Who invented the car? When did the first car come out? These seem like simple enough questions until you try to define exactly what a car is. Even the Merriam-Webster Dictionary gives “car” only the broad definition of “a vehicle moving on wheels.”

Does your idea of a car include a gasoline-powered engine? Both steam and electric engines predate gasoline. What about wheels – does a car need four wheels? The first patented automobile only included three. You can see how quickly things can get murky.

The truth is, no one person created what we know today as an automobile. Inventors and engineers continually improved on previous designs and technology, dating back hundreds of years.

Who invented the car?

The history of the car most often begins with Karl Benz. The German inventor of Mercedes-Benz fame, filed a patent for a “vehicle powered by a gas engine” on Jan. 29, 1886. His creation was, in fact, the world’s first gasoline-engined automobile.

But Benz’s car was the end product of an idea dating back hundreds of years. None other than Leonardo da Vinci sketched designs for a self-propelled vehicle in 1478. His contraption was powered by a spring that needed to be wound up first. If it sounds unfeasible, think again. In the early 2000s, a team at Florence’s Institute and Museum of History and Science recreated the model vehicle and proved that it did, indeed, work.

It would take nearly 300 years for a self-propelled vehicle to become reality. In 1769, Frenchman Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot introduced the world’s first steam-powered vehicle. As you can imagine, this early design left a lot to be desired. Steam engines were excessively heavy, causing Cugnot’s creation to weigh nearly 9,000 pounds. As such, the three-wheeled vehicle traveled a measly 2.5 mph and was relegated to use by the French army as a military tractor.

In the 1830s, Scottish inventor Robert Anderson affixed a nonrechargeable battery and motor onto a carriage, creating the first electric vehicle. Over subsequent decades, several other engine types were designed, including one fueled by hydrogen gas.

When did the first car come out?

Benz’s invention didn’t look anything like the gas-powered cars we know today. The three-wheel vehicle was nearly identical to a horse buggy, with a front wheel replacing the equine animal. He knew a four-wheel would be more stable but was dissatisfied with the steering systems available at the time. Benz solved the problem by inventing his own solution: double-pivot steering.

With his new steering system installed, Benz was ready to introduce his four-wheel car to the public. The Benz Velo was unveiled in 1894 at the World Exposition in Chicago. It would ultimately prove to be an unmitigated success. More than 1,200 units were manufactured in total, bestowing the Velo the title of the world’s first production car.

When was the first car made in America?

Around the same time Benz was making history in Europe, brothers J. Frank and Charles Duryea were doing so on this side of the Atlantic. In 1893, the bicycle mechanics from Springfield, Mass., built the country’s first operable gasoline automobile. Three years later, it became the first gas-powered car sold in America.

Competition, however, was close on their toes. By 1909, nearly 500 companies entered the car-making business, though these were all small scale operations. That all changed in 1908 when Henry Ford introduced the Model T. Inexpensive yet reliable, the vehicle made car owners out of more people than ever. The introduction of the moving assembly line in 1913 further reduced the vehicle’s price. When all was said and done, 15 million Model T’s were sold. America has been a car-loving country ever since.

While there is no definite answer to who invented the car, the history of the automobile is always fascinating to explore.

Want to keep reading? Learn how the car has evolved since the Model T first graced the roadways.

AAA members can save on automotive replacement parts and accessories at NAPA.

After being cooped up for the better part of two-and-a-half years, we’ve all been itching to stretch our legs outside the confines of our homes and offices. And what better way to find your sea legs than by setting sail on a once-in-a-lifetime cruise to a wondrous and blissful destination.

Norwegian Cruise Line offers such trips to every corner of the world, many of which depart from right here in the Northeast. To get a better idea of what a luxury cruise vacation like this would be like, let us take you through the experience of being onboard the Norwegian Joy as it sails to the turquoise waters, pristine beaches and alluring culture of Bermuda.

Getting To and On the Ship

One of the most convenient aspects of cruising from the Northeast is not having to travel far to get onboard. Most major cruise lines, including Norwegian, depart from both Boston and the New York City area. Whether driving or taking mass transit, getting to the ship is a breeze. 

That convenience carries over to the boarding process. Norwegian’s online check-in system allows you to register and submit your required travel documentation days or even weeks prior to setting sail, all from the comfort of your own home. After checking in virtually, you can print your eDocs, which act as boarding passes, and luggage tags. On the day you arrive to the pier, you’ll simply need to go through security and pick up your room key. Less time waiting on line means more time to enjoy your vacation.

COVID-19 Protocols

As of October 4, 2022, Norwegian Cruise Line is allowing all passengers onboard regardless of vaccination status. There is also no testing requirements. However, individual countries may still have travel requirements, so make sure you meet those standards before boarding the ship.

Hand washing and sanitizing stations are located throughout the boat and guests are encouraged to use them frequently. Other safety features include enhanced cleaning and sanitation practices, medical-grade air filters and additional medical staffing. All Norwegian cruises will now also have a dedicated public health officer onboard to oversee day-to-day sanitation and cleanliness protocols.

Should a positive COVID-19 case occur during the cruise, Norwegian will employ contact tracing to identify and notify any passenger who may have been exposed. Isolation and quarantine accommodations are also available should they be needed.

Staterooms

Staterooms aboard the Joy range from four-person inside rooms to six-person penthouse suites. No matter the level, you can expect high-quality accommodations. Inside and Oceanview rooms are the most budget-friendly. Balcony level rooms come with a sitting area and your own private balcony for a front-row seat to epic sunrises and sunsets.

Those wishing to go all-out on their vacation experience can book a Haven stateroom. These suites, located at the top of the ship, are not only the most spacious and luxurious, they come with first-class amenities. These include access to the private Haven lounge and restaurant, 24-hour butler service, white tablecloth in-suite dining, priority restaurant and entertainment reservations, and of course, plush bathrobes and slippers.

Onboard Experience

Dining

Opposed to many cruises that only offer fixed dining times, Norwegian’s Freestyle Dining program allows you to eat when and where your heart (and stomach) desires. This includes both complimentary eateries and specialty restaurants. Of course, if you’d like to make a reservation to ensure your seat at the table, you’re always free to do so.

The Joy has three main dining rooms – the Manhattan Room, Savour and Taste. All are complimentary with rotating menus that change daily. The other free dining offerings are the buffet-style Garden Café and the Local Bar & Grill, serving pub fare and classic comfort foods.

Specialty dining options run the gamut of cuisines, including seafood at Ocean Blue, Japanese at Teppanyaki, barbeque at Q Texas Smokehouse, French at Le Bistro and premium-cut steaks at Cagney’s Steakhouse.

Entertainment

If you don’t have time to make it to a Broadway show in Manhattan before or after your cruise, fear not. The Joy puts on a performance of the hit musical “Footloose” that will make you feel like you’re on the Great White Way. Later in the week, catch a showing of the Vegas-style spectacular “Elements,” featuring music, dance and magic.

The Cavern Club, named after the legendary Liverpool nightclub where the Beatles once played, hosts several performances from, you guessed it, a Beatles cover band. You’ll also find nightly live music played at various locations throughout the ship.

The best part about all these entertaining shows? They are all complimentary!

For the Kids

The Norwegian Joy was the first cruise ship in the world to come equipped with a racetrack onboard. Guests young and old can zip around the two-level go-kart track at up to 30 mph. Complete with a covered race pit, floodlights and race car engine noises piped into your helmet, this may just be as close as you get to competing in a NASCAR race.

For a different sort of thrill, families can compete in the open-air laser tag game on deck 20. Looking for some slightly slower-paced fun? Try your hand at the Joy’s nine-hole mini golf course.

After working up a sweat, the little ones can cool off at the Kids’ Aqua Park or head inside to the Splash Academy for themed activities and parties.

Book your Norwegian Cruise today!

Since the dawn of the medium, people have been using podcasts to talk about movies. Movie buffs make some of the nerdiest and most interesting podcasts out there.

“Blank Check With Griffin and David“

“Blank Check” is a podcast about filmographies. Actor Griffin Newman and film critic David Sims examine the films of directors who found success early on in their careers, as well as the films they made after those successes. Griffin and David both have firsthand knowledge of the film industry and they invite you in to learn all about the insider drama behind Hollywood’s biggest successes and bombs. “Blank Check” is effortlessly funny, with ongoing gags like producer Ben Hosley’s growing list of nicknames (Producer Ben, Produer Ben, the Benducer, Our Finest Film Critic and Birthday Benny, to name a few), the quest to spot famous people eating burgers and Griffin’s photographic memory of box office scores. “Blank Check” is almost like a book club for movies, as it encourages listeners to watch the full filmographies of the directors they choose to cover. Recent series on directors like Bob Fosse or Sam Raimi are like little film classes.

“Pop Culture Happy Hour“

This show from NPR is a podcast staple, and it should be in everyone’s subscription list. “Pop Culture Happy Hour,” hosted by arts journalists Linda Holmes, Glen Weldon, Stephen Thompson and Aisha Harris, is a roundtable discussion of the latest in film, television and beyond. They are also occasionally joined by other insiders, NPR personalities and pop culture critics. This friendly chat session feels more like a club than a podcast, and their film and television recommendations have never steered me wrong.

“Black Men Can’t Jump (In Hollywood)”

On “Black Men Can’t Jump (In Hollywood),” hosts Jonathan Braylock, Jerah Milligan and James III exclusively watch movies with Black protagonists and other leading characters of color. As the hosts crack jokes about the movies, they also explore Hollywood’s evolving relationship with race and how people of color are portrayed on screen. They track the careers of Black actors, the kinds of stories that Black characters get to tell and the success (or failure) of the resulting films.

“How Did This Get Made?“

One of the best film podcasts that deals with bad movies is “How Did This Get Made?” Actors and comedians Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael and Jason Mantzoukas do a deep dive on the worst movies they can possibly find, asking the same question every time: How did this get made? This celebration of film failures will have you doubled-over with laughter. Stick around for Paul Scheer’s reading of “second opinions” – five-star reviews of the film-of-the-week on Amazon.

“The Bechdel Cast“

On “The Bechdel Cast,” hosts Caitlin Durante and Jamie Loftus watch movies through a feminist and comedic lens. The title is based on the Bechdel test (sometimes known as the Bechdel-Wallace test) which asks viewers to see if a film has two female characters, if those female characters have names and if they have a conversation about something other than a man. It sounds like a low bar, but you’d be surprised at how many films fail to clear it. While Durante and Loftus are truly interested in female representation in movies, they’re not afraid to have fun with their premise.

“Slate’s Spoiler Specials“

“Slate’s Spoiler Specials” is a podcast about films that have just been released in theaters. Unlike other podcasts about new movies, however, “Slate’s Spoiler Specials” does not shy away from spoilers. In fact, it’s all about the spoilers. Slate critics host a discussion about all of the juiciest parts of the newest movie, from unsuspected twists to after-credits surprises. It’s a great way to spend more time with a movie you loved.

What do you think are the best film podcasts? Let us know in the comments below!

Looking for more podcast recommendations? Check out our articles on the best new podcasts and true crime podcasts. 

We’ve all been there before: driving home after work and being blinded by the setting sun. You squint, turn the sun visor down and try to peer through the windshield just to get a glimpse of the road. Truth be told, this is more than just a seasonal annoyance, it can be a serious safety risk.

Just after sunrise and before sunset, the sun can shine directly into a driver’s eyes. The glare can make it much more difficult to see the road ahead, as well as other cars, pedestrians and hazards. While the sun will continue to rise and set, there are some helpful tips to dealing with the glare when driving during these times of the day.

Keep Your Windshield Clean

Your windshield provides your view of the road, so any dirt, debris or smudge can limit your field of vision. This situation is exacerbated during sunrise and sunset. When the sun hits your windshield during this time of day, it highlights all the dirt and smudges on the glass – even those you didn’t know were there. Now, you don’t have to just deal with seeing past the sunlight, but also all the dirt on your windshield. This could create a serious safety risk.

Fortunately, there is an easy way to prevent this: keep your windshield clean. You don’t need to do a thorough wash everyday, just a quick clean once a week should do the trick. And remember to clean both the outside and inside of the glass. A professional-grade product will give you the best results.

Turn on Your Headlights

It may seem counterintuitive to turn your headlights while the sun is up. But this tip is not necessarily just for you, it’s to help your fellow drivers. If your headlights are on, so are your taillights, making it easier for the car behind you to see your vehicle. If they can see your car, they’ll be less likely to cause a crash, creating a safer roadway for everyone.

Make sure that your lights are clean. These lights can get cloudy and dirty, creating a much dimmer light.

Break Out the Shades

No reason to reinvent the wheel. If the sun is in your eyes, put on a pair of sunglasses. It’s a great idea to always have a pair stored in your car. You never know when the clouds will part while you’re driving. Ideally, you’ll want to use polarized sunglasses, which have a special chemical applied to the lenses that filter light. The result is a clearer picture and reduced strain on your eyes.

Drivers can also utilize the vehicle’s sun visor. Depending on the location of the sun, the visor may be able to completely block it out.

Drive Slow

The goal of beating sun glare is to get from one place to another safely. So while driving slowly won’t help get the sun out of your eyes, it will help you drive during sunrise and sunset.

Driving at a safe speed is always important regardless of the circumstances, but is even more critical when your vision may be compromised. The slow speed gives you more time to observe the vehicle in front of you, scan the road, watch for hazards and pedestrians, and make any adjustments.

Leave Extra Room

It doesn’t matter how slow you’re driving – if you don’t leave enough room between your vehicle and the other cars on the road you’re more likely to cause a crash, particularly in low visibility. In fact, limited light can negatively affect depth perception. Make sure to give yourself plenty of space to react and maneuver.

Adjust Your Driving Routine

If you’re forced to deal with sun glare on a regular basis, you may want to consider altering your driving schedule if possible. After all, you don’t have to fight sun glare if you don’t have to face it. Are you able to start your trip a few minutes earlier or later? If so, this may help alleviate the problem.

You may instead be able to adjust your route. Although you’ll likely need to travel in the same direction, you may be able to find a different route that has tall buildings or trees that will help block out the sun.

Pull Over

If you can’t drive safely, don’t drive at all. When you find yourself fighting a losing a battle against sun glare, do the right thing and pull over. Find a safe spot, ideally in a parking lot and wait for the sun to move. It may only take a few minutes for the sun to get out of your direct line of sight and allow you to properly see the road.

Following these tips to avoid glare are important for keeping your view of the road clear when driving. If there is something more obstructive such as a crack or chip in your windshield, make sure to have it fixed as soon as possible.

Get more car safety tips. 

The small Adirondack village of Lake Placid is well-known for its scenic beauty, winter sports and Olympic history. Although many people associate it with winter, Lake Placid is most picturesque and enchanting in fall.

Leaf Peeping

Autumn views are endless in Lake Placid. So, grab your sweater and a camera and take in the scenery on a foliage tour (available on land and water) or on the Skyride Experience gondola ride.

The region has its own foliage report that can help you plan your trip around peak autumn sightseeing.

Outdoor Adventures

Every year, Lake Placid draws in thousands of tourists to enjoy a myriad of outdoor activities.

The tree-lined fairways and epic mountain landscapes at the Whiteface Club make for an especially memorable fall golfing experience.

And from mountains and lakes to valleys, rivers and thousands of miles of trails, Lake Placid is a hiker’s utopia. The Adirondack High Peaks are the biggest summits, drawing in crowds of explorers. But as you plan your adventure you will find there are many other treks with great views and fewer people, like the Mt. Van Hoevenberg East Trail, one of the newest trails in the six million acres of Adirondack Park.

Hit the Town

Post-adventure, there is plenty to do and see outside of the magical terrain.

Head to town and explore the many award-winning restaurants or visit the Lake Placid Center for the Arts, which offers programs in music, theater, dance, art and film, in addition to galleries, exhibitions and workshops to enjoy. At the local shops, you can discover fresh farmers markets finds, fine art and everything in between.

After a busy day, you may also want to wind down with some self-care at a full-service spa, known for custom treatments and local ingredients. Maybe a deep tissue massage after hiking the High Peaks?

Start planning your Lake Placid vacation today.

So, you’re ready to make the switch to an electric vehicle. You’ve done your homework, formulated a price range, even homed in on a few possible models. All that’s left are some test drives and signing on the dotted line, right? Let’s pump the brakes a bit.

EVs may not have internal combustion engines but they do come with the two age-old, car-buying questions: New or used? Buy or lease? Many of the factors that go into these decisions are the same for EVs as they are for their gas-powered counterparts. However, there are some important distinctions that should be taken into consideration.

New vs. Used

Ideally, we’d always like to get behind the wheel of a sparkling new car every time we’re in the market for a different set of wheels. Particularly in the rapidly developing world of EVs, buying a new vehicle ensures you’re driving the best-performing, most technologically advanced model available. But for practical reasons, purchasing a new car isn’t always an option. This is where the used car market comes into play.

The primary benefit of opting for a used EV is the upfront savings. This is no small point, as EVs are known to have high upfront costs. EVs also have fewer moving parts and require less maintenance, so older models will typically be in better shape than used gas-powered cars. Depending on the age of the used car, you could still be covered by the warranties, including the all-important battery warranty. (Not all car companies transfer this warranty to second-hand owners. If looking for a used EV, make sure to ask about this and factor it into your car-buying decision.)

There are some risks that come with owning a used EV. Regardless of the status of the warranty, you will be getting a poorer-performing battery. These lithium-ion batteries begin to degrade on day one and lose approximately 1-2% of their capacity each year. As battery capacity drops, so does driving range and overall performance. Since EVs are still a fairly new technology, there’s not a substantial amount of data on how long a typical battery will last.

Buying vs. Leasing

EVs are at the cutting edge of technology with better-performing cars being introduced each year. Batteries, in particular, are rapidly becoming more and more efficient. You may not want to be locked into a vehicle today when they can get a much-improved model a year or two later. A lease allows you to upgrade every two or three years, promising you’ll always be at the technological forefront. The rapid improvement in EVs also means they undergo steep depreciation. This loss of value won’t be your concern if you don’t own the car.

Leasing allows guarantees that you’ll be covered by the car’s warranties, which will likely outlast the terms of your lease agreement. For EVs, this includes a battery warranty good for a minimum of 8 years/100,000 miles. After the expiration of said warranty, the owner is responsible for any battery repairs or replacements, which can be expensive. By leasing, you’ll get a fresh battery long before your current one degrades any noticeable amount.

Buying an EV has its share of benefits, as well. Long-term, it’s generally a more sound financial decision to purchase a car instead of borrow. At some point, your monthly payments will end and the vehicle will be an asset you own. Lease payments will continue as long as you are in possession of the vehicle.

When it comes to EVs specifically, buying is the only way to ensure you will be eligible for the full federal tax credit, as well as any local financial incentives. Dealerships may pass along some of these savings if you are leasing, but there’s no guarantee.

And just because you purchased the vehicle, doesn’t mean you can’t upgrade. In fact, it may be easier to do so than when leasing an EV. You can always sell the vehicle any time you like. Getting out of a lease agreement early, however, may cost you in the form of termination fees and penalties.

Financing

For all intents and purposes, financing an EV is the same as financing a gas-powered car. When formulating the terms of your auto loan, lenders are going to look at factors such as credit score, down payment and income, not how the vehicle is powered.

On the personal financial side, coming up with a price range for an EV purchase can be a little trickier. EVs are typically more expensive than gas-powered gas in the same class. However, numerous federal and local tax credit and rebate programs can help offset that cost. Owners will also recoup money over the lifetime of vehicle ownership, as EVs are generally less expensive to operate thanks to fewer maintenance demands and zero fuel costs.

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

The electric vehicle movement isn’t just revolutionizing automobiles, it’s shaking up the business world, as well. For decades, mass car manufacturing has been designated almost exclusively to the major companies. The changing mobility landscape, however, has given upstart companies an opportunity to enter the picture. Several up-and-coming EV manufacturers have done just that and made quite the name for themselves in the process.

But there’s more to the EV industry than just the cars themselves. The country is in desperate demand for substantial charging infrastructure improvements. Private companies have spotted this need in the market and are continuing to build out their own network of publicly available charging locations.

Here are some of the new EV brands you’ll be hearing more of in the future.

EV Manufacturers

Rivian

Even casual EV connoisseurs have likely heard the name Rivian by now. The startup was founded in 2009 and has since picked up a number of big-name investors, including Amazon and Ford.

Rivian made history in 2021 by producing the first commercially available electric pickup truck, beating industry stalwarts such as Tesla and GM. All-in-all, the R1T truck has been well received by critics. According to Rivian, it boasts a driving range of 260-400 miles, 11,000-pound towing capacity and a 0-60 time of as little as 3 seconds. In addition to the pickup truck, the Southern California-based company is producing an electric SUV that should be available later this year, and manufacturing fully electric delivery vans for Amazon.

Lucid

Like Rivian, Lucid made headlines last fall. This time, it wasn’t for production but for performance. In September, the California-based startup announced its debut sedan, the Lucid Air, achieved an EPA-certified range of up to 520 miles. That number is by far the highest of any EV on the market, besting runner-up Tesla Model S by more than 100 miles. (Lucid and Tesla are inextricably linked, as the former is being run by many past executives of the latter.)

Lucid currently offers three trim levels of the Air: the Grand Touring, Touring and Pure. All can travel at least 400 miles on a single charge, but you’ll have to pay a hefty price for that superior performance. The models come with starting price tags ranging from $87,400 to $154,000.

Fisker

Auto designer Henrik Fisker, who styled cars for BMW and Aston Martin, founded his eponymous EV company in 2016. Not long after, the car manufacturer announced it was developing a fully electric, $40,000 luxury SUV. The finish line of that pursuit is finally within sight, with the Fisker Ocean expected to arrive later this year. Touted as the most sustainable SUV on Earth, the vehicle’s most notable feature is a solar roof that, according to Fisker, can produce up to 1,500 miles worth of energy per year.

The upstart EV maker, which has already announced plans for a second, smaller SUV dubbed the Pear, has received more than 40,000 reservations for the Ocean. The base trim has a starting price point below $38,000.

NIO

NIO is a China-based EV manufacturer founded in 2014. It is already one of the leaders in electric car sales in its home country, along with companies like XPeng and Li Auto, and has big plans for expanding into other regions around the world. Late last year, NIO announced intentions of selling its vehicles in 25 new countries and regions, including the United States, by 2025.

NIO offers a full lineup of EVs, including both sedans and SUVs, with more models expected in the future. The ET7 and ES8 are its flagship sedan and SUV, respectively.

VinFast

VinFast, established in 2017, is the first Vietnamese carmaker to sell its vehicles globally. The EV manufacturer has eyes on entering the American market later this year. It will do so with two models, a mid-size and full-size SUV, dubbed the VF8 and VF9, respectively.

What’s most notable with VinFast isn’t its vehicles, however, it’s how the company is selling them: Drivers buy the car but lease the battery. The monthly payments are commensurate to the mileage plan chosen. Furthermore, VinFast offers consumers the option of a home charger or access to nationwide public charging.

Apple

It only makes sense that the largest tech company in the world would try its hand at manufacturing the increasingly popular, boundary-pushing technology that is an EV. To be clear, there are currently no known plans of an Apple-branded car coming to fruition anytime soon. But the tech giant’s intention of developing such a vehicle goes back nearly a decade, and just last year rumors circulated that Apple was partnering with Hyundai to produce an EV. While that deal ultimately fell through, don’t be surprised to hear about an Apple car in the very near future.

EV Infrastructure Providers

EVgo

EVgo is the nation’s largest public fast charging network, one that includes over 850 locations across more than 30 states and 60 metropolitan areas. The company claims 130 million Americans live within 10 miles of an EVgo fast charger. Furthermore, it has announced plans to triple its network’s size within the next five years.

Fast chargers can recharge an EV battery in minutes rather than hours. EVgo further distinguishes itself by powering all its locations through renewable energy. To use a charger, drivers can pay as they go or sign up for a membership. EVgo recently partnered with General Motors in a deal that will allow GM customers to receive discounts on charging and exclusive reservations at EVgo locations.

ChargePoint

While EVgo has the largest number of fast-charging stations, its footprint pales in comparison to that of ChargePoint in terms of total locations. The country’s leader in EV charging stations, ChargePoint has roughly 15,000 outposts across the U.S., accounting for some 50,000 charging ports. The vast majority of these, however, provide Level 2 charging, which takes longer to recharge an EV battery than fast charging.

ChargePoint chargers are sometimes free to use if they’re owned by a retail business, such as a shopping mall or hotel. Otherwise, EV owners can pay via smartphone or ChargePoint card.

Blink

Blink is another of the largest owners and operators of public EV charging locations. Since 2009, it has constructed more than 23,000 such locations. Utilizing Level 2 charging, Blink chargers are capable of adding up to 65 miles of range in an hour.

Blink also sells residential chargers to use at home. These Level 2 chargers connect to your home’s Wi-Fi and can be controlled through a smartphone and devices like the Amazon Echo and Google Home.

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

The fundamental difference between electric vehicles and gas-powered cars is, of course, the source of energy. For the most part, the battery found in an EV provides greater peace of mind than an engine. No more frequent visits to the gas station, far less maintenance, the complete absence of harmful emissions, etc.

But this doesn’t mean batteries come with no considerations. There are several important aspects about these power sources that EV owners need to know about.

EV Battery Degradation

The vast majority of EVs utilize a lithium-ion battery, which provides greater energy density and a longer-lasting charge than other rechargeable batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are also found in your cellphone and laptop. You’ve probably noticed that as years go on, these devices don’t hold a charge as well as they originally did, causing their batteries to deplete much faster.

The same holds true for the lithium-ion batteries in EVs, which have a limited number of charging cycles. EV batteries will slowly lose capacity over time, a process known as battery degradation. Studies have shown that EV batteries typically lose about 5-10% capacity over the first five years on the road.

Healthy EV Battery Practices

While battery degradation is inevitable, there are several steps you can take to ensure your battery lasts as long as possible.

• Don’t Overcharge: EV charging is non-linear, meaning it takes more time and energy to charge the battery’s last 20% capacity. This is extra work is taxing on the battery. Therefore, it’s recommended to charge your EV battery only up to 80%. Many fast-charging public stations will cut off charging or switch to slow charging once a battery reaches that level.
• Avoid Low Charge Levels: On the other end of the spectrum, you’ll also want to keep your battery above 20%. Repeatedly charging from extreme low levels to a full charge can reduce the overall battery life.
• Minimize Fast Charging: Level 3 charging, also known as DC Fast Charging, provides the unique benefit of being able to add 60-80% of a battery’s charge in as little as 30 minutes. However, pressing so much current into a battery in such a short time can strain the battery. You should only use fast charging when necessary. Level 3 is ideal for a quick recharge on a road trip, but Level 2 is kinder to your car’s battery.
• Stay Within a Comfortable Temperature Range: EV batteries do not like the extreme ends of the thermostat. Prolonged exposure to intense heat or cold will not only impact the battery’s efficiency, it could also speed up degradation.

Measuring a Battery’s State of Health

It’s important for EV owners, and especially used-EV shoppers, to know the exact state of a vehicle’s battery. Fortunately, there are several ways to find this information out. Current owners can simply see what the estimated range is after they fully charge their car, then compare that to the range when they first purchased the vehicle. If your EV originally boasted a 200-mile range, for example, but now a fully charged battery only provides 180 miles, the battery’s capacity has dropped 10%.

For a more precise status update, head back to the dealership, where the service department can provide a detailed report on your vehicle’s battery health. Used car shoppers can also get a copy of such a report and will want to examine this document carefully.

Finally, EV owners can look to third parties for status updates. Companies like Recurrent offer automated battery health reports. Shoppers can also utilize this tool to check on the battery condition of a particular EV they have their eye on, simply by plugging in the car’s VIN.

EV Battery Warranties

The good news in regard to EV batteries and their potential decline is that these power sources are covered by a warranty that could very well last the length of the ownership. Federal regulations require automakers to provide an EV battery warranty of at least eight years or 100,000 miles. Some car companies go even further. Hyundai, for example, offers a 10-year/100,00- mile warranty on all its EV batteries, while the Tesla Models S and X come with eight-year/150,000-mile protections.

While the length of EV battery warranties may be similar, they are not all created equal. Some cover the replacement of a battery once its capacity drops below a certain percentage (usually around 60-70%), while others will only protect against a completely failed battery.

Many battery warranties are transferable, allowing used EV buyers to inherit whatever time and mileage remains on the original warranties. However, this practice is not universal. If you’re in the market for a second-hand EV, make sure to learn if the warranty will rollover.

Battery Replacement Costs

If your EV battery has finally reached the end of the road and your warranty has already expired, you’ll need to replace it. The battery is one of the most expensive components of an EV, so a new one won’t be cheap. The exact cost of this repair varies significantly based on car model, but you should expect to pay several thousand dollars. More-powerful batteries, however, could run well into the five-figure range.

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

Whether you’re looking for a meal you can prepare at home or a snack delivery, these AAA discounts can satisfy both your food cravings and your wallet.

Wolferman’s

Got a craving for baked goods? An indulgent breakfast, brunch or dessert from Wolferman’s should do the trick. Since 1888, Wolferman’s has remained a proud purveyor of gourmet breads and pastries. Try their delicious English muffin sampler, their deluxe ham brunch banquet, their orange cream bundt cake and more.

Save 20% when shopping online.

Harry & David

If you want to send someone a delicious gift, Harry & David is sure to please. They have something for every occasion – or no occasion at all! With options ranging from fruit wreaths to gourmet gift baskets, you can’t go wrong. Try their deluxe orchard gift basket, their Moose Munch popcorn tins or even their gourmet turkey feast.

Get 20% off your next online order.

Home Chef

Cooking at home can be fun, but going to the grocery store isn’t always. With Home Chef, you don’t have to worry about the hassle of gathering ingredients. This subscription box will deliver all the ingredients and instructions for a perfect meal right to your doorstep. You can create and enjoy meals like crispy Dijon chicken, shrimp lo mein, butternut squash gnocchi and so much more. You don’t have to be a professional chef to make a delicious meal in the comfort of your own home.

Get $110 off your first four boxes.

Jacques Torres Chocolate

Jaques Torres Chocolate delivers fresh, handcrafted chocolates with premium ingredients. Try a box of assorted bonbons, or even a rich mug of hot chocolate. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Save 15% online.

Winc

If you’re looking for your new favorite wine, try Winc’s online quiz. It’s only a minute long, and it helps Winc determine your tastes, your palate and your preferences. With a Winc subscription, you’ll get four bottles a month delivered right to your doorstep. You’ll be an at-home sommelier in no time!

Get four bottles of wine for just $29.95, plus free shipping.

Restaurant.com

Choosing a restaurant can sometimes be as difficult as making a meal yourself. But with Restaurant.com you can find a great meal – and a great deal. Check reviews and deals for over 20,000 restaurants nationwide. Want to stay home? They also have takeout options.

Get $25 Restaurant.com gift certificates for just $3.

Omaha Steaks

With Omaha Steaks, you can get premium steaks and gourmet food delivered to you. Shop their selection of filet mignon, strip steaks, top sirloins, ribeyes, T-bones and porterhouses. You can also order other foods, like pork, seafood, poultry, burgers and even wine. With the right cut of meat or glass of wine, you can turn your grill or kitchen into a five-star restaurant. It’s like going out to eat without ever leaving the house.

Receive free shipping on select combos and 10% off all items.

BarkBox

It seems like all the human members of your family are eating pretty well – and your furry companion should too. With a BarkBox subscription, you get a monthly box of new dog treats, toys and chews.

Sign up here and get an extra toy in every box.

For even more delicious savings, check out these restaurants with AAA discounts.

Looking for even more ways to save? Head on over to AAA.com/Discounts.

As we all know by now, it’s an expensive world out there. This may lead you to believe that any vacation exploring that world is going to come with a sky-high price tag. Au contraire. One type of getaway has, by and large, avoided skyrocketing costs and could be the perfect budget-friendly vacation for you and your traveling party: cruises.

Not only have cruise prices remained stable during these inflationary times, that stable price is incredibly low. “[The prices] are some of the lowest that we’ve seen in a very long time,” Chris Gray Faust, managing editor of The Cruise Critic, recently told “Good Morning America.” “Not only are the fares low, but a lot of the cruise lines are putting in a lot of extra value type of things–like, they’re throwing in free gratuities, free Wi-Fi, free drink packages, things like that.” 

All-Inclusive Cost

What makes a cruise so budget-friendly is that the price to book your spot onboard includes travel to your destination, lodging, meals and entertainment. If these were purchased individually, they would cost significantly more than the price of a cruise ticket.

Let’s take a look at an example. Norwegian Cruise Line’s seven-night cruise from New York to Bermuda starts at less than $800 per person. Factor in a round-trip flight and add in a week-long stay at a nice hotel and you’re already well past the cost of a cruise.

And this is without taking into consideration the food and entertainment. Norwegian offers several complimentary dining options onboard, meaning you won’t need to pay for a single meal all week. (You can, of course, pay for a meal at one of the many specialty dining restaurants if and when you choose.) And entertainment? The ships put on several Broadway- and Las Vegas-caliber performances throughout the week. If you were to purchase tickets to such a show on land, it would likely set you back at least $100 per person.

Budgeting Made Easy

Cruises also make it easier to budget accordingly by allowing you to prepay for any add-ons you may want. Drink packages and shore excursions, for example, can be purchased beforehand so you know exactly what you’re paying for each and are not surprised at the end of your trip with massive bill.

Walking onto the ship with all aspects of your trip already paid for ensures that you won’t exceed your budget and provides a peace of mind that will suit you well as you set sail.

Book your Norwegian Cruise today!

Although its moniker and football team are named for its rich history in steel production, Pittsburgh’s industrial past has made way for a modern renaissance. Come expecting urban beauty, a celebration of diversity and a small-town feel that retains the traditions of the past while looking toward the future.

Point State Park

The perfect introduction to the city, Point State Park is located at the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers, known as the Golden Triangle. The scenic green space is a National Historic Landmark, remembered for its significance in the French and Indian War and other milestone struggles throughout the mid to late 18^th century. It’s also known for having the nation’s tallest water fountain, spouting water up to 150-feet high!

On the Town

Head to the Strip District for a mile of mom-and-pop grocers, bakeries, restaurants and sidewalk vendors, ride the funiculars up the famous Pittsburgh inclines (the Monongahela Incline is the steepest in the country) and immerse yourself in pop art at the Andy Warhol Museum.

And don’t miss your chance to see inside the University of Pittsburgh’s 42-story Gothic Skyscraper, the Cathedral of Learning. Here you can take a self-guided tour of the Nationality Rooms, 31 classrooms designed by artists and architects that reflect different cultural periods, including Byzantine, Romanesque, Renaissance, Tudor and folk.

Game Time

Pittsburgh is a sports town. Depending on when you visit, you can see the Steelers at Acrisure Stadium (football), the Pirates at PNC Park (baseball) or the Penguins at PPG Paints Arena (hockey). College teams are also popular, especially the University of Pittsburgh’s Panthers.

If you enjoy adventure travel, recreational spaces abound. Walk, jog or cycle the trails along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail or go hiking in Riverview Park on the city’s North Side.

Where to Stay

Whether you’re in search of the value and convenience of Super 8 or the style and energy of the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts has options throughout the city.

Perhaps you’d like to wind town at the TRYP by Wyndham in the heart of Pittsburgh’s historic Lawrenceville neighborhood. If you’re headed somewhere else after your stay, Microtel Inn & Suites and Wyndham Garden are both located by the airport.

AAA members can save 10% or more at all Wyndham properties. Book your Wyndham hotel today.

There’s nothing quite like a road trip for getting out and seeing – and tasting – what a region has to offer. It’s not just about the destination but the stops along the way that make the ride special, and that’s especially true of where you choose to eat.

Whether it’s a meal or a quick stop for something sweet, instead of dining at familiar places and chain restaurants, seek out local spots. It’s fun to find the best food in town! Here are a few of our favorite places to stop and eat while road tripping through the Northeast.

Becky’s Diner

Portland, Maine

It’s not technically a law that you must have a lobster roll when you’re in Maine, but it’s definitely an unofficial rule. Located right on the waterfront, Becky’s has all manner of seafood to choose from, including a fantastic lobster roll. Too early for lunch? Don’t worry, you can still get your fix with their lobster omelet.

Bob’s Clam Hut

Kittery, Maine

This isn’t a seafood restaurant. It’s a seafood joint. Although there’s nothing fancy about Bob’s, you’ll find some of the best clams and fried fish in the state at this unassuming building on the side of the road in Kittery. In fact, it made our list of the top 8 clam shacks in the region. The parking lot is tiny, so you may need to find a spot next door, but it’s worth the walk to get a heaping helping of fresh New England seafood. On a sunny day, walk right through the building to the yard out back and enjoy your meal on a picnic table in the sun.

Polly’s Pancake Parlor

Sugar Hill, N.H.

Don’t miss Polly’s if you’re making your way through the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Open for breakfast and lunch, this sweet stop is all about pancakes with plenty of maple syrup. You can create your own with a choice of seven batters and four fillings, including blueberries, chocolate chips and daily specials. Make sure you get some of the locally smoked bacon as a side and check out the country store where you can get many of their mixes to-go.

Red Arrow Diner

Manchester, N.H.

There are several Red Arrow Diner locations in New Hampshire, but our favorite is the original in Manchester. It’s open 24 hours a day so you can get your pancakes, eggs, burgers and pie any time, day or night. Even if you’ve never visited you may recognize the Red Arrow Diner for being a famous stop along the campaign trail for presidents looking to make a big impression for the first national primary. You can see their photos shaking hands with the locals all along the wall behind the counter.

King Arthur Baking Company

Norwich, Vt.

You can find King Arthur Baking products in your local grocery store, or you can go to the flagship location up in the Green Mountains of Vermont. This stop is part shopping experience and part food break. The huge store sells everything a home baker could possibly need for their kitchen, but there’s also freshly baked breads, rolls, sweets, sandwiches and pizza. On sunny days, eat in the beautiful outdoor courtyard and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

Kane’s Donuts

Saugus, Mass.

No matter which donut flavor you try at Kane’s you won’t be disappointed (we highly suggest the creme brulee). There are several locations including one in downtown Boston and on the famous Route 1 that runs all the way from Maine to Florida. Not only are donuts tasty, but a box in the backseat makes for perfect nibbling as you make your way to your next destination.

Frank Pepe’s Pizzeria

New Haven, Conn.

Are you even on a road trip if you don’t stop for pizza and eat the leftovers in the car? Known for their thin-crusted, coal-fired Neapolitan-style pizza, Franke Pepe’s opened its New Haven location back in 1925 now has restaurants throughout the Northeast. A large is enough to feed a family and then some, so order accordingly.

Rein’s Deli

Vernon, Conn.

There’s a little bit of everything at this diner-style restaurant, from must-try pastrami and Reuben sandwiches, to salmon and lox and sweet cheese blintzes. You can even get a little something to-go at the deli counter. And did we mention there’s pie? Good luck picking just one flavor from the case up front. We recommend taking a slice or two for the road.

Becky’s BBQ

Middletown, R.I.

You might not think of Rhode Island as a place for great barbeque, but Becky’s may change your mind. It has all your hickory-smoked favorites from pulled pork to brisket to ribs, along with a list of tempting sides. Finish your meal with a slice of key lime or pecan pie.

Café Ommegang

Cooperstown, N.Y.

Brewery Ommegang is well-known for its wide selection of beers, but did you know it also has a fantastic cafe? This brewery in the woods is an idyllic location for a break from the road while touring upstate New York. Try the chicken and waffles with maple bacon bechamel and raspberry coulis or the poutine with local cheese curds and rich demiglace.

Need a ride? AAA members can save up to 20% on Hertz rentals.

Featured image: “Maine – Kittery: Bob’s Clam Hut” by Wally Gobetz / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Whether is was fresh off the lot or, more likely, a hand-me-down on its last legs, we all remember our first car. But were we so focused on the freedom of the open road that we failed to notice what other people were driving? What the “it” car ​​​of the time was?

Automobiles have always been a sign of their times, so even if we weren’t behind the wheel of any of these bestselling cars, their popularity says a lot about what the roadways were like when we first started to drive.

Let’s see what the bestselling car in America was the year you started driving with a trip down memory lane.

Note: The following does not include SUVs or pickup trucks, for that would be a decidedly shorter list: the Ford F-series truck has been the bestselling vehicle in the U.S. the past 40 years.

1978-1981, 1983: Oldsmobile Cutlass

General Motors scored a major win in 1978 when it released the fifth generation Cutlass Supreme. This compact model featured a smaller body than previous iterations, which proved to be a hit with consumers. The Cutlass would remain America’s bestselling car into the 1980s. In 1983, the premium Cutlass Supreme model took the top spot. 

1982, 1987-88: Ford Escort

The Ford Escort briefly interrupted the Oldsmobile Cutlass’ reign atop the sales chart in 1982. First released the year prior, the Escort experienced a quick rise to the top thanks to a fuel-efficient engine, a variety of trim packages and a reasonable price. Its success had to be a welcome surprise for Ford  – and a sigh of relief  – as the car was replacing the universally panned Pinto in the automaker’s lineup. The Escort regained the sales crown later in the decade thanks to updated styling and a more powerful engine.

1984-85: Chevrolet Cavalier

The Chevrolet Cavalier appealed to so many people thanks to its versatility. The car was available in five body types: coupe, sedan, hatchback, wagon and convertible, making it practical for lone drivers and families alike. Add in an efficient engine and fair sticker price, and the Cavalier became the car of choice in the mid-1980s.

1986: Chevrolet Celebrity

In somewhat of a surprise, the Cavalier was usurped from its throne in 1986 by its sister model. The Celebrity also came in various body styles, most of which offered ample cabin space for a mid-sized vehicle.

1989-1991, 2001: Honda Accord

The Honda Accord’s ascent to the top of the sales chart at the close of the 1980s was largely symbolic of the decade’s automotive market, which saw Japanese imports carve out a significant stake. Honda’s breakthrough vehicle was popular for good reason. The Accord came with a list of available features other competitors couldn’t rival, including air conditioning, power windows and locks, alloy wheels and a sunroof.

In 1990, Honda introduced its fourth-generation Accord, turning the compact car into a mid-sized sedan. The revamp proved wise as roughly 50,000 more units were sold than in the year prior. The Accord remained incredibly popular throughout the 1990s. It further proved its staying power by regaining its status as the bestselling car of 2001.

1992-96: Ford Taurus

The Ford Taurus began an impressive five-year stretch as the most popular car in America in 1992. The right combination of comfort, safety and value provided mass appeal to the American public. Helping boost sales was a wagon model suitable for families. The car remained a bestseller even in 1996, when a highly criticized styling redesign was unveiled to the market.

1997-2020: Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry bumped the Ford Taurus to second place in 1997, the year that marked the beginning of the end for any competitors with eyes on the pinnacle spot. With one exception (when the Accord topped the charts in 2001), the Camry has been the bestselling car in America every year since. Much like other models in Toyota’s lineup, the Camry performs above average in just about every category, including performance, safety and, most notably, reliability. 

The car’s popularity continued to grow through the late ’90s and 2000s, peaking in 2007. While sales have decreased in recent years as SUVs and crossovers have taken over, the Camry still beats out all other competitors in its market.

Did you drive any of the cars on this list? Were they worthy of being the most popular in the country? Let us know in the comments below!

Our yards come alive in summer.

Nature puts on a show as birds and other wildlife go about their business and gardens reach their peak. By the grill, on the patio, poolside or simply in your favorite lawn chair, it’s a place to relax, gather with friends and soak in all the sun and good vibes the season has to offer.

Although every season has its perks, seeing the yard reach its full potential in summer is what gloomy winter daydreams are made of. In this Photo Session, you showed us the highlights of what’s happening in your yards this year.

Thank You For Participating! (Session Closed)

Browse through all of the photos we received during July’s yard-themed Photo Session in the slideshow below, and don’t forget to check our social media channels, where we will be sharing some of our favorites. Select photos may also appear in an upcoming issue of Your AAA magazine.

Check out past AAA Photo Sessions and stay tuned for the next one.

So, you’re ready to take your first trip on your own. Where do you start? Pick a destination and then plan, plan, plan! Here are some travel tips for young adults to help make the process of traveling easier.

If you’d rather not do it all yourself, you can plan and book your next trip with AAA Travel. Our expert travel advisors will be happy to assist you each step of the way.

Saving for Vacation

There are plenty of saving tips and hacks out there, but you have to be realistic about what will work for you personally. If you have a hard time saving money, try using a budgeting app or putting your money into a savings account like a CD that you can only draw from at certain times. Make an appointment at your bank and discuss your finance goals with a bank manager.

Shop deals and sales pre-trip. A lot of essentials like flip-flops and Band-Aids that you can find at a dollar store are double the price (or more!) in tourist destinations, so plan wisely to avoid overspending at the gift shop on items you forgot.

Consider where you’ll be visiting and make a list of all the possible travel necessities you may need to pack for your specific trip. Heading to a theme park? You’re going to need sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes. If you’re visiting a national park and plan to do a lot of hiking, you may want to spare yourself the blisters and invest in a good pair of hiking boots.

A great travel tip for young adults looking to save money is to take inventory and use what you already have. Especially if you plan to carry-on, pouring shampoos, conditioners and other toiletries you have at home into the containers of a TSA-approved travel kit, could be more economical than spending on a bunch of travel-sized items.

Get more packing tips.

AAA Northeast Travel Advisor Emily Sgorbati has another savings tip for young travelers: “Instead of grabbing takeout or eating at a restaurant, put aside the money you would have spent and think about all the new foods you’d like to try in your travel destination. Dinner with a view of the Colosseum? Coming right up!”

This strategy can also be applied to other incidentals that you may spend on frequently. Do you take Ubers often? Consider riding your bike instead. Do you have online subscriptions you don’t use regularly? Consider if they’re worth it and if you can live without them, keeping  your eye on the travel prize ahead.

Get more ideas on how to save for vacation.

Studying Abroad

If you plan on studying abroad with your university, there are many aspects to consider. First and most exciting is where in the world will you study? Are you looking to explore your roots or learn a new language? Most universities have study-abroad programs that limit the countries you can visit, but here’s a helpful list that can provide you with some inspiration.

“Try to room share with local students or other international students while abroad, instead of with classmates from your university,” Sgorbati said. “You’ll get the chance to pick up new languages, try new food and have friends to visit all over the world when you’re done.” Imagine having a built-in Parisian buddy to visit for life!

Before you decide on your travel destination, be sure to do your due diligence and research the city’s travel guidelines and current travel restrictions.

Warren Jaferian, dean of the Office of International Education at Endicott College, has some expert tips for young travelers. “From a travel standpoint, when considering a place to study abroad, students must research and monitor the travel restrictions in place due to COVID-19, and whether American college students are able to travel,” he said. “Second, students should consult the Department of State website and review the travel warnings for the country, especially regarding personal safety and security concerns for Americans.”

Be careful and research all aspects of the city you finally decide on for your study-abroad program, including the safest areas to live in and any vaccines you may need for that area.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance may seem like an unnecessary added expense if you’re a young adult, but it can save you in the end. Travel insurance covers many of the unexpected circumstances that can interrupt or cancel your trip, including missed flights, lost baggage, unplanned illness and weather-related emergencies.

“Insurance is for travelers of all ages, gives you emergency medical coverage while traveling and you can receive exclusive AAA benefits like reimbursement for missed ports of call while cruising,” Sgorbati said.

Learn more about protecting your trip with travel insurance through AAA.

Renting a Car Abroad

Renting a car abroad can be a bit intimidating. Every country has their own set of driving rules and restrictions you should know about, which sometimes means having to drive on the opposite side of the road.

Some countries will require you to get an international driving permit or IDP to rent a car and drive legally in their country. An IDP is a valid form of identification that translates your information into 10 languages.

Rent a car with AAA.

If you would like to rent a car while studying abroad, check with your university about any restrictions first. “Our institution, like many others in the U.S., has a policy against study abroad students renting cars when overseas,” said Jaferian. “For those students not subject to such policies, they should consult with their insurance provider in the U.S. to see what coverage may be extended from their local policy and be informed about age limits and restrictions for foreign nationals in the host country (often 25+).”

Consider renting a car with a friend to share the expense. And if you are still uncomfortable with driving in a different country, most cities also have public transportation that you can familiarize yourself with.

Check out this guide to renting a car abroad for more tips.

How to Keep Your Money Safe Abroad

Try not to carry cash when traveling abroad. If cash gets lost or stolen it’s usually gone for good, while a credit card can easily be canceled and replaced. If you need cash, only carry small amounts with you at any given time. Don’t carry all your credit cards at once either; that way, if something happens to one, you always have a backup somewhere else.

Pickpockets that target tourists are infamous around the world, and even if you’re aware of this, you can still be a victim of their brazen tactics. Protect your valuables by wearing a secure bag like a fanny pack. Backpacks can be easily broken into and purses with no zippers are also an easy target.

An important travel tip for all young travelers is to always be aware of your surroundings and stay safe on your adventures.

What travel destination do you have your eyes set on? Start planning your trip today.

Do you have any other travel tips for young adults heading out to explore the world? Share them in the comments. 

Although the continual evolution of safety features has made vehicles significantly safer, one car-related fatality statistic remains: heatstroke deaths for children and pets.

On average, 38 children die in hot cars each year. On a typical 80-degree summer day, the interior temperature of a vehicle increases by 20 degrees in only 10 minutes and reaches a deadly 109 degrees in 20 minutes. On hotter days, it is common for temperatures in a parked car to reach 120-140 degrees, and cracking the windows has little to no effect.

Heatstroke is the result of the internal body temperature reaching 104 degrees. Children and pets are much more susceptible due to their thermoregulatory systems; the body temperature of children rises at a rate 3 to 5 times faster than adults.

Heatstroke Causes

Heatstroke deaths primarily occur due to one of three scenarios:

• 20% of deaths result when a caregiver knowingly leaves a child in the car (typically to run a quick errand or finish a nap). The majority of the temperature rise occurs within the first 15 to 30 minutes, and caregivers assume that cracking the windows is enough to cool and ventilate the vehicle. Never leave a child or pet alone in a parked car for any amount of time.

• 53% of deaths are caused by a caregiver forgetting the child in the vehicle. It should be noted that 46% of the deaths related to children forgotten in vehicles involved a change in the family’s routine where a different caregiver was responsible for dropping off the child at daycare. These tragedies most often occur on weekdays. AAA recommends drivers safely store their cell phone, work bag, or purse in the back seat when child passengers are present as another reminder to check the backseat.

• 26% of cases are related to the child gaining access to the vehicle without adult supervision. An innocent game of “hide and seek” can lead to such tragedies. Often the child enters the vehicle and closes the door or trunk and cannot get out. It is important for drivers to lock their vehicles in driveways and garages to prevent these occurrences.

Signs of Heat Stroke

When a child’s core temperature rises, they will begin to experience a number of symptoms. These can include dizziness, disorientation, agitation, confusion, sluggishness and even hallucinations. Other signs of heat stroke include hot dry skin that is flushed but not sweaty, rapid heart beat and loss of consciousness.

If the child is in pain or not responsive, get the child out of the car and call 911 immediately. If you’re able to, spray the child with cool water. Stay with them until help arrives.

Heatstroke Prevention

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and Association of Global Automakers have voluntarily agreed to integrate “rear seat reminder” warning systems in vehicles to alert caregivers to check the back seat for child passengers in every car sold in the U.S. by the 2025 model year. The agreement includes many large automakers, including domestic manufacturers General Motors, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Ford, and foreign-based companies such as Honda, Nissan and Toyota. Several manufacturers have already included the technology.

Just 10 minutes can be the difference between life and death, or a healthy child and one who has suffered brain damage. Any parent or caregiver, even a very loving and attentive one, can forget a child is in the back seat. The National Traffic Safety Administration urges caregivers to “look before you lock” and ask themselves “where’s baby?”.

AAA urges anyone who finds a child or pet alone in a locked car to call 911 immediately and take action to remove the passenger.

There are a ton of tricks you can utilize to maximize your miles per gallon. Start with these gas saving tips.

• Avoid buying gas when there’s a delivery truck at the station. Recent deliveries stir up sediment, which can clog your fuel filter. (And don’t forget, AAA members can save at the pump with Shell.)
• Annual tuneups and inspections are vital. Check your vehicle’s owners manual for recommended maintenance intervals and be sure to inspect suspension and chassis parts for possible misalignments. Problems such as bent wheels, axles, bad shocks and broken springs all create engine drag (and are unsafe when traveling at high speeds). Visit AAA.com/AAR to search for AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities near you.
• Avoid overfilling your gas tank, which can cause spills and waste. Never fill the gas tank past the first “click” of the fuel nozzle.
• After filling up, make sure the gas cap clicks three times. Improperly sealed gas caps allow fuel to vaporize.
• Track local gas prices with GasPrices.AAA.com and keep posted on day-to-day price changes.
• Properly inflated tires are safer, last longer and can improve your gas mileage by more than 3% per tire. Check your tire pressure at least once a month and compare it with the recommended pressure listed in your owners manual and on the placard in your car door. Inflate your tires as needed and be sure to check tire pressure when your tires are cold. A good time to check is early in the morning after your car has been idle overnight.
• Save money with self-service whenever possible and choose to pay in cash if there is an extra charge to use a credit card.
• Keep your eyes open to find good prices at the pump. You could even apply for a credit card, which offers gas savings when using the card for purchases.
• In order to reduce your fuel consumption, keep windows closed when traveling at highway speeds. Open windows cause aerodynamic drag.
• Think ahead when approaching hills. Only accelerate before you reach the hill, not while you’re on it.
• Slow down! Although vehicle reach their optimal fuel economy at different speeds, gas mileage usually decreases rapidly over 60 mph.
• Both acceleration and deceleration waste fuel. Try to drive at a constant speed and avoid tailgating. The driver in front of you could be unpredictable, making you brake or speed up more than necessary. Plus, it’s dangerous.
• Use cruise control when possible. The small, more precise adjustments made by the car’s cruise control system will keep your speed constant and save you fuel.

• Even on cold mornings, avoid warming up your engine at idle. Today’s cars are designed to start and go, saving you gas.
• If you have a manual transmission, don’t keep your left foot on the clutch pedal while driving. The slightest pressure puts mechanical drag on components, wearing them down prematurely.
• Avoid driving along rough roads whenever possible. Dirt and gravel can cost you up to 30% of your gas mileage.
• Use alternate roads when they prove to be safer, shorter and straighter. Corners, curves and lane jumping all require extra gas. The shortest distance between two points is always a straight line. Plan your route with the AAA Mobile app.
• Traffic lights are generally timed for your motoring advantage. By traveling steadily at the legal speed limit, you increase your chances of getting more green lights throughout your trip. Pay attention to the lights on your daily commute and try to anticipate whether they’ll turn green or red by the time you get there.
• Gas stations near major highways often charge more for gas because land is generally more valuable in these locations, increasing overhead costs. Those higher costs are passed on to consumers. Before a road trip, fill up at your local station. If you must fill up near the highway, try stations near state border lines, which tend to price their gasoline less aggressively.
• Find the best gas prices along your route with the AAA Mobile app.
• Park your car so that you can easily travel in forward gear when you return to it. It’s a minor step, but worth putting on a gas saving tips list!
• Remove snow tires during good weather seasons; traveling on deep tire treads hurts your fuel economy.
• Operating the air conditioner on the maximum level can reduce your mpg by 5% to 25%, compared to not using it. Try to park your car in the shade so you won’t have to keep the AC working as hard. Turn off the air conditioning five minutes before you reach your destination.
• Remove excess weight from the trunk or inside of the car: extra tires, child seats, unnecessary heavy parts, etc. Extra weight reduces mileage, especially when driving up inclines.
• On large sport-utility vehicles and minivans, one of the simplest gas saving tips is to remove unneeded third-row seating. Some third-row seats weigh over 100 pounds. This is extra weight your engine has to deal with, which can waste gas.
• Carpools reduce travel monotony and gas expenses. They also reduce traffic congestion.

• Combining errands into one trip saves you time and money. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a longer multi-purpose trip covering the same distance with a warm engine. Trip planning ensures that traveling is done when the engine is warmed-up and efficient.
• In bad traffic jams, cars seem to constantly speed up and slow down, while trucks tend to roll along at the same leisurely pace. A constant speed keeps shifting to a minimum, which is important to those who have to wrangle with those 10-speed truck transmissions, but it also aids fuel economy. It takes much more fuel to get a vehicle moving than it does to keep it moving. Rolling with the big rigs saves fuel (and aggravation).
• Idling burns 1 gallon of gas per hour and will earn you zero mpg. Turn off your engine when your car is just sitting. You’ll not only save fuel, but you’ll also help the environment by not releasing more emissions from your car than absolutely necessary.
• Wax your car and keep it clean. This will reduce aerodynamic drag, thus providing better mileage.
• Walk between stops. Once you get into town, some of your stops may be near each other. Park between some or all of them and walk or park in the first spot you find. If you wander all over the parking lot looking for a really close parking space, you’ll use more gas.
• Track your mileage in real time. You may know what your consumption looks like from tank-to-tank, but that’s really not enough. Knowing the mileage you’re getting in real time and comparing it to what you got yesterday is one of the most useful gas saving tips you can practice.
• These days, many offices offer more flexible hours, so errands can be run at almost any time. Avoid being stuck in traffic if all you have to do is leave 30 minutes earlier or come in 30 minutes later.
• Try to purchase vehicles that get good gas mileage. The difference between 20 and 40 mpg is momentous for your wallet.
• Don’t use premium fuel if it’s not necessary. If your car specifies regular fuel, don’t buy premium under the mistaken belief that your engine will run better. Most cars are designed to run just fine on regular gasoline. Check your owners manual to find out what grade your car requires.
• Use your garage. Parking there will help your car stay warm in winter and cool in summer, so you don’t have to depend as much on your air conditioning when you drive.
• Try to avoid traffic on busy days or times when it is raining, windy or barometric pressure is high. Rain and high barometric pressure create extra air drag that uses more fuel to create and maintain forward motion.

What are your special gas saving tips? Tell us in the comments below.

Considering the fickle nature of the economy, perhaps one of the biggest long-term threats to your life insurance is inflation.

As of the most recent update of this post, the United States inflation rate is at a 41-year high, and has already beaten its record within the year.

While this often unpredictable economic change can wreak havoc on many of your assets, it can have particularly adverse effects on life insurance holdings. After all, the entire premise of the industry is predicated on planning out how much financial protection you’ll need, often many years in advance, taking into account the changing economic climate. So, if inflation takes an unexpected turn, your loved ones could possibly be left with less than expected.

When Inflation Strikes

To put it into perspective, the inflation rate in the U.S. is typically around 3% every year. While this doesn’t seem like much at first, even a subtle deviation in this increase can have far-reaching effects over the course of a decade or two. Think about it: With every year, the money in your pocket is worth 3% less.

And in June of 2022, the consumer price index – one of the primary measures of inflation – accelerated to 9.1%.

How, then, can you expect to anticipate whether the investment you’re making into your life insurance policy will be significant enough to provide your family with the safeguard they need?

The tricky part is that you can’t. Sure, you can do the calculations upfront and determine what your policy’s ultimate total should be down the line, accounting for perhaps slightly higher than the expected 3% inflation rate. However, there’s no way for this approach to eliminate any potential damage done to the planned benefit of your policy. Thankfully, there are other options for how you can protect your life insurance from the unfortunate reality of inflation.

What You Can Do

Inflation is inevitable, but here are a few strategies you can put into practice to help prevent it from dismantling the long-term vision of your life insurance policy:

• Indexation: Some life insurance companies will allow you to exercise this option, which links your premiums with any number of figures intrinsically tied to inflation, such as the consumer price index and the average earnings index. As a result, your policy stays on par with the economy as inflation naturally occurs, retaining its long-term cash value over the course of many years. The catch is that indexation usually needs to be activated at the very beginning of your policy. After your plan begins, you may no longer have access to this option. So consider carefully if you want to add it to your plan before signing on the dotted line.
• Policy riders: A policy rider is a clause built into your policy that provides extra protection or includes some other customized benefit that does not factor into a standard plan. In this case, some life insurance companies will offer one at an additional cost that protects against inflation, often by providing a monthly benefit that increases each year to offset the economic conditions. Ask your provider if such an option exists on your policy. As always, it’s much easier to make these decisions when starting a new plan.
• Periodic coverage boosts: Less elegant than the above two solutions, this one merely entails injecting additional coverage into your policy on a regular basis to keep up with inflationary needs. The exact details of how you decide to do that are naturally completely up to you. Perhaps you may opt to devote additional funds to an existing plan or maybe even purchase an entirely new term policy to extend your coverage further into the future. The choice is yours, but this may be a more reliable option than factoring the inflation rate into your long-term life insurance needs in one fell swoop, as it at least gives you the option of course-correcting along the way.

An Uncertain Road

Although it may seem futile at times, estimating the impact that inflation will cumulatively have on your life insurance plan is a critical part of planning your financial future. Your policy is designed to be a safety net to protect your family in your absence, and without doing your absolute best to assess possible threats, it’s impossible to fortify the structure of your policy to provide the best possible security available to you. Inflation protection is an essential part of your plan’s long-term success, so don’t delay in taking the necessary precautions.

Do you still have concerns about how inflation may affect your life insurance policy? Let us know in the comment section so that we can help!

Discuss your options with a AAA insurance agent today.

When thinking of the Adirondacks, rugged wilderness, endless flowing forests and wildlife quickly come to mind. And if all that land could talk, it would have a lot of stories to tell.

Within the 6 million acres of Adirondack Park in northern New York State, visitors can get to know the history of the region in Hamilton County, where cultural attractions abound.

Here are just a few highlights.

Great Camps

Hamilton County in the Central Adirondacks is known for its Great Camps.

These sprawling and luxurious lodging compounds were designed to blend into the stunning surroundings and became one of the most recognizable architectural styles of the era.

Today, visitors can tour some of the Great Camps by boat and can even spend the night at one of these historical masterpieces.

The Gilded Age Tour

Get transported back to the late 1800s on the Gilded Age Tour, when elite city dwellers escaped to summer in style in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains.

The tour has three stops that outline the experience of the Gilded Age. The first stop is the Adirondack Experience: The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake. Visitors will learn about unique artifacts that will give them a peek inside the level of opulence that existed during this time. Think lavish train cars and ornate picnic china.

Next, enjoy a two-hour guided tour at Great Camp Sagamore, designed and built by William West Durant, a railroad mogul that was responsible for the Great Camp style of architecture. Nestled in a forest and overlooking a lake, the tour gives guests a chance to experience the magnificence of this time. Guests can explore the many corners of the estate, from dining halls and boathouses to the bowling alley and playhouse.

The final excursion on the Gilded Age Tour is an intimate four-course narrated dinner cruise on the replica steamboat, the W.W. Durant.

Experience the Great Outdoors

If you’d rather get to know the area in the natural surroundings it’s famous for, the forest is your oyster. Hiking, biking, camping or fishing – there are guided tours for all. The toughest part will be deciding which mountains, lakes and woods to see.

When you’re not out exploring the wilderness, spend some time town hopping through the many charming small Adirondack towns. Fine art, antiques, live theater and music all bring their own unique elements of history and culture to the mountains.

Plan your Adirondack Experience today.

How do you like your lobster roll? Cold and dressed in mayo or warm and drenched in melted butter? Maybe you don’t have a preference, as long as it comes with a waterside view. No matter which lobster roll recipe you enjoy, you have a New England summertime tradition right in the palm of your hand.

Know Your Roll: Types of Lobster Rolls

There are two primary types of lobster roll recipes: Maine- and Connecticut-style. While some variations exist in between, most eaters are loyal to one or the other.

Based on the results of our Northeast Food Fight, the cold, Maine-style lobster salad roll is a resounding favorite. Some will add celery, lettuce and other seasonings to the mix, but purists believe that nothing should come between fresh lobster meat and mayo.

If you are driving through Connecticut and stop at one of the many lobster huts along the shoreline, you are more likely to find a hot buttery Connecticut lobster roll.

If you’re lucky, you may find a spot that serves both and you can decide which option you like better – if your mind isn’t made up already.

One thing remains consistent among all bona fide lobster rolls – the roll needs to be a split-top, New England hot dog bun.

Find a Lobster Roll Near You

McLoons Lobster Shack
South Thomaston, Maine

If you want to try both types of lobster rolls, take a drive up Interstate 95 to the small coastal town of South Thomaston. Head out to Spruce Head Island and you will find McLoons Lobster Shack, where you can get half mayo and half butter on one roll. This family-owned lobster shack is set near one of the area’s oldest wharfs, where you can sit out and watch the lobster fishermen pull in their catch of the day.

Arnold’s Lobster and Clam Bar
Eastham, Mass.

It wouldn’t be a proper Cape Cod road trip without a lobster roll. Named one of the best lobster rolls in Cape Cod, Arnold’s Lobster and Clam Bar offers both cold and warm lobster rolls in regular or jumbo size. Both are served with a side of famous Cape Cod potato chips made just down the street in Hyannis. After having a bite to eat, you can grab a famous Arnold’s ice cream and play a round at Arnold’s Mini Golf.

Easton’s Beach Snack Bar
Newport, R.I.

Easton’s serves all of the beach snack favorites, from burgers to fried seafood, but it’s known for its twin lobster salad rolls and buttered lobster rolls made with claw and tail meat. Take your meal out to the patio, which overlooks the beach, the Cliff Walk and the Newport mansions.

Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock
New London, Conn.

This quintessential lobster hut on a quiet marina gives you the chance to try both lobster roll styles while watching fishing boats coming in and out of the harbor. While you’re comparing rolls from different areas of the Northeast, why not try the New England and Rhode Island clam chowders, too, and have a full taste test.

Seven Seas Restaurant
Milford, Conn.

Seven Seas is known locally as one of the first places to serve a hot lobster roll. The hot buttered roll originated in Milford in 1929 at a restaurant called Perry’s that no longer exists, according to the Encyclopedia of American Food and Drink.

North River Lobster Company
New York City

Is there a better place to eat a lobster roll than on a boat? Located on the Hudson River and 41^st Street at Pier 81, you can hop aboard and sail up the Hudson while enjoying North River’s 28-inch classic lobster roll, The Shelly. At 28 inches (!), it’s oh-so  sharable and very Instagrammable. The restaurant serves other varieties of the classic roll, including one with bacon, one tossed with truffle mayo, and one sprinkled with “everything” seasoning.

Lobster Roll Recipes

Want to host a lobster roll tasting party at home? All you need is enough split-top hot dog buns for everyone and a few lobsters. If you want to make it Maine-style, try this recipe from AAA Five Diamond Designated topper’s at The Wauwinet in Massachusetts.

If Connecticut-style is more up your alley, saute salted butter and lobster in a pan until it is cooked through. Toast your roll and you’re ready for a feast.

What is your go-to lobster roll spot? Tell us in the comments.