Boat tours offer amazing views any time of year, but they are especially noteworthy in the fall. Imagine navigating your way down a river or lake surrounded by beautiful fall foliage from above as well as reflecting in the water below.

Aboard a fall foliage cruise, you can learn about the history, flora and fauna of different locations, marvel at natural beauty and take stunning pictures. Some cruises also offer special events, themed trips, tastings and other complimentary treats.

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

Connecticut

River Quest | Haddam

River Quest offers different fall foliage cruises along the Connecticut River on weekends and weekdays.

One-and-a-half-hour fall foliage cruises occur on most weekdays. On these cruises, you’ll head south from Eagle Landing State Park in Haddam, catching views of the East Haddam Swing Bridge, Goodspeed Airport, Goodspeed Opera House and a local eagle’s nest. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glance of a bald eagle.

Fall foliage tours occur on weekends. These hour-long voyages will take you north and south along the lower Connecticut River, where you can view the foliage of a wide array or trees and look for wildlife, especially native birds.

River Quest also allows visitors to bring their own picnic baskets and/or snacks. So be sure to take advantage and make your trip extra enjoyable.

Maine

Damariscotta River Cruises | Damariscotta

This October try deciding between a wine- or wildlife-filled excursion with Damariscotta River Cruises. You can learn how oyster farmers harvest their renowned Damariscotta River oysters while keeping a lookout for native birds and harbor seals. Picture-taking is encouraged.

During the Oyster and Wine or Beer Tasting Tours, foodies and shellfish fans alike will enjoy sampling different wine,beer and oyster pairings aboard the River Tripper. An expert local wine docent and raconteur will also be present.

Acadian Boat Tours | Bar Harbor

Acadian Boat Tours also offers two distinct cruises, one of which gives you VIP access.

Sightseeing and nature cruises are fully narrated and can be two or one-and-a-half-hours long, depending on which trip you pick. You’ll pass Egg Rock Lighthouse as you search for eagles, porpoises, seals etc. Not only will you see a plethora of wild animals on this cruise, it’s also pet-friendly.

VIP Somes Sound Fjord and Harbors Tours last for roughly three hours, allowing cruisers to really take in the wonders of the Acadia National Park shoreline, Valley Cove’s walls of granite as well as a journey through Somes Sound to visit the only fjord on the East Coast.

Massachusetts

Classic Harbor Line | Boston 

Whether you prefer brunch or lunch, cruising on Boston’s waters during the fall is a treat.

The Fall Foliage Brunch Cruise aboard the Northern Lights is a weekends-only, two-and-a-half-hour excursion. You’ll surely be able to relax by sipping on a special beverage and enjoying a gourmet brunch buffet while taking in the the views of Boston in autumn.

The Boston Harbor Fall Foliage Luncheon Cruises offer lots of family fun. Over the course of two hours, you’ll hear stories about pirates and ghosts as well as histories of the various Boston Harbor Islands you’ll pass, all while enjoying a picnic lunch.

By taking either of these fall foliage cruises in the Boston Harbor, there are some notable sites you could spot, namely iconic lighthouses: Boston Light, which claims to be America’s oldest lighthouse and Long Island Head Light, one of the first cast iron light houses.

Essex Cruises | Essex

Essex Cruises hosts narrated, sight-seeing cruises, including Sunday Morning Coffee and Muffin Cruises. But these specialty fall cruises emphasize the beverage of the season, apple cider.

Get up close to Hog/Choate Island on the Fall Foliage Cider & Donut Cruise. Marvel at the dark spruce forest while savoring complimentary hot cider and donuts from Russell Orchard of Ipswich.

Hy-Line Cruises  

With Hy-Line Cruises, you can take a Nantucket Ferry well into November and learn the area’s history before stopping at boutique shops, sampling island fare and exploring art galleries and museums. There’s also Fall Day Trips to Nantucket. Or for a totally different island vibe, you can hop onboard a Martha’s Vineyard Ferry.

AAA members save 10% on Hy-Line Cruises.

New Hampshire

Portsmouth Harbor Cruises | Portsmouth

Until the last weekend in October, you can enjoy both the industrial and natural on an Inland Rivers or Fall Foliage cruise for about two and a half hours.

You’ll pass New Hampshire’s industrial waterfront, featuring tankers, freighters and cable ships as well as the remnants of old shipyards. Moving inland, you’ll travel through either the Great Bay or the Cocheco River into Dover (depending on the tide) to reach this largely untouched, tidal estuary.

New Jersey and New York

SeaStreak | Hudson River 

SeaStreak’s cruises depart from both New Jersey and New York City, taking the Hudson River to Cold Spring.

On weekends, passengers will travel by the Hudson to sight-see on a non-stop cruise or stop to explore the town of Cold Spring. Either way, your journey will take you under the George Washington Bridge, past the Cloisters and by breathtaking views of the Palisades.

Classic Harbor Line | Hudson River

This line offers a wide variety of NYC fall foliage cruises, lasting anywhere from two to nearly four hours.

Enjoy brunch or lunch as you travel north aboard the Manhattan or Manhattan II, respectably. From these 1920s-style yachts, you can leaf peep from a heated, enclosed observatory. Or you could climb aboard Yacht Kingston for a north-bound, fall foliage cruise where packing a picnic basket is encouraged. There’s also the Yacht Full Moon, which leaves from Chelsea Piers to bring you to the beautiful foliage of Palisades Park. Finally, you could set sail on an actual sailboat, the Schooner Adirondack, to discover what foliage flourishes north of Fort Lee, N.J.

Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises | Hudson and East Rivers

Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises offers 90-minute Landmark Cruises well into November, where you can view the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty and other iconic spots from a new and unique angle.

Rhode Island

Providence Riverboat Company | Providence

A trip on one of these ships is truly intimate – the boats hold fewer than 20 passengers.

Take a relaxing and historical Daytime Tour or Sunset Cruise. Cruises are narrated and last about 50 minutes. You’ll explore the Providence Harbor and River, Riverwalk, Waterplace Park and Fox Point Hurricane Barrier.

For something a little more spooky, take a Haunted Boat Tour. You’ll witness the century-old parks of downtown and may even be visited by a specter.

Gansett Cruises | Newport

Why not take a ride aboard a restored, 50-ft. lobster boat?

You’ll cruise along the Narragansett Bay and Newport Harbor, exploring the nature of Newport and Jamestown. You’ll also receive different perks depending on which trip you pick. The Morning Narrated Mimosa Cruise includes complimentary mimosas as well as freshly brewed coffee, tea and juices. The Afternoon Narrated Harbor Cruise supplies complimentary local favorites, including Del’s lemonade and coffee “cabinet” shake. Finally, the Evening Narrated Harbor Cruise offers complimentary Quahog “stuffie” and a Champagne toast.

Whichever fall foliage cruise you choose to take, the leaves are sure to impress.

Looking to view fall foliage in other ways? Check out these awesome autumn destinations.

 Where would you like to take a fall foliage cruise? Tell us in the comments!

Car maintenance goes far beyond bringing in your vehicle for inspections and emissions tests. It entails regularly checking on your car, not just when you have to or when you think there is a problem.

Improper maintenance can decrease the longevity and performance of your vehicle. Additionally, minor problems that could have been fixed easily can turn into major issues that require extensive – and expensive – repairs.

We spoke with Tyler Fournier, diagnostic technician at AAA Approved Auto Repair facility Platinum Auto Service in South Yarmouth, Mass., for his tips on proper car maintenance.

What is the biggest car maintenance myth or misconception?

New vehicles are being built with “lifetime fluids” such as transmission fluid and drive line fluids. The manufacturers say the fluids do not need to be changed for the lifetime of the vehicle, but what they actually mean is the fluid lasts for the lifetime of the component. This could possibly be less than 100,000 miles depending on driving habits. Do not neglect your transmission or differential fluids. Replace fluids and they will be less likely to fail. Always use either manufacturer-specified or high-quality fluids that meet or exceed original equipment specs. We recommend every 30,000 miles for such services.

What’s the most common mistake people make in regards to keeping their car in good shape?

The biggest mistake would be not changing the engine’s oil in a timely manner and not checking the engine oil level between services. Most manufactures are extending their oil change intervals to 7,000 or even 10,000 [miles] in some cases. For the cost of an oil change, and the huge gain your engine feels in the long run, you should always change your oil at 3,000 for standard oil and 5,000 for synthetic oil. If you are bad with maintenance, then run your car with synthetic, it only helps.

Also, the reality is that all engines of today burn some amount of oil. One quart of oil over 1,000 miles is pretty normal. Running your engine low on oil even by one quart can drastically reduce the longevity of your engine and its performance. Check your oil no less than once every 1,000 miles and do not mix oil viscosities or brands.

What causes a car to overheat and what should you do to fix it?

The most common car overheating cause is low coolant levels and neglected cooling systems. If you have a coolant leak, make sure you keep the radiator and overflow full at all times. In some cases, if the coolant level is very low, the engine coolant temp sensor won’t read properly and your engine can overheat. You may not know it is overheating until it is too late.

Do not use water to top if you don’t absolutely have to. If water is used, have your system flushed as soon as possible with fresh coolant.

Flushing your cooling system around every 100,000 miles is the best way to keep your cooling system from getting gunked up due to deteriorated coolant. Coolant does go bad over time. Check your fluid type before adding any coolant. Always use the manufacturer specified fluid type. Universal coolant can cause more issues than it’s worth.

What are your best tips to keep your car in the peak condition?

The best way to keep your car in good shape is to perform maintenance according to both your vehicle’s manufacturer-specified intervals and by recommendations of a good repair shop. Your owner’s manual can tell you when certain maintenance items need to be done. This would be considered minimum maintenance requirements.

To exceed the maintenance requirements, you should find a good repair shop that has your best interests in mind. Most shops are not just out to get your money. The reality is, the better a vehicle is maintained, the easier it will be to work on and the longer it will last. Therefore, everyone wins. Fixing things before they are a major problem can save you time and money and any good repair shop will give you a heads up when things are starting to fail. If you don’t trust your repair shop, do your research online and read reviews to find one you do.

All the tools needed for at-home car maintenance can be purchased at NAPA Auto Parts, where AAA members receive 20% off. If you prefer to let the pros handle it, find a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility near you.

What automotive questions do you have for our mechanics? Let us know in the comments below.

I think I was around 10 years old when I finally caught on to the “let’s see who can be the quietest until the next stop sign” game. I was young enough to feel offended by such a bamboozlement yet old enough to recognize it as one of the smartest games to play on a road trip – for parents, that is.

My friend’s mother, overcome, out-numbered and exhausted by three loud and often-fighting children in the back seat on one too many a carpool route, had invented the game for what I’m sure was the sole purpose of preserving her own sanity. In a strike of either good luck or as a tribute to her virtuosity, the three of us took the game very seriously and were cut-throatingly competitive. There was not a sniffle or a sneeze, not a shift or movement that could trigger a friction-inflicted noise, and certainly not a whisper coming from the back seat. The game was as entertaining for us as it was a valuable tool in the driver’s arsenal of carpool survival tactics, as it created, most importantly, quiet.

“Let’s see who can be quietest” is a great game to fall back on if you’re a parent who has reached your limit, but if you’re hitting the road this summer or fall, whether on a short journey to the local lake or an extended road trip with the family, having a stock of fun games to play can prevent restlessness, car-cabin fever and interpersonal conflicts between kids and adults alike, preemptively avoiding the “Are we there yet?!” and “Mommmm, he hit me!” chiming from the back seat.

Games to Play on a Road Trip With Young Kids

I’m Going on a Trip and I’m Going to Bring…

This is a great memory game to play that will keep kids of all ages entertained while also stimulating their brains. Person One starts out by saying, “I’m going on a trip and I’m going to bring…” something starting with the letter A. Person Two picks up with the letter B, but also has to remember what Person One said, and so on. For an extra challenge, theme the game based around the trip you are going on, for example, if you’re headed to the beach, only bring items that you would actually take to the beach.

Logo Game

From a hat, each person in the car picks out the name of a large chain restaurant, gas station or other branded company with a distinct and popular logo. For the next 30 minutes, keep your eyes and ears peeled for any mention of your company, whether on a billboard or road sign (one point), an actual location (two points) or a mention on the radio (three points). Whoever has the most points at the end of the half-hour wins!

Road Trip Bingo

Keep little minds occupied as they keep their eyes peeled for stop signs, street signs, blue cars, fire trucks and other commonly spotted road items. Create a bingo board by drawing the items or writing their names into the squares, then slip the paper into plastic sheet protectors and use erasable markers or sticky notes as bingo markers. Mom or Dad can maintain a master card in the front seat, calling out items as they see them, and handing out lollipops or stickers as prizes for the winners. Download our road trip bingo board!

Another twist on the road trip bingo game is to create a license plate bingo. If you’re feeling extra creative, put together multiple cards based on the states you will be passing through on your road trip; for example, if you’re headed to California, have one card for the Northeast states, one for the Southern states and another for the Western states.

Cow’s on My Side

Designed for trips through rural areas, this is the game to play on a road trip when there’s not much else to see out the window except rolling plains, farms and, well, cows. The goal of the game is to spot the most cows on your side of the car. Driver’s side passengers are one team, passenger’s side are another, and the person riding in the middle seat keeps score. Every time you see a cow on your side of the car, call, “Cow’s on my side!” Each cow is worth one point, with a large herd of cows being worth 20 points. If you see a cow on the other side of the car, call, “Cow’s on your side!” and steal a point from the other team. If you see a cemetery, call, “Ghost Cow!” and steal all the other team’s points. First team to 50 wins. Extra points if the cows moo as you pass!

License Plate Coloring Map 

It’s a parenting win when kids are quiet, occupied, well-behaved and learning at the same time. Avoid restlessness with a geography lesson by printing out a map of the United States and having your children color in each state from which they spot a license plate. First one to get the whole map colored wins.

Games to Play on a Road Trip for Older Kids and Adults

Who says the kids get to have all the fun? Just because you’re an adult doesn’t mean you have to be bored on a long road trip. Remember to never practice distracted driving and only use your mobile device while you are a passenger, and to be sure to rotate drivers to avoid getting overtired, maintain alertness and make sure everyone gets a chance to join in on the fun.

Battle of the Bands

Put an end to the inevitable skirmish of who gets to choose the road trip soundtrack by deciding who has the best taste in music. Come up with a list of musical themes, such as love songs, breakup songs, wedding songs, certain artists or songs about vacation, put them in a hat and select them randomly. Each player then gets one minute to come up with what they think is the best song in that category, and then each plays it for the rest of the players. A poll is taken as to which song is best and each person gets one point per vote. The first person to reach 10 gets to pick the music for the next hour.

Road Trip Scavenger Hunt 

This game is perfect for when you’re taking a road trip with a large group traveling in separate cars. Before you depart, brainstorm and record a list of landmarks and attractions you know you’ll see along the way, as well as some classic road trip staples like retro campers and silly-looking sleeping passengers. As each person spots an item on the list, they take a photo. For example, if you’re road tripping from the Northeast to Florida, include South of the Border signs, state border signs, a crab restaurant in Maryland and a peach-themed destination in Georgia. This game practically guarantees a good laugh when you review the photos as a group upon reaching your destination, granting points for creativity and quantity and collectively decide on a winner.

While You Were Sleeping 

When one passenger falls asleep, everyone else makes up a story about a fake scenario that happened while that person was sleeping. When the passenger wakes up, the goal of the game is to tell the story while fooling the previously sleeping passenger. Each person that tells their part successfully gets a point, but if the sleeper joins the story, they get a point. Play this each time someone falls asleep, and the person with the most points upon reaching the destination wins.

Road Trip Toys

Etch-a-Sketch

When it comes to road trip toys, finding those that are entertaining yet prevent mess is the name of the game. Remember the great Etch-a-Sketch you had as a child? It’s still just as amusing and perfect to pack for a road trip because it’s compact and creates zero mess. The classic version is still great, but there have also been more modern innovations, such as the Fisher-Price Doodle Pro Trip.

Coloring Books and Non-Marking markers

Coloring books are a great way to keep kids quietly interested while stimulating their creative side. If your child loves drawing, invest in Crayola’s mess-free line, featuring special paper and non-marking markers, because as much as you love your kids’ stick figure drawings, you don’t love them scribbled all over your car’s interior.

Mad Libs

Mad Libs have stood the test of time as a hilariously entertaining and bond-generating pastime, and while the original version is just as good as ever, there are dozens of themed editions ranging from those marketed toward “Doctor Who” enthusiasts to road trippers. Purchase the one that’s appropriate for your carload, print out one of their printables or download one of their apps and you’ll be _______ (verb ending in “ing”) fun in no time.

Apps for Road Trips

Family Car Games

Download ($1.99): iOS

This app is an encyclopedia of over 100 family-friendly car games sorted by category – such as guessing, singing or memory – as well as difficultly level. Players can enter their desired criteria and the app will present them with a variety of games to choose from, as well as instructions for each.

94%

Download (free): iOS, Android

This game wants you to find 94% of the answers to questions. But the questions aren’t your typical trivia questions. They include a whole range of thought-provoking topics such as “What animals are hatched from an egg?” You can’t just go with your gut with this game, so it’s an easy way to eat up a lot of time on a road trip.

Geography Drive USA

Download ($2.99): iOS, Android

Geography Drive USA is a learning game for kids designed to educate them on the states they are traveling through, teaching them about the area’s landmarks and historical events, as well as topical geography trivia.

What are some of your favorite games to play on road trips? Tell us in the comments!

If you need help on the road, AAA Roadside Assistance is available 24/7. Call 800-AAA-HELP (800-222-4357) or use the AAA Auto Club app. 

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

Typically, COBRA is proposed as an option by your former employer if you depended on your job for health insurance. COBRA, which stands for Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, is a federal law designed to help the newly unemployed, and those dependent on them, to continue their health coverage.

The Basics of COBRA Health Insurance

Essentially, under COBRA health insurance, you receive the exact same health care as you had when employed for a temporary amount of time. Generally, you won’t have to switch doctors or anticipate other changes to your medication or medical care. The plan counts as “minimum essential coverage,” so you don’t need to pay a fee to the government like those without health insurance. But you’ll likely pay a higher premium and an additional 2% fee.

The Price of COBRA Insurance Premiums

Typically, an employer pays around 90% of a health insurance premium, while the employee pays around 10%. If your employer doesn’t offer assistance in paying for your continued health coverage under COBRA, you may have to pay 100% of your health insurance premium. However, it’s also possible to deduct your COBRA health insurance expenses on your annual tax returns if they exceed 7.5% of your annual income. To get an idea of what your COBRA health insurance would cost, you can consult your company’s HR department and ask them the price of the full premium.

Who Qualifies for COBRA Health Insurance?

Aside from being laid off, COBRA health insurance is also an option if you voluntarily quit your job, and you can continue on the COBRA plan for up to 18 months. In addition, if an employee who was enrolled in COBRA as part of a family plan dies, spouses and dependents can still receive health care through the plan. If a young adult comes off of dependent status because of school status or age, they are also entitled to continue with COBRA.

Reasons You Won’t Qualify for COBRA

It’s important to note that if you worked for a smaller employer of less than 20 employees, you likely will not qualify for COBRA health insurance. In addition, if your employer stops offering company health insurance, or the company goes out of business, you also will not be able to apply to COBRA.

The Advantages of COBRA Health Insurance

So how do you know if it’s a good idea to choose COBRA or an option in the federal Insurance Marketplace? Although COBRA is most likely going to be the more expensive option, there’s a good chance that your employer’s health plan offered more extensive health coverage. If you like the doctors that are available under your employer’s plan and the quality of medical care you received, it might be worth paying the higher premium. If you’re considering finding a plan through the Marketplace, be sure to do thorough research on the coverage available and the doctors and services would have access to.

Other Health Insurance Options

If at some point you feel you need to reconsider your health care options, it’s usually possible to switch to a Marketplace plan. If your COBRA costs suddenly change because your former employer ends financial assistance for your plan, or if your COBRA health insurance is running out, you can change to a Marketplace plan at any time.

However, if you decide to end COBRA early in your coverage period, you have to wait for an upcoming open enrollment period to apply in the Marketplace. If you simply want to end COBRA because it’s too expensive and no other conditions have changed, you won’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. The situation is different if you’re looking to enroll in Medicaid. As long as your meet all of the qualifications, you can drop your COBRA health insurance and enroll in Medicaid at any time.

How to Decide on your Family’s Health Plan

If you’re certain you want to continue your employer’s health insurance with COBRA, remember that you are basically agreeing to an 18-month commitment, and you won’t be able to find alternative health insurance unless you qualify for a special enrollment period.

Regardless of whether you choose COBRA health insurance or another plan, the most important thing is to make sure you have health insurance coverage. You don’t want to have to pay the penalty fee for being uninsured, and in case any unexpected medical conditions arise for your family, you’re going to want some kind of reliable insurance in place. If COBRA health insurance provides more benefits than your other options, it can be a great health care choice for you and your family.

Have any advice for those enrolling in COBRA? Share below. 

With gyms reopened at reduced capacity due to the pandemic, maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle can be a bit more challenging. While missing a few workouts isn’t a big deal, skipping weeks of exercise can take a major toll on your physical and mental health. Daily exercise can help prevent and improve a number of health problems, including depression, high blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis.

Worried you don’t have the proper equipment? The truth is, you can burn the same amount of calories and build as much muscle using your own body weight. A great way to start an at-home exercise routine is through instructor-led exercise videos you can follow along to. Thankfully, there are plenty of fitness apps, virtual trainers and workout programs to choose from. Even better, there are a ton of fun options available, from dance workouts set to your favorite songs to routines you can practice with your kids – or your dog!

With the Active&Fit Direct™ program, AAA members get access to over 11,000 participating fitness centers, 1,500 videos, one-on-one lifestyle coaching and virtual classes for just $25 per month.* The Active&Fit Direct program also offers 200 digital workout videos and daily workout classes on Facebook Live and YouTube at no cost. Join now – the $25 enrollment fee is being waived through Dec. 31, 2020.

No matter what your fitness goals are, staying healthy and in shape is totally doable from the comfort of your home. These are some of the most high-energy and unique classes that let you have fun while exercising.

Save More With the Active&Fit Direct™ Program!

Stay active with access to 2,500+ digital workout videos, 11,000+ fitness centers, unlimited one-on-one lifestyle coaching and more.

Learn More

Upper Body Blast With Active&Fit®

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Active&Fit Direct premiered its Fit at Home program which is free to the public. Led by instructor Penny Bailey, the weekly virtual workout series offers a variety of 30-minute classes including yoga flow, yoga core, upper and lower body blasts, and a fitness mixer. For these classes, Penny says you’ll need a chair or bench and light and heavy dumbbells or your own home hack weights (like water bottles). You can join her Facebook Live workout classes every week day at noon, or watch them later on YouTube.

Yoga With Adriene

Yoga can be an effective way to cope with a high level of stress, and now is the perfect time to give it a try. Adding yoga into your daily routine has a range of benefits from improving core strength and flexibility to calming your mind. It also doesn’t require much equipment.

If you’ve ever searched for a yoga tutorial for beginners,  you’ve likely come across the widely popular YouTube channel, Yoga with Adriene. Host Adriene Mishler will lift you up with her soothing voice as she guides you through each 20-minute session. Her channel offers hundreds of free videos that cover a mix of yoga styles on mindful breathing and stretches for beginners and yoga fanatics. No matter your age or ability, Adriene has a routine for you.

Dance Party Workout With MadFit

Take your cardio routine to the next level with this total body workout that uses popular dance moves to help you burn calories and more importantly, have fun. From warm up tutorials to intense partner videos, Maddie Lymburner offers a wide variety of free workout routines she’s created that go along with trendy songs on her YouTube channel, MadFit. If you like to dance, you’ll love MadFit.

Dance Along to Classic Songs With Never Stop Dancing

Who doesn’t love a good dance workout? This throwback dance workout is fit for all levels of dancers who want to improve their dance moves and have some fun in the process. Want to learn how to dance along to your favorite old school songs? Never Stop Dancing brings the dance floor to your living room with choreography that’s easy to pick up. Instructors break down the basic steps of each song in tutorial videos before providing a master video to dance along to when you’re ready. You can learn the steps to Footloose video above by clicking here.

Lower Body Workout With Jillian Michaels

From lunge stretches to sumo squats, celebrity trainer Jillian Michaels guides you through 15 of the most effective leg strengthening exercises. In just 10 minutes, this workout is guaranteed to help improve your balance, strengthen your core and tone your lower body. Michaels has a selection of quick and easy at-home fitness videos, including a series of chair workouts, which are accessible with an Active&Fit Direct membership and through The Fitness App.

Home Workouts for Seniors With The Body Coach

Physical activity is necessary, no matter how old you are. If you’re a senior, exercise is important for improving muscle strength, flexibility, blood circulation and boosting your overall mood. With limited access to gym equipment, a sturdy chair can be used for your at-home workouts.

Joe Wicks, AKA The Body Coach, has helped seniors stay active during the pandemic with his series of workout videos for seniors. His first of four videos geared towards seniors involves light stretching and low-impact squatting you can do from the comfort of your home.

Kids Workouts With The Body Coach

The Body Coach becomes The Froggy Coach with a hilariously entertaining video series to help parents keep children moving and having fun. Ranging from five minutes to sixteen minutes, Joe Wicks leads you through a mix of basic exercises including squat jumps, burpees and reverse lunches. Dressed in a funny costume, he encourages everyone to follow along.

HIIT Total Body Workout With BeFit

Barry’s Bootcamp instructor Allie Cohen leads this full body circuit workout that will keep you moving with strength training and cardio moves, making it one of the most rigorous on the list. High-intensity interval training or HIIT workouts are one of the best ways to get fat-burning results in no time. Cohen takes you through four sets of exercises that can be modified to fit any skill level by adjusting reps, weight and form. For this HIIT workout, make sure you have a set of light dumbbells, a bottle of water and a towel. Get ready to get sweaty and have a great time!

9. Cha-Cha Cardio Latin Dance Workout With Nicole Steen

Host Nicole Steen will shake up your exercise routine with this fun and exhilarating cardio dance workout. If you’ve never done a cardio dance routine before, don’t worry. Steen leads you through this high-energy class that repeats many of the same basic salsa moves in various combinations and patterns. Whether you’re a beginner or salsa pro, get ready to cha-cha away calories and tone your body from head to toe.

Squat Your Dog Fitness Challenge 

The Squat Your Dog Challenge is the most adorable fitness trend on social media. Fitness and pet enthusiasts have been posting videos of themselves replacing weights with their furry companions. The trend involves picking up your dog and doing basic squats with them over your shoulder or in your arms. This exercise is not recommended for those who have large dogs.

How are you staying active these days? Tell us in the comments below!

Looking for more workouts? AAA members can access hundreds of on-demand fitness videos and livestreams for just $25 a month with the Active&Fit Direct™ program.

*Plus applicable taxes.

The Active&Fit Direct program is provided by American Specialty Health Fitness, Inc., a subsidiary of American Specialty Health (ASH). Active&Fit Direct and the Active&Fit Direct logo are trademarks of ASH.

If your windshield breaks and the damage can’t be repaired, you’ll have to get it replaced. Fortunately, windshield replacement can be done quickly and effectively – if you get the right auto glass shop to do it for you.

Once you’re ready to drive again, you may be too focused on your pristine new windshield and clear view to think about the old auto glass left behind. But what happens to a windshield once it’s replaced is critically important to our environment.

When does my windshield need to be replaced?

Any damage to your windshield should be repaired as soon as possible. Chips and cracks can quickly spread and interfere with your view of the road and jeopardize the vehicle’s structural integrity.

Depending on the size and severity of the damage, the windshield may not be repairable and will have to be replaced.

Safelite AutoGlass® Has You Covered

Members save 10%* on auto glass replacement or windshield repair with code AAA10NE at checkout on safelite.com.

Book Now

What happens to your old windshield after it has been replaced?

Developments in technology over the years have turned windshield recycling into a rather efficient process. That said, recycling a windshield isn’t as simple as recycling a glass bottle. This is because windshields are not only made of glass. Instead, they are comprised of two glass panels bound together by a thin layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) in between. PVB is a resin used to strongly bond materials together.

Once your windshield is replaced, the old windshield will usually be sent to a third party recycling company. Here, the windshield’s glass and PVB are separated. The materials are then broken down into cullet (recycled waste glass made in glassmaking). This cullet is sold to manufacturers to be repurposed.

Why is recycling glass so important?

Recycling windshields can reduce landfill waste, improve climate problems, save energy and improve the economy.

For every six tons of recycled glass, one ton of carbon dioxide is reduced. Since 2012, Safelite has recycled 107,000 tons of glass.

To put this number in context, it would be the same as eliminating 3,417 vehicles from the road, the emissions of 1.8 million gallons of gasoline or the emissions from 1,708 homes’ energy for one year.

Furthermore, glass manufacturing is an energy-intensive process that involves gas combustion and electricity. Recycling a windshield would eliminate the need for this environmentally hazardous energy.

How much glass is recycled in the U.S.?

Recycled glass can be substituted for up to 95% of raw materials. Yet the majority of new glass is only used once.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the United States generated 11.4 million tons of glass in 2017 but only recycled roughly three million tons. That’s a recycling rate of just 26%. When glass isn’t recycled, it often ends up in landfills, which produce a significant amount of greenhouse gases.

What can recycled glass be used to make?

Recycled glass cullet is used in the manufacturing and application of a long and varied list of items. It can be found in fiberglass insulation, carpet backing, water filtration, abrasives, jewelry, roof coating and asphalt, among other objects.

The PVB layer used to bind the glass panels of a windshield can also be broken down for repurposing. PVB is used in manufacturing such items as paint, textile/leather coatings, paper barrier coatings and anti-corrosive primers.

Get more car safety tips. 

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

Are you looking for a side hustle? Why not make money by doing something you already love to do?

Just about any hobby can be become a business if you put your mind to it, especially with the help of the internet. With so many ways to connect, you can find customers all over the world. But before you start raking in the cash, you have to figure out a plan.

Here are a few ways you can get started on turning your hobby into a part-time business.

Set Goals

Before you start your business, consider why you want to get into the game in the first place. Are you doing this for fun? Do you just want a little extra income? Or do you want to turn this into your primary income one day? There are no wrong answers, but you should have a specific goal in mind before you jump right into things. A clear objective can ensure that you don’t lose track of why you wanted to start your business.

Choosing a Hobby

You probably have a few different things you like to do in your spare time. While many hobbies can easily translate into successful part-time businesses, like crafts, others such as chess or fishing, might require some out-of-the-box thinking.

Ask yourself if you will still enjoy your hobby once it becomes a job. You might love crocheting for yourself, but making items to order on a schedule might not be your cup of tea. One of the primary reasons for turning a hobby into a part-time business is that it will remain something you enjoy even while you’re making money. If you don’t enjoy it anymore, it becomes work – and you won’t even have your hobby to get your mind off it!

Check Your Skill Level

This might be a hard question to ask yourself, but are you good enough at your hobby to sell your product? When you’re doing something for fun, you don’t really have to worry about quality. But it’s different when you’re selling something to a customer. Even if it’s a DIY item, customers expect the best. After all, they are spending their hard-earned money on it.

If you’re not at the stage where you can consistently produce a high-quality product, stick with the hobby a little while longer and build up your skills. It’s much less stressful than trying to level up while also trying to run a small business. Besides, the better you are, the more in-demand you’ll be. You’ll be able to charge more for your product, and you’ll be able to feel good about what you’re selling. You’ll probably also get repeat customers that way.

Find Your Customers

Evaluate the existing market for your hobby. What are people looking for in this space? What are other people making? Can you fill a need? Many hobbyists find new customers by using a combination of selling online and going to local conventions and craft fairs.

You can use an online storefront to run your business, but it helps to branch out to different types of social media. People aren’t usually hanging out on online marketplaces, they’re hanging out on websites like Twitter and Facebook. Make profiles for your business and share pictures of your work to find new customers. You can also connect with other makers who are in the same space and trade tips with them. Creating relationships like these can help you and other small businesses grow. It also allows your customers to see that you’re part of a community, that you care about what you’re making.

To find your customers, you have to find your brand. Your brand is your business identity. How do you want other people to see you? What do you want to be known for? Are you a helpful member of the community? It can help to have a special logo, color scheme or aesthetic to tie your different accounts together.

Finances

Finances are the trickiest parts of starting a new business. If you’re turning your hobby into a business, you must report business income and expenses on your tax return, and you might have to pay quarterly taxes. You may also be required to collect sales tax. Set up a bank account specifically for your business. Don’t mix up your personal finances and your business finances – it will make everything a lot easier.

Before you start your business in earnest, meeting with an accountant can help you get a handle on things. An accountant can make sure everything is above board, and they can give you guidelines on how to operate moving forward.

One of the most important things about business finance is to record everything. Record all the money you’re spending on materials, marketing and other expenses, and all the money that you’re making with every sale. Make sure your records are organized and that you can understand them come tax time.

Learn By Doing

Sometimes the best way to learn something is to jump right in. Don’t worry about being perfect at everything right away – nobody is. Planning is great, and can help you out a lot when you’re getting started, but at some point you just have to pinch your nose and jump into the water. Don’t get stuck in the planning phase forever. The only way you can grow your business is by actually doing it.

No matter what your hobby is, there’s probably a way to turn it into a part-time business (or even more). As long as you love what you’re doing and you’re trying your best, you’ll be just fine.

Have you ever turned your hobby into a side hustle? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!

Do you love hitting the open road on your motorcycle? Our motorcycle mania crossword is sure to get your wheels spinning.

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.

Most drivers consult with friends and family when it’s time to select a car insurance policy. During the process, they often receive conflicting information about everything from coverage requirements to the impact of an accident on their premium.

Before deciding on the policy that’s right for you, ask yourself these questions about auto insurance to help ease any confusion.

What coverage should I purchase?

Since states determine their own coverage requirements, this varies according to where you live. In most states, drivers are required to have a minimum amount of liability insurance, which covers injuries and property damage you cause during an accident. If your state has no-fault laws, you will be required to purchase personal injury protection, also known as PIP, which covers medical expenses, lost wages and other damages for anyone covered by your policy.

Beyond the minimum requirements, you usually must purchase collision and comprehensive insurance if you have a lease or auto loan. Collision insurance covers damage to your own vehicle from contact with other vehicles and non-moving objects such as trees and fences, even in the event of a total loss. If damage is caused by storms, floods or other natural causes, comprehensive insurance will cover the cost of repairs or replacement. It even protects you if your car is vandalized or stolen.

Talk to your insurance agent to go over your coverage needs.

What factors determine my insurance premium?

You may be surprised to learn that you were quoted a higher premium than a friend in a neighboring ZIP code, triggering questions about auto insurance rates.  As with coverage requirements, location is a key factor, but in this case, providers look much more locally. If you live in a metropolitan area, providers may assign more risk based on the level of hazards and vandalism to which your vehicle may be exposed.

Regardless of where you live, certain cars will be more expensive to insure based on how much it costs to repair or replace them. A luxury car may be more expensive to fix, and certain models are stolen more often for their parts. You can lessen the impact on your premium by opting for location tracking and anti-theft technology.

As they assign risk to determine cost, insurers also will factor in your driving record.  Safe drivers generally pay less as they have demonstrated the ability to navigate hazards, avoid accidents and incur less damage to their vehicle, all of which result in fewer insurance claims.

Additional factors such as age, gender and marital status factor into your rate. For example, middle-age drivers generally pay less than drivers under 25 or over 65 as do married people, who statistically have been shown to be less likely to get into an accident.

What insurance discounts are available?

If you have a history of accidents and violations, you might want to sign up for a safe driver course. It is important to show insurance companies that you are committed to improving skills such as defensive driving. Many companies will reward you with a discount on your premium.

Discounts may also be available for bundling home and auto insurance under one plan or for teen drivers with good academic performance. As you research plans and carriers, remember to ask about discounts, as this is one of the top questions about auto insurance that can help you save money.

Should I select a plan with a high or low deductible?

As you evaluate the plan that suits your circumstances, you will have to choose between coverage with a high or low deductible, which is the amount you pay before your insurance pays for damages. There is an inverse relationship between your deductible and premium, so you will pay a lower premium for a high deductible plan. However, that doesn’t mean it will cost you less over the course of the year. If you have to make a claim, high out-of-pocket costs may be difficult to afford, particularly if you are on a fixed income.

Will my insurance rate increase after an accident?

The physical and emotional toll of an accident can be overwhelming, not to mention the resulting expenses. As your insurance company helps you navigate the claims process, you may wonder if your rate will increase. Each carrier handles this situation differently. Some have accident forgiveness policies, and others may assess your driving record as well as the severity of the accident before raising your rates. Ask your carrier about these policies to avoid an automatic premium increase.

With answers to the top questions about auto insurance, you can feel more confident comparing plans and carriers. Remember to review your coverage annually as policies and rates change, and you may even qualify for a new discount or two.

Do you have any other questions about auto insurance that you would like to add? Tell us in the comments.

Learn more about AAA auto insurance.

What’s your excuse for avoiding the dentist? Is it because of cost or lack of insurance coverage? Maybe you see no need, or it could be fear that’s keeping you from getting your pearly whites examined.

You can probably come up with a hundred ways to dodge the drilling sounds and poking and prodding of the often-dreaded dentist visit, but there’s an equally long list of reasons why you shouldn’t.

In addition to practicing good oral care with daily brushing and flossing, routine dental visits are necessary to the health of your teeth and overall well-being.

Excuses, Excuses

While Americans recognize oral health as an important aspect of their overall health, dentists top the list of doctors that they do not see as often as they would like. It’s as easy as picking up the phone and penciling in a date, but many still find a reason to avoid making the call.

Convenience

No one wants to trade vacation time for the dentist. A lot of dental offices offer days with early morning and/or night hours. If your appointment(s) continue to clash with your job, work out a plan with your boss.

Fear

Whether you are holding onto trauma from childhood, scarred from a bad dental experience or you don’t like doctor’s offices, neglecting your teeth over time could cause a lot more pain and suffering.

Now more than ever, health concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic may be scaring you from going to the dentist. But there is no need to fear; dental offices are taking all necessary precautions to keep their practices safe and sanitary, such as minimizing the number of  people in the waiting room, installing physical barriers, providing hand sanitizing stations, wearing PPE and frequently cleaning and disinfecting surfaces after each patient.

For those with dental anxiety, it helps to find a dentist that you like, that you can trust and that makes you feel comfortable. For more severe cases, sedation dentistry might be a solution.

Need to Go to the Dentist?

Chewsi can help you save 24% on average. No monthly fees. Referral code AAANE.

Insurance

Considering the high prices of dental procedures, it’s understandable why those without insurance would want to avoid their yearly visit. But research conducted by the American Dental Association shows that 5% of privately insured adults still do not have plans to get their teeth checked and 10% are unsure.

If you have private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid, find a doctor within your network to get the most out of your coverage.

If you do not have dental insurance because you lost your job, you are retired or work part time, no worries. You can use Chewsi to save on the dental care you need. And, unlike insurance, there are no waiting periods, service limits or excluded services.

Discount dental plans ask you to pay a monthly or annual fee to save on care. But a pay-as-you-go model like the Chewsi app means no commitment to ongoing fees and no contracts to sign. No limits and no exclusions mean instant affordability for expensive dental care like dentures, crowns and implants. And because anyone can use the app, you can help your parents and your adult children save on the care they need, too.

The Chewsi app is free to download, with no monthly or annual fees. Just bring your smartphone to the dentist and get ready to save an average of 24% on the dental care you need.

Cost

Maybe you are just scared of the bill.

Most of the reasons that keep people from going to the dentist – like the anxiety of what they’ll find and the complicated and expensive procedures that may follow – can be largely sidestepped by getting started on a dental checkup schedule.

The ADA encourages regular dentist visits “because they can help spot dental health problems early on when treatment is likely to be simpler and more affordable. They also help prevent many problems from developing in the first place.”

The longer you wait to go to the dentist, the higher your bill is likely to be. Consistent cleanings prevent cavities, which can prevent root canals, and so on.

Why Go?

Benjamin Franklin got it right when he said that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” (Granted, he was not talking about going to the dentist.)

Dental checkups and professional cleanings are encouraged at least once a year and every six months is even better. But “there is no one-size-fits all dental treatment,” says the ADA. “You are a unique individual with a unique smile and unique needs when it comes to keeping your smile healthy.”

But it’s not just about your teeth. In fact, even if you don’t have any teeth you should still see the dentist regularly. The Mayo Clinic describes the mouth as a window to your overall health. An oral exam can help to spot symptoms of other diseases or medical conditions such as diabetes, HIV, thyroid problems, iron deficiency and certain cancers.

Furthermore, studies have shown ties between gum disease, tooth loss and poor dental health and an increased risk of developing cardiovascular issues.

Expectant mothers – 60% to 75% of which have gingivitis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – should be especially vigilant about dental care. The American Academy of Pediatrics warns that gum disease left untreated in pregnant women may be linked to low birth weight and preterm births. Moms can also unintentionally pass cavity-causing bacteria to newborns, increasing their risk for tooth decay.

So, clip on that bib, open those chompers and let the dentist in.

Save on All Dental Care

Even if you have insurance, your plan may not offer full coverage for every procedure or cover services that are considered non-essential like teeth whitening or invisible aligners.

Chewsi offers discounted prices on any dental service you need or want. It isn’t insurance, so there aren’t any premiums or monthly fees. It can be used to complement your existing benefit plan or can help to lower the cost if you have none.

The Chewsi app is free to download and simple to use. Once you register, you can search for a specific dentist or procedure affordable for your budget, call to set up an appointment and pay directly through the app.

No dental service is excluded from savings. Use Chewsi to save an average of 24% on:

• Dental cleanings and exams.
• Dentures.
• Implants.
• X-rays.
• Fillings.
• Crowns.
• Periodontal (gum) care.
• Cosmetic care.
• Braces and invisible aligners (even for adults!).

And, you’ll never need a pre-authorization for any service.

So Easy to Use

Ready to get started? Download the free Chewsi app and register with the AAANE member referral code, create your account and you’re ready to start saving at the dentist. It’s easy.

• Find a Chewsi dentist and call for an appointment.
• Bring your smartphone to your appointment.
• Use the Chewsi app to pay and see your savings immediately.

Find your Chewsi dentist today.

Learn More About Chewsi

Watch videos to see how Chewsi works or email the customer service team with any questions.

It’s time to get your best smile. No more excuses.

As the site of picturesque hikes, epic ski hills and breathtaking vistas, Vermont is an ideal spot for enjoying nature. Touring this small state by car provides easy access to some of the country’s most rustic trails, waterfalls, lakes and mountains. Enjoy colorful foliage during the autumn months, fresh snow for winter skiing, cool swimming holes in the summer and the sweet symphony of bird song in the spring. Don’t miss these must-see natural attractions in Vermont.

Brattleboro Farmers Market

In southern Vermont, start your road trip right by picking up all sorts of treasures at Brattleboro Farmers Market. This great lunch spot is a quaint place honoring Vermont’s small farms. Local honey, flowers, vegetables, artisanal breads, maple syrup, cheeses, soaps and much more are available for sale by artists and farmers who happily share their knowledge of the area’s natural resources. Live music and dancers often add to the fun.

The market is open on Saturdays, 10 to 2 p.m., through October. In light of COVID-19, this year the market is offering a curbside pickup option.

Fall Road Trip Savings

Save up to 15% on your next road trip.

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Green Mountain National Forest

Driving west from Brattleboro, the sights are amazing in Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont’s only federally managed lands. The forest is home to the state’s section of the Appalachian Trail. Stop to do some exploring in Grout Pond Recreation Area, which consists of 1,600 forested acres popular for camping, fishing and canoeing. Open year-round, the 10 miles of flat trails are ideal for hiking and cross-country skiing at all levels. Alternatively, Bald Mountain Trail, originating from Bennington, is great for a three-hour round-trip excursion.

Buttermilk Falls

Driving north from the Green Mountains, be sure to stop in Ludlow, located just northeast of the forest. On a hot summer day, nothing beats the short hike to Buttermilk Falls. The 1.1-mile wooded trail leads to sparkling waterfalls and refreshing swimming holes that are perfect for families. Wade in the chilly waters of the upper, middle or lower falls. Look for cars parked along Buttermilk Falls Road off Route 103 to find the trailhead. Water shoes are recommended for safety.

Quechee Gorge

Driving northeast from Ludlow takes you to a walkway along the iron bridge on Route 4 that grants you access to a breathtaking vista of the deepest gorge in the state. Formed by glaciers 13,000 years ago, Quechee Gorge is continually cut by the energy of the Ottauquechee River. A trail leads through the woods to the rim of the gorge for an up-close and personal view of the best of nature in Vermont.

Stowe Recreation Path

It’s a short drive up Interstate 89 to the foot of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak. Stowe Recreation Path offers a low impact way to enjoy the beauty of the area. Rent a bike or take a stroll on the paved path to take in the vistas of Mount Mansfield, which offers some of the best all-level winter skiing and a challenging summer rock climb. With no motorized vehicles allowed, Stowe’s flat, 5.5-mile path meanders along beside streams and fields, making it a good place for a jog and family bike riding.

Lake Champlain

Head west toward Burlington to experience one of the best natural attractions in Vermont. On the border of Vermont and New York and reaching into Canada, Lake Champlain is a must-see natural attraction. Whether you’re into kayaking, ice fishing, or enjoying romantic dinners at lakefront restaurants, the 587 miles of shoreline are ideal for viewing more than 300 species of birds and other wildlife.

If you take a dip in the lake, be sure to look out for “Champy,” the 20-foot serpent monster that Samuel de Champlain, the lake’s namesake, claims to have seen in the lake. For an on-the-water search, take one of the area’s boat tours, such as the Spirit of Ethan Allen. For a sweet treat, drive over to Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury Center for a legendary cider donut.

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

Originally published on Hertz.com.

It’s that time of year again! College kids across the country are packing their parents’ minivans and heading back to school. But those who live on campus will be returning to the struggle of living in an itty-bitty dorm room.

Whether it’s the first year you’ve lived in a dorm or the fourth, living in a small, shared space can be tough. Where are you supposed to put all your stuff? How do you stay organized when you only have one half of a very small room?

With these dorm room tips and tricks, you can kiss the mess goodbye and make the most out of your tiny living space.

Raise Your Bed

This is one of the most important dorm room tips. Most colleges provide students with beds that can be raised up, providing a lot of necessary storage space underneath. I recommend raising your bed just high enough to fit the school-issued dresser beneath it. You probably still have a lot of room under there, so add some stackable plastic drawers for even more organized storage. This is also a great place to keep your laundry bag or basket (preferably toward the, uh, foot of the bed).

Change up the Layout

It’s not against the rules to move the school-issued furniture around – but so many students just leave the layout the way they found it! Try different ways of configuring the beds, desks and drawers to give you and your roommate maximum space. A great trick is to try placing the beds against two adjoining walls, instead of against the opposite walls. With your beds at a right angle, you’ve suddenly eliminated the weird, useless corridor between them. It instantly makes the room look a lot bigger and brighter.

Make the Most of Your Closet Space 

Your assigned closet will probably be quite narrow, but that’s all right. There are many organizational tools on the market for this specific problem. I recommend utilizing an accordionlike cloth set of hanging shelves. You can slide it to the side of your closet and instantly double the amount of clothes you can store in there. This is great for clothes that don’t need to be hung up, like T-shirts, jeans and sweats (aka the college kid uniform). You’ll read a lot of dorm room tips that suggest doing this for shoes as well, but I would only do that if you can find a set of hanging shelves that is very narrow.

Live the Micro-Fridge Lifestyle

A micro-fridge is basically a minifridge with a microwave attached to the top. Many schools rent these out to their students, and I highly recommend taking them up on that offer. It’s not a five-star kitchen, but it’s an efficient way to store some snacks or cook up some emergency ramen. There are tons of microwave meals for college students who waited too long to finish their essay and now they have to do the whole thing the night before it’s due. You’ll thank yourself for the micro-fridge then.

Organize Your Desk

Your desk is where a lot of your work is going to end up, so you’d better keep it organized. If your desk didn’t already come with one, try picking out a desk hutch for added storage. A desk hutch is a little unit of shelves that you can put on top of your desk. You’ll still have room to work, but you’ll also have a place to store your books. Use little bins or boxes to segment the space inside your desk drawers so you can always find what you’re looking for. Some desk lamps even come with pencil holders attached at the base, which is a cute way to save desk space.

Utilize Your Wall Space

Hey, it’s free real estate. I don’t know of any college that lets students drill holes into walls, but temporary fixtures like Command Hooks can be just as good! Using walls to store your (more attractive) items can double as form and function. Got a huge necklace collection? Use hooks or a corkboard to hang them on instead of hiding them away in a bulky jewelry box. You can use walls to display and store hats, handbags, scarves and more.

Coordinate With Your Roommate

One of the most efficient ways you can make the most out of your dorm room space is to coordinate with your roommate. Before you move in together, make sure each person knows what they’re supposed to bring. You don’t want to wind up with two rugs, two TV sets and two coffee makers. When you coordinate with your roommate to share the space, there’s no limit to what you can do. Well, no limit besides the college’s rules.

Check out our list of top 10 college dorm essentials for more dorm room tips! 

Need help with college funding? Let AAA help.

Americans won’t be traveling the globe for the foreseeable future due to the pandemic. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the eye-opening, spirit-lifting feelings you get from experiencing something new.

Spend a day, a night or a weekend in a different city or country by virtually exploring museums, architecture and natural wonders. Round out those experiences by making different foods and cocktails, watching movies and listening to music from those locales to feel like you’re really there. You can even learn some of the language for bonus points.

From South America to Asia and everywhere in between, you can enjoy new sights, sounds and tastes from the comfort of home with these virtual travel days.

Costa Rica

Marvel at Costa Rica’s diverse wildlife through virtual tours of the Lankester Botanical Gardens, Arenal Volcano, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, Poas Volcano and the Macaw Rescue Center.

If you’re more into art, watch a virtual guide of the Jade Museum in San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital city. Go to the official website of Costa Rica to attend a virtual mediation session, find recipes and coloring book pages for the kids.

Enjoy the sounds of Costa Rica’s rainforest with Manuel Obregon’s Simbiosis playlist and head to the kitchen to make some Costa Rican cuisine. Try local favorite picadillo de papa, ground beef and potatoes served on tortillas, or the rice and beans dish gallo pinto. Round out your meal with a fruity, smoothie-like drink called batido.

England

Act like you’re in England with a virtual tour of Buckingham Palace or the Tower of London. You can also see a natural wonder like Stonehenge or St. Ives harbor. Marvel at the beautiful architecture of York Minster, Chatsworth House or St. Paul’s Cathedral.

When hunger strikes, make some crispy fish and chips or a filling shepherd’s pie. For something sweet, consider scones, a gorgeous trifle or rice pudding. Enjoy with a cup of English tea.

If you haven’t gotten to it yet, watch an iconic British show like the U.K. versions of “Shameless” and “The Office,” or newer additions like “Catastrophe” and “Fleabag.” For something less gritty, there’s always “The Great British Bake Off.”

France

Take a virtual tour of beloved French attractions like the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and Versailles. If you prefer natural views, check out Mont Blanc, the lavender fields of Valensole Plateau or the gardens of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild.

Try your hand at making some classic French cuisine. La Cuisine Paris offers online cooking classes on how to make everything from French bread and croissants to macarons and souffles. Ooh la la!

Pair it all with a glass of Champagne and a movie. Flicks like “Midnight in Paris,” “Amelie” or a kid-friendly option like “Ratatouille” are all solid picks.

Germany

Use Germany’s #DiscoverGermanyFromHome page to virtually explore a plethora of German castles, museums and other attractions, like the Berlin Philharmonic concert hall and Bavarian State Opera house. There are opportunities to see natural wonders too, like Schlossberg Cave and Natural Monument Partnach Gorge.

You’ll also find downloadable recipes for dishes like Berlin potato soup and dibbelabbes (potato and leek hash). Try a German beer or a nonalcoholic apfelschorle, a tasty blend of apple juice and mineral water.

While you’re enjoying your meal, listen to the music of German composer Ludwig van Beethoven, or watch a classic German film like “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” or “Nosferatu.”

Iceland

Witness Iceland’s beautiful glaciers, waterfalls, hot springs and more with this 360-degree panoramic map. See art exhibits from the National Gallery of Iceland, or check out this web guide of The Culture House.

Much of Icelandic cuisine relies on local ingredients, but there are some dishes you can make from home, like Icelandic baked fish or kjötsúpa (Icelandic lamb soup).

Replicate the feeling of an Icelandic hot spring by drawing a bath, adding some Epsom salts and taking a nice long soak. Though it may not have the same benefits as Iceland’s mineral-rich hot springs, an Epsom salts bath may soothe tired muscles and ease aches and pains.

Italy

There are many iconic sights to see in Italy: the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Roman Colosseum or Cinque Terre National Park are but just a beautiful few.

Make a pasta dish, homemade pizza or Italian soups like minestrone or Italian wedding soup. Finish with an Italian dessert like tiramisu, panna cotta or biscotti and a delicious cappuccino.

Enjoy your treat and listen to music from the late Ennio Morricone, an Italian composer famous for his film and television scores. Or, watch a classic film from Italy like “8½,” “Bicycle Thieves,” “Cinema Paradiso” or “Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion.”

Japan

Following the postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, you may find yourself still wanting to visit Japan. Check out this virtual reality movie that takes you everywhere from Tokyo Tower and Nara Park to sumo wrestling matches and Kabuki theater performances.

Enjoy the flavors of Japan by brewing some tea. Green teas like matcha are especially popular. If you’re looking for a spirit, go for sake, Japanese rice wine. Try making homemade ramen or sushi. If you’re nervous about working with raw fish, there are plenty of vegetarian alternatives.

Once you have your food and drink, settle down to enjoy some Japanese cinema. There’s something for everyone. Put on an old samurai movie, a horror flick like “Ringu” (The Ring) or “Ju-On” (The Grudge) or a kid-friendly Studio Ghibli movie.

South Africa

You can go on a virtual safari with Virgin Limited Edition every Monday on its Instagram channel. Cape Town Travel has a bunch of virtual tours, too, bringing attractions like Boulders Beach, Robben Island and Two Oceans Aquarium straight to you.

There’s also a 360-degree aerial photo of Cape Town for some great views. Animal lovers might enjoy watching live video footage of watering holes across Africa to see wildlife in their natural habitats.

Try your hand at making South African cuisine like Cape Malay curry, bobotie (a curried mix of fruit and meat) or chakalaka (a spicy melange of beans, tomatoes and onions). Complement these dishes with a cup of rooibos tea or wine made from Pinotage, a red grape indigenous to South Africa. While you enjoy your meal, listen to some South African jazz or contemporary artists.

Spain

Satisfy your culture fix at one of Spain’s many museums. View collections from the Prado National Museum or take a virtual tour of the National Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Natural Sciences of Barcelona or the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum.

Try making Spanish dishes like gazpacho, paella or patatas bravas, fried potatoes served with a hearty tomato sauce. If you have a sweet tooth, try making a Spanish dessert like flan or churros.

Enjoy some of Spain’s cinema with iconic films like “Pan’s Labyrinth” or Oscar-winner “All About My Mother” – or any one of director Pedro Almodovar’s films. Or, listen to some classical Spanish music.

Thailand

Find 10 virtual tours of places across the nine Thai provinces. You’ll discover everything from Phimai Historical Park and two different perspectives of the Kung Krabaen Bay to multiple museums and King Narai’s Palace. There’s also the completely virtual National Museum Bangko.

When you’re hungry, try making your own pad Thai, green curry or tom kha, a tasty coconut soup. Wash it down with a cooling Thai-style iced tea.

Watch a movie like popular art house thriller “Bad Genius,” martial arts movie “Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior” or any one of Thailand’s many horror movies.

Where would you like to travel? Tell us in the comments below!

When you are ready to start traveling again, AAA Travel is here to help you plan. 

In the confusing world of finance, savings accounts can seem like an outlier – too straightforward to be complicated. You put money you want to save into an account, it earns interest, you take it out when you need it, with a little more money than you started.

Simple enough, right? Not quite. The trick is that there are several types of savings accounts and they are not all created equal. One such savings product is a money market account. This type of account stands out in that it blends several defining characteristics of other savings accounts to create a unique opportunity for financial growth and flexibility.

What is a money market account?

A money market account is an interest-bearing deposit account with a bank or credit union. As a customer deposits money into an account, those funds earn interest, thus increasing the customer’s initial deposit. Unlike similar types of savings accounts, money market accounts typically come with checking and debit card privileges.

Money market accounts offer consumers a hybrid option between traditional savings accounts and certificates of deposit, with a higher interest rate than the former and greater accessibility to funds than the latter.

What are the pros and cons of money market accounts?

There are advantages and disadvantages to owning a money market account. On the plus side, you’ll receive a higher interest rate than on a traditional savings account. You’ll also be able to easily access your money should you need to. Many savings accounts, such as certificates of deposit, penalize customers for withdrawing funds early. Finally, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insures money market accounts. If the bank goes out of business, you won’t lose your deposit.

But a money market account is not for everyone. Generally, financial institutions require a significantly higher account minimum, which you may find prohibitive. There may also be monthly fees associated with the account.

And although money market accounts also allow check writing and debit card usage, you are limited to six such transactions each month. You may find yourself needing to write a check but forced to wait for the calendar to turn or be subjected to a penalty.

What about interest rates?

Customers can often get a locked-in interest rate for a set period of time when opening an account. From that point, however, the interest rate can fluctuate. If the rate drops, so does your yield. Conversely, the rate could increase over time and you’ll find yourself with more funds than you anticipated.

This is a different scenario than one you’d experience with a Certificate of Deposit. Owners of CDs are protected from downturns in the market. The interest rate locked in during the initial deposit lasts for the duration of the CD. However, if the CD matures when interest rates are low, and an owner wants to renew, they’ll be forced to do so with a lower rate.

Who is a money market account right for?

As with any financial decision, choosing a money market account depends largely on your own financial situation and goals. Fortunately, the flexibility afforded in a money market account can make it an ideal choice.

Money market accounts are good options for those who want to earn interest but don’t want their money locked away. It provides a sense of security knowing that should an emergency arrive, you can access your money at that time. It also allows you to retain some financial normalcy with its debit card and check writing privileges.

The major condition that can limit individuals from pursuing money market accounts is the amount of money needed to open one. As mentioned previously, most banks will require both a high minimum deposit and a high balance. Should you fall under the minimum, you may be subjected to fees.

Before you open a money market account, ask yourself two questions: “Do I have a large enough balance?” And, “Am I going to be making major withdrawals that could drop my balance below the minimum?” The appeal of a savings account is that your money is earning for you. It defeats the purpose if you’re forced to pay those earnings back to the bank.

Gone are the days of eyeglasses being seen as “nerdy” or only for intellectuals and older people. Over 60% of the human population wears glasses, contact lenses or some other kind of corrective eyewear.

Anyone and everyone can wear eyeglasses, whether it’s for health reasons, self-expression or confidence. Glasses come in a variety of styles, from retro to modern, and are made to compliment all kinds of face shapes and skin tones.

Read on to discover nine reasons why you should love your eyeglasses.

Better Sight

One of the most obvious reasons to love your eyeglasses is because they give you better sight. Glasses can help with everything from nearsightedness and farsightedness to astigmatism. Additionally, eyesight naturally declines overtime, with many people experiencing difficulty reading around their mid-40s, according to Harvard Health Publishing. Straining to see can lead to a number of problems, like frequent squinting that can cause headaches and neck pain.

Fashionable Accessory

Glasses are no longer seen as being solely functional — they are fashionable! Eyeglasses are made from different materials like plastic, metal and wood, and come in a wide array of colors and styles. They can make you look more professional or show off your fun side. You can match an occasion and dress an outfit up or down with different styles. When it comes to colors, you can accessorize with glasses that compliment your eye or hair color, match something you are wearing or add a pop of color to an otherwise neutral ensemble.

New Exclusive Offer at LensCrafters®*

Show your AAA card and save 50% off lenses with a complete pair purchase.

*Shop Now

Calmer, Healthier Eyes

Opposed to contacts, wearing glasses can protect your eyes from irritants like dirt and dust when exercising, playing sports or working outside. If you are going out for a jog or bike ride, glasses can also help keep pesky little bugs away from your eyes.

Sun Protection

Some glasses can shield your eyes in other ways, offering protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Photochromic or transition lenses are a prime example. These lenses start out clear but darken in sunlight, shading your eyes. If you are in the market for a pair of sunglasses, AAA members can save 30% at LensCrafters.

Alternative to Contacts

Another reason to love your glasses is how quick and easy they are to use. Simply throw them on and you are good to go. Unlike contacts, you do not have to put anything into your eyes, which can be difficult for some. Glasses may also be cheaper in the long term.

Experimentation

It has never been easier to try on different styles of eyeglasses. You can decide on a new look with virtual tools that allow you to find the best frames for your face shape. It’s the perfect way to experiment before stepping into a store. Thanks to these modern conveniences, you can easily shop for specs online and never have to guess whether a new pair of glasses suits you.

Blue Light Protection

Some eyeglasses can also protect from blue light, a high-energy visible light that’s emitted from electronic devices, like cellphone, computer and television screens. Exposing yourself to too much blue light before bed can lead to digital eye strain and affect your sleep, throwing off your circadian rhythm. “While light of any kind can suppress the secretion of melatonin, blue light at night does so more powerfully,” according to Harvard Health Publishing.

Cool Customizations

Not only will different glasses show off your style and personality, eyeglasses can complement your appearance. Frame shapes can be narrow, round, walnut-shaped, square, rectangular, etc. Frames can be also be thick or thin, full-rimmed, semi- or completely rimless. Find the best glasses for your face shape, then customize any or all details to your preference, from aesthetics like decorative arms and detailed brow lines to functional upgrades like scratch-resistant and anti-reflective lenses.

Simple Maintenance

Caring for your eyewear is relatively simple. Use a spray cleaning solution to remove blemishes like fingerprints, dirt and droplets from you lenses when needed. Wipe down the bridge and arms of your glasses when you notice residue from sweat or makeup. Finally, store your glasses properly within a case or microfiber pouch.

What do you love most about your glasses? Tell us on the comments below!

AAA members can save 50% off lenses with a frame purchase from LensCrafters, plus exclusive savings on exams, frames and more. 

Just because you won’t be able to watch professional sports in person this year, doesn’t mean you can’t join in on the fun. Test all your sports knowledge in our new crossword puzzle.

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.

Here are 17 virtual tours you can enjoy from the safe social distance of your couch.

Virtual Tours for the Traveler

Walt Disney World: Put on your ears and let’s go! There’s plenty of sunshine coming your way on a VisitOrlando virtual tour of the Walt Disney World Resort parks. Then, stop by YouTube channels Fun Family Florida and Virtual Disney World to ride the rides like Expedition Everest, Star War’s Rise of The Resistance and Pirates of the Caribbean.

National Parks: Google Earth put together a collection of virtual tours, guiding you through 31 of the country’s most beautiful national parks. Google Arts & Culture also includes a digital exhibit called The Hidden Worlds of the National Parks that brings five national parks to life, including Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska.

Google Arts & Culture: Google Arts & Culture can take you around the world. Explore the Taj Mahal, Machu Picchu, the pyramids of Egypt or visit the final frontier and step aboard the International Space Station. The options are endless.

For the History Buff

Titanic: At 2:20 a.m. on April 15, 1912, the Titanic sank into the Atlantic Ocean about 400 miles south of Newfoundland, Canada. This virtual tour lets you explore the luxurious ship and watch it “sink” in real time.

Anne Frank House: Go to Amsterdam and discover the secret annex where Anne Frank hid for more than two years and wrote her famous diary entries during World War II. You can also take a look around the house where Anne and her family lived before going into hiding and visit an online exhibition about her life and legacy.

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History: Discover presidential portrait collections, explore the engineering marvels of the Inca Empire or remix one of the 2.8 million images available through Smithsonian Open Access. You could easily spend all day here.

Buckingham Palace: The official residence of Queen Elizabeth II, Buckingham Palace has served as the London home of the royal family since 1837. Explore the grand staircase, featuring a magnificent gilded bronze balustrade, and take a tour around the white drawing room, featuring Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s famous grand piano.

For the Animal Lover

Cincinnati Zoo: Did you know the Cincinnati Zoo is the second-oldest zoo in the United States? Be sure to check in around 3 p.m., because that’s when the zoo holds a daily home safari on its Facebook Live Feed.

The Dublin Zoo: Tune in live to the African savanna, Dublin Zoo’s largest habitat that houses giraffes, rhinos, ostriches and zebras. Keep your eyes peeled for a herd of Asian elephants on the Kaziranga Forest Trail and watch penguins swim, waddle, hop and play.

Monterey Bay Aquarium: Can’t wait for Shark Week? You don’t have to, thanks to live online footage of Monterey Bay’s shark cam.

The Shedd Aquarium: This Chicago aquarium shares some pretty adorable behind-the-scenes footage of its residents on Facebook. Our personal favorite is Yaku the sea otter!

For the Artist

Van Gogh Museum: Wander through the Amsterdam museum free from fellow visitors and search for your favorite painting without being disturbed. You can also find a selection of things to do online, like check out stories about Van Gogh’s life, the Unravel Van Gogh app and more.

Metropolitan Museum of Art: Even though the Met Gala was canceled this year, you can still explore The Costume Institute Conservation Lab, just one of the museum’s 26 online exhibits.

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum: Madrid’s famous art museum features works from celebrated artists like Rembrandt and Dali, all available online.

For the Musician 

Country Music Hall of Fame: Tune in to live and prerecorded programs that complement the stories of artists, songwriters, master musicians, producers, record executives, scholars and more captured in conversation and performance.

The Metropolitan Opera: Cozy up and watch the past 14 years of cinema transmissions, starring all of opera’s greatest singers. Each day a different encore presentation from the company’s Live in HD series is being made available for free streaming.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum: The museum’s newest exhibit, “Play It Loud: The Instruments of Rock & Roll,” will not leave fans disappointed. You may have to wait it out to see Bruce Springsteen’s guitar or extravagant costumes worn by Prince, but you can watch the “Play It Loud” opening party, featuring a special performance from Metallica.

The most important part of a virtual tour is the technology you use to experience it. One of the best ways to try these virtual tours is through your smartphone. You can get the new Galaxy Note20 for under $400 when you pre-order, trade-in an old device and use your AAA member discount. Plus receive $100 in instant credit on your next Samsung purchase. Act fast, though, because the offer ends on 8/20/20.

Bonus:

Many musicians have been offering mini-concerts via their social media accounts. If you don’t already, make sure to follow your favorite artists for their latest updates and pop-up virtual performances!

Which of these virtual tours will you be taking? If you have any more suggestions, be sure to share them with everyone in the comments.  

It’s too early to be 90-plus degrees.

The air feels thick, almost soupy. The mosquitoes and black flies relentlessly swarm me. It’s another glorious summer morning at Douglas State Forest in Massachusetts.

I unfold the step stool that helps all 5 feet, 2 inches of me wrestle my mountain bike from the top of my car. This is a feat worth witnessing, at least for a few minutes of mild amusement.

This 5,907-acre forest borders Connecticut and Rhode Island and is popular for a slew of outdoor activities including swimming, boating, hiking, fishing and horseback riding. Lately, it has been my go-to spot for mountain biking.

Always Looking Out(side)

I didn’t plan on falling in love with mountain biking. It was just something to pass the time when I couldn’t rock climb.

I get restless when I’m inside. It doesn’t matter if it’s sunny and breezy, cold and damp, or like today, sweltering and humid. I always want to be in the thick of nature, between the trees, on the rocks and in the dirt, rubbing elbows with squirrels, snakes and spiders. Since there are loads of surrounding trails in my little town, mountain biking allows me to choose an adventure in my own backyard.

Push the Limits

The mountain bike terrain in the Northeast is rugged. The trails are constructed of dense roots, logs, rocks and seamlessly infinite hills. This is exactly the kind of “fun” I seek out, the tough puzzle I’m determined to solve and the therapy I need to keep my anxiousness at bay. This is an activity where scrapes and bruises are not prices to pay, but badges of honor.

A few days earlier, I conquered a classic intermediate-grade trail named White Pine. I previously battled the middle section and failed due to an unforgiving rock garden – a sea of burly, intimidating boulders with no clear line. This rock garden looks you in the eye and says, “come on, come at me,” then kicks you when you’re about to reach the finish line and mocks you when you fall. It’s gnarly and cruel.

At least, that’s what I thought until recently, when something just clicked inside me and I confidently sped through it as if it were a smooth road. Mountain biking can play a mean mental game, where the tiniest trace of doubt brings progression to its knees.

The Long Haul

Today, with my loyal pack of mosquitoes following closely, I am eager to tackle another challenge. I come prepared with the essentials: water, bike pump, multi-tool and spare tube. I tell everyone I know with a daughter, “every girl should know how to fix a flat.”

I plan to ride the Midstate Trail toward some of my familiar favorites, but along the way, I come across Pack a Sandwich, one of the more difficult-graded and creatively named trails. It intrigues me, and just like that, my plan changes.

The steep hills are merciless from the start. The two short and somewhat flat areas offer no respite with slick, rocky stream crossings. As I am painfully regretting my spontaneity, questioning myself “why I do this,” and cursing Pack a Sandwich, another mountain biker approaches from the opposite direction. He asks, “enjoying going that way?” I then realize most riders enter the trail from the other side – to go downhill, but his question reminds me that I am here to push myself. “Love it,” I say.

Ready for Anything

I reach a turn onto an easy trail, where I can accelerate to an enjoyable, fast speed, until almost immediately, my tire becomes flat. Sigh. Out come the tools.

When changing a tube of a mountain bike, one must first slightly inflate it before putting it on the rim.  Oddly, as I pump the just-out-of-the-package tube, it doesn’t seem to hold the air. I bring it close to hear the dreaded, faint hiss escaping from a minuscule hole. The new tube is faulty and I have one option – walk my bike more than 5 grueling miles back to the car.

Embrace the Suck  

I choose the steeper, but shorter way. I torment myself by frequently checking the map on my app to see how much farther I need to go: 4.75 miles, 4.5 miles, 3.83 miles. All I can think about now is a veggie sandwich. A bunny darts out, startling me back into reality. It quickly disappears into the green brush.

I arrive at Eagle Bridge, a slightly uphill yet easy 1.1-mile trail that always seems more agonizing than it should be, especially at the end of a long ride. Today it feels endless, but I still have my flying, buzzing friends to keep me company.

It’s About the Journey

My final mile is on a relaxed, horse-poop-adorned trail where I once frightened a wild turkey. I didn’t know they could run so fast. I felt awful, turned around and rode away, giving the turkey its space. Right now, I am thankful there are no turkeys in sight, just the open dirt parking lot and my lonely dust-covered car.

I’ve hiked trails like these many times, carrying a backpack in lieu of a bike. I remove my helmet, lean against my car and look around, feeling exhausted and grateful.

I appreciate the time I can spend in the outdoors. I wanted an adventure and got one. I also have never wanted a veggie sandwich more.

Share your epic outdoor adventures in the comments. 

A minor chip in your car’s windshield may not seem like a major problem. In fact, you could be tempted to try to repair it yourself or ignore it altogether. But a faulty repair – or no repair at all – is simply not an option.

Driving with a damaged windshield can obscure your vision and impact the vehicle’s structural integrity. In fact, according to the Insurance Information Institute, it is illegal to drive with a broken windshield in certain states.

A chipped or cracked windshield should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible, and done so by a qualified auto glass technician.

What causes windshield chips and cracks?

There are a host of ways your windshield can become damaged. Some, like debris hitting the glass, produce immediate chips or cracks. But there are other events and conditions that can damage your windshield without you even realizing – until its too late. These include extreme temperatures, dirt, worn-down windshield wiper blades and improper cleaning. Even the act of driving itself can wear down a windshield. (Think potholes, speed bumps, etc.)

When should a damaged windshield be fixed?

Even though the damage may seem small, windshield chips of any size should be repaired as soon as possible.

Left unfixed, a small chip can grow into a crack that spans the length of the glass. A large crack can jeopardize the structural integrity of the vehicle and may require a complete replacement of the windshield as opposed to a simple repair that is quicker and less expensive.

It’s also important to remember that a successful windshield repair is dependent on several factors including how recent the damage is. The damage to the glass can expand fast, allowing foreign material to enter the crack or chip and further complicating any repair. In order to achieve the best results, the glass needs to be fixed as quickly as possible.

Can a damaged windshield be repaired or does it need to be replaced?

Each repair job is unique but depending on the location, size and type of the damage, it may be repairable without having to replace your windshield.

Should I call a professional or handle it myself?

Windshield repairs should always be handled by professionals, regardless of your own automotive expertise. Technicians undergo extensive training on repairing and replacing auto glass. This gives them an expertise that most do-it-yourselfers simply don’t possess.

Fixing a car’s glass is a unique car maintenance task. Unlike changing your car’s oil or replacing an air filter, it depends entirely on materials and skill. Professional companies have access to high-grade materials oftentimes not available to the public.

Another consideration is whether or not your vehicle has an advanced driver assistance system. This safety feature can include components such as cameras and head-up displays that must be able to integrate with the car’s windshield. If you have advanced driver assistance, a windshield repair or replacement is more complicated and the need for a trained professional increases.

What are the dangers of trying to fix a damaged windshield yourself?

As confident as you may be to try a do-it-yourself fix, the best plan is to sit this one out and let the pros handle it. There are several potential pitfalls to going at it alone.

Depending on your insurance, windshield repairs or replacements may be covered. Therefore, spending any amount of money on a DIY kit could amount to needless spending.

Damaged windshields are dangerous because they can distract the driver and obscure the driver’s visibility. Unfortunately, one of the most common problems with DIY fixes is that the material used to repair the windshield dries incorrectly. This can lead to a thick line being formed along the crack, obscuring the driver’s vision.

Getting your windshield replaced by a professional service generally comes with a warranty. Safelite, for instance, offers a nationwide lifetime warranty on windshield replacements. Under this warranty, auto glass is warranted against defects in material or workmanship for as long as you own your vehicle and if the defect is brought to the attention of Safelite within 30 days of discovery.

Safelite also offers a nationwide guarantee on windshield repairs for as long as you own or lease the vehicle on which the repair was made. This guarantees that the repaired portion of the windshield will not crack further and that the repair will pass any state vehicle inspection. If you are dissatisfied with the repair, Safelite will credit the cost of repair toward replacement.

Get more car safety tips.