It’s that time of year again, and there are far too many people in the city. A weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple might be just what you need to recharge.  You could hit the slopes, relax in a spa, tour picturesque towns or even escape to another city entirely. With these winter getaways from NYC, the possibilities are limitless. Just don’t forget your mittens.

New Hope, Pa. and Lambertville, N.J. (1½ hour drive)

Straddling the Delaware River (and the state lines) are the sister cities of New Hope, Pa., and Lambertville, N.J. These two adorable towns are bonded by a shared love of culture … and a toll bridge. The bridge, which is short enough to be easily walkable, transforms the two towns into one fun little city on the river. Both sides of the river are devoted to art; there are studios and galleries no matter where you look. Lambertville, rife with beautiful Victorian architecture, has a decided bend toward antiquing. Every January, the two towns get together to throw an enormous winter festival, featuring ice sculptures, concerts, karaoke, dance parties and more.

Montauk, N.Y. (2½ hour drive)

Of all the winter getaways from NYC, this one is perhaps the best-kept secret. Montauk is a summer town at the tip of Long Island, with boozy beaches, weathered motels and infrastructure that is vastly insufficient for the amount of visiting tourists. During the winter months, however, the crowds disappear. The romance of Montauk in winter comes mostly from the quiet. Situated beyond the Hamptons and over two hours away from the city, it really is an isolated town. There are deep price cuts in terms of hotel rooms, making luxury places like Montauk Manor and Gurney’s far more accessible. Bars and restaurants that were previously impossible to squeeze into suddenly start welcoming walk-in customers. I also recommend a visit to the Montauk Point Lighthouse. While you’re there, take a tour to see the harbor seals, who appear on the rocks near the lighthouse during winter.

Saratoga Springs, N.Y. (3 hour drive)

What better place to relax than the Spa City itself? Once a wellness retreat for wealthy Northeasterners, Saratoga Springs is one of the most unique winter getaways from NYC. The race track is closed in winter months, but you can still visit the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Saratoga Springs offers ample room for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. For those who prefer downhill skiing, there are the nearby Gore and West mountains. One of the most unique things to do in Saratoga Springs is to go on a tasting tour of the 21 naturally carbonated mineral water springs. At the Roosevelt Bath House, you can take a relaxing private bath in the natural mineral waters. You can also get a nightcap at a bar made completely of ice.

Mystic, Conn. (3 hour drive)

From the picture-perfect shorefront to the iconic Mystic Pizza, Mystic is one of the most charming winter getaways from NYC. The Mystic Seaport is lovely to visit in the winter, as snow and frost covers the 19^th century village and preservation shipyard. Visit the Mystic Aquarium to see what goes on just below the waves. The seals who live there will be especially happy to see you during the colder weather. Both downtown Mystic and the Olde Mistick Village shopping district are easily walkable, with charming storefronts and fresh seafood eateries. Before you head back home, make sure to stop by B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill to get some apple cider and authentic maple syrup to tide you over until next time.

Lake Placid, N.Y. (5 hour drive)

Lake Placid, two-time host of the Winter Olympics, has found a second life for its Olympic complex by opening it up for all to enjoy. There is something for everyone at Lake Placid, from skiing and snowboarding down Whiteface Mountain, to ice skating on Mirror Lake, to an epic toboggan chute. The braver among you can go ice climbing on icy cliff faces and frozen waterfalls. You can tour the Lake Placid Olympic Museum to learn more about the winter games of the past and the history of this snowy playground. At the end of the day, kick up your feet at a cozy Lake Placid ski lodge, like Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa, Whiteface Lodge or the Crowne Plaza Resort.

Stowe, Vt. (5 ½ hour drive)

The hills of Stowe, Vt., are alive with the sound of ski slopes. This picturesque Vermont town is a hot spot for skiers young and old, featuring both Mount Mansfield and Smuggler’s Notch State Park. Stowe is an idyllic winter playground, with skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, tubing and much more. For a cozy place to rest your head, you can stay in the Trapp Family Lodge, owned and operated by the actual Von Trapp family. It’s sure to be one of your favorite things in no time. Stowe is one of the farther winter getaways from NYC, but its ski slopes, beautiful landscapes and small-town charm are well worth the drive.

Do you have a favorite place to visit during the colder months? Let us know in the comments below!

Are you headed on a winter weekend getaway from NYC? Book your hotel with the help of AAA!

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

Travel is an essential part of many of today’s jobs. While traveling for work can have its perks, like being able to escape from the office and experience different locations, business travel is still a task that comes with a few challenges.

Whether you’re a frequent business traveler, or only have to travel for your job a few times per year, these tips can help to make your planning and time away a little easier so you can focus on your work.

Plan Ahead

For business travel and as a general travel rule, try to book as soon as possible. It’s best to book eight to 10 months in advance for major airlines like American, United, Delta, Lufthansa, etc., and six to eight months for smaller carriers like JetBlue and Southwest, advises Stefan Kusznier, a AAA travel agent.

“Think of it as a first come first serve basis,” Kusznier said. “Just like rooms at a hotel, once that “category” of room sells out, the next room becomes available at a higher price. The longer you wait, the more expensive it gets.”

If you know you’ll be flying for work, set up price alerts for flights and/or hotels to compare prices and find the best deals. This can be as easy as signing up for emails/subscribing to travel websites or downloading an app.

If you’re going somewhere you’ve never been, or simply to a location with complicated geography or directions, download a map ahead of time.

You don’t want to lose service or run out of data when you don’t know where you’re going and have someplace to be, but it happens. Through sites like Google Maps, you can use a map while you’re mobile and offline by typing in “OK map” and hitting the download button — just make sure you have enough room on your phone. Or, there’s the tried-and-true method of an “old-school” paper map.

Also, don’t forget to scan or take photos of your important documents and print or email them to yourself. This is especially important for those traveling by plane and/or going abroad.

Pack Smart

Packing smart means being organized and making the most out of limited space. One of the best ways to do this is by folding your clothes efficiently. Two popular methods are either rolling your clothes or using the Marie Kondo fold. Kusznier currently prefers the latter.

“It folds everything into little triangles which helps you see everything,” he says. “Then just grab and go instead of rummaging through your stuff.”

Here’s a pro tip: Add dryer sheets to your luggage to keep things smelling fresh. Later, these same sheets can be used to reduce static cling.

Store smaller items that could get lost in compartmentalized vessels, such as contact lens containers or pill cases. Pack cords — like headphones and phone chargers — in eyeglass cases to avoid tangles. Put toiletries in small, reusable bottles and make sure they’re 3.4 ounces or less if they’re in an airport carry-on. Finally, store secret cash by rolling it up and putting it in an empty lip balm tube. Check out our do’s and don’ts of how to pack a suitcase.

Use a travel checklist to keep you on track and review it before you leave.

Enjoy Getting There

Dealing with the time getting from point A to point B can be tedious. To make getting to where you’re going a little more bearable, try listening to a music playlist, podcast or audiobook. If you’re not driving, you can use the time to catch up on your favorite show or catch some Z’s. Stay busy with a good book or make the most of your business travel time by getting ahead on work.

If you’re not a fan of flying, but find yourself on a plane for work, there may be ways to ease your discomfort.

“Its little things that can make the difference,” says Kusznier. For light claustrophobia or anxiety from lack of control, “sit near the window so you have the visual escape from tight space and the control over what your seat mates get to see.” If your anxiety is more severe, visit your doctor before a trip to discuss your options.

Make the Space Yours

If you’re going to be staying at a location for more than two nights, try making the space feel more like home.

“I utilize the storage in the hotel room,” says Kusznier. “I want to feel like [I’m at] home and not living out of a suitcase.”

This means putting clothes away in drawers, setting up your toiletries in the bathroom and bringing a pair of slippers or slides. Essentially, unpack everything and make the space yours.

Another way to feel more at home is to bring your laptop and an HDMI cable, Amazon Firestick or Chromecast to watch your shows away from home. Sync up with your significant other, roommate or a family member so you can enjoy the show together.

You should also consider bringing a surge protector with multiple outlets in case you need more than your hotel room offers. Also, though many U.S. hotels offer free Wi-Fi, this many not always be the case. If you have to travel internationally, consider making a hotspot or bringing your own router.

Hotel Hacks to Save on Food

Room service can be expensive, but there are certain hotel hacks that can help you save.

Consider your options. Breakfast and lunch are usually cheaper, so opt to eat out for those meals and try to be a little more thrifty at dinnertime. Supplement meals with food you can make right in your room. Hotel rooms often come with a coffee maker, but it doesn’t have to be just for coffee or tea. You can use the hot water to make a variety of instant foods, including noodles, oatmeal, mac and cheese, rice or soup.

Choose pick-up instead of delivery to avoid some room service fees by walking down to the hotel restaurant and picking up food yourself. You could also order food from a local eatery or use a food delivery app.

Finally, bring a reusable bottle and never pay for water. You can bring it through an airport empty and fill it after. The same goes for while you’re at your hotel. You’ll surely find water fountains and/or bottle refills, especially near the gym.

Traveling for work can be stressful, but by planning ahead, packing efficiently and hacking your hotel stay, it could be a little easier.

To assure your lodging will be perfect for your specific needs, stay at a AAA Inspected & Approved and Diamond Rated hotel. Whether you’re looking for something budget-friendly or more refined, there are nearly 59,000 hotels to choose from. Learn more about AAA Diamond Ratings.

What are your favorite business travel tips? Share them with us in the comments.

When Leonard Miller was in college, his mother forced him to sell his hot rod because he was spending more time working on the car than working on his studies. Little did she know that it would be her son’s automotive expertise that would power him to a pioneering career.

Miller grew up outside of Philadelphia where his mother worked as a housekeeper. It was this occupation, in fact, that indirectly introduced young Leonard to cars. “Living on those estates when I was real young, they talked about race cars and race horses,” Miller told Smithsonian Magazine. “All of these rich, white families had all these rare cars that were beautiful and sounded good. So, I said that was for me. And that’s what started me off to a lifetime of races.”

Miller would go on to pave the way for African American team owners, crews, mechanics, and drivers in the primarily white world of auto racing. It began when he formed Miller Brothers Racing with his brother Dexter. The team won dozens of races throughout the Northeast from 1969–1971.

In the early 1970s his career took a significant leap forward. Miller had co-founded Vanguard Racing Inc. and became the first African American owner to enter a car in the Indianapolis 500 when the team earned a spot in the 1972 race. Vanguard would turn into Black American Racers Inc. the following year. It would go on to become the first black professional race team to have a national sponsorship and to enter an African American driver in competition in England. During the mid-1970s the team was ranked among the top 60 in the world.

During this time Miller also created the Black American Racers Association with, amongst others, Wendell Scott, the first black driver to compete in NASCAR. The group promoted driver development and honored African American drivers, mechanics and others in auto racing. At its height, the association included 5,000 members from 20 different states and across stock car, open-wheel, and drag racing.

(Photos courtesy of the National Museum of American History, Smithsonian institution)

With the help of his son, Leonard T. Miller, the automotive pioneer later founded Miller Racing Group to compete in NASCAR racing. The team won many races through the 1990s and early aughts. In fact, the father-son duo became the first African-American team owners to win a track championship in NASCAR history when they won the stock car title at Old Dominion Speedway in Manassas, Virginia, in 2005. However, gaining sponsorships was a difficult task from the start. When funding started to fade, the team folded in 2006.

Leonard Miller was inducted into the Black Athletes Hall of Fame in 1973. Many of his awards, trophies and other Black American Racers memorabilia are currently housed at the Smithsonian Institute.

For more stories about African American automotive pioneers, read about the work of C.R. Patterson, Charlie Wiggins and Garrett Morgan.

Can’t make it to the legendary Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans this year? No need to fret – there are countless events, festivals and celebrations throughout the Northeast for you to get your jambalaya fix on or around Fat Tuesday (Feb. 25).

Here are five celebrations that will have you on your dancing feet, catching beads and partying the night away, just like you would on Bourbon Street!

Bethlehem, Pa.

Attending a party at a historic hotel seems like the perfect way to celebrate Mardi Gras, and you can do just that at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem in Pennsylvania. The hotel is said to have many ghosts living there – a common theme in New Orleans, as well. Don’t worry – they’re said to be friendly!

The Mardi Gras celebration takes place Feb. 21 with a New Orleans-inspired feast featuring crawfish etouffee, chicken and shrimp gumbo, beignets, shrimp and grits and so many more notable Southern dishes. And bring your dancing shoes to dance the night away with live Louisiana dance music from local band Zydeco-a-Go-Go.

Book now.

Boston

The South Street Diner brings Bourbon Street to Boston with its all-day Mardi Gras celebration on Fat Tuesday. From 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., you can expect that authentic New Orleans feel at the diner with an all-you-can-eat jambalaya feast, along with a full Louisiana-style Mardi Gras menu. Think crawfish boil, alligator sausage and shrimp po’boys. Our advice? Bring your appetite! Authentic king cake straight from the source – Gambino’s Bakery in New Orleans – will also be served.

The atmosphere will make you feel like you’re right on Bourbon Street! Employees, dressed head-to-toe in traditional Mardi Gras garb, will hand out beads to patrons. New Orleans’ zydeco music will be playing on the jukebox all night, so this is definitely the way to celebrate Mardi Gras if you’re Boston-based.

Massapequa, N.Y.

Big Daddy’s, aka the home of Southern food, knows how to celebrate Mardi Gras. A father-and-son duo run the Long Island restaurant that specializes in foods from New Orleans. So you can expect to get some authentic gumbo and an oversized Hurricane (they import the drink mix from the original, Pat O’Brien’s, in New Orleans).

The restaurant will celebrate Mardi Gras Madness Week Feb. 19-25, with nightly specials and live music. The Mardi Gras celebration kicks off with a crawfish boil, 2-for-2 oysters and live music. The biggest night will be on Fat Tuesday, with a traditional buffet, live music and party favors. Don’t forget your beads!

Philadelphia, Pa.

Celebrate Mardi Gras Philly-style with an epic party featuring 16 Philadelphia Mummers String Bands. The Mummers are dressed in elaborate costumes from head to toe and put on two lively performances at Xfinity Live!, a massive venue in South Philly on Feb. 23. You can expect to be a part of a lot of merriment and dancing!

This family-friendly event has booths with activities to fill the day: You can try on a costume and snag a photo with a Mummer in the open-air photo booth for a souvenir. Or try your hand at the “Build an Umbrella” station to make a bejeweled Mummers umbrella with sequins and feathers. There’s even a “bull-riding” contest to raise money for the bands. And of course, no Mardi Gras celebration is complete without some delicious food and drinks. This venue does not disappoint, with a laundry list of restaurants and vendors throughout the location.

Washington, D.C.

In recent years, The Wharf, a popular waterfront neighborhood in Washington, D.C., has become a hot spot for events and celebrations. On Feb. 22, it will host an extravaganza featuring an animated parade, dance party with live music and a spectacular fireworks finale for the biggest Mardi Gras celebration in the city. The parade features custom-designed floats from local businesses with bead-tossing galore, all with a gorgeous view overlooking the water.

The best part? The event is totally free (po’boys not included, but they’re worth the extra buck!). Neighborhood restaurants will serve up New Orleans-style specials and there will be a multitude of activities and craft for kids, including delicious s’mores-making at the Capitals Campfire at Camp Wharf.

How do you celebrate Mardi Gras? Tell us in the comments. 

If you couldn’t make it to NOLA this year, you can still start planning for next year! Book your trip with AAA Travel. 

Procrastination reigns on college campuses, but don’t put off thinking about saving money until you graduate and begin your career. The cost of books, tuition and housing are on the rise. Your future after college will be brighter if you wisely budget your expenses and limit your debt while you’re still in school.

It may seem impossible to juggle classes, a social life, and perhaps also a job, on top of paying for college. Don’t stress. Research shows that college students are becoming savvier shoppers, and consequently spending less on their course materials.

Take a look at these money saving tips for college students to see what you need to do to reduce your college expenses.

Free or Low-Cost Housing

College has never been more expensive than it is now, meaning it’s as important as ever to look at money saving tips for college students. From 1988 to 2018 the price of college tuition increased 213% at public universities.

While students can’t haggle with the campus cashier’s office for a bargain on tuition, they can opt for cheaper housing options. The average price of on-campus room and board for a public four-year college is $101,510, according to the College Board. How can you get a bargain on your housing situation? Explore your options and be honest about what you can afford. Your financial aid office can assist you in creating a student budget to see how much aid you need. The bad news is that colleges sometimes don’t give out enough financial aid to pay for room and board, so you must find cheaper options.

Dorm life is a seminal college experience, but you don’t need a private bathroom and room to have that same experience. Instead pick a shared dorm to save cash. When you’re a junior or senior, consider becoming a resident adviser for free room and board. There’s also the option to being a live-in nanny throughout the school year or during the summer months. Your last and probably cheapest option: live with relatives. College is a time to celebrate freedom from your parents for the first time, but having financial freedom when you graduate is even more important.

Smarter Book Deals

More students are making smart money choices when it comes to buying their course materials. Students spent $579 on average for course materials during the 2016-17 school year, according to the National Association of College Stores. That’s a $23 drop from the 2015-16 academic year.

How can you save on your course materials? Don’t buy new books unless that’s your only choice. Going to the campus bookstore for your used textbooks is convenient, but remember to do price comparisons with books sold online. Does your campus have a textbook rental program? If not, check rental prices on websites like BookRenter.com. Or see if you can borrow materials from other students, purchase digital versions or check out materials from the library.

More Money Saving Tips for College Students

Getting a good grade in chemistry class takes studying, math skills, experimentation and a bit of hard work. The same goes for taking advantage of money saving tips for college students. Of course, the main problem is college students don’t typically have an income, so they rely on their parents and loans. Paying for college is expensive, but that doesn’t mean that you need to spend excessively or incur more debt than necessary.

Don’t be shy about always asking for student discounts. People understand that college students are on a tight budget. You’ll be surprised to get student discounts for everything from computers, phone service, car insurance, gym membership, museums, clothing and more! Never be afraid to ask for a discount or request work study options in exchange for freebies like yoga or Pilates classes.

College Loans for Students

Resist the urge to borrow more money than you need for your housing, tuition and fees, books and food. Before you take out another loan, try for scholarships. You may be surprised to know that some scholarships don’t have GPA or essay requirements. It’s free to apply for scholarships, so you have nothing to lose. And it’s never too early to apply. You can start winning scholarship money while you’re still in high school, which will be applied toward your college. To find all the scholarships you’re eligible for, schedule an appointment with your financial aid adviser. Also do online research to find a local grant agency and search the U.S. Department of Labor’s website.

If you do take out college loans for students, borrow only what you need. Make sure you understand the interest rates on the loan. Try to pay off the interest on need-based loans while you’re school. Even if you pay $20 a month that will help reduce the loan amount you eventually owe. That will give you a headstart when you graduate and join the workforce.

Saving money during college can be tough, but it is doable. Are you a student or former student who has developed the skills of budgeting? Share your money saving tips for college students in the comments. 

For help paying for college, visit AAA.com/StudentLoans.

Have you ever wanted to be trapped in a metal tube for half a day? Long airline flights can be difficult, mostly because they’re extremely boring. Many airlines come with entertainment systems, but watching multiple movies in a row can get exhausting. For me, podcasts have always been the way to go when I want to pass time on a long flight. A lot of the shows I listen to are goofy and casual, just a couple of friends joking around, but the best podcasts for a long flight are usually very serialized, heavily-reported stories. Why? Because it’s something that will actually sustain your attention for a long period of time.

If you’re looking for the best podcasts for a long flight, take a look at these gripping shows and limited series.

You Must Remember This

“You Must Remember This” by Karina Longworth is a beloved podcast all about Hollywood’s first century. This podcast boasts an incredible library of episodes all about the silver screen. One of the best things about “You Must Remember This” is that Longworth breaks the podcast up into series of episodes devoted to different subject. My personal favorite series are “Six Degrees of Song of the South,” “Charles Manson’s Hollywood” and “Dead Blondes.” Longworth’s meticulous research and soothing voice make “You Must Remember This” one of the most compelling podcasts out there. Before you get on the plane, make sure you’ve downloaded all the episodes in the series that you want to listen to!

“Song of the South” Runtime: ~5 hours

“Manson” Runtime: ~8 hours

“Dead Blondes” Runtime: ~9.5 hours

30 for 30

Based on the ESPN documentary series, “30 for 30” is a podcast about all the most fascinating moments in sports culture. You don’t have to be a sports fan to enjoy this podcast – I know I’m not. The stories are sure to enthrall any listener. My personal favorite seasons of “30 for 30” are “The Sterling Affairs” and “Bikram.” “The Sterling Affairs” tells the story of “the worst owner in sports history,” the complicated history of basketball in Los Angeles and the power of real estate. “Bikram” tells the story of the rise of Bikram Choudhury’s brand of hot yoga – and how he eventually began to abuse that power.

“The Sterling Affairs” Runtime: ~4 hours

“Bikram” Runtime: ~3 hours

Over My Dead Body: Joe Exotic

The story of Joe Exotic (zookeeper, traveling magician, YouTuber, presidential hopeful, local celebrity, lord of the tigers, etc.) is so bizarre that you’ll never want to stop listening. “Over My Dead Body,” a true crime podcast, dedicates an entire season to Joe Exotic’s rise and fall. And trust me, there’s a big fall.

Runtime: ~4 hours

The Dream, Season One

I have recommended “The Dream” over and over, and I’m not going to stop now. Season one of Jane Marie’s podcast, “The Dream,” is all about the world of multilevel marketing schemes, or MLMs. Marie interviews a participant in the “airplane games” of the 1980s, goes deep into multilevel marketing’s ties to the White House and even has a former cosmetics marketer try (and fail) to make money selling makeup through an MLM. This show is shocking, funny and sometimes even enraging. Season two, airing right now, is about the wellness industry, and it’s shaping up to be just as good as the first season.

Runtime: ~7 hours

StartUp: Success Academy

“StartUp” is a podcast about (you guessed it) start-ups. In the beginning, it was mostly about the birth of Gimlet Media (the podcast company) but over the years, its covered everything from the beginning of Friendster, to the meltdown of American Apparel, to the process of “planting” new churches. “Success Academy” is a series about the eponymous Success Academy, a relatively young network of charter schools in New York City. Founder and CEO Eva Moskowitz has grown Success into one of the highest-performing schools in the city, so why is the school facing so much criticism? “StartUp” investigates every facet of the issue, from the perspectives of employees, students, families and education experts. There are no easy answers in this series, which makes it an incredibly rewarding listening experience.

Runtime: ~6 hours

Dirty John

John Meehan seemed like the perfect guy – a single, attractive doctor who wanted to take Debra Newell out on a date. But Debra’s daughters were suspicious. What was John really after? Reported by Chris Goffard of the Los Angeles Times, “Dirty John” is one of the best limited series podcasts out there. Just when you think the story is winding to an end, things get even weirder. With all of its unbelievable twists and turns, it’s one of the best podcasts for a long flight.

Runtime: ~4 hours

Have you ever prepared for your flight by downloading a bunch of podcasts? Which are the best podcasts for a long flight in your opinion? Let us know in the comments below!

Looking for more? Check out my articles on the best limited series podcasts, the best road trip podcasts and the best podcasts for sleep and relaxation. 

AAA has unveiled its Five Diamond list for 2020, with a local establishment – the Boston Harbor Hotel – making the list for the first time.

Made up of just 119 hotels and 67 restaurants, this exclusive group represents the best of AAA’s transformed Diamond Program. Only 0.3% of the nearly 60,000 AAA Diamond hotels and restaurants across the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean have earned Five Diamond status.

BOOK YOUR STAY AT THE BOSTON HARBOR HOTEL WITH AAA.

To earn the coveted AAA Five Diamond designation, hotels and restaurants must pass a rigorous evaluation that includes unannounced, in-person inspections, anonymous overnight stays for hotels, and, finally, review by a panel of experts as an additional step to ensure credibility. All AAA Diamond Program hotels and restaurants are reevaluated annually to ensure they provide the best experience for travelers and diners.

These are the newest hotels and restaurants on the AAA Five Diamond list for 2020. Click the links below to learn more about these stunning places and begin planning your unforgettable getaway.

Hotels

• Boston Harbor Hotel (Boston) – Gracious hospitality is prevalent at this luxury hotel, which merges modernity and classic decor. The guest rooms offer a supremely luxurious experience with a view of marina activity and local marine life from Boston Harbor’s Rowes Wharf.
• Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North (Scottsdale, AZ) – Well-designed landscaping seamlessly blends with the desert surroundings, allowing for striking views from the territorial-style casitas, each with a fireplace and terrace.
• Hotel Bel Air (Los Angeles, CA) – This classical establishment was brought into the 21^st century with contemporary, elegant and high-quality decor. The location is the perfect backdrop in which to enjoy the meticulously manicured gardens and the lovely pond, home to graceful swans.
• Hotel Xcaret Mexico (Playa del Carmen, Mexico) – This all-inclusive resort is packed with activities, including eight theme parks, many pools, three exercise rooms and a private island. Many of the modern rooms open up to pools or the river.
• Mandarin Oriental, Canouan (Canouan, St. Vincent and the Grenadines) – This world-class property, unique for its remote location, offers just 26 large suites and 13 villas, as well as a private beach, impressive marble work throughout, and leading-edge technology enhancements.
• UNICO 20°N 87°W Hotel Riviera Maya (Akumal, Mexico) – This unique property features guest rooms with spacious balconies offering an oversize seating area and large oval-shaped hot tubs. Each guest room is assigned a local host who is tasked with ensuring that guests have a pleasurable stay to maximize their valuable vacation time.

Restaurants

• Ha’ (Playa del Carmen, Mexico) – Guests will discover themselves surrounded by flowing water as they enter the dining room. The ever-changing, seven-course tasting menu reflects a variety of regional influences, paired with fine Mexican wines.
• Le Baccara (Gatineau, Canada) – Nestled atop Casino du Lac-Leamy, this adults-only dining room has a bank of oversize windows, which afford views of the Ottawa skyline. Custom table settings, fine crystal stemware, an impressive art collection and distinctive service make this a favorite place for special occasions.
• Providence (Los Angeles, CA) – Prepare for a thrilling culinary adventure and for an optimum experience select the multicourse chef’s tasting menu. It changes seasonally, but count on unusual and exotic choices like local Santa Barbara sea urchin, Pacific geoduck (a large saltwater clam native to the West Coast) and Australian spanner crab.
• SingleThread Farm – Restaurant – Inn (Healdsburg, CA) – Enjoy an amazing 11-course dinner that’s expertly served using ingredients from the chef and owner’s nearby farm and artisan items from around the world. Dishes may include Santa Barbara abalone, smoked trout and braised lamb, each artfully presented.
• Smyth (Chicago, IL) – This remarkable restaurant partners with an Illinois farm to supply its creative kitchen with fresh products. Choose between three prix fixe menus, each offered with a variety of wine pairings. Every dish emerges as a work of art in both its appearance and amazing flavor.

AAA Four Diamond hotels and restaurants, which represent just 4.2% of the total, are also an exclusive group. They must be refined and stylish with upscale physical attributes, extensive amenities and a high degree of hospitality, service and attention to detail. To see the complete lists of 2020 AAA Four and Five Diamond hotels and restaurants, visit AAA.com/DiamondAwards.

Earlier this year, AAA updated its highly acclaimed AAA Diamond Program, modernized to meet the needs of today’s travelers. A new Diamond designation reflecting AAA’s professional inspector reviews using updated guidelines sets the program apart from services that rely on unverified hotel and restaurant ratings.

For more information on AAA Diamond Program and the Five Diamond list, visit AAA.com/Diamonds.

College is expensive, and between classes, homework, studying and extracurricular activities, it’s also time-consuming. You might not think you have time for a job on top of all your other commitments, but there are plenty of part-time jobs and side gigs out there for college students.

In 2017, 43% of full-time undergraduates and 81% of part-time undergraduates worked while in college, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Having part-time employment improves your financial situation by offsetting some costs. You could start paying back your loans while still in school, cover your textbooks or simply start saving.

Most millennials have small or nonexistent savings accounts. In 2017, 46% of millennials (ages 18 to 24) had $0 in savings while 21% had less than $1,000, according to a survey by GOBankingRates.

It never hurts to have some extra cash in your pocket, in case you need some unexpected school supplies or have to replace something that breaks or gets lost. On the more self-helping side, having income can alleviate some stress; start a rainy-day fund or treat yourself every once and a while. You could go see a movie or local show, dine out with friends, take a day trip or refresh yourself at a salon or spa.

For college students looking to make some money, there are a variety of opportunities to fit all kinds of interests, schedules, skills and personality types. It’s prime time for side gigs thanks to all the temporary work and part-time jobs college students can discover in just a few clicks.

1. On-Campus

First, consider the kinds of services your university offers. Between the campus library, eating establishments (like a dining hall) and coffee spots — we all know how college students live on caffeine — there are plenty of places you can work within decent proximity to class. Often after your first year of residency, you can become a tour guide for possible incoming students or tutor your peers in classes you’ve already passed. If you live on campus, you could become a resident assistant (RA). Some colleges even offer additional rewards to RAs like single rooms and/or discounts on room and board. One of the biggest perks of working for your university is that your job should prioritize working around your class schedule.

2. Freelance

If you have specific skills, interests or want to potentially learn something new and get paid to do so, freelancing could be perfect for you. Creative types often opt to freelance and earn money doing something they enjoy, such as design, photography, video editing, writing and so on. Working as a freelancer offers the opportunity to work online, from the comfort of your home and at your own convenience. Additionally, any work you do can become part of your portfolio and help in your search for future employment.

3. Retail/Cashier

Think about the kinds of places that typically surround a college or university: banks, bars, bookstores, clothing stores, coffee shops, grocery stores and places to eat. These establishments offer retail positions, aka some of the easiest jobs to find and secure. These types of opportunities can be ideal for college students. For example, banks open early; you could be a teller if you have afternoon or night classes. On the other hand, bars (if you’re old enough) and restaurants are usually bustling at night, and so you could work after classes.

4. Gig Work

Another kind of opportunity found online is a temporary job or gig. These can be very short term, lasting only a day or two. Gigs are posted on apps or through sites like TaskRabbit, a mobile marketplace where you’ll get paid to do some manual labor. If you’re handy, good at cleaning, organizing, packing etc., you might have what it takes to be a gig worker. Gigs are perfect for students with extremely packed or continuously changing schedules. Also, depending on the type of job, you might be able to get in some exercise and skip the gym.

5. Paid Internship

While harder to find than an unpaid internship, paid opportunities are out there. Many internships can be found online, count toward class credit and/or align with your career goals. They can also be remote, but these are often more sought-after. Once more, your employer will know you’re in school and should try to work around your schedule. Internships are great to add to a resume, help you gain experience and — depending on the opportunity — build up your portfolio.

For some, traditional jobs are a thing of the past. If you need something that offers more flexibility, freelancing or gig work could be for you. However, any job where you don’t have to physically be there or lacks a routine requires you manage your own time efficiently, and that can be difficult.

If you’re looking to make some money while in college, find out what kind of job is right for you with a little research and trying different things. Another benefit of part-time jobs and gigs are that they don’t have to be forever.

Student loans help pay for school, but having an income can allow you to cover unforeseen expenses, textbooks, occasional indulgences — for mental health of course — and start building up a savings account. Once you’re making money, our tips on saving and money management can help you make the most of it.

Did we forget something? What are the best kinds of jobs for college students? Should college students try to work or focus on their studies?

Learn about AAA’s student lending products. 

You definitely don’t have to be a kid to enjoy the magic of Disney. It’s actually way more common than most people think for adults to go to Walt Disney World without kids in tow. During my time working for the mouse, I discovered a treasure trove of things to do at Disney World for adults. I met thousands of newly married couples on their honeymoons, retirees who treated the parks like their personal playground and groups of Disneybounding superfans in their 20s and 30s.

True to Walt’s original vision, the parks are fun for kids and kids at heart. There are plenty of things to do at Disney World for adults.

The Scariest Rides in Walt Disney World

Now that you’re a bit taller (and a bit braver) than you were at 5 years old, you’re ready to go on the big kid rides. Thrill rides at Disney don’t usually get as intense as thrill rides at other theme parks do. They only have one roller coaster that goes upside-down, and the most thrilling ride in the Magic Kingdom is filled with animatronic rabbits. But then again, Epcot’s centrifuge simulator ride, Mission: Space, is notoriously intense. You can definitely find thrills and chills if you look for them.

1. Dinosaur (Animal Kingdom).
2. Expedition Everest (Animal Kingdom).
3. Mission: Space – The Orange One (Epcot).
4. The Tower of Terror (Hollywood Studios).
5. The first five seconds of Rockin’ Roller Coaster (Hollywood Studios).
6. Space Mountain if you accidentally put your hands up (Magic Kingdom).
7. Splash Mountain (Magic Kingdom).
8. The part of “It’s a Small World” when you realize it’s a lot longer than you remember (Magic Kingdom).
9. The wait time for Peter Pan’s Flight (conveniently located across from Small World).
10. Dinosaur
11. I haven’t gotten a chance to ride the “Frozen” ride. Is it scary? (Epcot).

The best part about having no young children to supervise is that you can split up and take the single rider line, which usually has much lower wait times. Make sure you see the fireworks shows at the Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Nobody’s too old for fireworks.

Tour of a Lifetime

One of the most interesting things to do at Disney World for adults is to take a behind-the-scenes tour. These kinds of tours might have sent 5-year-old you into floods of tears, but grown-up you will be amazed at all the hard work that cast members put in to making the magic happen. The perfect choice is the Keys to the Kingdom Tour, which goes backstage (and … below stage?) at the Magic Kingdom to reveal some of the secrets behind the fantasy. Take advantage of your kidlessness: This is a tour that only adults can take.

Bon Appetit!

Rides and tours aren’t the only things the Disney parks have to offer. World Showcase, wedged behind Epcot’s Future World, is famous for its variety of restaurants and drinks from different cultures. You can drink or eat “around the world” at any time, but the best time to go to World Showcase is during Epcot’s annual fall Food and Wine Festival. It is exactly as delicious as the name implies and it’s one of the best things for adults to do at Disney World.

Speaking of things that are both delicious and fun, make sure to stop by Trader Sam’s at the Polynesian. Trader Sam’s is a fan-favorite tiki bar that has colorful effects, even more colorful cocktails and tongue-in-cheek references to different Disney attractions in their menu and decor. Jellyrolls, a wickedly fun dueling piano bar at Disney’s BoardWalk, is also not to be missed.

If you’re looking for a more substantial meal, splurge on the Grand Floridian restaurant Victoria & Albert’s. It’s easily the best restaurant on property, with a romantic atmosphere and a AAA Five Diamond Rating. For an extra-special evening, book the chef’s table. You’ll be seated at a table in the kitchen, where the head chef will prepare your unique menu and serve it himself. It is a three-hour, 10-course dining experience you’ll never forget and definitely a must on a list of things to do at Disney World for adults.

And Finally, Some Relaxation

After all that hard work playing, eating and drinking, head on over to one of Disney’s Senses Spas. The full-service spa has a wide variety of treatments and amazing facilities, including a steam room, a hot tub and heated tile recliners. It’s one of the most peaceful things to do at Disney World for adults. Take it from me: I once fell asleep in the relaxation room for two hours.

Senses can be found on property at The Grand Floridian and Saratoga Springs. Some other hotels I would recommend to adults traveling sans younglings are Port Orleans Riverside, the Yacht and Beach Clubs, the Animal Kingdom Lodge and the villas and bungalows at the Polynesian. You can’t really go wrong with choosing a Disney resort, though. You’ll enjoy your time at any of them.

Parting thoughts: The Festival of Fantasy parade will make you believe in magic again. The Frozen sing-a-long show is hilarious, I swear. Soarin’ made me cry. If you can, ride the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train during the fireworks show. And Be Our Guest Restaurant isn’t over-hyped, it’s actually that good.

Have you gone to Disney sans kids? What’s your favorite way to do Disney World for adults?

Plan, book and save on your next Disney vacation with AAA.  

This post was published in 2017 and has been updated. 

Priya Parthasarathy is a busy mom, fitness enthusiast, avid traveler – and a podiatrist. When she travels, she walks, and says Paris is her favorite city to travel by foot.

“I was recently there with my sister in February,” said the American Podiatric Medical Association spokesperson. “We could easily walk from where we stayed in the 17th arrondissement to the Eiffel Tower. We barely used taxis.”

If you’re planning a trip where walking is front and center, Parthasarathy advises making any new shoe purchases two weeks in advance. “It takes seven to 10 days to break in the shoes and ensure they are comfortable, do not cause any blisters and fit your feet,” she said.

Consider the terrain. Paris, Florence and Edinburgh, for instance, all feature plenty of cobblestones. Weather can also play a role. If it will be rainy or cold, make sure your footwear is waterproof or water resistant, maybe with a warm lining. Parthasarathy brought the Blayre III water-resistant boot from UGG on her rainy trip to Paris to keep her feet warm, dry and well-supported.

Also think about your to-do list. If you’re planning to tour the famed Sydney Opera House or the Art Gallery of New South Wales, you’ll want a lightweight walking shoe that rises just above the ankle. Ditto if you’re planning a stroll between beer gardens in Munich, or the stunning Uffizi Gallery in Florence.

If you’re taking on Sydney’s 5K Federation Cliff Walk, or Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, you’ll want a firmer, sturdier hiking boot. “Hiking boots typically rise above the ankle to offer ankle support and reduce the risk of injury,” Parthasarathy said.

And if you’re hitting Sydney’s famed Bondi Beach, you’ll want something easy to slip off.

“The mistake that most people make is purchasing flimsy flip flops for the beach,” said Parthasarathy. “You should look for sandals with more support, ones that do not fold completely in half.” A Birkenstock sandal, she says, is a good option.

Just in case, pack moleskin, adhesive bandages and antibiotic cream for foot first-aid. For sore feet, “ice is always your best friend,” she said. Get in the habit of rolling your tootsies over a frozen water bottle at the end of each walking adventure to get your feet ready for their next steps.

Read more articles about travel-related health topics at AAA.com/LiveWell.

When you visit a place that has blue skies 300 days per year, with Native American heritage and the third most active art market in the country, you’ll be pretty happy. Throw in world-class cuisine, stunning adobe architecture and mountainous national parks, and you’ll be jumping for joy.

Santa Fe, N.M., has this understated “pinch me” appeal, like a small-town vibe with culture galore. Founded by Spanish colonists in 1610, it’s the nation’s oldest state capital. An hour northeast of Albuquerque in the high-altitude desert, it also sits at the intersection of continental and Native American legacies, and its contemporary tribal presence is a vivid reminder of that history.

There are visual reminders, too. The ubiquitous art scene is manifested at Canyon Road, where you can stroll its half-mile of 100 art galleries and restaurants offering a vibrant collision of local art, architecture and food. The Santa Fe Artists Market at the Railyard (March-December) is a smorgasbord of local artists selling handcrafted ceramics, turquoise jewelry, paintings and more, while local Native American artisans have sidewalk stalls at the Palace of the Governors, now the New Mexico History Museum. Sit in the historic downtown Plaza with a coffee and practice your price negotiation technique.

The Museum of International Folk Art, inside the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, features hundreds of mini dioramas in the world’s largest folk art collection. Meanwhile, Meow Wolf ’s hands-on environment is a must for families, blending contemporary pop culture with sci-fi geekdom.

For further adventures, drive an hour to Bandelier National Monument to explore 13th-century pueblo cave dwellings. Only 40 miles west of the city is Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, featuring hiking trails and bird-watching amid the cone-shaped hoodoos and plateaus formed by volcanic eruptions 6 million years ago.

After all this activity, you’ll need sustenance. Since New Mexico is the chile capital of the U.S., its dishes begin and end with this pepper. Whether you order sopapilla, deep-fried dough stuffed with ground meat and cheese, or the posole stew, you must decide, “red, green or Christmas?” referring to the chile sauce you prefer. Visit La Boca for upscale tapas, La Choza for authentic enchiladas smothered in chiles, or El Farol for live flamenco dancing.

Explore new destinations at AAA.com/CityGuide.

If the 1,000-year-old capital of Norway is ranked as having the best quality of life among large European cities, imagine what it’s like to visit? Let’s just answer that right away: It’s spectacular. Though it’s not cheap, its joie de vivre more than makes up for it, plus there’s lots to do, the food is mouth-wateringly diverse, and its people are welcoming.

Sitting on the Scandinavian country’s southern coast at the head of the Oslofjord, Oslo is also growing. Urban amenities like a modern metro system and various additional access points via the Three Rings road make it easier to get around, plus it’s incredibly walkable. Height restrictions on architecture mean the city is not overwhelming in size – rather it’s delightfully approachable and undeniably charming.

Though this city is modernizing, its Viking legacy and traditions remain stalwart components of its contemporary lifestyle. The best way to learn about this history is at the Viking Ship Museum at the Museum of Cultural History, where life-size replicas of Vikings’ speedy rowing ships are on display.

Year round, visitors flock here to appreciate its striking beauty and the chance to see the northern lights, which are exceptional given darkness reigns anywhere from 14 to 18 hours a day from November through March.

This wonderland doesn’t hibernate in the winter, however. Three ski resorts within 45 minutes of the city offer an escape into the snowy mountains, where skiing is lifeblood. Snowboarding, terrain parks, snowshoeing and sledding are a few of the options at Oslo Winter Park, Oslo Ski Center and Sloreasen Ski Slope, which also have accommodations and dining.

For arts and culture, visit the Oslo Opera House, home to the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet. It appears to rise from the banks of the Oslofjord, as its roof sweeps down to the ground encouraging pedestrians to walk up it. Check out Gamla or Rockefeller Music Hall for live music.

Head to the Frogner borough on the west side for a glance at Vigeland installation at Frogner Park, a public art exhibit consisting of sculptures and larger structures created by artist Gustav Vigeland between 1924-1943. Then peruse Bogstadveien, Norway’s longest shopping street, with more than 300 exclusive shops, entertainment and restaurants.

For plant-based sweet treats and coffees that are good for you, stop by Oslo Raw, also in Frogner. Or pop into Oslo Street Food with four different bars and 16 food stands, all in the former Torggata Bad, the largest public bath in the 1920s.

Go exploring at AAA.com/CityGuide.

Winter certainly has its positive attributes, and a snow-covered landscape can be a dazzling sight. But most often, the season’s harsh weather and gray skies are a bleak affair that make us want to retreat to cozier conditions indoors. And after some time, we’re all inclined to come down with a case of cabin fever. So, when the weather begins to turn again, there’s nothing quite like getting outdoors.

These five road trips will take you through some of the most picturesque areas in the country. In spring, they come alive with wildlife, verdant greenery and blankets of vibrantly colored flowers. They are the perfect antidote to kiss the winter blues goodbye.

Washington, D.C.

For the most enjoyable journey to our nation’s capital, try the George Washington Memorial Parkway. This 25-mile roadway was designed for sight-seeing. Not only does it weave through historic sites, it also provides an incredibly scenic route.

Along the way, visit Lady Bird Johnson Park. This green space is an island in the Potomac River located near the Pentagon. Known for her work in promoting and preserving the country’s natural landscape, the island was renamed in honor of the former first lady in 1968. As an ode to Johnson, landscape architects have transformed the park into a floral oasis. Each spring, the park’s thousands of daffodils and hundreds of tulips come back to life to mark the changing of the seasons.

But the pièce de résistance to any spring road trip to Washington is a stop at the Tidal Basin to see the famous cherry blossoms. The cherry blossoms usually bloom between late March and early April. The event is held in such high regard locally, it is celebrated with a three-week National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Texas Hill Country

Speaking of the former first lady, she also worked hard to beautify her native Texas. In doing so, vast stretches of bluebonnets were planted throughout Texas Hill Country. The best way to experience the landscape is by following the Willow City Loop. Located just outside Austin, this 13-mile drive weaves you through the most picturesque stretch of central Texas.

Along the route are meadows bustling with bluebonnets, daisies, sunflowers, Indian paintbrush, firewheels, Mexican poppies and much more. The distinctive landscape is highlighted by a canyon carved by Coal Creek. There is also an abundance of wildlife in the area. While the trip is enjoyable to take any time of the year, visitors should aim to go during wildflower season, which lasts from March to May.

Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive

It won’t take long into your journey to discover why they call the Blue Ridge Parkway “America’s Favorite Drive.” Winding 469 miles in total, the parkway stretches from North Carolina to Virginia running alongside the Appalachian Mountains. Because it weaves through different environments, Blue Ridge is renowned for its expansive biodiversity – the perfect place to catch animals awakening from hibernation and flowers coming into bloom.

When driving north, Blue Ridge Parkway turns into Skyline Drive as you cross I-64 just outside Charlottesville. This 105-mile parkway guides drivers through Shenandoah National Park. In fact, it is the only public roadway in the park. Lining Skyline Drive for miles are rock walls that date back to the 1930s. Along the route are more than 70 overlooks, offering picturesque views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley. Consider these the perfect spots to pull over and stretch your legs.

Acadia National Park

National parks are the country’s prime examples of natural beauty. Rightfully so, they are well represented on this list. As winter thaws away, there may be no national park more ripe for a visit than Maine’s Acadia National Park.

The park’s main thruway is Park Loop Road. Traveling the 27-mile loop is the best way to see the various landscapes of Acadia. However, the roadway doesn’t open for the year until April 15, making spring the perfect time to visit.

The drive takes you past Eagle Lake and Jordan Pond as you head south. Then you can enjoy a coastal cruise as you begin to circle back north. Along the way are overlooks for sightseeing and countless trails if you want to get up close and personal with nature. For truly out-of-this-world views, turn off Park Loop Road onto Cadillac Summit Road. The drive takes you to the top of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the East Coast.

“Multnomah Falls” by josephmccowie is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0 

The Historic Columbia River Highway

The Columbia River Gorge is one of the most spectacular sights in the country. The river carves into the Cascade Mountains, creating a dramatic canyon lined with towering basalt walls. A drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway is the best way to soak up all the natural beauty of the area.

The highway begins in Troutdale, Ore., just outside Portland and skirts the river for 70 miles eastward. Along the way, the road passes one waterfall after another, including Multnomah Falls. At 620 feet, Multnomah is one of the tallest waterfalls in the country. Beginning in late March, wildflowers such as the Columbia kittentail will begin to bloom along the banks and shaded cliffs of the gorge.

For even more Oregon beauty, exit the highway onto Route 35 heading south. An hour drive will get you to Mount Hood. The mountain rises more than 11,000 feet into the air, making it the state’s highest peak.

Planning a road trip of your own? Learn about exclusive Hertz discounts for AAA members.

Famous for its celebration of diversity, Provincetown, Mass., is equally appreciated for its melange of rugged nature, spirited creativity and entrepreneurial zeal. Visitors to Cape Cod’s outermost town will soak up vibes from its Portuguese fishing heritage and art colony roots along with the electricity generated by one-of-a-kind shops, eclectic galleries and some of the area’s fi nest restaurants.

While PTown, as it’s affectionately known, is a popular daytrip destination, to do it justice calls for at least an overnight. The Crowne Point Historic Inn & Spa on a bluff in the West End offers luxurious accommodations and the Shui Spa. Nearby, the gabled Anchor Inn Beach House offers an intimate setting with balconies, fireplaces and direct beach access.

Strolling along the 3-mile stretch of Commercial Street is a movable feast for all senses. Java aficionados tout Kohi Coffee Company, so grab a pour-over and head across the street to Connie’s Bakery & Cafe for a warm-from-the-oven scone, muffin or breakfast sandwich.

After fueling up, head to Marine Specialties, an army-navy surplus shop on steroids that’s jam-packed with items overflowing the shelves and hanging from the rafters.

Art lovers have a wonderful array of galleries from which to choose, including Schoolhouse, Berta Walker, G-1 and Albert Merola. Don’t leave town without a visit to the Provincetown Art Association and Museum, a veritable shrine to its hometown, the longest running art colony in America.

Keep lunch casual at The Canteen, with seating inside, on the street and in the backyard near the beach. Along with lobster rolls and chowder, we hear the cod banh mi, pulled pork tacos and crispy Brussels sprouts in fish sauce are especially good.

Time to stretch your legs again? There are over 30 miles of beach in Provincetown, all part of the Cape Cod National Seashore. Herring Cove scores points over Race Point for its calmer and warmer water; in the spring you can see whales breach. In the off-season, a walk through Beech Forest is a must. Both Herring Cove and Race Point are accessible by shuttle bus, bicycle or foot. If you have time, take a whale watch offered by the Center for Coastal Studies.

Go a little upscale for dinner at stylish Joon Bar and Kitchen for innovative small plates and entrees like duck confit with carrot-ginger puree and a crispy lentil cake. Or try local favorite Mac’s Fish House for fresh fare from the sea.

Check out more great locations at AAA.com/NortheastExplorer.

Art Immersion

Visitors can take a deep dive – literally – into some of the greatest works of art at the world’s largest digital art center in Bordeaux, France. Les Bassins de Lumieres opens in a former submarine base April 17, with a shimmering exhibit devoted to the works of Gustav Klimt and Paul Klee. The works are projected onto the walls and pools of water in the four basins, creating shape-shifting illusions saturated with color. The museum is the 14th such site from Culturespaces, a private curator of museums, monuments and art centers located mostly in France.

Power to the People

Looking for a way to charge all your devices on the road? I just returned from a week in Canada with all the gadgets (my iPhone and MacBook) and didn’t lose a second of connectivity thanks to my nifty Anker PowerCore 10000. It’s about the size of a deck of cards (just the right size to stick inside a tote or carry-on), can charge an iPhone 3.5 times and lasts forever. And at only $26.99, it’s a no-brainer for your next jaunt. — Dana Laverty

Bridging the Gap

Celebrity Cruises is celebrating International Women’s Day in shipshape fashion: with an all-female bridge and officer team at the helm of the Celebrity Edge. The vessel leaves Fort Lauderdale, Fla., March 8 for a seven-night cruise of the Eastern Caribbean. Guests will enjoy networking events, a speakers’ series, film screenings and more. The ship’s captain, Kate McCue, was the first U.S. female cruise ship captain.

For more #trending, visit AAA.com/Trending.

Working vacations are like lunch meetings — you can’t enjoy your spinach salad because you’re in the middle of a meeting, and you can’t focus on the meeting because you’re worried about having spinach stuck in your teeth. Balancing business with pleasure is never simple.

Thanks to technology, it’s easier than ever to continue business as usual wherever you are, making work always accessible – and inescapable. Whether you travel frequently for work or have a job that requires you to always be “on,” even during personal time off, a fully unplugged trip is not always possible.

“A lot of people I see feel anxious about taking vacations because it means unmet deadlines, paperwork piling up on their desk and maybe an irritated employer when they return,” says psychotherapist Matt Lundquist, founder of Tribeca Therapy in New York. “The vacation turns into an obligation to have a great time and to not fall behind at work. There is just no chance of succeeding that way.”

However, when done correctly, Lundquist says both can be achieved.

The three biggest workation challenges are generally failure to set expectations with travel partners beforehand, not striking a good balance of work and recreation and struggling to work in a new environment. “It can seem romantic to sit at a cafe overlooking the Danube while you work, but it can be difficult to feel at home in your thoughts when things seem so different outside,” Lundquist said.

Discuss with your travel partner in advance what your expectations are for the trip before you go. Let everyone know that you need to get some work done, and what your schedule will be each day.

To that end, try to set a schedule and keep it. “If you normally work in the mornings, work in the mornings on the trip and set a hard exit time when you need to close your computer or get off the phone,” Lundquist said. “This can be a tricky thing to do when your schedule is unusual, as it often is when traveling, but carving out a set time to begin and end will allow you to not let an hour or two of work creep into a full day spent sitting behind a desk.”

Finally, consider bringing some familiar work elements along with you to help improve your work focus. “It seems silly,” Lundquist said, “but if you normally use a mouse rather than a trackpad or if you take notes on a certain kind of notepad, bringing those things on your trip can be a big help to your productivity.”

Read more articles about travel-related health topics at AAA.com/LiveWell.

Ireland has always been a destination out of a dream, thanks to its pastoral landscapes, emerald green hues and a history that dates back thousands of years. The Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Dublin and Belfast draw in hundreds of thousands of tourists each year.

But what about the middle bits that aren’t so well-known? Fortunately, storytelling is what the Irish do very well, and there’s no better place to hear those tales than the road less traveled – through Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.

Dining Discoveries

Ireland’s fertile farmland is vast and plenty, but County Meath is where you’ll find Sheridans Cheesemongers. Founded in 1995 by brothers Kevin and Seamus Sheridan, the company began when the duo started selling Irish farmhouse cheeses at a Galway market. The Cashel Blue is a standout while the Gortnamona goat cheese is sweet and tangy, the perfect creamy choice to pair with homemade brown bread crackers and chutneys.

For a world-class dining experience, look no further than the award-winning MacNean House and Restaurant, which houses a chef’s table experience within a cookery school.

“People like knowing where food comes from. I love the whole subject of food … it’s the love of my craft,” said chef Neven Maguire of his love of cooking, which is evident in the customized and delectable chef’s table menu that could include a warm ham hock terrine with apple sorbet, seared sea scallops with maple glazed pork belly and a sweet strawberry dessert plate to tuck into.

The Irish gin industry is booming, and one can’t leave Ireland without a glass or two. The town of Drumshanbo is famous for its Gunpowder Irish Gin, made of eight botanicals and gunpowder tea, while The Boatyard Distillery in Enniskillen produces a Double Gin and sweeter-style Old Tom Gin in a lakeside setting.

Of the Beaten Track

Embrace the beauty of lake life at Lough Key Forest and Activity Park in County Roscommon. Explore the lake on a one-hour aquatic adventure, passing by Teddy Bear Island, where dozens of stuffed animals line the waterways, and McDermott’s Castle. Glide through nature with a 30-minute Segway tour or see Lough Key from above by meandering through the trees on the self-guided tree canopy walk.

Up for some science? Head over to Cavan Burren Geopark for glacial erratics, Mesolithic rock formations and Neolithic tombs. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its exceptional geological history, a hike through these trails is a must. Add a bike ride along the River Shannon in Drumshanbo or a kayak run around Cloughoughter Castle in County Cavan and you’ll have all your recreational bases covered.

History & Heritage

Ireland has had its fair share of dark times. None more famous perhaps than The Great Famine, a period of starvation and disease. A visit to 270-year-old Strokestown Park House in County Roscommon, home to the National Famine Museum, will be a heart-wrenching one as visitors learn about the famine and those who suffered a fatal journey in hopes of finding food.

You’ll find no greater history lesson on ancient Ireland than at the visitors center in Rathcroghan, the largest and oldest royal site in Ireland. The museum educates visitors on the 240 well-preserved archeological and burial sites of the Celtic land. Hear Irish mythology tales about Queen Medb, a warrior goddess; the Cattle Raid of Cooley (Tain Bo Cuailnge); and learn about the great cemetery of the long forgotten dead and dare to enter the Cave of Cats (Oweynagat), where evil spirits, faeries and magic are said to hide.

Discover for yourself the beauty of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands at AAA.com/Travel.

We all have our favorite television characters, but every once in a while, it’s their mode of transport that becomes most memorable. Whether it be for their flash or their uniqueness, a few cars have made an indelible impression over the past few decades. In no particular order, here are our favorite television cars.

The Footmobile

“The Flintstones”

The Flintstones may have lived during in the stone age, but they were light-years ahead of their time. Before cycling classes became en vogue, Fred & Co. were getting their workouts in while getting where they needed to go.

The footmobile was a car from a much simpler time. It existed solely for its function: transportation. All of the niceties we know today were nonexistent (an engine, a windshield, etc.), but that never got in the way of the prehistoric pedaling.

(Photo: “The Munsters” by twm1340 / CC BY-SA 2.0)

The Munster Koach / DRAG-U-LA

“The Munsters”

It’s only fitting that the Munsters, a family with a Frankenstein’s monster-like patriarch, drove a Frankenstein’s monster-like vehicle. Constructed by famed car builder George Barris in just 21 days, the Koach was made from three Ford Model T bodies, totaling 18 feet in length. It was powered by a 289 Ford Cobra engine from a 1966 Mustang GT. The 133-inch-long frame, brass radiator and fenders were all made by hand. Some of the eerie aesthetics that made the Munsters feel at home driving the Koach were the gloss black pearl paint and blood red velvet interior.

And let us not forget grandpa Munster’s drag-racing car, DRAG-U-LA. The body of the vehicle was built out of a real fiberglass coffin. It had a 350-horsepower Ford engine and the hubcaps were decorated with large silver spiders for good measure.

The Partridge Family Bus

“The Partridge Family”

It’s probably only proper that musical group consisting of school-aged children would forego the traditional rock band tour bus and instead travel around the country in a school bus. Although the bus – a 1957 Chevrolet Series 6800 Superior – certainly did earn some cool points its with a Modrian-inspired paint job.

The Beverly Hillbillies Jalopy / Hot Rod

“The Beverly Hillbillies”

The sight of the recently well-to-do Clampett family cruising into Beverly Hills in its old jalopy is one of television’s most iconic images. The truck was another George Barris creation. The builder stumbled upon a 1921 Oldsmobile Model 43-A touring car. Age and neglect had left it rusted and weathered, which made it perfectly suited for the Hillbillies.

One of the original cars now resides in the Ralph Foster Museum at the College of the Ozarks. It was a bicentennial gift from the show’s producer, Paul Henning, who grew up in the area.

A few years into the show, Barris was charged with creating another truck when the family finally decided to upgrade their ride. That vehicle, which turned out to be a hot rod, was based on a 1925 Oldsmobile roadster with a 1969 Oldsmobile 442 engine and other modern components.

The Mystery Machine

“Scooby Doo, Where are You!”

It’s a well-known fact that every team of crime stoppers needs a tricked-out van in order to fulfill their crime-stopping destinies. Scooby and friends were certainly no exception. The group opted for a psychedelic, flower-power aesthetic. We presume the good vibes acted as a buffer to ward off any ghosts and ghouls haunting the town.

(Photo: “1983 GMC G-Series panel van – A Team” by sv1ambo / CC BY 2.0)

The A-Team Van

“The A-Team”

The only thing scarier than facing down Mr. T was having the A-Team’s jet-black van in your rear-view mirror. The gang needed a vehicle large enough to hold all four team members plus whatever gadgets/cargo they needed for their particular mission. The car used in the show was a 1983 GMC Vandura. (In early episodes, the GMC nameplate was visible on the car’s grille. Beginning in season two, it was blacked out). The van was modified with a red racing stripe, roof spoiler and red wheels to make it all the more intimidating. Mission accomplished.

Optimus Prime

“The Transformers”

One of the few shows where the cars are the main characters. We could pick any of these shape-shifting autobots but we’ll go with team captain Optimus Prime cause we’re admittedly suckers for a red-and-blue color scheme.

K.I.T.T.

“Knight Rider”

No list of the top television cars would be complete without Knight Industries Two Thousand (a.k.a. K.I.T.T.). The crime-fighting vehicle was literally a character in and of itself (it helped that he could comprehend information and communicate with humans.) Actor William Daniels – best known as Mr. Feeney in “Boy Meets World” – was the voice of K.I.T.T.

The actual car used during production was a modified 1982 black Pontiac Trans Am. During the original run of the show in the 1980s, Trans Am owners could buy special aftermarket kits and add K.I.T.T.’s red “scanner eye” to their own vehicles.

The Bluth Company Stair Car

“Arrested Development”

The stair car was a microcosm of the Bluth family’s fall from grace. Unable to afford the company jet, they were stuck with the remains of what once was. Of course, the stair car was completely impractical for use on the roadways as it was nearly impossible to drive and resulted in a lot of hop-ons. Although the stair car seems like it was uniquely constructed from the ground up, it was built upon a Ford F-350.

Fun Fact: The stair car made a cameo in the background of a scene in 2016’s “Captain America: Civil War.” Anthony and Joe Russo directed both the film and multiple episodes of “Arrested Development.”

Looking for the Batmobile? We know it appeared on television, but thought it became more of a movie vehicle over the years so it’s on our list of the best silver-screen cars.

(Video: Courtesy of Hagerty)

The Monkeemobile

“The Monkees”

The Partridges weren’t the only musical act that needed a new set of wheels. But the Monkees opted for a slightly different aesthetic. Acclaimed customizer Dean Jeffries built the Monkeemobile using a pair of 1966 Pontiac GTO convertibles. Some of the more interesting features were a split two-piece windshield, a touring car convertible top, exaggerated tail lamps, bucket seats and an extra third row bench where the trunk originally was.

The Striped Tomato

“Starsky and Hutch”

A bright-red muscle car is always bold choice, particularly so if you’re two undercover cops trying to avoid suspicion. But the ’70s were a different time. The Striped Tomato, as it became affectionately known, was a 1975 Ford Gran Torino outfitted with distinctive white stripes running along the sides. Several Gran Torinos were used during the show’s four-year run. Eventually, Ford produced roughly 1,300 replicas for sale to the public.

1972 Ferrari Daytona Spyder Replica / 1986 Ferrari Testarossa

“Miami Vice”

In the early seasons of Miami Vice, Don Johnson’s character of Sonny Crockett drives a black Ferrari Daytona Spyder in order to fit the part of the high-stakes Miami crime world he was investigating undercover. Except it wasn’t a real Ferrari. The Italian automaker declined to provide the show with any of its cars. Instead, the production team built replicas by essentially putting Ferrari fiberglass body panels on a Chevy Corvette chassis.

Ferrari was not too pleased by this and even threatened to sue the show. Instead, the company offered to provide two Ferrari Testarossas if “Miami Vice” agreed to get rid of the faux Spyder. The sparkling-white Testarossa made it debut in season three.

Black Beauty

“The Green Hornet”

Dean Jeffries, the aforementioned man behind the Monkeemobile, was also tasked with creating the Black Beauty. He did so using a 1966 Chrysler Imperial. The car was outfitted with all the requisite needs of a crime-fighting duo: a knock-out gas gun, two functional rockets and a small flying surveillance device.

The main on-screen car from the show is currently on exhibit at the Petersen Automotive Museum.

Mach Five

“Speed Racer”

Speed Racer’s signature car was designed and built by his father, Pops Racer. This isn’t your traditional racing machine. The car’s steering wheel hub features seven buttons, lettered A-G. Each button activates a customized accessory, such as Frogger Mode, which supplies the cockpit with oxygen and raises a periscope should Mach Five ever go underwater.

Ferrari 308 GTS

“Magnum, P.I.”

In case Thomas Magnum’s life wasn’t enviable enough, he also drove the world’s coolest Ferrari. Three different model years were used throughout the show’s eight-year run. A 1984 version driven by Tom Selleck sold for $181,500 in 2017

What’s your favorite television car? Did we miss any great ones? Let us know in the comments below!

Do you have your own collector car? Protect it with insurance from AAA and Hagerty. 

Taxicab driver. Bootlegger. NASCAR racer. If there’s one thing to know about Wendell Oliver Scott, it’s that he was born to drive.

Scott was born in Danville, Va., in 1921. He learned about cars at a young age from his auto-mechanic father. His first job was as a taxi driver. Later he began running moonshine whiskey, which required him to drive fast in order to evade the police.

According to the online reference center BlackPast.org, Danville’s racing scene was struggling with attendance at the time. To drum up support, owners attempted to recruit an African-American driver. They asked the local police who the fastest driver in town was. The answer was obvious.

In 1952, Scott became the first African-American to compete in an official stock car race. He would go on to win 120 races in lower divisions, all while continually being denied entry into the NASCAR circuit because of his race.

Then, in 1961, Scott took over the auto racing license of white NASCAR driver Mike Poston. He was officially a member of NASCAR’s top-level Grand National circuit, becoming the first African-American to do so. His debut race took place on March 4 at Piedmont Interstate Fairgrounds in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Scott would go on to make 23 starts during his rookie year, collecting five top-five finishes.

Just two years later, on Dec. 1, 1963, Scott became the first African-American to win a NASCAR premier series event when he won a 100-mile race at Speedway Park in Jacksonville, Fla. After more than a decade of competing in NASCAR, Scott was injured in a race at Talladega, Ala., in 1973 and forced to retire shortly afterward.

By the time he walked away from professional racing, Scott had accumulated 20 top-five finishes and 147 top-10 finishes. According to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, his 495 starts rank 32^nd on the all-time list.

In 1977, Scott’s life story was turned into the feature film “Greased Lightning” with Richard Pryor starring as the iconic race car driver.

Scott passed away in 1990. It would be another 23 years before a second African American won a NASCAR race, when Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr. took first at a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event at Martinsville Speedway in 2013, a full half-century after Scott accomplished the feat.

Wendell Oliver Scott was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2015.

In the summer, Newport’s beaches (and restaurants, and streets, and parking spots) are full of sun-seekers on holiday. While there is an undeniable pleasure in sipping an al fresco cocktail by the shore in the City by the Sea, there’s also a lot to be said for an off-season visit. The prices drop, the long wait-times drop and the scenery is just as beautiful, even if you’re wearing a few extra layers.

Here’s how to spend a winter weekend in Newport, R.I.

The Ultimate New England Winter Festival

With 150 events spanning 10 days, Newport’s Winter Festival has a lot of good reasons to call itself the biggest cold-weather celebration in New England. The festival is happening Feb. 13-23 this year, and includes outdoor ice bars at Hotel Viking and Gurney’s Resort, chili and mac and cheese cook-offs, live ice sculpting demonstrations and a hot drink competition at The Red Parrot.

For kids, there’s a teddy bear tea, a princess party and fun performances like a mad science show and “BubbleMania.” That’s on top of live music or comedy shows nearly every day.

One of the festival’s most memorable events is Beach Polo, which happens on Feb. 22-23, when the Newport Polo team plays a friendly match on Second Beach.

Sweater Weather Comfort Food

While the Winter Festival is happening, another citywide event is also taking place: the Newport Burger Bender. Restaurants around Newport have created nearly 40 specialty burgers, in both meat and vegan varieties, to compete for diners’ votes and win the taste-off. Diners that vote are entered to win restaurant gift cards.

Some of the crave-worthy contenders: The Homer Burger, from Brix Restaurant, made with house bacon, sharp cheddar and a fried egg on two glazed doughnuts; or a Big Mac-inspired “Impossible Mac” from La Forge Casino Restaurant, made with plant-based burgers and secret sauce, stacked on a triple-decker sesame bun.

Gliding Through Winter

While a common instinct in the coldest months is to stay warm by any means possible, Gurney’s Resort, on Goat Island, gives guests some good reasons to get chilly. Through the end of February (and beyond, weather permitting) the hotel is offering outdoor ice skating daily on its waterfront rink.

To warm up afterward, Gurney’s has heated outdoor igloos that can hold up to six people, where you can have apres-skate snacks and drinks. Each igloo has a different theme, from Harry Potter to Tropical Oasis, with decorations and activities inside.

Don’t miss the goats, William and Cornelius, who live in a replica Newport Mansion on the property. If you catch them on a cold enough day, they might even be wearing their sweaters.

A Spirited Season

There’s another way to warm up in winter: with a tipple to take the chill out of your bones. Newport has several nearby wineries, distilleries and breweries, and many of them are having events in February.

Newport Vineyards is hosting its 24th annual WINEterfest on Feb. 15-16, where there will be grape-stomping competitions and an ice wine bar. Newport Craft, which brews Newport Storm beer and distills liquors like the pirate-inspired Thomas Tew Rum, is hosting events all month long. Feb. 14-16 is a Girl Scout Cookie and Beer Pairing Weekend, and Feb. 21-23 is a Cheese & Beer Pairing Weekend. In between, there are tastings of barrel-aged beers and straight-from-the-barrel spirits. As always, remember to enjoy responsibly and always designate a sober driver.

Where to Stay

The beauty of Newport in the off-season is that cost-prohibitive prices become perfectly affordable. Case in point: the Four Diamond Vanderbilt Auberge Resorts Collection, which offers s’mores by the fireplace and outdoor fire pits, along with a spa and indoor pool.

The same with The Chanler at Cliff Walk, another Four Diamond hotel directly on First Beach. Named the most romantic hotel in America by Conde Nast Traveler, the property features villas with private hot tubs and saunas.

The Four Diamond Newport Marriott, with several restaurants and bars inside, is a total steal this time of year.

What are some of your favorite things to do in Newport, R.I., in the offseason? Share in the comments.

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