Have you always dreamed of installing a pool in your backyard or finally adding that guest bedroom but simply don’t have the funds on hand? Maybe, instead, you simply need to get out from underneath debt or finance an unexpected expense. Home equity loans and home equity lines of credit are just the tools for these situations. Both allow homeowners to borrow against the equity they own in their house and use the funds however they like.
You may have also heard that the interest you pay on home equity loans and credit lines is tax deductible. While this may be true in some situations, it’s not the case in all.
Is home equity loan interest tax deductible?
Whether the interest is tax deductible primarily comes down to how the funds are used. You will need to consult a tax professional for advice regarding your situation and a definitive response to this question. According to the IRS, interest on home equity loans and lines of credit is deductible only if the taxpayer who secures the loan uses the borrowed funds to buy, build or substantially improve their home.
While the IRS hasn’t defined what “substantially improve” means, it is generally considered to include anything that increases the value of your home. Think replacing a roof, adding a bedroom or remodeling a bathroom.
On the other hand, if you take out a home equity loan to pay off another debt or finance an emergency expense, for example, the interest is not tax deductible.
The same tax rules regarding home equity loan interest apply to home equity credit line interest.
Is there a cap on how much interest you can deduct from a home equity loan or credit line?
You can only deduct interest on up to $750,000 worth of mortgage debt ($375,000, if filing separately). This includes both the original mortgage used to purchase your house and the home equity loan or credit line.
How do I claim a home equity interest tax deduction?
Interest on home equity loans and credit lines can be deducted only if you itemize your tax return. If the total interest paid in one tax year is less than the standard deduction, you may be better off foregoing the itemized deduction. Consult your tax and/or financial advisor.
To claim your tax deduction, you’ll first need to gather the proper documents. You should receive IRS Form 1098 from your lender prior to tax season. This document shows how much interest you paid on your home equity loan or credit line the previous year.
You will also need to prove in the form of receipts and invoices that the funds went toward home improvements. This can include payments for materials, labor and permits, among other expenses.
Interested in learning more about home equity loans? Let your home work for you with AAA!
AAA Northeast is not a professional tax service, nor does it provide tax advice. You should always consult a tax and/or financial advisor for guidance on your specific financial situation and tax obligations.
It’s a crime that can take months to detect, wreak havoc on your credit and finances and could even leave you with someone else’s unpaid medical bills.
Medical identity theft is becoming more prevalent and involves a person using stolen data to access medical services or drugs, according to Experian.
In some instances, criminals use a person’s confidential information to submit fraudulent claims to insurance companies, providers or agencies for services or equipment that were never rendered.
The impact goes far beyond financial loss. Fixing compromised medical and insurance records can take years, and unresolved errors can result in delayed care or dangerous mistakes. A doctor could give — or withhold — treatment based on medical history details, such as blood type, procedures or diagnoses, that aren’t actually yours.
Medical Identity Breaches Often Go Undetected
Among the reasons the crime is increasing is a rash of data breaches. In 2025, health care data breaches affected about 57 million people, according to the HIPPA Journal.
Medical records provide thieves with a plethora of information, including Social Security numbers, names of the health insurance companies, medical histories and home addresses. From a criminal’s perspective, data from medical identities is 20 to 50 times more valuable than information from a credit card or Social Security number, according to Experian.
Detection is also complicated, because fraudulent charges or claims can get mixed in with real patient accounts, making it hard to isolate them. On average, it takes three months to uncover medical identity fraud, and it can take as long as a year. Often the first indication is when the patient receives a bill for an unpaid medical charge they don’t recognize.
Fortify Your Defenses Against Medical Identity Theft
Here are a few tips to protect yourself against medical identity theft.
Be extremely cautious about sharing any medical information.
Ask your medical professionals what steps they are taking to secure patient information.
Scrutinize every bill you receive, and if you don’t recognize a charge, call the provider.
Check your credit report regularly, in case an unpaid bill you were not aware of was sent to collections.
Review your medical records once a year.
If you suspect fraud, alert the provider and your medical insurance company immediately.
Enrolling in an identity theft protection program such as AAA ProtectMyID, operated by Experian, can help secure your information and notify you of any security breaches. It also provides access to your credit report. The essential plan is free with AAA membership.
Among the ways ProtectMyID guards against medical identity theft and helps you recover in the event of an incident:
ProtectMyID monitors your accounts for questionable activity, including potential misappropriation of your health insurance information.
It covers theft to obtain medical care, insurance or submit fake claims.
Aids in resolving fraud.
Find out everything that is covered by your ProtectMyID plan.
Have you ever been a victim of medical identification theft?
Air Travel Was Up in 2025, But Growth Slowed, Patterns Shifted
Domestic air travel set a new annual record in 2025 with more than 906 million passengers passing through TSA checkpoints, even as overall growth slowed and travel patterns shifted toward weekends and shoulder seasons.
Domestic air travel had another record-breaking year in 2025, but American travel patterns are shifting, according to a new AAA Northeast analysis of several years of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint data.
More than 906 million passengers went through a TSA checkpoint in 2025 — an increase of 2.57 million passengers over 2024 — which was a new annual record but amounts to less than 1% growth year over year. In comparison, 2024 saw a 5.3% increase over 2023, which experienced 13% growth over 2022.
Fewer people flew on Mondays and Tuesdays, which saw respective drops of 0.39% and 3% in passenger volume last year. Meanwhile, Thursdays and Sundays saw growth of 1.89% and 1.87%, respectively. One explanation might be softness in business travel early in the workweek and continued strength in leisure travel, which tends to occur closer to weekends.
Along with shifting daily trends in 2025, travel started the first half of the year slower than 2024 before rebounding around the Fourth of July holiday, and the momentum continued through October. October, in particular, saw 3% growth year over year as shoulder season travel booms in popularity.
Other insights from the AAA Northeast analysis:
Sunday was the busiest travel day, while Tuesday was the slowest. Travelers looking for the best prices should look for trips that begin and end on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, when passenger volumes are lighter. In 2025, an average of 2.73 million travelers went through TSA gates on Sundays while an average of 2.16 million went through on Tuesdays.
There were more extremely busy days with more than 3 million travelers in 2025 — more than ever before. Over 3 million travelers passed through checkpoints on May 23, June 22, July 6, July 13, July 20, July 27, Oct. 10 and Nov. 30 in 2025, the TSA reported. There were only two 3 million-plus days in 2024: July 7 and Dec. 1.
Sundays in early summer were especially busy. June 22 and all four Sundays in July had more than 3 million passengers. If you’re looking to avoid crowds, skip Sundays in July.
Daily records were broken twice in 2025. The TSA reported the single highest day ever for passenger volume on June 22, when 3.09 million passengers were screened. The record was broken again on Nov. 30 with 3.13 million passengers.
Economic uncertainty might explain the slow start. AAA travel advisors indicate that most leisure trips are booked three to six months out. Economic uncertainty in late 2024 and early 2025 may have contributed to lagging travel numbers in the first half of the year. As consumer sentiment improved, bookings increased for the second half of the year.
October is booming. AAA travel advisors say October and autumn in general are increasingly popular with travelers because of deals during the shoulder season and favorable weather in many regions in the U.S. and beyond. Travelers looking to book October trips should do so as early as possible for the best deals.
Summer travel still dwarfs other periods. While travel volume historically spikes over Thanksgiving and year-end holidays, more people travel at the height of summer than any other time of year. TSA screened 85 million people in July compared to 71 million in November and 77 million in December.
A minor dip in November and December is noteworthy. Passenger volume during those months was down 0.15% and 0.08% respectively. While the decline was slight, it was possibly related totravel impacts from the government shutdown from Oct. 1 to Nov. 12. Interestingly, travel during the actual shutdown period was up 2.2% in 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. However, travel volume declined beginning Nov. 7, when the FAA ordered a reduction in flights. Passenger volume was down 6.21% between Nov. 7 and 12, 2025, compared to 2024.
We asked some of our members how long they have belonged to AAA, and answers ranged from one month to 70 years! Whether it’s the pro travel planning services or the peace of mind that comes with our dependable roadside assistance, here’s how they make the most of their memberships and why they continue to renew every year.
“I might have been the youngest member of AAA. I became a member in 1951, and I was born in 1942, and I’m still a member in 2026. That makes me a member for 75 years. My father thought that I should join AAA (when I was 9) because of my interest in everything automobiles. Also, I was interested in road maps and trip planning along with roadside safety. As a fourth grader I did a class project about AAA and its value to the driving public.”
—Michael C., Westchester County, N.Y.
“I’ve been with AAA for 70 years. In 1954, I learned to drive with AAA in New York City. In 1959 I went on a seven-week AAA tour of Europe — to England, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and France — with two weeks sailing the Atlantic coming and going. I have driven cross-country alone twice, using the AAA TripTiks and motel recommendations. I continued driving until January 2022. I am now 95 years old and miss driving.”
—Joy H., Westchester, New York
“I have been a AAA member since 1973 and have been constantly pleased by the service I received for more than 50 years! Thank you!”
— David K., Vermont
“During my 40-year membership, my family and I have relied on AAA for planning vacations. For many years, every time we traveled, which was often, we would go to AAA for maps and books and base our trips on AAA information.”
— Linda A., Hamden, Connecticut
“I have been a AAA member for 19 years and came to the AAA branch in Garden City, New York, with my daughter-in-law to help her surrender license plates and register a new car. There is no question when it comes to whether you go to the Department of Motor Vehicles or AAA. They are pleasant, efficient and fast. I got my license renewed here. They are courteous and knowledgeable. I use many services. I’ll be planning a trip in 2026, and I’ll come here to plan it.”
— Anthony R., West Hempstead, New York
“I’ve been a member since 2017. I’ve used the roadside services a lot. My family has used AAA to plan trips. I use the Amtrak discount a lot because my sons are in Washington, D.C. I feel very comfortable with AAA.”
Lisa K., Freeport, New York
“We have been members for at least 20 years. It’s the convenience — if you have a problem, they are there for you.”
— Oswald D., Hempstead, New York
“I’ve been a member for 25 years. I joined for the security and for the kids. I’ve primarily used the roadside services and DMV services. I’ve been happy with the services, the roadside services in particular.”
— Mike M., Long Beach, New York
“I’ve been with AAA for 30 years. We’ve gotten a lot of satisfaction out of it; it’s just an excellent organization. I’ve used it for flat tires, a dead battery and today, I’m using it for the DMV services.”
— Gail C., South Hempstead, New York
“I’m 59 and have been a member since I was 18. I use roadside assistance a lot. I have a lot of used cars, and I use the DMV services. I encourage other people to join for the DMV services.”
— Craig E., Melville, New York
“I just joined a month ago. I came in to the Garden City, New York, branch for travel services and Tom O’Hara (travel adviser) suggested I become a member. I’m planning a cruise and land trip to Greece, where I’ll be visiting family. I’ll use AAA for my car if necessary.”
— Mary N., Rockville Centre, New York
How long have you been a AAA member? Tell us in the comments.
For more stories like this — or to share your own — visit “Hey, AAA!,” our collection of member-submitted emails, photos and videos that capture the real moments AAA has been a part of.
Cardiovascular disease is the nation’s leading cause of death, according to the American Heart Association, with societal factors such as an aging population and increasing obesity levels among the top contributors.
Are you doing all that you can to take care of your heart health?
To help people improve and maintain their cardiovascular health, the American Heart Association promotes Life’s Essential Eight.
The first four are habits that can help prevent chronic conditions that affect heart health, said Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, chief medical officer for prevention for the American Heart Association. The other four are health conditions that require attention to limit or avoid heart disease.
Life’s Essential Eight for Heart Health
Eat Healthy
Include more fruits, vegetables, lean protein and less saturated fat in your diet.
While many think they need to restrict what they eat to improve their diet, the key is to swap out less healthy foods for those that are better for you, according to Hunter Stoler, a certified health coach popular on TikTok and Instagram. These include choices with protein, fiber and healthy fats and fewer additives.
“Focus on what you could add, not remove, to achieve optimum or better health,” Stoler said. “Crowd out those (unhealthy) foods.”
For example, instead of snacking on a whole chocolate bar, have a few bites of chocolate and surround it with protein, fiber and healthy fats to fill you up.
There is a healthy swap for everything, Stoler added. Get plain Greek yogurt instead of flavored, to avoid the sugar and additives, then add fruit or protein powder. Look for chips made with fewer ingredients and healthier oils. If you want to start revamping your diet right away, start small, he said.
“Realize you don’t need a complete overhaul right away,” Stoler said. “Focus on one or two swaps you can make a week. Finish the food you have, then replace it with healthy products.”
Quit Tobacco
Stop smoking, vaping and chewing tobacco. Inhaling nicotine such as that contained in cigarettes is the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S.
Get Moving
To help stay well and regulate weight, adults should engage in at least 2½ hours of moderate exercise or 1¼ hours of vigorous exercise weekly. Children should participate in at least an hour a day of activity.
Get Enough Sleep
The American Hearth Association’s original recommendations for cardiac health were Life’s Simple Seven, until studies showed how critical adequate sleep is to maintaining heart health, said Sanchez.
Adults require between seven and nine hours of sleep per night and children between eight and 12.
“Getting more sleep is a challenge for many people, but we can find ways to sleep well,” said Sanchez.
Following a regular bedtime routine and cutting back on caffeinated products and screen time in the hours before bed can help improve sleep.
Manage Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight for your height reduces the strain on your heart and lowers blood pressure. The heavier you are, the harder your heart works to circulate blood around your body. Being overweight can also lead to conditions such as sleep apnea that strain the heart. Eating a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise can help you regulate your weight.
Control Cholesterol
Higher levels of low-density lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol in your bloodstream can cause blockages in arteries and raise the risk for a heart attack or stroke. Have your cholesterol evaluated by a doctor and if it is high, have it monitored regularly.
Manage Blood Sugar
High levels of sugar in your blood can strain your heart and lead to type 2 diabetes. Learn how to regulate your blood sugar with these tips from the American Heart Association.
Monitor Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can increase your risk for a stroke or heart attack. Regular exercise and healthy eating are among the ways to manage it. Check here for more ways to control your blood pressure.
Knowing where you stand when it comes to the Essential Eight is key to maintaining a healthy heart.
Mmm, dumplings. Whether you like gao (crescent-shaped) or bao (purse-shaped), there is no shortage of tempting options here in the Northeast. While that’s a good thing, sometimes so many options can be overwhelming — but we have you covered.
But first: which dumplings are which?
Know Your Dumpling
Jiaozi: Most common type of Chinese dumpling. Crescent-shaped with opaque wrapper.
Siu mai: open-topped, round dumpling.
Xiao long bao: your common soup dumpling. “Little steamer-basket buns” in Mandarin Chinese.
Bao zi: general term for dumplings made with a wheat dough that resemble a bun.
Wontons: filling is placed in center of a square sheet of dough then sealed; similar to Italian ravioli.
If you’re a fan of crunchy and spicy, you’ll be happy to know that there’s a dumpling just for you at Song. Offering their twice-cooked pork bao, you get to enjoy a satisfying crispy texture as well as a yummy filling. Even better, Song offers dumplings in what’s called Chengdu style, a complex spicy flavor originating from the city in China of the same name.
With chefs from Beijing, it’s no wonder that some of the best dumplings in Boston are here at Dumpling House. Their most popular are steamed soup dumplings with pork, but their flavor offerings also include pork shrimp, crabmeat, leek, beef and celery, chicken and more.
If you want dim sum that’s inspired yet traditional, Joyful Garden has the perfect combination. Enjoy variations of steamed, baked, fried and deep-fried dim sum with filling options that are nearly endless. There are the classic flavor combos, like shrimp, beef and chicken, along with intriguing flavor profiles like lobster, spareribs, shark’s fin, taro, eggplant, turnip cake and more.
Whatever kind of dumpling you’re craving, they have it at Dumpling Den. Want soup dumplings? They’ve got four kinds, plus a dumpling soup sampler if you can’t decide. Want just dumplings without the soup? They’ve got nine types to choose from and a sampler, as well. And if you’re into bao buns, you guessed it. They’ve got those, too (7 kinds. But who’s counting?).
Taking a note from its very name, Authentic Shang Hai Dumpling takes tried and true flavors directly from China and infuses their own flair. Enjoy an extensive dim sum menu featuring golden lava buns, egg yolk shumai, eight treasure rice pudding and more.
This Michelin-recommended franchise began as a small shop in Flushing in 2006 and now is considered one of the best places for dumplings in NYC. In twenty years, they’ve prioritized the feeling of home cooked meals and infused a contemporary touch in both their recipes and restaurant décor. Everything is made to order using centuries-old techniques and fresh ingredients. Come for the chef-recommended pan-fried pork and crabmeat buns, stay for the Lucky Six soup dumplings.
Every menu item at Aberdeen is made from scratch daily, and it shows. Specializing in Cantonese cuisine and authentic dim sum, the menu has many types of dumplings rarely offered at other places. There’s shui mai, your traditional Chinese open-topped dumpling, but also cheung fun (steamed rice noodle rolls) and sui gok (deep-fried and oval shaped). This highly-rated spot shouldn’t be missed.
Award-winning Jayd Bun, ranked #2 in the country for Chinese cuisine, is a place you won’t find a single menu item that isn’t authentic Chinese. “No fried rice, no chicken wings or crab rangoons,” their website proudly states. Choose from pork, chicken or veggie buns, and don’t forget to pre-order by email a couple days in advance. Yes, it’s that popular.
The best Korean dumpling, or mandu, can be found here at Mokban where flavor comes first. Enjoy your dumplings fried or steamed with your choice of filling or opt for the popular soy ginger or sweet chili dumplings. Can’t decide? The dumpling soup offers an assortment of dumplings happily suspended in a hearty beef broth with scallions, egg and sesame oil.
What’s your favorite dumpling spot? Make your voice heard in the comments.
Tax season runs from January 26 to April 15. Why wait until the last minute?
Procrastination and Taxes
One in five Americans claim they do not feel prepared to file their taxes in 2026 and 29% admit to waiting until the last minute to file, according to a report by IPX1031. Some of the top reasons for procrastinating include not knowing the tax deadline, wanting to ensure accuracy and finding the process too complicated, stressful and time-consuming.
Filing taxes can sometimes be frustrating and confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. Getting an early start on tax season can help give you the leg up you need.
Why File Early?
Last year’s average tax refund was $3,167, according to the IRS. That’s a significant chunk of change, and you could get it earlier if you file your taxes early.
When you file early, you’ll have far less stress to deal with during tax season. Since you have time to collect all of the documents and information you need, you won’t have to suffer through the last-minute scramble.
Taking the extra time to plan ahead and assemble all the necessary documents can make your life a lot easier. As soon as your tax forms start arriving in the mail, put them in a safe place like a file box or folder. Don’t forget to save your receipts from any tax-deductible purchases throughout the year.
When you prepare ahead of time and file early, you’ll most likely submit a more accurate return. The more accurate your tax return is, the more likely you are to get the refund to which you are entitled.
Filing early can also help to avoid tax fraud. Fraudsters have a habit of submitting phony tax returns with stolen Social Security numbers early on in the season. When you file your taxes early, you can beat them to the punch.
Some people procrastinate on their taxes because they’re worried that they’ll be hit with a tax bill instead of a refund for that year. But filing early will still help even if you wind up owing money. If you’re hit with a tax bill early on in tax season, you have more time to decide what payment plan is right for you.
Need Help?
Many people wait to do their taxes because they’re intimidated by the process, but filing your taxes doesn’t have to be hard. Software like TaxAct is designed to help users navigate the complexity of taxes with ease and accuracy.
AAA members can save 25% on tax prep and filings with TaxAct.
When do you usually start doing your taxes? Let us know in the comments below.
This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.
Looking for a unique getaway? Here are some of the coolest nontraditional hotels in the Northeast that will make you feel right at home. From hot tubs and saunas to mesmerizing views and ultra-cozy vibes, these alternative stays turn every trip into an experience.
Lushna Cabins
Lake Placid, Big Indian and Windham, New York
Lushna cabins originated in Europe and are among the most eye-catching stays in the Northeast. Eastwind Hotels, a collection of family-owned boutique hotels, now offers three locations, in Lake Placid, Big Indian and Windham. Each site is thoughtfully designed with special details — think wood barrel saunas, borrowable snowshoes and cozy fireplaces and fire pits (s’mores included). My hygge-meter is off the charts.
Covered Wagon Glamping
Paradise, Pennsylvania
Step back into the 19th century (with modern comfort) at Summit Hill Retreat’s covered wagons. Nestled in the woods, the property features three pioneer-style wagons spread across 40 acres of Amish countryside. Each wagon offers something unique — one sits alongside a creek, another boasts sweeping valley views and one includes a private outdoor hot tub. All are fully outfitted with heating, a kitchenette and a full bathroom.
Weathervane Cottages offers eight cozy cottages and four glamping tents on the west side of Aquidneck Island, with sunset views over Narragansett Bay. This private, charming retreat feels worlds away yet remains close to Newport and Boston-area attractions. It’s an ideal beach escape any time of year, perfect for a day on the famous Cliff Walk followed by wine at sunset.
The Prospect Berkshires’ new year-round wellness resort offers cabins overlooking magical Lake Prospect. With a focus on relaxation and well-being, you may never want to leave — despite the area’s skiing, shopping and nearby attractions. The cabin views alone are reason enough to stay put, along with perks like lakeside saunas (followed by a cold plunge, if you dare), ice fishing, ice skating and swimming in the heated pool.
Lumen Nature Retreat, in the White Mountains, offers Nordic cabins, romantic A-frame tents and spacious safari tents (only the cabins are available in the winter). Each stay feels like a bedroom tucked into the woods, surrounded by river and meadow views. A climate-controlled bathhouse with hot showers and toiletries is just a few-minutes’ walk from each site — so don’t forget a flashlight. The 20-acre property invites exploration, or you can stay put and enjoy the sauna and luxe amenities.
Two words: hobbit house. Step into J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy world at Littlefield Retreat’s Fern Hollow Hobbit House. Despite the name, this stay features an 11-foot ceiling, heated floors, and a fireplace for ultimate coziness. The property includes five bookable stays in total, two hobbit houses and three treehouses, each with a private hot tub, patio and dock on Littlefield Pond.
Listen closely … this is your sign to plan a #girlsTrip. Mount Snow Yurt is a one-of-a-kind stay in the Green Mountains, close to skiing and hiking trails. The massive custom-built yurt features a wraparound deck, a sunken seven-person hot tub, a firepit and a sauna. Inside, you’ll find a full kitchen, pool table, cozy wood-burning stove, board games and endless views.
Winvian is a AAA Five Diamond designated property featuring 18 uniquely themed cottages designed by 15 different architects. Highlights include the Woodlands Cottage, with indoor tree trunks and a waterfall, and the Maritime Cottage, which channels a romantic lighthouse feel with a sky mural on the vaulted ceiling. With so many distinctive designs, you’ll want to return again and again. Enjoy horseback riding and hiking at the nearby White Memorial Conservation Center.
Beach Plum Farm is a stunning 62-acre working farm in West Cape May offering luxurious barn and cottage stays. Its Amish-built barns are beautifully constructed, with handcrafted woodwork and scenic views, creating a peaceful, design-forward retreat just 2 miles from Cape May’s historic downtown. You may even be tempted to stay in and book an in-cottage spa treatment.
The William Vale stands out for one major reason: Every one of its 183 rooms and suites includes a balcony. While this AAA Four Diamond designated property is the most traditional hotel on this list, its amenities are anything but. Head to the fourth floor terrace for a private spa experience, featuring a panoramic barrel sauna and cedar hot tub. Book a combined session and enjoy a complimentary hot toddy from Little Fino all-day bar and cafe.
Aggressive driving, defined by AAA as engaging in deliberate and unsafe behaviors behind the wheel, is a bad habit — and a common one.
A recent study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that 96% of drivers admitted to engaging in aggressive driving. The most common behaviors included: speeding up for a yellow light (82%), passing on the right (68%), glaring at another driver (65%), honking (66%) and driving 15 mph faster than the flow of traffic (58%).
Do you consider yourself an aggressive driver? Here are some indicators, as taught in the AAA Defensive Driving Course.
Do You Ever:
Speed?
Run red lights?
Follow other cars too closely?
Fail to obey traffic control signs, such as yield, one way, no U-turn?
Maneuver or turn improperly?
Maneuver in a way that forces another driver to change their speed or direction, such as cutting them off or not yielding the right-of-way when necessary?
Road rage is the step up from aggressive driving. This involves even more dangerous behaviors drivers should never engage in. You likely have road rage if you ever have:
Thrown objects at another vehicle.
Yelled insults or made rude gestures at another roadway user.
Attempted to sideswipe or ram another vehicle or tried to or did force another car off the road.
Road rage and aggressive driving are serious safety hazards, often contributing to crashes.
Driving while emotionally compromised, which includes being angry, sad, crying or emotionally agitated, raises the risk of a crash almost 10 times, according to one study. Furthermore, the error rate for angry drivers can be as much as 2 1/2 times more than that for emotionally stable drivers.
All that anger also takes a toll on your health. The stress and anxiety generated when driving aggressively increases your blood pressure and heart rate, which could increase your risk for heart attack or stroke.
To stay calm while driving, Brain Butterworth, senior manager of AAA Driving School, suggests leaving plenty of time to get where you’re going. This can help reduce any temptation to speed, or frustration you might feel if you get stuck in traffic. If you’re already upset, don’t drive until you’ve calmed down. And if you’re on a longer drive, take breaks. AAA recommends scheduling a break every two hours or every 100 miles. Keep your focus on safety and try be as courteous as possible to other drivers; say sorry, wave thank you and let other drivers merge into your lane .
More Tips to Avoid Aggressive Driving and Road Rage
Other drivers may do things that are inconsiderate, and even illegal. Don’t respond personally — most drivers aren’t thinking about others, they are simply in a rush, distracted or upset. Use these tips to prevent aggressive driving behaviors and to avoid becoming the target of a road rage driver.
Follow the Rules of the Road
Don’t tailgate.
Don’t block the passing lane.
Use turn signals when turning or changing lanes.
Maintain adequate following distance.
Dealing With Confrontation
Avoid eye contact with angry drivers.
Give angry/aggressive drivers lots of room.
Don’t make obscene gestures.
Avoid using the horn with an angry driver.
Don’t take another driver’s mistakes personally.
Do not go home; go to a public place.
Don’t exit the vehicle to argue or engage another driver.
And Always Remember:
Don’t offend. Never cause another driver to change their speed or direction. That means not forcing another driver to use their brakes or turn the steering wheel in response to something you have done.
Be tolerant and forgiving. The other driver may just be having a really bad day. Assume that it’s not personal.
Do not respondto aggressive driving behaviors. Avoid eye contact, don’t make gestures, maintain space around your vehicle and contact 911 if needed.
Renting a car is a straightforward process until it comes to the question of rental car insurance.
Should you buy rental car insurance from the rental company? Are you protected by your credit card company? Or are you already covered by your own auto insurance?
Before renting a car for your next road trip, learn whether you should sign up for this additional coverage on the spot.
Rental Car Insurance Options
When you rent a car, you will be asked whether you want to buy rental car insurance.
You will be offered multiple coverage options, and they may duplicate what you already have through your current auto policy. The daily cost for coverage can be high, often exceeding the amount it costs to rent the vehicle itself.
Loss damage waiver: With this option, the rental company won’t charge you if the rental car is stolen or damaged.
Collision damage waiver: Similar to the loss damage waiver but limited to collisions, this type of coverage protects you in the event the rental car is damaged.
Liability coverage: This coverage meets state requirements for bodily injury and property damage liability.
Personal accident insurance: In the event there are injuries to you or your passengers while operating the rental car, this coverage will pay for the associated medical expenses. It also provides accidental death coverage.
Personal effects coverage: This covers any belongings in the rental car in the event they are stolen.
Is It Necessary to Buy Rental Car Insurance From the Car Rental Company?
When you selected your auto insurance policy, you and your agent probably spent time researching options and making sure your coverage meets your needs. State requirements such as no-fault insurance mandate the liability coverage that you hold, so you should already have the amount of bodily injury and property damage coverage that meets minimum standards.
In most states, if your current policy has collision and comprehensive (covers damages to your vehicle not caused by collision, such as vandalism, theft or hitting an animal), the coverage will carry over to a rental as well. If you did not choose these optional protections, it generally is worth the cost to purchase insurance from the rental car company. The unanticipated cost of replacing a rental vehicle can be devastating.
Most auto insurance policies cover you while you are operating a rental vehicle, but there are often gaps in that coverage such as loss of rental fees if and when a rental car is damaged. AAA insurance professionals advise consumers to purchase some if not all of the insurance coverage offered by the rental car agencies. In addition, when travelling internationally, your auto insurance extends to Canada, but will not cover you in other foreign countries for rental vehicles.
If you are unsure about whether to opt for some or all of the coverage options listed above from the rental agency, take the time to contact your insurance provider and review your policy prior to renting a car.
Credit Card Insurance Benefits
Check with your credit card companies to determine if they provide rental car insurance. You might be surprised to learn that you have this benefit, which is commonly included in cards that offer travel rewards programs. In order for it to take effect, you must reserve the car and pay for it using that specific credit card and decline the insurance offered by the rental company.
Once you confirm this benefit, there are other details to ask about. Find out whether your credit card company offers primary or secondary coverage. Primary coverage will take the place of your regular car insurance policy, while secondary will cover expenses not paid for by your main policy. Also, ask for information about deductibles, since this is the amount you will be required to pay out-of-pocket if you make a claim.
Personal Usage Restrictions
When you rent a car for personal use, you are within the bounds of your auto insurance policy. However, if you plan to use a rental car for business reasons, you may not have the same protections. It is always advisable to contact your insurance agent ahead of time if you have questions about restrictions related to your coverage.
Protection for Personal Belongings
Particularly when drivers rent a car for vacation, they want to purchase personal effects coverage such as electronics, jewelry and other expensive items that may sit in an untended car for longer periods than usual. Remember that your homeowners’ or renter’s policy likely provides some protection when you are off-premises as well.
Uninsured Driver Considerations
All states with the exception of New Hampshire require auto insurance to purchase a car, so you most likely already have coverage. But vehicle insurance requirements vary broadly from state to state. Do you have enough insurance to cover you from a rental car accident? And are you protected from an uninsured or underinsured driver?
In states including Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York, all drivers must purchase uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage as part of their auto insurance policy to protect from at-fault drivers that carry little or no liability insurance coverage.
More than 15% of drivers in the United States were uninsured in 2023, according to the most recent report from the Insurance Research Council.
If you do not have car insurance and are renting, you should purchase insurance from the rental car company. You will need to meet minimum standards for liability, and you can rest assured that the rental insurance will cover you in the event of an accident. You can inquire about credit card benefits too, but make sure there that loopholes don’t leave you exposed to potential financial hardship.
Should You Get Rental Car Insurance?
To be sure you are fully protected, the answer is yes. However, when deciding whether to purchase rental car insurance, you should take multiple factors into consideration, starting with the protection offered by your current auto insurance and credit cards, then decide how much rental car insurance you need to fill in the gaps.
Rental Car Reimbursement Coverage
All of the above options can protect you from damages or losses that may occur when renting a car, but rental car reimbursement is recommended to cover the cost of the rental itself should you need a vehicle while your car is in the shop due to a covered accident or loss.
This coverage can be added to your personal auto insurance policy with daily reimbursement and maximum payout limits chosen at the time of purchase. Considering the rising cost of rental cars, you may want to think about increasing these limits.
We’re at a point in time where the internet has become less of a place to laugh at silly cat videos and more of a gigantic, virtual town square. Millions of voices and opinions, with some claiming to be experts on certain topics. And because nobody would ever lie on the internet, it’s not uncommon for folks to take them at their word — to a fault.
Of course, people lie on the internet. Someone’s supposed qualifications might lead you to believe what they’re saying is accurate, but in reality, you simply can’t be sure. The same goes for artificial intelligence. Just because it’s churning out an answer to your inquiry doesn’t mean it’s true.
When it comes to insurance, you don’t want to be questioning whether the advice you just got from a stranger on your algorithm (or a robot) has your best interests in mind. Insurance is personal, and it takes a real person to get it right.
Why Working With a Real Insurance Agent Is Worth It
To know why working with a real insurance agent is a good bet, we went right to the source and spoke to AAA Northeast agents.
Justin Anderson, field life insurance agent, explained that having an insurance agent means they can get you the proper information and protection, because they actually know which questions to ask — that’s where AI and the internet fall flat.
“You may think that getting insurance coverage through AI is easier and faster, but is this AI system asking you the correct questions? Making sure that your needs are covered? How about if the protection you’re getting is going to make sure your family is taken care of?” Anderson questioned.
Tamika Ceasar, life and annuity insurance agent, agrees.
“Meeting with a real life agent will give you options tailored to your unique circumstances,” Ceasar said. “Relying solely on AI and computer-generated applications isn’t always reliable. Although it is convenient, you may be leaving money on the table.”
“When life happens, you don’t want a chatbot, you want an advocate.” — Emily Buckley, Insurance Sales Manager
While an AI answer to an insurance question may be technically true in a broad sense, there are too many variables involved for it to be 100% factual for your individual situation.
“One powerful tool humans have that AI doesn’t is discernment,” said Emily Buckley, insurance sales manager for AAA Northeast.
Another good point? AI doesn’t know anything outside of what you tell it.
“While AI can be a useful tool, it’s only as effective as the information it’s given,” said Ashley Kehew, director of insurance. “An agent knows the right questions to ask to understand your needs and can provide recommendations tailored to your specific situation.”
At the end of the day, it’s about trust — and that doesn’t come from a screen. It comes from connection.
“The epitome of good customer service is human to human interaction,” said Tanzania Steele, field life insurance agent.
Steele knows that, sure, you can get answers from a chatbot, but that experience would never level up to the care, consideration and honesty of an agent who is on your side.
“Here, at AAA,” she said, “we take care of our clients by valuing their time, finances and support. In exchange, we provide excellence in everything we do.”
One way to get to know America’s leaders is by visiting their historic homes. From modest childhood homes to grand estates, these sites offer a window into the lives and legacies of the presidents who once lived there.
Read on for the Presidents’ houses you can visit throughout the region and plan a presidential-themed road trip or day trip to explore them for yourself.
New York State features numerous presidential homes, so choose your starting point and get going.
A great beginning is Manhattan where Theodore Roosevelt was born. Here you can visit a replica of Roosevelt’s boyhood home at the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site in the Gramercy Park neighborhood. Free admission includes a self-guided tour of exhibit galleries on the lower floor and a first come, first served guided tour of the circa-1865 period rooms on the upper floors.
At age 25, Roosevelt built a Queen Anne-style cottage named Sagamore Hill that would become his full-time residence in Oyster Bay on Long Island. Today, you can visit the site and tour the grounds for free, but you’ll need to purchase a ticket to tour the home.
In Hyde Park, you can explore more Roosevelt presidential homes, this time belonging to Franklin D. Roosevelt and his wife, Eleanor. At the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, visitors can tour Springwood, home to four generations of Roosevelts. The gravesites of FDR and Eleanor are in the rose garden. Nearby, at the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site, you can visit Eleanor’s home, Val-Kill.
Continuing north, you can visit the Martin Van Buren National Historic Site to see Lindenwald, his home in Kinderhook. A little farther up, you’ll also find the final home of Ulysses S. Grant in Wilton. And while East Aurora is out of the way (about 300 miles west of Wilton), if you ever find yourself in the area, that is where you can check out the circa-1826 home of Millard Fillmore.
Just outside Boston, in Brookline, the John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site features the birthplace and boyhood home of the country’s 35th president. Open seasonally, the home was restored by Rose Kennedy to reflect its 1917 appearance when JFK was born. While you can opt for a self-guided tour, consider taking the 30-minute ranger-led tour for more information on the home and family.
South of Boston, in Quincy, Adams National Historical Park encompasses 13 acres and the birthplaces of two U.S. presidents: John Adams and his son John Quincy Adams. Available seasonally, tours include Adams Farm at Penn’s Hill, the Old House at Peace field and the Stone Library. Start at the visitor center for more information and to arrange tours.
Make Tracks to New Hampshire and Vermont
In Hillsborough, New Hampshire, the Franklin Pierce Homestead Historic Site showcases the 1804 two-story frame building where the country’s 14th president was born. One-hour tours are available to see the house and learn about Pierce’s upbringing and tenure in politics.
In neighboring in Vermont, the President Calvin Coolidge Historic Site in Plymouth Notch includes the birthplace and childhood home the country’s 30th president in the village where he lived. Other buildings include the 1840 church, 1890 schoolhouse and cheese factory, pre-1835 store with post office and dance hall, and agricultural structures and barns. The site also features landscaped gardens and walking and hiking trails.
In Fairfield, Vermont, the President Chester Arthur Historic Site offers exhibits detailing the 21st president’s life displayed in a 1953 reconstruction of Arthur’s boyhood home. Nearby noteworthy sites include the North Fairfield Baptist Church, Chester A. Arthur Granite Monument and Fairfield Town Hall Museum.
Minutes from Alexandria, George Washington’s Mount Vernon documents how the country’s first president lived while helping establish the United States of America. The grounds include the manor and outbuildings, Washington’s tomb, gardens and trails, the farm, and the distillery and gristmill, plus two on-site dining options.
Additional Washington sites of interest in Alexandria include Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, which once hosted many early presidents and Birthright Balls held in Washington’s honor. At the George Washington National Masonic Memorial, take the elevator 315 feet up to enjoy panoramic views of Alexandria and Washington, D.C.
Two hours southwest in Charlottesville, you can tour three presidential homes. The home and final resting place of Thomas Jefferson, Monticello, was constructed starting in 1769, but underwent changes through 1808, when it was finally completed. At Highland, learn about James Monroe’s original home that was first constructed in 1797 and see how the property evolved into the two connected homes you see today. Finally, stop by James Madison’s Montpelier, a circa-1760 home built by his father, later expanded by Madison himself and restored to reflect his era and legacy.
Which presidents’ homes have you visited or would like to see? Tell us in the comments.
Featured image: Theodore Roosevelt’s home, Sagamore Hill.
From the moment you land and get your rental car, Arkansas stands ready to entertain with a wealth of art and historical attractions.
Go Big in Little Rock
It’s no surprise that Little Rock, the state capital, boasts some of the state’s most noteworthy historical attractions.
At the William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum, visitors can walk through the life of the 42nd president of the United States. You can see his time before becoming president through both presidential terms and his post-presidential years tin three floors of exhibits. The library also houses Clinton’s presidential records, which are available for research. Visitors have the option of taking a guided tour or exploring on their own.
Little Rock is also home to the Little Rock High School National Historic Site, where the Little Rock Nine became a catalyst for change in African American civil rights following the Brown v. Board of Education ruling. While the high school is still in use today and not open to the public, visitors can take a ranger-led tour starting at the visitor center to hear the stories of those who stood tall and braved adversity during the school’s desegregation in 1957.
At the ESSE Purse Museum, you can see the evolution of 20th‑century American women through the purses they carried and their contents.
The collection ranges from luxury, name-brand clutches to eclectic, colorful bags full of personality. The museum also features temporary exhibits that tell additional stories of women; previous exhibits focused on shoes, hats, clothing, even Barbie and Girl Scouts. It’s an intriguing and entertaining museum that shouldn’t be missed.
Approximately three hours northwest of Little Rock, trade big-city excitement for the small-town charm of Bentonville.
Once you arrive, head to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Set on 134 acres, this museum first captures your attention through its stunning architecture. With pavilions housing the museum galleries, two signature bridge structures and two spring-fed ponds, the grounds feel like an extension of the art on display. Inside, the galleries showcase five centuries of American art.
Crystal Bridges is also home to several remarkable architectural works, including Frank Lloyd Wright’s Bachman-Wilson House, a beautifully restored example of his Usonian design; Buckminster Fuller’s futuristic Fly’s Eye Dome; and James Turrell’s immersive SkySpace, The Way of Color. Be sure to explore the museum’s 5-plus miles of trails, where these landmarks and outdoor sculptures are woven into a landscape rich with native plants and seasonal blooms.
In downtown Bentonville, check out The Momentary, an extension of Crystal Bridges featuring indoor art galleries, outdoor artwork and a full schedule of live events.
Also downtown, The Walmart Museum showcases the history of the mega retailer that started right in this small town. See how Sam Walton turned his store, Walton’s 5&10, into a global powerhouse through interactive displays, artifacts and even a re-creation of the original store. Don’t forget to stop by The Spark Cafe for a scoop of ice cream.
Go Back in Time in Fort Smith
Just an hour and a half south of Bentonville, Fort Smith welcomes you to explore the history of some of the earliest days of the United States.
A good starting point is the Fort Smith National Historic Site, which documents the stories of soldiers, outlaws and more on the edge of frontier and Indian Territory. Housed in the historic barracks, courthouse and jail buildings, the visitor center includes exhibits and videos, the courtroom of Isaac C. Parker, known as Hanging Judge, and the Hell on the Border jail.
At the United States Marshals Museum, learn about the inception of the U.S. Marshals Service in 1789 as the country’s first law enforcement agency and the role they have played throughout their service. Today, U.S. Marshals hold various responsibilities ranging from tracking down fugitives to protecting witnesses, managing operations for disaster relief and much more. In the museum’s various galleries, you will follow a timeline of the U.S. Marshals Service and take a deep dive into their various duties. You likely will be surprised at their breadth and reach in this country’s history.
For a look at how some women made a life for themselves on the frontier, stop by Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum. While not everyone may agree with their livelihood, there’s no denying the contributions of these women to the Fort Smith community. During your tour, you’ll hear their stories, accompanied by artifacts and photographs, interactive displays, and other exhibits. It’s a unique perspective on Fort Smith’s history, one that isn’t typically available in other cities, but certainly is a valuable one that shouldn’t be overlooked or ignored.
If you’re looking for a vacation that provides a front-row seat to some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery — where every detail of your itinerary is handled for you — rail travel might be your next great adventure.
From the comfort of luxury rail cars, take in canyons, mountains, deserts and ever-changing landscapes as you travel from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Denver, Colorado. Along the way, you’ll encounter unforgettable views, from the geological wonders and star-filled night skies of Moab to the dramatic beauty of Glenwood Canyon.
Courtesy of Canyon Spirit
Hotels are booked before you board, so you have nothing to do but relax, enjoy gourmet meals, make plans for your city visits and take in some of the most stunning views on Earth. Save time to mingle with your fellow passengers in the Lounge Car.
Rail travel is more than just a way to get from point A to point B — it’s a journey designed to be savored, one spectacular mile at a time. Here’s a closer look at what you can experience on Canyon Spirit’s four-night Rockies to the Red Rocks, Three-Day Rail Classic itinerary.
Your trip starts in Salt Lake City, a modern metropolis nestled in the mountains. Highlight include the state capital building, modeled after the U.S. capitol, and the fragrance-filled Red Butte Gardens, with more than five miles of hiking trails and 21 acres of botanical gardens, which burst into life with more than 500,000 blooms in the spring.
Explore Moab’s Geological Wonders
The next stop is Moab, home to Arches National Park, featuring more than 2,000 stone arches, including the iconic Delicate Arch. Then head to Canyonlands National Park, filled with red rock canyons, mesas and buttes. Hikes for all ability levels are available throughout the park as are canoeing and whitewater rafting. In the afternoon and evening stroll through downtown and experience unique shops and cozy restaurants.
Courtesy of Canyon Spirit
To Glenwood Springs for Hot Springs
From Moab it’s on to Glenwood Springs, Colorado, steeped in natural beauty and known for its hot springs and Glenwood Canyon. View all varieties of rock formations during a tour of the town’s caverns. Hiking, whitewater rafting and in the winter, skiing are all popular attractions. For local flavor visit the Frontier Historical Museum to learn about Glenwood Springs’ ranching and mining history and the native Ute tribe. Leave time to browse the shops and eateries downtown.
Experience Denver’s Highlights
Finish your trip in Denver, the Mile-High City, which began life as a mining outpost and grew to be one of the nation’s most dynamic cities, with natural wonders all around. If you like beer, this is the place to be; the city is home to more than 150 pubs and breweries. Pair your pint with food from all over the world from one of Denver’s restaurants. In warm weather, take a boat trip on the Colorado River or root for the Rockies at Coors Field baseball park. In the fall or winter, take in a Denver Nuggets’ basketball game. Set off on one of Denver’s scenic walking, hiking and biking trails to experience the natural beauty firsthand and later enjoy Denver’s city sophistication at one of the myriad of clubs and restaurants downtown.
AAA travel advisors will turn your inspiration into a memorable vacation, providing trusted guidance and exclusive member benefits. Connect with us to learn more.
The bitter cold that has held an icy grip on the region for several weeks has caused myriad impacts across petroleum markets, including gasoline demand, which typically drops during a cold snap as drivers avoid dangerous road conditions and nonessential driving. Total domestic demand for gasoline fell 600,000 barrels a day week-over-week to 8.15 million barrels a day, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). While significantly lower than the prior week, the figure is within the typical range for the season. In comparison, the equivalent week last year saw 8.32 million barrels a day of demand.
The drop in demand aided gasoline inventories, which climbed in the Northeast by 2.4 million barrels to reach 66.8 million barrels. Supplies now stand 1.3 million barrels above last year’s levels and 2.3 million barrels higher than the five-year average of 64.5 million barrels.
The weaker demand and growing inventories helped keep prices from moving at the pump despite cold-related production impacts across the country. Domestic oil production declined by 481,000 barrels a day last week, the EIA reported, due in large part to freezing temperatures hampering oil field infrastructure. Gasoline production was also affected: Refiners manufactured 8.44 million barrels a day last week — a sharp drop from the 9.26 million barrels a day produced a week earlier.
“As Americans hunker down at home to avoid the cold, demand for gasoline remains weak, which is helping to keep pump prices in check,” said Jillian Young, director of public relations for AAA Northeast.
AAA’s Feb. 9 survey of fuel prices found the national average up 3 cents from last week ($2.87), averaging $2.90 per gallon. The Feb. 9 national average price was 10 cents higher than a month ago ($2.80) and 23 cents lower than this day last year ($3.13).
Region
Current Price*
One Week Ago
One Month Ago
One Year Ago
Connecticut
$2.89
$2.87
$2.89
$3.08
New Jersey
$2.86
$2.86
$2.79
$3.04
New York
$2.98
$2.98
$3
$3.17
Massachusetts
$2.90
$2.90
$2.92
$3.03
Rhode Island
$2.86
$2.86
$2.84
$3
*Prices as of Feb. 9, 2026
As of Feb. 9, Oklahoma and Arkansas had the lowest prices in the nation at $2.32 and $2.44, respectively. California and Hawaii held the highest prices in the nation at $4.47 and $4.40, respectively.
The AAA Gas Prices website is your resource for up-to-date fuel price information. Search for average gas prices on national, state and metro levels by regular, plus, premium and diesel.
Embark on a curated journey through Japan that blends expert guidance, immersive cultural encounters and seamless travel across its most iconic regions.
With thousands of years of history, a distinctive culture and breathtaking scenery, Japan is even better when you’re guided by a seasoned tour operator.
As veterans in luxury small-group travel, Alexander + Roberts offers a range of thoughtfully crafted journeys across Asia, including four immersive Japan tours.
Guests can expect an intimate experience in groups that never exceed 16 travelers, and every detail, from sightseeing to gourmet dining and exceptional accommodations, is taken care of, including all flights and transfers along the way.
Here is an example of what you can enjoy on the popular itinerary From Japan’s Inland Sea to the Alps, an 11-day adventure that begins in Kyoto and continues through a collection of memorable towns and villages to Tokyo, Mount Fuji and more. As part of the AAA Vacations collection, members receive a complimentary extra night in Kyoto before the start of the tour, valued at $600 per couple, plus a $115-per-person AAA Member Benefit discount.
Go Where Shoguns Walked
Start your trip in Kyoto, checking in at the luxury Hotel Granvia, where amenities include a musical theater, department store and museum. During a visit to Nijo Castle, walk in the steps of the fabled shoguns, Japan’s warrior rulers of old. Test your skills crossing the famous Nightingale Floor, designed to “chirp” alerts if invaders creep in. Tour Kinkakuhi Temple and its lush gardens before dining with a mako, a woman training to be a geisha. Explore Kyoto’s Gion district and finish the day at a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
The next day, board a train and ferry to journey to the Seto Inland Sea and on to Miyajima Island to visit the Itsukushima Temple. Built on a pier overlooking the bay, this landmark dates back to the 6th century.
One of the more somber stops on this leg of the tour is Hiroshima, the first city struck by an atomic bomb in 1945. A Japanese guide will provide background and lead you through this rebuilt, modern city. Important landmarks include the shell of a domed building that survived the blast, Peace Memorial Park, the Peace Memorial Museum and the Memorial Cenotaph for Atomic Bomb Victims.
Bid “sayonara” (goodbye) to Kyoto and get ready for a day of sightseeing in the city of Kanazawa after arriving via high-speed rail.
Next up is Japan’s original capital, Nara, the site of Buddhism’s introduction to the nation more than 1,000 years ago. Nara is home to one of the largest wooden structures in the world, Todai-ji Temple, which houses a 50-foot-tall bronze statue of Buddha, as well as the cherished shrine, Kasuga Taisha. Guests can return to Kyoto and explore the city, or they have the option of staying overnight at a traditional Japanese inn with tatami-matted rooms and enjoying a typical Japanese dinner and breakfast.
The city is rich with gardens. Kenrokuen Garden is one of the country’s most famous and has stunning examples of teahouse architecture, which you can view while strolling through the Higashi Chaya District. Your guide will outline the key elements of Japanese landscape design, a skill at which the Japanese have excelled for more than 1,000 years.
Get ready for a major change of scenery the next day as you head off to the Japanese Alps to explore Shirakawa-go, one of Japan’s most well-known Alpine regions. Learn about Wasi, the area’s local papermaking art and get a panoramic view of the valley from Shiroyama Viewpoint before descending to the village. Here centuries-old traditions remain, like houses built with thatched roofs to bear the snow. Some are now restaurants and guesthouses.
A tour of the city of Takayama is truly a step back in time. Its old town section consists of buildings from the Edo period, between 1601 and about 1868, a time when the nation enjoyed prosperity and stability. Expert Japanese carpenters took advantage of the sturdy local timber to create homes and buildings that have endured. Twice a year the town has a festival featuring floats, many of which have moveable figures and are hundreds of years old. Floats from parades past are on display at a local museum.
Miyajima, Hiroshima, Japan floating temple gate.
Bustling Tokyo
After the mountains, it’s off to Tokyo, the nation’s capital and largest city by population. Get your sneakers and wallet ready for a walking tour of the Shinjuku District, popular for shopping and its many restaurants.
Next on the agenda is one of the world’s most famous peaks, Mount Fuji. After a stop to take in the views almost halfway to the summit, continue to Hakone National Park, with lush pine forests and more mountain views. Then it’s boats and ropes: Cruise across Lake Ashi then get ready for a ride on the Mount Komagatake ropeway for sweeping views of the area’s natural beauty.
When you think of Japan, you think sushi, right? On your last day of the tour, visit the famous Tsukiji fish market, beloved by locals and professional chefs. Take s sushi-making class and then enjoy your creation for lunch. End the day and your stay in Japan with an hourslong tour of Tokyo, filled with shopping, historic landmarks and participation in a Taiko drum class.
You’ve Read About it — Now Experience It
AAA travel advisors will turn your inspiration into a memorable vacation, providing trusted guidance and exclusive member benefits. Connect with us to learn more.
Before the touchdowns begin, AAA Northeast is urging football fans to huddle up and discuss a plan for getting home safely after the biggest game of the season.
The hours following the big game become increasingly dangerous nationwide as traffic crashes, and the number of drunk drivers, typically spike. In 2023, nearly 41% of all fatal crashes on the Sunday of the big game involved a driver with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher, according to the latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“This Sunday, don’t get sidelined with a DUI,” said Jillian Young, director of public relations for AAA Northeast. “Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs puts everyone on the road at risk. It’s critical to plan ahead and designate a sober driver — because it could save a life.”
AAA offers the following tips to keep fans safe:
Plan your ride home before you have even one drink; consider designating a sober family member or friend, taking a taxi or rideshare service or using public transit.
Offer non-alcoholic drink options for your guests, especially for designated drivers.
Designate yourself as the sober driver and take that role seriously.
Take away the keys from any family member or friend who is impaired and attempting to drive and help them get a sober ride home.
Call 911 immediately if you spot a suspected impaired driver on the road.
If your engagement ring is lost, stolen or accidentally damaged, standard homeowners or renters insurance is unlikely to fully cover it — meaning one small mishap could result in thousands of dollars lost. Specialized jewelry insurance helps protect both the financial and emotional value of your most cherished pieces.
How to Insure an Engagement Ring
Standard homeowners and renters insurance covers belongings from fire and other perils named in a policy, but there are limits to how much money a policyholder can collect on a single piece of jewelry that has been stolen. In most policies, the “limit of lability,” on jewelry is in the ballpark of $1,500, well short of the average $5,200 spent on an engagement ring.
Buyers looking for engagement ring insurance or coverage on other valuable assets that exceeds the liability limit in their policy have two options, according to the Insurance Information Institute. You can either ask your insurance agent to increase your liability limit, or have them “schedule” an individual piece of jewelry into your coverage by purchasing what’s called a floater policy.
Scheduling each piece or item may cost more in premiums, but it offers broader protection, because the floater covers losses of any type, including accidental losses — such as dropping your ring down the drain of the kitchen sink or leaving an expensive watch in a hotel room — that your homeowners insurance policy will not cover.
Floater policies by default, are replacement cost policies, meaning the insurer will replace a piece of jewelry with an item of like kind and quality if ever it is lost, stolen or damaged. Another benefit of the floater policy is that there is typically no deductible for a jewelry claim.
You can also choose to cover your engagement ring with a specialty jewelry policy. This could be a good option for those who don’t have a homeowners or renters policy, such as adult children living with their parents.
Insuring Other Expensive Gifts
Even if an engagement is not in your plans, you may still want to consider a floater on other high-priced purchases.
Floaters can be purchased on musical instruments, sports memorabilia collections, electronics and even family heirlooms. But first, said items must be professionally appraised or have a receipt dated within the past three years must be provided to the insurance agent, so the insurer knows what the item or items are worth.
It’s also good practice to keep an up-to-date, room-by-room home inventory, which you can catalog in a notebook or record on video. Either way you decide to do it, you want to document what you own and how much each item costs. Not only will this help you speed up claims and prove losses for your taxes, but it will also give you an idea of how much insurance you need.
Properly washing your car on a regular basis has many benefits that reach far beyond pure aesthetics: it prevents exterior damage, enhances the vehicle’s resale value and makes driving safer.
While you should be washing your car throughout the year, it’s particularly important to do so in the winter. The season’s harsh weather conditions — as well as the salt, sand and ice-melting chemicals used to clear the roads —can take a toll on your vehicle. Washing your car in the winter can help prevent these substances from causing rust and corrosion, which not only are eyesores but can lead to significant damage and costly repairs.
How To Wash Your Car in the Winter
If you have a heated garage, move your car inside. This will save you from the frigid temperatures and prevent any water from turning to ice if it’s below freezing outside. The last thing you want is your doors freezing shut.
No garage? No problem. When washing your car outside during the winter, your best bet is to wait for a relatively mild day or until midday when temperatures are at their warmest. If you’re worried about the water freezing you could always opt for waterless car wash products, which work well if your vehicle doesn’t have too much grit and grime on it.
Make sure to warm up your car before you begin washing. Once you’re ready to get scrubbing, use the same two-bucket method you would when washing your car in warm weather. One bucket will hold the soap, the other contains the rinse water. Speaking of water, make sure to use warm, not hot, water. Hot water on a cold windshield can cause the glass to crack (as can cold water on a hot windshield).
Work your way around your car, focusing on one section at a time. Make sure to pay attention to the wheels and undercarriage: These areas bear the brunt of the road’s harsh conditions.
You may need to dig your car out of the snow before you can get to washing it. Here’s how to do it properly.
Drying and Finishing
Once the car is clean, wipe it down with soft cloths to dry the water before it freezes. Also, and most importantly, wipe down the door seals and spray the rubber gaskets with a silicone spray to prevent the doors from freezing shut. It’s a good idea to lubricate the door locks and hinges as well.
Applying a coat of wax to your car after it is cleaned can add another layer of protection against the season’s harsh conditions. However, make sure to only do this if the weather is warm enough. If the wax gets too cold, it will essentially become unusable.
Don’t Forget the Interior
While your car’s exterior will likely get the lion’s share of your attention, don’t forget about the inside. Stepping into your vehicle after walking on snow, ice, salt and sand brings all those messy substances into the vehicle’s cabin.
The easiest way to keep your car’s interior clean during the winter is to replace cloth floor mats with rubber ones, which can better handle moisture. Remove the carpet mats and install the rubber mats. Don’t stack them, as they could slide and get stuck under the pedals.
All-weather floor mats could be a wise investment if you don’t already own some. Either way, make sure to wipe down and vacuum your floor mats and seats regularly.
How Often To Wash Your Car in the Winter
You should wash your car at least once a month throughout the year, but you may need to do so more often in the winter. It’s a good idea to wash your car after any big snowstorm, or when you believe your vehicle was exposed to salt, sand or other chemicals used to clean the road.
Learn more about keeping your car in tip-top shape in winter. Have a question we haven’t answered? Leave it in the comments below.
This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.
