Summer may be over, but there’s still plenty to do on Cape Cod in the fall. Being born and raised here, I know this for a fact. The summer crowds are gone, and with them the humidity. During these cool fall days, there’s an abundance of things to do, from art shows and exploring outdoors to fall festivals. Let me share some of my personal favorites.

• Tour a cranberry bog. With tours running until December, you’ll gain insight into the history and cultivation of one of the Cape’s most important industries while enjoying the crisp fall air and wildlife.

• Visit Heritage Museum and Gardens in Sandwich, with over 100 acres of grounds, trails and meticulous gardens. The Cape’s oldest town, Sandwich has a rich arts history and is home to the Sandwich Glass Museum and the Dan’l Webster Inn and Spa, where you can dine in its renowned restaurant or have a spa day.

• If your itinerary takes you to Falmouth, you won’t want to miss Highfield Hall and Gardens. This historic museum hosts art exhibits, culinary demonstrations, live music and more. And while we’re on the topic of art, attend a fall event or exhibit at Cape Cod Museum of Art in Dennis, or take a class at Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill. This fall’s lineup includes pottery and painting workshops.

• If it’s vino you crave, have a tour and wine tasting at the historic 1813 estate of Truro Vineyards. Their Lighthouse Wine Series features wines in lighthouse-shaped bottles, celebrating these Cape icons.

• Speaking of lighthouses, you’ve had the chips in the iconic bag with the red lighthouse, why not tour the Cape Cod Potato Chip Factory? Special bonus fact: that lighthouse is real – it’s Nauset Light, situated in Eastham on the beach named after it. It’s part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, a federally protected stretch of some 43,000 acres of beach, woods and wetlands establish by President John F. Kennedy in 1961.

• Why not hit the beach? Fall is a perfect time to lose yourself in the solitude of a beach walk, and if you’re traveling with Fido, most beaches allow dogs in the fall. “Woof!” Be sure to check first.

• There’s still time for a whale watch – most whale watching boats run through October, so book a trip from Provincetown or Barnstable Harbor. Make sure to bundle up. It might be a little chilly out there.

• With the summer heat behind you, it’s a perfect time to tour Provincetown’s legendary dunes and dune shacks. Book a tour with Art’s Dune Tours. Traversing via SUV, you’ll not only experience the breathtaking beauty of the dunes, but also see the famed dune shacks, a couple of which were previously occupied by Jack Kerouac and Tennessee Williams.

• Did you know that Nickerson State Park has more than 1,900 acres of woods and ponds? There are 400 campsites, miles of trails through the woods and around picturesque ponds (8 to be exact, with fishing allowed), and an 8-mile bike path that connects to the 22-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail.

• There’s lots going on this fall at Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, from guided walks and birdwatching, to discussions about archaeology.

• If you’re not easily scared, take a Haunted History Tour of Barnstable village. Choose from three different tours that’ll take you to places such as a haunted cemetery, historic homes and even the old Barnstable village jail (creepy). And while you’re in the spirit of the season, why not go pumpkin picking? Explore local farms and pick the perfect pumpkin!

• Did someone say golf? Many Cape golf courses offer reduced rates in the fall.

Find and book a hotel in Cape Cod.

Now that you know what to do in Cape Cod in the fall, tell us if you plan on visiting soon!

Journey through the wonders of Australia, New Zealand and Fiji on a South Pacific tour. Beyond the breathtaking vistas, adventures and iconic attractions,  deeper, cultural experiences will connect you to the heart of these nations.

Now is the time to finally start planning the South Pacific trip you’ve always dreamed of. Avanti Destinations makes it possible.

Explore Australia, Fiji and New Zealand

Discover the South Pacific's wonders, where paradise meets adventure and relaxation.

Let's Go!

Unparalleled Natural Allure

In Australia, spot koalas and kangaroos as you explore the bush, outback, beaches and reefs. In New Zealand’s Southern Alps, see stunning fjords and glaciers. Prefer an island getaway in Fiji? Don’t miss the tropical fish darting in deep, crystal-clear waters.

Beyond the Mainstream

While renowned attractions often steal the limelight, Avanti Destinations encourages you to look further into the rich cultures and complexities of the South Pacific.

Here’s a taste of three new South Pacific tours:

• Take a 16-day journey through the Land Down Under. Tour the Sydney Opera House, prepare indigenous “bush tucker” meals, explore the Great Barrier Reef and more.

• A perfectly paced 14-day self-drive tour of New Zealand is perfect for off the beaten path adventurers. Explore the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. See Maori treasures at Te Papa National Museum. Finally, relax and enjoy the views as you cruise in Milford Sound.

• Fancy an eight-day adventure in Fiji? Feel the sand between your toes, indulge in island spa treatments, and taste Melanesian cuisine and fresh seafood.

Learn more.

Deep Dive Into Indigenous Cultures

On your next vacation, learn more about the Aboriginal Australians, Maoris of New Zealand or Fijian natives.

In Australia’s Uluru, see the color-shifting sandstone monolith sacred to the indigenous people.

Rotorua is New Zealand’s center of Maori culture and geothermal activity (bubbling mud pools in age-old forests, anyone?) And Savusavu, Fiji’s premier scuba diving site, is home to coconut and sugarcane plantations, pearl farms and local chocolate makers.

Start planning your South Pacific trip with Avanti Destinations today.

Most people know about Disneyland and Walt Disney World, but do you know about Disney’s international parks? If you’re looking to broaden your Disney vacation horizons, you might want to check out the Disney resorts around the world.

In addition to locations in Anaheim and Orlando, there are four Disney international resorts: Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disney, Hong Kong Disneyland and Shanghai Disney. Some resorts include multiple parks (i.e. Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, etc. in Walt Disney World) – making a grand total of 12 parks – and seeing them all is a travel wish list for some Disney fans.

You may be thinking “Seen one, seen ‘em all,” but the Disney resorts outside of America are full of surprises and unique experiences.

Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland is built entirely on reclaimed land. Their little centerpiece castle was recently renovated into the grand Castle of Magical Dreams, which pays homage to all the Disney princesses. Hong Kong Disneyland is currently undergoing a huge overhaul of the entire park, including the addition of new lands. Be on the lookout for the new “Frozen” inspired land debuting soon.

The best unique attractions at Hong Kong Disneyland include Mystic Manor (a distant relative of the Haunted Mansion), Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars and the Iron Man Experience. There’s also a trilingual version of the Jungle Cruise, with lines in Mandarin, Cantonese and English.

Tokyo Disney

Tokyo Disney was the first Disney park to be built outside of the USA. It’s also the only Disney resort that isn’t partly owned by the Walt Disney Company itself, though they do have creative control. Tokyo Disney is comprised of two parks: Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. Tokyo Disneyland is a riff on the “castle park” Disney-resort style, with a Cinderella Castle, Main Street USA and a series of themed lands. Tokyo DisneySea is a nautical-inspired park, with themed “ports of call.” It’s not a water park, just a park with a water theme.

“If I could visit any Disney international park, it would be Tokyo Disneyland,” said Cady DeBlois, a AAA travel advisor who specializes in Disney vacations. “Their DisneySea park is the only one of its kind out of all of the Disney parks. One of Toyko Disneyland’s most unique features is that Main Street is covered by beautiful Victorian-style glass, so no need to worry about the hot sun or rain! These parks seem the most unique, while still keeping that Disney charm present.”

The best attractions unique to Tokyo Disney are Pooh’s Hunny Hunt, Monster’s Inc. Ride & Go Seek, Journey to the Center of the Earth and the Venetian Gondolas. A lot of diehard Disney fans love Tokyo Disney, and some even go so far as to say Tokyo DisneySea is the best Disney park in the world.

Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris consists of a castle park, called Disneyland Park, and a park based on Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando, called Walt Disney Studios Park. Originally known as Euro Disney, Disneyland Paris is a charming resort with a little bit of European flair.

The best attractions unique to Disneyland Paris are Phantom Manor (their version of the Haunted Mansion), Crush’s Coaster and Alice’s Curious Labyrinth. Disneyland Paris is home to one of Disney’s most beautiful castles. Their centerpiece Sleeping Beauty Castle is playful, colorful and inspired by nearby historic architecture. There’s also a dragon underneath, which is less historic and more awesome.

Shanghai Disney

Shanghai is the newest of all the Disney resorts, and it shows. This glossy, beautiful park is jam-packed with thrill rides and amazing attractions that reimagine stateside Disney classics. Shanghai Disney is crowned with the largest castle out of all the Disney parks. The Enchanted Storybook Castle is tall and sprawling and very pink, with several attractions housed inside.

Shanghai Disney is perhaps the most unique castle park, offering a variety of new attractions and lands, with a layout inspired by the rules of feng shui. Hong Kong Disneyland attempted to solve the Main Street USA feng shui problem (a straight road leading to the castle that caused chi to flow out of the park) by bending the walkway from the train station to the gate. Shanghai Disney solves the problem by replacing Main Street USA with the (much shorter) Mickey Avenue, followed by a large Chinese garden filled with Disney versions of the Chinese zodiac animals. The winding pathways of the garden protect Enchanted Storybook Castle’s chi.

The most exciting and unique attractions at Shanghai Disney are Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure (which deviates wildly from other Pirates of the Caribbean rides), Voyage to the Crystal Grotto and the Roaring Rapids.

Disney Parks Around the World: A Private Jet Adventure

If you have disposable income in the six-figure range and about a month of free time, you can travel to every single Disney park around the world in a private jet. This is, in fact, a real vacation package offered by Adventures by Disney, and it takes 24 days to complete the entire trip. It also includes visits to the Lucasfilm campus, Disney’s studios, the Taj Mahal, the pyramids of Giza and Versailles, naturally.

Book Disney Parks Around the World: A Private Jet Adventure with AAA Travel.

“You stay in the best resorts at each theme park, have some VIP tours and basically get treated like royalty at each park,” said DeBlois. “I would love if Disney offered a scaled-down version of this for Walt Disney World and Disneyland that may be a little more affordable and cater to those without passports.”

What’s next on your list of Disney vacations around the world? Would you go on a private jet adventure to Disney international parks if you could? Let us know in the comments below.

Find great deals on your next Disney vacation with AAA. 

Featured image: Hong Kong Disneyland’s new World of Frozen is set to debut on Nov. 20, 2023. ©Disney

With their abundance of iconic sights, it’s no wonder that national parks such as the Grand Canyon and Yosemite are on just about everyone’s must-see list. And though the public may assign east coast state parks second-tier status, some, such as Franconia Notch in New Hampshire and New York’s Niagara Falls, are thronged with tourists. Yet, others remain underrated, despite their beauty. In these parks, you’ll have opportunities to peacefully commune with nature without being surrounded by influencers hoping to snap the next Instagram-worthy shot.

Here are six lesser-known Northeast state parks, all worth a visit.

Fillmore Glen State Park, N.Y.

Just a half-hour from Ithaca, this more than 900-acre park is noted for stunning waterfalls and a stream-fed swimming hole, the park’s most popular feature, where you’ll also notice picnic tables on a spacious lawn and a bathhouse. After climbing a set of steep stone stairs on the 1.3-mile Gorge Trail, you’ll follow a creek in the narrow gorge with impressive rock formations dating back to between 10,000 and 21,000 years ago. Crossing a series of footbridges, you’ll view a quintet of waterfalls. But, if you want to see cascades without a workout, take a short walk from the parking lot to 50-foot-high Cowshed Falls. It got its name because it’s said cows would shelter under the adjacent rock overhang during stormy weather.

Machimoodus State Park, Conn.

Located on the banks of the Salmon River, this Northeast state park features a 300-acre expanse of hemlock and oak woodlands, plus a swatch with wildflower-bedecked meadows and a trio of ponds where you can fish for bass. Native Americans who traveled through these lands gave it the name Machimoodus meaning “place of noises.” (In the early 1980s, scientists determined the “unnatural” rumbles were a result of deep micro quakes, the sounds echoing in a cave.) Bird watchers will be thrilled with the variety of species, including belted kingfishers and Carolina wrens. Combining the Upper and Lower Vista trails (a 2.5-mile loop) gives you a challenging hike with lovely views of the Salmon and Connecticut rivers, and at observation points, you may spot hawks and eagles.

Parvin State Park, N.J.

In this 2,180-acre park located on the outskirts of the Pine Barrens, every season is glorious, including the fall when many of the trees (including black, chestnut and scarlet oaks) display vibrant hues. Birders also flock here at this time of year to view red-eyed vireos, scarlet tanagers and other species. Though swimming in Parvin Lake is a popular summer activity, the rest of the year (in good weather) you can picnic on the beach; fish for bass, catfish and pickerel; and canoe, kayak or paddleboard. Among the 15 miles of (mostly multi-use) trails is the flat, 3-mile Parvin Lake Trail circles that lake is woodsy in parts and goes along boardwalks to cross wet areas and streams. Along the way, gaze at the placid lake where you’ll probably see turtles and maybe even whitetail deer or red foxes.

Pillsbury State Park, N.H.

Straddling the towns of Goshen and Washington, this 5,500-acre state park is peppered with plenty of wetlands and almost a dozen ponds, where you may spy loons. A chain of four ponds allows you to paddle from one to the next: Butterfield, May, Mill and North ponds, in that order. North Pond has lovely mountain views, including Mount Sunapee, while wee islands dot May Pond (the biggest). There are myriad coves around Mill Pond where you might see wildlife, including herons, beavers and even moose. And, when you paddle from Butterfield to May Pond, you’ll navigate an especially serene section through a channel (the Narrows) lined with pine trees.

Snake Den State Park, R.I.

Once owned by a series of farm families, including the Dame Family, this land, now a 1,000-acre park, is across the street from the remaining portion of their farm with pick-your-own offerings. The park’s name comes from a deep fissure that resembles a canyon of sorts. And, sure, there are snakes (such as the Eastern garter and Northern black racer), but they’re not poisonous. A maze of not-well-marked, undulating trails weave through the wetlands and forests dense with trees, including red maple and white oak. Hiking many of them provides reminders (such as low stone walls) of past cattle grazing.

Mega rock outcroppings (glacial erratics) dot the landscape at Snake Den, where you’ll cross numerous creeks on footbridges. Don’t be surprised by an array of sometimes colorful mushroom species, including purple violet cort and the red-capped Russula that slugs love. (Look, but don’t touch or eat.) In the fall, you’ll also notice the twittering of goldfinches, black-capped chickadees and other birds, as well as the dramatically crimson meadowhawks and other delicate dragonflies flitting about.

Wompatuck State Park, Mass.

This 3,500-acre Northeast state park – taking its name from Josiah Wompatuck, the Native American chief who had long claimed this land – is blessed with ponds, streams and extensive forests of mountain laurel, white Atlantic cedar and other types of trees. With the park’s network of paved and unpaved trails, road cyclists and mountain bikers alike find plenty to relish. For a short, easy bike ride, the 1.5-mile Whitney Spur Rail Trail is mostly level, coursing through woodlands and wetlands, passing boulders that are remnants of the last glaciation. Mountain bikers can tackle some adventurous, fast, single-track that requires riding over rocks and hopping over logs. Cycling down Prospect Hill, for example, you’ll be negotiating a series of switchbacks from the park’s highest point.

What are your favorite state parks in the Northeast? Tell us in the comments.

Featured image: Pillsbury State Park. (Courtesy of New Hampshire State Parks)

Staying fit is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but it’s also something that’s easier said than done. Between busy schedules, work, kids and expensive gym memberships, working out can sometimes fall to the bottom of your to-do list – or fall to the wayside entirely.

When you want to get in a quick sweat sesh with limited time and resources, one of the best things to do is get outside and walk. Not only is it an effective way to stretch your legs and burn calories, it’s also a fun way to explore the world around you. By using an interactive walking app, you can take your walks up a notch by gaining important insights on your activity, set goals for yourself and even track your journey through a fantasy landscape.

Here are a few fun walking apps to fuel your fitness fire.

Fantasy Hike

Have you ever wanted to go on a quest like your favorite fantasy characters? Well, now you can! Fantasy Hike is an interactive and fun walking app that tracks your steps by narrating your journey to the fictional Mount Fire. See how many miles you’ve traversed each day, collect achievements and even compete with other fantasy characters. Every step you take is one step closer to triumph. Available on the App Store.

Listen to Our Podcast

Interested in becoming a runner? Lace up those sneakers and let's get started. Listen to Episode 14 of our podcast, Merging Into Life: Running 101.

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GPS My City

If you’re heading abroad and still want to get your steps in, consider downloading GPS My City to your device. As a collection of thousands of self-guided walking tours from around the world, this app allows you to explore on your own without losing your way, with voice-guided, turn-by-turn directions and a step tracker to see where you’ve been. Available on the App Store and Google Play.

iNaturalist

Although it doesn’t count your steps, iNaturalist is a definite motivator for any plant lover to get outside and move. Essentially a social network for nature enthusiasts, iNaturalist lets folks learn about plants together. Log your unique findings by taking a photo, record your observations, connect with the community of over a million users and even help others identify plants they’ve logged. Available on the App Store and Google Play.

Merlin ID

Less into flora and more about fauna? Try Merlin ID, an app that can identify hundreds of birds from just their song. When out and about on your walk, simply let Merlin ID listen to the birdsong and watch as it names all the birds it hears in your proximity. You’ll be a distinguished birder in no time! Available on the App Store and Google Play.

Peloton

You don’t have to have a Peloton to move with Peloton! Known for their mega-popular stationary bikes, Peloton has shifted their premium fitness content onto an app that includes not just spin classes, but also yoga, strength training, rowing and, yes, even walking. All digital classes are guided by a professional and can be taken on a treadmill or outside – there’s even a hiking class. Available on the App Store, Google Play, Amazon Appstore and Roku.

Zombies, Run!

Sometimes pretending you’re being chased by zombies is the only way to stay motivated, and that’s just fine. Co-created with novelist Naomi Alderman, Zombies, Run! is a fun walking app that puts you at the center of a zombie apocalypse where if you hear them, it’s time to move! Listen to your own music as the app runs, track your mileage and collect supplies with every walk or run to use against your next undead encounter. Available on the App Store and Google Play.

Stride

Your steps = your territory. That’s the premise behind Stride, a walking app that allows you to essentially claim your walks as your own kingdom. The further you walk, the more territory you can claim. Compete with people in your neighborhood, city or state to see who can cover the most ground, or team up with others to climb the ranks together. Available on the App Store and Google Play.

Ready to start walking? Start with one of these highly-rated fitness trackers.

Save on an Active & Fit Direct program with your AAA membership.

Do you have a favorite walking app? Let us know in the comments!

If you dream of saying “I do” on a Caribbean beach beside crashing waves and swaying palm trees, consider starting with the hotel.

For such a momentous occasion, it’s not just about where you are celebrating, but who is there with you and the little details that make the day completely yours. Hotels and resorts that specialize in weddings know this and prioritize every couple’s vision, while also making the logistics of getting married away from home as seamless as possible.

Follow Your Heart to the Sea

The perfect setting awaits your perfect day. 

Plan Today

When you have the help of an experienced travel advisor (we like to call them “agents of honor” at AAA) and choose a resort that prides itself in nuptial planning, coordinating a destination beachfront wedding may actually be easier than doing it yourself stateside.

• Every detail is covered, all in one place. Flowers, music, officiant, photos, linens, sparkling wine to toast with – the resort takes care of it all.

• Destination weddings are often smaller, which could mean extra savings. Resort wedding packages also include a robust list of inclusions and perks that can be customized to your budget.

• There is no wedding “season.” Plan for the time of year that works best for you. Especially in the Caribbean, the weather is almost always good (just be mindful of hurricane season).

• No need to plan a honeymoon. You’re already there!

Destination Wedding Resorts in the Caribbean

Iberostar Grand Rose Hall, Jamaica

A AAA Four Diamond hotel for you and your guests to luxuriate in. Get ready before the “I dos” at the spa, play a round at the on-site golf course with the wedding party and check out local nearby attractions like Green Grotto Caves. A great place to eat, drink and be married!

Riu Palace Antilles, Aruba

Enjoy an intimate beach ceremony with one of several celebration packages offered by this all-inclusive resort on the happy island of Aruba.

Majestic Colonial Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

A spectacular all-inclusive resort, set on a beautiful beach. Complimentary wedding and honeymoon packages are available.For those seeking an adults-only experience, the Colonial Club brings upgraded amenities, butler service, 24-hour room service and exclusive areas.

Plan your destination wedding and honeymoon with AAA and Travel Impressions. Get started.  

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your puzzle playing experience. Good luck!

June 6, 2024, will mark 80 years since the D-Day landings in Normandy. Before dawn that day, Operation Overlord began. It brought the united land, air and sea forces of the Allied forces together in what remains the largest amphibious invasion in military history.

Near 160,000 Allied troops landed that day and led the way for over 850,000 service members reaching Normandy’s shores by the end of June. This invasion and victory truly marked the beginning of Western Europe’s liberation.

You can set foot where history took place on tour, learning from a unique perspective about what happened the day that the tides turned against the Axis powers in WWII. Embarking on this special journey, prepare yourself for moving encounters with history as you visit the memorials and significant sites of France’s shores, forever linked to memories of World War II.

Omaha Beach, Utah Beach and the Normandy American Cemetery

Immerse yourself in D-Day history with a visit to the two U.S. landing zones of the invasion of Normandy: Omaha Beach and Utah Beach. On Omaha Beach, you’ll be able see the 6-mile stretch that has become synonymous with the invasion at Normandy, where some of the toughest fighting took place.

At the Normandy American Cemetery, pay respects and take in the stars and stripes raised over the graves of the 9,386 military who gave their lives in the Battle of Normandy. This cemetery is located on the site of the former temporary St. Laurent Cemetery, established on June 8, 1944, as the first American cemetery on European soil in WWII.

Explore London, Normandy and Paris

An unforgettable journey of discovery and remembrance awaits. 

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Pointe du Hoc Ranger Monument

Jutting into the English Channel, Pointe du Hoc provided an elevated vantage point for German forces, overlooking both Omaha and Utah beaches. Ultimately, members of the 2nd Ranger Battalion scaled 100-foot cliffs on D-Day to seize the fortified enemy position and protect Allied brothers-in-arms. Visiting this location is a key to understanding the heroic feats accomplished that day.

Juno Beach

While many Americans lost their lives on Omaha Beach, Canadian soldiers suffered heavy casualties at Juno Beach. Ultimately, the Canadian forces at Juno captured more territory from Nazi occupation than any other battalion during this operation.

Arromanche-les-Bains

What is now a seaside resort town will forever be tied to the events of D-Day. See the remains of the artificial Mulberry port built by the Allies to resupply their lines during the liberation of France.

Caen Memorial Peace Museum

The Caen Memorial Peace Museum was built to commemorate those who died in the Battle of Normandy in 1944, with an additional focus on how fragile peace time was in the 20th century. It first opened on June 6th, 1988, the 44th anniversary of D-Day, and shares what led to WWII. On the grounds of the museum, you’ll find three memorial gardens, one each for American, Canadian and British forces that were all instrumental in liberating France from Axis occupancy.

This is a journey not taken lightly. We honor the past and the heroes before us by revisiting history here. Step back into 1944 and experience the gravity of visiting these historic battlegrounds of WWII.

We have faith that future generations will know that here, in the middle of the twentieth century, there came a time when men of good will found a way to unite, and produce, and fight to destroy the forces of ignorance, and intolerance, and slavery and war.”

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Experience all this and more on a AAA Member Choice Vacations® Tour.

Federal student loan repayment resumes soon – so what should you be doing? After over three years of forbearance, student loans are set to begin accruing interest on September 1, and payments will resume in October. We reached out to Donald Kerr, director of student lending and college services at AAA Northeast, to find out what you need to do to prepare for the return of student loan payments.

Check out Donald’s tips for tackling student loans on New York’s PIX11 News. For help planning and paying for college finances, book an appointment with a AAA lending specialist today.

Student Loan Repayment Date

Wait, what day is this actually starting? Before payments start again, the company that manages your student loan will contact you to let you know the exact date your next payment is due. They’ll also tell you the amount that’s due at that time.

Make Sure Your Information Is Correct

A lot can change in three years, including your address, email and phone number. Make sure the company holding your student loan has your correct contact information, or you could miss important communications.

If you don’t already have one, make an online account with your student loan servicer. This will allow you to view your repayment information as soon as it’s available.

Know Your Stuff

Don’t know the company that’s currently holding your student loan? Has it been transferred to a different student loan servicer? Some companies stopped working with the Department of Education during the pandemic, or were acquired by other student loan servicers. You can look up who’s managing your federal student loan by going to studentaid.gov.

Keep a Budget

Keeping a budget is one of the most important ways you can stay on top of your student loans. Once you know the amount you need to pay every month, you can set it aside in your budget. An even better way to ensure that your student loans get paid like clockwork is to set up an auto payment option. The money will be automatically deducted from your account every month, so you won’t have to worry about forgetting a payment. It’s a good way to stay on track and build a positive credit history.

What if You Can’t Pay?

But what if, no matter what you do, you can’t afford the monthly payment? No matter what, don’t ignore the loan. If you reach out to your student loan servicing company, you can explore the options available for reducing your monthly payment.

One such option is an income-based repayment plan. This will ensure your monthly payment is affordable to you based on your income level.

You could also utilize a graduated repayment plan that starts low and gradually scales up your monthly payment over the lifetime of the loan.

Another option is an extended repayment plan. This will increase the number of years you have to repay your loan, resulting in a lower monthly payment.

“Only use these repayment plans if absolutely necessary,” said Kerr. “When you extend the term of the loan, you add additional cost from more daily interest adding up over a longer period of time.”

Still Have Questions?

If you follow these tips, you should be ready to start repaying your student loans when the time comes. But if you still have questions, you can visit the repayment section at studentaid.gov or call your student loan servicer directly.

You can also reach out to AAA for help. “We offer a counseling service on different repayment strategies and options available to members,” Kerr said. “We also have a student loan refinancing product that can help, but this is mostly for private student loans.”

Are you prepared for the return of student loan payments? Will you be using any of these tips? Let us know in the comments below.

AAA is here for your student lending needs. Learn more or schedule an advising appointment at AAA.com/FinancialAid.

AI-powered tools are now available to help homeowners visualize different design options, find the perfect furniture and even coordinate a complete renovation.

Here are some of the ways AI can help you redesign your home.

Virtual Visualization

AI room designers can help you visualize different design options in your home before you make any changes. This can be done by uploading photos of your current space to an online platform, or by using a smartphone app to scan the room. Tools, like AI Room Planner, will then generate a 3D rendering of the space, which you can use to experiment with different furniture layouts, paint colors and other design elements.

Product Recommendations

AI can also be used to recommend products that are compatible with your design style and budget. For example, if you’re looking for a new sofa, Decorilla and similar AI-powered tools, can scan your home’s dimensions and design style to recommend sofas that will fit perfectly.

Renovation Planning

AI can also be used to help plan a complete home renovation. This can include things like creating a budget, scheduling contractors and managing the project. AI tools, such as this one from REimagine Home, can help you stay on track and avoid costly mistakes.

“See In Your Room” Technology

Some online retailers like Wayfair and Amazon and home improvement stores like Home Deport and Lowe’s are now using AI-powered “see in your room” technology to let you visualize furniture in your own home before you buy it. This technology uses a smartphone app to scan your room and then superimposes 3D renderings of furniture into the image. This can be a helpful way to see how different pieces of furniture will look in your space.

There are many benefits to using AI for home design.

• Save time and money: AI-powered tools eliminate the need (or added cost) to hire a professional interior designer. You can also use AI to find the best deals on furniture and other home improvement products.
• Get the perfect look: Stop the scroll for good. AI can help you get the perfect look for your home by providing you with personalized recommendations based on your style and budget.
• Make informed decisions: Get data and insights that would not be possible to obtain without AI’s help.
• Get creative: AI can give you access to a wider range of options than you would have otherwise.

Get Started With AI for Home Design

If you’re interested in using AI for home design, there are a few things you need to do. First, do your research. As there are many different AI-powered home design tools available, it’s important to explore all the options and choose the one that’s right for you.

Next, gather your information. Before you start using an AI-powered tool, you’ll need to have accurate dimensions of the room(s) in your home that you’re looking to renovate in order to get the best results. Lastly, be patient. AI tools are still pretty new and under development, so don’t expect them to be perfect. Experiment with different options until you find the ideal look for your home.

Whether you choose to use AI room designers or other tools to plan your renovations or not, AAA can help you get your ideas from screen to reality with a home equity loan. Find out more.

Would you use AI technology to redesign or renovate your home? Let us know in the comments!

Back to school means lots of things – new classes, new outfits and maybe even a new school. But what it shouldn’t mean is new stress about what to pack for your kid’s lunch.

Between their ever-changing food aversions and trying to incorporate foods that are healthy, it can feel like a game of Minesweeper trying to come up with school lunch ideas that keep your kid(s) full and happy, but we may have found a cheat code: bento box lunch.

Meaning convenient or convenience, “bento” is a style of Japanese meal categorized by multiple food items in neat, single portions. Although anyone can pack a bento box lunch, they’ve become particularly popular among children for their fun styles and cute accessories that make eating lunch a customizable experience.

You can have a lot of fun coming up with bento box lunch ideas for kids – and they will likely have a lot of fun with what you make, too!

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For our bento box, we incorporated both breakfast and lunch foods with a turkey wrap, quinoa salad, banana and hazelnut spread sandwich, mixed fruit and cucumber bites.

For the turkey wrap, we used hummus as the base layer and piled on sliced turkey, red peppers and butterhead lettuce. The breakfast sandwich consisted of bananas, hazelnut spread and chia seeds for some extra nutrition. Our quinoa salad was admittedly store bought (hello, convenience), but making your own is also super easy like in this recipe from Cookie and Kate.

Assemble

Coming up with bento box lunch ideas for kids and putting one together may seem a little intimidating at first (there are so many compartments!) but it’s your time to get creative and try all different ways of “plating” the food.

For example, instead of cutting our wrap in half, we sliced it into many pieces and assembled it on the bottom of the bento box insides-up like sushi. We then added the quinoa salad into a smaller, movable compartment next to the wrap and placed a kitty cat spoon into it for ease, and a touch of cuteness.

For the top compartment, we made our breakfast sandwich by layering the hazelnut spread, bananas and chia seeds then used a star-shaped cookie cutter to create two sandwiches. So as not to waste, we created mini sandwiches out of the crusts with a small star cutter.

Making fruit and vegetables interesting can be a challenge but we found such delight in using cutters to create all different shapes, like a flower, bear and heart. To top everything off, we incorporated butterfly forks that were as functional as they were fun.

Have you ever tried making a bento box lunch? Share your bento box lunch ideas for kids in the comments below.

Due to its location on the Atlantic coast, the Northeast has its fair share of natural disasters, namely hurricanes, tropical storms and winter storms. As is the nature of nature, flooding, tornadoes, wildfires, hailstorms and even earthquakes can also occur with little to no warning, leaving devastation in their wake.

Natural disaster prep requires practical planning and a few smart investments, but the most important step is ensuring the safety and security of your family.

How to Prepare for a Natural Disaster

Take Precautions

Look into the threats most likely to occur in your area and devise a strategy, such as the three-step plan recommended by the American Red Cross.

Some natural disasters call for evacuation, while others require hunkering down. Account for those in your household – considering young children, the elderly, people with disabilities and pets – and be sure you have supplies to meet their needs. Then, assign tasks and practice your plan.

Keep a survival kit on hand with items such as water, non-perishable foods, medicines and extra clothes. Also consider making a home inventory list. Taking photos and/or making a video of your property can help prove what you have for insurance purposes.

In most instances, homeowners insurance offers some coverage for property damage resulting from natural disasters, but it’s important to review the details with your agent.

“Some perils like earthquakes are usually excluded from a base homeowner policy but can be added as an endorsement,” says Raymond Eng, AAA Vice President of Insurance Sales. “It’s not uncommon for some of these coverages to have separate deductibles which may be stated as a percentage of your dwelling coverage amount.”

Schedule an appointment to discuss your insurance options with a AAA agent today.

Finally, store important financial, legal and medical documents in a safe, waterproof place.

Prep Your Home 

Different natural disasters pose various risks to your home. If you are wondering how to prepare for a natural disaster, routine maintenance can help reduce the chance of serious damage.

Keeping your roof in good condition provides extra protection from hurricane winds, tornadoes and hail. Managing wear and tear and replacing your roof when needed can lead to fewer issues down the road.

While maintaining your roof will also protect against heavy rains, sealing your basement can help combat flooding as well. Also, keep your gutters and drainage systems clear by installing gutter guards or screens.

To protect against fires, make sure your smoke detectors are in working order. Outside the home, maintain flammable vegetation by trimming back branches hanging over your roof and keeping grills and woodpiles at least 30 feet away from your home.

For winter storms, make sure your home is winterized, meaning heater vents and drains are unblocked, snow removal tools are accessible and your home is well-insulated.

Though earthquakes are less common in the Northeast, making sure large and heavy structures like chimneys, water heaters and furniture are reinforced or secured can offer peace of mind.

Stay Safe During a Natural Disaster 

Staying informed is one of the best things you can do to prepare for a natural disaster. Look and listen for emergency alerts from the Department of Homeland Security or the National Weather Service. A “watch” means there’s a possibility of a natural disaster, while a “warning” is more serious, meaning that a storm is already being tracked.

Keep batteries in your radio, charge your phone and keep it in low power mode to make sure you receive potentially life-saving information.

Be ready to react. Gather your survival kit and essential documents, change into protective clothing and make sure your vehicle’s tank is full in case you need to flee. If you think you’ll be hunkering down, close all doors and windows, reserve the power of electronic devices and collect water for drinking, cooking, washing and flushing toilets.

How to Recover After a Natural Disaster

After a disaster has occurred, check in and around your home to assess any damage and file a claim if needed. Notify your insurance carrier of your situation and they will walk you through the claims process and what to expect.

“In the case of widespread damage typical of natural disasters, timing is important,” says Eng. “It’s not unusual for contractors and the availability of building materials to get backed up, resulting in a longer timeline to complete repairs for the insured.”

Don’t wait for a natural disaster to strike. Preparing your home, family and insurance plans in advance can make a bad situation less difficult.

Learn more about home insurance offered through AAA.

“The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see.” These wise words from Winston Churchill perfectly capture the essence of a growing travel trend – heritage travel.

More than relaxing on beaches or taking a cruise, this is a different, more meaningful type of travel that connects visitors with their ancestry and family history.

A heritage travel trip might involve visiting your grandparents’ birthplace or exploring a place you’ve only heard whispers of in family stories. Or it could include uncovering hidden stories from historical records with the help of expert genealogists, thereby gaining a profound understanding of your ancestry, identity and the paths that have led to your present.

By forging a tangible link to a distant past, heritage travel is turning tourism into something more personal and exciting.

Roots Run Deep

If you’re feeling a tug of curiosity about where you come from, you’re not alone. As we’ve emerged from the pandemic’s shadow and international destinations welcome travelers back, heritage travel is emerging as a burgeoning trend. A 2022 Priceline survey of 1,300 travelers discovered that heritage travel carries a profound significance for 1 in 3 Americans (34%), and 26% considered their heritage travels as their most cherished voyages. Nearly half of those who embarked on a heritage trip (49%) felt a stronger connection to their roots, and 25% discovered something new about themselves.

Regarding Americans contemplating a heritage travel vacation, a staggering 68% are eyeing international adventures, which is understandable given the diverse makeup of American lineage. And with a staggering 120 million individuals tracing their roots back to the Celtic Isles, Ireland and Scotland are emerging as top destinations for heritage travel, and local genealogists are ready with their insights and assistance to guide visitors on these personal heritage odysseys.

Find out the best time to visit Ireland to avoid crowds and more.

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Taking a Page From Family History

Deidre Lussier, a travel advisor at AAA Northeast, fell hard for Ireland’s legendary landscapes and the genuine warmth of its people on a recent heritage travel trip with Brendan Vacations. “I absolutely loved it and can’t wait to go back. That lush green color is just incredible – pictures don’t do it justice. You need to see it in real life,” she said.

Before her trip, Lussier gave Brendan the few details she knew about her family history, like her grandparents’ names and the fact that they had emigrated from Ireland. Her mother also had some additional information about the family’s origins. Lussier shared it all with Brendan, and then the experts they work with from the Irish Family History Centre, a genealogy organization based in Dublin, began their research.

Using the few details she had, Brendan and the Irish Family History Centre created an extensive presentation that taught Lussier more than she could’ve ever imagined about her lineage – including the exact location of her ancestors’ plot of land in County Limerick. They also traced the names of her grandparents and great-grandparents and created a comprehensive timeline of her ancestors’ marriages and voyage to the United States.

“It was just amazing to find out exactly where they came from, including the actual area,” Lussier said. “The house is no longer there, but they provided a visual representation. They even found out that they worked as carpenters, so that was really cool.”

Ireland, in particular, warmly welcomes descendants and provides robust resources for those eager to learn more about their family histories. And tour operators like Brendan are there to guide travelers by filling in missing details and bringing their family stories to life, all while helping them have experiences they couldn’t necessarily organize or access on their own. Through meticulously researched genealogy sessions, they leverage their connections to shed light on the significance of coats of arms, lineage and immigration records, and uncover the essence of visitors’ heritage.

For example, Brendan’s customized itineraries can help you retrace your forebears’ steps and coordinate visits to ancestral sites. “If you wanted to learn more about where your family came from inland Ireland, they can research it before you arrive, and then, they can help plan so you can visit,” said Lussier. Enlisting the help of local expertise on a heritage travel trip enriches family narratives, weaving in missing threads and uncovering untold chapters.

Learn more about Brendan Vacations.

For Lussier, the experience was invaluable. “I wanted to show my mom the whole presentation. So, I shared it with her, and she was flabbergasted by some of the things they found.” Inspired, Lussier then shared the genealogists’ discoveries with her cousins, siblings and even her brother’s children. Their response was unanimous: a mix of amazement and wonder.

Rediscovering your roots and understanding your personal history fosters a deep sense of belonging and strengthens present-day connections. It’s no wonder that Lussier is already eager to return to Ireland with her daughter to share her experience and their shared heritage, research further and explore more. Exploring your family history through heritage travel is an experience that far surpasses that of a simple vacation – it’s a transformative journey.

Plan your heritage travel adventure with a AAA travel advisor.

One of the most important decisions a retiree must make is where they will live during their golden years. Many factors need to be considered, such as price, location, access to medical and housekeeping assistance, distance to family and friends, sense of community and more. A retiree’s housing will likely change, out of need or want, at some point in time. So, becoming familiar with all the available options now can help them formulate a housing plan and be ready to make any changes if and when the need arises.

Here are five popular housing options for retirees, each with their owns pros and cons. Which one is right for you?

Aging in Place

The ideal housing option for the vast majority of retirees is to simply stay put. Roughly 77% of those age 50 or older would like to stay in their homes for as long as possible, according to a recent AARP survey. It’s a reasonable and understandable choice. Starting anew at any stage in life can be difficult and worrisome, let alone at an older age. Why not stay in a house you’re familiar and comfortable with?

But as we all know, it’s not always that easy. Personal and housekeeping assistance, safety concerns, transportation needs and solitude are all issues older adults choosing to age in place must deal with. Another significant, and growing problem is the cost of staying put. Retirement is getting more expensive every year and many older adults simply can’t afford what they used to.

Rising prices have, in turn, led many retirees to utilize their homes as the financial assets they are in the form of reverse mortgages. Home equity conversion mortgages are loans available to homeowners aged 62 and older that are borrowed against the equity they own in their house. Instead of making monthly payments, borrowers receive payment from lenders. Retirees can use these funds on anything they need or want, including home improvements, dream vacations, even a new car.

Retirement Communities

The Housing for Older Persons Act of 1995 allows housing communities to be age-restrictive so long as 80% of its units are occupied by at least one person aged 55. It also eliminated the requirement that such communities have services and facilities specifically designed for the elderly.

What this created is a housing option for retirees that is just like any community they’ve lived in before, except all their neighbors are peers. Retirement communities, also known as active adult communities, typically offer amenities such as fitness centers and swimming pools. The most significant benefit to living in such a setting, however, is mitigating the isolation that often comes with aging by providing a strong sense of community.

Assisted Living

For those requiring more help with daily activities than they can get at a retirement community, but not the round-the-clock care of a nursing home, assisted living facilities may be the perfect option. These properties typically consist of individual apartments as well as communal spaces for residents to enjoy each other’s company. On-site staff can help with a variety of housekeeping and personal care tasks.

The downside of assisted living, which is not covered by Medicare, is the price tag. Nationwide, the median annual cost of assisted living in 2021 was $54,000, according to Genworth’s most recent Cost of Care Study. That total is expected to rise to more than $72,000 within the next 10 years.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities

A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) offers several different retiree housing options all in the same facility. Generally, seniors will move in when they’re healthy and reside in the independent living section of the community. As they age and require more daily care and medical assistance, they can move to assisted living and nursing home areas of the facility.

CCRCs ability to offer increasing levels of care ensures that a retiree will be able to live in the same community as they age and need more daily assistance. But that convenience often comes with a hefty price tag. Most CCRCs require a significant down payment plus monthly fees.

Relocating/Downsizing

If you’re going to be making a down payment, you might be more interested in doing so on a house of your own. Many retirees choose to spend their golden years in a home that better suits their needs or wishes. Maybe it’s a smaller house that’s easier to manage and more senior-friendly. Maybe it’s a place closer to family and friends – or even the beach!

AAA can help you achieve your retirement dreams with our mortgage and reverse mortgage products, whether that’s buying a perfect home to spend your golden years in or staying just where you are with some extra cash in your pocket. We’re here to help with your big decisions.

There’s no doubt Newport, R.I., shines in the summer. The city’s nod to its history combined with its idyllic coastal location attracts visitors from near and far. But if you suspect the fun ends as August draws to a close, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn there are plenty of Newport attractions and events for everyone, well into the off-season.

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Beaches

Newport’s famous beaches can’t be missed during summer vacation, but you can enjoy the benefit of sunbathing and riding the waves with fewer crowds and free admission after Labor Day. The temperatures in Rhode Island are still warm in September, and you’ll find the water temperature is also fairly mild.

Newport Keeps Buzzing Into Fall

Fun activities occur throughout the month of September on Aquidneck Island.

If you love being on the water and are perhaps in the market for some new boating equipment, be sure to attend the Newport International Boat Show, conveniently located right in Newport Harbor and featuring over 600 boating specialists and exhibitors.

Before you book a flight to Europe to attend Oktoberfest, consider staying stateside to revel in the activities of the fall celebration in Newport as the city hosts its second annual Oktoberfest on the sprawling lawns of Fort Adams State Park. Here guests 21 years or older will find German beer, wine, food and live music.

Looking to learn about food, wine and spirits in a historic and refined setting? Head to the Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival where you can attend various seminars, a wine dinner, or a lavish brunch at the famous Rosecliff mansion.

Automobile aficionados shouldn’t miss Audrain’s Newport Concours & Motor Week when historic cars descend on the city. The event honors Newport’s historical connection to automobiles with the city being home to the Vanderbilt Cup, the nation’s very first automobile race.

Head over to neighboring Middletown, R.I., for the day where the whole family will love attending the Norman Bird Sanctuary Harvest Fair. Discover the island’s best tomatoes and sunflowers at the home and garden competition, hop on a hayride, sample food truck cuisine or participate in fun field games like potato sack races and tug of war.

Newport Polo fun runs every Saturday through the month of September in nearby Portsmouth, R.I. Plan ahead and reserve a picnic area or pavilion table or attend on a whim and purchase lawn tickets at the gate.

And if you didn’t get a chance to see the creative Umbrella Sky Newport exhibit at Brick Market during the summer, the artistic display continues to be featured through the month of September. Upon entering the market, look up and you’ll find more than 500 umbrellas of various colors floating above you, offering both creativity and imagination.

Pick-Your-Own Produce

Maybe you have a family tradition of heading to a local farm to pick your own strawberries or raspberries during the summer, but early fall brings a new season of fun and yumminess.

At Sweet Berry Farm, a favorite local Aquidneck Island outdoor destination, you can pick both peaches and blackberries through the month of September. Over in Little Compton, R.I., visit the 5-acre orchard at Young Family Farm, where you’ll find 10 different varieties of apples and pumpkin picking through October. Apple fans also won’t want to miss Rocky Brook Orchard, in Portsmouth, which features 60 types of apples, as well as peaches and pears, all for your picking pleasure.

Live Music

Newport’s famous jazz and folk festivals may be over until next summer, but you can still find live music at various Newport venues.

Not far from Newport’s city center, the Shops at Long Wharf free summer concerts continue through early October. Stroll in and enjoy the sweet sounds of bands specializing in a variety of genres including classic rock and jazz.

Or board the Coastal Queen as it departs from nearby Jamestown, R.I., for a sunset cruise complete with music performed by The Narrow River Band. Bring your dancing shoes and hit the dance floor or relax on the deck while you tap your feet to the beat.

As September winds down, Linden Place Mansion, in Bristol, R.I., will host an event on its lawns featuring barbecue food and southern rock you won’t be able to help but jam to.

So, what are you waiting for? Discover Newport today.

Look at any survey of the most important factors consumers consider when buying a car and you’ll find safety consistently at or near the top. It should come as no surprise, especially considering accidents of all kinds are a leading cause of death in the United States, with traffic fatalities specifically on the rise. With that in mind, as well as knowing that electric vehicles are still growing and evolving, the safety of this vehicle class is obviously going to come under scrutiny. Add in the fact that EVs have significant mechanical and engineering differences compared to traditional gas-powered vehicles and we’re left with one all-important question: Are EVs safe?

Safety of EVs Compared to Gas Vehicles

As data continues to roll in, all signs point to EVs being at least as safe as conventional cars. In fact, some studies suggest that, as a whole, EVs are more crashworthy than their gas-powered counterparts. This is partly due to the general weight discrepancy between the two. EVs weigh more than similar-style gas-powered cars, mainly because of the large batteries needed to power them. Heavier vehicles are more likely to continue moving forward in a collision, subjecting the passengers to less force and reducing the chance of injury. The weight of EV batteries, as well as their location along the bottom of the car, is also a safety advantage, creating a low center of gravity that makes them more stable and reduces the likelihood of rolling over.

EV Safety Features

The vast majority of car crashes are caused by human error, which can be mitigated by advanced driver assistance systems. These systems utilize various safety features that reduce the likelihood of motorists making such mistakes while operating vehicles. Some commonly utilized technologies include surround view cameras, forward collision warning, lane keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control.

You’ll find advanced driver assistance systems available in EVs, either standard or optional, just as you would in traditional gas-powered cars. This is true even amongst the most affordable models. The Nissan Leaf, the least-expensive EV on the market, comes standard with a suite of six advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking and blind spot and lane departure warning.

Safety Ratings

Any and every EV model available for sale in the United States must undergo the same safety testing and meet the same Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards as conventional vehicles. As a whole, you’ll find that these vehicles meet or surpass the safety ratings of similar gas-powered cars.

In 2023, 10 EVs, including the Tesla Model Y, Genesis Electrified GV70, Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Lexus RZ, earned Top Safety Pick+ Awards, the highest honor from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

EVs also led the 2023 AAA Car Guide, making up seven of the top 10 highest-scoring vehicles in all categories. The annual guide ranks new cars based on 13 criteria, including safety features. The Rivian R1T Adventure, which won the pickup category, was also named Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

Fire

Recent headlines have suggested that fires are more likely to occur in EVs than gas-powered cars, either spontaneously or after a collision. Not only is there no evidence to support this, recent statistics show the opposite may be true.

It makes sense that gas-powered vehicles may be more prone to fires because their engines are powered by combustion – a constant series of tiny explosions. EV batteries, on the other hand, need time to create enough energy (and heat) to even reach a combustible temperature. Mechanical and electrical fires are also more common in older cars. With EV adoption still in its early years, there aren’t nearly as many older EV models on the road as gas-powered vehicles.

But while EVs don’t appear to be more prone to fires, they do pose a greater threat should a fire erupt. Lithium-ion batteries, which power most EVs, burn at a far higher temperature than other material, making them more difficult to extinguish. Additionally, under certain conditions, lithium-ion batteries can reignite, adding to the increased risk.

Visit AAA’s Electric Vehicle platform for more information on these cars of the future.

There was a time when car hood ornaments graced most every vehicle, but these days they’re a rare sight. What ever happened to the hood ornament and how did it become so popular in the first place?

To understand why car hood ornaments were once the standard you need to look at how cars were designed back in the early 20^th century. Those cars look nothing like today’s sleek, streamlined models. In fact, if you look at old hoods you’ll notice radiator caps jutting up front and center. Those caps are now tucked away inside the engine compartment out of view, but for many years they were the first thing you saw on the front of a car.

Radiator caps aren’t particularly attractive things, so automakers started using hood ornaments to dress them up and make them pretty. It was mostly about aesthetics; miniature statues of animals, people or even smaller versions of the cars themselves were much more appealing than boring old radiator caps.

What started off as a practical way of making cars more attractive quickly turned into an accepted design element. When radiator caps moved under the hood, hood ornaments remained until the last few decades.

Some of the more recognizable car hood ornaments include the Jaguar Leaper, Bugatti Dancing Elephant, Bentley Flying B and Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy. Although the luxury brands had some of the most dramatic hood ornaments, even more affordable brands once had a little something extra out on the hood.

Buicks have sported female figures, trains, planes, gunsights and fighter jets over the years. Chevrolets once had eagles and even an eagle/train mashup. Plymouths had sailboats. Pontiacs, which were named after Ottawa Chief Pontiac, had a Native American bust. There was no shortage of creativity during the heyday of car hood ornaments.

Today it’s rare to see a car with a decorated hood. In place of hood ornaments there are smooth lines with nothing more than a few utilitarian vents to cool high-powered engines. Look carefully at the grille, however, and you will see references to hood ornaments of years past.

Mercedes-Benz now has its three-pointed star prominently displayed on the grille. It’s even subtly backlit at night so no one can miss the fact that you’re driving a Benz. Lincoln has likewise moved its four-pointed star to the grille. The Cadillac Crest has seen a similar fate.

So what lead to the downfall of the iconic hood ornament?

It was a combination of factors that spelled the end of the car hood ornament. Tastes changed and cars with chrome accents and huge tailfins fell out of favor. There were also fears about how much they affected fuel economy. A smooth hood reduces drag, so goodbye hood ornaments.

Those who remember the ’80s will also remember how popular hood ornaments were as a fashion statement. Rappers wore them like giant charms at the end of gold chains. The masses often followed suit by stealing them right off the hoods of cars.

Perhaps the biggest factor in the downfall of hood ornaments was safety. Europe led the charge with new pedestrian safety regulations. The idea was to keep that fancy bit of metal from seriously injuring a person during a collision. It might be the least of your worries if you’re hit by a car, but it was a start.

Slowly but surely, ornaments disappeared from hoods around the world, replaced with mere shadows of their former selves as stylized logos on car grilles instead.

If you’re shopping for a luxury car, you might still be able to find a hood ornament. The iconic double-M on the Mercedes-Maybach hasn’t gone anywhere. Rolls-Royce is also keeping its Spirit of Ecstasy with a creative workaround to meet safety standards. The winged lady retracts into the hood when a collision is detected and hides away when the doors are locked as a theft-prevention measure.

Car hood ornaments, once an essential design element on every car that rolled off the line, are not long for this world. Your best chance of seeing a car hood ornament today is heading to your local car show and perusing vintage models.

Do you miss the days when there were little pieces of art adorning the front of every car? Tell us your favorite car hood ornament in the comments.

Learn more about how the car has evolved over time.

Consumers are expected to spend a record amount of money on school supplies this year, according to the National Retail Federation. The average family with children in elementary through high school plan to spend roughly $890 on back-to-school shopping. College students, meanwhile, will rack up north of $1,367 in expenses.

It’s no surprise. Factoring in inflation and a higher demand for electronic supplies, shoppers are expecting higher prices and preparing to pay for necessary supplies.

Needless to say, families could use any savings on back-to-school shopping that they can find. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to get discounts on everything from calculators and highlighters to backpacks and sneakers. Here are a few helpful tips on lowering your back-to-school shopping bill.

Take Inventory

School supply lists typically don’t change that much from year to year, so your child likely already has most of the things they need already. The only way to know for sure is to take stock. Do an inventory of all the school supplies you already have and are useable. Then cross those items off your shopping list so it only includes the items your child needs.

Do the same for new school clothing. A growing teenager may not fit into last year’s clothes, but younger children likely don’t need a full wardrobe swap. Go through their clothing to see what still fits, is in good condition and can last for another season.

Make a Shopping List

It’s easy to get caught up in the retail madness of back-to-school shopping and wind up buying things you child doesn’t need and won’t ever use. To help yourself stay focused and prevent overspending, make a list of the essential items before leaving your house.

Many schools send out a list of supplies students need. If this is the case with your child, make sure to wait until you have the list before compiling your own. This will also help ensure you only buy the things you need.

Buy Refurbished Electronics

As students get into high school, more expensive supplies are needed. Instead of spending big money on new items like computers and graphing calculators, try buying them used. Sites such as Amazon and Newegg sell refurbished electronics for a fraction of the price. You can also often go directly to the manufacturer. For instance, you can purchase a refurbished laptop from Apple for hundreds of dollars less than a new model.

Use College Discounts

The average cost of college in the United States is upwards of $36,436 per student per year, so if you’re a college student, you could use any cost savings you can get. A great place to start is by utilizing your college student status. Many major retailers, including Apple, Dell and Microsoft offer college students discounts on expensive electronics such as laptops, tablets, smartphones and calculators.

AAA Discounts also offers savings on technology brands, including Dell, HP, Samsung and Lenovo.

Compare Prices

Like with any other type of shopping, you want to do your homework when buying back-to-school goods to ensure you’re getting the best deal. It’s tempting to try to save time and energy by doing all your shopping at one or two stores. But you can often find cheaper prices for different items at competing stores.

Check to see if your preferred store offers price matching – many competing outlets will. This offers you the best of both worlds as you’ll get the lowest price without having to make multiple shopping trips.

Shop Thrifty

Some thrifty shopping techniques can add up to big savings by the time your child walks back into the classroom. For example, many back-to-school items, like pens, pencils and highlighters, can be purchased at dollar stores. On the other end of the spectrum, if you have more than one child, buying supplies in bulk from a wholesale outlet could save you some money.

When it comes to clothing, thrift stores, consignment shops and other secondhand outlets can be goldmines. Here, you’ll be able to find gently used items for just a fraction of the price.

Find out about AAA’s student lending options.

College campuses are places for learning and growing, but they’re also the backdrop for innumerable photos and cherished memories. When you’re touring a college, looks aren’t everything – but they sure do matter. From stunning natural landscapes to amazing architecture, here are 12 of the most beautiful college campuses in the U.S.

Berry College

This college sure is sweet! Berry College in Mount Berry, Ga., is the largest contiguous college campus in the world. With all that space, you can fit a lot of beautiful sights. The castle-like Ford Campus features grand English Gothic style buildings and reflecting pools. Students can also explore the on-campus Lavender Mountain, home to the historical House o’ Dreams, Old Mill and Possum Trot School.

Bryn Mawr College

Bryn Mawr College, a women’s college in Bryn Mawr, Pa., is often considered one of the most beautiful college campuses in the country. The campus has been designated as an arboretum, and there are beautiful trees like Weeping Higan Cherry, Maidenhair and Star Magnolia throughout. Visitors can even pick up a tree tour brochure to help guide them through the college’s natural beauty. In addition to the trees, the buildings at Bryn Mawr feature Collegiate Gothic architecture, some dating back to the late 1800s.

The College of William & Mary

The College of William & Mary in Virginia is the second oldest college in the country, behind Harvard. Established in 1693, this historic college is home to the 1695 Sir Christopher Wren building (the oldest college building in the country), the picturesque Sunken Garden and the idyllic Lake Matoaka. William & Mary is also right next to Colonial Williamsburg, a gorgeous living history museum – and two lucky students get to live there each year.

Georgetown University

Nestled in the picturesque Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C., Georgetown University overlooks the Potomac River. With a mix of Collegiate Gothic and Georgian styles, the architecture definitely makes the grade. Healy Hall, designed by the architects who built the Library of Congress, is a National Historic Landmark.

Kenyon College

Whether it’s sporting autumn leaves or beneath a blanket of crisp, white snow, Kenyon College in Ohio is one of the most beautiful college campuses in the country. Students and visitors alike will enjoy the 10-foot wide Middle Path, which runs through the length of the campus, framed by benches and towering sugar maples. Want to study? Head to Chalmers Library, a stately building filled with natural light.

Lewis & Clark College

Lewis & Clark College is right in the middle of nature, sitting atop Palatine Hill and right next to the Tryon Creek State Natural Area in Portland, Ore. This forested campus is a blend of old and new, with old manor buildings standing right alongside newer, environmentally friendly construction.

Mount Holyoke College

This women’s college in South Hadley, Mass., was founded in 1837 and is the oldest member of the Seven Sisters. The Mount Holyoke campus features a lush botanic garden and many historic red brick buildings, like Mary Lyon Hall. Students will enjoy the Mount Holyoke College Art Museum and the Village Commons.

Princeton University

You might have heard that Princeton is a pretty good school. But along with its academic rigor, it also offers a beautiful campus. This Ivy Leaguer in New Jersey features a variety of buildings in the Collegiate Gothic style, as well as some older buildings in the High Victorian Gothic and Romanesque Revival styles. The oldest building on campus, Nassau Hall, was constructed in 1756 and briefly served as the capitol of the United States in 1783.

Sewanee: The University of the South

Sewanee: The University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn., is filled with Collegiate Gothic style buildings constructed from local stone. The All Saints’ Chapel features massive stained glass windows, including a rose window inspired by Notre Dame (the French cathedral, not the college). Students will enjoy a campus filled with forests, lakes, trails and a burbling natural creek.

Stanford University

Stanford University in California is one of the largest college campuses in the country, and it’s also one of the most beautiful. Its architectural identity, filled with red-roofed Spanish Colonial buildings, purposefully separates it from the colleges and universities on the East Coast. One of the most notable Stanford landmarks is the Hoover Tower, which is a bell tower and the tallest building on campus.

SUNY Geneseo

This tiny public school in Western New York makes the list partially due to its natural beauty. The SUNY Geneseo campus sits on the edge of the picturesque Genesee Valley, and the views to the west are breathtaking at any time of day. However, Geneseo is most beautiful when it is bathed in its signature fiery sunsets over the valley. In addition to the lovely landscape, Geneseo has many attractive buildings, like the ivy-draped Welles Hall, the stately clock tower on Sturges Hall and even the sleek Integrated Science Facility.

The University of Washington

The University of Washington is one of the oldest universities on the West Coast. Nestled in the bustling city of Seattle, the University of Washington still feels a world away, featuring priceless views of Mount Rainier, cherry blossoms blooming in the quad and grand, Collegiate Gothic style academic buildings. Look familiar to some other colleges on the list? The same architects, Cope and Stewardson, designed many of the buildings at the University of Washington, Princeton University and Bryn Mawr College at the turn of the century.

Was your college beautiful or historic? Tell us about it in the comments below!

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