The Northeast is home to cities that come to life when the temperatures drop. The next time you need to get away, try one of these locales that would make for a great three-day weekend winter excursion.

Note: Due to the ever-changing nature of the COVID-19 crisis, please check official websites before visiting for restrictions and operating info. 

Lake Placid, N.Y.

The snowy sports mecca of the Northeast, Lake Placid is more than just the two-time home of the Winter Olympics. It’s a beautiful northern Adirondack village surrounded by crystal-clear lakes and towering mountains with some of New York’s most lavish resorts and spectacular natural wonders.

When booking your three-day weekend, you’ll find absolute luxury at the Whiteface Lodge. This rustic log cabin-style hotel brings the coziness while still offering modern amenities like heated bathroom floors in its suites and a full-service spa. Book at table at Peak 47, where executive sous chef Matthew DeCicco serves up hearty sandwiches, pizzas and other favorites with an assortment of more than 400 wines and local craft beers.

No matter where you stay, you’ll want to visit Whiteface Mountain, the fifth-largest mountain in the state and the location of famous Olympic sites. Hit the slopes or simply revel in its alpine history, including the international sliding sports exhibit, where you can learn about luge, skeleton and bobsled and cheer on racers as they rumble past at Autobahn speeds.

For more outdoor fun, head to nearby High Falls for a snowshoe hike to a frozen waterfall. A chilly outdoor excursion will make that warm mulled wine taste even better when you return to your cabin for some much-needed R & R.

Salem, Mass.

A hotbed for Halloween travel, this historic coastal city attracts visitors eager to learn about its notorious witch trials – with thinner crowds in the winter. But Witch City is also home to a historic seaport, vestiges of a literary legend and the birthplace of the U.S. National Guard.

So much of Salem’s appeal has to do with its history, and its hotels are no exception. Take the Hawthorne Hotel, which has served more than 1 million guests downtown since 1925. Facing the Salem Witch Museum, the historic hotel has two dining options – Tavern on the Green and Nathaniel’s – a steakhouse named after the American novelist and author of “The Scarlet Letter,” Nathaniel Hawthorne, who was born in Salem. Sunday jazz brunch at Nathaniel’s is a must!

Visit the House of the Seven Gables, the inspiration for Hawthorne’s literary masterpiece of the same name. This 1668 Colonial mansion, now a nonprofit museum, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can also see the Salem Maritime National Historic Site – the nation’s first – which houses historic homes, buildings, wharves and a replica 1797 ship.

A trip to New England wouldn’t be complete without delicious seafood, and you’ll find some – along with a ghost story – at Turner’s Seafood. Legend has it the restaurant is haunted by the ghost of Bridget Bishop, the first to be hanged during the witch trials in 1692.

Visit in February for the annual Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate and Ice Festival, where you can shop for your valentine, marvel at ice sculptures and nibble on chocolate delicacies.

Portsmouth, N.H.

About an hour north of Boston and five hours northeast of New York City, Portsmouth is a popular summer tourism destination because of its proximity to the coast. But with an estimated 120 restaurants – some sophisticated, some simple – this port city makes for a fun three-day weekend, too.

Lodging choices include the AAA Three Diamond Rated Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel, with its convenient downtown location, heated indoor pool and views of the Piscataqua River.

Bundle up for a walk along Market Square, where you can pause along the storefronts of 19th century structures that line the charming streets. On a warmish day, opt for a one-hour walking tour of the Harbor Trail, passing Prescott Park and boutiques and art galleries nearby.

While you won’t get the full garden experience at the 10-acre Strawbery Banke outdoor history museum, you can go ice skating at the site’s Puddle Dock Pond. Open daily December through March, it will help you work up an appetite before you indulge in the city’s seemingly limitless restaurant scene.

Warm up with a beer at the Portsmouth Brewery – New Hampshire’s first brewpub – for handcrafted pints and a lively atmosphere. Of course, with 120 restaurants in Portsmouth alone, you won’t have any trouble finding great eats and good times in any of these three-day weekend winter getaways in the Northeast.

Hitting the slopes? AAA members can save at ski resorts nationwide.

What are your favorite spots for three-day weekends? Let us know in the comments below!

Plan your next trip with AAA Travel. 

Learn more about AAA Diamond Ratings. 

Ah, the 80s. It was an age of big hair, bigger snare drums and massive musical hits. Test your music knowledge and see if your favorite artist made it into our new crossword.

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

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

It’s every technology lover’s favorite time of year: the annual CES trade show. Sponsored by the Consumer Technology Association since 1967, it highlights the best and newest advances of every stripe in the industry. This year’s show, which ran Jan. 9 to 12 in Las Vegas, was no exception.

While artificial intelligence and its applications featured prominently at CES 2024, new technology for cars and other modes of transportation also filled out the schedule.

The Next Generation of Cars

CES featured more than 600 mobility exhibitors, with displays and presentations on the ecosystem of mobility, global unveils highlighting the future of autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles, micromobility, software-defined vehicles and flying cars, according to the Consumer Technology Association. Visitors also previewed the future of assistive mobility and safety systems.

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Tired of struggling with tight turns? The Hyundai EV MOBION has the answer, with wheels that can turn laterally and diagonally, thanks to a new in-wheel technology. Each wheel operates independently, allowing the car to move sideways and make pivot turns. A ground projection system lights up the car’s direction on the ground, and if pedestrians are sensed, it can create crosswalk stripes for them to use.

Cars Do Fly

Up-and-coming cars do more than turn. The Chinese company XPENG AEROHT, an affiliate of XPeng, showcased its eVTOL flying car, a sleek-looking sports car one minute that transforms into a flying machine with fold-out, drone-like wings. The dual-mode cockpit is designed for driving and flying. The car uses cameras instead of side-view mirrors and has a display screen built into the dashboard. And the future is closer than you think; the company expects to start taking preorders at the end of this year and begin shipping in 2025.

Autonomous Vehicles

Self-driving cars have been getting a lot of attention recently, not all of it positive. But the Mobileye company maintains its newest self-driving technology is safer, because it integrates, cameras, radar and laser imaging, detection and ranging (lidar.)

A self-driving EV taxi is already in use. The Zoox Robotaxi, which is built in California, has been giving people lifts on a limited basis in California and Las Vegas. The car has no steering wheel and no pedals and can seat up to four people at a time. With a 133-kilowatt-hour battery, the Zoox vehicles have the power to drive all day. Passengers can charge their phones and customize their music while they ride.

More EVs Coming

With the desire to slow climate change gaining urgency, sessions addressed the gap between consumer interest in purchasing electrical vehicles and actual sales figures as well as the challenges of addressing climate change and its effect on different business sectors.

New EVs continue to roll out with more features. The AFEELA EV from Sony Honda Mobility, which made an appearance at CES, has a sleek design and an impressive onboard computer. Other highlights include 45 cameras and sensors distributed inside and outside of the car. The company expects to take orders beginning in 2025 and start North American deliveries in spring 2026.

For those who want a car with a sympathetic ear, Mercedes-Benz debuted an updated in-car virtual assistant program, called MBUX Virtual Assistant, which is powered by generative AI. It interacts with the driver using one of four emotional profiles – natural, predictive, personal and empathetic. It can store and be ready with the driver’s preferences for music, indoor temperature and other creature comforts.

Other New Gadgets

Coming soon – a 77-inch, transparent, wireless OLED TV by LG. When the TV is on, images appear to be free floating, and when the TV is turned off, the TV vanishes – you can see through to whatever is behind. Users can slide up a screen in the back to give it the look of a regular TV.

To make life easier at home and save on space, how about a combination washer-dryer? GE has one, featuring a ventless heat pump. These types of dryers use less energy than the more common ones. And they are eligible for home energy rebates as part of the Inflation Reduction Act.

And you can expect the next generation of laptops to bring AI to your keyboard. The newest PCs with Intel’s new Core Ultra processors have neural processing units, that use machine-learning processes. This keeps work safer and completes it faster with less battery use.

Popularity Grows

This year’s CES hosted more than 4,300 exhibitors, including more than 1,400 startup companies. The event drew more than 135,000 people, with more than 40% attending from 150 countries, regions and territories outside of the U.S., setting a new record.

Are you a tech fan? What gadgets from CES 2024 do you have your eyes on?

This article is for informational purposes only. AAA does not endorse any of the products mentioned.

Featured image: Sony Honda Mobility unveiled the new AFEELA EV at this year’s CES. Photo courtesy of Consumer Technology Association.

In the midst of winter, it’s normal to want dinners that are comforting, filling and delicious. But just because a meal is labeled as “comfort food” doesn’t mean it can’t also be healthy and balanced.

From working with the right ingredients to opting for healthier cooking methods – like baking rather than frying – there’s a lot you can do to eat better.

There’s nothing like a tasty, homecooked meal to help you fight the winter blues. What’s more, you can make life easier with a meal kit delivery service like Home Chef. Whether you prefer meatless meals, recipes that cut carbs and calories or dishes you can whip up in less than 30 minutes, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Calorie-Conscious

Being aware of the calorie content of your food doesn’t mean you have to agonize over calorie tracking and counting. Instead, simply make your calories count by reaching for more wholesome options. You mostly want to avoid foods with high amounts of “empty” calories or with no nutritional value, commonly found in processed foods and sweets.

Ounce per ounce, salmon is a fairly low-calorie protein. This fish boasts other benefits, too. Salmon is low in saturated fats while being high in essential omega-3 fatty acids. “It’s also one of the best sources of vitamin B12,” according to WebMD, and a good source of nutrients like iron, potassium and vitamin D.

When it comes to dinners featuring salmon, there are dishes like Grilled Honey-Mustard Salmon with fresh tomato-dill relish and asparagus, Feta- and Herb-Crusted Salmon with lemony orzo, Blackened Salmon with Avocado-Corn Salsa and black beans, jalapeno and lime as well as Salmon and Raspberry Ginger Sauce with broccoli and zucchini stir-fry.

If you’d rather highlight seasonal ingredients in your meals, but still want to keep things relatively low-cal, consider incorporating winter vegetables like beets, brussels sprouts, kale, sweet potatoes and winter squash. Meals like Turkey Stuffed Acorn Squash, Truffled Golden Beet Risotto, Mexican Eggplant Torta, White Bean and Butternut Squash Stew and Greek Zucchini Quesadillas let seasonal winter ingredients shine.

Find more calorie-conscious recipes, here.

Exclusive Home Chef Offer

Take $110 off Home Chef and get fresh, pre-portioned ingredients and recipes delivered to you.

Get Cooking

Under 30 Minutes

On busy weeknights, most people prefer quick and easy dinners. Thankfully, you don’t have to compromise on flavor or nutrition when making a meal in less than half an hour.

Tacos, fajitas and enchiladas are all great vehicles for quick dinners. Smoky Pork Tacos with jalapeño ranch slaw and pico de gallo and stovetop options like Argentinean Steak and Potato Tacos with Chimichurri and Queso Fresco and Pulled Pork Enchilada Skillet with Lime Crema make weeknight dinners easy.

Many tasty pasta dishes are quick, too. Cozy meals like Chicken Thigh Spaghetti Carbonara with Snow Peas, Mushroom and Swiss Beef Cavatappi with Bacon and Green Onions and Italian Sausage Penne with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream and Sweet Corn all take 30 minutes or less to make.

Make life – at least dinnertime – even easier with a meal kit or food delivery service. Home Chef delivers fresh pre-portioned ingredients directly to your door with easy-to-follow recipes that fit your lifestyle. Meals start at just $6.99 per serving and online ordering is simple.

Vegetarian

While protein is an important part of a balanced diet, you don’t need to eat meat every night to get your recommended amount. There are tons of vegetarian dishes packed with a variety of nutrients, big flavors and plant-based protein.

A well-balanced vegetarian diet can boast many health benefits, including “reducing your risk of heart disease, diabetes and some cancers,” according to the Mayo Clinic. Even if you don’t want to go full vegetarian, supplementing a few meals a week with meatless options can help improve your health. Plus, cutting back the amount of meat you consume can be good for the planet, too.

You can get your protein from sources like tofu, quinoa and beans. Tofu is a curd made from soy milk. It, like quinoa, contains all nine essential amino acids while being high in fiber.

Go for tofu-centered meals like a Huli Huli Tofu Rice Bowl with charred pineapple and teriyaki glaze, an Avocado and Tofu Sushi Bowl with carrots, cucumber and spicy mayo or Sweet and Smoky BBQ Tofu Tacos with mexicali slaw and toasted pepitas. When it comes to quinoa, there’s Home Chef’s Cuban-inspired Avocado Black Bean Quinoa Bowl, Quinoa Sweet Potato Burger and Glazed Squash and Quinoa Bowl.

If you feel the winter chills getting to you, reach for a bowl of cozy, filling Butternut Squash Chowder, Sundried Tomato and Kidney Bean Chili, tomato-based Pasta e Fagioli Soup, Baked Double-Cheese Mac or brothy Asian Shiitake Hot Pot.

Discover even more vegetarian recipes, here.

Carb-Conscious

You don’t have to completely eliminate carbs from your diet in order to be healthy either. Carbohydrates give your body energy, so choosing your carbs wisely can go a long way. A carb-conscious diet means incorporating whole grains rather than processed, refined or simple carbs.

When following a carb-conscious diet, go for dishes starring lean proteins like fish, chicken and pork with sides of sautéed or roasted veggies, crunchy slaws and fresh salads. A nice Salmon with Cranberry Chutney and roasted butternut squash, oven-ready Basil Parmesan Chicken with zucchini and grape tomatoes or Pork Tenderloin Marsala with roasted broccoli would all make good choices.

Keep things interesting with some more composed dishes, like Home Chef’s Chipotle-Spiced Pork Tinga Stuffed Peppers with avocado crema and corn, Cozy Chicken and Black Bean Soup with pico de gallo and scallion crema or Sweet Chili Pork Lettuce Wrap with Crispy Rice Noodles – which is also a quick, easy 15 minute meal.

AAA members get $110 off Home Chef in January, February and March. So start 2021 with balanced eats and less stress over dinner and grocery shopping. 

What cozy, balanced winter meals would you like to try? Tell us in the comments. 

From making snow angels to curling up with your favorite book, have some snowy and cozy fun with our winter-themed crossword.

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

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

Have you ever wanted to sleep encased in a room of ice with the temperature hovering at a frosty 20 degrees? 

No? Same. But for those of you who do, you’ll be happy to know that from now through April 11, the Icehotel Sweden is offering up 18 specially designed Art Suites, where you can spend the night swaddled in subzero sleeping bags and surrounded by crystalline ice art designed by artists from around the globe.  

For the past 30 years, the Icehotel – located in the village of Jukkasjärvi, 125 miles above the Arctic Circle – has catered to guests who crave cold adventure with two hotels, a restaurant, an ice bar, spa facilities and outdoor activities like snowmobiling and sled dog rides. There’s even a year-round hotel with cold and warm rooms for those (me!) who want a more traditional vacation experience.

 

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For those who can’t visit right now – which, honestly, is most of us – check out our gallery or visit the Icehotel’s Instagram account, where you can check out the Art Suites with the help of some enhanced AI. 

Craving your own Scandinavian getaway? Check out our new Complete Scandinavia tour!

If you’re a Massachusetts resident that wants to buy a new gas-powered car, the clock is ticking. The state has announced its plans to ban the sale of gas-powered vehicles by 2035.

It is the first state to follow California, which announced the same policy in September. Several Europeans countries have already instituted a similar initiative.

The policy is part of the state’s plan to achieve Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Light-duty vehicles (passenger cars) are responsible for roughly 27% of statewide emissions.

The state believes it needs to intervene for electric vehicles (EVs) to become more widely adapted. It claims that without market intervention, there will be fewer than 500,000 EVs in the state by 2030. But reducing emissions 45% below 1990 levels would require twice as many EVs. (The state’s Net Zero plan specifies an even more ambitious plan of reducing at least 85% of gross emissions, or 90% below 1990 levels by 2050 statewide.)

The state notes that as of today, EVs are not as accessible as traditional cars because of their price point. This problem should be mitigated in the coming years. As technology improves, they will become more readily available and prices drop. In fact, a recent report claimed that with battery pack prices continuing to fall, automakers should be able to sell mass market EVs at the same price as comparable gas-powered vehicles as soon as 2023.

Massachusetts also rightly acknowledges that it needs to invest in EV charging infrastructure. Most EV owners charge their cars at home, but those living in apartments or multi-family homes likely won’t have access to a charging source at home and will need to rely on public charging stations.

Given an average vehicle lifetime of less than 15 years, implementing this regulation would likely result in a near complete transition of passengers cars from gas-powered to electric by 2050. Of course, the rule only applies to new cars. Used gas-powered vehicles will still be available for purchase.

California and Massachusetts may not be alone for long. In an October report by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Governor Phil Murphy’s administration recommended that by 2035, all new cars sold be zero emissions. Furthermore, President-elect Joe Biden has signaled his push for cleaner transportation. His list of Day One Executive Actions includes, “developing rigorous new fuel economy standards aimed at ensuring 100% of new sales for light- and medium-duty vehicles will be electrified.” And in year one, his administration will support the deployment of 500,000 new public charging stations and restore the full electric vehicle tax credit.

Regardless of what you think of these particular policies, the benefits of a complete shift to EVs is undeniable. Massachusetts estimates that if fully implemented, by 2050 the policy will prevent 27 deaths and 1,700 missed days of work (due to cardiovascular and respiratory illness), save $295 million in health costs and create nearly 4,000 jobs to support vehicle electrification and charging infrastructure.

What do you think of this policy? Are you excited about the future of electric vehicles? Let us know in the comments.

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

Podcasting is often seen as a particularly male pastime, but many of the best podcasts out there are created and hosted by women. For a long time, my podcast feed consisted solely of the genre “two women talk to each other about nothing in particular.” If you’re looking for a new podcast featuring smart, funny women, try one of these girl power podcasts.

True, most of the hosts of these podcasts would chafe at the term “girl power,” but there’s no better word to describe how I feel when I listen to them. These great girl power podcasts get me rearing to go outside and conquer the world.

Call Your Girlfriend

Long-distance BFFs Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman host “Call Your Girlfriend,” a podcast about the intersection of the personal and the political. They talk about feminism, pop culture, politics, bodies and more. “Call Your Girlfriend” invites you into the warm embrace of a truly special friendship, but don’t doubt its feminist cred. Sow and Friedman coined the massively-popular term “shine theory,” and they host biweekly interviews with their “sheroes” and feminist icons.

Recommended episodes: Seeking Justice, Be a Good Ancestor with Stacey Abrams, Give People Money, Alive With Rage in Q3, Friendship Dilemmas

2 Dope Queens

I’ve already recommended this show in the context of the best comedy podcasts, but this list would not be complete without “2 Dope Queens.” Comedians Phoebe Robinson and Jessica Williams host this live comedy show, populated by stand-up comedians ranging from “I can’t believe I haven’t heard of them before” to “I can’t believe THEY came to the show!” Though Robinson and Williams simply function as the emcees, their comedic back-and-forth is so compelling that you wish they’d stay on stage for the entire show.

Recommended episodes: #49 Karaoke with Michelle Obama, #45 Tig Notaro Gives the Best Advice, #34 Sleepover Accidents, #19 Things Remembered, #15 Hamilton Adjacent

Sooo Many White Guys

“Sooo Many White Guys” is another podcast starring Phoebe Robinson! Robinson interviews subjects who aren’t “white guys” (most of the time). In doing so, she centers the stories of marginalized creators and artists. It’s also really funny.

Recommended episodes: #35 Phoebe and Hannibal Buress are Huge in Norway, #28 Phoebe and Awkwafina Get Matching Tattoos, #18 Phoebe and Abbi Jacobson Order Takeout, #8 Phoebe and Roxane Gay Toast to the Good Life

She’s All Fat

“She’s All Fat” is one of the most joyful body-positive podcasts out there! Hosts April K. Quioh and Sophia Carter-Kahn encourage listeners to “hush those diet-culture whispers” and join them in radical self-love. Quioh and Carter-Kahn are warm, accepting and funny, even when discussing the occasional difficulties of fat girl life. “She’s All Fat” is rife with puns and irreverent jokes about weight, beauty and bodies of all sizes.

Recommended episodes: @ Our Thin Friends, Make it to 2019 Challenge, Fat(suit) Like Me, The Fault in Our Faves, Traveling While Fat, She’s All Fat Goes to the Doctor

The Dream

With just a simple down payment of $1,500, you can change your whole life. Well, not really. That’s just the promise of the multi-level marketing schemes (or MLMs) featured on “The Dream.” Host Jane Marie explores the ins and outs of MLMs and pyramid schemes, specifically how they have targeted women throughout their history. “The Dream” uncovers the way MLMs utilize the language of faux feminism (like “girl boss” and “fempire”) to victimize women on both sides of the transaction. The podcast is almost as addictive as an MLM itself.

Recommended episodes: Listen from beginning to end.

Baby Geniuses

Cartoonist Lisa Hanawalt and comedian Emily Heller are on a mission to know everything! “Baby Geniuses” isn’t really a podcast about feminism, but it is a podcast about two women living their best lives. “Baby Geniuses” recently underwent a significant change, going from a guest-oriented podcast to a podcast that is only about Hanawalt and Heller. They get together, catch up, and then dive into their many segments, including the adventures of Martha Stewart’s fell pony, one-on-one question time and a deep dive into an obscure Wikipedia article. Hanawalt and Heller aren’t afraid of being weird in pursuit of a laugh, like Hanawalt indulging in her obsession with horses or Heller showing up at the Emmys with a “Getty Images” purse.

Recommended episodes: List of Gestures, Goofy, Person, Wikipedia Long Term Abuse, Skunks as Pets, List of U.S. Presidential Campaign Slogans

Do you have any favorite girl power podcasts? Share them with us in the comments below!

Looking for some more podcasts? Check out my Podcast Pulse articles about shows for new listeners, the best comedy podcasts and the best history podcasts. 

For most people, working toward financial security is a daunting task. Maintaining a job and earning a paycheck is a great start, but it’s how you treat your paycheck that ultimately determines your bottom line.

Develop healthy spending habits, invest in savings plans and make the most of your money by making it work for you.

Write Down Your Goals

Taking the initial step is often the hardest part of tackling a new project, especially if your to-do list feels like it’s never-ending. You don’t have to plan out your entire life. However, it’s important to have an idea of your short- and long-term aspirations.

Create a Budget that Supports Your Goals

Develop a weekly, monthly and yearly plan to make sure your budget defines and supports your goals. For example, you will want to set aside a certain amount of money in your budget if you plan on buying a car or a home in five years. The 50-20-30 rule is one way to create a simple budget.

Automate Your Savings

Money saved is worth more than money earned. One of the easiest ways to meet your goals is to set aside a portion of your paycheck automatically through direct deposit. By doing this, it removes the temptation to spend and takes any lack of discipline out of the picture.

Use Sub-Savings Accounts

Placing savings funds into multiple accounts can set you up to save money down the line.

Pay Off Your Debt

In a perfect world, we would all graduate college without debt. Even after paying off student loans, many people continue to struggle to pay down credit card debt. Don’t live a life burdened by debt. Instead, create a payment plan that fits your financial situation.

Leverage Good Debt

Debt is not always bad. Taking on good debt like a mortgage or starting a small business helps to increase your net worth and has lasting value. With the right investments, your debt can become a source of income in the future. Debt is generally considered bad when you are putting money towards something that is depreciating in value.

Review Financial Statements

Erroneous charges happen. Monitoring all transactions is an important step to making wise financial decisions.

Identify Useless Purchases

It’s no secret that we all should be more mindful of what we buy and why. Reducing wasteful spending is the core of restructuring your savings plan. It’s important to identify the areas of spending to trim so you can start sending more of your earnings into an interest-bearing savings account.

Create an Emergency Fund

Life is full of surprises and most people don’t have a ton of cash lying around for when unexpected expenses occur. Creating an emergency fund makes it easier to stick to your budget and reach your financial goals, even with surprise costs. Over time, you can plan towards building a more robust emergency fund with three to six months’ worth of expenses saved.

Start a Retirement Account

Saving goes a long way, especially for your retirement. The earlier you put money in an account, the more you can maximize the compound interest. One of the easiest ways to start saving is if your employer offers you a 401(k) plan. If a 401(k) isn’t available through your job, consider starting an IRA instead.

Invest in a Roth IRA

A Roth IRA is a great way to save for retirement and growing your account tax-free.

Leverage Coupons and Promo Deals

Most people fail to make the most of the resources available around them. One way is to take advantage of coupons an discounts as often as possible.

Regular Maintenance Goes a Long Way

Neglecting home or car maintenance can lead to costly repairs. Taking the time to follow your car’s maintenance schedule and paying a little up front can reduce the risk of encountering more costly major issues down the road.

The Best Things in Life Are Free 

Plan in advance to spend less on activities like date nights or going out with friends. There are countless ways to save money by bringing a little creativity into the mix. Catching a free concert in the park or going for bike ride are just a couple of ways to spend time together that won’t cost you a dime.

Dining In

Planning meals at home a week in advance will not only help you save a lot of money on restaurant meals and takeout, it’s also an opportunity to refine your cooking skills. That’s a win-win.

Negotiating

Negotiate whenever the opportunity presents itself. Ask about how you can lower medical bills, insurance or your internet bill. If there’s nothing to lose, why not try to save some extra cash to boost your savings?

Invest in Yourself 

Learn a new language, pick up a new skill or turn your hobby into a part-time business. Continuing to better yourself opens the door for new, exciting and potentially lucrative opportunities.

How do you make the most of your money? Add your tips in the comments. 

Learn how AAA Financial Services can help you reach your money goals. 

Do you like to travel with your pets?

From beaches and dog parks to bars and restaurants with outdoor dining, Florida has plenty of destinations that welcome furry friends. It’s also home to a variety of pet-friendly hotels to rest your weary feet and paws at the end of a busy day.

When you’re ready to travel again, why not enjoy the Sunshine State with your favorite four-legged companion by your side?

Pet-Friendly Beaches

You can enjoy the sun, salt and sand of a number of Florida beaches with your dog in tow.

All beaches in Gulf County – excluding those of St. Joseph Peninsula State Park – are leashed dog-friendly. Off-leash dog beaches include the 2.5-mile Jupiter Beach, Bonita Beach and parts of Davis Islands Dog Beach, which has two fenced-in play areas for dogs and 200 feet of waterfront access.

Public beach access areas at Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches are dog friendly, but your pooch has to be on a leash. Similarly, Sanibel Island and Captiva Island on Florida’s Southwest Coast allow leashed dogs. If you’re in the City of Miami Beach, the only option if you want to bring your dog is Miami Beach’s Bark Beach, located adjacent to North Shore Open Space Park.

Panama City Beach dog playground is one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Florida, while the 22 miles of St. George Island beaches are said to be some of the best in the U.S.

Discover the Florida You Don't Know

New horizons. Warm moments. Wide open possibilities.

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Restaurants and Bars

Alfresco-style dining is not only relaxing and fun, it often allows you to dine alongside your animal companion. These outdoor restaurants, bars and craft beer pubs are all dog-friendly, with some even featuring a special “yappy hour.”

Find canine-friendly patios at Wine Exchange, Timpano Italian Chophouse and Irish 31 Pub House & Eatery in the Tampa Bay area. In St. Petersburg, there are outdoor sidewalk tables at Ceviche Tapas Bar & Restaurant, a full patio at  Bella Brava and outdoor seating at Lucky Dill Deli.

There are many pet-friendly outdoor dining options to find in Orlando, too. For burgers, craft beer and pooch-friendly outdoor seating, there’s Teak Neighborhood Grill. For lunch, dinner, wine and dog-friendly sidewalk tables, consider K Restaurant & Wine Bar. If you’re more of a cat person, there’s the Orlando Cat Cafe, where felines are also available for adoption.

In Naples, you can bring your furry friend on M Waterfront Grille’s veranda and enjoy some bay views, fine dining and live entertainment together. Or, taste the flavors of Spain, Greece, Italy and Morocco at Mediterrano’s outdoor tables.

Miami is a pet lover’s dream with plenty of grooming spas, pet boutiques and dog-friendly eateries. You’ll find outdoor patios at Meat Market steakhouse and lounge and GreenStreet Café. There’s also Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, where the James Beard-nominated chef has been known to serve organic dog biscuits to pets in the courtyard.

For a sweet treat, there’s Sebring Soda & Ice Cream Works, a snack shop with craft sodas, homemade style ice cream and old-fashioned candies for you as well as dog/cat-friendly ice cream pup cups.

Dog Parks

Make your pooch’s tail wag with a visit to a Florida park. Some feature areas of grassy fenced-in fields while others include water features and obstacle courses.

Dog Wood Park in Jacksonville features a 42-acre park, 25 acres of which are completely fenced in. There’s also a two-acre swimming lake, a swimming pond for smaller dogs and plenty of shady areas.

The 23-acre Lake Baldwin Park is roomy, featuring two pavilions, over two dozen picnic tables, benches, a dock and boat ramp. What’s more, dogs can frolic leash-free during certain hours.

Fort De Soto Park Dog Beach and Paw Playground features three acres of fenced-in grassy park space separated for both large and small dogs. Naples Dog Park also features separated spaces for bigger and smaller dogs, along with bag dispensers, washing stations, drinking fountains and a shade structure.

Amelia Earhart Bark Park, located in the Miami area, is over 500 acres with five fenced off areas for dogs. There’s also plenty of fun for pooches thanks to the park’s water fountains, tunnels and other obstacle course-like objects. Find lots of water features at Woofing Waters at Quiet Waters Park.

Barkham at Markham Park in Broward County features three and a half acres, with different areas for large and small dogs (under 25 pounds). Pooches can run off-leash and explore various structures while owners rest under shaded pavilions.

Walking Trails

Canines love a nice, long walk, and there are plenty of great pet-friendly outdoor trails in Florida. Just remember to bring some bug spray and plenty of water for you and your pooch.

Take your dog on a walk you’ll both enjoy at Alderman’s Ford Nature Preserve in Tampa. Here you’ll be able to explore 970 acres of beautiful rolling hills, lush oak forests and longleaf pine, via grass and dirt trails. Take both paved and off-road scenic trails through Old Florida to see acres of sand pine scrub, pine flatwoods, river swamps and more at Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Hobe Sound.

There’s also Miccosukee Canopy Road Greenway in Tallahassee. This six-mile trail is a favorite of local dog-walkers, mountain bikers, joggers and equestrians. North Bay Trail in St. Petersburg is a paved 6.5-mile trail with great views of the bay, downtown St. Petersburg’s waterfront parks, marinas, wildlife and more. Riverwalk in Fort Lauderdale, or “Florida’s Most Beautiful Mile” is another great spot for you and your four-legged friend to get some exercise.

Pet-Friendly Lodging

After a day filled with Florida adventures, you’ll need a place for you and your four-legged friend to rest. Luckily, there are over 1,000 pet-friendly hotels located in the Sunshine State.

Some Ritz-Carlton hotels in Sarasota, Orlando and Miami Beach allow small dogs and cats. Another posh option is the Mandarin Oriental Miami and select Aloft Hotels in Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Orlando and Miami.

For more five-star dog-friendly accommodations, there’s AAA Five Diamond Rated Eau Palm Beach, and Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, which welcomes dogs under 20 pounds.

Don’t worry if you have a larger dog; canines of any weight are welcome at Epic Hotel, Tideline Ocean Resort & Spa, Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa and Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa, regardless of size and with no extra fees. Mona Kai Vacation Rentals at St. Pete Beach also welcome dogs of all sizes.

For more places to go and things to do with your pet in Florida, VISIT FLORIDA can help. 

Discover pet-friendly destinations wherever you go with this helpful search tool from AAA Travel. 

It’s finally a new year, and it’s time for you to choose a New Year’s resolution. You could set new goals at work, get better at personal hobbies or, perhaps most importantly, improve your personal well-being.

Whether you’re looking to shed a few pounds or just feel stronger and healthier, it’s a great time to establish good habits, like eating better. Here are a few tips to get you started on making and enjoying meals with nutrition in mind. 

Take Stock

What kinds of foods are you currently eating right now? Are you getting enough (or any) exercise? Go about your day as normal and write down the things you’re eating and doing. This will help you get an idea of where you’re starting from. If the number on the scale is what you’re worried about, this would be the time to weigh yourself and get your starting weight. The important thing at this stage, and the upcoming stages, is not to be too hard on yourself. Slow and steady wins the race, after all.

Call Your Doctor

You should always consult your doctor before starting a new diet or exercise regimen. If your diet causes you pain, exhaustion or discomfort, stop and talk to your doctor about what you’re experiencing. You have to be an advocate for your own body. It can be helpful to keep a journal during this time so that you can track how you’re feeling physically and emotionally.

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Set Goals

One of the most important parts of eating healthy is to set realistic goals and transition slowly. Going from eating normally to a drastic crash diet will likely do more harm than good. If weight loss is your goal, take baby steps. Don’t plan to lose all of the weight in a week or a month – that’s unrealistic and likely dangerous. You’ll do better in the long term if you set a series of small goals for yourself. You can still have sweets and some of your favorite foods, as long as you do so in moderation. Write grocery lists and meals that you can prepare with healthy ingredients – like fresh fruit, vegetables and lean protein.

Meeting with a health or lifestyle coach, like those offered by the Active&Fit Direct™ program, can help you determine what your goals should be for your body. Learn more about lifestyle coaching. 

Cooking and Eating

Just because you’re eating healthy doesn’t mean you have to forgo taste! There are tons of healthy recipes online that are just as yummy as they are nutritious. If you’re not an experienced home chef, now is the time to learn! Cooking for yourself is a great way of ensuring that you’re eating exactly what you want to eat. When you choose the ingredients, you have control over the meal. People who cook at home consume less calories and more nutritious food groups than those who order out. It can also help you get into a routine of thinking more about what you’re putting into your body. Organic ingredients are not a must – but they can make your meal even yummier.

Staying Hydrated

Drinking water is always important. Switching to water instead of sugary sports drinks or sodas can go a long way when you’re trying to eat healthy. You don’t have to force water down your throat if you feel like you’ve had enough, though. And definitely don’t drink water instead of eating a meal. Drink water when you feel like you need to, and you’ll be just fine. Water isn’t for keeping your stomach full or avoiding food – water is for staying hydrated and healthy. Having a cool bottle of water on hand can help you drink more, since you always have it with you. It’s also important to drink water when you’re exercising.

Get Moving

Exercise is a great compliment to healthy eating. You’ll want to eat foods that can help power your body while you’re working out. Exercising also has many similar effects to healthy eating, such as increased energy, stamina and weight loss. The best way to exercise is to find something that you like to do. That way, it’s more of a hobby than a chore.

The Active&Fit Direct program offers digital workouts in categories like cardio, strength, dance, martial arts, mind/body, high intensity interval training and cycling. Try out a bunch of different exercise regimens and see which ones you like best. The best type of exercise is one you’re actually going to do. Try going on long walks, bike rides and runs around your neighborhood. And when gyms open back up again, the Active&Fit Direct program is partnered with over 11,000 fitness centers around the country. That’s a lot of different classes for you to choose from.

Stick to It

So you’ve briefly fallen off the wagon and eaten a cheesecake. So what? The important thing is that you don’t give up. Healthy eating doesn’t mean that every single thing you eat has to be perfect. It means that you’re trying to take care of your body in the long term. Don’t beat yourself up about small things, when what really matters is the big picture. As long as most of the things you eat are healthy and nutritious, you can have a piece of birthday cake once in a while. 45 million Americans go on diets each year, but it’s unclear how many actually stick with them. Small changes over a longer period of time will be more meaningful than big changes that are quickly discarded or forgotten.

Be Good to Yourself

A lot of fad diets encourage beating yourself up, or feeling unsatisfied with your body. But that’s no way to live. You want to eat healthy for a long time, not just until swimsuit season. Try to frame this resolution as a way that you can pamper yourself – only the best for your body! You and your body have already been through so many things together. It deserves a good, home-cooked meal.

Find out how unlimited lifestyle coaching with the Active&Fit Direct program can help with diet, nutrition and more.

What are your favorite healthy foods? Let us know in the comments below! 

The Active&Fit Direct program is provided by American Specialty Health Fitness, Inc., a subsidiary of American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH). Active&Fit Direct and the Active&Fit Direct logo(s) are trademarks of ASH and used with permission herein. Not all services may be available in all areas and the program may be changed (including monthly and enrollment fees and/or the introductory period) or discontinued at anytime.

It costs $279 more to own a car than it did just last year. According to new AAA research, the true annual costs of new vehicle ownership rose 5% in 2019 to $9,561. That’s the highest cost since AAA began tracking expenses in 1950.

COVID-19 has had several effects on the car-buying market. First, of course, is an overall drop in sales due to a number of economic factors. Then there is the issue of inventory, which is limited due to many car manufacturers halting vehicle production in order to switch to manufacturing ventilators and/or adjusting to consumer demand. As a result, dealerships are not offering as many price incentives as they normally would stimulate sales. In fact, the price of a new car has increased.

While many consumers focus on the sticker price, there are many other costs associated with new car ownership to consider. The new figures come from “Your Driving Costs,” which reviews nine categories of vehicles to determine the average annual operating and ownership costs of each. AAA focuses on top-selling, mid-priced models and compares them across six expense categories: fuel prices; maintenance/repair/tire costs; insurance rates; license/registration/taxes; depreciation; and finance charges. Of the six categories, only fuel price and financing dropped in cost from last year.

Depreciation, a measure of how quickly a car loses value, continues to be the biggest expense of owning a new car, especially as sticker prices continue to increase. On average, it accounts for 39% of the total costs for a new car. AAA’s Your Driving Costs found that in 2020, depreciation was up 12% over last year.

Other key findings in this year’s “Your Driving Costs” study include:

• Pickup trucks had the highest overall driving costs while small sedans had the lowest
• Medium SUVs had the highest maintenance and repair costs while electric vehicles had the lowest
• By percentage, the category with the largest increase was license/registration/taxes. It rose 13% to a price of $851 per year.

To learn more, determine your own costs, and download the 2020 “Your Driving Cost” brochure, go to AAA.com/YourDrivingCosts.

For more information on the car-buying process, visit AAA.com/AutoBuying, a comprehensive resource that can help make the process more manageable.

In an era ruled by technology and innovation, it’s easier than ever to live comfortably in your own energy-efficient home. Making a few simple changes will not only benefit your wallet, but can result in a positive cultural and ecological impact for years to come.

Sealing Your Home

Taking the time to insulate and properly seal the hidden air leaks in your home is an effective way to cut costs and create a healthier environment. To maximize home efficiency, seal all the gaps where air can leak in or out, including gaps around doors, windows, vents and more.

Door Sweep

Weatherproofing your home can save you up to 20% of your heating costs. Doors leading from the house to the garage are often not well-sealed. Installing a door sweep to seal the gap is one way to winterize your home that will help prevent air from coming in and out of your home. Stopping this air flow will keep heated indoor living spaces more comfortable and prevent an increase in your energy bills.

Attic Ventilation

Improve your home’s total comfort and energy effectiveness by sealing areas in your attic, one of the most prone spots for air leaks. According to Energy Star, best known for its symbol helping consumers easily identify energy-efficient products, “proper ventilation of the attic with natural air flow keeps the roof deck cool and dry, extending the life of roof shingles and preventing ice dams without using the energy needed to run an attic vent fan. Be sure attic soffit vents and gable vents are not blocked so air flows freely through them.”

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Check Ducts

Checking for holes in your ducts can significantly affect your heating and cooling systems. Look for holes, tears and other signs of leaking ducts and seal them using mastic or metal tape. In typical houses, about 20% of the air that moves through the duct system is lost due to leaks, holes and poorly connected ducts, according to Energy Star. Learn how to improve your home’s duct system.

Light Bulb Replacements

On simple upgrade for a more energy-efficient home is to replace light fixtures and traditional incandescent bulbs.  While compact fluorescent lights and LEDs are more expensive, their efficiency and longevity cost you less down the road.

Turn Off the Light

What’s easier than flipping a light switch? A 75-watt light bulb left on for a few hours a day can total roughly two percent of your monthly electricity bill. Get in the habit off always turning off the lights when leaving a room.

Outlets

Just like light switches, always remember to unplug any battery chargers or power adapters when not in use.

Decrease Water Usage

We often forget how big of a role water plays in our lives. The Environmental Protection Agency recently reported that the average American family uses 300 gallons of water each day. So what can you do? Do little things to cut costs like not letting water run when it is not necessary and scraping dishes instead of rinsing them before loading in the dishwasher. Wait until there is a full load before running your dishwasher and use the air-dry option if available. According to Petro’s energy savings tips, you can use nearly 5,000 more gallons of water a year if you hand wash your dishes. Let dishes air dry to save even more energy.

Home Office Efficiency 

While working from home saves time and money on commuting, it can increase home energy bills. Cut costs by utilizing the power save options built into your devices’ settings.

Air Conditioner Installation

In the market to invest in a new AC system? Keep an energy-efficient home by installing Energy Star-certified units. And just like windows, doors and skylights, have ductless and central air installed by a trained professional. When using your AC system, utilize programmable thermostats for better temperature control and energy conservation.

Replace Air Filters

Old air filters can restrict airflow and cause your home’s heating or cooling system to run longer and waste energy.

Home Heating Systems

Consider turning down the thermostat when you don’t need the heat. Adding insulation and sealing up air leaks will help preserve the heat in your home. Once the time comes to replace your heating system, look for high-efficiency equipment. While the energy-efficient equipment may cost more upfront, the long-term savings in energy and maintenance are worth the investment.

Install Energy-Efficient Windows

Drafty windows are dangerous for your energy bill. During the winter months, Energy Star recommends replacing your screens with storm windows to provide an extra barrier to the cold outside air. Caulk and weather-strip around windows and doors that leak air. With proper installation and sealing, your new windows can help improve your comfort, cut drafts and reduce fading of interior furnishings. And as the seasons change, also be sure to insulate window units with tight-fitting AC covers, which will prevent cold air from coming in and warm air from escaping.

By taking simple measures and adjusting your day-to-day behaviors and habits, you can significantly reduce energy consumption.

Take the first step to save energy and cut costs by calling Petro. AAA members who sign up as a new customer with Petro Home Services can receive special offers including $200 off any new heating or AC system. Learn more. 

How do you maintain a more energy-efficient home? Share your tips in the comments. 

After almost an entire year of social distancing, being stuck inside will feel especially boring and tiresome this winter. But just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t grab a bit of sunshine and fresh air. Use any opportunity to bundle up, grab a thermos of hot cocoa or cider and get outside! You may even consider investing in an outdoor heating option.

From patio heaters and hot tubs to outdoor fireplaces and fire pits, you can enjoy outdoor living this winter with a little ingenuity. See how you can start entertaining outside thanks to the warmth of outdoor heating.

Have Fun in the Snow

Northeasterners know the look and feel of quality packing snow. Take advantage of sculptable precipitation to build a snow fort, a colony of snow people or make things interesting by holding a snowman building competition. Use old clothes, the classic carrot and buttons/coal or food coloring to give your snowperson plenty of personality.

When you start to feel chilly, serve up some hot cocoa and warm up near a patio heater or fire pit. When the snow sculpting fun is over, follow up with a snowball fight to really help yourself feel like a kid again.

Roast Marshmallows

It’s never the wrong time for a s’more. This iconic treat is normally synonymous with summer, but it also pairs well with a mug of hot chocolate. Build a bonfire or use a grill, outdoor fireplace or fire pit to stay warm while you toast marshmallows in the middle of winter. Drop a few roasted marshmallows into your hot cocoa to add some smoky flavor.

If wood-burning is not your style, a propane fire pit or fireplace is a safer, cleaner and smokeless option. Petro Home Services can help with all your propane needs.

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Going Bird/Animal Watching

Although some birds migrate south for the winter, there are still plenty of species that stick around through the chilly season. The lack of foliage in winter makes bird watching easier, so now is the perfect time to start.

Spotting cardinals is especially easy thanks to their bright red coloring, but setting out birdfeeders can help draw more birds to your lawn. To get the kids involved, have them make homemade birdfeeders. Depending on where you live and the time of year, you may be able to see other critters, like squirrels, chipmunks and deer, as well.

Taking Wintertime Photography

From icicles and frozen lakes to blanketed tress and falling snow, the Northeast is absolutely stunning during the winter. Make the most of this picturesque season by heading outside to take some photos.

After a fresh snowfall, see what natural beauty you can find in your own backyard. Whether you choose to use a smart device or a more traditional camera to take pictures, your fingers are sure to get cold after a while. Thaw your digits for a bit by stuffing your pockets with hand warmers or heading over to your outdoor fireplace or fire pit and get back to snapping pics in no time.

Enjoy a Winter Pool Party

Summer is probably the season that comes to mind when you think of swimming, but with propane-heated pools and hot tubs, you can extend the available months to swim and soak. Propane heaters are smaller compared to their electric counterparts, and they heat up water much more quickly.

There’s nothing like relaxing in a warm, bubbly hot tub while you watch some wintery snow fall. Feel like the king or queen of your snow-covered castle with an outdoor, heated bathing option and make spending time outside during the winter a truly comforting experience.

Going Stargazing

The bare trees and clear night skies associated with the winter make the perfect conditions for stargazing, and there will be a variety of stellar activity to look out for this winter season.

When stargazing this year, stay warm with a patio heater or head out to the lawn, lay down a blanket and keep cozy with an outdoor fireplace or fire pit.

DIY Winter Festival

With outdoors being the safer alternative to indoor gatherings, propane patio heaters are a growing trend. So string up some lights, crank up the outdoor heaters and throw a DIY winter festival in your own backyard. Make a holiday playlist and prepare festive snacks and drinks.

For festival activities, you can play games, build gingerbread houses and make crafts. Invite a few local friends or family members to make your festival feel more authentic.

Whether you prefer spirited wintertime fun or more peaceful seasonal activities, you can stay cozy while spending time outside this winter season. From bundling up and sipping warm beverages to investing in outdoor heating, there’s no need to be stuck inside this winter season.

Petro Home Services offers a variety of outdoor heating services for propane patio heaters, hot tubs, outdoor fireplaces, fire pits and more. Best of all, they will schedule you for regular propane deliveries so that you never run out.

Will you be entertaining outside this winter season? Tell us in the comments below.  

More and more people are turning to a snow blower for their snow maintenance needs. Using a snow blower is fast, efficient and doesn’t require as much effort as shoveling, so it’s no wonder that this technology is being embraced by consumers. Whether you’ll be purchasing a new snow blower this winter, or you just want to take better care of your machine, this guide will give you a helpful overview.

The Benefits of an Electric Snow Blower

There are two main types of snow blowers: electric-powered and gas-powered. Electric snow blowers are meant for light snow removal. These are either plugged directly into an outlet with a cold weather extension cord or powered by a battery. These models are a lot lighter to carry than gas snow blowers, and are best for small properties where snow removal is minimal. Electric snow blowers are perfect for seniors and others who can’t carry larger models. They’re best for areas that don’t get a ton of snowfall, so if you plan on clearing out a foot of snow this winter, you might want to choose a different model.

The Benefits of a Gas Snow Blower

Single-Stage Gas Snow Blowers

Gas snow blowers are divided into three types: single-stage, dual-stage and three-stage. Single-stage blowers are ideal for moderate snow and can take care of most accumulations up to 8 inches. But make sure you don’t use a single-stage on gravel surfaces; since it touches the ground when throwing snow, it’ll shoot out bits of gravel on contact.

Dual-Stage Gas Snow Blowers

If you expect heavier snowfall or live on a large property, a dual-stage model is your best bet; these snow blowers are great for managing snowfall of a foot and higher. You can even use them to clear out ice and heavy, wet snow. If you have a large gravel or concrete driveway you need to clear, or live in area with high average snowfall, this kind of model is a great pick.

Invest in a more powerful model like this if you have a lot of hilly terrain to work with, as this is a lot tougher to manage than snow flat on the ground. And if you’re going to be making a lot of wide turns with your snow blower, you might want to look for a model with power steering.

Three-Stage Gas Snow Blowers

Finally, three-stage snow blowers are meant for the heaviest snow accumulations. Chances are you won’t need to invest in a three-stage model unless you work in commercial snow removal, or if your area is prone to extremely heavy winter storms. With each stage, the models become a little more expensive, so choose the snow blower you think you’ll need. Many electric snow blowers will do the trick if you have a small yard, so do some research before purchasing your machine and read about the recommended uses for each model.

Changing the Oil in Your Snow Blower

If you decide to purchase a gas snow blower, you need to remember to change the oil every so often. Make sure to read the instruction manual to see how much oil is recommended for your model, and be sure to double check for any leaks. If you’d rather not worry about replacing the oil and want easier maintenance, consider an electric snow blower.

Essential Snow Blower Maintenance

Aside from replacing the oil, there are a number of parts on your snow blower that will wear down over time and need to be inspected. It’s essential to check your shear pins, which connect the gear case to the auger, to note if they’re missing or broken. You should have a few spare sets of these lying around, just in case they break mid-season. When installing new shear pins, make sure you’re using exact replacements or it could cause damage to the machine.

You’ll also want to inspect your scraper bars and skid shoes; these will wear down as the winter season goes on, so they will need to be replaced as needed to keep the machine functioning properly. The belts are another area you want to keep a close eye on. If you see heavy wear and tear on one of the belts, remove it and replace with a new part, being sure to maintain the same placement.

Storing Your Snow Blower

It’s important to make sure you store your snow blower properly. Because you’ll use it so often in the winter, you might consider leaving it outside. However, you may have trouble starting it if it’s constantly exposed to frigid temperatures. Your best bet is to leave it in your garage where it won’t be too exposed to the elements.

Learn about homeowners and condo insurance from AAA.

Got a great snow blower maintenance tip? Leave it in our comment section.

The month of December is filled with decor, festivities, traditions and excitement, with ample photo opportunities throughout. Capture the beauty and cheer of the season with these holiday photography tips.

Traditions

The holidays are always rich with family traditions. Whether you are lighting menorah candles or hanging tinsel from the tree, make sure to document how your family celebrates.

Get Candid

I find that family traditions are best documented from a candid perspective. Don’t pose people, just sit back, observe and click away. Moments that evoke the sense of awe like opening presents, decorating the tree or visiting Santa are all great times to bring your camera out.

Raise Your ISO

If you are indoors make sure to have your ISO up high to avoid blurry photos. I would start at 1000 ISO and if you find you are still getting blur, bump it up even higher. Alternately you could use your flash to help with low light.

Go Wide

Use a wide-angle lens for any indoor shots. This will allow you to capture the whole scene. Choose a focal length anywhere between 14-24 mm.

Its All in the Details

Try out a macro lens or adapter to capture the little details that make up the bigger picture. If you don’t have a macro lens you can try using a zoom lens; just make sure you are standing far enough away for it to focus. Christmas tree ornaments, snowflakes and the needles of pine trees all have great detail when photographed close-up.

Get in the Frame

I can’t stress the importance of this enough, especially for holiday photography. Make sure that the whole family is present in your pictures. To achieve this, use the timer feature on your camera or a wireless remote. Many of the newer cameras have a built-in intervalometer. An intervalometer allows you to set your camera to take pictures on a cycle. For example, you can set it to take five pictures every five minutes until it gets to 50 shots. You can customize the time in between shots, how many shots at a time and the total number of shots. Check your camera manual to see if your camera has one.

Christmas Lights

Christmas lights are really fun to photograph and experiment with. Look for light displays around your home or neighborhood to photograph. I also like to search for local events or displays online. If you check the Facebook events near you, you’ll often find impressive home displays in your area.

Vary Your Aperture

Varying your aperture when photographing Christmas lights will yield completely different results. Look at the photo examples below to see the difference.

In the first photo, I placed my subject in front of the lights and used a large aperture of f/1.8. You can see that the lights look like orbs in the background. The larger your aperture the larger the orbs will be. This is referred to as bokeh. In the second photo, I used a smaller aperture of f/18 and you can see that the lights now look more realistic.

Focus

For some artistic images of lights, try switching your lens focus to manual. Aim your camera at the lights and move the focus ring around; watch how changing the focus affects how the lights appear.

Twinkle Lights

To capture lights with a twinkle you are going to need a tripod. You are going to want it as dark as possible in your room, so turn off any ambient light. Put your ISO way down, like to 100, and choose an f/stop around f/14-f/22. You will also want a slow shutter; I recommend anything between four to 30 seconds.

Weather

While the weather outside may be frightful, the photos are so delightful!  For the best holiday photography, you have to get outside and capture the winter wonderland. Here are some tips for photographing snow.

Double Up

Not only should you double up on your clothing to stay warm, but also your batteries. Camera batteries drain quickly in cooler weather. Make sure your batteries are completely charged before heading out. Place your spare battery somewhere it will stay warm. I like to use the inside pockets of my jacket for this.

Photographing Snow

When it comes to photographing snow, fresh is best! Pure white snow photographs much better than dirty white snow. If you’d like to capture falling snow, I recommend a fast shutter speed to freeze the motion. Pick one above 1/200th of a second.

Top Holiday Photo Opportunities

• Visiting Santa.
• Lighting the menorah candles.
• Decorating the tree.
• Baking cookies.
• Gingerbread houses.
• Hot chocolate.
• Unwrapping presents.
• Christmas lights.
• Sledding.
• Snowball fights.
• Cutting down the Christmas tree.
• Building a snowman.

May your holiday season be warm and filled with joy! Happy snapping! 

Get more photography tips and check out past AAA Photo Sessions.

Tell us your holiday photography tips in the comments. 

Since the sun sets in the west, many people believe that views of the sun on the U.S. East Coast are nothing spectacular; but there are many places to go for an awe-inspiring New York sunset or sunrise.

Read through our of list of top New York sunset spots, then check the sun schedule, grab a camera and get out and discover some of nature’s most beautiful panoramic moments in New York State.

The Best New York Sunset Spots

Top of the Rock

A trip to the Top of the Rock is a must-see attraction to make your visit to New York City complete. According to the website, there is no other vantage point in the city that offers such inspiring, clear views as the ones you’ll find atop 30 Rockefeller Plaza. See all of the prominent buildings that make up the NYC skyline and an expansive view of the entire island right from Midtown Manhattan. Sunset tickets are available for an additional $10. Be sure to be there at sundown for a view of the city like you’ve never seen before. Show your AAA card to save $3 on admission. 

Brooklyn Bridge Park

Brooklyn Bridge Park is an 85-acre waterfront park extending 1.3 miles along Brooklyn’s East River shore. From here, visitors can witness a breathtaking view of the sun’s activity over the magnificent Brooklyn Bridge. Make your way through the Brooklyn Heights Promenade early in the morning to catch the sunrise, or spend the day with your family at one of the park’s many piers, which offer a wide variety of recreational activities.

Coney Island

Coney Island is one of New York’s oldest and most popular family attractions. Whether you decide to arrive as the sun rises or stay in the area late enough to watch the sun set, the amusement park’s features like the enormous Wonder Wheel, provide a picturesque view for all park goers to enjoy. Sit on the beach or a bench on the boardwalk to take in the timeless Coney Island version of the perfect New York sunset or sunrise. While you are there, visit the New York Aquarium and save up to 25% on tickets. 

Fire Island

New York’s Fire Island is a 32-mile-long sandbar that sits 13 miles off the coast of Long Island. As far as a New York sunset goes, this one might take the cake. Not only did CBS News Travel Editor Peter Greenberg list it as one of the best for Forbes magazine, it is also a prime spot to watch awe-inspiring beach sunsets and sunrises. People travel to the only-accessible-by-ferry island for a laid-back getaway, just miles away from the city. As Greenberg put it, Fire Island is the Hamptons without the attitude.

Staten Island Ferry

The Staten Island Ferry will whisk you away into the New York City sunset as its background; even during rush hour, it’s hard not to be captivated by the view. For this movie-perfect experience, ride the ferry just minutes before the allotted sunset and sunrise time and enjoy the view of Manhattan’s skyscrapers and other famous landmarks as you travel along the Upper and Lower New York Bay. Take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry and join the 20 million people that enjoy the free service each year.

Battery Park

When discussing New York City sunsets, Battery Park is bound to be mentioned for the beautiful scenery its location affords. With so many options for park-goers to sit and enjoy the waterfront view, Battery Park is a go-to destination to observe a sunset in New York. The benches located right near the water are perfect spots to watch the sky change color by the famous Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor.

Long Beach Boardwalk

When Senator William H. Reynolds first built the 3.5-mile Long Beach Boardwalk, he envisioned the start of a booming resort community. Over a century and a Great Depression later, Long Beach has transformed into a thriving and relaxing residential beach community. Witness the sun hide behind the Atlantic Ocean at night, and rise above the horizon at dawn. For a similar experience, visit the Jones Beach Boardwalk.

Sunken Meadow Park

Long Island’s Sunken Meadow Park is widely known as a popular picnic park that welcomes millions of families a year and helps them share in some outdoor fun. Offering one of the most dazzling views of the Long Island Sound with Connecticut in the distance, the park’s landscape adds to the stunning sunrises and sunsets seen there. Three miles of beach meets a man-made dam that separates the park’s creek from the tidal flats. Visit the park for an all-day trip and stay to welcome in the evening as the sun sets behind the water.

The Adirondack Mountains

For a trip a bit farther from the city, pack up your car and head to the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York to watch the sun rise over the lakes. The serenity and beauty of the mist floating above the water of the Adirondack’s many lakes makes for an unforgettable experience. The 8-hour drive will be worthwhile once you see the majestic mountains set against a backdrop of bright orange. Take some time off for a relaxing weekend journey to nature, sit back and just enjoy the scenery.

Ontario Beach Park

The peaceful Ontario Beach Park is found on the shore of Lake Ontario near the Irondequoit border, in the northernmost section of Rochester. The park is 39-acres long and attracts thousands of people with its picturesque beaches and countless activities. In the summer, they offer picnic areas, as well as free outdoor concerts and movies. There are plenty of places to stay the night, just be sure to wake up in time to walk over to the boardwalk to witness the sun just rising over the waters of Lake Ontario.

Montauk Point Lighthouse

The Montauk Point Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse in New York State. The National Historic Landmark has been a part of Long Island’s land and seascape for over 200 years. It still provides an active aid to navigation for ships and boats passing through the area, making it one of the oldest operating lighthouses in the country. The lighthouse is located at the easternmost tip of the island, and climbing to the top will provide you with an open view of the remarkable sunsets and sunrises that take place behind and around the Atlantic Ocean.

Hamilton Park

With a stunning view of the Manhattan skyline from across the Hudson River, Hamilton Park in Weehawken, N.J., is the best location to watch the sun rise or set just outside of New York. There are benches, greenery and a beautiful lawn available for visitors for unwinding. For history buffs, the park is named after Alexander Hamilton who was shot and killed there on July 11, 1804 after losing a duel to Aaron Burr. The park features a statue of Hamilton, a large gazebo, basketball court, children’s playground, and tennis court.

Cape Vincent

The Town of Cape Vincent, N.Y. is the only town in the United States where you can enjoy both the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario at the same time. Visit Tibbett’s Point Lighthouse to view one of the most beautiful sunsets in New York State. If you are lucky enough you might be able to gaze at a ship using the St. Lawrence Seaway. While you’re there, enjoy the beautiful parks for recreation, fishing, picnics and relaxation. Cape Vincent is like taking a step back in time, and taking in the relaxing views will offer you the peace and tranquility we all search for during a vacation.

Like nearly every other aspect of our lives these days, the act of payment has gone digital. Payment apps have risen in popularity over the years and are now a main source of financial transactions.

The advantage of using payment apps is obvious: they offer a quick, easy and convenient way to send money without having to worry about carrying a credit card, stopping by the ATM or, dare we say, write a check. In addition, many of these apps have evolved to include other financial features including credit lines, debit cards and even stock market investments.

Of course, nothing is perfect, and there are certain pitfalls to be wary of. To get a better sense of the pros and cons, here’s a rundown of the top payment apps’ notable advantages and drawbacks.

PayPal

Founded in 1998, PayPal was one of the original payment services to be widely adopted. As such, the app has expanded to reach 325 million users across 200 markets around the world.

Today, in addition to its user-to-user money feature, PayPal offers a host of other financial services. Most notable is the ability for users to purchase products online through their PayPal accounts. The company also offers individual lines of credit.

It’s not all positive, however. PayPal charges a fee to send money unless you’re using a linked bank account or the funds in your app account. Another downside is that it can take up to three to five days to transfer funds from PayPal to your bank. If you want it moved immediately, it’ll cost you 1% of the amount being transferred.

Venmo

Venmo is an app that allows users to send and receive money through bank accounts, credit cards or Venmo account balances. It is owned by PayPal and very similar to it, but has some notable differences. One such feature is that it offers a free debit card, funded by the user’s Venmo account.

Arguably the best thing about Venmo is its popularity. It has about 40 million users, so odds are that whenever you need to send or request money from someone, it can be done quickly and easier through the shared app.

On the flipside, Venmo’s main drawback is its fee. The payment app charges a 3% fee for all credit card transfers and a 1% fee to get money to your bank account instantly.

Zelle

Zelle is a money transfer service offered by most major banks. All you need to sign up is an email address and/or cell phone number (and a bank account). You can set up your account through the app or your bank.

Because the money is transferred directly into your bank account, and not a third party service, you’ll usually have access to the funds within minutes and not days. This is a significant advantage of using Zelle.

That said, you can only fund payments with this app through your bank account. You cannot connect a credit card, so you’ll need to always have enough money in your bank account.

Apple Pay

Apple Pay is a payment service rolled out by the tech giant a few years ago. It allows users to send and receive money through Apple’s Messages app, almost like you would send a text message. The app is compatible with the latest versions of the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Mac computer.

Not only can you send money virtually, you can use Apple Pay at many retailers. As long as you have your device, you can just hold it near the reader for a cashless – and contactless – transaction. According to Apple, 74 of the top 100 merchants in the United States accept this form of payment, including CVS, Target, Best Buy and 7-Eleven.

The obvious drawback to this app is the need for an Apple device. If you, or the person you’re sending or receiving money from, doesn’t own one of the previously mentioned gadgets, Apple Pay is not an option.

Google Pay

Google Pay is the company’s equivalent to Apple Pay. Unlike its rival’s app, however, Google Pay is compatible with both Android and Apple devices.

Other than that, the two services are very similar. Google Pay allows users to transfer money to each other, and you can also use it for payment at participating retailers.

The app has many of the same drawbacks as its competitors, namely its fees. You’ll be charged a 3% fee to send money via credit card and a 1.5% fee for an instant cash out deposit.

Cash App

Cash App is part money transfer app, part bank account. Not only can users send and receive money, the service allows them to get paychecks and tax returns deposited directly into their accounts.

A unique feature of this payment app is the ability to invest account funds in the stock market. Users can invest as little as $1 in individual stocks, giving them the potential to earn money. Cash App also offers its users a free debit card, which can be used to spend their account balances at different retailers.

Florida is a popular destination for Northeasterners. Whether you are a snowbird seeking warmth in the midst of winter or are looking forward to planning your next summer vacation, Florida offers a variety of activities for all ages.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

You can’t visit Florida without making a splash in the water. Snorkeling and scuba diving are perfect ways to take advantage of the beautiful fresh and saltwater bodies.

Dive with animals like sea turtles around West Palm Beach, manatees in Crystal River and freshwater fish at natural Florida springs like Ginnie Springs. Try snorkeling at Dry Tortugas National Park, which is home to tropical fish, starfish, queen conchs and more.

Explore amazing underwater wonderlands like historic wrecks at Pensacola, Destin and Panama City, geological caves like Devil’s Den and Blue Grotto, and reefs around Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Looe Key. Or, find your own souvenirs while snorkeling around Venice Beach, which is also known as the “Shark Tooth Capital of the World.”

Endless Sunshine. Infinite Possibilities.

Discover Florida’s 320 freshwater springs, infinite mangrove tunnels or hidden caverns. Let your adventure begin.

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Camping

On a beach by the sea, at a natural spring or under the canopy of a lush forest, relax at one of the campgrounds and RV parks while visiting Florida.

Limited camping is available at several of Florida’s State and National Parks, including Fort Clinch State Park, Ocala National Forest and Bahia Honda State Park. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort in Orlando also offers unique camping opportunities, including fun outdoor activities like kayaking, biking and hiking.

Horseback Riding

Feel closer to nature while igniting your sense of adventure by going horseback riding on the beach or a special nature trail.

Whether it’s trotting across the award-winning Cape San Blas, laid-back Amelia Island or going on a Fort Pierce beach tour on horseback, there’s plenty of outdoor activities featuring these majestic animals. In Bradenton, there’s “horse-surfing,” where visitors can ride on the beach before going into the water with the horses.

Away from the ocean, there are also horseback riding trails – like at McCulley Farms in Jasper – where riders can enjoy more scenic views.

Fishing and Boating

Being a peninsula, Florida boasts access to both freshwater bodies and the ocean – and great fresh and saltwater boating and fishing by proxy.

Head out on the open sea or settle on a pier, and you’ll have an opportunity to catch fish. From red snapper, grouper and mackerel to spotted sea trout and largemouth bass, there are many fish species to be found within just 100 miles of Tampa Bay. Anyone over 16 years old will need to purchase a Florida fishing license in order to partake.

There’s also boating and sailing options, including sailing clubs and schools, houseboating, sunset cruises, boat charters, marinas and sail ports.

Ziplining

For views of nature with a thrill, soar over Ocala Canyons by zipline. In Kissimmee, kids can zip across the treetops. At Forever Florida in St. Cloud, there’s the new “The Rattlesnake” EcoSafari – a zipline rollercoaster that’s sure to get your adrenaline pumping.

Nature Photography

Florida’s wide array of plant and animal species make it the perfect location for nature photography. Recognized as a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve and Wetland of International Importance, Florida’s Everglades are especially photogenic.

Find plenty of plants at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, along with the largest stand of old-growth cypress trees on the planet. Visit Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park and keep an eye out for an elusive Florida panther or black bear. On the other hand, you’re bound to see alligators at Big Cypress National Preserve.

Check out these tips on Taking Amazing National Park Photos.

Surfing

You may not think of surfing when it comes to the east coast, but Florida lays claim to a list of choice surfing spots.

Located south of Cocoa Beach, you’ll find the east coast’s own surf city. There’s also New Smyrna Inlet, which is referred to as “the wave magnet.” On Florida’s northwest Gulf coast, you’ll find surfers riding the waves at Perdido Key,  Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach and Panama City Beach.

Golfing

Golfing is a great activity for improving both physical and mental health. This leisure sport gets you outside, in the sun and fresh air, all while keeping you moving.

“The Sunshine State has more golf courses per capita than any other place in the United States,” according to Visit Florida.

Watersports  

Watersports like canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding are a must-try when visiting Florida.

From the gentle waters of Destin Harbor to the jetties of New Smyrna, there’s a stand up paddle boarding adventure for every experience level. See how many animals you can spot while paddling, like dolphins at Naples Beach, sea turtles and sharks at Blowing Rocks Preserve and crabs, sea stars and tropical fish around Stock Island.

If you prefer kayaking, there area number of creeks and hidden bays to explore in Southwest Florida. For a truly memorable and magical experience, try a nighttime bioluminescent kayaking tour on Florida’s east coast, including the Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon, where the water glows thanks to tiny bioluminescent plankton.

What is your favorite thing to do in Florida? Tell us in the comments.