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Don't Let Gas Prices Ruin Vacation
Summer’s Time To Hit The Road |
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| New Englanders have plenty of exciting vacation spots within hours of home. |
High gas prices and a soft economy have led to families tightening their belts when it comes to their summer vacation plans.
Still, less money doesn’t have to mean less fun. Living in the Northeast means plenty of exciting travel options within hours of home.
There are great deals to be found and ways to save money. Rates for AAA Three Diamond hotels, for example, are expected to be 7 percent less than last year, averaging $162 per night.
And just before Memorial Day, Six Flags theme parks — including New England’s — dropped ticket prices in response to high gas costs.
“Vacation spending depends on personal preferences and means,” said Michael Petrone, Director of AAA Tourism Information Development. “While you can expect higher lodging rates in metropolitan areas and during peak travel seasons, travelers can save by making advance reservations and taking advantage of discounts.”
Here’s some advice for making your 2008 getaway better than ever – while sticking to your budget.
Be Prepared
Ensuring your summer road trip goes smoothly starts well before you take to the highway. Begin with these money-saving tips and tools.
• Make Sure Your Car is Road Worthy: Have your vehicle’s oil changed at any AAA Approved Auto Repair facility to ensure it is running at its best.
Be sure your tires are inflated according to manufacturer’s guidelines for maximum fuel performance.
• Book Hotels Before You Leave: AAA members who visit AAA.com to book a hotel room are more likely to find a better rate there than on other leading Web sites, according to a recent survey. In a review of several online travel booking sites, AAA.com offered members the best publicly available rate on partner hotels 69 percent of the time.
• Plan Your Route: Pick up free AAA maps, TripTiks and TourBooks at your local branch office or use the TripTik Travel Planner at AAA.com to map out the most efficient routes.
• Budget for Gas: Determine your fuel costs before you go at www.fuelcostcalculator.com.
• Buy in Advance: Pre-purchase attraction tickets to receive exclusive savings. AAA members save on hundreds of attractions when they buy in advance from their local office.
• Show Your Card & Save: Check out AAA.com/save for a full listing of member discounts available at dining, shopping and entertainment attractions you’ll be visiting on your trip.
On the Road
Hidden costs can add up. Be prepared, with this advice.
• Pack a Cooler: Buy a case of soda or water before you go to avoid purchasing more expensive drinks at convenience stores. Pack lots of individual serving snacks, such as pretzels, peanuts and other goodies for on-the-road snacking.
• Avoid Impulse Buys: Set a “souvenir allowance” for children before you go. A great way to provide a keepsake of the journey is to give each child a “scrapbook” to fill in along the way.
• Research Gas Prices: Check out the fuel gauge report at www.fuelgaugereport.com to find the best gas prices along the way.
• Slow Down: Modifying driving behavior by reducing speed is the best way to improve fuel economy. Reducing speed from 70 mph to 60 mph can noticeably improve fuel economy. Driving conservatively is also important. Gentle acceleration – as opposed to heavy throttle for quick starts – can also improve fuel economy.
• Dining Short-Cuts: Consider purchasing meal plans at theme parks to save on in-park dining. Meal costs also can be reduced by eating the main meal at midday to take advantage of lower lunch prices at restaurants. Many restaurants offer children’s menus and “early bird” dinner specials at reduced prices.
• Be Prepared: Sunscreen, sunglasses and sand toys are more expensive at local beach shops. Buy these before you go. 
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Rhode Island
With gas prices soaring and budgets tight, you might be wondering how to enjoy the summer without spending too much money. Luckily, you live in the Northeast, and staying local has its advantages. From cliff walks to Civil War cannons and old-fashioned train rides to stargazing, Rhode Island has plenty to offer.
The following is a list of free and inexpensive things to do this summer.
East Bay Bike Path
Hop on your bike this summer and tour Rhode Island’s East Bay on a 14.5-mi, 10-foot-wide path that provides a safe place for unobstructed cycling. Cyclists will enjoy the sights, sounds and smells as the path takes them from Providence to Bristol, by coves and marshes, over bridges and through state parks.
Where? Access can easily be gained from Colt State Park or Haines Memorial Park. Alternative access can also be gained at 49 intersections along the path’s route.
When? Open year round – Sunrise to Sunset
How much? Free
Info? www.riparks.com/eastbay.htm
Waterfire Providence
Providence is home of the original Waterfire, an art installation that lights up the night with up to 100 bonfires that blaze along the surface of three rivers running throughout the city. With world and classical music (sometimes performed live) as its soundtrack, people can stroll along the river, sit on the stairs, or paddle by in a gondola, and take in the beautiful golden-ember sights, the scents of aromatic wood, and the serene beauty of the event that has come to be synonymous with Providence summer nights.
Where? Downcity Providence
When? Check Web site for dates. Waterfires occur on certain Saturdays throughout the summer. Lighting begins at sunset and lasts until midnight.
How much? Free
Info? www.waterfire.org
Newport’s Cliff Walk
Put on your walking shoes and experience nature and history by taking a stroll on Newport’s Cliff Walk. Spanning 3.4 miles, the walk takes you on a tour of one of New England’s finest locations. You will walk along the shoreline, over rocks (some are slippery and can be challenging), but most of the walk (two-thirds, in fact) is easy. You will experience the beauty of wildflowers, the indigenous birds and the architectural landscape of Newport. For those who want a self-guided tour, books can be purchased on the Web site.
Where? Access points are at Memorial Blvd., and the ends of Cliff Terrace and Seaview Ave.
When? Year-round
How much? Free
Info? www.cliffwalk.com
Audubon Society of RI’s Environmental Education Center
Look inside a 22-foot life size Right whale, discover life in a tide pool, and take a trek through a cornfield at night. These are only a few of the interactive activities the Audubon Society’s Environmental Education Center has to offer. Spend the day at this fun-filled and interesting museum and aquarium to learn about the environment and local habitats. Walking tours are available. Check the Web site for special events, like exploration adventures and story time for children. Oh, and don’t forget to visit the blue lobster.
Where? Bristol
When? 9 a.m.-5 p.m., daily.
How much? $6 Adults, $4 Children (ages 4-12), $5 Seniors (65+), Free for children under 4.
Info? www.asrieec.org
RISD Museum
Ranging from ancient Greece to the Roman Empire, Chinese stone and terracotta to French Impressionism, the Rhode Island School of Design’s museum houses over 800,000 works of art. Stop by the Egyptian gallery, which houses the coffin and mummy of the priest Nesmin. Check out the Pendleton Wing to see 18th- and early 19th-century decorative arts, and one of America’s finest furniture collections, with pieces from the Townsend and Goddard collections of Newport. The museum houses 45 galleries on three floors mapping the history of art from antiquity to the present day. Keep your eye out for Dainichi Nyorai, the nine-foot Buddha statue.
Where? 224 Benefit St., Providence
When? Tues.-Sun 10 a.m.-5 p.m., until 9 p.m. on the third Thurs. of every month.
How much? $8 Adults, $5 seniors (62+), $3 college students with valid ID, $2 youths (ages 15-18); Free Sun. 10-1 p.m., Third Thursday of every month 5-9 p.m., Friday 12- 1:30 p.m., and the last Sat. of every month.
Info? www.risd.edu/museum.cfm
Roger Williams Park and Zoo
2008 is the Year of the Frog at Roger Williams Zoo. This year, take a walk through the Wetlands trail for an interactive journey through Rhode Island’s most endangered habitat while learning about how the destruction of this habitat has put one-third of the world’s amphibians at risk of extinction. While there, be sure to go to the Plains of Africa exhibit and see the baby giraffes that were born last year at the zoo. The North America area grants access to an underwater viewing window that puts visitors face-to-face with Harbor seals.
Where? Elmwood Ave., Providence
When? 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (last admission is at 4:30)
How much? $12 adults, $6 children (ages 3-12), $8 seniors, free to children under 3 and Zoo Members
Info? www.rogerwilliamsparkzoo.org
The Rhode Island State House
For all of you History buffs out there, this is the tour for you. There are all sorts of intriguing artifacts to be found: the original Rhode Island Charter of 1663, Revolutionary War-era battle flags and guns, and Civil War canons. On this tour you will learn a host of interesting facts about our state’s capitol building, and our state in general. The self-supported marble dome, the world’s fourth largest, has a huge mural of Roger Williams painted inside.
Where? Providence
When? Guided tours are given Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-noon; Guided tours must be scheduled in advance. Self-guided tours are available Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
How much? Free
Info? www.rilin.state.ri.us/statehousetour
Old Colony & Newport Scenic Railway
Take a ride along Aquidneck Island in an open platform coach built in 1904, or an 1884 parlor car. You’ll have a gorgeous view of Newport Harbor as the tour takes you on a 10-mile round-trip scenic train ride along the east shore of Narragansett Bay, traveling through the Naval Base, and passing the Pier One location of two large naval aircraft carriers: the Saratoga and the Forrestal.
Where? Newport
When? Sundays at 11:45 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.
How much? $7.50 adults, $5 children, $6 seniors; Parlor car is $11
Info? www.oncrr.com
Museum of Primitive Art and Culture
Founded in 1892, South County's oldest museum houses more than 15,000 archaeological and ethnological objects from around the world. Changing exhibits in the period’s Southwest Mission-style gallery explore two million years of world culture.
Where? South Kingstown
When? Wednesdays, noon-2 p.m.; other times by appointment
How much? $2 donation is requested.
Info? www.primitiveartmuseum.org
The Ladd Observatory
Take a tour of the evening skies when you go to the observatory at Brown University. This historic observatory was built in 1891 and a regular program of transit observations and time keeping began in 1893. The Ladd Observatory is also home to a 12-inch refracting telescope.
Where? Providence
When? Tuesdays 9 to 11 p.m.
How much? Free
Info? http://physics.brown.edu/physica/commonpages/ladd.
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Discover Inexpensive Fun Right in Your Own Backyard |
Massachusetts
A tight budget is no reason for travelers to nix their plans for summer vacation fun. From gardens and museums to Swan boats and historic forts, Massachusetts residents can fill their summer afternoons with an endless array of fun activities that will cost next to nothing.
Following is a list of free and inexpensive things to do this summer.
Boston Harbor Islands
Within the Greater Boston shoreline are 34 islands rich in natural and cultural resources. Explore tide pools, walk through a Civil War–era fort, climb a lighthouse, hike lush trails and salt marshes, camp under the stars or relax while fishing, picnicking or swimming.
Where? Boston
When? Check Web site.
How much? Ferry ride costs $14; $10 for ages 65-plus; $8 for ages 3–11
Info? www.bostonislands.com
Harvard University Arnold Arboretum
The oldest public arboretum in North America and one of the world’s leading centers for the study of plants features a blend of beloved public landscape and respected research institution. It provides and supports world-class research, horticulture and education programs that foster the understanding, appreciation and preservation of trees.
Where? Jamaica Plain
When? Sunrise to sunset
How much? Free; donations welcome
Info? www.arboretum.harvard.edu
Tower Hill Botanic Garden
This living museum of plants feature a variety of gardens that include a Lawn Garden, a Secret Garden, a Cottage Garden, a Systematic Garden and, in winter, an Orangerie filled with fragrant, blooming plants. Special shows, tours, lectures and workshops are also available.
Where? Boylston
When? 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday
How much? $10; $7 for seniors; $5 forages 6–18
Info? www.towerhillbg.org
Walden Pond
Experience the pond that inspired Henry Thoreau in 462 acres of protected open space. In summer, the reservation is a popular swimming destination. In the spring and fall, many hike the trails that ring the pond and visit the replica of Thoreau’s one-room cabin. Year-round interpretive programs and guided walks are offered as well as a gift shop, bookstore and the Tsongas gallery.
Where? Concord and Lincoln
When? 8 a.m.-sunset
How much? Free; $5 parking fee
Info? www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/walden
The Emerald Necklace
Parkways and waterways link a 1,100-acre chain of nine parks designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. The Boston Common, which dates from the colonial period, connects with the 1837 Public Garden along the Muddy River and Leverett, Willow, Ward’s and Jamaica Ponds through the Arnold Arboretum to the great country park, Franklin Park.
Where? Boston
When? Any time
How much? Free
Info? www.cityofboston.gov/parks/emerald
The Heritage Museums and Gardens
The Heritage celebrates the American spirit by preserving and sharing the history, industry, art and horticulture of America. It features beautifully landscaped grounds, and many of America’s most distinguished artists’ works are on exhibit in the Art Museum. The Art Museum is also the home of the 2008 exhibit, “A Short Life and Merry: Pirates of New England.”
Where? Sandwich
When? 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through Oct. 31
How much? $12; $10 for ages 65-plus; $6 for ages 6–16
Info? www.heritagemuseumsandgardens.org
Berkshire Botanical Gardens
Explore 15 acres of colorful perennial and annual gardens, herb and rock gardens, pond gardens, ornamental vegetable gardens, arboretum, greenhouse and other specialty collections and a woodland interpretive trail. Educational programs and special events take place year-round, and guided tours are available for groups by appointment.
Where? Stockbridge
When? 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through Oct.
How much? $7; $5 seniors/students; free under age 12
Info? www.berkshirebotanical.org
Bridge of Flowers
What started as a trolley bridge in 1908 has been transformed into an unusual garden — the only one of its kind in the world — for visitors to enjoy. Meticulously tended by the Shelburne Falls Women’s Club, the Bridge of Flowers boasts over 500 varieties of flowers, vines and shrubs, which assure visitors a 400-foot span of continual blooming from the pastel tulips of April through the last blazing chrysanthemums in October.
Where? Shelburne Falls
When? Any time
How much? Free
Info? www.shelburnefalls.com/attractions.bridge.html
Mt. Auburn Cemetery
This National Historic Landmark is recognized as one of the country’s most significant cultural landscapes. Founded in 1831, it was the first large-scale designed landscape open to the public in the United States. Today its beauty, historical associations and horticultural collections are internationally renowned.
Where? Cambridge
When? 8 a.m.-7 p.m. May-Aug.
How much? Free
Info? www.mountauburn.org
The Swan Boats
Famed in the stories “Make Way for Ducklings” and “The Trumpet of the Swan,” the Swan Boats are the only boats of their kind in the world. To the delight of the young and old for over 120 years, the Swan Boats have appeared in the Public Garden Lagoon with grace, giving each passenger the opportunity to enjoy the natural splendor provided by the Public Garden’s 24 acres.
Where? Boston
When? 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through Sept. 1; noon-4 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends Sept. 1-21
How much? $2.75; $2 seniors; $1.50 ages 2-15
Info? www.swanboats.com
Glen Magna Farms
Owned by the Danvers Historical Society, Glen Magna Farms was founded in 1889 “to discover, collect and preserve objects which illustrate local history, but particularly the history and development of the Town of Danvers.” It survives unrivaled as an estate exemplifying historic North Shore summer living. It typifies the golden age of American gardens when eclecticism and historicism dominated landscape as well as architecture.
Where? Danvers
When? 9 a.m.-dusk weekdays; 9 a.m.-noon weekends
How much? Free; $2 per person donation suggested
Info? www.glenmagnafarms.org
Mytoi Garden
Mytoi (“me’-toi”) is a small Japanese-style garden set within an open pine forest. Its signature feature is a small pond with an island reached by walking over an arched bridge. Winding footpaths take visitors through a birch walk, camellia dell, stone garden and hillside garden. A rustic shelter offers broad views of the garden and a chance to become immersed in the meditative qualities of the landscape.
Where? Martha’s Vineyard
When? Sunrise-sunset
How much? Free; donations welcome
Info? www.thetrustees.org/pages/334_mytoi.cfm
World’s End
Four coastal drumlins — Pine Hill, Planter's Hill and the double drumlins of World’s End proper — are connected by over four miles of walking paths that offer dramatic views of the Weir River, Hingham Harbor and Boston skyline. The reservation’s hills are traversed by tree-lined roads and dotted with tree groves. In between are broad grassy fields that attract butterflies and are managed to provide habitat for grassland-nesting birds.
Where? Hingham
When? 8 a.m.-sunset
How much? $5; free children
Info? www.thetrustees.org/pages/393_world_s_end.cfm
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Have Wheels, Will Travel
Summer’s Time To Hit The Road
By Kimberley Edgar |
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| Whether you hit the road with family or friends, a summer drive vacation creates lasting memories. |
It’s been said the first road trip began with a $50 bet and a 20-horsepower Winton Motor Carriage Company Car with a maximum speed of 30 mph.
Taking a road trip has come a long way since Horatio Nelson Jackson became the first person to drive an automobile across the United States in 1903.
Whatever the destination, there’s something about cruising the open road that transcends the years and miles and spells “freedom” for anyone who dares to embrace adventure – especially during the summer.
One of the allures about the road trip is it is so simply begun: Have car, will travel.
And with a little planning and preparation, AAA can help members get where they want to go safely and economically without sacrificing the fun.
AAA Auburn Auto Travel Specialist Susie Richard recounts how she helped one family plan the ultimate road trip and expand their horizons last year.
“One lady came into the office interested in going to Lancaster, Penn. I asked a lot of questions to try to get an idea of what they were looking for. I took all the information from there,” Ms. Richard said. “When they returned, she e-mailed me to say they’d had a great time.”
What began as a foray into Pennsylvania Dutch country ended with a weeklong trip tailored to their desires. It included an Amish farmland tour, a side trip to Baltimore – where they joined the Red Sox on the road – and a stop at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey to cap off their summer adventure on the way home.
Ms. Richard handled much of the legwork, booking accommodations and supplying maps, TourBooks and a TripTik outlining key routes, scenic roads, valuable member savings and many GEM destinations and other attractions along the way.
For those who like handling their own research, AAA’s Fuel Price Finder, which updates every 24 hours, and Internet TripTik are valuable planning and navigational tools.
Easily accessed through AAA.com, the Internet Trip Tik automatically displays lodging, attractions, construction information and scenic byways but also can be tailored to flag restaurants, events, Hertz Rental Centers, campgrounds, AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities and gas stations.
Approved Auto Repair Specialist Richard Iozzi recommends members who won’t be renting a car for the journey take their vehicles to an Approved Auto Repair garage for an oil change and a pretrip checkup.
The free maintenance inspection includes evaluating the fluids and tires. The technician also checks the vehicle’s maintenance schedule – the owner’s manual is a good source of this information – to ensure everything is updated before the trip.
Having everything in order and driving smart will help keep down fuel costs.
“Tire pressure is always important. Don’t overload the vehicle, and drive like you have an egg under the accelerator,” Mr. Iozzi said. “It all comes down to common sense: You drive easy. That will help with the gas mileage.”
And if this summer’s road trip involves children, AAA Somerset Auto Travel Specialist Lisa Wilson has several tips for easy on-the-road entertainment.
“I always recommend having plenty of healthy drinks and snacks because children always seem to get hungry on long road trips,” Ms. Wilson said.
She should know: She has two children, ages 10 and 7, and has kept them entertained on several road trips of varying lengths, including those to Hersheypark and Six Flags Great Adventure.
Modern technology has made hand-held video games and MP3 players ideal travel companions. For vehicles that don’t have DVD players installed, portable DVD players can be easily hung from the back of the front seat to keep kids focused.
She also suggests games such as Connect Four and travel checkers, which uses a magnetic board to keep the pieces from sliding off during the ride.
And there are the good old standards: Count the Volkswagen bugs, or track the different state license plates.
Ms. Wilson stocks crayons and coloring books for the trip, and if all else fails, there’s always the family sing-along, she said.
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Drive Vacations Made Easy
By Kimberley Edgar and Molly Feit |
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| A carriage ride fits right in with Quebec’s quaintness. |
New England serves as the perfect launch pad for many memorable – and affordable – road trips.
Anniversary celebrations await in Canada.
Washington is within easy reach.
Bert and Ernie can’t wait to see you and your children at Pennsylvania’s Sesame Place.
And there are plenty of getaways closer to home.
Delve into U.S. history on a trip to Philadelphia, Annapolis and Williamsburg.
New Brunswick connects with sister Canadian provinces Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Montreal and Quebec City make for a pairing with a French flair. And they can be teamed with the White Mountains in New Hampshire and the Green Mountains in Vermont for a memorable journey.
The open road is the limit, and AAA offers more than 30 Drive Vacation packages that can be combined and tailored to suit your traveling needs.
“We have Four Diamond properties in major cities and Three Diamond family-friendly and family-priced hotels near popular theme parks,” said Adrian Petrie, AAA Auto Travel Information Specialist.
So pack your car, and map your route to adventure.
Québec City Turns 400
Celebrate the 400th anniversary of the first French colony in North America as Québec City commemorates its birthday with a summer festival. Music, art and even an aquatic show take center stage July 3 to 5. And don’t hesitate to branch out and explore beyond the city’s borders, where plenty of opportunities for adventure abound.
“Anne" Turns 100 on Prince Edward Island
Lucy Maud Montgomery’s 1908 novel, “Anne of Green Gables,” continues to draw visitors to Prince Edward Island. And for Anne’s 100th birthday, the island is planning much celebration. In June, the island hosts a non-stop open-air summer festival including historical reenactments, concerts, picnics, theatrical performances and parades. There is a different event every night of the week July through August.
Capital City’s a Living Museum
The political and historical epicenter of this great country is just a drive away. Washington offers an endless number of informative museums, significant buildings and touching monuments – most of which are free to visit. From the Smithsonian to the Lincoln Memorial to the National Air and Space Museum, D.C. is perfect for a jam-packed trip on a budget.
“It’s an outstanding value,” said Carl Richardson, AAA Auto Travel Director.
Come and Play Where the Air is Sweet
When kids – and the young at heart – need a vacation, Sesame Place is a haven. Enjoy the summer sun with the park’s tottailored rides, shows and water attractions – and all of Sesame Street’s lovable characters.
String of Pearls Closer to Home
If you find yourself with limited time, want to enjoy more than one stop on your trip, or desire to pack your summer with shorter getaways, AAA offers a number of options not much further than the backyard.
String together a memorable trip between Mystic, Boston, Plymouth and Salem. You could even extend it to Canobie Lake, N.H.
“They’re easily scheduled,” Mr. Richardson said. “We have a menu that allows a theme-park experience, a learning vacation or just quality family time.”
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Before You Hit the Road: Know Traffic Rules in Other States
By Molly Feit |
You may know well the rules of the road on your home turf, but just because Massachusetts allows you to talk on the phone while driving doesn’t mean other states do.
Don’t be caught unaware: Before you set off on your summer drive vacation, be sure to read up on the traffic laws of the states you’ll be driving through.
Local laws vary on everything from cell phones to safety belts to child restraints.
Here’s a quick list of some important laws in some of Massachusetts residents’ favorite road-trip destinations.
For information beyond what’s listed here, contact the state’s motor vehicle department.
Connecticut
Cell Phones: Hand-held phones may not be used while driving.
Safety Belts: Required for drivers and front-seat passengers; standard offense.
Info: (860) 263-5700, www.ct.gov/dmv
Delaware
Cell Phones: No restrictions.
Safety Belts: Required for driver and all passengers; standard offense.
Info: (302) 744-2500, www.dmv.de.gov
Maine
Cell Phones: No restrictions.
Safety Belts: Required for driver and all passengers; primary offense.
Info: (207) 624-9000, www.maine.gov/sos/dmv
Maryland
Cell Phones: No restrictions.
Safety Belts: Required for driver and front-seat passengers; primary offense.
Info: (301) 729-4550, www.marylandmva.com
Massachusetts
Cell Phones: No restrictions
Safety Belts: Required for driver and all passengers; secondary offense for adults; standard offense for children.
Info: (617) 351-4500, www.massrmv.com
New Hampshire
Cell Phones: If the use of a cell phone causes anyone to drive negligently or to endanger any person or property, it is a prosecutable offense.
Safety Belts: Required for children under 18 only; standard offense.
Info: (603) 271-2251, www.state.nh.us/dmv
New Jersey
Cell Phones: Hand-held phones may not be used while driving; secondary offense.
Safety Belts: Required for driver and front-seat passengers; standard offense.
Info: (888) 486-3339, www.state.nj.us/mvc
New York
Cell Phones: Hand-held phones may not be used while driving.
Safety Belts: Required for driver and front-seat passengers; primary offense.
Info: (518) 474-0841, www.nydmv.state.ny.us
Pennsylvania
Cell Phones: No restrictions.
Safety Belts: Required for driver and front-seat passengers; standard offense; violation of booster-seat law is a secondary offense.
Info: (717) 412-5300, www.dmv.state.pa.us
Rhode Island
Cell Phones: Motorists under 18 may not use phones while driving.
Safety Belts: Required for driver and all passengers; secondary offense for ages 18 and older; standard offense for children.
Info: (401) 588-3020, www.dmv.state.ri.us
Vermont
Cell Phones: No restrictions.
Safety Belts: Required for driver and all passengers; secondary offense for ages 16 and older; standard offense for children.
Info: (802) 828-2000, www.aot.state.vt.us
Virginia
Cell Phones: No restrictions.
Safety Belts: Required for driver and front-seat passengers; secondary offense; violation of child restraint law is secondary offense.
Info: (800) 435-5137, www.dmv.state.va.us
Washington, D.C.
Cell Phones: Hand-held phones may not be used while driving; drivers with learner’s permits may not use cell phones of any type while driving; distracted driving is prohibited.
Safety Belts: Required for driver and all passengers; primary offense.
Info: (202) 727-5000, www.dmv.washingtondc.gov
Note: Laws listed as “primary” or “standard” offenses are violations for which a driver can be pulled over without other cause. Laws listed as “secondary” offenses are citable only if the driver is stopped for a primary reason.
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Driving in Canada
By Molly Feit
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Subtle differences might surprise the new-to-Canada driver.
But aside from adjusting from standard to metric for distances and speeds, motoring in Canada is much as it is in the United States.
To help you out on your trip, here are some tips to remember when you decide to pack up the car and head north:
• Distances and speeds are marked in kilometers, not miles.
• Some signs, particularly in Quebec, may be only in French.
• Unless otherwise posted, maximum speed limits are 50km/hr (31 mph) in cities, and 80km/hr (50 mph) on highways.
• Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers; child-car seats must be used for children under 40 pounds.
• In Montreal and Quebec City, a right turn on red is prohibited.
• Some provinces require drivers to keep their headlights on during the day.
• Radar detectors are illegal in Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, the Yukon and the Northwest Territories, regardless of whether they are used.
• Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol carries heavy penalties in Canada, and any prior conviction is grounds for exclusion from the country. Americans with such a record must seek a special waiver from Canadian authorities before traveling to Canada.
• Always be prepared for surprises.
U.S. driver’s licenses are valid in Canada. Proof of insurance is required.
If you’re a tourist, U.S. auto insurance is accepted, and U.S. insurance firms will issue a Canadian insurance card, which should be obtained and carried before driving into Canada.
U.S. citizens traveling by car must show a valid passport; a passport card, which became available this spring; or a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative-compliant document. The government will continue to accept government-issued photo identification such as a driver’s license with proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate at land and sea crossings until June 1, 2009.
And there’s one last piece of advice: Always plan for extra wait time at the border – lines can be long and wait times even longer. Pack snacks and drinks and bring plenty of entertainment, just in case!
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Interstate Trivia
By Molly Feit |
What began in the late 1930s as a plan for a national system of interstate and defense highways has grown into a 43,000-mile transportation network that’s vital to the nation.
Here are some intriguing facts about the Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways, better known as “The Interstate System.”
Even/Odd: Major interstates are designated by one- or two-digit numbers. Odd-numbered routes run north and south, while even-numbered highways run east and west. For north-south routes, the lowest numbers begin in the west (I-5) and increase toward the east, while the lowest numbered east-west routes are in the south (I-10), increasing toward the north.
Open Road: The longest interstate route is I-90 between Boston and Seattle, at 3,020.54 miles. The shortest route is I-97 between Baltimore and Annapolis, Md., at 17.62 miles.
The Road to Everywhere: I-95 traverses the most states. The 16 it serves are Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Washington, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.
I(nterstate) ? New York: New York has the most interstate routes at 29. Texas interstates have the most mileage with 17 routes at 3,233.45 miles.
Top-Notch Service: All but five state capitals are directly served by The Interstate System. Those not reached: Juneau, Ala.: Dover, Del.; Jefferson City, Mo.; Carson City, Nev.; and Pierre, S.D.
Island of Interstates: It seems like an oxymoron – an island with interstates – but there are interstate highways in Hawaii, on the populous island of Oahu. Non-contiguous state Alaska and island-territory Puerto Rico have public roads that receive funding from the interstate program, but these routes are not signed as interstate highways – except on paper.
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Baby You Can Drive My Car
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From the first note, they make you want to roll down the window, crank up the volume, and cruise to the beach. Load up your iPod with AAA employees’ favorite summer driving songs.
1. Roam – B-52’s
2. One Week – Barenaked Ladies
3. I Get Around – Beach Boys
4. Drive My Car – Beatles
5. Unwritten – Natasha Bedingfield
6. Irreplaceable - Beyonce
7. Ragtop Day – Jimmy Buffett
8. Drive – The Cars
9. No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems – Kenny Chesney
10. Summer in the City – Joe Cocker
11. Route 66 – Nat King Cole
12. Up Around the Bend – Creedence Clearwater Revival
13. All I Wanna Do – Sheryl Crow
14. Wide Open Spaces – Dixie Chicks
15. Take it Easy – Eagles
16. Jailhouse Rock – Elvis
17. Doo Wop (That Thing) – Lauryn Hill
18. Avril Lavigne - Girlfriend
19. Free Ride – Jefferson Airplane
20. Celebration – Kool and the Gang
21. Holiday – Madonna
22. You Oughta Know – Alanis Morissette
23. On the Road Again – Willie Nelson
24. Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana
25. Life is a Highway – Tom Petty; Rascal Flatts
26. Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen
27. Losing My Religion – R.E.M.
28. Umbrella – Rihanna
29. Cruisin’ – Smokey Robinson
30. Hips Don’t Lie - Shakira
31. Feeling Groovy – Simon & Garfunkle
32. Summer Wind – Frank Sinatra
33. Baby One More Time – Britney Spears
34. Wannabe – Spice Girls
35. Summertime – Will Smith
36. Pink Cadillac – Bruce Springsteen
37. Stuck in the Middle With You – Stealers Wheel
38. The Sweet Escape – Gwen Stefani
39. Born to be Wild – Steppenwolf
40. Beautiful Day – U2.
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If you’re going on a family road trip this summer, you may be wondering how you’ll be able to entertain your children and avoid the repetitive onslaught of “Are we there yet?” from the backseat. Here at AAA of Southern New England, employees picked their favorite travel games.
• Etch a Sketch – introduced by the Ohio Art Company near the peak of the Baby Boom, this portable game is still a favorite and travels well.
• Travel Battleship – Player trays snap together to form a compact travel size compartment that contains all the ships and pegs needed to have the excitement and strategy of Battleship in tow on the road.
Mad Libs – A favorite for over 50 years, this fill-in-the-blank word game allows children to use their minds (and grammar skills) to compose hilarious tales.
Portable Yahtzee – This popular dice game comes in a travel-sized version, complete with a mini “playing arena” for rolling the die.
Handheld Video Games – With a wide variety of games to choose from, handheld video games are a safe bet when it comes to keeping kids entertained. Some recommended systems are Playstation Portable and Nintendo DS Lite.
• Scrabble Travel Folio – Pick up and go with American’s favorite word game. The all-inclusive soft-sided zipper case has snap-in-place tiles, stop mid-game.
Books on CD – Books aren’t just on tape anymore. With books on CD, kids can sit and listen to their favorite stories on the go. From “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” to history and the classics, there’s something for everyone.
The License Plate Game – Pick up a map from AAA. Kids can keep track of how many different states’ license plates they spot on the road and circle the states as they go.
The Alphabet Game – Write down the alphabet on a piece of paper, as the kids spot city and town signs, they write the name down with the corresponding letter. Whoever completes the alphabet first wins.
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