The future of self-driving cars is a hot topic in the automotive industry, and rightfully so. In theory, unmanned vehicles have the ability to revolutionize transportation.

A widespread use of autonomous vehicles could have dramatic societal effects including the reduction of traffic fatalities (94% of which are caused by human error, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), a dramatic improvement in traffic flow and providing mobility to the elderly and disabled.

Although the public has yet to fully embrace the idea of riding in a car without a human driver, technology companies and car manufacturers have been focused on getting these vehicles on the road. But where are we today and what does the future of autonomous vehicles hold?

Levels of Autonomy

To understand where self-driving car technology stands now and where it may get to in the future, we first need to establish what exactly makes a car autonomous. As defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers and adopted by the U.S. Department of Transportation, there are six levels of driving automation ranging from 0 (fully manual) to 5 (fully autonomous).

Level 0 (No Driving Automation)

These cars are manually controlled without any automation.

Level 1 (Driver Assistance)

The lowest level of automation is defined as a vehicle that features at least one driver-assistance system. An example of this is cruise control, which keeps a safe distance between you and the car ahead of you by using radars and/or cameras. A feature like this falls under the driver assistance umbrella and not automation because it still requires a human to control other aspects of driving, such as steering.

Level 2 (Partial Driving Automation)

Level 2 consists of a vehicle that has combined automated functions, such as steering and acceleration. A common example is autopilot, which controls the speed of the car and can also detect lane markings to keep the car in the proper lane. This level still requires a driver that monitors the environment at all times.

Level 3 (Conditional Driving Automation)

The jump to level 3 is when we start to get to vehicles that are truly automated – meaning they can essentially make their own decisions. Level 3 cars have what are known as environmental detection capabilities. They take in information through a system of cameras and radars and can then perform most driving tasks. Human drivers are still required and must be ready to take control of the car.

Level 4 (High Driving Automation)

Level 4 vehicles are able to perform all driving functions but only in certain conditions. These cars are usually unable to operate autonomously in un-mapped areas or in severe weather conditions.

Level 5 (Full Driving Automation)

These vehicles will be able to perform all driving tasks under all conditions.

The Current State of Self-Driving Cars

The technology behind autonomous vehicles has come a long way in short amount of time. Level 2 and 3 autonomy are becoming widely available in cars today. Tesla’s Autopilot and Cadillac’s Super Cruise are considered two leaders of such technology.

More and more states are allowing self-driving cars on public roads. This has led to leading an increasing number of companies entering the space, including May Mobility, Optimus Ride and Argo AI. Other industries currently employing AVs include senior citizen facilities and food and package delivery companies.

The most notable players in self-driving cars, however, may be ride sharing services. Lyft has partnered with Google parent company Alphabet’s self-driving car unit Waymo to offer self-driving rides in some parts of the country. Uber has done the same.

The Future of Self-Driving Cars

Although many major manufacturers have invested heavily in autonomous vehicles, don’t expect to find self-driving cars at the dealership any time soon. According to the University of Michigan’s Center for Sustainable Systems, the majority of industry experts predict level 4 AVs to be available around 2030.

There are a host of technological, safety and legislative hurdles that still need to be cleared. Currently, there are no national standards or guidelines for self-driving cars. Additionally, new concerns have been raised recently over cyber security. It has been found that autonomous vehicles can be susceptible to malicious software. So, while self-driving technology has progressed significantly of late, it’s a very real possibility that we will never see level 5, fully automated cars.

How do you feel about self-driving cars on the road? Concerned? Excited? Let us know in the comments below.

Every year, automakers send another batch of vehicles off into the abyss. This year is no different. In total, more than a dozen models from the major manufacturers will join the growing list of discontinued cars.

From the once-cheapest new car on the market to a pair of 30-year-old sedans with a number of compact SUVs in between, here are some of the notable discontinued cars of 2023.

Buick Encore

With a turbocharged engine, upscale look and affordable price tag, the Buick Encore was a surprising success when it debuted a decade ago. But years of declining sales, including a nearly 50% drop in 2022, have led to its demise.

In a way, it’s surprising the subcompact SUV survived as long as it did. Buick unveiled the slightly larger Encore GX in 2020. It only made sense to trim its lineup of two similarly sized crossovers. The Encore GX will now serve as Buick’s entry-level vehicle.

Chevrolet Spark

Bargain hunters will grieve the demise of the Spark. The hatchback’s sub-$15,000 starting price (the last of its kind) made it the cheapest new car available in the United States until now. But alas, people simply aren’t buying small cars anymore, opting instead for small SUVs more and more. “Customers seeking comfort, function, and style at an approachable price still have strong options within Chevrolet’s family of compact SUVs,” a Chevy spokesperson said when the news dropped.

The Spark’s 10-year run officially came to an end in August. Chevrolet said that there are no plans to introduce a replacement model.

Ford EcoSport

Ford’s cheapest and smallest SUV is no more. It was a short run for the subcompact crossover, which debuted in 2017. Sales of the EcoSport, however, have been declining since 2019.

The EcoSport never truly caught on with the American public (it will still be sold in Europe). The tiny SUV had plenty of faults: woeful engine output, poor fuel efficiency and crowded interiors, to name a few. All this made its relatively high price tag unjustifiable to many consumers, who likely veered toward one of the many competitive models available on the market.

Honda Insight

The Honda Insight checked off many of the boxes the typical driver looks for in a new car: affordable, reliable, fuel efficient. That made it one of the top-selling compact hybrid vehicles in the country, with 70,000 units sold since its 2018 arrival. But ultimately, the sedan bared too many resemblances to the Honda Civic to warrant its existence.

The Insight’s departure makes way for the arrival of the Civic Hybrid, as Honda continues to hybridize its core models, including the CR-V and Accord.

Hyundai Accent

Hyundai is getting rid of a few models, including the gas-powered Ioniq and Veloster N. It’s the Accent’s demise, however, that is noteworthy due to the car’s price tag. Like the Chevrolet Spark, the subcompact sedan was one of the cheapest cars on the market. And like the Spark, the Accent is going by the wayside to make room for bigger vehicles. Hyundai stated that the sedan was, “discontinued due to an expanded SUV lineup.” The Venue, a subcompact SUV, is now the automaker’s cheapest vehicle.

Toyota Avalon

The Avalon has been in Toyota’s portfolio for nearly 30 years, but became vulnerable to the chopping blocks following several down years in sales.

The sedan also faced in-house competition. The Avalon has always been a slightly larger option than the popular Toyota Camry. But the latter’s next generation model is set to be bigger in size itself, thus making the Avalon expendable. It is being replaced by the all-new, hybrid-only Toyota Crown.

Volkswagen Passat

The curtain falls on the Passat for good in 2023. The Volkswagen model was, for all intents and purposes, discontinued last year. As a swan song, the German automaker offered the Passat as a limited-edition model that included subtle nods to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where it has been manufactured for the last decade. That limited run has now come to a close.

The Passat’s departure, which comes more than 30 years after its debut, leaves Volkswagen with only two sedans in its lineup: the Jetta and Arteon.

Other notable discontinued cars of 2023: Acura ILX, Ford GT, Infiniti Q60, Lexus RX L, Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Nissan Rogue Sport.

If you’re in the market for a new car, make sure to check out our car reviews and learn how AAA can help finance your purchase.

Do you own one of these discontinued cars? Are you sad to see it go? Let us know in the comments below!

Roundabouts – some people like them, many people don’t. No matter how you feel about these roadway features, you should get used to them, as they’re increasingly becoming the modus operandi of American intersections. There are nearly 8,000 roundabouts in the U.S., including hundreds scattered across the Northeast, according to transportation engineering firm Kittelson & Associates.

Why the switch? Proponents say roundabouts have safety, environmental and financial advantages over traffic signals and stop signs. With that in mind, it’s likely that these road features will only become more common.

But navigating can be a tricky feat, especially if you’re not accustomed to them. Here’s everything you need to know about how to use a roundabout safely.

What Is a Roundabout?

A roundabout is a circular intersection in which vehicles travel counterclockwise (in the U.S.) with entering traffic yielding the right-of-way to circulating traffic.

These roadways have been popular overseas, particularly in Europe, for decades. However, they have only recently been widely adopted here in the U.S. The reluctance can likely be attributed to the negative response American drivers had with traffic circles and rotaries built in the first half of the 20th century. These features were similar to roundabouts but had design flaws. The connecting rounds entered the circle at abrupt right angles and in many cases vehicles within the central circle had to yield to those entering. These factors led to safety and traffic issues.

The Benefits of Roundabouts

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, more than half of all fatal and injury-causing car crashes occur at or near an intersection. Studies of intersections have shown that converting traffic signals or stop signs to roundabouts can reduce all crashes by nearly 50% and injury crashes by up to 80%.

Roundabouts have two significant advantages over traffic signals and stop signs: They are safer and create less traffic. There are several design elements that make roundabouts a safer option. When a vehicle approaches a roundabout, the driver is forced to slow down in order to navigate the turn of the circle. Roughly one-quarter of all traffic fatalities are speeding-related. A slower car is a safer car.

Additionally, roundabouts nearly eliminate the chance of any of the most severe types of crashes – right-angle, left-turn and head-on collisions – from occurring. Most car crashes (including a vast majority or fatal crashes) involve vehicles traveling in different directions.

On the topic of traffic direction, since cars all move in the same direction in a roundabout, the stop-and-go nature of traffic flow that occurs at traffic signals and stop signs is significantly reduced. Research has proven that traffic flow improves after roundabouts have replaced traditional intersections. As an added bonus, roundabouts create less idling, which means fewer vehicle emissions (good for the environment) and less fuel consumption (good for your wallet).

The Dangers of Roundabouts

Although roundabouts are considered the safer intersection option, they can be potentially hazardous to some drivers, particularly older drivers.

“The single greatest concern in accommodating older road users, both drivers and pedestrians, is the ability of these persons to safely maneuver through intersections,” according to the Federal Highway Administration. The FHA also states older drivers may have difficulty in situations involving complex speed-distance judgments under time constraints, and are much more likely to be involved in crashes where the drivers were either traveling too fast for the curve or were surprised by the curved alignment. This all adds up to roundabouts being a significant safety risk for older drivers.

Roundabout Rules

How to Use a Roundabout

In theory, roundabouts are simple to understand, but they can be difficult to navigate if you’re unfamiliar. Upon approaching the intersection, a vehicle yields to traffic already within the roundabout. Vehicles already in the roundabout have the right of way. When there is a safe amount of space, you can enter. Remember, a yield sign is not a stop sign – if there are no cars in the roundabout, look around for pedestrians and bicyclists and proceed in.

Once in the roundabout, circle the road until you reach your desired exit. If you want to turn right, take the first exit; straight, the second; left, the third; and a U-turn, the fourth.

When there’s only one lane, it’s fairly straightforward. Things can get confusing in a multilane roundabout. In this scenario, the vehicle should be in the right lane to turn right or go straight, and in the left lane to go straight, turn left or make a U-turn. There will usually be signs leading up to the roundabout indicating which lane to occupy. Also remember to use your turn signal.

Roundabouts can be tricky for even the most experienced drivers, let alone new ones. Learn to become a lifelong safe motorist with the AAA Defensive Driving Course.

How do you feel about roundabouts? Do you find them confusing? Let us know in the comments below.

Everyone loves new car smell, but eventually it fades and the smell you’re left with might not be so appealing. Whether it’s from dropped food, a spilled drink, a pet accident or cigarette smoke, there are some odors even the best air fresheners can’t cover. Here’s how to get rid of smells in your car so you can once again take a breath without holding your nose.

Identify the Source

The first step in getting rid of a smell in your car is to find the source of the odor.

Look on the floor, under the seats and in the seams between the seatbacks and bottom cushions. Also check the glove box, door pockets and even underneath the floormats. Don’t forget to look up; the smell can sometimes be imbedded into the roof (headliner). Give your car a thorough once over and if you find something rotten, remove it from your car.

Some sources might not be visible to the eye. Feel around for moisture, which can cause mold and mildew. Let your nose do some of the work to identify the cause of the smell.

Time to Clean

Once you locate the source of the stink and remove it, then it’s time to clean. Clean spills immediately. The longer they go untreated, the harder they are to clean.

Start by vacuuming the floors, floor mats and fabric upholstery. If you have leather seats, then seek out a leather cleaner. Even if it was just goo from the bottom of someone’s shoe on one spot on the floor, the smell may have absorbed into other surfaces. Clean everything to make sure the smell is gone and, if possible, leave the windows down for a bit to let in fresh air.

Any time you clean the surfaces inside your car it’s smart to test the cleaning solution in a less visible spot before applying it to more conspicuous areas. Even the gentlest of cleaners could cause damage, so always do a spot test first.

Get more car cleaning tips.

How to Get Rid of Cigarette Smell

This is a smell that truly gets into everything. Even hard surfaces and the air vents collect the smell. If your car smells like cigarette smoke, then you’re going to need to wash it thoroughly, including hard plastics.

Cigarettes leave behind tar, which is sticky, coats everything and adds to the stink. To get rid of the smell, you need to get rid of the tar, too. A 50/50 solution of water and vinegar works well at breaking through the tar on hard surfaces and removing the smell from fabrics. You may even want to consider renting an ozone generator (often used in hotel rooms to eliminate odors).

How to Get Rid of Gasoline Smell

Spilled gasoline can really stink up your car. Even stepping in the stuff while fueling up can end up coating your shoes so you bring it inside where the smell lingers on carpet and floor mats.

Try making a solution of baking soda, vinegar and water in equal parts. Use an old rag to gently rub the mixture over the spill to soak up the stain and eliminate the smell. Make sure to properly dispose of any rags soaked with gasoline.

How to Get Rid of Pet Smells

It’s fun to take Fido along for the ride, but that can make your car smell. The easiest way to avoid the smell is to frequently vacuum up all that pet hair. The longer it sits, the stronger the smell will be and the longer it will take for it to dissipate from fabrics.

Treat urine stains with a trusted pet stain and odor remover, a 50/50 vinegar and water mix or a paste of baking soda and water.

How to Get Rid of Mildew Smell

The smell of mildew means that, at some point, your car interior got wet and never fully dried out. If you know the source of the moisture, maybe a spilled drink or a window left open in the rain, then you just need to get rid of the smell and residual moisture.

If you have no idea why it smells like mildew, feel around to see if you notice a damp spot, especially in the foot wells. A water leak isn’t something to ignore, so seek out a mechanic if the issue is ongoing.

Once the cause of the odor is identified, use a wet/dry vacuum to remove as much of the moisture as possible if things are still wet. Next, apply baking soda and let it sit for a few hours before giving it another good vacuum to pull out the smell. In severe cases, the carpet may need to be removed and cleaned and padding under the carpet replaced.

How to Get Rid of Vomit Smell

Car sickness happens. Clean it up right away. The sooner you get the worst of it out, the better. If it goes unnoticed, which is possible when it’s a pet rather than a person, then once again go to that 50/50 water and vinegar solution to remove the smell of vomit on both upholstery and carpet. Let it soak in to loosen the stain and then clean it away. Baking soda can further help remove any lingering smell from the surface.

An Ounce of Prevention

Once you have your car smelling fresh again, keep it clean to avoid any new unwanted smells. Consider a protective mat if you have pets or kids and use a car deodorizer. Something floral might make your car smell good, but a charcoal deodorizer eliminates bad smells rather than masking them and it helps remove any lingering odors, too.

If the cause of the odor is mechanical, you’ll need to have it fixed by a professional right away. Find the AAA Approved Auto Repair shop closest to you.

Weddings can be stressful, but honeymoons shouldn’t have to be! These top honeymoon destinations in the U.S. may not be as popular as others, but they are no-brainers. Whether you are looking for an adventure with your spouse or if you just want to kick back and relax, this list has a secret escape to please any couple.

San Juan Islands, Wash.

You can’t go wrong honeymooning on an island. Being surrounded by sand and water instantly gives you that mellow feeling, like you’re the only one in some far-off place.

Just a short seaplane or ferry ride from Seattle will land you in the San Juan Islands, where there is something new to discover around every bend – from an alpaca ranch to a lavender farm and a winery with a historic tasting room.

Friday Harbor House – a romantic AAA Three Diamond-Designated boutique hotel – is perched on the bluff above San Juan Island’s iconic marina with stunning views of the harbor, ferry landing and San Juan Channel. Sit back and relax with your sweetie. Hopefully you’ll get a glimpse of a whale!

Book now with AAA.

Kennebunkport, Maine

Start your fairytale adventure in the coastal town of Kennebunkport. The off-the-beaten-path area is a top honeymoon destination in the U.S. for beach-loving couples.

Whether you want to stare at the ocean from the miles of coastline or book a scenic stand-up paddleboard or kayak tour, Kennebunkport is the place for you.

Hidden Pond is home to a collection of eye-catching eclectic cottages and bungalows with “rustic-luxe” decor inspired by the surrounding woods and nearby beach. It also has an 800-square-foot organic farm, two pools and the farm-to-fork restaurant, Earth. Did we mention the Tree Spa? It’s not to be missed!

Indian Wells, Calif.

In the heart of Southern California’s desert, Indian Wells is a romantic oasis and the perfect place to relax and renew after the big day. Idyllic Indian Wells is home of the Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa, a AAA Four Diamond-Designated hotel located in the heart of town.

Surrounded by the spectacular Santa Rosa Mountains and located less than an hour from the entrance to Joshua Tree National Park, Miramonte is a serene escape for a nature-loving duo. The wild at heart can spend mornings hiking the weaving trails and rugged rock formations of the Mojave Desert before cooling off poolside in a private cabana. Do-not-disturb placards included!

Book now with AAA.

Sun Valley, Idaho

With sweeping views of the majestic mountains and the warmth and charm of a historic ski town, Sun Valley is an idyllic place to begin your happily ever after. This top honeymoon destination in the U.S. is a four-season resort with luxury accommodations and breathtaking scenery.

Take advantage of the hot springs in the area, couples’ spa treatments and dreamy horseback rides through the mountains. You’ll have time to bond with your new love through exciting activities and quiet moments that will make memories that will last for the rest of your lives.

Kiawah Island, S.C.

Twenty-five miles from the ever-popular town of Charleston is an off-the-radar isle called Kiawah Island. This top honeymoon destination in the U.S. offers shelling excursions by boat to an uninhabited island, 30 miles of biking and hiking trails and 10 miles of pristine beach.

Many couples tie the knot at the Kiawah Island Golf Resort and stay for a relaxing honeymoon at the AAA Five Diamond Sanctuary Hotel. For the ultimate in luxury, book the 3,000-square-foot Presidential Suite with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. Active couples can take advantage of kayaking in the tidal creeks to spot river dolphins or take a turn at a tennis or golf lesson, and then wind down in an adults-only pool overlooking the ocean.

Book now with AAA.

Finger Lakes, N.Y.

Comprised of 11 lakes bookended by Rochester and Syracuse, the Finger Lakes region offers an array of urban cultural hotspots juxtaposed with nature-filled experiences and awe-inducing vistas.

For a relaxing honeymoon, indulge in wine tasting at some of the region’s 120 wineries or beer flights along the Finger Lakes Beer Trail, luxurious spa treatments, museum tours at the Corning Museum of Glass and private cooking classes at New York Kitchen.

Active honeymooners can try boating the lakes, hot air ballooning (you must try this!), swimming under waterfalls or hiking the famous gorges in Ithaca, Watkins Glen State Park or Letchworth State Park.

Charlotte, N.C.

Watch out Asheville – Charlotte is quickly becoming another popular destination for honeymooners in North Carolina. From the thriving food scene to moving artistic performances and magnetic nightlife, the Queen City offers plenty of exciting opportunities for couples celebrating new nuptials.

The city’s neighborhoods are comprised of lush parks and greenways, cozy restaurants, world-class museums, lively breweries and quirky boutiques. Discover the beautiful boroughs for yourself and stay at a charming bed-and-breakfast or a pampering resort.

Plan your honeymoon with a AAA travel advisor.

Have you visited any of these top honeymoon destinations? Share with us in the comments.

Featured image: San Juan Islands, Washington

“Wow, that’s a lot of miles, ” said the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent at Champlain, N.Y. I had just told him that I had come from Denver, Colo., through Canada, on my way home to Boston – a 4,000-mile road trip.

If you’ve read my other travel stories, including 48 States in 48 Days, you will know that I don’t shy away from long drives, mostly to experience the journey as much as the destination.

On this trip, in July 2022, there were as many things I wish I’d done as those I did. I had allowed only eight days because of commitments to see friends in eastern Canada and scheduled plans back in Boston. To properly do this trip, I should have taken a few more days.

I started out from home to spend two weeks in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado with my family. This was my fourth trip driving to Colorado in the last two years. Boston to Denver is about 1,800 miles, and it takes me three days. I stop outside of Toledo, Ohio, and in Lincoln, Neb. My family flew into Denver, and I timed my drive to pick them up at the airport as I rolled into town. I dropped them back at the airport on my way out of town.

I headed north through Wyoming to the first night’s stop in Billings, Mont. I regret not allowing enough time to see Beartooth Highway, called “America’s most beautiful highway,” by journalist Charles Kuralt, who has inspired some of my travels.

The highway is just outside of Red Lodge, Mont. I was able to swing through the town on my way to Billings. I saw beautiful Yellowstone National Park in the distance and evidence of recent floods that had hit the area.

Inside Canada

The next day, I drove to Edmonton, Alberta, regretfully skipping a drive through Canada’s Banff National Park, in particular Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper.

One of the places I did stop was Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a World Heritage Site near Fort MacLeod. This is where ingenious people would herd buffalo into a narrow path and off a cliff. Then, they would harvest the meat and skins. The visitor center tells the stories of how the people would deceive the animals by dressing as buffalo calves and wolves.

East of Edmonton, I stopped at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village. It turns out that Ukrainians fled to North America for a better life back in the late 1800s, and Alberta offered them free land to settle. Enough people made the journey that Alberta is now home to the largest concentration of Ukrainians outside of Ukraine.

The village depicted how Ukrainian settlers lived in the area with replica buildings and actors telling the story of their life in the area.

After my stop at the Ukrainian heritage site, all my sightseeing was landscapes due to the number of miles I was putting in each day. Saskatchewan and Manitoba were plains and farmland – the breadbasket of Canada. In Winnipeg, I walked down by the Red River, where there was a vibrant summer scene with bands and food. In Ontario, there was the beauty of Lake Superior and Toronto city views. In Ottawa, Canada’s capital, I saw downtown with the parliament building and river views.

On the Road

Like most of us, I have become dependent on my phone for everything from GPS directions to entertainment with podcasts and audio books to pass the time. As I approached the Canadian border, my GPS went out. I assumed the lack of signal was caused by my remote location and expected it would kick back on when I hit a population center. I had only programmed my directions to get me to my prearranged border crossing location.

When driving to Canada you need to download the ArriveCAN app and put in your passport before crossing the border. When I crossed the border, I headed to the next city, Medicine Hat, where I assumed my mobile coverage would come back. When my coverage did not return, I had to use the Wi-Fi at a fast-food restaurant to plot my next stop. It wasn’t until my stop for the night in Edmonton that I remembered the first trick of technology. Turn it off and turn it back on. That fixed the issue, and I had no further problems.

But if you go, it’s a good idea to bring an atlas. Now that I have been to 49 States and eight provinces, I feel qualified to contrast U.S. and Canadian highways. What I appreciate about Canada is the lack of traffic; but with that comes major highways that still have red lights and crossings at grade. There were also a lack of rest areas and long stretches of road without gas stations, coffee or a restroom. When you drive across Canada be prepared: Get coffee, gas and use the restroom before you leave town.

Close to Home

My final observation came soon after I crossed the border into the U.S. I grew up in Vermont and crossed the border at Highgate on the way to Montreal many times.

For whatever reason, my GPS directed me to cross at Champlain, N.Y. I had to drive through the town of Swanton, Vt., and cross a bridge over Lake Champlain to get to the highway that would lead me home to Boston.

I found great irony in the fact that, after driving across Canada and seeing all the new sites, on the last day I found myself in a new place in my home state. Even with all the beautiful scenery across Canada, I could still appreciate the beauty of Vermont.

Nate Williams is a AAA member from Massachusetts. We welcome member stories. Click here to submit yours.

Pumping gas is one of many acts so routine to daily life, it’s easy to switch our minds to autopilot once we stop the car. But it’s precisely that inattentiveness that is contributing to a growing problem occurring at gas stations across our region: theft.

Gas stations may not seem like breeding grounds for thieves. After all, patrons are rarely more than a few feet from their cars. When pumping gas, however, drivers are often distracted by their phones, television monitors or just the increasing numbers on the gas pump. They may also step away from their vehicles to pay for gas or goods inside the station. All this time, their car doors usually remain unlocked, providing thieves with a window to strike.

If a criminal spots a valuable item inside the vehicle, all they have to do is drive up next to the car, open the door, grab the item and quickly drive off. Thieves have also been known to jump in the driver’s seat and steal the car itself. All said, a criminal can pull off a heist in the matter of seconds.

Gas Station Safety Tips

Taking simple precautions can go a long way to minimize your risk of danger at a gas station. Here are some helpful tips.

• Whenever possible, use gas stations that are well-lit, located in busy areas and have surveillance cameras. If you’re in unfamiliar territory, begin looking for a station sooner rather than later. This will provide you with the opportunity to skip ones that look unsafe, rather than being forced to stop because you’re nearly out of gas.
• Pick a gas pump that is well-lit and closest to the building or attendant, even if this means waiting for the pump to be free.
• Always remove your car keys, lock your doors and roll up your windows before getting out to pump gas.
• Keep valuables, including handbags and wallets, on your person or out of sight.
• If you have a panic button on your key fob, keep your finger on it and press it if you feel like you’re in danger.
• If you don’t have to gas up late at night, don’t. Wait until the morning.
• Resist the urge to look at your phone and keep it tucked away.
• If you need to enter the station to buy something, fill up your gas tank first, then move your car closer to the store, park and lock the doors.
• Most importantly, always pay attention to your surroundings, even if you’re at a familiar gas station in the middle of the day.
• Credit card skimming devices are often placed on gas pumps, so be cautious when using your card for payment. Look for any signs of tampering, such as loose or misaligned card readers or broken security tape, and cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN. 

Find the average cost of gas in your neck of the woods. Then enjoy discounts at the pump just for being a AAA member.

Put on your hat, scarf and gloves, grab your binoculars and head to the beach. Winter is prime time to go seal watching on Long Island.

Did you know that seals swim near Long Island’s shores? I certainly didn’t – at least not anywhere that I could see them.

Yes, seal watching on Long Island is something you can do. I first became aware of our pinniped neighbors several years ago through the New York Marine Rescue Center. Naturalists from the center lead seal watch cruises from the Nautical Mile in Freeport every year from late December through April when harbor seals inhabit the island’s surrounding waters.

Despite not getting along too well with boats or the cold, I booked my spot on the boat soon after. The 15-minute drive from my house to the dock made it too close to resist.

I boarded the Captain Lou Fleet fishing boat excited and bundled up to my eyes. It was an unusually mild February afternoon the day of our cruise, but the wind was bitter out on the water. Thankfully, the heated cabin and hot chocolate provided some relief.

As we neared our destination in Hempstead Bay, it wasn’t long before the naturalists on board began to point out harbor seals. Soon after the first one poked its head up beside the boat, a few more popped up, coaxing all the sightseers from one side of the vessel to the other. At one point we came across a group that looked as if they were having their own private beach party, feeding, playing and even jumping out of the water. By the end of the day, we spotted almost 20!

Since then, I’ll occasionally bundle up and return to those same waters to visit the seals at Jones Beach and I just about always see a few.

Several species inhabit Long Island’s waters, though the most common are harbor and, occasionally, grey seals. In recent years there has been a significant increase in the population of seals that come to the area, making the chances of spotting one much greater.

When seal watching on Long Island, go to areas where they are known to hang out (see below) and look for shiny black heads bobbing in and out of the water. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a few sunning themselves or “hauling out” on rocks. Do not go near them, do anything that will startle them or disrupt their natural behavior.

It’s incredible to view seals in their natural environment. Use the guide below to find the best spots for seal watching on Long Island and see how many you can count.

Where To Go Seal Watching on Long Island 

Jones Beach Seal Watching
516-780-3295

As seen on Google Maps, there is a designated Harbor Seal Watch Spot in Jones Beach. Park in Field 10 (no fee in winter), walk down to the beach and set your sights on the water.

Captain Lou Fleet Seal Watching Cruise
516-623-5823

Reserve your place on the two-hour tour on the Captain Lou Fleet, departing from the Nautical Mile in Freeport on select dates from late December through April. Learn about local seal populations from onboard naturalists as you cruise through Hempstead Bay. Heated cabin and hot beverages provided. Tickets are $40.

Montauk Seal Walks
631-668-5000

Montauk State Park is a popular haul out spot for harbor seals. Hike on your own or go with a naturalist. On the weekends, state park naturalists lead walks to an area where up to four species of seals can be observed. The walk is approximately 3 miles long and takes two to three hours to complete. Registration is required.

Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island Seal Walks
631-319-6003

Join a naturalist on a seal walk at Cupsogue Beach County Park for a chance to see dozens of harbor seals swimming and hauled out. Walks are about 1 mile round trip and take about an hour or two. Contact the organization for information on schedules and fees.

Atlantic Marine Conservation Society
631-317-0030

The Atlantic Marine Conservation Society conducts seal cruises on the Shinnecock Bay to educate the public about wildlife in the area and have a good track record of seal spotting. “We have at times seen over 100 seals on those cruises,” said AMCS field biologist Erich Dietterle. Cruises leave from Stony Brook Marine Station in Southhampton. Tickets are $35 per person. Call to register.

Have you ever gone seal watching on Long Island? What’s your favorite spot? Tell us in the comments.

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

Since our members are the root of everything we do, your feedback is important to us. Let us know if you run into any issues while playing, or share your ideas for future puzzles by emailing us.

We know because we’ve been: “Out There” is a series of inspiring travel spotlights from AAA Travel advisors and employees.

Have you thought about going on a cruise but don’t know what to expect or how to prepare? I’m here for you. I’m Tabitha, an associate marketing specialist at AAA Northeast, and I recently set sail on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas from New Jersey to the Bahamas. My first time cruising, I was a bit nervous to venture out on the high seas, but later found it to be one of the most incredible, awe-inspiring ways to see the world.

To help others new to cruising, I’ve outlined my initial reactions and first-time cruise tips.

To learn more about cruising and start planning your next trip, reach out to a AAA travel advisor.

Easy and stress-free check-in.

Unlike checking in for a flight, I found the cruising check-in process to be simple and straightforward. There’s no need to set a 24-hour alarm on your phone the day before or stress about getting to the terminal four hours early.

In the weeks prior to embarking, I filled out all the necessary information on the Royal Caribbean website (passport #, health questions, check-in time, etc.), and when I arrived at the terminal all I had to do was show my boarding pass and walk on the ship.

Pack a sweater. Or two.

No matter your destination or the time of year, be sure to pack something warm to wear while exploring the ship decks. The wind can get powerful on certain parts of the ship, especially the upper decks, so always keep something cozy on hand.

No, that’s not a skyscraper in the distance. It’s your ship!

I’ll never forget my first encounter with the Oasis of the Seas. When I arrived at the Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, the sheer size of one of the largest ships in the world took me by surprise. The skyscraper I thought I was looking at was actually my home for the next seven days! You’ve got to see it to believe it.

Worried about seasickness? Don’t be.

Since this was my first time cruising, I wasn’t sure if I’d get seasick. However, my worries were quickly dispelled when I climbed aboard and realized how massive the ship is. When you’re sailing on such a large vessel you can feel it move but it’s not like a scene in a pirate movie. The best way I can describe the motion is like sitting on a train moving on railway tracks – soft and subtle, but not stationary.

Cruises = fun for the whole family.

My most prominent first impression of cruising is that it’s a great trip for families. One of the hassles of traveling with family or in a larger group is the issue of deciding where to go, what to eat and how to get there. A cruise takes all the hassle out of those decisions! With the Royal Caribbean Adventure Ocean center for kids and multiple dining and entertainment options, everyone in the family can do what they want, when they want.

The views are out of this world.

On my first night at sea, I had the pleasure of experiencing one of the most amazing sunsets of my life. A sunset at sea is unlike anything I’d experienced on land, since there were no obstructions. It was just the sea and the sun. I stood at the stern of the ship and oohed and aahed at the breathtaking sight ahead of me. One of the best first-time cruise tips I can give is to go to the outer decks for jaw-dropping views. Just be sure to remember your sweater!

The Oasis of the Seas was the perfect ship for my first cruise. It introduced me to the world of cruising and gave me unforgettable travel memories. My first cruise won’t be my last!

Learn how you can save on a seven-night cruise with Royal Caribbean.

Have any other questions or looking for more first-time cruise tips? Ask us in the comments below.

For more reasons than we can count, guided tours are one of the best ways to travel. Modern guided tours give travelers a complete vacation experience by making sure you get the most out of your trip without having to worry about things like transportation, language barriers or finding the best things to do in your destination.

Here are five of the top reasons to make your next vacation a guided travel vacation.

Guided Tours Bring You Closer to the Destination

Perhaps most importantly, a guided tour brings you closer to the history, culture and people of your destination than other forms of travel. Most tour guides are passionate and experienced and are there to give you the complete story of your destination, from local history and folk tales to knowledge of the community. They can help overcome language barriers and offer recommendations such as places to eat. Serving as your personal connection, tour guides can give the level of insight that travelers crave.

For example, you can tour Alaska and check off your list of must-see landmarks, but an Alaskan tour guide will make sure you get the most out of your time exploring The Last Frontier.

Tours like AAA Member Choice Vacation’s Iditarod and Alaska’s Northern Lights include experiences you won’t soon forget, like cheering on mushers during the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race and a visit to a wildlife conservation center. Your expert tour guide will teach you about exciting Iditarod traditions, suggest local foods to try and make sure you are well-prepared to explore the Alaskan wilderness on your own.

Skip the FOMO, Not the Fun

If you’ve always dreamed of visiting Paris, the Louvre Museum and Eiffel Tower can’t be missed. But what will you see on the rest of your trip? What is the best bistro beloved by locals? And what is the best way to get around? It can be difficult to figure out how to spend your time, especially when it’s your first time traveling to a new place.

A guided tour makes sure you’re not missing out. Your itinerary is built to be jam-packed with the best sites and sounds, both on and off the beaten path, in the best logistical way. Tour itineraries are crafted by experienced experts, often with decades of knowledge. For example, AAA Member Choice Vacations itineraries use over 100 years of experience to provide unique and compelling travel experiences around the globe.

Get Authentic Experiences, Easily

Modern tours have a variety of inclusions specifically intended to bring you face-to-face with the local community and culture. Rather than visits to tourist traps, you’ll find unique opportunities to engage with your destination that you typically can’t find elsewhere, like dining with multi-generational family owners of an Italian vineyard or overnight stays in historic Irish castles. If you want experiences like this, a guided tour is one of the easiest ways to make it happen.

The ever-popular Reflections of Italy tour from AAA Member Choice Vacations includes experiences like a chef-led cooking class and lunch in a historic castle!

Balance of Structure and Flexibility

Today’s guided tours give travelers both exciting daily events, meals, lodging and transportation, all while guaranteeing flexibility to explore as one pleases. On most days, you’ll have a few scheduled events, but also built-in free time. This means you will still have the opportunity to wander scenic backstreets, visit the restaurant you researched online or take advantage of your tour guide’s tips for other sights. Plus, with lodging and transportation are taken care of, you are free from the hassle and worry of planning how to get around on your trip.

Many tour itineraries are offered completely custom, meaning you are able to work with the tour manager and your travel agent to plan all of the stops and experiences you want with their expertise. Want to extend your tour? Many providers offer pre or post-night stays, extensions and other custom excursions. For example, many AAA Member Choice Vacations tours offer It’s Your Choice excursions, where tourgoers can pick two or more available excursions according to their tastes.

There are so many itineraries to choose from, each offering a different flavor of the destination and unique type of tour experience. You are sure to find the tour that will deliver the kind of experience you are looking for, no matter the destination. AAA Member Choice Vacations offers 175 tours for you to choose from across all seven continents and five tour styles!

Friends That Last a Lifetime

Nothing brings people together like travel. On a guided tour, you explore beautiful places, discover new favorite foods and leave your comfort zone in the dust with your fellow tour-goers. You are sure to form bonds over these unique, unforgettable and special experiences. At AAA Travel, it is far from uncommon to hear that our members become friends for a lifetime after their guided tour. It’s often cited as the best part of their travels!

Recently, AAA member Sheyna Medina went on a guided tour of the Western USA’s National Parks. She told us that at the beginning of the tour, she and her group felt like strangers, but ended the trip as friends. “These people truly felt like family that week!,” she said.

So, how does a guided tour sound for your next trip?

Find your AAA travel advisor.

Charlie Brown once said, “There are three things in life that people like to stare at: a flowing stream, a crackling fire and a Zamboni clearing the ice.”

For our money, Charlie Brown has never been more right. There is something so satisfying about watching a Zamboni ice resurfacing machine work as it washes away all the rough edges, leaving behind a shining, shimmering new surface of ice. If only erasing all of life’s rough patches was that easy.

Where did this magical creation come from? Like all great inventions, the Zamboni machine was born out of necessity – resurfacing ice was a laborious process prior to its arrival. But that is only one part of this piece of equipment’s origin story. For the rest, you’ll have to start in the unlikeliest of climates.

Frank Zamboni and the Iceland Skating Rink

The history of the Zamboni machine begins in, of all places, sunny Southern California. In 1920, mechanic Frank J. Zamboni and his brother Lawrence moved to Los Angeles and began working at their older brother George’s auto repair shop. Soon after, Frank and Lawrence decided to open an electrical service business called Zamboni Electric.

The company made refrigerator units for dairy producers and then got into the ice business, making the block ice used to transport food by rail. As refrigeration technology made this latter specialty obsolete, the brothers looked for new ways to use their ice expertise. Their solution was to build an ice rink to satisfy the growing interest in ice skating.

Iceland Skating Rink opened to guests in 1940. At 20,000 square feet, it was one of the largest rinks in the country, capable of holding up to 800 skaters. That many pairs of skates cutting, scraping and chipping the ice left the rink’s surface in rough shape. At the time, the process of resurfacing an ice rink required several people and took more than an hour. Workers shaved the ice by driving over it with a tractor equipped with a scraper, then discarded the shavings, sprayed the surface with water and washed away the dirty water.

Did you know? Inventor Frank J. Zamboni was, fittingly, born in a town called Eureka (it’s in Utah).

The Zamboni Machine Debuts

Zamboni was sure there was an easier way to accomplish this task and went to work trying to build an ice resurfacing machine. His first idea involved a sled towed by a tractor. It didn’t work. After years of tinkering, he changed course and developed a self-propelled vehicle that shaved and washed the ice, and then created a new layer of ice. In 1949, he unveiled the Model A Zamboni Ice Resurfacer and ice skating was never the same.

(Side note: Before we get any further, we should make clear that “Zamboni” is not a noun, as there are other types of ice resurfacing machines. Therefore, the vehicle is not “a Zamboni,” it is a Zamboni ice resurfacing machine.)

The machine Zamboni built in the 1940s works essentially the same way as those used today. A blade running along the bottom of the vehicle shaves the ice. The shavings are picked up by a horizontal screw and deposited into a snow tank. Water from a second tank washes away dirt and is filtered and sent back into the tank. Lastly, clean hot water is sprayed onto the surface and spread out by a towel pulled by the vehicle to create a new, level layer of fresh ice.

The Zamboni Machine’s Big League Debut

Over the next few years, Zamboni introduced models B through D, each a slight improvement over the previous iteration. But it was the next model that would make history.

On New Year’s Day 1954, the Ice Capades were taking place at the Boston Garden, followed by a hockey game between the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers. Resurfacing the ice between events would be a tall task.

Fortunately, Bob Skrak, who helped Frank Zamboni get his invention off the ground, was working for Ice Capades at the time. Skark took a Zamboni machine and smoothed the ice quickly and effectively, creating a rink that appeared as if it had never been touched.

The Bruins’ management team was so impressed they ordered their own machine. Zamboni Model E 21 arrived later that year and became the first to be used by an NHL team. Today, you can find the restored E21 on display at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

Did you know? The Zamboni ice resurfacing machine made its Olympic debut at the 1960 Olympic Winter Games in Squaw Valley, Calif.

The Zamboni Company Today

The Zamboni machine has evolved to become a highly effective, increasingly efficient vehicle. The firm that produces it, however, has remained consistent. While it has expanded its operations to include factories in Canada and Sweden, the Zamboni Company also still operates out of Southern California, blocks away from the Iceland Skating Rink. In fact, it’s not uncommon to come across a Zamboni machine cruising along the neighborhood streets on its way to be tested at the rink.

In total, the Zamboni Company has produced nearly 14,000 machines since 1949, including the ones you’re likely to see at your local arena.

Learn more automotive history.

Featured image: Courtesy of Zamboni Company Archive.

Right before my last semester of college, I decided to drive the long way to campus by myself. It was about a seven-hour drive, but they were all long, calm country roads dotted with plenty of rest stops. It was supposed to flurry a little as I passed through Syracuse, but I wasn’t worried. My college campus was near Rochester, so I was used to driving in snow.

Somehow, the flurry turned into a full-on whiteout. It was the strongest blizzard I’d ever seen, turning day into night, and I was driving through it. Driving in snow can be easy when you’re going along plowed roads through a picturesque winter wonderland. It’s a completely different story when you’re going through a snow globe that’s been tossed in a blender.

The most important thing to know about driving in snow is knowing when to stop. I kept driving through horrific conditions because I was afraid to miss the first day of the semester. After I passed an 18-wheeler lying on its side in the median, I decided that I valued my life a little bit more than I valued English class. I was able to pull off the road and find a hotel where I stayed for the next two days (it was a BIG storm). Sure, I was bored. But more importantly, I was safe.

Make sure you’re safe the next time you have to drive in the snow with these tips from AAA.

Preparing to Drive in Snow

Before you head off on a long winter drive, watch the weather forecasts carefully. If you can avoid driving in snow, you should. Make sure other people know your route, your destination and your ETA.

Keep snow supplies in your car, including a collapsible shovel, an ice scraper and a window broom. Bring your phone and a charger with you, and make sure to download the AAA Mobile App. In case of emergency, keep blankets, gloves, hats, water, necessary medications and nonperishable food items on hand.

Click here for a full list of winter driving kit necessities.

AAA’s Tips for Driving in Snow

• Do not use cruise control when driving in ice or snow – it’s important that you stay alert and are able to control your speed at all times.
• Go slow! It’s easier to control your vehicle when you’re driving at a slow pace, so accelerate and decelerate as slowly as you can to regain traction on the road and avoid skidding off-course.
• If possible, maintain eight or 10 seconds of distance between you and the car in front of you. It’s harder to stop in the ice and snow.
• The best way to stop while driving in snow is by threshold braking. It’s not just for race car drivers! Plant the heel of your braking foot on the floor, and with the ball of your foot apply firm, steady pressure to the brake.
• In heavy snow, don’t come to a complete stop if you don’t have to. Moving again from a full stop during a blizzard can be difficult and dangerous.
• Try to drive in the tracks of the car in front of you – it will make it easier to control your vehicle.
• Be patient with the other drivers on the road. This is a stressful situation for everyone, but it’s important to remain calm.

When to Stop

Sometimes, the snow is so unrelenting that you have to stop. Maybe you keep skidding or it becomes too hard to see. Maybe you’re not even sure where the road is anymore.

Stopping could mean having to shelter in your car. In this situation, do not wander away from the car – you might not be able to find it when you return (and it’s best to conserve your warmth and energy, anyway).

Attach a colorful sash, handkerchief or scarf to your antenna, side mirror or window. It will flutter in the wind and alert any emergency services to the location of your vehicle. Don’t use white fabric – it will blend in with the snow. You can also turn your car’s interior lights on if it gets dark outside. This doesn’t sap much energy from your car’s battery, and it can help emergency services find you.

You may choose to keep your car running so that you can make use of the heating system. Don’t overuse it, though. You want to save your gasoline. If you turn your engine on, make sure your exhaust pipe is kept clear. If it gets backed up with snow, you could risk carbon monoxide poisoning (and potentially death).

Insulate your body heat with anything you have on hand, from emergency blankets to crumpled-up newspapers to floor mats.

When you’re driving in snow – serious snow, like a blizzard or a snowstorm – you need to remain calm and make smart, safe decisions. By remembering these tips and preparing your car with emergency utilities, you can navigate a sudden blizzard without making snap decisions based on panic.

Winter driving is difficult for all motorists, but particularly so for new and improving drivers. Learn to become a lifelong safe driver – under all conditions – with the AAA Defensive Driving Course.

Do you have any tips for driving safe during a snowstorm? Share them with us in the comments below.

Learn more about AAA’s automotive services.

“I can’t adult today” is an expression that many millennials have heard friends say, seen as a slogan on a t-shirt or perhaps uttered themselves (maybe even multiple times in the same week).

While the sentiment strikes a chord with many, the reality of the situation is millennials now comprise the largest percentage of the country’s workforce, according to the Pew Research Center. This generation is now in the prime window for “peak adulting” – that is to say, getting married, having children and, of course, committing to 30 years of debt with a new mortgage.

But another adult decision that it’s time for millennials to put some serious consideration into is life insurance. Unlike the aforementioned weddings or additions to the family that take months of planning and adjusting to, once you know what you need, signing up for a life insurance policy is a process you can get started in a matter of minutes.

Learn about your life insurance options with AAA Insurance.

No Better Time Than Now

Millennials were ranked most in need of life insurance in 2022 by the Life Insurance Marketing and Research Association’s (LIMRA) annual Insurance Barometer Study.

Now would be the ideal time for millennials to sign up for life insurance, though, as insurance is generally cheaper for younger, healthier individuals – the right policy could result in saving significantly over the coming years.

Additionally, for those who receive life insurance through their employers, it’s important to examine if that amount would cover what you want it to cover in the event the policy is needed, meaning funeral costs, future college tuitions for your children, monthly living costs and any other outstanding debts. Most people find that the additional coverage gives them added peace of mind that they are securing their family’s future for the road ahead.

Be Kind to Your Budget

That all sounds good, but can you afford it? Another takeaway from LIMRA’s 2022 study was that millennials were the most likely generation to overestimate the cost of life insurance – by an average of $1,000 per year.

It varies based on policy, but many options would be cheaper than what the average American household spends on movie/TV streaming services ($55/month according to J.D. Power) or a typical monthly internet bill, which Nerdwallet estimates to be around $47-$69 per month.

Let Us Help You

If any of this still gives you those “I can’t adult right now” vibes, don’t worry. Our qualified agents can walk you through the process and find the best option for you.

Get a life insurance quote from AAA Insurance. 

Have you ever seen a deer leap out from the darkness and over your hood? Or experienced glare so blinding you didn’t know what to do? Maybe a frozen windshield made you late for work more than a couple times? (We’ve all been there).

Cars and driving can be unpredictable, but there’s something to learn from each of these moments.

Tell us your tales from the road – the good, the scary and the embarrassing. Your story could help other drivers facing similar situations.

Member Stories

We were traveling south to Florida from Rhode Island and stopped in Charleston for an overnight stay. The next morning, on our back out to Route 95, we hit a deer in the lovely little town of Walterboro, S.C. We were OK, but sustained significant damage to our car. Needless to say, that put a serious crimp in our trip plans and it was quite a while before we were able to continue on to Florida. I installed a deer whistle on the front end of my car to avoid another incident like that. So far it’s worked well – no deer mishaps!

William DeFusco

Pro tip: Deer are most active during dawn and dusk. Keep an eye out for “deer crossing” signs, and be especially vigilant when driving through wooded areas during these times. Deer also travel in herds, so if you see one there are likely others nearby. Click here for more deer safety tips.

We took a road trip to Quebec City, and when we attempted to return home to Massachusetts, we noticed a flat tire. ‘Oh no, we’re in another country!’ Well, we called AAA, and they sent help in under 30 minutes. The mechanic from CAA fixed the flat and even gave us recommendations for places to visit in Canada. Thank you, AAA.

Steve and Pam Perretti

Pro tip: AAA Roadside Assistance is available 24/7 (even in Canada!).

I was driving to North Sydney, Nova Scotia, in 2011 when I encountered fog so dense I couldn’t see more than 20 feet in front of my car. I kept one eye on my GPS so I didn’t hit any unexpected curves in the road. My other eye was watching both the road and the possibility of seeing a moose appear.

Joanne Sexton

Pro tip: When driving in fog, set your headlights to low. High beams bounce off the fog, making it even harder to see.

A few years ago, I was driving on I-95 North in the right when a tractor-trailer decided to switch from the center lane to the right lane. Unfortunately, I was in his blind spot, so he started to come over. I had to slow down and go into the breakdown lane to avoid him not hitting me. It was a miracle that the back end of the trailer missed my car’s front end. I’m sure the truck driver never had a clue we almost crashed.

Michael Amato

Pro tip: Checking your blind spot and “reading the road” are a few of the top reminders AAA Driver Training instructors have for new (and all) drivers. Learn more about AAA Driver Training, available in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Years ago, I was driving my Honda Odyssey and towing a small camper through northern Vermont. The road that I was on was two lanes with no breakdown lane. Enroute to my destination it began to rain, and shortly thereafter my van began to hydroplane. I wanted to pull off the road but that wasn’t an option. I slowed down to 5 mph and proceeded for several miles at that rate until the rain stopped. It was the scariest ride of my life.

Jan Berger

Pro tip: In a situation like this, stay calm, advises AAA’s Car Doctor, John Paul. Your first reaction to hydroplaning might be to brake, but try to resist the urge. Since you are literally riding on top of water, it won’t stop you. Instead, ease off the accelerator until your vehicle starts to gain traction. Click here for more tips on hydroplaning and driving in rain.

Ice hotels have quickly become a popular trend in travel, with new locations popping up around the globe. But it hasn’t stopped there. Now venues are taking it the next level, creating everything from elaborate bars and lounges to museums and castles constructed completely out of ice. Here are some can’t-miss ice attractions at home and abroad.

Ice Hotels

The Ice Hotel
Quebec, Canada

The Ice Hotel, or Hotel de Glace, is the only hotel in North American made of ice. Open seasonally, every winter the guests rooms are carved from scratch, complete with ice furniture and beds.

If sleeping in temperatures hovering around 25 degrees is too cold for your blood, you can buy tickets to visit the hotel, which also includes an ice bar.

Guests and non-guests alike are encouraged to experience a guided tour of the structure, during which you’ll discover the processes and secrets of the construction of the hotel, visit the ice workshop, make your own ice glass and top it off with a cocktail at the ice bar.

Icehotel
Jukkasjarvi, Sweden

Beginning in 1989, Icehotel, located in the small Swedish village of Jukkasjärvi, 125 miles north of the Arctic Circle, has been reconstructed every winter using tons of ice from the nearby Torne River.

Every aspect of the building is made from ice, down to the beds in guest rooms and glasses at the hotel bar. And it’s not just a place to sleep. Icehotel doubles as an art gallery, with roughly 40 artists creating ice carvings throughout the structure each year. Even if you don’t spend the night, you can take a guided tour of the hotel.

Icehotel offers both cold rooms, which maintain a temperature of 19 to 23 degrees, and warm rooms. It is recommended to stay one night in a cold room and a couple in a warm room. The location also features an ice bar and even a church.

Starting in 2016, the destination became a yearlong attraction with the creation of Icehotel 365, a permanent ice structure open to guests 365 days a year. It’s kept cold using a refrigeration unit run by energy from solar panels. The seasonal component of Icehotel continues to be constructed annually.

Ice Bars

The Sagamore Resort in Bolton Landing, N.Y., creates its Glacier Ice Bar each winter. It takes upward of 18,000 pounds of ice build the attraction, which also includes exquisite ice carvings. Guests can sip their drinks in the sub-zero lounge before warming up next to the fireplace at Caldwell’s Lobby Bar. The 2023 Glacier Ice Bar will be open on the weekends of Jan. 20-21 and 27-28.

Also from the Opal Collection of hotels and resorts, Samoset Resort on the Ocean in Rockport, Maine, has a similar ice bar and lounge, scheduled to open in 2023 the weekends of Jan. 13-15 and Jan. 20-21.

Ice Attractions

These cool ice attractions are available to experience both near and far. All of them are held annually, so if you can’t travel to them now, you can certainly add them to your wish list for the future.

Ice Castles
Lincoln, N.H., and Lake George, N.Y.

Ice castles are no longer just the things of fairy tales and Disney movies. Created by a company aptly named Ice Castles, these majestic frozen structures are built using hundreds of thousands of icicles hand-placed by professional ice artists. The castles include breathtaking LED-lit sculptures, frozen thrones, ice-carved tunnels, slides, fountains and more. The attraction has also been known to hold special events, such as visits from certain enchanted frozen princesses and fire performances. Opening January 2023.

Aurora Ice Museum
Fairbanks, Alaska

On the grounds of Chena Hot Springs Resort sits the Aurora Ice Museum. Created from more than 1,000 tons of harvested ice and snow, the museum is the world’s largest year-round ice environment. It stays a balmy 25 degrees thanks to a patented absorption chiller, the first of its kind used for this purpose.

Inside you’ll find ice sculptures of jousting knights, a giant chess set, igloos and spheres. It’s all the work of champion ice carver Steve Brice. Adding to the otherworldly allure are ice chandeliers that illuminate the space with the colors of the aurora borealis.

Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival
Harbin, China

Harbin’s ice festival is the largest in the world. Since temperatures are below freezing for half of the year here, residents have plenty of time to perfect their ice sculpting skills. The annual events takes place from December until the ice starts to melt in late February/March. The most popular attraction is the Ice and Snow World, consisting of huge landscapes, buildings, sculptures and slides, all built out of snow and ice and colorfully lit at night.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
London

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is a wonderland unlike any other. It has roller coasters, ice skating, comedy shows, a circus and much more. And when it comes to ice, it has you covered.

The Magical Ice Kingdom is a forest filled with redwood trees, wolves, unicorns and more all carved from more than 500 tons of ice. To get your own ice carving career started, join an ice sculpting workshop. Here, you’ll get to create your own ice masterpiece under the tutelage of one of the U.K.’s finest ice artists. And finally, stop by Bar Ice for a festive drink surrounded by beautifully carved ice sculptures.

Would you like to visit any of these icy destinations? Tell us in the comments.

Plan your next getaway with AAA Travel. 

Featured image: ICEHOTEL 365, 2017-2018. Deluxe Suite 34 meters. Design Luca Roncoroni & Dave Ruane. Photo Asaf Kliger. © ICEHOTEL.

Driving a car covered in snow and ice is exceedingly dangerous. The accumulation can block windows, obstructing your view of the road and surroundings. Potentially even more hazardous is the possibility of sheets of snow and ice dislodging from the vehicle while it’s in operation. This could cause serious injury to others and damage to property. For these reasons and others, it’s illegal to drive with snow and ice on your car.

Every Northeast state has snow and ice removal laws on the books that prohibit operating a vehicle without removing significant accumulation. Here’s a look at snow removal laws by state.

Connecticut

Connecticut is one of a handful of Northeast states with a specific law regarding snow and ice removal from vehicles. The statute reads, in part, that a driver, “shall remove any accumulated ice or snow from such motor vehicle, including the hood, trunk and roof of such motor vehicle, so that any ice or snow accumulated on such vehicle does not pose a threat to persons or property while the vehicle is being operated on any street or highway of this state.” The law also clarifies that drivers will not be cited if the snow accumulation began while the vehicle was in operation.

The fine for violating Connecticut’s snow removal law is $75. However, if failure to comply with the law results in personal injury or property damage, the fine escalates to a minimum of $200.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire statute 265:79-b, better known as Jessica’s Law, requires drivers to remove snow and ice from their vehicles. The law is named after Jessica Smith, a 20-year-old woman who died when a sheet of ice flew off a trailer and hit a truck that subsequently crashed into her car.

Neither snow nor ice are specifically mentioned in the law’s text, but it does state that it is illegal to drive a vehicle, “in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger any person or property.” The fine can range from $250 to $500 for the first offense and $500 to $1,000 for subsequent offenses.

New Jersey

The Garden State is another with a snow-specific law on the books. Section 39:4-77.1 of New Jersey’s statute reads, “Each driver of a motor vehicle operated on a street or highway in this State shall have an affirmative duty to make all reasonable efforts to remove accumulated ice or snow from exposed surfaces of the motor vehicle prior to operation, which surfaces shall include, but not be limited to, the hood, trunk, windshield, windows, and roof of the motor vehicle.”

The statute goes on to state that a law enforcement officer can stop a driver if they believe the accumulated snow or ice poses a threat to other people or property. Violating the law can result in a fine between $25 and $75 regardless of whether the snow or ice becomes dislodged from the car.

Massachusetts

Unlike some other Northeast states, Massachusetts does not have a law specifically addressing snow accumulation on cars. However, the issue falls under the purview of other statutes.

Drivers who fail to remove snow and ice from their vehicles, for example, could be cited for driving with an unsecured load. Chapter 85, Section 35 of the Massachusetts law book states, “No person shall drive or move a motor vehicle on any way … if it is loaded with sand, gravel, loam, dirt, stone, rubbish or debris that could fall on other vehicles or on the highway and create litter or potential hazards to other vehicles, unless its load is fully and adequately covered.” If the snow is blocking a window, a driver could be cited for violating Chapter 90, Section 13, which prohibits impeding operation of a motor vehicle.

New York

Like Massachusetts, there is no specific New York State snow removal law (one was introduced in state Senate nearly a decade ago, but was never voted on). However, the Empire State does cover the issue with other traffic laws. For example, Section 1213 of New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Laws prohibits operation of a motor vehicle with an obstructed view.

Even if the windows are cleared, drivers need to also remember that, under state law, license plates must be visible as well as the illumination from head and taillights, something snow and ice accumulation can prevent.  

Rhode Island

Rhode Island General Law 31-23-16 addresses snow and ice removal from cars. It states that, “No person shall drive any motor vehicle with any significant amounts of snow or ice upon the vehicle.” The statute goes on to clarify that “significant” can be defined as, “any amount of accumulation which might reasonably be expected, when blowing off the vehicle while driving, to obscure the vision of an operator of another vehicle.”

Similar to laws found in neighboring states, the Rhode Island statute exempts snow and ice accumulation that began while the car was in use.

Even with a snowless car, winter driving is especially difficult for new and improving drivers. Learn to become a lifelong safe motorist – under all conditions – with the AAA Defensive Driving Course.

Think you don’t need a digital detox? If the next few sentences sound familiar, then you might just need to unplug.

You know the drill. It’s 6:30 in the morning. Time to get up, because your smartphone is chiming away.

You go to turn it off, but think, “Hmm. What’s the weather going to be like today?”

And just like that, you’ve lost 15 minutes first thing in the morning, checking your phone for the latest news updates, Facebook posts, Instagram shots and email messages. And that’s just you. If you have children, they’re likely doing the same thing. According to a recent study published by the American Medical Association, daily screen time for kids aged 3 to 18 increased by more than an hour and twenty minutes during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Why not try a digital detox for a few days? To help you unplug, we enlisted the help of Jess Davis at Folk Rebellion, a site devoted to helping folks detach from their screens and get back to IRL.

Digital Detox 101

First of all, take stock. What do you use your smartphone for? Is your calendar/phone/alarm clock/email retriever/Facebook checker/portal to the online world?

“The more power you give your devices, the more beholden you are to them,” Davis said.

Tell folks you’re going offline for a few days, and they can reach you by phone if they need to. Then buy a planner and write down your plans for the week. Borrow a camera if you’ll miss the one on your phone. Print out a map or – gasp! – ask people for directions if you’re going somewhere you’ve never been.

Listen to Our Podcast

Disconnect from the endless scroll and reconnect with yourself. Listen to Season 3, Episode 2 of Merging Into Life: How to Take an Analog Vacation and Actually Unplug

Tune In

If you have kids, revisit an old hobby or introduce them to a new one.

“Help them fall in love with the tactile and the tangible,” Davis said. “Provide them with hobbies in the physical space.”

Have them join you in a favorite childhood game. “Battleship,” anyone? Or take a trip to the local library. Or get outdoors. When the weather gets warm, kids will love exploring the craggy trails in their own backyards.

Easy Family Digital Detox Tips

You may get a little resistance initially from family members who aren’t as, um, enthusiastic about unplugging from technology.

It’s all about being prepared. No matter how long your detox will last, it helps to lay a groundwork so that family members will know the expectations.

Set up ground rules. Discuss which screens will be out (can you Skype with grandma or send an email to a teacher?) and set the amount of time. Do you want to try it for a half-day at first? Or a week? There aren’t really any hard and fast rules; just do what feels right for your family.

Plan activities. Fairplay suggests loading up your time with things to do, especially in the beginning. The last thing you want is bored family members complaining that there’s nothing to do in hour two of your screen-free experiment.

Make a big deal out of family dinner time. It’s a great time to reconnect with family members after a long day of school, work, sporting activities, errands and so on. Maybe have everyone choose a favorite meal to make, or have everyone contribute in some way to dinner. Or perhaps have everyone read the same book and discuss it during mealtime. Whatever you do, make it a special time for talking, listening and sharing ideas.

Pick a family project. Is there something you’ve been meaning to get around to but just never have the time? Maybe the garage could use a good cleaning, the yard is in need of serious attention or a room needs painting. Assign everyone a different role and have them take ownership of it.

Buh-Bye, Technology!

Still nervous? Here are 20 great ideas for getting your brood away from the screens, courtesy of Fairplay.

• Bake cookies and give them to a neighbor.
• Paint a picture.
• Learn the name of local birds and go bird-watching.
• Write a letter to your representatives or senators.
• Attend a play.
• Go roller skating.
• Visit a local park.
• Go on a hike.
• Learn to play a musical instrument.
• Watch a sunrise or sunset.
• Read a book.
• Visit a museum.
• Play cards.
• Go somewhere by bus or train.
• Research your genealogy.
• Wake up early and make a big breakfast.
• Make a snowman.
• Draw a family portrait.
• Learn to play an instrument.
• Go through your closets and hold a yard sale.

Have you ever tried a digital detox for a day or longer? Have any stories to share about the experience? Tell us in the comments section!

With black-and-white photography, it’s not all black and white. It’s vintage but timeless, simple but dramatic and despite its limited palette, highly impactful.

By removing the distraction of colors and instead focusing on light, shadows and contrast, black-and white-photos can often feel more commanding and expressive.

Thank You for Participating! (Session Closed)

Browse through the photos we received for the November/December black-and-white 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.

Inspired? Check out these tips on how to shoot in black and white from Adobe.

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

When you look around your house, does it feel like you have too much stuff and no place to put it all? It’s hard to restore order in your kingdom once you feel like you’ve lost it, but if you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and tackle the chaos, there are plenty of home organization techniques and resources available to help.

While organization experts don’t all approach their work with the same methodology, they do agree that eliminating clutter leads to reduced stress and increased productivity. It can also save you money, because when you know where things are, you know your personal inventory and won’t buy more of what you don’t need.

Choose Joy

If you’ve worked with one of her certified consultants, tuned into her Youtube channel or watched her Netflix series, you already know that Japanese organizing consultant Marie Kondo, author of the best-selling “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up,” wants you to live your best life.

Kondo has even transformed the tedious chore of folding laundry into a meditative activity. And she urges that, as part of the purging ritual, you hold each belonging as you ask yourself whether it brings you joy. If the answer is no, then it’s time to say thank you and goodbye.

Her KonMari method for organizing and storing focuses on category rather than location. You start with one category at a time such as clothes or books. Gather every book from every room in the home and make one big pile so you can get honest about the true quantity.

Other home organization tips from Kondo include putting loose change into your wallet so it can be spent rather than in a drawer where it will be forgotten, selecting clear storage containers so no labels are needed and remembering that storing before sorting results in hoarding. Pretty bins and baskets disguise clutter without addressing the problem.

Less Is More

“Decluttering/purging is the process of editing your inventory piece by piece, deciding what is important to you and discarding the rest,” says Wendy Silberstein, founder of The Aesthetic Organizer in New York. According to Silberstein, home organization is most effective when working with your fully pared down inventory. Then, it’s a matter of categorizing and classifying inventory in a system that works for you.

When editing with her clients, Silberstein takes a more direct approach than Kondo to get it done. “We don’t spend as much time analyzing if an item ‘sparks joy.’ We ask whether it has been productive or useful in the last 12 months,” she explains.

There are three home organization tips that Silberstein has found to be especially effective. The One in One Out Rule, she says, is a very simple tip to grasp and it’s effective when respected. For each new item you bring into your home – a new pair of shoes, a new pair of jeans or a new toy for your child – one item must get donated or recycled.

Another tip she suggests is to embrace drawer organizers. Use them in your kitchen for cooking tools and cutlery, in your bathroom for makeup, your desk for supplies and even the junk drawer.  “Wherever you have a drawer with multiple items, separate them with drawer organizers,” she says. “Be sure to measure twice before purchasing.”

Her third tip is clear canisters. But, unlike Kondo, Silberstein says, “Label, label, label! Remove groceries such as cereals, snacks, grains and pasta from unsightly and bulky packaging and place in clear pop-top canisters for all family members to see. And label them!” she emphasizes.

Vertical Solutions

Home organization can be especially challenging for those living with children in apartments. San Francisco-based interior designer Lisa Rybak, founder of Complete Wonder Home Design, is also a home organization expert whose designs create order out of chaos.

Furniture with the right storage solutions – especially units that take advantage of unused vertical wall space – can help an apartment with toys everywhere become a tidy home.

“We bought a lot of new pieces with storage,” says Rybak of a client with that very living situation. “When everything has a place, it can be neatly put away. The child actually had more space in the new furniture unit than she did when she was taking over the apartment. It was an amazing transformation.” Now her clients have a place to eat dinner, open walkways throughout the apartment and the balcony can be enjoyed because it isn’t being used for storage.

The decision to move can also contribute to improved home organization, according to Rybak.  “With an organized pack, a more conscious effort is put forward to grouping like items before you move.”

Which of these home organizing tips is your favorite? Do you use any of the methods mentioned here? Tell us in the comments.

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