Boston is a great place for day trips. The city is loaded with great restaurants and memorable attractions.

If you’re looking to get away from the city, however, there are also plenty of options for day trips from Boston.

A variety of amusement parks, museums and historic sites are within just a few hours of the city, offering something to pique just about anyone’s interest.

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

Looking for a place to stay in Boston? Find and book a hotel with AAA. 

Historic Sites

The Breakers
44 Ochre Point Ave., Newport, R.I.
Time from Boston: About two hours, without traffic

Newport is one of the most popular day trips from Boston, and the Breakers is one of the city’s popular mansions offering visitors trips to the Gilded Age. The 70-room Italian-inspired structure was built in the late 19th century. While you’re in town, check out the city’s other mansions including Marble House, the Elms and Rosecliff.

FIND & BOOK A HOTEL IN NEWPORT, R.I. 

Hancock Shaker Village
1843 West Housatonic St., Pittsfield, Mass.
Time from Boston: About two and a half hours, without traffic

The Shakers were a religious group that flourished in the mid 19th century. The Hancock community was one of several nationwide. Today, the 750-acre village is a living history museum with 20 buildings and costumed interpreters that connect visitors with the story of the Shakers. Check out farm and garden tours, musical performances and laundry demonstrations which make this village one of the most unique day trips from Boston.

The House of the Seven Gables
115 Derby St., Salem, Mass.
Time from Boston: About 40 minutes, without traffic

Also known as the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion, The House of the Seven Gables is the oldest wooden mansion in New England. It was built in 1668 and visitors can explore it via guided tour. You can also check out Nathaniel Hawthorne’s birthplace and a few seaside gardens overlooking Salem Harbor. Visit the Peabody Essex Museum while you’re on your day trip from Boston. It’s the country’s oldest continuously operated museum. Its collection spans American art and architecture, maritime art and Asian art, among other pieces, in addition to hands-on activities and performance spaces. This is definitely a must for day trips from Boston.

Old Sturbridge Village
1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge, Mass.
Time from Boston: About one hour and 15 minutes, without traffic

Old Sturbridge Village recreates early 19th-century life with more than 40 historic building spanning about 200 acres. See a sawmill in action, take a horse-drawn stagecoach ride and enjoy milking and musket firing demonstrations.

Plimoth Plantation
137 Warren Ave., Plymouth, Mass.
Time from Boston: About 50 minutes, without traffic

Plimoth Plantation is a living history museum that tells the stories of 17th century English settlers and members of the Wampanoag tribe. See a reproduced gristmill, a Native American village and a craft center. The Mayflower II, a full-scale reproduction of the famous ship, has long been a popular exhibit at the museum; it’s currently undergoing a full restoration.

Strawbery Banke Museum
14 Hancock St., Portsmouth, N.H.
Time from Boston: About an hour and five minutes, without traffic

Strawberry Banke Museum has more than three dozen historic structures and several gardens that showcase life from the mid-17th through mid-20th centuries. Costumed interpreters representing shop owners, gardeners and immigrants help visitors immerse themselves in the experience.

Amusement and water parks

Six Flags New England
1623 Main St., Agawam, Mass.
Time from Boston: About one hour, 45 minutes, without traffic

The coaster capital of New England is always adding new attractions and always a good option for day trips from Boston. In 2017, the park introduced The Joker, a 4-D free fly coaster with two beyond-vertical drops. It complements some of the park’s long-popular thrill rides, like the heart-pumping Superman: The Ride or the Mind Eraser. In the summer, cool off with slides, pools and kids’ play areas at Hurricane Harbor Water Park, and, in the fall, stop by for spooktacular fun during Fright Fest. Save up to 35% on tickets. 

Canobie Lake Park
85 North Policy Street, Salem, N.H.
Time from Boston: 45 minutes, without traffic

Canobie Lake Park is home to more than 85 rides, attractions and live shows, making it one of the more interactive day trips from Boston. Enjoy carnival and arcade games like the ring toss, then try puzzle rooms introduced in 2017.

CoCo Key Water Park
50 Ferncroft Road, Danvers, Mass.
Time from Boston: 45 minutes, without traffic

Don’t let the chance of rain ruin your day at the water park. Instead, head to CoCo Key. The indoor water park is geared toward visitors ages 2 to 12 with attractions like an adventure river and body and raft slides. Guests can choose day passes or opt for overnight packages. This unique getaway is definitely one of the ideal day trips from Boston.

Edaville USA
5 Pine Street, Carver, Mass.
Time from Boston: One hour, without traffic

Edaville USA is a lot more than the fabulous holiday train ride that earned it notoriety. The park has a variety of rides for young visitors, and character visits on select dates. Its latest claim to fame is Thomas Land, an 11-and-a-half-acre area with Thomas & Friends themed attractions. Be sure to check out Dino Land as well, a walking trail with nearly two dozen life-size animatronic dinosaurs. This amusement park is definitely worth being one of your day trips from Boston.

Lake Compounce
186 Enterprise Drive, Bristol, Conn.
Time from Boston: Two hours, without traffic

Lake Compounce celebrated its 172nd season in 2018. This classic day-trip amusement park combines traditional attractions like bumper cars and a carousel with roller coasters and a free fall. Crocodile Cove has several water attractions perfect for a hot day, including a wave pool, a lazy river and a play area. If you’re looking for day trips from Boston filled with typical attractions and water fun, consider Lake Compounce!

Santa’s Village
528 Presidential Highway, Jefferson, N.H.
Time from Boston: About three hours, without traffic

Santa’s Village has an obvious holiday tilt, but don’t let that discourage you from making it one of your day trips from Boston in summer or fall. Enjoy family friendly rides, shows and, in the summer, the HoHoH20 Water Park with slides and a splash pad. Feed some of Santa’s reindeer and meet the big guy himself.

Story Land
850 NH-16, Glen, N.H.
Time from Boston: About three hours, without traffic

Located in the scenic White Mountains, Story Land is a bucket list destination for families with young children and great for day trips from Boston. Rides geared toward kids between the ages of 2 and 12 complement fun shows, games and character visits. Cinderella, for example, celebrates every day at the park with an appearance before closing.

Museums

The Clark
225 South St., Williamstown, Mass.
Time from Boston: About three hours, without traffic

Not far from Massachusetts’ borders with Vermont and New York, the Clark offers guests a look at beauty through art and nature, a unique offering among day trips from Boston. Its collection includes European and American paintings, sculptures, photographs and other items from the Renaissance to the early 20th century. Visitors can also enjoy about 140 acres of manicured lawns and nature trails highlighting the scenic Berkshires.

Discovery Museum
177 Main St. (Route 27), Acton, Mass.
Time from Boston: About 45 minutes, without traffic

Create colored shadows in the Light & Color Gallery, perform a shadow puppet show by lanternlight in the Backyard at Night exhibit, explore acres of forest and much more! This museum invites little kids, big kids and adults of all abilities to come and have fun, all while learning about STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) concepts. Plus, get $2 off admission.

Heritage Museums and Gardens
67 Grove St., Sandwich, Mass.
Time from Boston: About one hour and five minutes

Heritage Museums and Gardens combines the best of a few worlds. Guests can walk amid beautiful gardens displaying flowers, trees and shrubs, check out American folk art, ride a vintage carousel and get up close with antique American automobiles. Stop by Hidden Hollow, a play area for children, or explore the treetops with the Adventure Park at Heritage. This location definitely deserves a spot as one of the most worthwhile day trips from Boston.

Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art
1040 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, Mass.
Time from Boston: About two hours and 45 minutes, without traffic

You’ve never visited a place like Mass MoCA, one of the best day trips from Boston. The enormous facility, which consists of more than two dozen, 19th-century factories spread among 16 acres, houses a wide, ever-changing variety of contemporary art. In 2017, the museum celebrated completion of a renovation project that added 130,000 square feet of renovated space.

Mount Washington Observatory
2779 White Mountain Highway, North Conway, N.H.
Time from Boston: About three hours, without traffic

This might be a bit one of the longest day trips from Boston, but it’s worth an overnight stay. Mount Washington is the highest peak in the Northeast, and it’s home to some of the world’s wildest weather. Learn about it at Extreme Mount Washington, an educational, hands-on exhibit in a mountaintop visitor center. You can reach the summit by foot (if you’re up for it), by car or the Mount Washington Cog Railway.

FIND & BOOK A HOTEL IN NORTH CONWAY, N.H. 

Mystic Seaport
75 Greenmanville Ave., Mystic, Conn.
Time from Boston: About two hours, without traffic

Mystic Seaport is a maritime museum dedicated to highlighting America’s seafaring history. It spans 19 acres and, along with a shipyard and a recreated village, it includes the oldest commercial ship in existence, one of more than 500 historic vessels among the museum’s 2 million artifacts. Mystic Aquarium is just a short walk away, making this one of the most worthwhile day trips from Boston. Learn how you can save on aquarium tickets purchased in advance online or a AAA branch location. 

FIND & BOOK A HOTEL IN MYSTIC, CONN. 

New Bedford Whaling Museum
18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, Mass.
Time from Boston: About one hour and 10 minutes, without traffic

“Moby Dick” may not exist were it not for Herman Melville’s time in New Bedford. The fact you can visit New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park should illustrate how integral whaling is to the city’s history. The museum is part of the park and it’s dedicated to telling the story of mankind’s interaction with whales. If you make this one of your day trips from Boston, you’ll be able to check out whale skeletons, a scrimshaw collection and much more.

RISD Museum
20 North Main St., Providence, R.I.
Time from Boston: About one hour, without traffic

It’s no surprise that one of the nation’s best design schools has an awesome museum. The RISD Museum houses about 100,000 objects ranging from ancient art to textiles to decorative arts to prints, drawings and photographs. Make this one of your day trips from Boston and you’ll have an artful good time! Admission is free on Sundays and from 5 to 9 p.m. the third Thursday of every month.

FIND & BOOK A HOTEL IN PROVIDENCE, R.I. 

What are your favorite day trips from Boston? Tell us in the comments.

This post was published in 2017 and has been updated. 

In early September, Hurricane Dorian devastated portions of the Bahamas with 165- to 185-mph winds and unprecedented flooding.

And while some hard-hit areas like the Abacos Islands and Grand Bahama Island aren’t ready to host visitors, most of the country – which comprises 700 islands and cays – is open for business and greeting tourists.

Fourteen of the 16 major tourist islands were largely unaffected by the hurricane and are welcoming visitors with open arms, said Elizabeth Foxman of the Bahamas’ Ministry of Tourism and Aviation office.

“We appreciate the outpouring of support from citizens around the world,” Foxman said. “The best thing people can do for the Bahamas, now more than ever, is to visit.”

The Bahamas, Post-Dorian

Renowned for the natural beauty of its clear blue waters, sunny beaches and lush foliage, the Bahamas depends on tourism for more than half of its economy. But the area has seen a dramatic drop in tourism following Hurricane Dorian, with hotels seeing double- and triple-digit cancellations.

But not all areas were affected by Dorian. In general, northern islands were hit much harder than central and southern ones. Unaffected islands include Acklins/Crooked Island, Andros, Berry Islands, Bimini, Cat Island, Eleuthera, Exumas, Inagua, Long Island, Mayaguana, Nassau, Paradise Island and San Salvador.

Helping Through Tourism

Although traveling to the Bahama Islands after a natural disaster may feel uncouth, officials say a lack visitors would further hurt the region.

“Now is the time to come together for our brothers and sisters in need, and help our country get back on its feet,” said Dionisio D’Aguilar, minister of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation. “We also implore travelers to continue visiting the Bahamian Islands that were not impacted by Hurricane Dorian as this will help our people tremendously.”

If you’re interested in traveling to the Bahamas, contact your AAA travel agent to handle the planning and ensure your destination and the supporting airport is open and ready for business. While some airports are closed, Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International Airport is open.

“Hotels in Nassau and Paradise Island – including Atlantis and Baha Mar – were not affected by Hurricane Dorian,” Foxman, of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation office, said. “Many hotels and resorts in the Out Islands regularly close during the fall months and reopen beginning in October. Hotels in Grand Bahama Island and the Abacos remain closed until further notice.”

Cruise Ships Are Returning

Popular cruise lines are returning to the islands as well. 

Carnival Cruise Line has reopened most of its Bahamian ports, including Nassau and the private destinations of Half Moon Cay and Princess Cay. Princess Cruises and and the Holland America Line plan to resume Bahamas-bound sailings in October.

The ships Carnival Pride and Carnival Liberty delivered relief supplies, including chainsaws, generators, medical supplies meals and water to Freeport on Sept. 12 and 13.

Carnival Corporation has delivered more than 5 million pounds of supplies to the Bahamas, and is partnering with two organizations – Direct Relief and World Central Kitchen – to further assist impacted residents, said Vance Gulliksen, Carnival Corporation’s public relations manager. The efforts are part of a $2 million pledge by Carnival Corporation and the Micky and Madeleine Arison Family Foundation to support relief efforts.

Donation Efforts

Those wishing to donate to Hurricane Dorian relief for the Bahamas can visit The Island of the Bahamas website, which includes a list of specific items hurricane victims desperately need, as well as the Nassau Paradise Islands’ website for a list of charitable funds.

It’s never too late to expand your mind – or your vocabulary.

Having trouble finding the time to learn a new language? Whether you want to brush up on your Spanish, pick up a few basic French phrases before heading to Paris or learn Japanese as a hobby, there are heaps of language learning apps available to download that make it easier than ever to learn, wherever and whenever it’s convenient. We’ve compiled a list of some of the top-rated apps to improve your language learning skills.

Babbel (Free download + offers in-app purchases/ iOS and Android)

Founded in 2007, this German-based education platform was one of the world’s first language learning apps. Babbel has millions of active subscribers who can choose from 14 foreign languages to master. The subscription-based app allows you to try the first lesson free and offers a variety of tools and classes personalized to your experience. According to the company, 73% of users indicated that they could have a short, simple conversation in their new language within five hours of using Babbel.

Memrise (Free download + offers in-app purchases/ iOS and Android)

Ranked as one of the top free language learning apps with a community of over 40 million learners, Memrise provides tools and resources for users to focus on memorizing. Unlike most traditional methods, the free mobile and web app offers engaging methods of teaching designed for people of all ages. The user-friendly interface uses visual mnemonics to help users retain information quickly and efficiently. Stop making excuses for why you can’t learn a new language and download Memrise for free.

Duolingo (Free download + offers in-app purchases/ iOS and Android)

Downloaded by more than 300 million people worldwide, Dualingo has the largest collection of language-learning data accessible to its users. The app offers online instruction in more than 30 languages for free. Share the results of your exercises and tests on social media and challenge your friends to learn. Dualingo also encourages you to train your brain daily by using a reward system and social component.

Khan Academy (Free / iOS and Android)

Get a complete university’s worth of instruction at your fingertips. The award-winning app provides engaging lessons in math, science, economics, history and several other topics for people of all ages. One of the most popular features is Khan Academy Kids, a collection of educational books, song and games designed for young children. Among the over 10,000 videos and explanations are lectures available through YouTube-hosted videos that use visual aids to teach users a wide range of topics.

Busuu (Free download + offers in-app purchases/ iOS and Android)

Busuu has a unique approach to teaching as the app addresses learning each word with basic dialogues and questions, all of which include audio to help you pronounce each term correctly. The app is free but requires an upgrade to the pro version to unlock most of the features, including full courses in 12 languages.

HelloTalk (Free download + offers in-app purchases/ iOS and Android)

Rather than paying a tutor, HelloTalk connects you with people who speak the target language you intend to learn. In return, you help them learn your language. Select your entry level and start chatting with the help of various tools to improve your translation. With so many languages to choose from, you can refine your list of potential tutors by age and location. Learning a new language in the form of a friendly conversation is what sets HelloTalk apart from competitors. Make a new friend and learn a new language. What’s better than that?

Quizlet (Free download + offers in-app purchases/ iOS and Android)

This language app focuses on the approach that everyone learns in different ways. Quizlet provides customizable vocabulary features that allow users to create terms for digital flashcards, games and more. With this method, you can design the ideal language course that works best for you. Even more, you can share the content you create online with classmates, friends, and the general public to help them study.

Lingodeer (Free download + offers in-app purchases/ iOS and Android)

Similar to Duolingo’s teaching methods, Lingodeer first started with Asian languages but has since added other languages such as French, German and Portuguese. Learn each language by practicing the vocabulary with various types of exercises with each class. The app divides every lesson up by category such as family, numbers, food, or casual conversation. While some sections are more comprehensive than others, Lingodeer makes is easy for anyone to get started on their path to learning a new language.

What are your favorite language learning apps? Let us know in the comments below!

Almost half of the U.S. population takes at least one prescription drug, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you are part of that half, you know that prescriptions can be expensive – sometimes really expensive.

When taking medications, it is important to use them as directed, but poor medication adherence is an issue for many Americans. Cost is a possible culprit for this issue, and a serious consideration for many.

Your health shouldn’t suffer because of the price of medications. Here are some tips that could help you save money on your prescriptions.

1. Communicate With Your Doctor

To assure you’re getting the best care, build an honest relationship with your doctor or general practitioner. This way, they can make more informed assessments and recommendations about your health.

Discuss your health in-depth and reveal all medications you take, whether they be prescription, over-the-counter, dietary, herbal or nutritional supplements. Your doctor can explain possible drug interactions, side effects, if there’s anything you shouldn’t be eating or drinking, and whether you should take them with or without food.

Once you have established a good relationship with your doctor, you’ll feel more comfortable explaining your financial situation as well. They may be able to write you generic prescriptions, which are often more budget-friendly and just as effective.

It’s also important to review your medications with your doctor every six months, or at least once a year. Our bodies are always changing, so it’s important to keep your doctor up to date on your health.

At your next checkup, discuss your conditions and medications to find out whether you still need them or if you could cut back. “Frequently, patients continue taking medications long after a health issue has subsided… Providers, too, may fail to discontinue prescribing a drug to patients after it’s no longer needed,” according to U.S. News. Depending on your condition, you may be able to decrease a medication’s dosage or possibly stop taking it all together.

2. Be Informed

When it comes to purchasing prescriptions, the more you know, the better.

If you’re insured, either through a state or the federal government, your employer or yourself, get to know your plan. Understanding how your insurance works can spare you some confusion or frustration later on. Learn your plan’s “formularies,” which are lists of drugs your insurance covers.

If your doctor prescribes you a medication but your insurance won’t pay, start a dialogue with your provider. Ask questions, show you’ve done your homework and be persistent.

You can also utilize your mobile device; many insurers now have apps that you can use to stay informed on coverage for prescriptions.

3. Seek Out Savings

There are many ways to save on prescriptions through prescription savings programs, discount cards, coupons and other means of assistance.

Prescriptions savings programs and discount cards are available through a few large retail chains, nonprofit organizations, pharmaceutical companies and state governments. Many can be found online and work for both brand-name and generic medications through participating pharmacies. They often require enrollment fees or charges for use, so be cautious of hidden costs to ensure you are getting the most out of your discount.

Another option is applying for assistance. Start at the source: The pharmaceutical companies. Many have patient assistance programs for people without insurance or who are underinsured. There are also other programs through local and/or state governments, nonprofit organizations, as well as Medicare. Most will be income-based, but if you’re struggling to pay for your medications, they could be worth looking into.

4. Do the Math

Similar to how you save money by buying food and toiletries in bulk, you may find cost savings in filling a 90-day supply over a typical 30-day supply. To compare the costs, calculate exactly how much you’re spending per pill or per milligram on each medication. Filling a larger supply saves you a few trips to the pharmacy, and also fewer chances of running out of your medications when taking them as directed.

It is possible to save even more money by splitting your pills. If your medication is available in double your normal dose, you may be able to get a two-month supply for the price of one. Check first with your doctor and invest in a pill splitter. Often about $5 to purchase, pill splitters will ensure you split the dosage evenly.

Remember that it is not advised to split pills in advance. Some pills may deteriorate when exposed to air, heat or moisture, so it’s best to split one at a time and right before ingestion. Finally, there are certain drugs that should never be split, including capsules, chemotherapy drugs, birth control pills, seizure-related medications and any pill that has a coating or other controlled- or extended-release features.

5. Comparison Shop

You have options when paying for your prescriptions, and using your insurance isn’t always the most cost effective choice. It is important to check the cash price, as depending on your co-pay, it might be less expensive to waive your insurance and pay in cash.

Some online companies offer mail-order prescriptions. When making purchases online, make sure the website is a Verifed Intranet Pharmacy Practice Site or VIPPS-accredited. That means it was checked out by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.

6. Be Proactive

It’s been said by physicians again and again; the tried-and-true way to become healthier with non-pharmaceutical alternatives is to eat better, exercise more and lose excess weight. Regular exercise can help ease the symptoms of chronic diseases, according to the Mayo Clinic.

If you take any medications just to treat symptoms, healthy lifestyle changes could allow you to stop taking them and save some money. Check out Your AAA’s free guide to living a healthier life.

7. Store Medication Properly

Letting your medication go bad or expire is a waste of both money and resources. Drugs can lose their potency when stored improperly or for too long. Ask your pharmacist how to store them correctly.

Avoid keeping medications in the bathroom as high moisture can affect your medication’s potency. Many medications should be stored in a dry, cool place and out of direct sunlight, while some need to be refrigerated. Read the documentation that comes with your prescription for directions on proper storage, or ask your pharmacist.

Before going to the pharmacy, always do your research. Speak with your doctor and/or pharmacist, compare prices and come prepared. Your wallet – and your health – will thank you.

How do you save on prescriptions? Tell us in the comments. 

Tropical getaways are what dream vacations are made of. Exotic locations, great weather, crystal-clear water. They check all the boxes.

And since you’re going to spend a lot of time at the beach, we’ve highlighted a few of the best spots for sun and surf. Fortunately, some of these aren’t all that far away.

Hawaii

Waikiki Beach, Oahu

Located on the south shore of Honolulu, Waikiki is arguably Hawaii’s most famous beach. As opposed to the north side of the island, Waikiki’s waves are mostly gentle, perfect for a host of activities such as swimming, surfing, canoeing, snorkeling and boogie boarding. When you need a break from the sun and surf, Waikiki’s bustling tourist district is filled with resorts, restaurants and shops. Waikiki may not be where you go to escape the crowds, but it offers something for everyone.

Makena Beach, Maui

Makena, also known as Big Beach, is a 1.5-mile stretch of sand on Maui’s southwest coast. If it’s privacy you’re after, this golden gem will be your new paradise. There’s plenty of room to set up on the beach or take a dip in the warm Pacific. There is a large shore break, however, so the water can be a little rough – but ideal for surfers.

Poipu Beach, Kauai

Three crescent sand formations make up Poipu Beach. It’s the perfect spot for most ocean activities. With its ideal scenery and surf, it’s becoming a hit not just with humans, but animals as well. It’s not uncommon to spot sea turtles or monk seals make a visit.

Standout Hotel: Hilton Waikoloa Village, Island of Hawaii

This massive oceanfront property can be navigated by tram or canal, which is all part of the fun of staying here. This one-stop relaxation destination has two restaurants, a spa, three pools, a beach and an ocean-fed lagoon for snorkeling and swimming. Experience the dolphin encounter of a lifetime at the resort’s sea sanctuary by day and enjoy a traditional luau by night.

Mexico

Tulum

Tulum, known as a luxurious yet low-key destination, has become a fan-favorite for guests. Revelers enjoy the miles of white-sand beaches, crystal blue waters and lush jungle. Above, ancient Mayan ruins overlook the coastal scene.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen’s beaches are some of the most popular on the Yucatan Peninsula. If you manage to get tired of the pillowy soft beaches, the city’s endless beach bars and hotel rooftops provide a constant source of excitement.

Isla Holbox

Isla Holbox is a beach island onto itself, one of several Mexican isles floating in the Caribbean Sea. This car-free island is only reachable by boat, so you won’t be bombarded with crowds. So you’ll be free to roam the island’s stretch of beaches, aqua-blue waters and nature preserve.

Standout Hotel: Grand Hyatt Playa Del Carmen Resort

Take advantage of the all-inclusive experience at this stunning beachfront property and enjoy unlimited food and drinks and select resort activities (yoga, cooking lessons, bicycles and more!) with your stay. The fun continues outside of the resort with shopping and nightlife along la Quinta Avenida, Playa Del Carmen’s main street, located just a block away. Go on an adventures and swim in a cenote – natural sinkholes that the Mayans believed to be sacred – or chill out at the Cenote Spa.

The Caribbean

Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands

Located on Grand Cayman – the largest of the three Cayman Islands – Seven Mile Beach itself stretches past luxury resorts and past residential areas, so it’s accessible to anyone. The clear waters and coral sands you’ll encounter have made it a fan favorite.

Grace Bay Beach, Turks and Caicos

The 40 islands of Turks and Caicos are filled with splendid beaches, but Grace Bay may just be the best, with its clear blue waters, white beaches and luxury hotels. It’s also renowned for its scuba diving, since the area is home to one of the largest reef systems in the world.

Maracas Beach, Trinidad and Tobago

The popular Maracas Beach is on the island of Trinidad. And you’ve probably never been to a beach quite like this. The island is known for its lush flora. The dense tropical jungle stretches right up to the beach, which is also lined with palm trees.

Standout Hotel: Jade Mountain, St. Lucia

Perched high above the beach, all Jade Mountain rooms come with just three walls, as the fourth is removed in order to best enjoy the unparalleled views of the Caribbean Sea and the Piton Mountains. Most rooms also come with an infinity pool allowing you to float above the ground as you seamlessly transition from your room into the great outdoors. An adults-only resort (15+).

Save on your next tropical getaway with AAA Travel and Pleasant Holidays.

The U.S. has a $146 billion backlog in needed roadway safety improvements, according to a 2017 report from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. It appears that a large portion of those improvements are needed in the Northeast.

Where the Northeast ranks

With 39% of rural roads in poor condition – the highest rate of any state in the country – Rhode Island has the worst roads in America, according to a study by the nonprofit national transportation research group TRIP, as of 2017. Other Northeast states with the worst roads, showing up in the top half nationally, include Maine (9th), New Hampshire (10th), Pennsylvania (12th), Connecticut (14th), Massachusetts (18th) and Vermont (20th). All of these states have higher percentage of rural roads in poor condition than the national average of 15%.

Rhode Island also topped the list of states with the highest share of rural bridges rated poor/structurally deficient in 2018. Twenty-three percent of the Ocean State’s bridges are categorized as such, about 2.5 times the national average of nine percent. Five of the six states in AAA Northeast’s territory landed in the top of the list: New York (8th), New Hampshire (17th), Massachusetts (18th) and Connecticut (19th).

The U.S. Census Bureau defines rural areas as regions outside of urban areas with a population of 2,500 or more.

Those hoping the roadways in the region’s more densely populated areas are in better shape are in for a letdown. Four Northeast cities rank within the top 20 U.S. urban areas (populations of 500,000 or more) with the highest share of major roads in poor condition: New York metropolitan area (8th), Providence (9th), Philadelphia (10th) and Bridgeport-Stamford (15th). At least 40% of the roads in these cities are in poor condition.

These studies are based on analysis provided by the Federal Highway Administration, based on data submitted annually by state departments of transportation. The quality of highways and roadways was typically evaluated using the International Roughness Index, although some roads were also rated by the Present Serviceability Rating.

What defines a “poor” road?

Driving over just one pothole usually gets drivers agitated. But what distinguishes a road in “poor” condition to one in “mediocre” condition?

According to TRIP, “Roads rated as poor may have cracked or broken pavements. These roads often show significant signs of pavement wear and deterioration. They may also have significant distress in their underlying foundation. Road or highway surfaces rated poor provide an unacceptable ride quality and are in need of resurfacing and some need to be reconstructed to correct problems in the underlying structure.”

What causes road conditions to deteriorate?

Several causes factor into a road’s condition. Generally, the combination of traffic, moisture and climate cause pavement failure.

The more traffic a roadway experiences, the more wear-and-tear it has to endure. Intersections are more prone to deterioration because the slow-moving or standing loads occurring at these sites subject the pavement to higher levels of stress. Weather also plays a key role. Moisture often works its way into pavement cracks. When moisture freezes, it expands the crack, and when it melts, you’re left will a pothole.

It is critical that the worst roads in America are fixed before they require major repairs. TRIP found that reconstructing roads costs approximately four times more than resurfacing them. Additionally, the report found implementing needed roadway safety improvements on U.S. roadways would save approximately 63,700 lives. It would also reduce the number of traffic-related serious injuries by approximately 350,000 over 20 years.

For more on safety on the roadway, visit the  AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

The Boston neighborhood that’s come to be known as the Seaport District can be traced to the late mayor Tom Menino, who envisioned an innovation district for the long-vacant waterfront area that was notorious for housing little more than empty warehouses and parking lots.

Today, the Seaport District is Boston’s hippest neighborhood, with cutting-edge restaurants, hotels, museums and more. Here are some highlights.

Where to Play in Seaport District Boston

To orient yourself with the Seaport District, a good place to start is District Hall. The free public lounge and co-working space has plenty of seating, a coffee shop and free Wi-Fi. A casual restaurant inside, Gather, serves up modern American cuisine.

Just a few blocks away, the Institute of Contemporary Art is a must-visit, with permanent and revolving exhibits from some of the world’s most renowned contemporary artists; there’s also a hip gift shop. Speaking of art, you’ll find outdoor installations peppered around the area. The latest exhibit consists of seven kaleidoscopic sculptures by Spanish artist Okuda San Miguel. Each piece has a web address on its base if you want to learn more.

If it’s a park you seek, The Lawn on D embodies the word innovation, featuring large swings outfitted with solar-powered LED lights that change color when you reach certain speeds or heights. There’s also games, concessions and a pavilion for special events. Or you can just simply hang out on the lawn.

If it’s the height of the season (May through September) and you’re suddenly in the mood for a workout, you just might be in luck: Drop everything and get your cardio on with Seaport Sweat, Boston’s biggest free outdoor workout series.

Your kids won’t be the only ones to be amazed by the Boston Children’s Museum, with three floors of STEM-focused exhibits, situated right on Fort Point Channel. Across the way you’ll find the floating Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, where you can relive one of the most important events leading up to the American Revolution.

Looking for more ideas? Check out the Seaport’s website, which is an innovation in itself.

“If visitors are looking for things to do around their Boston visit, they can email us, and we can help design their day,” said Debra Brodsky, director of marketing for the Seaport.

Discover more of Boston with AAA’s travel guide.

Restaurants in Seaport District Boston

When it comes to restaurants in Seaport District Boston, there really is something for everyone. For seafood, Legal Harborside and LTK Bar and Kitchen are Seaport District Boston’s iterations of the popular Legal Seafoods. For steak, you can’t go wrong with the classic Morton’s The Steakhouse.

Like its NYC, L.A. and D.C. counterparts, Rosa Mexicano serves up chic Mexican cuisine in a swanky upscale atmosphere. If oysters are your thing, try the raw bar at the minimalist Row 34.

If you want to grab something quick to take with you, you can’t go wrong with crispy fried chicken from the recently opened Fuku. Or opt for a loaded lobster roll at Luke’s Lobster. Situated right on Fort Point Channel and across from The Envoy Hotel, The Barking Crab seafood restaurant has that perfect ambiance of an after-5 waterfront gathering spot.

For fine dining, try the exclusive AAA Five Diamond Rated Menton by Relais & Chateau chef Barbara Lynch, a Boston native and the only woman in the U.S. to hold the distinction of Grand Chef Relais & Chateau.

Wait, did someone say ice cream? How about an ice cream shop known for fish-shaped waffle cones and unicorn floats? Kids – and adults! – are in for a treat as Taiyaki NYC opens up in Seaport District Boston this Friday (April 26).

Seaport District Hotels

With so many upscale Seaport District hotels, you really can’t go wrong. The Envoy Hotel, Autograph Collection boasts what some say are the best views of the city. Envoy’s hip Outlook restaurant is popular with locals, and you’ll enjoy quintessential Boston skyline views from the Rooftop Bar, even in the winter; that’s when they roll out the heated igloos.

Enjoy sweeping views from the luxury Renaissance Boston Waterfront, strategically situated for the business traveler, close to TD Garden and the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.

Swanky suites can be had for a night – or a few months – at the Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Downtown/Seaport, steps away from the financial district. Studio and one-bedroom suites include separate sleeping areas and fully equipped kitchens.

From the Seaport Hotel and World Trade Center, you can catch a cruise around Boston Harbor with a Spirit Cruises vessel. If you’re in the mood for a minimalist-yet-techy vibe, the ergonomically designed Yotel Boston offers up a lobby robot (YO2D2), self-check-in kiosks and a hip rooftop Sky Bar.

Contact a AAA travel agent to start planning your trip today.

Even after saying goodbye to their usual 9 to 5 job, many retirees prefer to take up a new vocation in their spare time. While some are looking for an additional income stream, others simply pick up a new job to try something new, keep busy or return to something they’ve always enjoyed. The opportunity to work from home is also an added bonus.

Here are some of the most popular and flexible work-at-home job options for retirees.

Customer Service Rep

Working as a customer service representative can be a fulfilling, flexible job for retirees. If you love talking with people and helping them solve their problems, you can work as a remote employee for a company in need of someone with strong people skills. Although many customer service jobs are now online and involve helping customers via digital chat, there are also plenty of opportunities for phone representatives. These jobs usually require minimal experience, so if you can learn on your toes and demonstrate an outgoing personality and professional demeanor, you should be able to find an opportunity quickly.

Transcriber

Transcription involves listening to an audio file or watching a video and writing the audio as text. Working as a transcriber is an ideal part-time job for many retirees, as it’s easy to pick up and doesn’t require many demands beyond being a fast typist and detail-oriented. However, this job can be challenging depending on the quality of the audio. In order to transcribe audio in a specific area, such as the medical field, you may also need to recognize industry jargon and know how to spell these words when you hear them.

Graphic Designer

If you have a background in graphic design or art, freelance graphic design is a work-at-home job that will allow you to use your creative skills.  Even if you don’t have previous work experience, online design courses can help you pick up the essentials in just a few months. Unlike illustration or related art fields, graphic design projects don’t always require you to be well-versed in drawing; all you need is a grasp of how to use typography, color and other visual elements to create a well-designed website, logo or brochure. While it can be difficult to find a stable job as a designer, freelance sites like Upwork have plenty of opportunity for freelance gigs.

 Consultant

After retirement, why not put your many decades worth of experience to good use? Becoming a business consultant is a great option for seasoned professionals, especially if your knowledge and expertise is in high demand. Do a search online for what other consultants are charging in your field and establish a basic web presence so businesses can seek you out. Consulting can be one of the most rewarding post-retirement, work-at-home jobs and allows you a chance to give back to other eager professionals who could benefit from your knowledge.

Artisan

Do you have a creative hobby you’ve enjoyed over the years? Retirement may offer you the perfect opportunity to turn your craft into a new source of income. Even just a few decades ago, it was expensive to open your own crafts store and sell pottery, jewelry or knitwear. Today, countless artisans and craftspeople set up their own digital storefronts on sites like Etsy and have thriving online businesses. Fortunately, it only takes a small amount of money to set up shop online, and you’ll take home much of the profit. With a little bit of clever marketing, you can expand your reach and potentially find customers from all around the globe.

Pet Sitter

 If you like animals, you’ll love working as a pet sitter. You can network with friends and family to find opportunities or leverage your online network to find people in need of a pet sitter. However, as you may be dealing with potentially dangerous animals, it’s always a good idea to take precautions and learn all you can about the temperament of the pets. Depending on local regulations, you may also need additional licenses and/or insurance in order to take care of pets, so be sure to do some research before getting started.

Copyeditor/Proofreader

Are you a stickler for proper grammar and know the rules of the English language inside and out? Working as a copyeditor or proofreader might be an ideal fit for you. Digital magazines, blogs, novelists and others are always in need of editorial assistance. Telecommuting is becoming more widespread every year, so you may be able to find a cozy job after retirement that allows you to edit from the comfort of your own home. If not, there are plenty of freelance opportunities online that can bring in some extra cash. Of course, it will help you stand out if you have a prior editorial background or have experience working with style guides.

Online Tutor

It’s easy to get started as an online tutor if you have the basic requirements, such as a webcam and video conferencing software. Tutors are sought after for a variety of subjects, from SAT prep and math tutoring for teens to essay writing or ESL language learning for adults or college students. While it certainly helps to have a background in education, it’s not a necessity. As long as you have subject matter knowledge and feel confident you can help students improve their grades or skills, tutoring can be an enjoyable and worthwhile way to spend time in retirement.

For more retirement job ideas, check out these part-time options, or maybe you would rather volunteer. 

Are you working during your retirement? Tell us about your work-at-home job in the comments. Then, learn how AAA can help you save and manage your money. 

The leaves are about to start changing, and fall is in the air! Leaf-peepers everywhere, rejoice! While fall is beautiful across the northeast, sometimes you want an autumn getaway. There’s no better place to see fall foliage than in the forests, trails and waterways of western New York. If you’re looking for leaves, here are some of our favorite places to find them.

Cattaraugus County

Located in the uplands of western New York, Cattaraugus County is also known as the “Enchanted Mountains.” This rolling landscape, sculpted by long-ago glaciers, is the perfect fall escape. In Cattaraugus County alone, you’ll find Allegany State Park, the Amish Trail, Holiday Valley, Rock City Park, Sculpture Park, Seneca-Allegany Resort & Casino and more.

Biking is a great way to experience the magnificent foliage of Cattaraugus County – home to a plethora of bike trails! The places to bike in this county include paved trails, converted railways and mountain biking routes. There’s something for everybody.

Try the Allegany River Trail, which consists of over 6 miles of paved trail that runs alongside the Allegany River. It’s a fantastic place to see fall foliage, alongside the rush of the river and the reflection of the leaves in the water.

If you want a more rugged ride, visit Holiday Valley’s Mountain Biking Trail, which winds in a 5-mile loop. You could also hit up the well-maintained mountain biking track at Golden Hill State Forest. Biking is one of the best ways to experience fall foliage – you’re going faster than you would be on foot, but you’re still going slow enough to take in all your beautiful surroundings.

Biking not your thing? That’s OK. There are even more opportunities for hiking in Cattaraugus County.

Try the trails at Rock City Park, which actually began as a prehistoric ocean floor. Now it sits about 2,300 feet above sea level. The times, they are a-changing. Instead of seaweed, Rock City Park now boasts beautiful fall foliage. Come explore the world’s largest expanse of quartz conglomerate. The changing colors of the trees make a perfect complement to the amazing natural rock formations.

Of course, one of the best places to see autumn in action is Allegany State Park. The park sits within the Allegheny Highlands forests area and consists of two parts: The Red House area and the Quaker Run area. In total, it encompasses 101 square miles. There you’ll find 18 hiking trails from which to choose, which vary in length and intensity. On the Black Snake Mountain trail you’ll find a marker that shows where the borders of New York and Pennsylvania meet. The park is full of hills, valleys, fields, lakes and forests. Feel like staying overnight? There are plenty of campsites where you can rest your head.

Cattaraugus County also offers opportunities for boating, kayaking, rafting and fishing on the Allegheny River, which winds through towns, cities and hilly woodlands.

Orleans County

Another great place for fall foliage in western New York is Orleans County, which is sandwiched between Buffalo and the Finger Lakes region. Orleans County is on the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, and it includes stops on both the Niagara Wine Trail and the Finger Lakes Wine Trail.

If boating is the way you want to leaf-peep in Orleans County, you can explore the Oak Orchard River and the historic Erie Canal. The Oak Orchard River and adjoining Marsh Creek is replete with beautiful, lush foliage in a natural setting. If you’re into angling, Oak Orchard River is a great spot for fishing.

If you set sail on the Erie Canal, you’ll be able to experience fall foliage as well as a healthy dose of history. The canal was a feat of engineering and the first (completely water-based) transportation system between the Eastern Seaboard and the western interior of the United States. Now, however, it’s mostly used for recreational sailing and watercraft. The calm, reflective waters of the canal make it the perfect place to view fall foliage.

The Erie Canal also offers a huge bike trail. The Erie Canalway stretches all along the Erie Canal (all the way from Buffalo to Albany). Whether you hop on for a quick ride or try to go as far as you can, it’s a magnificent way to experience the canal in fall.

Wyoming County

We would be remiss if we left Wyoming County off the list. Wyoming County is home to Letchworth State Park, also known as the Grand Canyon of the East. A lot of places call themselves the “Grand Canyon” of something, but Letchworth State Park isn’t kidding around. The park spans over 14,000 acres, and there’s something new to see around every corner. The Genesee River cuts through the expanse, framed on both banks by the towering Genesee Gorge walls (which stand at about 600 feet).

Letchworth State Park is the darling of local hikers, artists and photographers alike – they can’t get enough of the park in autumn, when all the trees along the gorge light up in orange, yellow and red tones. It’s gorge-ous.

Sure, you could hike through Letchworth State Park to enjoy the foliage. You could explore its caverns, its hidden waterfalls and winding trails. Or you could step it up a notch and go on a hot air balloon ride. That’s right, Letchworth offers hot air balloon trips over the park, so you can see the magnificent fall foliage from above.

If you do decide to stay closer to the ground, try the Gorge Trail, which is 7 miles long and hits most of the can’t-miss observation spots. You’ll also get to see most of the big waterfalls as they tumble down into the roaring Genesee.

Any one of these places would make for a great visit. There are trees all over the world, it’s true. But nobody does fall foliage quite like western New York.

National Historic Landmarks are America’s treasures – the most exclusive list of the nation’s historic places. New England has an unusual concentration of almost 400, in part because so many things happened first here, and in part because we practically invented historic preservation.

Here are 10 National Historic Landmarks in New England sure to make this season especially memorable. (Check the websites before visiting, as many properties keep seasonal hours.)

Crescent Park Looff Carousel

East Providence, RI

Designed by Charles I.D. Looff in 1895 and refurbished a decade later when he moved his carousel-building operation from Brooklyn to East Providence, this showstopper features 66 flamboyantly decorated, hand-carved wooden figures. Amusement park owners studied the salesman’s sample to select figures for their own custom carousels. Thanks to a loving restoration by local fans, new generations can still reach for the brass ring.

Philip Johnson’s Glass House

New Canaan, CT

Not all National Historic Landmarks are old. The Glass House was built in 1949. Despite the all-glass exterior, architect Philip Johnson pointed out that it had a kitchen, living room, dining room and bedroom – just like his grandparents’ house. (But they probably didn’t spend so much time washing windows.) A long, sweeping drive rolls through the verdant 49-acre property until the Glass House magically materializes in the landscape.

USS Nautilus

Groton, CT

The world’s first operational nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Nautilus berths in the Thames River alongside the Submarine Force Library & Museum. Christened in 1954, the 319-foot sub immediately broke records for longest submersion and longest transits without surfacing, proving that nuclear-powered subs were stealthier than their diesel-electric counterparts. The self-guided tour brings home the ingenuity of space management and the claustrophobic sacrifices of submariners.

Robert Frost Farm

Derry, NH

From 1900 to 1911, young Robert Frost tried farming here. He failed, but the surrounding landscape would haunt his verses for decades. This was where the young family man and chicken farmer grew into one of America’s greatest poets. His voice seems to echo through the farmhouse and orchard and along the tumbledown stone wall, where – perhaps – “good fences make good neighbors.”

Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park

Cornish, NH

Instantly celebrated for his first major commission – a 1881 monument to Civil War Adm. David Farragut – sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens soon went shopping for a summer retreat. He transformed the landscape of his New Hampshire estate the way he transformed American public sculpture, giving it a heroic classicism. Copies of some of his finest works dot the grounds, and the creative life of the lion of the Cornish Art Colony shines brightly in his studio.

President Calvin Coolidge Homestead

Plymouth, VT

Even as he rose in national politics, Calvin Coolidge often visited his birthplace. When President Warren G. Harding died suddenly in 1923, a messenger came knocking to notify the vice president. The house had no phone. Nor did it have electricity. The oath of office room preserves the moment when Coolidge’s notary public father administered the oath of office by lantern light with his son’s hand on the family Bible.

Jacob’s Pillow

Becket, MA

Set on a mountaintop amid manicured lawns and wooded glens, Jacob’s Pillow is the oldest major summer dance festival in the country. Founder Ted Shawn, a modern dance pioneer, with his wife and partner Ruth St. Denis, purchased the land in 1931 and summer programs began in 1933. The festival presents leading choreographers and troupes as well as rising stars of the avant-garde. The main stage opens to the woods behind it, and free Inside/Out performances take place in an open-air amphitheater.

Winslow Homer Studio

Scarborough, Maine

Winslow Homer spent the last 26 years of his life – 1884 through 1910 – painting at Prouts Neck, a rocky knob jutting out into Saco Bay. That work came to define the rocky coast of Maine in American art. Guided tours bring the artist to life in this national landmark where he painted numerous watercolors and oils, including his masterpiece “Weatherbeaten,” now in the Portland Museum of Art.

Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village

New Gloucester, Maine

The last remaining active Shaker community embodies the celibate, mystical sect’s devotion to simplicity, hard work and steadfast faith. The Friends of Shakers group helps tend the sheep and Scottish Highlands cattle and gives guided tours of 17 remaining buildings. Visitors may also attend Sunday worship.

Revere Beach

Revere, MA

In the 1890s, the Metropolitan Parks Commission rescued this striking 3-mile-long crescent beach from destructive development. With the addition of a carriage road, bathhouses and several pavilions, Revere Beach soon opened as America’s first public beach. It was badly damaged in the Blizzard of ’78, but its facilities were painstakingly restored, becoming a National Historic Landmark in 2003. Since 2004, it has hosted the New England Sand Sculpting Competition.

– Patricia Harris and David Lyon are authors of “Historic New England: A Tour of the Region’s Top 100 National Landmarks.”

Search AAA Discounts to find savings on museums and historical sites. 

While some people see cars simply as a way to get around town, others see them as something more. These are the people that buy cars because of the design, the history or a personal connection from their childhood. It might not be the newest or flashiest car on the block, but it’s a prized possession just the same.

Many cars have legions of fans who want to share their passion with other like-minded individuals. Whether it’s someone who owns the same model or simply appreciates its uniqueness, car clubs are a great way to get a look at lovingly cared for vehicles with owners who are proud to show off their rides. Here are some unique car clubs across the country whose events are worth checking out.

DeLorean DMC-12

Although the DeLorean DMC-12 saw only a few years of production that ended in 1983, its gull wing doors and brushed stainless steel body still attract plenty of attention. As the time travelling car from the “Back to the Future” movie franchise, it’s impossible to see one and not immediately think of Marty McFly desperately trying to hit 88 mph and save the world.

The Southern California DeLorean Club holds events all year long including appearances at Crossroads Benedict Castle Concours, regional parades and auto shows, and regular meet-ups with the DeLorean Band.

Amphicar

The Amphicar was produced in the early 1960s. You can drive the car straight into the water, where it then becomes a boat. The motor powers the rear wheels when it’s on land or twin propellers when it’s in the water.

The International Amphicar Owners’ Club has members in several countries and host swim-ins around the U.S. every year. Its biggest event is in Celina, Ohio, where owners are happy to show off their cars. They might even take you for a ride if you aren’t lucky enough to have an Amphicar of your own.

Another cool opportunity to ride in a Amphicar is at Disney Springs in Orlando. Save on a Disney vacation with AAA.

Tucker Torpedo

The Tucker 48, also called the Tucker Torpedo, was all the rage in 1948 with unique technologies for the time. It had a third headlight that swiveled like today’s adaptive headlights and safety-minded features such as a padded dashboard and roll bar.

Only a handful of these cars were ever built, with less than 50 surviving today, but that doesn’t stop that small number of owners from gathering to celebrate their unique rides. The Tucker Automobile Club of America partners in classic car events including behind-the-scenes tours at museums, unique driving experiences and a variety of events throughout the year for its members.

Vintage Volkswagen Beetles

There’s just something about this quirky little car that puts a smile on your face. It’s the iconic car of the 1960s but was eventually discontinued as consumer tastes changed. It made a comeback 1997 as the New Beetle to put smiles on the faces of a whole new generation. Sadly, it’s once again being discontinued, and this is its final model year of production.

That long history has led to numerous car clubs celebrating the Beetle around the world. The Vintage Volkswagen Club of America focuses purely on vintage Volkswagen models, particularly air-cooled VWs. If you’re looking for memorabilia, events and get-togethers with vintage Volkswagen owners, this club can help find a group near you.

MINI

This is one of the more unique events you’ll find from a car club. While plenty of them do meet-ups and rides, the MINIs on Top club picks a truly unique location for their meetup. This annual event is hosted at the base of Mt. Washington in New Hampshire.

The day starts with a meet and greet where everyone shows off their ride and competes for best in show awards. Once that’s out of the way, the Minis make the nerve-wracking trek up the narrow road that leads to the top of Mt. Washington. It’s worth it all to enjoy a spectacular view of the White Mountains.

Cadillac

One of the challenges when you own a collectible car is being brave enough to take it out of the garage where there are other cars and people and potential car-damaging dangers. The Unique Car Club’s motto is “Driving Your Cadillac: Get It Out of the Garage,” which is a great way to share some truly unique cars with the public.

Located in Southern California, the group sponsors all manner of events and is open to owners and potential future owners of Cadillacs of any kind. Whether you have a vintage ride from the 1950s or the latest model to roll off the assembly line, all are welcome. The group has regular meetups throughout the area, participates in car shows and even heads out on road trips. Isn’t that a sight you’d love to catch out on the highway?

Jeep Wrangler

Jeep has a reputation for off-road capability, particularly the Wrangler. If you’re planning on driving where there are no roads and where other off-roaders fear to tread, then get yourself a Wrangler. The Lone Star Jeep Club based out of Texas offers unique opportunities for its members to get out and put their Jeeps to the test.

This family-friendly club hosts workshops to teach the basics of off-roading along with more advanced training and technical advice. It also holds drive events so you can enjoy your off-road adventure with friends, and it explores not just the wilds of Texas, but Colorado, New Mexico and Arkansas.

There are hundreds of car clubs across the country celebrating everything from vintage models to the newest. Check out these car clubs and those in your area for a fun look at the world of automotive enthusiast.

Are you a member of a car club? What do you enjoy about it? Let us know in the comments!

Before the rise of Zumba and the allure of goat yoga, exercise trends of the past captivated audiences of a different era. Much of what we now consider to be retro fitness led to popular workouts used today, like  jazzercise and Zumba. Others have fallen to the wayside, fading to a distant memory. Grab a sweatband, cue up your oldies playlist and check out these retro exercises that surely deserve a comeback.

Get Rolling

The lights, the music, the disco ball! The ‘70s would not have been complete without the roller disco. Roller rinks were a popular hangout spot. When paired with the decade’s signature disco music, became a funky way to have fun with friends. Regardless of its ups and downs on the popularity scale, roller skating is a great way to stay in shape. According to Roller Skating Association International, skating for one hour per week can burn 600 calories. This retro exercise works out most of the major muscle groups while causing 50% less stress on your joints than running. Enroll in a roller skating or dancing class to learn to skate, refine your skills or brush up on your dance moves. Skaterobics combines roller skating and roller dancing for the ultimate fun way to fitness on wheels.

Tone Up with Television

Do you remember tuning in to “The Jack LaLanne Show”? How about “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” with Richard Simmons? Did you pop workout video tapes into your VHS player, ready to get fit with Jane Fonda? These fitness gurus were welcomed with open arms into American homes for decades and quickly became household names. They preached the benefits of regular exercise and a healthy diet, while providing an opportunity to work out in the comfort of your own home. If the classic “I have no time to exercise” excuse is a constant in your life, try a different tactic to fit in some fitness. Instead of watching another rerun, don your exercise best – legwarmers, anyone? – and try out a fitness program. On-demand fitness channels are available across many television providers. There are programs catered to any age or intensity level, plus many don’t require any exercise equipment at all.

Channel Your Inner Child

Think back to your childhood to warm, summer days and your outdoor playtime staple: the hula hoop. Wham-O released these large plastic hoops to the public in 1958 after discovering students in Australia twirling wooden hoops around their waists as exercise. Hula hoops were an instant hit and 25 million were sold in just a few months. Exercise and playtime can be combined into a fun workout with this backyard toy. Hula hooping is an effective way to burn calories and exercise your core. According to a study from the American Council on Exercise, hula hooping can burn roughly 210 calories per 30-minute workout. Plus, it’s a great workout for your abdominals, lower back, hips and obliques. The best part? Your kids can get in on the action too!

Step It Up

Turning back the clock to the late 1980s, step aerobics combined dance, music and exercise to create an effective cardiovascular workout, all centered around an adjustable platform that can be raised or lowered for any intensity level. The American Heart Association recommends regular endurance exercise – like step aerobics – to reduce risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke. This retro workout is great to get the heart pumping, not to mention getting some full-body exercise and burning calories. Many fitness centers and gyms hold step aerobics classes. And if you wanted to wear some nostalgic workout fashion, we won’t judge.

Bounce Back

Trampolines aren’t just for kids anymore. Mini trampolines – also known as rebounders – are making a comeback as a beneficial fitness tool for regular exercise, considered a fad in the ‘70s and ‘80s. There are plenty of positives to a bouncy exercise routine. The American Council on Exercise reported that rebounding improves overall cardio-respiratory fitness. This workout also puts less stress on joints, bones and ligaments, making it a good workout for seniors. If safety is a concern, rest assured bouncing is limited to a low height and support bars can be used to hold on to during workouts.

What are your favorite retro workouts? Share in the comments! Get more health and fitness tips. 

Looking to keep up with regular exercise? AAA members save when registering with Active&Fit Direct.

Newport, R.I., will be home to the inaugural Audrain’s Newport Concours & Motor Week, a four-day automotive extravaganza celebrating history, sport and luxury from Oct. 3-6, 2019, in the city that was the birthplace of American motorsports more than a century ago.

In addition to ticketed events at some of Newport’s most well-known locations, there will be free, family-friendly automobile displays on the lawns of the famed Newport mansions, celebrity symposiums with appearances from former “The Tonight Show” host Jay Leno and others, plus a concert featuring Grammy award-winning musician John Legend at the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Organizers are expecting anywhere from 50,000 to 150,000 people per day at what is quickly shaping up to be one of the top automotive events in the world, said Rich Schad, director of the Audrain’s Newport Concours & Motor Week.

“With so many historic firsts, including the first automotive race in America, we felt that Newport is historically the best place in the United States – if not the world – to hold a motor week,” Schad said. “People are excited to finally have an event like this on the East Coast and it is important to us that we make this something special for many, many years to come.”

Competition

The weekend’s flagship event, the Concours d’Elegance (French for “competition of elegance”), will feature 100 of the most extraordinary vehicles ever built on the grounds of The Breakers. The lucky winner will receive a trophy sculpted by world-renowned fine artist Brian Life, who shaped the prize in the likeness of a red Mercedes that once belonged to famous Newport socialite William K. Vanderbilt II.

The Week’s Events

When the events get rolling, Newport’s International Tennis Hall of Fame will also be the host of the Concours Village, where visitors can enjoy concessions from local food vendors, as well as a classic car auction, memorabilia, car displays and the John Legend concert Friday night.

A $30 ticket to the village ($15 for ages 7-17) also includes admission to the world-famous Audrain Automobile Museum, which will have installations throughout the week, including $200 million in prototype cars on display from General Motors, Schad said.

“When we planned this event, we wanted it to be approachable and welcoming to all,” Schad said. “We are very hopeful that it is going to appeal to a large audience and bring so many people to Newport, and we wouldn’t have so many world-class sponsors if we weren’t confident that this is going to be an extraordinary week.”

Organizers also hope to appeal to younger crowds and families with the first-ever 30 under 30 class, developed by Jay Leno . Sponsored by AAA Northeast, the 30 under 30 class will showcase projects from automotive hobbyists younger than 30 years old who have not spent more than $30,000 on their vehicles. Its purpose is to encourage the next generation of car collectors and show them that you don’t need millions of dollars to make automobile restoration a hobby, Schad said.

History and More

Newport’s racing history dates to 1900, when Vanderbilt – whose family built and owned The Breakers – faced off against other Newport millionaires in the first Vanderbilt Cup at Aquidneck Park horse-racing track (now the site of the Newport State Airport). The city has an affinity with luxury sports and has also hosted the America’s Cup, the U.S. Amateur Gold Championship and the first-ever Summer X Games in 1995.

Proceeds from Audrain’s Newport Concours & Motor Week will benefit local charities, including the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center, the Boys & Girls Club of Newport County, the Edward King House and The Autism Project of Rhode Island.

Other beneficiaries include local veterans, seniors, local police and fire departments, museums and the historical societies and infrastructure throughout Newport and Rhode Island.

Get Your Tickets

Whether you’re a total gear head, a classic car lover or simply someone who would love to have a great time on the spectacular Rhode Island coast, Audrain’s Newport Concours & Motor Week has something for everyone.

Plus, AAA members will be able to save 10% on most tickets to this all-new event by calling the Audrain Automobile Museum at 401-856-4420. 

Weeklong passes to the Concours Village are available, as are tickets to the Concours judging and all-inclusive VIP passes.

Whichever package you choose, you’ll want to order your tickets and book your hotel room soon – word is spreading and car lovers from around the world are coming to be part of what will likely become one of Newport’s most celebrated new traditions.

Book a hotel in Newport for the event.

Will you be attending? Tell us in the comments.

Other than losing your cellphone on the first loop of a roller coaster, long lines are the worst thing about a day at a theme park.

By noon, it’s hot and you have already burned through every piece of small talk in your arsenal. Sure, some parks offer passes that let you bypass the line, but even then, you might need to spend a bit of time in the surrounding area so you don’t miss your turn.

The good news is some theme parks understand how boring it is to wait in line. There are rides that exist, and others in development, that replace traditional queues with live entertainment and other, more exciting, options. But there are still times when you will need to wait to get into the best attractions. Try a few of these ideas the next time you’re at the end of a seemingly endless ride line.

Plan the rest of your day. Theme parks are huge. Use a park map to make a list of the rides you want to hit next.

Chat about the ride. Been on the ride before? Scare your friends with a story about how terrifying it is.

Talk about its movie. Many rides today are based on films. Talk about what you liked or what you didn’t.

Talk about food. Waiting in line makes me hangry. Talking about food? Now, that makes me happy.

Eat! Better yet, why not chomp on something tasty while you wait? If it’s something you bought, make sure it’s in a plastic bag or something that can be thrown away before you reach the front of the line.

Recite lines from movies. Take turns reciting famous movie lines and see who can correctly guess the most.

Smartphone games. Free game apps like charades and trivia get everyone involved and make the time go faster.

Talk about politics. Just kidding.

Start a rap battle. Take turns saying words or sentences that rhyme. If you need some inspiration to get started, pick an object around you. Theme parks are full of interesting stuff.

Pick a category. Choose a topic like ’90s cartoons or 18th century war generals (know your audience) and find out who can name the most.

Thumb wrestle. ’Nuff said. But be aware that a full-blown competition with others in line could break out at any moment.

Play “I Spy.” An oldie but a goodie. Pick something and give a clue. Let everybody guess, and if they need another hint, do another round.

Play “20 Questions.” Another classic. Pick an object or a person, but keep it secret. Then let everyone else in your group take turns asking a yes or no question followed by a guess. When someone guesses correctly, it’s their turn. Pick a toughie and you could reach the front of the line before somebody gets it right.

Play “I Went to the Market.” This memory game starts with the first player stating, “I went to the market and bought a _____.” Fill in the blank with something you buy at a grocery store. Each person who goes next recites the sentence that was just said but tacks on another item. The sentence gets longer with every turn.

“Fortunately, Unfortunately.” The point of this storytelling game is to keep it going as long as possible. It starts when the first player says something positive like “Two children found a winning lottery ticket on the way to the grocery store.” The next player continues the story with something unfortunate like “but they dropped it in the rain and it slid down into a sewer.” Players alternate fortunate and unfortunate sentences until a satisfying conclusion is reached.

Bring some sticker puzzles. Great for kids, these puzzles often come in books that you can leave in the cubbies at the front of the line. You can probably find one based on your child’s favorite movie or TV show, too.

Or carry a coloring book. This is going to require sitting or a wall to be done right, but your kids will make it work.

Bubbles! Another good one for bored kids (or really bored adults). Keep them occupied for a few minutes with a bottle of bubbles. It could also be a chance to teach them about line etiquette, i.e., not blowing bubbles in the faces of other guests.

Two truths and a lie. Here’s another board-less, card-less game you can play anywhere. One person tells two true statements about his or her life or personality plus one fib. For example, think “I like to play guitar. I like to eat. I have skydived.” The other players take turns guessing which of the three is the lie.

Play the alphabet game. This one is fun for kids or adults. Choose a topic like fruits or celebrities. Then name something that belongs to that topic that starts with the letter A. Continue with B, C, D, etc., and see how far you can get!

Talk about things that matter. Sure, everybody is there to have fun, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask about school or life in general. You could learn something new about your kids or friends that could start an interesting conversation.

Discuss your next vacation. OK, maybe you want to stick to enjoying this one, but it doesn’t hurt to dream!

Save on your next theme park vacation by booking with AAA.

Boston has over 60 unique museums to explore. Narrow down your list with our picks for the best museums in Boston before deciding on your next day trip.

Museum of Fine Arts

With an extensive selection of more than 500,000 works of art, the Museum of Fine Arts is known for its impressive assortment of paintings and artifacts. Its Art of the Ancient World collection is one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive, featuring antiquities dating back thousands of years from Egypt, Greece, Italy and more. Whether it’s photography or contemporary art that you are into, there is inspiration around every corner.

New England Aquarium

Located on Boston’s waterfront, the New England Aquarium has over 15,000 sea creatures and is one of the largest attractions in the city. Spend the day watching the seals, penguins, sharks, turtles and fish, and experience the interactive exhibits for children of all ages. Make sure to check out the giant ocean tank, a four-story exhibit that holds 200,000 gallons of salt water, containing sting rays, eels, various fish and  guest favorite Myrtle the turtle. The tank is so big that it was the first thing constructed at the building – the rest of the aquarium was built around it. It’s one of our favorite zoos and aquariums in the area.

Use your AAA discount to get $2 of amdission.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Drawing on the extensive personal collection of its founder, the Isabella Steward Gardner Museum is a majestic repository of art and nature including pieces by Rembrandt, Degas, Raphael, Michelangelo and many others. Located a short walk from the Museum of Fine Arts, the building – based on a 15th-century Venetian palace – has a luxurious interior and a stunning plant-filled atrium. The museum is also known for a 1990 heist in which two men disguised as police officers stole approximately $500 million worth of famous artwork. Almost 30 years later, it remains unsolved; the spaces where the pieces were hung remain empty. The museum hosts classes, concerts and events for locals with a passion for art and music.

Harvard Museum of Natural History

Explore the world through the eyes of a scientist and see what Harvard research reveals about our planet. Open daily, the Harvard Museum of Natural History in Cambridge has over 12,000 specimens on display to engage families. One of the top attractions is the world’s only mounted Kronosaurus, a 42-foot-long prehistoric marine reptile. If you love dinosaurs, you might want to check out these Northeast attractions, too.

Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology at Harvard University

Learn about ancient and contemporary people and cultures at the Peabody Museum, which is among the oldest in the world dedicated to these studies. Its collection of about 1.2 million historic objects includes the only surviving items acquired from the Native American people during the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1804-1806, Maya and Mesoamerican artifacts and an impressive photo archive of about 500,000 images of world cultures. As a whole, it is one of the most comprehensive records of human cultural history in the Western Hemisphere.

Museum of Science

Whether you’re alone or with a large group of people, the Museum of Science is a family-friendly place to learn and be inspired from the exhibitions and interactive displays. There are plenty of hands-on opportunities for children.

Boston Children’s Museum

For over 100 years, the Boston Children’s Museum has helped kids explore everything from health and wellness to science and technology. A favorite local spot, it is a great place for kids to climb in mazes, blow bubbles and use their imaginations in the construction zone.

Larz Anderson Auto Museum

Larz and Isabel Anderson’s lavish, castle-like estate in Brookline, MA is the perfect setting for the oldest collection of cars in the country. Built in 1888, the museum’s two floors are lined with an impressive assortment of American and European vintage vehicles. Adjacent to the 19th century carriage house is Larz Anderson Park, a 64-acre public park that offers magnificent views of the skyline from its hilltop.

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

The Kennedy family has a rich history in Boston, and the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is a space to commemorate the life and legacy of the United States’ 35^th president. Presented through the eyes of various media of the time, view the countless exhibits containing rare footage, clothing and much more of during JFK’s most influential years.

What do you think are the best museums in Boston? Did we leave out your favorite? Tell us in the comments. 

Yarrow Thorne wants to make Providence a more beautiful place – but to him, that means a lot more than putting up a few murals. It means creating art that serves a public good, not just for the city itself, but for the people who live in it and the visitors who come to see it, by setting up long-term projects aimed at inclusivity.

“It doesn’t matter what language you speak,” Thorne said. “You can walk by a piece of art and be inspired. Hopefully other people are seeing that and meeting other people with similar ideas and interests.”

Going Public

On paper, his nonprofit, The Avenue Concept, does a simple thing: It commissions artists to create public works in the city of Providence. In reality, though, installing public art is a much bigger project than it seems. There are permits to pull and safety concerns to insure against, workers to hire and artists to find who are experienced enough to lead the vision. The art needs to both resonate with the people who live in the city and attract international attention, so that more donations will come in for future projects. And let’s not forget that all of this art is outdoors; even if it weathers the elements well, it will inevitably need maintenance and upkeep and people will eventually lose interest and look for something else to connect with.

But when you walk past a three-story mural of a girl walking through a door into a magical, psychedelic world – like “Adventure Time,” by Polish artist Natalia Rak, on the side of the George C. Arnold Building – the benefit is undeniable.

“Our goal is to figure out how art can inspire community, and build an environment where people can be inspired,” Thorne said.

A New Way of Seeing Art

The idea for The Avenue Concept started when Thorne was a student at the Rhode Island School of Design, where he helped develop the school’s first public art program. Once school was over, he expanded the project to the entire city, with the goals of creating beautiful art that changes with an evolving city landscape and encouraging city planners to think more creatively about how to build that art into existing development projects.

“If you’re going to tear up a plaza, let’s install power underneath so you can have uplighting on trees and events outside,” Thorne said.

To date, the nonprofit has installed 170 pieces of art in Providence. The large-scale murals are the most visible, but there are also smaller murals, sculptures and things that might not immediately seem like art installations, like public gardens.

You’ll find one of those downtown on Exchange Terrace. It’s a bioswale, a landscape design that captures water runoff that would normally go into the street and uses it to water the plants. It surrounds Cosmic Flower, a kinetic sculpture by Emmett Square made of reflective roadside tape that interacts with lights from passing cars. The sculpture is installed on a pad that will allow new works to be easily installed, saving on future costs and allowing for a more affordable reimagining of that space.

“Social media attention spans are getting shorter and shorter,” Thorne said. “We need new ways to present public art.”

The Avenue Concept’s first order of business was to create one of those new ways. “We turned the back of our building into a legal graffiti wall,” Thorne said. “People can come and paint whatever they want.” He said that 15-20 artists come to add to the Lockwood Street space every day, and that every continent has been represented. “In a lot of cases,” he said, “we find artists that way.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

#spotted cupcake the #partyshark by @avenuepvd 2018 local resident artist Sam White. Painted with @avenuepaintbar montana gold spray paint & @c2paint have you spotted our newest installation yet? #shark #pink #purple #white #black #history #8bit #fun #montanacans #montanagold #new #streetart @ghostbutterfingers

A post shared by The Avenue Concept (@avenuepvd) on Oct 22, 2018 at 4:26pm PDT

 

Bolstering Local Artists

While it’s important to them to use artists who will bring Providence outside attention and attract tourism dollars, it’s also a top priority to support and engage the 10,000 artists who live in the state. For a project in the corridor between Classical and Central high schools on the West Side, The Avenue Concept had alumni from the schools work with students. “Every mural there has curriculum tied to it,” Thorne said, so teachers can bring students outside and show them how the art connects to what they’re learning.

Another way they’re supporting local artists is through a 2D local working residency, which gives artists a public canvas to tell a story. “Party Shark,” by Sam O. White, came from that residency. It’s a painting of a pixelated pink and purple shark that speaks to the idea of overblown fears. The mural is broken up across five open archways, tucked away in a preserved building facade downtown on Weybosset Street.

“We want art to be hidden,” Thorne said. “We want people to walk out from PPAC at a show and see what murals they can find. Hopefully in the process they buy a coffee or learn about a new store.”

 

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“Misty blue” providence, Rhode Island. Thanks to @avenuepvd and @inoperable for the opportunity.

A post shared by Andrew Hem (@andrewhem) on Jun 6, 2017 at 11:18am PDT

 

Art As Unifier

The most recent project is “Still Here,” a mural on the side of 32 Custom House St. that depicts a young girl holding a portrait of Princess Redwing, a Narragansett and Wampanoag tribe elder and historian. The work was created in partnership with Baltimore-based artist Gaia and the Tomaquag Museum in Exeter, RI.

Thorne estimates that each mural generates about $100,000 for the city from people coming in to look at them, and then doing other things in the city while they’re here.

“We know people are moving here because of the murals,” Thorne said. “They compare Providence to Boston and they see a place where they want to live and raise a family.”

Thorne also sees public art as a way to unite the 15 different neighborhoods in Providence and to help people find connections across cultures. Muralist Andrew Hem, whose parents fled the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia, worked with Providence’s Cambodian community in coming up with “Misty Blue,” a painting of a Cambodian girl in a forest.

He changed it based on feedback from people in the community, Thorne said, noting that the project allowed many in the Cambodian community to feel a new sense of connection to downtown Providence.

“We want to think of ways to bring all the different people together,” Thorne said. “The local talent here is really strong, but not a lot of Rhode Islanders get a chance to get out of Rhode Island. By bringing in outside talent we can show people here what’s going on in the rest of the world, and we can attract international attention.”

That recognition is the kind that will keep donations coming in and keep tourists excited about Providence, and ultimately help make it the kind of world-class city it’s on the path to becoming.

More than a dozen artworks are on display as of April 2019. Click out this map to see where they’re located. 

Interested in DIY home renovation projects on a budget that are also achievable? Sure, we all are.

Enter Keith Steier, who parlayed his job as a co-op handyman into a career that includes founding New York City’s Knockout Renovation design and build firm.

Just off a remodel of the studio kitchen for the “Rachael Ray Show” and the relocation of Knockout’s Manhattan showroom, Steier checked in with AAA Northeast to talk about the top five game-changing DIY home renovations that (almost) anyone can accomplish with a limited skill set and a limited budget.

Easy

Hang window treatments and take a shine to new light fixtures

One of the least expensive (and easiest) ways to knock out a little home renovation on a budget is by replacing older window curtains and blinds or updating outdated lighting fixtures. With just a low-powered drill-driver (or even a screwdriver), most DIY newbies should be able to easily hang new curtains or other window treatments as long as hardware is screwed directly into the wall studs or secured to the wall with inexpensive drywall anchors.

Typically sold with easy installation kits, new lighting fixtures can also be replaced with just a few turns of the screwdriver. Homeowners should always turn off power to the house when working with electrical outlets and elements, and have a comfort level with basic electrical work.

“Just hanging new curtains and lighting sconces can dramatically change the look and feel of a room,” Steier said. “It’s one of the easiest and least expensive DIY projects that still delivers great wow factor.”

Paint a new color scheme and give your cabinets a face-lift  

Paint makers are coming up with more colors and finishes for both interior and exterior house paints. When it comes to top home renovation ideas on a budget, painting can be a fun, easy and inexpensive way for DIYers to flex some muscle. Paint results will be vastly improved with proper prep, including scraping and sanding off old, flaky layers of paint, puttying up nail and tack holes and caulking where necessary.

“Painting delivers the biggest bang for the buck when it comes to visual impact,” Steier said. “Pay attention to luster and finishes like flat, semi-flat, semi-gloss, gloss and eggshell, and be thorough and patient when taping off borders.”

In addition to walls and trim, Steier says painting kitchen cabinets (both inside and outside) is quickly becoming a popular project when it comes to DIY home renovation on a budget. Cabinets can get a quick and easy face-lift by upgrading drawer pulls and handles or adding a new laminate surface to the doors, drawers and cabinet faces.

Upgrade a room with durable floor laminates 

Floors can also get a quick face-lift with inexpensive laminate kits that allow DIYers to practically peel and stick on floors that mimic the look and feel of natural wood. Floor laminates are one area where Steier recommends stretching the budget to purchase the best quality available, as inexpensive floor laminates tend to not last long, particularly in high-traffic areas.

“You can get good laminates that are really durable and then there are some that will shred and indent and look horrible just nine months down the road,” Steier said. “Double check the durability of what you’re installing and consider if and when you might want to remove the laminate before using high-performance glues and adhesives. Mistakes happen and style trends come and go, so always think about how you would reverse-engineer a project if you had to.”

Moderate

Refresh the kitchen with a new backsplash

For homeowners looking to try an intermediate-level DIY renovation, a new kitchen backsplash can take on the look of an entire remodel but still keep the budget in check.

“This is a project that’s possible for a DIY homeowner to pull off with a little more research and perhaps renting some tools,” Steier said. “Most home improvement stores sell tile grids that mimic the look of individual tile, but there is some skill involved to get really great results.”

To help guide the DIY home renovation on a budget, YouTube offers a seemingly endless library of how-to videos for nearly any project. Steier also says to be realistic about the time commitment you might need to learn and become proficient in renovation skills you see on the internet.  “You might end up needing a lot of time on your hands to complete even easier renovation projects, and as things get more complex, you are not going to find all the answers with just a few quick Google searches.”

Advanced

Enhance the bathroom with upgraded faucets

That’s especially true when it comes to plumbing renovations. The proverbial leaky faucet has flummoxed many a handy person and DIYer, and while installing new faucets and fixtures provides a major wow factor, working with water can also be extremely difficult.

“Water is an area where there’s just no room for error,” Steier said. “Use the wrong washer or forget an O-ring or get a dud replacement part and you could have a worse problem than you were trying to resolve. You can get repair and replacement kits for faucets, but make sure you can shut off the water that leads to the fixture and watch plenty of videos, because water is unforgiving. There’s no half-right.”

Installing new medicine cabinets or adding new shower treatments and surrounds are two budget-friendly bathroom upgrades that will keep you high and dry but still deliver on the renovation end.

Whatever DIY renovation projects you take on, Steier says the key to success is to take your time, have fun and don’t be afraid to call in the big guns if things go off the rails.

“There will be noise, there will be dust, there will always be a surprise or two, but enjoy it,” he said. “If you feel like you’re losing perspective, call a professional remodeler that can guide you through a renovation from the design phase to selected products, matching aesthetics and – of course – doing all of the hard work!”

We want to hear about your home projects! Tell us about a DIY home renovation that you were able to accomplish. Bonus points if it’s budget-friendly!  

Protect your home and all the hard work that you put into it with homeowners insurance from AAA. Learn more or get a quote.

Travel insurance can cover a lot of ground, even when your holiday doesn’t include a plane (think car rental accidents or having to cancel your hotel booking because of a trip to the ER.)

But once you include flights into your holiday plans, there’s a whole lot more to consider, like delays and missed connections, trip interruptions and cancellations, lost baggage and more. Having flight insurance can protect your vacation investment and help smooth over inconveniences.

Here’s just one example: While some airlines try to minimize the pain of a delayed flight with compensation, all they are legally required to do is get you out on the next available flight. Having travel insurance means you’ll be reimbursed for accommodations, food and the trip back to the airport.

See the difference?

Myth: Flight Insurance Only Covers Death & Disaster

Brushing up on travel insurance terminology can clear up confusion about flight insurance and what it entails. There’s a big difference between flight accident coverage and flight insurance, which is often used interchangeably with travel insurance.

Flight accident (AD&D) coverage – also known as flight life insurance and airline accident insurance – pays out if an accident results in death, loss of limb or eyesight. But according to European travel expert Rick Steves, it’s not worth it. “(It’s) a statistical rip-off that heirs love. It’s basically a life insurance policy that covers you when you’re on the airplane,” he said. “Since plane crashes are so rare, there’s little sense in spending money on this insurance.”

That’s flight accident insurance.

Flight insurance, on the other hand, can help you escape a flight’s more mundane dangers: trip delays, cancellation fees and wayward luggage.

What Flight Insurance Can Cover

A comprehensive travel insurance policy can provide financial protection from trip cancellation, interruption and delay, whether it occurs on your end (such as an illness) or is beyond your control (such as weather). And if your luggage is lost or stolen, you can get help finding and replacing it. For even more robust coverage – highly recommended if you’re traveling abroad – you can include travel medical insurance and medical evacuation.

Purchasing travel insurance can provide travelers peace of mind, but in more tangible terms, it provides protection for those who are unable or unwilling to risk their financial investment in a trip.

Here, courtesy of the U.S. Travel Insurance Association, are just a few reasons purchasing flight insurance before your next trip would be a smart move.

• You have to cut your trip short because of illness.
• You have to cancel your nonrefundable trip because a family member had an accident.
• Your flight is delayed overnight because of bad weather, and you need a hotel room.
• You miss your cruise departure because of weather-related flight delays.
• You can’t get home because of a hurricane, flood or other natural disaster at your destination.

The Bottom Line

Not all travel protections and insurance policies are created equal. While no one wants to spend quite as much time reviewing policies as they do planning their dream vacation, it pays to do your research and compare costs and benefits. Here are caveats and considerations to keep in mind before you fasten your seat belt.

• Although your credit card may offer flight protection, there are exclusions galore. As millennial traveler Kate McManus notes on the travel website Matador: “Most credit card coverage is minimal and highly restrictive, limiting your reasons for cancellation to death, illness or injury or forcing you to have paid for everything with that particular card.”
• Know the reasons insurers don’t pay out (so you can avoid them). For example, a trip cancellation requires a “covered reason.” If you get the flu, but fail to submit a physician statement form, you’ll most likely be out of luck when you file an insurance claim. Terms and conditions of your policy matter: a legal separation or divorce may be sufficient for a covered trip cancellation, but not a breakup; the death of a family member is grounds for cancellation, but the death of your beloved pet is not.
• Be sure you’re getting the best value for your money. Beware of add-ons and pop-ups when you’re buying online, whether it’s through a cruise line or a travel website. There’s only one way to know if a policy covers your needs, and that’s to read it carefully.

Has having flight insurance ever saved the day – or a lot of money – for you? Do you have any cautionary tales about not having travel insurance when you needed it? Feel free to share your insights  in the comments section below.

Your AAA travel advisor can help you choose a travel insurance policy that’s right for you. Learn more.

The Northeast is known for its spectacular fall foliage, and the beautiful rural areas around us have become essential viewing spots for many autumn travelers. Where you decide to stay on your leaf peeping adventures has a huge impact on your trip, and can turn a pleasant fall vacation into an unforgettable one. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of ten of the most impressive bed and breakfast hotels in the region.

Why stay in an ordinary hotel, when you can wake up every morning to the aroma of fresh baked pastries, the amiable chatter of other guests, and the awe and splendor of the colors right outside your window?

Explore the different accommodations listed and find the ideal getaway for couples or families. Many of our top-picks are also AAA Diamond Rated, and all received consistently high ratings online from travelers. To learn more about AAA Diamond Rating, go to AAA.com/Diamonds. 

Saratoga Arms – Saratoga Springs, NY

Saratoga Arms is a luxury Northeast bed and breakfast with a private club atmosphere and close proximity to many fall foliage trails. Located at the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, Saratoga Springs is an ideal place for viewing the changing colors of the leaves. The AAA Four Diamond Rated hotel’s assortment of individually decorated rooms, many with fireplaces, add to the elegance and romance of an evening away in the fall.

Breakfast: Culinary Institute of America-trained chef. Fresh fruit, yogurt, bagels, etc. Accommodates vegan and gluten-free restrictions. Also serves small plates during the day.

Special Amenities: 24-hour exercise room. In-room safes.

Things to Do: Stop by the Saratoga National Historical Park or the National Museum of Dance.

Fun Fact: Historic Saratoga is home to the oldest horseracing track in America.

Book now.

Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast – Salisbury Mills, NY

Located in the heart of the beautiful Hudson Valley, the Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast offers a front row seat to the local fall foliage display. According to the owners, “The crunchy leaves, crisp breeze and magnificent colors take on a whole new meaning for peep-lovers.” The property features three different houses to choose from, some of which were built when Thomas Jefferson was president. Caldwell House also has a rich Irish American history and offers a unique rural New York bed and breakfast experience. The Shawangunk Wine Trail, hiking trails and the Hudson River nearby provide endless options for foliage viewing.

Breakfast:  3-course breakfast with farm-fresh ingredients. Dietary restrictions honored.

Special Amenities: 19^th Century parlor and living room with marble-trimmed fireplaces. Quilted bedspreads and luxury linens.

Things to Do: Storm King Art Center is an internationally-renowned outdoor sculpture museum sitting on 500 acres of pleasant pastoral landscape, which provides another wonderful spot to gaze at the changing leaves. Horseback riding, kayaking and more are also available nearby.

Fun Fact: The Caldwell House is environmentally-friendly.

The Fern Lodge – Chestertown, NY

Nestled in the majestic Adirondack Mountains, The Fern Lodge hosts a truly secluded and intimate setting on 70-acres of forest, right alongside a sparkling, untouched lake. You won’t have to travel far to see foliage from this AAA Four Diamond Rated property; just go hiking across its endless, picturesque terrain. “The nights are cool and the days are warm – the autumn foliage is brilliant,” says Innkeeper Sharon Taylor.  “The kayaking on the lake is magnificent, the biking and hiking in the area has no equal.” Most of the available rooms are rustic-themed and perfectly charming. Aside from hiking, fall foliage can also be enjoyed from the lakeside fire pit or on the 4 p.m. boat tour of the lake.

Breakfast: Full, multi-course breakfast.

Special Amenities: Jacuzzi tubs, stone fireplaces, sauna, pool table.

Things to Do: Visit Fort Ticonderoga, go white-water rafting, or take a gondola ride up Gore Mountain.

Fun Fact: The Lodge has a 9-person theater for entertainment and mingling with other guests.

Book now.

Chateau Inn – Spring Lake, NJ  

A truly lavish inn set in the pleasant Victorian-themed town of Spring Lake. Chateau Inn is only minutes away from the white sandy shores of Spring Lake Beach. This wonderfully decorated establishment provides a unique vantage point for fall foliage viewing alongside the town lake or at nearby Divine Park.

Breakfast: Signature continental breakfast.

Special Amenities: Marble bathrooms, Jacuzzis, wood fireplaces.

Things to Do: Explore the plentiful art galleries, boutiques and antique shops in Spring Lake.

Fun Fact: In the late 19^th century, Spring Lake transformed from a rural farm and fishing town to a favorite spot for wealthy Northeast industrialists.

Lodge at Moosehead Lake – Greenville, Maine

This historic AAA Four Diamond Rated Northeast bed and breakfast has been a favorite destination for travelers for over 100 years, and offers everything one can ask for in a fall foliage vacation. Each room has a different rustic flair, and some even have different themes based on local wildlife; for instance, you can stay in the Moose, Trout or Bear Rooms and admire the special furnishings. Mt. Kineo, Mt. Katahdin and the Appalachian Trail are all nearby. If you so choose, you can simply stroll along the property to see the leaves, or take a relaxing canoe trip on Moosehead Lake.

Breakfast: Hot entrees and fresh made pastries. Accommodates dietary needs. Also serves dinner.

Special Amenities: Private deck, lakeside view, antique décor. Pet-friendly.

Things to Do: Ask the Innkeepers about a Moose Safari Tour.

Fun Fact: The Lodge offers pet massages and homemade organic pet treats.

Book now.

Inn at Clamber Hill – Petersham, MA

This delightful New England bed and breakfast is located on a quiet estate surrounded by woods and sits right alongside the Harvard Forest. “People that have grown up in New England sometimes fail to realize just how spectacular our fall foliage is,” said owner Deni Ellis. “This area is a travel destination for fall foliage and we get travelers from all over the world with lots of Europeans.” The Quabbin Reservoir is nearby and the surrounding forests are great for hiking, biking, and bird watching. The Inn also hosts a romantic restaurant and a premium bar.

Breakfast: Fresh baked goods, pear almond pancakes and more. Caters to dietary restrictions.

Special Amenities: Each room has a different special theme, with related décor and styling. The Equestrian and Nautical Room are two examples.

Things to Do: The Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory and Gardens is a great spot for nature lovers and families.

Fun Fact: The owners often hold popular wine tastings and whiskey tastings.

Manor House – Norfolk, CT

The romantic Manor House is a prime midpoint for exploring both the Berkshires in Massachusetts and Litchfield County in Connecticut. The Victorian Tudor mansion is also a short drive to Haystack Mountain State Park.

Breakfast: Accommodates dietary restrictions.

Special Amenities: Antique bed, fireplace and private balcony in some rooms.

Things to Do: See at concert at Infinity Music Hall or check out local fine dining, all within walking distance of the House.

Jacob Hill Inn – Seekonk, MA / RI 

Located on the border of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Jacob Hill Inn is a fantastic place to start your fall foliage adventures. This charming establishment stands out among bed and breakfasts in the Greater Providence area and is at once upscale and traditional. “In the fall guests don’t have to leave our property to see foliage,” said Innkeeper Eleonora Rezek. “We are overlooking about 50 acres of every fall color.”

Breakfast: Fruit, yogurt, granola, juice and hot entrées.

Special Amenities: Antique décor, billiard room, tennis court, Jacuzzis and fireplace.

Things to Do: Take a quick drive to Providence and see the renowned WaterFire exhibit on the river.

Fun Fact: Jacob Hill Inn is the only bed and breakfast hotel in the Providence area to have an in-ground swimming pool, tennis courts and a 50-acre property.

Franconia Inn – Franconia, NH

Set in the secluded woods of New Hampshire, the Franconia Inn is a popular choice for a fall foliage vacation. The graceful décor and pleasant colonial architecture of the Inn makes this the perfect resting spot for your travels. The property itself is home to 107 acres of breathtaking beauty, which means you don’t even necessarily have to drive anywhere to get your fill of foliage. As for activities – fishing, horseback riding, tennis, you name it, it’s all here.

Breakfast: Full country breakfast. Eggs, waffles, bacon, etc.

Special Amenities: Game room, movie room, Jacuzzi and balcony in some rooms.

Things to Do: Hop on the Mount Washington Cog Railway nearby, a mountain-climbing train with stunning views.

Book now.

The Bartlett Inn – Bartlett, NH

The Bartlett Inn is a cozy New England bed and breakfast centrally located near White Mountain National Forest and Mount Washington, one of the prime fall foliage viewing spots in New Hampshire. The Innkeepers provide detailed routes for scenic drives in the area to see waterfalls and mountains in full display. You’ll see an abundance of colored leaves just looking out of your window as well. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, so don’t be surprised if you see some cute critters near the Inn or on a trail.

Breakfast: Fresh fruit, omelets, sausage and more. Dietary restrictions honored.

Special Amenities: Kitchenette, fireplace, whirlpool tub. Pets welcome. Family-friendly.

Things to Do: For a family adventure, drop by the Storyland Amusement Park in Glen.

Fun Fact: Summer guests can pick their own blueberries for breakfast from the wild bushes in the yard.

Book now.

Other great bed and breakfasts in the Northeast

Clarendon Square (Boston, MA) – A boutique Boston bed and breakfast close to Boston’s South End with plentiful foliage.

Devonfield Country Inn (Lee, MA) – The Berkshires are always a good choice for viewing the leaves.

Inn at Harbor Hill Marina (Niantic, CT) – A quaint maritime village combined with wonderful fall foliage is a good reason to pick this New England bed and breakfast.

Stagecoach House Inn (Richmond, RI) – A cozy and charming spot surrounded by woodlands.

What’s your favorite fall getaway? Tell us in the comments. 

Late summer and early fall is Renaissance fair season in our neck of the woods. Whether you’re a ren fair newcomer or an Elizabethan junkie, it’s time to dust off your puffy shirt and don your muffin hat.

The Renaissance fair, a uniquely American pastime, exists somewhere between a state fair, a comic book convention and a living history museum. The smallest fairs last a day or a weekend in a public park, while the largest fairs can last several months and have permanent fairgrounds.

My local fair is the New York Renaissance Faire in Tuxedo Park. I love it so much that if it was even more local, I would probably be living there. Renaissance fairs appeal to me on a molecular level, targeting the parts of me that are still an 8-year-old girl reading dog-eared fantasy novels. The Renaissance fair is a fantasy, focusing on fun and festivities rather than any sort of historical accuracy. Renaissance fairs are filled with pirates, elves and fairies hobnobbing among the likes of Queen Elizabeth I and William Shakespeare.

A Renaissance fair is usually comprised of a marketplace full of merchants and artisans selling period-appropriate items and handicrafts, actors and actresses milling about the lanes in character, and entertainment on a variety of stages. The best and biggest ren fairs have a joust.

To have the most fun at a Renaissance fair, I suggest coming in costume. Peasants and pirates are the easiest ensembles to cobble together, but many fairs offer same-day costume rentals as well. It is important, however, that you don’t sacrifice your safety for historical accuracy. Make sure your costume doesn’t make you overheat in the late summer sun, and that your footwear is supportive and comfortable. Don’t tie your corset too tight!

Many fairs allow period-appropriate weapons like knives and swords, but they must all be peace-tied so that they cannot be unsheathed. Good fairs don’t let you poke each other’s eyes out, no matter how cool your new dagger is.

Here are some of the best current and upcoming Northeast Renaissance fairs this season.

The New York Renaissance Faire – Tuxedo Park, NY

The New York Ren Faire is held annually in Tuxedo Park, on weekends from August to late September. The Renaissance fair is presided over by a young Queen Elizabeth I, and protected by Robin Hood and his merry men. The Robin Hood plot line plays out in different locations over the course of the fair day, with the joust as the finale. This is a huge, sprawling fair that has permanent fairgrounds and a stable of amazing actors and performers. Take a look at my visit in the video above.

King Richard’s Faire – Carver, MA

King Richard’s Faire in Carver, MA runs on September and October weekends, including Labor Day and Columbus Day. Best of all, AAA members can save up to $4 on admission. Enjoy bards, acrobats, fire-eaters, puppeteers and more on eight different performance stages in the fictional land of Carvershire. The fair even has a big cats show, with a white lion and tiger cubs. There are plenty of opportunities for fairgoers to get involved in their variety of contests determining who will get to accompany King Richard himself on the joust dais. Check out our chat with the king and queen of the fair! 

The Medieval Festival at Fort Tryon Park – New York, NY

Fort Tryon Park’s Medieval Festival in New York City is a one-day-only event (Sept. 30), but it’s not small by any means. With crowds of up to 60,000 fairgoers, the festival transforms Fort Tryon Park into a bustling medieval marketplace. You can see shows, buy amazing artisan goods and interact with a variety of costumed characters. And here’s the best part: Festival admission is free.

The Connecticut Renaissance Faire – Lebanon, CT

The Connecticut Renaissance Faire, otherwise known as the King Arthur Harvest Faire, has a main storyline themed around the Knights of the Round Table. That’s not all, though. Weekends from September through October, it offers a built-in live action role-playing element, which pulls you into the world of the fair and allows you to choose a class and level up your fair persona. It has the usual fair fare, like merchants and wandering characters, as well as more unique features like a living history encampment and a knight school.

New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival – Concord, NH

On Sept. 21-23, come visit one of the largest and most diverse Scottish games in North America. This fair celebrates everything Gaelic, from bagpipes to kilts to caber tosses. There is a large living history element to the festival, as fairgoers can interact with their living history Scottish encampment. There are also merchants, artisans, and authentic Scottish foods and dancers.

The Eastport Pirate Festival – Eastport, Maine

Speaking of pirate invasions, the Eastport Pirate Festival invades Maine for one weekend every September. This year, the festival will take place Sept. 6-8. Pirates have always been present in the marginalia of Renaissance fairs, but this fair puts pirates at the center. There are boat races, costume contests and a pirate ball. Prospective pirates will love the cutlass and cannon demonstrations, as well as the crowning of the pirate king and queen.

The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire – Manheim, PA

On weekends through Oct. 27, the grounds of Mount Hope Estate play host to the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. Ruled over by Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, the fair offers over 90 stage shows to entertain and immerse fairgoers into its world. Costumed characters mill about the fair, filling the grounds with laughter, dance and song. Each weekend of the fair has a different theme, from a pirate invasion to an Oktoberfest celebration.

For information on inns and keeps in which to take shelter throughout thine journey, visit ye olde AAA.com/Hotels.