Wondering how to find a good mechanic? There is a AAA membership benefit that many do not know about: access to a network of reliable auto repair shops. AAA Approved Auto Repair shops not only save you money (up to $75 per visit on labor, which could pay for part of your membership), but they also ensure quality work by AAA-certified mechanics. With nearly 400 Approved Auto Repair facilities throughout the Northeast, it’s easy to find a good mechanic and you never have to worry about where to go to get your car fixed or serviced.
To find a AAA Approved Auto Repair shop, simply look for the badge on the business or click here to search for a facility near you.
Victor Deluca, manager of the AAA Approved Auto Repair Network, explains how AAA members — and businesses — benefit from the designation.
Perks for Members
What do AAA Approved Auto Repair shops offer that other shops don’t?
“This is a great program. I call it the hidden gem of AAA because only 50% of our members know it exists,” Deluca said.
AAA-approved shops provide:
10% discount off labor, up to $75
24 months or 24,000-mile warranty on repairs
Help finding alternate transportation, if needed.
Members can also feel secure knowing that they are using a shop that’s already been reviewed and deemed trustworthy by AAA. And that high level of service does not go unrecognized. Overall consumer satisfaction was 96% for Northeast shops in 2023.
If there is ever a problem with the work, we ask that the customer go to the shop first, but if there is back-and-forth, AAA is there to provide support.
“We go through a vigorous vetting process. AAA stands for trust and integrity. The biggest value for members is the peace of mind knowing AAA is involved.”
– Victor Deluca, AAA Approved Auto Repair Network MANAGER
Perks for Auto Repair Shops
What do shops gain from partnering with AAA?
The AAA seal of approval has been the greatest advantage for Auto Craft Inc., of Randolph, Mass., which has been a AAA Approved Auto Repair shop for 40 years. “AAA is so well-respected and well-recognized that it gives us an additional level of credibility,” said owner Janis Wentzel. “We’ve had a wonderful relationship.”
As part of the AAA network, facilities can also participate in savings from major vendors, including NAPA Auto Parts and other industry distributors.
What does it take be a AAA auto repair shop?
In addition to proving that they are in good-standing with the bank and have the right insurance, shops need to obtain and maintain the right tools, training and required certifications for the services provided. They must also show consistently high ratings from customers.
“They need to survey their customer base and have a 90% customer service satisfaction index, and (if approved) do 40 customer service satisfaction surveys a year,” Deluca said.
Are you an independent roadside service provider or auto shop owner? Join the AAA Network!
Have you ever used a AAA Approved Auto Repair shop? What did you like about the experience? Tell us in the comments.
Here are a few more AAA benefits you might now know about.
Take a Game Break
See how fast you can solve this car-themed crossword puzzle.
If experience is the best teacher, there’s no better driving instruction than from AAA. For more than 80 years, AAA has educated young drivers on how to stay safe behind the wheel. All training is based on data acquired from decades of AAA traffic safety research.
AAA Driver Training instructors have an unparalleled level of experience — and success — in turning new students into lifelong safe drivers. So, we spoke with six esteemed AAA driving instructors to share their best tips for young drivers.
With nearly a quarter-century of driving instructor experience among them, Frank Malone, Linda Brookfield, Rick Field, Rick Phelan, Gary Driscoll and Justin Cares have plenty of good advice.
What are the top tips you would give a new teen driver to make them a better driver?
Frank Malone: Practice. Practice. And practice. Oh, and wear your seatbelt and use your blinker.
Linda Brookfield: 1. Keep the phone off and out of sight. 2. Keep a proper following distance. 3. Stay focused on driving. Remember: SIPDE (Search, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute).
Rick Field: 1. Slow down to allow time for decisions. 2. Read the Road 3. Look left, right, left until safe to go.
Rick Phelan: Respect the speed limit, use your directional and check your blind spots.
Gary Driscoll: Take the time to build your foundation first. Start at the beginning: work on adjusting your seating.
Justin Cares: Put all technology away and use the new car technology sparingly. All your attention needs to be focused on looking out the windshield.
What is the best thing about teaching new drivers? What is the worst?
Field: It’s very rewarding to witness students progressing and mastering concepts. The worst experiences are related to parents who fail to prepare and teach basic driving skills prior to the first driving lessons. Many students may have less than 30 minutes behind the wheel with a parent. These students are typically very difficult to teach and it’s an unproductive use of instructor expertise.
Malone: Helping students build confidence is the best part of teaching driver education. The worst part is having to break bad habits they pick up after watching other drivers become lazy role models!
Brookfield: The best thing is seeing students progress. I do my best to explain why we have to do things the way we do in order to be safe on the road. The worst thing is having a student who believes they already know what they’re doing. This is the person who will agree to my instruction yet continue to do things their own way — incorrectly!
Phelan: Interacting with the students and seeing them gain confidence in their abilities is great, but the best thing is getting a happy phone call from the student or parent letting me know they passed their road test or, better still, being with them as they pass! The worst feeling is their disappointment if they happen to fail the road test. Thankfully, that doesn’t happen too often.
Driscoll: The best thing is when you provide the student driver with the knowledge and training to be a good safe driver. Most student drivers want to learn how to drive safely and appreciate getting training that can help them achieve that goal. On the flip side, I’ve had a few students that didn’t want to get their driver’s license and were getting lessons only because their parents were making them. That usually creates a hostile training environment and can be very frustrating for the instructor.
Cares: In teaching new drivers, it’s really awesome to watch them grow as drivers and acquire new skills. It is also really a challenge sometimes because a lot of new drivers don’t take the driving task seriously.
What’s the funniest or strangest experience you’ve ever had as a driving instructor?
Field: One of the strangest experiences I had involved a student who, at the start of the lesson, vocalized ‘119,’ and then later continued with ‘118, 117, 116,’ and so on. Eventually, I asked what was going on and he said, ‘I am looking at the dash clock and counting down every minute until this lesson is over.’ The student was very uncooperative and only taking driving lessons because his mom made him. He preferred to use his bicycle as primary source of transportation. He never finished our program.
Malone: One time I had a student who was nervous about the infamous Kelly Square in Worcester. I took the student through the intersection at noontime, a fairly busy time of day. After having the student enter Route 290 while leaving the square, I said, ‘I’m not sure why you were so nervous about Kelly Square … you did just fine.’ The student was surprised. ‘That was it?’ they asked. Sometimes they get nervous just because of what they hear from others.
Driscoll: The strangest thing is how some teenagers and college students don’t know their right from their left. Still blows my mind how often that happens.
Cares: I once was followed by a parent of a student for the entire two-hour lesson because she didn’t trust me.
AAA Driving School is available in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Enroll today.
Did you pass your road test on the first try? Tell us a memorable story from when you were learning to drive in the comments.
This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.
Perhaps the name of the country is a small giveaway, but winter is the best time to visit Iceland for the northern lights.
“If you’re looking to experience the aurora borealis, the best time to go to Iceland is during the winter months when the nights are longer,” said AAA travel advisor and Iceland travel expert Wendy Marley. “Exploring ice caves, glacier hiking and snowmobiling are just a few of the many winter activities available.”
What should you do in Iceland?
For many travelers, seeing the northern lights in Iceland is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and while their appearance (a bit ironically) depends upon the weather on the sun, the darker the skies and the further north you are, the more visible and spectacular this shimmering light show in the sky becomes.
Prefer an audio summary of this post? Click below to listen to this article.
Book your northern lights Iceland tour with a AAA Travel.
When and Where to See the Northern Lights in Iceland
Located on the edge of the Arctic Circle, the Land of Fire and ice gets as little as four hours of sunlight during the winter, meaning visitors could see the northern lights in Iceland – along with brilliant stars in the sky – even in the middle of the day.
Light pollution in the capital city of Reykjavik makes conditions for viewing less than ideal, but there are several hotels within a two-hour drive of the city, like the Hotel Ranga in Hella and the Hotel Husafell in Iceland’s western highlands, that enjoy dark skies and cater to northern lights tourists.
More Reasons Winter Is the Best Time to Visit Iceland
It’s Cool for Adventurers
Active travelers will love Iceland’s many snow sports options. About 10% of Iceland is covered in glaciers, most of which are within easy driving distance of Reykjavik. Glacier hikes and ice climbing are just a few ways to enjoy an immersive experience on these rivers of ice, which also can be explored by jeep or snowmobile.
The Westfjords and the Troll Peninsula are also top destinations for skiers and snowboarders looking to challenge the slopes at Iceland’s lift-serviced ski areas or venture into the backcountry on a ski tourism or heliskiing adventure.
Langjökull, the second largest glacier in Iceland, is easily accessible from the capital. It’s also where visitors can enjoy a unique trip Into the Glacier with a tour of an 1,800-foot-long man-made ice cave, which plunges 98 feet deep into the glacier and features five chambers, including a wedding chapel.
Iceland is full of natural ice caves that can explored with or without a guide, as well as lava tubes like Raufarhólshellir, about half an hour from Reykjavik, where the entrance fills with natural ice sculptures as an added bonus for winter visitors.
It Can Be Warm and Cozy, Too
Visiting Iceland during the winter doesn’t mean having to brace yourself for being cold day after day. In fact, Iceland is called the Land of Fire and Ice because of its active volcanoes and geothermal activity, the latter of which creates hot springs and warms the mineral-rich, 102-degree waters of Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon. The lagoon is fed by a nearby geothermal power plant, but Iceland also has dozens of natural hot springs and geothermal pools to plunge into, some of which have been incorporated into spa resorts.
Icelanders, of course, also have been adapting to the winter cold for generations, learning to keep warm from both within and without. Hearty stews and soups made with Icelandic lamb and arctic char are among the most popular foods in Iceland. Plokkfiskur, or fish stew, is especially beloved as a traditional winter meal. Icelandic rye bread is baked in casks placed at the edge of hot springs. Brennivin or burned wine (also sometimes called the “Black Death” by locals), is a caraway-flavored aquavit that can be quaffed as a shot or in cocktails; it goes particularly well with pickled or marinated herring, another common Icelandic delicacy.
Winter visitors to Iceland may not find too many souvenir T-shirts (because, brr), but the Handknitting Association of Iceland in Reykjavik sells sweaters, called lopapeysa, made from the wool of Icelandic sheep. It’s not only a great keepsake to take home, but also will keep you as cozy as an Icelander while you’re here.
The Wildlife
Iceland’s prodigious population of sheep and furry Icelandic horses are well adapted to the island’s winter weather, but the country also is home to more exotic animal species that thrive in the cold. You don’t need a red nose to guide you to Iceland’s reindeer herds: Just take a drive through the East Fjords area, and you’re likely to see reindeer grazing in the lowlands around Snaefell, the tallest mountain in Iceland not covered by glaciers.
The reindeer were brought to Iceland from Scandinavia, but arctic foxes have lived in Iceland since the last Ice Age. You can learn more about these remarkably adaptable animals at the Arctic Fox Center in the Westfjords village of Sudavik.
Iceland Northern Lights Tour
The five-day Iceland’s Classic Northern Lights Tour with AAA Travel is an Icelandic adventure that starts and ends in Reykjavik. The days in between are spent exploring Iceland’s famous Golden Circle and South Coast, sampling the local foods, soaking in hot springs and hiking to waterfalls, glaciers and icy caves, each night concluding with sky watching for a glimpse at the aurora borealis. And that’s just one of the many Iceland tours you can book through AAA.
Like calorie counting, a personal budget is often associated with sacrifice.
But finance expert and AAA member Neale Godfrey puts a more positive spin on personal savings plans and budgeting.
The author of 28 books on financial literacy says a personal budget is how you identify what you want and how to afford it. Without one, you’re basically driving down the road without a destination, she said.
A Start to Personal Savings
Simply put, a personal budget is an itemized list of income and expenses. It can be done on a weekly or monthly basis, but Godfrey suggests crafting a weekly budget until you feel comfortable.
To create one, write down how much money you earn each week after deductions such as income taxes, 401(k) and health insurance.
Then list (and eventually subtract) each of your “fixed” expenses – in this case, a weekly breakdown of what you pay for bills like rent, utilities, insurance, cellphone and anything else that costs the same every month. To calculate the weekly cost of a monthly bill, multiply it by 12 and then divide that number by 52. As the week goes by, Godfrey suggests logging everything you spend money on, including fast food, coffee, clothing and anything else.
“At the end of the week, take a long, hard look at what you’re buying and decide if those purchases are enhancing your life or if you would like that money to go someplace else,” Godfrey said.
That someplace else could be paying back credit card debt or putting funds into your personal savings account. It could also be allocating a certain amount of money every month for unexpected expenses and emergencies.
Think about unexpected emergencies like car and home repairs or medical bills. Even with insurance you may still need to pay a hefty amount out-of-pocket depending on the situation. Could you handle the costs without going into debt? Keep an emergency fund and plan so that your savings would not be completely wiped out if you needed to cover an unanticipated expense.
Download a Budgeting App
While you can sketch out a budget on something as low-tech as an index card, there are some high-tech apps available to help you track your expenses. Here are a few of note.
Wally
This free app for iPhone users helps track spending and set savings goals. It also has a receipt scan function that makes inputting expenses a little easier.
Mint
Also free, Mint compiles data from a user’s bank, credit card and investment accounts in one location. Tap the trends tab for a snapshot of how you spent your money over a specific timeframe, such as the past seven or 14 days. Available on iOS and Android.
Goodbudget
Set monthly spending limits by stuffing digital envelopes full of virtual cash at the start of every month. Goodbudget’s Reports section also provides a pie chart and bar graph that illustrate spending habits. Available on iOS and Android.
Ways to Bolster Your Personal Savings Plan
A budget can help you figure out where you are wasting money, but it is up to you to take action and make beneficial financial decisions. Here are some tips on how you can spend less money from Godfrey and other financial experts.
Use Cash, Not Credit
It’s painless to swipe now and worry about the payments later, but that is an easy way to spend a lot more money than you make. Instead, set aside a specific allotment of cash each paycheck and use those funds for items you typically overspend on, such as clothes, groceries and dining out.
This should give you a closer attachment to every dollar you spend and it might even discourage you from wasting money on a $5 gourmet coffee or a $2 bottle of water you don’t need. Just don’t go walking around with hundreds of dollars of cash in your pocket. That is not a good idea.
Set Financial Goals
It’s easier said then done, but it’s a good idea to have something to strive for. Whether that is a vacation, a home renovation or just banking a certain amount of money by year’s end, a goal is healthy way to widen your safety net and avoid wasting money on things you won’t even remember in the future.
Don’t Give in to Peer Pressure
Just because your friends want to go get drinks or food at your favorite restaurant or splurge on expensive concert tickets doesn’t mean you have to. Sure, you can treat yourself from time to time, but you could always suggest a pizza instead of a fancy dinner or a free hike at a nearby park.
Penny pinching can be tough, but over the course of the year, you could save a considerable amount of money. Take these tips to the bank and maybe you can finally build that dream kitchen or take the trip of a lifetime!
Have a saving tip that’s helped you? Tell us about it in the comments.
Neale Godfrey is the author of 28 books on financial literacy, including “Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees: A Parent’s Guide to Raising Financially Responsible Children.” The views and opinions expressed in this article are that of the author and should not be considered an endorsement from AAA.
This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.
Have you ever wanted to sit down for a proper afternoon tea? Sweet Marie’s Tea Cottage, located in historic Wickford Village, offers such an experience, complete with all the classic fixings you’d expect, from the perfect cuppa to scones with sweet cream. Pinkies up!
Upon stepping inside the cottage, the coziness is apparent, seen and felt in the intimacy of the space combined with the shabby-chic decor and sunlight dappling through the skylight above. Beautiful floral vintage teacups await on white tablecloths before a piping hot teapot is served, signifying the start of the afternoon tea experience.
Each afternoon tea follows the same cadence: a pot of tea to share, prix fixe fare served on a three-tiered tray and a second pot of tea if you so choose. Sweet and savory offerings include cucumber sandwiches (of course), chicken salad, prosciutto and fig toasts, macarons, cupcakes, truffles, both cranberry and cheddar chive scones and more. Each delicate morsel may seem tiny but combined are surprisingly filling. Worry not – you are welcome to take any leftovers home with you.
Afternoon tea at Sweet Marie’s is offered year-round and is the perfect outing for anyone looking to slow down and enjoy the simpler, sweeter things in life.
It’s no secret the Northeast is home to a lot of people with Irish ancestry. Whether you’re Irish or just a history buff, you can walk in the footsteps of immigrants and notable Irish-Americans at these Irish museums, heritage sites and memorials.
Irish Hunger Memorial
New York, N.Y.
There are many statues and memorials to the victims of the Great Hunger in the Northeast, but none are quite as striking as the Irish Hunger Memorial in Battery Park. Designed by sculptor Brian Tolle and landscape architect Gail Witter-Laird, the memorial is like a piece of Ireland right in the middle of Lower Manhattan. The memorial, which looks like a gentle, grassy slope, features soil and vegetation from West Ireland.
Among the grasses, flowers and moss, you’ll find stones from every Irish county and even the ruin of an authentic, famine-era Irish cottage. The cottage was donated by the Slack family, Brian Tolle’s extended relatives who remained in Ireland. From the top of the slope, you can even see Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, reminding visitors of the journey that many Irish immigrants had to take to escape the ravages of the Great Hunger.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
New York, N.Y.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral first opened its doors in 1879, and it remains the largest Gothic Revival Catholic cathedral in the country. Money for construction was donated by local immigrants and the children of immigrants – many of whom were Irish. It takes up a full city block in Midtown Manhattan and can accommodate 19,000 guests at a time.
A great way to experience St. Patrick’s Cathedral is through their audio tour. Just remember to be quiet and respectful, as it’s still an operating place of worship. While you’re in town, you can also visit St. Patrick’s Basilica on Mulberry Street, which was built between 1809 and 1815. Their catacomb tour is not to be missed.
Ellis Island
New York, N.Y.
Ellis Island, which operated from 1892 to 1954, was the first stop in America for over 12 million immigrants, including over 3.5 million Irish immigrants. Annie Moore, a 17-year-old from County Cork, Ireland, was actually the first immigrant to be processed there. Today, Ellis Island is a museum and archive, part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument.
Visitors to Ellis Island can experience their National Immigration Museum and Family History Center, which houses 65 million searchable immigration records. You might be able to find your family’s story amongst them.
The Tenement Museum
New York, N.Y.
Many immigrants to New York, like those who were processed through Ellis Island, would eventually wind up living in tenements. The Tenement Museum features two historic tenement buildings on the Lower East Side, with restored tenements representing different time periods and immigrant experiences. Learn about what life was like for immigrants of different cultural backgrounds from the 1860s to the 1980s. The museum also features neighborhood walking tours.
Boston Irish Famine Memorial
Boston, Mass.
The Boston Irish Famine Memorial is a small statue park between Washington Street and School Street, featuring two statues and eight plaques that tell the story of the Great Hunger and Irish diaspora. The statues, by sculptor Robert Shure, depict two families: a hungry family in Ireland and a family of Irish immigrants who have found success in America.
John Boyle O’Reilly Memorial
Boston, Mass.
John Boyle O’Reilly was a famous Irish writer and activist who made his home in Boston after escaping transportation to Australia in 1869. He had been transported for his ties to the Irish Republican Brotherhood, and continued his activism in Boston, where he became the editor of the newspaper “The Pilot.” He was known for his poetry, literature and journalism, and for popularizing the idea of Boston as an Irish cultural hub. His memorial, by sculptor Daniel Chester French, features a bronze bust of O’Reilly, as well as a bronze statue of Erin (the personification of Ireland) and her sons, Patriotism and Poetry.
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
Boston, Mass.
As the first Irish Catholic president, JFK has a special place in Irish-American culture. At the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, you can learn all about his life and legacy through exhibits that include the story of his youth, the presidential election, the space program, the oval office and first lady Jackie Kennedy.
Boston Irish Heritage Trail
Boston, Mass.
There’s probably more Irish history in Boston than anywhere else in America, and the Boston Irish Heritage Trail is a great way to experience it. The trail is a self-guided walking tour, stretching over 3 miles and 300 years of history. You can visit the Boston landmarks mentioned above, as well as the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Garden, the Boston Massacre Memorial, the Boston Public Library, Fenway Park and more.
Rhode Island Irish Famine Memorial
Providence, R.I.
The Rhode Island Irish Famine Memorial, also sculpted by Robert Shure, is a memorial wall and statue on Providence’s picturesque River Walk that commemorates the Great Hunger and the 1916 Easter Rising. It also features benches where visitors can reflect on the memorial, and the outlines of both Ireland and the United States on the walkway below.
The Museum of Newport Irish History
Newport, R.I.
As you might have guessed, the Museum of Newport Irish History tells the story of the Irish immigrants who settled in Newport, as well as their descendants. Visitors can enjoy exhibits on how Irish immigrants lived, worked, prayed and played. They also offer self-guided walking tours of Irish landmarks in Newport.
Planting Site of the First White Potato
Derry, N.H.
A humble plaque in front of the First Parish Church in East Derry, N.H., claims to be the planting site of the first white potato in North America. Potatoes were first cultivated in South America and transported to Europe, where they became a staple crop for peasants; however, it is believed that the first white potato in North America (also contemporarily known as the “Irish potato”) was planted in 1719 by Scots-Irish immigrants in this New Hampshire town.
Irish American Heritage Museum
Albany, N.Y.
The Irish American Heritage Museum explores the history, contributions and culture of Irish Americans. The museum has featured exhibits on the transformation of Samhain into Halloween, the Irish in the Adirondacks, Irish cooking, how to research your genealogy, the evolution of Irish dance costumes and so much more.
There are almost too many Irish memorials, museums and landmarks to mention in one article. What did we miss? Let us know in the comments below. Sláinte!
Hitting the road can be a nice way to travel. You can leave when you like, choose your route, stop when you want to and avoid airplane food and airport security. Just make sure you get a good night’s sleep before you go.
Research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that 6% to 11% of reported motor-vehicle crashes and 16% to 21% of fatal crashes likely involve drowsy driving. Fatigue impairs your driving skills, affecting your judgement and reaction time, just like being drunk, drugged or distracted.
And while the majority of Americans know it’s risky to drive drowsy, most do it anyway. In a recent survey by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), 60% of adult drivers and 85% of teen drivers admitted to getting behind the wheel while sleepy.
Missing even a couple of hours of sleep can increase your risk of a crash. So, what’s a road tripper to do?
Sleep to Prepare
The tactics that we usually employ to stay awake (think: turning up the volume on the radio, drinking coffee or putting the windows down for fresh air) are merely short-term solutions that will eventually fade. The only way to effectively rid yourself of drowsiness is to get a good night’s rest before any road trip, long or short.
Time it Right
Late morning, late afternoon and early evening are when we’re most alert, according to the NSF, with drowsy-driving accidents most likely to happen during early morning and late-night hours. Time your drive for your most wakeful hours, and make sure to take a break every two hours or 100 miles.
Buddy Up
Travel with an alert passenger and take turns driving.
Mind Your Meds
Pain relievers, antihistamines and other medications can make you drowsy and impair your ability to drive. Pay attention to those warnings on the label and time your dosage accordingly.
Nap-a-Latte
Sleep expert Michael Breus suggests this trick for getting the most out of a rest stop nap: First, avoid eating any heavy foods. Next, quickly consume your caffeinated beverage of choice. When you finish your last sip, set your alarm and take a 20-minute nap. The caffeine will hit your system in 20-25 minutes.
Seek Out Nap-Friendly Stops
It’s recommended to schedule a break from driving every two hours or 100 miles, but multiday trips require much longer stretches of rest. Try to choose a hotel with rooms away from the street. Bring your own pillows, white-noise options and keep the blackout curtains completely closed.
Know when to pull over. If you find yourself repeatedly yawning, unable to keep your eyes open, driving too close to the car in front of you or drifting into other lanes, it’s time to pull off the road and get some rest. You just might save yourself from being one of the 6,400 people who die each year in drowsy driving accidents.
Have you ever caught yourself getting sleepy behind the wheel? What are your tricks for staying awake and alert on long drives? Share with us in the comments.
Movie lovers have been seeking out the locations of cinematic scenes ever since Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr memorably made out in the Hawaiian surf in 1953’s “From Here to Eternity.”
You can still recreate that little piece of Hollywood history at Halona Beach Cove in Oahu, Hawaii, and that’s just one leg of a feature-length journey around the globe to destinations made famous on film.
“Die Hard”
Fans of this action film turned Christmas tradition know that Nakotomi Plaza is almost as big a star as Bruce Willis. In real life, the very recognizable 34-story skyscraper is the Fox Plaza building in downtown Los Angeles.
“Dirty Dancing”
Although meant to be a midcentury Catskills resort, the fictional Kellerman’s Mountain House featured in the Patrick Swayze/Jennifer Grey coming-of-age classic was shot in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia at the Mountain Lake Lodge, which hosts special “Dirty Dancing” weekends throughout the year.
Photo: ROCKY89 / GETTY IMAGES
“Game of Thrones”
Over the course of eight epic seasons, “Game of Thrones” film crews moved from Iceland to depict the snowy North, to Dubrovnik, Croatia (pictured), to portray King’s Landing – most infamously in Queen Cersei’s infamous walk of shame in Season 5.
Fans of the show should also visit the city of Girona in the Catalonia region of Spain, both inspiration and shooting locale for Braavos. And a number of scenes, including Castle Ward (Winterfell in the series), were shot in Northern Ireland, which has an official Game of Thrones Studio Tour.
Photo: BEN QUEENBOROUGH / GETTY IMAGES
“The Gilded Age”
This hit HBO series that brings Victorian-era wretched excess exquisitely to life was filmed extensively on location in Newport, Rhode Island, most notably the Bellevue Avenue mansions.
Among the palatial homes featured in the series – or “summer cottages,” as the Astors and Vanderbilts demurely referred to them – are The Breakers, The Elms (pictured), Marble House, Rosecliff and Chateau-sur-Mer, all of which can be seen on tours arranged by the Preservation Society of Newport County.
Ian Fleming’s famous 007 has traveled around the globe in 27 films made over the course of more than 60 years. But Fleming had a soft spot for Jamaica, where he lived and wrote most of his James Bond books, and the film producers repeatedly returned to the island to film.
The association between Jamaica and Bond starts right at the beginning in 1962’s “Dr. No,” when the beautiful Honey Ryder strides out of the surf at Ocho Rios’s Laughing Waters Beach to meet Sean Connery’s Bond.
Other famous 007 locations in Jamaica include the Jamaican Swamp Safari Village in Falmouth, the Half Moon Resort in Montego Bay (“Live and Let Die”) and Dunn’s River Falls (“Dr. No”).
Photo: IMAGEBROKER / GERHARD ZWERGER-SCHONER / GETTY IMAGES
“The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy
Peter Jackson’s original “Lord of the Rings” trilogy and his subsequent interpretation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” were showcases for the natural beauty of New Zealand. Visitors to the North Island of New Zealand can visit the actual Hobbiton. Various scenes from the movies also were shot on Mount Victoria and Kaitoke Regional Park, near Wellington.
On the South Island you’ll find Mount Sunday (pictured), the site of the Rohan city Edoras, the “Ford of Bruinen” on the Arrow River and the Waiau River, where Frodo and company paddled away from Lothlorien at the beginning of the quest to destroy the One Ring.
“Pirates of the Caribbean” Series
The opening scene of the first “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie where the Royal Navy “almost captured Captain Jack Sparrow,” was filmed in Wallilabou Bay in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Remnants of the original set remain there. And the island where Jack and Elizabeth are marooned is Petit Tabac Cay in the Tobago Cays, also part of the Grenadines. On the lush island of Dominica, you’ll find the rope bridge Jack Sparrow fled across in “Dead Man’s Chest” over the Titou Gorge; the island served as the location for a variety of scenes in the second film.
“Stranger Things”
The Duffer Brothers’ ‘80s horror-style Netflix series is set in fictional Hawkins, Indiana, but was largely filmed in and around Atlanta, Georgia. Emory University is where Hawkins National Laboratory was filmed, Patrick Henry High School in Stockbridge is Hawkins High School and Middle School and the (closed) Gwinnett Place Mall in Duluth, stands in for Hawkins Starcourt Mall.
“The Walking Dead”
Zombies and survivors shuffle across the country in this long-running series – which just wrapped up after 12 seasons – but most of the filming took place in rural Georgia. The fortified town of Alexandria was shot in the small city of Senoia and has become the main pilgrimage destination for fans of the show. Nic and Norman’s restaurant in downtown Senoia is co-owned by series star Norman Reedus.
“Ted Lasso”
The Richmond Greyhounds of this soccer comedy starring Jason Sudeikis are fictional, but the real London suburb of Richmond was the filming location for scenes outside of Ted’s apartment, near 9½ Paved Court. The Hayes & Yeading United Football Club in Hayes, England, is the location for Greyhounds practices, while home games are staged at Selhurst Park Stadium, the actual home of the Premier League’s A.F.C. Crystal Palace soccer team. Prince’s Head Pub in Richmond is the series’ fictional Crown and Anchor.
“The White Lotus”
Mike White’s satirical HBO series that follows the rich, the climbers and the ordinary people they trample on was filmed in two Four Seasons resorts that stood in for a pair of fictional “White Lotus” resorts: the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea in Hawaii in its debut season, and the San Dominico Palace in Taormina, Sicily, in season 2.
Photo: RICHARD SCHAFER / EYEEM / GETTY IMAGES
“Yellowstone”
The sprawling Yellowstone saga has spun off two prequels (1883 and 1923), with scenes shot from Texas to Montana and Utah. The ancestors of rancher John Dutton begin their journey in the stockyards of Fort Worth, Texas – now a popular park and entertainment district, while 1923 was largely filmed in Butte, Mont.
The coming 1944 story will film in the Bitterroot region of western Montana. As for “Yellowstone” itself, the standing sets for the Dutton Ranch are located on the private Chief Joseph Ranch near Darby, Mont., but can be seen from the road. Other stops for fans include Glen’s Cafe in Florence and Ruby’s Cafe in Missoula.
March is Women’s History Month, a time to reflect on all that women have accomplished throughout our country’s history. One of the most important events in women’s history took place in the Northeast: The Seneca Falls Convention, held in Seneca Falls, N.Y., in 1848, was the first U.S. women’s rights convention.
If you want to revisit this important chapter in women’s history, Seneca Falls is the place to go. Here are some of the top sites to visit in and around the area.
Women’s Rights National Historical Park
The Women’s Rights National Historical Park is home to Wesleyan Chapel – where the convention was held, the Waterwall at Declaration Park, the Elizabeth Cady Stanton House and a visitor center.
More than 300 early feminists, including Stanton, Lucretia Mott and Frederick Douglass, attended the Seneca Falls Convention, considered to be the beginning of the American women’s rights movement. The chapel was a meeting place for abolitionists and political activists, so for the feminists who lived in Seneca Falls it was the logical place to stage their convention.
The Waterwall at Declaration Park is a 100-foot-long water feature inscribed with the words of the Declaration of Sentiments, the founding document of the women’s rights movement which was drafted at the convention. The water feature and surrounding park is intended to invite the viewer to reflect on these important words and how far we have come since then.
You can also visit the Elizabeth Cady Stanton House, the home of the convention’s organizer and the primary author of the Declaration of Sentiments. She called her home the “Center of the Rebellion.”
Park rangers offers talks and guided tours of the park to highlight various sites and provide historical context.
Seneca Knitting Mill
National Women’s Hall of Fame
Located in the historic Seneca Knitting Mill, the National Women’s Hall of Fame celebrates important, innovative and inspiring American women. It holds special exhibits on inductees like Maya Angelou, Emily Dickinson, Helen Keller, Coretta Scott King, Rosa Parks, Eleanor Roosevelt, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman and more. The hall includes a research center, complete with a library and archival materials about the inductees. You can also learn about the history of the Seneca Knitting Mill itself, the women who worked there, and how Seneca Falls became the site of such radical change.
Seneca Falls Heritage Area
The Seneca Falls Heritage Area preserves the history of the town of Seneca Falls, and examines the role it played in the reform movements of the 19th century. It also preserves the classic main street and several historic homes. The Heritage Area Visitor Center offers a historical overview of the town and the wider Finger Lakes region. You can learn about the development of the Finger Lakes, the rise of waterpower, the Erie Canal, the local industries, the history of transportation and, of course, the women’s rights movement. Their Women’s Rights and Reform section even includes a life-size statue of Elizabeth Cady Stanton sitting at her writing desk. It’s a great place to get a quick overview of everything that’s taken place in Seneca Falls, and the lasting impact of those movements.
Nearby Sites
Seneca Falls isn’t the only women’s history landmark in upstate New York. If you have time, Rochester also has many sites dedicated to the women’s suffrage movement, including the National Susan B. Anthony House and Museum, Frederick Douglass-Susan B. Anthony Bridge and Mt. Hope Cemetery, the final resting place of many suffragettes and abolitionists.
Want to walk in the footsteps of another woman who made history? The Harriet Tubman National Historical Park isn’t too far away. Auburn is home to Harriet Tubman’s home, the Harriet Tubman Visitor Center, the Tubman Home for the Aged and the Thompson Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.
These days, you don’t have to wander far to hear the buzz about sustainable travel. In fact, 81% of travelers believe it is important, according to recent data. Sure, vacationers still want the thrill of trying new foods and standing in awe of architectural wonders, but they also want to be responsible while visiting their bucket-list destinations.
So, how can you ensure your next trip positively impacts the planet, its people and wildlife?
Our suggestion: Leave the logistics to the local pros and dive deeper with a conscious group travel package, like the new and exclusive Impactful Travel itineraries from AAA Travel and Trafalgar.
The team of travel specialists put their heads together to focus on:
Slow travel. Conscious travel means staying longer in each city. The result? Deeper connections with each place and fewer carbon-emitting transportation days.
Green hotels. Sustainable travelers stay in beautiful hotels with small carbon footprints. Rest your head at a Travelife Sustainability Gold-certified historic grand dame in Dublin. Or maybe you prefer a solar- and thermal-powered boutique hotel on a lake in northern Italy?
Conscious travel experiences. You can be a better traveler by prioritizing authentic connections with locals. Imagine strolling through town with a local guide who is also a sustainability advocate. Picture farm-to-table spreads. Or browse a handpicked list of excursions directly tied to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Impactful travel is trendy, but AAA Travel thinks it’s here to stay. Now is the time to start planning your next dream trip, and the Impactful Travel collection makes that possible. Choose between two of Europe’s dreamiest locales: Ireland or Italy.
Here’s a sneak peek.
Photo courtesy of Trafalgar.
Flavors of Northern Italy
Who’s up for eight splendid days exploring the best of northern Italy? The journey begins with a bike tour of Milan. Pedal through the Piazza del Duomo on your way to Galleria Vittoria Emanuele II, Italy’s oldest active shopping galleria. Even if you’re not in the mood to browse the dizzying array of shops, the iron-and-glass ceiling will impress.
From Milan, the road leads to a walking tour with a local in Verona, followed by hikes along the coastal cliffs of Cinque Terre and Lake Maggiore. Dreaming of mouthwatering Italian food? The trip includes plenty of that, too, of course, with stops at a lakeside lemon house, biodynamic vinegar and wine sampling, and truffle tasting at a local agriturismo.
This trip’s signature experiences include:
Supporting responsible production by learning about (and tasting!) traditional, locally made Italian balsamic vinegar in Modena.
Supporting responsible local agriculture by enjoying a meal with locals Fabio and Alexia at Villa Toscanini. Locally sourced ingredients only!
Supporting a local eco-friendly business with dinner at an organic agriturismo run solely on thermal and renewable energy. Don’t miss a post-supper photo opp with the grazing donkeys!
Photo courtesy of Trafalgar.
Icons of Ireland
This jam-packed, eight-day adventure on the Emerald Isle focuses on the country’s incredible landscapes and wildlife. Of course, travelers want to see Dublin and Kilkenny, the Cliffs of Moher and Aran Islands – and you will – but the real stars are the memory-making experiences along the way.
The trip begins in Dublin. Get your bearings on a walk through Trinity College, then meet your guide for a brief city tour before feasting at a local restaurant. The next day, you’ll hit the trails for a hike through lush Wicklow National Park with your group’s environmentalist guide. Breathe in the invigorating fresh air before heading back to the city, where you’re free to wander and enjoy live music and hearty Irish food.
The rest of the itinerary includes one gem after another: Kilkenny, Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, and more. Ireland is a feast for the senses, and the Icons of Ireland tour invites you to savor it all while also supporting sustainable businesses and initiatives throughout the country.
This trip’s signature experiences include:
Supporting the sustainable use of Ireland’s fragile marine life by taking a seaweed foraging walk with a local advocate and educator at Atlantic Irish Seaweed.
Supporting local business by enjoying an award-winning, organic smoked fish dinner at a family-run Irish smokehouse.
Supporting responsible food consumption by visiting DK Connemara Oysters, a small-scale, family-run farm on the leading edge of sustainability and biodiversity in Ireland.
Are you interested in impactful travel? Space is limited, so contact your local AAA Travel advisor to book today.
Planning a European voyage can be overwhelming, especially when you don’t know where to start. Between the sheer number of countries to visit, iconic sights to see and ways to get there, the possibilities are never-ending. Which, when it comes to cruising, is the best part. Why? You won’t have to choose.
Cruising through Europe allows you to see it all – and get plenty of perks and unforgettable experiences along the way. We’ve narrowed down the top reasons why sailing through Europe with Norwegian Cruise Line is the best way to go.
The Itineraries
Norwegian Cruise Line is all about doing things on your own terms. And with over 295 unique itineraries across northern Europe, the Mediterranean and the Greek Isles, there are no limits to what you can do. Explore the Baltic Sea like a Viking, stroll through picturesque Santorini, have the best pasta of your life in Italy and so much more. With Norwegian, it’s all up to you.
Itinerary lengths range from five days to 15 or more, with many of them featuring a total of zero sea days, giving you the coveted opportunity to waste no time immersing yourself in your chosen destination. You’ll even find that some itineraries to Europe have two ports of call in a single day, so you won’t miss a thing.
Being able to depart from one of 16 cities allows for lots of convenient wiggle room, too. Choose from Lisbon to Athens, Barcelona, Venice, Stockholm, Paris and many more.
Exploring takes time. That’s why, on average, Norwegian Cruise Line spends 32% more time in ports of call compared to other cruise lines, ensuring that you’re not just visiting a location – you’re experiencing it.
With an average of nine hours spent per port, you’ll have time to see the sights, taste the cuisine, take in the culture and maybe even do a little souvenir shopping. You can also connect with informative local guides through Norwegian’s own excursion portal, Go Local, where you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities like touring “Game of Thrones” filming locations in Dubrovnik or hunting for black truffles in Provence. Choose from literally thousands of excursions for all price ranges and activity levels.
Love a location so much you can’t wait to go again? Overnight stays allow guests to have two days in the same port, doubling the time spent at particularly experience-dense locations where you may need more time to check off bucket list items. This way, you can indulge and relax at the Blue Lagoon today and save exploring Reykjavik for tomorrow. Or explore the historic ruins of Athens today and save the white sandy beaches of Rhodes for tomorrow. You get the idea.
The Ships
When you go to Europe with Norwegian Cruise Line, you sail on the newest ships in their European fleet: Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Prima. Both ships aren’t just new; they’re custom-built for lavish comfort, convenient amenities and jaw-dropping views. The spacious and modern staterooms are certainly a plus, as well.
When it comes to food and dining, the choice is yours in more ways than one. With Norwegian’s Freestyle Dining, guests have the freedom to pick when they want to eat and where without fixed dining schedules or pre-assigned seating. Whether you’re in the mood for pub fare, buffet-style or a white tablecloth atmosphere, you’ll find it on your ship.
Want to be even more free? Signing up for the Free at Sea offering lets you breeze through your vacation worry-free and wallet-free. This enhanced guest experience gets you free open bar, free specialty dining, free excursions, free Wi-Fi, free extra guests and even free airfare for a second guest joining you. What’s not to love?
When you’re not experiencing the best a location has to offer or dining on board, there is a surplus of entertainment to take part in, so boredom always has the night off. Enjoy everything from live performances to deck parties. There have even been guest-participation shows like “Deal or No Deal” and “Wheel of Fortune” featured, giving you a plethora of options for fun every night or your stay!
Find your perfect European trip with Norwegian Cruise Line and AAA Travel.
If you're in the market for a new car, you may want to consider GAP insurance. Learn more about this optional coverage and how it could save you money.
Experiencing an auto theft or total loss is hard enough, what if it also meant having to pay the outstanding balance of your car loan on your own?
Most standard auto policies will only cover the depreciated value of the car or its current market value at the time of your claim. Since cars begin to lose their value the moment you drive them off the lot, what’s covered by insurance will generally always be less than the amount you financed.
This is where GAP insurance, or guaranteed asset protection, comes in.
What Is GAP Insurance and What Does It Cover?
“This optional endorsement will provide coverage for the difference between the actual cash value of your vehicle at the time of loss and any greater amount you may be legally obligated to pay to the financial institution,” explains Jodi DeSantis, vice president of insurance sales for AAA Northeast. In other words, it covers the “gap” between the two.
Getting coverage is easy. “Your car dealer may offer to sell you GAP insurance on your new vehicle. However, most car insurers also offer it, and they typically charge less than the dealer,” according to the Insurance Information Institute. “On most auto insurance policies, including GAP insurance with collision and comprehensive coverage adds only about $20 a year to the annual premium.”
GAP protection is often required on a leased vehicle. It is also recommended if:
Your down payment was less than 20%.
You financed for 60+ months.
You purchased a car or truck that depreciates faster than average.
Negative equity from an old car is rolled into your new loan.
“Some carriers do limit or cap the coverage to a percentage of the actual cash value of the vehicle, so it is important to discuss and understand the details of this coverage as well as the cost with your insurance agent,” said DeSantis.
Other Types of Loan Debt Protection
GAP isn’t the only way for borrowers to get peace of mind when taking out a personal loan. Unexpected changes in life can become even more stressful when you’re thinking about how to settle outstanding loans. Debt protection programs can provide some financial security against unforeseen circumstances.
Loss of life coverage can protect a co-borrower if the primary borrower dies during the life of a loan. Disability coverage can help cover payments if the borrower is injured or sick and unable to work during the life of a loan. And if a borrower loses their job during the life of a loan, job loss protection can help.
Finding that your auto settlement is not going to cover the full value of what you owe on your vehicle is not a surprise you want to encounter in the middle of a claim and shopping for a new car. GAP insurance could save you both the headache and out-of-pocket expense of paying off your loan.
When it comes to Northeast sports destinations, you probably think of Fenway Park and Madison Square Garden. But did you know the region is home to at least a half-dozen sports halls of fame? And maybe you forgot there’s a local city that hosted two Olympic Games?
The Northeast is home to some of the most legendary venues in all of sports, as well as a long list of historical locations that should be on any sports fan’s bucket list.
From the Finger Lakes to downtown Boston, the Ivy League to Major Leagues, here are a few of the unbeatable sports road trips in the Northeast.
The National Baseball Hall of Fame
Upstate New York
For such a tucked-away region, the Finger Lakes has an abundance of must-visit sites for any sports fan. Those looking to catch the action live can watch world-class racing at Watkins Glen International Speedway or see future Major Leaguers take the field for the Syracuse Mets and Rochester Red Wings.
If it’s a look into the past you’re after, head to the tiny town of Canastota, where you’ll find the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Speaking of halls of fame, a short drive east will take you to Cooperstown, home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Further east is the Saratoga Race Course, one of the country’s oldest sports venues. It still holds elite horse races from July through September. Just down the street is the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.
No sports road trip through upstate New York is complete without a journey up north to Lake Placid. Home of the 1932 and 1980 Olympics, the city offers a perfect combination of past and present. The Olympic Museum takes a look back at those aforementioned Winter Games, including the legendary “Miracle on Ice” hockey game. Meanwhile, the Olympic Center offers guests the opportunity to show off their own athletic prowess in skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and even bobsled and skeleton.
The International Tennis Hall of Fame
Connecticut-Rhode Island Shoreline
For a road trip that’s as scenic as it is sports heavy, cruise alongside the Long Island Sound and Narragansett Bay in the neighboring states of Connecticut and Rhode Island. Start in New Haven, home of the Yale Bowl, one of the most historically important sports venues in the country. The National Historic Landmark is the second oldest active college stadium in the United States. From there, drive west along I-95 as it traces the Sound. About 20 minutes inland from New London is the town of Uncasville, site of the Mohegan Sun Arena. Not only is this venue the home court of the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun, it also hosts many NCAA basketball games.
For your final stop, drive over state lines and cross the bay to the coastal city of Newport. Known best for its harbors and gilded mansions, Newport is also home to the International Tennis Hall of Fame. The museum celebrates the careers of more than 260 tennis players and exhibits almost 2,000 artifacts.
Fenway Park is the most storied ballpark in the country, and an absolute must-see spot for any sports fans (yes, even you Yankees fans!). TD Garden, home of the Boston Celtics and Bruins, is well worth a visit, too, even if one of the local teams isn’t playing. The arena is home to the Sports Museum, a half-mile of exhibits celebrating all things Boston sports. The greater Boston area is also the site of several famous football venues, including Gillette Stadium, Harvard Stadium and Boston College’s Alumni Stadium.
Western Massachusetts
Not to be forgotten, Massachusetts’ Western end has some formidable sports destinations of its own. First and foremost on that list is, of course, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. This Springfield institution, located on the banks of the Connecticut River, comprises 40,000 square feet of space dedicated to basketball history, with shrines to more than 400 hall of famers.
Just up the road in Holyoke is the lesser-known International Volleyball Hall of Fame. While you may not find any household names here, you will be able to see how volleyball began as a gymnasium game at a Holyoke YMCA and turned into a global sport.
It’s not all about the past in Western Massachusetts. The area is home to a litany of current-day athletes, including those playing for the Springfield Thunderbirds hockey team, and the Valley Blue Sox and Westfield Starfires minor league baseball teams.
The Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
New York City’s Outer Boroughs
Madison Square Garden may be the world’s most famous arena – and is always well worth the price of admission – but there are plenty of other great sports sites to take in away from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan.
The outer borough of Queens, for example, comes alive as the weather warms. The New York Mets begin their season at Citi Field in March. Right next door, the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center plays host to the U.S. Open in August and September. In between, Belmont Park (technically in Nassau County, but right on the border) is the site of the final leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown.
In neighboring Brooklyn, the Barclays Center is the home of the NBA’s Nets and WNBA’s Liberty. Down by the shore, you can catch the Brooklyn Cyclones play next to the Coney Island boardwalk. You’ll find more baseball, this time of the major league variety, in New York’s most northern borough. No sports road trip to the Big Apple is complete without a visit to iconic Yankee Stadium in the Bronx.
These sports road trips will take you all over the Northeast – better make sure you have the proper set of wheels. AAA members can save on Hertz rentals.
This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.
Newport, R.I., is a city with many hues, but in April, color it yellow.
Already home to a host of attractions and palate-pleasing restaurants, the city plans to “get daffy” throughout the month for the annual Newport Daffodil Days, featuring nearly 1.5 million of the yellow flowers in bloom, merrymaking and food festivals.
The celebration kicks off at noon April 6 at Clarke Cook House on Bannister’s Wharf with a blast of musket fire from the Artillery Company of Newport and a string of daffodils cut by Ms. Daffodil and Newport’s Mayor Xaykham Rexford Khamsyvoravong. After opening ceremonies, the fun and music continue as the annual Daffy Doggy Paw-rade trots off to Queen Anne Square for the daffiest dressed dogs (and humans) competition. Don’t miss all the store windows resplendent with daffodil decorations.
The following week, hundreds of runners will be “cheered” by fields of 60,000 waving daffodils during the Newport Rhode Races April 13, which include a full marathon, half marathon and a 5K that begin at Easton’s Beach.
If you enjoy a slower pace, stroll the “yellow carpet” for photo opportunities at Miantonomi Park, home to Newport’s largest daffodil field on April 14 and get messy at the Lemon Pie Slam-down and a Daffy Dust-up Color Run. Also not to be missed are Bike Newport’s bike decorating contest, storytelling, food trucks and music.
Bicyclists can “petal-on” April 20 to view Newport’s fields of daffodils, including a private garden with more than 20,000 blooms, welcoming cyclists dressed in yellow and riding decorated bikes. Family fun awaits at Salve Regina College’s I Scream ice cream social and Daffy Puppet Show just off the Cliff Walk, next to a large field of daffodils – naturally.
On April 21, the famous Driving Miss Daffodil car rally of more than 50 decorated cars and drivers meet up at Easton’s Beach then cruise through Newport, arriving at Second Beach in Middletown for Audrain’s popular Cars & Coffee gathering.
Nearby Bristol joins in the fun as well, with Blithewold Daffodil Days between April 13 and April 21. Celebrate daffodils and enjoy other spring events, such as teas, concerts and workshops.
Besides daffodil viewing, Newport has lots of other attractions, indoors and out.
Who says you need to wait until summer to cruise? Newport has plenty of options if you want to get out on the water. Springtime is a great time for Coastal Queen Cruises, and it kicks off the season with its Daffodil Lighthouse Cruises in April. The tours include views of Lime Rock, Goat Island, Rose Island and Castle Hill lighthouses. Each tour is narrated by a local guide and every seat has a panoramic view. Beginning in May, get ready to sip and sail with Lighthouse & Mimosa Cruises. Start your day with a tropical drink as you cruise up close to the many lighthouses surrounding Newport Harbor.
For night-time entertainment, Coastal Queen offers evening cocktail and event cruises that also depart from Newport.
Ready for exercise and scenic views that include gardens, meadows, farms and the ocean? Hike along any of the seven trails in the 300-acre-plus Norman Bird Sanctuary in nearby Middletown. More than 230 species of birds have been observed at the sanctuary.
Time to Eat and Drink
When it comes to dining, there is nothing like fresh seafood and adult beverages. More than 50 breweries, featuring more than 150 selections of beers, take over Fort Adams State Park April 20 during the Newport Beer Festival.
The soon-to-open Save the Bay Aquarium allows visitors to spend time with local sea life without getting wet. Save The Bay is moving its Exploration Center and Aquarium to the first floor of the Gateway Transportation and Visitors Center, and it has undergone extensive renovations. The organization’s goals are to protect and purify Narragansett Bay so both sea life and people can enjoy it. The aquarium features many educational programs.
Love tennis? Then you will love the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Founded in 1880, the hall of fame, its museum and grounds long have been Newport highlights. Currently on display are almost 2,000 objects from the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s collection of more than 30,000 artifacts and hundreds of thousands of images, videos and publications, according to the hall of fame. Visitors can enjoy assorted interactive displays, and yes, it even has tennis courts.
No visit to Newport is complete without tours of the town’s opulent summer homes known, of course, as the mansions. Step back in time to when the nation’s wealthiest citizens spent their summers in luxury and threw lavish parties.
Where to Stay
Newport has plenty of hotel options, including newcomers Gardiner House and Pell JDV, and the newly renovated Newport Harbor Island Resort and Wayfinder Newport. Find places to stay.
Have you been dreaming of a Celtic adventure? Put your plans in good hands by tapping into a network of locals. Dublin-based Brendan Vacations specializes in fully customizable Ireland and Scotland trips. You pick your travel style – drive yourself, hire a driver or go by train. However you choose to go, you can expect a thoughtfully handcrafted and customized itinerary.
Self-Drive Road Trips Through Ireland or Scotland
A self-drive vacation might seem like the epitome of self-reliance, but it pays to tap into the local experts for advice on the best places to stay, eat and play in Ireland and Scotland.
The beauty of self-drive itineraries is that they’re so customizable. Do you dream of cycling the trails of Ireland’s Great Western Greenway? Or maybe you fancy a journey that covers Scottish icons like Edinburgh Castle and Loch Ness? You can do all that and more. Your guides will tailor your road trip to you interests, budget and timetable. There is no one-size-fits-all itinerary. These are just a few examples of popular routes you can take.
Skye Bridge connects the Isle of Skye to the Scottish mainland.
Ireland’s Hidden Gems
A road trip hugging Ireland’s rugged coast is a feast for the imagination. Kick off the journey in Dublin. Between tales from your local guide and exciting tidbits from the city’s hop-on, hop-off tour, you’ll get a solid grasp of the history and culture of Ireland’s vibrant capital. After that, it’s off to Cork, Dingle, Galway and more. Highlights of this 13-day road trip include a day spent wandering the coast of Westport with a local expert, a jaw-dropping stretch of road through The Burren National Park and a stop at Burren Perfumery.
Scotland Explorer
This nine-day self-drive tour of Scotland begins at the boundary of Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns. Spend two days and nights exploring the narrow cobblestone streets with a local guide before hopping in the car for your great adventure. Though this road trip itinerary is infinitely customizable, the standard plan includes stops in St. Andrews – the so-called home of golf, Inverness, the Highlands around Loch Ness and the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond.
The Isle Awakens
Fans of Star Wars, this Celtic road trip is for you! Did you know scenes from “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” were filmed at Malin Head, the northernmost point in Ireland? Explore that and more on this fun self-drive. The 11-day trip begins in Dublin, through Belfast, then along the winding roads of the Antrim Coast and north to Malin Head. Each stop includes opportunities to connect with local guides and rest your head in boutique hotels steeped in Irish history and culture. Toward the end of the trip, you’ll take in the atmosphere of a galaxy far, far away as you visit the fishing village of Portmagee, where Luke Skywalker and Rey collide in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”
Whether you’re relaxing in the dining car with a wee dram of whiskey or simply watching the rolling emerald hills of Ireland glide past your compartment’s window, traveling by rail means relishing the journey.
Of course, train travel is perfect for a few hours, but not everyone enjoys sleeper trains. That’s why the Celtic travel experts at Brendan Vacations dreamed up locally hosted rail trips – a balanced blend of romantic train travel and on-the-ground excursions with experienced local hosts.
Here are a few ways you can explore Ireland or Scotland by rail.
Ireland’s Sparkling Gems
On an eight-day adventure through Ireland, you might spend one day riding the rails from Dublin to Killarney, where a local host will meet you at the lively Killarney Towers Hotel. Bond over an evening of live music or a hearty supper of corned beef and cabbage before heading out the next morning toward rugged landscapes and charming villages. A few culture-rich days later, it’s “All aboard!” at Galway Train Station for your journey back to Dublin.
Scotland’s Cities & Natural Landscapes
A week-long exploration of Scotland’s cities and natural landscapes wouldn’t be complete without Edinburgh’s The Johnnie Walker Experience, followed by a scenic train ride into the Scottish Highlands. There will be a guide to greet you in Inverness, where you’ll see beloved icons like Eilean Donan Castle and the coastlines of the Isle of Skye together.
Ireland’s Local Charm & Ancient Culture
A six-night whirlwind Irish holiday wouldn’t be complete without a local guide leading you through the highlights of Dublin and a rail journey through Ireland’s Golden Vale. Enjoy the perfect combination — the freedom to enjoy the journeys with your family and friends paired with the comfort and security of knowing there’s always a local guide to meet you at your next destination.
Of all the alluring qualities of the Northeast, the historical significance of locations throughout the region may be its most impressive. Whether it’s sites where our country was founded or homes of some of America’s greatest minds, no other place in the country rivals the Northeast in quantity and quality of historical destinations. Here are a few historic road trips in the Northeast well worth the drive.
No city in the country rivals Philadelphia when it comes to national historical significance. It was the original capital of the United States and where the Constitution and Declaration of Independence were signed.
That history is on full display throughout the country’s sixth-largest city. Must-see landmarks include Independence Hall, where both of the aforementioned signings took place, and the Liberty Bell. Both sites are free to visit.
To get the most out of this historic road trip, follow the Official Trail of Philadelphia’s Historic District. Aside from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center, this tour takes you past 21 other sites including the Betsy Ross House, the Declaration House, where Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence and Elfreth’s Alley, America’s oldest continuously inhabited street.
Just 30 minutes outside the city sits Valley Forge National Historical Park. The 3,500 acres of monuments, meadows and woodlands commemorate the sacrifices of the Continental Army. Valley Forge was the site of the army’s 1777-78 winter encampment during the Revolutionary War.
Gettysburg National Military Park
About 2.5 hours west of Philadelphia is the Gettysburg National Military Park. The Battle of Gettysburg, fought in July 1863, is widely considered one of the most important events in the Civil War. The Northern victory turned the war in the Union’s favor for good. The Civil War’s bloodiest battle served as the inspiration for President Abraham Lincoln’s immortal Gettysburg Address.
The site is now a National Military Park operated by the National Park Service. Every weekend from April to October, the park puts on living history demonstrations. Visitors can explore the camps, talk with historians and watch experts demonstrate the tools, tactics and firepower of the two armies.
Enclosed within the park is also the George Rosensteel Collection, one of the largest collections of Civil War relics in the United States, and the Eisenhower National Historic Site. Consisting of a house and farm adjacent to the battlefield, this residence served as a weekend retreat for President Eisenhower and a meeting place for world leaders.
Hartford, Conn.
Destinations important to our country’s formation don’t need to be the center of a historic road trip. History encompasses all aspects of humanity – including the arts. That’s why a drive to Hartford, Conn., should be on your list.
Connecticut’s state capital has a storied history of cultivating literary talents. Maybe the two most notable examples are Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe. The pair lived right next door to each other in the late 1800s. Today, those homes serve as museums to two of the country’s greatest scribes.
Mark Twain and his family relocated to Connecticut in 1871. Three years later, they moved into their newly constructed house, where they would live until 1891. Twain wrote many of his most famous books during this time, including “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,” “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” and “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court.” The house is available to see through guided tours and also hosts a variety of programs and events.
Harriet Beecher Stowe, the author of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” lived in a Victorian Gothic cottage in Hartford for the last 23 years of her life. In 1924, Stowe’s grand-niece Katharine Seymour Day purchased the house and spent years collecting manuscripts and objects connected to her famous relative. In 1968, the Harriet Beecher Stowe House opened to the public as a museum. It includes galleries and interactive spaces, and houses thousands of books, pamphlets, manuscripts and images related to Stowe.
The Mayflower II at Plimoth Plantation.
Boston
The best way to see all of the historic sites in Boston is to follow the Freedom Trail. This 2.5-mile route winds its way past 16 nationally significant historic sites. These include museums, churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, parks, a ship and historic markers. Notable destinations on the Freedom Trail include Paul Revere’s house, the site of the Boston Massacre, and Old North Church, where, leading up to the American Revolution, two lanterns were lit as a signal from Paul Revere that the British were marching to Lexington and Concord. It’s a historic New England road trip you won’t forget!
Speaking of the 17th century, about one hour outside of Boston is the town of Plymouth. Not only can visitors see the Plymouth Rock and various other historic landmarks, they can also visit Plimoth Plantation. This living history museum tells the stories of 17th-century English settlers and members of the Wampanoag tribe.
Scranton, Pa.
Scranton may not come to mind when thinking about historic American locations. But the northeastern Pennsylvania city played a critical role in the industrial history of the country.
In the mid-1800s, brothers George and Seldon Scranton combined several smaller railroads to form the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad. This turned Scranton into an early transportation hub. This locomotive history is immortalized at the Steamtown National Historic Site, a museum dedicated to Scranton’s pioneering railroad past.
Scranton also has a storied history in other trades that helped industrialize America. The Anthracite Heritage Museum commemorates the region’s history of coal mining, its related industries and the immigrant culture of northeastern Pennsylvania. Visitors also have the opportunity to tour a coal mine that originally opened in 1860. You’ll take a mine car down 300 feet to explore the winding underground tunnels and learn all about the methods used in deep mining’s history.
What are your favorite historic road trip destinations in the Northeast and beyond? Tell us in the comments below!
Need a ride? Learn about exclusive Hertz discounts for AAA members.
Trade your winter blues for clear-blue water. The Bahamas beckons, offering an idyllic escape from the Northeast. As the closest Caribbean destination to the U.S., travelers can feel a world away without the commitment of a long-haul flight.
It’s Easier to Get to Now
Accessing this island paradise has never been easier, thanks to a surge in new airlift options, including those from major hubs like New York and Boston. JetBlue added new daily nonstop flights from New York’s LaGuardia Airport to the Bahamas capital, Nassau, in 2023.
The 16 Bahama Islands, each with its own character, truly offer something for everyone. Whether they’re couples seeking a romantic getaway on Paradise Island, parents in search of eco-adventures for the whole family on Grand Bahama Island or hobbyists exploring unique boating, diving or fishing excursions throughout the Out Islands, there are hidden gems and attractions tailored to every traveler.
Island Time Accommodations
With hotel renovations in Nassau like the historic British Colonial Hotel, reopened in December, as well as the new Goldwynn Resorts & Residences, the Bahamas is rich with improved and modern offerings.
Bahamian Cultural
From its lively music to its and bright handmade crafts and clothing, the beauty of the Bahamas transcends its natural surroundings. Sample culinary staples like fish fry and conch salad, visit the monuments and museums in downtown Nassau and connect with the friendly locals – you are invited to experience it all.
No matter which island (or islands) you visit, the Bahamas is sure to provide a culturally enriching, adventure-filled and rejuvenating vacation for all who visit.
From how long renewing your passport will take to how much one will cost, our Passport FAQ is helpful for seasoned travelers and adventure newbies alike.
Getting your passport has always been a time-consuming process, but in recent years it has taken even longer. It could now take eight to eleven weeks to get your passport or five to seven weeks for an expedited passport, according to the State Department.
“If you want to travel this year, check your passport now,” said Chuck Nardozza, managing director of travel sales at AAA Northeast. He also advises travelers to check the passport status of everyone in your travel party, share your passport status with your travel advisor and book travel that ensures your return date is at least six months before your passport is set to expire.
Even if you think you’re not going abroad anytime soon, it might be wise to renew your passport sooner rather than later.
Here are some common passport FAQs that new international travelers should be familiar with.
What is a passport for?
A passport is a document that allows the holder to travel internationally. It is also occasionally used as a means of identification, and often more trusted than other forms of ID. A passport is absolutely necessary for travel to or from the U.S.
Where do I get a passport?
You can apply for a passport by mail in some situations, and at passport acceptance facilities like designated local post offices, public libraries and other types of government offices. Find one near you.
You can mail your passport paperwork to the closest National Passport Processing Center.
If you are getting a new passport or a passport for a child, you will need the DS-11 form.
If you are renewing your passport, you will need the DS-82 form.
If you are changing your passport info, such as spelling or name change, you will need the DS-5504 form.
A passport is required for any air travel outside the U.S. (Photo: Montri Thipsorn / Shutterstock)
How much does it cost?
For a child’s passport book (DS-11), the application fee is $100 and the processing fee is $35. For an adult’s first passport (DS-11), the application fee is $130 and the processing fee is $35. For an adult passport renewal (DS-82), the application fee is $130 and there is no processing fee.
What do I need to bring with me to get a passport?
An important inclusion on any passport FAQ list is a completed DS- form, which you can download from travel.state.gov. There are form-fillable PDF versions as well as printable versions you can fill out by hand.
You will also need evidence of U.S. citizenship such as a valid or expired U.S. passport, a U.S. birth certificate, a consular report of Birth Abroad, a Certificate of Naturalization or a Certificate of Citizenship. Any one of these official documents will do.
The passport office will also require a photocopy of the front and back of your chosen document to keep for their files.
At the passport office, you will need to present ID, such as an undamaged U.S. passport, a driver’s license, a certificate of naturalization or citizenship, a government employee ID, a U.S. military or military-dependent ID, a valid foreign passport or Mexican Consular Identification. Naturally, they will require a photocopy of the front and back of your ID as well.
You need to provide a passport photo that meets U.S. passport photo requirements, such as sizing, background and facial expression.
If you have a special circumstance, you might also need accompanying paperwork. Take a look at the comprehensive list of special circumstance documents at travel.state.gov.
How do passport photographs work?
It is not really recommended to take a passport photo yourself, as the rules and regulations are so strict. Some post offices and pharmacies offer passport photo services. Fortunately, in addition to this passport FAQ, AAA also offers passport photo services at many branch locations, making the process much easier for AAA members.
In a passport photo, your head must be facing the camera with a neutral facial expression. You cannot be taking up too much or too little of the frame, and you must be wearing “neutral clothing.” You have to be standing in front of a plain white background, with no glasses and no non-religious hat or head coverings. The shadows can’t even be too extreme. The photo must have been taken within the past six months, and it must be printed in color. The dimensions are 2 x 2 inches.
Can I retake my picture?
The only way to change the photo on your passport is to renew your entire passport with a DS-82 form and a new picture. Usually, you don’t have to change your picture unless your appearance has drastically changed since the time of the last photo. Most physical changes over the course of 10 years are considered very minor by Border Patrol agents.
What passport services does AAA offer?
As noted above, AAA branch offices have passport and immigration photo services, with special pricing for AAA members. Though AAA does not issue passports or process passport applications, DS- forms are available at all branch offices. AAA branch offices can also help you with many passport FAQs in person.
How long does it take to get a passport?
It usually takes approximately 8 to 11 weeks for routine service. It might take longer, so give yourself some wiggle room by applying as early as you can.
Can I rush my passport to get it faster?
You can usually get an expedited passport within five to seven weeks by mail or by visiting an acceptance facility.
Travelers with a life-or-death emergency can make an appointment at a passport agency or center to receive a passport within within 72 hours. You still have to do all of the paperwork, and you have to present proof of the emergency.
Looking for more ways to speed up the process? You can also use RushMyPassport, an expedited passport courier service. You simply fill out the appropriate paperwork, mail it to RushMyPassport via FedEx, and your documents are hand-carried to the U.S. Department of State. There is an extra fee for this service, but AAA members receive an exclusive discount.
How long does my passport last?
If you were 15 or younger when you received it, it will last five years. If you were 16 or older when you received it, it will last 10 years.
How do I correct or change information on my passport?
If you require a correction for the gender listed on your passport, you must re-apply using form DS-11. You will need to present photo ID, a new passport photo, proof of your legal name change and a medical certificate that states you are either in the process of transitioning or have already transitioned.
If you are changing your name, you must re-apply using form DS-5504. You will need to present your old passport, an original or certified document of your name change and a new passport photo.
To correct a data or printing error, you must use form DS-5504. You will need your incorrect passport, a passport photo and evidence of error. There are usually no fees to correct such errors.
Does my child need a passport for international travel?
Yes. It does not matter how old they are. They need one.
Both parents must be present to sign the passport application, or the absent parent or guardian can sign a statement of consent. The child also needs to appear with the parents in person for the application.
Do I need a passport to go to Mexico or Canada?
Yes. You need a passport for international travel even within North America. You can also use a passport card if you are traveling by land or sea. New York residents can use a DMV-issued Enhanced Driver License to return to the U.S. by land or sea from Canada, Mexico and some countries in the Caribbean.
A passport card is a smaller and less expensive version of a passport. It is about the same size as a driver’s license. It is meant for people who live near borders and regularly have to cross them. Passport cards are only applicable for travel to and from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. They cannot be used on any international flights – only by land or sea.
What happens if my passport gets stolen or lost while abroad?
Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and tell the consular officer about your lost or stolen passport. Provide staff with your travel details so that they can help you get a new passport.
You will need a new passport photo, ID, evidence of U.S. citizenship, a travel itinerary, a DS-11 passport application, a DS-64 statement regarding a lost or stolen passport, a police report if available or applicable and the normal passport fees.
