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.

Once the staple of every carmaker’s lineup, relatively inexpensive small sedans have become few and far between. To remind yourself why they were once so popular, look no further than the Nissan Versa.

The third generation of this subcompact four-door has gotten longer, lower and wider than the version it replaces. Its new styling is also noteworthy, as it gives the Versa a sporty feel.

The same 1.6-liter four cylinder now puts out 122 horsepower, but it’s still the car’s weakest link. While I found this super-fuel-efficient powertrain was fine for around town, you’re going to want to give yourself plenty of room for open-road passing maneuvers.

Versa used to be America’s least expensive car, but the new version’s modest price increase gets you a nicer interior. Better still, you’ll find it filled with a list of desirable new standard equipment, including keyless entry with push-button starting, power windows/locks and several important advanced safety features.

While four-door models have been dropped from automakers’ lineups left and right, there’s still a place for a good old-school midsize sedan. At least that’s what the folks behind the all-new Kia K5 are betting.

Of all its improvements over the Optima sedan it replaces, the K5’s most noticeable upgrade is its athletic good looks, with longer and lower proportions than the outgoing model.

Most versions, including the upscale EX I drove, get a 180-horsepower, turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that provides decent acceleration. If that leaves you wanting more, the 290-horsepower, 2. 5-liter turbocharged I4 under the hood of the performance-oriented GT trim level should prove plenty gutsy enough. All-wheel drive is also available for the first time, something to keep in mind if you have to motor through your share of bad weather.

Driving the K5 is a distinctly pleasant experience with confident handling and a comfortable ride quality.

Looking for a new ride? Check out more car reviews at AAA.com/TestDrive.

After weeks of earthquakes, Iceland’s Fagradalsfjall Volcano erupted March 19, drawing millions of pandemic-weary viewers to computer screens worldwide and thousands of visitors to the site.

You can watch a live feed of the event courtesy of RUV, the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service.

It’s the first time in more than 6,000 years that the volcano, located on the southwestern coast of the country in the Reykjanes peninsula, has erupted. The eruption can also be seen from space.

You can also fly over the site, courtesy of Instagram user Bjorn Steinbekk’s stunning drone footage.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Bjorn Steinbekk (@bsteinbekk)

Have you been keeping up with the Fagradalsfjall Volcano coverage? Tell us in the comments. 

One late evening nearly 25 years ago, Shane Snowden was driving home on a rural California highway she had traveled hundreds of times before. She wasn’t under the influence. She wasn’t speeding or on her phone. Snowden was just driving along as her regular self. Everything was fine, until it wasn’t. As she rounded a curve, Snowden heard a thud unlike any other she had heard in her life. Before she knew it, she saw a young man sprawled across the hood of her car before rolling over the windshield and over her car.

The teenage bicyclist died instantly. Snowden was found not at fault, but for more than two decades, the experience has remained engrained in her heart and mind. It’s why she has worked tirelessly to ensure her story does not become someone else’s. In recent years Snowden has begun speaking publicly about the experience. To help spread the word about the importance of safe driving, Snowden founded The Crash Project, an organization that aims to encourage mindful driving and support for safety initiatives.

“There are a lot of loved ones telling their stories and they do a lot of good,” Snowden says. “My thought was, what if people thought about car crashes not only around how it feels to have a loved one die? What if we talked about another piece of that – how it feels to kill somebody as the driver? That’s something a lot of people have not had the chance to think about. They haven’t heard from drivers who’ve killed. That’s why I try to tell my story and speak out about road safety.”

While traffic fatalities have dropped over the last few years, pedestrian deaths are on the rise. In 2019, more than 6,500 pedestrians were killed in the U.S., the most since 1988. The pandemic has only further emphasized the need for a change in driver behavior and attitude. The number of traffic fatalities in the U.S. increased last year despite a significant drop in number of miles driven by residents. The National Safety Council estimates that more than 42,000 people died in car crashes in 2020, an 8% increase over the previous year and the most since 2007.

Snowden is still hopeful that change on the roadways will come despite the sobering statistics. She points to the widespread acceptance of safety measures such as seat belts, child restraints and designated drivers, all of which were not commonly used just a few decades ago. “I do believe people can change. I believe drivers can change. One driver at a time, driving differently, day by day, drive by drive.”

For more traffic safety information, visit AAA.com/Community.

If you’re looking for a nearby escape, have you considered New Jersey? Whether you prefer a relaxing day on the beach, the heart-pumping fun of an amusement park or exploring art, culture and history, the Garden State has a little bit of everything. Take a trip and enjoy one of the following weekend getaways in N.J.

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

Cape May

Once summer hits, Cape May is the place to be.

The oldest seaside resort community in the country, laid-back Cape May is home to beautiful beaches and year-round attractions. Find Southern hospitality during your weekend getaway in N.J. at the AAA Four Diamond Rated bed and breakfast, The Southern Mansion, built in 1860, like much of Cape May’s historic buildings. Attractions including the Cape May Winery, Washington Street Mall, Cape May County Park and Zoo all provide options for a fun family weekend exploring South Jersey.

Princeton

College towns like Princeton, home of Princeton University, aren’t just for students – the arts and culture scene makes for a great getaway at any time of the year.

When you’re not strolling through one of Princeton’s museums and gardens, or touring the university’s campus, you could be trying artisan ice cream at The Bent Spoon. History buffs can also enjoy Princeton, the location of the first sessions of the Continental Congress, and its many historical sites and buildings, like the Princeton Battlefield State Park or Rockingham, where George Washington stayed during the Revolutionary War.

Skylands

The “garden of the Garden State,” the New Jersey State Botanical Garden at Skylands in Ringwood, is perfect for a romantic weekend getaway, and among one of the best day trips in N.J.

In addition to the lovely gardens and 1,000 acres of woodlands for you to wander, there’s also the Skylands Manor, a beautiful granite Tudor revival mansion. Staying in the manor will make you feel as if you’re living in a European castle, and the pampering you’ll receive by the staff will make you feel like royalty. Couples will enjoy the chance to live in the lap of luxury for the weekend, while day trippers can tour the manor and gardens or take a family hike.

Whitesbog Village

The first blueberry was cultivated in Whitesbog Village, a historic town in Brown Mills, where families looking for a relaxing weekend getaway in N.J. can escape in nature.

Explore the village, from the Whitesbog General Store to the Agricultural Museum, and the surrounding cranberry bogs, blueberry fields, reservoirs, sugar sand roads and forests of the Pine Barrens. Take advantage of the guided tours of the village’s museums and gardens to learn about the historic area. City slickers in Whitesbog will feel like they’ve stepped into a time capsule. It’s the perfect spot for anyone yearning for the tranquility of a simpler life.

Ocean City

This costal spot – home to one of New Jersey’s favorite beaches – has something for everyone.

Those seeking some adventure can try watersports like windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing, parasailing and surfing. On land, you can spend a day at the beach and/or explore the two and a half miles of boardwalk lined with shops, eateries and amusement parks. Music-lovers will enjoy live performances at the Music Pier while sightseers and exercise enthusiasts will like cycling on bike paths around the city. Go solo or or use a surrey (multiple-person bike). Rentals are widely available.

Asbury Park

Get a taste of the Jersey Shore at Asbury Park, a historic town with a thriving nightlife and a musical mecca or two.

Swim and lounge in the sun on Asbury Park Beach, then head to the Asbury Park Boardwalk to shop, grab a bite to eat at one of the diverse restaurants and check out the artsy murals along the oceanfront. Catch a show at The Stone Pony, one of the world’s most famous music venues, hosting performers like Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi. Convention Hall is another staple of Asbury Park, having hosted the likes of the Rolling Stones and Elton John. Stop in the Grand Arcade to see what events are going on and shop at its unique stores. A fun-filled weekend isn’t far away at Asbury Park.

Kittatinny Mountain Range

Kittatinny Mountain runs through northwestern New Jersey and provides the perfect backdrop for a weekend in the mountains, no matter the season.

The AAA Four Diamond Rated Grand Cascades Lodge at Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg has all the amenities you need for a weekend getaway. Swim at the Biosphere Pool Complex, get a massage at the Reflections Spa, take a wine cellar tour, participate in various family and kids’ activities or try outdoor activities like skiing, archery and zip lining. Outside of the resort are plenty of opportunities for shopping and entertainment.

Atlantic City

No list of day trips or weekend getaways in N.J. can be complete without Atlantic City, the casino capital of the Northeast.

Being on the coast, Atlantic City has beautiful stretches of sand, but what sets it apart from the rest of the region are its casinos. Roll the dice, take your chances and play away at one of the city’s casino resorts, like Harrah’s Atlantic City or Caesars at Atlantic City. When hunger or thirst strikes, choose from any of the Italian and seafood restaurants, bar and grills, and steakhouses in the area.

What are your favorite weekend getaways in N.J.? Tell us in the comments below!

Book your trip with AAA Travel today.

Many people are working from home these days, and it’s a new situation for a lot of folks. While you’re not adding the wear and tear of a daily commute or paying as much for gas, you can’t completely forget about your car while it sits in your driveway.

Depending on how long your car is idle, issues like dead batteries, stale fuel, rusty brakes or issues with rodents and other critters should be addressed. Here are a few tips to keep your car running properly during a hiatus from driving:

• Fill your vehicle’s fuel tank and add a gasoline stabilizer. This will extend the life of fuel and prevent condensation from building up in the fuel tank.

• Inflate the tires to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation; the correct pressure is usually found on a placard on the driver-side door jamb.

• Drive your vehicle at least once a week for 30 minutes. Not only will it get you out of the house, it will exercise all the moving parts of the engine and help maintain the battery. Don’t just let the car sit idle; drive it around to get the maximum benefit for all the fluids and tires.

• When you do drive the vehicle, don’t be surprised if you hear a slight grinding noise from the brakes. This is nothing more than a little surface rust wearing off the brake surfaces. Rust can accumulate from being parked for a period of time and isn’t something to be too concerned with.

• Take a few minutes to lubricate door locks (if accessible), hinges, the hood release and even the gas door release. Use a light oil or silicone spray, not a penetrating oil. Penetrating oil is great for dealing with rusty nuts and bolts but tends to wash away lubricants.

• Don’t ignore needed maintenance. Many service recommendations are based on time and not just mileage. For example: your car requires an oil change every six months, or 7,000 miles. You still need to have the oil replaced and the vital fluids checked, regardless of whether you drive 7,000 miles or not.

• Depending where you park, there may be mice or other critters that want to call your vehicle home. These rodents can chew on wires and cause thousands of dollars of damage, make nests in your filters and cause other messes. I’ve even had one set up shop in my glove compartment! There are a variety of sprays and granules on the market to deter these animals. Some have the scent of a predator and others smell like mint — a scent rodents don’t like.

• Keep your car clean. Wash your car weekly if it’s parked outside. Acid rain and bird droppings can damage the finish. And, an afternoon spent washing, vacuuming and waxing your vehicle will burn about 1,100 calories — it is also a great stress reliever!

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

Got a question about your car? Visit AAA.com or email jpaul@aaanortheast.com to get an answer from AAA’s Car Doctor John Paul.