet mignon steak sandwich. Created exclusively for Citi Field, it comes stacked with Black Angus filet mignon, melted Monterey Jack cheese and caramelized onions on a toasted French baguette. Found at stands in sections 139 and 415 and at Pat LaFrieda’s Chop House in the Delta Sky 360 Club (open to certain ticket holders).

citi field
(Photo: Scott Smith / CC BY)

Food Near Citi Field 

Outside of the stadium, Flushing is famous for its Asian restaurants. Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao has some of the best soup dumplings in the city. You can also try out some of the delicious old-school Italian cuisine in Corona at Park Side Restaurant. Rumor has it players used to pop into Park Side frequently for post-game eats during the ’80s, so you might be able to pump the bartender for vintage Keith Hernandez gossip.

And if you have more time to spare before or after the game, take a walk to see remnants of the World’s Fair in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

Can’t-Miss Moments

Visit the Mets Hall of Fame & Museum and relive some of the best moments in Mets history. See the 1969 and 1986 World Series trophies, plaques for each member of the Mets Hall of Fame and more. A must for fans of all ages, access to the museum is free to everyone with a ticket on game days.

Fans can also meet the beloved team mascots, Mr. and Mrs. Met. Visit Fan Fest in center field during select times on game days for an amazin’ photo op!

Extras

Download the MLB Ballpark app before your visit. It’s an essential companion when visiting your favorite Major League Baseball ballparks. It perfectly complements and personalizes the trip with mobile check-in, social media, offers, rewards and exclusive content. Select MLB ballparks allow you to experience upgrade components and also offer mobile food ordering.

And if you need a hotel, find great rates with AAA on nearby lodging.

For helpful tips and recommendations on things to see, do and eat in and around all three Northeast Major League Baseball stadiums, be sure to check out our full Northeast Baseball Guide.

What are your favorite things to do in and around Citi Field? Tell us in the comments.

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

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Spring Motorcycle Maintenance Checklist

With spring comes the sweet sound of rolling thunder (and we’re not talking about the weather!).

Motorcyclists itch for the first nice day of spring, when the sun is shining, the temperature hits above 60 degrees and the conditions are just right. Before that long-awaited ride, take care of spring motorcycle maintenance to get ready for the road.

Ready, Set, Go  

When getting your bike out of winter storage, give it a fresh oil change and have a professional do a thorough inspection to check on the brakes, fluid levels, tire pressure, battery and other mechanics.

Once the big spring motorcycle maintenance items are taken care of, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation recommends a quick assessment before every ride. The acronym T-CLOCS reminds riders to look at their tires, controls, lights, oil, chassis and stands.

Insurance Basics 

A specialized motorcycle insurance policy can provide full coverage for you and your bike.

Like car insurance, a minimum amount of liability coverage for bodily injury or property damage caused to others by you, is required in almost every state. Other types of coverage, like collision, which can help cover the cost of repairs if your bike is in a crash, and comprehensive, for damages from events such as fire, theft or vandalism, are usually optional.

The beauty of a specialty policy is that it can provide a wider range of customizations, a perk that any motorcycle owner can appreciate. Each policy is as unique as its rider. When requesting a quote, mention if your bike has any modifications, if you own a vintage model or have more than one bike, which will likely affect your coverage needs and premium. If you frequently carry passengers, you may also want to consider adding guest passenger liability.

Depending on state and provider, discounts are sometimes offered for multi-bike owners, mature riders, training course completion and memberships in rider associations or clubs. Check with your insurance agent to find out about the laws where you live, coverage options and available savings.

Learn more about motorcycle and scooter coverage through AAA Insurance. 

At the Roadside

Whether it’s just a drive around the neighborhood or you’re headed all the way to Sturgis, no one wants their trip delayed by unexpected holdups. You should always be prepared to “shift gears” when needed. If you do find yourself stuck at the side of the road, pull over to a safe location and call roadside assistance for any repairs too significant to fix on your own.

AAA Plus and Premier members can sign up for motorcycle coverage for 24-hour roadside services including jumpstarts, tire inflation, fuel delivery and towing for all street-legal motor bikes. Roadside assistance is also included with motorcycle insurance policies acquired through AAA, so you can get the help you need and keep on riding.

motorcycle

Safety and Gear

Motorcyclists are four times more likely to be injured and 28 times as likely to be killed than car occupants, according to the most recent research by the National Traffic Safety Administration.

Don’t forget that motorcycles have different reaction times and are less visible to surrounding vehicles. Follow traffic laws, never drive impaired and always wear a U.S. Department of Transportation-compliant helmet and other protective gear.

Sharing the Road With Motorcycles

If you don’t own a motorcycle, you probably know someone that does. Keep their safety in mind when sharing the road, especially between May and September when riders are more likely to be out.

  • “Look twice, save a life.” Check mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before switching lanes and at intersections.
  • Signal before changing lanes or merging and allow enough time to determine a motorcyclist’s intention before proceeding.
  • Increase following distance and provide enough time to stop in an emergency.

There’s a camaraderie among motorcyclists that can often be seen by a passing wave or a cool thumbs up. An upside-down peace sign from one rider to another means to keep your two wheels on the ground. In other words, stay safe out there.

Get in touch with a AAA Insurance agent to find out about coverage options for your motorcycle, boat, RV or other leisure vehicle. 

What are your spring motorcycle maintenance tips? Tell us in the comments. 

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Spring Car Care Tips

Winter can be a taxing season on both man and machine. What does this mean for drivers? Come spring, just like the natural world, your car is likely in need of rejuvenation. 

A well-maintained car is a safe car, which is what you’ll need for springtime driving. April’s showers make for slippery roads and the potholes that began forming over winter will come to bloom once the weather turns.

Car maintenance should be done year-round, but there are certain aspects to pay particular attention to when spring arrives. Whether tackling these tasks yourself or leaving it to the professionals at a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility, here are some spring car care tips to be mindful of.

Test Your Car Battery

Car batteries work harder to power vehicles during the winter, which means they are often taxed come springtime. The best way to maintain your car battery is to take longer drives (approximately 30 minutes) on a regular basis. These trips allow the battery to regain its charge. You should also make sure the battery terminals are clean and free of any corrosion. Corroded terminals prevent the flow of electricity.

Roughly one-quarter of all roadside assistance calls AAA Northeast receives are battery related. Don’t wait until you need a jump – get your battery tested today. Request AAA’s Car Battery Service, and we’ll come to you to test your battery and, if needed, replace it on the spot with a new, discounted one. We’ll even take and recycle your old battery for free.

Get answers to more of your car battery questions.

Wash Your Car

Don’t forget to include a good cleaning on your spring car care to-do list. Snow, ice and salt can leave your car looking worse for the wear, especially if you didn’t wash it in the winter. Washing your car may seem straightforward enough, but there is a right way to do it. Improper washing is not only ineffective, but it could also cause you to damage your vehicle. Follow this guide to get the job done properly, a process that includes using the two-bucket method and a microfiber cloth.

Don’t limit your cleaning to the car’s exterior. The cabin needs just as much attention. This includes vacuuming, getting rid of any unwanted smells and sanitizing the vehicle.

Once you’re done washing, consider applying a coat of wax. This extra step gives the car’s paint an extra shine and a protective coat.

Don’t Forget Your Car Fluids

One of the most common car care mistakes motorists make is ignoring their vehicle’s fluids. The most notable of these is engine oil. Clean oil extends the life of your vehicle and helps with engine cooling, so make sure to change your oil according to the manufacturer’s time or mileage recommendations. Changing engine oil is a fairly easy maintenance task if you’re up for it. We guide you through the process here. When you’re done, make sure to dispose of the old oil properly and safely.

But engine oil isn’t the only fluid to keep an eye on when ticking off your spring car care checklist. Coolant, transmission, brake and power-steering fluids should be checked regularly. They can become ineffective if they get contaminated or the levels drop too low.

Still debating between conventional and synthetic engine oil? Here’s what you need to know before making a decision.

spring car care

Check Your Tires

Winter takes a toll on car tires on multiple fronts, especially when it comes to air pressure. Tires will lose roughly 1 pound per square inch of pressure with every 10-degree drop in temperature. Low tire pressure causes gas mileage to drop and can be a safety hazard. Underinflated tires make it more difficult to steer and stop and can lead to a blowout. Make sure to test your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended level.

Rough winter roads can also wear away the tire’s tread. Proper tire maintenance includes ensuring there is more than 4/32 of an inch of tread on each tire. A quick and easy test is to insert a quarter upside down (Washington’s head first) into the tread. If the tread does not reach the top of his head, it’s time for new tires. While you’re inspecting the tires, look for cracks, cuts, chips or dry rot.

As part of your spring car care, don’t forget to also check your vehicle’s spare tire, jack, lug-wrench and wheel lock. If your vehicle’s spare is located under the car, make sure the mechanism that holds the spare tire is working properly.

Other Considerations

We spoke to Jason Malo of AAA-approved Advanced Auto, Inc., who emphasized the importance and benefits of consistent maintenance. “When we’re performing regularly scheduled maintenance, we’re actually extending the life of your vehicle,” he said. “You’ll have fewer (if any) unexpected expensive repairs, and you’ll be able to drive your car for many miles more.”

A few more spring car care reminders:

  • Steering, suspension, shocks and wheel alignment should be examined. “Misalignment causes the tires to wear abnormally and wear out too quickly,” Malo warns. “With the condition of the roads now-a-days, you should have your car’s alignment checked, and adjusted as needed, at least once a year.”
  • Cars that sit for longer periods of time (months or more) can develop brake issues. Have the rotors, calipers and pads checked before heading out.
  • Engine filters can become clogged with dirt, dust and pollen. Get these checked and replaced, if needed. “If [a filter] is dirty or old, your car probably isn’t getting enough air,” Malo says. “Imagine running a race with a dirty rag over your mouth. Sound like fun? No? Your car doesn’t like it, either!”
  • Hoses and belts can dry out and crack in the winter. Better to find out before you hit the highway on a long drive.
  • Rodents and other small critters often take up residence in vehicles to escape the cold. They often build nests and chew wires and hoses, so check for damage under the hood.

If all this car care seems like it will take a considerable amount of time and money, fear not. AAA members have access to a wide range of services and discounts that can make proper vehicle maintenance easy and affordable.

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The Best Time to Visit Iceland for Northern Lights

Perhaps the name of the country is a small giveaway, but winter is the best time to visit Iceland for the northern lights.

“If you’re looking to experience the aurora borealis, the best time to go to Iceland is during the winter months when the nights are longer,” said AAA travel advisor and Iceland travel expert Wendy Marley. “Exploring ice caves, glacier hiking and snowmobiling are just a few of the many winter activities available.”


What should you do in Iceland?

1. Do you like winter sports?

For many travelers, seeing the northern lights in Iceland is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and while their appearance (a bit ironically) depends upon the weather on the sun, the darker the skies and the further north you are, the more visible and spectacular this shimmering light show in the sky becomes.

Prefer an audio summary of this post? Click below to listen to this article.


Book your northern lights Iceland tour with a AAA Travel.

When and Where to See the Northern Lights in Iceland

Located on the edge of the Arctic Circle, the Land of Fire and ice gets as little as four hours of sunlight during the winter, meaning visitors could see the northern lights in Iceland – along with brilliant stars in the sky – even in the middle of the day.

Light pollution in the capital city of Reykjavik makes conditions for viewing less than ideal, but there are several hotels within a two-hour drive of the city, like the Hotel Ranga in Hella and the Hotel Husafell in Iceland’s western highlands, that enjoy dark skies and cater to northern lights tourists.

More Reasons Winter Is the Best Time to Visit Iceland

It’s Cool for Adventurers

Active travelers will love Iceland’s many snow sports options. About 10% of Iceland is covered in glaciers, most of which are within easy driving distance of Reykjavik. Glacier hikes and ice climbing are just a few ways to enjoy an immersive experience on these rivers of ice, which also can be explored by jeep or snowmobile.

The Westfjords and the Troll Peninsula are also top destinations for skiers and snowboarders looking to challenge the slopes at Iceland’s lift-serviced ski areas or venture into the backcountry on a ski tourism or heliskiing adventure.

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Langjökull, the second largest glacier in Iceland, is easily accessible from the capital. It’s also where visitors can enjoy a unique trip Into the Glacier with a tour of an 1,800-foot-long man-made ice cave, which plunges 98 feet deep into the glacier and features five chambers, including a wedding chapel.

Iceland is full of natural ice caves that can explored with or without a guide, as well as lava tubes like Raufarhólshellir, about half an hour from Reykjavik, where the entrance fills with natural ice sculptures as an added bonus for winter visitors.

blue lagoon iceland

It Can Be Warm and Cozy, Too

Visiting Iceland during the winter doesn’t mean having to brace yourself for being cold day after day. In fact, Iceland is called the Land of Fire and Ice because of its active volcanoes and geothermal activity, the latter of which creates hot springs and warms the mineral-rich, 102-degree waters of Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon. The lagoon is fed by a nearby geothermal power plant, but Iceland also has dozens of natural hot springs and geothermal pools to plunge into, some of which have been incorporated into spa resorts.

Icelanders, of course, also have been adapting to the winter cold for generations, learning to keep warm from both within and without. Hearty stews and soups made with Icelandic lamb and arctic char are among the most popular foods in Iceland. Plokkfiskur, or fish stew, is especially beloved as a traditional winter meal. Icelandic rye bread is baked in casks placed at the edge of hot springs. Brennivin or burned wine (also sometimes called the “Black Death” by locals), is a caraway-flavored aquavit that can be quaffed as a shot or in cocktails; it goes particularly well with pickled or marinated herring, another common Icelandic delicacy.

Winter visitors to Iceland may not find too many souvenir T-shirts (because, brr), but the Handknitting Association of Iceland in Reykjavik sells sweaters, called lopapeysa, made from the wool of Icelandic sheep. It’s not only a great keepsake to take home, but also will keep you as cozy as an Icelander while you’re here.

The Wildlife

Iceland’s prodigious population of sheep and furry Icelandic horses are well adapted to the island’s winter weather, but the country also is home to more exotic animal species that thrive in the cold. You don’t need a red nose to guide you to Iceland’s reindeer herds: Just take a drive through the East Fjords area, and you’re likely to see reindeer grazing in the lowlands around Snaefell, the tallest mountain in Iceland not covered by glaciers.

The reindeer were brought to Iceland from Scandinavia, but arctic foxes have lived in Iceland since the last Ice Age. You can learn more about these remarkably adaptable animals at the Arctic Fox Center in the Westfjords village of Sudavik.

Iceland Northern Lights Tour

The five-day Iceland’s Classic Northern Lights Tour with AAA Travel is an Icelandic adventure that starts and ends in Reykjavik. The days in between are spent exploring Iceland’s famous Golden Circle and South Coast, sampling the local foods, soaking in hot springs and hiking to waterfalls, glaciers and icy caves, each night concluding with sky watching for a glimpse at the aurora borealis. And that’s just one of the many Iceland tours you can book through AAA.

Get insider tips, exclusive deals and more when you book your Iceland trip with a AAA travel advisor.

Have you ever seen the northern lights in Iceland? Tell us about it in the comments.

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Should You Buy Out Your Car Lease?

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

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

Here’s what to consider before making a decision.

Why Buy Out Your Car Lease?

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

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

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

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

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

How to Buy Out Your Lease

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

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

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

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Smart Personal Savings and Budgeting Apps

budget wise

Like calorie counting, a personal budget is often associated with sacrifice.

But finance expert and AAA member Neale Godfrey puts a more positive spin on personal savings plans and budgeting.

The author of 28 books on financial literacy says a personal budget is how you identify what you want and how to afford it. Without one, you’re basically driving down the road without a destination, she said.

A Start to Personal Savings

Simply put, a personal budget is an itemized list of income and expenses. It can be done on a weekly or monthly basis, but Godfrey suggests crafting a weekly budget until you feel comfortable.

To create one, write down how much money you earn each week after deductions such as income taxes, 401(k) and health insurance.

Then list (and eventually subtract) each of your “fixed” expenses – in this case, a weekly breakdown of what you pay for bills like rent, utilities, insurance, cellphone and anything else that costs the same every month. To calculate the weekly cost of a monthly bill, multiply it by 12 and then divide that number by 52. As the week goes by, Godfrey suggests logging everything you spend money on, including fast food, coffee, clothing and anything else.

“At the end of the week, take a long, hard look at what you’re buying and decide if those purchases are enhancing your life or if you would like that money to go someplace else,” Godfrey said.

That someplace else could be paying back credit card debt or putting funds into your personal savings account. It could also be allocating a certain amount of money every month for unexpected expenses and emergencies.

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Be Prepared

Think about unexpected emergencies like car and home repairs or medical bills. Even with insurance you may still need to pay a hefty amount out-of-pocket depending on the situation. Could you handle the costs without going into debt? Keep an emergency fund and plan so that your savings would not be completely wiped out if you needed to cover an unanticipated expense.

Download a Budgeting App

While you can sketch out a budget on something as low-tech as an index card, there are some high-tech apps available to help you track your expenses. Here are a few of note.

Wally

This free app for iPhone users helps track spending and set savings goals. It also has a receipt scan function that makes inputting expenses a little easier.

Mint

Also free, Mint compiles data from a user’s bank, credit card and investment accounts in one location. Tap the trends tab for a snapshot of how you spent your money over a specific timeframe, such as the past seven or 14 days. Available on iOS and Android.

Goodbudget

Set monthly spending limits by stuffing digital envelopes full of virtual cash at the start of every month. Goodbudget’s Reports section also provides a pie chart and bar graph that illustrate spending habits. Available on iOS and Android.

Ways to Bolster Your Personal Savings Plan

A budget can help you figure out where you are wasting money, but it is up to you to take action and make beneficial financial decisions. Here are some tips on how you can spend less money from Godfrey and other financial experts.

Use Cash, Not Credit

It’s painless to swipe now and worry about the payments later, but that is an easy way to spend a lot more money than you make. Instead, set aside a specific allotment of cash each paycheck and use those funds for items you typically overspend on, such as clothes, groceries and dining out.

This should give you a closer attachment to every dollar you spend and it might even discourage you from wasting money on a $5 gourmet coffee or a $2 bottle of water you don’t need. Just don’t go walking around with hundreds of dollars of cash in your pocket. That is not a good idea.

Set Financial Goals

It’s easier said then done, but it’s a good idea to have something to strive for. Whether that is a vacation, a home renovation or just banking a certain amount of money by year’s end, a goal is healthy way to widen your safety net and avoid wasting money on things you won’t even remember in the future.

Don’t Give in to Peer Pressure

Just because your friends want to go get drinks or food at your favorite restaurant or splurge on expensive concert tickets doesn’t mean you have to. Sure, you can treat yourself from time to time, but you could always suggest a pizza instead of a fancy dinner or a free hike at a nearby park.

Penny pinching can be tough, but over the course of the year, you could save a considerable amount of money. Take these tips to the bank and maybe you can finally build that dream kitchen or take the trip of a lifetime!

Have a saving tip that’s helped you? Tell us about it in the comments.

Neale Godfrey is the author of 28 books on financial literacy, including “Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees: A Parent’s Guide to Raising Financially Responsible Children.” The views and opinions expressed in this article are that of the author and should not be considered an endorsement from AAA.

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

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Six AAA Services at Your Local Branch

You might know your local AAA branch as the place to go to meet with travel advisors and insurance agents, but that’s not all. Our branches offer a list of AAA services that make it easy to take advantage of all your membership has to offer, helping you save time and money.

Here are some of the lesser-known AAA branch services you can find at one of nearly 70 locations throughout the Northeast.

Find a branch near you.

DMV/RMV Services

Renew your license or vehicle registration, get a REAL ID and more at our branches in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and downstate New York. Just make sure to make a reservation online first and bring all necessary documents with you. You can apply at certain AAA branches and receive a paper temporary document until your plastic credential is mailed to you. In Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New York, DMV/RMV services are free for all AAA members. In Connecticut, AAA members from outside AAA Northeast territory pay $6 for DMV services and non-members pay $8. While you are there you can even get an E-ZPass. Just check the branch website beforehand to see which services it offers.

aaa

Pet ID Tags

Did you know that your pet is a AAA member too? Pick up a free ID tag for your furry friend. Each tag will have a serial number registered to their owner’s AAA membership. If they get lost, the person who finds them can call our 24-hour call center, and AAA can contact the owner. We also offer our branch locations as the venue for such pet reunions, as long as they’re during business hours.

Notary Services

Free notary service is available to members at select AAA branch locations for most documents requiring notary public certification.

Passport Photos

Sometimes it seems impossible to take a good passport photo that’s also compliant with all the many passport rules and regulations. The U.S. passport photo requirements are strict about sizing, background, wardrobe and even facial expressions.

AAA offers passport photo services at all branch locations, making the process much easier for AAA members. Let us worry about the rules so you can focus on looking good. AAA members get free or discounted passport photos depending on their membership level.  

aaa saervices tsa precheck

TSA PreCheck

Tired of waiting in line at airport security? Whether you’re a constant traveler or someone who flies once in a blue moon, those lines can grind any trip to a crawl. If you’re looking for fast security lines with less hassle, you should consider TSA PreCheck.

TSA PreCheck is a service that offers expedited security lines at many major US airports, but you have to get it before you go on your trip. You can schedule an appointment for a background check and fingerprinting at select AAA branch locations. You will need a major credit card, bank check or money order to pay the fee. A scheduled appointment is required.

Foreign Currency Exchange

If you’re traveling to a foreign country, it’s always a good idea to have some of the local currency with you. Fortunately, you can get your cash before you go with foreign currency exchange at AAA Northeast branch locations.

AAA Northeast members who are in good standing for one or more years can use a personal check to purchase foreign currency up to $3,000 at a time. When using cash or a debit card, you can purchase even more. There are over 70 types of foreign currency available for exchange. You might have to wait some days for the currency to be shipped to you, so make sure you plan ahead.  

For all these services and more, visit a AAA branch location today.

Did you know about these AAA branch services? Let us know in the comments below.

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Spend a Moment at … Sweet Marie’s Tea Cottage

Sweet Marie’s Tea Cottage

25 West Main Street, North Kingstown, R.I.

Have you ever wanted to sit down for a proper afternoon tea? Sweet Marie’s Tea Cottage, located in historic Wickford Village, offers such an experience, complete with all the classic fixings you’d expect, from the perfect cuppa to scones with sweet cream. Pinkies up!

Upon stepping inside the cottage, the coziness is apparent, seen and felt in the intimacy of the space combined with the shabby-chic decor and sunlight dappling through the skylight above. Beautiful floral vintage teacups await on white tablecloths before a piping hot teapot is served, signifying the start of the afternoon tea experience.

Each afternoon tea follows the same cadence: a pot of tea to share, prix fixe fare served on a three-tiered tray and a second pot of tea if you so choose. Sweet and savory offerings include cucumber sandwiches (of course), chicken salad, prosciutto and fig toasts, macarons, cupcakes, truffles, both cranberry and cheddar chive scones and more. Each delicate morsel may seem tiny but combined are surprisingly filling. Worry not – you are welcome to take any leftovers home with you.

Afternoon tea at Sweet Marie’s is offered year-round and is the perfect outing for anyone looking to slow down and enjoy the simpler, sweeter things in life.

Spend a moment with us at more of our favorite places.

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Irish Museums and Heritage Sites in the Northeast

It’s no secret the Northeast is home to a lot of people with Irish ancestry. Whether you’re Irish or just a history buff, you can walk in the footsteps of immigrants and notable Irish-Americans at these Irish museums, heritage sites and memorials.

Irish Hunger Memorial

New York, N.Y.

There are many statues and memorials to the victims of the Great Hunger in the Northeast, but none are quite as striking as the Irish Hunger Memorial in Battery Park. Designed by sculptor Brian Tolle and landscape architect Gail Witter-Laird, the memorial is like a piece of Ireland right in the middle of Lower Manhattan. The memorial, which looks like a gentle, grassy slope, features soil and vegetation from West Ireland.

Among the grasses, flowers and moss, you’ll find stones from every Irish county and even the ruin of an authentic, famine-era Irish cottage. The cottage was donated by the Slack family, Brian Tolle’s extended relatives who remained in Ireland. From the top of the slope, you can even see Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, reminding visitors of the journey that many Irish immigrants had to take to escape the ravages of the Great Hunger.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

New York, N.Y.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral first opened its doors in 1879, and it remains the largest Gothic Revival Catholic cathedral in the country. Money for construction was donated by local immigrants and the children of immigrants – many of whom were Irish. It takes up a full city block in Midtown Manhattan and can accommodate 19,000 guests at a time.

A great way to experience St. Patrick’s Cathedral is through their audio tour. Just remember to be quiet and respectful, as it’s still an operating place of worship. While you’re in town, you can also visit St. Patrick’s Basilica on Mulberry Street, which was built between 1809 and 1815. Their catacomb tour is not to be missed.

Ellis Island in NYC

Ellis Island

New York, N.Y.

Ellis Island, which operated from 1892 to 1954, was the first stop in America for over 12 million immigrants, including over 3.5 million Irish immigrants. Annie Moore, a 17-year-old from County Cork, Ireland, was actually the first immigrant to be processed there. Today, Ellis Island is a museum and archive, part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument.

Visitors to Ellis Island can experience their National Immigration Museum and Family History Center, which houses 65 million searchable immigration records. You might be able to find your family’s story amongst them.

The Tenement Museum

New York, N.Y.

Many immigrants to New York, like those who were processed through Ellis Island, would eventually wind up living in tenements. The Tenement Museum features two historic tenement buildings on the Lower East Side, with restored tenements representing different time periods and immigrant experiences. Learn about what life was like for immigrants of different cultural backgrounds from the 1860s to the 1980s. The museum also features neighborhood walking tours.

Boston Irish Famine Memorial

Boston, Mass.

The Boston Irish Famine Memorial is a small statue park between Washington Street and School Street, featuring two statues and eight plaques that tell the story of the Great Hunger and Irish diaspora. The statues, by sculptor Robert Shure, depict two families: a hungry family in Ireland and a family of Irish immigrants who have found success in America.

John Boyle O’Reilly Memorial

Boston, Mass.

John Boyle O’Reilly was a famous Irish writer and activist who made his home in Boston after escaping transportation to Australia in 1869. He had been transported for his ties to the Irish Republican Brotherhood, and continued his activism in Boston, where he became the editor of the newspaper “The Pilot.” He was known for his poetry, literature and journalism, and for popularizing the idea of Boston as an Irish cultural hub. His memorial, by sculptor Daniel Chester French, features a bronze bust of O’Reilly, as well as a bronze statue of Erin (the personification of Ireland) and her sons, Patriotism and Poetry.

JFK Library and Museum in Boston

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

Boston, Mass.

As the first Irish Catholic president, JFK has a special place in Irish-American culture. At the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, you can learn all about his life and legacy through exhibits that include the story of his youth, the presidential election, the space program, the oval office and first lady Jackie Kennedy.

Boston Irish Heritage Trail

Boston, Mass.

There’s probably more Irish history in Boston than anywhere else in America, and the Boston Irish Heritage Trail is a great way to experience it. The trail is a self-guided walking tour, stretching over 3 miles and 300 years of history. You can visit the Boston landmarks mentioned above, as well as the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Garden, the Boston Massacre Memorial, the Boston Public Library, Fenway Park and more.

Rhode Island Irish Famine Memorial

Providence, R.I.

The Rhode Island Irish Famine Memorial, also sculpted by Robert Shure, is a memorial wall and statue on Providence’s picturesque River Walk that commemorates the Great Hunger and the 1916 Easter Rising. It also features benches where visitors can reflect on the memorial, and the outlines of both Ireland and the United States on the walkway below.

The Museum of Newport Irish History

Newport, R.I.

As you might have guessed, the Museum of Newport Irish History tells the story of the Irish immigrants who settled in Newport, as well as their descendants. Visitors can enjoy exhibits on how Irish immigrants lived, worked, prayed and played. They also offer self-guided walking tours of Irish landmarks in Newport.

Planting Site of the First White Potato

Derry, N.H.

A humble plaque in front of the First Parish Church in East Derry, N.H., claims to be the planting site of the first white potato in North America. Potatoes were first cultivated in South America and transported to Europe, where they became a staple crop for peasants; however, it is believed that the first white potato in North America (also contemporarily known as the “Irish potato”) was planted in 1719 by Scots-Irish immigrants in this New Hampshire town.

Irish American Heritage Museum

Albany, N.Y.

The Irish American Heritage Museum explores the history, contributions and culture of Irish Americans. The museum has featured exhibits on the transformation of Samhain into Halloween, the Irish in the Adirondacks, Irish cooking, how to research your genealogy, the evolution of Irish dance costumes and so much more.

There are almost too many Irish memorials, museums and landmarks to mention in one article. What did we miss? Let us know in the comments below. Sláinte!

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