Mention Peru and many instantly think of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. While the 15th century Incan citadel’s magnificent ruins and unforgettable views are a mainstay of any Peruvian visit, the country bursts with both natural and man-made wonders to explore, thanks to its more than 15,000 years of history.
Luxury small group journeys by Alexander + Roberts ensure travelers get to experience all of Peru’s culture, history and vibrant contemporary life. Here are some sights not to be missed.
Plaza de Armas, Cuzco, Peru.
Explore Cuzco and the Sacred Valley
Cuzco, capital of the former Inca empire, preserves many of the traditions of early Peruvian life. Travel to the Sacred Valley and meet women weaving the same way they have done for hundreds of years, using the wool from the native alpacas, llamas and vicunas that gather in the valley. Visit relics from both the Inca and colonial eras, including Sacsayhuaman, a massive stone monument built by the Inca in the 1400s. Another highlight is the circular terraces of Moray, which some scholars believe the Inca used as an agricultural testing station.
San Pedro Market
Shop the San Pedro Market
Not to be missed, the San Pedro Market in Cuzco fills the streets with endless rows of vendors selling everything from meats, fruits, vegetables and juices to crafts, hand-knit sweaters and fresh-baked goods. It’s also a good chance to sample some traditional Peruvian street foods.
See Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is one of the most well-preserved and well-known archaeological sites from the Inca civilization. Located high up in the Andes Mountains, its true purpose remains unknown, but one of the most common speculations is that it was a palace for the emperor Pachacuti. The 200-building complex includes roads, terraces, irrigation canals and temples made of stones that fit together like puzzle pieces, without mortar or pegs.
Among its Peru tour options, Alexander + Roberts offers a luxury train ride from Cuzco to Machu Picchu.
After Spain conquered the Inca in the mid-1500s, it ruled Peru for 300 years, imparting the Spanish language and many aspects of its culture. The capital, Lima, was founded by the leader of the Spanish expedition, Francisco Pizzaro, and is rich with the Spanish colonial influence as well as the Inca dynasty.
A walking tour of Lima is a stroll through hundreds of years of history. Not far from the main square is the Lima Cathedral and numerous museums, including the Larco Museum, which features pre-Columbian artifacts and is perfect to visit before exploring Inca sites in the Andes. Make sure to stop by Barranco, a neighborhood home to artists, galleries and cafes.
Also known as the culinary capital of South America, Lima boasts a food scene featuring a mix of indigenous, local and international foods.
Alexander + Roberts cooking class in Peru.
Bring Home a Taste of Peru
Cooking classes, such as those offered on Alexander + Roberts luxury small group journeys, go beyond the kitchen. You’ll explore the cultural roots of each dish, learn about native ingredients and even shop like a local with guided market visits.
Uros Floating Islands at sunset, Lake Titicaca.
Visit Lake Titicaca and Learn About Amazon Ecosystems
At an altitude of 12,500 feet above sea level, Lake Titicaca, on the border of Peru and Bolivia, is the highest navigable lake in the world. A wide variety of plant and animal species live in and around the lake, including one of the planet’s largest aquatic frog species. The lake also is home to the Uros people, who live on floating reed islands.
If you’re interested in a jungle trek, pick from assorted guided tours of the Amazon rainforests and consider a stay at Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica, one of the most highly regarded eco-lodges in the world.
Head to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands
Of course, there is always more to see. Alexander + Roberts offers pre and post excursions to additional locations in Peru and even beyond to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. For example, add an Amazon cruise, which could include a trip through the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. This huge wetland reserve, Ecuador’s largest, teems with swamps, streams and plants and wildlife along the shores. In the Galapagos, you can explore different islands by boat and view the native wildlife and unique terrain.
Alexander + Roberts offers luxury small group journeys to must-see destinations around the world, including Africa, Asia, the Mediterranean and Middle East, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand.
You’ve graduated with your undergraduate degree, and now you’ve decided to go to grad school. Great! Congratulations on taking the next step in your education. You’re almost on your way to a graduate degree — but first, where to? The college search process begins anew.
All rhymes aside, if you’re not going to pursue a graduate degree at the same college that you completed your undergraduate degree, it is like starting the whole process over again. But instead of deciding which college will help mold your early adulthood, it’s a little different.
The question now is: Which grad school holds the key to your career?
Here are some tips and tricks for navigating the grad school search process, as well as some things to think about when deciding which is the right one for you.
Tips and tricks for the grad school college search
Talk to your professors and professional colleagues. Use the relationships you’ve developed with faculty at your undergrad school to your advantage. Professors and people you work with will likely be chock-full of advice. It doesn’t hurt to ask around.
Read articles, papers and journals in your field of study. Then check out their authors. Where did they go to grad school?
Read through lists of grad school rankings, like this one by U.S. News & World Report. You can search by program and then filter by ranking, location and more. The result is a lovely list of the top grad schools in your field. If reputation is important to you, this is where to start.
Begin the search at least six months before you apply. Start looking six months to a year before you plan to apply to grad school. Give yourself ample time to put together a list of schools, learn what you can about each one and compare them.
Visit each campus. Even if you don’t think you’ll be spending much time on campus, visiting each school on your list will tell you more about them than a website or brochure ever could. Virtual college tours are also a great way to start the process.
Talk to students who currently attend. While visiting the campus, take the opportunity to talk to currently enrolled grad students and ask for their honest opinion. They’ll likely be more than happy to answer your questions (if they’re not busy napping or double-fisting shots of espresso).
Work, intern or volunteer in your field before applying. It helps to know that you’re in the right field before you pursue a graduate degree in it. Spending some time immersed in the field before applying will give you a sense of what kind of degree program is right for you. Plus, you’ll be more comfortable when you need to complete practicum hours or an official internship during your studies.
Try for an associateship or fellowship. Fellowships and teaching or research assistantships can help you pay for grad school. It helps to know that you can take advantage of something like this before you agree to the costs of grad school.
Once you have a list of grad schools, ask yourself the following questions to help you whittle it down.
Does the school specialize in your chosen field of study?
A school that specializes in your field might be more likely to provide the relevant experience, research and mentoring opportunities that you’re looking for.
Does the degree program fit your needs?
Not every graduate degree program will prepare you for the licensing or certification that you’re working toward. Don’t be afraid to reach out to the graduate degree program director to clarify any questions you have, including whether or not the program will fulfill your needs.
Does the school provide enough career services to grad students?
Try to find out — either by perusing the school’s website or by contacting the career services center — what resources and programs the school would have available to you as a grad student. Do they provide career counseling? Resume writing help? Professional skills development? Is there a job placement program?
A young woman studies at home.
What does it cost?
Grad school costs an average of $43,620 per year. Pay special attention to the cost per credit, per semester, since graduate degree programs vary in amount of credits required.
What kind of financial aid is available to you?
This goes hand-in-hand with the above question. Grad school can cost a lot, so be sure to find out what kind of financial aid (other than federal loans) is available. What scholarships and grants are there? What fellowships and associateships are there? How much of the cost would they cover?
Will this school give you the tools to let your passion flourish?
You may be going to grad school because your chosen career path requires it. But if not, you may be going to grad school because you’re passionate about an art, a cause, research topic or what have you. Will this school allow you to be creative, dive deep into your research or otherwise explore your passion? What tools and funding will they provide?
Before you dive in to your college search, keep in mind that the college you completed your undergrad degree in may waive certain application fees if you choose to pursue your graduate degree there. Check with your advisor or graduate program director to see what perks might be available to you.
For high school students or any college-bound individual in the process of researching colleges and universities, admissions professionals strongly recommend scheduling campus visits.
If you can’t make it in person, virtual college tours offer a glimpse into student life and campus facilities. One perk is that you can visit multiple campuses across the country all in one day.
Don’t forget, all AAA members have access to our college portal, which includes how-to videos on acing college applications, essays and interviews, as well as financial aid and funding strategies.
Northeast
Hofstra University
Hempstead, N.Y.
What’s the best way to experience Hofstra? This self-guided virtual college tour explores inside Hofstra’s labs, residence halls and production studios, giving viewers access to campus videos, 360-degree photo tours and more. The university is also active on TikTok and their channel is full of funny (and relatable) videos for current and prospective students.
Georgetown University
Washington, D.C.
Georgetown University’s virtual reality walking tour, gives anyone the chance to visit the campus at their own pace, before seeing it in person. This narrated tour has 20 stops around campus, each with 360-degree photography.
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, Mass.
In addition to exploring the halls, athletic center and other parts of campus, a bonus of the Boston College virtual college tour is that you can watch a recorded or live panel from faculty and students. The college also has a robust YouTube channel.
Fairfield University
Fairfield, Conn.
While nothing compares to the real thing, virtual college tours are a great place to start. Fairfield University’s virtual tour gives a simple overview of the campus and couldn’t be easier to use, allowing visitors to look around 20 different points of interest in just a few clicks.
College of New Jersey
Ewing, N.J.
The College of New Jersey’s Youtube channel gives prospective students first-hand accounts from current students and alumni, plus behind-the-scene looks of their athletics program and what to expect during welcome week and homecoming.
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Newark, N.J.
NJIT offers 45 acres of innovation and excitement. Their self-guided campus tour takes you across the entire campus, giving you an inside look into Greek Way, the Microelectronics Center and the Makerspace, a rapid prototyping and collaboration facility where engineers, architects, designers and scientists can create and test ideas, put theory into practice and turn ideas into reality.
Johnson and Wales University
Providence, R.I.
The Johnson and Wales virtual tour gives an all-access view of its beautiful Rhode Island campus. The college’s YouTube channel also highlights internship opportunities, special events and what life is like at JWU.
South
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Va.
This virtual college tour gives you a narrated look into every aspect of the university. The tour is a student-led effort; undergraduate members of the University Guide Service wrote the script, coordinated the filming and continue to maintain and update the tour, giving you full-access to the campus.
University of North Carolina System
16 universities throughout North Carolina
Take a 360-degree tour of each university on your desktop, laptop, phone or VR headset. The tour covers all of the University of North Carolina’s campuses and state universities.
Texas A&M
College Station, Texas
Texas A&M encourages prospective students to set up a 30-minute video chat or call with current “Aggies.” You can also take virtual tours of the campus, including a 20-minute walking tour hosted by the school’s official tour guides, the Howdy Crew.
Midwest
Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio
This self-guided, virtual tour will take you to popular spots across the Columbus campus. Along the way, you’ll learn about Ohio State’s unique history, traditions and what it means to be a Buckeye. The university’s Instagram account also gives prospective students a taste of OSU with behind-the-scenes videos and interviews with current students.
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Mich.
UM students give an insider look of the campus from their point of view. Their YouTube channel also hosts unique series like Michigan students’ vlogs and what summers are like for students who decide to stick around.
University of Chicago
Chicago, Ill.
This virtual tour takes you across the 217-acre University of Chicago campus, which is also a certified botanical garden. The narration is led by students and alumni and boosts over 30 stops around campus, each with 360-degree photography.
West Coast
Stanford University
Stanford, Calif.
Stanford’s online tours include a student-led tour and a virtual campus walk with access to over 30 locations throughout the university including housing, dining, social activities, the quad and more. Stanford also has a podcast highlighting buildings that have benefited from the Stanford Challenge, aimed at seeking solutions to global problems and educating the next generation of leaders.
University of Washington
Seattle, Wash.
You can get an inside look at UW through a series of campus tours hosted on the university’s YouTube channel. It covers everything from commuting, campus life, studying abroad, secret study sports and more.
University of Arizona
Tucson, Ariz.
You can preview the University of Arizona with a six-minute student-led tour video. For more great insight into the life of a Wildcat, check out their Instagram account and YouTube channel.
University of Los Angeles
Los Angeles, Cali.
UCLA is one of the most applied-to schools in the nation. Their narrated tour has over 20 stops around campus each with 360-degree photography. You can see and hear students, faculty and staff explain what makes UCLA an amazing place via their YouTube channel.
Need a new computer for college? Start the school year off right with discounts for AAA members from HP and Dell.
Visit AAA’s College Portal for a customized step-by-step program that will walk you through the college-planning timeline. Inside the portal, you will have access to proven admissions strategies, financial aid options and support needed to build a bright future for yourself or your college-bound kids.
AAA Student Lending is also here to support you and your family with affordable and flexible student loan and refinancing options. Schedule a call to speak with a AAA Student Lending specialist.
So, what do you think of these virtual college tours? Tell us in the comments.
This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.
Northeast gasoline prices are down several cents on average as oil prices touch seasonal lows and petroleum markets brace for increased supply from OPEC+ nations in the coming months.
Crude oil prices fell between $3 and $4 a barrel last week, touching prices not seen since mid-June after OPEC+ members, for a fifth straight month, agreed upon another production increase – this time of more than 500,000 barrels a day in September. The decision by the group marks the complete unwinding of the 2.2 million barrel-a-day cuts instituted in 2022 in an effort to prop up oil prices that cratered during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lower oil costs helped negate potential price impacts caused by last week’s domestic supply and demand data released by the Energy Information Administration (EIA), which showed inventories continue to tighten as stockpiles of crude oil and gasoline declined by 3 million barrels and 1.3 million barrels respectively. In the Northeast, inventories of gasoline fell by 800,000 barrels from the prior week, the EIA reported, and now sit 900,000 barrels below last year’s levels.
Demand for gasoline, meanwhile, dipped 112,000 barrels a day to 9.04 million barrels a day – a figure considered disappointing for a summer week, but still 74,000 barrels a day higher than the same week last year. Demand in 2023 was 260,000 barrels a day higher, according to EIA data.
“Oil and gas markets are being pulled in different directions and ultimately edging lower as the potential for increased global oil supply takes focus,” said Mark Schieldrop, senior spokesperson for AAA Northeast. “Increased production by OPEC+ countries in the fall could accelerate the traditional seasonal decline in gasoline prices we usually see in late summer.”
AAA Northeast’s Aug. 11 survey of fuel prices found the national average down two cents from last week ($3.15), averaging $3.13 per gallon. The national average price was three cents lower than a month ago ($3.16) and 31 cents lower than the same day last year ($3.44).
The AAA Gas Prices website is your resource for up-to-date fuel price information. Search for average gas prices on national, state and metro levels by regular, plus, premium and diesel.
Lots of life events can necessitate a change to your life insurance policy, but in particular, having a child could certainly be considered one of the biggest. It’s also the sort of life event that comes with lots of questions, especially if it’s your first child. So, when it comes to deciding whether or not to purchase a child life insurance policy, you may be wondering what that means and whether it will be worth it in the long run.
Here our experts weigh in and offer advice on the most-asked questions they’ve received about child life insurance.
What is child life insurance?
Just like life insurance for an adult, life insurance for children is an agreement with an insurance company – but in the case of a child ages 17 or younger, a parent, grandparent or guardian serves as the policyholder.
“Child life insurance policies are put together in hopes that the growth that occurs will result in a substantial amount of usable equity to aid in providing substantial living benefits,” said Christopher Perrier, director of life insurance sales operations with AAA.
What are the benefits of a child life insurance policy?
One of the biggest advantages of child life insurance is the feeling of security in knowing that your child is financially prepared for life’s big moments. “Children’s life insurance policies provide continuing coverage as they grow older for things like starting a family or getting married, where the coverage can then provide that much more value to families of their own,” said Perrier.
Having one also guarantees your child will have coverage in the event that they end up developing a health condition later on in life. In addition, you’re locking in a low rate.
“[A] huge benefit of these policies is that when children are young and healthy, the cost of insurance is as low as it will ever be,” Perrier said. “There is no better time to secure a policy to ensure they will always have coverage in place in the event they become uninsurable.”
Child life insurance policies can either be purchased separately from a parent or guardian’s policy, or they can be added as a term rider. Typical life insurance policies for children are categorized as either whole life or indexed universal life.
What is indexed universal life insurance?
An indexed universal life, or IUL, policy offers permanent lifetime protection and the ability to grow in a stock market to increase the interest that’s credited to the cash value in the policy. “The beauty of this policy is that no dollars are actually invested in the index,” Perrier said. “In the event that the market has a down year, there would be no loss of any cash value.”
This kind of policy also has what is referred to as an annual reset, so any gains that are obtained are locked in every year they occur. This way, there’s never a risk of loss but always a healthy potential for growth. “A monthly investment of as little as $50 can result in a huge potential for cash value growth while the child grows up,” Perrier said. That cash value, he advises, could be easily used for college, a down payment on a home, opening a business or any number of life’s big events.
Should you purchase a policy when you’re expecting?
Because insurers consider pregnancy to be a medical condition — a category that can impact your rates — the best time to get life insurance would be before you become pregnant. However, if you are already pregnant, applying as early as possible can help deter any pregnancy-related health factors related to your policy.
Can you purchase a policy for your grandchildren?
Grandparents are welcome to purchase a policy for their grandchildren, said Perrier. “Many clients establish child policies for their grandchildren as a gift when the child is born. While most children outgrow tangible gifts such as toys or clothing, a children’s life insurance policy can be designed to create a lasting legacy for generations to come.”
“It’s the journey, not the destination.” These simple words found at the Route 66 Museum in Clinton, Okla., summed up the road trip of a lifetime I took in fall 2020. In the middle of the pandemic, I drove all of the “lower 48” in as many days. I took the trip to celebrate my retirement.
The idea came to me 20 years ago, when retirement seemed as far away as Seattle. Some influences were books: Bill Bryson’s “The Lost Continent: Travels in Small-Town America,” Charles Kuralt’s “America” and John Steinbeck’s “Travels with Charley.” I thought, “I need a trip with purpose.” I was confident I could hit all 48 states in 48 days. At least it’d be a challenge. In the end, I knew that I’d enjoy it, if I followed my mother’s rule of travel, “If you don’t have fun, it’s your own fault.”
Negative comments from friends and family ranged from “Can that even be done?” – the mildest – to “Why on Earth would anyone do that?” – which was the harshest. I admit the why is the harder question. The how was easy.
I shelved the trip for decades, but when our daughter went off to college and I retired, I decided “I’m going to do this.”
A simple rule: spend one night and only one night in each state. But the rule was hard to implement. I studied maps and traced my way through the United States, calculating mileage, and the few sites I had to see – or at least thought I had to see. I listed calculated mileage between towns from state to state to crank out a plan. The pre-trip version of the plan? The longest day would clock in at 600 miles. The total trip would come in at 12,000 miles.
The Plan
Getting ready to close the tailgate on the RAV4 just before leaving.
I gave myself a 50% chance of pulling it off when I retired in July. This was the year of COVID-19, and I was not going to be reckless. By the end of August, case numbers were coming down, and interstate travel was not prohibited. I decided to do it, and of course, I could always turn around if the pandemic made it unsafe.
I would leave after Labor Day to avoid summer crowds, hit the northern states before the snow and complete the southern states after the worst of the hurricane season. On Sept. 8, I hit the road.
From my home outside of Boston, I headed north to Maine. From there, it was across the North, dipping as far south as St. Louis, Mo., before heading west and north again (like Lewis and Clark, but in a Toyota RAV4). When I hit the Northwest, I turned around and headed home.
I fell into a rhythm. Get to the hotel for the night, write a blog post to keep my friends and family up to date, go to dinner, then plan my next day. In addition to my old-school Rand-McNally road atlas, I had two excellent resources, “1,000 Places to See in North America Before You Die” and “50 States 5000 ideas.” The internet is better at many things, but old-school maps and guidebooks still have a place on a road trip.
I booked hotels only three nights in advance, choosing mostly inexpensive brand name hotels (using my AAA discount). A silver lining to traveling during the pandemic? Empty hotels, low gas prices and no traffic. Downsides? Some museums and key sites closed, and I couldn’t hang out in bars to talk with locals and fellow travelers. Most nights I ate takeout in my room, or if lucky, found an empty place with outdoor dining. I embraced being an introvert and closed attractions reinforced the philosophy tacked up on a wall in Oklahoma. It was about the journey.
Bethlehem Steel Stacks
My car climbed Mount Washington in New Hampshire; I saw where Woodstock happened in Bethel, N.Y.; I went on a Rust Belt tour through Bethlehem, Pa.; Youngstown, Ohio; Flint, Mich.; and Gary, Ind. I spent a lot of time near the mighty Mississippi, winding my way back and forth across that waterway through Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Missouri, and later, between Memphis, Tenn., and New Orleans, La. I hit bucket list items: See the Badlands and stand in front of Mount Rushmore in South Dakota and visit the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon. More often than not, though, it was the unexpected sites that left a lasting impression.
The Unexpected
I learned that Indiana has sand dunes; outside Lincoln, Neb., there is an unbelievably good museum of flight; Bismarck, N.D., has green spaces; and Oklahoma City has fantastic restaurants by canals.
Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum
I listened to books on my iPhone – everything from Teddy Roosevelt and the National Park System, “The Johnstown Flood,” by David McCullough, books on racism in America and “Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee.” I incorporated what I read and saw many of the sites discussed in person. I listened to a lot of Bruce Springsteen, and then visited Bruce’s hometown in New Jersey and the club where he became not just Bruce, but “The Boss.”
These visits were not planned; they just came about, which made them even more rewarding.
It was about two weeks into the trip when I woke up one morning with a realization: What a gift I was giving myself. I was so excited about whatever might come next. All I had to do was hit the road and drive toward the next destination, with nothing to worry about, knowing whatever was ahead would be extraordinary. It’s a rare opportunity to have nothing to worry about but the road ahead.
The Unmasked
Due to the pandemic, I didn’t see a lot of people until I got to the Badlands. My first busy bar. A bartender and a waitress in the tiny town of Hill City told me it was much busier than usual, and they were unprepared. I was surprised at the lack of people wearing masks in the Dakotas, even in the wake of the Sturgis Motorcycle rally, which was identified as a superspreader event.
Throughout my trip, I noticed a wide variety of mask usage. Hotels and national restaurant chains were pretty consistent, but gas stations and convenience stores were really different, not even state-to-state but county-to–county. A bartender in the panhandle of Florida told me no one was wearing masks because they think they all had COVID in fall 2019. Despite the lack of masks, I never felt strange wearing mine, and my out-of-state plates never drew unwanted attention.
America the Beautiful
Yellowstone National Park
By the time I left the Dakotas, I really began to appreciate the beauty of the United States. On previous trips across the country, I saw America from the interstate. On this trip, I drove state roads across the land. Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska became interesting, not just places to get through. I gave a lot of thought to the landscape and the people who lived in the heartland year-round. In many ways, they were some of the best places I’ve seen.
After my trip, people would often ask what was my favorite part was. I usually respond that the section from Livingston, Mont., down through Yellowstone National Park, over to Boise, Idaho, and then up into Washington state and down the Columbia River Gorge to the Oregon coast was the prettiest part of the journey.
But I also found the Great Plains and my 200 miles on the Extraterrestrial Highway through the Nevada desert beautiful. In truth, my favorite part was what I talked about earlier – the feeling of being excited for whatever might come next.
For the most part, the trip went as planned. On the coast of Oregon, I had to divert from my plan to see the Redwoods because of forest fires. Later, I had to change my route because of a hurricane. Despite such diversions, I lived the rule. I visited every state and spent only one night in each.
Other personal highlights: I stood on a street corner in Winslow, Ariz.; I visited my old apartment outside of Chicago and where I lived for a time in college in Durango, Colo. In Memphis, I saw Graceland, but also the wonderful Civil Rights Museum, which sits on the grounds of the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. The Civil Rights Museum was meaningful and memorable. I was able to head south down the Blues Highway (named for all of the Mississippi Delta blues singers that traveled this road north to Memphis and Chicago) and north on the Country Music Highway which passes the birthplaces of country music stars like the “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” Lorretta Lynn.
Bryce Canyon, Utah
From New Orleans to the panhandle of Florida, I saw the aftermath of recent hurricanes, and soon after, drove the Blue Ridge Parkway and viewed spectacular fall scenery. I couldn’t drive the whole country without stopping in Washington, D.C., even if it was just for a quick tour around the National Mall. I did not sleep in the capital as it is not a state. Yet.
I switched up my mode of transportation in Delaware. I found a ferry to take me over to Cape May, N.J. On a beautiful fall day, it was hard to beat the trip across the Delaware Sound. And Cape May is not the New Jersey I’m used to seeing from the turnpike.
Going the Extra Miles
In many ways, I was lucky. I kept safe from the virus that was soon going to spike again, safe from really bad weather that would soon lead to heavy snow in the West and safe driving a trip that turned out to be 15,000 miles instead of the planned 12,000 miles.
What was America like from the road during the pandemic and a difficult political time? America is still America. Sure, the wearing of masks varied from county to county and political billboards dotted the countryside, but Americans will still be pleasant to an outsider. As good as it felt to accomplish a challenge, I had been working on for 20 years, in the end, I came home with a deeper appreciation for what a great and varied country we live in. I can’t think of anywhere else in the world where I could see so much, so easily. The feeling of waking up and just being excited about what might come next is something that will stay with me for a long time. I think I made Mom proud.
So, what’s next for me? I still haven’t been to Alaska or driven across Canada.
Field of Dreams ballpark
If You Go
Read
“1,000 Places to See Before You Die,” Patricia Schultz, Workman Publishing, New York, 2007
“50 States 5000 Ideas,” Joe Yogerst, National Geographic, Washington D.C., 2017
There are many well-known sayings that hold true, like “don’t judge a book by its cover,” “the early bird gets the worm” and “better safe than sorry.” But is there any truth to the real estate adage that homebuyers should “marry the house, date the rate?”
Let’s look at the thinking behind this homebuying strategy and whether now is the time to put it into action.
What does ‘marry the house, date the rate’ mean?
The “marry the house, date the rate” adage reinforces the fact that you can change your mortgage rate while remaining in the same house.
There is a common misconception that you should always put off purchasing a home when rates are high. This approach may seem financially sound in the short-term, but the delay could cause you to miss out on the home you want to marry.
Instead of waiting an undeterminable amount of time for interest rates to drop, you may be better off acting now. Interest rates are always fluctuating. Your initial rate may be higher than you like, but by “dating” your rate, you can break up with it as soon as a better option presents itself.
“It’s a cycle, and when [interest rates] come back down, borrowers will have the opportunity to refinance to a lower rate,” said Steven Vieira, director of mortgage sales and operations at AAA Northeast.
Is now the right time to ‘marry the house, date the rate?‘
Those with a mortgage should always be dating the rate. Even if the original loan comes with a low interest rate, it is wise to consider refinancing if rates drop even further.
That said, the “marry the house, date the rate” strategy was devised for high-rate times like these. The opportunity to refinance when rates drop provides a built-in safety net that ensures consumers will not be locked into an exorbitant interest rate for the length of the mortgage.
Additionally, despite reaching historic highs, interest rates may continue to increase. This would make waiting to purchase a house a costly delay. Taking out a mortgage today would eliminate that possibility.
“Marry the house, date the rate” can be particularly appealing to renters who have put off homebuying during these turbulent times. Remember, mortgages are essentially savings accounts. Borrowers deposit money each month and when the loan is paid off, they become the owner of a valuable asset – a house. Renters, on the other hand, will never get their money back. By adopting the “marry the house, date the rate” strategy, renters can begin building equity immediately when they might have otherwise been reluctant to take out a mortgage.
Is now the right time to buy a house?
It is not just interest rates that have people concerned. Skyrocketing house prices are also scaring off many potential buyers. At the end of the first quarter of this year, the average sale price of houses in the United States was $512,800, according to the St. Louis Fed.
But there are two important points to remember about current housing prices: They are not likely to drop significantly any time soon, and they could work to your advantage when trying to get into your dream house.
Let us look at the first point. Many potential homebuyers are operating under the premise that a housing bubble is about to pop, which will cause prices to decline. But Vieira cautions that consumers should not hold their breath waiting for this to happen. “It goes back to basic supply and demand,” he said. “The housing stock is the lowest it has been in years. This fact alone will keep prices stable, and we may see increases.”
Secondly, the current market could present opportunities for those looking to purchase a house. High prices and interest rates have discouraged many potential homeowners, leaving them sitting on the sidelines. In turn, those looking to sell their home now have a smaller pool of buyers to choose from. This does more than limit the competition. With fewer options, sellers are more likely to be willing to negotiate price and terms. When all is said and done, buyers acting now may end up finding a better deal today than they would have in a less-turbulent housing market.
Are you ready to “marry the house, date the rate?” Contact AAA Financial Services to start your mortgage application today.
This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.
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.
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.
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.
Dreaming of driving through the Tuscan countryside? You’ll need to get a international driving permit (IDP) first. Thankfully, it’s as easy as visiting your local AAA branch and paying a small fee. AAA is the only authorized IDP provider in the U.S. To learn more about driving abroad, listen to our podcast episode.
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.
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 U.S. 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.
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. You might have to wait some days for the currency to be shipped to you, so make sure you plan ahead.
Wellness travel has exploded in the last few years, but you wouldn’t be alone in wondering: What exactly is it? It might be a week at a spa, a wellness clinic, or a fitness-focused getaway like a bike tour or yoga retreat.
If you’re looking for inspiration for a wellness travel adventure, you’ve come to the right place. Here are five current wellness travel trends and where to experience them next.
Sleep Tourism
Hoteliers have always known the value of sleep, but some are taking it a step further with full-fledged sleep packages. Some properties employ in-house sleep experts, while others offer extensive pillow menus and sleep tracker devices to help you troubleshoot your sleep issues. Others stock rooms with sleep-inducing aromatherapy, melatonin or relaxing teas.
The creme de la creme of wellness travel programs for insomniacs include:
Rest and Renew Program at The Benjamin Royal Sonesta in New York. This package features rest-enhancing amenities, including a pillow menu, weighted blanket and science-backed sleep tips.
Sleep Well Retreat at Carillon Miami Wellness Resort in Florida. This four-night retreat uses a sleep-optimizing smart bed and artificial intelligence to teach guests how to improve their sleep habits.
Sleep Enhancement Program at Ananda in the Himalayas of India. These customized 7-, 14- or 21-night retreats are designed to help improve sleep problems, including erratic sleep patterns, interrupted sleep and even sleep apnea.
Yes, you read that right. One of the most significant wellness travel trends of the past few years has been an intense focus on women’s wellness, particularly during significant life transitions such as postpartum and menopause. Wellness properties around the world have invested extensive time and resources into developing programs to help women reset and rebalance as they navigate menopause.
Top destinations for menopause retreats include:
Canyon Ranch Lenox health resort in the Berkshires of Massachusetts now offers several three-night menopause and perimenopause retreats called M/Power. These intimate retreats connect women with health experts who can help craft personalized plans for managing menopause.
The Retreat in Costa Rica offers seven-night, menopause-focused packages called “The Big M,” which include twice-daily yoga and meditation, eight spa therapies and meals designed to support healthy hormone balance.
Six Senses Vana in India offers a 10-night Mindful Menopause program that includes 10 guided wellness sessions, 10 spa treatments and additional benefits, all designed to alleviate menopause symptoms and enhance mental and emotional well-being.
Wellness on the Water: Health-Themed Cruises
Bored of buffets and tiki cocktails? Several cruise companies have begun offering nutritious menus, hydrotherapy circuits, onboard group fitness and even dedicated health-themed sailings.
If you want to dip your toes into the world of wellness cruises, we recommend asking your AAA travel advisor about one of these trendsetting voyages:
Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours also offers spa voyages featuring daily group fitness sessions, nutritious cooking classes and, of course, access to state-of-the-art spa facilities.
AmaWaterways incorporates physical activity into its river cruises with an array of bicycling excursions. Bicycle along some of Europe’s iconic rivers, through charming villages or past tangled grapevines on your way to a wine tasting.
Healthier Together: Wellness Programs for Couples
A strong social connection isn’t just good for your marriage, it also reduces your individual risk of chronic disease and serious illness, according to theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Top wellness travel destinations and hotels have taken note, offering immersive health and spa programs specifically designed for couples. These retreat activities foster connection as participants learn how to support each other’s health goals and try new activities like yoga or cooking together.
If you and your partner are interested in getting healthier as a team, check out some of these incredible programs:
Banyan Tree Connections, which the brand calls “a private holistic well-being journey for two,” is available as a supplement to any booked stay at the luxury brand’s resorts in Thailand, the Maldives, Mexico and China. Program inclusions vary by location. In Mexico, you’ll bond over a cacao ceremony and traditional sweat lodge experience, while in Thailand, you’ll kayak through a lush lagoon and relax together in a sound healing session.
The Couple’s Retreat at the AAA Four Diamond designated The Lodge at Woodloch features a relaxing itinerary designed to help rekindle the romance. Partner yoga, sunset drinks and couple’s spa treatments are the perfect antidote to the unromantic frenzy of daily life.
Canyon Ranch (with locations in Lenox, Massachusetts; Tucson, Arizona; Woodside, California; and soon, Austin, Texas, is an icon in the wellness space, so it’s no surprise the brand offers an all-inclusive couple’s wellness retreat with therapies to help you relax, reconnect and even boost libido.
Plan you next wellness getaway with a AAA travel advisor. AAA travel services are just one of the free perks of your membership.
Which of these retreats would you try? Tell us in the comments.
A Mexico vacation is more than just another tequila sunrise. While Cancun and the Riviera Maya are justly famous for relaxing all-inclusive resorts where sipping beachfront cocktails can be elevated to an all-day activity, the 90 miles of coastline between Isla Mujeres and Tulum also stirs the souls of travelers seeking Mayan history, adventure sports, abundant nature and Mexican culture.
Places to Visit in Mexico
Easy to reach and packed with an abundance of resort choices, Cancun is known for its high-rise hotels strung along a narrow strip of sand between a natural lagoon and the Caribbean Sea.
“My favorite area for a great beach vacation is Cancun’s Hotel Zone,” said Kimberly O’Flaherty, a AAA travel advisor and destination-wedding specialist. “Some people think it is still the ‘old’ Cancun, but it certainly has risen above the party atmosphere: Luxury is king now.”
Just north of Cancun is the growing but still laid-back resort area known as the Costa Mujeres (or Playa Mujeres), another destination for luxury beach stays.
“Costa Mujeres has some of the best calm beaches, and it is a short ferry ride to Isla Mujeres,” said O’Flaherty. “I think any catamaran tour that brings you there and lets you snorkel on the way is a ton of fun.”
Isla Mujeres stands apart for its relative isolation, safe and welcoming atmosphere and rich natural beauty.
“It’s a place to go swim with the whale sharks, and manta rays, too,” said O’Flaherty. “I suggest the Dreams Playa Mujeres and Secrets Playa Mujeres resort, depending on whether it is a family or adults traveling.” Staying in a smaller, mostly locally owned hotel on Isla Mujeres itself is another option.
Heading down the coast south of Cancun reveals another way to stay in the Mexican Caribbean: Vacationing on a pristine beach surrounded by dense jungle rather than other hotels.
Moon Palace Cancun is a AAA Four Diamond designated luxury family resort with a large water park. Another family-friendly choice is the Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Riviera Maya, just outside the growing beach community of Puerto Morelos.
The Mayakoba area includes a trio of the most luxe resorts in Mexico: the Rosewood Mayakoba and the AAA Five Diamond designated Banyan Tree Mayakoba and Fairmont Mayakoba, all clustered around golf courses and spas in an exclusive resort community.
Playa del Carmen beach in Riviera Maya.
Mayakoba is a delightfully private Mexican vacation spot, yet also just a short drive to the shopping, dining and nightlife of Playa del Carmen. Browsing rare bottles of tequila and mescal at the shops along Fifth Avenue is a memorable experience, and Playa del Carmen also is the gateway for the 45-minute ferry ride to the island of Cozumel.
Mostly a destination for day-trippers and cruise ship visitors, Cozumel has a charming small town, San Miguel de Cozumel, but remains mostly undeveloped, making it popular with nature lovers as well as those who come to spend a day sunning on Playa Palancar Beach. Surrounded by the coral reefs of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef — which runs the length of the Riviera Maya coastline — Cozumel also is a popular jumping-off point for dive tours.
Cozumel, like the mainland, is deeply pocketed with water-filled limestone caves called cenotes. Jade Cavern Cozumel is one of the island’s most popular tourist attractions. Cenotes are also part of the natural attractions at the Xcarat parks located in the Playa del Carmen area.
“For people who are into adventure, I suggest the Riviera Maya and Playa Del Carmen area,” said O’Flaherty. “A perfect place is the Hotel Xcaret Mexico, which includes entrance to all of the Xcaret parks.”
Built around an archaeological site of the same name, Xcaret is an ecological park offering the opportunity to swim in a cenote and on a river through a Mayan village, encounter dolphins and manatees, and enjoy a Mayan cultural show. Other parks include Xel-Ha, which features an underground river and water park, and Xplor with its 14 ziplines and ATV tours.
Tulum trades high-energy for chill vibes. This small but rapidly growing coastal city was once known mostly for the ruins of a 13th century Mayan port town that once served the much larger city of Coba, located about 30 miles inland. In recent years, however, Tulum has emerged as the leading wellness destination in the Riviera Maya — first with small, toes-in-the-sand hotels, then later adding luxury boutique resorts with spas, yoga classes and other amenities.
Some Tulum hotels are on the beach, while others offer an in-town experience that allows visitors greater immersion in local culture than a stay at an all-inclusive resort.
“A visit to Tulum, Coba or both, and meeting with the Mayan people, is a must-do,” said O’Flaherty.
Plan your trip to Mexico with a AAA travel advisor. It’s a free service with your membership, so take advantage! Call 866-423-5585 to speak with an advisor today.
What is your favorite place to visit in Mexico? Tell us in the comments.
Energy Information Administration (EIA) data released last week showed gasoline demand might be crawling out of a post-July Fourth slump.
The agency reported demand rose by 185,000 barrels a day over the prior week to 9.15 million barrels a day – a figure roughly in-line with seasonal expectations, but still 100,000 barrels a day below the comparable week last year.
The EIA also reported a decline in domestic gasoline stocks last week, which reached a two-month low. The largest declines were seen here in the Northeast, where regional supplies fell by 1.8 million barrels to 57.9 million barrels. Despite the drawdowns, Northeast supplies are still considered to be at comfortable levels and sit above the 56.2 million barrels that were in storage this time last year.
“After demand for gasoline fell short of expectations in the weeks following July Fourth, recent readings are much more summerlike,” said Mark Schieldrop, senior spokesperson for AAA Northeast. “The stronger demand, coupled with tighter supply, has put some upward pressure on pump prices.”
AAA Northeast’s Aug. 8 survey of fuel prices found the current national average the same as last week ($3.15), averaging $3.15 per gallon. The national average price is a penny higher than a month ago ($3.14) and 30 cents lower than this day last year ($3.45).
As of Aug. 8, Mississippi and Texas have the lowest prices in the nation at $2.71 and $2.73, respectively. California and Hawaii hold the highest prices in the nation this week at $4.49 and $4.46 respectively.
The AAA Gas Prices website is your resource for up-to-date fuel price information. Search for average gas prices on national, state and metro levels by regular, plus, premium and diesel.
Few things are as distressing as discovering a flood in your home. Whether it’s from heavy rainfall, a burst pipe or a natural disaster, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Where do you even begin?
Read on to learn what to do if your house floods, including steps to take when faced with a flooded space, how insurance can help and the long-term strategies for preventing damage.
What To Do if Your House Floods
How to Deal With Flood Damage
Make sure it’s safe.
The safety of you and your family is top priority, so if the flood is severe, evacuate immediately and seek higher ground. It’s also wise to avoid walking or wading through floodwaters as they can contain hazardous materials and pose dangers you may be unable to see.
Document the damage.
Although it may seem like a good idea to start cleaning up as soon as possible, it’s best to document the extent of the damage before anything else. Take photos and videos of affected areas to provide evidence for insurance claims; this makes the process easier for both you and your provider.
Contact your insurance provider.
Speaking of insurance, you should notify your insurance company of the incident as soon as possible. Provide them with your documented evidence of the damage and follow their guidance on the next steps in the process.
Start cleaning.
Once it’s safe to reenter your home, begin the cleanup process quickly to prevent further damage. Remove standing water by using pumps and/or wet/dry vacuums and dispose of damaged items that cannot be salvaged.
Dry and disinfect.
It’s important to thoroughly dry the affected areas to prevent mold growth. To do this, run dehumidifiers and fans until no sign of moisture is present. Once dried, disinfect all surfaces, furniture and small items to eliminate any potential toxins from the floodwater.
Inspect structural damage.
Water is corrosive and can cause irreversible damage to the structural integrity of your home. Look for signs of damage to the foundation, walls and support structures especially, but all areas should be inspected as a precaution. If you have concerns about the safety of your home, consult with a professional to evaluate further.
Even if you don’t live in a flood region, you could still be affected by unexpected water in your home.
“Flooding does not only occur in coastal communities. Floods can occur just about anywhere,” said Jodi DeSantis, vice president of insurance sales at AAA Northeast. “Floods may result from rain, storm surge, overflows of water systems and can develop slowly or very quickly. Flash floods often come without warning as we have seen in communities within our AAA Northeast region recently.”
To set yourself up to be as flood resistant as possible, consider investing in flood insurance. While standard homeowners’ insurance may cover some water damage, it often excludes flooding, which means you’ll need a separate policy.
More ways to prevent flood damage in your home include:
Elevating electrical outlets, switches and wiring so they are at least 1 foot above the expected flood level in your area.
Installing a sump pump.
Properly sealing and insulating cracks in the home’s foundation or walls.
Just thinking about planning a family trip can be exhausting. The packing, the organizing, the lists (so many lists) — and that’s all without having a destination picked.
We can’t pack your bag for you, but we can definitely give you some ideas on where to go.
Family vacations should be fun for everyone, and while many traditional destinations do it right (looking at you, Disney), maybe this year the road less family-traveled is calling your name. These places are not necessarily known as family vacation hotspots, but that makes them all the better. Fewer clichés, new experiences and memories to last a lifetime.
The White Mountain National Forest
Appalachian Trail
Even for families who like to stay active on their vacations, a visit to the Appalachian Trail may seem like a bit of a stretch considering its enormity and lack of family-friendly accommodations. Fortunately, the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) has that last one covered. Staying in one of the AMC’s “huts” lets you enjoy comfortable lodging across the White Mountain National Forest portion of the Appalachian Trail and includes home-cooked meals for the duration of your stay. Each hut is only accessible by foot, but their distance from the nearest trailhead varies, so families may choose one that’s the best fit for their needs.
Peyto Lake in Banff National Park
Banff, Canada
A bit off the grid, Banff feels like a true escape. Surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, the tiny town is almost too perfect — no trash in sight and basically carless. It is a walkable dream with exceptional views and the occasional wildlife sighting (it is, after all, within Banff National Park).
Families can choose to explore the town or venture off to visit any of the surrounding attractions including stunning Lake Louise, hot springs, waterfalls, nature hikes, gondola rides, shopping, cave exploration and so much more.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor
Family trips can sometimes fall into the trap of being too much — too much to do, too much to see and not enough time spent in the moment. Bar Harbor is a place where things happen slowly and activities are limited, but that’s the point.
A family trip to Bar Harbor would likely consist of a hike in Acadia National Park, taking a refreshing dip in the chilly Atlantic, then deciding it’s time to mosey into town for an ice cream as you watch the sunset. It’s the kind of place you imagine only exists in movies: charming oceanside small town surrounded by mountains where a penny candy store still exists and lobster paraphernalia is plentiful. Essentially, this is the perfect place to head if your family is in need of some serious rest and relaxation.
Millennium Park, Chicago
Chicago
Think of Chicago as a less intimidating New York City. Smaller, more manageable and arguably more kid-friendly.
With activities like museums, aquariums, beaches and parks, there’s plenty for any family to see and do. Got a dinosaur fanatic? Take them to see SUE, the most complete T. rex skeleton ever found, at the Field Museum. Interested in architecture (or just like to look up at big, tall buildings)? Enjoy a cruise down the Chicago River, lazily floating through the city as a guide explains the history and significance of each facade. Big appetites? Nothing’s better after a day exploring the city than to sit down with one of the city’s iconic deep-dish pizzas at a local hole-in-the-wall. Whatever you and your family are into, there’s something for everyone in Chicago.
High Roller Observation Wheel in Las Vegas
Las Vegas
It’s not unreasonable to question whether a place nicknamed Sin City would ever be a good family trip destination, but Las Vegas has steadily become a city where families can enjoy some fun together. In fact, the city offers several kid-friendly activities from the High Roller Observation Wheel at The LINQ to the Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York (a roller coaster that twists around a miniature New York City.) Families can also opt to visit museums, exhibitions and shows that all members of the family can enjoy, like Cirque du Soleil or a mystifying magic show by Mac King.
The Washington Monument during the Cherry Blossom Festival.
Washington, D.C.
Our nation’s capital is a hub for policymaking but is lesser-known as a family vacation hot spot. We’re not sure why, considering the next two words: free museums. That’s right — every single Smithsonian Institution museum in Washington, D.C., has free entry. For everyone, not just kids. That means you could visit the National Museum of Natural History, National Air and Space Museum, National Zoo, National Museum of African American History and Culture and 12 more museums for zero dollars. Talk about vacationing on a budget.
Besides its plethora of museums to explore, Washington, D.C., is also a great walkable city, whether you have a destination in mind or not. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to eat, shop, explore and learn as you do, all while taking in the sights. Not up for walking? Take an easy ride on the district’s metro or hop on a bus or Segway tour.
The Northeast is no stranger to fame, especially as many Hollywood stars have roots here. There’s Viola Davis, who hails from Rhode Island, Chris Evans from Massachusetts, and Glenn Close from Connecticut, just to name a few.
With so many big names calling the Northeast home, it’s no wonder some stars have chosen to open their own businesses here. From award-winning restaurants to a charming countryside inn, here are five celebrity-owned businesses that you can visit right here in the Northeast.
Serving up country-style cuisine with a twist, Olivia Culpo’s Back 40 restaurant opened in 2017 and has since made a name for itself in not just the local South County food scene, but all around the state as well. Catch American classics like pulled pork, wings and nachos while being pleasantly surprised by creative offerings such as the Smashburger Cubano or the Drunken Seafood Linguine.
The historical significance of the Bedford Post Inn – having been an important stagecoach stop between Boston and New York City in the 18th and 19th centuries – was what initially drew actor Richard Gere to acquire the property and begin much needed renovations in 2007. Today, guests can enjoy a multitude of modern amenities while enjoying the implicit old charm of the property, including a yoga facility, a reflective pool, pastoral views and on-site dining.
Want to know what kind of coffee Hugh Jackman drinks? Look no further. To Mr. Jackman and all who visit, Laughing Man is a place rooted in community, fair trade goods, lots of laughs and good vibes (their motto is, after all, “All be happy.”) Grab a simple flat white or indulge in a variety of specialty drinks like the vanilla rose matcha latte.
Having grown up in the surrounding area, Steve Carell took ownership of the historic Marshfield Hills General Store in 2009. The shop has all the New England town charm one would expect, complete with a candy section, toys, gifts, freshly brewed coffee and, in honor of its beloved owner, “The Office” merch from hats to “World’s Best Boss” mugs.
Get your sugar fix at Samuel’s Sweet Shop, where you can delight in a variety of sugary treats from chocolate to gummies, cookies, lollipops, caramels, vintage favorites and so much more. Curious if your taste aligns with its famous owners? Try either Paul’s Favorites sampler or the Jeffrey’s Favorites sampler (both of which can be ordered online and shipped, if you can’t make it to Rhinebeck). Voted Best Candy Store of the Hudson Valley by Hudson Valley Magazine, you can even grab a hot or cold beverage to go with your sweet selections.
Do you have a favorite celebrity-owned business? Tell us in the comments!
Featured image: Samuel’s Sweet Shop
This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.
Moving into a new apartment or rental can be a project. You have so much furniture, clothes and knickknacks to move into your new place. But once you’re settled, how do you know your belongings will stay safe? You might not think you have expensive things, but could you afford to replace all of them at a moment’s notice? That’s where renters insurance coverage comes in.
To learn more about renters insurance coverage and AAA renters insurance, we spoke to Jodi Desantis, vice president of insurance sales for AAA Northeast.
If you live in an apartment or other type of rental, renters insurance is a way to cover your personal possessions and your personal liability. “Many apartment complexes require their tenants to have renters insurance,” said DeSantis. “And also for them to carry certain liability limits.”
Your landlord is already paying the property insurance, but if you want your personal belongings to be protected, you’ll need to have renters insurance. Renters insurance coverage provides protection for personal items in the event they are stolen or damaged, as well as personal liability in case someone is injured at your rental and you are held liable.
Renters insurance can cover items damaged by fire, lightning, smoke damage, vandalism and windstorms. And if your apartment becomes damaged in one of these events and you can’t stay there while it’s being repaired, it will usually cover additional living expenses, as well. It will also cover you against damages caused by others in your building that you can’t control, like if someone starts a fire in another apartment.
Additionally, renters insurance may protect you from issues that arise from water and sewage backup. “Depending on what you’re renting, typically the flood insurance is purchased by the property owner,” said DeSantis. “Renters insurance covers water damage that originated inside the house, like an overflow or a collapsed sewer line.”
Review your policy terms with your agent to see exactly how you are covered.
Where does renters insurance coverage apply?
Renters insurance obviously covers the personal property you keep in your apartment, but it also travels with you, which could come in handy in ways you might not even realize.
If you play golf, for example, and your expensive golf clubs get stolen from your car, your auto insurance wouldn’t cover the theft, but your renters insurance would.
This is also the case for personal liability. “It looks just like liability coverage with a homeowners insurance policy,” DeSantis said. “So if you have $300,000 worth of liability coverage as part of your rental policy, that coverage follows you. If you were to inadvertently injure someone and you were held liable, even if the incident were to occur outside of your apartment or almost anywhere, you would be covered.”
Is there anything renters insurance doesn’t cover?
“Like all property or dwelling insurance, there’s general coverage for your personal property up to a certain limit,” DeSantis said. “That’s something you would have to talk to your agent about … If you have exotic items or anything you might place a lot of value on that you’re not sure about, you should just ask. Whether it’s artwork, firearms or jewelry, most carriers will offer some sort of endorsement that you’ll have to pay an extra premium on to get coverage.”
Learn more about jewelry insurance offered through AAA.
What do I do now?
A great way to get the most out of your renters insurance coverage is by taking inventory of all your personal belongings. This can be as simple as making a home inventory video on your phone. Having this record and updating it as needed can help you keep tabs on exactly what you own and the condition of your items, which can be especially handy when making a claim. To keep track of more expensive items, it is also a good idea to hold onto your receipts by taking photos of them or storing the hard copies in a safe place.
The vibrant city of New York is arguably one of the best cities in the world. Take a bite out of the Big Apple with this crossword.
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Many Americans still have reservations about trading in their gas-powered car for a fully electric vehicle. Whether it’s range anxiety, concerns about charging or simply fear of the unknown, some are turning to car rental companies to take the EV life for a spin and see if it’s right for them.
Why EV Rentals?
Car dealerships don’t always have unsold EVs on the lot available for test drives, so people are getting their feet wet by renting EVs for short road trips or to putter around town on the weekend. Driving an EV with no long-term commitment and minimal up-front cost or sales pressure is appealing to folks either on the fence about EVs or planning to buy one in the future.
“Renting is a great way to test drive an EV and experience all they have to offer,” said Laura Smith, Executive Vice president of Global Sales and Experience for Hertz.
AAA research has shown that one of the best ways to ease concerns about range anxiety and charging infrastructure is to literally put people in the driver’s seat, and Hertz is happy to help.
The booking process is just like renting a gas-powered car. After selecting the EV option, a renter can choose the model they’d like. Once the reservation is made, the experience differs.
To ease first-time EV renters into the drivers’ seat, Hertz sends a series of emails tailored to the specific vehicle that go over the basics as well as what to expect in terms of the quieter ride, performance, how to shift into gear or park, what regenerative braking is all about, and so on.
The emails are rich with links for deeper dives into the particular EV’s quirks, such as how to engage with climate controls, how to turn on the hazard lights, or what everything displayed on the instrument cluster means.
“In addition to a knowledgeable staff who are well-equipped to assist our customers, we provide a variety of information and resources on how to drive and charge an EV, so people feel comfortable and confident when hitting the road,” Smith said.
Perhaps the most important topic on the minds of EV tryers is how — and where — to charge an EV. While Hertz only requires rented EVs to be returned with at least 75% battery life remaining, many renters hope to try out charging, in addition to EV driving. Hertz offers detailed explanations on how to charge each model in its fleet in addition to finding public charging locations using in-car systems. The company even gives a thorough explanation of the differences between Level 1, Level 2 and fast charging.
Based on the emails and resources on the Hertz website, an EV renter will get a thorough education on EVs and EV charging even before they get in and buckle up for the first time.
So, if you’re interested in driving an EV but don’t know where to start, a rental might be the perfect way to get up to speed with EVs.
Saving money is a skill, and like any skill, it sharpens over time with practice. The key to successful personal finance is adopting small positive practices. The more these saving habits become a part of your life, the more they become second nature – and the more your bank account grows as a result!
Develop a Smart Investment Strategy
A good rule to follow, whether at a casino or when monitoring the stock market, is knowing when to cut your losses. Give yourself an amount at which you’ll sell your stocks when your portfolio isn’t looking so good – maybe it’s the amount you initially put in, or perhaps something higher. You don’t want to lose more than you originally spent.
Unpack the emotional and psychological side of money. Listen to Season 2, Episode 2 of our podcast, Merging Into Life: How to Manage Money Stress and Build a Healthier Mindset.
One of the best saving habits you can get into is to pay your debts off in full when possible, or at least higher than the minimum. Paying off a credit card bill or medical bill little by little may be easier in the short run, but the downside to consistently choosing the minimum option is that you accrue interest, so you pay more in the long run.
Use Your Credit Card Carefully
Having a credit card comes in handy, but it’s important to avoid overspending. Keep in mind the money you have in your checking or savings account and never spend more than what you actually have. Unlike most debit cards, credit cards offer reward points and other benefits, so they can be a great asset for your finances.
Limit the Late-Night Snacks
One great piece of advice for both your body’s health and your financial health – don’t eat anything after midnight! We consume food to have energy for the tasks ahead. After midnight, the only task you should be focused on is sleeping. Avoiding late night snacks after this time can help you cut down on grocery bills, or the cost of restaurant food if you’re out late with family or friends.
Buy Higher-Quality Products
Some items are worth more money for good reason and choosing them over cheaper products can actually save you money in the long run. Take a car, for example; you may be tempted by the lower price tag of an older, used car. In the short run, yes, you save money. But once the car starts breaking down and you start having to bring it into the shop for repairs, you’ll wish you had purchased a newer model.
Keep Your Car in Good Shape
Speaking of cars, make sure to keep yours well-maintained. Regularly getting oil changes and checking to see what that funny noise is under the hood, rather than ignoring it, can help you avoid more costly problems down the road (no pun intended).
Manage Your Money Online
Consider switching to online banking and setting up automatic payments. This might seem a little scary because you may not feel like you have as much control over your finances, or you might be worried that a payment will be taken out when your account doesn’t have enough funds.
To set your mind at ease, try using an app like Mint, which alerts you when your funds are running low. Setting up automatic payments for your bills prevents you from accidentally paying late and getting charged late fees. After all, slipping up and forgetting to pay one of your bills can happen to even the most conscientious among us.
In addition, apps and sites like this are useful in two other amazing ways:
They give you an overview of all your accounts, helping you keep track of everything so your finances are less overwhelming.
They allow you to see the patterns in your spending habits, enabling you to see where your money is going every month, and what you might want to cut back on.
Still feeling wary about online banking? At least take one piece of advice from this tip: Create a spreadsheet for yourself that keeps track of all your accounts at once. Getting a bird’s- eye view of your finances can really help you with your budget.
Set up Your Retirement Fund Early
Don’t wait too long to start setting up a retirement fund. Once you have a better feel for what you have and what you’re pulling in regularly (using the previous tip), you’ll be better able to gauge how much you can part with each month to put into this essential fund. Putting aside 10% of your income each month for retirement is a safe bet. To make this easier you can set up an automatic transfer of a designated amount of money each month to go into these separate accounts, so you never accidentally skip a month.
Add More Money to Your 401(k)
Speaking of retirement, if you work at a job that allows you to have a 401(k), you might consider going for a higher contribution, or even up to the limit, also known as “maxing out.” Think carefully if you can afford it in the short term, though – maxing out is not for everyone’s budget. But if this saving habit is doable for you, you’ll end up with more money for your retirement than you would’ve with the lower contribution. In fact, it’s also a good idea to increase your 401(k) contribution every time you get a raise.
Pick up Handy Household Skills
In the process of sharpening your money-saving skills, you may also want to pick up some other valuable skills along the way, especially regarding your home. To save money on home upgrades and small repairs you may want to DIY some of your design projects or pick up a few basics on plumbing, painting and fixing leaks. You’ll be proud of yourself, too!
Establishing even just one or two of these money saving habits can help you reach your money goals. Get started today!
This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.
