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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn more at AAA.com/AutoGlass

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

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

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

Holiday Travel: The Air

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maybe bring some earplugs too.

Holiday Travel: The Road

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

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

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

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

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

Holiday Travel: Staying Over

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

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

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

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

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

Find and book a hotel with AAA.

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

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

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

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

Anticipate Your Buyer’s Needs

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

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

Start With Small Projects

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

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

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

Set Your DIY Priorities Upfront

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

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

Consider Curb Appeal

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

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

Don’t Overthink Your Timing

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

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

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

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

Snuggle on the Shore

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

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

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

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

Curl up to Culture

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

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

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

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

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

Bedtime With the Beasts

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

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

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

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

Snooze With the Crews

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

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

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

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

How do solar energy systems work?

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

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

Is solar worth it in the Northeast?

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

Do solar panels work in the winter?

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

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

Can I meet all my electricity needs with solar?

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

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

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

How long do solar panel systems last?

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

Is my roof suitable for solar?

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

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

Will installing a solar panel system damage my roof?

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

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

How many solar panels do I need?

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

Will I still receive an electric bill after going solar?

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

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

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

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

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

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

What financing options are available for solar?

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

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

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

How much money can I save with solar?

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

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

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

What incentives are currently available for installing solar?

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

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

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

What’s the best solar equipment available?

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

Should I buy a solar battery?

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

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

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

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

Saturday Morning

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

Saturday Afternoon

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

Saturday Evening

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

Overnight

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

Sunday Morning

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

Sunday Afternoon

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

Sunday Evening

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

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

Leave a comment and let us know about the quick weekend getaways that you would like us to cover next. 

Moving a single piece of furniture often seems like an impossible feat. The planning, lifting and maneuvering can require a multi-person team. Now imagine that this piece of furniture is as long as a football field and weighs more than a house. And instead of moving it from one room to the next, you have to drive it across state lines. As you can guess, this process requires an immense amount of logistical planning and the help of some giant, powerful machines. But it has, in fact, been done.

Commercial Truck Trader recently compiled a list of some of the largest objects moved on the road. Check them out below.

(Video: © Museum Associates/LACMA)

‘Levitated Mass’ Boulder

“Levitated Mass” is a large-scale outdoor art installation at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. It includes a 340-ton boulder bolted over a trench, allowing viewers to walk underneath it and get a 360-degree view. The granite megalith needed for the project was found in Riverside, Calif. It took roughly 11 days to complete the 105-mile journey, as workers moved only at night and followed a specially designated route through 22 cities. The museum states that, at 340 tons, the boulder was one of the largest megaliths moved since ancient times.

Wind Turbine Blades

Green energy is quickly becoming the preferred energy source around the world. And though it does not require depleting any of the Earth’s resources, it can certainly necessitate some manpower. Case in point: moving giant wind turbine blades to their destination.

In 2017, a Chinese transportation company was tasked with moving a series of 80-ton, 172-feet long blades. Making it even more challenging was the fact that the blades had to be transported up the 1,312-foot Baoding Mountain.

Space Shuttle Endeavour

The space shuttle Endeavour completed 25 missions into space, including the first service mission to the Hubble Space Telescope, as well as the first mission to add a U.S. component to the International Space Station. And though it didn’t involve an extraterrestrial effort, the Endeavour’s final trip was no easy feat.

After landing at Los Angeles International Airport, the Endeavour traveled 12 miles through the heart of urban Los Angeles to its new home at the California Science Center. At 78 feet wide, 57 feet high and 122 feet long, navigating the streets required the help of more than 100 people. Approximately 1.5 million people lined the streets to watch as the shuttle passed by.

Power Transformer

In 2013, a 640-ton power station transformer was transported in Britain. The vehicle used to move the piece of equipment was 328 feet long and 16 feet wide, and took up two highway lanes. The transport could only travel at a speed of 4 mph, which caused a 13-mile traffic backup.

Generators

In 2014, Perkins Specialized Transportation was commissioned to carry four 400-ton generator parts. What made this even more difficult was that the length of the trip. The generators were moved from California to Utah – a journey of 850 miles. To get the job done, Perkins utilized a Mack Titan to pull a custom-built, 300-foot-long trailer, which had a whopping 192 wheels.

For transporting smaller loads (like your car), AAA Roadside Assistance is available whenever you’re in need of a tow or help at the roadside. 

Here in the Northeast, harsh winters are notorious for cramping the style of even the trendiest among us, with function often taking precedence over fashion. While staying warm and dry is the ultimate goal on cold and slushy days, it’s not always easy to dress up clunky coats and knitted scarves.

Now that the holiday season is upon us, it’s a busy time for get-togethers and events that you’ll want to look your best for. Despite the weather, you can pull your winter attire together with smart choices that keep you feeling cozy and stylish.

With the following staples in the closet, you – or the main men in your life – are sure to look good for the holidays and all winter long.

Boots

Whether you are looking for function, fashion or something in between, keeping your feet warm and dry is essential. For footwear suited for winter’s challenges, look for insulated, waterproof and slip-resistant boots.

Boots that range from five to 18 inches in height and tie, buckle and/or button for a snug fit are great for shoveling snow, trekking through slush and participating in a snowball fight. Patterned, ridged and “gummy” soled boots are better for gripping in slippery conditions. When it comes to linings, there are all kinds of faux fur-, flannel-, chamois- and shearling-lined varieties to keep your feet comfy.

Chukka and Chelsea boots are must-haves for holiday style. While both can be waterproof and will keep your toes toasty as you head to a party, they are not fit for long-term use outside.

Flannel

Flannels are a favorite from fall through spring because of their rustic charm and comfort. They are a classic among chilly weather wear, come in a wide range of colors and patterns and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. The magic of flannels also comes down to the details, like elbow patches, button accents and well-stitched pockets and cuffs. Make your flannel extra-cozy by layering with a pullover, sweater or jacket.

Gloves

When you head out into the winter air, fingers are the first extremities to get cold. A good pair of gloves should keep your hands warm and offer enough dexterity to carry out simple tasks. Deciding on a material comes down to preference. Leather is fairly water-resistant and offers good grip and the ability to use the touchscreen on your phone. Meanwhile, fleece and wool gloves do not repel water but are warm, soft and offer a bit more flexibility.

Hair Care

Maintain your hair, beard and mustache with shampoos, conditioners and a good beard balm or oil. To feel your best for holiday pictures, keep as little or as many greys as you want; gradually reduce grey hairs right in the shower with Control GX shampoo and beard wash.

Hat

Hats are an easy way to express your personal style – and keeping your ears from getting frostbite isn’t a bad idea, either. Beanies are a popular and more casual form of winter headwear, usually made from warm materials like cashmere, cotton and wool, and they come in all types of styles from cuffed to slouchy to waffled. For dressier occasions, try a flat cap or earmuffs. Flat caps can evoke a sense of sophistication while muffs will protect your ears without ruining your hairdo.

Jacket

A good jacket or coat is your best defense against winter weather and doesn’t necessarily need to be overly bulky to keep you warm. While waterproof/water-resistant choices like puffer coats and other heavy-duty options are obviously more practical for snow blowing and shoveling, a wool peacoat, leather jacket or bomber jacket are all sharp options for work events or going out with friends. A parka or overcoat will also keep you warm and looking classically stylish in chillier weather.

Moisturizer

Cold winter air quickly dries out skin, especially on the hands and face, which get the most exposure to the elements. To combat dry and itchy skin, use lip balm often, drink plenty of water and don’t slack on using hand cream and facial moisturizer.

Scarves

To keep your neck warm and help trap heat in your jacket, a scarf is a winter must-have as well as a fashionable addition to nearly any ensemble. Scarves are great because they come in a wide array of colors and textures and can be styled, folded or wrapped in numerous ways.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses may be a no-brainer during the summer, but they are a must for winter too! Snow reflects the sun just like beaches and oceans, making it difficult to see and harmful to your vision. Keep your eyes protected from the sun’s UV rays and the eye-watering sting of winter winds by wearing sunglasses all year round.

Sweaters

Just like beanies and scarves, sweaters allow you to play with different textures and materials. Wool, alpaca and cashmere offer more warmth while cotton is a little lighter for those who naturally tend to run hot. A good sweater should keep you warm without being too tight or itchy.

For more men’s fashion tips, check out this Gentlemen’s Guide to Looking Effortlessly Stylish.

What’s your must-have accessory for holiday style? Tell us in the comments! 

Winters can get pretty cold here in the Northeast. While many of us delay turning on the heat for as long as possible, there comes a time when you have to give in. Regardless of the number of clothes you’re willing to layer, turning on the heat is the best way to get through the winter.

What you use to heat your home depends heavily on where you live. Within the U.S., the Northeast uses more oil to generate heat than any other region. “Heating oil is nearly unheard of outside the Northeast, which represents about 80% of all U.S. heating oil use,” according to Climate Central.

While oil is a popular choice among residents of the Northeast, some use propane to keep their houses warm. The number of Northeastern homes heated primarily by propane totaled just over 485,000 in 2015, according to the National Propane Gas Association. That was 10,382 houses in Rhode Island, 39,021 in Vermont, 47,460 in Connecticut, 61,515 in New Jersey, 75,169 in Massachusetts and 251,521 in New York.

Given those numbers, odds are that if you live in the Northeast, you’re likely using oil, propane or a combination of the two to partially or fully heat your home. Here’s how to prepare for deliveries.

Check Your System

One of the best ways to keep your home warm is to make sure your heating system is working the way it’s supposed to. A properly functioning heating system will heat your home efficiently and save you some money. Properly serviced boilers and furnaces burn less fuel, reducing heating costs by up to 10%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

If your home’s heating system is 15 years or older, it could be time for a replacement. Otherwise, a tune-up might do the trick to improve your heating system’s performance. If you think you may need to repair or replace your current heating system, check out this guide.

Pro tip: Never let your tank run empty. This can lead to sludge buildup which could clog the system.

Allow Accessibility

If you need oil or propane to keep your home at a comfortable temperature during the winter, make sure whoever is coming to deliver it can get the fuel to you. This means clearing snow and/or ice away from the tank and/or fill pipe, as well as creating a path leading to it. When clearing the way, be careful maneuvering around the tank to ensure you don’t accidentally disconnect any lines.

By making sure your heating oil or propane tank is accessible to delivery people, you’ll make the whole delivery process that much easier.

Clear Your Vents

Snow is a common culprit for blocking vents. It blankets rooftops, climbs the sides of houses in drifts and can pile up very quickly. Keeping heating system vents clear is essential in the winter. Blocked vents can harm your heating system, causing malfunctions that could require repairs and/or replacement – that would have been unnecessary otherwise – which can cost money, time and worry during an already eventful season. Even more serious, a blocked-up heating system could cause carbon monoxide to leak into a home, creating a serious safety hazard.

Take Care

Whether you are clearing snow from around your tank, unclogging vents or making a path, be careful when shoveling snow or navigating slippery surfaces. Also be mindful of potential snow and ice hanging overhead. Take into account what the temperature gauge says and dress in appropriate winter attire. Finally, let someone know you’ll be outside and don’t stay out in the severe cold longer than you have to.

Keep the Heat

Make the most of what you paid for, whether it be heating oil or propane, by keeping the heat indoors and only running your system when you need to.

Stop heat from escaping your home by caulking/re-caulking around drafty windows and insulating under doors. Then let the sunlight in to help keep the house warm during the day and close the drapes or shades at night.

According to Petro, heating systems powered by oil distribute heat in one of three ways: warm air through vents, hot water through baseboards or steam through radiators. So don’t hinder your heating system when you can help it. Be sure to move furniture away from radiators and indoor vents so the heat can move more freely.

Turn the thermostat down when you’re away from home and at night. This way you’ll be saving resources. Programmable thermostats are a great option if you often forget to lower the temperature when it’s time for bed or if you want to return to a warm house after venturing outside (and have peace of mind that the heat wasn’t running all day).

Finally, don’t be afraid to bundle up when you’re indoors. Extremities like your feet are quick to feel the cold, so wear some cozy socks and or a pair of slippers to help you stay warm. This could be enough to keep yourself from turning the heat up a degree or two, saving you money.

Petro offers 24/7 heating oil and propane gas services, including delivery, heating oil pricing plans, weather emergency services and propane gas equipment and repair services.

AAA members who sign up as a new customer with Petro Home Services can receive special offers including $200 off any new heating or AC system. Learn more. 

Prepare your home for winter weather by checking out these tips on winterizing your house. And, don’t forget to make sure your homeowners insurance is ready for winter’s challenges too.

What do you use to heat your home? Tell us in the comments!

For most of your working life, retirement can feel almost theoretical. But then, all of a sudden, it’s time for you to retire. Are you even ready for retirement? And when exactly is the right time for you? Retirement needs to last for the rest of your life, so you have to consider your future! What do you want your quality of life to be?

The age at which someone is ready for retirement can vary greatly depending on how much they’ve saved up, what they want their retirement lifestyle to look like, whether they have outstanding debts or even how much they enjoy their current job. Retirement always sounds good, but it’s not always the right time to retire – especially if you’re not prepared. Check out this checklist to learn how to know if you’re ready to retire.

Think About Your Retirement Lifestyle

This is one of the most important things to consider when deciding if you’re ready for retirement. What do you want to do with your retiree years? Do you want to travel the world? Play golf every day? Move to a warmer climate? Or move closer to your family? Consider how much these things will cost and plan accordingly. Don’t limit yourself – just try to save enough so that you can live your retirement dream in comfort. You can’t save for something that you’ve never even thought of.

Create a Retirement Budget

Once you have decided on what your retirement lifestyle is going to look like, you can create a prospective budget for those years. Considering that you’ll most likely be on a fixed income in retirement, you need to know what you’ll be spending your money on. Start by calculating the budget that you currently live on, then apply that to the ways your life might change in retirement. Create a monthly budget that you might be able to live on post-retirement and test it out for a little while to see if it works for you.

Be mindful that you may have new expenses as you age. You might need to remodel your home to be more accessible or employ a home care aide. Or (on the brighter side) you might pick up a new hobby that you never had time for in the past.

Calculate What You Will Receive From Social Security

If you want to be ready for retirement, you need to know what you’ll be getting through Social Security. Social Security will likely not be your only source of retirement income, provided you have a pension, 401(k) or another savings plan. But Social Security is an important piece of the pie.

Social Security is a complex system that takes into account how much money you have earned, when you were born, the credits you have accumulated and more. Do a deep dive into the inner workings of Social Security if you are serious about retirement.

Currently, you cannot claim retirement benefits from Social Security until you are 62 or older – and the longer you delay your retirement, the bigger the benefits (though the benefits max out at age 70). If you wait to claim Social Security until your “full retirement age,” you’ll get the full benefits you are entitled to every month. If you were born in 1960 or later, your full retirement age is 67.

To calculate what you will receive from Social Security, check out this official Social Security calculator. It’ll make the question of when to retire a lot easier to answer.

Make Sure You Have Health Insurance

Before you retire, you need to make sure your retirement health insurance is taken care of. You might be able to continue with the health insurance that you already have, but there is a chance that it could change in retirement. Speak with your health insurance provider to double check. If you are 65 or older, you can qualify for Medicare.

Pay Off Your Debts

This step isn’t necessarily required, but it does make retirement a whole lot easier. Being on a fixed income does not make it easy to pay off your debts. And who wants to be worrying about debt in retirement anyway? Aren’t you supposed to be golfing or something?

Your debt should retire before you do. It might be worth it to work an extra two or three years if it makes the difference between retiring with debt and retiring debt-free.

Create an Emergency Fund

You never know what could happen – and retirement is supposed to last you for the rest of your life. Having a financial buffer to protect you from unexpected costs can prevent you from unexpectedly sinking into post-retirement debt (which, based on the point above, we want to avoid).

Put your emergency funds in a high-yield savings account, and make sure you can access it quickly and easily. You’ll be thankful when you need it.

Start Planning Your Estate

Ghoulish, I know. But planning for retirement means planning for the future, no matter how hard it can be to think about.

It is possible to write a will yourself, but it will probably be easier and more comprehensive if you hire an estate planning attorney to help you. Do you want a will or a revocable living trust? Your attorney can help you decide.

In planning your estate, you should not only be thinking about what’s going to happen after you die, but what’s going to happen in the late stages of your life. Your children or other loved ones should know what you want even if you lose the ability to communicate with them. Make sure you have a disability plan, appoint a durable power of attorney and create a personal health care directive. Your estate planning attorney should help you with these things as well.

Decide on the Age You Want to Retire

Once you have everything else in your retirement checklist checked off, you can finally decide on the age you will be ready for retirement. Make sure to take all of the aforementioned variables into consideration before making your choice!

Get a Big, Comfy Chair

Get yourself a nice chair. You earned it!

When are you planning on retiring? If you’re retired already, how did you know it was time? Let us know in the comments below!

Learn more about how to save at AAA.com/Financial. 

Pennsylvania is a dynamic and diverse state, filled with some of the country’s largest cities and lushest landscapes. That distinct setting provides the perfect backdrop to offer every type of attraction imaginable, from entertainment and historical sites to family fun and outdoor activities. Many of these destinations are easily accessible to residents of the Northeast. With that in mind, these are just a few of the best Pennsylvania day trip ideas.

Philadelphia

Although it often gets overshadowed by its Big Apple and Beantown neighbors to the north, Philadelphia more than holds its own as a bustling metropolis. The country’s sixth-largest city is arguably its most historic – and that history is on full display. Must-see landmarks include Independence Hall, where both the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were signed, and the Liberty Bell. Both sites are free to visit.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is famed for its iconic “Rocky” steps, but the true treasures lay inside. The museum houses 240,000 pieces of art from the likes of Claude Monet, Georgia O’Keeffe and Andy Warhol.

A visit to the Eastern State Penitentiary provides a unique adventure. The prison was once the most famous and expensive in the world, and even housed Al Capone at one point. It has been out of operation since 1971 but is now open for tours. The complex is also rumored to be haunted and, for the brave of heart, offers haunted-house-like attractions around Halloween.

And before you leave the City of Brotherly Love, don’t forget to head to 9^th St. and Passyunk Ave to join in on the Geno’s vs. Pat’s debate or try their other signature dishes.

Want to stay longer? Find and book a hotel with AAA in Philadelphia. 

Hershey

Outside Disney World, Hershey may just be the happiest place on Earth – home to an amusement park, water park, zoo and chocolate mecca.

Hersheypark was originally created by Milton S. Hershey as leisure grounds for Hershey’s Chocolate Factory employees. It has evolved into one of the country’s great theme parks. It features 13 roller coasters, dozens of family-friendly rides and a plethora of dining, shopping and gaming options.

The Boardwalk is an 11-acre water park inside Hersheypark with 17 different water rides and attractions. The park’s other main attraction is ZooAmerica, home to more than 200 animals. All three sites are included in a one-price admission.

Just next door to Hersheypark is Chocolate World. Guests can take a chocolate-making tour, create their own candy bar and personalized wrapper, and of course, enjoy some delectable treats at the food hall and bakery.

Read more about all the fun ways you can spend a day (or two) in Hershey.

Need more than a day? Find and book a hotel with AAA in Hershey, PA. 

Amish Country

Located in Lancaster County, in the southwest corner of Pennsylvania, Amish Country is one of the most picturesque landscapes in the area. The region is blanketed with rolling hills replete with lush grasses and crops, windmills, farms and horse and buggies striding right alongside moving cars.

But this is not just a place to enjoy the sights. Amish Country provides a unique look into America’s past. Settling in the area in the 1720s, the Pennsylvania Amish of Lancaster County is the country’s oldest Amish settlement. Here, thousands still live a centuries-old lifestyle.

Guests can take personal tours of the area (in a horse and buggy if you like), shop for handmade Amish crafts, and dig into authentic Pennsylvania Dutch delicacies such as apple dumplings and shoofly pie.

Check out AAA’s travel guide for Pennsylvania Dutch Country, PA. 

Gettysburg National Military Park

The Battle of Gettysburg, fought in July 1863, is widely considered one of the most important events in the Civil War. The Northern victory turned the war in the Union’s favor for good. It also served as the inspiration for President Abraham Lincoln’s immortal “Gettysburg Address” speech.

The site is now a National Military Park operated by the National Park Service. Every weekend from April to October, the park puts on living history demonstrations. Visitors can explore the camps, interact with historians, and watch them demonstrate the tools, tactics and firepower of the two armies.

The park is also home to the George Rosensteel Collection, one of the largest collections of Civil War relics in the United States. Adjacent to the battlefield is the Eisenhower National Historic Site. Consisting of a house and farm, this residence served as a weekend retreat for President Eisenhower and a meeting place for world leaders.

The Pocono Mountains

From ski slopes to water parks to NASCAR racing, the Pocono Mountains offers year-round fun and entertainment for the entire family. The Poconos encompasses more than 2,400 square miles in northeast Pennsylvania, just a two-hour drive from the New York metropolitan area.

No matter what sort of day trip you’re looking for, the Poconos has you covered. A family day of skiing? The area has 185 slopes and trails. An afternoon of pampering? Relax and enjoy the services of the numerous spas and resorts. Other activities available include water recreation and boating, golf, fishing, shopping, agritourism and tours and sightseeing.

Do you have any favorite Pennsylvania destinations? Share them with us in the comments below!

If you’ve ever dreamed of spending time in a foreign city, but didn’t want to do it alone, there are several ways to blaze a solo trail while making friends (and learning a thing or two) along the way.

Many people who choose to travel by themselves book guided tours or cruises to socialize while sojourning. But a lesser-known tactic and one of my favorite solo travel tips for connecting with fellow tourists – signing up for a short language, cooking or exercise class – is another opportunity to enrich your journey. Not only is it a great way to anchor your stay, but you’ll learn about a culture first-hand, rather than gathering tidbits of wanderlust wisdom along the way.

Native Tongue

Language classes aren’t only fun, but can prove invaluable in navigating the rest of your journey. And you don’t need to be a linguist to go –amateurs welcome and wanted!

I’ve done several ‘language stays’ over the past 15 years, including in Aix en Provence, France, San Sebastián, Spain and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. And I’ve never been disappointed. No matter how inept you think you are, you will learn something, even it’s only, “Where’s the bathroom?” or “I’m hungry.” And you’ll have fun doing it.

My classes included students of every age and nationality, most with little or no serious language skills. In Mexico, one of my classmates was in his 70s. In Spain, the students ranged from 18 to 58 years old. And in France, the median age was about 40.

You may never lose your accent in a second language, but with a little time and work, you can become quite fluent. Best of all, you’ll make lots of new friends.

Finding language classes is easy – just Google the phrase and the city. I just did it for Lisbon and immediately found 20 listings. To narrow down the options, look at the size of the school and the number of students per class. Groups of less than 10 students are the most engaging. You’ll also often have a choice of half-day classes, full-day classes or private lessons.

In truth, a half day is about all that my brain can stand. But it also gives you the chance to immediately practice what you’ve learned. I also look for schools that offer afternoon activities. In San Miguel, my group learned how to cook mole; in Aix, we followed in the footsteps of Cézanne; and in San Sebastián, we swam out to Santa Clara Island, a lovely spot just off the coast (a short boat trip is also an option).

Foodie Fun

If learning languages isn’t your thing, maybe the language of food is. There’s nothing better than trying new dishes when you travel – except maybe learning how to make them.

There are various types of cooking classes, including learning with locals, hands-on experiences and established high-end (and high-priced) cooking schools. Just make sure to read the course description carefully, including the number of hours and whether your class includes a shopping excursion. And if you don’t speak the language, you’ll want to ensure that your chef speaks English.

You can also ask your hotel about local cooking classes; which is what I did in Marrakesh several years ago and was rewarded with a day of shopping and cooking with the Chef at our own Riad hotel. The morning of the class, another guest at the hotel joined in and the three of us ventured into the alleys of Marrakesh and shopped like locals – greeting and negotiating prices with each vendor and sampling everything. An hour later, we brought home a bounty of seafood, meat, fruits and of course spices, including the amazing ras-el-hanout, a dark and earthy mixture of anywhere from eight to 50 spices.

That afternoon, we cooked and tasted and cooked some more, all under the watchful eye of chef Abdelwahed. We then sat down to a feast of seafood pastilla, tagine of lamb with figs and walnuts, date ‘cigars’ and of course sweet tea. When I left Marrakesh, my new friend and I were both given a recipe book of all of our treats.So, remember to ask for something similar wherever you cook.

Yoga in the Sun

If you’re looking for more active ways to meet fellow travelers, there’s nothing better than taking lessons in the most popular native sports and activities; like surfing, snorkeling or even dog-sledding.

Want something a bit more Zen? Try yoga classes, which can be found all over the world. If you’re interested in being pampered, try Canyon Ranch, a wellness and luxury spa with destinations in both Tucson, Arizona and Lenox, Massachusetts. You’ll find everything from 8 a.m. ‘sun salutes’ to afternoon HIIT cardio combined with mindful stretching and gourmet meals.

For a more down-to-earth experience, there’s the Kripalu Center, a 100-acre former Jesuit seminary located just across the street from Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Whether you prefer Vinyasa, Kundalini or simply Restorative Yoga, you’ll find a class here to fit your mood.

If a tropical getaway is more your thing, Tulum is the place to be. Just over two hours south of Cancun by car or bus, Tulum combines quaint hotels with stunning sea views. At least a dozen yoga studios have sprung up in the past few years, and some hotels offer ocean-front lessons. You can book daily classes, weekly classes or even whole yoga retreats, where you’re likely to find other solo travelers.

And when you get tired of yoga, you can always stroll the beaches, grab some great food and visit the well-preserved Mayan ruins which dot the area.

Language, cooking and exercise classes satisfy my own unique interests, but the odds are good that there’s a class in a foreign land that addresses an area of your own curiosity.

What kind of class would you take if you were traveling alone? Do you have any other solo travel tips that you would like to share? Let us know in the comments below, or in the poll above.

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

Paula Levine is an Emmy Award-winning writer, producer and digital storyteller with over 20 years of experience ranging from broadcast to the web, focusing on health and lifestyle topics.

A few things we’re serious about at AAA – cars, safety and fun. From planning trips to finding great deals, we specialize in making life easier, safer and more enjoyable for our members.

With our favorite things in mind, we’ve created coloring car pages for kids to add some extra fun to their day, while incorporating a few teachable moments like safety when crossing the street and getting on and off the school bus.

Browse the links below to download and print one or all the activities. There are car coloring pages of race cars and AAA tow trucks for kids that love anything that drives.

Coloring Car Pages

Tow Truck 1

Tow Truck 2

Coloring Race Car Pages

Race Car 1

Race Car 2

More Cool Coloring Car Pages

Passenger and Pedestrian Safety Worksheet

School Bus Safety

Parents know the AAA tow truck as a saving grace in any time of need at the roadside. Here in black and white, waiting to be colored in, the same image delivers relief in the form of a brief moment of quiet time.

Our coloring pages for kids are a great way to incorporate some color to the day and take a break from screen time. Pull out the crayons and markers and get the creative juices flowing! Customize our cars in any color of the rainbow.

We won’t judge the grown-ups who take the time to color in the designs. Adult coloring books, which have become increasingly popular, have proven health benefits such as helping with focus and reducing anxiety.

And who can resist customizing a cool car? If you can’t have the car, at least you can have coloring car pages, right? We want ours in bright, shiny red.

Print out these coloring pages for the kids in your life and share their creations with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @aaanortheast. We’d love to see them!  

Driving through the Valley of Fire State Park, I felt like I was being transported to Mars. Named for red sandstone formations that rise like huge castles in the air, the gargantuan rocks date to prehistoric times.

As an East Coaster, visiting this desert region in Nevada gave me a new appreciation for this part of the U.S. and its unique terrain.

My trip happened on a whim. I was in Utah for business with my sister, getting ready to head to the Las Vegas airport for the trip home to New York City. Never ones to shy away from an adventure, we wanted to make the most of the time we had available. Glancing at the map, we chose Valley of Fire because, well, it’s called Valley of Fire, and because it was only an hour northeast of Las Vegas.

Welcome to Mars

Visitors to the park have the option to enter through two different entrances on the east or west sides.  We drove though Overton, Nev., to the east entrance. Overton has a population of about 4,000 with a small downtown area and a main street. As we wound around the town and followed the signs for Valley of Fire, the road started to become more and more desolate and the terrain more desert-like. As we approached the outskirts of the park, the huge red rock formation began to appear and surround us. We were on Mars.

We were in the information center when a woman began calling to her husband. Just outside the door we saw a small heard of Desert bighorn sheep grazing on the side of the mountain, maybe just 100 feet away. While it may be surprising, life continues to bloom and thrive in the Valley of Fire.

A Long History

A complex geologic process of shifting sand dunes, wind and erosion forged the Valley of Fire more than 150 million years ago. It’s hard to imagine the desolate area was once inhabited. Archeologists estimate that people started living there around 300 B.C., with Anasazi Pueblo farmers living there until about 1150 A.D. You can still see evidence of the ancient people in their artistic petroglyphs right up close in the park today.

The area was “rediscovered” in 1912 when prospectors created the Arrowhead Trail, which ran from Salt Lake City to L.A. and ran right through the Valley of Fire. One popular story from the 1920s claims that the park got its name from a AAA official who was traveling though at sunset. Looking around in awe, he said that the entire rocky vista looked like it was on fire. The name stuck, and today the park is comprised of 42,000 protected acres.

Apparently, we’re not the only ones struck by the park’s unique setting. It’s a popular location for car commercials and movies. It was used in the Mars scenes in “Total Recall” and in “Star Trek Generations.” And, of course, today’s Instagram audience has taken to posting Insta-shots of the paved roads weaving through acres of the red rock formations.

Exploring Another World

Scenic roads throughout the park connect to the visitor center and several trails and picnic areas. We traveled in March when the weather was temperate, just warm enough to wear shorts and with just enough people to make us feel like we weren’t really lost in another world. During the summer months be sure to plan your exploration accordingly (bring water!) as the average temperature is about 100 degrees and can climb even higher.

We started at the trail around Mouse’s Tank, also known as Petroglyph Canyon. The tank is a naturally formed basin that collects water after the rare periods of rainfall. It’s named after Little Mouse, a Southern Paiute Indian accused of murdering two prospectors in the 1890s. We were surprised to see many distinctly etched petroglyphs (the kind we previously only saw in textbooks) right at eye level. Living in New York City for too long, I initially thought someone had just spray-painted them on the rocks; but they are indeed from prehistoric times.

Next, we drove to the Rainbow Vista trail, which has postcard-perfect panoramic views of multicolored sandstone. After this trail and a lot of photos we decided to drive around the White Domes area. This road weaves around 5.5 miles of the most incredible views of sandstone formations. During the 20-minute drive there were three separate parking areas to pull off and take in the view.

If you go, make sure to bring a GoPro for the dashboard – the combination of weaving roads and rainbow rocks is truly time-lapse worthy.

Check out some of Katie’s favorite travel gadgets.

Have you ever been to Valley of Fire State Park? Would you like to visit after reading this post? Tell us in the comments! 

— Katie Linendoll is a journalist and TV host who specializes in reporting on technology and gadgets.

Book your next trip with AAA Travel.

The financial benefits of installing solar on your property can be significant, but the upfront cost may be keeping you from taking the next step and putting solar panels on your property. Luckily, there are a few different ways to pay for your solar panels that make it much more affordable. Here’s how to decide which makes the most sense for you.

There are four primary ways to pay for solar: cash upfront, with a loan, by renting or by leasing the solar energy system. Each method has its pros and cons, but there are three primary differences to keep in mind between each option: whether or not you’ll own your solar panels, how much you’ll pay upfront and how much you’ll pay month to month.

Upfront Purchase

The way to receive the most financial savings from investing in solar is by purchasing a solar panel system outright. For the average solar shopper, this means a purchase of around $18,000 to $27,000 upfront. Local and federal rebates and incentives can help defray this cost, with the federal investment tax credit, for instance, saving customers $5,400 to $8,100 on this investment. So the net upfront cost would be between $12,600 and 18,900.

Loan Purchase

For people interested in owning solar who would prefer not to pay for their system all at once, solar loans provide a great alternative option. Though relatively uncommon five or ten years ago, there are now a number of solar-specific loan providers who are offering very competitive options. As a result, solar loans have become very popular. If you’re interested in purchasing solar with a loan, many financiers offer $0-down options, a competitive financing rate, and a 5, 10 or 15-year term. You will still own the panels, which means that you’ll capture the electric bill savings benefits directly over time.

Leasing Solar

Not dissimilar to a solar loan, a solar lease requires no money upfront and offers a monthly payment plan. This option is primarily offered by three national solar companies – Tesla, Sunrun and Vivint. If you’ve ever leased a car, leasing solar works along similar lines: The company that installs the solar on your property maintains ownership of the solar panels, while you pay a monthly rate for the benefit of the energy produced by those panels. Leasing solar often requires a commitment to a very long payment period – generally 25 years – and you do not own the panels at the end of your contract. Financing solar this way generally delivers most of the savings benefit to the leasing company, not to you.

On the other hand, when you’re done with your loan payments, you own your solar panels outright and are essentially generating free electricity, saving against your electricity bill every month. With a solar lease, though, you continue to pay for solar electricity throughout your entire lease term and never reach a point where you generate solar electricity without a monthly payment.

Renting Solar

A unique option for solar shoppers is Tesla’s new solar renting program. The program, which was introduced in the summer of 2019, is a unique twist on the solar lease. Like a lease, the Tesla solar renting program requires no upfront cost with monthly payments instead. However, unlike a solar lease, which will lock you into a 25-year contract, the solar rental program allows you to cancel at any time, and the company will come back and remove the solar panels from your property. At present, the Tesla solar rental program is only available in six states, including Connecticut and Massachusetts in the Northeast.

Which Option Is Right for You?

There are pros and cons to each of the four primary methods of paying for a solar installation. The following table outlines how each option compares across costs, benefits and the long-term considerations of solar, such as who is responsible for any maintenance required on the solar panel system.

	Cash	Loan	Renting	Leasing
Costs
Large upfront cost	Yes	No	No	No
Monthly payments	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Benefits
Tax credit	Yes	Yes	No	No
State/Utility solar incentives	Yes	Yes	No	No
Reduced electricity bill	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Increased home value	Yes	Yes	No	No
Long-term considerations
Responsible for maintenance	Yes	Yes	No	No
Long-term contract	No	Maybe	No	Yes

Here are the scenarios in which each option might make the most sense:

• Purchasing your panels upfront is the best option if you hope to maximize the financial savings from your solar panels.

• A solar loan is the best option if you want the benefits of owning solar panels, such as increasing your home’s value, but would prefer monthly payments to a one-time, lump sum payment.

• A solar lease may be the best option if you are most interested in reducing your monthly electricity bill with no upfront costs; however, be sure to read the contract terms carefully as solar leases sometimes come with an annual escalation that increases your monthly payments year-to-year.

• And renting solar may be the best option if you’re interested in going solar, but don’t anticipate spending the next 20 years in your home and want to see monthly bill savings right away.

To get an even better sense of what makes the most sense for your situation, there are a number of tools and resources available online to help you compare the cost and saving potential of various methods of purchasing solar, such as the EnergySage Solar Calculator.

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

Looking for more money management tips and services? From student and auto loans to mortgages, see what a AAA financial advisor can do for you.

At 10 a.m., a fellow cast member approached me, her face ashen beneath her Mickey-Mouse-eared Santa hat.

“They just closed the Magic Kingdom,” she whispered.

“How is EPCOT?” I replied with dread.

She shook her head. “Filling up fast.”

The holiday season had begun at Walt Disney World. I loved working crowd control, but I was always grateful that I wasn’t doing it at the Magic Kingdom. Hollywood Studios is the smallest Walt Disney World park, and when I worked there it seldom got too crowded. But during the holidays, all of that went out the window. The holidays are the busiest times for Disney theme parks – especially Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. There is no exception.

Are you planning on treating your family to a Disney Christmas? The best advice I can give you is “don’t.” Or at least celebrate Christmas a little earlier in the year. Walt Disney World starts decorating for Christmas in November – and they start hosting after-hours Christmas parties too. You’re not going to miss any tinsel if you go a little early.

But let’s say you can’t. For whatever reason, you are going to be stepping foot on Disney property sometime from 12/20 to 1/1. Here’s how to survive the most wonderful time of the year at the happiest place on Earth.

Let nothing you dismay

To survive a Disney Christmas, your most important resource is patience. You are not going to do everything you want to. You’re not going to get to ride all the rides you want. But you’re still in the happiest place on earth. Take in the scenery, get a hot chocolate and remind yourself that you are on vacation.

Face unafraid the plans that you’ve made

Planning is key to making the most out of a crowded Disney Christmas. You should make reservations for all of your table-service meals far in advance. For your quick service meals, try to eat at off-peak hours so that you don’t have to battle the crowds for your burger and fries.

If you can, take advantage of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – a ticketed, after-hours event celebrating Christmas at the Magic Kingdom. It only runs until around December 21, but it’s a great way to enjoy the Magic Kingdom’s Christmas events without battling huge crowds.

Run, run Rudolph

Don’t let visions of sugarplums dance in your heads for too long. If you’re going to enjoy the parks, you have to get up and out early – take advantage of Extra Magic Hours if you can. Do not hop between different parks throughout the day. During the holidays, parks can fill up quickly and stop admitting guests (especially Magic Kingdom and EPCOT).

It only comes this time of year

Walt Disney World is filled with themed holiday experiences, but which ones are worth braving the crowds for?

Experiences that are worth it:

• Mickey’s Once Upon a Time Christmas Parade is a delightful parade through the Magic Kingdom – complete with toy soldiers, princesses, the fab five and Santa Claus himself.

• EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional is a reverent concert retelling of the Biblical Christmas story, narrated by a celebrity guest (let’s be honest, it’s usually Neil Patrick Harris). It made me cry – five stars!

• Celebrations Around the World Showcase on New Year’s Eve. As the clock strikes midnight around the world, different pavilions at World Showcase light up with fireworks and their own New Year’s celebrations.

• The Jingle Cruise is a holiday overlay of The Jungle Cruise and it is not to be missed.

Experiences that are not worth it:

• Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM at Hollywood Studios is always a disappointment. There aren’t enough fireworks, and it’s hosted by the characters from the holiday TV special “Prep and Landing,” of all things. I used to work this show, and I still don’t like it.

• A Frozen Holiday Wish is pretty take-it-or-leave-it. I love “Frozen,” but this show in front of the castle falls flat for me.

• Disney Springs’ Christmas Tree Trail is a deeply sad tour through a grove of Christmas trees (dying in the Florida heat) with lackluster Disney-inspired decorations. It’s not even a good photo-op.

As for the New Year’s Eve fireworks shows, there are only two to consider going to see: Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks at the Magic Kingdom or Illuminations’ New Year’s Countdown at EPCOT. I myself would not do either of them, since the crowds are so insane, but they are both beautiful, exciting shows for ringing in the new year.

If you want to get a good spot for a New Year’s Eve fireworks show, arrive a few hours (yes, I said HOURS) early to start camping out. Some people even stake their spots in the morning and stay there all day, but that doesn’t sound very fun to me.

Be good, for goodness sake

Don’t let the packed park make you irate – be polite and kind to your party, to the cast members and to the other guests. You’ll be surprised at how much this can improve a stressful day.

Have you ever had yourself a merry little Disney Christmas? Would you brave the holiday crowds? Let us know in the comments below!

Click here for more information on Walt Disney vacations and Disney Parks discounts with AAA. 

It doesn’t take very long for pumping gas to become so routine that we practically do it on autopilot. Aside from the price, what other factors do you consider? Here are a few points to mull over.

Different Types of Fuel

Most passenger vehicles are powered by gasoline. But vehicles also run on diesel, E85 gasoline, hybrid gas/electric, natural gas and even hydrogen.

There should be a label on the fuel door that reads something along the lines of “Diesel Fuel Only” or “Unleaded Gasoline Only.” If there’s ever a doubt, call the manufacturer.

It is imperative that you use the proper fuel. Using gasoline in a diesel or diesel in a gasoline vehicle is an expensive mistake. Using high- content ethanol (E85) in an engine not designed for it can also void the manufacturer’s warranty.

Regular Versus Premium

Gasoline grades depend on the fuel’s octane level. Higher octane levels resist engine knocking and pinging. Higher-compression engines and those with turbochargers typically use higher-octane fuel.

The driver’s manual should state the correct grade needed for your vehicle. It may suggest – but not require – premium gas. If this is the case, your car should be able to run fine with lower-grade gas, and it could save you money.

Alternative Fuels

While gasoline and diesel are the most common fuels, most any vehicle can be converted to use an alternative fuel source. This can vary from something simple, like converting an old diesel engine to run on used vegetable oil, to expensive conversions like compressed natural gas and battery electric.

In the not-too-distant future, filling your vehicle’s tank could be as varied as selecting your morning coffee.

For more information about you car, visit AAA.com/Automotive.

There’s no avoiding it: winter is coming. Soon it will be time for scarves and gloves, snow shovels and ice scrapers, snow tires and school delays. Maybe you’re looking to escape the winter weather and trade it in for a warmer climate. Or maybe you’re thinking “Bring it on!” and can’t wait for the cold temps and snowy days to arrive. Either way, when you’re ready to plan your vacation, we’ve got just the destination for you.

Love waking up to a fresh coat of snow? Check out these cold weather retreats.

Canada

Montreal is a great option. Here you’ll find a plethora of awesome restaurants and museums, not to mention winter festivals like Montreal en Lumiere, a city-wide event filled with music, food and art that runs from Feb. 20 through March 1 next year. There’s also plenty of ice skating to be found.

Additionally, Quebec City, with its old-world European stylings, offers plenty of chilly charm in the winter months. Be sure not to miss the city’s famous toboggan run!

Ice Hotels

What could possibly be cooler (pun intended) than staying overnight in a hotel made completely from ice? Check out Quebec City’s Hotel de Glace, where guests can cozy up in sleeping bags in themed suites; some even have fireplaces! There’s a spa and outdoor sauna for when you’re ready to warm up after a chilly night.

Those looking for a European option should head to Icehotel in Jukkasjarvi, Sweden, where guests can book individually unique suites highlighting artist-carved ice sculptures and enjoy activities like snowmobiling and dog sled tours.

European Christmas Markets

Markets throughout Europe have perfected the magic of Christmas and there’s no better way to explore them than through a river cruise. AmaWaterways has a variety of tours, including visits to Budapest’s market, where all items are handcrafted. Or head to Vienna’s Christkindlmarkt, where shopping is supplemented by sparkling decorations and choir singers. U River Cruises also offers great options, including a “Dashing Through the Danube” tour that stops off at multiple markets along the river.

Alternatively, if you’re dying to escape the cold and snow, there are plenty of warm destinations just begging to be visited.

Caribbean Destinations

There’s no better place to soak up the sun and escape the cold than on a soft sand beach in the Caribbean islands. Cruises are a great option; check out Princess Cruises for a variety of destinations and ships, including the brand-spanking-new Sky Princess, which sets sail this winter to destinations in the eastern Caribbean including Antigua, Turks and Caicos and Puerto Rico.

Looking to stay in the North Atlantic for a shorter trip? Celebrity Cruises offers quick jaunts to the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale throughout the winter.

Hawaii

Want to get as far away from the cold of the Northeast as possible, yet still stay in the U.S.? Head to Hawaii, where you can relax on sandy beaches or enjoy activities like surfing and hiking. Hit multiple islands with Norwegian Cruise Line while enjoying roomy suites with balconies.

Africa

Africa beckons with not only warmer weather, but also with promises of adventure, culture and nature. Speak to a AAA travel advisor about small group tours to many of the continent’s desired destinations. You might find yourself on safari in Kenya, learning about ancient history in Egypt or exploring spice markets and traveling via camel in Morocco.

Chart your own (temperate) course with AAA Travel.

If you want to learn more about a place, try the food; to get acquainted with its soul, get cooking.

Food is a direct line to the roots of wherever you are – figuratively, through recipes, traditions and community, and literally pulled from the soil beneath your feet. While you can always go to a museum or take a walking tour, cooking is a personal way to absorb the local culture of any place you are visiting.

Discover our Northeast corner of the country in a tasty new way with a culinary vacation or daytrip at local cooking schools and hotels.

Starting With the Man in the Mirror

In the hill country of Peru, New York, chef Curtiss Hemm teaches on the grounds of his 350-acre farm at the Carriage House Cooking School and leads regular cooking demos for both hotel guests and the public at the AAA Four Diamond Rated Mirror Lake Inn in Lake Placid.

The former Dean of Culinary Arts at the New England Culinary Institute taught thousands of professional chefs in his career but has shifted his focus to a different crowd. “I want to make someone a better cook at home. That is my sole goal in doing this,” Hemm said. “The things that excite me aren’t what you find in restaurants but what you find in people’s homes and what people celebrate.”

Whether it’s showcasing homestyle Indian cuisine, steakhouse classics, artisan pizza or holiday cooking, Hemm stays true to his mantra that everything should be accessible, actionable and relevant to the home cook, while celebrating the edible landscape of the region whenever possible.

Baker’s Paradise

Inviting you into its quaint cottage with the smell of freshly baking bread, Brot Bakehouse School and Kitchen in Fairfax, Vermont, could persuade anyone into a life surrounded by croissants and pumpernickel. Luckily, baker and owner Heike Meyer is happy to share a slice of that life and lots of good bread with you.

Originally from Germany (“brot” is German for bread), Meyer traveled and baked around the world to hone her craft before landing in the Green Mountain State. Her bread and pastry classes are “tremendously” influenced by the landscape, she said, and highlight flavor through organic and local grains and natural starter cultures.

“Products we can source locally – and that make sense to source locally – are being used. I feel a much greater connection to the land that’s around us than I ever did growing up in northern Germany or living in New York City,” Meyer emphasizes.

Hotel Vermont partners with Brot Bakehouse for culinary vacations throughout the year, including a package that gets you a spot in the annual Brotfest workshop, a “sensory tasting experience” held every August that showcases sourdough and community food purveyors.

Vermont is also home to the King Arthur Flour Baking School, where Meyer picked up some of her skills and you can, too.

For Those About to Cook (We Salute You)

You don’t have to be professionally trained to play sous chef beside the culinary team at AAA Five Diamond Rated Ocean House. The Rhode Island resort’s Center for Wine & Culinary Arts has regular classes, events and activities inspired by “New England’s rich cultural history, Rhode Island’s premier seafaring history and [the resort’s] unique geographic location,” chef Timothy Meyers said.

Vino fans love the twice-yearly Wine Camp Weekend where participants tour Jonathan Edwards Winery, meet and dine with a winemaker, and custom blend and label a case of wine to take home.

Farther up north in Maine, the Make Me a Chef! package at Meadowmere Resort is for bourgeoning gourmands who also enjoy a bit of R&R. Popular with couples and multi-generational groups of families and friends, guests enjoy an interactive dinner with the resort’s chef, a cooking class at nearby Stonewall Kitchen Cooking School and a massage at the spa. Available every weekend outside of July and August.

Go Your Own Way

Build a personalized culinary itinerary with a visit to one of the world-class cooking schools in our area. The Culinary Institute of America provides a variety of public cooking classes in New York’s Hudson Valley region. And Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Cooking School in Boston – at the home of Milk Street magazine, TV and radio show – will have you feeling like a true test-kitchen cook.

As any food lover will tell you, to make a meal is to create a memory, and recipes are the best souvenirs. Whether you are serious about cooking or just want to try something different, a cooking class will leave you with new skills, new memories and newfound appreciation for your destination.

More Nearby Culinary Vacations and Experiences

The Essex – Cook Academy
Burlington, VT

With two on-site restaurants, cooking classes and an organic garden for fresh ingredients, good food is at the core of every stay at The Essex. At the Cook Academy, classes are kept small for personalized, hands-on instruction with the talented and supportive staff of chefs. Themes range from cooking with Vermont beer to a New Orleans-inspired feast.

Four Seasons Boston – Kid’s Cookie Making Class

Every Saturday afternoon, kids of in-house guests are invited to the pastry kitchen for a complimentary cookie making class. The cookies are delivered to the child’s guest room later in the evening for a sweet snack the whole family can share – that’s AAA Five Diamond Rated service at its best! Private cooking classes can be arranged for groups through the hotel’s events department.

White Barn Inn – Private Cooking Classes
Kennebunkport, Maine

Take a private class with the AAA Four Diamond Rated hotel’s acclaimed executive chef and kitchen brigade. A range of themed culinary activities are also available; get the full Maine lobstering experience from boat-to-table, learn how to make a proper cocktail with the hotel’s head mixologist or get your hands dirty with a cooking class preceded by a visit to nearby Finklepod Farm.

The Manor at Golden Pond – Epicurean Escapade
Holderness, NH

Spend a full weekend cooking with the pros at the Manor at Golden Pond. Included with lodging, you get breakfast, dinner, afternoon tea and cooking school for every day of your stay. Hope you’re hungry!

Have you ever taken a cooking class, been on a culinary vacation or went somewhere just for the food? Tell us about it in the comments. 

Your smile is unique to you and in many ways defines you. But a healthy mouth is about more than a self-confident smile – it also has an impact on your overall wellness.

That’s why preventive care, including good oral hygiene and seeing your dentist regularly for cleanings, X-rays and exams, is so important. Yet, according to research from the American Dental Association, 59% of adults said they avoid dental care because of cost. You can maximize your chances of minimizing your costs when you stay on top of going to the dentist for routine cleanings and exams.

According to the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, preventive dental care practices, including early and routine treatment at the dentist, can save families money in the long run, with $8 to $50 saved in restorative and emergency treatments for every dollar spent on preventive dental care. Research has tied oral disease to costly and chronic health conditions like diabetes, stroke, heart disease and oral cancer. Often, your dentist can spot early indicators of these health conditions.

Fortunately, there are new options for making dental care more affordable, increasing the chances you’ll get the preventive care you need. The Chewsi app is simple to use and helps you save at the dentist. Download the free Chewsi app and register with the AAANE member referral code. Then, search for a Chewsi dentist near you and make that appointment!

Prevention and Beyond

It’s important for everyone to get routine cleanings every six months to help promote good oral health. That schedule gives your dentist time to detect early signs of tooth decay in the hard-to-reach spots that even a brushing perfectionist can miss.

But while scheduled checkups help prevent cavities, gum disease and other dental health complications, there may be times when you need care that reaches beyond prevention. Restoring a decayed tooth with a filling or replacing a missing tooth with an implant can also play a role in the overall health of your teeth and gums. Regardless of what dental services you need – from cleanings, crowns and braces to dentures, implants and more, the free Chewsi app can help you save.

Caring for Your Teeth at Home

While seeing your dentist regularly is important, how you take care of your teeth each day matters, too.

We all make excuses for avoiding an underrated, yet essential part of our daily dental health routine – flossing. By removing plaque from between the teeth and under the gum lines where a toothbrush can’t reach, daily flossing helps prevent tooth decay and gingivitis. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, flossing is the single most important weapon against plaque.

Brushing is also a critical step. While finding a high-quality toothbrush is essential, learning how to brush your teeth correctly is just as important. As research and technology advances, many toothbrushes now feature modes for whitening and for sensitive teeth.

The American Dental Association recommends choosing any toothbrush with soft bristles, as hard bristles may cause gum tissue to pull back from teeth, exposing the tooth root and leading to increased sensitivity. Consult your dentist for guidance.

Finally, what you eat and drink matters as well. There’s no question that sugar in foods like sticky candies and sweets can cause problems in our mouths. Harmful bacteria interacts with food left on teeth to produce acids, causing plaque buildup and cavities down the road. Watching what you eat can mean a less painful visit to the dentist. Here are some quick tips:

• Skip sweets.
• Moderately consume acidic foods.
• Say no to starchy carbohydrates.
• Select drinks without added sugar.
• Pick fruits and vegetables rich in fiber.
• Choose calcium-rich dairy products.
• Opt for sugarless gum.

Above all, don’t smoke. In addition to being good for your health, quitting smoking means no more nicotine-stained teeth. And, you’ll be doing your gums a favor. Though smoking is known for its connection to cancer and heart disease, most people are unaware of its effect on oral health, causing problems such as periodontitis. Smoking harms healthy gums, causing them to recede.

Add Some Sparkle and Shine

While teeth whitening won’t necessarily improve your health, its results can instantly boost your confidence. There are a variety of whitening products available today, such as gel pens, rinses, toothpastes, strips, over-the-counter trays, custom trays and laser whitening.

Before you decide, it’s best to talk to your dentist to learn more about the risks and benefits of teeth whitening. Though teeth whitening can be a pricier cosmetic procedure not covered by most dental insurance plans, there are new ways to save on whitening services, such as the new Chewsi app.

Chewsi can also help you save on orthodontic treatment for children and adults.  Some of the top techniques to straighten your smile include traditional braces and clear teeth aligners. Talk to your dentist about the benefits of orthodontic treatment and the options available to you.

From implants, crowns and braces to cleanings, dentures and more, Chewsi helps you save. The free app connects you directly to dentists affordable for your budget. Download and register.