KKMPhotos/Long Island CVB George Washington commissioned Montauk Lighthouse.

  Long Island has two counties, one interstate, a summer season that swells the populations of its seaside towns and many surprises, including a phalanx of wineries that stand where potato farms once thrived.
  Another of those surprises is Montauk, a seaside hamlet near the tip of the South Fork and the terminus for the Long Island Railroad and the Old Montauk Highway.
Named after the Montaukett tribe discovered by Dutch explorer Adriaen Block in 1614, Montauk was inhabited by fishermen, farmers and cattle ranchers before the advent of the car allowed tourists to take advantage of the white sands, rolling surf and temperatures that are cooler than the city in summer but warmer in winter.
  Hotel chains and fast-food restaurants are banned by local ordinance but the 3,851 year-round residents don’t mind – especially because the length of the traditional summer season keeps growing on both ends.
  The landmark Montauk Lighthouse, commissioned by President George Washington, is the oldest active light in the Empire State and fourth-oldest in the nation. Its beacon and foghorn warn ships not to stray too close to the rocky shoals that jut into the ocean from Montauk Point. Visitors may climb the 137 steps to the top of the tower.
  Minutes by car from the celebrity-heavy Hamptons, Montauk is light-years away in spirit. It’s a typical shore town, famous for fishing, surfing, sunning and sightseeing – with more historical points of interest than might be expected in a town of its size.
  Captain Kidd, the legendary pirate, allegedly buried booty in Montauk, at a site now called Money Ponds. Remains of a British warship wrecked in 1781 now form the only underwater park in New York State. Even the notorious ship Amistad carved a niche into history: It moored in Montauk after a mid-ocean mutiny, and white crew members told the rebels they had returned to Africa. Soon recaptured, the slaves were eventually freed.
  For centuries, the only structures in Montauk were the lighthouse and three houses. But entrepreneurs purchased the land from the Indians and extended the Long Island Railroad with an eye toward shortening the sailing between New York and London. That didn’t work – the surrounding waters were too shallow for ships – but the land proved the perfect place to quarantine Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders, who returned from the 1898 Spanish-American War with malaria and other tropical maladies.
  Over the next 25 years, travel by car became so popular that politicians turned Montauk into a tourist destination. Robert Moses sandwiched Montauk with two state parks – Hither Hills to the west and Montauk Point to the east – and four more came later.
  Montauk also made maximum mileage from the shark fishing trade. The home of the largest recreational and commercial fishing fleet in New York State, Montauk claims more saltwater fishing records than any other port in the world. The one-time whaling port also had annual cattle drives, with residents from the rest of Long Island keeping livestock in the area (the Deep Hollow Ranch remains the oldest cattle ranch in the United States).
  Cars have replaced the cattle trucks, although many visitors arrive by train from New York, boat from Block Island or Connecticut or even private plane. Famous faces abound: the Rolling Stones wrote “Memory Motel” while staying at Andy Warhol’s Montauk home and Billy Joel, a long-time summer resident, wrote “The Downeaster Alexa,” named for his daughter, about a fisherman’s journey through Montauk Sound.
  With so many fishing boats cruising in and out of Montauk Harbor, the seafood served in restaurants is certifiably fresh. The Sea Grill at Gurney’s Inn () and Gosman’s Dock Restaurant () are two of many eateries with waterfront views.

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AAA’s Exclusive Member Voyage: from the the bustling docks of Denmark to breathtaking fjords of Norway.

  One began as a fishing village and rose to be one of the world’s premier design cities, the glittering capital of the Danish Empire.
  Another boasts the world stage where Nobel Prizes are awarded annually with the Norwegian king in attendance.
  The third offers the Royal Mile, a bustling succession of many cobbled streets from a castle to a ruined abbey with an eclectic mix of tourist shops, eateries and historical attractions en route.
  They are Copenhagen, Oslo and Edinburgh – three cities that will help unlock Scandinavia and Scotland’s charm and history while cruising through God’s country – the breathtaking Norwegian fjords – on AAA’s Exclusive Member Voyage.
Here are some highlights:
Copenhagen
  The adventure begins and ends in Denmark’s capital city, where one can join The Little Mermaid at her perch before exploring the city’s smorgasbord of sites. Rent a bicycle and peddle to any one of the churches or castles with spires punctuating the horizontal skyline – Frederik’s Church, or Marble Church, is modeled on St. Peter’s in Rome and its dome, 100 feet in diameter, is Scandinavia’s largest church dome.
Oslo
  With the Norwegian capital set against a backdrop of serene peninsulas and wooded hills, the most impressive way to arrive is by sea. AAA Travel Manager Charlotte Nichols, who lived in Scandinavia, re­commends strolling Karl Jo­hans gate, the main street that hits all the sites – the royal castle, Parliament, national theater, museums, parks and stores galore. Holmenkollen is a hop, skip and ski jump away.
Skagen, Denmark
  This northernmost tip of Denmark divides the Skaggerrak and Kattegat straits, and one can see the waves clash together from a sandy, shifting headland. Low yellow houses with red tiles roofs nestle in the impressive, wild landscape formed by severe desertification in the 1700s and 1800s. The famous Buried Church protruding from the dunes remains as a sea marker and reminder of nature’s ravages.
Vik, Norway
  A combination of glacial landforms and outstanding beauty vaulted the fjords of Geirangerfjord and Naeroyfjord onto UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2005. A handful of nearby sites of interest include the Hopperstad Stave Church, a medieval wooden church with post-and-beam con­struction. Built around 1130, it has a sculptured Gothic altar-baldachin, or ornamental canopy, ceiling decorations and paintings depicting the childhood of Christ.
Flam, Norway
  Most of the 450,000 annual visitors to this village of about 500 enjoy the spectacular 12.5-mile railway that twists and turns through 20 tunnels between Flam and Myrdal. The adhesion railway is the third steepest in the world. “There’s breathtaking beauty, you wouldn’t want to miss, and between the rail ride and the scenery, getting to the fjord is part of the fun,” Ms. Nichols said.
Bergen, Norway
  It might be the people. It might be the comfort. It might be the reminders of home in this walkable city. Though she can’t quite put her finger on it, Ms. Nichols lists Norway’s second-largest city – a proud town of hard-working laborers who earn their livings at sea – as one of her favorite cities. “It’s the gateway to the fjords,” she said.
Invergordon, Scotland
  Take a relaxed, scenic drive contrasting gentle wild moors and rugged mountains from this gateway to Scotland’s High­­lands, and one might see a shepherd calling his sheep, dog at his side and whistle echoing through the hills. “You’ll see hundreds of sheep heading toward him from everywhere. The sheep dogs are there to herd them from miles away,” said Jane Moir, Auburn Travel Counselor.
Edinburgh, Scotland
  It’s not unusual to see Scottish gentlemen wearing kilts while strolling the Royal Mile, a walkable route from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Abbey, adjacent to Holyroodhouse, home to the Royals for centuries. “The Honours of Scotland”– a.k.a. the Scottish crown jewels: crown, sword and scepter – are in Edinburgh Castle as is the Stone of Destiny, returned to Scotland from Westminster Abbey in 1996.
Newcastle upon Tyne, England
  On the bank of River Tyne, the city owes its name to the Norman castle built in 1080, by Robert II of Normandy, the eldest son of William the Conqueror.     Surrounded by medieval town walls, Newcastle boasts two cathedrals, including the Anglican St. Nicholas and its elegant lantern tower. Also noteworthy is the two-pin steel arch Tyne Bridge, the prototype for the more famous Sydney Harbour Bridge, in Australia.

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The views outside one’s cabin on the Rocky Mountaineer are so extraordinary the train does not travel at night.

  All aboard! The whistle blows and the engine chugs, leaving behind a puff of steam and all of your worries.
  As you press your face to the window, the landscape changes from high desert plains to prairie to ponderosa pine forests. Strolling musicians provide an onboard soundtrack that evokes the Wild West.
  Two hours and 15 minutes after pulling out of Arizonaís Williams Depot, the train eases in to Grand Canyon Depot – just 200 yards from the edge of the South Rim.
  There are other ways to travel to this natural wonder, but a ride on the Grand Canyon Railway sets the mood for an experience of a lifetime.
  Rail travel offers the chance to slow down your vacation, see places from special vantages point and honor nostalgia for days gone by. Here are some favorites:
Grand Canyon Railway
  One of the most popular train trips is the Grand Canyon Railway, according to AAA West Peabody Travel Counselor Rosemarie Scovil.
  Your journey begins at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel () in Williams, near Route 66. After a night at the hotel and a morning Wild West show, you’ll cross the street and board the vintage locomotive. Throughout the ride, Railway staff members provide entertainment, including music, poetry and storytelling.
  “The staff takes very good care of you. They are very attentive and are great at interacting with passengers,” said Judy Carney, AAA Barrington Travel Counselor.
  Upon reaching the Grand Canyon, you can participate in a number of activities, including the narrated motorcoach rim tour, offering an exclusive up-close view.
  After three hours at the Canyon, guests board the train back to Williams. Be prepared for some surprises on the return: Wild West train robbers are known to appear from time to time!
Rocky Mountaineer
  Our neighbor to the north features some spectacular rail riding. Trips through the Canadian Rockies are popular pre- and post-Alaskan-cruise excursions, but are also worth a trip in their own right.
  AAA Leominster Travel Counselor Colleen Cuddhay highly recommends traveling on the Rocky Mountaineer railway for the ultimate Rockies experience.
  “You are able to travel further into the Rockies than you could by motorcoach,” said Ms. Carney.
  The Rocky Mountaineer train offers several route and seating options, all including meals and hotel accommodations.
  “You can find an experience that fits your budget,” said Ms. Scovil.
  Unlike many other railroad trips, the Rocky Mountaineer is an all-day train ride; it stops at night and guests stay in hotels. Days onboard are filled with the wondrous scenery of Western Canada. View the picturesque snow-capped mountains, raging rivers and beautiful forests — all from the comfort of your spacious seat. Keep an eye out for the occasional bear or moose.
Eurail
  Across the pond lies the European rail network, covering 160,000 miles and rivaling the U.S. highway system in size and scope. This extensive train system provides an affordable, reliable way to explore the continent without worrying about airport hassles or driving in a foreign country.
  Passengers can purchase rail passes for a single or multiple countries, or an entire region of Europe. Discounted tickets are available for groups, seniors and youth under age 26.
  Trips include the Eurostar Disney Train, connecting London and Disneyland Paris, and the European East Rail Pass, including unlimited trips between Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia.

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Eerie characters tell stories at Halloween festivities in Sleepy Hollow, N.Y.

  Halloween outings often consist of haunted houses, hayrides and pumpkin picking. This year, do something different and take a drive to one of the most famous spooky spots in all of literature — Sleepy Hollow, N.Y.
  Sleepy Hollow, formerly known as North Tarrytown, served as the backdrop of Washington Irving’s classic short story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” following Connecticut professor Ichabod Crane and the phantom Headless Horseman.
  The town today is not just for ghosts, but for families of all ages looking for something fun and frightening.
  The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, beginning Oct. 4, is the largest Halloween event in its region. This nighttime spectacle, located at Philipsburg Manor, features more than 4,000 hand-carved pumpkins displayed in impressive arrangements including dinosaurs, spider webs, ghosts and this year’s new Stonehenge exhibit.
  For those looking for some­thing spookier, consider Legend Weekend Nights, held Oct. 18, 19, 25 and 26. Look out for ghosts, pirates, witches and other eerie characters as you wander the haunted grounds of Philipsburg Manor.
  Join master storyteller Jonathan Kruk, who will perform scary stories, including Irving’s famous tale, throughout the eventful weekend.
A new addition to this year’s events is the performance by some spooky, large-scale puppets. These puppets were inspired by Superior Concept Monsters, the company behind New York City’s Greenwich Village Halloween Parade.
  To continue the “Legend of Sleepy Hollow” experience, you cannot miss the Old Dutch Church and Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. According to legend, the church and surrounding burial grounds were where the Headless Horseman was said to ride each night.
  The adjacent Sleepy Hollow Cemetery is the final resting place of Washington Irving, Andrew Carnegie and William Rockefeller. Nighttime lantern tours of the cemetery are available Oct. 18 and 25.
  For some daytime Halloween fun, visit Sleepy Hollow on Oct. 25 and 26 for Legend Weekend Days. This event includes two different celebrations: one at Philipsburg Manor, and one at Washington Irving’s Sunnyside estate, located in nearby Tarrytown.
  At Philipsburg Manor, celebrate autumn in 18th-century fashion with colonial games, open-hearth cooking and pumpkin carving. The Sunnyside events include a variety of fun Halloween activities such as sing-a-longs, puppet and magic shows, and more.
  For more on Halloween events at Philipsburg Manor and Sunnyside, visit www.HudsonValley.org or call (914) 631-8200. For more on the Old Dutch Church and Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, visit www.SleepyHollowCemetery.org.

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A bird’s eye view of Norway’s coast.

  You’re invited to explore the spectacular Norwegian Fjords and the magical history of Scotland on AAA’s 2009 Exclusive Member Voyage. The 10-night cruise sets sail May 23, on Holland America’s new MS Eurodam ship.
  Your journey begins in Copenhagen, Denmark, the picturesque home of Hans Christian Andersen. Before boarding your ship, be sure to visit the capital city’s landmarks, including the “Little Mermaid” statue and Tivoli Gardens. Arrange for a bicycling tour to get the most from this Danish city.
  From the port in Copenhagen, the ship sails to another Scandinavian capital city: Oslo, Norway. Day excursions are available for a wide range of sightseeing adventure. Vigeland Sculpture Park, for example, tells the story of humanity through more than 150 bronze and stone sculptures. The Viking Ship Museum features three excavated Viking longboats dating as far back as 900 A.D.
  From Oslo, your tour continues to Skagen, Denmark, known for its beautiful beaches. Then, after a day at sea, visit the Norwegian farming villages of Vik and Flam. Take the Flam railway for a nine-mile tour of the fjords, an unforgettable experience.
  The next stop is Bergen, the second-largest city in Norway and the birthplace of famed composer Edvard Grieg. Music continues to be a major feature of the city today. Be sure to take a funicular ride up Mount Floien, for one of the most breathtaking views in all of Norway.
  Next on the itinerary is the United Kingdom. In Scotland, search for the elusive legendary monster in Loch Ness. In South Queensferry, visit Edinburgh Castle, home of Mary Queen of Scots. In Newcastle upon Tyne, take a historical journey to Hadrian’s Wall, an ancient Roman monument, and Blackfriars, a 13th-century Dominican monastery. From Newcastle, you’ll return to Copenhagen.
  While the itinerary for this cruise is remarkable, the ship is just as spectacular. Christened in 2008, the ms Eurodam is the first of Holland America’s Signature Class. Exclusive features include Spa Staterooms, equipped with the finest amenities, and the Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine magazine.
  “What better way to see the beautiful fjords of Norway and the rugged coast of Scotland than on Holland America’s newest ship,” said William Sutherland, Vice President of AAA Southern New England’s Travel Agency.   “We absolutely wanted to do one of our featured premium cruises on the Eurodam, and of all the itineraries we looked at, this was the most unique.”
The Exclusive Member Voyage includes several benefits only for AAA members. Members receive $100 shipboard credit per cabin, and are invited to an onboard cocktail party and an exclusive document luncheon.      Also, members will be joined onboard by an experienced AAA travel host.
“There will also be many other surprises to make this vacation a dream come true,” Mr. Sutherland said.

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Travelers try zip-lining on a Royal Caribbean excursion.

  School may be just back in session, but now is the time to start thinking vacation. If your family likes to travel during school vacation weeks, the earlier you book, the better: Reservations fill up quickly during these peak times and prices increase dramatically as the dates draw closer.
  While it can be challenging to find a locale that appeals to parents and teenagers, involving your children in the research and planning is a fun way to maximize your family’s vacation enjoyment. Encourage everyone to share their ideas on what they hope to get out of the trip. Narrow your choices by setting a price range and geographic region.
  When it comes to picking a destination, why not start by looking at your teen’s curriculum this school year. Many popular vacation spots offer a range of educational experiences unlike anything found in a textbook.
  If your teen is learning American history, for example, plan a road trip to historical hotbeds such as Boston, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. All three cities – particularly the nation’s capital – offer plenty of famous attractions with free or inexpensive admission.
  If ancient civilizations are in the lesson plan this year, a trip to the Mayan Riviera, where you can tour the pyramids and other archaeological ruins, is the perfect choice. Robin Paul, a Travel Counselor at AAA Narragansett, said this Mexican destination is one of the most popular locales for families with teens.
  While in the Mayan Riviera, be sure to get a bird’s eye view of the landscape with a zip-line ride over the trees. Take a quick ferry ride to Cozumel and snorkel in the Great Maya Reef, the world’s second-largest barrier reef.
  If your family is looking for a vacation that offers a bit of everything – whether it’s education, adventure and relaxation – then consider a Caribbean cruise. These vacations allow families to visit many locations, even many different countries, in one trip.
  “There’s so much for parents to do, and for teens to do,” said Lynn Natale, a Travel Counselor at AAA Worcester.
  The warm port cities are perfect for a winter break, with various activities like boating, shopping, lounging on the beach or sightseeing. The offerings continue onboard the cruise ship. Royal Caribbean International, for example, has iceskating rinks, rockclimbing walls, and other sports. Many cruise lines host teen-only clubs and lounges for a safe and fun hangout.
  If you want a more traditional vacation, Ms. Paul suggests Walt Disney World Resort, saying it is “always a wonderful destination” for families with teenagers. Downtown Disney features shopping, dining and entertainment centers, such as Planet Hollywood and House of Blues.
  The four theme parks offer thrilling rides and incredible shows. Teens should check out the new “American Idol Experience” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, slated to open in early 2009, where they can audition before judges and perform before a live audience for a chance to be on the television series.
  Not everyone flees to warmer climates during the winter months, however. If your family wants to make the most of the cold and snow, look no further than New England. Ski resorts provide a close-to-home getaway with plenty of winter activities for teenagers. Loon Mountain in New Hampshire, for example, offers ice skating, sledding, snowshoeing and tubing in addition to skiing and snowboarding.
  Ski trips are a cost-effective school vacation choice. Many lodges offer discount packages with lessons, lift tickets and rentals. Consider renting a cabin for your family to stay during the week; you will save on meals and feel more at home than you would in a hotel room.
  No matter what school vacation your family decides to take, the most important thing to remember is to pick somewhere with something for everyone.

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c. Dolphin Fleet of Provincetown Whale-watching is plentiful in the waters off Cape Cod.

  Running the length of the Eastern Seaboard from the Caribbean to Canada is a cetacean super-highway: a migration route for whales the size of semi-trailers.
  For our aquatic cousins, it’s simply part of life’s long journey; for humans, it provides an opportunity to get up close with the largest creatures you’ll ever meet.
  Pods of whales return year after year to specific destinations centered on Gulf of Maine, Gulf of St. Lawrence and the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador.
  These feeding grounds are not some truck stop where whales grab a mouthful of mixed seafood before moving on. This is home. The gin blue waters of the Caribbean (while warm) have virtually no food, and instead, whales rely on vast fat reserves to last out the season. In contrast, the northeast is a feast of tiny fish and sand eels.
  “We’re very lucky,” admits Steve Miliken. His family-owned Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch has been plying the waters off Cape Cod since 1975.
  “In the spring, we have whales very close: right in the harbor. At Herring Cove and Race Point, you often see right whales working the area,” he says, adding that patient observers can even spot them from shore.
  The waters around Cape Cod are a particularly good (not to mention convenient) location for whale watching due mainly to the upwelling of currents that concentrate a smorgasbord of sea life in the shallow waters around The Stelwagen Banks Marine Sanctuary, seven miles north of Provincetown.
  The waters are so rich most whale watching operators throughout New England and Canada guarantee sightings. In essence, they’re all selling tickets to the same show in which humpbacks star.
  “They’re boisterous and playful and often breach completely out of the water,” says Mr. Miliken.
  It’s a fine piece of acrobatics for creatures weighing 80,000 pounds, but they are by no means the only attraction. Minke and endangered right whales (of which only 300 remain) are joined by harbor porpoises, the world’s smallest toothed whale.
  “The pilot whales come here for the squid. I’ve seen sperm and blue whales but that’s a very rare sighting. We actually see more whales than some scientists,” he says, noting that they’ve catalogued more than a thousand individuals.
  Many species like finbacks hang around all winter. Their diminutive dorsal fins, set close to the tail, make them look deceptively small from a distance. (It may be the whale version of donning vertical stripes to look thinner.)
  They are, in fact, the second-largest creature on Earth, growing up to 88 feet, bested only by the blue whale – the largest creature to ever live.
  Listening to the oceanographer’s commentary, it’s hard not to be awestruck by every piece of whale trivia: Under the right conditions a humpback song in New England can be heard in India, 10,000 miles away; a baby humpback grows at a rate of 100 pounds a day; the heart of a finback is as large as a car — it’s mind-boggling stuff.
  Boats like Mr. Miliken’s are decked out with highly sophisticated computer data­bases of habitats, 3-D contour maps and marine wildlife directories for bird watchers. There’s an audio library of whale sounds and, if the water is calm, you can even listen to them live through underwater microphones.