Life insurance is one of the best ways to ensure your loved ones are financially secure when you’re no longer around to provide for them. Despite its importance for a bright financial future, life insurance still has a reputation for being a bit confusing.

From annuities to underwriting, life insurance terminology can pose a barrier to fully understanding a policy, which isn’t an ideal scenario for either the customer or the company providing the policy. Getting to know life insurance terms is a win for everyone involved and helps to demystify the process as a whole.

While specific policies differ from company to company, there are some standard terms that are used across the life insurance landscape. Keep the following glossary handy any time you’re starting, updating or simply reviewing your life insurance policy.

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Annuity

An annuity is a contract that provides you with regular income for life (or a set time period) that’s paid out by your insurance policy.

Beneficiary

A beneficiary is the person (or people) you designate to receive compensation if something happens to you.

Cash Surrender Value

Cash surrender value is the amount of money you would get if you canceled your policy before it pays out – typically minus fees and loans.

Direct Response

Direct response is a type of insurance with no middleman. It’s sold straight to you via mail, online or in-person.

Dividend

A dividend is a little bonus you may get back if your life insurance company overcharged for your policy.

Face Amount

Think of face amount like face value: It’s the payment amount on your policy that doesn’t include any extras.

Insurable Interest

Insurable interest is the reason for insuring someone, like love, family or financial ties.

Insurer vs. Insured

The insurer is the company that provides the policy, and the insured is you (or the person covered).

Lapse

When a policy becomes inactive because premium payments haven’t been made.

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Life Insurance

A policy that acts as a financial safety net for your loved ones if anything happens to you. It’s like saying, “I got your back – even if I’m not around.”

Non-forfeiture

Non-forfeiture means that if you stop paying your premiums, you won’t lose everything, and you can instead choose options like taking cash or reduced coverage.

Participating and Non-participating Policies

A participating policy type may offer a piece of the company’s profits as a dividend. A non-participating policy does not.

Policy Proceeds

Policy proceeds are the funds your policy pays out when it matures, or someone claims it (i.e. your beneficiary).

Premium

The regular payment that’s made to keep your policy active. Sort of like a gym membership, but instead of working out, it’s ensuring your loved ones are financially healthy.

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Rating

A rating is an extra charge added to your premium if you are considered a higher-than-average risk.

Rider

Just like how celebrities can add expensive coconut water to their dressing room riders, a life insurance rider is a little add-on to customize your policy (like extra coverage or specific inclusions).

Standard Risk

The classification of a person applying for life insurance coverage that falls under the average standards on which premium rates are based.

Supplementary Contract

A separate agreement for how the policy payout will be managed (installments vs. lump sum, etc.).

Underwriting

The process of underwriting is like choosing your fantasy team. Both use “stats” (in this case, medical history and lifestyle habits) to evaluate risk and determine the best outcome (cost and type of coverage).

Learn more about life insurance through AAA.

Strong demand for home heating oil and new, tougher U.S. sanctions against Russia — the world’s second-largest oil producer — pushed crude prices up 2% last week to levels not seen since mid-August. Oil prices have risen for four straight weeks, which has led to gasoline prices in commodities markets jumping by nearly 8% over the past month.

Adding to the upward momentum is demand for both oil and gasoline. Last week, crude inventories fell by 2 million barrels to 412 million barrels. That’s 17 million barrels below last year’s figure and far below the five-year average of 440 million barrels, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Meanwhile, demand for gasoline was higher than the comparable weeks of 2021 through 2024, surprising some market watchers who expected lower figures due to snow and cold, which typically suppresses demand.

The rise in pump prices is being tempered somewhat by strong inventories of gasoline. The EIA reported another large build in gasoline inventories last week as refiners maintain high output through the winter. Supplies were up 5.9 million barrels — the third straight week of inventory builds above 5 million barrels — and inventories have risen by 36.7 million barrels since mid-November. In the Northeast, gasoline stockpiles now stand about 500,000 barrels above the five-year average.

“The price for a gallon of gasoline can fluctuate week-to-week on supply and demand factors, geopolitical developments and the weather,” said Jillian Young, director of public relations for AAA Northeast. “But ultimately, the price for a barrel of crude oil is the leading indicator for gas prices.”

AAA Northeast’s Jan. 20 survey of fuel prices found the current national average up 6 cents from last week ($3.06), averaging $3.12 gallon. Today’s national average price is 7 cents higher than a month ago ($3.05) and 4 cents higher than this day last year ($3.08).

Region	Current Price*	One Week Ago	One Month Ago	One Year Ago
Connecticut	$3.08	$3.03	$3.03	$3.14
Massachusetts	$3.02	$3	$3.02	$3.12
New Jersey	$3.10	$2.99	$2.91	$3.07
New York	$3.16	$3.13	$3.13	$3.26
Rhode Island	$2.98	$2.94	$2.95	$3.02

*Prices as of Jan. 20, 2025

As of Jan. 20, Mississippi and Texas had the lowest prices in the nation at $2.68 and $2.71, respectively. Hawaii and California held the highest prices in the nation at $4.53 and $4.45, 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.

With temperatures expected to dip into the single digits this week, homeowners across the Northeast might be worried about the potential for winter-related damage to their properties – and rightly so: In 2022 alone, cold weather and winter storms caused nearly $6 billion in insured losses in the United States, according to the Insurance Information Institute. 

The most common types of insurance claims related to severe winter weather include frozen pipes, ice dams building up along roof edges, damage from falling trees and limbs and even house fires. 

Fortunately, a few preventive measures can reduce the risk of a winter catastrophe, starting with a review of your existing homeowners insurance policy to ensure any potential disaster is covered. Water damage from a leaking pipe or an ice dam that sends water through the roof may be covered by a typical homeowners policy. But flooding caused by other events, such as rapid snow melt, may require a separate flood insurance policy.  

“‘Winter storms are not typically thought of as natural disasters, but they can cause significant damage in the Northeast,” said Greg Smolan, vice president of insurance operations for AAA Northeast. “Taking preventive measures will help minimize the risk associated with winter weather.” 

AAA Insurance recommends that all homeowners take these steps to effectively winterize their homes for safety and to avoid costly repairs: 

• Clear gutters and downspouts of debris to allow melting snow and ice to flow freely. To help prevent ice dams from forming, keep the attic well-ventilated and the attic floor well-insulated. Heat tape may also help prevent ice buildup and can facilitate melting.  

• To prevent pipes from freezing and bursting, insulate exposed pipes, seal cracks in outside walls near pipes, keep cabinet doors on exterior walls open and keep a slow trickle of water flowing through unprotected pipes during cold spells.  

• Know the location of the main water shutoff valve: If your pipes freeze, the faster you shut off the water, the better chance you have of preventing them from bursting and causing major damage.  

• Ensure your heating system is up to snuff by having the furnace, boiler or chimney serviced at least once a year. Be sure to have ducts, vents and filters inspected. 

• Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Residential fires and carbon monoxide poisonings increase in the winter as people rely on indoor fires and heating systems. Detectors should be checked at least twice a year. 

• Follow all safety guidelines when using supplemental space heaters to prevent electrical fires or fires caused by the placement of heaters too close to flammable materials.  

• Trim trees and remove dead branches: Ice, snow, wind and rain can cause weak trees and tree limbs to fall and damage your car or home – or fall on people walking on or near your property.  

• Clear your driveway and walkway of snow as soon as possible to prevent slips and falls.  

Winter in New England brings many things, but usually snow and more snow. It’s no wonder it’s a hot spot for cold-weather enthusiasts looking to ski and snowboard. And while the Northeast as a whole is a popular hub for winter fun, there’s one area so chock-full of activities and quintessential New England charm that it should not be missed.

North Central Massachusetts, a scenic region covering over 800 square miles with 27 communities and three cities, is not only home to New England’s most accessible ski resort, but it’s also an area known for its farms, wineries, festivals, art scene, family entertainment and more. No matter how you like to spend your winter downtime, you can find it here.

Discover all that’s in store for you in North Central Massachusetts.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Whether you’re a seasoned skier/snowboarder or a novice just learning the ropes, Wachusett Mountain is an ideal place to go to experience some wintery fun. Glide down the mountain’s 27 snow-packed trails, hone your skills on the racing course or simply enjoy an après ski treat (more on that later) – the choice is yours.

Children and beginners have many options when it comes to learning how to ski or snowboard at Wachusett. Lessons are held for all ages starting as young as four years old, in addition to the option of private and adaptive lessons that cater to an individual’s specific needs. Need some new gear before you take off down the slopes? Not a problem. Wachusett’s MTNside Ski & Ride shop offers gear, apparel, accessories and fun Wachusett logo wear that you can proudly sport back home.

After all your exertion on the slopes, there’s nothing better than a warm meal and a cold drink. You’ll find everything from hot cider and coffee (at the Bullock Lodge) to casual pub fare (Black Diamond Restaurant), sandwiches with a view (O’Brian’s Deck Bar & Grill) and local craft beers (Coppertop Lounge), all at your fingertips within the Wachusett resort.

More Winter Activities

If you prefer a slower-paced winter activity, winter hiking and snowshoeing opportunities can be found all around North Central Massachusetts, like at the breathtaking Wachusett Mountain State Reservation or Leominster State Park a bit further north. Check out the Massachusetts Audubon Sanctuary, as well, for a chance to spot some of the many protected local species of mammals, birds and insects.

Ice skating fans have a plethora of skating locations in and around the North Central Massachusetts area to choose from. From outdoor lakes in Barrett Park and Leominster State Park to the indoor Veteran’s Ice Arena and Gardner Veteran’s Arena, there’s no shortage of chances to lace up those skates.

Those seeking to go ice fishing will find the perfect spot over at Asnacomet Pond where trout run abundant.

Family Entertainment

North Central Massachusetts specializes in family fun. At Great Wolf Lodge, your group can enjoy the excitement of a water park in the middle of winter, play a game (or several) of mini golf, rock climb, Build-a-Bear and so much more.

If you’re not looking for an overnight stay, there’s the popular FunStuf PlayAway, an indoor playground with lots of games, inflatable slides, a photo booth and even a giant keyboard, a la the movie “Big.” Launch Family Entertainment in the city of Leominster offer fun for all ages, including bowling, trampoline dodgeball, VR games and more. Or visit Cornerstone Ranch for a charming horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow (open all winter long through March).

Art, Music, Culture and Entertainment

Head indoors to enjoy all kinds of fine art at one of the region’s museums. Try the Fitchburg Art Museum where the first Thursday of the month is free for everyone, or the Fort Devens Museum in Devens, a welcoming place for Veterans and their families to gather, remember and share the stories. Other great choices include the The Icon Museum and Study Center (housed in a 150-year-old gallery space that includes a terrace, tea room and performance facilities), Gardner Area League of Artists and the Winchendon History and Cultural Center, a supposedly haunted location where you can actually investigate for ghosts!  

If you’re lucky enough to be in town for a concert at the Groton Hill Music Center, this nonprofit educational center is the perfect place to enjoy some of the best performances in the state, including headliners like LeAnn Rhimes and classical shows including the Vista Philharmonic and Yefim Bronfman.

Food and Drink

Arguably one of the best parts of any trip is the great food and drink you get to enjoy as you explore. From fine dining restaurants to family-friendly options, North Central Massachusetts boasts an abundance of culinary experiences. 

It’s easy to work up an appetite while touring the region’s 27 cities and towns. If you start to get hungry while hiking, shopping and museum-hopping, you’re in luck! For lunch, there’s wood-fired pizza, deli sandwiches, familiar fast food options and more. And when you’re ready to relax and dine in style, options range from classic Italian to Brazilian steakhouse.

Beer lovers won’t want to miss some of the best breweries in Massachusetts. Try Wachusett Brewing Company for seasonal draughts like the Frosty Day IPA (fruity and citrusy) or the West Coast IPA (citrus and pine hop). Or visit Thirsty Robot Brewing Company, a microbrewery that specializes in imaginative and flavor-driven small batch beers and New England IPAs.

At Hardwick Vineyard & Winery, the award-winning wines are a winner with the public, as well. Enjoy a glass of Enfield Apricot, Hardwick Honey, Chocolate Raspberry or even Valley Asparagus.

For a quick snack, stop for an apple cider doughnut at one of the many local farms, like Red Apple Farm, Carlson Orchards or Bolton Orchards.

Upcoming Events

Whenever you visit, there is always something fun happening in North Central Massachusetts. Check out the events calendar for trivia, live music and more.

Start planning your North Central Massachusetts trip today.

Funded by the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism.

Nobody likes having to pay tolls, and news of toll hikes rarely sits well with drivers. But the fact remains that tolls play a critical role in our roadway system. They provide significant funds to maintain and improve roads, bridges and tunnels.

Losing just a fraction of toll revenue can be financially damaging to agencies charged with overseeing said roads. Unfortunately, that is precisely what’s happening due to the growing trend of toll evasion. The last several years have seen an increase in the number of drivers attempting to evade paying their fair share of tolls.

Here’s how they do it and how authorities are cracking down.

What Is Toll Evasion?

Simply put, toll evasion occurs when a motorist illegally bypasses a toll without paying the proper fee.

It was a more difficult task back in the day, when each toll booth had a barrier gate that lifted only after the driver paid their fare or had their transponder read. But in recent years, many states have begun transitioning to cashless tolling. Instead of toll booths, these systems use an overhead framework of cameras and transponder readers.

If you have a transponder, the toll process is the same as before. If you drive through a cashless tolling system without a transponder, however, the cameras will take a picture of your license plate. That plate number is then matched to your registration. A few weeks later, a bill will be in your mailbox. The cashless tolling process helps traffic move more freely and improves driver safety. But it also provides toll evaders with an opportunity.

More and more motorists looking to get a free ride are obstructing their license plates as they pass through cashless tolling spots. This can prevent the cameras from picking up the number and, in turn, motorists getting billed.

Toll evaders use a number of creative ways to hide their license plates. Many try to muddy their plates with dirt, paint or grease. Others use plastic covers on their license plates that can distort the numbers when viewed at an angle. These covers are easy to find and even easier to install.

The Rise in Toll Evasion

The increase in cashless tolling has brought with it an increase in toll evasion. In Massachusetts, more than 14,500 obstructed license plates were recorded by the state’s Department of Transportation over a roughly three-year period, from late 2016 to early 2020, according to Boston 25 News. Tinted license plates are legal in Massachusetts.

With tens of millions of dollars on the line, authorities are homing in on toll evaders. In May 2022, the New York State Police, New York City Police, New York City Sheriff, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced a joint effort to crack down on toll evasion.

The efforts have been paying off. In 2024, the Port Authority issued more than 7,000 summonses for toll evasion and collected almost $18 million in unpaid tolls and related fees.

New York City Congestion Pricing Evasion

Now the MTA has another toll to monitor: congestion pricing. Three days after it went into effect on Jan. 5, 2025, the New York City Police Department logged 82 violations, arrested two people and took possession of 17 cars for attempting to evade the new law.

The New York City congestion pricing law requires drivers traveling into Manhattan south of 60th Street to pay a $9 toll on weekdays between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m., and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Drivers pay through their E-ZPass transponders, if they have them. Otherwise, cameras capture the drivers’ license plates and bills are mailed to their homes.

The move is designed to reduce traffic in some of the city’s busiest areas and generate money to improve mass transit systems. Congestion pricing is expected to generate between $500 million and $800 million a year, according to the MTA.

Know the Law (and The Penalties)

Through increased enforcement and sharing of information, authorities can track down violators after the fact. If you evade a toll, it does not mean you have gotten away. By piecing together other images and videos, authorities can often identify your vehicle and, if so, will flag your car.

Every state has a law on the books requiring license plates to be both affixed to the vehicle and legible. Twenty-nine states require cars to have both a front and rear license plate. In Massachusetts, the law reads: “Plates shall be kept clean with the numbers legible and shall not be obscured in any manner by the installation of any device obscuring said numbers.” New York’s law goes one step further, specifying that license plates “shall not be knowingly covered or coated with any artificial or synthetic material or substance that … distorts a recorded or photographic image of such number plates.”

If you get caught breaking these laws, it will cost you. Citations for knowingly obstructing your license plate come with fines upward of $300. Repeat offenders can even lose their driver’s licenses and/or have their cars impounded.

What do you think about what can be done to prevent toll evasion? Tell us in the comments.

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

AAA Northeast offers many of the same services as state motor vehicle departments at select branches, so you can skip the long lines and get things done on your own time.

What DMV Services Can Be Done at AAA?

Depending on your state, DMV services available at select AAA Northeast branches may include:

• License renewal.
• Vehicle registration.
• REAL ID and Enhanced ID issuance.
• License plate surrenders.
• State ID application and renewal.

Not all services are offered in all states. For a deeper dive into what DMV services AAA offers, read this post.

State DMV services are available at all AAA Northeast branches in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New York, and at three branches in Connecticut: Norwalk, Fairfield and Danbury.

Click here for a full list of services available at your nearest branch.

In Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New York, DMV/RMV services are available only to AAA members and are free of charge. In Connecticut, AAA Northeast offers DMV services to members for free; AAA members from outside the AAA Northeast territory pay $6 for DMV services; and non-members pay $8.

Reservations are required for DMV services. Come to the AAA branch with all needed documents and payments for your transactions.

Have you ever used AAA DMV services? Tell us about it in the comments.

There’s a lot more you can do at your local AAA branch. Don’t miss out on these six AAA branch services.

If you didn’t know, now you do! Discover more AAA services you might not be aware of.

Coming off another strong year for the cruise industry, savvy travelers are looking to plan their next sail now. It’s the best time of year for scoring great cruise deals, whether to take advantage of seasonal discounts or lock down your preferred cabin in advance.

AAA Travel is seeing strong interest in bookings for this summer and beyond, and homeporting, solo trips and smaller ships are some of the biggest trends. Still, when most people picture a cruise, they think of big ships sailing the ocean blue, invariably on a weeklong course set for the Caribbean. While that’s a great place to start, there are lots of other options.

Imagine everything from tropical escapes on large boats that feel like amusement parks to polar expeditions on small ships that strike a studious vibe. There are long voyages and short, action-packed and laid-back, and often from convenient Northeast ports.

If you need a nudge to experience one of the many seafaring possibilities, here are a few different types of cruises you can try.

Book your next cruise with AAA Travel.

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For the Spontaneous

Big Boat Cruises

The largest megaships from Royal Caribbean and Carnival carry nearly 7,000 passengers. These splashy, ocean-going leviathans tout over-the-top attractions – think water parks, roller coasters, ziplines and even ice skating rinks – as well as multiple restaurants, sprawling spas and lively nighttime entertainment. There’s something for everyone, from singles to seniors. Supervised programs for kids make them family-friendly, and cabins come in all sizes. Aboard such spectacular ships, the destination almost becomes secondary.

Homeport Cruises

Forget airport hassles and airfare. Cruise from a nearby port in Massachusetts, New York or New Jersey. Homeport cruises are perfect for impromptu escapes, and some provide last-minute deals. The rugged coast of Canada, Bermuda’s pink beaches and the Caribbean beckon, all easily accessible on round-trip voyages from various lines, including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess and Disney Cruise Line.

For Mellow Explorers

Riverboat Cruises

Built to duck under ancient bridges and slip through narrow locks on Europe’s inland waterways, riverboats host about 150 passengers in a style drastically different from big ships. Riverside scenery always remains visible, alleviating open-water anxiety, and destination-focused itineraries as well as included tours reveal the history of riverside hamlets. Viking’s scenic river cruises sail year-round on the Rhine, which is adorned with castles.

My top tip for river cruising is fly to the port city the day before to explore the city and shake off the jet lag. It’s great to start your trip exploring instead of
stressing. I always do this!”

– Marie Kwash, AAA travel advisor

Barge Cruises

Catering to 20 passengers or fewer, tiny barges have big personalities. Most glide at a snail’s pace through the canals of the French countryside, sourcing culinary delights like earthy wines, silky cheeses and flaky pastries along the way. Guests hop off whenever they want to stroll or bike nearby towpaths. It’s a bespoke affair, perfect for couples, groups looking to charter an entire boat, or anybody interested in traveling off-grid. Barges also favor the Scottish Highlands, where the Caledonian
Canal links several lochs.

Steamboat Cruises

Ready for a dose of Americana while rollin‘ on the river? Watch the big paddle wheels keep on turning (and turn back time) as Riverlorians spin tales – equal parts lore and history – about life along the arteries of America’s heartland. American Queen Voyages operates the world’s largest steamboat, the 417-passenger American Queen, which plies the mighty, muddy Mississippi. Out west, the 221-passenger American Empress roams the Columbia and Snake rivers, where wineries, canyon waterfalls and the echoes of Lewis and Clark call visitors.

For the Adventurous

Expedition and Adventure Cruises

If you dream about discovering remote destinations, you should be on an expedition ship. These eco-friendly small cruise ships explore the most extreme (and pristine) places on the planet, while onboard experts help you digest the unfolding wonder. Spot polar bears in the Arctic or sail past glistening glaciers in Antarctica with Viking, which even boasts science labs on its polar-class ships. For warm-water expeditions, Celebrity exposes the isolated Galapagos Islands, where giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies reign.

On adventure cruises, the academic aspect gets dialed back, but you’ll still learn about nature, wildlife and local culture, while having plenty of sporty fun. Destinations aren’t as far-flung, favoring places such as Alaska and the Sea of Cortez.

Cruisetours

A dreamy travel mashup, you’ll head to sea either before or after a multi-day land tour, effortlessly linked and facilitated by the cruise line. Cruisetours with Holland America and Princess are popular in Alaska, where inland attractions such as Denali National Park are accessible via scenic train travel and stays at wilderness lodges.

World Cruises

A trip around the world is the holy grail of a life well-cruised. Unpack once and let the parade of world wonders begin. The ship becomes your global ambassador. Circumnavigating the planet takes at least 100 days, plus significant funds. Cunard launched the first world cruise and still offers these epic voyages from its Northeast homeport, but many lines, including Royal Caribbean, feature world cruises now.

World cruise segments, called Grand Voyages by lines like Holland America and Cunard, sail from the U.S. and can be shorter, letting guests choose to participate in certain legs of the journey instead of the full trip. Imagine going on safari in Africa or surveying Australia’s outback, minus the international flights.

World cruises have always been popular with retirees who have the free time to explore. But they are becoming more popular with younger travelers who can work remotely and experience the world in their spare time.”

– Wendy Marley, AAA travel advisor

For Savvy Travelers

Transatlantic and Repositioning Cruises

A rite of passage for many travelers, transatlantic crossings hark back to the golden age of ocean liners. Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, with weekly service linking New York and Southampton, England, is the only liner operating a traditional transatlantic route. The itinerary contains no port calls. You’ll get that “king-of-the world” feeling at the bow, as well as from white glove service at afternoon tea and evening galas in the largest ballroom afloat.

Repositioning cruises may involve transatlantic travel, but the purpose differs, and ports are included. Logistic byproducts, they are exactly as billed: one-way cruises to reposition ships. Notably, many Caribbean-based ships migrate to the Mediterranean for summer and return in winter. Repos tend to be bargain-priced and feature numerous sea days.

Tips When Booking Your Cruise

• AAA’s travel advisors are available to assist with booking – and working with an advisor is free for AAA members. Travel advisors often have access to exclusive deals and amenities, like cabin upgrades or onboard credits. Part of a cruise loyalty program? You can still get all your points, perks and prestige when you book with AAA Travel.

• Plan ahead. When you book your dream cruise, cover all your bases. Don’t wait to reserve excursions, onboard dining, shows or even the cruise itself. When you book far in advance, you have more freedom to pick and choose what you want. With AAA Travel, cruisers can make reservations for ships sailing more than two years from now.
• Try not to fly in on the day of sailing, since flight delays can throw a wrench into your cruise plans.
• Remember to get travel insurance.

What kind of cruiser are you? Tell us in the comments.

Featured image: ©2023 AMERICAN QUEEN VOYAGES

Last week, crude oil prices rose about $3 in response to the announcement of more U.S. sanctions against Russian petroleum products, which could significantly hamper supplies of Russian oil exports to China and India. The sanctions, announced by the U.S. Department of Treasury on Friday, are directed at two leading Russian oil companies and more than 180 sea vessels believed to be part of a shadow fleet of tankers used by Russia to circumvent existing sanctions. 

Gasoline prices tend to climb alongside the cost of crude oil, but increases in pump prices are being tempered by seasonally low demand for gasoline and growing domestic inventories. Last week, refiners added 6.4 million barrels of gasoline to domestic stocks, of which 2.8 million barrels landed in the Northeast, according to the Energy Information Administration. Regional supplies are now roughly 500,000 barrels higher than this time last year.  

“The rise in oil prices heightens the odds of pump prices following suit,” said Jillian Young, director of public relations for AAA Northeast. “Oil prices climbing nearly $10 a barrel over the past 30 days is starting to have a significant impact on petroleum markets, especially since gasoline prices typically start to gradually climb in the first quarter ahead of spring.” 

AAA Northeast’s Jan. 13 survey of fuel prices found the current national average unchanged from last week, $3.06 a gallon. The national average price as of Jan. 13 is four cents higher than a month ago ($3.02) and a penny lower than Jan. 13, 2024 ($3.07). 

Region	Current Price*	One Week Ago	One Month Ago	One Year Ago
Connecticut	$3.03	$3.02	$3.04	$3.15
Massachusetts	$3	$3	$3.02	$3.14
New Jersey	$2.99	$2.97	$2.92	$3.04
New York	$3.13	$3.12	$3.14	$3.28
Rhode Island	$2.94	$2.93	$2.95	$3.04

*Prices as of Jan. 13, 2025 

Oklahoma and Mississippi have the lowest prices in the nation at $2.58 and $2.61, respectively. Hawaii and California hold the highest prices in the nation this week at $4.52 and $4.38, respectively.  

The AAA Gas Prices website is your resource for up-to-date fuel price information. Search for average gas prices by regular, plus, premium and diesel on national and state levels, as well as metro areas. 

Winter storms can be divisive. While some enjoy the beauty of a fresh-fallen snow, others cringe at the sight of a single flake hitting the ground.

People’s thoughts on power outages tend to be less varied. Aside from some rare, overzealous board-game enthusiasts, most folks prefer to keep their lights, appliances and heat running, especially on frigid winter evenings.

Should you lose power this winter, here are some steps you can take to stay warm.

• Think ahead and have an emergency supply kit ready. You might need it at a time like this.
• As soon as you lose power, close off unused rooms to consolidate and retain heat.
• Wear layered clothing and use blankets or sleeping bags to stay warm.
• Let faucets drip or trickle to prevent pipes from freezing bursting, which can cause extensive water damage. If you believe your pipes have frozen, call a plumber as soon as possible.
• Never use generators or outdoor heating or cooking equipment, like a grill or propane heater, indoors. In addition to presenting a fire risk, it could expose you and your family to dangerous carbon monoxide.
• Never heat your home using the stove or oven, either. If you use a generator, keep it outside in a well-ventilated area at least 20 feet away from any door, window or vent.

• Limit your time outdoors. If you must venture outside, dress in layers and cover up any exposed skin to protect against frostbite. If your clothes get wet, replace them with dry ones.
• Know how to recognize hypothermia. Warning signs in adults include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, slurred speech, memory loss and fumbling hands. In infants, signs include bright red and cold skin and low energy.
• Check on your neighbors, especially older adults and young children, who are the most vulnerable to extreme temperatures.
• If you’re losing heat and don’t think you can make it until the power returns, head to a relief shelter if you can make it safely. You can locate the nearest shelter by downloading the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s mobile app or texting “SHELTER” and your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA). For Spanish, text REFUGIO and your zip code. (Standard text message rates apply.)
• If there’s any doubt the food in your refrigerator or freezer has gone bad, throw it out. Check with your insurance agent to see if your homeowners insurance policy covers food spoilage due to a power outage. If not, it’s a relatively inexpensive update that you’ll be thankful to have if you ever need it.
• If the power is out for more than a day, FEMA also suggests throwing out any refrigerated medication, unless the label says otherwise. If it’s an emergency, consult with your doctor or a pharmacist first.

Contact a AAA insurance agent to learn how your homeowners coverage protects you from winter damage.

Do you have a memorable power outage story? Share it with us in the comments.

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

Can you be a world traveler and a homebody at the same time? Not really, but nearby cruise departure ports make it easy to meld these disparate lifestyles in the most delightful way.

Cruise departure ports in the Northeast are percolating with the world’s most alluring ships, setting off to epic Caribbean jaunts, transatlantic voyages and long weekends of exploration.

And finding their floating doorsteps couldn’t be easier. Skip the pricey, time-consuming plane travel and simply drive to the cruise terminal. Forgo the stress of counting and weighing suitcases, too, because ships don’t impose luggage fees. Then, walk up the gangway, unpack once and let the parade of interesting places unfold. The boat becomes your mobile lair, a familiar touchstone while you delight in a few new experiences.

Plan your next cruise with a AAA travel advisor.

Northeast Cruise Departure Ports

Our area boasts four cruise departure ports – one in Boston, one in Bayonne, N.J., (Cape Liberty) and two in New York City (Manhattan and Brooklyn).

New York’s Manhattan terminal stands out as the busiest, serving more than a million passengers annually. Not surprisingly, the iconic sail-away from Manhattan ranks as a rite-of-passage for travelers and never fails to unwind like a cinematographer’s dream. Ships glide down the Hudson River alongside a humming city stacked with skyscrapers, passing Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty before ducking under the Verrazzano Bridge and hitting the open ocean.

Manhattan, Brooklyn and Cape Liberty host cruise ships year-round, while Boston has seasonal appeal from April through November. Popular round-trip itineraries head north along the sea-bitten coastlines of Canada and New England, south to the sun-kissed Caribbean or Bermuda, and east toward Europe’s countless treasures.

Homeport cruises make impromptu escapes effortless. Plus, flexible travelers can scout last-minute deals. Neophytes get the opportunity to test their sea legs without making a major investment, while avid cruisers can parlay savings into a longer itinerary or even an extra voyage.

Since all major lines sail from Northeast cruise departure ports, it’s also worth noting homeport cruises present the perfect opportunity to sample different seafaring styles, especially upscale options that might be within reach considering the resources spared getting to the ship.

Onboard Amenities Abound

No doubt homeport cruising ups the ante on an already value-packed vacation that includes transportation, lodging, dining and onboard entertainment. And when it comes to the latter, don’t be afraid to think big and then go even bigger. Boats bobbing in our drive-to ports tout everything from the seafaring outposts of America’s Test Kitchen on Holland America Line to sky-diving simulators and the Guinness World Record-making “Highest Viewing Deck on a Cruise Ship” (both on Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas).

Savor creations from celebrity chefs like “real deal” burgers on Carnival, where Food Network star Guy Fieri has crafted menus for Guy’s Burger Joint. For a tech-savvy culinary extravaganza, complete with a tiny animated chef that will treat your plate like an artist’s palette, Celebrity Summit’s Qsine restaurant beckons. Plus, Anthem enlists bionic bartenders to mix the perfect nightcap.

Ships that Sail From Boston

Departures from Boston include Norwegian, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean ships, mostly sailing to Canada, New England and the blushing beaches of Bermuda.

Holland America maintains a strong Beantown presence as well; supplementing the expected itineraries, Zuiderdam proposes a 35-day round-trip to Iceland, Greenland and Scandinavia.

New Jersey Cruises

Cape Liberty homeports ships from Celebrity and Royal Caribbean, namely Celebrity Summit and Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas, cruising to Canada, Bermuda, Bahamas and Royal’s Perfect Day at CocoCay private island.

Big Apple Departures

NCL gets credit for initiating the Big Apple homeport trend with the year-round deployment of its then-new ship, Norwegian Dawn, to Manhattan in 2003. Now, several NCL ships spend time homeporting in the city, like the Norwegian Prima, Gem and Getaway. That’s quite a commitment, and it pays off with diverse itineraries.

For island-lovers, NCL’s Caribbean voyages can’t be beat. The 10 to 14-day itineraries string together a chain of sublime tropical outposts, from lush Saint Lucia to arid Aruba. Enjoy swimming with velvety stingrays atop a sandbar in Grand Cayman or roaming Old San Juan’s cobbled lanes in Puerto Rico.

Oceania’s Insignia delivers an upscale taste of Bermuda via a smaller ship. The week-long itinerary splits time between the capital of Hamilton and quaint St. George, two ports bigger ships can’t squeeze into. Aside from pink-sand beaches, you’ll find Bermuda contains more green golf courses per capita than anywhere else in the world.

Although it’s been open for close to two decades, Brooklyn ranks as the newest cruise departure port in our area. Princess and Cunard ships often begin their journeys here. MSC Cruises also offers year-round cruises from the Red Hook terminal.

Just thinking about the possibilities makes us root, root, root for the homeports!

Plan and book your next cruise vacation with AAA. 

Featured photo: The Norwegian Prima sailing from New York City.

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

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IN THIS EPISODE

For many of us, retirement is a bit of an abstract idea. It seems so far away that it can be hard to picture. It’s also easy to feel like we have more time to plan than we do, so it often gets put on the back burner. This is one of the most common retirement planning mistakes.

No one knows how long they’ll get to enjoy their retirement or if they’ll ever find themselves in circumstances that make it easier – or more difficult – to save for the future. With so many unknowns, figuring out how to save for retirement can be a challenge.

Step 1: Just start. The earlier the better, too, because you’re never going to get any younger. Your future self will thank you when you have the money to make your non-working years more fun.

Join us for this retirement 101 episode as we talk to Pamela Capalad, a certified financial planner and accredited financial counselor, about different types of retirement plans and how to take control of your personal finances. This is a must-listen retirement savings guide for young adults wondering, “How can I save for retirement in my 20s?” Pamela discusses some of the best retirement accounts for beginners, explains the difference between a 401(k) and an IRA and walks through the process of opening a Roth IRA for the first time.

What is the FIRE movement? Julien and Kiersten Saunders are also here to explain how you can achieve Financial Independence and Retire Early. With the right retirement planning it is possible!

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

[3:31] – Where to begin with retirement planning.
[7:57] – The 411 on 401(k)s with and without employer contributions.
[12:19] – The basic principles of the FIRE Movement.
[14:14] – The FIRE movement vs. basic retirement planning.

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TRANSCRIPT

[00:00:02]
Amanda Greene: When I was little, I didn’t think much about my golden years, but anytime I would picture my future, I’d be in a cafe in Paris.

[00:00:11]
Parisian Server: Bonjour, madame.

[00:00:12]
Amanda Greene: Sipping an espresso outside in one of those side street cafes.

[00:00:17]
Parisian Server: What cafe, madame?

[00:00:18]
Amanda Greene: But now, so many years later, that’s a lot harder to picture. I’m not retiring anytime soon, but thinking about how much I’m going to have to save in order to relax in Europe in my sixties? Yikes. I might have a lot of work to do. How do I even get on track? Welcome to Merging into Life where we navigate life’s milestones one episode at a time. Brought to you by AAA Northeast, I’m your host, Amanda Greene. Today we’re going to talk about retirement. It’s probably closer than I think. It’s definitely closer than it feels. So, let’s dive in. We aren’t going to give you financial advice, but we will define some terms and figure out how to get started, and then, how to keep going. Today we have Julien and Kiersten Saunders, experts in creating financial freedom. That’s a big goal. So, let’s start with the basics with Pamela Capalad.

[00:01:14]
Pamela Capalad: In college, I did a summer camp for kids called The Money Camp, and I was teaching kids financial literacy. I was teaching 10-year-olds and 11-year-olds about budgeting and the stock market and retirement and credit cards and all of these things that I never got as a kid. I was like, “You know what? I think every kid in America needs this.” So that’s how I ended up in the financial industry.

READ MORE

[00:01:36]
Amanda Greene: Pamela, money can be so hard to talk about. I’m glad you’re here to make this easier. Tell me about yourself.

[00:01:41]
Pamela Capalad: So, I’m the co-founder of Get Shameless Inc. with my husband, Dyalekt. I’m a certified financial planner and accredited financial counselor, and yes, I agree. Money is so hard to talk about, and that’s kind of why I do this.

[00:01:57]
Amanda Greene: I’ve seen how you break this down, and I really like how you simplify how all of this works.

[00:02:01]
Pamela Capalad: One of the big things that I learned, the financial industry in particular, wealth management in general, was the jargon is so jargony that if you ever feel bad that you don’t understand hearing something the first time, don’t. I literally remember subscribing to the Wall Street Journal, and I was like, “I’m going to read it every day, and I’m going to learn everything I need to learn.” Literally, a month later, I was like, “I have no idea what anyone has said in any of these articles.”

[00:02:28]
Amanda Greene: Yes.

[00:02:29]
Pamela Capalad: It took me a year to understand how retirement accounts worked, and I was working in the field. And, so, as we go through this today, and we talk about all these acronyms and all these rules and all these penalties and things like that, just please, I want to implore you to get shameless about what you don’t know.

[00:02:44]
Amanda Greene: I love that, get shameless about it, because I think there is some shame attached to sometimes what you don’t know and also maybe your relationship with money, but there is a lot to understand that I don’t personally feel very confident about. What do you say to people? How do they get past that insecurity of not really knowing?

[00:03:03]
Pamela Capalad: So, I think the very first thing is to figure out how to put yourself in a comfortable place, whether that is having a meal with someone, whether that is putting on your favorite TV show, whether that is pouring glass of wine while you look at your 401(k). You don’t have to be in work mode while you’re thinking about your money. You don’t have to muscle through it or put the pressure on yourself to say, “I’m going to learn all of this in a day.”

[00:03:26]
Amanda Greene: So, when it comes to retirement planning, something that we all have to think about at some point, where do we even begin?

[00:03:34]
Pamela Capalad: Yeah, one of the things that I have started ruminating on is that goals don’t always lead to habits, but habits always lead to goals. I think that when we try to start with a huge goal and think about it in the beginning, sometimes the number feels so big that we give up already. You need a million dollars in retirement, you should have three times your salary by the time you’re 30 in your retirement account, and people hear that, and they’re like, “Wait, but I don’t have anything in my retirement account. OK, forget it.” And, so, instead of trying to think about how much money you should have at a certain point, just start doing it. You’re just saying, “Oh yeah, that’s just what I do.” And, so, when you start to build that habit, then the goals that are tailored to you, because you have been the one thinking about them, will actually start to come naturally. I recommend starting with just doing it.

[00:04:25]
Amanda Greene: They say that about anything. You want to start a new exercise routine, you want to eat healthier, you want to do anything? Just start.

[00:04:31]
Pamela Capalad: Yeah, exactly. Exactly. The goals will come. So it’s never too early, and it’s never too late either. The earlier the better, yes, technically with the numbers of course, but a lot of us, especially when we’re younger, one, don’t necessarily have access to a 401(k), you’ve never heard of an IRA, you’re not thinking about it yet. And, so, the first thing is to make sure that you feel comfortable today, and that means having money in a savings account. So, whatever that savings amount is for you to be comfortable to say, “OK, and now I can start putting money aside towards retirement.” The next thing is if you work at a job, and that offers a 401(k), we call them retirement accounts, and my hands in air quotes, but we call them retirement accounts because of the way that they are taxed and the rules around them. So, really, in the industry, the jargon is also tax advantaged accounts, tax deferred accounts, and all of that stuff also means retirement accounts when you hear this.

[00:05:29]
Amanda Greene: So, a retirement account, a tax deferred account, means that we are investing, stop me if I’m using wrong words.

[00:05:36]
Pamela Capalad: Yes.

[00:05:36]
Amanda Greene: We’re investing money pre-taxed or untaxed into an account, and then, once we are of retirement age and we want to begin using the money, then it is taxed?

[00:05:48]
Pamela Capalad: Yes, exactly. You got it. That’s how traditional retirement accounts work. And I’m saying traditional because traditional 401(k)s, traditional IRAs, SEP IRAs, and IRA stands for individual retirement arrangement. All of those accounts, the benefit of putting the money in there is you’re not paying taxes now. So, if you make $50,000 a year, and you put $ 5,000 into your 401(k), you’re only taxed on $45,000 of money and not $50,000, so you save money on taxes upfront.

[00:06:17]
Amanda Greene: OK.

[00:06:18]
Pamela Capalad: Then, what happens is it grows and grows and grows and grows, and then, when you’re in retirement, the assumption is that that’s going to be your income for retirement, and you take the money out, and you’re taxed on that. So, let’s say you take $10,000 out of your 401(k) at age 65, you get taxed on $10,000, not the whole account. Yeah. So, the taxation part, the tax benefits part is really the biggest benefit of a retirement account or a tax advantaged account like a 401(k).

[00:06:46]
Amanda Greene: I feel like I hear people talk about an IRA and a Roth IRA, and are they the same thing? Are they different things? What’s the difference?

[00:06:54]
Pamela Capalad: Roth IRAs, traditional IRAs, SEP IRAs, simple IRAs, there’s so many kinds of IRAs.

[00:07:00]
Amanda Greene: There’s more.

[00:07:01]
Pamela Capalad: Yeah, I want to stick with traditional vs. Roth because it’s all about how it’s taxed. So, let’s pretend that you are an apple farmer, and you get these apple seeds to plant a big apple orchard. You get these seeds, and you’re so excited, and the tax person comes knocking at your door, and they’re like, “Hey, I hear you’re about to plant some apples. We need to collect taxes, but I’m going to be nice. I’m going to give you an option. You can either pay taxes on the seeds now, or I’m not going to collect taxes on the seeds, but when you got that big apple orchard, I’m going to collect taxes on the apples.” And, so, what do you choose? It depends. So, if you have the money to pay taxes on the seeds now, you’re like, “Here you go, fine.” And then when you pay taxes on the seeds now, you get to keep all of the apples, and you don’t owe any taxes on them. That’s a Roth IRA. A Roth IRA is you pay taxes on the money you put in now, on the seeds now, and then you get to enjoy your apples tax-free.

[00:07:57]
Amanda Greene: OK, that makes sense. So, then a 401(k) is paying taxes on the apples after they’ve grown and are ready to harvest. I like that. So, when it comes to retirement planning, and we want to begin with looking in to see if our workplace has a 401(k), how does it work with an employer matching contributions?

[00:08:15]
Pamela Capalad: The matching is huge. So matching is basically free money. What that means is that if you work for an employer, and they say, “We match up to 3%.” That means if you put up to 3% into your 401(k), then they will put another 3% in there on your behalf. And a lot of times a lot of companies have what’s called vesting, so you have to stay in the company for at least a certain period of time to receive the money. You can’t just take your 3%, quit next month, and leave, but usually the vesting is between one to three years. And so as long as you stay in a company for a certain period of time and you leave, then that money is yours.

[00:08:50]
Amanda Greene: OK.

[00:08:50]
Pamela Capalad: And, so, that is the very first step is really to say, what’s my 401(k) plan? What is the matching? And, if you can, put up to the match amount.

[00:08:59]
Amanda Greene: So how about if your workplace does not match your 401(k)?

[00:09:03]
Pamela Capalad: So, if your employer doesn’t match, you should still contribute to your 401(k). And in general, start with a small percentage, start with a percentage that you feel like is manageable because you can change how much you contribute at any time. If you start with a small percentage and you’re like, “Oh, that was nothing. I didn’t even feel that. Let me increase my percentage.” Then you can go in and do that so you’re not stuck with the amount that you chose at the beginning.

[00:09:27]
Amanda Greene: What are the things to be aware of when putting money away for retirement?

[00:09:30]
Pamela Capalad: Oh, yeah. There is a lot of rules with these retirement accounts, but all of these accounts have specific tax advantages, which means they have specific rules around them. The biggest one is that you have to leave the money in the account until you’re age 59 1/2, or you have to, if you take the money out before that, you have to pay the taxes that you owe on that money and a 10% penalty on top of that. So, if you’re trying to take $10,000 out of your retirement account, you might only be left with 5 after taxes and penalties, so that’s a huge thing to consider as you put money away is the intention is for that money to not be touched until you’re 60 or older essentially.

[00:10:07]
Amanda Greene: It does seem like there are a lot of rules with whatever direction you’re going in, and you need to understand the rules.

[00:10:13]
Pamela Capalad: Yeah, that’s a big one. And then the other one is that there are contribution limits on how much you can put into a retirement account every single year, and every year it goes up, and when you’re over a certain age, you can put catch up contributions, what they’re called. If you go over that amount, then you might have to pay a penalty as well if you go over the contribution limit.

[00:10:32]
Amanda Greene: So, once you put that money into your retirement savings, it’s pretty much in there for the long haul. I like all this info about starting and making habits. We’re going to get back to Pamela later, but right now I’d like to bring in Kiersten and Julien Saunders.

[00:10:47]
Kiersten Saunders: We run a financial platform called Rich and Regular, and we are basically documenting our journey to financial independence. We started getting really interested in the personal finance movement about 10 or 12 years ago and started writing about it in 2017, and that blog has evolved into a podcast, a YouTube channel, a video series, a book called “Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away.” And, so, we’re just two people who live in Atlanta and love to talk about money when we’re not chasing our s7 1/2-year-old son around.

[00:11:20]
Amanda Greene: Now, this is something I have been hearing about, the FIRE movement. Can you explain that to me?

[00:11:25]
Kiersten Saunders: Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. FIRE is an acronym for a financial independence, retire early, and there’s a lot of dialogue around which one is more important, the financial independence or the early retirement part. There are people who identify with one half of the acronym more than the other half, people who want to be financially independent but love their jobs and don’t plan on retiring. It doesn’t really matter what flavor you choose, it’s just getting to a point where money is not the deciding factor for the big decisions in your life. There are so many of us that are guided by whether or not we need the money when we’re making decisions about whether to spend more time with our parents or our spouse or our children or just doing the things that we love. And the point of this movement is to try to unlock you from some of those things.

[00:12:10]
Amanda Greene: If someone wants to jump on board and really take charge of their finances and be part of the FIRE movement, what are the basic principles to this?

[00:12:19]
Julien Saunders: So, I think unless you are a complete novice to personal finance, you’ve likely heard a standard rule that you should save 10 to 15% of your income and stash that money aside, whether you’re saving it or investing it in preparation for retirement. Now, if that’s the case, then we should be asking ourselves, “Well, what would happen if we saved 20% or 30% or 40%?” You may get really crafty and decide that you are going to live dramatically under your means so that you can maximize what you’re saving and or investing. And what happens is if you keep that up over a while, and you find a really good healthy balance between living well-below your means while still enjoying and maintaining a good quality of life, and you are now saving and investing that money, what starts to happen over time due to compounding interest is that your money starts to out-earn you. So, if you’re making $50,000 a year, the moment your money starts to earn more than $50,000 in interest, at that point you become a version of financially independent, and you just have so many more options available to you.

[00:13:20]
Amanda Greene: And living below your means for many people would mean rethinking your lifestyle.

[00:13:26]
Julien Saunders: Yeah.

[00:13:26]
Kiersten Saunders: That’s the hard part. That is what prevents a lot of people from even doing the research on the different flavors of FI, which is short for financial independence. It’s the idea of needing to let go of an identity or a lifestyle that you’ve taken a lot of pride in, and you really have to want freedom more than you want those other things. And that takes a while. That’s a process when you live surrounded by consumerism and in the kind of capitalism that we have. But once you do it, it becomes like second nature, and you don’t even think twice about some of the decisions that you may see your friends and family in some cases making.

[00:14:06]
Amanda Greene: It sounds like you almost need to get uncomfy for a little while with all of the feelings. Then work through those before you can be comfortable and get to the FI part of this.

[00:14:14]
Julien Saunders: Yeah, it sounds very eye-roll inducing or sounds very arrogant in some ways to say the money solves all your problems, but I can tell you from firsthand experience, but also from having thousands of conversations with people around the world about money, we’ve met people who have five times more money than we do, and they’re still working, because they’re not really sure what the future will bring. We’ve met people who have half of the money that we have, and they are living their best life comfortable and having fun and doing all of the things that are most important to them. And, so, we can talk about the numbers. That magical number more often than not is right around 25 times whatever you spend on an annual basis. So, if you spend X amount of dollars on the annual basis, the moment you have 25 times that, and that is invested for you, whether it’s in real estate or property, and maybe if you are super creative and entrepreneurial, you’ve got some type of cash-producing asset or a number of cash-producing assets, you stitch those two together. Once all of that money is kind of churning and working on your behalf, you all of a sudden don’t really have to work because you can safely withdraw around 4% of that on an annual basis and your money will continue to earn interest on your behalf.

[00:15:25]
Amanda Greene: I’ve never considered approaching money that way.

[00:15:28]
Julien Saunders: I mean, I just want people to recognize that it’s an option, that it is a way of life and a path that they can subscribe to as opposed to saving 10 to 15% over a longer period of time. And then what unfortunately happens is we meet that middle road, that middle of your life and that middle of your career when life starts to really happen and you get this combination of illness or children, maybe it’s multiple children, maybe it’s a layoff, and all of those things combined completely derail your plan because you were banking on being able to safely save 10 to 15%. You were banking on earning just as much income for the foreseeable future. And those little hiccups tend to completely derail people’s plans. And, so, we’re just asking them to think about it like you don’t always have to live in a state of fear, find a comfortable kind of nook financially. And the more you do that over time and you continue to invest that money when something happens in your life, you can absorb it, and it does not derail you or throw off your marriage or your ability to be the kind of parent you want to be, or even just give you the freedom to just explore a hobby that you have not been able to explore for the last 10, 15 years. And I think that’s what most people are looking for.

[00:16:36]
Amanda Greene: That’s an interesting way to look at it. One of our most popular episodes this season was about budgeting. If anyone wants to go back, there’s some great information in that one, and it really helps to wrap your head around a lot of what we’re talking about today. I can’t help but think that having more money makes it easier to save more money. So really, who is the FIRE movement for?

[00:16:57]
Kiersten Saunders: We’ve gotten that question before. It’s for anybody who wants to have a level of agency and control over the decisions that guide their lives, and that could be in a small way or in a big way. We wanted the ability to decide not to have to go into an office Monday through Friday for the years of our son’s life that really matter. Now, that might mean that we go back when he’s 25. It might mean that we never go back, but we wanted the option to be able to take this time and focus on what’s important to us. And I think for everybody, it’s really about answering the question of who you are and what you want, and then you can back into a financial plan that supports that.

[00:17:37]
Amanda Greene: So FIRE, financial independence, retire early. I really do like the sound of that. Let’s bring Pamela back for some final thoughts. I’m curious, is it ever too late to start preparing for retirement?

[00:17:53]
Pamela Capalad: It is absolutely never too late to start. I have worked with clients in their twenties. I’ve worked with clients in their sixties, and I think that the thing to keep in mind is that people are going to make you feel like you’re behind always when it comes to money, always when it comes to what you have in the bank. The thing to remember is you do have agency, and you do have choice in this process, no matter what age you are, no matter how old you are. And if you’re 60, and you’re looking at retirement, you’re like, “Oh my gosh, how am I going to do this?” Start with the habits, start with the one step at a time. You still start there because once you take that first step and then you take the 100th step and then you take the 500th step, it all starts to feel more clear.

[00:18:35]
Amanda Greene: That’s true. You just have to start taking the steps. Pamela, we like to end each episode with a little quiz. Are you ready?

[00:18:42]
Pamela Capalad: I think so. Let’s do it.

[00:18:43]
Amanda Greene: What’s the No. 1 mistake you see people make when it comes to retirement?

[00:18:47]
Pamela Capalad: Not looking. They don’t know how to log in. They don’t look at their statements. They just don’t know what’s going on.

[00:18:51]
Amanda Greene: What’s the best way to bring young people or our children into this?

[00:18:56]
Pamela Capalad: I love this question because I have a 4-year-old, and I think the best way to bring a young person into this is to have money conversations in front of them. You don’t even have to be speaking directly to them, but money conversations don’t have to happen behind closed doors. You can have difficult conversations in front of your kid. You can feel stressed about money and have them watch how you handle it and how you process it, so money doesn’t feel like such a shock to their system when they’re in their teens or when they’re in college and things like that. That’s what we’re doing for our kid, whether or not we’re even explaining everything, just him knowing that there is no taboo around this topic is huge.

[00:19:34]
Amanda Greene: Yes, I love that advice. And Pamela, what’s your No. 1 wish for retirement?

[00:19:40]
Pamela Capalad: My No. 1 wish for retirement is that my son doesn’t have to help me in retirement.

[00:19:46]
Amanda Greene: Amazing. Thank you so much for coming on today. You have given us a lot to think about and explained things in a way that made it really digestible, and I really appreciate that.

[00:19:56]
Pamela Capalad: Oh, thank you so much for having me.

[00:19:59]
Amanda Greene: And thanks again to Kiersten and Julien Saunders of Rich and Regular. I guess the thing to remember is you’ve got options. Start somewhere, because it’s never too late, and then, really work at it. Pay attention to your money and see what you’re comfortable putting away. It might be more than you think. Today’s guests aren’t giving financial advice, but they are giving us a lot to think about. The cafe in Paris might have to wait for now, but maybe someday I can enjoy an espresso from the comfort of my own home. So that’s a start. And, yesterday, I upped the amount that I contribute to my 401(k). I’m nowhere near 40% of my income, but I started the habit, which is half the battle, right?

You’ve been listening to Merging into Life where we navigate life’s milestones one episode at a time. Brought to you by AAA Northeast with assistance from JAR Audio. I’m your host, Amanda Greene.

If you’ve got a second, and you like what you hear, please leave a review. It helps other people find the show. If you’ve learned something that stuck with you, or if you want to suggest a topic, get in touch at podcast@AAANortheast.com.

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

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RESOURCES

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IN THIS EPISODE

Once you’ve left the nest and tasted independence, you don’t want to look back, just keep flying forward. That’s why moving back home with parents is not an easy decision for many young adults taking that leap, some even with their own families in tow.

Life happens, and when the door is open with love and support, moving back home isn’t the worst thing you could do. It’s not moving backward; it’s simply a stop on the way to getting to where you want to be.

There are advantages to living with parents as an adult — namely saving money — but, of course, there are also challenges.

In this episode, we talk to Paige Mariah, a successful, vibrant, thirtysomething who returned to the U.S. from England and moved back in with her parents. She’s got firsthand tips on how to make the most of your time at home. We also have Francesca Canzoneri from The Therapy Institute who helps get you in the right mindset when it comes to boundaries.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

[3:14] – Paige Mariah breaks down what’s it like to live at home in your 30s.
[5:59] – How to manage negative emotions when moving back home.
[8:08] – How to avoid falling back into a younger child-parent relationship.
[12:07] – The benefits of moving back home.

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TRANSCRIPT

[00:00:01]
Amanda Greene: When I left home, it was to go to college. I was just ready to be independent. But then finding apartments, paying rent, buying household essentials, it was hard. But knowing my mom was there if I really needed her was huge. The safety net of knowing I could move back home if I had to was really comforting at the time. Life is expensive and the job market can be tough. Moving back home crossed my mind many times. I didn’t ever end up doing it, but lots of people are finding they have to or even want to. Welcome to Merging Into Life where we navigate life’s milestones one episode at a time. Brought to you by AAA Northeast. I’m your host, Amanda Greene. Today we’re going to talk about moving back in with your parents, the homey perks, the discomforts of home, and everything in between, and why that experience is a little more common than you might think. Take Paige Mariah, for example.

[00:01:02]
Paige Mariah: We’re going to be talking about me moving back home with my parents.

[00:01:05]
Amanda Greene: She was living her best life abroad in London, but after five years she decided to move back home with her parents in the U. S at 31. And trust me, as she says, it wasn’t as simple as just moving back in.

[00:01:19]
Paige Mariah: Man, life has changed a lot over the last year.

[00:01:22]
Amanda Greene: Paige had gone to London to pursue a master’s degree, and the city stole her heart. After she finished school, she stayed.

[00:01:30]
Paige Mariah: So I was able to get an entrepreneurial visa and that allowed me to stay a lot longer than planned. I was a full-time digital content creator. So I was vlogging my experiences abroad. I was the American in London on YouTube, and it was fun for a really long time, and I was able to visit 40 countries while I was out there.

READ MORE

[00:01:51]
Amanda Greene: Sounds like a dream, right? Traveling, living abroad, building a career, but eventually the call of home grew stronger.

[00:01:59]
Paige Mariah: Honestly, I am very, very close to my parents and my younger brother, and my family’s in the U. S and my parents are getting older. I just felt like it was time to return back.

[00:02:11]
Amanda Greene: Leaving London wasn’t an easy decision, especially since her next stop was moving back in with her parents. It was an emotional roller coaster.

[00:02:20]
Paige Mariah: Oh my goodness, I had such a range of emotions. I cried so much that last year that I was there. Not a lot of people that I knew around me were doing that at 31. So yeah, I had a lot of weird feelings around it. I didn’t really know how much I wanted to talk about it online. But then I also decided that this is a super relatable subject that people don’t talk about enough and maybe it won’t be so taboo if I do speak about it.

[00:02:50]
Amanda Greene: Yeah, the idea of taboo really hits home.

[00:02:53]
Paige Mariah: Yes.

[00:02:54]
Amanda Greene: I think so many people struggle with the idea of moving back in with parents in adulthood. It can feel like a step backwards. But when you really stop to think about it, isn’t it a reflection of the realities of adulthood? I love how Paige acknowledges that. Now Paige is home. So what’s it really like to live with your parents when you’re in your thirties?

[00:03:15]
Paige Mariah: Oh my gosh, they were overjoyed. They were so excited for me to come back. No, it’s so funny. My dad was so upset at me whenever I would even bring up moving out when I was there. He was like, “No, you should just stay a few years. There’s no need to rush.” They really have enjoyed me being in the house with them again. I hadn’t been that close to them in years. I would see them once or twice a year, so they were really, really excited to just have us all be together in one house again. So at the end of the day, this is my parents’ house. They have a certain way of doing things. They have a certain way of how they like things to be done. My mom doesn’t like anything to be left on her kitchen counter. If I do that, it’s like she’s fussing at me and I’m like, “Ugh.” I would say it was a bit challenging, especially moving in in my thirties because I feel like after I hit my 30th birthday, I just had this shift in me where I just really was craving my own space. I think I just had to keep reminding myself I had a goal and this time I knew that this is going to give me the opportunity to save, save, save and I’m going to set myself up to live alone and accomplish that dream that I’ve had for a while to just wake up to complete silence.

[00:04:35]
Amanda Greene: Moving back in with her parents, Paige had a clear goal, find a new job, then save up to find a place of her own. Her determination to do what needed to be done is admirable, and for many people, relatable.

[00:04:48]
Francesca Canzoneri: During the Great Depression, 48% of adults moved back in with their parents, so it’s about the same as it was then.

[00:04:55]
Amanda Greene: This is Francesca Canzoneri, a licensed associate counselor who specializes in family dynamics. Francesca is here to help us understand how to best navigate our feelings when moving back home. She says there are a lot of reasons we have to do this, but the most common…

[00:05:10]
Francesca Canzoneri: I’d say financial is probably the biggest reason.

[00:05:13]
Amanda Greene: I can see how deciding to go back home as an adult could come with a range of emotions. What are you seeing?

[00:05:21]
Francesca Canzoneri: Yeah. The emotions can be extremely mixed because obviously if we’re moving back home with our parents, we are a little bit comfortable there, especially if that’s the house that we grew up in. So part of us can be feeling nostalgic, maybe we’re feeling a little relieved knowing that financial burden is not as heavy as if we were on our own, but then there’s also an influx of some negative emotions. So we might be anxious, we might feel shame or grief or guilt. We might feel like we’re lacking independence, frustrated. I mean, there’s so many different emotions and they’re kind of all intertwined, so it’s really difficult to navigate them all at the same time.

[00:05:57]
Amanda Greene: What should we tell ourselves when that happens?

[00:05:59]
Francesca Canzoneri: I always encourage my clients to, first and foremost, just mindfulness. Take deep breaths, let’s stay in the present moment because we have the tendency to kind of worry a lot about the past, worry about the future, maybe we compare ourselves to other people and we kind of get down why am I not where I want to be? And it’s so hard, especially with social media, so you might see where your friends are maybe getting married or advancing in their career or buying a house or whatever it is, and you think about where you are and you compare and it’s natural, especially since it’s so easy to see where other people are. I always encourage my clients to tell themselves or remind themselves that this is an important part of their chapter, so this is what’s going to help them get back to where they want to be. It’s essential. If they don’t have this chapter, then it’s going to be really difficult for them to get where they want to be. So as much as this can be a conflicting chapter, it could be causing an influx of contradicting emotions, it’s imperative and it’s really actually going to set them up for success for where they want to go.

[00:06:57]
Amanda Greene: That is a really great line to remind yourself of, that this is an important part of my chapter, this is an important part of my life, this chapter is necessary. I mean, I feel like even no matter what you’re going through in life, that is a good thing to remind yourself of because you’re not going to get where you want to go until you get through this current thing.

[00:07:16]
Francesca Canzoneri: I tell them all the time, the best way out of a difficult situation is through because if we swoop it under the rug and pretend it’s not there, it’s still there. And if we just try to avoid it and go over it, it’s still there. So there’s different ways to deal with uncomfortable emotions. Stuffing is when you feel something you don’t want to feel and shoving it down and pretending it’s not there. And it’s a temporary fix because we’re ignoring it, we don’t feel it, we stuff it down, but the problem with that is eventually that builds up.

[00:07:44]
Amanda Greene: My mom actually has a shirt that says, “Feel your feelings,” And when she wears it, she points it out to everyone. She’s like, “Feel your feelings.” I bet when people do end up going home, it would be easy to revert into some childish ways.

[00:08:00]
Francesca Canzoneri: Yes.

[00:08:01]
Amanda Greene: Maybe feel more like your child-like self just from being maybe back in the home you grew up in. How do we try to not do that?

[00:08:08]
Francesca Canzoneri: That’s a really good question, and I think this really goes both ways. Just as you don’t want to be treated like a child and have that feeling of you’re a child again in that house, we have to also respect our parents in a way that that’s their house and they’re not just our parents. So it’s kind of like establishing this adult to adult relationship. I think the toughest part of when adults move back in with their parents is that line is blurred, right? We are so used to having the power differential of the parents and then the child. When we move back in as an adult, we need to establish how are we going to change this dynamic? Because yes, it is your house and I am your child, but we are all adults living under the same roof now. So we want to respect that that’s our parents’ house, it’s not our house, and to try to stray away from going back into our childhood ways. I mean, there’s a few different things we could do. If it’s possible, ask our parents, can we change our childhood room around? Can we make it more adult-like? Can we get new furniture, new decor, paint it, whatever, just so it doesn’t look so much like a childhood bedroom? We could take on more responsibility in the household. Don’t expect mom and dad or whoever you’re living with as a family member to do it all. Take on some of that responsibility. Food shop, clean the house, wash the cars, run the errands. That will kind of create less of a power differential and kind of make it more equal and neutralized.

[00:09:31]
Amanda Greene: I think something that a lot of people struggle with are boundaries.

[00:09:35]
Francesca Canzoneri: Yes.

[00:09:35]
Amanda Greene: And this is an instance where they’re really going to come into play. So how do we set boundaries with our family? What are some of the best practices in this circumstance?

[00:09:45]
Francesca Canzoneri: Boundaries, boundaries, boundaries. They are something we always strive for and they’re really hard. And I think the reason that they can be hard is especially for people who fear tension and don’t want to cause any rifts or any issues in the relationship or damage the relationship and try to keep a more peaceful environment, which works to an extent. If you’re continuously worrying about the other person and how they feel. It’s peaceful, but then eventually you’re kind of swallowing a lot, so that’s why boundaries are important. So I think first and foremost, just understanding ‘What are my boundaries?’

[00:10:16]
Amanda Greene: I think a lot of us are still learning even how to assert boundaries and what they even are and what they should mean in your relationships. So that I think would be a really tricky one. Is there a way to make sure that you don’t overstay your welcome?

[00:10:33]
Francesca Canzoneri: I typically always go back to communication. I think it’s really important to check in, how are we feeling? Is there anything you need me to do more of or less of? Are we comfortable? Are there any changes that either of us can make to make this more comfortable?

[00:10:47]
Amanda Greene: You kind of touched on the independence of someone who had previously moved out and is now moving back in, and as adults, most of us are used to our independence. What happens if we want to stay out late but our family is worried when they know we’re not in our bed? What do we do there?

[00:11:05]
Francesca Canzoneri: That’s a tricky one. I think the first thing to keep in mind is your family is your family, so it doesn’t matter how old you are, they’re always going to worry about you. And now if you are living in their environment, they feel a little bit more responsible for you to check in, make sure you’re okay. So accepting that and understanding it’s coming from a good place I think is a really important piece. And then also, going back to that assertive communication and those boundaries, where can we come to a compromise? I appreciate that you care about me, I appreciate that you want me to be safe, I appreciate that you want to make sure I’m okay, I appreciate that you care. And at the same time, it makes me feel anxious when you worry too much or call me throughout the night or whatever it is. So just being honest with how you’re feeling and coming to a compromise of, okay, if I tell you I’m going out with my friends, I will be home by this time. If I’m a little bit late, I’ll reach out.

[00:12:01]
Amanda Greene: We’ve touched on a lot of the uncomfy parts of this and how to work through it, but what are some of the benefits of living with your parents?

[00:12:08]
Francesca Canzoneri: Yeah, absolutely. I think just being reminded that you have such good support because I think sometimes we could take that for granted sometimes. Not everybody always has that so showing that gratitude and having that comfort so easily accessible by moving back in is nice. Just knowing that you could take so much pressure off of yourself, that you have to figure it out right now, right?

[00:12:29]
Amanda Greene: Yeah. A little breather.

[00:12:30]
Francesca Canzoneri: Yes, absolutely. I could take a deep breath, I could talk more kindly to myself, I can take this pressure off and not feel so anxious and I can just be stable in this moment and not worry so much about the next thing.

[00:12:44]
Amanda Greene: A safe place to regroup.

[00:12:46]
Francesca Canzoneri: Absolutely. Yes, for sure.

[00:12:48]
Amanda Greene: What about from the parent’s perspective? Any additional benefits for them?

[00:12:52]
Francesca Canzoneri: Yeah, I mean a lot of parents experience that empty nest syndrome when their kids move out, go away to college, or maybe they get married or they move out and get their first place for the first time or whatever, and that could be really difficult for them. So sometimes I think having them back in the home can kind of make them feel a little bit more fulfilled again, it could feel like a little bit more… I don’t want to say their purpose because we don’t only have one purpose in life, but if you’re a parent, that is a big piece of your identity and a big majority of what kind of helped you make choices in your life is by being a parent. So for people who really struggle with the empty nest syndrome, it kind of can bring back that relief of, “Ah, they still need me. I am still an important piece of their book,”Right? ” I am still an important character and I love that we have this relationship where they can still rely on me and maybe they can help me.”

[00:13:44]
Amanda Greene: You are a joy. Thank you so much for coming on and sharing all of your insight and talking about how to handle all of the emotions that come with moving back in with your parents as an adult.

[00:13:54]
Francesca Canzoneri: My pleasure. Thank you so much for having me.

[00:13:56]
Amanda Greene: Thank you so much for being here. Moving back home as an adult is never an easy decision, but for Paige, it’s turned out to be a transformative experience. As we’ve heard, living with family as an adult can bring up so many emotions, from financial stress to newfound independence and everything in between. But one thing that often gets overlooked is the impact it can have on relationships. As Francesca told us, moving back home can give us that unexpected opportunity to reconnect, deepen our bonds and create new memories. And as Paige shared with us earlier, those connections can be life-changing.

[00:14:34]
Paige Mariah: The best part about being back with my parents, just being able to be with them every single day. I really, really missed them, and I don’t think I even realized how much I missed them until I was able to move back in and see them all the time and just creating new memories with them. We’ve been traveling together, just even going for a walk with my mom in the park, that was a thing that we did a lot when I moved back, so they were really happy. And one thing about my parents, they have always been so supportive and they knew that they would be able to help me and give me this gift of living rent-free for a little while, and they would do that as many times as they could. They just want to help me get ahead always, so I’m so grateful for them.

[00:15:16]
Amanda Greene: I think we can all agree, family matters, and whether they’re a short drive away or under the same roof, any opportunity to connect is valuable.

[00:15:24]
Paige Mariah: I’m still a thirty-minute drive away. If they called me, I would be there in a heartbeat, whatever they need.

[00:15:29]
Amanda Greene: Speaking of family and getting to know each other a little better, let’s wrap things up with a round of rapid-fire questions. First one, buying your own food or eating what your parents eat.

[00:15:40]
Paige Mariah: Buying my own food, a hundred percent.

[00:15:42]
Amanda Greene: Paying rent or enjoying the free ride.

[00:15:45]
Paige Mariah: Oh my goodness. I don’t think anyone should ever choose to pay rent, but for now, at this point in my life, paying rent because it is worth every penny to have this peace and quiet.

[00:15:59]
Amanda Greene: What about do your own laundry or let your parents do it?

[00:16:03]
Paige Mariah: Let my parents take care of it. I miss that the most.

[00:16:06]
Amanda Greene: Always letting them know where you are or staying private.

[00:16:09]
Paige Mariah: Keeping my life totally private. My parents still have my location so they can have an idea, but they don’t need to know everything.

[00:16:16]
Amanda Greene: How about having friends over or keeping your social life outside the home?

[00:16:21]
Paige Mariah: Having friends over. Like, I’m so excited to host. I’ve always wanted to do that, so looking forward to my housewarming.

[00:16:27]
Amanda Greene: How about locking yourself away in a bedroom like a teen or hanging out in common areas with your parents?

[00:16:33]
Paige Mariah: A little bit of both. It depends on the mood that I’m in, but I think I really did enjoy hanging out in the common areas with my parents and just talking to them.

[00:16:42]
Amanda Greene: And give it a time limit or stay forever.

[00:16:46]
Paige Mariah: I would say for your own sanity, give yourself a time limit.

[00:16:48]
Amanda Greene: Amazing. Thank you so much for coming on today, Paige.

[00:16:50]
Paige Mariah: Thank you so much.

[00:16:53]
Amanda Greene: So this is something people are doing, moving back in with their parents, some with their own families. I get it. It would be nice to save a little money, have more people around to help out with household chores, even have my mom do my laundry, but I think we’ll stay put for now.

You’ve been listening to Merging Into Life, where we navigate life’s milestones one episode at a time. Brought to you by AAA Northeast with assistance from JAR Audio. I’m your host, Amanda Greene.

If you’re learning as much as I am, follow us wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review. We would love to know what you think. Email us at podcast@aaanortheast.com.

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

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RESOURCES

Merging Into Life

The Therapy Institute

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Want to Learn More? Drop Us a Note

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

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IN THIS EPISODE

Cruises are a big deal. The newest megaships are basically floating resorts, offering everything from water parks to skating rinks. If you prefer a more intimate, laidback experience, there are ships for your style, too. With so many options, it’s a vacation from the moment you step on board.

Before setting sail on your first cruise, there’s a lot to figure out. First, of course, is how to choose a cruise that’s best for you. Then, there’s your packing strategy, what’s worth splurging on and which onshore excursions to try. You may also have common first-time cruiser concerns like: What if I get motion sickness? And, what if you miss the boat?

We’ve got you covered. Listen in as we hear from Dana Hammond, travel journalist and cruise lover, who’s been on over 100 cruises, and Ilana Schattauer from the blog Life Well Cruised, a once-skeptic turned cruise superfan. They share their cruise tips, debunk cruise myths and talk about some of the perks aboard the best cruise ships.

Book a cruise with AAA.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

[2:16] – Keys to a smooth embarkation day
[8:59] – Top destinations from a cruise aficianado
[13:27] – Tips for first-time cruisers

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TRANSCRIPT

[00:00:01]
Amanda Greene: Routine is great. It keeps me focused and on top of things. Here’s how my day goes. I wake up at 7: 00, make my coffee, get the kids out the door, and then it’s meetings, emails, repeat. But even the best routine starts to wear on you after a while. Sometimes what you need to stay productive and at your best is to break that routine. An ocean breeze, looking off into the horizon. What’s that? A breaching whale? Yes, please. I think it’s time for a cruise. Welcome to Merging into Life, where we navigate life’s milestones one episode at a time, brought to you by AAA Northeast. I’m your host, Amanda Greene.

Today, we’re going to talk about taking your first cruise. Who doesn’t love a nice vacation? I love the excitement of a theme park. There’s never a dull moment. Traveling abroad comes with new cultures, there’s so much to see and eat. But sometimes I just want to unplug. And for me that means no cooking, no cleaning and no fighting traffic. I just need to lay back and unwind. So cruising really speaks to me and in order to find out more, I turned to Ilana Schattauer.

[00:01:15]
Ilana Schattauer: It’s funny, about 20 years ago, my husband and I decided to do a cruise for our 10th anniversary, and truthfully, I thought it would be one and done. We won’t hate it, we’ll probably like it, but we fell in love with it.

[00:01:29]
Amanda Greene: She shares tips and cruise hacks under her banner, Life Well Cruised.

[00:01:33]
Ilana Schattauer: We fell in love with it the moment that the ship sailed away from the shore. Throughout the rest of the cruise, we had such a good time, felt a little bit spoiled and pampered, which was nice. So after that, within a year, we brought our two young children with us and then they were raised on cruising.

[00:01:50]
Amanda Greene: You said that even from the moment that you set sail, you just fell in love with it. What was it about that?

[00:01:56]
Ilana Schattauer: I think there might be something to the ocean and the water, but physically we felt de-stressed the moment that the ship sailed away. It might’ve been a little bit of work things, the kids, all of the day-to-day things and we really felt like, wow, we were on vacation. And then looking forward to a sense of adventure ahead.

READ MORE

[00:02:14]
Amanda Greene: Can you give us some of your tips for having a smooth embarkation day?

[00:02:18]
Ilana Schattauer: So I do always like to tell people, make sure that you fly in one day early. And especially when it’s in the wintertime and perhaps somebody’s coming from the northeast or somewhere where weather can affect that flight, you do need at least two hours to spare before the sail away time, which is not obvious, but that is actually a rule for the cruise lines.

And another thing is don’t show up hungry. So when you get to the cruise terminal, it can take a little bit of time before you board your cruise ship and sometimes there can be a delay. So you don’t want to wake up in the morning, not have breakfast and show up starving. At least have a breakfast, some people even bring a little snack with them just in case. And this way you can ease when you get onto the cruise ship, do everything you need to do and then take your time before having your lunch.

[00:03:07]
Amanda Greene: Because we don’t want to be hangry as we’re getting on a cruise to have an amazing vacation.

[00:03:11]
Ilana Schattauer: You are right. It is no fun to be hangry or to be cruising with other people that are hangry.

[00:03:15]
Amanda Greene: No. What about when it comes to packing and what you should have for that first day versus once you’re settled into your room?

[00:03:25]
Ilana Schattauer: So you want to arrive at your cruise port with a cruise carry-on bag and basically that’s going to be the things that you need for the first few hours of your cruise before your luggage arrives. So if you are taking checked baggage, which you can do, there are going to be porters that are outside of the cruise terminal and they’re going to take your luggage and then it is going to be tagged and it’s going to be delivered to your cabin. But it can take a few hours, so we’ve boarded a cruise ship, let’s say around 12:00 noon, and we’ve got our luggage maybe around 3:00, 4:00, even sometimes 5:00PM.

So you want to have things to enjoy the day. So that’s going to be things like bathing suits maybe because the pools, all the activities, they are open right away. But other important things that you want to have is make sure that you have your boarding documentation, your identification. So oftentimes, that’s going to be a passport for a lot of people. Otherwise, always verify with a cruise line any other documentation or ID that could be required. But as well, you want to make sure you have your valuables with you. And even something as simple as you may want to freshen up when you get on the cruise ship, you may want to freshen up your makeup or deodorant or brush your teeth. So just really thinking about what are the things that you will need for those first few hours until your luggage arrives.

[00:04:41]
Amanda Greene: What about the need to be flexible on a cruise? Because as enjoyable as it’s going to be, things are going to maybe not always go according to plan.

[00:04:50]
Ilana Schattauer: Yes. So just like everything in life, we have to be flexible, but one thing in particular about cruises is itinerary. So a cruise ship, of course, is moving through the ocean and it’s a great vacation because you can go to several different destinations. But one thing I would caution people about is being flexible with the idea that your itinerary may change.

Now, usually itineraries don’t change, but I’ll give you an example. We were on a cruise and it was in the Caribbean right at the beginning of when Hurricane Helen was going to be passing through. So our cruise wasn’t affected, but what happened was when we got onto the cruise ship, we had a letter in our cabin stating that three of our cruise ports would be changing, and that was because the captain had made a decision to actually reroute the ship. We were supposed to be going, for instance, to Cozumel, Mexico. So there was the potential of the storm being in that area at the time, it was before it had arrived. So to just avoid any of those problems, we headed instead to Dominican Republic, which was really nice.

[00:05:53]
Amanda Greene: Thanks, Ilana, for sharing your love of cruising with us. I’m pretty sure I’d be okay with a surprise trip to the Dominican Republic.

All right, make sure you leave plenty of time. You don’t want to miss the boat. Don’t show up hungry, and pack a carry-on so you can start enjoying all the things your ship has to offer immediately.

[00:06:12]
Dana Hammond: We’re talking roller coasters on the top decks of these big ships, ice skating rinks tucked in their bellies, planetariums, beautifully curated lectures, so there’s something for everybody to do.

[00:06:23]
Amanda Greene: This is Dana Hammond. She’s a travel writer whose work has appeared in major news publications and AAA magazines throughout the years. Dana loves cruises.

[00:06:33]
Dana Hammond: It’s almost like magic. You go to sleep in one place, you wake up in a new place. I often say it’s kind of like Christmas morning for travelers every day on a cruise because you’re unwrapping a new destination.

[00:06:44]
Amanda Greene: That is so beautiful. You’re really romanticizing cruising, and it sounds so magical. I’ve seen cruises that are like, I don’t know, 10 to 14 days long and that seems like a really long time.

[00:06:57]
Dana Hammond: It is.

[00:06:57]
Amanda Greene: Especially for someone who has never done a cruise before. So if someone’s never been on a cruise before, they probably shouldn’t be looking at one of those two-week long cruises, right?

[00:07:07]
Dana Hammond: For your first cruise, five to seven days is probably the perfect time. It gives you an opportunity to get a lay of the ship and to experience all the onboard attractions. I guarantee even with seven days on most ships, you’re going to have a conversation with someone in the elevator who’s telling you their most amazing thing they did on the cruise and you’re like, “Oh, we didn’t even get to that.” And then you share yours with them and they’re like, “We didn’t get to that,” because there’s just so much to do.

[00:07:30]
Amanda Greene: I know that there’s different kinds of cruises and every ship kind of offers different things and different cruise lines offer different things. Who are cruises meant for?

[00:07:39]
Dana Hammond: There’s a short answer to that. It’s everybody. You can find any price point for cruises. You can find an active cruise, you can find a cruise that’s more cerebral. There are accommodations for solo passengers now. And families are very welcome on cruise ships. Some of the kids clubs that you’ll find are amazing. They’re age-specific, supervised programs. They’re decked out with the latest tech gadgetry, special clubs for teens. And believe me, the teens clubs, they do what we’re doing. They can learn how to podcast. They’ll cut videos, learn a movie. There’s gaming and sporting tournaments, dances with mocktails. I sometimes think the teens, by the end of a cruise, have the run of the ship because they have a certain agency of their own, so they learn every last space and they know the layout by the time you get off better than half the passengers.

[00:08:27]
Amanda Greene: I’ve heard stories even of teenagers finding their lifelong best friend on a cruise because it is just a special kind of bonding that happens.

[00:08:35]
Dana Hammond: For adults and kids too. Some cruises are almost like a camp for adults because you just have this quick bonding experience over the shared thing that you’re engaging in.

[00:08:43]
Amanda Greene: So you were saying earlier that one of the special things about cruising is going to sleep in this floating hotel.

[00:08:49]
Dana Hammond: That’s right.

[00:08:49]
Amanda Greene: And then waking up in a destination. Do you have any destinations that you recommend that are really special to you?

[00:08:57]
Dana Hammond: Absolutely. You can go anywhere, particularly from a home port in the Northeast where we are, you can head north to New England, south to Bermuda, Europe, and the Caribbean. And on the other side of the country, Alaska is easy to get to Hawaii. I’ve been to Antarctica, which was amazing.

But if I were going to recommend the first time cruiser, I would say head to the Caribbean. It’s very easy to get there. All of the ships are there. It’s open year round. It’s beautiful. There are arid islands like Aruba and lush ones like Jamaica. So the Caribbean provides an easy, convenient year-round option. And also, that’s where the cruise line private islands live and those port calls are among the most raved about on all the itineraries.

[00:09:41]
Amanda Greene: Why do you think so?

[00:09:42]
Dana Hammond: I think because it dovetails nicely with what cruising does, delivering that hassle-free approach. You have a carefree beach day, the cruise line takes care of everything. They’re going to give you your towel, the beach chairs are there, the umbrellas. They provide a beach barbecue and some snack shacks all included, so it’s really lovely. And they’re also tricked out in a style that is reminiscent of the various cruise lines, so it’s really an extension of that experience. But you can leave your wallet on the ship. You don’t have to worry about anything.

[00:10:12]
Amanda Greene: Having a private island be one of the ports sounds like kind of getting the best of both worlds on a vacation because on a cruise, you probably don’t spend a lot of time at the beach. But if you are stopping for a day on one of the private islands, you have the chance to swim in the ocean and get that beach experience while also being on a cruise.

[00:10:30]
Dana Hammond: Absolutely. Sometimes I’ve found that you want to just go, go, go with the ports, even in the Caribbean and you’re not taking that time for a beach experience. Here, it’s built in, the day is devoted to that. And as I said, you have all the amenities, you don’t have to think twice about anything. And let’s say you forgot your suntan lotion, run back to the ship and get it. It’s just so easy.

[00:10:52]
Amanda Greene: I feel like there are so many options when it comes to cruising. Even if you just do a quick search, there’s just so many different lines, so many different ships. How do you find the best ship for you? How do you narrow down that search?

[00:11:07]
Dana Hammond: I always look at the ship kind of as an extra travel companion and you want to have a personality that jives with the people you’re traveling with. So you do a little research, get online. The cruise line websites are true to character. They show the activities that they want to highlight, the people that are doing them, families or maybe a more mature crew line is going to be represented in that way.

You can join forums where you can actually speak with or communicate with people who have been on these ships that you’re looking into going on. You can ask them pointed questions, “Hey, Grandpa likes to golf every day, and I heard there’s a golf simulator on this or a mini golf course. Were they crowded? Were they nice? Do you think he’d be happy?” So you can really get a lot of information from that. And an agent is also very good, have to give a plug to AAA. A knowledgeable cruise agent is invaluable.

[00:11:55]
Amanda Greene: And I know you can even book on your own at AAA.com/Cruises. There is so much information there, including deck plans. You can really get a feel for the ship right on the website. Of course, ships come in different sizes. How do the big ones and the small ones compare?

[00:12:1]2
Dana Hammond: So the big ships are kind of jacks of all trades and the smaller ships tend to be a little more luxurious, a personalized experience. I would say though, if you’re a first time cruiser and you’re really kind of battling which direction you want to go, that the larger ships do tend to be the ones that have something for everybody to do. You really can’t go wrong. At any given time, someone might be zip lining across the top of the ship while somebody else is attending an art auction or a wine lecture, so you’ll find your place.

[00:12:42]
Amanda Greene: How many people would be on a large ship versus a small ship?

[00:12:45]
Dana Hammond: Get ready to have your mind blown, at least I always feel like it’s a mind-blowing thing, but the largest cruise ship sailing right now can accommodate more than 7, 000 passengers.

[00:12:55]
Amanda Greene: Wow.

[00:12:56]
Dana Hammond: I think it’s 7, 600 to be exact. And this particular cruise line breaks their ship up into neighborhoods. And then the smaller ships, the most luxurious ships tend to be, of course you pay a little bit of a higher price point for them, but you could have as little as 400 passengers on the ship.

[00:13:13]
Amanda Greene: Really is like a floating city, which is just so neat.

[00:13:16]
Dana Hammond: Yes, it is. It is.

[00:13:20]
Amanda Greene: Do you have any key tips that you share for first time cruisers?

[00:13:25]
Dana Hammond: In particular, getting on the cruise first time, the cruise line apps are incredible. You want to download that cruise line app. It’s kind of like having a pocket sized cruise director with you at all the times. It can give you the information on when venues are open, what kind of activities are going on. You can make reservations. Some of them even allow you to turn on your cabin lights, communicate with other people. There’s information on the ship layout, there’s information on the destinations. It’s anything you want, you can turn to it. So I would say for sure, do that.

And another thing is make some reservations in advance before you get on the ship, particularly shore excursions, they can sell out and you don’t want to miss something that you want to do. Also, specialty dining, it’s an extra charge for this, but if you have a birthday or maybe an anniversary and you’re locked into a certain date, you’d want to make that reservation in advance too. You could even reserve things like spa time during a sea day when spa is humming, and that way you don’t miss out if you’re locked into a certain date.

[00:14:24]
Amanda Greene: I feel like I see a lot of hacks on Instagram about packing.

[00:14:28]
Dana Hammond: Well, my first rule is pack light or likely go home regretting it because cruising has become so much more casual over the years. And while it’s a great opportunity to turn yourself out in a fabulous dress and have a formal night, you definitely do not have to pack a ball gown and a tuxedo. It’s really much more casual than that nowadays.

Also, one of my cabin hacks is that ships are made of metal. You forget that because they’re so beautifully decorated interiorly. But if you buy just a couple of magnetic hooks, they can go a long way, particularly because in the bathrooms, let’s just say they’re economical in space, so counter space can be a bit limited. You throw some of those magnets up and you invest in a fold down toiletry package, you can just hook that up there and it saves space. If you’ve got kids traveling with you, hang their bathing suits on a few of them.

[00:15:19]
Amanda Greene: What’s included in most cruises and what’s extra?

[00:15:23]
Dana Hammond: It’s a good question because you don’t want to be disappointed. A lot of the things are included, the shipboard activities, your dining. But there are up-sales for all of this. It really depends on the line too, because when we’re talking about the bigger ships that have that resort feel or even your premium cruise lines, they have less of the things included. But when we’re talking about that 400 passenger ship, you can bet that almost every single thing is included. Sometimes even your airfare and your transportation to the ship, your shore excursions, alcohol, all of that.

But when you’re looking about things that are not included, the likely extras are gratuities. I don’t think that one surprises people too much. There are specialty dining, that’s going to be an upcharge. Your Wi-Fi is going to cost you extra and your alcohol and some beverages. That last part can throw people. Like a specialty coffee, you would pay extra for a lot of times, but not regular coffee or tea. And while the cruise line will provide things for you to drink, like maybe iced tea and lemonade and juice or variety of that, but they won’t necessarily provide soda. Some do, but not all of them do. So you have to be prepared for those extras that might come along.

[00:16:29]
Amanda Greene: So your food other than specialty dining would be included. The nightly entertainment, the shows that you’ll often find on the ships are included.

[00:16:38]
Dana Hammond: Yes.

[00:16:39]
Amanda Greene: But things like the spa for example, that’s going to be an extra cost.

[00:16:43]
Dana Hammond: Yeah.

[00:16:45]
Amanda Greene: Do you have any strategies for people who start to feel a little uncomfortable at sea?

[00:16:51]
Dana Hammond: I think it’s usually tied to the motion sickness. First of all, you can start by picking a great cabin for that, if that’s a concern of yours. The middle of the ship and lower is generally where you feel the least amount of motion. I also would suggest a balcony cabin because then you have access to fresh air and the horizon. The horizon usually sets your brain straight and you realize why you’re feeling a little woozy. There are, of course, medications you can take. I see people wearing sea bands that have pressure points.

But also I’d like to say that these ships are very stable, so I don’t want people to really have too much fear about that. They actually have stabilizers, which are these airplane wing things that kind of come out from the side of the ship while you’re at sea and help stabilize the ship. So it’s more often that you might forget you’re actually at sea than be worrying about that for most people. But if you have terrible issues, of course there is a medical center on the ship and they’ll help you out.

[00:17:43]
Amanda Greene: I’m sure you’ve met a few people who are naysayers when it comes to cruising over the years, right?

[00:17:50]
Dana Hammond: Yes.

[00:17:50]
Amanda Greene: What do you tell them?

[00:17:51]
Dana Hammond: It usually turns out that you need to do a little bit of myth busting, which I think we’ve done. They’ll say it’s too pricey and yet there’s various price points and there’s a lot of value included in the price that you pay. Or they’ll worry about the motion sickness and we’ve just talked about that. Or that the cruise is too crowded. Even on the biggest ship, you can find these nooks where you’re okay with having a private moment or looking at the sea and no one else seems to be around. So you can definitely seek that out. Also, that they’re bored and that’s just a hard no. There’s no way you can be.

[00:18:23]
Amanda Greene: Right.

[00:18:25]
Dana Hammond: No. If you want to be active, you can be active.

[00:18:27]
Amanda Greene: And as someone who is so passionate about cruising and loves the experience, what would you tell someone who is on the fence about trying one?

[00:18:37]
Dana Hammond: I would say go. In a life well traveled, you cannot miss out on cruising. You have to try it, and the odds are you’re going to love it. Passenger surveys and nonprofits, they show that first time cruisers have an experience that exceeds their expectations. And I always love the stat that they kind of put their money where their mouth is and book a second cruise fairly quickly after the first one.

So it’s really not much of a leap of faith to try it. You’re probably going to have an amazing time. And whether you’re choosing one of these big leviathans of the sea with all the activities or a smaller ship for a more sedate experience, I guarantee you you can find your slice of seafaring heaven out there and you’re going to have a beautiful sail away if you try it.

[00:19:21]
Amanda Greene: Before we let you go, we’re going to ask you just some rapid fire questions. Are you ready, Dana Hammond?

[00:19:26]
Dana Hammond: I think so. I don’t know, let’s see.

[00:19:29]
Amanda Greene: How many cruises have you been on?

[00:19:30]
Dana Hammond: Okay, more than 100. And it’s unusual that I don’t know my exact number because cruisers usually do know their exact number and my sister thinks it’s 150 at least.

[00:19:40]
Amanda Greene: What’s the wildest amenity you’ve ever seen on a ship?

[00:19:44]
Dana Hammond: I’m going to go with skydiving simulator.

[00:19:46]
Amanda Greene: What? Have you ever been on a ship where someone was left behind at a port?

[00:19:52]
Dana Hammond: Yes.

[00:19:53]
Amanda Greene: What happened?

[00:19:53]
Dana Hammond: I have. Most recently, I was in Alaska in the port of Juneau, which is a very easy port to navigate on your own, so I would almost recommend that. And these people were obviously doing that. There’s a chairlift to the top of a lookout point. And I had been chatting with them for a minute or two, lovely couple, and they said to me, “Is that ship pulling out?” And they pointed to it, and here I was excited. I said, “Yeah, we’re going to get to watch it sail away.” And they’re like, “We’re on that ship.”

I felt so bad for them because, Amanda, Juneau of all places, to get to Juneau, you have to take the Marine Highway or fly in on a float plane, and it’s your responsibility to get to the ship. Those are the rules. So I have seen that. You need to manage your time when you’re on shore. If you’re not going with an organized shore excursion where they’re going to do that for you, you need to be cognizant of where you are and when the ship leaves.

[00:20:49]
Amanda Greene: Great tip. Have you ever seen any sea life from the ship?

[00:20:54]
Dana Hammond: Yes, absolutely. In fact, in Alaska, most of the itineraries include a glacier viewing experience. And I’ve been in Glacier Bay. It’s funny, your ship seems big when you’re on it, most ships even, when you’re not on the hugest ship. And then you cruise up to this glacier and you’re kind of dwarfed in the presence of it. So it’s spectacular to begin with, and hopefully it calves for you and it smashes into the water and creates all these bergy, icy bits.

And we’ve seen whales, we’ve seen incredible bird life. You can spot wildlife and experience the beautiful inner passage. And for families, it’s kind of an expedition type cruise without really being a true expedition. It just has a lot to offer.

[00:21:35]
Amanda Greene: Dana, thank you so much for coming on today and sharing all of your passion for cruising and some amazing tips. When you’ve never done something before, you have no idea what to expect.

[00:21:45]
Dana Hammond: Right.

[00:21:45]
Amanda Greene: You have really painted a picture for first time cruisers to kind of have an idea of what they’re getting themselves into.

[00:21:51]
Dana Hammond: I hope so.

[00:21:52]
Amanda Greene: So thank you for doing that.

[00:21:53]
Dana Hammond: Amanda, thank you so much.

[00:21:55]
Amanda Greene: That was travel writer Dana Hammond, and before that, Ilana Schattauer of Life Well Cruised. Honestly, I’ve never stepped foot on a private island or cruised past a glacier. But hey, I’ve also never gone ice skating on a ship or played pickleball with the ocean as my backdrop. Who knew there were so many ways to experience life at sea? Now that I’m thinking about it, maybe it’s time to start adding this stuff to that bucket list so that I can check it off.

You’ve been listening to Merging into Life, where we navigate life’s milestones one episode at a time, brought to you by AAA Northeast with assistance from JAR Audio. I’m your host, Amanda Greene. We would love to hear what you think. Your feedback really matters to us, so if you have any ideas for an episode or you just want to say hi, please leave a review wherever you listen or email us at podcast@AAANortheast.com.

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

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RESOURCES

Book a Cruise With AAA

The ABCs of Cruising

Get to Know Northeast Cruise Departures Ports

20 Over-the-Top Things To Do on a Cruise Ship

Debunking Common Cruise Myths

Dana Hammond

Life Well Cruised

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Want to Learn More? Drop Us a Note

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

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IN THIS EPISODE

Traveling to new places is always an adventure, but if you want to escape the mundane and truly explore your own way, you might want to consider renting a car internationally.

Can American tourists drive in Europe? Of course (with an International Driving Permit). Can it still be intimidating? Absolutely.

With great freedom comes great responsibility — and often some anxiety — when you are faced with tiny parking spaces, narrow streets, driving on the left side and other unfamiliar rules of the road. But don’t let that hold you back! Terry Abromitis, aka Traveling Terry, is here to offer her tips on driving in Europe, from discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations to avoiding parking tickets. Also on hand is Kevin Beresford, president of the Roundabout Appreciation Society, whose enthusiasm for traffic circles must be heard to be believed.

Get Your International Driving Permit from AAA.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

[5:35] – Key things to keep an eye on when driving abroad
[11:01] – The lowdown on roundabouts: how to navigate them, and their advantages
[12:45] – Do you need an international driver’s permit?

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TRANSCRIPT

[00:00:01]
Amanda Greene: A friend of mine just invited me to go on a trip to Europe with her, Europe! I mean, I love the idea of cruising through the French countryside in a little convertible. I can just picture it, wearing a little scarf on my head or renting an Italian villa off the beaten path. Nothing but handmade pasta and sunshine, but the catch, my friend asked if I would split the driving. So that means renting a car and figuring out how to drive in a different country. I have driven in Banff, Alberta and there were far fewer streetlights than I’m used to.

The roads are pretty dark, but other than that, it wasn’t really that different. But Europe, I don’t know. Welcome to Merging into Life where we navigate life’s milestones one episode at a time, brought to you by AAA Northeast. I’m your host, Amanda Greene. Today we’re going to talk about renting a vehicle. The fear of the unknown, it’s a powerful force.

I try not to let that fear stop me from doing the things that I want to do, but that doesn’t mean I’m not really intimidated sometimes. Like driving in a new place. I’m a good driver. I learned on a manual transmission. I’ve had my license for a long time, but when I think of driving in say, Europe, I think of chaotic and confusing roundabouts, narrow streets, lots of pedestrians, tight corners on turns. It all adds up to a pretty stressful mess in my head, but people do it and they love it, even if it’s a little tricky at first.

[00:01:33]
Terry Abromitis: I used to think about going on a road trip around Ireland and I would always say, “Well, I’m going to wait to do that because I don’t want to drive on the other side of the road, so I want to make sure I go with somebody else that will do that.” And then I was like, “Why? Why am I stopping myself?”

[00:01:48]
Amanda Greene: So she did it. She’s doing it now.

READ MORE

[00:01:50]
Terry Abromitis: My name is Terry Abromitis and I go by Traveling Terry.

[00:01:54]
Amanda Greene: Traveling Terry makes content about her life while traveling. She was kind enough to speak to us from a cottage in the Cotswolds, a region in central southwest England.

[00:02:04]
Terry Abromitis: I mean in the movie, The Holiday, this is exactly what it looks like.

[00:02:06]
Amanda Greene: Really? I love that movie.

[00:02:08]
Terry Abromitis: Like today I was just driving around the Cotswolds and it is stunningly beautiful here. I had the windows down and it is like the most beautiful scenery and it’s all these narrow roads that you would go down, that you see in the movies and farms on either side with sheep and horses, maybe a few cars here and there, but I was just like, “This is not what you see on the train.”

[00:02:32]
Amanda Greene: So I guess you’re kind of limited when you’re using public transportation about where you can go. You’re also sticking to a schedule, so the benefits of renting a car, you can go wherever you want whenever you want. What else?

[00:02:44]
Terry Abromitis: I travel alone most of the time, but people that travel with their family, it is so much easier than getting four people on trains, not missing it, keeping all the tickets together. Being able to just load everyone in a car whenever everybody’s ready for it is just it’s so much easier. Or if you’re driving somewhere and you pass this adorable place, you can just pull over, see it, explore it, change your schedule around.

[00:03:09]
Amanda Greene: Yeah. It sounds like renting a car is giving you a better chance to kind of curate your experience to what you’re looking for rather than just like here is the route we can take.

[00:03:18]
Terry Abromitis: Right. And I like to kind of do things a little bit on a whim. I like to figure out my schedule as I’m going because some days I’ve got more energy to do things. Some days I want to just take a day.

[00:03:28]
Amanda Greene: What’s the best place you’ve ever visited that you couldn’t have seen using public transportation?

[00:03:34]
Terry Abromitis: I went to Lucerne, Switzerland. Actually, I stayed outside of Lucerne the first time that I rented a car, and I finally got to kind of expand my search for a place to stay because I knew I was going to have a car so I didn’t have to limit where I was going to be. Usually I have to be in walking distance to a train station or easy cab ride, and this was a little harder. So I found this adorable bee house on a farm with views overlooking Lake Lucerne.

[00:04:03]
Amanda Greene: How was having a rental car, your own wheels necessary to have that experience?

[00:04:09]
Terry Abromitis: Well, first of all, I do like to pack not so lightly. I like to pack really heavy, so to have a car and not worry about schlepping my bags onto a train and off a train and all of that is just less stress for me. But this farm had a long dirt road to get to it. I think the only way to really do it with public transportation was to take a train into Lucerne than there’s some kind of a bus that takes you to some stop. Then you have to walk up this dirt road, which is really long past cows. And it just would’ve been really challenging. And then I wanted to go into the city, so I would have to then do that every time I wanted to go see something in the city or to get anywhere else.

[00:04:48]
Amanda Greene: It sounds like you’ve really had the chance to see a lot of cool things because you worked past all of those perceived obstacles that you kind of thought were going to be there with renting a car and now you’re super comfortable doing it because you’ve done it over and over again.

Save on Hertz Car Rentals with AAA

[00:05:02]
Terry Abromitis: Yeah. Once I got over the initial fear and I did it and realized it’s really not that hard, exactly.

[00:05:09]
Amanda Greene: What about things like gas prices? Should we expect to pay more when we’re traveling?

[00:05:13]
Terry Abromitis: It’s pretty expensive here. Yes. And it’s by the liter. So for me, I usually have a difficult time telling how it compares to the US, but when I fill up an entire tank of gas, I usually can figure out is it more or less. And typically it’s double what I would pay to fill up my car.

[00:05:31]
Amanda Greene: And then what about tolls and maybe even getting a ticket?

[00:05:35]
Terry Abromitis: Some countries have more tolls than others. I’m talking to Greece. They have tolls constantly, but the easy thing is that they pretty much all take credit cards or any kind of a card. So when you get up there, all you have to do is tap or insert and you go. So they make it really, really easy. When it comes to tickets, well, sometimes you get a surprise in the mail a few months later and then you realize you drove in a zone that you weren’t supposed to drive in.

[00:06:01]
Amanda Greene: Did you get a ticket? This sounds like you’re speaking from experience.

[00:06:05]
Terry Abromitis: I got it. Six months later. I got a ticket from Bologna because I did not realize that when I was driving to where I was staying, I went into their Zona traffico limitato which means like a limited traffic zone. So you have to have a special permit. And that is one that you want to make sure that you don’t drive there or if you’re staying at a hotel that’s in the zone, a lot of times you can call the hotel ahead and they will take your license plate and they report it to the police so that you don’t get a ticket. So definitely do that.

[00:06:37]
Amanda Greene: Are there any other stressors that come up when renting abroad?

[00:06:40]
Terry Abromitis: Narrow roads, narrow parking spaces, finding parking, which oftentimes is very easy. If you’re using a navigation app, the one that I use, you can actually look for public parking areas in the city and then you can navigate to it. The biggest thing would be if you’re traveling during a peak time and it’s really crowded, then you may have trouble finding a spot somewhere.

[00:07:04]
Amanda Greene: What do you think about all the roundabouts? That’s something that I think is a little more common in other countries.

[00:07:09]
Terry Abromitis: Try doing it in a country that’s driving on the other side.

[00:07:13]
Amanda Greene: Oh.

[00:07:13]
Terry Abromitis: So yeah.

[00:07:13]
Amanda Greene: Wowy.

[00:07:14]
Terry Abromitis: When I first got to the UK, the first time that I rented here, it was completely against my natural instincts of where to look, where to be in the roundabout. So I do have a tip.

[00:07:26]
Amanda Greene: Yes.

[00:07:27]
Terry Abromitis: If you’re driving in another country that drives on the other side, you need to start getting your muscle memory to switch. You have to look right and it’s hard to get used to that. That’s probably the biggest challenge I’ve had. So I have entered a roundabout without looking and not realizing it until I got into the roundabout, and luckily I got in there safely. But you definitely want to practice a little bit, but it can be intimidating.

[00:07:51]
Amanda Greene: Intimidating, but fascinating. We in the Northeastern United States have roundabouts, but they aren’t as baked into our everyday driving as they are for some people in other parts of the world. So if we’re going to drive abroad, let’s try to remove any negative feelings and learn to love traffic circles. We’ll come back to Terry in a minute, but in the meantime, I’d like to introduce you to someone.

[00:08:14]
Kevin Beresford: My name is Kevin Beresford and I’m the president of the UK Roundabout Appreciation Society, also known as Lord of the Rings. That’s my official title.

[00:08:23]
Amanda Greene: Love that. The Roundabout Appreciation Society, that’s amazing. Tell me more.

[00:08:28]
Kevin Beresford: Well, we call them roundabouts, but the French call them giratoires I think the Americans call them circles and a lot of people call them traffic islands. So they’re just a way of filtering traffic through a roundabout piece of architecture.

[00:08:43]
Amanda Greene: So Lord of the Rings, how do you get a title like that?

[00:08:47]
Kevin Beresford: Back in 2003, I ran a small printing company in a town called Redditch, and Redditch at the time was a new town and we didn’t have a lot going for us. We had, this is true, by the way, we had three prisons but no cinema. But what we did have was a copious amount of roundabouts, and each year we wanted to come up with a calendar that reflected Redditch, and so we chose roundabouts for this calendar for that year in 2003. What we didn’t realize, it went viral. It sold worldwide. It was on the TV. I did interviews from all around the world. It was just meant for a joke initially, but then I thought, I got interested in it, these amazing round pieces of architecture. And so the roundabouts of Redditch, Canada spawned the best of British roundabouts, which we do now, which I’m very busy at the moment producing.

[00:09:34]
Amanda Greene: So that first calendar that featured roundabouts of Redditch spawned almost a way of life for you. When I picture a roundabout, I think of a roadway around a patch of grass. Kevin, what are you seeing that I’m not?

[00:09:48]
Kevin Beresford: I mean, I’ve seen paintings, statues, planes, trains, churches, pubs. I mean, up in Yorkshire, in England, we’ve got a windmill on a roundabout that produces flour. And that’s my whole point, anything can go on a roundabout and that’s what makes them so special. We see a roundabout as an oasis on a sea of asphalt.

[00:10:11]
Amanda Greene: That’s a great way of looking at it.

[00:10:13]
Kevin Beresford: There’s a listed duck pond down in Otford and in the middle of that duck pond, in this traffic island, there’s a little hut where all the ducks live and the locals call that Duckingham Palace.

[00:10:25]
Amanda Greene: Oh.

[00:10:25]
Kevin Beresford: Now, only roundabouts could boast that. Traffic lights can’t boast that, can they? Our society hates traffic lights. You have to stop when they tell you, you have to go when they tell you. But with a roundabout, it suits the British sort of sense of decorum and etiquette. You choose where you want to go in the traffic flow and you join it at your own speed, and you new exit it. It’s so quintessentially English, the roundabout.

[00:10:52]
Amanda Greene: Kevin, you make it sound so simple. For the intimidated or unsure, give us the basics. How do you navigate a roundabout?

[00:11:01]
Kevin Beresford: The only one simple rule, is so easy, roundabouts, is you just yield to the traffic on the right. That’s all you have to do, is yield to the traffic on the right. You’re with me? That’s it. That’s it.

[00:11:13]
Amanda Greene: And that role stands for all the countries that drive on the left as they do in the UK. But I will note that if you’re like the other two thirds of the global population who drives on the right, yield to the left.

[00:11:25]
Kevin Beresford: But that’s it.

[00:11:26]
Amanda Greene: What else do you like about roundabouts?

[00:11:28]
Kevin Beresford: By installing roundabouts, there’s been a tremendous amount of research. Okay?

[00:11:33]
Amanda Greene: There has.

[00:11:33]
Kevin Beresford: In America, they know it’s the safest form of filtering traffic. Okay? Because everyone’s going in the same direction. If you have a collision on a roundabout, right? It’s just a sideswipe. There’s no head- on collision. But they’re also greener. When it comes to traffic lights, it’s stop and go, stop and go, which is not good for the ecology of it all. But with a roundabout, everything’s constantly moving. Don’t you find traffic lights irritating when you have to stop when there’s nothing going past, yeah? But with a roundabout, everything’s…

[00:12:05]
Amanda Greene: Still flowing. What are some of the disadvantages? There are none.

[00:12:10]
Kevin Beresford: It’s safer, more efficient, it’s greener. Where is a disadvantage of it?

[00:12:11]
Amanda Greene: Well, there you have it. There’s nothing to be scared of. And as Kevin says, all you have to do is yield to oncoming traffic and go at your own pace. With his enthusiasm, I’m almost looking forward to trying a roundabout on the opposite side of the road. Let’s get back to Traveling Terry. Let’s switch gears a little bit, renting a car and some of the things that we need to know. For example, do you get an international driver’s license? Is that something we need?

[00:12:45]
Terry Abromitis: I do. There’s a debate of whether you need an IDP, an international driving permit when you rent a car in another country, and there are a lot of rental companies that may not ask you for it, but I am always in the camp of it is better to have something and not need it than to get somewhere and you don’t have it.

[00:13:04]
Amanda Greene: Oh, a hundred percent. I’m with you. I would rather be extra prepared just in case, than be in a situation where I’m being asked for something that I don’t have.

[00:13:11]
Terry Abromitis: I have been asked for it, I think once or twice, but had I shown up with no IDP, I don’t know what I would’ve done. I don’t know that they would’ve given me the car.

[00:13:20]
Amanda Greene: Interesting. And how did you go about doing that?

[00:13:23]
Terry Abromitis: It’s actually really easy. So AAA has a way to get an IDP really simply. They have an application on their website. I printed the application, I filled it out. I went and got my two little photos, passport type photos, and then I brought everything to a AAA location near me, and then it’s good for one year.

[00:13:43]
Amanda Greene: How do you pick a rental company when you’re making a reservation in a country you’ve never been to before?

[00:13:50]
Terry Abromitis: Well, I personally like to go through a third party app or third party website, and then that will generate several companies so I can choose which one. And it makes it easier to compare the prices than to go on every single brand’s website. And I most of the time will go by what is a brand I’m comfortable with. Sometimes I haven’t, but I’ve found there to be more comfort and easier rental situation with some of the more familiar brands and not the international brands., but sometimes they’re a little farther away from the airport than some of the bigger companies. So I use that and I will then filter it down to have an automatic transmission because I personally cannot use manual whether I’m in the US, in my driveway or anywhere. So I’m getting an automatic.

[00:14:43]
Amanda Greene: I learned on a standard.

[00:14:44]
Terry Abromitis: I can’t do it.

[00:14:45]
Amanda Greene: And that is more common in Europe, right?

[00:14:47]
Terry Abromitis: And it’s usually less expensive for renting, especially you’re going to rent in the UK or in a country that drives on the other side. You have to remember that if you’re getting a manual, even if you’re good at it, that’s going to be your left hand. So it’s-

[00:15:02]
Amanda Greene: Ooh.

[00:15:02]
Terry Abromitis: … an extra.

[00:15:03]
Amanda Greene: That’s a really good point.

[00:15:04]
Terry Abromitis: Yeah.

[00:15:05]
Amanda Greene: Didn’t cross my mind.

[00:15:06]
Terry Abromitis: Yep.

[00:15:06]
Amanda Greene: Wow. Okay. So if we can get an automatic, is there anything else that Americans might be surprised about vehicles in other countries?

[00:15:14]
Terry Abromitis: They have very small vehicles, which sometimes might be easier to navigate certain streets and certain towns. I personally, I’m such an SUV girl, I cannot, my spatial recognition and spatial awareness on the sides of me are not good when I’m sitting low. So I typically filter it down by an SUV. I’ll try to get a compact SUV, but they have a lot of small mini options, which is also so much less expensive when you rent. So that’s something to consider as well.

[00:15:46]
Amanda Greene: And probably less stressful with parking.

[00:15:48]
Terry Abromitis: You can fit in a lot more places. That’s true.

[00:15:51]
Amanda Greene: That’s good to know. What about insurance? How do you navigate that?

[00:15:54]
Terry Abromitis: It’s very complicated to me. Some people have insurance through their credit cards. Some people get insurance when they first rent the car. Some people get insurance when they’re checking out and they’re upsold on the insurance. So that is something that you should probably look into and see what is the best fit for your personal situation.

[00:16:12]
Amanda Greene: I asked our very knowledgeable friends at AAA about insurance on a rental car, and this is what they said. If you’re driving within the United States and Canada, the coverage you have on your car is exactly the same as what you carry over to the rental car. No more, no less. So if you don’t have physical damage coverage on your personal cars, you won’t have it on those you rent. So you may need to purchase additional insurance. Some insurance companies will not cover loss of use of the rental car. So this may be something that you’d want to check out before relying on your existing policy. You have been on so many adventures. What‘s your best driving in a foreign country story?

[00:16:52]
Terry Abromitis: Well, one of the best adventures, I was not the one driving because this is a destination that I probably personally would not rent a car or drive in a rental car, and that would be the Amalfi Coast. Because the Amalfi Coast is right on the edge of a cliff. Then roads are narrow, especially going around really tight turns. And then you’ve got Vespas zipping around you, and then you also have these massive tourist buses that fly around the corner right at you. So I actually booked an experience where I got to ride passenger in a vintage Fiat 500, like 1952. It is so tiny. It was a little red, beautiful car. I had in my driver, Antonio, and he lives on the Amalfi Coast, so he knew what he was doing. We had a bus coming towards us. He knew exactly how to navigate around it, so we survived. I’m still here. But it is dicey on that road, but you don’t want to not go to the Amalfi Coast because of that.

[00:17:55]
Amanda Greene: Do you have any last words of encouragement for someone who is about to take a trip considering renting in a foreign country? What kind of tips would you leave them with?

[00:18:05]
Terry Abromitis: The biggest thing is just having confidence and getting over the hurdle of thinking it’s really difficult or it’s something that a certain kind of a person does. If you know how to drive and you’re comfortable driving, you don’t want to miss out on some of these incredible parts of the world and these stunning destinations and experiences and people that you meet. And as somebody that travels solo, you also don’t want to wait for somebody else that has to take you.

So I just think it is something you don’t want to miss out on, and you don’t realize what you’re missing until you do it, and then it opens up like a whole new world for you. So for me, it was life- changing. I mean, now a road trip around Ireland or England, which I’m doing right now is not off the table for me anymore, and I don’t need to wait for somebody to go with me so I can do it. So I don’t want anyone else to miss out on any of those experiences.

[00:19:04]
Amanda Greene: Before I let you go, we’re going to do a couple rapid fire questions. Are you ready?

[00:19:07]
Terry Abromitis: Yeah.

[00:19:08]
Amanda Greene: The best country to drive in?

[00:19:09]
Terry Abromitis: Germany.

[00:19:10]
Amanda Greene: The hardest country to drive in?

[00:19:12]
Terry Abromitis: Italy.

[00:19:13]
Amanda Greene: The strangest rule of the road that you’ve come across?

[00:19:17]
Terry Abromitis: The Italians not driving in any lane, but in the middle. It’s an unwritten rule of the road.

[00:19:22]
Amanda Greene: So a lack of a rule. What’s the most lost you’ve ever gotten?

[00:19:26]
Terry Abromitis: I did have trouble. I was driving through a very, very small town in Sicily. I was meeting somebody who lived there, and they lived in the center of this little city, and these roads were so narrow and I had an SUV like I was telling you, and I just could not get through. And then if I got too far and I couldn’t get through, then I had to backtrack backwards down the same tiny streets. So yes.

[00:19:49]
Amanda Greene: It was that tight?

[00:19:50]
Terry Abromitis: Yes, it was pull your mirrors in tight.

[00:19:54]
Amanda Greene: Wow.

[00:19:54]
Terry Abromitis: Yeah.

[00:19:55]
Amanda Greene: Wow.

[00:19:55]
Terry Abromitis: That’s when you want to have the mini.

[00:19:57]
Amanda Greene: Good tip. I was looking at your social media content and you’ve gone on some really great adventures. What were some of the most exciting modes of transportation you’ve taken?

[00:20:07]
Terry Abromitis: Oh, I’ve got a lot. I’ve taken a couple of sidecar tours, Florence, Normandy, and then recently around Amsterdam. I’ve done the vintage Fiat 500. I went in a Ferrari.

[00:20:19]
Amanda Greene: Okay.

[00:20:19]
Terry Abromitis: From Bologna to the Ferrari Museum.

[00:20:22]
Amanda Greene: Okay. You must have felt very fancy in a Ferrari.

[00:20:24]
Terry Abromitis: I did. It was me and an Italian man. And then he all of a sudden we get off the highway and we’re on this road, and he looks over at me and was like, “Do you want to drive?” And I said, ” Are you sure you want to trust me with that?” And then I look and it is an automatic transmission, so I was like, “At least I know I could drive it physically.” So I said “YOLO,” and I got in the driver’s seat and I drove that Ferrari.

[00:20:49]
Amanda Greene: That’s amazing. Thank you so much for coming on and giving us a little taste of your life and sharing all of your adventures. We really appreciate it.

[00:20:56]
Terry Abromitis: Thank you for having me.

[00:20:59]
Amanda Greene: You know what? I think I’m going to do it. Terry has inspired me to get out of my comfort zone and get behind the wheel, see more things. But first, I think I’m going to have to go back and give our budget episode a listen, because driving in Europe is one thing, but paying for a trip is another.

You’ve been listening to Merging into Life where we navigate life’s milestones one episode at a time, brought to you by AAA Northeast with assistance from JAR Audio. I’m your host, Amanda Greene. If you’re learning as much as I am, follow us wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review. We would love to know what you think. Email us at podcast@aaanortheast.com. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are not necessarily the views of AAA Northeast, AAA, and or its affiliates.

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RESOURCES

Get Your International Driving Permit From AAA

Should You Buy Rental Car Insurance?

The Perfect Tuscany Road Trip

How to Use a Roundabout

Hertz Car Rental

Traveling Terry

Roundabout Appreciation Society

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Want to Learn More? Drop Us a Note

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

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IN THIS EPISODE

Planning a dinner party is exciting. Whether it’s for a holiday or a gathering of friends (maybe even a few strangers), there’s nothing like sitting down and sharing a meal. Inviting people into your home to connect and break bread is the ultimate act of hospitality, but there are certain do’s and don’ts to ensure the night flows smoothly.

If you’re wondering how to plan your first dinner party, Dana Marie Roquemore, founder of the Dinner Party Project and professional host, is here to guide you.

So, pick a date, send out your invites (eight guests is ideal) and press play. Roquemore’s hosting tips include everything from picking the perfect menu and setting the table to gracefully wrapping up the evening.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

[4:20] – How doo you host a dinner party without stress? Planning a dinner party menu without breaking the bank.
[6:26] – How to set a table for a dinner party: keys to nice tablescapes and centerpieces.
[11:26] – The keys to having a successful, meaningful dinner party.

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TRANSCRIPT

[00:00:01]
Amanda Greene: Back in my 20s, there was just so much hanging out all the time. Friends would just stop by. We’d order food, eat together, talk for hours. It’s funny how far away that feels now. I’d love to have friends over again, but with hectic schedules, so little free time, a messy house that would need to be tidied first, and the kids, I just don’t do it anymore, but maybe it’s time that changed. Welcome to Merging Into Life, where we navigate life’s milestones one episode at a time. Brought to you by AAA Northeast. I’m your host, Amanda Greene. Today, we’re going to talk about hosting a dinner party. Dinner parties can be so fun, but also daunting. If you aren’t a very specific kind of person, being responsible for the good times of a group of friends and maybe even strangers is a lot of pressure. But getting together is not only fun, it’s important. A few years ago, the American Heart Association surveyed 1, 000 adults, and 84% of them said they wished they could share a meal with loved ones more often. That’s a lot of people. That same study found a correlation between sharing meals and lowering stress. We owe it to ourselves and the people we care about to get together once in a while and break some bread, even if it’s gluten-free. But there are a lot of elements to hosting. There’s food, drinks, creating ambiance, table settings. But don’t worry, have I got a guest for you.

[00:01:29]
Dana Marie Roquemore: A friend of mine asked me what brings you life and what brings you joy, and what are you not doing that you should be doing? I thought I guess if I could do anything that I wanted to, I would throw dinner parties.

[00:01:39]
Amanda Greene: That’s Dana Marie Roquemore, founder of The Dinner Party Project.

[00:01:43]
Dana Marie Roquemore: It really just started as a project of I have a dining room table that seats 8 people and I’ll invite 7 strangers over to my house to just share a meal together.

READ MORE

[00:01:54]
Amanda Greene: For more than 10 years now, Dana Marie has been throwing dinner parties for a living.

[00:01:57]
Dana Marie Roquemore: Behind the scenes, we’re taking care of everything. The chefs, the cocktails, setting the table, doing the tablescape, custom floral design, custom bar menu, doing the dishes at the end of the night, making sure that everything is flowing smoothly. We really want people to be connected and to feel connected, and around the dinner table is where we’re doing that.

[00:02:18]
Amanda Greene: I love that. Why do you think people are drawn to this type of experience?

[00:02:23]
Dana Marie Roquemore: I believe that we all need connection. I grew up around the dinner table so most nights, I was with my family and I had to look my parents in the eyes and have real conversation. That’s something that I think is incredibly important, to know how to interact with one another, to have real conversation. Maybe we don’t always agree all the time, but how to navigate social dynamics, how to navigate good conversation.

[00:02:45]
Amanda Greene: Do you think meeting in this way, over a meal, changes the dynamic of socializing?

[00:02:52]
Dana Marie Roquemore: I do. I think that it is important to be in that real life moment. For us, it’s about the hosting and about the curation, and that really is what sets us apart than going out to dinner. You can go out to dinner to a loud, noisy restaurant and have a great time. You’re going to have beautiful food and drinks. With the Dinner Party Project, we are really about how do we engage the whole table together. We have a host and that host is really engaging everybody while letting everybody have a turn to speak and to have a conversation about the group dynamics.

[00:03:25]
Amanda Greene: For someone hosting maybe their first dinner party ever, embracing adulting and wanting to gather people in your life to do this, is this the time to get elaborate with a menu or should you keep it simple and mass appeal?

[00:03:40]
Dana Marie Roquemore: I think maybe your level of what is comfortable to you. It will also not be perfect. Before I started the Dinner Party Project, I had a birthday party at my house and I invited probably 18 people or something, and I was doing gnocchi and I didn’t calculate enough and I didn’t have enough food basically for everybody. I didn’t lose any friends, but sometimes it’s like you just got to start. It’s not going to be perfect, and sometimes you are going to have smaller portions that you thought you were going to have, but you’re having fun and people are together and they’re celebrating. The effort is the biggest part and the invitation around the table is the biggest part.

[00:04:21]
Amanda Greene: OK, so how do you plan a menu, especially without breaking the bank?

[00:04:25]
Dana Marie Roquemore: I don’t think it has to blow your budget. I think that there’s great resources out there. Personally, I invest in a cooking app. There’s endless recipes on there. There’s so many ways of getting inspiration. I think a cheese board, charcuterie board can go a long way of just buying a couple cheeses, couple of fruits. You can really, I think, stretch your budget and create what you want with whatever you’re working with.

[00:04:52]
Amanda Greene: What are your thoughts on having a dinner party be a potluck where everyone brings a dish?

[00:04:57]
Dana Marie Roquemore: I love it. I love it.

[00:04:58]
Amanda Greene: Oh.

[00:04:58]
Dana Marie Roquemore: Yes, absolutely. I am for any way that people are gathering together, whether it’s a fancy birthday dinner where you do bring in the chef and you do the whole thing and you ball out or you’re just like yeah, bring over a dish. With that, sometimes I would say know what everyone’s bringing so you don’t have six sides and two desserts and no main. But yeah, I think it’s the inviting and the hosting is the main part and then from there, it’s up to you what you want your evening to look like.

[00:05:33]
Amanda Greene: What about drinks?

[00:05:34]
Dana Marie Roquemore: Yeah.

[00:05:34]
Amanda Greene: Are you typically doing a signature cocktail or do you have a full bar? What do you usually do?

[00:05:42]
Dana Marie Roquemore: If it’s informal, it’s informal, which is awesome. Maybe you have a pitcher of cocktails and people can pour their own or you have wine that’s just at the table. When people come to dinner, sometimes they bring their favorite bottle of wine and we share their favorite bottle of wine around the table, which is fun and sometimes a conversation starter like oh, I had this in Spain and I found it here and I’m bringing it to share with you. We definitely always have a non-alcoholic option. We want people to feel comfortable and safe and included, so we do mocktails, we have sometimes done non-alcoholic wine, and as a host, I really always want to be aware that there is an Uber or there’s a way for them to get home safely.

[00:06:21]
Amanda Greene: What about when it comes to things like the tablescape and centerpieces?

[00:06:25]
Dana Marie Roquemore: Sometimes we have fresh florals at our dinners and sometimes we don’t. Sometimes it’s a mix of candles and found objects, and sometimes we mix that in with eucalyptus or greenery, which is also a very cheap way to make a tablescape look very full. Sometimes you have cute things around your house that you could get a runner and then from there, you could just piece together candles that you have or little found objects or antique things and make it fun. Or, if you want to go and get a couple bunches of flowers, having little bud vases I think makes it look a little bit fuller. If you get hydrangeas, which are really not that expensive usually, and then having a couple of those down the table, that really makes it look full and fun.

[00:07:11]
Amanda Greene: Are those elaborate tablescapes that we often see on Instagram important in setting the mood and the tone and the way that your guests are going to walk away from the experience? Is that a really important part of the dinner party?

[00:07:24]
Dana Marie Roquemore: I think part of it is, especially again, what type of level of hosting that you’re wanting to do. But I think for something special, especially like a birthday or a celebration or a holiday, you really want it to feel like an occasion. Having a beautifully set table I think is really special, and it shows a lot of intention and time and care for your guests. If you came over and you had paper plates and solo cups, that sets one tone for the evening, and that’s one way to gather, which is beautiful. If you have a table set and you have your good silverware out and your good napkins out, it shows people wow, they really care about me being here at the table. I have to hand wash the silverware, I have to wash these napkins and fold them again. I think it does add a really beautiful element to the dining experience.

[00:08:16]
Amanda Greene: Extra care. The care, and the thought, and the planning that went into making it beautiful. People notice those things. Once you have your menu set and your table decorated, it’s time to think about invitations. How many people do you invite?

[00:08:32]
Dana Marie Roquemore: I would say no less than 8. And then more than 12, you lose the intimacy around the table.

[00:08:38]
Amanda Greene: Yeah.

[00:08:39]
Dana Marie Roquemore: I would shoot for maybe 10 because sometimes somebody can’t come at the last minute, so having 8 feels like a really good-sized number.

[00:08:48]
Amanda Greene: That’s manageable. How do I decide who to invite?

[00:08:52]
Dana Marie Roquemore: When I started the Dinner Party Project, I have lived in Orlando for a long time and I know a lot of people casually. You go out to events, you chat them up, but you don’t really know them that well. I was like I would like to know these people a little bit more in depth. I also had a lot of really great friendships with deep friends, but a lot of those friends didn’t know each other and so I was like OK, how do I connect all these people that I kind of know and then meet new people myself? I thought around a dinner table would be a great place to do so. I do believe when you’re thinking of a guest list, you can think maybe of that nature. Who do I want to know better? Or maybe you want them to bring somebody that you don’t know.

[00:09:32]
Amanda Greene: What if the hospitality part of it doesn’t really come naturally to someone? Do you have tips about how to keep the conversation flowing and keep everyone comfortable?

[00:09:40]
Dana Marie Roquemore: We start with introductions and that’s an easy way to get people talking, so going around doing a short intro of themselves. People, for the most part, love talking about themselves. That’s a really easy way to get people rolling. We also have really great conversation starters. One of my favorites is if you could wake up tomorrow with a superpower, what would it be? Or if you could enable one thing into law that everybody had to adhere to, what law would you want to enable? Maybe having a couple of those in your back pocket to say here’s a question for the table and I want to hear from everybody. You could talk about music, you could bring up a film that’s popular at the moment. Have some of those things maybe written down so it doesn’t feel like you will be lost if things get weird.

[00:10:26]
Amanda Greene: Yeah. There’s always one person in every group that insists on helping when they come to your house. They insist on being in the kitchen, coming in and helping, helping to clean up. Should we be letting them?

[00:10:37]
Dana Marie Roquemore: Yes. I think yes and no. If it’s a more formal sit down, maybe if you have help in that situation, then maybe just gently remind them like hey, I want you here and I want you engaged. This is for you. If it’s more of a hang, more casual, more fluid, then maybe if they want to help do the dishes, don’t kick them out of your kitchen because they want to be a part of that, which is fine but yeah, I think the more intentional the night with really people being together, get them out of the kitchen. That’s not their job. Their job is to be a guest and to be with everybody for the duration of the dinner.

[00:11:12]
Amanda Greene: You’ve given a lot of amazing ideas about how to throw a great dinner party, but in your opinion, what are the core most important parts to having a successful, memorable, meaningful dinner party?

[00:11:25]
Dana Marie Roquemore: The first thing, the most important is really to make people feel welcomed. The hosting element is addressing people when they come in. For us, we’re handing them a cocktail or a mocktail, making sure that people are feeling included. They don’t have to be talking. Obviously everyone’s not talking the entire time, but making sure that they’re feeling included and feeling known. I think that’s the most important key element. And then having enough food, which was my rookie mistake a long time ago, but the atmosphere that you’re setting with the music, the ambiance, the connection. Hey, have you met this person? Making sure that everyone feels like they’re part of the conversation.

[00:12:07]
Amanda Greene: I feel like anyone and everyone would want to experience this kind of connection and closeness with their friends and family, but aren’t going about hosting dinner parties. What do you think is stopping people from just doing this more often?

[00:12:19]
Dana Marie Roquemore: I think part of it is being like OK, I am going to host something. What is a date on the calendar? It’s picking a date on the calendar and doing it, just jumping in, just being like okay, on the 7th at 7 p.m., I’m putting this on the calendar, I’m sending out the invitation. It does take intention, but you’re wanting to say I care about you, I want you in my home. People aren’t going to remember the dirty dishes, they’re remembering that you have taken the time and what an honor it is to be invited into someone’s home. I think just starting there. Maybe it’s not even a fancy dinner, maybe it’s a potluck, maybe it’s a picnic. There’s not a lot of out-of-pocket for either of those, but people are going to remember that wow, Amanda invited me over to her house with a handful of friends or maybe people that I didn’t know and I got invited and she asked me thoughtful questions.

[00:13:09]
Amanda Greene: So toss out the idea that it has to be fancy or perfect, I guess, and just gather your people. What is your advice to people to get past the idea that it has to be something perfect and fancy?

[00:13:21]
Dana Marie Roquemore: I think it’s the intention behind it, which is being together. If that is what you want, if that’s really what you’re wanting for your community or your friends then saying I’m just going to start somewhere. You just have to rip off the Band-Aid and be like it’s not going to be perfect the first time, which is totally fine. People really, for the most part, unless the house is on fire, are not really going to remember those details. The details mostly that they’re going to remember is the atmosphere that you’re creating for them and the interest in their life. Invite people in, bring your friends. I always love when people bring somebody that I don’t know, I’m trying to meet new people. Have intention, put it on the calendar, invite your friends and say, at this time on this date, would you like to come over?

[00:14:03]
Amanda Greene: If it sounds like something that you have even a little bit of interest in doing, just do it.

[00:14:07]
Dana Marie Roquemore: Just do it. Just put it out there and you’ll be surprised that … When I started this 10-plus years ago, I was like I don’t know if anybody’s going to come over. I was like I’m going to open my home. I have a table for 8 people, I’m just going to open my doors. It wasn’t a business idea, it was just like I just love having people over. I need something new in my life. I think that people will be more responsive than you think in your head.

[00:14:29]
Amanda Greene: Yeah, I think people are craving community more than ever, and where better to do it than around your dinner table.

[00:14:35]
Dana Marie Roquemore: Mm-hmm.

[00:14:35]
Amanda Greene: Really awesome. Dana Marie, you have me inspired. I’m already trying to think who are my 8 people? Who should I be planning something special for? Before you go, I want to ask you some rapid-fire questions.

[00:14:48]
Dana Marie Roquemore: OK.

[00:14:48]
Amanda Greene: The first thing that comes to mind when it comes to hosting a dinner party, are you ready?

[00:14:53]
Dana Marie Roquemore: Yes.

[00:14:53]
Amanda Greene: As a guest, do you bring something for the host?

[00:14:56]
Dana Marie Roquemore: Yes.

[00:14:57]
Amanda Greene: What are we thinking?

[00:14:58]
Dana Marie Roquemore: A bottle of something is always nice. Candles, honestly, you can’t go wrong with a nice candle. Flowers, nobody would say no to. Or it could be something like a kitchen tool or a pack of playing cards that are really fun.

[00:15:11]
Amanda Greene: I love the idea. A pack of playing cards is a really cute idea. That never crossed my mind. OK, when do you show up? 15 minutes early, right on time, 15 minutes late, or just whenever you feel like it?

[00:15:24]
Dana Marie Roquemore: For me, for our dinner parties, if people arrive right on time, that is the chef’s kiss. Sometimes you’re like please don’t arrive early because you’re still doing the last-minute things. You’re like ahhh. Making the cocktails, doing the thing. I would personally say never to arrive early to a dinner party. What I have also learned with my friends is to say drinks are starting at this time, 5:30, dinner is at 7, because some people are just really late. If I want people there at a very specific time to sit down to dinner, then I tell them drinks are starting at this time, but I want everybody here at this time so we can all sit down together.

[00:16:01]
Amanda Greene: Totally.

[00:16:02]
Dana Marie Roquemore: Just communicating that.

[00:16:03]
Amanda Greene: Is there a way, after this amazing evening and good vibes and everything’s been going great, is there a way to gracefully guide people to the door and signal the night is over?

[00:16:16]
Dana Marie Roquemore: Yeah, absolutely. As the host, you’re there to guide the evening. You’re reading the room, you’re reading when it’s time to wrap up, if it’s time to wrap up for you, then you’re just like oh my gosh, guys, this has been incredible. What a beautiful evening. I am so glad that you shared this night with me. I love it, I hope we can do this again.

[00:16:35]
Amanda Greene: I’m going to be practicing that line because that is the most awkward part of an ending of anything for me. I’m like how do we get out of here? There’s a wrap-up speech, basically. This has been amazing.

[00:16:47]
Dana Marie Roquemore: This has been amazing. I’m so glad that you joined me around my table. What a beautiful night. And then you get up. I think that that signals to people that we’re heading toward a door or we’re heading towards a nightcap somewhere else or wherever. You are the host for the night. This is your dinner, this is your time, so you get to navigate and you get to call when the night is over and how to gracefully wrap up the evening.

[00:17:13]
Amanda Greene: You really have inspired me, so thank you so much for coming on podcast and sharing all of your expertise with us. It’s been great meeting you, Dana Marie.

[00:17:20]
Dana Marie Roquemore: Likewise. My pleasure.

[00:17:25]
Amanda Greene: This is the last episode of season one of Merging Into Life. We really appreciate you joining us, and this is the perfect time to look back over the season. Feel free to go see if you’ve missed something in our previous episodes. There are so many great nuggets to take away. I hope you’ve had as much fun and learned as much as I have along the way. As always, we would love to hear from you. Please leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts, or email us at podcast@aaanortheast.com. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are not necessarily the views of AAA Northeast, AAA, and/or its affiliates. OK, so this dinner party thing is happening. I’ve already saved to date. OK, kids, who wants to polish silverware and who wants to dust?

[00:18:08]
Amanda’s Daughter: Not me.

[00:18:09]
Amanda’s Daughter: Not me.

[00:18:10]
Amanda Greene: Neither?

[00:18:11]
Amanda’s Daughter: I would rather relax.

---

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

As of Jan. 8, Americans need more than a passport to travel to the United Kingdom.

The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is mandatory for all travelers without visas. Even children and babies must file an application.

UK ETA Application

You can fill out a UK ETA application using the UK ETA app, which can be downloaded from the Apple store, GooglePlay or online. There is a small fee.

“It’s 10 pounds, which is, depending on the exchange rate, about $12 to $13, and it is valid for two years from the day you purchase it,” explained AAA Northeast’s trip advisor Wendy Marley in an interview with News12 Connecticut.

Besides completing the form, applicants must upload photos of their passports, scan their faces and upload photos of themselves. (Children under age 9 do not have to scan their faces.) The usual processing time for the UK ETA for U.S. citizens is between three and 10 business days.

Those with authorization can travel to the UK and back as many times as they want during those two years, according to Marley. But if your passport expires during that period, you must apply for a new ETA.

The ETA also does not automatically allow you to enter the UK. Travelers still must pass through customs and the border authorities.

Europe Will Soon Require Similar Documentation

Beginning later this year, U.S. and Canadian citizens also will need approval from the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) to travel to 30 European countries.

This new system is designed to “identify security, irregular migration or high epidemic risks posed by visa-exempt visitors,” according to the European Union. The system is not yet accepting applications.

Need a UK ETA or Passport in a Hurry?

AAA Members save 10% on all RushMyPassport expedited visa and passport services.

Whether you need a UK ETA, a visa for another country or an expedited passport, RushMyPassport makes the process simple, fast and stress-free — all online. Benefits include:

• Step-by-step guidance to avoid mistakes.
• Secure online submission — no in-person visits required.
• Expedited processing options, including same-day service.

Visit AAA.RushMyPassport.com/visas to get started today and travel with confidence.

For more information on the new travel requirements, contact a AAA travel advisor.

Call 888-780-5185 ☎️  |  Find a AAA Branch  |  Contact Online

Are you planning a trip to the UK or Europe this year? Tell us in the comments.

Q. I’m experiencing an issue with my 2019 Toyota Camry SE 4-cylinder automatic transmission. I bought the car new and now it has 130,000 miles on it.  When I drive off and accelerate and the engine is “cold”, typically in the morning, the car occasionally “slips” for a few seconds as if the transmission is not fully engaged. When this brief “slippage” occurs the tachometer usually shoots up / spikes – as high as a 4000 RPM’s – also for a few seconds, then things return to normal. Again, this usually happens the first time I’m driving the car during the day and only when the engine is “cold”.  Once the engine is warmed up, things appear to be fine, usually for the rest of the day. Could this be something to do with the air intake process? The car’s been well-maintained. Gas mileage appears to be normal. Any thoughts?

A. The eight-speed transmission was a bit problematic in your year Camry. At this point I would have the shop check the fluid level and look for transmission codes. Generally, a 1-2 flare when cold indicates a sticking valve or perhaps a weak pump. A fluid change may help, but if all the tests are negative, then there may be a new transmission in your future.

Q. First, I want to say I enjoy your radio program. I have a chance to trade my 2017 Dodge RT Challenger for a 2017 Nissan 370Z. would you make this trade?

A. I like the Dodge Challenger a lot, it feels old school and solid. The Nissan 370Z is a great car but it to me doesn’t have the same ” American muscle car soul”. He is where I am skeptical, the two cars have substantially different values. If both cars are in good condition, the Nissan is worth $5-$7000 more than the Dodge. Before I considered this trade, I would have the Nissan carefully inspected, focusing on previous body and mechanical repairs as well as possible flood damage.

Q. I enjoy reading your column, and I finally have a reason to write in. I recently purchased a 2021 Toyota Tacoma. After the dealership air freshener smell dissipated, I discovered a lingering cigarette smoke odor from the previous owner. I have tried a few remedies including baking soda, leaving the windows open, and replacing the cabin air filter. The smell persists. What would you recommend I try as the next steps?

A. I would try renting a Ozone generator. These are the same machines they use in hotel rooms to eliminate odors. Ozone can be hazardous, so put the machine in the car let it work and then open the doors and let it air out. Once you are satisfied replace the cabin air filter with a charcoal/carbon impregnated filter. This type of filer will also filter out offensive smells.

Q. I need a trusted opinion, please, concerning a recent car repair bill. As an elderly female, I have been sometimes overcharged and/or sold services I later found I did not need. A recent bill struck me as higher than expected. When a tire shop broke one wheel stud on my 2012 Nissan Sentra, when swapping on snow tires recently, it caused loss of multiple lug nuts, and a scary ride on the interstate. After being towed to my auto shop, my repair bill for parts was $31.59 (1 wheel stud 3.99 and 4 lug nuts 27.60). But labor was $154.00 – for 1.40 hours, which included road test for noise. With a total cost of $187.56, I’m confused. This is a trusted shop for most labor costs (parts are high), but is 1.40 hours to be expected for this type of repair?

A. Your regular repair shop treated you fairly. The repair takes 1.6 hours to complete. the repair requires removal of the wheel hub to install the new wheel stud. So, the labor charge was correct. To me it also seems that the tire shop should have some responsibility for all of this. Even though one of the lugs broke when putting on the snow tires, the other four lugs should have held the wheel safety until the car was repaired. From your description it sounds as if the tire shop did not fully tighten the wheel.

Q. I have a 2100 Volvo XC90 with 194,000 miles. The car was running great on a highway trip and I got a P0011 code on the highway and I noticed I didn’t have the acceleration. I went to my mechanic, and he suggested I check my oil level first before I start to replace the camshaft oil control valves. His reasoning is that since the valves all run on oil pressure and if the oil is low or dirty, this could cause a P0011 code. The oil level was fine but I was due an oil change, so I changed the oil, cleaned all the camshaft oil control valves and checked for any frayed wires to the connectors. After about 175 miles the P0011 code came back on. My mechanic suggested I replace the control valves. After the repair the car ran fine, no problems. Then after about 300 miles I got a P0013 code, which indicates a variable valve timing component. Again my mechanic suggested cleaning the camshaft timing actuator sensors, which are also motor oil sensitive. After 200 miles, the P0013 code came back on. The car was running fine, I didn’t notice any difficulty in performance. We replaced the camshaft timing actuators. The car ran great. Now I just got a P0016 code that might be a worn timing chain or misaligned camshaft adjustment and the P0011 code came back on too. The car runs great. Now I’m looking at a new timing chain or adjustment. That looks like a big job. Since the car runs great, there are no accumulation problems. I’m wondering if a new timing chain will correct all these related codes.

A. The P0011 code leads me to the timing chain but if cleaning and replacing solenoids did not work it is more than likely the VVT (variable valve timing) units. The P0013 could be timing related but also could be an open or short in the ECM to VVT solenoid. I would also do a very close visual inspection of the wiring. I have seen multiple cases of wiring damage caused by rodents lately. There is no easy answer to this one. At this point a technician with a scope may be able to check the timing-the issue is this all has to do with the synchronizing of the crankshafts and camshafts (which could be a loose timing chain).

Q. We own a 2017 Chevy Suburban, and my son wants to install a defeat device for the cylinder deactivation system. Do these defeat devices cause any issues?

A. The engine in your Chevy and other vehicles can shut down up to half the cylinders to improve fuel economy. Depending on the device, if it plugs into the under dash (OBD) diagnostic connector it is possible that it could have a negative impact on the car’s computer system. The OBD connectors were never designed to have constant two-way communication. Also, the cylinder deactivation systems are emissions controls and using this device is technically tampering with emissions controls. If it were my truck, I would not use it.

Q. I read your column every week and learn something every time. What I enjoy most is that your column can be understood by everyone, not just the auto enthusiast.  I have a 2022 Lexus ES350. Recently I lost the alternate car key, the smart card wallet key, and cannot find anyone other than the dealer who sells them. I see plenty of digital key fobs available but no smart card. Do you know of any companies that sell the card?

A. The vehicles that use a smart card style remote such as Tesla, Rivian, and Lexus up until now these cards and the programming was only available through the dealer. I did a quick internet search and after striking-out several times, I did find keylessexpress.com. According to their website they have the Lexus smart card key.

For those who love the snow and don’t mind the cold, these are some of the best national parks to visit in winter. Avoiding crowds and higher prices are just a few of the perks that come with visiting during the off-season.

Mark your calendar for free entrance days throughout the year.

• January 15: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
• April 20: First day of National Park Week
• June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day
• August 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
• September 28: National Public Lands Day
• November 11: Veterans Day

Acadia National Park, Maine

Though whale watches might not be on the winter agenda at Acadia National Park, the snow-covered terrain offers plenty of other activities for wildlife viewing. The 45 miles of carriage roads that weave their way through the forests make for a fabulous Nordic ski adventure. Fat-tire bikes and dogs are also welcome, but not on groomed trails. Numerous hiking paths in the park and up Cadillac Mountain can be just as glorious as in the summer, and with better views of the harbor to boot since the leaves are off the trees. But the right equipment is a must; the ocean wind and granite outcroppings make for some slippery trails. Snowmobilers can explore the park on the unplowed parts of the park road, but make sure to bring your own machine; there are no rentals on Mount Desert Island. Truly intrepid visitors can take advantage of the limited number of winter backcountry campsites.

Check out our guide to Acadia National Park.

Denali National Park & Preserve, Alaska

Perhaps the quintessential national park to visit in winter, Denali offers a veritable wonderland of cold weather activities. Thrill seekers can get their hearts pumping cross-country skiing or fat-tire biking along the unpaved park road. Those wanting more rugged adventures can climb into the mountains for Telemark skiing and boarding. Backcountry winter camping provides complete peace and solitude and perhaps one of Mother Nature’s best shows: the aurora borealis. The Murie Science and Learning Center, located at mile 1.4 on the park road, is open daily for information, backcountry camping permits and free snowshoe rentals.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona   

The South Rim of this iconic national park is open year-round, and the winter just might be the best time to visit. One of the main reasons is the smaller crowds – 90% of the visitors to Grand Canyon National Park come in the summer months. That means hotel reservations, backcountry permits and lines for just about every amenity are easier to come by when the temperatures (and the prices) fall. For photographers, the angle of the sun during the colder months creates a more spectacular sunrise and sunset than in the warmer months. And speaking of temperatures, hiking up and down the trails is definitely more comfortable at 30 or 40 degrees, compared to the sweltering heat of July and August. Another plus: with fewer tourists creating noise, wildlife sightings are more frequent.

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

If Colorado is synonymous with winter fun, then Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the top reasons why. Summer doesn’t mean the end of hiking season here – by donning a pair of snowshoes, outdoor lovers can continue to explore the park’s snow-packed trails. For a slightly faster experience, cross-country skis are the way to go. Though the entire park is open for Nordic skiing, the west side offers better terrain and snow depth. For kids and adults alike, Hidden Valley’s sledding hill provides an afternoon of high-speed snowy sliding. Of course, because there’s no tow rope to get back to the top of the hill, sledders are bound to get tuckered out quickly.

The native wildlife puts on a nice show in the winter, when fewer tourists and less traffic mean moose and other large mammals are more likely to wander into the open. Bighorn sheep gather near Highway 34 on the park’s east side, and numerous birds, such as bright blue Steller’s jays and the iridescent magpies, make the park their winter home.

Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

The watery byways that render this northern Minnesota park inaccessible by land during the summer months become icy highways when the rivers and lakes freeze over. Visitors can zip around on snowmobiles or explore the tranquil forest trails on cross-country skis or snowshoes. Rainy Lake Visitors Center is open year-round and offers free Nordic ski rentals for both children and adults.

Yellowstone National Park, Idaho/Montana/Wyoming

Steaming hot springs, lighter crowds and a sense of traveling back to simpler times await those who visit Yellowstone National Park in winter. Most of the park’s roads close by November, so guided snowmobile tours and snow coaches are the only options to reach some of the park’s most well-known sites, such as Old Faithful. For those who want to explore under their own power – on skis or snowshoes – two lodges and several visitors’ centers are open year-round. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are a great way to see the park during the quieter season. A few tracked trails provide an easier jaunt, but ungroomed trails, as well as unplowed park roads, also are options.

Have you ever traveled to a national park during the off-season? Tell us your favorite national parks to visit in winter in the comments.

Plan a national park vacation with a AAA travel advisor.

The sober travel trend has reached every corner of the globe, from airlines serving mocktails to alcohol-free bars and dry retreats around the world. 

Booze-free travel is growing every year, especially among millennials and Generation Z, who are prioritizing travel without the hangover. Tour companies, hotels and brands are capitalizing on this by offering experiences that align with dry lifestyles.

Here are some of the latest travel trends and experiences in the alcohol-free travel realm.

Mocktail Mania

Hotel chains worldwide have embraced non-drinking activities with mocktail experiences and classes for sober travelers.

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AAA Three Diamond designated hotel Tempo by Hilton Times Square and other Tempo properties have a unique mocktail beverage program in partnership with Lyre’s, a zero-proof line of spirits. Halfway around the world, Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives offers an expert-guided, mixology master class with non-alcoholic spirits from Lyre’s (think zero-proof bourbon, whiskey, gin and rum).

Meanwhile, tour companies have expanded from pub crawls and wine tastings to mocktail classes and spirit-free tastings.

Custom Spirit-Free Hotel Offerings

Whether sober or sober curious, hotels will tailor your trip to accommodate your preferences. The newly opened Eriro in Ehrwald, Austria, is an off-the-grid haven with only nine suites. Before arriving, their team calls guests to confirm dietary requirements and beverage preferences and recommends regional and homemade non-alcoholic beverages. The culinary team even forages for fresh ingredients like pine needles and mountain herb syrups to create magical mocktails.

With the growing interest in alcohol alternatives, Hyatt has implemented the Zero Proof, Zero Judgement initiative. The program expanded its non-alcoholic menu items at hotel bars and restaurants around the U.S. The AAA Four Diamond designated Hyatt Centric Faneuil Hall Boston takes it one step further by offering a Booze-free Boston package for sober travelers. The package comes with a gift basket of non-alcoholic canned cocktails and souvenirs, a map of nearby establishments with the best booze-free drink options and a special room service delivery of a non-alcoholic turndown cocktail and dessert.

Alcohol-Free Bars

In the last few years, alcohol-free bars and destinations have started to pop up throughout the United States and beyond, offering patrons a place to gather with friends without the buzz.

New York City is home to Hekate Cafe & Elixir Lounge, a sober bar and bottle shop that hosts events like tarot card readings. Across the nation in Hood River, Ore., the Wilderton Tasting Room is the country’s first alcohol-free tasting room and distillery.

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Meanwhile, Kansas City, Mo., is emerging as a destination for a sober vacation. Just a short drive from downtown, Wild Child in Shawnee is making waves with a focus on low and no-proof drinks, like its no-alcohol espresso martini and negroni. The bar even earned a spot on Bon Appetit’s list of the 11 best new bars of 2023. Mean Mule Distilling Co. is another hotspot in the area with a creative mocktail menu to provide an inclusive experience for those avoiding alcohol.

Water Tastings

Some restaurants and hotels have taken the trend further by offering water tastings. Non-alcoholic restaurant Shor in Los Angeles crafts innovative mocktails and has a unique water bar, featuring extravagant water bottles from France, Finland, Canada, Slovenia and Germany. They even have a $1,000 Swarovski crystal-encrusted bottle of Fillico Jewelry Bottle from Kobe, Japan, sourced from a natural spring.  

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AAA Four Diamond Epicurean Atlanta Autograph Collection offers a zero-proof, pour-of-the-month option for sober travelers. The hotel is also known for its vibrant culinary classes at Epicurean Theatre. A staple event each year is the World of Water in January, a tasting of some of the finest water from around the world with a certified water sommelier.

Sober Retreats

Skipping the booze at a wellness retreat is nothing new. However, the number of retreats catering to sober travelers is multiplying in the U.S. and abroad. The Art of Living Retreat Center is an alcohol-free oasis in Boone, N.C., offering various wellness programs. Its Ayurveda wellness cleanse and detox retreats gives visitors deep rest and rejuvenation with no aftereffects.

Aleenta Phuket, located on the Andaman Sea in Thailand, is a secluded getaway where individuals can enjoy travel without the influence of alcohol. Home to Ayurah Spa and Wellness Center, guests enjoy tailor-made holistic wellness programs with master therapists.

Zero-Proof Airplane and Minibar Options

The non-alcoholic beverage movement is taking off with airlines, too. Many airlines now offer an exciting array of virgin beverages (goodbye stale coffee and orange juice). JetBlue has added a craftmix strawberry mule mocktail and Athletic Brewing Co. non-alcoholic beer to its drink menu, Emirates Airlines advertises onboard mocktails, like a virgin mojito, and Qatar Airways’ variety includes a cranberry apple cooler.

Curious about your hotel’s mini fridge? Santo Pure, a property in Oia, Santorini, has a wellness ethos, and its suite minibars have beverages focusing on functional wellness with items like no-sugar kombucha, immunity shots and matcha tea beverages, among others. Yes, please!

Have you tried sober travel? Tell us what you think about traveling alcohol-free in the comments.

Plan your next vacation with a AAA travel advisor.