A few years ago, traveling a potholed highway across dusty plains in Gujarat, India, I was in my element: exploring the crafts and culture of a remote corner of the world, joined by three other journalists. Our good-natured guide, Sam, knew Gujarat and its customs and history well. Although he was not worldly and had never traveled outside India, Sam was open-minded. Banter flowed easily as we bumped along.

At some point the conversation transitioned to living arrangements and I commented on how my husband had recently started working from home, and how we were adapting to share the space.

“You mean your wife,” Sam interjected.

No, my husband, I replied.

“No, you mean your wife.”

I turned to Sam and smiled. “No, I have a husband at home.”

For a moment, Sam froze, and then his eyes widened quizzically. “You’re married? To a man?”

Several minutes of confused back-and-forth ensued, as I tried to explain how laws in the United States had evolved to embrace same-sex marriage. Sam was equal parts aghast and intrigued. He seemed to go through a mental checklist to identify ways this did not add up.

“But who cooks dinner?”

The Journey Begins

Each June, as rainbow stripes take over corporate logos, as allyship reaches out through social media and Pride marches set forth in cities and towns across America, I can’t help but reflect on how far the LGBTQ community has come over the last few decades.

Yes, I’m a glass half-full kind of guy.

For more than 25 years, I have been fortunate to be a travel journalist. But I don’t consider my work to be that of a gay journalist. That is, I rarely write about LGBTQ-specific travel, such as gay cruises or gay resorts.

I don’t often visit places like Provincetown and Key West, luxuriating in what fellow writer Kwin Mosby calls “the safety net of gay-friendly destinations.” I have no dating apps on my phone to meet locals; instead, I often travel with my husband of 35 years. Whether it’s at the registration desk when I verify we have a single-bedded room or by the pool where we share the kind of nose-in-book silence that longstanding couples do, we can be conspicuous by default.

In 1986, when my husband-to-be and I took our first vacation together, we were naive in our choice. We picked Jamaica, a country which soon emerged as the poster child for gay-unfriendly destinations.

Lured by the pulse of reggae and ads featuring lovers on a bucolic bamboo raft, I booked airline tickets through a Denver travel agent. Maybe she thought Chris and I were “just friends,” but she never advised us that Jamaicans might be unwelcoming to a same-sex couple. I picked up a brand-new “Guide to Jamaica” by Moon Publications, a book bereft of resort coverage but long on cultural context – useful on a first trip to the Caribbean.

In glancing through the book today I find not one word of caution to a gay or lesbian traveler.

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In Montego Bay we checked in at Doctor’s Cave Beach Hotel, amid what seemed to a monsoon. Day after day it rained, and while this was good for getting acquainted with ladies selling fruit and crafts at the market, we eventually succumbed to a worn-out cinema for a matinee showing of “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.” At the box office we were offered tickets for the balcony or downstairs – we chose downstairs. Little did we know, kids and families sat in the balcony, and downstairs was where the prostitutes worked. Although the ladies gave up pursuing us after we explained that we really were there to see the movie, somehow the word got out that a couple of queers were seated in the theatre.

As the credits rolled we exited onto the street, where a half-dozen young guys were waiting. They laughed and pointed, shouting my least-favorite f-word, and followed us with taunts for a block in the rain before losing interest.

A couple days later the sun came out and we headed to Negril, landing in a funky beachfront guest house called Arthur’s Golden Sunset. Here, for $10 a night, we were welcomed and eased into a Jamaican groove. I don’t recall another taunt during our stay, but I remember wandering up the beach to a fancy all-inclusive resort named Sandals. We gawked at smiling lovers, a sprawling pool and boisterous swim-up bar. As we neared the edge of the pool, imagining it for the day we hit a lottery jackpot, a guard came up to shoo us away, noting that the resort was for couples only.

It didn’t take long to understand that Sandals, and a few other Jamaican resorts, defined the term “couples-only” in strictly heterosexual terms.

The Power of the Gay Dollar

Flash forward a decade to the start of my career as a travel writer. By this point, Chris and I had visited seven or eight Caribbean islands, which even included a return trip to Jamaica. Among my first projects was the “Fielding’s Caribbean” guidebook, and soon I became a contributing editor at Caribbean Travel & Life magazine. As my island connections multiplied, invites to be hosted at Sandals resorts arrived. I ignored the first few, then got annoyed with the chain’s PR representative.

“Why would I stay as a guest at a resort that won’t allow me to check in as a paying customer?” I asked. She was embarrassed, and the invites stopped coming.

But by 2003, when Sandals had grown to 12 resorts on five islands, the policy met its match. Under Mayor Ken Livingstone, Transport for London – the government agency that oversees most of the city’s transportation system – stopped accepting Sandals advertising.

With Britain being the company’s second-largest market, Sandals responded a year later by “refining” its policy, very quietly opening its doors to LGBTQ couples.

Of course, by this point some destinations were beginning to recognize the value of the gay dollar, led by Great Britain.

“We’ve reached out to LGBTQ+ travelers for a good 25 years now,” says Paul Gauger, senior vice president of VisitBritain’s Americas offices. Great Britain was the first foreign government to participate in Pride marches in the U.S.; in 2019, VisitBritain joined 29 Pride celebrations and events in the U.S. and across the Americas. “But we don’t just activate during Pride season,” adds Gauger, “it’s throughout the year.”

While Gauger notes that cities like London and Manchester have been a focus for much of the marketing, countryside and coastal vacations across England, Scotland and Wales are also promoted today.

“The community has changed,” says Gauger. “Not all gay and bisexual men want to be out partying all the time. There are gay and lesbian couples traveling with kids experiencing our family attractions, and there’s a greater number of people from the transgender and queer community traveling, too.”

Great Britain is hardly alone today in dedicating resources to attract LGBTQ visitors. International destinations from Argentina to Montreal hire research firm CMI to help them understand the dynamics of marketing to the community. In its 2019 report, CMI found that Canada and Mexico were the most frequent international destinations for America’s LGBTQ travelers, while Britain, France, Spain, Germany, and Italy were all visited by more than 6 percent of respondents in the previous year.

LoAnn Halden, a spokesperson for the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association, points to Malta as one success story in the last five years.

“It’s a conservative country that almost overnight updated its laws and is now considered the best European country for LGBTQ+ rights,” says Halden.

In the U.S., New York City, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Francisco have a long track record attracting LGBTQ visitors, but smaller cities are also getting in on the act.

In 2012 Columbus, Ohio hosted a fam (familiarity) trip for LGBTQ media and soon after began integrating same-sex couples into its marketing materials; last year, a gay couple was featured on the cover of Columbus’ visitor guide.

Roger Dudley, director of community and customer engagement for Experience Columbus, says travel priorities have evolved and not everyone wants to go to the big gay mecca cities. “Maybe they’ve checked those off their list,” adds Dudley. “Columbus is driving distance for a lot of people in the Midwest, so we’re a good place for long weekend.”

Even Salt Lake City, a destination identified with Utah’s conservative politics and the Mormon Church, has started marketing to the LGBTQ community. Eric Thompson, vice president of marketing for Visit Salt Lake, says the city has, on a per capita basis, a larger-than-average LGBTQ population.

“We felt like we needed to dedicate more resources in that direction,” explains Thompson, who adds that the city’s 2019 Pride celebration drew 80,000 people. “There’s been a lot of migration from other states to Utah, and gays and lesbians feel comfortable here.”

Still Work To Be Done

Feel comfortable? As a 6-foot-3-inch white man, I feel fairly comfortable almost everywhere I go. Work has taken me to some pretty unusual places, but it is rare for me to feel ill at ease when traveling. After all, being the fish out of water often makes for a better story. Still, often I find myself exploring the world in a bubble that masks the reality beyond the sheen.

Plant me amid the gilded embrace of a safari lodge in the Serengeti and it’s easy to overlook how Tanzania’s institutionalized homophobia preys on its citizens. Bask in the luxury of a cruise floating down the Nile River, and who cares that Egypt’s General Directorate for Protecting Public Morality uses dating apps to entrap and imprison gay men?

Make no mistake: Many of the larger companies involved in tourism today earn a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s annual list of best places to work for LGBTQ equality. This includes American, Southwest and United airlines, and the Choice, Marriott International, Hilton, InterContinental, and Wyndham hotel groups. I’m delighted when companies like these integrate a rainbow into their social media stream, even if it disappears on July 1.

But as I grow older, and “roughing it” – staying in budget digs and trip-planning on the fly – yields more hassle and less serendipity than it once did, I’m finding I need to make a more concerted effort to pierce the bubble that luxe hotels and well-meaning but image-conscious tourism boards sometimes provide.

In 2008 I traveled to Uganda, in East Africa, a country ravaged by the reign of Idi Amin through the 1970s, followed by a sequel, the Lord’s Resistance Army that was still terrorizing rural Ugandans when I visited. But on my trip, this ravishingly beautiful country, called the “Pearl of Africa” by Winston Churchill, managed to retain the raw appeal that once made it the cornerstone of the Grand Tour of Africa.

I was besotted – so much so that I wrote about Uganda for National Geographic Traveler as one of the magazine’s “places to go” in 2013. But then Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni signed a bill imposing prison terms for homosexual acts, one of the most regressive laws anywhere directed at the LGBTQ community.

My heart broke, both for stories of Uganda I no longer cared to share as well as for the people of this developing country, rich in natural resources and tourism potential. I called the country’s tourist board in New York and asked an attendant whether a same-sex couple would feel safe on a Ugandan safari.

“You don’t need to worry,” she told me. “This law is not meant for foreigners.”

Daina Ruduša, a spokesperson for human rights organization OutRight Action International, says there is a difference between welcoming LGBTQ tourists and how local people live their lives.

“Even in highly repressive, hostile places – Indonesia, United Arab Emirates and Russia, for example – LGBTIQ travelers are welcomed and treated respectfully, often not facing any issues at all, while locals face active persecution,” Ruduša explains. “This can be partly because LGBTIQ people and issues are seen as a ‘Western’ phenomenon.” Local authorities feel safe in the knowledge that visitors will leave without impacting local culture, while cashing in on the economic incentives tourism provides.

To be sure, LGBTQ rights have made great advances in many corners of the world. With the addition of Austria, Taiwan, Ecuador and Costa Rica in the last two years, same-sex marriage is legal now in 29 counties.

But one third of the world’s countries still have laws that criminalize homosexuality. In much of the Middle East and northern and East Africa, same-sex relations can result in prison sentences; the death penalty is on the books in at least four countries.

“One has to be rational and sensible,” says Geoffrey Weill, owner of a New York-based travel public relations firm. “The entire world is not necessarily as advanced as we are (on LGBTQ rights). We’re privileged, we live in a society where nobody inquires, nobody asks. To turn travel into a world-changing crusade is naive.” Respect of customs and expectations in a foreign land is part of the bargain, he adds.

“You don’t flaunt a Star of David or rainbow flag where they’re not going to be welcomed.”

Coming Full Circle

In 2018, Chris and I were headed to the Caribbean island of Grenada. While laws against homosexuality are still in place, it’s an island we have been particularly welcomed at on multiple previous visits. By chance, we were invited to stay at the Sandals resort: The Jamaican chain had planted its flag on Grenada since our last visit.

We hardly knew what to expect. Amid honeymooners and Sandals regulars, we were welcomed at the check-in counter with warm smiles – nothing felt forced.

We were escorted to our room by a butler, a young, confident Grenadian who was taller than me. His well-rehearsed spiel described the resort’s amenities, the evening schedule and how to operate the infinity pool on our balcony. Despite plenty of opportunity, he didn’t miss a beat.

And at dinner, when we landed at the resort’s French restaurant, our waitress had laid out our initials on the table with heart-shaped glitter. We blushed.

While we noted only one other (presumably) lesbian couple at the resort during our visit, we actually started to blend in with the crowd. If we anticipated being the center of attention, just a bit, that didn’t materialize.

When I told Adam Stewart, CEO of Sandals Resorts, about our Grenada experience, he was not surprised. “I have never gotten one letter from a same-sex couple that said they were discriminated against, or that they weren’t welcomed,” said Stewart, who added that the family-owned company also did not experience negative feedback from its famously loyal clientele.

I have no idea what happened to the young Jamaican men who taunted us as we exited the cinema 35 years ago. But I’m hoping that the takeaway for them – that day, or maybe another day – was that a gay couple was less exotic, more ordinary than they expected.

Plan your next vacation with the help of a trusted AAA travel advisor.

David Swanson is a San Diego-based freelance writer-photographer and served as president of SATW, the Society of American Travel Writers, in 2018-19. His stories have appeared in National Geographic Traveler, Travel + Leisure, the Los Angeles Times and elsewhere.

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

Throughout New England — consisting of Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine — visitors will find more than enough activities, entertainment and food to fill out a full week’s itinerary. Of course, narrowing down your choices may be quite the challenge.

We’ve picked some of our favorite New England destinations to make planning your road trip a little easier. Wherever your starting point, you can use the AAA mobile app to map out the perfect route.

Need a ride? Save on Hertz car rentals with AAA.

Dive into Mystic, Conn.

Take a deep dive into America’s seafaring past at the Mystic Seaport Museum (pictured above). Check out the artifacts in the formal exhibit halls, wander the streets of a recreated New England coastal village, see historic boats like the Charles W. Morgan whale ship, tour a working shipyard and hear the stories of those who made their living from the sea. Of course, no visit to Mystic complete without your own excursion on the water. Whether it’s a river cruise on the 1908 steamboat Sabino, a sail on the Breck Marshall–a 20-foot Crosby catboat, or some time on a pedal boat, you can enjoy the sea air as you travel through the water.

Book a hotel near Mystic, Conn.

Head to Providence, R.I., for bites and sites

Get a well-rounded taste of Providence on a food tour. During Providence Tour Company’s Crime and Cuisine on Federal Hill tour, you’ll sample some of the city’s notable Italian cuisine from such restaurants as Roma and Trattoria Appia. Along the way, you’ll hear the tales of how one mayor went after a mob boss, the corruption that shook the state’s banking system and how the city police cracked down on an illegal dice game. You’ll walk away with satisfied taste buds, a bit of history and a special memento.

Book a hotel near Providence, R.I.

Make your way to Worcester, Mass.

New England’s second largest city, Worcester offers plenty of outdoor recreation, including Mass Audubon’s Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary. This is a great place to get outside and stretch your legs. There are 5 miles of trails, ranging from 0.1 to 1.7 miles in length. Along the way, you can watch for a variety of wildlife, including wild turkeys, great-horned owls, green herons, turtles, butterflies and much more. There’s also a nature center, where you can learn more about the area and its inhabitants.

Book a hotel near Worcester, Mass.

Set out for Concord, N. H.

One of the best ways to explore this capital city is by taking the Historic Walking Tour. This self-guided tour takes approximately 1.5 hours and covers 2 miles. Prominent stops include the New Hampshire State House, the JFK Apartments and the New Hampshire State Library. Because you take the tour at your own pace, you can pop into the many boutiques, galleries and shops throughout downtown as you go along. When it’s time to refuel, choose one of downtown’s restaurants to sample a bit of local flavor.

Book a hotel near Concord, N.H.

Visit Vermont’s Only National Park

Don’t drive past Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park in Woodstock, Vt. Here, you can learn about the families that called this area home, and tour some of the buildings they resided in. For instance, the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Mansion is open for tours each May through October, and the Belvedere – which includes a bowling alley and fallout shelter – is open for select guided tours. Outside, you can walk the gardens, hike more than 20 miles of trails or participate in one of the many programs and special events held each year. 

Book a hotel near Woodstock, Vt.

Relax in Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Check out the collection of lighthouses in Cape Elizabeth. These include Maine’s oldest lighthouse, Portland Head Light, Ram Island Ledge Lighthouse and Two Lights (twin lighthouses, including Cape Elizabeth Light). You’ll also find two state parks and a municipal park where you can hike, picnic and swim the day away. Of course, you can indulge your love of seafood, especially lobster, at the many local restaurants. You’ll find plenty of cozy accommodations in and around the town.

Book a hotel near Cape Elizabeth, Maine.

New England is an ideal choice for any road trip, so feel free to use this itinerary as a guide to crafting a journey that suits your interests. Each destination features a wealth of accommodations, from familiar brands to local inns and plenty of private rentals, so you can find exactly the right spot to lay your head at night. When all is said and done, you’re sure to have great memories to talk about on the ride back home. 

Rent a car with Hertz and take advantage of exclusive AAA member perks and savings.

Thanks to its deservedly world-famous theme parks, restaurants, performing arts, eco-tours and wildlife attractions, Orlando offers something for every type of family and traveler. And luckily, the same goes for hotel choices.

There are two excellent choices, both minutes away from the Universal theme parks. If it’s space you need, look no further than Hyatt House, across from Universal Orlando Resort™. Here you can decide how many comforts of home you’d like, from in-room microwaves and refrigerators to suites with full kitchens and separate living rooms.

Or stay at the freshly-renovated Hyatt Place, across from Universal Orlando Resort™, where you can wake up to free breakfast and be on a rollercoaster in a matter of minutes (it’s a good idea to give yourself more than a few minutes in between). Take your pick of room configuration – most include sleeper sofas and some feature bunk beds. And thanks to being a Universal Partner Hotel, you’ll have access to discounts on food and merch at select park locations.

At the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort you can relax in a private cabana at the lagoon-style pool one day, hit the links at the award-winning golf course the next, and take the complimentary shuttle to Walt Disney World® and Universal Orlando™ as often as your wallet can handle it. There’s three on-site dining options, including Chef Richard Blais’ Four Flamingos, featuring the wide array of seafood that Florida is famous for.

And lastly, filed under “something amazing for everyone,” is Hyatt Regency Orlando. While just minutes from all the major theme parks, the sprawling swimming grotto, complete with waterfalls and waterslide is an attraction-worthy escape. Fiorenzo Italian Steakhouse is one of Orlando’s finest, so take a break from the action to relax and indulge – you’ve earned it!

AAA Members can save up to 10% at participating Hyatt hotels.

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

Challenges abound for today’s transportation officials, but it’s nothing strange for Monica Tibbits-Nutt, secretary and CEO of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. She took over in November 2023 after serving two months as the department’s interim secretary and chief executive. Prior to that, she was the undersecretary.  

Tibbits-Nutt oversees the four divisions of MassDOT – Highway, Rail and Transit, Registry of Motor Vehicles and Aeronautics – in the most populous state in New England and the 16th in the nation. Her expertise includes regional and transportation planning, urban design and transit equity.  

Tibbits-Nutt recently discussed transportation and sustainability issues and some of the solutions she envisions. 

What sparked your interest in transportation? 

I was always interested in transportation. I realized the biggest housing issue when I was a housing planner in Ohio was transportation. I applied to be on the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority advisory board, and I’ve been here 17 years. I like that as a transportation planner I get to build out a whole city. I have a blast every day I come to work. 

What do you think are the most pressing issues in traffic safety today?  

In Massachusetts, speeding and distracted driving. During the pandemic, people got used to driving 70-80 mph, and now, people are looking down at their phones and not driving. You can see it nationwide 

How can we best solve our infrastructure deficiencies? 

Mass transportation is suffering across the nation. The roadways are still considerably congested here, probably more than in the rest of the country. We encourage people to work from home and want to get people closer to mass transit stations and closer to their work. 

But I’m very optimistic about continued infrastructure funds; the federal government is focused on providing funding for agencies, but there still are not [comprehensive] plans. 

What issues do you think will be priorities 10 years from now? 

Honestly, I think we’ll be having the same infrastructure conversations, maybe with more focus on bridges. At MassDOT, we’re looking at our fleet, with a focus on electrification, electrifying commercial fleets and building out electric vehicle charging options for people, so EVs are more cost effective, and those with EVs don’t have to go it alone.  

Building on that, what plans does MassDOT have to become more sustainable over the next 10 years? 

We’ll be getting funding from the federal government to put EV chargers on federal roadways, including the Massachusetts Turnpike. We have 15 regional transit authorities and want to help them electrify, while focusing on equity and accessibility. If we want people to make the switch to EVs, we must provide the infrastructure.  

Just for Fun

What’s your perfect road trip?  

It’s going to different weird places – like to see the largest bale of hay. I love diners and good truck stops, very local attractions. I love Buc-ee’s in the South. 

What was your first car? 

A Cadillac that cost $50. I was in high school. The passenger door didn’t work, and the back doors didn’t work. I couldn’t roll any windows down. I had it for two years until it ceased to exist. It just stopped working one day in front of the school. My best friend’s dad was the fire chief, and the fire department had to get me out with an extrication tool. That’s how it went out. 

Featured image: Courtesy of MassDOT

Burgers have become so trendy. You’ll find them stacked patties high, topped with everything from fried eggs to waffles to truffle butter.  

Not that there’s anything wrong with innovation. But for those hankering for the blissful basics – excellent beef topped with lettuce, tomato and maybe a pickle, look no further than these old-school hamburger joints.

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All American Hamburger Drive-In

Massapequa, N.Y.

A classic in every sense of the word: Drive up, get in line, order at the window, then grab your bag full of burgers and fries and dine under the glow of the neon sign at an outdoor table. Long Island’s oldest drive-in hamburger joint is a nostalgic throwback to the “Happy Days” era. The menu is, too, with recipes that haven’t changed since it opened in 1963. The burgers, which come single, double or quarter pounder, are served with a sprinkle of raw onion, pickles and ketchup. Get yours with fries, onion rings and a thick shake.

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Al’s French Frys

South Burlington, Vt.

People drive miles just for the fries, which are legendary, and then end up loving the burger, too. Open since 1946, the restaurant has been named a James Beard American Classic.

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Gilley’s Diner

Portsmouth, N.H.

This unpretentious diner is an oasis of old-school cool in downtown Portsmouth. What began in 1912 as a humble cart has segued into a brick-and-mortar hotspot, complete with a classic 1936 Worcester diner car. Locals and tourists head here for the atmosphere and the no-frills menu which includes a 100% chuck burger – order it with a side of poutine or a bowl of baked beans.

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Louis’ Lunch

New Haven, Conn.

Fans claim the hamburger got its start here in 1895 and the Library of Congress agrees. Still family-owned, Louis’ has served the same classic hamburger sandwich – a hand-rolled double burger made with five different cuts of meat and served on white toast – for more than a century! Order one with cheese on top or cheese on the bottom, just don’t ask for ketchup. The only condiments offered are cheese, onions and tomato.

Red Rooster Drive-In

Brewster, N.Y.

This roadside drive-in, with its ice cream cone roof topper and mini-golf course, has been serving up the classics including burgers, shakes and fries, since 1963. Bon Appetit named it among the country’s best hamburger joints, labeling it “a perfect pitstop,” serving 100% Angus beef patties on a soft sesame seed bun.

Stanley’s Famous Hamburgers

Central Falls, R.I.

Since 1932, “Stanleyburgers” have been a staple for Rhode Islanders and travelers alike. The patties, which are embedded with onions before cooking, get a flip on the grill, topped with more onions and pickles and then served on a pillowy soft bun. Regulars swear by the cheeseburger, single or double, with a side of dirty fries – French fries covered with Stanley’s own blend of herbs and spices. The retro diner has chrome counter stools, red leather booths and charming period art. Stanley’s has been honored as Rhode Island Magazine’s “best burger” multiple times.

Ted’s Restaurant

Meriden, Conn.

Steamed burgers? Ted’s has been serving its square patties this way since 1959. Freshly ground beef is packed into individual metal trays then cooked in the original steamer. For Ted’s famous cheeseburger, white cheddar is steamed until gooey then ladled on top of the burger before it lands in a fresh roll. The “Everything” comes piled with lettuce, tomato, pickles, ketchup, mustard and mayo. Make sure to get a lot of napkins – this is definitely a two-handed burger! Ted’s is a homey joint, with a few counter stools and tables, as well as a small outdoor area.

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White Hut

West Springfield, Mass.

Thin, griddled patties topped with white American cheese and fried onions and served wrapped in white paper have been the draw here since 1939. The Hut’s Hamburg and Cheeseburg (they leave off the “er” here) were named among the top 50 in the U.S. by Thrillist. After a change in ownership in 2020 (the White Hut had been family owned until then), the restaurant has been renovated and expanded, adding a food truck and a brand-new second location in Holyoke.

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White Manna

Hackensack, N.J.

Burgers here, known as sliders, are made from extra lean ground beef cooked with onions and cheese and served on a soft Martin’s Potato Roll. Larger than an appetizer slider, but smaller than a full-sized burger, they’re perfect in multiples. And that’s how folks order them. In Hackensack since 1946, White Manna has become internationally famous due to appearances on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and lots of other media. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see a line forming outside a retro aluminum diner with a distinctive red sign.  

Who do you think makes the best classic burger? Share your favorite hamburger joints in the comments.

Prefer hot dogs? Check out our story on GOAT hot dog joints and join the debate for top dog in the Northeast.

Recent automotive industry news indicates many consumers are keeping their older cars rather than purchasing new ones. While vehicles last longer now than they ever have, the main reason people are holding on to their cars is the sticker shock of new models. The average new car price today is about $47,401, nearly double what it was 12 years ago, but down 3.5% from January 2023.

How long can I expect my current car to last?

The average age of a AAA member’s car is about 12 years old, but your car’s lifespan depends on how well you take care of it and how well you follow the scheduled maintenance. Try to build a relationship with a good repair shop over time, so its staff understands your expectations and budget. They should also keep you informed about your car’s overall condition and perform routine maintenance.

Some drivers will wait until the car breaks down or warning lights come on, but it’s always advisable (and less expensive) to do preventative maintenance, including oil changes, cabin- and air-filter replacement, battery cleaning, wiper-blade replacement and headlights checks. Find a AAA Approved Auto Repair shop near you.

Many cars also have lower mileage and less wear and tear because people are driving fewer miles to work since the pandemic. Instead of commuting five days a week, many people are now only driving to work two or three days a week, or none at all.

Traditionally, drivers wanted new cars every few years to get the latest, greatest safety features, said John Paul, AAA Northeast’s senior manager for traffic safety and Car Doctor. But now, many of the important safety features, such as smart airbags, anti-lock brakes and automatic emergency braking are standard in most cars.

At the same time, be aware of recalls. The National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration maintains a database of all recalls in the last 15 years. Enter your vehicle identification number on the NHTSA website to see if your car is affected.

Is it time to let go?

“There was a time when we said that if the cost of the repairs equaled half the cost of the car, it was time to let it go,” Paul said. “Today that may not be as relevant. As an example, a 2010 Toyota Camry can be worth $5,000 to $7,000. At one time putting a $3,500 transmission in a $6,000 car was crazy. Now with the average used car price at $28,000 putting $3,500 into a car that is still serviceable to get a few more years out of it can make sense if the car is structurally sound, the engine is in good shape and you still enjoy the car.”

Here are some guidelines for deciding whether to replace your car:

• If you’re facing a major repair, make sure your car is both mechanically and structurally sound before you commit to the service. A vehicle that’s been around for a decade is sure to need additional repairs or parts in the future, and they could be pricey.
• If it is starting to rust away. Once structural rust sets in, the cost of repairs can become overwhelming.
• Parts availability. As some cars age, replacement parts become hard to source, meaning that it your car breaks down, it may stay out of service for a long time.
• Overall dependability. If your car is stranding you on a regular basis, a newer car should be more dependable.

Deciding on a New Car

There is a plethora of choices on the market these days. Yours can depend on your driving style, commute, cargo needs and more. Also, consider if you want a traditional gas-powered car, a hybrid, plugin hybrid or electric vehicle.

If you’re considering an EV, there are tax incentives for both the purchase of the car as well as for a home charging station. For gas-powered cars, think about your driving habits, how often you expect to fill up and the price of gas. And, if you’re taking out a loan, you’ll find interest rates have increased dramatically.

Be wary of longer-term loans. The dealer may find a way to make your desired monthly payment feasible, but if you take on a six-, seven- or eight-year loan you’ll be making car payments and paying repair costs. And, if you decide to trade in the vehicle after a few years, you may owe more than the car is worth.

The cost of owning and operating a car goes well beyond the monthly loan payment. The latest study from AAA revealed that the average cost is $12,182 a year, or $1,015 per month. This study factors in purchase price, depreciation, special features and add-ons, fuel, insurance, repairs and more.

What’s my trade-in worth?

Before shopping, do your homework. Check out what companies like CarMax, TrueCar and Carvana are willing to pay for your car. When you start negotiating for a new vehicle, it’s always best to consider the new car purchase and the trade-in as two separate transactions. Settle on a new car price without the trade, then bring the trade into the discussion.

Do I want a new or used car?

You’ve probably heard that a new car loses its value the minute you drive it off the lot, and that’s true. In fact, most cars depreciate about 20% in value in the first year of ownership. A used car might be a better choice, though inventory is getting tighter as people hold on to their personal vehicles longer. However, there are unique concerns that come with any used car purchase.

Used car considerations

Keep in mind that someone traded in that car you have your eye on because they kept it long enough, repairs were mounting up or it may not have been reliable. Certified pre-owned cars generally have better warranties and are in better mechanical shape due to a more rigorous inspection process.

One important note: With the increase in hurricanes and flooding, CarFax reports that nearly half of flood-damaged vehicles return to the market as used cars. Click here for a full list of signs that may reveal if a car has been flooded.

Find a great price on a new or used vehicle with the AAA Auto Buying Program.

Does your car need an upgrade? Will you buy new or used? Tell us in the comments.

Birdwatching, or birding, is a lifelong activity that you can participate in no matter where you are. It’s a great way to get out in nature and connect with your surroundings. There’s also a huge community of birders ready to welcome newcomers into the pastime. Are you interested in picking up the binoculars and going birding? Check out these beginner tips for birdwatching in the Northeast.

Getting Started

You don’t need a lot to get started on your birding journey – just a pair of binoculars and a good field guide.

The Best Birdwatching Binoculars for Beginners

Top-of-the-line birding binoculars can cost up to $3,000, but there’s no reason to get those right out of the gate. The National Audubon Society recommends the Athlon Neos 8 x 42 as a good, low-cost pair of beginner binoculars. If that’s still out of your price range at the moment, try the more affordable Celestron Outland X 8 x 42 binoculars or even the ultra-compact SkyGenius 8 x 21 Lightweight binoculars. As long as you have something that lets you see the birds from afar, you’re ready to start birding.

Birding Field Guides

Every birdwatcher needs a field guide; it’s an especially invaluable tool for beginners. A field guide will help you identify birds via illustrations or photos, range maps of where you can find them, species information and more.

If you don’t want to carry around a book and prefer a digital experience that’s easily searchable, you could try using field guide apps for your smartphone, like Sibley Birds v2, Audubon Bird Guide and Merlin Bird ID. But you have to make sure you’re not draining your phone battery or losing service while you’re out birding.

Some birders, however, might want to get out into nature precisely to escape their phone. If this is the case and you’d rather stick to physical field guides, you’re in luck. The birding world is full of amazing resources, and many field guides have special editions that are specific to your area. Birdwatchers in the Northeast have a lot of guides to choose from. Here are just some great guides to get you started.

“The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America” is a fantastic guide for beginners and seasoned birders alike, featuring 650 bird species and thousands of painstakingly accurate illustrations by David Allen Sibley. Sibley’s illustrations and descriptions are sure to help you identify any bird in the region you may come across.

“The American Museum of Natural History: Pocket Birds of North America, Eastern Region,” which covers over 350 species, uses high-quality photographs in their compact, easy-to-carry guide.

“The New Stokes Field Guide to Birds: Eastern Region” is another great photography-based guide for birdwatchers, featuring 545 species and over 2,000 photos.

Looking for something that’s stood the test of time? The most recent edition of the “Peterson Field Guide To Birds Of Eastern and Central North America,” based on the original field guide by Roger Tory Peterson, features captivating, accurate illustrations of the region’s birds and instructions on how you can use field marks to identify them.

Tracking Your Birds

When you see a new bird, it’s time to tick it off your lifetime list. Most birders keep track of all the birds they’ve seen since they started birding. Checking new finds off the list becomes part of the fun. You might want to get a field notebook for tracking all of your sightings. The Letterfolk Bird Passport Journal is a pocket-sized field journal with space to log facts about the birds you’ve seen, a “bird bucket list” and a place for your own photos or illustrations. The Sibley Birder’s Life List and Field Diary is a field journal featuring space to record your sightings of 923 species in the continental United States and Canada, a checklist for recording how many times you’ve seen them and a lifetime list of all birds.

If you want to go digital for your bird list, there’s no better site than eBird. This collaboration between the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society allows users to comprehensively track their bird sightings, share information, find birding hotspots and connect with other birders. It’s an extremely popular website in the birding community and is sure to help any beginner birder. Plus, it’s free.

The Best Birdwatching Near You

There are many places to find birds in the Northeast. You can probably spot some in your backyard or at your local park. But if you want to find birds in the field, there are tons of great places to go birdwatching near you.

Headed to the beach? Cape Cod National Seashore is the perfect place to find shorebirds like piping plovers, American oystercatchers, whimbrels and more. Over 330 species of birds have been recorded at Fire Island National Seashore, and there’s even a raptor-viewing platform near the Fire Island Lighthouse. The Boston Harbor Islands are a hotspot for migrating birds and nesting shorebirds. Rhode Island’s Block Island is also a favorite of migratory birds in the fall.

Sometimes you can find birds at historic sites. Sagamore Hill, Theodore Roosevelt’s “Summer White House,” is home to 119 species of birds. Roosevelt was a birder himself. Valley Forge National Historical Park provides a comprehensive list of the birds that can be spotted there, including the season they appear and how rare or abundant they are in the park.

Another great way to see birds is to hit the trail. The Lake Champlain Birding Trail in New York and Vermont features 88 birding sites along the lake. Along the Maine Birding Trail, you can see puffin colonies at Acadia National Park and Baxter State Park. On the New Jersey Birding Trails, you can hit beloved birding hotspot Cape May, the Meadowlands, the mysterious Pine Barrens and more.

You’ll never run out of places to go birdwatching in the Northeast. Over 260 different species have been found at the Delaware Water Gap, including bald eagles, golden eagles, cerulean warblers and scarlet tanagers. Niagara Falls is an amazing place to spot gulls, as 100,000 gulls fill the skies over the Niagara River in the fall and winter. Birders even love New York City’s Central Park. Can’t get enough? You can find even more hotspots near you by searching for your region on eBird.

Birding Responsibly

One of the most important things to remember while you’re birding is that you’re there to observe birds, not to disturb them. If you’re birdwatching in a nature preserve or forest, stay on the path so you don’t trample any important vegetation or frighten the wildlife. It’s always best to keep a respectful distance from the birds, especially when they’re nesting. This is why binoculars are so important. If you want to take photos of the birds, it can be helpful to bring a zoom lens so that you can let them have their space while still getting your shot.

Definitely don’t feed birds any human food, and make sure you don’t leave any food or trash behind. Even if you have birdseed, check the local regulations before using it. In places like national parks, it’s illegal to feed the birds at all, and many states have laws against feeding wildlife on public land.

Remember to be quiet! It’s true that loud noise can disturb birds, but it can also scare them away. If you want to see as many birds as possible (and as responsibly as possible) keep the volume to a minimum. The other birders in the area will thank you as well.

Birdwatching is a wonderful hobby that people of all ages can participate in, and there’s no time like the present to start your birding journey. Get out there and start finding some feathered friends!

Have you ever gone birdwatching before? Are you a birder yourself? Let us know in the comments below.

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

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IN THIS EPISODE

There’s a lot to know about buying a car, especially for a first-time car buyer. How do you get the highest value for the lowest price? Is it better to buy new or used? Should you lease or own? Sedan or hatchback?

Don’t worry — we got you! This episode is full of new car buying tips.

You’ll find out about how to negotiate a deal, where to get financing, the best time to buy a vehicle and what to look for when buying your first car.

Guests Nicole Wakelin, automotive journalist, and Ted Lyons, vice president of financial services at AAA Northeast, share their expertise.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

[3:01] – The first things you need to consider before you start car shopping, including what to look for when buying your first car
[9:55] – The best time to buy a vehicle
[10:34] – Budgeting and the importance of getting pre-approved. We answer: How much should I spend on my first car?

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TRANSCRIPT

[00:00:02]
Amanda Greene: I go to get into the car this morning and there’s a puddle under it. I can’t tell what this is. Oil, brake fluid, coolant, whatever it is, I’m fairly sure it should be in the car and not on my driveway. The air conditioning doesn’t work. Rust is starting to show and now this, I’m out. It’s time for a new car.

Welcome to Merging into Life where we navigate life’s milestones, one episode at a time. Brought to you by AAA Northeast. I’m your host, Amanda Greene.

READ MORE

Join me as I figure out how to do all the things we have to do, but don’t come with instructions like buying insurance or what you really need to know when making what is probably the biggest purchase of your life, buying a house or maybe moving back in with your parents or booking your dream vacation.

Today on this show we’re going to get into buying first car. Whether it’s leasing a car, buying new or used, we’ve got you covered. The two main factors that come up when buying wheels are, what are you going to buy and how are you going to pay for it? So, I found two people who know cars and the art of buying and selling inside and out.

[00:01:17]
Nicole Wakelin: This is a crazy burly kind of truck and it can go off-road and you can take it up rocks, and they took us out to their new driving school and we jumped it, took it up in the air, whee and came down on the other side.

[00:01:30]
Amanda Greene: That’s Nicole Wakelin. She’s the editor-at-large for CarBuzz and a juror for both the North American Car and Trucking Utility of the Year and World Car of the Year. And yes, she got to jump a truck at a specially built facility under the safest of circumstances. It’s all part of her job, which involves test-driving about a 100 vehicles a year.

[00:01:52]
Nicole Wakelin: They appear in my driveway each week for me to drive and then I fly all over the world to drive even more of them.

[00:01:59]
Amanda Greene: What got you into cars initially? What do you love so much about cars that you are someone who drives over a 100 a year?

[00:02:05]
Nicole Wakelin: Well, you know what? When I was a teenager, I lived in a small town and a car was all about freedom. As soon as you got your driver’s license, you suddenly were no longer tethered to your house all the time. And the minute I got my license, it was like two seconds after the law said I could get it, I had it and it was just, I never turned back. I love driving, I love the freedom of it, I love the experience of being in different vehicles because they all are looking to hit the mark for a different person and I find them all just wonderful and intriguing and I love to drive so, that’s it.

[00:02:37]
Amanda Greene: A fun fact, when I was a child, I made a pretend steering wheel and put a little bendy straw as a blinker because I so desperately wanted to drive. Because of that freedom you’re describing it really, it’s a feeling that never went away. So, the idea of purchasing a new car can be really overwhelming because there are so many factors that go into making the choice for someone who’s just starting to think about buying a car. . What are the main things that you would suggest considering?

[00:03:05]
Nicole Wakelin: Well, I think the first thing you need to do before you even go online and start looking at the mass of information about cars, is to figure out what you want and what works for you, not what your neighbor wants, not what your sister wants, not what your dad wants, what works for you because you’re going to be in that car a lot and it’s generally speaking, the second most expensive thing most people buy aside from their house.

So make sure that you know exactly what you want. Think about how you’re going to use your car, how you’re going to drive. Are you having lots of kids in the car or not? Do you have lots of cargo or not? Do you need to tow a boat or not? And then just narrow down the kind of car that you want before you even start looking at exactly which one.

[00:03:48]
Amanda Greene: What sort of things are important when buying a car? Can you give some examples?

[00:03:51]
Nicole Wakelin: Well, I think you need to consider, how comfortable you want to be. Comfort stuff is always important. You live in the Northeast, the heated seats and heated steering wheel might be more of a priority, you live in Florida, not so much. Things like all-wheel drive, those features, if you’re someplace where there’s lots of snow or even where the roads are just wet a lot, all-wheel drive might be a big deal if you’re in sunny California, again, maybe not. But look at the features that you want and the features that you must have and think carefully about what’s truly necessary.

Do you need a three-row SUV? If you only have one child, well, sure you could bring along all their friends, but that’s a lot more expensive. Do you really need that? Maybe a two-row SUV is enough. So look and think about how you’re going to use your car and then make a list of the things that are your priority. I hate cold mornings, I must have heated seats.

Performance is up there for me, well then I’m probably not going to be looking at an economy car that gets good gas milage. So, make a little list of the things that you just absolutely really, really want in your car versus the things that will be cool to have these things. But if my budget doesn’t allow it, then I can’t find the right mix, then I can survive without them.

[00:04:57]
Amanda Greene: Okay Nicole, you’re driving over a 100 vehicles a year, and so I imagine that can be a crazy task because you have to go into each one fresh to evaluate. Do you have a mental checklist that you go through when you get into the driver’s seat of a new car each time?

[00:05:13]
Nicole Wakelin: My priority every time is to make sure that it’s pleasant to look at and that it’s comfortable because most of the time you’re staring at the dashboard. Most of the time you’re sitting there and sometimes for hours and hours if you’re doing a road trip and the last thing you want are seats that are stiff or bolsters like the side that hold you in too tight so you feel squished and you just want to get out of them.

So I think finding comfort and having an appealing look to it is a priority and that you can actually see the road, which doesn’t sound like something that should be difficult, but if you have a big vehicle, sometimes the way the seat adjustments work, you find you’re trying to, especially a big SUV, where is the end of the hood, you should be able to get an adjustment where you can truly see without having stretched to do it.

So all these things are that first checklist of is this easy? Is this makes sense? Could anybody sit down in this and feel comfortable? You’re looking for things in a car to be something that you can get used to fairly quickly if they aren’t immediately intuitive?

[00:06:17]
Amanda Greene: How about electric vehicles? Who are they meant for? Who are they suited for?

[00:06:21]
Nicole Wakelin: I want to say they’re suited for everyone. Anyone can get an EV, but there are things that make them better or worse depending on your circumstances. You have to be able to charge them. If you’re someplace where you are, say in an apartment or a big city where you can’t install a charger in your garage or outside, at your driveway, then they might not be the best choice because it’s hard to rely solely on public chargers to be able to charge your vehicle. If you drive extremely long distances, again, that can be a little challenging because again, you’re relying on that public infrastructure and depending on where you are, it’s a little so-so.

They can be poorly located, they might not work, you might not get the charge you expect. So if you do lots of road trips, if you travel a lot for work, an EV might not be ideal unless you’re comfortable with getting comfortable with charging. If you’re not traveling super long distance, you’re okay because the average EV, you’re getting over 250 miles of range with one charge. Most of us don’t drive that much in a typical day. So truly most of us are going to be fine with an EV.

[00:07:26]
Amanda Greene: And I didn’t really realize how much car safety features have changed over time. My husband’s vehicle does not have a backup camera in it, and it’s only one year older than my car. And so I didn’t realize that that was something that came standard just a few years ago. But when you’re thinking about buying a used car, do any car safety features come to mind that you would consider a must have?

[00:07:46]
Nicole Wakelin: Absolutely. And depending on how old the car that you’re looking at is, every car now comes with a camera. So you have a backup camera once upon a time they didn’t. And depending on how far back you go, it may have just been the very top trim that they offered it in or very expensive cars that it was offered in.

So, I would look for what we consider the basics now. Look to see if those basics were available on some of those older cars because those were the ones that were the first things to roll out, like the camera, like lane keeping assist, that’s another good one.

Things like automatic emergency braking. That’s one of my favorite car safety features, if you can find a car that has that automatic emergency braking feature, it’s the one when you blink for two seconds and suddenly you’re about to rear end somebody that will save you so many times.

So don’t get too worried about the long list of features, they’re all great. They all provide help and keep you safe and keep you out of accidents. But we drove for a long time without all those and it wasn’t absolute chaos. You’ll be okay if you can’t find the latest and greatest feature on something that’s in a used car. So investigate it, but don’t get too carried away. Don’t be benchmarking against today’s Mercedes Benz because you’re never going to find that on a used car from four years ago.

[00:09:01]
Amanda Greene: It’s a good reminder to think about how fun a car, truck or whatever you’re in the market for can be. So, I’ve got to figure out which features are most important to me and don’t worry, we’re going to hear more from Nicole Wakelin later in the episode.

I do spend a lot of time in the car, so something that really works for me. I love a seat warmer. Okay, this is a nice one. It’s got three rows. Just like I wanted. Nicole said, think about what you want and need because like she said, there are going to be big differences between buying a used car from four years ago and a new Mercedes Benz. A major one of course is price. I need to talk to somebody about the budget.

To walk us through all things finance and how to approach including how to approach what’s usually the most hated thing about purchasing a car, negotiation. I’m talking to Ted Lyons, he’s Vice President of Financial Services with AAA Northeast Bank. Let’s start at the beginning. When is the best time to buy a car?

[00:10:13]
Ted Lyons: I think the easiest and most universal answer is before you have to. If you are put in a position where you have to buy a car tomorrow to go to work, to go to school, to pick up your kids, it’s going to put you at a decidedly poor advantage to negotiate. You haven’t done your research, you haven’t done your due diligence, you may not even know how much you can afford. The earlier you can get started on the process, the better and definitely before you have to buy it.

[00:10:42]
Amanda Greene: And speaking of what you can afford, the B word, nobody likes budgets. How do you even know if you’re in a position to be purchasing a car? How do you determine if you’re ready financially?

[00:10:52]
Ted Lyons: I think there’s a couple of things. One, the easiest and most obvious is take a peek at your bank account. What do you have in savings? Where are you positioned financially on a cash on hand basis? And then next is going the loan route. So you go and you find out how much can you afford. You can go to your local bank, your credit union, your auto club, wherever you want to go and go get pre-approved.

[00:11:15]
Amanda Greene: Okay, so that’s something people do. Before going to the dealership and actually talking about a car, they’re going to the bank or somewhere else to figure out how to get the money.

[00:11:24]
Ted Lyons: They should. Not everybody does, but they should.

[00:11:26]
Amanda Greene: I kind of thought you’d just show up at the dealership and they tell you.

[00:11:29]
Ted Lyons: Most people do, and that’s where your bargaining starts to go downhill. If you don’t have the ability to know how much you’re approved for, what rate you qualify for, what your credit score is, they’re going to throw a number at you and it may sound good and it may be way too high, maybe way too high. If you know how much you’re approved for, if you know what your rate is, if you know what your payment is relative to those two terms. So, how long did you take out the loan for. The dealership, they’re really good at selling cars and they sell more in a month than you’re going to buy in a lifetime.

[00:12:01]
Amanda Greene: Okay, you are talking about a different level of preparation than I ever thought was necessary before purchasing a car. So that is really good information. So, there’s various payment options. I thought you could either choose buy a used car, buy a new car or a lease, but it’s a little bit more than that.

[00:12:18]
Ted Lyons: It is, and those are effectively the three choices you have. So you’re going to buy a new car, you’re going to lease a new car, you’re going to buy a used car. You can break up that used car transaction a little further. So are you going to buy a used car from a dealer? Are you going to buy it from somebody off Craigslist? Are you going to buy it from somebody off of one of the auto buying sites or Facebook Marketplace or there’s a number of different ways you’re driving down the street and it’s on somebody’s front lawn.

There’s a number of different things so, we just a second ago talked about the financing. So it’s good to know how much can you afford, where are you going to get that money from and so forth. You also have to consider the car, so don’t show up to a car lot, don’t show up to somebody’s house or a dealership or what have you without knowing what that car’s worth. New cars are kind of easy for the most part. You’re paying around MSRP nowadays, the days of paying way under are kind of gone with the last three or four years of car buying mayhem, if you want to call it with inventory shortages and trip shortages.

[00:13:16]
Amanda Greene: You’re saying there’s a little less room for negotiation?

[00:13:18]
Ted Lyons: There has been. It’s starting to wane a little bit as the inventories are bouncing back. We’re starting to see there’s a little more room for that, but it’s nowhere near what it used to be.

[00:13:28]
Amanda Greene: Is there a best site to buy used cars or a resource that you suggest to visit to figure that out ahead of time?

[00:13:34]
Ted Lyons: So, I wouldn’t look at any one site. I’d look at a bunch. And the internet is a wonderful thing and it’s also a rabbit hole and my wife and I were talking about this morning where you get on something and then two hours later you come up for air. But there’s a few sites. So JD Power’s a good one for looking up values, Kelley Blue Book, there’s Edmunds, there’s any of the sales sites too, but it’s also good to see what they’re going for. So go look and see what they’re being advertised for because there’s also a difference between buying it off a dealer’s lot and buying it from your neighbor, right?

[00:14:05]
Amanda Greene: Right.

[00:14:05]
Ted Lyons: There’s a differential in the price there. So you’ve got to kind of know the range and then I hate to even layer this in, but if you’re trading in a car, you’re going to have a whole another factor of negotiation in there as well because they’re not going to offer you retail value for your vehicle.

[00:14:24]
Amanda Greene: Can we talk about leasing a car? Because I’ve never done a lease and I don’t really know a lot about them other than you’re locked into a certain amount of mileage. I know there’s a lease buyout and an extended lease, but how does leasing a car work?

[00:14:36]
Ted Lyons: So, leases are great for people that want to always drive a new car and are kind of married to the fact that they’re just going to always have a car payment. You mentioned mileage, mileage is a big piece of it where if you drive a lot, a lease is something you may not want to consider because they give you X amount of miles every year and at the end of the lease, if you turn that lease in, you may be paying 25 cents a mile over what you’re allotted.

So a lot of people in that case will tend to buy their cars out and lease buyouts have been a very big thing over the past few years because, as we talked about earlier with the inventory shortages and the add-on and the inflation on the vehicle values, you set your vehicle buyout price a couple of years ago.

Two, maybe three years ago when the values of those cars were much lower. Now it’s a very good financial decision in most cases to buy out that lease and a lot of people are doing it. So that can be another purchase option where you’re in a car, you like the car, maybe you don’t like what’s out there on the market right now, or you don’t want to pay what a new car is worth, a lease buyout’s a good option. You mentioned extended leases, some people can push out their lease another couple of years if they wanted to do that as well.

[00:15:49]
Amanda Greene: So let’s talk about terms. What should buyers know about terms to avoid being taken advantage of once they’re there and ready to buy a car?

[00:15:57]
Ted Lyons: I think again, with doing your homework and doing your research upfront, when you get into the purchase end of things, there’s other pieces of the puzzle. The dealer’s also going to be offering you products. So from extended service contracts to gap insurance to fabric protection, undercoating, you name it, they have it and they’re going to offer it to you. In a lot of cases, all of those are negotiable. So they may come to you with a very high rate on something and you say, ‘I’m not paying that.’ And a lot of that stuff is available on the outside market as well. You don’t have to buy it from a dealer.

Picture yourself sitting at home watching TV and an extended warranty commercial comes up from a particular company, they’re available elsewhere out in the market. So you can do your homework and know what those cost as well. Knowing what these things are worth and being prepared to be offered them when you’re sitting down, and sometimes they’ll do it in a menu fashion, they’ll present you with…

[00:16:51]
Amanda Greene: A pamphlet.

[00:16:51]
Ted Lyons: Yeah, and they start with the highest and they bring you down to the lowest and the lowest isn’t zero. The lowest is just the fewest number of the products they want to offer you. So you don’t have to take any of it necessarily. Some of it’s good and some of it’s worthwhile taking depending on your financial situation. Gap coverage, for instance. God forbid you have a total loss on the vehicle and you owe more on the loan than the vehicle pays out for through insurance, gap coverage kicks in there. So did you check your insurance company for it? Did you check other carriers? You don’t necessarily have to get it through the dealer.

[00:17:22]
Amanda Greene: Yeah, there’s some homework to do.

[00:17:23]
Ted Lyons: Absolutely,

[00:17:24]
Amanda Greene: Yes.

[00:17:24]
Ted Lyons: Everybody falls in love with the car and they get a little punch drunk when they go to the dealership because you probably drove in with something that maybe isn’t running so great. There’s a reason you showed up to the lot, so you just drove something that’s really nice and now you fell in love with it and you have to have it, and that’s where those rash decisions come.

So the more tips and information you have up front, the better. But are you driving the same type of car you did? Do you know what your insurance is going to cost? Is this car going to double your insurance and make it unaffordable? Have you looked at what repairs are going to cost on this car? Fixing a Toyota Corolla is different than fixing a BMW and I’m not picking one over the other. It’s just a fact of life. Registration’s another one.

[00:17:59]
Amanda Greene: Right.

[00:18:00]
Ted Lyons: So you have to register this new car or transfer the registration from your old car. You’re going to have to pay sales tax on that new car. Are those things going to put that car out of reach for you or cause you some grief down the road? And these are all the things you got to look at that generally people overlook because they see the shiny car and they say, I have to have it.

[00:18:16]
Amanda Greene: Thanks so much for this Ted. Sounds like I have a lot of homework to do, but before I go, let’s bring Nicole Wakelin back for some lightning round questions. Just to be clear, all of these are Nicole’s opinions and recommendations and hers alone, so we’re getting real insider info here. Okay, Nicole, the best fuel efficient car to drive in the city.

[00:18:39]
Nicole Wakelin: Fuel efficient city driving. This is like a lot of pressure. I’m going to go with, it’s sort of a standby, the Prius, which I know isn’t exciting, but they redid it this year and the Prius is small enough to make it easy to drive in the city and great fuel economy with the best gas milage.

[00:18:52]
Amanda Greene: How about best midsize SUV?

[00:18:54]
Nicole Wakelin: Best midsize SUV. And at this moment, I’ve forgotten every midsize SUV on the planet. It’s a luxury car, so it’s luxury, but I really enjoyed driving because it was so tech forward. How about the Lincoln Nautilus?

[00:19:07]
Amanda Greene: Ooh, I love the look of that one. I think my in-laws drive that. How about the best adventure car for road trips or camping, something adventurous?

[00:19:17]
Nicole Wakelin: Okay, for adventure. I don’t know how adventurous you want to get, but I feel like the Jeep Wrangler is the best adventurous car out there. Take the doors off, take the roof off, get muddy and dirty and have some fun with an outdoor vehicle.

[00:19:28]
Amanda Greene: Okay, some broader questions. Winter tires, yes or no?

[00:19:32]
Nicole Wakelin: So, I am big on winter tires. I will go on for an entire podcast about why everybody who lives someplace where it’s cold because it is winter, it’s not snow tires. So the rule is if you’re in someplace where it’s consistently under 40 degrees, when that happens, you should be on winter tires. It makes a huge difference whether there’s snow or even cold. It’s not just about the snow. So yes, yes, yes to winter tires.

[00:19:58]
Amanda Greene: Oh, interesting. Okay. How about a protective undercoating?

[00:20:02]
Nicole Wakelin: I feel like that was something we did many, many years ago because things rusted, but if you look at the warranties that come on today’s vehicles and how they build them, the things they’ve done to protect them, you don’t really need that stuff. You’re wasting your money, I think.

[00:20:13]
Amanda Greene: All right, next one, touch screen or physical buttons.

[00:20:16]
Nicole Wakelin: It’s both. The answer’s both. No matter what anyone tells you, I’m right on this. You need a touch screen for some stuff, but don’t take away people’s volume knob. Don’t put that in the touch screen. Don’t take away the button that will let me turn the heat up and turn it down. Don’t make me dig around in a screen in the latest one that drives me nuts. They’re putting the air vents, so the controls for the vents are in your touch screen, so you can’t reach out and move the vent. You have to touch your screen and then touch the spot on the screen that looks like your vent and slide your finger around. No, that needs an actual physical control.

[00:20:48]
Amanda Green: I agree 100%. This has been wonderful talking to you. Thank you so much for coming on.

[00:20:53]
Nicole Wakelin: Oh, thank you so much for having me on the podcast. It was a pleasure.

[00:20:56]
Amanda Greene: That was Nicole Wakelin automotive journalist, car expert and truck jumper. And before that, we heard from Ted Lyons, Vice President of Financial Services with AAA Northeast Bank. They both had so much good info to share. So many things I hadn’t thought of. The draw of a shiny new car is a strong one, especially if what you’re used to is a little old or things don’t work.

Or, there’s a puddle of some mystery liquid pooling under your car. I guess the things to keep in mind are to pick out what you want beforehand, don’t rush into a purchase, know how much you want to pay and on what terms, and don’t forget to factor in all the extras, like repairs, insurance, registration.

It’s all about showing up already informed. You’ve been listening to Merging Into Life where we navigate life’s milestones, one episode at a time. Brought to you by AAA Northeast with production assistance from JAR Audio. I’m your host, Amanda Greene. If you had anywhere as much fun as I did, follow us wherever you get your podcasts and let us know what you think.

Send your thoughts to podcast@AAANortheast.com. In the meantime, I’m going to figure out how much I really want to spend on this new car.

---

RESOURCES

AAA Car Buying Guide

AAA Auto Insurance

AAA Auto Loans

AAA Auto Buying Program

AAA Auto Loan Payment Calculator

JD Power

More from Nicole Wakelin

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

Graduating from high school or college is a big accomplishment and a milestone worth celebrating. If you want to give a graduate something they’ll never forget, consider an experience gift.

Maybe you’re the one who just graduated, and you want to treat yourself by broadening your horizons. No matter who is turning the tassel this year, these are some of the best experience gift ideas for a new grad.

Live Events

Is there a concert that your grad has been wanting to go to forever? Maybe a hit Broadway show or a favorite sports team? AAA members can access special discounts for tickets to concerts, Broadway shows, music festivals, comedy shows and more. Just try searching your grad’s favorite artist, from Taylor Swift to Usher. You can also get discounted tickets to sports events like baseball, basketball and football.

Classes

More classes? Your grad might appreciate it more than you know! Encourage them to cultivate their hobby or passion project with local art and music classes. Or help them meet people in their city with low-stakes courses that encourage teamwork. Some great options include pottery, golf, martial arts, cooking and dancing. Check out what’s available near your grad and see if any of them are gift-worthy.

If they’re interested in fitness, you can get them a subscription for Active&Fit Direct, which includes over 12,500 gyms, 12,000 on-demand videos and one-on-one wellness coaching.

Or keep them inspired with access to thousands of books on topics ranging from memoirs to motivation with an Audible subscription. AAA members get a two-month free trial with two free bestsellers or new releases.

Travel

Being well-traveled is an education in itself.

New travelers may prefer guided tours, where a local expert is the one leading the way. Guided tours also make thoughtful experience gifts, since they take care of all the stress associated with planning daily itineraries, hotel stays and more. Reach out to a AAA travel advisor to discuss options and start planning.

After all their hard work, you might want to give your grad a chance to kick back and relax. There’s no better way to get some much-needed rest and relaxation than by going on a luxurious cruise. Whether they’re in search of Caribbean fun in the sun or a European river journey, there’s a cruise for every type of traveler.

Want to immerse your grad in the world of fantasy and fun before they have to get back to reality? AAA members can get discounts to theme parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort and more. You can get them the gift of thrills and chills while saving on tickets.   

More Ideas

Check out our list of gifts to get your grad financially ready.

You can also never go wrong with flowers. Save up to 20% on 1-800-Flowers.com orders. For more gift ideas, visit AAA.com/Discounts.

Do you remember what you got when you graduated? Would you have preferred an experience gift? What are you planning to do for the recent grads in your life? Let us know in the comments below.

You don’t need to be a lawyer to make sense of your insurance policy.

What’s more, understanding the language used in these contracts helps you get the best products for your lifestyle.

This A to Z guide for decoding insurance jargon will get you started.

Actual Cash Value

The calculated worth of insured property at the time of loss or damage. Replacement cost minus depreciation = actual cash value.

Beneficiary

The person who receives the payout from a will, life insurance policy, annuity or similar contract.

Captive Agent 

An individual who sells insurance contracts for a specific insurer.

Deductible

The portion of the loss you pay for before your policy kicks in.

Endorsement 

An addition to an insurance policy that adds to or changes the terms. Also called a rider.

Flood

Not typically included in a homeowners policy, this extra coverage protects your property from floods.

Hazard

A circumstance that increases the likelihood of loss.

Independent Agent

An agent who represents multiple insurance companies.

Liability Coverage

The part of your policy that will pay out if you’re found responsible for someone else’s injuries.

Named Perils

Hazards specifically named in a policy.

Occasional Driver

Someone who is not the main driver of the car he or she usually operates.

Personal Injury Protection

Coverage that pays for the insured’s medical expenses regardless of who is at fault for a crash.

Quote

An estimate of what your insurance premium would be with a given insurance provider.

Renters Insurance 

An affordable insurance policy that protects a renter and their belongings.

Standard Risk

Someone who is insurable at standard insurance rates. High- or low-risk policyholders may pay higher or lower rates based on such risk.

Term

The period when an insurance policy is in effect.

Umbrella Policy

Excess liability insurance that could also cover losses not covered by other insurance policies.

Whole Life 

A life insurance policy that remains in effect for a person’s entire lifetime with guaranteed cash value and a payout upon their death. In contrast, a term life insurance policy is cheaper but has no cash value when the term ends. Learn more.

Need more help? Talk to your AAA insurance agent about the specific terms of your policy.

Moving into a new house or apartment can seem like a daunting task. You’ve probably accumulated a lot of stuff over the years, and the idea of packing everything up can be enough to overwhelm anyone.

Make your next move a little easier with these tips.

Timing Is Everything

In real estate, you might not always have control over your timeline. But if you have any choice when it comes to your move, you should choose to move in the spring. The days are longer and the temperature is warmer, but it’s also not as hot as a summer move.

Moving to a new house in the summer can be a sweaty chore, especially if you don’t have air conditioning installed yet. And moving in the winter can be dangerous – with a layer of ice coating the ground and a limited amount of daylight to work with. Try to plan for a moving date with a forecast of sunny skies.

Pack for Success

Half of the moving struggle is packing. Before things get moving, you need to make sure all your items are packed up and ready to go.

Pack by room. The smartest way to pack is to tackle one room at a time. It’s a natural way to organize your belongings, and it will help keep everything together when you unpack later. Once you organize by room, then you can organize by item. Pack all your dishes together, or all your linens together. Don’t spread the same types of items across multiple boxes if you can help it.

Use labels. Remember to label your boxes clearly. When your boxes are all labeled with the room in which they belong and the items that they contain, unpacking will be so much easier.

Handle with care. Make sure that your fragile items are properly protected for the move. Wrap your delicate items with bubble wrap or unprinted paper – newspaper is convenient, but the newsprint can leave stains behind. It’s also a good idea to put towels or other soft materials on the bottom of boxes containing delicate items.

Get the right box. Boxes and containers designed specifically for moving can make the whole process easier. Wardrobe boxes can help you easily transport hanging clothing, and mirror boxes can help protect your mirrors. Boxes with handles are the best for moving – giving the movers something to hold onto.

Get the Right Vehicle for the Job

If you have a car, it probably can’t fit everything you own. It probably can’t even fit your couch. When you move, you will most likely need a bigger vehicle to help you do it. Luckily, AAA members can save on truck rentals from Penske.

Penske offers truck rentals from cargo vans all the way up to 26-foot trucks. So which is right for you?

If you’re moving from a small apartment or a studio, try a high roof cargo van, which has the capacity of about one room, or a 12-foot truck, which has the capacity of two.

If you’re moving from a bigger apartment or a standard-sized house, opt for a 16-foot truck, which has the capacity of two to three rooms, or a 22-foot truck, which has the capacity of three to five.

Are you making an extra big move with even more cargo? The mammoth 26-foot truck has the capacity of five to seven rooms.

Don’t forget – when renting a truck from Penske, AAA members receive exclusive savings of 12% or more.

Do you have a tip that helped with your last move? Let us know in the comments below.

Though some areas are more susceptible than others, heavy rains and flash floods should be a concern for those living in the Northeast. After all, we are on the coast and so many of us live near water. Are your home and belongings protected with flood insurance?

Brush up on your knowledge of flood insurance with the answers to these frequently asked questions.

Do I need flood insurance if I have homeowners or renters insurance?

Short answer: Yes. Homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage.

Longer answer: In the 1960s, after a series of flooding along the Mississippi River, flooding was viewed as an uninsurable risk, and many private homeowners insurance companies pulled out of offering coverage for flood damage. Thus, the National Flood Insurance Program was born. The program provides federally backed flood insurance to certain communities participating in the program. If your community doesn’t participate in the program, you can’t buy a policy through the NFIP, but you may be able to buy a policy through a private insurance company.

Check the NFIP Community Book to see if your town or city participates in the program.

Do I need flood insurance if I don’t live near water?

If you don’t live in a Special Flood Hazard Area, defined by FEMA has having a 1% or greater chance or flooding in any given year, you’re not federally required to have flood insurance. However, your mortgage lender may still require you to have it. And, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, more than 40% of flood claims come from properties outside high-risk flood zones. So, though you may not technically need to have flood insurance, it’s still recommended as floods can happen anywhere.

What exactly does flood insurance cover?

In general, flood insurance protects your home from damage done by rising waters, inundation (what happens when water covers normally dry land) and mudflows (when floodwater mixes with mud). It covers the cleanup, debris removal and repairs necessary after a flood.

You can insure your house for up to $250,000 with building property coverage and your belongings for up to $100,000 with personal property coverage, which must be purchased separately through the National Flood Insurance Program. You may be able to purchase additional coverage through a private flood insurance program.

What doesn’t flood insurance cover?

Knowing what isn’t covered is as important to understanding flood insurance as knowing what is covered.

Flood insurance doesn’t cover damage that affects property and belongings outside the home, including trees, walkways, pools, decks and patios, fences, septic systems and the like. In furnished areas below ground level, insurance coverage doesn’t include paneling, bookcases, window treatments, carpeting and other floor coverings, drywall for walls and ceilings, and personal property such as clothing, electronic equipment, kitchen supplies and furniture.

Coverage for basement and crawlspace damage is pretty limited.

Policyholders should also be aware of the “earth movement” or “long-term differential movement” clause. Loss of property caused by earth movement, even if due to a flood, isn’t covered. That means your policy may exclude damage caused by landslides, sinkholes or movement of land due to water accumulation or gradual erosion.

What should I do before a flood?

If you have flood insurance, take pictures or video of your property to document the condition of your home before any damage is done. Photograph the house, the foundation, the interior and exterior walls and each room inside to avoid a dispute over whether the damage was pre-existing. FEMA recommends that you keep a file of these photos along with a copy of your insurance policies, plus serial numbers and receipts for major appliances and electronics.

If you don’t have flood insurance, first ensure that your community participates in the NFIP, then talk to an insurance agent about your options. Keep in mind that there is a 30-day waiting period to purchase flood insurance, so you can’t wait until just before a storm (home closings where it is required by the lender are an exception.)

Contact an experienced AAA Insurance agent today.

What should I do after a flood?

First, call your insurance agent or insurance company. Make a list of damaged or lost items and include receipts if possible. Take pictures of the damage after the flood, before any cleanup or debris removal.

Learn more about what to do before, during and after a flood.

Do you have flood insurance that has come in handy? Tell us how it has helped you in the comments below.

Plan your next adventure with a AAA travel advisor.

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

Imagine checking off the high-end experiences on your Luxury Gold Founder’s Collection small group journey of England and Scotland’s national treasures: London, Stonehenge, Stratford-upon-Avon, Edinburgh and of course, lunch with a British duchess on the grounds of her 11^th-century castle.

Every Luxury Gold small group journey is meticulously planned, keeping convenience, exclusivity and extravagance at the center. From exceptional dining at Michelin-rated restaurants to VIP curated experiences with afterhours access and magnificent stays at world-leading properties, every detail is elevated. Plus, guests are catered to by Luxury Gold’s 24/7 Travel Concierge, who combine local knowledge with the ultimate black book of contacts.

The Founder’s Collection, personally curated Luxury Gold’s late founder Stanley Tollman, is inspired by his life in travel and calls upon his extensive connections. With a chance to meet royalty, scholars and regional experts from different countries and behind-the-scenes access to incredible locations, your itinerary will look quite impressive.

The exclusive meet-and-greets are part of select journeys. Of course, your Travel Concierge and local experts from the region you are visiting will accompany you to answer questions and provide more information. Many itineraries also include a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER^® experience, focused on sustainable travel practices, local culture and resources.

Here are just a few of the fascinating people you could meet on a Luxury Gold small group journey featuring a Founder’s Collection experience.

Be the Guest of an Artist, Scholar in Peru

Luxury Gold’s Treasures of the Incas excursion in Peru includes a VIP visit to artist Victor Delfin’s home in Lima and a trip to the ancient Incan citadel of Machu Pichu prior to the arrival of crowds. Enjoy the beauty of a tea plantation or a visit to one of the country’s biggest orchid farms.

Peru’s Founder’s Collection experience includes a stop at the ancestral home of Peruvian politician and philanthropist, Dr. Francisco Diez-Canseco Távara, in Lima. Over Lunch, Dr. Canseco relates anecdotes of his family’s experiences, surrounded by artifacts from his country’s and family’s personal history.

Visitors also have the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of traditional Peruvian Cusqueñan textile weavers of Cusco in the heart of the Sacred Valley.

Gardens Fit for a Duchess

If Great Britain is more your style, consider the British Royale small group journey, a 10-day guided expedition to the national treasures of England and Scotland. You can join the Yeoman Warder for a Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London and enjoy other historic landmarks. Have high tea at Castle Howard, get a private guided walk of the castle and grounds, and visit the Roman baths.

The unquestionable highlight is joining Jane Percy, the Duchess of Northumberland, for a private look at Alnwick Castle Gardens. The Percy family has owned the castle since 1345, and Percy spent years restoring the gardens. Included in the flora and fauna is one of the only poison gardens in the world, filled with deadly specimens such as the strychnine tree, hemlock and the castor oil plant, whose seeds contain ricin. A private guide shows off the castle’s interior and guests enjoy a seasonal lunch.

Princess Relates Family History

Royalty and living history await on other small group journeys as well. Princess Anita von Hohenberg of Austria welcomes Founder’s Collection members to her home, Artstetten Castle in Artstetten-Pobring for private reception with drinks. The castle was built on the ruins of a 13^th century fortress and has evolved over the centuries.

Von Hohenberg is a descendant of the Habsburgs, one of the oldest sovereign families in Europe, and is the great-granddaughter of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, who inherited the castle in 1889. His assassination in Sarajevo in 1914 triggered a series of events that led to the start of World War I. Ferdinand and his wife Sophie later were buried in a crypt under the castle. Artstetten was seized by the Nazis during World War II but returned to the family in 1949.

While guiding guests through the house and grounds, von Hohenberg emphasizes that while Artstetten is a castle, it still is a family home. She tells visitors about her family’s past and involvement with the history of her homeland.

Wining and Dining in Italy

Italy and wine go together like, well, cappuccino and cannolis. Enjoy both on a 13-day small group jounrey of Italy, loaded with must-sees, including a stroll through acres of vineyards in Tuscany and winemaking lessons from Marchese Mazzei. The Mazzei family has been producing premier wines for 25 generations at the Castello di Fonterutoli. The more than 1,600-acre estate includes 290 acres planted with vines. Enjoy lunch paired with some of the region’s best chiantis.

Also not to miss in Tuscany: An after-hours visit to the Doge’s Palace with a Luxury Gold local expert.

Other highlights include a glass-blowing demonstration in Venice, visits to Rome, the Vatican, Florence and Pompeii, and meals at exceptional restaurants. There’s something for everyone!

Contact your AAA Travel Agent and plan your next getaway today.

Featured image: Courtesy of Luxury Gold.

Nothing rejuvenates the body, mind and an adventurous spirit quite like a trip to the great outdoors. From glaciers to mountain ranges and spectacular national parks, the world’s most magnificent natural wonders are waiting to be discovered.

But where to begin? Let these guided travel tours lead the way!

Canadian Rockies and Glacier National Park

If glaciers are your thing, the Canadian Rockies and Glacier National Park tour is for you. This seven-night tour includes visits to Calgary, Banff, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, Waterton Lakes National Park, Glacier National Park and more. Ride in an open-air Jammer down Going-to-the-Sun Road, which leads across the Continental Divide and offers breathtaking views of Glacier National Park. At the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, you can brave a walk across a glass bridge to see the Sunwapta Valley below. Or you can take a ride across the huge Athabasca Glacier.

National Parks of America

America is rich with beautiful natural landscapes that we can explore in our own backyard. The National Parks of America tour will take you out west to see five of our most majestic national parks. Travelers will get breathtaking sights of the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Zion and more. You can see Mt. Rushmore and the Crazy Horse monument, before learning more about the historical context of these sites from a Lakota guide. This 12-night tour is best for travelers looking for a moderate level of activity and a maximum level of natural beauty.

Alaska: America’s Last Frontier

The remote grandeur of our biggest state awaits on the Alaska: America’s Last Frontier tour. On this eight-night trip, travelers can learn the art of gold panning, get up close and personal with dog sled riding, embark on a glacier cruise, ride in a domed railcar and more. The highlight of the trip is the full-day tundra wilderness tour through the majestic Denali National Park. As you travel through Alaska, you’ll meet the locals and get an insight into their way of life and indigenous culture. Not enough Alaska for you? You can opt into a “flightseeing” tour to get a bird’s-eye view of Denali National Park. You’ll even land on a glacier.

Peaks of Europe: The Alps to the Dolomites

North America isn’t the only place with picturesque mountains! Head abroad for the 12-night Peaks of Europe: The Alps to the Dolomites tour, which winds through France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria and Italy. This storybook tour includes visits to Mont Blanc, the Bernese Oberland, the Lauterbrunnen Valley and the frosty Jungfraujoch, also known as the “Top of Europe.” You’ll also journey into the Dolomites to visit ski towns, vineyards and lush landscapes. This tour is best for travelers who are ready to be active on their adventure. It’s also a small group tour, which makes for a more intimate and personalized experience.

The Northern Lights of Finland

Travel under the magical glow of the aurora on the seven-night Northern Lights of Finland tour, which features the best of everything Finland has to offer. You can tour Helsinki, adventure through Lapland, sleep in a glass igloo, go on a reindeer safari and even lead a dog sled team. Learn about the culture of the indigenous Sami people while taking in the natural beauty of snowy white grounds and night skies filled with the northern lights. Plus, don’t forget to hit the sauna before you head home. This small group tour is best for travelers who are open to being active and getting a little chilly.

Exploring New Zealand’s Wonders

The rolling hills and lush landscapes of New Zealand will make you feel like you’ve walked straight into a fantasy novel. The epic, 18-night Exploring New Zealand’s Wonders tour features geothermal springs, grand fjords, ice fields, giant kauri trees and more. Travelers will see Auckland, the Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, Mount Cook, Dunedin and Queenstown. It’s an immensely thorough tour that completely immerses travelers in the country – you can even learn about Maori culture over an authentic Hangi dinner. At the end of the tour, your small group will feel almost like a fellowship.

Are you looking for a chance to explore the great outdoors? Contact your AAA travel advisor and plan your next getaway today!

What’s the best experience you’ve had when traveling out in nature? Tell us your story in the comments below.

Featured image: Peyto Lake, Banff National Park

Learning how to grow herbs is a great practice in sustainability, as it means less reliance on store-bought products which, in turn, reduces waste. It also means you’ll have an array of fresh-smelling herbs in your home to snip from and enhance your meals whenever you need!

You can start your herb garden any time of year – especially if you have a room or window that gets good sunlight – but it’s best to begin in the spring when more herbs are in season and readily available for purchase. The kind of herbs you select are up to you and your tastes, but basil and green onion are some of the easiest to propagate and a great place to start.

Step One: Buy A Plant From The Store

Growing herbs from seeds is totally doable, but purchasing an already budding plant from the grocery store will save you lots of time.

In some supermarkets, you can find starter basil plants in the produce or flower sections. These may look healthy at the time of purchase, but often there are numerous plants crowded into one pot, which creates a competition for nutrients and eventually leads to an unhappy plant that doesn’t produce much (if any) new growth. If you choose to buy a plant, we recommend taking it out of its pot, separating the plants and propagating from there.

Buying a package of fresh basil will work, too. Look for a container with long stems and leaves that are not yet yellowing. This is a good indicator that it will propagate, or start new growth, well.

Green onions (scallions) are even simpler because they come with their roots still attached; just grab a healthy-looking bunch from the produce section.

Step Two: Snip and Start Rooting

It’s important to know exactly where to cut to ensure your cuttings will take root and grow into their own new plant.

With basil (and rosemary, mint and sage, to name a few), look for part of the stem where two smaller shoots have grown on either side. Snip the stem just above the side shoots. Make sure to use clean garden pruners for this part. Then, drop your cuttings (snipped end down) into a small container with water.

Here’s a helpful visual from gardening expert @joesgarden.official.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by JoesGarden (@joesgarden.official)

If your basil isn’t taking root in water, try either using a store-bought rooting powder or, in a pinch, some cinnamon from your pantry. Snip about a centimeter off the end of the stem and dip the end into the rooting powder or cinnamon before placing the cutting into a pot with soil. This will stimulate the root process and hopefully help the cutting produce roots more quickly.

Green onions are just one single shoot, so no need to look for stems or nodes. Chop or snip off the green part of the plant all the way down until the color starts to fade into white, right above the rooted ends. Use an elastic band to bunch the onions together (the same way they are when you purchase them) and place them, roots down, into a small container with water.

For any of your cuttings, you can use a short glass, Mason jar, votive or whatever you’ve got lying around. Something see-through is preferable so you can easily check the status of the root growth.

Step Three: Wait, Then Plant   

After a couple of days, the green onions will show signs of new growth. After a few weeks, they’ll be regrown and large enough to plant into soil. Select a growing pot that’s about 8-inches wide to give the roots lots of room to stretch their “legs.”

For the basil, roots will form in the water within 10 days, at which point you can separate each plant and pot them individually in good quality soil.

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A post shared by JoesGarden (@joesgarden.official)

Set up your potted herbs either outside in a warm, sunny area or inside by a south-facing window for optimal light. Make sure to water regularly and keep up with snipping above the side shoots with basil, rosemary or mint to ensure the plants keep creating new shoots. This is how you maintain a steady harvest of herbs all year long!

Do you have an herb garden? Share your tips for how to grow herbs in the comments below.

If you haven’t heard of Portugal’s Madeira (the place, not the wine), don’t be surprised. Located off Africa’s northwest coast, it consists of four islands, only two of which are inhabited: Madeira and Porto Santo, which in 2024 was named Europe’s Leading Beach Destination by World Travel Awards. But, so far, it has been mostly off travelers’ radars.

Madeira Island offers stunning vistas, outdoor adventures, low tourist traffic, gourmet food and posh hotels. And getting there is easier than ever, so it’s a great time to plan a trip. SATA Azores Airlines is offering nonstop service from Boston’s Logan International Airport this summer and year-round nonstop service from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. .

Travelers who have discovered Madeira enjoy a slower pace and fewer crowds than many other vacation destinations, as well as these top five attributes.

Nature

Five members of the AAA Northeast travel team recently went to the island of Madeira, gathering firsthand experience to help guide members interested in visiting. They all returned with rave reviews and unanimously praised the abundance of natural beauty.

“It’s a hidden gem,” said Nicole Ekholm, a travel project specialist who participated in the trip. Ekholm is of Portuguese descent and speaks Portuguese.

“I loved Madeira!” added travel advisor Jodi Abata. “I loved the diversity of things to do and the interesting topography … from the beautiful beaches and coastline to the picturesque hills filled with gardens and vineyards.”

Known for its variety of rare plants and flowers, one place not to miss is Madeira Natural Park, which was created in 1982 to preserve these natural treasures. Classified as a biogenetic reserve, the park is home to an enormous range of plant life.

Travel advisor Amy Orzechowski was amazed at the landscape. “I was not familiar with how beautiful and picturesque it really is.”

Outdoor Adventures

Formed by a volcano and known for its rocky terrain, the archipelago of Madeira is popular with hikers – especially thrill-seekers. The island’s network of 1,926 miles of levadas, which are irrigation trenches built into the mountains, attract daring hikers who follow paths adjacent to the trenches down the mountains. The levadas, some of which are 600 years old, provided water for drinking, farming, power and enabled a sugar cane industry to thrive for centuries.

Hiking in less treacherous forest locations is also popular, as is parasailing, off-roading, paragliding and swimming in natural pools. The island also has two man-made beaches and a waterfront.

Culture

For years, Madeira was known as a wellness retreat for the rich and famous. Winston Churchill was a regular visitor, as was Stephen Hawking, who went seeking rejuvenation.

Visitors can spend time in the islands’ capital city of Funchal on Madeira, cited for being accessible for people of all abilities. Tour the waterfront and continue to downtown, which besides several cathedrals, houses the Museum of Sacred Art. Plan a visit to the Madeira Wine, Embroidery and Handicrafts Institute, which preserves the island’s longtime tradition of embroidery and displays works that are more than 150 years old.

“I felt like I was in the Caribbean and Europe at the same time,” Abata said.

Wine

Don’t forget to schedule a tour of one or more vineyards to learn how delicious Madeira wine is made. Madeira is one of the few regions of the world that produces mountain wine.

Take time to sip a glass of Madeira or Poncha, the island’s favorite rum punch cocktail, while relaxing at an outdoor cafe.

Food

Not surprisingly, many of Madeira’s culinary specialties come from the sea. These include grilled limpets, a type of mollusk, and varieties of broiled fish. Steak skewers with cornmeal nuggets are another regional favorite, as are a variety of hearty soups.

Madeira is still being discovered by U.S. tourists, but that is rapidly changing, said Ekholm. “If you want a good combination of food, culture and activity, it can be a better value vacation than Hawaii or the Caribbean.”

Contact your AAA travel advisor and plan your next getaway today!

Have you been to Madeira? Would you like to go? Tell us in the comments.

Featured image: Praia do Porto Santo5. ©Henrique Seruca

You may have never questioned it until now — is it illegal to drive in the left lane? In most cases, yes. Across much of the U.S., the left lane is reserved for passing, merging or preparing for a left exit — not cruising. States like Massachusetts, New York and Connecticut enforce these rules to improve traffic flow and safety, and left-lane camping can even lead to fines. So, if you enjoy life in the fast lane, you might want to think twice about lingering there too long.

The Left Lane Is for Passing

The restrictions and penalties for left-lane driving vary among the 50 states, but almost every state limits driving in the left lane to passing, merging or exiting. Fines for violations range from $50 to $500. Many states follow the Uniform Vehicle Code, which requires drivers to keep right if they are going slower than the normal speed of traffic.

Drivers in all states are permitted to use the left lane for passing when there is more than one car traveling in the same direction. Most states, though, don’t allow left lane access for slow moving vehicles that give no indication of passing or turning.

If you’re interested, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has compiled a list of “keep right” laws in each state.

Why Left-Lane Driving Is Illegal

The reasons behind limiting left-lane driving vary, but most have to do with safety and efficiency, as well as reducing aggressive driving. While not specifically taking a position on left-lane driving, AAA recommends slower traffic keep to the right and all motorists should drive at a speed consistent with the specified limit as well as roadway conditions.

“In general, when people travel slowly in the left lane, that can lead to frustration among drivers who might be lined up behind them,” said Alec Slatky, managing director of public and government affairs for AAA Northeast.

In one AAA study, drivers who rated their speed as faster than other drivers were more likely than others to report engaging in aggressive driving behavior.

If drivers populate the left lanes, faster drivers wind up changing lanes more frequently, weaving around them, which can be a safety hazard. Driver frustration can also lead to other risky behaviors, such as tailgating or passing a car on the right. Passing on the right can be extremely dangerous because of the traffic flow, blind spots and cars entering and exiting from the right side.

Stay in Your Lane

Chances are, during your daily travels, you’ll encounter people driving faster than you, even if they are not supposed to. Freeing up the left lane leaves room for emergency vehicles, avoids traffic backups and enables people to get to their destinations faster.

“We’re not looking for police to be writing lots of tickets for people traveling slowly in the left lane – we’re hoping that people will follow best practices,” said Slatky. “It’s also generally better if everyone follows the same standard – people pass on the left, rather than the right. When you behave in a way that others expect on the road, that lowers everybody’s risk.”

What are your thoughts on left-lane driving? Tell us in the comments.

Last updated: April 15, 2026