Get ready for an exciting season ahead filled with invaluable insights and fantastic deals tailored just for you. Dive into articles covering everything from the importance of special event insurance to unbeatable sales on Hawaii vacation packages. Discover essential tips for your upcoming road trips, including must-have essentials and safe driving practices for wet weather conditions. Stay informed, inspired, and ready to embrace the beauty of spring with AAA!
Say I DO To Event Insurance
Planning an event can be both exciting and stressful, but here’s a way to ease your worries: insurance. By purchasing insurance for your upcoming event, you can breathe easy knowing that unexpected hiccups won’t derail your plans. Whether it’s a wedding, a conference, or a special celebration, safeguard your investment and peace of mind with insurance. Don’t let uncertainties cloud your excitement.
With the Protector Plan for Events, AAA can help ensure your special event is worry-free! For as little as $160, your Protector Plan for Events policy can cover a variety of situations for your private event, including:
Cancellation/postponement
Provides coverage for certain deposits in the event of a necessary cancellation or postponement of the event.
Severe weather
If severe weather (such as a hurricane) forces you to postpone your event, we can provide reimbursement for non-recoverable expenses.
Lost deposits
If a vendor goes out of business, declares bankruptcy before your event or simply fails to show up and you lose your deposit, the Protector Plan for Events can help reimburse you.
Additional expense
If a vendor suddenly becomes unavailable for your event but you can find a last-minute replacement, we can reimburse you for the difference in cost.
Sudden illness
If the event needs to be postponed because sudden illness prevents the honoree, her or his parents, grandparents or children from attending, you can receive reimbursement for non-recoverable expenses.
Ruined photos/video
If your photographer’s camera is defective, or memory cards are lost or damaged, we can help cover the cost to re-take new photos.
Call to duty
If the honoree is unexpectedly called up to active duty, or has her or his military service leave revoked, forcing you to postpone the event, we can provide reimbursement for non-recoverable expenses.
Damaged gifts
You can get repair or replacement cost if your event gifts are damaged.
Venue requires insurance
As an additional option to your policy, you can add liability coverage to protect yourself in case a guest is injured or causes damage to property.
Liquor liability
As an individual liability option to your policy, you can add this coverage to protect yourself against liability arising from on-site, alcohol-related occurrences (subject to policy conditions and exclusions).
Special attire
You can receive repair or replacement cost if the honoree’s event attire is lost or damaged.
Special jewelry
You can receive repair or replacement cost for jewelry purchased or rented specifically for personal decoration of honorees on the event date or up to seven days prior to the event.
Transportation shutdown
If you have to postpone the event because a commercial transportation shutdown prevents the honoree, her or his parents, grandparents or children from getting there, you can receive reimbursement for non-recoverable expenses.
Aloha Days
Hawaii is hiking sculpted cliffs or diving amidst coral reefs in the afternoon and dining to slack-key guitar at sunset. The fresh, floral air energizes you. The warm, tranquil waters refresh you. The breathtaking beauty renews you. Year-round gentle weather surrounds you on every island. With soft breezes, towering cliffs and cavorting whales, the Islands are rich with natural wonders. Look around. There’s no place on earth like Hawaii. We warmly invite you to explore these scenic islands for an idyllic travel experience.
Enjoy the aloha spirit with Hawaiian vacation packages and travel deals to the world’s greatest Polynesian playground. Hawaii offers unique culture, resort accommodations and a variety of vacation activities. From Waikiki to Kona experience warm waters, white sand beaches, majestic volcanoes, golf, hiking and more! Book your Hawaii vacation today!
Save $175 Off Per Booking on Hawaii Vacations
Book By 4/30/24
Foreign Currency
When you’re traveling abroad, it’s always a good idea to keep cash handy for taxis, tips, incidentals, and other situations in which plastic may not be accepted. Before you go, order convenient currency packs or foreign currency of your choice at your local AAA Service Center.
- AAA offers foreign currency for over 100 counties.
- Order specific amounts and pick them up just three days later at your local Service Center.
Foreign Currency Tips
Ordering foreign currency though AAA.
- Foreign Currency can be ordered in person or by calling your local Service Center. Allow 72 hours for shipping and processing.
- Orders must be picked up at Service Center (no mailing of currency available).
- Minimum order $200 USD. $10.50 Service Fee per order (waived for AAA Premier members).
Traveling with foreign currency.
- It is suggested to take the U.S. dollar equivalent of $50 to $100 worth of foreign currency per person, per day, to meet incidental expenses. Take precautions while out exploring; carry only the amount of cash you feel comfortable with, and split foreign currency between you and a partner. In some countries debit and credit cards are not widely accepted.
Getting additional cash.
- If you need to replenish your cash while traveling, making a withdrawal from an ATM is often a good option. Keep in mind fees are usually associated with each transaction.
Credit and debit cards.
- Many cards carry a foreign transaction fee, so it is important to know your cards’ fees before traveling. Cards may be a good way to pay for large transactions and generally provide a competitive rate, which makes them a good complement to cash. Be aware of dynamic currency conversion (DCC) services where merchants convert the transaction to U.S. dollars (the rate of exchange is set at the point of sale rather than waiting for the card’s billing cycle). The merchant sets the exchange rate, which may be higher than the rate set by the issuer of the credit card and could include hidden fees.
Heading home.
- If you have leftover foreign coins, some airlines and airports will collect these for donations to local charities or you can save them for your next trip!
Road Trip Ready with Travel Essentials
Easy Ways to Organize Your Car for Road Trips
Spring is here and that means road trips and new adventures. No matter where the road takes you, spending a little time getting organized before you head out will help make the journey more fun and a lot more comfortable.
Need maps or help with your travel plans? Check out AAA’s trusted TripTik Travel Planner at AAA.com/triptik – which allows you to create a personalized map using the online system – and download the AAA Mobile app for the best gas prices along the way. And be sure to stop by your local AAA Travel Store for a variety of excellent travel gear for your next getaway. From car and travel accessories to innovate luggage – we’ve got you covered!
Here are several travel essentials to help maximize space and keep your organized on your next road trip:
Eagle Creek Pack It Essential Set
AAA MEMBER PRICE: $49.50
The Eagle Creek Pack It™ Essential Set is a must have 3-piece packing set for any road trip and includes the following three organizers:
Small Compressor Cube
Perfect to maximize packing space and keeping small items like socks from getting lost in the car or use it to pack a swimsuit and shorts so you can hit the beach running.
Clean/Dirty Cube
This is a GREAT packing cube! It has a floating internal divider that creates two adjusting capacity compartments designed to lock in moisture/odors and separate clean from dirty items – perfect for on-the-road travel.
Shoe Sac
Designed to contain shoes – up to men’s size 13 – and odors from the rest of your luggage. And – if you’re headed to the ocean – keep the sand on the beach – not in your bag thanks to this zippered organizer.
Available in Yellow, Blue, and Moss and covered by Eagle Creek’s Lifetime Warranty.
Baggallini Overnight Bag
AAA MEMBER PRICE: $135.00
AVAILABLE IN NAVY, STERLING SHIMMER & BLACK
Short on trunk space? Large traditional suitcases can take up a lot of space – so consider soft-sided tote or duffle bag to fill corners and small areas where suitcases just can’t fit. The Baggallini Overnight Tote is the answer to a one-bag item, and it’s appropriately named – it’s the perfect size to fit everything needed for a short ‘overnight’ road trip – no suitcase needed. It’s super spacious with a padded laptop pocket and a sleeve for luggage handles, and just in case you need to pack more it expands!
Travel Tip: Keep a tote packed – and close by for easy access – with things you’ll need on the road like electronics, chargers, etc. And a good reminder: never leave anything valuable in your car when you’re not in it – for example when making quick stops at rest areas or restaurants along the way. Pack everything valuable in one bag so it’s easy to locate in a packed car and take with you for safe keeping.
3-in-1 Cargo Cooler Tote
AAA MEMBER PRICE: $22.50
What’s a road trip without snacks?
Perfect for a day trip to the farmers market or a cross-country adventure, the 3-in-1 Cargo Cooler features a zippered, insulated compartment for keeping food cold and two-sided collapsible compartments that can hold everything from a standard grocery bag to a must-have AAA emergency Roadside Kit. When not in use, it easily folds down to a compact 10” x 12” size for out-of-the-way storage in the car or garage.
Fast Charging USB-C Port
AAA MEMBER PRICE: $16.50
When everyone has a device!
The fast-charging USB-C Car Charger powers three devices from a single car socket making it easy to charge more devices.
Traveling Soon? Join Us For An Event!
Packing for any vacation can be overwhelming. Join us at an upcoming event to learn how to pack like a pro for a seamless getaway. From road trips to international adventures, we’ll provide helpful advice on how to pack right. Events are free to attend but space is limited. RSVP today!
Shell - Fuel Rewards®
AAA members save 30¢ on their first fill-up when they join the Fuel Rewards program and complete their first transaction within 30 days of joining. After that, enjoy 5¢/gal on every fill-up at Shell with your automatic Extended Gold status.
AAA Premium Battery
Save up to $22 on AAA Premium Batteries at participating NAPA AUTO PARTS Stores and online.
AAA Approved Auto Repair
AAA Members receive a 10% labor discount on repairs performed at this facility. The maximum labor discount is $75.
Tips for Driving in the Rain and Other Springtime Advice
Winter isn’t the only season that presents drivers with dangerous conditions. Driving in the rain is a potentially serious hazard every spring. Three-quarters of all weather-related crashes occur on wet pavement, according to the Federal Highway Administration, and nearly half happen during rainfall. Furthermore, crashes that happen during rainfall result in around 3,400 fatalities and over 357,300 injuries annually, reports the FHA.
Here is a closer look at driving in the rain and other spring-related driving challenges, with tips from AAA traffic safety experts on how to stay safe
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning – when a layer of water separates a vehicle’s tires from the ground and causes loss of traction, is one of the most dangerous situations caused by driving in the rain.
The first 10 minutes of a downpour present the highest risk for hydroplaning, which occurs when tires can’t displace enough water from their treads. Though it can happen with any tire and at any speed, it’s best to avoid driving on worn tires and to go slower in wet conditions to decrease your risk.
Follow these tips to avoid hydroplaning and maintain control of your car.
- Check your tire treads. Tires with less than 4/32 inches of tread should be replaced. You can check by inserting a quarter into a tread with Washington’s head facing down. If you can’t see the top of his head, the tire has at least 4/32 inches of tread.
- Inflate your tires to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Underinflated tires don’t have the same capacity for displacing water as tires that are properly inflated, making driving in the rain potentially more dangerous.
- Follow the leader. Try to drive in the tracks of the car in front of you for a clearer path.
- Leave extra room. A loss of traction can make it tougher to stop quickly. If you typically leave three seconds of space between you and the vehicle in front of you, Paul recommends adding one second for rain and two seconds for rain and darkness.
- Stay in the middle. If you’re on the highway, try to stay in the center lane. Many roadways have a crown that sends water to the right and left lanes.
- Avoid cruise control. If you have to slow down in wet weather, you’ll do so by taking your foot off the accelerator. But if cruise control is engaged, your foot is already off the accelerator. You want as much control as possible when driving in wet weather. Don’t give any away to cruise control.
- Stay calm. Your first reaction to hydroplaning might be to brake, but don’t do it. It won’t stop you. Instead, ease off the accelerator to decrease speed. Once your vehicle regains traction, look and steer in the direction you want to go.
Potholes
Potholes are another spring danger, the result of winter’s wrath on local roads. What’s worse, heavy rain can sometimes fill potholes, hiding them from view.
Striking potholes, even at low speeds, can be dangerous and expensive. A survey from AAA found that 1 in 10 drivers sustained vehicle damage significant enough to warrant a repair after hitting a pothole. With an average price tag of almost $600 per repair.
“Snow, ice, sand and salt can leave roads in pretty bad shape, and the repeated freezing and thawing of moisture seeps through road surfaces and causes potholes,” said Barbara Ward, a traffic safety specialist with AAA. “Keep your eyes peeled for bad road conditions, but if you can’t avoid hitting a pothole, don’t brake during the pothole impact. Instead, apply the brakes just before hitting the pothole and release them just prior to impact. Less severe damage occurs when a tire is rolling than when it’s skidding over a hole during braking.
Reduced Visibility
The harder it’s raining, the harder it is to see lane markings, signage and other vehicles. The situation can be even worse for drivers who neglect basic car care. Remember these maintenance tips to keep your sight line clear while driving in the rain.
- Keep it clean. Maintaining visibility starts with keeping your windshield and windows clean. You’ll want to clean the insides of both once a week or, if you’re a smoker, multiple times a week, according to AAA’s “Get A Grip: A Guide to Wet-Weather Driving Techniques.”
- Check your blades. The average windshield wiper blade lasts about six months to a year. You can tell if a blade is starting to go if it leaves streaks behind.
- Use the defroster. Moisture inside a vehicle can create a fog on the windows. Paul recommends using defrosters with the air conditioning on and the vents open for fresh air. “Air conditioning, by design, dries the air,” he said.
- Turn on your lights. Your headlights are valuable equipment for battling low visibility when driving in the rain. You’ll want to turn them on even if you’re just passing through a light sun shower. It will help you see better, and a lot of states require drivers to turn on their headlights when using windshield wipers. While you may be tempted to go with the high beams, low beams are more effective during rain and fog. Don’t forget to periodically clean your headlights, too. Mud and dirt can cloud lenses, reducing illumination by up to 90%.
- Stop and wait. If it’s raining so hard that none of these steps alleviate visibility issues, it’s wise to find a safe place to pull over and wait until the weather lets up. Rest areas or protected areas off the highway are your best bets. If you must stop on the roadside, pull off the road as far as possible and turn your emergency flashers on to help other drivers see you.
Sun Glare
Longer days mean more sun, and greater chances of driving toward blinding light. Always slow down and use caution when dealing with strong sunlight. Keep a pair of polarized sunglasses in the car to help reduce glare and use your car’s sun visors when needed. Regularly cleaning your windshield will also improve your view of the road, as streaks can be especially pronounced under strong sunlight.
Medications
Spring can be a tough time for people affected by seasonal allergies. If you turn to over-the-counter allergy meds or use any other prescription medications, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to discuss potential side effects before getting behind the wheel.
Sharing The Road
Warm weather means more traffic from pedestrians, bicycles and motorcycles. As you would any time of year, always share the road safely. Stay hyper-aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions.
Car Care
Winter can take a toll on vehicles, from reducing battery life to undercarriage corrosion caused by salt, sand and other road-cleaning chemicals. The first warm days of the season are a great time to inspect your vehicle, check its vitals and give it a good clean.
You can limit damage by washing your vehicle throughout the winter. A spring clean and shine up will also make sure it is sparkling and well-protected. If you have winter tires, replace them with all-season tires. Inspect the winter tires for any damage you’ll want to have repaired before next year.
We’re thrilled to offer special discounts for upcoming celebrations including Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Graduations. Whether you’re looking for heartfelt gifts or planning your own celebrations, we have something special in store for you. Don’t miss out on these incredible savings.
Easter
Celebrate the holiday ahead with festive décor, floral arrangements and delicious meals with 1800Flowers.com family of brands. Save up to 25% on your online purchase.
Mother's Day
Gift all the mothers in your life with something they’ll remember forever. Create custom wall art, calendars, photo books and much more! Receive free shipping on orders $59+.
Father's Day
Treat dad to something extra special this Father’s Day! Design unique and personalized gifts just for dad. From BBQ kits & treasured keepsakes to apparel and more – Save up to 20% online.
Gift Your Grad
Your seniors are almost ready to graduate and set off on their own. Help give their next adventure a successful start with new electronics from Dell. Save on Dell branded, PCs, electronics & accessories.
AAA Team Activities
At AAA we like to work hard & play harder. Check out some of the great activities and celebrations team AAA Oregon/Idaho has participated in this month.
Women's History Month
This month, we celebrated women’s contributions throughout history. We shared stories about the women who we inspire to be and who are the heroes in our lives. AAA employees on our fleet team wore stylish pins March 8th for International Women’s Day.
Polar Plunge
AAA team members braved the cold weather and icy waters of the Willamette River this month to help raise funds for Special Olympics Oregon at the annual Polar Plunge.
2024 AAA Sales Conference
AAA Travel & Insurance Agents from across Oregon and Idaho gathered in Portland to share ideas, meet AAA partners and celebrate incredible achievements!
Portland Pilots
We cheered on the Portland Pilots this month and had the opportunity to host a booth where we had fun conversations with current AAA members talked about the services we offer with individuals interested in joining.
Drowsy Driving Prevention
New research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows that about 18% of all traffic deaths between 2017 and 2021 involved a drowsy driver, with nearly 30,000 nationwide. This is 10 times higher than the total in traditional crash data. In 2021 alone, about 6,725 lives were claimed by drowsy drivers.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety’s study is based on in-depth crash investigations and national fatal crash data. Previous AAA Foundation research points directly to sleep loss as a key factor in drowsy driving crashes.
Drowsy driving crashes are often underreported. According to NHTSA, there is agreement across the traffic safety, sleep science, and public health communities that the impact of drowsy driving is underestimated. The most recent AAA Traffic Safety Culture Index finds that 95% of drivers view driving when they have a hard time keeping their eyes open to be very or extremely dangerous, but 18% reported doing so in the previous 30 days before the survey.
Drowsiness impairs drivers in several ways:
Reduced alertness: Makes it harder to react quickly to hazards. Just one hour less than the expert-recommended minimum of 7 hours of sleep increases a driver’s risk of crashing.
- Impaired judgment: Increases the risk of making poor decisions on the road. Sleep deprivation increases a driver’s risk of making many ordinary mistakes, leading to crashes. Those deprived of sleep by 4+ hours have an impairment similar to those over the legal BAC limit.
- Hazardous Microsleeps: Can cause momentary lapses in consciousness, leading to loss of control of the vehicle and failure to respond to dangers on the road.
Self-Perception of Drowsiness: Previous Foundation research found that drivers often underestimate their drowsiness, putting themselves and others at risk.
AAA has advice for drivers:
- Get enough sleep before driving. Aim for at least seven hours of sleep per night.
- Travel at times of the day when you are normally awake. Avoid driving when you are tired or sleepy.
- Take breaks every two hours or 100 miles. Get out of the car, stretch your legs, and get fresh air. Plan and identify safe, comfortable places to take breaks. Don’t wait until you’re already feeling drowsy to pull over.
- Avoid heavy meals before driving. Eating a large meal can make you feel tired and sluggish.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs. Both can impair your driving ability and can also amplify drowsiness.
- Listen to your body. If you start to feel tired, pull over and take a break. Don’t try to push through it.
- Travel with an alert passenger and take turns driving. Sharing the driving can help you stay awake and alert.
- Don’t underestimate the power of a quick nap. A 20- to 30-minute nap can significantly improve your alertness.
“Many drivers falsely believe that drinking coffee or energy drinks, rolling down the windows, and singing along to their favorite tunes can help fight off fatigue, but these are not effective ways to keep drivers alert,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho.
AAA supports the development of vehicle technology that can detect drowsiness and prevent drivers from operating a vehicle when impaired. This technology could help to save lives by preventing drowsy driving crashes.