At the turn of another year, it’s time to ask yourself, “How did I do on my savings goals?”

Creating a budget is just one piece of the pie. In order to successfully understand and manage your finances, the next step is to review your annual spending habits to see how well you stuck to your plan – or how far you’ve strayed – and make any changes needed.

If you’ve been keeping track of your expenses, good for you! If you haven’t, this is a perfect opportunity to start the groundwork for next year.

Budgeting Throughout the Year

Your budget is the path to a successful savings plan, and it can help you meet your financial goals. Do you want to lower your debt? Make a down payment on a house? Save up for a comfortable retirement? Establishing a clear budget goal can help you do just that.

To start setting up your savings plan, figure out your net income – not your gross income, since you’re not taking all of that home anyway. Your net income is what you bring home after expenses like taxes, health insurance and your 401(k) contribution. Then you get to measure out all your other expenses.

Fixed expenses are expenses like rent, mortgage, insurance, car payments, debt, groceries and the like. Variable expenses are expenses like vacations, entertainment, dining out and other costs that vary from month to month.

You can also split your budget into the 50/20/30 rule, which divides 50% into essentials (mostly fixed expenses), 20% into savings and 30% into non-essential spending (mostly variable expenses). Non-essential spending is easier to trim from your budget.

Sticking to It

Sticking to your budget is about balancing your wants against your needs, so you should try to cut down on impulse spending. Make compromises, but don’t live like a monk either. If you start to feel deprived, it can increase the chances of abandoning your budget altogether – and you don’t want to do that! Pad your budget with a little bit of fluff to allow for the occasional reward or indulgence. Saving money isn’t supposed to make you feel miserable. It’s supposed to put you in control of your financial life.

A great way to start budgeting is simply to track what you’re already spending money on. Bank account statements can help you track your spending, but you can also write down your expenses, or track them using a budgeting app. Many people even use Microsoft Excel sheets to log the way their money moves. Having this record of your spending habits and needs can be very helpful when you’re looking back on your budget at the end of the year. It’s not only how you hoped to spend your money – it’s a record of how you actually spent it.

Budgeting and Debt

You should do your best to get rid of debt, but it’s easier said than done. Things like credit card debt, student loans and other overdue payments can pile up fast. That’s why it can sometimes be helpful to pay off your debt before building your savings. Since debt can build up in interest, getting rid of your debt as soon as possible can help you to save more money in the long run.

Meeting Your Goals

What are your financial goals? Are you thinking about your budget in the long term or the short term? Short term goals can be things like paying off loans, a new car, a vacation, a rainy day fund or home improvements. Long-term goals can consist of building a college fund for a loved one, buying a house or saving up for retirement. You can save for multiple reasons at once, but you need to have an idea of what your goals look like so that you can properly plan for them.

Tools, budgeting calendars and financial plans can also help you meet your goals. There is a plethora of financial apps out there, for instance – from apps that can help you track your spending to apps that can store away all your spare change. Banks and company’s like AAA offer savings products with added benefits like high yields designed to help you grow and effectively manage your assets. You don’t have to do everything on your own – there’s probably a tool or program out there that can help you.

Budget vs. Spending

At the end of the year, after you’ve made your budget and tracked all of your spending, you can finally look back on how well you met your annual savings goals. Compare and contrast how you did versus how you expected to do.

Evaluating your spending habits across different times of year can provide a clearer picture of the habits you need to change (or even hang onto). The difference between your annual spending and your annual budget can provide a accurate depiction of your financial habits.

Add up your total expenses to see what your lifestyle costs you. Evaluate where you are spending the most, as well as the areas in which you went over your budget. Then you can adjust your budget or lifestyle accordingly. Maybe you need to allocate a larger budget for these items, or maybe you need to minimize the amount you’re spending on them. Let’s say you spend too much money on entertainment. You could decide that it’s important to you to go to live events and make concessions elsewhere, or you could choose different, less expensive events to spend your money on.

Revisiting and evaluating your budget will help you figure out your weak points and build a stronger budget for the following year.

While finances are on our minds year-round and there are certain tasks to tackle throughout the year, many important financial deadlines arrive on December 31.

There’s no time like the present to review your assets. Regardless of where you are in your career, several money moves you make today can set you up for greater success.

The following suggestions are meant to be educational. Everyone’s financial situation is unique and any decisions should be tailored to your individual needs.

Evaluate Goals and Progress

You certainly don’t need to wait until the end of the year to do this, but it’s a good time to sit down and reevaluate your financial goals and where you are in reaching them.

There is a plethora of questions to ask yourself, all unique to your circumstances. Are you saving enough for retirement? Are you anticipating any major life changes (i.e. a new house, new job, relocation, marriage, etc.)? How well did you do this year financially? Did you save enough? Did you budget properly?

Figure out where you see your life going in the next few years and if you’re on the right track to get there. And if not, what adjustments can help you to catch up.

Add to Retirement Savings

Even if you contribute to your workplace retirement plan with every paycheck, you may want to contribute more in order to get to, or as close to, the max before Dec. 31. For 2019, the contribution limit for employees was raised from $18,500 to $19,000.

Putting as much money into your retirement serves two purposes. First, it means securing more money for your long-term future. Second, the increased funds taken out of your paycheck will reduce your taxable earned income, which could potentially save you thousands of dollars in taxes.

This works only if you have a regular 401(k), since contributions to that type of account are pre-tax. If you contribute to a Roth 401(k), you won’t get the tax break now, but you may still want to add to it so more money can grow and be withdrawn tax-free.

Consider Converting to Roth IRA

Depending on your short-term needs, converting any pretax retirement accounts to a Roth IRA may be a good idea. Roth funds get taxed now but not when they are withdrawn in retirement. Your current take-home pay will take a marginal hit. But if you can afford it, converting to a Roth IRA is the most tax-efficient in the long run.

Conversion is also a good idea if your taxable income is lower this year than usual, maybe from a gap of employment. If this is the case, you may be brought down to a lower tax rate. That means you’ll pay less taxes on any Roth IRA funds then you would have in a normal year.

The deadline for converting is Dec. 31.

Check for Better Interest Rates

Some top-yielding savings accounts have a much higher interest rate than the average savings account. You may also want to consider a certificate of deposit in order to get an even higher return. A CD works similarly to a savings account in that you put money into a bank, and it grows with interest. However, as opposed to a savings account, you cannot take the money out until the term length is completed without acquiring a penalty. The tradeoff is that CDs offer higher interest rates.

Make Preventative Health Care Appointments

If your health insurance plan comes with a deductible that you’ve already surpassed this calendar year, it would be a good idea to pencil in any preventive medical tests and doctor visits.

This is especially true if you have a high deductible that you may not meet each year. If any of those procedures could be done now, you’ll save money by having insurance cover it this year, rather than paying for all or most of it next year when your deductible resets.

Spend Your Flexible Savings Account Money

Unless your company allows for a grace period or rollover option, you will need to use the money in your flexible savings account by Dec. 31 or you will lose it. You can use these dollars on countless items including contact lenses and solutions, first-aid kits, pregnancy tests and many more.

Consider Donating to Charity

Aside from the obvious philanthropic aspect, if you itemize your taxes, charitable giving can be beneficial by reducing your tax bill. All donations must be made by Dec. 31.  If you pay a monetary gift by credit card before the end of the year, it will count for said year, even if you pay the bill after December 31.

Update Beneficiaries

Even if you haven’t experienced a major life change this year, it’s always a good idea to double check the beneficiaries listed on your retirement, savings and insurance accounts. Make sure the beneficiaries align with your estate documents. Many people assume their will overrides all other beneficiary designations. This is not the case. The person listed as the beneficiary on each account will get ownership, regardless of what your will says.

Take Your Required Minimum Distributions

Once you reach age 70½, you must withdraw your required minimum distributions each year. If you do not, the IRS can levy a 50% tax penalty on the amount not taken by the deadline. You do not need to wait until December of each year to take your RMD. Instead, calculate your RMD for the year, then decide how much you’d like to take at predetermined intervals throughout the year.

Review and Plan

Looking back on how you spent your money this year can help you make any changes for the following year and create a proper budget. Maybe you need better mechanisms, such as a separate savings account. Maybe you’re spending too much on your cellphone provider and you should look for another one with a lower cost. A good budgeting app can also help you create, and stick to, your budget.

Diamond Designation: Three Diamond (Trendy food skillfully presented in a remarkable setting.) Learn more about AAA Diamonds.

Address: 150 West 57 Street, New York, N.Y.

Signature Dish: Beef Stroganoff

Get a taste for the high life at the Russian Tea Room. Known for its opulent modernist decor, it lends itself perfectly to date nights, celebratory dinners, pre- or post-theater dining and of course, afternoon tea.

Founded by former Russian Imperial Ballet members in 1927, the iconic main dining room is sure to impress. Over-the-top in the best way, its gold leaf ceilings are offset by deep green walls gilded with firebirds, a gallery of paintings, red leather banquettes and samovars (Russian tea urns). It’s exactly where you might picture yourself with a tier of petits fours and tea, or if you’re really feeling fancy, Champagne and caviar.

Beef stroganoff has been on almost every Tea Room menu over the years in various forms. Today, it is prepared with tender beef short ribs, slow-braised in red wine and herbs and served over noodles with a creamy black truffle and mushroom sauce.

While you’ll find the stroganoff offered among a selection of continental-Russian fare on the lunch and dinner menus, high tea is also offered daily, featuring a variety of sandwiches and blinis, scones and small cakes. Children’s, vegetarian and gluten-free tea options are also available. Other indulgences include a selection of dozens of vodkas; order a flight to sample several kinds.

Located right next door to Carnegie Hall, The Russian Tea Room has hosted countless actors, politicians and other celebrities and dignitaries over the years. It’s not hard to imagine the days when Salvador Dali would sweep through its doors and into a booth. Dustin Hoffman filmed a scene for the movie “Tootsie” here, and before she was a Material Girl, Madonna worked as a coat check.

The floors above the main dining room are home to lavish private event venues that anyone would be lucky to catch a glimpse of, like the second floor Bear Lounge, where the showpieces include a golden tree of illuminated Fabergé-inspired Venetian glass eggs and a 15-foot revolving bear-shaped aquarium.

Although you can certainly splurge here if you want, for New York City dining, it’s not as expensive as it looks. The pre- and post-theater menu will get you two courses for $45 per person.

For more AAA-approved signature dishes, visit AAA.com/DiamondDish

The hustle and bustle of NYC is exciting and full of energy. But sometimes with that energy comes the need to escape from the chaos.

The High Line, a 1.5-mile linear park built on an elevated freight line on Manhattan’s West Side, is the perfect spot. It’s scattered with greenery and gardens, art, performances and plenty of spots to sit and people-watch. Plus, there are tons of places to grab a drink or a bite to eat when you get peckish.

Entrances to the High Line

There are many ways to enter the park, which is completely wheelchair-accessible. Visit thehighline.org for a map.

On the High Line

Stop and explore the beautiful landscapes and art exhibits along the path.

The 14th Street Passage

Head to this partially closed passage at dusk to discover videos, curated series, new productions and more through the High Line’s Channel 14 program.

Diller – von Furstenberg Sundeck & Water Feature

Cool off and splash your feet in the water path where water used to accrue on its own back when the High Line was still an unused freight rail. You’ll find it between 14^th and 15^th streets.

Philip A. and Lisa Maria Falcone Flyover

Covered in giant leaf magnolia, towering trees and beautiful plants, this garden zone was designed to bring you face-to-face with the treetops and nature in all its glory. It’s between 25^th and 27^th streets.

Art

Every year, the leadership of the High Line commissions new works from artists. The artwork typically stays up for a year. Check out what’s currently on view.

Food and Drink

In the warm-weather months, you’ll find a bevy of food options along the High Line. These are just few worth seeking out.

Hearth on the High Line

The open cafe and wine bar with stunning views of the skyline and the Hudson River has a fantastic selection of beer and wines to complement the small-plates menu.

Doughnuttery

Follow your nose to these hot and fresh mini doughnuts!

La Newyorkina

A frozen treat to cool yourself off during a sweltering New York summer day is a must! Check out the frozen paletas (Mexican ice pops) in a range of beautiful colors and tasty flavors.

Near the High Line

Explore Chelsea Market

A must-hit location for foodies, there are countless vendors, artists, and vintage antiques for you to discover at Chelsea Market.

Visit the Whitney Museum of American Art

Pan through nearly 63,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space filled with 20th-century and contemporary American art, with special attention paid to living artists.

Where to Stay

Executive Hotel Le Soleil

This AAA Four Diamond Designated hotel at 38 W. 36th St. is filled with colorful rooms and chic bathrooms perfect for relaxing after a day discovering the High Line. You’ll also be right in the action near Macy’s, midtown businesses and Fifth Avenue.

Dream Downtown

Close to quaint local shops, cafes and restaurants, you’ll find this stylish Four Diamond Designated hotel at 355 W. 16th St. The boutique loft rooms with round windows and unique decor match the charismatic neighborhood. Enjoy a cocktail on the rooftop nightclub or relax by the pool in a luxurious cabana.

Save with AAA! When planning your trip to NYC, make sure to take advantage of savings on local attractions, tours, activities and shows with AAA Tickets.

What’s your favorite thing to do when you visit the High Line? Share it with us in the comments. 

We’re working on a story about places that don’t exist anymore, and we need your help.

Did you have a favorite restaurant, or chain of restaurants, that closed its doors? What about a beloved brick-and-mortar retail store that’s no more? Or maybe you had a favorite venue, arena or drive-in movie theater that’s gone to seed?

We’d love to hear your memories. Let us know in the comments below and we may just profile your favorite now-defunct places in an upcoming article.

AAA Northeast spirit shined bright in July as the region’s top 10 battery technicians competed against each other at a Battery Service Skills Challenge in Providence, R.I.

The three finalists, Joe Charbonneau, John Tart and Michelle Glifort, went on to match their battery mastery against AAA technicians from across the nation for a grand prize at the National Championship in Washington, D.C. in October.

The three technicians represented AAA Northeast after beating out over 600 regional competitors. After placing first at the preliminary event, Charbonneau went on to place fourth at the National Championship.

Greg LeFort, battery program manager at AAA Northeast, traveled to all of the regional events in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island and was impressed by what he saw.

“I thought all three techs had a great chance to place in the top three in Washington,” said LeFort.

Each contest was judged based on the battery replacement, testing time and how well the technician interacts with and explains the battery program to the member. This year, AAA Northeast introduced a new tester, B2Q, which dramatically improved the test time and accuracy of the diagnosis.

LeFort had added confidence in Michelle Gilfort, who participated in the national championship last year. While she didn’t place in the top three nationally, Gilfort said she was grateful for the opportunity and is happy to have a job she enjoys so much.

“Last year was a lot of fun,” she said. “It was definitely nerve-wracking, but the energy was great. There’s nothing better than getting together and realizing we’re all here for the same reason. We like what we do, which is helping people.”

Gilfort has been a Roadside Technician in the Bridgeport, Conn., fleet for three years, covering areas from North Haven to Roxbury. Like Gilfort, Charbonneau knew the competition was a chance to prove his skills on the national stage.

“I’ve never accomplished anything like this in my entire life,” he said. “There’s parts of me that could cry right now because I’ve never had an opportunity to prove to myself that I can do this.”

The three technicians received additional training on a weekly basis prior to the two-day event in October.

“When you get to the national event, most people are going to ace the score sheet, and it’s going to come down to the battery replacement,” LeFort said. “I just wanted them to enjoy themselves and do the best they can. Just getting there is a phenomenal accomplishment.”

There’s no better place to be than New York at Christmas. Sure, the streets are even more crowded, choked with tourists and pedestrians and sightseers from Westchester. It’s freezing, too. Everyone is bundled up tight, shuffling through crowds like a herd of marshmallow people.

Yet still, Christmas is when New York has reached its peak, when it cannot possibly be New Yorkier. The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree goes up. Wollman Rink is opened and immediately flooded with showoffs who actually know how to skate. The windows at Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman’s are decorated; the Winter Village in Bryant Park is opened. Yet, all these things pale in comparison to the crown jewel of New York at Christmastime: The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes.

I had the good fortune of attending the opening night of the Christmas Spectacular, and it was all I could have ever dreamed of.

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular has been running every Christmas season since 1933, helmed by the world-famous precision dancing troupe, the Rockettes. The Rockettes are not only dancers; they are athletes, dripping in sweat and grease paint. From the audience, though, you don’t see sweat. All you see is sparkle.

“It’s incredible,” says Rockette Alicia Newcom, “To be dancing and look around and see that we’re all moving as one.”

When we spoke, Newcom was performing in her second season as a Rockette. Talking about the show, she was bubbly and effervescent.

“Two of my [dance] teachers growing up were actually Rockettes, so it’s something I’ve always dreamed of doing,” she says. “I love performing in front of people, especially being part of this production. People come here to make time for joy.”

Like many Christmas mainstays, one of the joys of the Christmas Spectacular is its sense of history and tradition. The Rockettes themselves are often described as a sisterhood, a kind of sorority filled with ultra-talented, dedicated performers.

The Christmas Spectacular is filled with iconic numbers, but perhaps the most cherished is the “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers,” in which the Rockettes are dressed as toy soldiers and do a series of increasingly complex marches.

“‘Parade of the Wooden Soldiers’ has been in the show since 1933,” Newcom says, “And every single Rockette who has crossed that stage has done it. People return to see these numbers year after year.”

During “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers,” the opening night audience suddenly transformed. It felt like we were at a rock concert. It was obviously the number that everyone had been waiting for. When the Rockettes started to do their long, choreographed domino fall, everyone in the room held their breath. As the last soldier fell, the room broke out into thunderous applause.

One of the most interesting things about the Rockettes is their glittery mystique. Everyone has some theory about how they do what they do, since it seems almost like magic. While interviewing Alicia Newcom, I sheepishly voice a rumor that I had heard growing up in New York.

“Is it true all of the solider helmets are different heights depending on how tall the dancer is?” I ask.

Newcom laughs slightly, politely, and says, “That’s a good question! The soldier hats are all the exact same height. The shortest Rockettes…” she pauses, then laughs again and corrects herself. “Should I say ‘the less tall Rockettes?’ We’re all pretty tall! Well, the shortest Rockettes are on the end and the tallest are in the center. That’s how we give the illusion that we’re all the same height.”

Sometimes, though, the truth can be even stranger than the rumors. The Rockettes’ tap shoes are all fitted with their own microphones, so that everyone in the audience can hear them. The Rockettes actually pull Santa’s sleigh while they play the part of his reindeer. The live animals for the living Nativity scene (sheep, donkeys, camels) all live in Radio City for the season, and are taken on walks around the building every morning and evening.

“It’s totally immersive. Honestly, I think it’s really exciting because it transforms that show, and brings together all of the different elements. You look out and see these gorgeous projections out over the whole theatre.” Newcom says. “It’s really just a beautiful production.”

Having worked at Disney, I thought I’d seen everything projection-mapping possible. But when I was in the audience, the beautiful projections across the proscenium arches of Radio City took my breath away. I grabbed my friend’s arm and jabbed my finger up at the ceiling, saying “LOOK!”

Along with the rest of the audience, I was completely overwhelmed.

The new finale for 2019, dubbed “Christmas Lights,” also incorporates aerialist performers and drones into the show.

Whether you’re 2 or 92, The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season.

There’s no better time to see the holiday magic onstage at Radio City. After all, it’s Christmas time again in NYC!

Staying the weekend? Plan your trip to NYC to see the The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes and book a hotel with AAA. 

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

It was a warm, spring morning the day I met Anne for brunch outside a hip restaurant in Providence, Rhode Island, known for its eggs Benedict and farm-to-table cuisine. We greeted each other, chatted about the lovely weather and the wonderful things we had heard about the restaurant. It was a seemingly normal brunch meeting between two colleagues, except Anne wasn’t my companion’s real name, and besides her job title, I can’t reveal anything about her identity.

No, Anne isn’t a government spy; she’s a AAA spy – of sorts. Formally, Anne’s a AAA Approved Accommodations Inspector, which means she’s an expertly trained, highly skilled restaurant and hotel evaluator. Her job is to assess AAA Diamond designated dining and lodging facilities to ensure that AAA endorses and promotes to its members only the best properties, ranking them appropriately according to AAA Diamond standards.

I spent the entire day with Anne, sharing a meal with her while she rated the restaurant, then heading downtown to shadow her on a hotel evaluation, which followed a different procedure. Here, Anne approached the front desk, identified herself as a AAA inspector, and informed the agent that the staff would have 20 minutes to accommodate a tour of the facility and several rooms. The nervous-looking general manager – we’ll call him Bob – appeared moments later, and we were off.

Throughout the day, I learned some fascinating things about the inspections, AAA Diamonds and how the entire program ensures AAA members have the best possible experience while traveling.

The AAA Diamond Standards Change

The factors that make up a AAA Diamond designated property aren’t static; in fact, they’re constantly updated to align with industry trends.

In fact, in January of 2020, AAA revealed a revamped, modernized version of the Diamond program.

The designations – formally called “ratings”– are calculated based on a formula that places specific weight on elements members have expressed are important when they travel, information obtained from member surveys, focus groups and industry trends.

The AAA Diamond Inspection Is Always On

Upon entering the restaurant, Anne requested a table in the corner. As the hostess led us through the dining room, I saw that the inspection was already in full swing before we had even sat down. Service is one of the most important elements when determining a restaurant’s designation, along with other factors including décor and cleanliness.

On the hotel side, Anne made pleasant conversation with the manager as he led us around. He spoke to the property’s latest innovations, renovations and upgrades, eager to push the property to a higher designation. She listened intently but was clearly absorbing every detail of the tour. She checked to make sure the batteries in the TV’s remote controlled worked, the coffee maker was clean, dresser drawers were empty, the furniture was free from nicks and scratches and that there were no dust bunnies living under the bed. No detail seemed too small, and she pointed out that it’s the little details a guest might complain about that are carefully considered. For example, members like having a light switch at the room’s entrance so they don’t have to walk into a dim, strange space.

Inspectors LOVE Technology

While the inspectors have the AAA Diamond guidelines pretty much memorized, they rely on technology to help calculate them. Each inspector enters their notes into an iPad loaded with special software. The software uses an assessment formula to calculate the property’s Diamond designation.

As such, inspectors can get the results of their inspections and updates to members even sooner. The AAA mobile app and website are updated every two-to-four weeks to ensure that members have the most up-to-date information available.

Anne said smartphones have made her job easier when it comes to evaluating restaurants. “The job was harder before smartphones,” she said. “I would have to take notes on postcards and it would be awkward to take a photo of my food. Now it’s a normal thing to take photos of your food; everyone does it.”

Inspectors Pride Themselves on Keeping AAA Diamonds Up-to-Date

AAA constantly reviews Diamond designated properties and looks for new properties to feature. Hotels are reviewed once per year, while restaurant review time periods are based on their designation. Five Diamond-rated restaurants are reviewed once per year – more frequently if they hire a new chef, change ownership or amend their menu – while One to Three Diamonds are rated about every five years.

Any hotel or restaurant can fill out an application to be rated. However, inspectors can also conduct cold calls on properties of their choice.

They Work Hard

If being an inspector sounds like it’s an awesome job, that’s because it is. But it also comes with a lot of hard work, training and knowledge. Inspectors review properties in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean, each in charge of a specific territory. Anne’s territory encompasses several Northeast states, and she’s responsible for providing members with updated information on every Diamond-Rated property in her territory. She usually inspects three to four hotels and one restaurant per day, which means she travels a lot.

“It’s a demanding job,” she said. “You have to have flexible hours, be able to stay away from home a lot and have an understanding family. But I also get to eat at about 215 restaurants per year, and without this job, I wouldn’t have the opportunity to do that.”

They Take Preserving Their Identities Very Seriously

In order to provide members with unbiased reviews, it’s important that inspectors remain anonymous. If inspectors feel their identity has been compromised, they enlist the help of their fellow inspectors, sending one from a different territory to review the property in their place.

In addition, once an inspector identifies a hotel as a potential Five Diamond property, they’ll send another inspector on a blind overnight stay to inspect further and confirm the designation.

Not only does such teamwork help preserve the inspectors’ identities, it also helps them stay on top of their inspecting game.

“It’s important to stay fresh by getting out of your territory and comfort zone and seeing other properties,” Anne said.

AAA Five Diamond Isn’t Always Best 

The AAA Five Diamond designation is sought after by many hotels and restaurants, yet only awarded to a 0.4 percent of hotels and 0.2 percent of restaurants after extensive review. However, not all properties work toward – and not all members want – a AAA Five Diamond experience.

“The most coveted designation is the Three Diamond,” Anne said. “This is where most properties want to be, as it is seen as the most approachable by the American traveler. They only want Four-to-Five Diamond places for fancy vacations or special occasions.”

She brings up the example of New York City, where delis and pizza places are often rated as One Diamond because they’re casual, quick-service restaurants, despite the fact that their food is some of the best in town.

Inspectors Are Team AAA

Inspectors work for, and ultimately have, the best interests of AAA members at heart. Anne takes her position as an unbiased reviewer very seriously.

“[Designations] are provided as a service to our members,” she said. “There’s so much out there; inspectors want our members to have the best information and the most honest reviews. I have the mentality of if I wouldn’t stay there or have my family stay there, I won’t approve it.”

What do you think about AAA Diamonds? Let us know in the comments below!

Go to AAA.com/Diamonds to learn more and search for Diamond hotels and restaurants. All AAA Diamond information can also be found through the AAA mobile app and in AAA guide books, which can be picked up at your local AAA branch. 

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

If you feel as though your commute is the worst in the world, you may be correct, particularly if you’re from the Northeast.

The average American lost about 97 hours — or just over four days — due to congestion in 2018, according to transportation research firm INRIX in its annual Global Traffic Scorecard.

Boston tops the list, at 164 hours lost. In fact, Boston is the only U.S. city to be included in the top 10 ranking of most congested cities worldwide, placing eighth between Rio de Janeiro and Saint Petersburg, Russia. New York City drivers, in contrast, lost about 133 hours, good for fifth-worst in America.

U.S. Urban Areas With The Most Traffic Congestion in 2018

(hours lost in congestion in parentheses)
1. Boston (164)
2. Washington, D.C. (155)
3. Seattle (138)
4. Chicago (138)
5. New York City (133)
6. Los Angeles (128)
7. Pittsburgh (127)
8. Portland, Ore. (116)
9. San Francisco (116)
10. Philadelphia (112)

But New York City did win the dubious award for the slowest of all American cities, with ‘last mile’ speeds averaging 9 mph – meaning it’s probably quicker to ride a bike than to drive or take a bus.

The report also looks at the most congested roads in America and (unsurprising to New Yorkers) the Cross Bronx Expressway took the top spot for the fourth year in a row. Drivers wasted a total of 114 hours per year at peak hours on that stretch of road, according to the report.

Boston’s I-93 corridor was the seventh-most congested U.S. road, while New York’s Brooklyn Queens Expressway and Major Deegan Expressway also made it onto the top 10.

The 10 Most Congested U.S. Roads in 2018

(yearly delay, in hours, in parentheses)
1. New York City’s Cross Bronx Expressway (114)
2. Chicago’s I-94/I-90 corridor (102)
3. Chicago’s Eisenhower Expressway (93)
4. Los Angeles’ I-10 (74)
5. Pittsburgh’s I-376 (72)
6. Philadelphia’s I-76 (53)
7. Boston’s I-93 (53)
8. New York City’s Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (51)
9. Los Angeles’ I-5 (50)
10. New York City’s Major Deegan Expressway (49)

But if Boston and New York City drivers are looking for a silver lining in the data, just remember, it can always be worse. You could live in Moscow, the most congested city in the world, where the average driver loses 210 hours stuck in congestion each year.

Do you agree with the data, or is your commute even worse than those listed above? Let us know in the comments below!

We’ve long passed the day when smartphones became less luxury and more necessity. What were once devices used simply for telephone calls and checking emails are now needed for nearly every aspect of our daily lives. Therefore, the evolution of these phones’ capabilities is incredibly important.

There may be no smartphone more popular than the iPhone. The new iterations – the iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max – were released in September, as was the latest version of Apple’s operating system, iOS13. (The new operating system is free and compatible with all iPhones going back to the iPhone 6s.)

We rounded up some of the best new features of both the hardware and the software.

Better Durability

We’ve all dropped our phones at one time or another. Even if we house it in a protective case, it’s nice knowing our phone can withstand an unfortunate fall to the ground. Apple has granted that wish. The company said that the iPhone 11 has the “toughest glass ever in a smartphone.”

The new iPhones also have improved water resistance. The iPhone 11 is rated for 2 meters of water resistance for 30 minutes. The 11 Pro is rated for 4 meters, for 30 minutes. In practical terms, you can drop this phone in the pool or spill your cup of coffee on it, and it will keep on ticking.

Improved Camera

Aside from communicating, taking photos may just be the most popular use of smartphones these days. It’s no wonder manufacturers have continually sought to improve their phones’ camera capabilities.

The iPhone 11 comes with a new ultrawide-angle camera, capturing four times more scene. It also features Night Mode and Deep Fusion. The former solves the problem of getting a good photo in low-light by brightening images and reducing blur, while the latter creates better indoor images with faster autofocus and overall sharper images with more accurate color.

The iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max also feature a third, telephoto camera. This lens allows you to take high-quality photos of long-distance images.

Longer Battery Life

A phone is no good if it’s dead, so battery life is a critically important feature. Apple claims that the iPhone 11 series features its most dramatic increase in battery life. The 11 can last up to one hour longer than previous iPhone models. The total battery life translates to watching 17 hours of video without needing a charge. The Pro, meanwhile, can last four more hours, and Pro Max, five. Additionally, all of these phones are capable of fast charge. This means the battery can get a 50 percent charge in roughly 30 minutes.

Faster Speed

The iPhone 11 series includes an A13 Bionic processor. In layman’s terms, this chip allows the iPhone to perform tasks extremely quickly. In fact, Apple claims it is the fastest chip ever in a smartphone. The A13 also improves the phone’s battery life. The chip is constructed to be power efficient, allowing it to better manage background tasks without draining the device’s battery.

Larger Text

Even as smartphones have increased in size over recent years, the text can still be difficult to read, especially if you have any vision problems. The new iPhone solves that problem by allowing you to adjust the size of the text on screen. Simply go into the Display and Brightness settings and move the size slider to a point where the text is readable.

Do Not Disturb While Driving

This isn’t a new feature, as it became available with iOS11, but it’s a vitally important one, as distracted driving causes roughly 3,500 deaths each year. With Do Not Disturb While Driving, the first time your phone senses you are driving, it sends you a description of the feature once you stop and asks you to opt in. (You can also manually turn it on in the settings).

When the Do Not Disturb While Driving feature is on, your iPhone delivers some notifications such as emergency alerts and alarms, and phone calls are routed under the same conditions as Do Not Disturb (which can be adjusted to your preferences, such as allowing calls to come through if the same person calls twice in a row.) Otherwise, your phone stays silent and the screen dark. If someone sends you a message, they receive an automatic reply letting them know that you’re driving. If you are using navigation, your iPhone still shows lock-screen navigation help and gives turn-by-turn instructions.

Dark Mode

The most easily noticeable feature of the new operating system is Dark Mode. As the name implies, it turns displays, buttons and other on-screen elements that would typically be bright to black or darkened colors. Many people find this to be easier on the eyes and makes things easier to read in bright surroundings. There are also claims that it increases battery life, because less light is needed to illuminate the screen.

Voice Control

We are used to being able to write out a text message or ask Siri a question through speech, but iOS 13 allows for complete control of an iPhone using only their voice. The technology is a major step forward in granting smartphone access to those who cannot use a touchscreen, most notably those with physical disabilities. It’s a breakthrough feature that is best seen in action.

Do you want a new iPhone or do you have one already? Tell us your favorite new feature in the comments. 

Every day, thousands of motorists encounter trouble with their vehicle and rely on AAA to handle any situation with the proper care. But for AAA roadside technicians, it’s not always a straightforward job.

Jay Carrara, technical training manager for AAA Northeast, and his team created a program that prepares technicians to deal with difficult situations. To address the unique challenges roadside technicians may encounter, they created custom props and built a set of parking garage walls to simulate tricky spaces.

“We realize these techniques don’t come naturally,” Carrara said. “We’re teaching them how to solve any problem with the proper equipment the first time they go out.”

Carrara and trainers Jamie Wood and Paul Costa simulated scenarios technicians may face, including how to service a car without tires or wheels, how to solve for missing keys and how to deal with vehicles that require cribbing, a method using a wooden structure to support and relocate heavy objects.

“We noticed a need to provide additional training for the more complicated calls,” Wood said. “An example of this in the new training is when a member’s vehicle is in a tight parking garage with no keys and the steering wheel turned. A new technician can easily be overwhelmed with a challenge like this.”

Carrara, who has more than 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, said the class shows how important it is to constantly learn and develop new techniques from other professionals. The two-day class offers an accelerated education in a hands-on environment.

“You can become a highly regarded resource for everybody around you,” Carrara said. “That can lead you to being well regarded and able to pursue a successful career.”

Trainers conducted the first session of the training in North Andover, Mass., earlier this year. The class offered a second session in early August in East Providence, R.I. Jonathan Hadfield, Lead Roadside Technician in the Woburn, Mass., Fleet, was at the second training and said it stands out from other classes he’s taken.

“The great thing about this class is that it’s a more advanced program,” Hadfield said. “The other classes I’ve attended don’t teach you about these situations you run into.”

The program will continue to develop as technicians learn new techniques to help AAA members during stressful times.

“I think this shows that we’re innovating in lots of different ways to keep member service at the forefront and ensure our technicians are ready to go and able to do what they need to do,” Carrara said.

Today’s world moves at a breakneck pace. But every now and again you need to slow down and practice self-care. Resorts World Bimini has you covered in that department.

This 750-acre tropical paradise is fully equipped with everything needed to shake off the stresses of your daily life. From white-sand beaches to a natural beauty that needs to be seen to be believed, Bimini, Bahamas, is an idyllic destination tailor-made for your relaxation.

Explore the Luxury Resort

Whether you fly into the resort or take the ferry over, there are plenty of ways to explore once you arrive. Resorts World Bimini has a complimentary tram service to get you around the resort with ease.

Or, if you prefer a more leisurely way to take in the sights, the resort offers golf cart rentals. Don’t worry, the island streets are safe to explore. This is the most convenient way to see as much of Bimini as possible. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience the island for yourself.

Getaway. Hideaway. Play Away…Every Day!

Resorts World Bimini is 750 acres of pristine Bahamas beachfront and turquoise waters. Easily accessible from Miami and Fort Lauderdale, it is the perfect midweek getaway.

Getaway Now!

Marvel at the Glorious Beaches

Few experiences are as relaxing as gazing out onto a picturesque horizon, especially on Bimini’s world-famous beaches. Go for a swim in the glistening turquoise waters, walk along miles of pristine shore or just soak up the sun. No matter how you decide to spend your time at the beach, you’ll find yourself swept up in the gorgeous natural surroundings.

Take a Dip in the Scenic Pools

Prefer the pool? Each pool at Resorts World Bimini is designed to provide a distinctive experience. The ground-level lagoon-style pool is one of the most popular places for guests to unwind. Meanwhile, families enjoy swimming together in the expansive pool (and the accompanying Jacuzzi). There is even a rooftop infinity pool, catered specifically to an adults-only crowd. All three pools give you the chance to cool off in style.

Savor the Fine Dining Options

All that fun in the sun is bound to cause you to work up an appetite. Resorts World Bimini’s casual eateries and restaurants are designed to provide guests with next-level dining experiences. For dinner, visit The Tides for its island-inspired menu or stop into the The Sushi Bar for premium Asian fusion. End the night at the Lobby Bar for a cocktail.

Try Your Luck at the Casino

The first in the world with panoramic water views, Resorts World Bimini’s 10,000 square-foot casino is packed to the gills with just about every kind of gaming you could possibly want. Build your skills at table games like poker, roulette and blackjack, then up the ante in the VIP gaming area. If that’s not your style, then you could always make your way over to more than 160 slot machines, with jackpots as high as $50,000. It might even be your lucky day.

Pamper Yourself at the Spa

Vacations are all about putting yourself first. At Resorts World Bimini, there’s perhaps no better place to do that than Serenity Spa and Salon. Indulge in a variety of full body and facial treatments, including manicures, pedicures, hair styling and other ultra-relaxing beauty regimens. And the interior of Serenity Spa and Salon is just as inviting as its services would have you believe. In fact, the entire space serves as an extension of Bimini’s own undeniable allure. Prepare yourself for a state of bliss.

Visit the Fisherman’s Village

Located right outside Resorts World Bimini, Fisherman’s Village and Marina is a bustling area loaded with amenities all its own. Wander through the retail marketplace, grab some delicious food at any of the nearby restaurants or try your hand at Bimini Undersea, the full-service water sports center. From there, you can plan a kayaking or paddleboat trip that will get you up close and personal with nature.

Go Fish

Discover why Bimini is known as the sport fishing capital of the world. Bimini Undersea extends daily fishing charters for fishermen of all levels, as the island provides ideal year-round access to warm tropical waters and the myriad fish living there. From snapper and grouper to marlin and swordfish, you never know what you’re going to catch.

Discover an Underwater Oasis

Seeing Bimini’s sparkling waters from above is one thing, but nothing compares to plunging right into it. At Bimini Undersea, Resort World guests can sign up for diving and snorkeling. Just let the center know what type of dive you want to do, and the professional dive staff will set it up and supervise your experience. The S.S. Sapona shipwreck is the perfect destination for an unforgettable and family-friendly snorkeling adventure.

Encounter Ocean Life

Relaxation is completely subjective. For instance, some guests might consider wildlife encounters thrilling or nerve-wracking while others experience a sense of calm in connecting with other creatures. If you fall into the latter category, then you might want to look into the excursions available to guests of Resorts World Bimini. You could swim with dolphins, feed stingrays or even come face to face with sharks. Alternatively, you could journey back through Bimini’s history with a heritage and nature tour highlighting the island’s most notable sights.

Learn more about Resorts World Bimini and start planning your trip today.

How is Thanksgiving celebrated around the U.S.? Almost all of the country has a turkey (or some kind of bird), bread, cranberries and stuffing, but the rest of the meal is as diverse as America itself. Here’s what you might see on tables around the U.S. this Thanksgiving.

East

New England

The first Thanksgiving happened in this area, so you’ll find the Thanksgiving originals, such as oyster stuffing, mussels and corn on the cob.

Other New England Thanksgiving essentials include root vegetables like potatoes and carrots, creamed onions and, of course, cranberry sauce. Also, stuffed lobster is served with or can even take the place of Tom Turkey, particularly in Maine.

What about dessert? Scrumptious apple pie is a must for this region. But, another prominent dessert is gooey hasty pudding, made with cornmeal, molasses, brown sugar and spices that’s topped with cool whipped cream or ice cream.

Rest of the Northeast

How is Thanksgiving celebrated in the rest of the Northeast? One difference lies with the cranberry. Instead of a sauce, it’s a homemade relish sprinkled with orange zest and served alongside sausage stuffing.

In parts of New York and New Jersey, pasta, like manicotti, lasagna or baked ziti is a precursor to the turkey. Pickled vegetables, cheese, olives and cured meats also go with the pasta.

For dessert, it’s all about the pumpkin pie. But in some New York homes, cheesecake reigns supreme.

Mid- & South-Atlantic

In the middle of the East Coast, the main bird is deep-fried turkey, which typically takes a whole lot less time to prepare than a baked turkey. But, if you prepare your turkey this way, be sure to take extreme precautions. For the sides, there’s sauerkraut – or pickled cabbage – with apples and crab cakes, a regional favorite.

Farther south, you’ll find crawfish in addition to canned cranberries. Dessert can vary, even by the state. For example, in some states such as Georgia, pecan pie is the ruler of desserts. But, in other states, particularly in Florida, key lime pie is the dessert of choice.

Puerto Rico

So, how is Thanksgiving celebrated in the U.S. territories? We’re taking our journey out of the states temporarily to check out Puerto Rico. The one dish it shares with the mainland is the turkey, and it’s roasted, served with a large chicken.

Both birds are seasoned with garlic, oregano and adobo, a Spanish paprika blend. The turkey could also be stuffed with mofongo – made with fried and mashed green plantains, mashed garlic and chicharron (fried pork rinds).

Sides could include mofongo, morcilla (blood sausage) and arroz con andules (rice with pigeon peas). Other popular dishes include alcapurrias (fritters) and Puerto Rican-style potato salad.

For dessert, Puerto Ricans enjoy tembleque, cinnamon-coated coconut custard and dulce de leche custard made from caramelized milk. The dulce de leche is also sometimes seasoned with pumpkin spices.

South

You can find all sorts of delicious delicacies in the South, such as cornbread dressing and a variety of casseroles, including green bean, potato, sweet potato, pickled okra, collard greens, gumbo, turkey tamales, pumpkin empanadas and much, much more.

And, in some states like Kentucky, they serve potato rolls instead of dinner rolls. You can also find blue cornbread stuffing and Chile-rubbed turkey in the southwest area.

Desserts range from the bourbon-soaked and extremely rich derby pie in Kentucky to sweet potato pie and pecan pie.

Midwest

In the Midwest, canned cream of mushroom soup, fried onions, German potato salad (and lots of potato-related food in general) and wild rice casserole take over the meal. You’ll also see lots of corn pudding, a version of which was also said to be at the first Thanksgiving.

In some areas of Minnesota in particular, they serve wild rice stuffing instead of bread.

For dessert, apple or cherry pie is the pie of choice.

West Coast

The West Coast also has Thanksgiving classics such as pumpkin pie and mac and cheese. But, for the main bird, you might also find fried turkey. That is, unless you’re in California; grilled turkey is the turkey of choice.

One of the sides you’ll find on this coast is frog eye salad, comprised of coconut, pineapple, Mandarin oranges and gooey marshmallow. This dish can also be found in some parts of the Southwest region.

In addition, you might see a whole range of salads, from roasted butternut squash salad to what’s called a Snickers salad (although this might be more of a dessert than salad in the traditional sense).

Alaska

How is Thanksgiving celebrated in The Last Frontier?

Their menu generally differs from what most folks consider traditional Thanksgiving food. For instance, you might find goose as the big bird of choice rather than turkey.

You’ll also see meat from critters popularly hunted in the state, such as moose and reindeer. And, since it is Alaska, you may also see raw whale meat (served frozen). Other entrees include salmon pâté with crackers or on baked bread and even octopus burgers!

Sides include high bush cranberry sauce, herring egg salad and nigliq (goose) soup. Alaskans also pair the soup with turkey, yams and cranberries.

Hawaii

Last, but certainly not least, we’ll take a look at Hawaii’s Thanksgiving dinner table.

Hawaiians serve mainland classics such as turkey, stuffing, green beans, rice and potatoes. But, these dishes come with a twist. The big bird is served Kailua-style, often with octopus and poi on the side.

Hawaiians also prepare sweet potatoes Okinawan-style and fill their stuffing with sausage. Fresh poke and sashimi also join the ranks of Thanksgiving sides.

Finally, for dessert. they indulge in sweet and juicy pineapple.

How is Thanksgiving celebrated in your home? What do you eat (or want to eat) for the big dinner? Let us know in the comments! 

For those looking to escape the cold and snow, Florida is one of the most popular winter destinations to flock to. Between the theme parks, beaches and laid-back atmosphere, Northeasterners love the Sunshine State.

Whether you like to go camping, travel by RV or plan to stay at a timeshare or rental with family and friends, cooking on vacation often means having to prepare your meals in a tiny kitchen. But a small kitchen can still produce big flavor – you just need the right recipe! Luckily, there are plenty of options designed for the ease and convenience required of working with limited space.

If you are heading to Florida, stop into the nearest Winn-Dixie for quality groceries like fresh produce that’s checked twice daily for freshness, U.S.-raised Angus Choice Beef and fresh bread that’s baked in-store daily. Save extra when you download the Winn-Dixie app.

One Pot Meals

What could be easier than prepping ingredients, tossing them into a pot and forgetting about it for a while? Crockpots/slow cookers and Instant Pots/pressure cookers are great for cooking in a tiny kitchen because they don’t take up a lot of room and don’t need to be carefully watched.

These appliances can produce full meals like pot roast with very little fuss.

Slow cooker meals do take a bit of patience – “slow” is in the name, after all – but the resulting meal is sure to be flavorful. Instant Pots are faster, but typically a bit more expensive, so use what works best for you.

You also don’t need a slow cooker or pressure cooker to make a delicious one pot meal, sometimes all you need is, well, a pot. Soups and stews loaded with vegetables are simple, hearty and require little more than the initial prep work and an occasional stir.

And if you are looking for something even simpler, there’s always pasta. Pasta salads are filling, easy to customize and can do double-duty as the next day’s picnic lunch.

Florida Supermarket for Everything You Need

At Winn-Dixie, we have everything you need to soak up the sun and reward you with every purchase.

Learn More

Skillet Meals

Some quicker options come in the form of one-pan or skillet meals. These kinds of dishes often require cooking in stages, like browning the meat before setting it aside to cook the rest of the dish. Like one pot meals, using only one cooking vessel means quicker cleanup, which we all can appreciate, especially on vacation.

Types of one-pan meals include stir-fries, sausage and peppers and fajitas. Tacos are also always a crowd-pleaser that you can get the whole family involved in. While your seasoned protein is cooking, let the kids prepare toppings like shredded lettuce, cheese and avocado.

Oven Meals

Whether it’s in a baking dish or on a sheet pan, oven-made meals are also great to make in small kitchens.

Roast whole or – to save time – a portion of chicken or turkey in the oven along with some veggies to make it a full, homemade meal. When tossed in a thin coat of olive oil and well-seasoned, vegetables like potatoes, onions, carrots, Brussels sprouts and asparagus roast well and will round out the meal.

Baked pasta dishes like lasagna do take some assembly, but their bake times will give you an opportunity to cleanup while they are in the oven.

Salads

As a side or a whole meal, salads are the ideal vacation food when you need something quick without the need (or desire) for any actual cooking. Bonus points for being healthy!

Make your own “house salad” with whatever you have on hand. Jazz it up by adding beans, nuts, seeds, fruit and cheeses. For a little added protein, you can always throw in a hard-boiled egg. Or think outside of the basic green salad with a panzanella, Waldorf or bean salad.

Desserts

Did you leave room for dessert? Of course you did!

Satisfy your sweet tooth with this apple crisp and pair it with Winn-Dixie’s Award  Winning Prestige French Vanilla ice cream for a winning combination. If you have access to a blender, you can also whip up milkshakes or smoothies with ease. And if you are camping, the classic s’more is a fantastic option.

When working within a small cooking space – or any kitchen – cleaning as you go is one of the best tips. You might also want to look into some space-saving solutions, like stackable or nesting utensils.

Whether you find yourself in an RV, timeshare/rental space or camping, you’ll be able to relax on your winter getaway knowing that dinner is taken care of.

What are your favorite meals to cook on vacation? Tell us in the comments.

AAA Auto Glass recently donated defective windshields to the state bomb squad, and in return, AAA employees were invited to watch a bomb-defusing robot at work.

The robot is operated by the state Technical Services Unit (aka the bomb squad), a division of the state Fire Marshal’s Office. The team of six responds to roughly 300 calls across the state annually, investigating all incidents involving explosive materials.

“It was definitely interesting to see how the robot is used,” said Brian Butterworth, manager of AAA Auto Glass Operations. “To be able to support that and know that we’re keeping people safe is a good feeling.”

When AAA finds defective auto glass in its inventory, it puts it to good use. It’s commonly used for internal training and donations like these.

“We have what’s known as a ‘glass dynamics training,’ where we talk about the properties of different types of glass,” Butterworth said. “We demonstrate the difference between a laminated piece of glass and tempered glass. Being able to do something different every day and knowing that we’re helping people are the most rewarding aspects of my job.”

In addition to supporting AAA members, AAA Auto Glass Operations repair and replace glass for the state- and community-owned vehicles, including police cars, vans, buses and fire trucks.

Learn more at AAA.com/AutoGlass

There’s no place like home for the holidays – and apparently, there’s no place like vacation either. The end-of-year holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas are some of the busiest travel times, as everyone either goes back home or sets off on a rare holiday trip.

On the bright side, it’s beautiful and touching that so many people are reuniting with their friends and families. On the not-so-bright side, it makes everything a lot more hectic. Holiday travel can be daunting, but if you have the right tricks at your disposal, you just might survive to sing another carol.

Before you pack your bags to stay at Grandma’s, load up the car or board a plane, read these holiday travel tips from AAA travel experts.

Holiday Travel: The Air

Flying during the holidays is always an…experience. But if you know what you’re in for, you can plan accordingly.

“Last year, AAA projected that 54.3 million Americans would travel over the Thanksgiving holiday,” said Paula Twidale, President of AAA Travel, “And a record-breaking 112.5 million during the longer, year-end holiday season. If those trends hold again this year, travelers are in for crowded airports and possibly longer wait times.”

“There’s a couple of peak periods,” said Ray Hourani, director of travel air operations at AAA Northeast. “For domestic flights, there’s peak periods like Thanksgiving. If you’re traveling on Wednesday [before Thanksgiving] and coming back on Sunday, you’re going to be charged a relatively high price for that airfare. If you travel either on the Monday [before] or the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the fares will be a little cheaper.”

The numbers support Hourani’s strategy. According to AAA, the busiest Thanksgiving travel days this year will be November 26 and 27, the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving. The best overall day to fly, in terms of ticket price and relatively lower crowd levels, is November 25 – a Monday. The day with the cheapest ticket prices is Thanksgiving Day itself, since everyone would rather be at home, eating turkey.

As for Christmas, the best overall day to fly is Christmas Eve, and the busiest travel days are December 21 and 23. The most expensive day to fly is actually the day right after Christmas – with an average ticket price of $692. Ouch!

“Pack your patience and plan ahead,” Twidale said. That seems to be the best strategy for flying at this particular time of year.

Maybe bring some earplugs too.

Holiday Travel: The Road

Gee, the traffic really is terrific this time of year. To figure out how to navigate the busy and icy holiday roads, I reached out to John Paul, senior traffic safety manager for AAA Northeast and AAA’s own Car Doctor.

If you’re planning on driving  long distance, make sure your car is up for it first. “Check all the fluids, top off the windshield washer, and give at least a quick look to the drive belts and coolant hoses. The battery condition should be checked.” Paul said. “Holiday driving can take you through all kinds of weather conditions, so it’s important to make sure the tires are ready to handle poor weather. It’s a good idea to take a winter emergency kit with you.”

“When it comes to driving, every two hours you should take a break,” Paul said. “Don’t try to cover more than 500 miles in a day. If it’s a long-distance trip, plan your route and overnight stay ahead of time.” Paul also noted that AAA’s research has shown that drowsy driving is likely the cause of 10% of crashes. If you’re planning on a long trip, you shouldn’t skimp on sleep. “Don’t head home after that big holiday meal,” he said. “Take a nap and head out refreshed.”

But what about presents, and what about your prize turkey?

“If you’re carrying holiday dinner or dessert, place it securely on the floor, trunk or cargo area.” Paul said. You don’t want to make a holiday mess. If you leave your car at any point in time, make sure your presents are stowed away securely and out of sight.

Holiday Travel: Staying Over

If you’re not staying overnight at Grandma’s house, chances are you’ll be needing a hotel room.

“Demand for rooms is usually higher on the holidays or the holiday time period, even on long weekends,” said Joanne Monahan, director of AAA Northeast’s travel sales center. “Usually around those times, it’s best to book weeks or months in advance, to make sure you get the hotel that you want.”

During other times of year, hotels may have lower rates closer to the date of booking, so that they can utilize more of their inventory. This is not the case over the holidays.

“Sometimes, when their rooms are getting close to being sold out, hotels may even raise their rates,” Monahan said. “So it’s really a gamble.”

A good rule of thumb is to book your hotel room as soon as possible – and at minimum, a month in advance.

Find and book a hotel with AAA.

Do you have any crazy stories or tips about holiday travel? Let us know in the comments below!

When it comes to real estate, oftentimes selling your house can be just as, if not more, stressful than buying it. As you gear up to put your home on the market, you’ll likely be overwhelmed with decisions regarding how to make your house as presentable as possible to home inspectors and prospective buyers alike.

The goal, of course, is that this extra effort will pay off in the form of increasing your home’s value and optimizing its selling price. But without a little guidance, the process of getting there can be complicated.

Louis Alfaia, mortgage consultant at AAA Northeast Bank, provided us with some essential tips on how to prepare your house for sale. Here are the biggest takeaways for those of your looking to put your home on the market.

Anticipate Your Buyer’s Needs

If you’re hoping to land the perfect buyer for your home, the first thing you need to do is put yourself in their mindset. What key elements of your home would they expect to be in working order? To start with, check that central systems like your hot water heater, septic system and air conditioning are all functioning properly. This will also give you a leg up when it comes time for your home to undergo inspection.

“Preparing your home for inspection can address issues before they become a problem or concern for a buyer,” Alfaia said. Don’t allow these fundamental aspects of your house to become compromised, as they might be the stubborn stumbling block that prevents you from securing the sale of your home.

Start With Small Projects

Preparing your house for sale is a daunting task, but you shouldn’t let yourself get too overwhelmed with what lies ahead. Rather, break down the process step by step and focus on the easier tasks upfront. Alfaia suggests beginning with cleaning and decluttering your house, particularly areas like the kitchen and bathrooms that tend to get grimier and more cramped over time.

You should also focus on eliminating any unpleasant smells and minimizing the amount of trash in and around your home. These small steps can collectively go a long way in creating a more pristine look and feel for your house. Moreover, this small but significant progress can motivate you to maintain your home for its impending sale.

Louis Alfaia, Mortgage Consultant for AAA Northeast Bank, gives a few tips on getting your home ready to be sold.

Set Your DIY Priorities Upfront

Once you’ve cleared your home of clutter and made it all shiny and fresh-smelling inside, you’ll want to turn your attention to your local home improvement store. Again, Alfaia stresses that home sellers should take things one step at a time, working their way up from less expensive projects to more costly ones.

In many cases, putting a fresh coat of paint on your home or refinishing your floors can be more effective in attracting potential buyers than replacing your cabinets or redoing your plumbing. Ultimately, you want to turn your attention to the home improvement projects your home needs the most. This will guide your decision-making process as you prioritize what should be done and in what order.

Consider Curb Appeal

First impressions are indeed everything in the world of real estate, and as Alfaia said, “Curb appeal is the first impression the buyer will have.” So how can you the seller maximize your home’s curb appeal? Well, you’ll be relieved to know that it often doesn’t involve expensive upgrades to your home.

Instead, you can greatly boost your curb appeal by tending to your landscaping and ensuring that the exterior of your house is pristine. Keep your grass and hedges trim, remove any lingering twigs and branches, power-wash your driveway and sidewalks or even repaint your front door. All these seemingly simple steps can make your for-sale home exponentially more appealing to passersby.

Don’t Overthink Your Timing

One of the most commonly asked questions by people looking to sell their home is “When is the best time to sell my house?” However, Alfaia cautions home sellers not to obsess over waiting until the “right time” to put their home up for sale. “Anytime you are ready to sell can be a good time,” he said.

Spring and summer are often viewed as the best times to put your house on the market, but this is also the most competitive time to try to find buyers. Consider waiting until fall or winter to list your property instead. The right buyers may still be on the prowl, and the fact that your house will likely benefit from holiday decorations certainly doesn’t hurt in revealing its potential.

Learn more about AAA’s home loan and mortgage services.

Searching for a different kind of activity for yourself, your family or group? How about an all-nighter in a museum, in a zoo surrounded by wild animals or inside the yawning hull of a battleship? Grab your pajamas and toothbrush and check out these unique overnight stays.

Snuggle on the Shore

Lighthouses dot our coastlines and several offer nighttime lodging. At Borden Flats Lighthouse in Somerset, MA, adults can take on the role of 19th-century lightkeepers from April-December with the benefit of contemporary conveniences.

New York has a trio to choose from. Enjoy every season in the Hudson River Valley’s Saugerties Lighthouse B&B. Guests in the two second-floor bedrooms receive breakfast and share a stovetop and outdoor grill for other meals. Note: it’s a half-mile walk to the quarters and public tours are conducted on Sundays in the summer.

The Selkirk (aka Salmon River) Lighthouse in Pulaski, open April-November, accommodates six to eight people and boasts modern amenities. The on-site marina means you can book charters and rent canoes and kayaks. Thirty Mile Lighthouse in the Niagara region’s Golden Hill State Park welcomes occupants to its second floor year-round. Take advantage of the park’s numerous summer events plus winter recreation on its trails.

Journey on a lobster boat to stay overnight at the Rose Island Lighthouse in Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay and be greeted by harbor seals. Open spring through fall, the first-floor facilities are communal, while the keeper’s apartment upstairs are more private.

Curl up to Culture

You’ll get behind-the-scenes peeks after hours at a variety of area museums, whether as a chaperone, part of a family or by yourself. Parties of 10 or more in grades 1-7 can take part in hands-on activities at the Museum of Science in Boston.

A Night at the Museum is the extremely popular program at New York City’s American Museum of Natural History. In addition to its family and scouting overnight stays, the institution has ones just for grown-ups. Adults can also be part of the annual Dream-Over at the Rubin Museum of Art. In this unique overnight stay experience, you drift off under a piece specifically selected for you, then talk over your reveries in the morning.

Upstate in Cooperstown, groups and families doze alongside inductee’s plaques at the Baseball Hall of Fame’s Extra Innings Overnights. Enjoy a private screening of its new “Generations of the Game” film, and latest exhibit, “Shoebox Treasures,” featuring all the cards your mother threw out.

Group camp ins for children in grades 1-8 are planned throughout the year – with a special Halloween overnighter solely for families – at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, NJ. At Trenton’s Old Barracks Museum, groups of 9- to 12-year-olds can experience the life of a soldier readying for the Battle of Trenton. From March-June and September-October, bone up on Revolutionary military history as well as a period-appropriate program of your choosing.

Know a little one who just loves dinosaurs? Children over age 5 and accompanying adults can track giant reptiles on a scavenger hunt at the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History’s Dino-Snore Sleepover in New Haven, CT.

Bedtime With the Beasts

New York abounds in distinctive nocturnal getaways at its zoos and aquariums. School classes, scouts and youth organizations as well as families drowse within hearing distance of the inhabitants on an Overnight Safari at the Bronx Zoo. Outings for those over 21 are also scheduled. The Queens Zoo holds scouting sleep-ins, and its Family Overnight Adventures allows 4-year-olds to join in on the fun.

Also in the city is the New York Aquarium, with its Sharks After Dark! family and group stayovers for those over age 5. The Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead is where groups of 20 or more can have a Sleep with the Fishes Adventure or Seashore Sleepover. A boat tour is another option.

In Rhode Island, Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence arranges Snooze at the Zoo for families with kids over age 6. Groups of 25 or more with children ages 7 and up can go for a Safari Snore & Roar March-July and September-November, with the fall Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular as an add-on.

Search AAA Discounts for savings at local zoos, aquariums and museums.

Snooze With the Crews

Hit the hay aboard vessels that saw active combat duty. New York City’s Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum complex hosts Operation Slumber. Troops, groups and families with kids over age 6 enjoy unlimited simulator rides and nod off among the aircraft.

Along Camden’s waterfront lies the Battleship New Jersey, where overnighting groups and families chow down in the mess and burrow in bunks.

Check out more of some of the most unique hotels in America.

Which of these unique hotels would you stay in – or have you already? Share with us in the comments. 

How do solar energy systems work?

Solar panels are made up of silicon, which is a conductive material, meaning it conducts energy. When sunlight hits the silicon of a solar panel, electrons in the cells begin to move, initiating electrical currents. This produces direct current or DC electricity.

However, most appliances in your home use alternating current or AC electricity, for power. A solar inverter changes the DC electricity from solar panels into usable AC electricity for your home or business.

Is solar worth it in the Northeast?

Yes! Surprisingly, the Northeast is home to some of the best solar states. While the region experiences fewer sunny days than other parts of the country, many northeast states have higher-than-average electricity rates and advantageous solar incentives that afford property owners a quick payback and significant savings from their solar investment.

Do solar panels work in the winter?

Yes, solar panels work during the winter. In fact, cold weather improves the performance of solar panels.

However, most people in the Northeast experience lower overall solar production during winter months because the days are shorter; having fewer hours of sunlight means less electricity from your solar panels. Additionally, if your solar panels are covered in snow, they cannot generate electricity. That said, you don’t need to worry about clearing snow off your system – most solar panels are installed at a tilt and snow slides off on its own when the sun comes out, just like it naturally slides off your roof.

Can I meet all my electricity needs with solar?

Yes. Thanks to a policy called net metering, you can cover all your electricity needs with solar panels even though they aren’t producing power 24/7.

When your solar panels generate extra solar electricity during the day, that electricity is sent to the grid in exchange for a credit. You can then use these credits at times when your solar panels aren’t generating enough electricity to keep up with your demand, like at night. Over the course of a month, if your net electricity usage from the grid is negative (i.e. you sent more electricity to the grid than you drew from it), you will have a credit that you can apply towards future months.

Net metering is currently available in all northeast states, but the policy can vary slightly from utility to utility; be sure to check with your utility company about their specific net metering policies.

How long do solar panel systems last?

Solar panels are very durable and typically require very little maintenance over their lifetime. The solar panels you install today will generate electricity for more than 30 years. As an added bonus, solar panel manufacturers provide warranties that guarantee certain levels of performance for 25 years or more, guaranteeing your solar energy for decades to come.

Is my roof suitable for solar?

Solar panels are compatible with most roof types. However, some rooftops are more suitable for solar than others depending on their size, pitch, age and material. Southern-facing roofs with little to no shade are ideal for solar production. You also don’t want to install solar panels on an old roof towards the end of its life so you can avoid uninstalling and reinstalling your solar panel system to replace your roof.

Fortunately, if you can’t or don’t want to install solar on your roof, there are alternatives to consider, such as ground mounts or carports.

Will installing a solar panel system damage my roof?

No, roof damage as a result of installing solar panels is extremely rare.

With most traditional rooftop solar mounting systems, installers will drill holes into your roof. However, flashing and sealants are used to ensure that water does not leak through the holes, which are entirely sealed. Working with a professional, experienced installer is the best way to minimize any risk of roof damage from solar panels.

How many solar panels do I need?

The average homeowner requires 28 – 34 panels to generate all of their electricity needs, but you may need more or less depending on how much electricity you use, where you live, the efficiency of your solar panels and the specifics of your property and solar array. When installers provide a custom quote for your property, they use solar design tools that take all these factors and more into account in order to provide the best system for your needs.

Will I still receive an electric bill after going solar?

In most situations, yes. Most solar panel systems are grid-tied, meaning they are still connected to the electrical grid. This allows you to easily pull electricity from the grid when you need it, as is the case under net metering as described above.

Your monthly electricity bill may still include fixed charges from your utility company regardless of your solar energy system’s production, such as a customer service fee. However, if your utility company offers net metering, your bill should only include charges for any extra electricity you use from the grid and may be very close to zero.

How much does it cost to install a solar energy system?

The cost of a solar energy system varies depending on a number of factors, including the size of your system, the quality of solar equipment you install, any available incentives and where you live.

Most homeowners buying a solar panel system in the Northeast pay between $26,000 to $34,000 for a solar panel system before any incentives. When taking into account the 26% federal investment tax credit available in 2020, the average cost of solar in the Northeast drops $19,240 to $25,160. Most states in the Northeast also have state or utility-specific incentives that help homeowners achieve a quick payback for their investment: most solar panel systems pay for themselves in 5-11 years, depending on the state and availability of incentives.

Tools like the EnergySage Solar Calculator use market data to provide you with a quick estimate for solar costs and savings given your, property and financing preference.

What financing options are available for solar?

There are many options available for financing solar projects. If you’re interested in owning your solar panel system, many credit unions and specialized lenders offer solar loans with terms ranging from 5 to 20 years. Zero down options are available for those who don’t want to make a down payment.

Alternatively, you can finance your solar panel system with a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). This arrangement is like leasing a car. A solar company would own your system and install it on your roof for no upfront cost and you would pay monthly payments to the company in exchange for the solar electricity the panels generate. Since you don’t own the system, you’re not responsible for any required maintenance. However, those who lease solar panel systems also can’t take advantage of many federal and state solar incentives because the owner of the system, the solar company, claims the incentives for themselves.

Learn more about your solar financing options and how they differ from one another.

How much money can I save with solar?

Even after taking into account the cost of your solar panel system, the average homeowner will save anywhere between $10,000 to $30,000 over the lifetime of a solar panel system. Overall savings depend on the cost of your system, how and if you finance, how much solar electricity it generates, your current electricity rate and any future increases in the cost of electricity from your local utility.

Much of the savings associated with solar are the avoided costs of paying your utility company. Because Northeast states pay more for electricity than many other states, savings estimates for solar in the Northeast tend to be on the higher end of the above range.

The EnergySage Solar Calculator and other tools can provide you with a ballpark savings estimate given your monthly electricity bill costs, property, geography and the incentives available in your area.

What incentives are currently available for installing solar?

One of the best incentives for buying a solar panel system is the federal investment tax credit (ITC). This tax credit allows you to use 26% of your total solar costs as a credit towards your federal taxes in 2020. This credit was 30% in 2019 and will drop to 22% in 2021.

Additionally, many states, cities and utility companies also offer their own solar incentives. Massachusetts and New York both offer their own state tax credit, while states like Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Connecticut provide rebates to help decrease the upfront costs of installation.

Learn more about the incentives you may be eligible for when you go solar in the Northeast.

What’s the best solar equipment available?

Just as with other electronics, there’s a range of quality when it comes to solar equipment. Products differ in performance, efficiency, aesthetics, durability and more. It’s important to understand the quality of your equipment in order to make sure you’re paying a fair price for it. The EnergySage Buyer’s Guide is a helpful tool to compare the most important metrics across different types of solar panels, inverters and batteries.

Should I buy a solar battery?

More and more people are pairing their solar panel systems with a battery, which allows you to store solar electricity on-site instead of feeding it back into the grid. Batteries are particularly useful during power outages if you want to keep your appliances running on solar power even when the grid is down.

Adding a battery to your solar panel system will increase the upfront cost of installation; however, battery costs continue to decline, and some states and utility companies offer incentives that can help decrease the costs even further.

Learn more about if solar power is right for you and your home. Before you start installation, talk to an insurance agent to see how you’ll be covered.

Westerly, R.I., is an often-overlooked stop on the I-95 corridor, but just a few miles off the highway, this town has so much to offer. Downtown Westerly is having a cultural renaissance: Old buildings, once in disrepair, are being redeveloped into everything from a bookstore that serves wine to a pinball arcade to a multi-use theater that will host innovative educational programming and major shows when it opens next year.

Saturday Morning

Start your trip off with the most important meal of the day, at the best place in town to have it. The Cooked Goose serves New England breakfast – don’t miss the lobster eggs Benedict with lemon tarragon hollandaise – and prepared foods to go, so you can stock up on provisions and take them with you to the beach.

Saturday Afternoon

The sandy stretch of Westerly, R.I., called Misquamicut is home to several beaches, where you can rent a personal watercraft, ride a wave or just catch some rays. It’s also one of the only places in Rhode Island with honest-to-goodness beach restaurants where you can walk right inside in your bathing suit. Head to The Windjammer Surf Bar or The Andrea if you’re looking for a festive atmosphere with live music and perfectly summery frozen drinks. Atlantic Beach Park has kids’ rides and arcade games, and you’ll find waterslides galore at Water Wizz.

Saturday Evening

If you’re lucky enough to be in town for one of the summer’s Shakespeare in the Park performances, make sure you bring lawn chairs and a picnic basket. The Colonial Theatre is staging “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in July and August in Wilcox Park, a beautifully landscaped space with sculptures, gardens and ponds. Nearby, The Knickerbocker Music Center, which has been hosting musicians since 1933, has live music five nights a week. Grey Sail Brewing is a tasting room with rotating selections, including its signature Flying Jenny American pale ale. It’s only open until 8 p.m., but just down the street, The Malted Barley has 38 beers on tap, many of which are local, and gourmet soft pretzels to go with them.

Overnight

As far as Westerly hotels go, you can’t do better than Ocean House, Rhode Island’s only AAA Five Diamond Rated hotel. (It’s also home to the state’s only Five Diamond Rated restaurant, COAST, which has a farm-to-table tasting menu that changes nightly). Even off-season, the luxury Watch Hill resort can be pricey. But with panoramic views of Block Island, Shelter Island and Taylor Swift’s house just down the street – plus a private beach, on-site spa, boat rides and sports car test drives – the splurge is worth it. Its sister property, the more casual Weekapaug Inn features an in-house naturalist who will take you on tide pool explorations and kayak excursions.

Sunday Morning

Start your Sunday at the Savoy Bookshop & Cafe, which serves locally roasted coffee and muffins fresh from the oven, with plenty of comfortable seating for you to linger over the Sunday papers. Don’t fill up on carbs, though. The Sunday Jazz Brunch at Ocean House is not to be missed. This isn’t your average buffet: raw bar, charcuterie shaved to order, freshly made crepes and an entire table of desserts will have you loosening your belt, while the bottomless Champagne will help you wash it all down.

Sunday Afternoon

Explore the rest of the Watch Hill area by foot. There are lots of small shops that are worth a look, and the country’s oldest operational flying horses carousel. The long stretch of beach at Napatree Point is perfect for a nature walk. The Napatree Point Conservation Area is a nesting ground for migrating birds, and because there are no vehicles that far out on the sand, it’s a serene place to clear your head and watch the boats sail by. On the opposite side of Watch Hill is the Watch Hill Lighthouse, with a small museum devoted to the area’s seafaring history. (If you’d rather hike away from the sand, The Westerly Land Trust has a wealth of guided and self-guided routes through the town’s scenery.)

Sunday Evening

Even if you’ve had your fill of Westerly restaurants, head to the Weekapaug Inn before you go. The lawn has Adirondack chairs perfectly positioned to watch the sunset (with or without a glass of wine, depending on who’s driving) and the inn lights up the fire pit for s’mores as soon as dusk sets in. Before you head home, make a stop at Sandy’s Fine Food Emporium and pick up some soupy to take back with you. The signature food of Westerly, soupy is a local take on soppressata that evolved from Italian families making the dry-cured sausage at home. It’s spicy and delicious, and will serve as a nice reminder of your weekend once you get home.

FIND & BOOK A HOTEL WITH AAA IN WESTERLY, R.I. 

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