I had been looking forward to visiting Kyoto during my entire tour of Japan.

The former imperial capital of Japan is now considered the country’s cultural capital. Throughout the years, Kyoto has tried to preserve its incredible historical heritage while, at the same time, growing into a modern and vibrant city. I was ready to explore that contrast – the balance between the modern and the historical – as soon as I stepped off the train.

Kyoto is bright, clean and inviting, like almost every location in Japan. It looks very much like Tokyo, even if the buildings don’t reach quite as high into the sky. Our tour manager told us that just under the surface ancient tradition could be found, and so I set out to find it.

Nijo Castle

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

After Nijo Castle, we left the city for a temple. Growing up in New England, I thought I knew the beauty of autumn since I had seen so many crisp, colorful falls. Standing on the wooden deck of the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, looking out over Kyoto, I realized how wrong I was. I felt like I had never seen reds, yellows and oranges this vibrant in all my life.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple sits atop a hill, and from its balconies you can see over the colorful sea of treetops and take in all of Kyoto at once. It’s an awe-inspiring sight, magnified by the shimmering colors of the changing leaves.

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

We left Kiyomizu for the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. There, I found something vibrant enough to rival the fiery oranges of the autumn leaves: the crimson-colored torii gates that line the path through the forest to the inner temple. Stone fox statues crouched everywhere around the shrine. We found out later that foxes were thought to be messengers for the gods.

Walking through the mountain paths, under the torii gates, I discovered a smaller shrine. This was a sub-shrine, I found out later, and there were three more scattered across the mountain. Some were so far away that the hike there would have taken two hours, and the sun was already dipping down behind the trees. I decided heading to the base of the mountain was the smartest course of action.

Hiroshima

The next morning, I took a train to Hiroshima and explored the Peace Memorial Museum before returning to Kyoto. After the modern ride in a bullet train to Hiroshima and back, coming back to Kyoto felt like traveling in time. The city is so quiet, filled with shrines and temples and gardens, that you can’t help but let the tranquility wash over you. It’s easy to find a bench and watch the falling Japanese maple leaves swirl in the wind.

Noodles and dumplings in Kyoto

I had the evening free, so I decided to just walk the streets of Kyoto and simply follow wherever my feet took me. I thought I was following my feet, but I ended up following my nose, instead. The savory scent of ramen led me into a small noddle shop, where I sat and ate delicious pork and noodles in broth, along with some tasty dumplings. It was a crisp, cool evening, and the steaming ramen warmed me up.

The Gion District and geisha

The Gion District was magical, watching traditionally dressed geisha meander down the cobblestone streets under paper lanterns. Every narrow alleyway seemed to hold a secret teahouse, and every park seemed to hold an ancient shrine. There was a weight of history, tradition and culture everywhere.

The geisha that walked the streets, however, weren’t geisha at all. Some were maiko, geisha-in-training who are learning the craft of being one of the elite entertainers. Some are simply women in costumes, posing with tourists. Kyoto has the highest concentration of geisha in Japan, but there are less than 100 in the whole city, and they almost never walk the streets. Instead, they play instruments and sing in quiet, personal ceremonies.

The Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival

As night fell, I heard drumming and shouting. The 300-year-old Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival had begun, with torch-bearing men marching down the street, singing and chanting to the beat of drums. As it got darker, I saw the lantern floats: huge wooden structures lit with hundreds of paper lamps that slowly sailed down the streets as the drums thundered on. The floats spun as dancers jumped wildly atop them. I watched in awe as the party – one of Japan’s largest lantern festivals – continued into the night.

Japan Through the Seasons

Each season in Japan has a special flair all its own. In fall, the vivid landscape and cooler temperatures beckon. You can watch the snow fall gently outside while taking part in a tea ceremony in the winter, or walk through the parks in spring as cherry blossoms swirl and blanket the ground in a pink-hued carpet. In the summer, you can catch the world-famous parade of the Gion Matsuri Festival as people pack the sunny streets.

There’s always something to do in the Land of the Rising Sun. I was already mentally planning for my next trip to Japan, and I hadn’t even left yet.

Start planning your Japan vacation with AAA Travel. 

This story was originally published in 2017 and has been updated.

Mother’s Day doesn’t have to be about breakfast in bed and lounging around the house. What better way to spend time with the mom on your list than with a road trip? Well, OK, breakfast in bed and then a road trip. This collection of local sites and attractions will help you plan the perfect Mother’s Day trip.

Before you go anywhere with Mom, remember to save with AAA Tickets. You can get savings of up to 40% at concerts, theme parks, virtual events, museums, attractions and more!

Note: Due to the ever-changing nature of the COVID-19 crisis, please see official websites before visiting to check for restrictions or closures.

Kids

Kids and moms alike will love local zoos and aquariums like Roger Williams Park Zoo (Providence, R.I.), Mystic Aquarium (Mystic, Conn.), the Bronx Zoo, Franklin Park Zoo (Boston, Mass.) and Beardsley Zoo (Bridgeport, Conn.). The kids will love seeing how the animals are celebrating Mother’s Day with their mamas, from the possums with babies on their backs to little elephants clinging onto their moms’ tails.

Check out our list of New England Zoos and Aquariums.

If the zoo isn’t for you, head to a children’s museum instead. One of the best children’s museums in the Northeast is The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, the only collections-based museum in the world devoted solely to the study of play. It’s also the second-largest children’s museum in the country.

Kids might also enjoy the Museum of Firefighting in Hudson, New York. You may need them to rescue you from a burning building one day, and they need all the training they can get. Also, kids like firetrucks.

If that macaroni card isn’t cutting it for you, put the kids to work in the Herkimer Diamond Mines instead in Herkimer, N.Y. Herkimer diamonds are actually double-terminated quartz crystals, some of which are millions of years old. Visitors can explore the mines and find crystals. Make sure to bring safety goggles and chisels of your own, though!

Teens   

Peel your teen off the couch this Mother’s Day for their own road trip with mom. Not even teenagers are too cool for the Northeast’s many natural wonders.

At Niagara Falls, you can take the Cave of the Winds Tour and get up close and personal with nature on the Maid of the Mist boat tour. Or go to the top of Mount Washington in New Hampshire. It’s the highest peak in the Northeast, with breathtaking panoramic views. Take the 30-40-minute drive up to the summit via the Mount Washington Auto Road, or hop on the Cog. Just be sure to bring a winter jacket – it’s cold up there (and often snowing)!

Adventurous teens will also like Sky High Adventure Park in Ellicottville, N.Y., which features an aerial park, a climbing forest and a mountain coaster. Afterward, you can all go to Sky High Adventure Park’s Oasis Spa to unwind. A little something for them, and a little something for you – everybody wins. Teens might also enjoy the Newport Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile scenic path that follows the Newport, R.I., shoreline. While most of the trail is easily walkable, there are a few sections that will test your limits (and your fear of heights).

Some teenagers prefer the strange and unusual to the adventurous – and they deserve a road trip with Mom too! Goth and quirky teens will love places like the Batsto Village Ghost Town in New Jersey, an abandoned company town in the middle of the Wharton State Forest pine barrens. Batsto is spooky, but it’s also incredibly preserved, and makes for a fascinating history tour.

Another quirky Northeast landmark is the Museum of Everyday Life, a “self-service museum” in a dilapidated white barn on the side of the road in Glover, Vt. The museum is really an ongoing art piece celebrating the mundanities of everyday life, complete with interactive exhibits on things like dust, pencils, matches, safety pins and toothbrushes.

Grown-ups

You might be a mother looking for something to do with your grown children, or an adult child looking for something to do with your mother. Either way, these destinations make for a great road trip. One easy way to celebrate Mother’s Day is by going to a local city, like New York or Boston. Even smaller cities like Portland, Maine, will have fun Mother’s Day things to do.

Rather than heading to the city, you might want to go to a charming small town together. Mystic, Conn., is a picturesque seaside town complete with museums, B&Bs, restaurants and lots of adorable boutiques and shops. Down in Pennsylvania is Lancaster County, the home of Amish Country. You’ll be able to tour wineries, breweries and charming covered bridges. You can learn about the Amish way of life and even purchase one of their hand crafted or hand grown goods.

If you like to shop ‘til you drop, check out one of the many outlet centers we have in the Northeast! You can get your fix at Tanger Outlets, VF Factory Outlets and Manchester Designer Outlets for starters. If you’re headed to Tanger Outlets, don’t forget that AAA members receive a free coupon book at Tanger.

Another great way to spend Mother’s Day is out east in Long Island’s wine country. Check out the Long Island Wine Trail for a selection of wineries and vineyards to visit. You could also go from one vineyard to another by bike on tours like East End Bike Tours and Pour & Pedal.

There’s no gift better than a shared experience. Make this a road trip with mom that you’ll never forget.

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

What are you doing for your road trip with mom (or with kids)? Let us know in the comments below!

If you’re a seasoned internet surfer, chances are you have more online passwords than you can keep track of. We create accounts for business, social media, email, online banking, shopping, gaming, streaming music and so on, each requiring a password.

Are your passwords strong enough to guard from hackers?

Now more than ever, people are relying on online shopping and services to get the things they need. Don’t put your identity at risk. Keep your info secure with these password tips.

Rookie Mistakes

Reusing Passwords

Keeping track of every password can be difficult but avoid the temptation to assign the same password to multiple accounts. If a hacker discovers your password for one account, your other accounts become vulnerable to breaches as well. It’s best to use different passwords for every account that you create to keep a leg up against those seeking to steal information.

Simple Passwords

While simple passwords may not require a lot of brain power to create and remember, avoid common combinations like “123456,” “qwerty” and the often joked about “password.” These are easy for hackers to guess and aren’t strong enough to securely protect your information. Also avoid using personal information. Birthdays, names of family members and nicknames are usually easy to find on websites like Facebook and Twitter. Avoiding patterns and creating more complicated passwords will help keep hackers at bay. The more complex, the better.

Saving Passwords to Computer Browsers

After logging into an account your browser may show you a pop up window asking if you would like the browser to remember your username and password every time you visit the site. While convenient, this feature also makes your information vulnerable. Anyone with remote or in-person access to your device can visit a website and access your information.

Building a Better Password

A strong, well-crafted password is the first line of defense against cybercriminals. Cybersecurity company McAfee recommends using at least eight characters in your passwords, with a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. The more characters there are, the harder it is for hackers to guess.

Here’s a good password tip: Consider playing around with different character options to create short phrases. For example, a phrase like “I love my car” can be changed into a secure password with a few changes like “i<3mYCaR!” Play around with different letters and try some nonsensical sentences for your next password. You can also use password generators like LastPass for secure randomly generated passwords or to rate the strength of your own passwords.

Keeping Your Smartphone Secure

Setting passcodes and PIN numbers for your smartphone is just as important as creating strong passwords for online accounts. With a weak passcode, your contacts, apps, financial information and more are at risk of being stolen if you lose your phone.

Choose a passcode that is difficult to guess. Avoid using common sequences like “123456” or “246810” and repetitive numbers like “111111.” Never use birthdays or digits of your phone number. More recent devices offer fingerprint identification from the lock screen, and some even utilize facial recognition.

Be sure to download software and app updates often to avoid data breaches. It’s a password tip that often goes overlooked but putting off updates can lead to system vulnerabilities, inviting hackers in. Turning on the automatic updates setting on your smartphone ensures that software will be updated as soon as a new version is released. And never download apps from third party app stores, and stick to stores like Google Play and Apple’s App Store to avoid data breaches and malware downloads.

For additional security, use two-factor authentication whenever you can. After entering a password, you’ll receive a code via text to enter for access to your account. Although the extra step may seem tedious, it will make all the difference in protecting your information.

Using a Password Manager

If you’re worried about remembering all of your passwords, try a password manager. With this tool, you can collect and store every password and sort them according to their respective accounts.

As mentioned earlier, password managers can also generate secure passwords for you at random to ensure your information isn’t hacked. These systems also keep track of three-digit CVV codes, PIN numbers, answers to security questions, credit card numbers and more. They are completely secure, utilizing password encryption and multi-factor login on every visit to keep your information safe.

Here are some of the most popular password managers, all with free trials available.

1Password

As with all password managers, you only need to memorize one password to access all of your other information, hence the system’s well-fitting name. Passwords are stored in password vaults for optimal security from hackers and cyber thieves. Vaults are unlocked with a special encryption key that lives on your personal device. No one without access to your device can unlock your information and no data can be decrypted without the encryption key.

LastPass

With LastPass, you can a login to any website requiring a password with the system’s autofill function. It can automatically save your account credentials for any recently created account. LastPass also has the ability to autofill online forms to make your experience more efficient. With fingerprint identification and facial recognition, you can count on this system’s security.

Keeper

Like 1Password, Keeper stores your passwords in an encrypted vault to protect them from cybercriminals. The system allows you to log into websites and mobile apps with facial recognition and fingerprint authentication as well. The KeeperFill function acts as a password generator, producing strong passwords for you to use in new account creation and autofilling them each time you visit the website. The system also allows you to register an emergency contact to activate your information in case of an emergency.

Did you find these password tips helpful? Let us know in the comments. 

Keep your personal information safe with ProtectMyID identity theft protection from AAA and Experian. ProtectMyID Essential is FREE for AAA members. Learn more. 

On Thursday, April 29, Disney unveiled the first look at the Disney Wish. Setting sail from Port Canaveral, Fla., in summer 2022, the Disney Wish promises a wide variety of adventures and delights for the whole family.

From Captain Minnie at the helm to a golden Cinderella statue in the Grand Hall, the whole ship is packed with Disney magic. On the upper deck, you can experience the first ever Disney attraction at sea – the AquaMouse. With show scenes, lighting and special effects, you and your family can enter the Mickey Mouse cartoon “Scuba Scramble.” This water attraction spans 760 feet around the upper deck, and is sure to be a family favorite.

That’s not the only thing the kids will love, though. The Disney Wish features a reimagined Disney’s Oceaneer Club, with a secret slide for kids to enter from the Grand Hall. In the Oceaneer Club, kids can discover their powers at the Marvel Super Hero Academy, flex their creative muscles at Fairytale Hall and become inventors at the Walt Disney Imagineering Lab.

The Disney Wish also features brand new experiences for grown-ups, like the immersive Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge, where you can order drinks while gazing at views from a galaxy far, far away. Grown-ups will also love the trio of Beauty and the Beast themed dining experiences: the Rose lounge, the Cogsworth-themed Palo Steakhouse, and the Lumiere-themed Enchante.

Kids get hungry too, though, and there are plenty of experiences for a family to choose from. The Disney Wish offers three new family restaurants. 1923 is a restaurant inspired by old Hollywood, featuring California-inspired foods and decorated with animation pencil sketches. At Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure, you can dine on a menu infused with Nordic influences while being serenaded by Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and even Olaf. At Worlds of Marvel, you and your family will experience an immersive, cinematic dining adventure inspired by the Marvel universe.

We’ve only gotten a sneak peek at all the new experiences waiting aboard the Disney Wish, but it’s already enough to be excited about. Want to make sure you can sail with Captain Minnie in 2022? Bookings open on May 27, 2021.

Contact a AAA travel advisor to learn more!

What would your dream cruise be like? Let us know in the comments below!

Since its founding in 2001, the Transportation Security Administration has become known for its agents finding bizarre items during the screening process. To better inform the public, the TSA created an Instagram account in 2013, which recently reached 1 million followers. The page features personal accounts of unusual experiences and hilarious pictures. Many of these wild stories and photos have surfaced on the internet in recent years.

For your enjoyment, we compiled a list of the 10 craziest TSA stories.

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Flamingo Fiasco

Those who plan to travel with an inflatable item can learn a lesson or two from this story. The TSA agents at the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport had to screen the large pink object with a great deal of care. According to TSA, this particular flamingo was not traveling. It was on its way to work at a display in one of the concourses.

Snakes on a Plane 

It doesn’t just happen in the movies. The TSA has HAD IT with people trying to smuggle exotic pets on planes. In 2011, a Brazil-bound man was apprehended at Miami International Airport with some unusual baggage. The passenger attempted to go through security with seven exotic snakes and three tortoises held in nylon bags that were concealed under his pants. Thanks to the latest technology, the TSA agents caught the man who was later arrested and charged with violating the Lacey Act, which deals with imports of exotic animals.

“While snakes and tortoises may not pose a threat to aviation, non-metallic weapons and explosives concealed beneath clothing remain a concern for security personnel and this discovery demonstrates again the effectiveness of advanced imaging technology,” said TSA spokesman Jon Allen.

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Chinese Birds

Animals have a history of passing through airports in extremely strange ways. During a routine screening at the Los Angeles International Airport in 2011, a TSA agent discovered a woman had taped two birds wrapped in socks to her leg and chest. She was apparently attempting to take them to China. Instead, the woman was arrested by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on suspicion of smuggling endangered animals out of the country. Thankfully, the birds made it out alive.

“It was just one of those weird things that happens at our checkpoints,” a TSA spokesperson said.

No Seahorses Allowed

Bringing a bottle of alcohol through security is a bad idea – it will quickly be confiscated. Passengers routinely attempt this, but TSA agents at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport were surprised to find five endangered seahorses in an oversized brandy bottle back in 2012. They were spotted in a traveler’s carry-on bag. The passenger was later arrested and the seahorses (which, sadly, did not make it) were handed over to Michigan wildlife officials.

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Enchilada Mishap

A great way to ruin a delicious batch of enchiladas is by hiding a large knife in it, especially while traveling through airport security. In 2014, a passenger flying out of Sonoma County Airport left TSA in disbelief after officials found an 8-inch long knife inside an enchilada in her carry-on bag. The woman, who was on her way to catch an Alaska Airlines flight, admitted she forgot about the knife.

She was cleared after officials learned she just wanted to eat her meal on the plane. “There’s no word on if the enchilada made the trip,” said a TSA spokesperson.

Chainsaw-Free Zone 

Most air travelers know that knives, guns and other weapons are strictly prohibited. A traveler in 2014 tried to test the rules by bringing a chainsaw through the checkpoint at the Albany International Airport. The chainsaw was ultimately surrendered from the passenger’s carry-on. TSA posted a photo online with a caption stating chainsaws must be packed as a checked item as long as there’s no trace of fuel or fumes.

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Catch of the Day 

TSA officials were in for quite a surprise when they stopped an unexpected passenger traveling through Logan International Airport in Boston. A 20-pound live lobster tucked inside a checked bag caught agents’ attention during the screening process. According to TSA’s online security screening guide, “A live lobster is allowed through security and must be transported in a clear, plastic, spill-proof container.”

Dying to Get on a Flight 

TSA agents at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia had caused quite the scare when Nubbins, a movie prop corpse from “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2,” went through the line. Luckily for Nubbins, the realistic-looking corpse didn’t have to take off his shoes during screening. Hopefully no one was stuck sitting next to him on the flight.

When Ducks Fly

Service animals have long been a topic of discussion among the flying public. After the TSA shared a photo of a mallard going through security at Charleston International Airport in South Carolina, the debate of allowing animals on board resurfaced online. According to the TSA, the duck was a passenger’s service animal, flying with its owner aboard a recent flight.

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Cut. It. Out.

A giant pair of ceremonial ribbon-cutting scissors was found at the Nashville International Airport in Tennessee. Unfortunately for the passenger, the scissors were not allowed on the flight. According to TSA guidelines, “If packed in carry-on, they must be less than 4 inches from the pivot point. Any sharp objects in checked bags should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.”

Have you ever seen anything unusual at the TSA checkpoint? Were you ever stopped for trying to bring something out of the ordinary onto a plane? Tell us your craziest TSA stories in the comments below. 

Book your next trip with AAA Travel. 

When the weather gets warmer, meals tend to get lighter. As we head into summer, our preferences begin to shift to healthier, refreshing and more energizing foods. And with a bounty of fruit and vegetables at their peak, it’s hard not to be inspired by the season’s fresh and colorful ingredients.

Whether you are calorie- or carb-conscious, want to be more sensible about sodium, are trying to cut down on saturated fat or are just looking to get into healthier eating habits, Home Chef meal kits make it easier to reach your goals. Each week you can choose from 30 delicious, dietician-approved recipes, featuring steak, chicken, pork, fish, vegetarian options and more, delivered straight to your home.

Home Chef’s menu plans help you to ease into balanced eating habits with approachable, good-for-you meals like these, making the most of the foods you love and what’s seasonally available.

Oven-Ready Chicken Teriyaki 

Looking for a healthy hot meal that’s ready in no time? Home Chef’s Oven-Ready kits arrive with pre-chopped ingredients and cook in an included oven-safe tin. The chicken teriyaki dish pictured above is just one of the meals you can expect to choose from that’s low-carb, low-fat and low-calorie but high on flavor.

Sofrito Steak Tacos

Topped with pickled vegetables and lime crema, these carb-conscious tacos are the perfect patio meal for a summer night. The sofrito base is a great way to enhance the steak and incorporate vine-fresh, end-of-season tomatoes. Also available with Impossible plant-based substitute.

Healthy Entrée Salad 

Home cooks that are on the move can drive right past the drive-through and straight home to their Home Chef delivery. No-prep, no-mess entrée salads like this spinach option come with fresh greens and pre-portioned ingredients. Top it with your choice of steak, chicken, shrimp or Impossible Burger.

Chicken Breast With Garlic Demi-Glace and Parmesan Asparagus

May and June are when asparagus truly shines – and a sprinkle of shredded parmesan doesn’t hurt it either. While it sounds like it could be on a restaurant menu, you can whip up this 504-calorie chicken dish in just 15 minutes.

Cajun Scallop Risotto

Bring the spirit of New Orleans into your kitchen with this jambalaya-inspired meal. Green peppers, onions, Cajun seasonings and cheddar cheese take it to the next level.

What’s your favorite light summer meal? Tell us in the comments.

Learn more about how AAA members can save on Home Chef. Get cooking. 

Traveling abroad brings an abundance of excitement and an equal amount of preparation. We all know what sits at the top of the to-do list: book flight, reserve accommodations, pack bags, etc.

But one aspect that can easily be overlooked is how you’ll get around your destination once you are there. Renting a car overseas may prove to be the easiest and most convenient form of transportation. However, the process isn’t quite as straightforward as it is in the United States. There are a number of preparations you should take well before leaving the country.

Do Your Homework

If you’re planning on renting a car abroad, spend plenty of time researching the rates and services of different rental dealerships. This will allow you to get the best price and the proper car for your trip. Always book your car in advance of your trip. Cars are almost always more expensive when you book at the counter. Plus, you’ll avoid possible last-minute problems that can arise with exchange rates, language barriers, unfamiliar rental requirements and many other components of the car renting process.

When it comes to price, local companies may offer less expensive options, but choosing a company you’re familiar with might be easier. Hertz  has more than 1,300 international airport locations in more than 150 countries and regions around the world. In addition, all Hertz international locations offer English-speaking personnel to assist customers.

Check Your License

While some countries will recognize a U.S. Driver’s License, many do not. It is best to make sure beforehand. The U.S. Department of State recommends checking with your country’s local embassy. If you are unable to drive legally with a U.S. license, you will need to obtain an international driving permit. An IDP is a valid form of identification that translates your information into 10 languages. It remains valid for one year.

If a country requires an IDP and you don’t own one, you will not be able to rent a car abroad. Fortunately, these permits are easy to get. AAA is one of only two private entities in the U.S. authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue an IDP. Simply fill out an application at your local AAA branch office, bring a valid U.S. driver’s license and two original passport photos, and pay a $20 permit fee.

This process can also be done by mail. However, make sure to start the process early to give yourself enough time. You must receive the permit prior to leaving. An IDP can only be issued by your home country.

Learn the Rules of the Roads

Driving on the left side of the road is just one of the many possible changes you’ll have to get used to when driving in a new country. Make sure to brush up on the local driving laws long before you get behind the wheel of your car rental. (Hint: You can’t turn right on red in many foreign countries.)

When renting a car abroad, you will want to ensure your vehicle is equipped with a GPS unit that can be set to English (unless you’re fluent in the country’s native language). Don’t rely on your cellphone to guide you around town. Cellular charges can get very expensive overseas and service in remote parts of the world are unreliable.

At participating locations in Europe, the Hertz Connect device can provide you with navigation services, complimentary Wi-Fi, unlimited data, internet access, unlimited 4G hotspot across Europe, 30 minutes/day of international calling, use it inside and outside the car, and it works on up to 5 devices. The device is free to Gold Plus Rewards members whose rental spend is $250 USD or more.

You will also want to learn about any areas or roads that should be avoided, and any hazardous or dangerous road conditions. This information can be found on the U.S. Department of State’s website.

Budget for Extra Costs

When renting a car abroad, be prepared to build into your budget some room for extra costs. Check your auto insurance policy to see if you are covered while driving overseas. If you are covered, make sure that your coverage meets the country’s minimum requirements. If you are not covered, be prepared to purchase insurance from the rental company.

Remember that most European cars are manual. Cars with automatic transmission may be more expensive as foreign rental car dealerships generally have fewer in stock. (This is also another reason to reserve your car as early as possible.) Even if you have driven a manual before, keep in mind that depending on where you’re traveling, the driver seat may be on the right side of the car, in which case you’ll be shifting with your left hand. Make sure you’re comfortable with this before reserving a car.

And don’t forget about gas. Gas is often significantly more expensive in foreign countries. Research these prices beforehand so you can set an appropriate budget.

Rent a car. 

Practicing mindfulness in today’s hectic world can be challenging, but the emotional, mental and physical benefits of meditation are worth the effort for many. Discover apps that help meditators of all levels achieve peace of mind and deal with issues concerning sleep, relationships and fitness.

Many of these apps have a free initial download; however, users will have to pay to unlock special features and programs.

Apps for Overall Zen

Headspace 

Great for beginners, this app is structured, friendly and easy, offering classes for stress, sleep and pain management. It features meditations of different lengths along with exercises for anxiety, better rest and personal growth. There are meditations catered to children of different ages, as well as SOS sessions to help restore calm for those who experience panic and anxiety.

Calm 

Calm is a good choice for more experienced meditators. The app offers a plethora of ambient music, instructional videos and individual exercises. Sessions offer something for everyone, ranging from focus and concentration to breaking habits, forgiveness and self-esteem. Calm’s Sleep Stories provides over 100 guided imagery bedtime stories, some read by celebrities like Matthew McConaughey and Bob Ross. AAA members can save $40 on a one-year subscription.

Breethe

Breethe help users gain quality sleep with special music, breathing exercises, nature soundscapes, readings and hypnotherapy. Meditations range in subject matter, length and desired outcome. Beginners can start with a 12-week program that teaches the ins and outs of meditation as they progress. The gentle alarm clock and morning meditations help users make the most of their morning routine. Perhaps the most unique feature is the mindfulness program for kids and teens.

Apps Catered to You

MyLife 

This app asks users to check in with how they’re feeling, recommending certain meditation and mindfulness exercises tailored to their emotional state. Features include guided mediations, journaling, yoga and acupressure videos. The app lets users track their check-ins and map their feelings, stressors and emotions. Recommended for new and experienced meditators.

Buddhify 

The magic of Buddhify is that users don’t have to schedule their meditation; they do it when it’s convenient for them, whether they’re taking a break at work, walking, eating or traveling. With meditations ranging from 3-40 minutes, there’s something for every availability and meditation level, ranging from beginner to advanced.

Omvana 

Omvana is a meditation app with guided meditations led by experts. It allows users to link with the HealthKit program to help identify stress levels and recommends certain meditations based on your mood. Users can also choose their own background music to further customize the experience.

Apps From Experts and Those Who Have Been There

10% Happier

This app is based on the book by the same name by news anchor Dan Harris, who famously had a panic attack on the air. Harris narrates the app, taking listeners on a guide through his learnings on meditation, which helped him manage his emotions. Self-described as “designed for skeptics,” the app uses videos and guided meditations to make meditation easy and accessible. There’s information on relating mindfulness to everyday activities and interactions, such as relationships and work, as well as exercises of different lengths to help fit meditation into a busy day.

Meditation Studio

Gain access to 500+ guided meditations led by 50 knowledgeable instructors ranging from monks to life coaches with this app. Meditations cover a variety of topics, including sleep and stress, and are customized for both new and experienced meditators. What’s cool about this app is that it features meditations catered toward different social groups, including kids, moms, entrepreneurs and even veterans.

Insight Timer 

This free meditation app provides users access to guided meditations, advice from experts and discussion groups to expand their meditation communities. Users can practice different types of meditation, including Zen and Buddhist mindfulness, and join groups with other members centered on topics like atheism, Christianity and even poetry. If desired, Insight Timer will also provide a gentle reminder when it’s time for your daily meditation.

Apps for Fitness Buffs

Glo 

Glo focuses on yoga, Pilates and meditation exercises, having users adopt exercised-based mindfulness. Classes follow a program where users start with the basics of a topic, for example, emotional health or strength, and work their way toward more advanced classes as they grow. With professional instructors, it’s all the benefits of a yoga or Pilates studio from the comfort of home.

MINDBODY

MINDBODY blends mindfulness and fitness into one. Users can search fitness classes like Pilates, yoga, barre and cycling, as well as wellness services, including meditation, massage, acupuncture and nutrition. The idea is to heal the entire body through customizable fitness class searches and services.

Get more meditation tips.

What are your favorite meditation and mindfulness apps? Tell us in the comments!

They say the neon lights are bright on Broadway – and a Broadway show is the perfect compliment to any trip to the Big Apple. With Broadway set to return this September, it’s time to brush up on the ins and outs of the Great White Way. These New York City theater tips can help you find affordable tickets, discern the best seats in the house and figure out theater etiquette.

Where to Get Affordable Tickets

“God, I hope I get it! I hope I get it!” – A Chorus Line

Other than distance, the main barrier to entry on Broadway is cost. Sure, ticket scalping inflates the prices drastically – but even buying tickets straight from the theater itself can stress your wallet. Here’s some theater tips on how you can get more affordable tickets to Broadway shows.

TDF

TDF, or the Theatre Development Fund, operates a few “TKTS” booths throughout the city. At these booths you can purchase same-day discounted tickets for Broadway and off-Broadway shows. You can spot the TKTS booth in Times Square by the iconic red steps that serve as its roof.

You won’t be able to find mega-blockbusters like Hamilton or The Book of Mormon at a TKTS booth (since shows like these don’t have any extra tickets laying around). I’ve used TKTS for most of my theater-going life, and their generous discounts have enabled me to see many of my favorite Broadway shows. If you’re not in the mood for a musical, make sure to take advantage of the Times Square TKTS’s much shorter “express” line for plays.

You can also save on theater tickets with AAA Discounts. 

+TodayTix

Don’t want to wait on line? You don’t have to! You can snag tickets at deep discounts on TodayTix. This handy app lets you purchase tickets for Broadway and off-Broadway shows on your phone. On the day of your show, a TodayTix employee will meet you in front of the theater and give you your tickets. TodayTix can be a little bit of a gamble, since they choose the seats for you – although they try to get you the best seats possible.

There are other ways to get discounted tickets, too, like Broadway Roulette and show-specific lotteries. If you are a student, many Broadway shows offer discounted student rush tickets for people with a college or high school ID.

Which Seats Are Best?

“Join us, sit where everybody can see!” – Pippin

Most Broadway theaters have a proscenium set-up, like the layout of your high school auditorium. The stage is on one side and the audience is on another. The Circle in the Square Theater’s layout changes, but it’s usually thrust (the stage sticks out into the audience) or in the round (the audience circles the stage).

Many people think that the closer you are to the stage, the better. In a traditional proscenium theater, that’s not really true. Front-row seats are not bad, but you’ll have to crane your neck to see the whole stage (and the actors might spit on you by accident). You’re really too close to see and appreciate all of the action.

The actual best seats are about 8 or 10 rows back from the stage, in the center orchestra. You’re still super close to the stage, but you have enough perspective to appreciate what’s going on. It’s almost obscene how good these seats are.

Another fantastic option is the front row of the mezzanine. Sure, you’re lofted up above the orchestra, but you also have a panoramic (and completely unobstructed) view of the stage.

Box seats will not give you a good view – sorry! You’ll essentially only be able to see half of the stage. Usually, they are only available for purchase in-person at the box office. Back rows of the orchestra can also be rough, since the overhanging mezzanine cuts off the top half of the stage. Usually there’s not a lot of action going on in that space, but it still makes the show feel very claustrophobic.

Theater Etiquette

“First, some dos and don’ts. Mostly don’ts.” – The Frogs

In live theater, suspension of disbelief is very delicate. That’s why many theater etiquette rules revolve around minimizing distractions (to both the audience and the actors). Here are some theater tips that can help everyone in the audience have a good theater-going experience.

Turn it off. Leaving your cell phone on vibrate isn’t good enough, since the buzzing still makes noise. Either keep your cell phone on silent without vibrate or turn your phone off completely. Do not text during the show – the light disturbs the people around you.

Mr. Cellophane. If you have any candies or snacks, make sure to unwrap them before the show starts (or at least refrain from unwrapping them during a serious, silent moment).

Unexpected song. Do not sing along with the show – or even hum. It can be hard, but it’s the right thing to do.

I feel pretty. You don’t have to be in your Sunday finest to go to a Broadway show – but you shouldn’t look like you’re at home eating bonbons either. Dress in clean, comfortable clothes. Jeans and a nice shirt should be just fine (though you can certainly dress up more if you’d like to).

Happy talk. Feel free to chat away with your seatmates before the show, but when the overture starts you should quiet down. Save any of your thoughts and feelings for intermission or after the final curtain.

Save on tickets to your next show.

What connotations come to mind with the words “car keys?” Bad thoughts, like frantically ransacking your house, bags and pockets in search of them? Good thoughts, like being handed them for the first time at a dealership or flicking your wrist and hearing the engine come alive?

Either way, these experiences are likely to soon be stowed-away memories of a different time: The truth is, the history of car keys as we know them is quickly coming to a close.

Just about every other aspect of automotive technology has drastically evolved over the past century, and the keys we use to open and start our cars are no different. But car key history is unique in that instead of simply improving the feature, current technology has rendered traditional car keys obsolete, sending them the way of the dodo, car ashtrays and crank windows.

That renders the age-old question: How did we get here? Let’s take a look back.

The History of Car Keys Begins

Car key history can be traced back to 1910, but these early versions didn’t start the engine or ignition. Instead, the first car keys controlled the ignition’s electrical circuit. Using the key, car owners could switch off the flow of electrical current, making it impossible to start the vehicle. Once the switch was on, the ignition could be activated, although drivers still had to then crank up the engine.

Soon after, keys that could lock and unlock both the electrical circuit and the ignition became more common.

Because it was still impossible to start the engine without a key, car theft was not a concern, and “locking” a car wasn’t a practice. In fact, most early automobiles were roofless and some were even door-less.

Mid-Century Car Keys

A major milestone in car key history occurred in 1949 when Chrysler unveiled the first car key that could start a vehicle’s engine all on its own. It was able to do so through the use of an ignition tumbler, or ignition lock cylinder.

In 1965, Ford became the first manufacturer to introduce double-sided keys that could be inserted into the tumbler either way. While seemingly elementary by today’s standards, these types of car keys remained the norm for decades.

This was also around the same the time the dual key, which could both start the car and unlock the doors, took hold. Prior to the 1960s, some vehicles still required two separate car keys.

Car Keys Meet Technology

Car key evolution was mostly dormant for the next quarter century but took some momentous leaps in the 1990s. It was this decade that saw the rise of the now ubiquitous key fob.

Remote keyless entry fobs allowed car owners to lock and unlock vehicle doors from afar by emitting a coded signal through radio waves to a receiver in the car. As technology developed, key fobs gained more functions, such as opening the trunk or sliding doors and starting the engine remotely.

(If you’re curious about the strange name, according to The Atlantic, “fob” may come from the word “fuppe,” which means “pocket” in the low German dialect.)

Car fobs are very expensive to replace. Make sure you’re protected with AAA’s Tire & Wheel Program, which covers lost keys and key fobs up to $5,000.

Car Keys Today

The traditional, mechanical car key is quickly becoming a thing of the past – if it’s not already a relic of automotive history. Almost all of today’s new vehicles have some version of a keyless entry and push-button start system. In fact, according to consumer auto research firm Edmunds, 91% of 2019 model-year vehicles had keyless ignitions. That’s up from 72% in 2014.

We’ve come a long way from having to carry one key for the engine and one key for the doors. But apparently one key is still one too many: Drivers can now store a digital car key on – where else – their phones.

Apple’s Wallet app includes a feature to add your car key. In order to do this, you need to have a compatible car as well as an iPhone or Apple Watch. Once installed, a user simply places their phone or watch next to the car’s door handle to unlock the vehicle. To start the car, they just place the phone or watch in the car’s key reader and press the start button. When an owner wants to share their key, they can simply send an iMessage to that user, which tells them how to add and use the car key.

Tesla owners can use the company’s smartphone app to do many of the same things. The app can track a driver’s smartphone from up to 30 feet away and automatically unlock the doors by the time they reach the car. But the electric automaker isn’t alone. About 31 brand marques, including BMW, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Hyundai and Lincoln offer digital car keys, making the trend’s rise seem more assured and imminent.

What are your thoughts on car keys today? Do you like the idea of a digital key on your phone or would rather have a tangible key you can hold? Let us know in the comments below?

For more automotive history, visit AAA.com.

Raise your hand – or honk your horn – if you are the proud owner of a classic or collector car.

Classic cars are a huge source of pride for their owners. Showing them off in car clubs and shows, shining them up and, of course, taking them out on the road are all part of the fun. And you don’t have to own a classic car to love them. Auto enthusiasts can spend hours admiring the details and craftmanship of these vehicles.

We asked you to submit your best car photos and you delivered. Browse through our virtual car show in the slideshow below, and don’t forget to check our social media channels, where we will be sharing some of our favorites. Some photos may also be featured in an upcoming issue of Your AAA magazine.

3 Simple Tips for Better Car Photos

Classic and collector cars are a thing of beauty and your pictures should accurately reflect that. These simple car photography tips will help you make your car and photos shine.

Try Different Heights and Angles

Eye-level shots are actually the least flattering to cars. Try getting down low and shooting up at the car. You can achieve ground-level shots by placing your camera directly on the ground and using the LCD screen to compose your shot. If you don’t have an LCD screen, try lying flat on your stomach and taking shots that way. Once you have captured ground-level shots, move on to crouching or kneeling shots. From there, try to add some height by using a step ladder. If you want a completely original viewpoint, use a drone to capture the birds-eye view of your car.

While you are changing up your height, you should also vary your angle. I recommend doing a complete 360-degree walk around the car and stopping every foot or so, snapping a few shots of every height and angle.

Bring Out the Details

What makes classic and collector cars shine are all the thoughtful details. They are a work of art. Zoom in on the details of the car. On the outside you can capture the grill, wheels, hood ornaments, curves in the fender and hood, headlights, etc. Make sure to hop inside and capture the interior details as well. The steering wheel, upholstery and dials are the can’t-miss shots. You can get creative by placing something visually interesting in the side or rear-view mirrors.

Show Them in Their Element

The best car photos are those that show the car in its natural environment. Trying staging a shot on an open road. You can do this by finding a less-traveled road and having a spotter look for oncoming cars. Park the car and have someone hop in to pose as the driver.

Let AAA help you to protect your classic car with a specialty insurance policy. 

Check out past AAA Photo Sessions and get more photography tips.

Beth Mancuso is a professional landscape and travel photographer.

From the pilgrims landing in Plymouth to the signing of Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia, the United States’ origin story is centered in the Northeast. The region, therefore, is innately historical and thus naturally filled with locations teeming with historical significance.

But the area’s historical pedigree goes far beyond the political realm. Some of the country’s most brilliant and creative minds, including inventors, artists and authors, lived and worked in the Northeast.

With such a storied past, there may be no better place to travel through if you’re on the lookout for historical sites than the Northeast. Here are just a few of the locations that should be on your list.

Old State House and Old South Meeting House

The entire city of Boston is one big historical site, so formulating a list of notable locations can be a task. But few buildings in the city hold as much historical significance as the Old State House. Throughout the 1770s, this building was home to a merchants’ exchange, the seat of colonial and later state government, and the highest court of the Massachusetts colony.

The Old State House is most famous, however, as being the site of the 1770 Boston Massacre. This event would go on to be known as the first bloodshed of the American Revolution. The building is now a museum and Boston National Historical Park.

Just down the street from the Old State House sits the Old South Meeting House. This historical site, the largest building in colonial Boston, served as a church as well as the most notable meeting place in Revolutionary Boston. It was here where Boston citizens gathered for protests against the British.

Old North Church

Few events in America’s existence hold as much historical significance as Paul Revere’s midnight ride, a journey that culminated in two lanterns being lit in the Old North Church’s steeple. The lanterns were a signal that the British were traveling to Lexington and Concord by sea and not by land.

The Old North Church still stands in the same spot on Salem Street, making it Boston’s oldest surviving church. The building remains an active place of worship but is also open for tours.

Plymouth Rock

In many ways, the history of America began when the pilgrims landed in Massachusetts, making Plymouth Rock one of the most significant historic sites in the Northeast –  and the country. Although there is no evidence that the particular rock was, in fact, the pilgrims’ steppingstone, several Mayflower passengers are said to claimed it so. In some ways, it’s a moot point, as Plymouth Rock serves more as a symbol than a marker.

The rock is part of Pilgrim Memorial State Park, which also includes the Mayflower II museum and attracts more than one million visitors each year.

9/11 Memorial & Museum

The newest, and most somber, location on this list is lower Manhattan’s 9/11 Memorial & Museum. Through artifacts, personal stories, and interactive experiences encompassing 110,000 square feet of space, the museum gives visitors an unparalleled look at the events of both the attacks of 9/11 and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, all at the site where the Twin Towers once stood.

Outside, the memorial remembers the 2,977 people killed on 9/11 and six in the 1993 bombing. All of their names are inscribed in bronze parapets surrounding the twin memorial pools, which feature the largest man-made waterfalls in North America.

The Susan B. Anthony Museum & House

Susan B. Anthony, mother of the country’s modern women’s rights movement, did much of her work in her red brick house in Rochester, N.Y. The home was the site of her famous arrest for voting in 1872, the National American Woman Suffrage Association headquarters, and where Anthony passed away in 1906.

The Susan B. Anthony Museum & House houses artifacts of her life and work, which included the pursuit of suffrage, abolition, and education and labor reform.

Sagamore Hill

No list of the country’s top historical sites is complete without a spot remembering presidents past. Located on the north shore of Long Island, Sagamore Hill was Theodore Roosevelt’s summer house. It’s most notable for being a site where Roosevelt hosted luminaries from around the world while serving as president in the early 1900s. The National Historic Site contains parts of Roosevelt’s extensive art collection, many personal items, as well as letters and other artifacts.

Mark Twain House & Harriet Beecher Stowe Center

The Northeast has more than its fair share of literature-themed historical sites. Sleepy Hollow and Walden Pond come to mind. But in Hartford, Conn., you get two for the price of one. Mark Twain, the famous Missourian, lived in the Connecticut city for several years, during which time he penned classics like “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,” “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” and “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court.” Amazingly, just around the corner lived Harriet Beach Stowe, author of arguably the most famous American novel, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.”

Both Twain’s and Stowe’s houses are now museums dedicated to their respective former owners, filled with galleries, books and artifacts.

Thomas Edison National Historical Park

The home and laboratory of the country’s most famed inventor, Thomas Edison, sits in our own backyard. Now a museum and National Historical Park, the complex is open to visitors. A visit to the site, located West Orange, N.J., just 30 minutes outside New York City, allows guests to stand in the same place where Edison devised inventions that would forever alter our lives.

The museum’s collection is estimated to include more than 300,000 items, making it the third-largest museum collection in the National Park Service. Some of these artifacts include electrical lighting equipment, phonographs, family photos and decorative art.

The Newport Mansions

Take a trip back in time to the extravagant gilded age with a trip to the mansions of Newport, R.I. These homes, built in the late 1800s, served as summer “cottages” to the wealthiest families in the country.

The grandest of them all is The Breakers, first owned by Cornelius Vanderbilt II. In 1893, he hired architect Richard Morris Hunt to design a villa. Hunt commissioned an international team of craftsmen and artisans to create the 70-room Italian Renaissance-style mansion. In 1972, the Preservation Society of Newport County purchased the home from the Vanderbilt heirs. Along with the other mansions, the Breakers now serves as a historical and architectural, allowing guests to see first-hand how well the other half lived a century ago.

Need a ride as you tour the historic sites in the Northeast? AAA members can save up to 20% on Hertz rentals. And up to four additional drivers (who are AAA members) can drive for free, so everyone can take in the scenery.

With so much to offer, planning day trips in New England can be overwhelming. Sometimes it’s best to leave the planning to a professional and take one of the many already-established New England tours. Whether you’re looking to explore by foot, bicycle, boat, bus, road or train, we’ve picked out some of the best tours in New England.

Note: Due to the ever-changing nature of the COVID-19 crisis, please see official websites before visiting to check for restrictions or closures.

New England Tours by Bicycle

Urban Adventours
Boston

Urban Adventours offers professionally guided, all-inclusive tours of Boston and surrounding areas. Newcomers to Beantown should opt for the City View Tour, offering up-close and personal access to the capital city’s highlights, including Boston Common, Copley Square and many of the city’s historic neighborhoods. Baseball fanatics can enjoy the private sports-themed Funway to Fenway tour, while history buffs can ride the path of Paul Revere on the private Ride to Freedom tour. Family-friendly and night tours are also offered.

Cape Cod Rail Trail
Nickerson State Park, Brewster, Mass. (see website for free parking areas) 

Cape Cod has been a popular destination for New England day trips since the late 1800s. Back then, they would board trains to leave the busy city behind, traveling out along the peninsula to the respite offered by small towns, sandy beaches and wooded areas. Today, those railways have been transformed into a 22-mile network of paved bike paths connecting the towns of Dennis and Wellfleet, right in the elbow of the hook. Thanks to the Cape’s near-sea-level altitude, the terrain is mostly flat, making the paths perfect for a leisurely afternoon ride through forests, cranberry bogs and state parks.

Minuteman Commuter Bikeway
Runs through Bedford, Lexington, Arlington and Cambridge, Mass.

Also transformed from a former railway, the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway runs through areas that played host to the first moments of the American Revolution. The path offers an easy commuting option to a T station for locals, while offering visitors a look into the history of the four towns, as well as at the scenic landscapes common to the Boston suburbs.

Bike New England

Trails throughout the Northeast

Looking to peddle a little farther into the wilderness? Bike New England’s database includes hundreds of maps of officially established bike paths and more adventurous paths forged by other bikers throughout the greater New England area. Set out on one of the Connecticut Heritage Trails, tour the Rhode Island seashore or tackle the hills of the Massachusetts Berkshires.

Did you know that your AAA membership also includes roadside bicycle service? If your bicycle breaks down during an excursion or you get a flat tire, just call for assistance! Note that bicycle assistance is only available on established roads and streets, and not on all off-road bike paths.

New England Tours by Boat

Boston Duck Tours

Part tour bus, part boat and all fun, DUCKs are vehicles inspired by World War II amphibious landing vessels that offer tours of Boston that go off the beaten path and the paved road. The classic sightseeing tour, narrated by ConDUCKtors, hits many Boston attractions while on land, then changes the tour’s perspective when it nosedives into the water for a tour on the Charles River. Ask any Bostonian – taking a Duck Tour is one of the most New England things to do.

Argia Mystic Cruises
Mystic, Conn.

The Argia is a 81-foot schooner docked in the historic seafaring village of Mystic, Conn. Daily half-day cruises of the Mystic River and nearby Long Island Sound are offered during the warmer months, when the antique Main Street drawbridge opens to allow the ship’s tall sails to pass through. After being welcomed aboard by the caption, passengers can help hoist the sails or sit back and enjoy the charming scenery and picturesque lighthouses.

Codzilla
Boston

Boston Harbor Cruises offers a variety of boat tours, but perhaps the most unique is aboard the Codzilla. The boat’s exterior is painted to resemble a giant, neon and very angry shark, whose bared jaws plow through the harbor at 40 mpg. As the water coaster spins and swerves, passengers will get splashed and are encouraged to scream in delight or sing along to the hard-rock soundtrack. It’s not historic or peaceful, but it will sure get your blood pumping!

Finest Kind Cruises
Ogunquit, Maine

Finest Kind Cruises offers tours of the Ogunquit coastline in southern Maine that bring a sense of palpability to the spirit of Vacationland. A breakfast cruise navigates the newly lit, serene morning waters to a harbor seal hotspot, while a lighthouse cruise provides a coastal viewpoint of local homes and a lighthouse. Those itching for the classic Maine experience and photo-op should book the Lobstering Trip, staffed by real lobstermen harvesting real lobster traps.

Kayak Centre of Rhode Island
North Kingstown, R.I. 

For a New England tour via water that’s hands-on, interactive and great exercise, the Kayak Centre of Rhode Island offers a series of guided kayak tours featuring the Newport and Jamestown coasts, historic Wickford harbor, Ninigret Pond and, for those not frightened by the creepy crawly, a Rhode Island swamp.

New England Tours by Bus

Boston Old Town Trolley Tours

This company provides the typical city tourist hop-on, hop-off experience in the most Boston way possible: on a historic trolley. The route includes 19 stops selected for their historical and cultural relevance, where riders can hop off and explore the destination, then hop on and continue the journey at their convenience.

Boston Ghosts and Graveyard Tours

Designed for the very bravest travelers, this bus tour takes sightseers on a spooky-themed journey through Boston’s darkest historical moments. Stops are made at notable graveyards and famously haunted buildings, and a staff of wickedly-clad guides thrill travelers with tales of Boston’s most horrific residents, including the Boston Strangler.

New England Tours by Car

Newport Mansions and Seaside

In its heyday, the historic seaside town of Newport, R.I., was a popular summer respite for America’s elite. Many of their Gilded Age-era mansions remain today, preserved as museums with elaborate gardens and sweeping seaside views. Drive through Newport’s historic downtown area, and stop to tour a few of the elaborate mansions of Bellevue Avenue.

Vermont Covered Bridges

Covered bridges are quintessential New England landmarks, and one of the best New England day trips highlights some of the 104 covered bridges in Vermont. It includes a visit to the longest wooden bridge in the United States, which spans the Connecticut River connecting Vermont and New Hampshire.

Find maps and attractions, plus places to eat and stay during your New England day trip or road trip with the AAA mobile app.

New England Tours by Foot

Boston Freedom Trail

This 2 1/2-mile trail allows Boston sightseers to walk in the footsteps of America’s forefathers, emphasizing landmarks that played a significant role during the Revolutionary War period. The Freedom Trail Foundation offers daily tours centered on a variety of themes, from the more general Walk into History tour to the African-American Patriots and Revolutionary Women tours.

Newport Cliff Walk

The famous Newport, R.I., Cliff Walk offers self-guided passage along a public access path that winds through the stunning mansion grounds, over the rocky shoreline and along sandy beaches. The 3 1/2-mile trail covers a variety of terrains, and visitors should wear proper shoes and use caution; the walk is steep in some places and the rocks can get slippery.

New England Tours by Train

Essex Steam Train & Riverboat

A journey on the Essex Steam Train departs from a remarkable 1892 train station in Essex, Conn. Once aboard and seated comfortably in the vintage coaches, travelers enjoy picturesque views as the steam locomotive winds through the nature-rich Connecticut River Valley. Upon arrival at Deep River Landing, passengers board a riverboat for a tour of area via water, highlighting historic sites such as Gillette Castle and Goodspeed Opera House. After the boat ride, guests are brought back to Essex Station via train.

Cape Cod Central Railroad

Offering a unique approach to New England tours, the Cape Cod Central Railroad offers coastal excursion trips that take visitors on two-hour expeditions from Hyannis, Mass., through the area’s changing landscape, winding through marshes, cranberry bogs and sand dunes. The company also features a Rails and Ales Beer Tasting Train, offering New England brewery tours aboard the train. Samples from local craft breweries are paired with appetizers for diners to enjoy while enjoying the stunning views.

Conway Scenic Railroad
Conway, N.H.

Departing from North Conway Village’s 1874 train station, the Conway Scenic Railroad allows travelers to experience the New Hampshire countryside by rail. The Valley Train offers a classic, old-fashioned passenger car experience while the Notch Train takes riders through New Hampshire’s mountainous terrain. Each train has a dining car designed to provide a turn-of-the-century train dining experience.

What New England day trips are you planning this summer? Tell us in the comments!

Need a ride? Take advantage of exclusive AAA discounts and benefits when you rent from Hertz.

To learn more about tours or plan a trip, contact a AAA travel advisor.

This post was originally published in 2018 and has been updated.

Out in the streets or re-created in the studio, filmmakers have always tried to capture the magic of New York City on screen. Whether it’s in the shadows of a dark alley, the grandeur of a skyscraper or the nonstop energy of Times Square, if you’ve got a camera, the Big Apple easily provides the lights and action.

The NYC TV and Movie Tour from On Location Tours takes visitors on a journey through Manhattan that covers over 60 of the most famous filming sites in the city. For first-time visitors and cinema buffs alike, it’s an entertaining look at historic landmarks and neighborhoods through the familiar lens of movies and television.

On Location Tours NYC TV and Movie Tour

On Location Tours specializes in television and movie sightseeing tours in New York and Boston with themes like “Sex and the City” hotspots, “Sopranos” sites and Turner Classic Movies.

Sound like something you would like to do? AAA members save 15% on On Location Tours in New York City and Boston when booking in advance online.

I chose the NYC TV and Movie Tour because I felt like it was the most well-rounded option. The guide might have called me out for being the only person from the tri-state area on a bus packed with tourists from Utah all the way to Scotland, but the film-first perspective was a new way of seeing the city that I could appreciate. It was a really good time!

The 2.5-3-hour bus tour is a highlight reel of some of the top big and small screen moments captured throughout the city, plus a few extra surprises along the way. The perspective is unique in that Columbus Circle isn’t just a traffic circle but the place where the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man made his debut in “Ghostbusters,” and the Flatiron building is not only an architectural marvel but the Daily Bugle headquarters in “Spider-Man.”

For fans of shows like “Sex and the City,” “Friends,” “Seinfeld,” “How I Met Your Mother” and “Gossip Girl,” it’s an opportunity to see the stomping grounds of their favorite characters. You feel as if you are part of the shows as screens inside of the bus play scenes featuring the locations right outside the window.

Also starring…

All On Location Tours guides are actors, usually with backgrounds in comedy or improv – so the personalities are big and the commentary is quick, witty and never boring. As certified NYC tour guides, they not only provide facts about the filming locations, but can offer insight to some of the behind-the-scenes moviemaking magic as well.

Our guide Gary Mahmoud, an actor and comedian, would throw in mentions of his own cameos and roles throughout the tour. There was never a dull moment; even in traffic, he would keep the energy going with trivia questions and small prizes for those who got correct answers.

Top sights and stops

The trip started in Times Square, then up through Columbus Circle, past Central Park (the most filmed location in the world) and the swanky stores on Fifth Avenue. Some of the most iconic film sites included Trump Tower, aka Bruce Wayne/Batman’s office; the Plaza Hotel, famously remembered for its screen time in “Home Alone”; and Tiffany & Co., where Audrey Hepburn donned her black dress and pearls and ate breakfast.

After passing through the Flatiron District, we stopped to get out and take photos at the easily recognizable and movie-ready Washington Square Park. We continued on to Greenwich Village, Tribeca and the Meatpacking District, stopping along the way to check out the “Ghostbusters” firehouse and the building that inspired the “Friend’s” apartment.

There’s a good chance that you’ll get to see some real-life lights, camera, action on the tour, too. We happened to drive past actresses Ellie Kemper and Carol Kane as they were shooting a scene for the Netflix series “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.” Gary shared a long list of TV shows, movies and actors he’s spotted while guiding tours. Stay alert and you’ll never know what or who you might see!

The NYC TV and Movie Tour wraps up in midtown right outside of McGee’s Pub, said to be the inspiration for MacLaren’s in “How I Met Your Mother.” And right around the corner is the original Soup Nazi shop for all the “Seinfeld” fans.

The reviews are in!

On Locations Tours is a crowd pleaser. It’s got 4.5 out of 5 stars on Yelp, and I can attest to the fact that everyone on my tour (including me!) walked away with a smile on their face.

If you’re a TV and movie lover or are just looking for a fun way to spend a day out in the city, you’ll enjoy any of the tours offered by On Location Tours. Don’t forget your AAA discount!

Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention– and going for a walk is certainly one of the simplest and most refreshing ways to do it.

Improved mood and a maintained weight are among the many excellent reasons to go for a stroll. Walking is not only great for those just beginning their fitness journey, but a moderately-paced scenic walk can make for an active family outing or romantic date.

By now you’re probably wondering: Well, where are some walking trails near me? Read on to find some of our favorite walks in the Northeast.

Note: Due to the ever-changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, please see official websites before visiting to check for restrictions or closures.

Connecticut

Branford Trolley Trail

Open to walking and mountain biking, this trail is 0.6 miles in length. The trail is made of concrete, crushed stone, gravel and footbridges that bring you through marsh habitats.

Air Line State Park Trail

This stone dust trail stretches from East Hampton to Putnum, following old rail beds. Walk, hike, bike or ride a horse to enjoy this secluded trail.

Find more Connecticut walking trails, here.

Massachusetts

Ashuwillticook Rail Trail

This 11.9-mile path travels through forested areas, featuring breathtaking views of mountains, lakes, rivers and wetlands. Trail-goers can also bring binoculars for bird-watching or cast a line in one of the ponds.

Assabet River Rail Trail

This 9.2-mile asphalt trail welcomes walking, biking, in-line skating and cross-country skiing. It is also wheelchair accessible. There are hopes to expand the trail to 12.5 miles in length.

For more Massachusetts walking and hiking trails, see here. 

New Hampshire

Derry Rail Trail

The asphalt trail is 3.6 miles long. Stroll through woodlands and wetlands as you follow this trail through southern New Hampshire.

Goffstown Rail Trail

This 5.5-mile walking trail is also wheelchair accessible. The trail’s surface includes dirt, grass, gravel and sand. Activities like mountain biking and cross-country skiing are also welcome.

Find more walking and hiking trails, here.

New Jersey

Henry Hudson Trail

There’s plenty to see on this 22-mile trail. The tree-lined path crosses wetlands, streams, fields and small towns. It’s divided into two sections, which currently aren’t linked, so some visitors may need to travel along an on-road route.

Ramapo Reservation Trails

The Ramapo Valley reservation is home to a a network of loop trails. The 7.2-mile Ramapo Reservation Loop Trail, 3.5-mile Vista Loop Trail and 4.1-mile Ramapo Ramble Trail are all great options for nature walks.

For more places to walk and hike in New Jersey, see here. 

New York

Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail

Following along the path of the former Delaware & Hudson Railroad, this trail offers a 9.8-mile stroll through woodlands. During the spring, look out for views of a rushing creek; fall is the perfect time to leaf peep. Along the way, visitors can access Veterans Memorial Park located in Delmar and Fireman’s Park in Slingerlands.

Allegheny River Valley Trail

This 5.6-mile, multiuse, asphalt rail trail is wheelchair accessible and welcomes walking, biking and in-line skating. Explore western New York as you stroll through Allegany and Cattaraugus county.

For more information on New York trails, see here. 

Rhode Island

Cliff Walk

Newport’s 3.5-mile Cliff Walk offers great ocean viewing. Breathe in the salty sea air as you follow path, spotting wildflowers, birds, historic Gilded Age mansions and more along the way.

East Bay Bike Path

On the shores of Narragansett Bay, this path (Rhode Island’s best-known rail trail) offers 14 miles of alternating landscapes, including stunning wilderness and urban enclaves. Along the way, visitors can wander off on spur trails, discovering parks and conservation areas.

Find more Rhode Island walking trails, here. 

With all the stress in our daily lives, walking trails near you can be a peaceful and heart healthy way to unwind and rejuvenate. Spend some quality time with your loved ones or hit the trail solo for some quiet reflection. Looking for a challenge? Hiking trails and bike paths will still give you those beautiful views and serene environments, with a little extra cardio!

Where are some of your favorite places to spend time outdoors? Let us know in the comments below!

Check out these accessible trails for explorers with disabilities. 

This post was originally published in 2017 and has been updated. 

A clean earth is a happy earth. Celebrate our beautiful planet with this puzzle.

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

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. Good luck!

Do you know what’s under your hood? If your answer is the most recycled consumer product in the world, you’d be correct. Lead car batteries have the highest collection and recycling rate of any type of battery. According to Essential Energy Everyday, lead car batteries have a recycling rate of nearly 100%. Even better? With a circular economy, the lead in car batteries is infinitely recyclable, meaning it can be used over and over with no loss of performance.

Vehicles with internal combustion engines aren’t the only ones equipped with a lead battery: virtually every hybrid and fully electric vehicle requires a lead battery to power critical onboard functions. That’s a lot of lead!

Earth-Friendly

You can feel good about where your car battery goes when it reaches the end of its lifespan. More than 130 million lead batteries are recycled and kept from landfills every year, according to Essential Energy Everyday. And a new lead battery typically consists of 80% recycled material.

Ethical Partnerships

AAA takes great pride in its deep-rooted reputation for environmental protection. When you use AAA for car battery replacement, we do the work for you. No hidden fees or hoops to jump through: Responsible car battery recycling is automatically built into your service.

Using an Environmental Protection Agency-approved recycling center, we recycle every lead battery we replace. Our primary battery manufacturer, East Penn Manufacturing, is a private, family-owned company operating the largest single-site lead battery manufacturing facility in the world. Based in Pennsylvania, the EPA-permitted facility calls itself a model for the lead car battery recycling industry. It uses advanced technology to reduce lead emissions into the air, wastewater and stormwater.

The AAA Mobile Battery Service Program

AAA is dedicated to protecting our environment and ensuring great road trips for generations to come. A lead car battery usually lasts for three to six years, depending on a variety of factors. Factors like extreme heat or cold; harsh wear and tear; short, infrequent drives; and age all affect the lifespan of your battery. When the time comes to replace it, a AAA battery service technician comes to you – at work, at home, almost anywhere – to deliver and install it. Plus, in keeping with our commitment to greater sustainability for the planet, AAA technicians will also safely recycle your old battery.

Visit AAA.com to have a AAA technician check the condition of your battery – and replace and recycle it, if necessary.

The best road movies are all about the journey. This category of film often features a road trip or quest, where characters travel — whether it be via car, truck, train or on foot — on a journey that almost always changes the course of their lives, for better or for worse. 

You can watch these adventures unfold with our picks for the best road movies. All movies on this list have an average Rotten Tomatoes score of 70% or higher, and many of these films are part of the Criterion Collection.

“It Happened One Night” (1934)

This romantic comedy follows an entitled, runaway heiress (Claudette Colbert) and the reporter (Clark Gable) who tries to help her reunite with her new husband in exchange for an exclusive story. 

“Stagecoach” (1939)

The epitome of a Western, “Stagecoach” tells the story of a group of characters onboard a stagecoach leaving from Arizona to a settlement in Lordsburg, N.M. This film was also John Wayne’s second movie. 

“Sullivan’s Travels” (1941)

In this satire, a Hollywood director disguises himself and lives as a vagabond in order to gain a different perspective before filming his next movie. 

“Wild Strawberries” (1957)

One of Swedish director Ingmar Bergman’s most important films, “Wild Strawberries” follows a professor on his way to accept an honor as he encounters interesting characters and reflects on his life. 

“It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” (1963)

This adventure-comedy follows a group of strangers as they travel around California looking for a buried fortune. The film is known for its all-star cast and scavenger-hunt-like premise.  

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“Easy Rider” (1969)

A true road movie and absolute must-see, “Easy Rider” captured the 1960s counterculture movement. The film follows two bikers enjoying the freedom of the open road as they travel cross-country.

“Vanishing Point” (1971)

A Vietnam veteran turned driver for hire (Barry Newman) transports a car cross-country after making a bet he can deliver it in less than 15 hours. 

“Two Lane Black Blacktop” (1971) 

This film follows a mechanic and driver duo as they leave California in their 1955 Chevy. After picking up a hitchhiker, they find themselves in a cross-country race for pinks against a Pontiac GTO.

“Smokey and the Bandit” (1977)

Burt Reynolds stars as Bo “Bandit” Darville in this action-comedy about two bootleggers who try to smuggle a tractor-trailer filled with 400 cases of beer across state lines.

“The Blues Brothers” (1980)

In this musical comedy, two brothers (played by John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd) decide to reunite their band in order to raise money for the orphanage they grew up in.

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“National Lampoon’s Vacation” (1983)

In this adventure comedy, a family’s road trip from Illinois to a theme park in California goes off the rails. “National Lampoon’s Vacation” was a box-office success and continues to live on as a beloved cult classic, inspiring multiple sequels. Not only is it one of the best road movies, it’s also one of the funniest.

“Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure” (1985)

When Pee-wee Herman’s beloved bike is stolen, he travels far and wide to find it. One of director Tim Burton’s lighter, brighter movies, this flick is kid-friendly. 

“Vagabond” (1985)

This French film tells somewhat of a story in reverse, opening on a wandering woman’s dead body before using flashbacks to explain what happened to her. 

“Something Wild” (1986)

Opposites attract in this romantic comedy where a quirky, free-spirited woman (Melanie Griffith) hijacks an uptight banker’s life, taking him (Jeff Daniels) on a wild adventure.

“Planes, Trains and Automobiles” (1987)

After a business trip to NYC, a marketing executive (Steve Martin) wants nothing more than to make it back home to Chicago in time for Thanksgiving. When he meets a traveling salesman (John Candy), the adventure becomes much more entertaining. 

“Midnight Run” (1988)

In “Midnight Run,” a cross-country chase unfolds after a bail bondsman (Joe Pantoliano) hires a bounty hunter (Robert De Niro) to bring an embezzler from NYC back to Los Angeles.

“Rain Man” (1988)

Two brothers (played by Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman) reunite for a cross-country trip after their father passes away, disproportionally dividing his fortune between the two.

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“Thelma & Louise” (1991)

A true road film, “Thelma & Louise” follows two women (played by Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon) as they embark on a road trip that goes wrong. 

“True Romance” (1993)

When a comic-book store clerk (Christian Slater) and a lady of the night (Patricia Arquette) fall in love, the pair decides to run away together. 

“Dumb and Dumber” (1994) 

This comedy follows two dimwitted friends (played by Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels) who find a suitcase full of money and travel to Colorado to try to return it. 

“Get on the Bus” (1996)

Director Spike Lee tells the story of a group of men on their way to participate in the Million Man March in Washington, D.C. During the bus-ride, these strangers connect through sharing life experiences. 

“Almost Famous” (2000)

In this coming-of-age story, a 15-year-old boy follows an up-and-coming band touring the U.S. in order to write a piece for Rolling Stone magazine.

“Sideways” (2004)

Two friends (played by Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church) take a trip to wine country for one last bachelors’ experience in this romantic comedy.

“The Motorcycle Diaries” (2004)

When two friends decide to ride motorcycles from Brazil to Peru before returning to school, they learn more about the world than they would have ever expected. “The Motorcycle Diaries” was inspired by true events.

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“Little Miss Sunshine” (2006) 

The Hoover family sets off in a VW bus, traveling cross-county so their youngest can fulfill her dream of competing in the Little Miss Sunshine beauty pageant. 

“Into the Wild” (2007) 

Based on a true story, “Into the Wild” follows a young man who decides to leave a life of privilege behind to explore the Alaskan wilderness. 

“The Darjeeling Limited” (2007) 

Auteur Wes Anderson tells the story of three estranged brothers hoping to reconnect as they take an exploratory train-ride across India. 

“Wendy and Lucy” (2008)

In this indie film, a woman (Michelle Williams) and her dog wander across Alaska looking for ways to survive. 

“The Road” (2009)

Based on the novel of the same name by Cormac McCarthy, “The Road” follows a father (Viggo Mortensen) and his son (Kodi Smit-McPhee) as they traverse a barren, post-apocalyptic landscape. 

“Zombieland” (2009)

In the midst of a zombie apocalypse, a small group of survivors travels across the U.S. looking for Twinkies and a safe place to call home.

“Locke” (2013)

Tom Hardy stars in this drama about a man driving to London for the birth of a child conceived during a one-night stand. The entire movie is set within the confines of the vehicle.

What’s do you think is the best road movie? Tell us in the comments.

AAA members can save on fuboTV, a live streaming television service that offers everything from live sports to prestige TV shows and movies. 

If you’re a fan of cars on the big screen, don’t forget to check out our car movies list or read our post on famous movie cars. 

In the past year, many of us have been forced to slow down our travel, trading in our tickets abroad for gas in our tanks. Road trips have been the saving grace for travel in the past year, especially when it leads us to stunning natural sites throughout the country. As more opportunities for travel open up, seeing these natural wonders of the U.S. should be high on your list of places to explore.

Note: Due to the ever-changing nature of the COVID-19 crisis, please see official websites before visiting to check for restrictions or closures.

Antelope Canyon, Arizona

Antelope Canyon is known for its smooth, vibrantly colored sandstone formations, photographed constantly by visitors near and far. You can snap some photos yourself at this popular natural wonder of the U.S. and watch the sun reflect on the stone, filling the canyon with a waterfall of bright natural light.

Natural Bridge State Park, Massachusetts

Most people travel to the coast of Massachusetts to soak in the sun at the beach, but don’t forget about the western side in the Berkshire Mountains. Lined with quaint towns to explore like Great Barrington, Stockbridge, Lee and Lenox – and filled with luxury accommodations, cute eateries and cutting-edge cultural institutions – it’s definitely worthy of a trip.

Make a stop in the town of North Adams, home to the Natural Bridge State Park. The natural bridge is smooth, made completely of marble and is the only one of its kind in North America.

Mount St. Helens, Washington

Mount St. Helens is a stratovolcano along the Pacific coast in Washington. The volcano is made mostly of lava, volcanic ash and minerals. The volcano famously erupted in May 1980, killing 57 people and destroying hundreds of homes.

Thunder Hole, Maine

If you visit Bar Harbor, Maine, you have to check out Acadia National Park. The views are absolutely stunning with cliffside landscapes located along the splashing shore. Hike through the park pathways to discover deep red stone off of the Atlantic. The park alone is noteworthy, but while there you can visit the popular Thunder Hole, a break between two towering rock formations that catches the strong ocean waves, sending crashing water and mist into the air.

Niagara Falls, New York

New York is full of stunning waterfalls, but of course the most well known is Niagara Falls. Not only can you see this natural wonder of the U.S. (and Canada) from an observation deck, but there are multiple ways to get up close and personal like the Cave of the Winds experience that goes into the Niagara Gorge.

Another New York waterfall worth mentioning is Kaaterskill Falls, a two-tiered waterfall in the Catskills. You’ll feel like you’re in Bali. And about an hour and a half downstate in Dover Plains, you don’t want to miss the Dover Stone Church; the natural rock formations created a church-type peak in a beautiful cave entrance with a waterfall housed inside.

Rainbow Hot Springs, Colorado

Of course, when you’re talking about natural wonders in the U.S., Colorado must come into the equation. Not only does the state have gorgeous mountains and landscapes, but it has plentiful hot springs, as well. Rainbow Hot Springs is a bit of a hike into the forest – nearly 5 miles – but the views and relaxing in the steamy hot mineral water is completely worth it.

Old Faithful, Wyoming

Old Faithful, the well-known geyser in Yellowstone National Park, is definitely worth the trip. Nature can be unpredictable at times, but not Old Faithful. According to Yellowstone.net, “Old Faithful erupts every 35 to 120 minutes for 1 1/2 to 5 minutes. Its maximum height ranges from 90 to 184 feet.” People come from all over to visit the famous park and see the geyser erupt in person.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

For nature buffs and hiking enthusiasts, the Grand Canyon National Park is a no-brainer. There are so many ways to explore the vibrant red rock and desert views: visitors can set out on whitewater rafting, hiking, biking or horseback riding excursions, or take a guided walk with a park ranger.

What are some of the most impressive natural wonders of the U.S. that you’ve seen? Tell us in the comments. 

Plan your next vacation with AAA Travel. 

From action and horror to animation and comedies, movies about cars come from a variety of genres and appeal to a wide range of audiences. Whether you’re looking for new or vintage automobiles, a thrilling car chase or impressive driving skills, you’re sure to find something you like on our car movies list.

While there are some amazing movie cars out there, like the bat mobile and Doc’s DeLorean time machine, this list focuses on movies about cars and the act (or art) of driving them. In these movies, cars aren’t merely eye candy; they help carry the film.

Check out our list of car films. All have an average score above 65%, according to Rotten Tomatoes and many have reached cult classic status or were Oscar nominees or winners.

“The Hitch-Hiker” (1953)

This suspenseful film noir follows two friends held at gunpoint by a hostile, psychopathic hitchhiker running from the law. The film was inspired by Billy Cook’s real-life murders and starts with text reading, “This is the true story of a man and a gun and a car.”

“Grand Prix” (1966)

Hailed as one of the best films about auto racing, “Grand Prix” follows the stories of four Formula One drivers at various stages in their careers. The movie won Oscars for film editing, sound and sound effects.

“Bullitt” (1968)

Starring Steve McQueen and featuring a classic car chase through San Francisco, this thriller on our car movies list tells the story of a cop (Lieutenant Frank Bullitt) on a mission to bring a mob boss to justice. It won the Oscar for best film editing and was nominated for best sound.

“Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” (1968)

Inspired by Ian Fleming’s story “Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang: The Magical Car,” this family-friendly movie follows an eccentric inventor and his family as they use the magical car he creates to go on a fantastical adventure.

“The Italian Job” (1969)

Comedy meets crime in this British film featuring a car chase with three Mini Coopers and an iconic cliffhanger of an ending. A remake would come out in 2003, starring Mark Wahlberg, Charlize Theron and Edward Norton, among others.

“VW Käfer in Herbie-Optik” by GillyBerlin is licensed under CC BY 2.0

“The Love Bug” (1969)

The first of what would become a series of movies, “The Love Bug” tells the tale of an anthropomorphic Volkswagen Beetle named Herbie. The car’s iconic look — with its cream-colored paint job, red, white and blue racing stripes and number 53 — is still recognizable today.

“The French Connection” (1971)

Two New York detectives trail a heroin smuggler in this fast-paced crime drama based on true events. Not only does this film feature one of the greatest car chase scenes of all time, it won the Oscar for best actor, best directing, best film editing, best writing and best picture.

“Le Mans” (1971)

“Le Mans” tells the story of Porsche driver Michael Delaney (Steve McQueen), troubled by personal conflicts, as he prepares for and participates in a 24-hour endurance race at Le Mans, France. The film features real footage from the 1970 Le Mans race.

“Two-Lane Blacktop” (1971)

This road movie follows a mechanic and driver duo as they leave California in their 1955 Chevy. After picking up a hitchhiker, they find themselves in a cross-country race for pinks against a Pontiac GTO. “Two-Lane Blacktop” is both a cult film and a part of the Criterion Collection.

“Vanishing Point” (1971)

Barry Newman plays a veteran turned driver for hire in this action movie. Featuring a 1970 supercharged Dodge Challenger and a nail-biting police chase, “Vanishing Point” is a classic that’ll keep you entertained.

“Duel” (1972)

A young Steven Spielberg directed this TV film about a man commuting to work in a Plymouth Valiant until a truck hellbent on killing him begins its pursuit. This action-thriller was Spielberg’s debut and has been hailed as one of the best TV movies ever made.

“American Graffiti” (1973)

This coming-of-age story, directed by George Lucas and produced by Francis Ford Coppola, follows a group of friends cruising around their Modesto, Calif. town on the last day of summer. The film was nominated for five Oscars.

“Death Race 2000” (1975)

The indie and sports genres collide in this film about a dystopian future where drivers participate in a homicidal, Transcontinental Road Race. Though it faced mixed reviews upon release, the movie is now appreciated for its camp and over-the-top violence.

“Taxi Driver” (1976)

Directed by Martin Scorsese, this must-see film follows a troubled loner named Travis (Robert DeNiro) who becomes a cab driver in New York City. The film received four Oscar nominations.

“Goodbye Pork Pie” (1981)

This road movie follows two teens in a stolen yellow 1978 Mini — named Pork Pie — as they pick up a girl and try to evade the police. The 2017 remake “Pork Pie” is also worth a watch. This well-done reimagining was written and directed by the son of the first version’s director.

“Christine” by Conal Gallagher is licensed under CC BY 2.0

“Christine” (1983)

Based on Stephen King’s novel by the same name, this horror-thriller directed by John Carpenter centers around a boy and his 1958 Plymouth Fury, named Christine, that seems to have a murderous mind of its own.

“Heart Like a Wheel” (1983)

This biographical film tells the story of Shirley Roque, a woman who follows her dreams of becoming a drag racer despite the fact that racing was seen solely as a man’s sport.

“National Lampoon’s Vacation” (1983)

A family’s road trip from Illinois to a theme park in California goes off the rails in this adventure comedy. “National Lampoon’s Vacation” was a box-office success and continues to live on as a beloved cult classic, inspiring multiple sequels.

“Repo Man” (1984)

Dark, edgy comedy meets science fiction in this cult classic and Criterion film. When a recently fired, punk-rocker named Otto (Emilio Estevez) begrudgingly becomes a repo man, he quickly realizes how exciting, strange and wild the job can be.

“Tucker 48” by strobie42 is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

“Tucker: The Man and His Dream” (1988)

This film tells the story of an auto-loving inventor (Jeff Bridges) who dreams of designing a car that would challenge the industry. It was nominated for three Oscars.

“Thelma & Louise” (1991)

A true road film, “Thelma & Louise” follows two women (played by Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon) as they embark on a road trip that goes wrong. It won the Oscar for best original screenplay and was nominated for best actress, best cinematography, best directing and best film editing.

“The Fast and the Furious” series (2001-Present)

These action films are packed with exhilarating street races, mind-boggling stunts and plenty of fast, flashy cars. This series began in 2001 and shows no sign of stopping, with a ninth movie set to release in May 2021.

“Cars” (2006)

This animated movie about anthropomorphic cars follows a race car, named Lightning McQueen, whose egotistical dreams of fame and fortune are changed by the charm of a small town and its inhabitants.

“Death Proof” (2007)

Written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, this “grindhouse” thriller follows a stuntman (Kurt Russell) who uses his “death proof” car to terrorize a group of young women. The film is a tribute to slasher films and muscle cars from the 1970s.

“Gran Torino” (2009)

Directed by and starring Clint Eastwood, this film tells the story of a Korean War veteran named Walt. After a teenage neighbor tries to steal Walt’s prized 1972 Ford Gran Torino, and pays for his wrongdoing with chores, the two form an unlikely bond.

“Drive” (2011)

Ryan Gosling stars as an unnamed stuntman and mechanic who also midnights as a getaway driver. After falling for his neighbor Irene, the driver agrees to help her ex-husband with a heist that turns deadly. “Drive” was nominated for best sound editing and has been recognized for its hyper-stylized imagery.

“Filming of the movie Rush Opentrack Track Days 14th May 2012 Brands Hatch THP_8920” by Opentrack Track days is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

“Rush” (2013)

This biographical sports drama stories the intense, 1970s rivalry between two Formula One drivers: James Hunt of Britain (Chris Hemsworth) and Niki Lauda of Austria (Daniel Brühl).

“Mad Max: Fury Road” (2015)

In a brutal, post-apocalyptic world, a drifter named Max (Tom Hardy) and rebel named Furiosa (Charlize Theron) stand together against a tyrant. This film revitalized the Mad Max series and won a number of Oscars, including costume design, film editing and production design.

“Baby Driver” (2017)

When a young, music-obsessed getaway driver (Ansel Elgort) wants to put his life of crime behind him to be with the girl he loves, his boss has other ideas. The film received three Oscar nominations.

“Logan Lucky” (2017)

In this quirky crime comedy, two brothers (played by Channing Tatum and Adam Driver) team up with their sister (Riley Keough) and a convicted felon (Daniel Craig) to pull off robbing Charlotte Motor Speedway during one of NASCAR’s biggest races of the season.

“Ford v. Ferrari” (2019)

Staring Matt Damon and Christian Bale, this film depicts the rivalry between a car designer and a driver, leading to an epic showdown where Ford challenges Ferrari at the 1966 Le Mans race. This movie won  Oscars for film and sound Editing.

Have any other films to add to our car movies list? Share them in the comments.

AAA members can save on fuboTV, a live streaming television service that offers everything from live sports to prestige TV shows and movies. 

If you’re a fan of cars on the big screen, don’t forget to read our post on famous movie cars. And if you’re looking for movies all about the journey, check out the Epic Road Movie Roundup.

This post has been edited and expanded to include suggestions from our members.