Stress is the body’s natural response to life’s changes and challenges. From everyday stressors like money, school and work to more situational strains like family drama, postponed plans and global events, stress affects everyone.

Stress signals the body to release hormones that help with your “fight-or-flight” response. While some stress can keep you motivated or help you react in crisis situations, unchecked long-term, or chronic, stress can harm your health over time.

Stress can manifest in mental and physical ways, influencing your behavior, your mood and your body. Discover how stress impacts your health and methods for coping with it.

Physical Effects

How does stress affect health? It’s not uncommon to feel it, and sometimes you can see it as well.

Stress impacts the body in internal and external ways, affecting everything from the heart and digestive track to the condition of hair, skin and nails.

It raises a person’s heart rate and blood pressure. “Repeated episodes of acute stress can cause inflammation in the coronary arteries, thought to lead to heart attack,” according to the American Institute of Stress.

Stress can also cause gastrointestinal problems, like heartburn, nausea and stomach pain. Prolonged and/or intense stress can cause more severe symptoms, like vomiting, constipation and diarrhea.

In addition, stress often manifests as muscle tension in the back, jaw and neck, which can lead to other issues. “The contraction of muscles for extended periods can trigger tension headaches, migraines and various musculoskeletal conditions,” according to AIS.

Another serious repercussion of stress is a weakened immune system. “People under chronic stress are more susceptible to viral illnesses like the flu and the common cold, as well as other infections,” according to AIS. “Stress can also increase the time it takes you to recover from an illness or injury.

Finally, stress can even affect your appearance. Hormonal changes brought on by stress can lead to dry/itchy skin, hives, rashes and acne (even in adults). Stress – specifically the cortisol release it triggers – can affect biotin levels, leading to hair loss and weakened nails.

Mental and Emotional Effects

Although feeling stressed is a mood in itself, stress can also cause other mental and emotional symptoms.

Some effects are relatively minor but can impede daily life, like forgetfulness, restlessness, irritability/anger, lack of focus or motivation and feeling overwhelmed. Stress can also lead to more extreme conditions like anxiety and depression.

Another common symptom is fatigue, which can also be accompanied by insomnia, or the inability to sleep. While many Americans say they don’t get enough sleep, nearly half (46%) of Americans say they’ve laid awake at night due to their stress levels.

Behavioral Effects

Feeling stressed affects human behavior in more ways than one because everyone reacts to stress differently.

Stress can cause some people to withdraw socially, inadvertently leaving more time to stress due to fewer distractions. Clenching and/or grinding teeth is common, especially during sleep, which can cause headaches and jaw pain later. Nightmares are also common.

Struggling with long-term stress can lead to impulsive behaviors, like over- and under-eating. Overeating causes weight gain and sluggishness while under-eating can cause dehydration and low blood sugar as well as feeling lightheaded and tired.

Nervous habits like excessive fidgeting and frequent crying spells are warning signs you could be overstressed. Prolonged stress can lead to more dangerous habits, like compulsive online shopping and dependence on alcohol, drugs and tobacco.

Ways to Combat Stress

While you may not be able to avoid every stressor, there are certain things you can do to cope with stress. The first step is knowing your triggers and figuring out what type of activities best combat your stress.

Calming Techniques

Some people respond well to soothing activities. Relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises and listening to calming music or podcasts are popular.

Spending time in nature is another great way to deal with stress. Bird-watching, gardening and going for nature walks work well for people looking to feel more in touch with the natural world.

Finally, take time for yourself. Do something to calm your mind and body, like napping, taking a bath or drinking some soothing tea. Similarly, try doing something you enjoy. Hobbies like baking and cooking, crafting, reading, doing puzzles and playing video games can help distract you from stress.

Active Techniques

Other people combat stress through physical exertion. Working out is one popular method. While regular exercise is good for physical health, it can improve your mood as well.

“Scientists have found that regular participation in aerobic exercise has been shown to decrease overall levels of tension, elevate and stabilize mood, improve sleep and improve self-esteem,” according to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA). “Even five minutes of aerobic exercise can stimulate anti-anxiety effects.”

Cleaning is another way people deal with stress. The act of cleaning and organizing can relieve stress by giving you a sense of control. Afterward, a clean, decluttered space will give you a sense of calm – and accomplishment.

AAA members can also take advantage of the Active&Fit Direct program, which offers digital workouts in categories like cardio, strength, dance, martial arts, mind/body, high intensity interval training and cycling. There are over 2,500 workout videos to choose from! Try out a bunch of different exercise regimens and see which ones you like best. And if you want to hit the gym when they open, Active&Fit Direct is partnered with over 11,000 fitness centers around the country.

Social Activities

Being social, like spending time with friends, family or your community, can also help relieve stress. Humans are social by nature, and spending time with people you love can improve your mood by giving you someone to talk to.

Spending time with animals is another great way to relieve stress, according to the ADAA. Play with your pet or consider adopting, fostering or volunteering at an animal shelter to get some quality time with animals.

If nothing else helps, consider seeking professional help. Talk to your doctor about your stress and symptoms. They may be able to help or send you to a mental health specialist.

Learn how COVID-19 anxiety can affect your driving. 

Find more Your AAA articles about health and fitness.

It’s an exciting day when your child finally gets a driver’s license, but shortly after you’re faced with a big decision. How do you pick a good first car? What makes for an ideal – and safe – starter vehicle?

If you haven’t bought a car recently it may be overwhelming to look at all the options. We break down the basics to make finding the best first car for your young driver a snap.

Focus on safety

Safety is a top priority. The challenge is figuring out which cars are the safest for teens. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, teenagers are three times as likely as adults to get into a deadly crash while driving.

A good place to start your research is the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, where you can view crash test ratings, learn about advanced safety features and more.

AAA also provides teen driver resources at TeenDriving.AAA.com.

There are lots of new autonomous safety features found on today’s cars, but they often add quite a bit to the price. Focus on crash test scores first and then see what your budget allows.

Size matters

There are cars with room for anywhere from two people all the way up to a small army of teenagers. Think like Goldilocks and avoid those two extremes. Instead, go for the just-right option in the middle – you want plenty of protection in case of a fender bender.

Say no to performance

There isn’t a teenager out there who hasn’t dreamed of having a shiny red sports car in their driveway on the day they turn 16. High-horsepower sports cars are fun but aren’t a good idea for those who are still learning to drive. Let your kids keep dreaming about that fancy sports car and buy them something they can easily handle instead.

Think long term

Although you may be buying your child’s first car in high school, there’s a good chance it won’t be replaced until after college. It’s important to get a car that will last through all those years.

Consider a car with extra room for hauling stuff back and forth to college and apartments. Hatchbacks are great at doing double duty, with plenty of seating for passengers and a versatile cargo area.

Go with good fuel economy

Even if they have a job, young drivers don’t typically have tons of extra cash. If it’s too expensive to fuel up their new car, there’s a good chance they’ll be coming to you for a little help to fill the tank. Make it easier for them and buy a car with good fuel economy.

This also figures into the long-term value of a first car. Your child will likely go from broke high schooler to broke college student, so every penny matters. Buying a first car with good fuel economy ensures they’ll be able to keep if fueled up and ready to go throughout their college years.

Don’t forget technology

Technology is everywhere, including your car. This is generally a good thing, but it’s also a major cause of distracted driving. As a parent, how do you make sure your child is using in-car technology safely?

Features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto seamlessly integrate smartphones with in-dash systems and reduce the temptation to pick up the phone, but have also proved to be distracting.

Automakers are helping by adding teen driver systems that keep the radio’s noise level down, encourage seatbelt fastening and more. The systems also provide parenting-assistance options, so you can coach them toward better driving habits. Learn more about teen driver technologies.

Follow these simple guidelines and you’ll easily find a first car for your new driver that he or she will never forget. Do you remember you first car?

If buying used, make sure to get a thorough inspection

A used car can be a great option for your kid as these vehicles generally cost less but usually still have many of the latest safety and technological features available. That said, since these cars have been around the block a few times, it’s important to get a used car thoroughly inspected and test driven before purchasing. Here are the items to look for:

• Remove all four wheels and check all the brakes including the parking brake.

• Fully inspect the steering and suspension system.

• Look for signs of rust or previous body repairs. Is the interior badly worn or does it look too pristine, like something was replaced to cover a long history or possible abuse? This all needs to be performed with the vehicle on a lift to carefully look for problems.

• Check the computer for diagnostic fault codes and be leery if the computer memory was cleared recently—someone could be hiding a check engine light issue.

• Drive the car. How does it ride? How does it handle? Does it drive straight?

• How does the engine perform and how does the transmission shift?

• Look for any smoke coming from the tailpipe (blue and white are bad).

• Operate all the controls. Does the A/C and heat work? Do the windows? Some window repairs can be $500 and up.

• Check all the vital fluids (much can be learned from fluid color), belts and hoses.

• Ask if there are maintenance records. Reports from the likes of CARFAX or AutoCheck can’t hurt but doesn’t always tell the entire story.

• Finally, use all of your senses, look over everything carefully, look around in nooks and crannies, check the trunk or spare tire storage for signs of water (could have been in a flood). Does it smell mildewy or too sanitized?

It’s always best to have a thorough inspection of a used car done by a professional auto shop, such as one of AAA’s Approved Auto Repair facility. Click here to find one closest to you.

Find tips for parent-teen driving agreements and other teen driver resources at TeenDriving.AAA.com.

Next step: car insurance. Click here for a complete guide to teen auto insurance. Then visit AAA.com/Insurance to see all the options available for your teen driver.

Electric vehicles are becoming more popular by the day. And as technology continues to improve — and the need for cleaner energy continues to grow — these cars are becoming not just more sought after, but more accessible. So what do we need to know about these vehicles of the future? First and foremost, is learning about the different types of electric vehicles.

These cars are not one-size-fits-all. From the manner in which they are powered to how far they can travel and how much they cost, there are some important aspects to sort through.

Conventional Hybrids

As the name implies, hybrid vehicles use both a gasoline engine and an electric motor. The motor in conventional hybrids cannot be plugged into an electrical source to be recharged. Instead, the motor’s battery gets its power from the gasoline engine as well as by capturing energy when the vehicle brakes. This process, which converts kinetic energy into electricity, is known as regenerative braking. The motor works with the engine to reduce gas consumption or even allows the engine to turn off.

Conventional hybrids offer a significant step up in fuel efficiency compared to traditional cars. The 2021 gas-powered Toyota Corolla gets an estimated MPG of 31 city/40 highway, while the hybrid version starts at $23,500 but has an MPG of 53/52.

Plug-in Hybrids

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are also powered by both a gas engine and electric motor. What differentiates them from conventional hybrids is the way in which the battery is charged. In addition to using regenerative braking, PHEV batteries are charged by plugging in an electrical outlet.

The main advantage of a PHEV over a conventional hybrid is its ability to run on electricity alone. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, most PHEV can travel between 20 and 40 miles using only the electric battery. Because of this, plug-ins are substantially more fuel efficient.

Battery Electric Vehicles

Battery electric vehicles are cars powered by internal batteries charged by plugging into an outlet. Unlike hybrids, BEVs do not have a gas engine and rely exclusively on electricity to run. The lack of an engine means that BEVs do not produce any of the dangerous emissions that traditional gas-powered vehicles do. (There are some emissions created by charging these cars.)

Because they do not rely on gasoline, BEVs have extended ranges. The Tesla Model 3, the best-selling electric car in the U.S., has a combined MPG equivalent of 113 and can travel more than 350 miles on a single charge.

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles

The least common type of electric vehicle, fuel cell electric vehicles are powered by electricity – but not from a battery. Instead, they are equipped with tanks filled with hydrogen. The car’s fuel cell combines this hydrogen with oxygen to produce electricity to power the motor.

Hydrogen-powered cars are still an emerging technology. In fact, most FCEVs are currently only sold/leased in California (although the Toyota Mirai can be leased in Hawaii). But their potential – 400-plus miles of range, a refueling time of less than five minutes – means you’re likely to see them become more available in the near future as the refueling infrastructure grows.

The Cost of Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles are generally more expensive than similar, gas-powered cars. Of all the types of electric vehicles, conventional hybrids are usually the least expensive. (The Toyota Prius has a starting MSRP below $25,000.) As you move into fully electric cars, the price goes up. You’ll be hard-pressed to find one below $30,000, while a luxury model can easily reach into the six figures.

Other savings brought in from electric vehicles offset some of these costs. The most notable savings come at the pump. A study by Consumer Reports found that fuel savings can reach $4,700 or more during the first seven years of owning an electric vehicle. The total ownership savings over a similar gasoline-only car, including repair and maintenance costs, ranges from $6,000 to $10,000.

Electric vehicles are also eligible for tax credits. The federal government awards credits between $2,500 and $7,500 for the purchase of qualified electric cars. Many state governments have similar programs. For example, New York provides a rebate of up to $2,000, while Massachusetts awards $2,500 for an all-electric vehicle and up to $1,500 for a plug-in hybrid.

Charging Different Types of Electric Vehicles

Conventional hybrids do not need any external charging. They are powered by converting the vehicle’s own energy.

Plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles do need to be connected to an outside power source and there are options. Most owners will charge their cars at home. All electric vehicles can be plugged into a standard outlet. The only draw back to this method is the time is takes to recharge, usually eight or more hours. You can leave your car plugged in at night and be ready to go in the morning. But those who want to upgrade can install a wall-mounted charger in their home. This device delivers twice the voltage and cuts charging time in half.

The other popular option is using public charging stations. Though not as common as traditional fuel-pumping stations, the number of charging locations continues to grow. There are approximately 25,000 electric vehicle charging stations in the U.S. totaling roughly 80,000 charging outlets. Payment for the use of these outlets vary depending on the operator.

If you’re traveling a long distance, it’s always a good idea to plan out your route according to where you know you can get a charge. Motorists can find electric car charging stations with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone and Android. The app can also be used to map a route, find discounts, book a hotel and access AAA Roadside Assistance.

Do you own an electric vehicle? If so, what type? Let us know in the comments below.

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

When Capt. Kate McCue helmed the Celebrity Edge March 8, 2020, for a special International Women’s Day cruise, she had no idea she’d be at sea for the next 10 months. 

But that’s what happened when the cruise ended – and the world shut down. 

McCue and her all-female bridge crew, along with a full complement of ship employees, were stuck on board with nowhere to disembark because of worldwide lockdowns. 

But there was nowhere else she would rather be.  

“To have the women on board and to have such an empathetic environment was truly something mind-blowing,” McCue said. “And honestly, it’s an experience I would never trade in a million years.” 

When a crew member’s father died of COVID-19, co-workers held a celebration of his life. They celebrated a wedding, and an engagement. The hotel director had his first child, a baby girl, and they lit up her name in lights on the side of the ship.   

“We kind of saw that full circle – from that celebration of life, the wedding, the engagement and a birth – and of course celebrating birthdays for crew members sending them cake,” she said. “It’s been a special time. I’ve enjoyed because I’ve gotten to know my crew in a different way.” 

 

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Social Status 

The first American female cruise ship captain is also a certified social media star, along with her elf sphynx cat, Bug. (Bug even has her own Instagram channel with 49K followers.) It all came about organically, after she was promoted to captain of the Edge. 

Guests kept asking her the same questions that were coming up in media interviews.  

“That’s when I realized that I had been given this platform and if I shied away from this – if I didn’t try to normalize a woman in this role and kind of crush those stereotypes – then the next woman who came up would have to go through the same things and answer the same questions,” McCue said. “And I thought, I need to take this on, and I need to take this on in a genuine way so people can see what the job is like, can see the lifestyle, the benefits, and hopefully garner some interest, which it has.” 

Women – and men, too – contact her all the time on social media, saying they had no idea that being a cruise ship caption was a viable career option. They ask what to study, how to get started, and what to focus on. It’s something she didn’t have making her way into the industry. 

“It’s a great tool to be able to have,” she said.  

@captainkatemccueReply to @seamus272 ##yourewelcome ##fyp ##foryou ##captain♬ original sound – captainkatemccue

Like any social media whiz, she uses each platform for different things. Her Instagram channel (where she has 246K followers) serves as a personal photo album. Her inner “goofball” comes out on TikTok (a whopping 1.6M followers), which – like so many others – she discovered during the pandemic. It’s also where she likes to post quick question-and-answer clips.  

Her YouTube channel, meanwhile, is more of a deep delve into what the crew does, how they do it, and why things are done in certain ways. Longer videos are a good way to discuss day-to-day things like ship operations to equipment and opportunities they have out at sea. 

“It’s definitely a hobby, but it’s something that I really enjoy doing,” McCue said. “And I only post when I feel inspired.” 

Quarantine Time 

In the meantime, there’s plenty going on ship-side to keep McCue busy. When we spoke around the holidays, she was spending her days signing Christmas cards, wrapping presents and looking forward to the day when we can all travel again. 

“We’re not going to be away from travel forever. There’s no way,” she said. “People need to travel. They need to broaden their horizons. They love the experiences that it brings and how it fulfills your life. It’ll happen.” 

Plan your next cruise with AAA Travel. 

Workday Getaways

Forget working from home. The new travel trend is working from hotel. Some hotels are renting out rooms for the day for those bored of the office-to-couch commute. The packages come with Wi-Fi and workstations, access to pools and gyms, and plenty of distraction-free quiet space. Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt hotels all offer special work-from-hotel packages, as do some boutique establishments. Finishing up that spreadsheet by the pool? Now that’s a workday routine we can really get behind.

Car Culture

Love cars? Then you’ll love the Museum of Modern Art’s new “Automania” exhibit, on display at the famed New York City institution. The exhibit will examine cars and car culture during the 20th century, featuring automotive-themed works by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Andy Warhol and Frank Lloyd Wright, as well as classic cars on display in the museum’s sculpture garden. “Automania” runs July 4, 2021, through Jan. 2, 2022.

Room & Board

Headed to the beach but forgot your favorite board? No worries! The Quiver – a surfboard sharing site – has your back, dude. It has surfboards and paddleboards available to rent from private owners and surf shops across the globe. (The site encourages contact-free exchanges and sanitizing of equipment.) In the U.S., you’ll find boards from Narragansett, R.I., to the Jersey Shore and Long Beach, N.Y., to Long Beach, Calif. Totally rad.

Discover more #trending stories at AAA.com/Trending.

We all know the travel industry has been through a lot in the past year. But we didn’t anticipate how the high demand of getting back to travel in 2021 would affect car rentals. If you’re planning to travel in the near future and will need a rental car, you should book now. Recently, rentals cars have been extremely hard to come by depending on your destination, leading to exorbitant prices.

But why? When the pandemic hit the U.S. a year ago and air travel came to an abrupt halt, rental car companies found themselves with lots full of vehicles and no drivers to get behind the wheel. In turn, the companies began selling their cars in droves in order to generate money to stay afloat financially. According to CNN, more than half a million vehicles have been sold as used cars by the industry over the past 12 months. This represents roughly one-third of all the rental cars in the country.

As the travel industry has yet to fully rebound, rental companies have not had access to the funds to rebuild their fleet of cars. With such little supply, it’s critical to book your rental car as far in advance as possible, especially if you’re traveling during the summer months, which are expected to see an increase in travel.

“We’re seeing a surge in demand for leisure travel in vacation destinations across the industry…Given where the industry was during this time a year ago, we’re happy to help travelers return to the road safely,” Hertz spokesperson Lauren Luster told CNN. “Because of the spike in demand and tighter fleets across the car rental industry, availability may be more limited.”

So what does this mean for you? Like everything we’ve learned and experienced in the past year, we just have to adjust our former way of thinking and the same goes for how you typically rent a car. Think a bit further in advance, book ahead – maybe even before you’re booking your flight or hotel. Book early and book via AAA to save.

Travel safely and remember, AAA members can save up to 20% on Hertz rentals.

Car care is increasingly more complicated these days, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make some repairs on your own. Here are common car repairs you can safely and easily do yourself and some that are best left to the car care pros.

DIY Car Care

Changing a Flat Tire

Flat tires are a nuisance and they seem to strike at the most inopportune moments. You can call AAA services for help with the job or you can try to tackle this one all on your own. The process isn’t complicated and the tools to do the job should be in your car. Once you find the spare tire, jack and tire iron, you can remove the flat tire and pop on the spare, although it’s not always that easy. Get full, step-by-step instructions.

Checking the Battery

Dead batteries can strike at any time. Checking your car battery and knowing when it’s time for a new one should be part of regular car maintenance. If it’s time to replace, call for roadside assistance to get a battery delivered to you and installed properly.

Replacing a Light

Headlights, tail lights and turn signals tend to burn out and legally need to be replaced before you drive. If you can manage changing a household lightbulb, then you can change many of the bulbs in your car. Find the correct bulb at an auto parts store and then follow the instructions in your owner’s manual to see how to access and remove the old bulb. Keep in mind, not all lights are created equal; for example, some headlights require removal of the bumper cover to gain access to the bulb.

Replace an Air Filter

The job of keeping your engine free from dust and dirt goes to the air filter. Eventually, it gets dirty and needs to be replaced as a part of regular car care. You’ll find the air filter in the engine compartment beneath a cover that may be held on with screws, clips or clamps. Once you remove the cover, take out the the filter and clean the housing before installing the new one. Your owner’s manual has guidelines on how often this should be replaced, but a good rule of thumb is to do it every 30,000 miles and check the filter’s condition with each oil change.

Adding Oil

Checking your oil should be a regular part of monthly car maintenance and is essential to keeping your car in working order. If you check and find the oil is low, then it’s easy to add more. Purchase the correct grade at a gas station or auto parts store. Pop the hood and unscrew the oil cap. Pour in the fresh oil and once the dipstick shows it’s full, your car is all set. Learn more about changing your own oil. 

Tips and Tricks

• If you drop a part where you can’t reach it, dab some superglue on the end of a dowel or coat hanger, touch it to the object, wait a minute for the glue to dry and carefully retrieve the part.

• Using a spray with soapy water (kids bubble soap works great) can help find leaks. Just spray it to the suspected area and look for bubbles to form.

• Use a mixture of baking soda and water with an old toothbrush to clean the corrosion off your battery cables. Hot water and a little soap will work too.

• Cloudy headlights can often be improved with non-conventional approaches. Non-gel toothpaste contains abrasive that can clean a plastic headlight cover. As a last-ditch effort, if you need a quick fix, bug sprays that contain DEET will dissolve the plastic haze and temporarily clean the headlights.

• If you see a dent in your fender, a plumbing plunger often can pull out the dent. Pour hot water on the dented panel, attach the plunger and pull. If the panel isn’t creased, you might get lucky and the dent will be gone.

•  A plastic bumper can sometimes be salvaged with boiling water. Pour it over the bumper; it may soften it enough to manipulate the plastic from the backside so you can push it back into shape.

Car Care Best Left to Professionals

Timing Belt

Plenty of people try to replace the timing belt, but it’s not a good idea. This car care job requires taking apart a good bit of your engine. It also requires reassembling it correctly when the job is done. If you make a mistake putting things back together, what was originally an inexpensive car repair could end up being very costly.

Shock Absorbers and Struts

Not only is this a tricky job that can require special tools to perform correctly, but because you will need to jack up the car and climb under it to perform the job, it can be dangerous. Rather than risking injury and a poorly performed repair, it’s best to pay to have this done by a professional.

Radiator

This is a big one that people dread because it’s not cheap to repair. Depending on the vehicle, this can also be a difficult and time-consuming job. If you don’t follow procedures correctly a radiator replacement could turn into a much more expensive repair. This is such an important part of car care that doing it improperly could mean needing a whole new engine. Instead of taking that risk, have a professional do the job and you’ll know it’s done correctly.

Fuel Pump

The fuel pump supplies fuel to the fuel injector at just the right pressure. It is a sensitive part and an expensive one to replace. This might tempt you to try the job on your own, but that isn’t a good idea. In many cases you need to remove the fuel tank and depressurize the fuel system. This is definitely a job for the pros.

Brakes

Replacing your brakes isn’t the most complicated job, but it’s not one you want to do wrong. Your brakes are what stand between you stopping at a traffic light or careening into an intersection. If you don’t know how to do this correctly, is that a chance you’re willing to take? We didn’t think so. Seek a professional for this auto repair rather than risking brake failure.

What would you add to our suggestions for repairs anyone can handle versus those that should only be done by professionals? Let us know in the comments!

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

For discounts on repairs and quality you can trust, check out our AAA Approved Auto Repair facility locator here.

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

AAA employee Tiffany Edouard is a DIY home decorating enthusiast, charity supporter and a longtime volunteer in the community.

So when she heard about Help Her Home from a friend, it immediately sparked her interest. The organization designs and furnishes places where women can find peace and happiness after hardships such as homelessness and domestic violence.

“I’m always changing things and getting rid of things, so I asked if I could donate some of it,” said Edouard, a senior paralegal at AAA.

She also requested and received a $5,000 donation from AAA.

Volunteer Effort

For Women’s History Month in March, Edouard helped with the labor, using extra paid time off AAA  employees get for volunteering in the community. She worked at a safe house for women with the organization’s founder, Kendra Morales. They put together a private bedroom for a mother with three children. Other families occupy three additional bedrooms, and they all share the kitchen, which is part of a common area.

“Kendra told me AAA’s donation is allowing her to do that entire safe house,” Edouard said. “This really came full circle. I learned about the organization, then I joined the committee. I asked for a donation on their behalf, and they received it; then I actually saw the money being used.”

Edouard has been a volunteer in the community since a very early age. She gives her time and effort at hospitals, food banks and soup kitchens, just to name a few. This experience was different.

“It was touchable and attainable,” she said. “I could picture the people living in the space. When I was building a wardrobe, I was thinking about hanging little-kid-size hangers. It made me feel good that they would know it was specifically for them.”

For more about AAA efforts in the community, click here.

You may not own your home, but you still need to protect your possessions. Renters insurance can help you do that.

AAA provides coverage for people in all sorts of living arrangements, including renters insurance.

For more information, contact a AAA insurance agent.

Q: Why should I buy renters insurance?

Renters insurance provides coverage for lost, stolen or damaged possessions in your apartment. The items in your living area can be worth a lot of money and expensive to replace after a disaster.

Renters insurance protects you in case of injury, liability and other catastrophes, like if a stove fire wrecks your kitchen, a thief steals your home entertainment system or a guest slips and falls in your bathroom. With renters insurance, you are protected from damage to your belongings and if someone injured themselves while inside your apartment.

Learn more about renters insurance coverage. 

Q: How is rental insurance different from homeowners insurance?

When you own a home, you also own the property in and around your home. If you rent your home, your landlord is the property owner.

A landlord has the responsibility to protect and maintain the building structure. But a landlord, who may own your building, is not responsible for the objects inside your rented apartment, accidental injury or other legal liability. In fact, your landlord may have insurance, but not for your specific living area.

Similarly, condo insurance acts differently since a condominium association usually owns the property. The association takes responsibility for day-to-day maintenance of buildings and common areas, like a gym or a pool. However, the condo association may not cover individual units and the property inside. Examine your condo association’s bylaws and look for gaps in coverage. You might want to get a policy for yourself to protect your individual unit and your possessions.

Q: Is it possible to find cheap renters insurance?

No matter how much you spend on renters insurance, it’s not as expensive as replacing all of the items in your apartment without insurance. Insurance gives you a chance to replace and repair items without breaking the bank.

Plus, you can ask for discounts. If you have smoke detectors, fire extinguishers or a security system, you may be eligible for a discount. Ask your insurance agent as you apply.

Cheap renters insurance is possible, but it is more important to have insurance that provides good coverage for the items that you hold dear and depend on every day.

Q: Are there any situations renters insurance doesn’t cover?

In a similar way to homeowners insurance, renters insurance may have coverage limits, or not apply to certain situations. Of course, check with your insurance agent and ask about the specifics of your policy. Ask if you need an add-on to your coverage, especially if you have pets or a home business.

Q: What if I have rare or unusual items? Will renters insurance cover them if they are lost or damaged?

Purchase a rider (or floater) on your insurance policy to protect especially valuable items, such as jewelry, collectibles and antiques. You will have to provide a receipt for the purchase of the item, or have it appraised for its value. An appraisal must be kept recent especially since collectibles may change value over time. So it is a good idea to keep appraisals recent and update them every three to five years.

Alternatively, you can ask your insurer to raise the liability limit on your policy without adding a rider.

Q: What if I have a storage unit? Will renters insurance cover the items inside that as well as the possessions in my apartment?

Some policies have coverage for items in a storage unit while others do not. You can also buy additional coverage for your storage unit through your insurance, or from your storage unit company.

Q: How can I get the most out of my renters insurance?

Don’t be afraid to ask your insurance agent about any part of your policy. Be honest, and tell him if you plan to make a change in your life, like remodeling your kitchen or making a big purchase. Agents are here to help you, make your life simpler and ensure the important things in your life are covered for any emergency.

In addition, make an inventory of the items in your home. This helps you know exactly the value of your possession and their condition before they were destroyed.

Do you have renters insurance? How has it helped you? Let us know in the comments.

AAA provides homeowners insurance and much more. Go to AAA.com/Insurance to talk to an agent today.  

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

Today’s cars have an increasing number of safety features, but there’s one thing that still sits at the top of the list for ensuring you and your loved ones are safe – car brakes. Improvements over the years have made them better and longer-lasting, but if you don’t maintain them properly, then they won’t do their job. Here’s how you can properly take care of your car brakes and know when you need a car brake repair from an experienced professional.

How do car brakes work?

You know they slow you down, but how do they pull off the trick? Your car brakes are made up of multiple parts that work together to slow down your car. Most modern cars use disc brakes on all four wheels. These consist of a plate-like disc (rotor) attached to the wheel, caliper, brake pads, mounting hardware and hydraulics. When you push the brake pedal, that disc is squeezed by the brake caliper, which holds the disc brake pads. Think of your hand grabbing the edge of a spinning plate or how a typical bicycle brake operates. Brake pads are made of a variety of materials that are designed to provide friction and dissipate heat.

The calipers have, depending on the vehicle design, from one to eight pistons that push/squeeze the brake pads against the disc to slow it down. This involves a hydraulic system that pushes brake fluid from the master cylinder to those pistons. When you press on the brake pedal, you’re creating pressure and sending that fluid to the pistons. All of these parts, from the discs to the brake fluid, need to be maintained for your car brakes to work properly.

Check the brake fluid

If the brake fluid is low, it may be due to a leak or the brake pads wearing down. As the brake pads wear, the fluid level will drop in the brake fluid reservoir. If you notice any difference in the operation of your vehicles brakes have the car inspected by a qualified repair shop. You can check your brake fluid to make sure it doesn’t run low or run out, resulting in brake failure. If you are adding brake fluid regularly, there is a leak and it should be checked asap.

Start by checking your owner’s manual to find out where the brake fluid reservoir is located and read the guidelines for checking the brake fluid in your vehicle. Some anti-lock brake systems require pumping the brakes first, so find out if your vehicle has this requirement before you open the reservoir.

Clean the top of the reservoir thoroughly so no dirt gets into the fluid. Dirt can cause your system to fail completely, so make sure absolutely no dirt falls into the reservoir. Once the cap is off, check to see that the fluid level is within about a half inch from the top and add more fluid if it’s too low. Brake fluid absorbs moisture so open the reservoir and fill it quickly rather than letting it sit open. When adding brake fluid always use the proper fluid from a sealed container. Brake fluid attracts moisture. If your spare brake fluid is in an open container, dispose of it and buy new fluid and install the cap when you have topped off the brake fluid.

While it’s open, look at the color of the fluid. If it’s dark, then you should take your car in for service to have the brake fluid replaced. A general guideline is to have it changed once every two years to prevent damaging your car brake system.

While the cap is off of the reservoir, look at the color of the fluid. If it’s dark, then you should take your car in for service to have the brake fluid replaced. New fluid is clear/tan color, contaminated fluid gets darker with age. A general guideline is to have the fluid changed during brake service, although some manufacturer’s recommend fluid changes every two to three years, so check the vehicle’s owner manual.

How long do car brakes last?

How long car brakes last depend on a variety of factors. It’s best to check your brakes roughly every 7,000-10,000 miles to be sure the pads aren’t worn and that the discs and calipers are in good condition.

Worn brake pads announce themselves loudly with a high-pitched screeching sound. That’s the worn brake pad indicator, which is designed to make that noise as a warning. If you hear it, then take your car in to have the brakes checked as soon as possible.

Visually inspect the car brakes

Although you can sometimes see your brakes through the spaces in the wheel spokes, it’s better to remove all four wheels for a closer look. This is a job best done when your car hasn’t recently been driven as brakes get hot and you don’t want to burn your fingers during the inspection.

Safely jack up the car and remove each wheel, so you have a clear view of the disc. A little rust on the disc is OK, but heavy rust requires attention from an experienced service technician. Also look for any uneven wear or scoring on the disc. A professional can tell you if the discs need to be reground or completely replaced. Next, check the calipers. Uneven brake pad wear is an indication of calipers sticking or binding.

Lastly, check out the brake pads. You can see them through the inspection hole which is in the dust shield on the caliper. A mechanic will mount your car on a lift and measure them to ensure they’re not too thin. When they’re roughly a 3-mm thick, then it’s time to have them replaced. If you’re unsure about the thickness of your brake pads, then have a professional inspection.

Lastly, check out the brake pads, a flashlight will help you get a good view. Look at the inside and outside pads. The brake pads can wear differently from left to right, which is why it is important to check all the brakes for wear. At a professional repair shop, a technician will put the car on a lift, inspect not just the brake pads but also look at the brake lines/hose and other brake components. When they’re roughly a 3-mm thick, then it’s time to have them replaced. If you’re unsure about the thickness of your brake pads, have a professional brake inspection.

Car brake maintenance and repair is essential to the safety of both you and other roadway users. Have you ever noticed your brakes not feeling just right? Then it’s time to have them checked.

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

In honor of Car Care Month, AAA members can receive a free “wheels off” brake inspection, tire check, suspension check and tire rotation at a Approved Auto Repair facility all April long.

To learn about the vast array of automotive services AAA provides, click here. 

Last week, President Biden unveiled his plans for a $2 trillion infrastructure bill. The far-reaching proposal, entitled The American Jobs Plan, covers everything improvements to water systems to investments in caregivers.

Most notably, the bill would finally address the country’s long-failing transportation infrastructure by investing $621 billion in the sector. (The American Society of Civil Engineers recently gave America’s infrastructure a C- grade.) The funding would include $115 billion for bridges and roads improvements. According to the White House, the money will be used to modernize “the bridges, highways, roads, and main streets that are in most critical need of repair.” This is good news for motorists in the Northeast as the region has more than its fair share of the worst roads in the country.

The largest allocation of funds to the transportation sector would be the $174 billion in electric vehicle (EV) investments. This will help provide consumers rebates and tax incentives for purchasing EVs, as well as establish grant and incentive programs for state and local governments and the private companies to build an additional 500,000 EVs chargers by 2030. The dearth of public charging stations is seen as one of the main hurdles to a wider adoption of EVs in the U.S.

Other transportation funds would include $20 billion to improve road safety, $85 billion for existing public transit, $80 billion for railways, $50 billion to improve infrastructure resilience, $25 billion for airports, $17 billion for waterways and ports of entry, $20 billion to reconnect urban neighborhoods cut off by highways.

It’s important to remember that this is simply the president’s proposed legislation. It still needs to be approved by Congress, a process that could likely see the amount of spending, and where it is spent, altered significantly.

Get more automotive news.

Anyone who has been self-isolating for a year knows that the four walls of your home have started to look a little too familiar as of late. But with staying home comes a unique kind of flexibility. After all, who says working from home has to happen at your house? 

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

As people have been looking for safe travel options, a new trend has emerged: hotels are offering packages that allow families to relocate their pod to a new place while also staying socially distanced, whether that means using a hotel room as an alternative workspace or offering an extended stay in a space that offers luxury amenities for “schoolcations.” The trend has really given “home away from home” a whole new meaning.  

Take, for example, Montage Hotels. Its Montage Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, S.C., near Hilton Head, is offering a program called Montage Academy. In addition to a virtual concierge who will help students with their school curriculum, there are optional daily activities in everything from arts and crafts to eco–science to cooking. 

Kimpton hotels are also wooing families. To encourage them to stay, Kimpton is offering a Stay Longer and Save package that gives guests a 15-25% discount when they stay three or more nights.  

Even at places without dedicated school programs, people are choosing longer hotel stays at places where it’s easy to work. For longer stays, the MGM hotels in Las Vegas – including Bellagio, Mandalay Bay and the MGM Grand – are offering an additional 33% off the lowest rate for guests who book three or more nights.  

Some hotels are taking the opposite approach, offering very short stays for people who just need to get out of the house and have a separate place to work. The Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor is offering Office for the Day packages that give guests a hotel room from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with discounts on dining and access to the hotel’s pool, spa and gym. In downtown Providence, Homewood Suites by Hyatt is offering a Work from Home package that gives guests access to a king suite with a sitting area from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and includes free parking and high-speed internet. 

The hospitality industry, not just restaurants but hotels and other travel services, have taken a huge hit during the pandemic. In many ways, offering “workcation” and “schoolcation” packages has been a creative pivot to help boost abysmal occupancy rates, which fell to 44% in 2020 according to travel research firm STR, which called it “officially the worst year on record for U.S. hotels.”  

“For the first time in history, the industry surpassed 1 billion unsold room nights, which eclipsed the 786 million unsold room nights during the great recession in 2009,” the firm reported. According to their findings, hotel profits across the country fell nearly 85% last year.  

There’s evidence that these creative programs are helping, though. STR reports that January 2021 showed a small increase in hotel profits, the highest since October.  

Some critics have claimed that working or learning while traveling puts a dent in attention span and retention, others believe that experiencing new things is an education all its own. 

“While poolside taco making or local wood carving can’t replace rigorous in-person learning on a real curriculum, some of the hotel schooling programs could help fill in a few educational gaps left by COVID – or at least keep students engaged for a week or so while kept off campus,” Tim Chester writes of the hotel school trend. “And many are designed to immerse kids of all ages in the culture of the destination, which could help instill good vacation habits for the whole family.” 

That’s the kind of experience offered on Mackinac Island in Michigan. The entire island is a National Historic Site, and has no cars whatsoever, but museums, lighthouses and miles of coastline to explore. The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island offers a Grand Back to School package with dedicated learning space and a fourth hotel night free. 

For those who are comfortable traveling internationally, the JW Marriott in Cancun is offering packages that include cabanas outfitted as workspaces to accommodate remote workers (and learners) who want to spend their breaks between meetings swimming in the ocean. For true luxury, The Ritz-Carlton Cancun is offering Work from Anywhere package that includes food and beverage discounts and special rates on stays of seven nights or more.  

If that sounds like the work–from–home dream, then consider the “school–from–home” dream: Walt Disney World’s Four Seasons Orlando hotel is offering a schoolcation that includes supervised class time in a dedicated learning space for half- and full-day sessions, while parents can work by the adults-only pool and families can meet afterwards to splash around in the lazy river – or, of course, head to the Magic Kingdom. 

Plan your next trip with AAA Travel. 

What do you think about these work and play hotel packages? Tell us in the comments. 

Have you ever received a parking ticket and been afraid your car insurance would skyrocket? Maybe you passed over a red car because you were told your premiums would be higher. With all the misinformation circulating about auto insurance, it’s time to debunk common car insurance myths.

Understanding car insurance is easy with these answers.

The AAA Guide To Understanding Car Insurance Myths

A red car is more expensive to insure 

This seems to be one of the most common car insurance myths, and one that may influences choices on the car lot. Like most myths, it is grounded in truth. When you request a quote, the insurance company will ask you the color of your vehicle, along with its model, make and other descriptive information. It will use some of this information to assign risk; however, color is not one of the determining factors. Your friend who has a red car may pay more for insurance, but this is more likely due to the model, the need for expensive parts or even the number of violations on his record.

A ticket will increase your insurance rates 

Not all tickets are equal. If you park illegally at a shopping mall, your insurance rate will not increase. The same is true for a minor violation such as failing to show proper vehicle registration. If, however, you are guilty of reckless driving, driving under the influence, driving with a suspended license or other major violation, you can expect to see an increase. Insurance companies consider the type and number of violations you have when determining the cost of your auto insurance as they are indicators of how big of a risk you are.

If you don’t report an accident, your rates won’t change 

After being involved in an accident, some drivers are tempted not to inform their insurance company, thinking it can remain hidden. If you received a ticket, it will be included on your driving record, where it won’t remain hidden for long. When you renew a policy, the insurer will review your record to see if anything has changed. Additionally, the other party may contact your insurance company as they pursue a claim for damages you caused. The sooner you contact your insurance company, the better they can help you to navigate the aftermath of an accident.

If your car is totaled, your insurance company will replace it 

Collision and comprehensive coverage can protect you in the event your car is totaled by another vehicle, a storm or another covered circumstance. This does not mean that your insurance company will cover the entire cost of replacing your vehicle. Insurers take depreciation into account when determining the value of your totaled vehicle.

New car owners know depreciation all too well. As soon as you drive off the lot, your car already is depreciating, which takes a serious toll on value. If your car is a total loss, an adjuster will determine the fair market value of your vehicle and the company will pay you this amount. You are still responsible for the balance of your loan, even if your insurance company has paid a lower figure.

To protect yourself, invest in gap insurance. This covers the difference between the fair market value of a totaled vehicle and what you owe to a lending institution.

When I loan someone my car, I’m not responsible for a crash 

This is another persistent car insurance myth that many policy owners believe. Auto insurance is coverage for your vehicle, which means that anyone who has permission to drive your car has the same protection as you do. When you loan someone your car, you are assuming the risk that they could get into an accident. If one occurs, your insurance will be the primary policy liable for costs.

Everything in my car is covered by my policy 

We use our cars for a variety of purposes, both business and recreational. We need to transport tablets, laptops  and other equipment, subjecting them to the possibility of being damaged or even stolen. While your auto insurance policy is designed to cover items such as car electronics, it isn’t necessarily intended to cover all your belongings. Your homeowners policy, however, may.

For this myth, the truth is in the fine print. Your policy will specify what is covered. If you still have questions, consult with an agent who can help you with understanding the car insurance you currently have.

Understanding car insurance can be complicated enough without these persistent myths. Toss them aside and you will find it easier to navigate your policy and make decisions that impact your auto insurance.

Did you believe any of these car insurance myths? Tell us in the comments. 

To learn more about car insurance, visit AAA.com/Insurance. 

We have a winner!

32 dishes battled it out, and after five rounds of voting and thousands of votes, it all came down to two Northeast culinary powerhouses: Maine Lobster Rolls vs. New England Clam Chowder.

In the final round, lobster rolls edged out clam chowder 57% to 44%, taking the crown of Northeast Food Fight champion!

KEEP SCORE

ROUND 1

14,927 total votes 

Atlantic City Taffy vs. Doughboys 
Doughboys – 65% (winner)
Atlantic City Taffy – 35%

New York-Style Cheesecake vs. Cannoli 
New York-Style Cheesecake – 59% (winner)
Cannoli – 41%

Apple Cider Doughnuts vs. Boston Cream Pie 
Apple Cider Doughnuts – 54% (winner)
Boston Cream Pie – 46%

Del’s Lemonade vs. Italian Ice 
Italian Ice – 58% (winner)
Del’s Lemonade – 42%

Maine vs. Connecticut Lobster Roll 
Maine Lobster Roll – 80% (winner)
Connecticut Lobster Roll – 20% (winner)

Rhode Island Stuffies vs. Clam Cakes 
Clam Cakes – 56% (winner)
Stuffies – 44%

Rhode Island-Style Calamari vs. Fried Clams 
Fried Clams – 65% (winner)
Calamari – 35%

Steamers vs. Oysters 
Steamers – 72% (winner)
Oysters – 28%

Manhattan vs. New England Clam Chowder
New England Clam Chowder – 86% (winner)
Manhattan Clam Chowder – 14%

Disco Fries vs. Jersey Shore Cheeseballs 
Disco Fries – 70% (winner)
Jersey Shore Cheeseballs – 30%

Baked Pretzel vs. Parker House Rolls 
Baked Pretzel – 57% (winner)
Parker House Rolls – 42%

Matzo Ball Soup vs. Waldorf Salad 
Waldorf Salad – 58% (winner)
Matzo Ball Soup – 41%

New York Pizza vs. New Haven Pizza 
New York Pizza – 67% (winner)
New Haven Pizza – 32%

Hot Wieners vs. New York Street Dog
NYC Street Dog – 67% (winner)
Hot Wieners – 33%

Pastrami Sandwich vs. Sausage and Peppers 
Pastrami Sandwich – 54% (winner)
Sausage & Peppers – 46%

Taylor Ham, Egg and Cheese vs. Bagel and Lox 
Taylor Ham, Egg and Cheese – 57% (winner)
Bagel & Lox – 43%

ROUND 2

2,527 total votes 

Doughboys vs. New York-Style Cheesecake 
New York-Style Cheesecake – 78% (winner)
Doughboys – 22%

Italian Ice vs. Apple Cider Doughnut 
Apple Cider Doughnut – 63% (winner)
Italian Ice – 37%

Maine Lobster Roll vs. Clam Cakes 
Maine Lobster Roll – 79% (winner)
Clam Cakes – 21%

Fried Clams vs. Steamers
Fried Clams – 67% (winner)
Steamers – 33%

New England Clam Chowder vs. Disco Fries 
New England Clam Chowder – 81% (winner)
Disco Fries – 19%

Baked Pretzel vs. Waldorf Salad 
Baked Pretzel – 69% (winner)
Waldorf Salad – 31%

New York-Style Pizza vs. New York Street Dog 
New York-Style Pizza – 83% (winner)
New York Street Dog – 17%

Pastrami Sandwich vs. Taylor Ham, Egg and Cheese
Pastrami Sandwich – 80% (winner)
Taylor Ham, Egg and Cheese – 19%

ROUND 3

1,204 total votes

New England Clam Chowder vs. Baked Pretzel 
New England Clam Chowder – 77% (winner)
Baked Pretzel – 23%

Main Lobster Roll vs. Fried Clams
Maine Lobster Roll – 70% (winner)
Fried Clams – 30%

New York Style-Cheesecake vs. Apple Cider Doughnuts 
New York Style-Cheesecake – 61% (winner)
Apple Cider Doughnuts – 39%

New York-Style Pizza vs. Pastrami Sandwich 
New York-Style Pizza – 60% (winner)
Pastrami Sandwich – 40%

ROUND 4

405 total votes

New England Clam Chowder vs. New York-Style Pizza 
New England Clam Chowder -56% (winner)
New York-Style Pizza – 44%

Maine Lobster Roll vs. New York-Style Cheesecake 
Maine Lobster Roll – 65% (winner)
New York-Style Cheesecake – 35%

ROUND 5 

307 total votes 

Maine Lobster Roll vs. New England Clam Chowder
Maine Lobster Roll – 57% (winner)
New England Clam Chowder – 44%

ROSTER

DESSERT

Atlantic City Salt Water Taffy

The go-to Atlantic City souvenir since the 1800s. A piece of boardwalk nostalgia, salt water taffy is made in a variety of flavors and (thankfully) not from actual seawater.

Doughboys – Rhode Island

The Ocean State’s version of a zeppole or beignet, these sugar-coated fried balls of dough are best enjoyed still warm from the fryer. Available at pizzerias and clam shacks throughout the state.

New York-Style Cheesecake

Rich, tangy, dense and creamy, New York-style cheesecake is cream cheese-based and usually made with a graham cracker or vanilla wafer crust.

Cannoli

Crispy fried pastry shells with sweet ricotta cream filling, traditionally dipped in dark chocolate chips on each end. You’ll find some of the best cannoli in the bakeries of Little Italy neighborhoods throughout the Northeast.

Del’s Frozen Lemonade – Rhode Island

Part slushy, part Italian Ice, distinctly Rhode Island and all delicious. A hot day’s perfect companion.

Italian Ice

A smooth summer snack that cools you down but is lighter than ice cream. Served in a range of refreshing flavors at pizzerias and franchises like Rita’s and Ralph’s.

Apple Cider Doughnuts

Sugar and spice, plus everything nice about doughnuts, the addition of apple cider and cinnamon sugar transforms an already delicious dessert into something even better. No apple picking adventure, farmers market or fall festival would be complete without them.

Boston Cream Pie

The chocolate-topped, cream-filled golden sponge cake was said to be invented at Parker’s Restaurant at the Omni Parker House in Boston, where it has been served since 1856.

SEAFOOD

Maine Lobster Roll

The Maine lobster roll features cold lobster salad dressed in mayonnaise, served on a split-top New England hot dog bun. Some will add celery, lettuce and other seasonings to the mix, but purists believe that nothing should come between fresh lobster meat and mayo.

Connecticut Lobster Roll

A hot lobster roll served with warm melted butter for dunking or pouring over top.

Stuffies – Rhode Island

Stuffed quahogs (Rhode Island’s official state shellfish) baked and served on the half shell. These clam shack favorites are typically made with a mixture of celery, onions, clams, bacon, breadcrumbs, chopped clams, clam juice and seasonings.

Clam Cakes – Rhode Island

Standard on beach and roadside clam shack menus, these fried dough fritters are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside and stuffed with meaty quahogs. Commonly served beside a bowl of clam chowder.

Rhode Island-Style Calamari

Crispy fried rings and tentacles get a flavor boost from a quick toss with garlic, butter and the vinegary kick of pickled cherry peppers. The official state appetizer of Rhode Island.

Fried Clams

Breaded and fried strips of clam.

Steamers

Steamed clams freshly harvested from East Coast and New England waters.

Oysters

The star of local raw bars, Oyster fans say that New England oysters are some of the sweetest.

STARTERS

Manhattan Clam Chowder

A tomato-based clam chowder made with vegetables and notably absent of milk or cream. A polarizing contender.

New England Clam Chowder

A thick and hearty cream-based clam chowder, customarily made with salt pork, onions and potatoes.

Disco Fries – New Jersey

Found at New Jersey diners, these gravy and mozzarella-topped fries are an irresistible late-night snack.

Jersey Shore Cheese Balls

Breaded and fried balls of cheddar that made their mark on the Seaside Heights boardwalk.

Baked Pretzel

Although they can be found just about anywhere, baked pretzels are a quintessential New York City street food, distinguished by their soft texture and irresistible toasty aroma.

Parker House Rolls – Massachusetts

Buttery, soft dinner rolls first created at the Boston Parker Hotel in 1890.

Matzo Ball Soup – New York

A comfort dish composed of chicken broth, aromatic vegetables, matzo ball dumplings and dill. A staple of any New York Jewish deli worth its schmaltz.

Waldorf Salad

A sweet salad starring crunchy raw apples and celery tossed in mayo. Many iterations also include walnuts. First made to celebrate the 1983 opening of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City.

QUICK-SERVE

New York-Style Pizza

A “regular” (cheese) New York pizza is a round pie with large, foldable slices, thin crust, tomato sauce and nearly full mozzarella coverage. Sold as a whole pie or by the slice.

New Haven-Style Pizza – Connecticut

Sometimes referred to as “apizza,” New Haven-style pizza is a coal-fired, Neapolitan-style pie marked by its ultra-thin crust. Sold as a whole pie.

Hot Wieners – Rhode Island

Also known as New York System wieners, these craveable sausages are more than your average hot dog. Typically ordered “all the way,” with onions, yellow mustard, celery salt and a seasoned beef sauce.

New York Street Dog

All-beef hot dogs topped with onions, sauerkraut and brown mustard. Often called “dirty water dogs” but revered, nonetheless.

Pastrami Sandwich – New York

Thin slices of tender, spice-rubbed, smoked pastrami, piled high on rye.

Sausage and Peppers

Grilled sweet or hot Italian sausage on a bun, topped with cooked peppers and onions. Tastes as good as it smells.

Taylor Ham, Egg and Cheese – New Jersey

A popular Jersey breakfast sandwich consisting of sliced Taylor ham or pork roll – a processed, smoky pork product, a fried egg and American cheese on a roll.

Bagel and Lox – New York

A bagel topped with cream cheese and smoked salmon is a New York classic. Complete with sliced onion, tomato and capers, if you please.

Shop our storefront to get the supplies you need to make and enjoy some your favorite Northeast foods at home. 

What’s your favorite Northeast food? Do you think adding tomatoes to clam chowder is blasphemous? Are you team Maine- or Connecticut-style lobster roll? Tell us in the comments! 

Marijuana legalization continues to become more common in the United States, including in our neck of the woods.

In March, New York became the 16^th state to legalize recreational marijuana, several of which are right here in the Northeast. Late last year, New Jersey voters approved a ballot measure to legalize marijuana, which moved through the state legislature and became law in 2021. New York and New Jersey join Massachusetts as the three states in the AAA Northeast footprint where recreational marijuana use is legal. The Governors of Connecticut and Rhode Island have all expressed support for legalization, as well.

As more states move toward legalization, AAA is urging the public to educate themselves on the dangers of impaired driving. “Marijuana can impair driver performance, for instance, by decreasing reaction time,” says John Corlett, director of public and legislative affairs in New York.

Surveys by AAA also show that drivers that operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol and cannabis, at the same time, are much more dangerous than drivers that drive after using either substance alone. In addition, data from AAA also indicate that cannabis users also routinely underestimate their level of impairment, Corlett said.

To educate drivers about the increasing risk of drugged driving, AAA Northeast offers a host of free resources to community groups and schools. Traffic safety educators are available to present virtual and in-person educational forums on impaired driving.

One such program is Shifting Gears: The Blunt Truth About Marijuana and Driving, a program designed for high school health education classes that aims to educate young drivers about the physical and cognitive processes that are affected by marijuana and the risks associated with impaired driving.

“This evidence-based curriculum includes state troopers and police officers certified as Drug Recognition Experts to speak to new drivers first-hand about the consequences of marijuana impaired driving,” says Diana Gugliotta, senior manager of public affairs for AAA Northeast. “Attitudes about marijuana impaired driving differ from drunk driving, so education is needed to change the misconceptions and promote safe behaviors for young drivers.”

“This generation of new drivers will be the first to come of driving age in states where marijuana is legalized,” Gugliotta continued. “We need to stress that using designated drivers is just as important when marijuana is being consumed as when alcohol is consumed.”

Click here to request a program for your high school or youth group.

Learn more about the AAA programs helping to keep the roads safe for everyone.

Most Americans searching for European vacation ideas dream about winding cobblestone alleys, sidewalk cafes and ancient town squares, and then automatically think of the continent’s big five: London, Paris, Rome, Amsterdam and Barcelona (or Madrid). All are world-class cities that should be on your bucket list. However, once you’ve crossed them off of your list, it opens up an unlimited number of possibilities for your next destination. To help narrow things down, we turned to the travel pros to find out the best European vacations that need to be on your agenda for “someday” (hopefully, soon). Here’s what they said.

Exploring the History of Italy

Hundreds of years before the ancient Romans came to dominate the Western world, the Etruscans and the Greeks shared the Italian peninsula. And for hundreds of years after the empire’s decline, successive societies rose and fell again. From the Stone Age to the Renaissance, each left an indelible mark that is still apparent up and down the boot.

Besides the eternal allure of Rome, an abundance of signs pointing to former glory linger in Florence, Milan and Venice, which all experienced a measure of dominance at some point throughout the centuries. All of the cities are easily reached by train, but it’s just as enjoyable to wind through the hilly countryside in a car.

Get your international driving permit at a AAA branch near you. 

Along the way, you’ll be captivated by the delectable food, engaging people and sense of living history, said Laurence Norah, founder of the travel site FindingTheUniverse.com. “I remember when I went with my wife, she kept saying, ‘What’s that and what’s that?’” Norah said. “It took forever to get anywhere because everything is so old and beautiful.”

Driving Through Mysterious Iceland

A relative newcomer to the tourist trail, remote Iceland has surged in popularity in the last decade, partly because its national airline offers free multiday stopovers in the capital of Reykjavik on the way to another destination. What’s been hiding in plain sight in the land of fire and ice is some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Europe, says Krista Canfield McNish, founder of FoodWaterShoes.com.

“You’ll encounter stunning landscapes and waterfalls like those in places like New Zealand, Norway and Switzerland,” McNish said. “What makes Iceland special are all the nooks and crannies you can get into.”

On the Ring Road that circles the island, travelers will find hot springs, volcanoes and dramatic mountain backdrops under spectacular displays of the northern lights. McNish said the highlights of her two-week trip included descending 400 feet into a dormant volcano, climbing onto a glacier and swimming in the vivid Blue Lagoon. Perhaps not surprisingly, the ice cream scene in Iceland is special, with unique flavors like birch, dandelion and multiple varieties of licorice.

Cruising Along the Danube River

Another of history’s great empires, the Austro-Hungarian, lived and died along the storied Danube River, which flows through some of central Europe’s most photogenic cities. The architecture in the biggest among them, Vienna and Budapest, exudes all the pomp and circumstance of the Hapsburgs. The same sense of history can be found in the quirky smaller cities that you might never thought to have visited, like Nuremberg, Bratislava and Belgrade.

And thanks to competition from several luxury river cruise lines, it’s a great way to experience some of the best European vacations in comfort with high-thread-count sheets and premium dining options to go along with the beautiful views.

Walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain

The famed pilgrims’ trail runs from the French border in the Pyrenees Mountains for more than 300 miles through northern Spain to the city of Santiago de Compostela, where legend says the bones of St. James are buried. Along the way, you pass through medieval villages and breathtaking landscapes, a journey that has inspired hundreds of books, including tomes by actors Shirley MacLaine and Andrew McCarthy.

Gabriel Schirm, author of “Sunrises to Santiago: Searching for Purpose on the Camino de Santiago,” says you don’t have to trek the whole trail to get the complete experience. Most people start in the city of Sarria, which is about a five-day walk from the end. Regardless of where you begin, it’s an indescribable experience.

“Once you arrive at the Praza do Obradoiro, or the golden square of Santiago, it is common to see fellow pilgrims weeping, jumping up and down for joy or hugging people who were just a few days earlier complete strangers,” Schrim said.

Eating Your Way Through the French Countryside

Paris eternally tops every traveler’s wish list, for good reason, but the undeniable romanticism of the French way of life might be more easily found in the countryside than in the bustling city. From tiny neighborhood boîtes to palatial chateaus, the savory tradition of long, paced meals lives on in restaurants where the wine flows as freely as the friendly smiles.

Besides having charming bed and breakfasts near the beach, the idyllic town of Lion-sur-Mer is one of the best European vacations you never knew you wanted to visit, providing a good home base for World War II buffs interested in learning how the D-Day invasion led to the liberation of Europe.

What are some memories of your favorite trips to Europe? Tell us in the comments below.

AAA members can save on travel bags, luggage and accessories at Samsonite. You can also save on stylish, long-lasting bags with a European flair at Hedgren.

When you are ready, AAA travel advisors are available to help you plan for your future dream trips.

Many of us spend more time in our cars than in our beds. And while you may do everything you can to keep your home clean, do you sanitize your car?

Your vehicle can be filled with all kinds of nasty stuff, in addition to the old french fry or lost banana peel that fell between the seats. And what about the germs spread by coughing and sneezing?

Here’s a guide to making sure your vehicle is clean, inside and out.

Washing Your Car

Let’s start with the basics – get out the vacuum and clean the carpets, seats and even the roof. Since you have the vacuum out, clean out the trunk and toss out unused stuff that just seems to accumulate.

Once all the dirt is gone, it is time for a good interior wash. Mix up some mild dish soap and water and use a soft brush and use more of the suds than the actual liquid and brush away, getting into all the nooks and crannies. Wipe off surfaces with a microfiber cloth. There are also specialized interior cleaning products, although soap and water usually does the trick.

Sanitizing Your Car

Now that the car is clean let’s get to those germs. Disinfectant wipes that both clean and disinfect for all the surfaces that you touch, work well. If disinfectant wipes aren’t available use 70 percent isopropyl alcohol.

Wipe down all surfaces and finish up with a microfiber cloth. In addition to the steering wheel and shifter, other areas you should attack include switches, interior and exterior door handles, armrests, console covers, even the sun visors. A light touch is all you need, don’t flood any surface with cleaner.

Sanitizing Different Materials

If your car has a touch screen, be careful with cleaners. Alcohol-based cleaner can damage touch screens. Some professional cleaning crews will use a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and distilled water sprayed on one microfiber cloth and then wiped down with a clean/dry microfiber cloth. Don’t use paper towels on display screens or gauge clusters, they can scratch these surfaces. Finish up with a quick spray of antibacterial antiseptic spray in the vents and under the seats.

With leather seats, use specialized leather cleaner. Cloth and vinyl seats can be cleaned with interior cleaner or a mild soap and water mix. The same mixture can be used on the carpets and floor mats. Don’t use too much cleaner, flooding the carpets could lead to mold and mildew buildup. Let the carpets dry thoroughly before putting the floor mats back in and don’t forget to secure them in place.

Cleaning your car on a regular basis will minimize germs and help maintain its value. Click here for more tips on how to properly clean your vehicle. 

It’s easy to think of windshields as simply providing drivers a view of the road and protecting them from wind, debris and adverse weather conditions. But they do much more than that.

Believe it or not, vehicle glass connects to many modern advanced safety features. If your windshield is damaged, replaced incorrectly or if the forward-facing camera attached to the windshield is not properly recalibrated, it can seriously affect your car’s safety. Here’s how to prevent that from happening.

Advanced Safety Features

There are advanced safety features in modern cars that do everything from keeping a car in its proper lane to slowing down in order to prevent a crash.

Several of these features directly connect to the vehicle glass. Forward-facing cameras and sensors located on or near the windshield constantly monitor the vehicle’s surroundings and interact with other vehicle safety systems and sensors to alert drivers when there’s trouble.

Here are some of the common advanced safety features related to vehicle glass.

Forward Collision Warning

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, rear-end collisions are by far the most common type of automobile crash in the U.S. Forward collision warning helps prevent this problem. This feature scans the road ahead and alerts the driver if a crash is imminent using cameras and sensors.

Automatic Emergency Braking

Forward collision warnings can alert you of an imminent crash, but it alone can’t prevent one. That’s why the system pairs with automatic brakes. If a driver ignores forward collision warning, the automatic braking system will take over and apply the brakes to slow or stop the vehicle to prevent or reduce the severity of a crash.

Lane Keep Assist

This safety feature is just what its name implies. Using cameras and sensors, it can detect road markings, and, using those for reference, determine if the vehicle is moving out of its lane without a turn signal. When this happens, the driver is alerted with a mix of alarms, lights and vibration. Advanced safety systems can even take over driving controls and steer the car back into the correct lane.

Rain Sensor

A rain sensor may seem like more of a luxury than a safety feature. But according to the Federal Highway Administration, 10% of all vehicle crashes occur during the rain, which accounts for nearly half of all weather-related crashes. Keeping your windshield and visibility clear is of the utmost importance concerning safety.

Rain sensors are usually located directly behind the rearview mirror. The sensor can measure how many raindrops are on the windshield. The more rain, the faster the windshield wipers will work, and vice versa.

Recalibration

A damaged windshield, or the faulty replacement of one, can affect advanced safety features and leave them prone to malfunction. This is why proper advanced safety systems recalibration is a necessity when replacing a windshield.

Depending on the vehicle’s manufacturer, your car will require either static or dynamic recalibration, although some vehicles require both.

Get more car safety tips. 

AAA members can save 10% on Safelite AutoGlass® replacement or repair. 

Spring is here and that means that April showers will soon bring May flowers. While most people head inside when it rains there are many reasons you should head outside to capture the beauty.

Make the most of the next cloudy day with the photography tips below. Look through the photos submitted by members during our rain-themed AAA Photo Session for inspiration.

Thank You for Participating!

From ominous dark clouds to vibrant rainbows, your photos showcased the art in nature’s dreariest days. Browse through all of the rain photos we received in the slideshow above, 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.

Tips for Photographing Rain

Wear A Rain Jacket

No, not you! Although you may want to keep yourself dry with one, too. There are rain jackets made for cameras called “rain covers.” For under $20,  it allows you to take rain photos without worrying about water damage to your camera.

Watch the Weather

I always check the forecast every morning. If I see that rain is in the forecast, I make note of when it is predicted to start and end. Often before the heavy rain sets in the sky will fill with dark moody clouds that make for excellent dramatic pictures. As the rain slows down and the sun starts to emerge, look for rainbows in the sky.

Capture the Aftermath

I love heading out after a fresh rainfall to search for puddles. If the light is right you can capture a great reflection. Also note the little water droplets left behind on plants and windows.

Use Props

Break out your umbrellas and rain galoshes! I think they help add to the storytelling aspect of an image. You can even head out in the rain with a subject if you have your rain cover on your camera.

Know Your Settings

To freeze the motion of the rain falling you will want to use a fast shutter speed. If you are somewhat of a beginner photographer I recommend using Shutter Priority Mode. In this mode you are just choosing the shutter speed of your exposure. You will want to set the speed to 1/500th of a second or faster.  Learn more about camera settings with our cheat sheet. 

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

Beth Mancuso is a professional landscape and travel photographer.

April is National Donate Life Month, a time when the power of organ, eye and tissue donation is recognized and celebrated. This topic is deeply personal for the nearly 10,000 New Yorkers currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, but they are not the only ones affected by this issue. Additionally, there are thousands of families across the greater New York area whose loved ones gave the gift of life. Each of these donors is a hero and their legacy lives on in the lives they saved through organ donation.

Meet Kingston, a 7-Year-Old Hero

Kingston was a curious and happy boy who touched all who knew him. He was born with Down syndrome, but that didn’t stop him from living life to the fullest. A Bronx resident, he was the joy of his parents’ lives and a friend to his siblings and classmates.

Kingston tragically passed away in late 2019 at the age of 7 after falling from the window of his apartment building. On the darkest day of their lives, his parents, Rozzy and Steve, were asked if they would donate the young boy’s organs so that others may live on. Without hesitation they said yes, and Kingston went on to save five lives.

“If you believe in God then it’s OK to think about others, even in your worst moment,” Rozzy said. “Because that is the godly thing to do. There are people out there who don’t get the chance to see their kids reach even a month or a year. We had at least seven. Our son would have wanted to help others, so why not help?”

Late last year on the one-year anniversary of Kingston’s passing, his family hosted a memorial celebration for the young boy in the street outside of their home. Hundreds of people showed up to share memories and participate in a balloon release in his honor.

“I want to keep my son’s legacy alive,” Rozzy said at the ceremony. “And I want to share how important it is for everyone to think about signing up to donate their organs.”

This Donate Life Month we remember Kingston and his incredible gift. April is a chance to raise awareness about the heroes of organ donation who gave the ultimate gift. It’s an opportunity to have important conversations and share your wishes with loved ones and encourage others to do the same. One person can save up to eight lives and leave a lasting legacy through those who live on because of their generosity. This April, consider being a hero like Kingston.

In honor of those who have donated, please take a few moments to learn more about organ donation and to consider registering as a donor.

Please visit LiveOnNY.org to learn more.