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.

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.

Plan your next weekend getaway with AAA Travel.  

Is there anything better than a cruise vacation? Not only do you get to visit beautiful locales, but the trip is just as enjoyable as the destination. And no other cruise line does it quite like Norwegian. So, it’s a noteworthy statement when the company has a new ship it claims to be its “most incredible.” But that is precisely what the Encore is.

Part cruise ship, part floating resort, this 1,094-foot Encore can accommodate nearly 4,000 guests. It was built in 2019 and has already earned praise, being named the Cruise Critic’s 2019 Editors’ Pick for Best New Ship. Even better, it will start servicing the Northeast in April, with cruises to Bermuda sailing out of New York.

Let’s take a look around the Encore to see all that the stunning cruise ship has to offer.

Food and Drink

Encore houses a host of eateries including three main dining rooms: Savor Restaurant, Taste Restaurant and The Manhattan Room. Each serves modern and classic dishes in a stylish and contemporary atmosphere. The Garden Café is an indoor buffet restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. And for some late-night eats, the Local Bar & Grill offers classic pub fare 24 hours a day.

Encore also has a dozen specialty dining options to satisfy any and all cravings. This includes Cagney’s Steakhouse for some premium cuts, Onda by Scarpetta for indulgent pasta and seafood, Los Lobos serving premium Mexican cuisine and Q, which delivers authentic Texas BBQ. And for dessert, don’t forget The Bake Shop, Coco’s and Dolce Gelato for sweets, ice cream and milkshakes.

When it’s time to unwind and imbibe, the Encore has options for every taste. Need a cold one after a long day in the sun? The District Brew House has more than 50 different bottled and 22 draft beers. More of a wine drinker? The Cellars Wine Bar offers a taste of Napa Valley. How about a nightcap? The Maltings Whiskey Bar serves a wide variety of international spirits. These are just a few of the numerous bars and lounges on board.

Entertainment

If you thought you’d be leaving the best of New York behind once you depart, think again. Encore puts on performances of the six-time Tony Award winning Broadway musical “Kinky Boots” for all its guests. You won’t find this show on any other cruise line. Other performances include “Happy Hour Prohibition: The Musical” and “Choir of Men.”

If you’re looking for something a little different, catch the comedy show featuring two stand-up comedians. After the show, the space turns into a dance club with a live DJ. For a blast from the past, head to the Cavern Club. Named after the legendary club in Liverpool that regularly hosted the Beatles, this venue on the Encore is where you can catch performances from a Fab Four cover band.

Activities

After seeing all the activities the ship has to offer, you might be convinced that the Encore is part cruise ship, part amusement park. The Aqua Park features two multi-story water slides – including one that goes over the side of the ship – as well as a pool to lounge. The Encore Speedway is a 1,100-foot racetrack on the ship deck – the largest track at sea. Guests can whip around curves suspended 13 feet off the side of the ship.

Encore’s laser tag park is unlike any other you’ve been to before. Themed around the lost city of Atlantis, players can interact with long lost treasures that virtually come to life through cutting-edge technology. Speaking of virtual reality, the Galaxy Pavilion offers immersive VR experiences, thrilling simulator rides and even an escape room featuring holograms.

For the youngest members of your traveling group, there’s a kids’ Aqua Park and Splash Academy, where children can enjoy creative play and engaging activities. Those a little bit older can hang out at the Entourage Teen Club, where movies, art, music, video games and dance parties are always on the agenda. And finally, if you’re an adult looking for a different kind of fun, try the Encore Casino. Whether it’s at the slot machines or a table game, there’s plenty of luck to go around.

Staterooms

The Encore boasts staterooms for all budgets and travelling party sizes. The Haven, located at the top of the ship, is the most luxurious accommodations available. Each room comes with a private sundeck as well as concierge service and 24-hour butler service.

Below the Haven are mini-suites as well as balcony staterooms with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to your very own private balcony. Other options include Oceanview rooms with large picture windows, and inside rooms. Travelling alone? Encore studios are specifically designed and priced for the solo traveler.

For those who know they want the full pampering experience while onboard the Haven spa suite, spa mini-suite and spa balcony are for you. Not only do they feature tranquil spa décor, they are all located adjacent to the Mandara Spa and fitness center and come with complimentary access to the Thermal Spa Suites.

Shopping

Maybe you want to buy a gift for your loved ones that couldn’t make the trip. Or maybe you just want to splurge. Whatever the reason, the Encore has all your shopping needs covered. Deck 8 is home to several shops selling luxurious gifts.

Sandbar is your go-to for brand names like Gucci, Ray-Ban, Tom Ford, Coach and Swarovski. At the Time Zone, shop timepieces from Cartier, Hublot, Panerai and others. The Beauty Shop has all your cosmetic and fragrance needs, while Treasures is home to dazzling fine jewelry designs. All shopping aboard the Encore is tax and duty free.

What are you looking forward to most about the Norwegian Encore? Tell us in the comments.

Book your next cruise with AAA Travel.

What does retirement look like for folks who don’t plan to slow down? For those whose idea of a good time might include learning a new sport or meeting new people through a volunteer activity?

Many soon-to-be seniors already have ideas about how to stay active in retirement and they’re looking into where to retire to maximize opportunities for engagement.

Attitudes around what life after retirement could look like have changed – and for the better. Since the first wave of baby boomers began to turn 65 in 2011, the national conversation around post-work life began to shift, just as a 2010 Pew Research Center report predicted it would: “By force of numbers alone, [boomers] almost certainly will redefine old age in America, just as they’ve made their mark on teen culture, young adult life and middle age.”

Part of that shift included understanding the importance of physical activity and intellectual engagement in post-retirement life.

Top City Rankings

Where will you find your best opportunities? For those in the planning stage, “best of” lists can help get the conversation started with a checklist of factors to consider.

In one of the most informative we found, Wallethub’s data-driven lists factor in affordability, activities, quality of life and healthcare. Their top five picks overall are Orlando, Fla; Scottsdale, Ariz.; Tampa, Fla,; Denver, Colo.; and Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

But wait! When the list is re-ranked for “activities,” (such as senior centers, golf, and museums), the “top five” changes to Washington, D.C.; San Francisco, Calif.; San Diego, Calif.; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; and Seattle, Wash.

It shifts again when ranked for “quality of life” (an elder-friendly labor market, walkability and so on); the top five in this category are Henderson, Nev.; Fremont and Glendale, Calif; Scottsdale, Ariz.; and San Jose, Calif.

You might also want to consider the least expensive cities to retire in the country.

Hiking, Biking and Active Pursuits

Staying active is important at any age, but it’s vitally important for seniors. Regular exercise helps you keep your edge, maintain freedom of movement and can even help treat (or manage) common age-related ailments like arthritis, high blood pressure and diabetes.

If hiking, biking and the great outdoors are your thing, Kiplinger recommends (among others), tax-friendly Huntsville, Ala. (bass fishing, biking trails at Monte Sano); Boise, Idaho (kayaking, boating, golfing and skiing); and Lynchburg, Va., for “more than 18 miles of urban trails on the city’s 300-acre greenway.”

If nice weather is crucial for your outdoor happiness, stick to California: Glendale, Riverside and Bakersfield are the top three in Wallethub’s “Best Mild Weather” ranking.

Part-Time Jobs, Learning and Volunteering

Staying active also includes social engagement – whether that’s helping out at church, volunteering in the community or taking a class at a nearby college.

It could also mean staking out a second-act or “encore” career. In fact, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that by 2026 some 30% of workers ages 65 to 74 will be working full- or part-time jobs. Even if the extra cash isn’t a financial necessity, some retirees return to the workforce simply because they want to keep busy or can’t imagine not doing what they love anymore.

For cities with better-than-average rates of volunteerism, a recent study from CNCS (the federal agency that includes AmeriCorps and Senior Corps) gave the highest marks to Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.; Rochester, NY; Salt Lake City, Utah; Milwaukee, Wis.; and Portland, Ore.

And while any college town can work for retirees, the top five “best suited to retirees” according to CNBC are Athens, Ga; East Lansing, Mich.; Iowa City, Iowa; Kalamazoo, Mich.; and Lawrence, Kan.

As for the best cities for encore workers? A recent article by Money put Flower Mound, Texas – home of Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital – at the top of a list that includes Ashburn, Va., and Palm Coast, Fla.

Planning for a Fun and Active Retirement

For today’s retirees, chilling out on a rocking chair is only a part of the picture – as a place to chill out after a round of golf, a class on a topic of interest or as a place of well-deserved rest after a day of biking, hiking or volunteering.

The bottom line: Be sure your plans for fun don’t get derailed by finances. While you’re still in the planning stages, consider getting expert help. Be sure to enlist experts assistance like AAA Financial Services can help with advice, loans and more.

Do you have any ideas about where to retire or how to stay active in retirement? Please share your thoughts in the comments.

Some things in life are so commonplace, we hardly give any thought to how they came to be. Such is the tale of the humble traffic light. You can trace the modern traffic light back to Cleveland, Ohio, and the son of two freed slaves. Armed with nothing more than an elementary school education and an innate curiosity of how things work, Garrett Morgan patented several inventions that would revolutionize society.

Morgan was born in Kentucky in 1877. While still a teenager, he left home and moved to Ohio in search of work. He first worked as a handyman in Cincinnati before landing in Cleveland.

At the turn of the 20th century, Cleveland’s garment industry was the second largest in the country. Morgan got a job sweeping floors at a garment factory. Enamored by the inner workings of the sewing machines, he taught himself how to fix them (they broke quite often). Eventually he was hired as a repairman before opening his own repair shop.

It was while working at his shop that Morgan serendipitously created his first major invention. He was experimenting with a chemical solution that prevented sewing machine needles from overheating and burning the fabric. As the story goes, Morgan wiped his hands down before going to lunch. When he returned, the hairs on the cloth were perfectly straight.

Morgan then tried the substance on a neighbor’s dog before testing it on himself. Each time, the same perfect results. Whatever oils were in the substance were able to break down and relax hair fibers. Morgan bottled up the substance and G.A. Morgan’s Hair Refiner was born. He sold it in African American communities around the country to great success.

With sudden financial security, Morgan was able to pursue other ventures. After watching firefighters struggle to breathe due to smoke inhalation, the inventor was struck with the idea of a safety hood. The device, which was patented in 1914, consisted of a hood placed over an individual’s head, connected to a long tube that reached the ground. Since hot air and smoke rise, the tube on the ground would deliver clean air to the person.

In 1916, the city of Cleveland was drilling a new tunnel under Lake Erie. Workers hit a pocket of natural gas, creating an explosion that trapped them underground. When Morgan heard what had happened, he and his brother donned the safety hoods and entered the tunnel themselves. They were able to save two lives.

Morgan’s safety hood is widely considered a precursor to the gas mask. With the onset of World War I – and the use of poisonous gas – Morgan won a contract with the U.S. Navy. The hood became standard equipment for the U.S. Army during the war.

Morgan’s successes allowed him to own an automobile, which was a rarity in the day (he was reportedly the first African American in Cleveland to have a car). Streets in America, though, were a mess in the early 1900s. With a combination of automobiles, carriages, bicycles and pedestrians, the roads were chaotic and navigating them was dangerous.

One day Morgan witnessed a terrible accident at a Cleveland intersection and his brain once again went into problem-solving mode. Traffic signals had been invented, but they only included “Stop” and “Go” alerts. The problem was that drivers didn’t know when the “Go” signal was going to switch to the “Stop” signal. The result was that drivers would stop abruptly or be stuck in the intersection when vehicles traveling in other directions began to move.

To solve this, Morgan invented a T-shaped traffic signal that had a third, “caution” signal. When this signal was on, traffic in all directions stopped and intersections would clear. It would also allow pedestrians to cross before traffic started moving again.

On November 20, 1923, Morgan was awarded a patent for a three-position traffic signal. In essence, he had invented the yellow light. Morgan’s original traffic signal prototype is on display at the Smithsonian’s American History Museum.

Aside from his technical contributions to society, Morgan was a pillar in Cleveland’s African American community. He founded the Cleveland Call, one of the most important African American newspapers in the country and was a leader in the city’s NAACP chapter.

Garrett Morgan passed away in 1963, one year before the passage of the of the Civil Rights Act.

For more stories about African American automotive pioneers, read about the fascinating lives of C.R. Patterson, Charlie Wiggins and Wendell Scott.

Need some inspiration for date night? While you can never go wrong with dinner for two, it’s fun to throw in a little creativity every now and then. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and those in need of a few last-minute date ideas are in luck; there are tons of quirky, offbeat and innovative date ideas in the Northeast sure to ignite some passion.

Play Like a Kid at Legoland Discovery Center  

Somerville, MA & Yonkers, NY 

Hit up Legoland Discovery Center Boston or Westchester for a night of fun without the kids. Held the second Wednesday of every month in Somerville and the first Thursday of every month in Yonkers, Legoland hosts an adults-only, themed evening of youthful fun at the attraction that will rekindle childlike wonder. Team up with other couples for a group date and get discounted rates, or get a sweet deal at the Westchester location through AAA.

Bonus points: Give all the prizes you win to your significant other as sweet souvenirs.

Pick a Star at Frosty Drew Observatory & Sky Theater

Charlestown, RI 

Just because it’s a last-minute date idea, doesn’t mean it can’t be romantic. Visit the observatory for a night of stargazing with your sweetie. Enjoy views of the starry sky through one of the several telescopes on clear nights or head indoors for presentations by astronomers in the Sky Theater during inclement weather. Open to the public free of charge every Friday night year-round and Wednesday nights in summer.

Bonus points: Want to get super romantic? Pick a star together and call it yours (cue the “awws!”).

Make a New Friend at Mystic Aquarium 

Mystic, CT

Is your loved one an animal lover? Don’t pass up the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the aquarium’s famous residents, including sea lions, seals, penguins and beluga whales. Visitors will learn more about their favorite aquatic creatures from scientists and trainers and, in some programs, can even get in the water with their new friends. Plus, you can get a discount on tickets with AAA.

Bonus points: “Adopt” an animal in your beloved’s name.

Toss an Ax at Kick Axe 

Brooklyn, NY

Is your honey a wannabe lumberjack? Does the seemingly forbidden idea of throwing sharp objects excite you? Look no further than Kick Axe, an indoor ax-throwing range where you and your date will learn how to throw from the pros. Compete in games against each other, then round out the experience with snacks and pizza.

Bonus points: Buy a couple of fake axes so you can clown around at home without risking beheading your significant other.

Bowl Back in Time at BreakTime Bowl & Bar

Pawtucket, RI 

Challenge your date to a game at this vintage bowling alley, which claims to be the oldest industrial recreation duckpin lanes in the Northeast. The restored alley – first built for employees of the Hope Webbing Company mill in the 1920s – provides a night of fun alongside the full bar and sizable food menu sure to satisfy your appetites.

Bonus points: Brush up on your game before heading out on your date and wow your partner!

Unleash Your Creativity With a Graffiti Lesson

New York, NY 

Pair up with a graffiti pro for a lesson in all things street art. You’ll feel super cool creating your own graffiti masterpiece as you learn about the art form and the techniques of aerosol painting. Classes take place at a local park in order to further immerse students in the street art experience.

Bonus points: Paint something romantic for your loved one. A simple “I love you” is always a winner.

Compete in Go-Kart Racing at X1

Braintree, MA

Hit up the track at one of the open racing sessions for a drive experience that will excite both you and your date. Choose from multiple challenging tracks featuring turns, hills and tunnels as you speed off in pursuit of the finish line and, hey, maybe even romance! Finish off the date with a meal at the complex’s Ascari Bar & Grille.

Bonus points: Challenge your date to an after-dinner game in the billiards room and, just this once, let them win.

Attend a Glass Blowing class at Brooklyn Glass

Brooklyn, NY 

Choose from a wide selection of one-day classes led by professionals at this unique glass blowing studio. Make a vase, shot glass, terrarium, beer mug or ice cream dish alongside your sweetie.

Bonus points: Make it a competition! Whose creation comes out the best?

What are your favorite, unique, quirky and off-the-wall date destinations? Tell us in the comments!

This post was originally posted in 2018 and has been updated. 

There’s a lot to love about a New England winter, from the magical quiet of a snowy night to carving fresh powder on the ski slopes. But sometimes you really just need to soak in some warmth to fight the icy temperatures. Here are a few nearby warm winter destinations where you can feel the heat, even in the coldest season.

Visit the Tropics

If you can’t actually take a vacation to the tropics, at least you can visit them for a few hours. Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, RI has two ways to experience tropical vibes year-round. The Botanical Center at Roger Williams Park is New England’s largest indoor garden. It’s always warm inside the two enormous greenhouses, the Conservatory and the Mediterranean Room, which are filled with plants from around the world. At Roger Williams Park Zoo, the Faces of the Rainforest exhibit is home to giant river otters – the only ones in New England – and nearly 150 other species of tropical plants and animals.

AAA members get $10 off select Roger Williams Park Zoo memberships.

The Tropical Rainforest at Boston’s Franklin Park Zoo has gorillas, pygmy hippos, a boa constrictor and an anaconda, among many other animals you won’t see naturally in New England, like ring-tailed lemurs and ocelots.

The New England Aquarium in Boston has six Amazon exhibits, including an Amazon rainforest with electric eels and poison dart frogs. And while you can walk through the Museum of Science’s Butterfly Garden, where hundreds of winged beauties fly freely around you, you can also observe life in warmer climates at a screening of The Congo 4-D: Life in the Rainforest, a 3-D movie with special effects in the museum’s theater.

Check out some more of our favorite New England zoos and aquariums.

 

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???? Baby, it’s cold outside… ????❄️ Come in and warm up by the fire in the spa’s Resting Area ????…the perfect spot on a (almost) winter’s cold day! • • • #MirbeauMoment #LifeClassicallyBalanced #winterwarmup #spa #christmasatmirbeau

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Immerse Yourself in Warmth

When you can’t take the cold anymore, it’s time for drastic measures. As in 150-degree drastic. Raffa Yoga in Cranston, RI has a calming warm winter destinations called Urban Sweat, a series of saunas and steam rooms designed to boost your health. There’s a black charcoal sauna that absorbs the body’s impurities, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory yellow turmeric room, and several others that are very hot and extremely restorative when you’re feeling chilled to your bones. In Newport, RI, The Bodhi Spa offers a Water Journey, a circuit of six mineral-rich salt pools and saunas that stimulate and purify your system.

If you truly want to show winter who’s boss, choose a spa with a year-round outdoor hot tub. Mirbeau Inn and Spa in Plymouth, MA has one on its aqua terrace, as well as an indoor heated foot soak that’s modeled after Plymouth Rock. Mountain View Grand Hotel in Whitefield, NH has spa rooms in the highest point in the hotel with 360-degree views of the Presidential Range.

Request a Table by the Fire

There’s no faster way to shake off a chill than eating comfort food by a roaring fireplace. The Common Man in Lincoln, NH has an enormous hearth in its lounge, big enough that several couches and overstuffed chairs fit in front of it. Sharpe Hill Vineyard Fireside Tavern in Pomfret, CT specializes in wood-hearth cooking, and has a double-sided fireplace with enough heat to warm the entire space – the perfect warm winter destination! Trattoria Delia in Burlington, VT defines cozy Italian dining with its roaring fireplace surrounded with candles and twinkling lights. Ebenezer’s Tavern at The Publick House in Sturbridge, MA is a circa-1791 inn with a 6-foot-wide fireplace that harkens back to the time when a roaring fire was the only source of heat for the room. And it’s in the name of the Tipsy Toboggan Fireside Pub, a winter-themed gastropub in Fall River, MA, so that’s basically a legally binding contract to keep you warm.

Drink All the Hot Chocolate

It’s a scientifically proven fact* that hot chocolate fights the winter blues – and since that’s one of our biggest exports in New England, we’ve devised a lot of inventive ways to enjoy a warm, chocolatey mug of comfort. The Gelato Fiasco in Portland, Maine makes its drinking chocolate with chocolate gelato. Vicuña Chocolate Factory in Peterborough, NH has a cafe on premises that serves European drinking chocolate and mocha lattes made with its own chocolate. Dancing Lion Chocolate in Manchester, NH offers up spicy Mayan hot chocolate.

In Boston, Gâté Comme des Filles in the Bow Market food hall serves hot Valrhona chocolate with flavored whipped creams and added flavors like lavender. Kakawa Chocolate House, in Salem, MA, doesn’t serve hot chocolate: It serves “elixirs” based on drinking chocolate recipes dating as far back as the 1600s, and from everywhere from South America to Europe, drawing inspiration from Marie Antoinette and Thomas Jefferson’s hot chocolate preferences.

*obviously that is not real science, but shouldn’t it be?

Where do you go to stay warm on the coldest days? Tell us in the comments.