There are plenty of details to get sorted when setting up a life insurance policy, such as whether you should go with a whole or term policy and how much you need to ensure your loved ones are well taken care of. As a policyholder or beneficiary, you may also be concerned about taxes. Does life insurance get taxed?
Timothy Boyle, senior life and annuity manager for AAA Northeast, helps to answer a few common questions about life insurance and taxes.
Does life insurance get taxed?
The death benefit from a life insurance policy is not taxable, no matter the amount.
However, life insurance may get taxed if the death benefit goes to an estate instead an individual, which happens if there is no beneficiary listed on the policy or if the policyholder outlives their beneficiaries. In this case, those that inherit the estate may be subject to pay estate taxes.
Do you pay taxes on life insurance payouts?
At the time of the policyholder’s death, beneficiaries have several options for how they can withdraw payout. They can choose to receive the money as a lump sum, have it roll over into their own life insurance policy or break it up into installments over the course of several years. “It is very important to discuss your options with your agent to make the correct withdrawal choices,” said Boyle.
In the instance where payment is withdrawn gradually, any interest that grows on the principal would be subject to tax.
There are some policies that gain a cash value that grows over time. If someone takes out loans on these types of policies, they don’t pay taxes unless they surrender the policy and there is an excess in what they owe.
Is a life insurance premium tax-deductible?
The premium on a life insurance policy is not tax-deductible.
For as long as there's been professional race car driving, there have been female race car drivers. Take a look through history at some of the most influential female race car drivers and pioneers.
Race car driving has always been seen as a stereotypically male sport. But men aren’t the only people who love fast cars and the smell of burnt rubber. For as long as there’s been professional race car driving, there have been female race car drivers. Racing is actually one of the few professional sports in which men and women are allowed to compete with (and against) one another.
From the first NASCAR race ever to the many active drivers today, women have always been a part of racing as a sport and as a culture. To celebrate Women’s History Month, we’ve compiled some of our favorite and most influential female race car drivers and pioneers.
Sara Christian
Sarah Christian was the first female NASCAR driver of all time. She competed in NASCAR’s first race on June 19, 1949 at Charlotte Speedway. Though she competed in just seven races over the course of her career, she opened the door to racing for generations of women to come.
Janet Guthrie
Janet Guthrie was the first woman to compete in the Indianapolis 500, the Daytona 500 and the NASCAR Winston Cup Superspeedway race. She holds the best finish by a woman in a top-tier NASCAR race for her sixth-place finish at Bristol in 1977 (she’s tied with Danica Patrick’s finish in 2014).
Janet Guthrie was one of the first people inducted into the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame. She has also been inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and the Automotive Hall of Fame.
Shirley Shahan
Nicknamed the “Drag-On Lady,” Shirley Shahan became the first woman to win a National Hot Rod Association pro event in 1966. As the daughter of a race car driver, she learned to drive at only 10 years old, and eventually became her father’s mechanic. She first started racing in the 1950s, and she won the first March Meet in 1959. A series of wins followed. After her 1966 Super Stock win at the Winternationals, she became a racing celebrity.
Shirley Shahan has been inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, the Super Stock Magazine Hall of Fame and the Drag Racing Hall of Fame.
Shirley Muldowney
Also known as “Cha Cha” and “The First Lady of Drag Racing,” Shirley Muldowney was the first woman to get a license from the NHRA to drive a Top Fuel dragster. Shirley Muldowney has won a total of 18 NHRA national events.
She won the NHRA Top Fuel championship in 1977, 1980 and 1982, making her the first person to have won two (and then three!) Top Fuel Championships.
Named among the “Top-100 Women Athletes of the Century” by Sports Illustrated, Lyn St. James was the first woman to win the Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year award. She specialized in endurance racing, and won two class victories at the 24 Hours of Daytona and the GTO Class at 12 Hours of Sebring.
Lyn St. James was also the first woman to reach over 200 mph on a race track. She was president of the Women’s Sports Foundation from 1990-1993, and she has served as a panelist on NASCAR’s National Motorsports Appeals Panel since 2015.
Michele Mouton
As a French rally driver, Michele Mouton competed in the World Rally Championship from 1974 to 1986. She’s one of the only women to ever compete in that series. In 1981, she began driving for the Audi factory team and won her first event.
During her years with Audi, she won four victories and finished runner-up in the drivers’ world championship. As a driver for Peugeot, she became the first female to win a major rallying championship. Michele Mouton became the first president of the FIA’s Women & Motor Sport Commission in 2010.
Danica Patrick
Danica Patrick is one of the most famous race car drivers alive, and the most successful woman in U.S. open-wheel racing. She started racing go-karts at age 10, and never slowed down. Danica Patrick holds the only women’s victory in an IndyCar Series race for her 2008 victory at the Indy Japan 300.
She became the first female race car driver to win a Cup Series pole position when she set the fastest qualifying lap for the 2013 Daytona 500. In 2015, she broke Janet Guthrie’s record for most top-10 finishes by a woman in the Sprint Cup Series.
Erica Enders
Erica Enders is one of the most successful female drag racers. She started racing as a Junior Dragster when she was only 8 years old. In 2000 (when she was just 16) she became the youngest NHRA national event finalist. Erica Enders has won five NHRA Pro Stock championships.
In 2015, Erica Enders broke Shirley Muldowney’s record for the most NHRA national event wins by a female driver. In 2022, she became one of only five Pro Stock drivers with five or more titles.
Looking for more women in automotive history? See our post about the most influential female inventors and engineers in the world of cars and driving.
Who is your favorite female race car driver? Tell us in the comments below.
Houses, cars and college aren’t the only major expenses in life. Whether you’re funding a new business venture, paying off an unexpected medical bill or simply trying to consolidate debt, there are plenty of circumstances in life that require more money than you have in your bank account. In such cases, taking out a personal loan can provide the financial relief you need.
If you’re wondering how to apply for a personal loan, it’s a simple process that you can start right from the comfort of your own home.
What Is a Personal Loan?
Before we get into the process of how to take out a personal loan, let’s spend a moment on the loan itself.
“Personal loan” might sound self-explanatory but make sure you’re aware of what exactly it entails before applying. A personal loan is a lump sum of money borrowed from a financial institution. The funds can be used for just about anything.
The borrowed amount, plus interest, is paid back in monthly installments over the predetermined length of the loan, which typically ranges from two to five years.
There are two types of personal loans: secured and unsecured. The former requires collateral, such as a house or car. Unsecured loans do not require collateral but may come with higher interest rates. Most personal loans are unsecured.
Check Your Credit Score
Lenders will consider all aspects of your financial status to determine what loan terms to offer. These include the state where you are employed, your income and outstanding debts. But the contributing factor will be your credit score, which lenders use to gauge how likely you are to pay back your loan.
To check your score, request a copy of your credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com. You’re entitled to a free copy from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, TransUnion and Experian) every 12 months. (Due to COVID-19, all three credit bureaus are offering free weekly credit reports through 2023). If you catch a mistake on one of your reports, contact the appropriate bureau right away.
Consider Ways to Improve Loan Terms
If your credit score is still less than ideal, you still have some options to get a low personal loan interest rate. If you don’t need the loan immediately, you may want to consider holding off on the application. This will give you time to raise your credit score and secure a loan with more favorable terms.
If you need the funds sooner, consider adding a co-signer with good credit. Attaching their high credit score to the loan will often result in a lower interest rate.
Gather the Necessary Documents
Once you’ve chosen your lender (your options include banks, credit unions and vendors like AAA Northeast) it’s time to apply. The first step is gathering all the required paperwork.
Each lender is different but expect to need documents proving identification (passport, driver’s license, Social Security card), residence (utility bills, mortgage statement, lease agreement) and income (pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns).
Apply for Your Personal Loan
With all your information in hand, lenders will run a hard credit check and determine whether or not to approve you for the loan. If you are approved, you’ll have a chance to review the final terms of the loan. Make sure to read the fine print of the offer. In particular, check for any additional fees that may be included.
If you accept the loan, you can usually expect to have the money in your account within a week.
Looking to take out a personal loan? AAA offers low-rate personal loans with an easy application process and fast approval. Get started today.
There are almost an overwhelming number of river cruises in Europe that vacationers have to choose from when planning a trip. All the best cruise lines offer itineraries along picturesque rivers in Europe, with castles, wineries, historic sites and much more, just minutes away from your ship.
Here’s an overview of what would-be cruisers can expect to experience when traveling on a river cruise in Europe. Once you narrow down which region is most appealing to you, researching the best cruise line for you is the next step. Which river would you like to travel on first?
Sailing through Provence and Burgundy along the Rhone River is one of the best European cruises for food lovers and oenophiles, as every river cruise highlights the region’s rich wine heritage with plenty of tastings and visits to vineyards. A typical itinerary takes passengers between Lyon to Arles or Avignon.
Highlights include visits to Avignon; Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy; Vienne, home to the remains of a 14,000-seat amphitheater and a temple built in 25 B.C.; and an excursion to Arles, where Vincent van Gogh lived and painted.
Seine
The busy Seine, running north through Paris into Normandy into the English Channel at Le Havre, offers a wealth of fascinating places to visit, including the Normandy D-Day beaches; Rouen, where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake; and Giverny, where Claude Monet lived for almost four decades.
The itinerary for most cruise lines is the same, sailing from Paris between Rouen or Caudebec. In Rouen, the capital of the Normandy region, tours to its historic cathedral, built between the 13th and 16th centuries and landmarks relating to Joan of Arc, are a must. All Seine cruises offer full-day excursions to the Normandy Landing Beaches, including Omaha Beach, plus visits to the Point du Hoc monument and the American Cemetery.
The 776-mile Rhine River, which runs through Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France and the Netherlands, is known for being one of the best European cruises, famous for its castles and stunning scenery.
On a typical seven-night cruise from Amsterdam, ports and excursions include Basel, Cologne, Koblenz, the Rhine Gorge, Rudesheim, Mannheim and Strasbourg. There are a lot of variations, of course, with different starting points and stops, which offers cruisers plenty of interesting options.
Danube
The Danube, Europe’s second longest river, flows through 10 different countries and is, of course, famously named in Austrian composer Johann Strauss’ famous waltz, “On the Beautiful Blue Danube.” All cruisers on the Danube will hear it played at least once on a trip!
Common itineraries are sailings between Budapest, Hungary and Passau, Germany. Highlights include Vienna, once the center of the Habsburg Empire, with visits to the Hofburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, and Ring Boulevard; Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart; and Melk home to the stunning Benedictine Abbey.
Elbe
Running from the Czech Republic through Germany, most river cruises on the Elbe River run between Prague and Hamburg. Cities on an Elbe cruise include Dresden, Meissen, Worlitz, Wittenberg and Magdeburg. In Dresden, nicknamed “Florence on the Elbe,” passengers will visit Zwinger Palace, the Semper Opera House and the Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Lady) with its unique bell-shaped dome that survived World War II bombings, but collapsed the following day, and then was rebuilt.
Meissen is famous for its fine porcelain and Wittenberg is where Martin Luther nailed his thesis to the door of Castle Church and triggered the Protestant Reformation.
Christmas market in Frankfurt, Germany.
Christmas Markets
While virtually all river cruises in Europe operate in the warmer months, the one exception is Christmas market cruises, which most river cruise lines offer. Christmas markets are a centuries-old tradition in European cities and cruising is a novel way to enjoy more than one.
Feel the enchantment of the holidays at markets in Germany, Austria, Hungary, France and Switzerland while you sip warm mulled wine and browse stalls of homemade toys and decorations, surrounded by twinkling lights and the smell of gingerbread and roasted chestnuts.
Main
Running across Central Germany, the Main River is formed by the joining of the Red Main and the White Main, meeting the Rhine River at the town of Mainz. Cruises on the Main are usually combined with Danube River cruises; since1992, the Main-Danube canal connected the two rivers with a total of 16 locks. On a Main cruise, running between Frankfurt and Nuremberg, ships stop in Heidelberg, Wertheim, Wurzburg and Bamberg.
Highlights include a visit to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s home in Frankfurt, and the town of Bamberg, a UNESCO site, which dates from 902 A.D., making it one the most impressive river cruises in Europe.
Moselle
Flowing through France, Luxembourg and Germany, the Moselle River is known for its medieval architecture and excellent white wines. The climate, soil and topography along the Moselle create an ideal environment for the cultivation of grapes. On any cruise, the region’s celebrated wines will be a highlight.
Stops along the picturesque river include Metz, France; Remich, Luxembourg; and several places in Germany, including Trier, the oldest settlement in Germany.
Douro
Lisbon to Porto (or the reverse) is a common itinerary on the Douro River in Portugal. The Douro River Valley is the world’s oldest demarcated wine region and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most cruises begin or end with an overnight stay in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Porto, with ample time to explore.
Highlights along the route include seeing the world’s deepest lock, Carrapatelo, with its 115-foot-tall walls; excursions to Lamego to visit the 18th-century Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies pilgrimage church; and a full-day excursion to Salamanca in Spain. All along the way, passengers will get the chance to enjoy Portugal’s national beverage, port.
Tulip cruises
Another immensely popular themed river cruise in Europe is a voyage to take in the Netherlands and Belgium’s famous tulips. These are often called “Dutch Waterways” cruises, since ships go through a network of small rivers, inland seas and canals which are referred to as the Dutch Waterways. These mid-spring trips typically start and end in Amsterdam, and travel to Antwerp, Arnhem, Ghent, Rotterdam.
A visit to the Keukenhof Gardens, the world’s largest floral park, is of course, a highlight. Almost all cruise lines offer some version of a tulip tour.
What are the river cruises in Europe that you would like to explore? Tell us in the comments.
In the Northeast, many of us just can’t wait to get our hands in the dirt and play in the garden when spring rolls around. But landscaping and gardening are activities that can be done throughout the year, from planting annuals in the spring to making sure your shrubs are secure for the chilly winter months.
Whether you’re the kind of gardener who starts with seeds or you just dabble in the occasional potted plant, we’ve got great gardening resources to help you cultivate your green thumb all year through.
Landscaping and Gardening Websites
One of our best virtual landscaping and gardening friends is the Vermont-based Gardener’s Supply Company. The site is packed with tons of articles about organic gardening and landscaping, controlling pests naturally, composting and planning a garden.
Connecticut-based White Flower Farm is another great resource. Sign up for a free catalog and you’ll be tempted year-round. The site sells and gives advice on perennials, annuals, flowering shrubs – including more than 40 varieties of hydrangeas – roses, bulbs and vegetables.
Visit HGTV’s website for project ideas that can be completed in just a few hours or a few days. The site breaks down gardening and landscaping projects into steps, so you can clearly see what kind of commitment you’re getting yourself into. Ever wanted to build a potting bench? You’ll find it here, as well as a guide to what to plant in the fall, how to make a raised garden bed and much, much more.
Having a beautiful garden doesn’t have to be a seasonal endeavor in the Northeast.
If you swoon when the latest issue of Better Homes & Gardens hits your mailbox, the website is just as inspiring, filled with tips, plans and projects that you can tackle on your own. The site’s garden plans feature is especially useful. You’ll find hundreds of illustrated gardens for every scenario – shady, long-blooming and beginner gardens, for example – as well as a list of plants you’ll need and a handy chart showing where they should go. It’s sort of like paint-by-numbers, but with plants!
Every gardener in the Northeast should be acquainted with the name Henry Homeyer. The self-proclaimed “Gardening Guy” – an organic gardener and author who lives in Cornish Flat, N.H. – is known for his weekly gardening columns that run in newspapers throughout New England. If you want practical, down-home tips about when to prune your rose bushes, plant those daffodil bulbs and make the most of your tomato harvest, Henry’s your man.
Landscaping and Gardening Apps
The Home Outside app is an amazing landscaping and gardening resource that can help bring your dream backyard to life. You can drop and drag more than 700 outdoor elements onto a map or photo of your property, so you can see what your designs will look like. Free, but currently only available on iOS.
Is there a beautiful tree, shrub or plant in your neighborhood that you’d love to see on your lawn, but you don’t know what kind it is? LeafSnap uses AI technology to identify it. Just take a picture and the free app will tell you what it is, plus details like peak season, how much sun and water it needs to thrive and more.
New and seasoned gardeners alike can benefit from a garden managing app. From care instructions and reminders to watering schedules, Planta supplies the tools you need to keep every kind of plant alive. The app is free to download but a range of upgrades are available for purchase.
Specifically for vegetable gardens, From Seed to Spoon is another free app you can use to plan and track your garden’s growth, providing planting dates, pest identifiers, tips, how-to videos and even recipes to make with your homegrown harvest.
Have any other landscaping or gardening tips you’d like to add? Share it with us in the comments!
Tucked away from bustling Thayer Street, Ceremony offers a reprieve from the everyday, in more ways than one. Especially popular among students (the prestigious Brown University is within walking distance), the minimally decorated café and tea house feels like a canvas upon entry, where the bold and colorful lattes are the art.
Owner Michelle Cheng opened the original Ceremony café in 2019 to huge success. Assistant Manager Amelie Zhou first fell in love with Ceremony as a patron of their Thayer Street location. “I wasn’t really looking for a job, but I found Ceremony and thought, ‘Oh my gosh, I want to work here immediately!’” Because of its quick popularity, Cheng moved the business to a new, bigger location and expanded Ceremony’s offerings to include coffee, espresso, sake and more.
All tea used at Ceremony is sourced directly from farmers in China, Japan and Taiwan and are all organic and handmade. You can even experience an authentic tea ceremony by booking the private tasting room that accommodates groups as big as six. During the ceremony, tea is steeped at least six times to taste different portfolios, and every steep is at a different temperature and ratio. Best of all, each tea is paired with a snack.
Before you go, don’t forget to peek at the well-stocked retail section full of treats from tea brewing kits to mochi ice cream and even beautiful hand-painted pottery.
Our suggestion: Add a matcha, espresso or strawberry-flavored teddy bear onto any iced drink (try the perfectly purple ube latte) for the sweetest little photogenic addition.
Thanks for spending a moment with us at Ceremony! Which of their treats would you like to try?
Featured image: Top your iced drink with an adorable (and yummy) matcha teddy at Ceremony.
Embark on a virtual trip to seven of the hottest cities in the world. Known for their unbearably high temperatures, these places could easily make even the most enthusiastic warm-weather lover long for the chill of winter in the Northeast.
Average High: 107 degrees Record High: 124 degrees
It’s normally hot in the Southwest, especially in Arizona where ordinary summer heat makes much of the state sizzle. But no city is as extreme as Yuma. With its desert climate, extremely hot summers, hot winters and often less than 10 inches of precipitation per year, it’s fair to say Yuma is definitely one of the hottest cities in the world! The average July high temperature can hit a scorching 107 degrees, making it one of the steamiest cities in the United States behind Phoenix. In 1995, Yuma reached its all-time high at 124 degrees. The high temperature isn’t the only standout trait of Yuma. The city set a world record for being the sunniest city on earth, averaging 4,050 of the possible 4,456 hours of daylight annually. That means the sun is shining a little more than 90% of the time in Yuma. Pack extra sunscreen.
Death Valley, California
Average High: 120 degrees Record High: 134 degrees
It’s not called Death Valley for nothing! As one of the hottest and driest places in North America, the summers scorch around 120 degrees, but can even reach an unbearable 125. On one July day in 1913, the temperature hit 134, the official highest temperature in the Western Hemisphere. Death Valley is a long, narrow basin that is 282 feet below sea level and walled by high and steep mountain ranges. The dry air and bare plant cover allow sunlight to heat the desert surface and become trapped in the valley’s depths. In 1917, Death Valley recorded 43 consecutive days with temperatures over 120 degrees. Don’t expect much relief during summer evenings; overnight lows only dip into the mid-90s.
From fan bracelets to “ice” necklaces, stay cool in hot locations with these wearable cooling devices.
Hottest Cities in the World
Ahvaz, Iran
Average High: 116 degrees Record High: 129 degrees
Even though it’s located in the Middle East, Iran has four seasons like many other countries. The city of Ahvaz – situated in southwestern Iran – has a desert climate and is known for its long, hot summers and mild, short winters. The summer heat is accompanied by high humidity, sandstorms and dust storms. The summer temperature tops off at around 116 degrees, but the soaring humidity and near-continuous sunshine make it one of the hottest cities in the world in July and August. From 1970 to 2000, Ahvaz reached 125 degrees or more than three days each year. The city set a temperature record on July 15, 1967 when it hit a stifling 129.
Dallol, Ethiopia
Average High: 118 degrees Record High: Over 130 degrees
In terms of extreme heat, no place holds a candle to Dallol, the hottest place on earth. Located in the sizzling Danakil Depression (a geological landform sunken below the surrounding area), it can reach a boiling 145 degrees in the sun. Dallol has areas that are more than 328 feet below sea level, featuring hot yellow sulfur fields and craters amid sparkling salt beds – the result of a volcanic eruption in 1926. It gets worse: Dallol currently holds the record high temperature for an inhabited location on earth, where an average annual temperature of 94 degrees was recorded during 1960 and 1966. Dallol is also one of the most remote places on earth – there are no roads and the only regular transport service is provided by camel caravans that travel to the area to collect salt. According to the Central Statistical Agency of Ethiopia, Dallol has a total population of 83,930.
El Azizia, Libya
Average High: 132 degrees Record High: 136 degrees
Any state located in close proximity to the equator will experience extremely warm conditions – but one African city in particular is record-breaking hot. The world’s highest official temperature of 136 degrees was recorded in El Azizia on Sept. 13, 1922. This isn’t a place you’re likely to hang outside for long. It’s located in one of the most hot and arid places on earth – the Libyan Desert – where rainfall seldom happens. Summer highs can reach anywhere from 125 to an intolerable 135 degrees. To make matters worse, a hot, dry, dust-bearing desert wind called a ghibli can raise the temperature 20 degrees in just a few hours.
Oodnadatta, Australia
Average High: 99 degrees Record High: 123 degrees
The climate in Australia is as broad as the country itself. The interior is characterized as having a hot, dry climate; while northern, southern and coastal cities are considered tropical. The Tropic of Capricorn runs through much of the country. However, Oodnadatta, an exotic and desolate town in the Outback, hit 123 degrees in January 1960. On average, the weather tops off at between 97 to 99 degrees from December through February. Considerably cooler than the city’s record high, yet still stifling. It also receives about 10 hours of sunshine per day in December and averages 6.5 inches of rainfall per year. Oodnadatta is a quiet settlement inhabited mostly by indigenous Australians. As of 2021, the census reported a population of 318
Kuwait City, Kuwait
Average High: 112 degrees Record High: 126 degrees
With more than 2 million residents, Kuwait City is the most densely populated metropolitan city that suffers from record-breaking heat. The city has an arid climate with hot summers and hardly any rain. The average summer temperature ranges from 102 to 112 degrees, but a heat wave can bring temperatures up to a scorching 122 degrees. The city has even had months with daily maximum temperatures averaging above 115. Depending on the specific location in Kuwait City, there can also be a degree of humidity to go along with the sweltering temperatures.
To plan a trip to any of these destinations, get in touch with a AAA travel counselor at AAA.com/Travel.
Which of the hottest cities in the world would you visit? Tell us in the comments!
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as, “to look about or stare with exaggerated curiosity.” Encyclopedia Britannica gets slightly more specific with “to look around or stare with great curiosity, especially to slow down while you are driving in order to stare at something (such as an accident).” The word itself dates back to the 1800s when tourists, particularly those peering out the windows on sightseeing tours, were commonly referred to as rubbernecks.
However you define it, rubbernecking is an extremely dangerous driving behavior, contributing to the thousands of traffic fatalities caused by distracted driving. Taking your eyes off the road for even a moment increases the likelihood of a crash. A study published in the Journal of Transportation Technologies found that about 10% of motor vehicle crashes are caused by rubbernecking, which also resulted in an average delay of 107 vehicle-hours (the culminative amount of time lost by all motorists traveling past the site).
Knowing all this begs the two-pronged question: Why do so many drivers rubberneck and what can be done to stop it?
Why Do We Rubberneck?
There are a number of theories around what causes drivers to engage in the dangerous practice of rubbernecking. The aforementioned study stated that rubbernecking is simply a natural human response to visual “eye candy.”
Other experts, however, believe it is not merely morbid curiosity that makes us stare, but an innate survival mechanism. “Witnessing violence and destruction … playing out in front of us in real time, gives us the opportunity to confront our fears of death, pain, despair, degradation and annihilation while still feeling some level of safety,” psychiatrist Dr. David Henderson told NBC News. “We watch because we are allowed to ask ourselves ultimate questions with an intensity of emotion that is uncoupled from the true reality of the disaster: ‘If I was in that situation, what would I do? How would I respond? Would I be the hero or the villain? Could I endure the pain? Would I have the strength to recover?’ We play out the different scenarios in our head because it helps us to reconcile that which is uncontrollable with our need to remain in control.”
This theory is aided by studies proving adults’ negativity bias. This refers to the tendency to devout more attention and learn more from negative information than positive information.
Clinical psychologist Matthew Goldfine, Ph.D. agrees that humans’ survivalist nature contributes to our rubbernecking tendency. He also points out another psychological factor. “Sometimes, the physiological reaction we have to being scared is very similar to being excited,” Goldfine told Women’s Health. “You can feel an adrenaline rush without any negative effect.”
How to Prevent Rubbernecking
Now that we’ve discussed some of the possible causes of rubbernecking, let’s look at some possible solutions.
It’s unlikely that thousands of years of human behavior is going to change overnight. (Read: we can’t simply flip a switch and get drivers to stop rubbernecking.) What we can do is eliminate their opportunity to rubberneck.
One of the most practical and effective strategies proven to reduce the occurrence of rubbernecking is the use of barriers. Such barriers usually take the form of collapsible screens that block the scene from passing motorists. Research by the University of Central Florida proved barriers to be a highly effective countermeasure to rubbernecking. In the study, 54 students equipped with eye-tracking goggles drove past a crash site that was blocked by either a full barrier, partial barrier or no barrier at all. When the scene was partially or fully visible, drivers rubbernecked for an average of 12 seconds. When the scene was completely obscured, however, drivers took their eyes off the road for just 4 seconds.
Other countries have already tested barriers in real-life situations with successful results. They may not be a perfect solution (they may not cover the entire crash scene, can be difficult to construct in bad weather). They could, however, go a long way in slowing down this dangerous trend.
What are your thoughts on rubbernecking? Let us know in the comments below?
Lake Placid may be known as a top ski resort, but spring has its perks, too.
As the weather warms up, and the days get longer, the streets and slopes become a little quieter, making it feel as though you have the whole place to yourself, at times.
With premium lodging at great rates, indoor and outdoor recreation to keep you busy (who says ski season is over?) and award-winning spas to recover and rejuvenate from the gray days of winter, Lake Placid is the perfect spring retreat you never thought of – until now.
Beat cabin fever and finally get some fresh air! Take the whole family spring skiing at Whiteface Mountain. Soft snow is great for learning, and experienced skiers love to make the most of “corn” season, when all the melting and refreezing makes the snow look like kernels of unpopped popcorn.
For those looking to discover more of nature’s beauty in the region, Lake Placid offers hikes for all experience levels, many of which lead to stunning waterfalls.
And if the weather is still a little too chilly, you can feed your sense of adventure indoor rock climbing at Mt. Van Hoevenburg Olympic sports complex.
For Rest and Relaxation
With so many opportunities for adventure, you may not realize that Lake Placid is also known as a relaxation destination. Treat yourself to any number of wellness services at one of the area’s full-service spas and return home feeling refreshed.
To keep your trip low-key and breezy, take in simple pleasures like enjoying a meal with a great view, shopping on Main Street and exploring the art scene.
You can purchase an original piece of local artwork at The Curious Otter wildlife gallery or Gallery 49, part of the Lake Placid Center for the Arts, which also presents regular classes, exhibits, galleries and musical and theatrical performances.
Those are just some of the ways you can make the most of a quick mid-week or weekend getaway in Lake Placid.
Explore more and start planning your Lake Placid vacation today.
Q: We’d love to splurge a little on our next vacation. Where can we find a little rest and relaxation but still have plenty of options to explore with our kids (ages 9 and 13)?
Jennifer Della Penna, a member of our virtual travel advisor team, took all of one second to come up with her answer: Beaches Turks & Caicos, an all-inclusive family resort nestled just north of Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
“It’s amazing for families,” she said. “It was completely designed for families. There’s enough there to keep you busy or, if you want, to do nothing at all.”
Located on pristine Grace Bay Beach (with perfect aqua water and soft sand), the resort has five “villages” with accommodations ranging from luxury rooms and suites to family villas that come complete with butler service.
The property also has 21 restaurants, 10 pools, a water park, watersports, a kids’ club, nanny service and “Sesame Street” characters to keep the littles entertained.
Della Penna and her family have been to Beaches Turks & Caicos five times, and are planning on going back in 2023.
If you want to see the world while riding, flying and staying in style, Della Penna suggests checking out Adventures by Disney and Tauck Bridges tours. Both providers craft tours with families – and five star accommodations and dining – in mind.
But whether you want to explore Antarctica, see the ancient marvels of Egypt, take in a Seine river cruise or check out the U.S. national parks, there are tours available for every family and every budget.
Have a question for our travel advisors? Ask away!
We know because we’ve been: “Out There” is a series of inspiring travel spotlights from AAA travel advisors and employees.
Alaska is one of the most beautiful places on earth.
The largest state is where memorable experiences are an everyday occurrence. The great Alaskan outdoors offer both thrills and relaxation. Wildlife can be spotted from land, air and sea, and Alaskan Native culture and history comes alive through tours and festivals.
It’s the sense of discovery that defines the Alaskan experience and help it live up to its name: the Final Frontier.
A few AAA travel advisors recently got to visit Alaska as part of the Out There2.0 program.Their trip was hosted by our travel partner Travel Alaska.
By visiting a destination, the travel team gains in-depth, firsthand knowledge to help you plan your vacations and get the most from your experiences. Here’s what AAA travel advisor Kim Roberts had to say about her trip.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am an associate travel advisor with AAA Northeast. I have been with AAA for almost six years. I enjoy my family, camping, hiking, exploring new places, kayaking, traveling and quilting.
Where have you traveled before?
I have traveled the East Coast of the United States, Canada, Colorado, Vermont and now Alaska. My favorite destinations are national parks. While I love traveling to theme parks and resorts, I really love the outdoors.
What was Alaska like?
Our trip to Alaska was nothing short of amazing! We flew into Anchorage and were transferred to the Copper Whale Inn, a very nice accommodation built in 1939. Then, we went to a welcome dinner at the restaurant Orzo. The fresh seafood was fabulous.
In the morning, we went on a Deluxe City Trolley Tour through Anchorage Trolly Tours. This amazing two-hour tour took us around the city of Alaska stopping at several vantage points. We ended up seeing a moose alongside the road, which was very exciting!
We visited the Anchorage Museum and learned about the native Alaskans, and from there we were transported to the Alaska Glacier Lodge and Tours where we each were able to stay in our own deluxe cabin.
Alaskan Helicopter Tours sent the group off for a thrilling adventure in a five-person helicopter to a glacier. We got to walk the glacier and drink from a glacier river and lake. The scenery was breathtaking, and we were able to see some Dall sheep and golden eagles. We also went on a summer dog sled adventure tour through Snowhook Adventure Guides of Alaska and got to meet the dogs and new puppies. The dogs train all year.
I think my favorite museum was the Alaska Native Heritage Center. We were treated to a journey through 10,000 years of Alaska Native History and culture through art, dance, Native games demos, exhibits, traditional Native dwellings and films. There were several vendors there and we had the chance to purchase some beautiful jewelry and other items.
The group then boarded the Alaska Railroad to Denali National Park. We rode in a glass-dome railcar in premium class and were treated to breakfast, lunch and two drinks. The views were absolutely stunning from the glass-dome roof!
We stayed at the Grizzly Bear Lodge in Denali, where each of our rooms had a porch overlooking a riverbank. The next morning, we were up bright and early for a tundra wilderness tour. The guide on this tour was fantastic. We were able to see a couple of grizzly bears, Dall Sheep, golden eagles and many types of birds and other wildlife. It was the most amazing bus ride I have ever been on.
Of course, I can’t forget the auroras! We were there during aurora-viewing season and visited Aurora Pointe on two evenings. This venue offered indoor accommodations, free beverages and snacks, a program on the northern lights and several experts to help you get the most out of your experience. On our first night, the northern lights did not cooperate and reveal themselves, but the second night they were out in full force! I was in such awe that I shed a few tears. But that wasn’t the only time.
On our tour of the Alaska Pipeline and a gold dredge, we got a few history lessons and got to pan for gold – but I didn’t get rich! I only found about $6.00 worth of gold, which I had made into a necklace. Talk about a special keepsake!
The Northern Alaska Tour Company took us on a small plane trip to the Artic Circle. Only about 2% of people who visit Alaska ever do this, so it was a unique experience.
There was even a stop at the Santa Claus House where we met Santa himself. I told him that I had been good all yearlong! Then we stopped at the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum, which had a stunning car collection. I am not a big antique auto fan, but I could have stayed there for several hours.
The group did a site inspection at Pike’s Waterfront Lodge and then it was time for us to say goodbye.
What was it like to vacation with Travel Alaska?
This travel partner kept us busy the entire time. I could have stayed another week! The meals were outstanding, as were the accommodations. We were treated like royalty.
The leaders of our group were super friendly and knowledgeable and set up an incredible agenda for us. They are very easy to reach for any questions you might have.
What was your favorite part of your trip?
My favorite part of the trip was Denali National Park. Alaska and Denali National Park are now in my heart. I would recommend travel to this state and destination to everyone!
From 007’s classically stylish Aston Martin to the beat-up station wagon that starred in “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” sometimes cars are the scene-stealers.
One of the most famous movie cars of all time, the DeLorean didn’t just look cool – it also played a critical part in the plot of the “Back to the Future” movies. It was the DeLorean DMC-12 that Doc Brown chose as his time machine. Known for its distinctive gull-wing doors, fiberglass frame and stainless-steel body, the car was the brainchild of automotive engineer John DeLorean, a former General Motors executive who founded the DeLorean Motor Company in 1974. The first DMC-12 was released in January 1981.
The following year, the company filed for bankruptcy. The last car was manufactured in December 1982. Approximately 9,200 cars were built in total.
In this classic film’s most famous scene, legendary actor – and avid race car driver – Steve McQueen races around the streets of San Francisco in a 1968 Ford Mustang GT. Not only did the Mustang become one of the most iconic movie cars of all time, the scene became the standard by which all other car chases are measured. In 2018, Ford released its third special edition Mustang model to commemorate the 50th anniversary of “Bullitt.”
The Ghostbuster car became nearly as iconic the characters themselves. This spirit-hunting wagon, better known as the Ecto-1, was actually a 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor ambulance. Only about 400 of these cars were made, and two found their way to the “Ghostbusters” set. Originally the car was to be painted black. That idea was scrapped because of how often it was going to be shot at night.
Certainly one of the most famous cars in movie history, the Batmobile has undergone myriad transformations over the years. From the Lincoln Futura-based car of the 1960s to the more recent tank-like Tumbler, everyone has their favorite. While you’ll have a difficult time picking one up at the dealership, know that the long, sleek version in “Batman” and “Batman Returns” was built on the chassis of a Chevrolet Impala. So you can start there.
The Torino was produced by Ford between 1968 and 1976. It was named after the city of Turin, considered to be the “Italian Detroit.” In “Gran Torino,” Clint Eastwood plays cantankerous Korean War vet Walt Kowalski, who has isolated himself from the world. It’s Walt’s prized 1972 Ford Gran Torino that serves as a conduit for a friendship between him and his young neighbor, which would have profound effects on both their lives.
There are few more iconic film characters than James Bond, and few more iconic images of Bond than with him behind the wheel of an Aston Martin. Debuting in 1964’s “Goldfinger,” the Aston Martin DB5 has been featured in 12 films over the course of more than 50 years. The book version of “Goldfinger” had Bond driving a DB Mark III. But Aston Martin had just released the DB5 in 1963, so the decision was made to use the company’s latest car. Needless to say, sales of the DB5 increased when “Goldfinger” hit the silver screen.
We could list all the transformers here, but none underwent such a transformation upon landing on the silver screen (or had its own standalone movie) as Bumblebee. The yellow automobile was originally a Volkswagen Beetle, but took the form of a Chevrolet Camaro in the film franchise.
For cross-country road trips, it certainly helps to have the right set of wheels. Unfortunately for the Griswolds, they’re forced to settle for the Wagon Queen Family Truckster. The station wagon was oversized, had a pale avocado and metallic green paint scheme, extensive imitation wood-paneling decals and eight headlights. The famous movie car was created specifically for the film. However, it was based on a 1979 Ford LTD Country Squire.
The eponymous Bug in Disney’s 1968 film “The Love Bug” was a pearl-white 1963 Volkswagen Beetle named Herbie. Of course, the beetle also came to life and had the ability to drive itself. Herbie has had a long and storied career on the silver screen. The car has appeared in six films, most recently 2005’s “Herbie: Fully Loaded.”
If you’re going to skip school and gallivant around the Windy City, a proper set of wheels is a requisite. Fortunately for Ferris Bueller, his best friend Cameron’s dad just happened to be the owner of a cherry red 250 GT California Spyder. Although Ferris and company – and a pair of lucky parking garage attendants – enjoyed the car, it did, regrettably, meet an untimely end.
Eighteen years seems like a long time, but parents of grown children can tell you that the span between celebrating first steps to senior prom can fly by all too quickly. The same is true for family vacations. The window of opportunity for packing the whole clan into a car for a group getaway is surprisingly brief before the kids turn into adults and make exploring the world on their own a bigger priority.
Here’s how to get every smile and memory you can out of those 18 precious summers of family fun.
Vacationing with a newborn or toddler quickly changes your travel priorities from museums and five-star restaurants to resorts with babysitting and an indoor pool.
The need for potty stops and avoiding restlessness argues for short drives over long road trips. Under four hours by car from Boston, Smugglers’ Notch Resort in Jeffersonville, Vt., offers child care programs for kids 6 weeks to 3 years old, along with a huge range of family-friendly summer activities, from puppet shows to arts and crafts programming to panning for precious minerals. For cooling down and splashing around, the Little Smugglers’ Lagoon has gentle waterslides, fountains and a lazy river.
Having kids in (or barely out of) diapers doesn’t mean having to forgo more ambitious travel, however. Nickelodeon resorts in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, and Mexico’s Riviera Maya have extensive kids’ programs for all ages. In addition to cartoon-themed accommodations, character appearances, water parks and play areas, they make it easy on parents of young children by providing amenities like strollers, cribs, bottle warmers and baby food.
Ages 4-12
Theme Park and Cross-Country National Park Adventures
This age group falls right in the sweet spot for a trip to Walt Disney World Resort, which still belongs on any family vacation bucket list. Most of the Disney parks in Orlando, Fla., have seen some recent expansion, like the immersive Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser experience near Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a new TRON-themed roller coaster in Magic Kingdom Park and the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind roller coaster at Epcot.
Speaking of sweet, Hershey, Pa., appeals to chocolate-loving kids with a factory tour at Hershey’s Chocolate World and thrill rides at Hersheypark. Lodging options run from campgrounds to the AAA Four Diamond Designated Hotel Hershey, which has Kids Night Out programs for ages 5-13, as well as cocoa-infused treatments at the spa for the grown-ups.
“National Lampoon’s Vacation” may have captured the highs and lows of a cross-country family road trip, but there are much better destinations to explore in the family truckster than the world’s “second largest ball of twine.” As your kids head into their tweens, follow the tire tracks of the Griswold family to the Grand Canyon, or go on a guided six-day adventure through Yellowstone and Grand Teton where you’ll see Old Faithful and some of the most spectacular natural scenery the U.S. has to offer.
To avoid the summer crowds at these popular parks, consider a road trip to the less-traveled New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia. A highlight of a visit to one of America’s newest national parks is the chance to paddle the New River. The upper part of the river is great for tweens with its long, calm pools and mostly gentle rapids. The park also has hiking and biking trails for all ages and abilities, plus scenic drives and activities like fishing and camping that the whole family can enjoy.
Fishing on the New River. (Photo: The West Virginia Department of Tourism)
Ages 13-18
Rail Travel, Washington, D.C., and Europe
Seeing North America by train has been a family adventure almost since the transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869, and it’s still one of the most laid-back ways to get the pack on the (rail)road. For a long train trip, nothing compares to the Rocky Mountaineer, which has a new Rockies to the Red Rocks route between Denver and Moab, Utah, as well as Canadian itineraries connecting Vancouver to Banff National Park and Jasper National Park.
Another memorable rail journey closer to home is on Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express, which departs daily from New York City on a journey through the scenic Hudson Valley and Green Mountains to Burlington, Vt., on the shores of Lake Champlain.
And if you’ve been waiting to visit the nation’s capital, this is the time. The newly renovated Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, with exhibits focused on everything from the Wright brothers to future expeditions to Mars, may be the most kid-friendly museum in Washington, D.C., but it’s hardly the only one.
The National Zoo is famous for its resident pandas but also shares its conservation mission through daily presentations and animal exhibitions. Families will love the admission price, too; like all Smithsonian museums, the zoo is free, though passes need to be reserved in advance. The interactive International Spy Museum lets teens channel their inner James Bond (or the real-life CIA agent Sandy Grimes).
Kimpton’s The George Hotel on Capitol Hill makes a great base for White House tours and other D.C. explorations. The hotel’s First Family package offers discounts on second rooms and special kids’ amenities, and AAA members get up to 20% off the hotel’s best available rates.
These years are also ideal for creating core memories on a European vacation. Book a group tour for worldview-expanding encounters with art, food and architecture. Older teens will appreciate the history and culture of Europe’s treasures, not to mention plenty of opportunities for epic selfies in front of the most famous attractions throughout the continent.
18 and Up
Inspo for Traveling With Your Adult Children – and Their Children!
There’s a big side benefit of providing childhood travel memories – your kids may keep exploring with you as adults.
An all-inclusive family cruise has multigenerational appeal. Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class ships (the largest in the world) boast epic slides and zip lines for daredevils and low-key activities grandparents, parents and kids can enjoy together. There are many destinations and cruises that leave from homeports in the Northeast.
If active and adventurous travel is your family’s style, consider a small group tour, featuring immersive experiences at unforgettable destinations. Take your entire crew on a Botswana Family Safari or the Iceland Northern Lights itinerary, filled with hot springs, glaciers, volcanoes and maybe an aurora or two.
Turn your dream family trip into a reality. Take advantage of member benefits and savings when you plan with a trusted AAA travel advisor.
An estimated one to two million crashes between a motor vehicle and large animal occur every year in the United States, according to the Department of Transportation. Once thought to be strictly a problem in large, rural states, such crashes are becoming increasingly common in more urban areas as roads and other construction expand into previously undeveloped animal habitats.
Fortunately, there is an effective, well-supported solution to this growing problem: wildlife crossings. Unfamiliar? We don’t blame you. These roadway features are a still rare find, especially in the densely populated Northeast. So, what exactly are wildlife crossings and when can we expect to see more?
Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions by the Numbers
Before we get to the solution, let’s define the problem. If you live in an urban area, you may not be fully aware of just how prevalent WVCs are. The scale and scope of the issue, however, quickly comes into focus once you look at the numbers. A study from the Federal Highway Administration found the following:
There are approximately 300,000 reported wildlife-vehicle collisions per year in the U.S. Most researchers believe the actual number is much higher, however, as many such collisions are not reported for a variety of reasons. The FHWA estimates there are 1-2 million WVCs annually.
Roughly 5% of WVCs cause human injury, resulting in 26,000 injuries per year.
The vast majority (as high as 90% in some states) involve deer.
More than 90% of collisions with deer and nearly 100% of collisions with larger animals such as elk or moose result in vehicle damage.
The average cost of repairing a vehicle after colliding with a deer was estimated at $1,840. For collisions with elk and moose, the cost increases to $3,000 and $4,000, respectively.
In most cases, an animal that has been hit by a vehicle dies immediately or shortly after a collision.
What Is a Wildlife Crossing?
A wildlife crossing is a manmade structure that allows animals to safely cross over or under a roadway. It is designed to act as an extension of the natural landscape, connecting animals to surrounding areas that are otherwise cut off by the road. In doing so, it prevents habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as reduces the prevalence of VWCs.
There are many different types of wildlife crossings. Some of the most popular include green bridges, overpasses covered in grass and other vegetation, and culverts, tunnels and passageways running underneath a roadway.
A wildlife bridge in Canada’s Banff National Park (Photo: daveynin)
Do Wildlife Crossings Work?
The answer is a resounding yes. Research by Montana State’s Western Transportation Institute in 2009 found wildlife crossings used in combination with fencing reduced WVCs by 86%. More recently, a 2021 study from the U.S. Forest Service found that wildlife crossings nearly eliminated WVCs completely (a 97% reduction).
There are numerous real-life examples supporting these findings. Animal mortality dropped 93.5% in Florida’s Paynes Prairie State Preserve after a wildlife crossing was constructed. A combination of over- and under-passes along Colorado’s State Highway 9 reduced WVCs by 88%. Since completion of a wildlife underpass across Oregon’s Highway 97 in 2012, the roadway has seen more than a 90% drop in collisions with animals.
Similar success stories have been reported the world over, including Brazil, Mexico, Australia and the United Kingdom. In fact, the most oft-cited wildlife crossing is found just north of the border in Canada’s Banff National Park.
As visitation to the park surged in the 1970s, so too did traffic congestion on the section of Trans-Canada Highway running through the area. More motorists also meant more WVCs. To combat the growing problem, officials constructed several underpasses along the road in the 1980s. In 1996, the first wildlife crossing bridges were constructed.
Today, there are six overpasses and 38 underpasses along this section of the highway. Combined with fencing, they have reduced WVCs by more than 80%, including a 96% drop for deer and elk. As Western Transportation Institute researcher Tony Clevenger told Canadian Geographic, “This is Canada’s biggest conservation success story.”
The Future of Wildlife Crossings
Although wildlife crossings have proven to be highly effective, they are still underutilized. That should begin to change in the near future.
Included in the massive bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed last year is funding for a Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program. The program will allocate $350 million over five years to federal, state and local governments and agencies to construct wildlife crossings in the U.S. that reduce WVCs and improve habitat connectivity for animals.
It’s human nature to always be searching for – and awed by – the latest and greatest. That tendency certainly extends to the automotive world, where the best new cars get all the headlines. But there are some important lessons to learn if we reverse course and look at some of the worst cars in history.
There was a good idea hiding somewhere within all of these vehicles, but in each case those good intentions were betrayed by ulterior motives, fueled collectively by a calamitous combination of greed, frugality, ego and short-sightedness. The result is five of the worst cars ever.
DeLorean DMC-12
It may be strange seeing the DeLorean DMC-12 on this list of the worst cars in history considering its fame and popularity. But off the silver screen, the car fell far short of expectations.
Former General Motors executive John DeLorean touted the DMC-12 as the sports car of the future. With its gull wings and sleek metallic look, it certainly has the aesthetics to meet that boast. But behind that façade was a heavy, underpowered and overpriced vehicle.
Originally, the company expected to sell 12,000 cars per year. In the end, only about 9,000 vehicles were made during its two-year run and the company was shut down in 1982. Ironically, the DeLorean became iconic just a few years later with its prominent role in 1985’s “Back to the Future.” The movie franchise ensured that the car’s legacy would extend well past its seemingly destined fate as an automotive footnote.
The Yugo was a decades-old Soviet-era Yugoslavia automobile imported to the U.S. in 1985. The decision to sell the car in America was the brainchild of entrepreneur Malcolm Bricklin and was destined for failure from the start. In an interview with Car and Driver, Bricklin recalled tasking his employees to find the cheapest car in the world. They did so at a 50-year-old factory in Yugoslavia that was manufacturing a 30-year-old car. “We took this piece-of-crap car and within 14 months had set up 400 U.S. dealers and made 528 changes to the car,” Bricklin said.
Yugoslavia had been manufacturing the car for years. Bricklin’s plan was to spruce it up and bring to America. There was no amount of changes that could overcome the vehicle’s poor quality, however. The Yugo’s engine generated a measly 55 horsepower, making the car dangerous to drive on American roads. The car was notoriously unreliable (the rear window defroster was reportedly there to keep your hands warm when you needed to push the vehicle), had many parts made of plastic, and oddly enough, featured carpeting as a standard feature.
But for the people selling the Yugo, the car was all about one thing: profit margin. The vehicle only cost $2,000 wholesale and was sold stateside for nearly twice that. Consumers quickly realized that even $4,000 was too much for the Yugo.
For as much grief as the Aztek got, it was actually at the forefront of what would prove to be one of the top automotive trends of the past two decades. When the car was first introduced in the early aughts, SUVs were surging in popularity and the idea of crossovers – vehicles with the space and power of an SUV combined with the on-street abilities of a sedan – was just beginning to take hold.
In fact, if you look the Aztek concept car, it doesn’t look all that dissimilar to some of today’s crossover models. Time magazine may have put it best, saying, “The shame is, under all that ugliness, there was a useful, competent crossover.”
Clearly, the idea behind the car was good, but the execution was not. The problem was that the Aztek was designed by committee. No singular, coherent vision took the lead and just about everybody got a say in the design process. Even the bean counters made their mark involved. GM accountants reportedly ordered the Aztek to be built on an existing minivan platform in order to reduce costs. This platform, however, was not long enough to hold the Aztek, forcing designers to create a box-like tail end.
The Aztek was in production all of five years, from 2001-2005. But showing that everything comes full circle, the car got a significant popularity boost when it was prominently featured as Walter White’s vehicle of choice in the uber-popular television show “Breaking Bad.”
While most of the cars on this list are here due to aesthetic design fails, poor craftsmanship or lackluster sales, several of the worst cars ever made were actually dangerous to drive. These vehicles had such fundamental mechanical and design flaws that they posed a serious risk to the occupants of the car.
Chrysler’s PT Cruiser had a unique look, which many people derided, but it’s most notable for its mercurial nature. The car was known to shut off in the middle of driving, completely out of the blue. The 1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, meanwhile, had an engine that exploded when it made 90 horsepower.
But the most infamously dangerous worst car in history is the Ford Pinto. The only feature that needs to be discussed about this 1970s vehicle is its fuel tank. The Pinto famously featured an exposed fuel tank. Cars involved in rear-end collisions, even at slow speeds, tended to burst into flames. Later on, the “Pinto memo” was publicized, which proved the company concluded it was cheaper to settle victims’ lawsuits ($50 million) than to recall and fix the cars ($120 million).
We’ve reached the pinnacle of the worst cars in history. For decades, the terms “automotive failure” and “the Edsel” have been all but synonymous. So what went so wrong?
In the mid-1950s, Ford came to the conclusion that it should expand its product line. Specifically, it needed a new, mid-priced brand to go in between its flagship Lincoln and mid-level Mercury. Studies predicted that “by 1965 half of all U.S. families … would be buying more cars in the medium-priced field, which already had 60% of the market,” according to Time magazine. And so the Edsel was created, named after Henry Ford’s son, no less.
It’s not so much that the Edsel was such a terrible car – although it certainly had its faults, namely its price. It’s that it suffered the unfortunate fate of being hyped up as the greatest thing on four wheels. Believe it or not, Ford booked an hourlong prime time television slot on CBS to unveil the car, claiming the broadcast day as “E Day.” “The Edsel Show” included performances by Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney and Louis Armstrong. By this time, however, the push for compact cars was well underway. Just two years after its prime-time debut, the Edsel’s run was over after less than 120,000 were sold. Ford had estimated it could sell up to 400,000 cars a year. In total, the company spent roughly $350 million on the Edsel’s research, design, tooling and production facilities, the equivalent of nearly $3.2 billion in 2021.
To add insult to injury, while the Edsel was cementing its place as the biggest automotive flop ever, “The Edsel Show” was nominated for an Emmy.
What do you think are some of the worst cars in history? Let us know in the comments below!
Space tourism is the new frontier, and the Florida-based company Space Perspective is getting ready to send tourists into the stratosphere. They recently acquired the MS Voyager, a ship they plan to use as a launch platform for their balloon-based spaceship. Spaceship Neptune is planned to be a passenger pod carried by a giant, high-altitude balloon. The balloon is expected to reach 100,000 feet into the atmosphere, and tickets are already being sold at $125,000 a pop.
(Photo: MILLA1974 / ISTOCK)
#BIGMOVES
The picturesque municipality of Presicce-Acquarica in southern Italy will give you up to 30,000 euros in transfer incentives if you’re willing to move there – that’s around $31,000. All you have to do is buy a Presicce-Acquarica property built before 1991 and pledge to fix it up. Similar incentives are being offered in small towns across Italy that have suffered population decline throughout the years. Presicce-Acquarica is comprised of two small towns: Presicce and Acquarica del Capo. Situated on the “heel” of Italy in the Puglia region, the towns feature fast access to beautiful beaches, baroque architecture and lush olive groves. It’s an Italian dream.
(Photo: ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL)
#HIGHSEAS
Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise takes passengers to over 60 countries and 150 destinations in 275 nights. You can take the entire cruise around the world in one go, or choose one of its four segments: the Ultimate Americas Cruise, Ultimate Asia Pacific Cruise, Ultimate Middle East & Med Cruise and the Ultimate Europe & Beyond Cruise. Ready to undertake one of the most incredible cruising journeys of all time? The Ultimate World Cruise departs from Miami in December 2023, returning to the same port in September 2024.
Sustainable travel is on the rise, but where do sustainability-focused tourists want to visit? Norway and Costa Rica were recently voted the most sustainable travel destinations in a recent World Travel Market London survey. It’s easy to see why. Norway, which came in first place, relies primarily on hydropower for its energy. It features a vast public transportation network and encourages locals and tourists alike to live sustainably. Costa Rica, which came in a very close second, features immense biodiversity, environmental conservation programs and is a pioneer in the field of ecotourism.
Buying an electric vehicle may strike you as years away. The truth is there are some appealing EV models out there right now – like the Hyundai Kona Electric.
The battery-powered version of this subcompact crossover SUV offers lively acceleration with 201 horsepower on tap, a lot for a vehicle this size.
More importantly, the EPA estimates the range at 258 miles on a full charge. While the gas-powered model may take you a little further on a fill-up, our experience showed this electric powertrain should get you through a couple of days before topping it off with electrons.
On the road, a low center of gravity and well-tuned suspension make the Kona Electric enjoyable to drive even on a curvy stretch of asphalt. Adjustable regenerative braking helps recharge the battery pack while driving and brings the vehicle to a stop simply by lifting your foot off the accelerator.
With all those details, the Hyundai Kona Electric could easily introduce EVs to a wider audience today.
Starting Price: $33,550
MPGe (city/highway): 134 city / 106 highway
Safety: N/A
If the term SUV conjures images of rugged, four-wheel-drive models on backcountry trails, the restyled Kia Telluride will surprise you.
The mechanical bits of this sophisticated midsize crossover include a 291-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 that delivers strong acceleration. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is available as an option.
Towing capacity of 5,500 pounds and a nicely tuned suspension make for an excellent road-trip companion.
Inside, the spacious eight-passenger cabin is done up in high-quality materials. Top trim levels, like the SX model we drove, could hold their own against luxury crossovers costing thousands more.
Seats offer adult-size comfort, even in the third row. Folding those rear seats down gets you a healthy 87 cubic feet of cargo room.
Add an impressive list of high-tech features and options and the Kia Telluride will change your mind about what an SUV can be.
Starting Price: $35,690
MPG (AWD): 18 city / 24 highway
Safety: N/A
Looking for a new ride? Check out more car reviews at AAA.com/TestDrive.
Have you ever felt the urge to see something brand new? Some people were just meant to explore. For Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating these famous female explorers and adventurers, who saw the world and broke barriers while doing it.
Jeanne Baret (1740 – 1807)
When Jeanne Baret’s lover, botanist Philibert Commerson, was invited on an expedition by Louis Antoine de Bougainville to circumnavigate the globe, the couple decided that Baret would disguise herself as a man to work as Commerson’s valet. At the time of the expedition, women were prohibited from sailing on French navy ships. Commerson and Baret shared a cabin on the ship, which allowed Baret to keep her secret safe. Baret and Commerson did their botany work together, collecting and cataloguing samples from the different places the expedition visited.
Baret’s secret wasn’t discovered until months into the trip, though there are several different accounts of how exactly the discovery occurred. Baret and Commerson left the ship for good when it landed on Mauritius, in the Indian Ocean. Some years later, after Commerson passed away and Baret married a French Army officer, she returned to France and completed her circumnavigation.
Statue of Sacagawea by sculptor Alice Cooper, unveiled in 1905.
Sacagawea (1788 – 1812)
One of the most famous female explorers, Sacagawea was a Lemhi Shoshone woman who famously aided Lewis and Clark on their expedition when she was only 16. She was invaluable to the expedition as a guide, naturalist and translator as they explored the Louisiana Territory. She even rescued vital journals and documents when they fell into a river (later named the Sacagawea River). Unfortunately, Sacagawea’s story is a bit more complicated than what most people learn in school.
She was the child bride of Quebecois trapper Toussaint Charbonneau, who purchased her from her previous captors when she was just 13. Charbonneau was the one who brought Sacagawea on the expedition. She had given birth just a few short months before, and carried her infant son with her on her back. While Charbonneau was paid handsomely for his part in the expedition, Sacagawea was never compensated. Years after the expedition, William Clark adopted Sacagawea’s son, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, and after her death, adopted her infant daughter, Lisette Charbonneau.
In the early 20th century, Sacagawea became an icon for American suffragettes, who were searching for historic female figures to attach to their cause and saw her as a symbol of female strength, perseverance and independence.
Isabella Bird (1831 – 1904)
Isabella Bird was a British writer, traveler, photographer and naturalist who was first encouraged to travel by a doctor, who thought it would cure her insomnia and depression. She wrote fondly of Hawaii – where she climbed Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa – and Colorado, where she explored over 800 miles of the Rocky Mountains. Later, she traveled through Asia, seeing countries like Japan, Singapore, Korea and Vietnam.
When her husband, John Bishop, passed away, Bird inherited a large sum of money and traveled to India, where she built the John Bishop Memorial Hospital. She continued to write and travel all her life, and even became the first woman to be elected Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.
Nellie Bly (1864 – 1922)
Born Elizabeth Jane Cochran, Nellie Bly was always on the lookout for a good story. In 1885, when The Pittsburgh Dispatch published a misogynistic column titled “What Girls Are Good For,” Bly responded with an infuriated (and extremely well-written) letter to the editor. The Dispatch not only published her response – they offered her a job.
Bly became a pioneer in the field of investigative journalism, reporting on the lives of factory workers and briefly becoming a foreign correspondent in Mexico. After she moved to New York City and began working for the New York World, Bly went undercover as a psychiatric patient to report on the Women’s Lunatic Asylum on Roosevelt Island. Her resulting report and book, “Ten Days in a Mad-House,” rocketed her to fame and caused the asylum to implement more humane practices.
In 1888, Bly decided to take a trip around the world inspired by the novel “Around the world in Eighty Days.” The world was hooked as Bly sent short dispatches and longer updates on her adventures throughout her journey. She completed the trip in just over 72 days – a world record at the time, solidifying her place in history as a famous female explorer.
Annie Londonderry (1870 – 1947)
Born Annie Cohen Kopchovsky, Annie Londonderry was the first woman to circumnavigate the globe by bicycle. Londonderry’s trip, which lasted from 1894 to 1895, happened during a time when bicycles were all the rage and women’s clothes were finally versatile enough for women to ride them easily.
Londonderry was a Jewish Latvian immigrant to the U.S., and she hadn’t even ridden a bicycle until she decided to take the trip. She also had a husband and three children at home, but that didn’t stop her. She was ready to bike across the world.
Londonderry took sponsorships from bike companies, perfume manufacturers, and Londonderry Lithia Spring Water Company – which paid her $100 to adopt their name for her trip. At the completion of the journey, she was awarded a prize of $10,000. Afterward, she wrote stories and gave lectures on her various adventures.
Bessie Coleman (1892 – 1926)
As a Black and Native American woman at the turn of the century, life in America wasn’t easy for Bessie Coleman. She applied to flight schools across the country and was rejected from each one due to her race and gender.
When she learned that French women were allowed to fly planes, she learned French to fill out applications to flight schools, and moved to France. She became the first Black woman and first Native American to earn a pilot’s license and an international aviation license.
Upon returning to the U.S., Coleman started performing in airshows as a stunt flyer. “Queen Bess” became an instant sensation in America and Europe alike. She suffered an accident in 1923 that left her with a broken leg and cracked ribs, but she healed and returned to air stunts in 1925. Coleman was known for standing up for her beliefs, refusing to dress in demeaning costumes or perform for segregated audiences.
In 1926, Coleman was killed when she fell from a plane piloted by her mechanic and publicity agent, William D. Willis. Willis also perished when the plane crashed soon afterward. Bessie Coleman’s memory has continued to inspire the female, Black, Native American and even French pilots who followed in her flight path.
Amelia Earhart (1897 – disappeared 1937)
Ever since she first rode in a plane in December 1920, Amelia Earhart was dedicated to a life in aviation. She first achieved fame when she flew across the Atlantic in 1928 with pilot Wilmer Stultz. Though Stultz did most of the flying, Earhart was the first woman who had ever undertaken such a voyage.
Afterward, she decided to set some of her own records. In August 1928, she became the first woman to fly solo across North America. She also started competing in long-distance air races with other pilots. She became active in the Nintety-Nines, an organization supporting women in aviation, eventually becoming their first president.
In 1932, Earhart became the first woman to complete a nonstop solo transatlantic flight. After racking up several distance, speed and solo flight records, she began planning for her world flight in 1937.
Earhart planned to become the first female aviator to circumnavigate the globe. Accompanied by navigator Fred Noonan, Earhart took off from Oakland, California on June 1, 1937. They stopped in New Guinea from June 29 to July 2 before taking off once more. They were never seen again. Amelia Earhart and Fred Noonan disappeared somewhere on their way to their next refueling stop on Howland Island.
Earhart was a trailblazer all her life – not only for women, but for aviation as a whole. She helped popularize the concept of commercial flights and inspired female pilots for generations to come.
Aloha Wanderwell (1906 – 1996)
Born Idris Galcia Welsh, this famous female explorer was a Canadian-American writer and filmmaker who became the first woman to circumnavigate the globe by car when she was just a teenager. She traveled with Walter Wanderwell (who she later married) in a Ford Model T, and soon became known as the “World’s Most Travelled Girl.”
An increasing number of states, including several in the Northeast, are instituting laws banning the sale of new gas-powered cars. In each case, states are adopting some form of California’s Advanced Clean Cars II program, which requires stakeholders to start phasing out gas cars, SUVs and light-duty trucks in lieu of zero-emission vehicles. Under this framework, clean-energy vehicles will account for 35% of new vehicle sales beginning in 2026 and increase annually until reaching 100% in 2035. The law also institutes increasingly stricter pollution standards for vehicles with combustion engines.
It’s important to emphasize that these measures are not bans on all gas-powered cars. Motorists will still be able to drive and purchase used models of such vehicles. Instead, the laws prohibit the sale of new gas-powered cars.
Here are the local states that have announced such legislation.
Massachusetts
In August 2022, Governor Charlie Baker signed the Clean Energy and Offshore Wind act into law. The legislation included a stipulation that if California bans the sale of new gas-powered cars, so too would Massachusetts. Later that month, the West Coast state did just that, triggering Massachusetts to adopt the same regulations.
New York
In September 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul announced a requirement for all new passenger cars, SUVs and pickup trucks sold in New York to be zero-emission vehicles by 2035. The measure is part of the state’s effort to reduce greenhouse gases 85% by 2050. Hochul simultaneously announced complementary initiatives, including electric vehicle infrastructure investments and zero-emission vehicle incentives.
New Jersey
In February, New Jersey became the latest state to introduce legislation banning the sale of new gas-powered cars starting in 2035. Governor Phil Murphy announced the measure as part of a broader environmental initiative that aims to transition the Garden State to 100% clean energy by the same time frame. New Jersey had previously set that deadline at 2050.
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