Much of the talk surrounding electric vehicles centers on topics like charging and costs. These are unquestionably important issues to sort through. But we are discussing automobiles, after all. So, shouldn’t we also be asking, “What’s an EV like to drive?”

It’s an important question, not just for the curious car aficionados, but for all EV owners. The mechanical and design components of these green vehicles make for a driving experience that gas-powered car owners may not be accustomed to.

With that in mind, here are some of the most notable performance features unique to EVs.

Instant Torque

Any notion that EVs are slow cars will be quickly erased once you step on the accelerator. Their performance capabilities will be noticeable from the get-go. Generally, EVs accelerate faster than similar gas-powered cars.

Opposed to internal combustion engines, which require a progressive buildup to reach full power, electric motors produce peak torque instantaneously. The result is a quick acceleration new EV drivers might find jolting. Tesla claims its Model S, for example, goes from 0 to 60 in just 1.99 seconds, more than 2 seconds faster than the sporty, gas-powered Porsche 911. This zippiness isn’t limited to high-end cars. The Nissan Leaf is the most affordable mass-produced EV and boasts a respectable sub-7.00 second 0 to 60 rate.

Regenerative Braking

The EV performance feature that new owners may find most jarring initially is regenerative braking. The system is best explained by first looking at how conventional braking works. When a driver steps on the brake pedal, the brake discs and brake pads create friction to slow the wheel’s movement. The friction creates kinetic energy, which turns into heat and dissipates into the air. That kinetic energy isn’t wasted in regenerative braking. Instead, the system recovers some of that energy and converts it into electricity used to help recharge the battery.

Regenerative braking significantly enhances an EV’s efficiency, but it also creates a unique driving experience new owners will have to get accustomed to. In order to capture as much energy as possible, the system initially kicks in as soon as the driver releases the acceleration pedal. Instead of coasting, the system automatically begins to apply the brakes, causing the car to begin slowing down slightly even without the brake pedal engaged. This can be discerning at first and may take some getting used to.

On the other hand, drivers will likely be pressing down on the brake pedal less often, which will reduce wear and tear to the brakes themselves. Regenerative braking technology is continually improving, with newer EV models boasting more seamless braking systems.

Low Center of Gravity

Most EVs have their battery packs located at the bottom of the vehicle. This extra weight creates a low center of gravity, a feature that gives EVs several performance and safety advantages.

A low center of gravity improves the vehicle’s stability and handling. This makes it easier to navigate tight turns, for example. Having a high percentage of the car’s total weight concentrated at the bottom of the vehicle also reduces the likelihood of the vehicle rolling over.

No Engine Noise

One of the first things you’ll notice when you get your EV on the road is what’s missing: noise.

Because they do not have internal combustion engines, EVs don’t emit any engine or exhaust noise. The vehicles do make some sound, from their tires and wind drag, but overall make for a particularly quiet ride.

While a silent drive has its perks, it can also create a safety hazard. Sound is often the first thing that alerts pedestrians, bicyclists and other road users of an oncoming car. To mitigate this danger, the federal government has begun requiring EV manufacturers to outfit their vehicles with noise-making devices. The “Quiet Car” rule calls for EVs to emit noise when they are traveling at low speeds or in reverse.

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

Electric vehicles sales in the United States continue to grow year-over-year. Yet, as these eco-friendly cars become more widely adopted, one question about their performance continues to linger among potential buyers: How far can EVs travel before running out of power?

The answer is an important one, as it indicates just how practical these vehicles are for the average motorist. The reality is EVs can travel much farther on a single charge than you might think. In fact, unless you’re driving long distances on a regular basis, running out of charge shouldn’t be a major concern.

What Is the Average EV Driving Range Today?

The distance an EV can travel on a single charge varies significantly between models. The Mazda MX-30 has a driving range of just 100 miles. On the other end of the spectrum are premium vehicles such as the Mercedes EQS, Tesla Model S and Lucid Air, which boast driving ranges of at least 350 miles.

Today, you’ll find very few EVs with driving ranges below 200 miles. Most fall between 200 and 300 miles. The median EPA estimated range for all 2020 EV models was approximately 260 miles, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. That number will likely continue to increase if trends stay consistent, as the average range a decade ago was less than 75 miles.

Range Anxiety

Consumers have long cited the fear of running out of charge while driving as a primary reason for not purchasing an EV. This concern, known as range anxiety, had its merits during the early days of EV adoption. As recently as 2015, the average driving range of an EV was less than 100 miles. But improvements in battery technology and efficiency have resulted in increased driving ranges across the board. The 2022 Lucid Air, for example, boasts a 520-mile EPA range, the highest of any EV sold today.

Range anxiety is likely an effect of drivers simply overestimating their daily mileage. U.S. drivers travel an average of roughly 13,500 miles each year, according to the Department of Transportation. That equates to just 37 miles per day.

The concern of range anxiety almost always wanes once drivers get behind the wheel of an EV. A recent AAA study found that 95% of EV owners reported never running out of charge while on the road and 77% percent of those who were initially uneasy about driving range were less or no longer concerned after purchasing their electric vehicle. “Range anxiety has been synonymous with electric vehicles from the beginning,” said Greg Brannon, AAA director of Automotive Engineering and Industry Relations. “Hearing firsthand from owners that this is no longer a worry may change the mind of those who have otherwise been skeptical to the idea of owning an electric vehicle.”

Charging

Most EV owners charge their cars at home. This is obviously the most convenient option – you can charge the car when you’re sleeping and it’s ready to go in the morning. It’s also the cheapest. Single-family homes generally have low and stable electricity rates.

There are two levels of charging available to you when using your home’s electricity: level 1 and level 2. If you plug your vehicle into a standard 120-volt wall outlet, you’re using level 1. This is the simplest charging method but also the least efficient. Level 1 charging takes time, adding roughly 5 miles of range per hour. If you don’t typically drive long distances, this may be more than enough.

Some drivers, however, need to get more miles out of their vehicles on a regular basis. That’s why many EV owners opt to upgrade to level 2, which delivers 240 volts and can add approximately 25 miles of range in one hour. The typical level 2 charging station can fully charge most EVs overnight. Level 2 charging isn’t a matter of flipping a switch or purchasing a different power cord. An electrician must upgrade your electrical system and install special equipment first.

Charging an EV at home is not always possible. Sometimes you’ll need (or want) to charge your car at a public charging station. There are nearly 50,000 such locations across the United States. The vast majority of these (roughly 90%) are level 2 chargers. More than 15% of stations utilize level 3 charging, either exclusively or in addition to level 2. Level 3, also known DC fast charging, can add 100 to 200 miles of range in just 30 minutes. Tesla owners can also charge at Tesla’s own network of Superchargers (30,000 worldwide), which can add up to 200 miles in as little as 15 minutes.

Current Progress in Extending Battery Range

Much of the focus regarding EVs centers on manufacturing batteries that are less expensive, lighter, store more energy and charge faster.

Most EV batteries on the road today are lithium-ion. Scientists and researchers have been experimenting with battery chemistry in hopes of improving performance. A cobalt-free battery, for example, could potentially produce a range above 300 miles, while reducing charge times and manufacturing costs. Nanotech Energy, meanwhile, is working with partners to develop a graphene polymer-based battery that can provide EVs a maximum range of 500 kilometers and a recharge time of fewer than five minutes. Some feel that graphene batteries remain the most promising EV battery technology.

The breakthrough in technology most are hoping for may not come from tinkering with ingredients but from altering the way batteries are constructed. Today’s EV lithium-ion batteries have a liquid electrolyte, the conductive material that allows for the flow of electricity. Solid-state batteries, however, have the potential to be far more energy-dense, allowing them to store more energy and provide greater range. They will also charge faster and be lighter and less likely to catch fire.

Automakers, including Ford, Volkswagen and GM, are investing heavily in large-scale production of solid-state batteries. The technology is still several years away from being made available, however. Toyota has said its first vehicle with a solid-state battery will go to market in 2025. Stellantis, which owns Jeep and Chrysler, among other brands, has targeted 2026. Most experts believe solid-state batteries won’t be broadly available until 2030.

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

While love can be indestructible, your jewelry may get damaged, lost or stolen. And although you could never replace the engagement ring you inherited from your great-grandma, wedding ring insurance can help cover the cost.

Some homeowners policies cover damaged or stolen jewelry for up to $1,000 – but that’s only a fraction of the price of most rings. There are two ways to cover the difference:

• Ask your insurer to raise the liability limit.

• Add a rider/floater/endorsement to your policy. A rider is an optional addition that allows you to customize your insurance policy. It costs extra, but there is typically no deductible in the event of a claim, plus it protects the jewelry from nearly all kinds of losses – even if you lose it or drop it down the kitchen sink. However, wedding ring insurance will not cover damages if your ring was already falling apart from regular wear and tear.

You probably didn’t have to think twice about getting your car, motorcycle or boat insured. But like your wedding bands, there are other valuables and investments in your home that should be protected as well.

Collectibles

Do you have old baseball cards or comic books in your house? Paintings or fine art? Priceless family heirlooms? These collectibles can be pretty valuable, but they can also be easily damaged.

Like wedding ring insurance, you can purchase a floater for your collectibles on your policy (you will need to purchase a floater for each item.) However, the insurer must know what each item is worth. To do that, an item typically needs to be appraised, or you may be able to provide a recent receipt.

Jewelry, diamonds, gold and art can change in value over time, so it’s a good rule of thumb to update your appraisals every three to five years.

Pets

Taking care of a furry friend can get expensive. Pet owners spent an average of $123.6 billion on their pets in 2021, according to the American Pet Products Association. $34.3 billion of that money went to vet costs.

Depending on the policy, pet insurance can help offset the expense of routine and emergency medical care. With most pet insurers, you select a reimbursement and deductible amount, pay your vet and then get reimbursed. When looking at pet insurance, it’s important to determine which conditions are covered, how reimbursement is calculated and if there’s a limit or cap on coverage.

Furniture

Homeowners polices typically come with a built-in percentage of personal property coverage based on the overall value of the home. This percentage is usually between 50% to 70%. While most policies typically cover the cost of replacing your property minus depreciation, some insurance companies will write you a check for what it would cost to purchase brand new versions of your belongings at the time you make your claim.

If you have renters insurance, you pick and choose which belongings to insure and pay a rate based on their value. This is beneficial, as long as you accurately estimate the price of your possessions.

Electronics

The modern home has a lot of technology: laptops, video games, cellphones, computers, tablets and more. Replacing all of these items after an emergency can get costly without insurance.

Often, insurance policies cover technology alongside personal property from damage by fire, windstorms, hail, lightning, explosions, vehicles, smoke, theft, vandalism and other unavoidable natural disasters. Say a covered peril such as a burst pipe happens in your home; while the pipe itself would not be covered and need to be repaired by a plumber, all of the damage that it caused to your belongings – including any electronics – would be.

No matter what, it helps to keep track of the electronics in your home, as well as all other valuable items. It makes claiming losses easier and gives you an idea of how much insurance you need.

When you need to make an insurance claim, a home inventory – a detailed list of your possessions and how much they are worth – can be very helpful to your insurance provider. This list can include photos and/or videos, and can be stored online or in a safe.

To learn more about how AAA provides insurance, from wedding ring insurance to pets, furniture and everything in between, contact an agent. 

Road trips have always been a special part of summer vacation memories – stopping for ice cream, checking out roadside sights and listening to your favorite tunes en route to a fun destination.

And now that The CAT is back, you can take your road trip off the road and travel between Bar Harbor, Maine and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia in just 3.5 hours.

Book a round-trip passage with a standard vehicle today and save $150*, plus receive a $50 gift card from Irving Oil*.

Sit back, relax, and check out some live East Coast entertainment – The CAT’s Music on the Gulf program features regional musical talent guaranteed to get your toes tapping. Savor a freshly-brewed hot coffee and some tasty snacks from Sip at Sea Café, enjoy a meal with a view at Scotia Market or unwind in Forchu Lounge, where an extensive list of local wines and beers pairs perfectly with fresh seafood and local fare.

Settle in for daily film screenings in the comfortable movie area, or catch up on work in the business center. Browse for the perfect souvenir or any must-have vacation purchases at the Scotia Market Gift Shop. Or simply stroll the decks and observation areas and enjoy the sweeping ocean views and fresh air.

The CAT departs Bar Harbor at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time, docking in Yarmouth just in time to enjoy a delicious seafood dinner before exploring Nova Scotia. Here you’ll find incredible whale watching, spectacular beaches and picturesque fishing villages punctuated by postcard-perfect lighthouses. Marvel at the world’s highest tides, sample local craft brews and wines and soak up Nova Scotia’s charming East Coast vibe.

Departing Yarmouth at 9:30 a.m. Atlantic Time, you’ll be back in Bar Harbor for lunch. With check-in one hour before sailing, you’ll be well rested and ready for your crossing.

Fuel up your summer fun with The CAT and Irving Oil: a perfect partnership for making unforgettable vacation memories!

AAA members earn CAT CASH* redeemable for onboard dining, drinks and local souvenirs. Call or visit your local AAA branch or book at Ferries.ca using promo code AAA22.

*$10/pp max of $20 for one-way bookings. $10/pp max of $40 for round-trip bookings. Vouchers distributed on board.

At every age in life, drivers consider different components when looking for a new car. That is certainly the case for older drivers. Most in this demographic put a greater emphasis on factors such as visibility, safety features, easy-to-use systems and how comfortable it is to get in and out of the car. Or maybe, if they have recently retired, they decided it is time to finally splurge and get behind the wheel of their dream car. Whatever the situation, these are a few of the best cars for older drivers.

For The Practical Driver

Subaru Forester

MSRP: $25,895

MPG: 26 city / 33 highway

Crash Test: 5 stars

The Subaru Forester makes getting behind the wheel a cinch for older drivers – literally. Large doors and elevated seating allow for easy entrance and exit to and from the car. Once set to drive, the chair-like seating position coupled with big windows and thin pillars supply excellent driver visibility. The Forester’s climate and infotainment systems are straightforward and easy to use.

The Forester comes with a five-star crash test rating. Even better, Subaru has worked to significantly cut down on crashes thanks to EyeSight, the manufacturer’s driver assist technology. EyeSight works by equipping the car with dual color cameras near the rearview mirror. These cameras can monitor traffic movement, optimize cruise control and warn drivers if they sway outside the lane. EyeSight has been found to reduce rear-end crashes with injuries by up to 85%.

For The Traveler

Kia Sorento

MSRP: $29,590

MPG: 24 city / 29 highway

Crash Test: 4 stars

With your nine-to-five days behind them, retirees have much more free time – and much more free time to travel. Whether visiting the grandkids or checking off a destination on their bucket list, retirees need the right car for all their future adventures.

The Kia Sorento is a midsized SUV with all the prerequisites needed for older drivers: comfortable seating, simple controls and available safety technology. What makes it perfect for long trips is the large, quiet cabin, comfortable ride, ample storage space and, most importantly, above-average highway gas mileage for a SUV. Check out our list of the most fuel-efficient cars.

Also, the Sorrento’s third row of seating can be folded down if you need more storage space or up to hold passengers, in case they do happen to visit the grandchildren.

For The Frugal Consumer

Nissan Versa

MSRP: $15,380

MPG: 32 city / 40 highway

Crash Test: 5 stars

The Versa was completely redesigned for 2021 (goodbye manually operated crank windows!) The makeover gave the subcompact sedan more legroom than one would expect, up to 15 cubic space of cargo room and a 122-horsepower four-cylinder engine.

Safety is addressed with the Nissan Safety Shield® 360, a package of features including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beams. The entry-level Versa S sedan retains Bluetooth functionality, but lacks the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration you can find in higher trims.

But above all, what makes the Nissan Versa one of the best cars for older drivers — or any driver? The price. With a base price of under $15,000, you will be hard-pressed to find a better value.

Want to see more inexpensive cars? Here’s our list of the cheapest new cars of 2022.

For The Dreamer

Ford Mustang Convertible

MSRP: $32,705

MPG: 20 city / 28 highway

Crash Test: N/A

Those recent retirees who waited to reach social security’s full benefit age (66) most likely started their driving career in the 1960s or early 70s. This era in automotive history was marked by the rise of muscle cars and there was no such car more popular than the Ford Mustang. Assuredly, many current retirees dreamed of getting behind the wheel of a Mustang. And if they weren’t able to then, now is the time. Finding a vintage Mustang may be challenging. Fortunately, the model is still going strong. In fact, it’s nearing its 60th anniversary.

While there are several model types to choose from, you can’t go wrong with a convertible. The Mustang Convertible EcoBoost models delivers 310 horsepower and gets 20/28 miles per gallon. And the powerful car still has a five-star safety rating thanks to features such as a Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert. The Mustang also comes standard with modern amenities like LED headlamps and lighting, active noise cancelation, six-speaker sound system, and leather wrapped steering wheel.

Save up for your dream car with banking and savings options from AAA.

For more car recommendations, check out our test drives. 

AAA members get great rates and competitive terms when shopping through the AAA Auto Buying program. Learn more about our network of certified dealers and to start comparing vehicles today.

AAA Northeast is not affiliated with or sponsored by the car manufacturers discussed in this article. The article reflects our own independent analysis.

July is National Ice Cream month, proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1984 with a little help from the International Dairy Foods Association. The group reports that’s the busiest time for ice cream producers, also noting that the average American puts away more than 20 pounds of the icy dessert each year. 

Which gives you the perfect midsummer excuse to indulge yourself – the rest of the year you’ll have to come up with other reasons. Check out these delectable ice cream itineraries to find your favorite flavor.  

Ocean State Overload 

Rhode Island’s Blackstone Valley may have birthed the Industrial Revolution, but today, momentous change occurs the day ice cream shops open for the season. Wind your way through four stops to sample mounds of glacial goodness.  

Family-run Lincoln Creamery offers 50 kinds of hard and soft ice cream plus frozen yogurt to its Front Street Faithful, as well as a rewards program. Proceed north to Josie’s in Cumberland for popular froyo flavors Southern bourbon pecan and uber creamy chocolate Nutella. Across the street from Smithfield’s Waterman Reservoir is Powder Mill Creamery, where you can sit yourself down on a shady picnic table to keep your scrumptious sweet from melting too fast.  

Round out your chilly pursuit by visiting Wright’s Dairy Farm & Bakery in North Smithfield, an honest-to-goodness working farm where milk goes from cow to bottle within 24 hours. You can watch the milking daily from 3-4:30 p.m., ooh and ahh over the cute calves, then take a cellphone tour of the farmstead. End up at the bakery and just try to resist its mouthwatering pastries, not to mention the ice cream pints, quarts, and sandwiches in the freezer. If you still have room, get a cow-to-cone creation from the seasonal Scoop Trailer, which operates out of a restored 1966 Streamline. A second trailer is located on Water Street in Warren.

 

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Empire State Extravaganza 

New York’s diverse regions give rise to a range of ice cream paths. Adirondacks, USA, has a self-guided Ice Cream Trail for the southern, eastern, northern and High Peaks districts. Some advice: Eat a good breakfast and pace yourself. Further west, Step Out Buffalo recommends a gratifying two-fer, a Candy & Ice Cream Shop Trail featuring nine locales in and around that city, several of which have that old-timey ice cream parlor feeling.  

Long Islanders can follow a 15-hour excursion from the Queens border to Southampton, plotted out by Foursquare. In Manhattan, opt for Sugartooth Tour’s Ice Cream Tour of NYC, conducted five times every Sunday from June through September. (FYI: The city’s Museum of Ice Cream is not a museum in the traditional sense. While it does give out scoops and other delicacies, and has an immersive “sprinkle pool” with around one million nonedible pieces, it’s more of an interactive play space with multisensory installations.)  

Be sure to detour to Brooklyn’s Red Hook section to drop in on the borough’s largest ice cream facility, Ample Hills Creamery, and its family-friendly interactive museum.  

Garden State Goodies 

New Jersey has about 39,000 miles of public roadways, meaning there’s lots of ground to cover in a quest for frosty treats. Begin at Van Dyk’s Homemade Ice Cream, a fixture in Ridgewood for over 40 years (be forewarned: It’s cash only), then swing over to Jersey City’s Torico for ice cream pies and slices in flavors that reflect the community’s diverse cultures (dulce de leche, anyone?). Proceed west to get your licks on Route 46 in Ledgewood at Cliff’s. The 60-plus choices include Morris County mud and holy cannoli.  

Continue south to Magnifico’s in East Brunswick for soft serve or a nondairy/gluten-free/vegan pineapple Dole Whip. Charming Lambertville, on the Delaware River across from Pennsylvania, is the place to taste Owowcow’s locally sourced cool confections, consisting of core flavors, monthly specials and seasonal selections. Finally, head down the Shore to quaint Stone Harbor, sandwiched between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. At Springer’s, pick up an intriguing combo – an ice cream doughnut – and stroll the sand to watch the sunset. 

Mattapoisett Tour de Creme – 2019 from ORCTV on Vimeo.

Bay State Blast 

“If you can ride a bike and like ice cream, there’s a ride for you,” vow the organizers of the Massachusetts South Coast’s Tour de Creme, which will come racing back in May 2023. Cycle-and-slurp routes are 11, 19, 25 and 50 miles, depending on just how much you want to pedal – and consume, from a surprising number of creameries (the exercise negates the calories, right?). All tours begin at the Mattapoisett Town Beach and end with a party at Munro Preserve, hosted by the Mattapoisett Land Trust and Friends of the Mattapoisett Rail Trail. You must register in advance and pay a minimum fee (or raise money) to support regional hiking and biking paths. 

 

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Have you ever sampled your way through one of these ice cream trails? Share your favorite ice cream shop in the comments. 

It goes without saying that a lot has changed over the last few years, including the appetite to travel. Now more than ever, people around the world are looking at travel as an essential investment – and many Americans are hitting the road for their getaways.

As you plan your next road trip, here are Best Western® Hotels & Resorts’ top 10 travel tips to help you make the most of your well-deserved vacation.

Take advantage of AAA rates.

Savings on hotel stays is one of the top benefits consistently noted by AAA members, who can save up to 15% at Best Western® Hotels & Resorts when booking online or through a AAA Travel Advisor.

AAA members are also offered special promotions. This summer, AAA members who stay two nights with Best Western now through September 4 will receive a free night for future fall/winter travel. Advance registration is required on AAA.com/BestWestern.

Consider your travel companions.

If you’re heading out with your family, consider having shorter drive days, making frequent stops and ending your day in the late afternoon rather than in the evening. Choose hotels that will be a welcome destination at the end of the day. Consider family-friendly brands that offer pools, hot tubs or water slides. With a shorter drive day, you can arrive with time to relax and enjoy the hotel amenities.

Do any research ahead of time.

Have you ever arrived at your destination after a long day of driving only to spend hours looking up restaurant and attractions? Researching these things before you hit the road will save you a great deal of time, stress and frustration. The more you know, the smoother the ride!

Be aware some things have changed.

The pandemic changed how businesses – especially those in the travel landscape – offer some of their services. While some of these changes were temporary, some look like they’re here to stay. For example, daily housekeeping services at many hotels may not be standard and may be by request only. While housekeeping staff may not be permitted to enter your room for daily standard service, think about requesting additional linens or garbage pickup when needed.

Enjoy the journey – not just the destination!

The magic in road trips is often found in the memories made along the way. Consider stopping at scenic lookouts, family-friendly attractions or a new place to eat. Sometimes it’s the smallest moments that make the biggest memories.

And don’t undervalue the importance of rest. Stop at a rest stop and give yourself time to stretch your legs, close your eyes and take any necessary breaks. It’s a good idea to stop every two or three hours when driving for an extended time.

Disconnect. Don’t text and drive.

Few things are as dangerous as texting and driving. Every day, distracted drivers kill an average of nine people and injure more than 3,000 people in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Put your phone down and consider using the “do not disturb” feature when you’re behind the wheel.

Leverage loyalty programs for added value.

Many attractions, restaurants, gas stations and hotels offer loyalty programs. Find the programs that are right for you and make sure your loyalty pays off. Consider planning hotel stays and other stops along your route with just one brand so that by the end of your trip you’ll have enough points for an excellent reward!

The AAA Preferred^SM Best Western Rewards^® program offers an upgrade to Gold member status and bonus points that never expire and can be redeemed for free nights and more.

Don’t forget the snacks and cooler … and masks and sanitizer.

Stock up on everyone’s favorite snacks and drinks for an easy way to stick to any budget and time restraints. Consider a mix of both healthy snacks – like fruits and veggies – as well as special treats and sweets – like cookies and chips. It is a vacation after all! And as you travel outside your local area, protocols may be different from what you’re accustomed to. While many businesses have lifted mask requirements, remember to bring COVID-related items in case they’re needed to keep your family safe and healthy.

Remember that a great day always starts with a great breakfast.

Did you know that breakfast is the meal people skip most? Don’t miss a good start, particularly when preparing for a day of driving with the kids. Look for hotels that offer breakfast –either complimentary continental, hot or from an on-site restaurant. If you’re planning an early departure, many hotels offer a grab-and-go option.

Bring your dog along for the ride!

With the prevalence of road trip travel this spring and summer, rest assured you can take your four-legged friend along, with many hotels offering pet-friendly rooms. Consider bringing along your pet’s bed, a favorite toy or a special blanket so they feel right at home.

Visit AAA.com/BestWestern to book your next stay.

When contemplating the most impressive natural features in the Northeast, you’ll be tempted to look up to the region’s famed mountain ranges or out along its miles upon miles of pristine coastline. But if you look inward, you’ll find a group of equally impressive features: lakes. The Northeast is home to several of the most prominent – and largest – lakes in the country.

Each of these bodies of water offer all the outdoor recreation you can fit into your schedule. Add in the cultural, historic and family-focused attractions found amongst quaint, waterfront towns and these lakes become the perfect vacation destinations.

Lake George

New York

Nestled amongst New York’s pristine Adirondack Mountains is picturesque Lake George, a popular vacation destination for nearly two centuries. Known as the “Queen of the American Lakes,” this 32-mile-long body of water boasts 109 miles of shoreline, comprised of beaches large and small. Those wanting a front-row seat to this natural wonder can book a cruise with the Lake George Steamboat Company or enjoy a self-guided exploration by renting a paddleboat, kayak or canoe. More of an adventure seeker? Try zipping around the water on a jet ski or get your heart pumping on a whitewater rafting expedition.

Off the water, Lake George provides the opportunity for a one-of-a-kind night under the stars. There are nearly 400 campsites located across the lake’s 44 state-owned islands. Speaking of dry land, history buffs will want to explore Lake George’s southern shoreline. The area is home to several historical sites that played important roles in the French and Indian War. Families with little ones, meanwhile, can spend a day at nearby attractions like Six Flags Great Escape and Hurricane Harbor, Lake George Expedition Park and the Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course.

Lake Winnipesaukee

New Hampshire

New Hampshire is home to nearly 300 bodies of water. The largest of these is Lake Winnipesaukee, located in the central portion of the state, not far from the Maine border. Covering a mammoth 72 square miles, the lake offers ample space for just about every water activity under the sun, including boating, waterskiing, pontoon boat charters and standup paddleboarding.

Nature lovers will be hard-pressed to find a better setting than New Hampshire’s Lake Region. Lake Winnipesaukee is surrounded by several Hollywood-worthy bodies of water, including Squam Lake, where the Academy Award-winning movie “On Golden Pond” was filmed. All this natural beauty sits at the foot of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, home to 6,822-foot-tall Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast.

The surrounding towns of Laconia, Meredith and Wolfeboro have long been popular tourist destinations. In fact, Wolfeboro is considered the oldest summer resort town in America, with a history that dates back to 1759. Within these local neighborhoods, visitors will find top-notch restaurants, museums and family attractions. (Parents, make sure to put Laconia’s famous Funspot arcade on your itinerary.)

Walden Pond

Massachusetts

The serenity of this famous Massachusetts pond inspired Henry David Thoreau to pen his iconic book “Walden,” an ode to the simplicity of living in nature. Travelers will still find much of that same serenity a century-and-a-half later. Walden Pond feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of modern-day life, despite being just a 30-minute drive from Boston.

Don’t let the name fool you, this “pond” is more than 60 acres in size. Guests will find all the traditional recreational activities available at their fingertips. Back on land, a walking path encircling the pond allows visitors to explore the shoreline and surrounding forest on foot.

What separates Walden Pond from other popular lake destinations is its unique place in American and literary history. Walden Pond is located in Concord, site of the first Revolutionary War conflict. Guests can learn about the town’s historical importance with stops at local museums, parks and memorial sites. Decades after the war, several notable authors called Concord home. This included Thoreau’s friend Ralph Waldo Emerson, whose house is open to the public. Just north of the pond sits Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House, where she wrote “Little Women.”

Lake Champlain

New York-Vermont

Forming a geographical border between northern New York and Vermont is scenic Lake Champlain. Stretching 120 miles long and covering 435 square miles, it is the sixth-largest lake in the country. The water, lined by Vermont’s Green Mountains, claims postcard-worthy views at every turn.

Those looking to try their hand at sailing, a popular Lake Champlain activity, can book a private instruction or rent a boat of on their own. When it comes to sporting, Lake Champlain is a fisher’s paradise. More than 90 different species of fish can be found swimming underneath the surface and the lake is considered to have some of the best bass fishing in the Northeast. Speaking of animals, bird watchers should bring their binoculars to spot the 300-plus types of birds that live on or near Lake Champlain.

Those wanting to cross the river can do so via one of three bridges (two on the south end, one on the north) or by hopping on any of the three ferry services that travel along the wider, central portions of the lake. Once on land, visitors can travel through the quaint, waterfront towns that line the lake. The most notable of which is Burlington, Vermont’s most-populous city. Here, guests will want to make sure to stop by the Church Street Marketplace, a lively, open-air mall filled with restaurants, bars, boutique retailers and live music.

What’s your favorite lake destination? Let us know what you love about it in the comments below!

Save money getting to and around these water oases with AAA. Members can receive up to 25% off on Hertz car rentals. Traveling with friends and family? Up to four additional drivers (who are AAA members) can drive for free. 

Scooped in a cup or swirled into a cone, homemade or from your favorite local shop, ice cream is the sweetest way to cool down on a hot day.

You sent us your best photos of this classic summer treat, delivering all the hot fudge, sprinkle-covered and cherry-topped goodness we’d hoped for.

Thank You for Participating! (Session Closed)

Browse through all of the photos we received during June’s ice cream-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.

Make sure you’re sitting down. I’m about to tell you something shocking.

All your life, you’ve been told to fly to Florida or the Caribbean for your summer vacation, and all your life you’ve been missing out on one of the best-kept secrets in nearby summer travel: Connecticut.

Halfway between New York City and Boston, all the outdoor fun you need is in the summer in Connecticut: great weather, beautiful scenery, charming coastal communities and some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever eat. And you don’t even need to fly there.

Start planning your trip today with our guide to summer fun in Connecticut.

All Natural

The beauty of coastal Connecticut might make you forget all about the Hamptons. It’s loaded with lighthouses and incredible coastal communities like the city of Milford, which has more shoreline than any other city in Connecticut. Rent a kayak, paddleboard, bike or scooter from Scoot & Paddle and set out on an expedition of the Milford Point area, where rare birds fly overhead and 400 acres of unspoiled marshland are waiting to be explored.

In Portland, Brownstone Adventure Sports Park is perfect for thrill-seeking nature lovers. This outdoor adventure park has rock climbing, snorkeling, cliff jumping and zip lines. It caters to all ages and groups of any size.

For a timeless, beautiful and truly unique 19^th century experience, board the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat – a two-hour journey into the heart of the Connecticut River Valley on a real steam locomotive, which includes an hour-long cruise on the Connecticut River.

If you’d rather captain your own ship, head to Mystic Boat Adventures in the family-friendly village of Mystic. Drive your own miniature power boat up the Mystic River and see historic whaling ships up close at Mystic Seaport. And if that’s not thrilling enough, you can register for adult summer camp at Kent’s Club Getaway, where the adventures never stop.

Amusement Parks, Casinos and Shopping

Connecticut has earned a reputation as one of the best getaways for families and attractions like Lake Compounce are a big reason why. This family-friendly theme park is home to Connecticut’s largest water park and the world’s top-rated wooden roller coaster. Say hello to dozens of lifelike animatronic dinosaurs in its Dino Expedition area and when you’re all worn out, stay overnight at its campground only steps away from the park.

The thrills and laughs continue at Quassy Amusement & Waterpark in Middlebury, which is also known for great summer events like 3D fireworks and beach parties featuring live music, fire pits and waterslides.

Other family friendly attractions in Connecticut include Mystic Aquarium, where you can see thousands of sea creatures – including New England’s only Beluga whales and endangered African penguins, and Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport, which has a Siberian tiger, a red wolf and 300 animals from North and South America. Get discounts at Mystic Aquarium with AAA. 

Of course, kids can’t have all the fun. That’s where Connecticut’s world-class casinos come in.

Mohegan Sun in Uncasville has hotels restaurants, golf, spas, entertainments and more. Foxwoods Resort Casino in Ledyard has all that and primo outlet shopping, too. Shopping enthusiasts can also head to Clinton Premium Outlets and The Shops at Yale in New Haven for more than 65 boutique shops, national retailers and award-winning eateries.

Living History

History comes to life in Connecticut in the form of Revolutionary War sites and coastal communities that date back to the 1700s. Look no further than the Henry B. Dupont Preservation Shipyard at Mystic Seaport, the largest maritime museum in the United States. Here you’ll find an astounding collection of historic vessels like the 1841 whaleship Charles W. Morgan, the last remaining wooden whaleship in the world.

At Putnam Redding Memorial State Park, you can see the site of the Continental Army’s 1779 winter encampment, and at Dinosaur State Park you can stop for a picnic after seeing its Jurassic-era fossil tracks from 200 million years ago.

Recharge your batteries on the green at the nearly 320-year-old Yale University campus and walk the 26-block New London Historic District, which is loaded with art, music and more than 30 eateries (state hero Nathan Hale once walked these streets – and so did Benedict Arnold).

Coastal Dining

Eating is an adventure too, especially when it comes with views of the Atlantic Ocean. Complete your summer in Connecticut with a local favorite: the buttered lobster roll. Lobster Landing in Clinton, Abbott’s Lobster in Noank and Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale in Madison are standouts, but you really can’t go wrong when it’s a lobster that was plucked from the ocean earlier that day.

Red 36 in downtown Mystic has a seasonal menu with an extensive raw bar and breathtaking water views. Or try the award-winning steak and seafood at Shell & Bones Oyster Bar & Grill in New Haven (don’t leave without trying the famous clam chowder). For an especially unique experience, head to The Place Restaurant in Guilford. Here you’ll sit outdoors on tree stumps while a crackling wood fire roasts clams and smoky lobsters (open May through October).

Craft Beverages

If your idea of enjoying summer in Connecticut involves a craft beverage in your hand, then Connecticut is perfect for you, provided you drink responsibly and have a designated driver. The state has a bunch of historic spaces that have been seamlessly outfitted into cool production facilities and hangouts when you need a break from the summer heat. Take Two Roads Brewing Company in Stratford, for example, which transformed a 112-year-old building into a state-of-the-art brewery and taproom.

Willimantic Brewing Company in northeastern Connecticut is stationed in a 1909 post office building and has been serving craft brews to its loyal patrons for more than 30 years. Chill out with a cold one underneath the shade of a colorful umbrella on the steps of the onetime mail center.

And it’s not just the suds that are worth the trip to Connecticut. The Connecticut Wine Trail has more than 20 vineyards and wineries, many of which overlook the stunning countryside or coast – perfect on a sunny summer day.

Summer Events

Connecticut’s summer events celebrate its New England culture and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Every July, more than 300,000 visitors head to the New London waterfront district for Sailfest, southeastern Connecticut’s premier summertime celebration. This year’s festival will feature more than 200 food and craft vendors, amusement rides and a firework show. You can even view the festivities from a 19^th century cargo schooner with towering masts.

Other popular summer events in Connecticut include the Mystic Outdoor Art Festival and the Brooklyn Fair agricultural extravaganza in August, and the East Norwalk Oyster Festival in September.

And the best part? Connecticut is so close that you can get there easily – and quickly – by train or car. And whether you decide to stay for a couple of weeks or a weekend, you’ll find one of the best summer escapes has been right in your backyard all along.

There is so much to do in Connecticut in the summer, but it’s also a great year-round destination.

Share what you love about Connecticut in the comments. From outdoor activities to hotels and day trips, we want to hear about it.

FIND & BOOK A HOTEL WITH AAA IN CONNECTICUT 

The CAT is back!

The high-speed CAT car ferry service is now sailing for the summer. At 3.5 hours, it’s the fast and entertaining way to travel between Bar Harbor, Maine, and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.

Spend less time driving and more time taking in the amazing sights of the Gulf of Maine, Canadian Maritimes and the Northeastern United States from the decks and venues of The CAT.

Onboard, get a taste of the East Coast with live entertainment through our Music on the Gulf program. Prefer indoor views? Search for the perfect souvenir at the Scotia Market Gift Shop. More of a foodie? We have three unique dining venues to savor. Grab a cup of joe and a variety of snacks to go at our Sip at Sea Café, enjoy the scenery with breakfast, lunch or dinner at Scotia Market, and dive into regional surf and turf at Forchu Lounge with a selection of local wines and beers, paired with fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients.

Think life can’t always be fun and games? Of course, it can! With daily film screenings in our movie area and onboard tours, The CAT is the easy – and fast – way to navigate a road trip for all ages that doesn’t include the words: “Are we there yet?”

Departing Bar Harbor at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time, you arrive in Yarmouth just in time to enjoy supper before setting out to explore all Nova Scotia has to offer. Marvel at the world’s highest tides, legendary whale watching and strings of pretty fishing towns. Visit majestic lighthouses, spectacular dunes and extraordinary beaches.

The CAT now departs Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, at a comfortable 9:30 a.m. Atlantic Time, so even with check-in an hour before sailing, you’ll be well rested and ready for your ocean voyage.

It’s the best of both worlds – experience land and sea with The CAT.

AAA Members Earn CAT CASH* redeemable for onboard dining, drinks, and local souvenirs. Call or visit your local AAA Office or book at Ferries.ca using promo code AAA22.

*$10/pp max of $20 for one-way bookings. $10/pp max of $40 for round-trip bookings. Vouchers distributed on board.

Let’s go, girls. Are you ready for a little escape with your female friends or family? Whether your planning a week-long vacation, a bachelorette party, a weekend getaway or just a day trip, these are some of our favorite girls trip ideas in the Northeast.

Girls Trip Destinations 

Long Island Wine Country

With 57 distinct wine producers, Long Island wine country is a rising star in the world of wines. You and the girls will love exploring the wineries of the North and South Forks of the island. You can choose a selection of vineyards and wineries to try on your own, or take a specialized tour.

Featuring a pedal-powered wagon that encourages theme costumes, the North Fork Wine Wagon is a fun girls trip idea. Long Island Wine Tours has tours that can last up to 9 hours, with wine tastings, a buffet and live music.

Mystic, Connecticut

Halfway between New York and Boston, the picturesque town of Mystic is ideal for meeting up with friends or family living across the Northeast. Mystic is home to the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Aquarium and Olde Mistick Village, a historic and quaint shopping village. Plus, AAA members can save on admission at the Mystic Seaport Museum.

Looking for more shopping? Head to Downtown Mystic, which features a wide variety of independently-owned shops like Mystic Knotwork, Bank Square Books, Alice in the Village and Hang the Moon, a shop that sells gifts for women, made by women.

SoJo Spa Club

A spa day is the perfect girls trip idea. SoJo Spa Club is a Korean-inspired spa and bath house in Edgewater, N.J., overlooking the New York City skyline. You and your girls can enjoy treatments like salt stone massages, Korean body scrubs, acupressure massages and more. You’ll also have access to all of SoJo Spa Club’s amenities, like outdoor heated pools and baths, hot stone beds, a variety of saunas, indoor baths and lounge areas. If you want to spend the weekend, you can book overnight stays at Hotel SoJo on Friday and Saturday nights.

Explore New York City With CityPASS

If you and the girls want something exciting to do, there’s no better girls trip destination than New York City. With so much to see and do in the city, how do you decide? And how do you afford it all? New York CityPASS covers admission to six top attractions, priced at 50% less than the same tickets purchased separately.

With CityPASS, you can visit the Empire State Building, the American Museum of Natural History and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. For the remaining three tickets, your group can choose the attractions that are right for you, like Circle Line sightseeing cruises, the Top of the Rock Observation Deck, ferry access to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, the Guggenheim Museum and more.

It’s a great way to explore the best of the the city without breaking the bank. AAA members can save when they purchase New York CityPASS.

Explore Boston With CityPASS

NYC isn’t the only place that offers a CityPASS. If you’re shipping off to Boston for your girls trip, Boston CityPASS covers admission to the city’s top attractions for 50% less than the same tickets purchased separately.

You and the girls can visit the New England Aquarium, the Museum of Science and go on a historic sightseeing cruise with Boston Harbor Cruises. Plus, you can choose between the Harvard Museum of Natural History and the Franklin Park Zoo for an additional adventure. AAA members can save when they purchase Boston CityPASS.

More Girls Trip Ideas

Paint and Sip

Paint and sip events are perfect for a group of creative ladies looking for a fun night out. Luckily, there are paint and sip locations all around the Northeast. The Artist Bar in Lowell, Mass., is a working art studio that hosts painting and flower arranging lessons. Essex Paint and Sip in Essex Village, Conn., offers classes by local artists and a selection of wine and craft beers. Canvas, Corks and Forks in Schenectady, N.Y., has painting classes, specialty cocktails and even a mac and cheese bar.

Foodie Functions

Everybody likes food, and all of the girls on your trip will love the taste of these foodie events in the Northeast. Food Done It, a food tour of Patchogue, N.Y., is an “edible mystery tour” that will allow you to sample the flavors of Main Street while solving a mystery as you go. Salem Food Tours offers a variety of food-tasting tours around the historic town of Salem, Mass., including the Salem Spirits Trolley, which explores the history of the spice trade. The Downcity Providence Food Tour from Rhode Island Red Food Tours will lead your party on a delicious walking tour of Providence’s foodie culture. Yum!

Where do you go when you want to hang with your gal pals? Tell us about your favorite girls trip ideas in the comment below.

Other than aggressive drivers and traffic jams, it’s hard to name something more annoying than figuring out how to defog windows during a long commute.

Window fog makes it hard to see the road ahead, and like a pesky bee to a soda can, it always comes back.

Fortunately, car experts have clearing foggy car windows down to a science. Keep reading for advice on how to defog windows and tips for making it happen faster.

How to Defog Windows on a Cold Day

The fog that forms on a windshield is condensation, created when water vapor in the air near the glass falls below or above a certain temperature, known as the dewpoint. When the temperature of a car cabin gets warmer than it is outside, that’s when the moisture from our breath and clothes condenses on the inside of the windshield and windows.

When the windshield gets foggy, the go-to move for many drivers is to blast the defroster, using the hottest heat and strongest setting to clear the glass. The warm air from the defroster helps evaporate the moisture near the windshield, but it’s only a temporary fix.

If you want to stop the fog from forming, experts recommend using cool air to lower the temperature on the inside of the glass. You can accomplish this by blowing cool air out of the defroster, turning on the air conditioner (which acts as a dehumidifier) or by cracking the windows, if you can tolerate a brief face-full of cold air.

John Paul, AAA’s Car Doctor, recommends turning off your car’s “recirculate” button (symbolized by a car with a looping arrow inside). When it’s off, the car pulls in dry air from outside the car to clear the windshield, instead of using moist air inside the car, which causes the problem in the first place.

“The other issue that causes moisture on the inside of the car is damp carpets,” Paul said. “It is always a good idea to wet-vac the car after a week of getting in and out of the car with snowy boots.”

How to Defog Windows on a Warm Day

Getting rid of fog on the outside of the windshield when you’re running the A/C in the spring is much easier – just use your wiper blades. Get tips on how to make your windshield wipers last.

But if the humidity outside the car is causing the side windows to fog up, try using the opposite logic of what to do on a cold day. That is, use warm air, or the least-powerful cooling setting, to raise the temperature inside the cabin a little bit. That way you’re not putting the windows up and down every five minutes or turning the wiper blades off and on the entire trip.

Other Tips and Tricks for Foggy Car Windows

Cleaning the inside of your windshield will help prevent fog before it happens, said AAA Northeast spokesman Robert Sinclair Jr. Fog has a harder time forming on a clean surface, and an easier time forming on dirt and the film left behind from smoking, so he recommends taking a couple minutes over the weekend to spruce it up. Use a non-sudsing ammonia for the best clean, he said (just make sure to crack the windows open while you do it so you don’t inhale the stuff).

Another, more unusual tip, comes from YouTuber DaveHax, who recommends keeping a sock full of kitty litter on or close to the dashboard. The litter is very absorbent, and can help contain some of the moisture in the cabin.

Also, keep wet belongings like a recently used umbrella or sweaty gym clothes in the trunk if you want to cut down on the amount of moisture inside your car (hey, every little bit helps).

What Not to Do

Lastly, most people know this, but it bears repeating: Avoid wiping foggy car windows with your hands. Hands carry oils that will transfer to the glass, so while it could temporarily defog car windows, it might just make the problem worse later on. Keep a microfiber cloth inside your vehicle in case you have to clear the windshield in a pinch.

And when you clean your windshield, avoid spraying a cleaning product directly on it – where it will splash on the dashboard and elsewhere. Spray your solution on a microfiber towel, and wipe up and down, and side to side, using long stokes. Then use another towel to wipe off any excess spray.

Now that you know how to defog windows, you’ll know what to do the next time things get steamy inside your car.

Do you have any tips or questions about defogging car windows? Leave them in the comments below. 

Learn about AAA’s automotive services. 

Remember when you’d get a package or card in the mail as a child? The sense of excitement as you tore it open, wondering what was inside? Well, now you can recapture some of that thrill with monthly subscription boxes. From food and relaxation to pets and hobbies, there’s a box out there for everyone.

We rounded up some of the best box subscriptions to show the impressive range of goodies available. Read on for inspiration and, perhaps, a little gift-giving to yourself!

Food and Drink

Home Chef

Cooking at home is fun, but going to the grocery store can be such a chore sometimes. 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 two perfect meals to your doorstep every week! You can create and enjoy meals like crispy Dijon chicken, shrimp lo mein, butternut squash gnocchi and more. You don’t have to be a professional chef to make a delicious meal in the comfort of your own home. AAA members can get $110 off their first four boxes with promo code AAANE110.

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 door. You’ll be an at-home sommelier in no time! AAA members can save on their first order, plus free shipping to boot.

Bokksu

Have you ever wanted to expand your snacking palate? Bokksu delivers authentic Japanese candy and snack foods each month. Every box includes 20-25 selections of Japanese teas, candies, cakes, chips, mochi and other premium snacks. It also comes with a culture guide that will show you where in Japan your snacks come from and tell you about their story.

Simple Loose Leaf

You can never have enough tea. The Simple Loose Leaf subscription box delivers a curated, monthly selection of premium tea blends from around the world. You’ll also receive tasting notes about the origin of the teas, what their flavor notes are and how you can best brew and enjoy them.

Pet Box Subscriptions 

BarkBox

Get a box of fun surprises for your fur baby every month with a BarkBox Subscription. Every 30 days, your pooch will get two bags of healthy treats, two unique toys and a dental chew. They’ll never get bored! All items in BarkBoxes are made in the USA with locally-sourced materials free of wheat, corn and soy. If your toys/treats don’t work for any reason, let the company know; their Scout’s Honor Guarantee means they promise to replace or make the situation right every time. AAA members can get a free extra toy in every BarkBox when they sign up!

Chewy

Not ready to commit to a monthly subscription? Check out the Chewy Goody Box, which offers a huge variety of themed boxes for cats and dogs. Filled with handpicked treats, toys and other goodies, these boxes will be a delightful surprise for your furry friend. Plus, since it’s not a subscription, you can choose which box you want and know ahead of time what special treats they’ll contain! AAA members can save on Chewy products.

Self Care Subscription Boxes

TheraBox

Need some “me” time? TheraBox will remind you to kick up your feet and take some time for yourself every month. Each box includes items that will help you relax and unwind, like scented candles, luxury bath products, mindfulness activities, sleep masks and more. It’s a great excuse to give yourself some much-needed self care.

Allure Beauty Box

Most makeup lovers are always looking for new products to try. The Allure Beauty Box is box subscription that sends at least three full-size products, some mini items and a pocket-sized magazine filled with beauty tips and exclusive offers every month.

GQ’s Box

Don’t just get recommendations, get quality products delivered straight to you four times a year! GQ’s Best Stuff will send you seasonal boxes filled with just the right stuff to get the season started on the right foot. Boxes have featured products like body wash, skin and beard lotion, designer fragrances, sheet masks, sunglasses, water bottles and even clothes.

Just for Fun

Crated with Love

Are you out of date night ideas? Crated with Love is a date night in a box! Every month, you’ll receive a themed box filled with games, activities, recipes and even a playlist for your date. It’s a great way to make a date night in feel unique and fun.

Hunt A Killer

You can put your detective skills to the test with Hunt A Killer, an immersive game that makes you the main character of a murder mystery. With each box, you’ll receive new pieces of evidence, like a handwritten letter, a pamphlet for a national park, a notebook, an ID badge or something completely unexpected. Can you catch the killer? This set comes with every episode, so you won’t have to wait for the next box to continue unraveling the mystery.

Kids and Families

KiwiCo

Kids love to be creative, but sometimes it can be tough to think of new and exciting activities for them. KiwiCo is a subscription service that delivers enriching monthly activities featuring science and art. You can choose from a variety of interests and age groups to make sure your child is getting the box that’s right for them. KiwiCo offers boxes like the Panda Crate for ages 0-24 months, the Yummy Crate for young chefs, the Tinker Crate for budding engineers, the Doodle Crate for new artists and so much more. AAA members can save 40% off their first crate.

Raddish Kids

Raddish is a kids cooking subscription box that will send you three kid-friendly recipe cards and a new kitchen tool every month. The recipes will help teach cooking skills throughout different cultures and cuisines, and the special tools will help any young chef feel at home in the kitchen.

What do you think is the best monthly box subscription? Do you sign up for any that we talked about? Tell us about it in the comments.

The biographical musical drama “Elvis” starring Austin Butler as Elvis Presley and Tom Hanks as manager Colonel Tom Parker, has sparked a renewed fascination with the late icon. And whether you are inspired by the movie or are a fan of Elvis or music in general, a visit to Memphis provides plenty of rock-and-roll fun for travelers.

The first stop for an Elvis-themed (or any) tour of the city is the 120-acre Graceland. The King’s estate features the uniquely styled Graceland Mansion. Single and multi-day tickets are available, inviting visitors into Elvis’ personal world.

At the mansion, you’ll see the music room, racquetball room, the famous Jungle Room and more. And you can pay your respects at the Meditation Garden, the final resting place for Elvis and members of his family.

Once you are done exploring the house, cross the street to the 200,000-square-foot Elvis Presley’s Memphis entertainment and exhibit complex. Check out Elvis’ impressive car collection, including his Pink Cadillac, at the Presley Motors Automobile Museum, or see his collection of gold and platinum records and iconic jumpsuits at the Elvis the Entertainer Career Museum.

Included in the price of your Graceland ticket, interactive and immersive experiences at Elvis Presley’s Memphis feature customized photos and videos of you and Elvis. Pick an Elvis from the era of your choice: the 50s, 60s, or 70s. You can even virtually dress up like an Elvis impersonator or place yourself in Elvis’ movie posters and album covers.

And you don’t want to miss his custom jets. Known as “Flying Graceland,” the Lisa Marie (named for Elvis’ daughter) is decked in signature Elvis style.

When it’s time for a break, dine on Memphis barbecue at Vernon’s Smokehouse. For those who would like to enjoy live music, the Graceland Soundstage at Elvis Presley’s Memphis hosts musicians and bands.

Die-hard fans can spend the night at the 450-room Guest House at Graceland, a full-service hotel that includes a 464-seat theater.

Follow the Music

Explore more of Elvis’ Memphis at Sun Studio, where he recorded his first singles. It’s also the site where other music greats such as Howlin’ Wolf, Johnny Cash, B.B. King and Roy Orbison recorded their early tunes. A guided tour of the studio features outtakes from recording sessions and plenty of stories about the music legends.

The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, created by the Smithsonian Institution, looks at Memphis’ music story starting in the 1930s and those “who, for the love of music, overcame racial and socio-economic barriers.”

Elvis is, of course, an inductee of the Memphis Music Hall of Fame. A visit here offers a look at cool memorabilia, video performances and interviews, and interactive exhibits. The Stax Museum of American Soul Music and The Blues Foundation Blues Hall of Fame offer additional context and music exhibits.

Stroll along Beale Street, home to shops, restaurants, bars and live music venues, and get a photo with the Elvis statue near Main Street. In the evening, take your pick of such clubs as B.B. King’s Blues Club, Rum Boogie Café’s Blues Hall Juke Joint and Blues City Café to listen to live blues. And you can relive the excitement of the “first-ever rock and roll show” at Overton Park Shell outdoor amphitheater where Elvis performed in 1954.

Dine Like The King

While in Memphis, be sure to check out two of Elvis’ favorite dining spots.

At the Arcade Restaurant on South Main Street, you can sit in the Elvis booth and order his favorite fried peanut butter and banana sandwich.

Or head to Coletta’s Italian Restaurant’s South Parkway location to eat in the Elvis Room, a private dining space that Elvis and his entourage would regularly take over. They claim to have created barbeque pizza, so be sure to try some while there.

Festival Time

Every August, the annual Elvis Week is filled with concerts, tributes, conversations, a moving candlelight vigil and more. This year’s event takes place Aug. 9-17 at Graceland and marks the 45^th anniversary of Elvis’ death. Among the special appearances slated for 2022 are Priscilla Presley and Barbara Eden.

The Holiday Lighting Weekend at Graceland kicks off the season on Nov. 17 to 19 this year. Special holiday tours of the decorated Graceland Mansion and grounds run from Nov. 17 to Dec. 23, with the holiday décor staying on through Jan. 8, 2023.

Graceland also celebrates Elvis’ birthday every year with a four-day celebration around January 8. Be part of the festivities for Elvis’ 88^th birthday taking place Jan. 6 to 9, 2023.

Let a AAA travel advisor help you plan your trip to Memphis.

Pizza has a biblical following in the Northeast. Thanks to robust Little Italy communities that rival the original, the region is a destination for its authentic Neapolitan, Sicilian and other pizza styles.

Thin or thick crust, round or square, cheese or no cheese, and toppings make or break a purist’s definition of the best. And perhaps no other food has been translated so often than our beloved pizza.

Luckily, the beauty of pizza preferences lies in the beholder and there are plenty of options to tempt your palate. Find your favorite as we look at the regional pizza styles of the Northeast and where you can find some of the most notable slices.

Neapolitan

Originating in Naples, Italy, Neapolitan pizza was brought to the Northeast by Italian immigrants who began to settle in these parts around the late 19^th century.

This traditional round, thin crust pie now boasts global fame, though it’s larger than the domestic Italian versions of past generations. Its simultaneously doughy yet crispy edge, abundant San Marzano tomato sauce and smattering of buffalo mozzarella cheese provide the simple foundation that allows chefs to craft unique variations, using secret family recipes and time-honored baking traditions to set their pies apart.

Artisan adaptations have morphed into their own official methods, including New York and New Haven styles, as well as New Jersey tomato pies and thin-crusted bar pies, which reign within their state borders.

Minor subtleties separate each pizza style, from length of dough fermentation (New York style is quick rise, while New Haven dough proofs overnight), to cooking methods (coal, wood or gas fire), to size (New Haven’s smaller pizzas counter New York’s larger pies that are often sold by the foldable slice) and cheese (tomato pie is often “senza formaggio” or without cheese.)

They also have their own lexicon: New Haven die-hards put a little “mootz” on their “apizza,” which is a vestige of their Italian dialect, while New York slices smothered in cheese are dubbed “Neapolitan American” but often simply referred to as “regular.”

 

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Legendary New Haven neighbors Frank Pepe’s Pizza Napoletana, Modern Apizza and Sally’s Apizza are the go-to for traditional eponymous pies since the 1920s and 1930s. Try the classic clam pizza at Frank Pepe’s (which it invented and others copied), the signature Italian Bomb pizza at Modern and Sally’s Garden Special.

Get an inside look at how pizza is made at Frank Pepe’s.

For classic New York-style pies from legit Italian pizzaiolos, it’s Di Fara Pizza in Brooklyn (since 1965) or Joe’s in Greenwich Village (since 1975). Both offer Neapolitan and Sicilian pizzas with little fanfare, just a classically delicious old-world vibe with old-world ingredients.

In Rhode Island, Pizza Marvin in Providence crafts a delicious New Haven pizza, while Fellini Pizzeria’s New York pie is as close to the original as you can get, but with a whole wheat crust.

Boston’s Regina Pizzeria is considered by many as the city’s best brick oven pizza, though Molinari’s in Dorchester offers considerable competition with its custom sauce and wood-burning oven.

For a personal, super thin-crust Neapolitan pie, head to Eddie’s Pizza on Long Island for their trademarked bar pie.

Cross the New Jersey border for tomato pies, which generally are Neapolitan, though variations abound. A dusting of parmesan instead of mozzarella scatters the top, though some chefs bury cheese beneath the sauce. De Lorenzo’s Tomato Pies was one of the first to open outside Trenton, and that 86-year legacy means a mouth-watering, slightly charred crust.

 

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Sicilian

Originating in Sicily, Sicilian pizza (known as “sfincione” in Italian, which appropriately means “thick sponge”) was popular there until the 1860s, where translations included stuffed crust, a calzone-type pizza pocket and even a second layer of dough.

Its thicker, doughier crust resembles focaccia bread, and it’s baked in a pan, so its rectangular shape is a healthy canvas for toppings. Tomato sauce and flavorful cheese, as well as sardines, herbs and onion are common accompaniments, though heavier garnishes have been widely served across America for a nearly 100 years.

Regional variations make this pizza an epicurean adventure, from Chicago’s deep dish to Detroit’s hearty square and Rhode Island’s cheese-less pizza strips. Just like its Neapolitan cousin, Sicilian pies have their own vocabulary, so make sure to ask for a “square” rather than a slice, and don’t fret if you need cutlery for the first steaming bite.

L&B Spumoni Gardens in Brooklyn is a can’t-miss destination for the upside-down Sicilian pie, where four generations have layered sweet tomato sauce atop strands of mozzarella and parmesan to prevent it from saturating the dough.

 

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Emmy Squared in Brooklyn is known for their Detroit-style pie, a cheese-covered square pizza with a thick, fluffy crust, baked on a cooling rack embedded in a pan for maximum crisp factor on the cheese-crusted corner piece.

Alternately, Emmett’s in SoHo proffers round deep-dish pies that harken back to the founder’s upbringing in Chicago, with such a cavernous crust that they resemble a Thanksgiving dessert, except they’re bursting with copious tomato sauce and cheese versus apple or pumpkin.

Gino’s Ristorante in Belleville, New Jersey, serves up enchanting Sicilian pies, either plain or with everything.

In Dedham, Massachusetts, the potato pizza at Santoro’s Sicilian Trattoria is a delicacy, with its thick crust covered in creamy Bechamel sauce, instead of tomatoes, julienned potatoes, rosemary and sage seasoning and mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.

Rhode Island’s pizza strips are renowned as party pizzas because they’re ideal for large groups and are served at room temperature, without cheese but with an ample dose of sweet tomato sauce that’s almost like a paste. DePetrillo’s Pizza and Bakery in North Providence and The Original Italian Bakery in Johnston, both operated by members of the same family, offer bona fide pizza strips. For a fresh out of the oven meal. Hotline Pizza in Providence and A Guy and His Pie in Pawtucket offer authentic Detroit pizzas for pre-order take out only.

The Grandma pie is a lighter, fresher more rustic version of the traditional Sicilian, dotted with crushed plum tomatoes. It is thinner, denser, and crispier than traditional Sicilians, but just as delicious. Umberto’s Pizzeria of New Hyde Park, New York, is often credited with originating the Grandma-style pie and makes a shining example of this pizza style; try it any of their five locations across Long Island.

Whatever kind of pizza prefer, there’s no better place for a pizza tour than the Northeast. (In fact, if a guided tour of one of the most famous pizza destinations in the country sounds like something you’d like, AAA members can save on pizza tours with A Slice of Brooklyn Bus Tours).

What’s your favorite pizza? Tell us in the comments.

As long as people have had cars, they’ve needed to keep them clean. For the majority of car wash history, the process was anything but smooth. Professional cleaning was labor intensive and fairly inefficient, so most people completed the task themselves.

But like nearly every other part of automobile history, the car wash has seen light-years worth of evolution in just a few decades. In the latter half of the 20th century, car washes began to introduce automation. Ever since, the process has continued to advance to the one we have today, where a vehicle can go from mud-, dirt- and grime-riddled to gleaming and glistening in a flash.

Car Wash History Begins

Although there is some debate over which professional car wash was in fact first, the title is widely credited to belong to Automobile Laundry in Detroit, Mich. Frank McCormick and J.W. Hinkle opened the business in 1914.

The actual process of cleaning the car was rudimentary at best. Workers had to physically push the vehicles through several stations that performed different cleaning tasks.

It took several decades for the car wash to become semi-automated. In 1940, an automatic conveyor car wash opened in Hollywood, Calif. But even this process was underdeveloped. It used a winch system to pull the car along, but workers still had to do all the manual labor.

In 1946, the first cleaning aspect of the process became automated when Thomas Simpson designed and built an overhead sprinkler system that washed down vehicles.

Automatic Car Wash History

Car wash history took some major steps forward in the 1950s when a man by the name of Dan Hanna Sr. entered the picture. In 1955, Hanna was vacationing in Mexico. His hotel was located across the street from a car wash, which he became fascinated with. When he returned home to Portland, Ore., he opened his own business, Rub-A-Dub car wash in Milwaukie, Ore.

Hanna quickly realized the need for a more efficient cleaning process and began building and testing new equipment. In 1959, he had finally developed a working model of the first mechanized car-washing system. Not only did he utilize the machinery himself, he put them in other people’s car washes as well.

By the 1960s, Hanna had become the premier manufacturer of car wash equipment. During this time, he made major strides in car wash history, patenting numerous revolutionary car wash inventions including the wraparound brush, soft cloth friction wash and recirculating water system.

Over the years, car wash businesses continued to work to streamline the cleaning process. Around the turn of the century, a new priority came to the forefront: limiting waste. New technology emerged that better recycles and preserves water as well as reduces electricity usage.

The Car Wash Today

The car wash industry has ballooned to become an enormous trade.

There are more than 60,000 car wash locations in the United States, According to the International Carwash Association. More than 2 billion cars are washed each year in North America. This equates to retail sales totaling roughly $15 billion.

Much of this has to do with a shift in consumer trends. In 1994, less than half of all drivers reported last washing their vehicle at a professional car wash. In 2019, that number jumped to 77%.

Types of Car Washes

The evolution of the car wash has resulted in a host of different professional car washing options available to drivers today. These can include:

• Self-Service: Drivers park their cars at a designated bay and pay a small price for access to cleaning equipment, including high-pressure water hoses, sponges and soaps. Car owners must do all the cleaning themselves.
• Automatic: automated car washes pull the car along a conveyor belt and utilize machines to most of the cleaning. These can include soft touch washes, which use cloth to scrub the car, or no touch, which use only high-pressure water and soap.
• Hand Wash: Professional cleaning attendants wash the car completely by hand.

Each method has its advantages and disadvantages in regards to price, time and efficiency. For example, self-service is more labor intensive for the driver but is almost always the cheapest option. Hand washing can be customized to a vehicle’s precise cleaning needs but it a process that costs more and takes a significantly longer time to complete.

Visit NAPA Auto Parts for all your car-washing needs and receive 10% off just for being a AAA member. If you prefer to let the pros handle it, AAA members also receive discounts at ScrubaDub Auto Wash Centers, RoJo Car Wash and Pristine Auto Spa.

Are you a regular car wash patron or do you prefer to washing it yourself? Let us know in the comments below.

On a fateful 18th century day, engineer James Watt was conducting research on ponies lifting coal out of a mine. He determined a single pony could exert 22,000 foot-pounds of work in a minute. (In practical terms, this meant lifting 220 pounds 100 feet high or 22 pounds 1,000 feet.) Watt estimated a horse to be 50% stronger than a pony and increased the number to 33,000 foot-pounds per minute. He called his new unit of measurement horsepower.

Devised long before the advent of automobiles and internal combustion engines, horsepower was never meant to describe an engine’s performance. So, as we know it today, what is horsepower? This same question can be applied to many oft-mentioned automotive terms and features. Whether its through television commercials, car-buying research or conversations with your mechanic, you’re likely bombarded with automotive lingo all the time. But do you really know what it all means?

To help you become a more educated motorist, we rounded up and defined a number of car terms you’ve heard of but might not be crystal clear on.

A, B, C, D Pillars

No need to dust off that architecture textbook, these terms are quite simple. Pillars are a vehicle’s roof support structures. The A pillars are found at the front of the car on both sides of the windshield. B pillars are located between the front and rear doors, and C pillars are toward the back of the car on opposite sides of the rear window. On SUVs, wagons and minivans, the C pillars are behind the rear doors and D pillars surround the back window.

Adaptive Cruise Control

This system automatically adjusts a car’s speed in order to maintain a preset distance from the vehicle in front of it. If a slower car moves ahead of you, the adaptive cruise control will reduce your vehicle’s speed, and vice versa. Advanced versions of the system will slow a car down while traveling around corners and adjust speed based on changes in the posted speed limit.

All-Wheel Drive

All-wheel drive is a type of transmission system that directs power from the car’s engine to all four wheels independently. This provides better traction and handling, particularly in adverse conditions.

There are two types of all-wheel drive: full-time and part-time. The former continuously sends power to the front and rear axles. The latter uses sensors the detect when power is needed for each axle and then turns on automatically. When allowable, the part-time system will switch to two-wheel drive to improve fuel economy.

Alternator

An integral part of a vehicle’s charging system, the alternator is responsible for powering a car’s electrical components when the engine is on. It also charges the car battery when driving. Components inside the alternator rotate to create alternating current (AC), which is transformed into a direct current (DC) that, in turn, charges the battery.

Anti-Lock Brakes

Anti-lock braking systems prevent wheels from locking up during heavy braking situations. By releasing and reapplying the brakes, ABS keeps your tires from skidding, which can help you steer your vehicle during a sudden stop. ABS kicks in automatically, utilizing sensors to detect when the wheel is about to lock up.

Catalytic Converter

Part of your car’s exhaust system, the catalytic converter sits underneath the vehicle between the engine and tailpipe. The device contains precious metals that convert toxic emission gases into less-harmful substances such as carbon dioxide and water vapor. These metals are highly valuable, which explains why catalytic converters are some of the most frequently stolen car parts.

Differential

The differential is a system of gears that allows left and right wheels to rotate at different speeds. Without a differential, you wouldn’t be able to turn your car properly.

Four-Wheel Drive

Like all-wheel drive, four-wheel drive (4WD) systems send power to both the front and rear axles. However, with 4WD, the front and rear driveshafts are locked together. This means both axles spin at the same speed, which provides extra traction on off-road conditions. Typically, 4WD is only found in trucks and SUVs suited for off-road use.

What Is Horsepower?

Simply put, horsepower is the measurement of how much power an engine can produce. Generally, the higher the horsepower, the faster the car. But it’s important to note that horsepower refers to the maximum speed an engine can produce and its ability to maintain that speed. It has less to do with how quickly a vehicle can go from 0-60. (There’s another term for that).

Hybrid, PHEV and BEV

The three most common types of electric vehicles are conventional hybrids, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and battery electric vehicles (BEV). Conventional hybrids use both a gasoline engine and an electric motor. The motor cannot be recharged through an external source. Instead, it uses a process known as regenerative braking to capture energy and turn it into electricity. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are also powered by gasoline engines and electric motors. However, their motors can be charged through an electrical outlet. PHEVs also have the ability to run solely on electricity.

Battery electric cars do not have gas-powered engines. All their power comes from an internal battery, which is recharged through an external source.

Learn more about the differences between the types of electric vehicles.

Kilowatt-Hour

You’re likely familiar with kilowatt-hour (or its abbreviation kWh) from your electric bill. It’s the measure of energy an electrical device needs to run for one hour. A 1,000-watt microwave, for example, requires 1 kWh.

The battery capacity of an electric vehicle is measured in kilowatt-hours. They can range significantly, but generally fall between 40 and 100 kWh. If you have a 100-kWh battery, such as the one found in the Tesla Model S, and the vehicle is operating at 25 kWh, you can drive for four hours before needing a charge. Kilowatt-hours are also a consideration when charging your electric vehicle, which takes us back to that electric bill. If you’re looking to fully charge that same 100-kWh battery, and the going rate of electricity is $0.20/kWh, it will cost you $20.

Torque

In technical terms, torque is the twisting force produced by the engine. Essentially, it’s the power needed to accelerate a car from stationary to high speeds. Torque is particularly important in pickup trucks, as it takes more power to move heavier stationary loads.

Spark Plug

A small but integral part of your car’s ignition system, spark plugs provide the spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture inside a combustion engine. This tiny explosion kickstarts the engine’s pistons into motion, creating the power needed to move your car.

Shocks and Struts

These two components of a car’s suspension system are often used interchangeably, but they are separate components with distinctive jobs. Shocks are hydraulic devices that minimize the movement generated by a car’s springs to create a smooth ride. Struts, meanwhile, are structural components found in some cars. In addition to their role in shock absorption, struts are also an integral part of a vehicle’s steering system, impacting brake performance, wheel alignment and turning ability.

Is there an automotive term or component you’re in the dark about that’s not listed? Let us know in the comments below and we’ll shed some light.

Whether you’re looking to disconnect with a refreshing and quiet getaway in the mountains or escape to warm sandy shores for fun in the sun, summertime is the perfect time to break away from day-to-day routines and enjoy the beautiful outdoors.

Best Western® Hotels & Resorts makes traveling to scenic destinations near and far easy, offering approximately 2,300 locations across North America – many of which are near popular national parks and world-class beaches. And AAA members save up to 15% at Best Western-branded hotels – making summer travel easy on your wallet too. The only difficult part? Narrowing down which destination to go to!

We’re sharing eight great summer destinations – any of which are sure to bring you the amazing experiences you’re looking for this summer season.

Fort Myers

When we close our eyes and imagine a warm tropical getaway, we think of Fort Myers, Florida. Positioned along the sunny Gulf Coast, this area is known for its rich history, fun downtown waterfront and spectacular beaches.

On the coastline, you’ll find Fort Myers Beach, a 7-mile stretch of paradise with sugary white sand and sparkling waters that postcards can’t even do justice. Whether you want to soak up the sun and let the waves lull you to sleep, or indulge in the water activities and enjoy local eats and finds at the laid-back beach village, this destination is a beach goer’s dream.

Travelers can also hop over to the neighboring island of Captiva, known for some of the most romantic beaches in the U.S., or the island of Sanibel, world-renowned for its shell-covered beaches and fishing pier.

For a place to stay, check out the Best Western Plus Beach Resort.

Manhattan Beach

An idyllic California getaway involves the beach, outdoor activities, shopping, amazing food and proximity to Southern California’s major attractions. Enter: Manhattan Beach. This laid-back beach town has been dubbed “The Pearl of L.A.’s South Bay” and was immortalized in the Beach Boys classic, “Surfin’ U.S.A.”

From its beautiful beachfront, biking trails and parks, to its boutiques, cafés and creative eateries,  you’re sure to have the quintessential California experience at Manhattan Beach. Centrally located to all major freeway arteries in L.A., travelers also have easy access to explore and check off the big city attractions on their must-see list.

For a place to stay, check out Best Western Plus Manhattan Beach Hotel.

Great Smoky Mountain National Park

If you’re looking to enjoy the quiet splendor, fresh air and tranquil sounds of the mountains, we recommend the beautiful and serene Smoky Mountains.

Part of the Appalachian Mountain Range, Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the most-visited national park in the United States. Visitors can traverse over 300 miles of maintained roads to explore and view the animals, reptiles and hardwood forests that call this region home.

For a place to stay, check out the Best Western Plaza Inn.

Orange Beach

A lesser-known beach, but a favorite among those who have been, the city of Orange Beach offers 32 miles of white sand beaches with 360-degree views. Year-round warm weather makes this beach a popular destination for locals but remains a relatively unknown beach for tourists!

Enjoy the best that Orange Beach has to offer by staying at the spectacular Best Western Premier The Tides.

Acadia National Park

The oldest park east of the Mississippi, Acadia National Park is located along the rugged coastline of Maine near Bar Harbor. This diverse park offers activities for all interests.

Explore the shoreline and the tide pools, or for a different perspective, hop on a cruise tour and learn the history while enjoying the scenery. Back on land, keep your eye out for the moose, deer and black bear that roam the park.

For a place to stay, check out Best Western Acadia Park Inn.

Yosemite National Park

The crown jewel of America’s national parks, Yosemite is the oldest and perhaps the most famous.

Many of the national parks have distinguishing characteristics that set them apart from the others. For Yosemite National Park, the many waterfalls are what draw millions of visitors to the park each year. The diverse landscape also includes the mighty sequoia trees and famous rocks including Half Dome and El Capitan.

In addition to hiking, fishing and rock climbing, Yosemite has been a muse for many photographers. Take a workshop at the Ansel Adams Gallery at Yosemite for tips on capturing your treasured moments.

For a place to stay, check out the Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn.

Miami Beach

Let’s face it, some of us want to have our cake and eat it too. So, when you want to soak up the sun on a world-class beach during the day and enjoy the glitz and glamour of a big city at night, look no further than Miami Beach.

The cultural hub of South Florida, Miami’s sparking beaches, turquoise waters and vibrant culture draw in millions of visitors from around the world every year. And the city only gets livelier as the sun goes down. Enjoy premier eating establishments globally inspired by Peruvian, Cuban, Caribbean, Asian and American cuisine and then hit the town for a night out in South Beach.

Known as the American Riviera, South Beach is packed with bars, restaurants and entertainment venues so fabulous you have to see them to believe it.

For a place to stay, check out the Best Western Plus Atlantic Beach Resort.

Thousand Islands National Park

Thousand Islands National Park in Ontario, Canada, consists of 21 islands making it a boater’s paradise where you can kayak and canoe your way between the islands.

Your water adventure at Thousand Islands continues with some of the best scuba diving in Ontario. The rich waters support a diverse marine population and shipwrecks may yield treasures.

Mallorytown Landing offers picnic areas perfect for a small quiet bite or picnic shelters can be rented for larger family gatherings. Mallorytown Landing has become a popular launch spot for kite surfers.

For a place to stay, check out the Best Western Fireside Inn.

Limited-Time Summer Offer for AAA Members

AAA Members who stay two nights between June 6-September 4 will get a free night award for future fall/winter travel.

Visit AAA.com/BestWestern to register. Terms and conditions apply.

Summer brings with it a host of delightful sensations – the sun’s warmth on your skin, the smell of the ocean air, and the sight of early-morning sunrises and late-evening sunsets. It also gives rise to that dreaded, uncomfortable feeling every motorist has experienced: opening your car door in the middle of a hot day only to be keeled over by the wave of heat emanating from the vehicle’s interior.

The truth is, cars get hot. Dangerously hot, actually. Fortunately, nearly every American car is equipped with standard air conditioning. But this wasn’t always the case. Modern air conditioning was invented in the early 1900s and it took several more decades to devise a way to incorporate it into an automobile.

So, how did we go from relying on open rooftops and rolled-down windows to being able to turn our car into an icebox with just the press of a button? The history of air conditioning in cars has seen quite the evolution.

Early Automotive Cooling Systems

Although air conditioning in cars was still years away, the earliest vehicles had a distinctive advantage to beating the heat: they were open air. The earliest Model T’s, for example, had no doors and a collapsible hood. Drivers were likely more concerned about cold weather.

But closed-body vehicles quickly followed. For drivers and passengers to cool down in these cars, windows were rolled down while vents under the dashboard circulated air. However, these ventilation systems were crude and didn’t keep dirt, dust, pollen or insects from getting inside the vehicle.

Other primitive cooling devices included the Knapp Limo-Sedan Fan, a small electric fan mounted to the interior of a car, and the car cooler. This latter device was attached to roof of the car and used water evaporation to deliver cool air through an open window. It was known as the first product to lower a car’s cabin temperature. A car cooler could “reduce the inside temperature of the car as much as 15 to 20 degrees,” according to a Popular Mechanics article published at the time.

Air Conditioning in Cars Arrives

The 1940s was a seminal time in the history of automotive air conditioning. To kick-start the decade, Packard became the first automaker to offer factory-installed air conditioning. It was followed closely by Cadillac, which introduced the feature in its 1941 models.

As one could imagine, these early cooling systems were far from perfect. The unit was located in the trunk of the vehicle, forcing the driver to get out of the car and manually install or remove the drive belt from the compressor to turn the air conditioning on and off. Secondly, the system could only recirculate air already in the cabin, not incorporate outside air. When a smoker was onboard, the air quickly become unbearable. Furthermore, the condensed water running overhead was known to drip down on passengers. If that wasn’t enough, these first systems had no control settings – they were either on or off.

Air conditioning, and auto manufacturing in general, took a back seat for much of the remaining decade as the country devoted its efforts to World War II.

The Post-War Rise in Air Conditioning

Euphoria was not the only thing gripping the country after the war: Waves of cool air started circulating coast to coast as air conditioning in cars became an option for most motorists. In 1953, General Motors, Chrysler and Packard all introduced new air conditioning systems. Three years later, every major American carmaker offered air conditioning as an option. An estimated 3,000 cars were equipped with air conditioning before the onset of World War II, according to automotive company Hagerty. By the end of the 1950s, that number had skyrocketed to 1 million.

The technology of these cooling units continued to improve as well. In 1953, General Motor’s Harrison Radiator Division devised a revolutionary system that could fit into a car’s engine compartment. About a decade later, Cadillac made a breakthrough of its own with the invention of comfort control. The system, which kept the cabin at a temperature set by the driver, worked by channeling some of the cold air to the heater core, thus mixing hot and cold air to keep the temperature steady. These enhancements only further popularized the use of air conditioning in cars. At the culmination of the 1960s, more than half of all new automobiles were equipped with air conditioning units.

Environmental Concerns

The 1970s brought with it a brand new problem for carmakers when it came to air conditioning units. Scientists had discovered that compounds known as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were depleting the earth’s ozone layer. Automotive air conditioners used a CFC refrigerant called R12, better known as Freon. As the decade wore on, and the number of air conditioners in cars increased, it became increasingly clear that a new option needed to be developed.

After years of testing, a suitable replacement was found in the refrigerant R-134a. In 1987, the U.S. government signed the Montreal Compact, which, in part, required car manufacturers to make the switch in coolants by 1996.

Modern Automotive Air Conditioning

Nowadays, you’ll be hard pressed to find a vehicle on the market without air conditioning: Only 1% of passenger cars don’t offer it, according to Car and Driver magazine.

As you’d expect, these modern systems are highly advanced, with features such as dual and rear climate control, which allow separate temperature controls for the driver and passengers.

Automotive air conditioning is not without its drawbacks, however. Most notably is its effect on fuel efficiency. Air conditioning can reduce a conventional vehicle’s fuel economy by more than 25%, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. That number could be even greater in hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles.

Some simple tips to limit the reduction in fuel efficacy include using air conditioning only at highway speeds, not idling with the air conditioner running, and opening the windows before driving to let hot air out of the cabin before turning on the air conditioning.

Love learning about cars? Head to our auto history page.