Explorations From Home: AAA Member Choice Vacations European Spotlight

Europe is filled with awe-inspiring cities, historic wonders, natural beauty, and unforgettable moments. Whether you want to travel by train, cruise the riverways, or drive the beautiful countryside, Europe promises to deliver everything you’re looking for. Join AAA Member Choice Vacations for a spotlight tour of what Europe offers travelers in 2021 and beyond.


CDC says "SAIL", yet some lines suspend through end of year

The CDC  has replaced the no cruising order with a series of requirements that cruise lines must undertake in order to certify that they can prevent the spread of Covid-19 on their ships. This framework includes a requirement that ships conduct test sailings prior to restarting commercial operations and present to the CDC a report showing that those sailings were successful in mitigating the risk of spread to the crew, passengers, and communities found along with a voyages itinerary. Completion and compliance determine whether that ship will receive a Conditional Sailing Certificate.

Cruise executives said last month that preparing a ship to sail again would take anywhere from 30 to 60 days, with the additional necessary protocols contributing to the longer duration. The simulated sailings will be the biggest barrier to any quick resumption of commercial cruising. Cruise lines will need to activate and bring a crew from various countries, quarantine and test them, provision and prepare ships for service and deploy them to U.S. ports, all before the simulated testings. This workflow could be duplicated multiple times if the ship fails to meet CDC approval.

This summer, the CDC asked the public to weigh in on how cruising should resume during the Covid-19 pandemic, and discovered a continued demand for sailing as long as new safety protocols were enforced. A large majority of respondents were in favor of requiring cruise lines to test passengers and crew prior to embarkation (74%), cruise lines reducing passenger and crew loads (90%), and the wearing of face masks by passengers (85%). 25% of respondents did not support a return to cruising until a vaccine is widely available and because of the current state of the pandemic.

Cruise lines are now formulating plans and next steps. Norwegian Cruise Line recently announced a decision to cancel cruises through Dec. 31 for their three major brands, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas. Guests with an active reservation on a suspended cruise in December 2020. In the line's most recent release, the company noted that it will "continue to work in tandem with global government and public health authorities and its Healthy Sail expert panels to take all necessary measures to protect its guests, crew and the communities visited." AAA members should speak with AAA Travel Advisors. In addition to Future Cruise Credits and refunding options, members will additionally, a 10% off coupon will be automatically added to the guest's account which is valid for one year from the date of issue, and can be used for any Norwegian Cruise Line voyage embarking through 2022 and is combinable with any Future Cruise Credits and all future promotions at time of booking. Your AAA Travel advisor can help you understand the options available to you. To speak with your AAA Travel advisor, please call 1-800-222-7448.


Haunted destinations to visit (year-round!) 

Halloween festivities look a bit different this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Communities continue to debate the risks associated with the trick-or-treat tradition, and similarly, spooky events have seemed to stall across the country. Movie nights to enjoy classic thrillers are encouraged, alongside socially distanced trends such as ghost photo shoots. Even though the Halloween spirit has dwindled, there are still many places to visit year-round that just may offer the scare you are looking for.  

Here are several states to consider visiting at any time of year, with chilling pasts and frightful activities: 

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 

Gettysburg is a landscape rich with natural charm and echoes the past time of the American Civil War. In 1863, Confederate and Union forces fought on the grounds of Gettysburg National Military Park – leaving some 50,000 dead or wounded. The cries and whispers of those lost are said to reside throughout the area. The Battle of Gettysburg was the Civil War’s bloodiest battle and inspiration for President Abraham Lincoln’s immortal “Gettysburg Address.” The area is now a magnet for ghost hunters and history buffs ready to experience a phantom encounter at any moment. Gettysburg Ghost Tours hosts a variety of events during the Halloween season, along with weekly activities throughout the entire year.  

Below are a few samples of their offerings now until the end of 2020 and beyond. 

  • Black Cat Tour– Takes guests along Gettysburg’s quiet dark alleys by candlelight to locations which were active battlefields and homes of makeshift shallow graves.  
  • Locations: Haunted Creek Bed, the Rupp House Museum, and the Dobbin House 
  • Cost: Adults - $10, Children - $5 
  • Availability: EVERY NIGHT – Now through December 31, 2020 / Every Friday in 2021 
  • Museum of Haunted Objects  Guided Tour60 minutes, starting at $10 (Now through 2021) 
  • Intense Ghost Hunt – 120 minutes, starting at $40 (Now through January 2021) 

Book your American Experiences trip to Gettysburg with Club Adventures and your AAA Travel advisor! 

New Orleans, Louisiana 

Besides its famed history of Mardi Gras celebrations and delectable beignets, New Orleans’ contains its fair share of eerie sights and spooky character. The famous French Quarter is compiled of haunted mansionsabove-ground cemeteries along with parts of the city, and unique culture of voodoo and jazz funeralsVisit St. Louis Cemetery to see the tomb of Marie Laveaua notorious voodoo figurehead whose spirit is said to loom and cast spells. Choose to dine at Muriel’s Jackson Square, where a table is set with bread and wine for their resident ghost. The property has a history of apparitions, and the workers are more than happy to entertain while divulging into the paranormal past of the restaurant. Check out AAA’s New Orleans travel guide or read last year’s publication of the most haunted hotels in New Orleans to explore on your next trip. Book your Spotlight on New Orleans trip with AAA Member Choice Vacations and your AAA Travel advisor! 

 Upstate New York 

If in the mood for a road trip sometime soon, exploring the Haunted History Trail of New York State may just be the escape you are looking for. No matter what time of year you choose to travel, upstate New York is full of unrested spirits from the last 400 years. Start in Long Island and head north into the Hudson Valley, through the Catskills and up to the Capital-Saratoga region to encounter the haunted sights of the Empire State. For the past several years, the increased interest in this eccentric experience, has been detailed in a widely popular brochure. This resource outlines over 90 allegedly haunted locations across the region, including: hotels, restaurants, museumshaunted houses, and other stops that appeal to Halloween fanatics.  

Even if you may not be ready to seek out these spooky destinations yourself, there is a collection of horror films, based in New York, that offer a similar personable experience. Here are some notable scream-worthy classics to consider watching with a bowl of popcorn: 

  • “Sisters” (1973) 
  • “The Exorcist” (1973)   
  • “The Amityville Horror” (1979) 
  • “Sleepaway Camp” (1983) 
  • “Ghost Busters” (1984)
  • “Sleepy Hollow” (1999)
  • "Sinister” (2012)
  • “A Quiet Place” (2018) 

Looking for a travel package to pair with your road trip in Upstate New York? Check out the American Experiences trip to the Finger Lakes with Club Adventures, and book with your AAA Travel advisor.  


African Travel spotlights 'Private bubble' safaris

Across the travel landscape, small group tour companies are shrinking the group size needed for departure. Club Adventures was one of the first to announce their "just your crew" approach, with a minimum group size of 6 individuals needed to explore, and now African Travel has made a similar announcement. African Travel's small-group safaris will accept a maximum of six people per journey and will depart with a minimum of only four guests.

The new small-group options include:

Kenya in Style: While staying at unique luxurious camps and lodges, guests are treated to Big Five game-viewing, spotting the 'Samburu Five' (East African oryx, reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, gerenuk, and Somali ostrich) and participating in conservation projects like tracking lions at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

Tanzania Wildlife Odyssey: This safari explores Tanzania's wildlife-rich game reserves including Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire while bringing guests to new corners not often visited. On the northern edge of the Serengeti, guests spend time in a Maasai community and enjoy night drives and walking safaris that are unavailable in the neighboring national parks.

Spotlight on Southern Africa: This classic safari has all the South Africa highlights from the top of Table Mountain to the tip of Africa and includes Victoria Falls. Guests enjoy private tours of Cape Town's coastal delights, land and water safaris in Zimbabwe, and a visit to a private game reserve that has some of the most endangered and fascinating wildlife.

Incredible Southern Africa: This safari invites guests to discover Africa like a local in ultra-lux style. Guests explore Africa's past and present in private tours of Cape Town, including meeting Christo Brand -- a former prison guard of Robben Island and personal friend of Nelson Mandela -- before safaris near Kruger National Park and Victoria Falls where they'll see how wildlife is being protected for future generations.

With guests delaying their travel plans until next year, many safaris have limited availability. African Travel offers flexible deposit options to encourage guests to book with confidence. The highlighted tours are available to AAA Members, plus your membership offers exclusive perks and special price points. Currently, you can save up to $500 per person on a safari in Tanzania and other popular African destinations.

Africa is a popular location, found on many travelers "I dream of traveling there" lists. It's easy to understand why, when you hear from people who have made the voyage. One Connecticut AAA member shared their 30-day African adventure with us, and the tales and pictures only inspire wanderlust.

As you plan your safari or African retreat, your AAA Travel Advisor can help you develop a vacation that keeps your travel bubble together though out the journey. To speak with your AAA Travel advisor, call 1-800-222-7448.


Flying safer than grocery shopping? Harvard says YES.

Is it safe to fly? There is an inherent risk by participating in any activity during the current pandemic. yet according to an analysis by Harvard University's Aviation Public Health Initiative, the risk of Covid-19 transmission on airplanes is lower than the transmission risk in other common settings such as grocery stores and indoor restaurants.

Through the assessment of existing research on Covid-19 as it applies to air travel, and by examining modelings of aircraft transmission that have been undertaken by governments and the aviation industry, the Harvard initiative found flying to be safer than we think.

"Our teams found that, together with their high-performing ventilation systems, the actions that airlines put in place, including mandatory use of masks, significantly reduce the risk of viral transmission aboard an airplane," said the initiative's co-director, Leonard Marcus.

In a report released earlier this week, the team emphasized that along with the hospital-grade filters on most commercial aircraft, layered measures including masks, social distancing during boarding and health declarations are key to making flying safe. The researchers also recommended that airlines make sure proper ventilation is maintained throughout the boarding and deplaning process and that airlines operate supplemental, ground-based ventilations systems.

Marcus also cautioned that an individual's decision to engage in flying or other activities must be balanced by personal health considerations.

The Harvard computer modeling was in line with another recent study by the Defense Department that used mannequins outfitted with surgical masks and particle detection equipment on Boeing 767 and 777 jets. It found little risk of transmission thanks to the masks and efficient air ventilation.

Of course, this is not quite a free pass. Harvard’s School of Public Health says we all have the responsibility to mitigate and manage the risks. Airlines and passengers can do this by adopting a layered approach. This includes everyone wearing face masks, the industry to properly clean planes, people practicing social distancing protocols, and effective health screening procedures by travelers and providers.

Various airlines are offering flight deals this holiday season. With many of us missing our extended family, a trip home may call to our hearts, but our minds may feel nervous. The study points out that Harvard's researchers stand behind mask use, and view masks as a critical part of keeping travelers healthy. The group also credited the role of disinfection and passengers' self-screening for Covid-19 symptoms as added safety measures protecting flyers this holiday season.

AAA Travel was recently invited to learn more about the procedures Delta has in place. In addition to that behind the scenes access, one AAA Travel advisor recently took a Delta flight to Mexico. Both our tour, and our advisor's first-hand experience indicate that the Harvard study may be spot on. As you plan your return to travel, you may have questions. Our team of AAA Travel advisors is here to help you find safe, yet enjoyable travel accommodations. To speak with your advisor, call 1-800-222-7448.


Getting to Disney! What to expect as you head to Florida

“What is it like out there?” I am asked this exact question multiple times a day. People want to know what it is like to travel right now, how are the airports, hotels, and destinations. I decided to look for myself, and recently took a trip to Disney World for a first-hand look at what AAA members can expect as they return to travel.

While I did enjoy my time at the park, there were some obvious changes to protocols. I dive deeper into my time in Florida in a separate article and want to focus this post on the actual journey to Orlando and the experiences I had with transportation to and around the Disney parks.

AIRPORTS

I did not take a direct flight to Orlando. I’m glad. Sure, it would have been nice to have that direct flight, but I wanted to see as much as I could. I want to be able to share first-hand knowledge with my clients, something all AAA Travel advisors pride themselves in doing.

I left Providence, flying out of Green Airport. It took me 18 minutes to get from my car to the gate. I was flying out early in the day, which may have aided in the short lines and quick check-ins. Everyone in the airport respected the mask mandates.

Philadelphia also greeted me with social distance and mask requirements. For those of you traveling with children, know that the airport has temporarily closed the children’s play areas. Everyone was respectful of personal space, which was not my experience when arriving in Orlando.

I was surprised by the number of people inside Orlando’s airport who chose to not wear masks. Unlike the other airports on my journey, Orlando did not have social distance markers and reminders, and it seemed no one was enforcing guidelines. While I did feel uncomfortable, I knew that the rules varied from state to state, and what was expected behavior in the northeast was not required in Florida.

THE FLIGHT

I flew American Airlines for the duration of my trip. Boarding the plane was just as it had always been. Masks were required for the duration of the flight, which was not as uncomfortable as I imagined. Honestly, once I was in the air and relaxing in my seat, I nearly forgot I even had a mask on. Each flight I flew was completely sold out, and at full capacity. There was no blocking of the middle seats or empty rows. Except for masked passengers, it seemed like business as usual.

Boarding the flight, I was surprised to see that American was ushering people on board the way they always had. Social distancing was not apparent in this process, and passengers continued to board by priority instead of loading the plan back to front, which is something other airlines have adopted. My seat was in the front of the plane, and many passengers walked beside my chair as they made their way to the back. While we were all masked, the process still made me nervous.

I also experienced some inconstancies in the de-boarding process. On some legs of the flight, social distancing was being enforced, yet on another leg is was the standard, “All rise and run for the exit”. The same can be said for sanitization wipes. Some legs saw the wipes handed out to everyone, and others didn’t.

One thing that was consistent across my whole flight, no snacks or beverages.

AROUND THE PARKS

The Magical Express was a longer than usual wait, not because of crowds but because there is less capacity on the bus. The stations were clearly marked with six-feet socially distanced markers to help people adhere to guidelines. It’s just a part of all the ways Disney is making sure people are responsible and practicing social distancing in and around the parks, including all transportation. I preferred waiting longer, knowing that my clients and I would be safe while riding the express. Every other row on the bus was occupied and operators had staggered seating, so passengers were not directly across from each other.

In addition to the express, each resort has busses that connect them to the parks. During my time at the parks, operators were only fitting about 19 people per bus, where before the busses would be jammed packed with people even standing in the isles. The wait time is significantly longer due to social distancing onboard the busses with an average wait hovering around 30-45 minutes. Normally, I would not suggest renting a car but if you’re impatient, a personal vehicle may be your best solution. Uber is also an option but can be costly.

I’ve traveled to Orlando on several occasions, each memorable in some way, but none quite like this. In addition to my overview of transportation, I have also shared my experiences with restricted dining options and the COVID-19 subtleties I came across at various parks and resorts. I am hoping members will view my “Out There, Disney during COVID” broadcast to learn more about planning a trip to Disney during this unique time. Of course, as you plan your trip, I hope you discuss plans, pricing, and options with your AAA Travel advisor. Together, you and your advisor can ensure you are taking full benefit of all the AAA exclusive offers Disney offers through your AAA membership. To speak with your advisor, please call 1-800-222-7448. Tell them Felicia sent you!


Massachusetts Road Trips! 2 broadcasts to help you plan

While October is coming to a close, you can still add some color to your life and enjoy a change of scenery with a socially distant leaf-peeping adventure! Experts from across the Commonwealth chart the most scenic highways and byways for multi-modal travelers: behind the wheel, hiking and biking the woods, and admiring the scenery via kayak.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiFo95l6R2U

There are fun and interesting places to visit in every corner of the Commonwealth and it’s a great time to plan a Massachusetts road trip. Learn from the experts about new destinations and activities, and ways to make your summer-fall road trip as safe and enjoyable as possible.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OdSGf3fRNQ

Whether your next adventure is by car, plane, boat, or train, your AAA Travel Advisor is here to help you plan. Together, you and your advisor can find a vacation getaway that is both fun and safe. To speak to your advisor call  


How COVID-19 changed Disney dining

Guest written by Felicia Troy, AAA Travel Advisor in Massachusetts.

I love Disney, that’s no secret. I couldn’t help but wonder how COVID-19 would impact a visit to the happiest place on Earth. As a AAA Travel Advisor, I take pride in knowing about destinations, so when clients ask for my opinion and expertise, I can offer the right, honest answers. Always, COVID-19 or not, one of the most frequent topics my clients want to know more about is Disney dining and food options. Here is a firsthand look at what I experienced at the parks during my recent visit.

If you’re planning a visit, you will want to download the parks mobile app. This is the easiest way to see all the available food options, menus and locations. In fact, all orders for quick service dining around the parks need to be placed on the mobile app. You’ll be able to find whichever restaurant you like, pick a time and place your order.

The app is also how you let cast members at the restaurant know you are ready and present for delivery. A simple click of the “I’m here” button upon your arrival sends a notification to the pickup window. You’ll receive instructions, such as what window number to approach, and your food will be ready.

During my visit, I did find that there are fewer options than in the past. Many locations around the park had trimmed down menus, with as little as 3-4 options available. I didn’t mind too much, as some of my favorites were still available, and of course…ice cream!

Many park visitors opt for the refillable mugs. They’re more environmentally friendly, hold ice, and are a fun souvenir. While you can still use your mug now, the rules are a bit different thanks to COVID-19. When you fill your mug, a cast member supplies you with a disposable cup that you pour yourself. Not exactly green, but understandable given the current situation.

But not everything is different. I still found making dinner reservations for places including Be Our Guest were quite competitive.

While I was at the park, the dining options at Hollywood Studios seemed the most impacted. I found more places were closed than open. Magic Kingdom was more on par with what I had experienced in the past. However, all parks required you to be stationary while eating, and you could not stroll around with your mask down, eating as you walked through the park. Most everyone adhered to this policy.

The biggest piece of advice I can offer anyone planning a visit during the next few months is to plan. Reservations are key and remember that not all transportation options are up and running, and some of the ones that are, like buses, are running at reduced capacity. Cushion your travel times to be sure you don’t miss your dinner date.

As you plan your trip to the park, your AAA Travel advisor is here to help. Together you and your advisor can find the right resorts, flights, and dining packages to make the most of your time in Florida. To speak with your agent, call 1-800-222-7448. Tell them Felicia sent you! Hear about my entire park experience here, Disney During Covid.


Walt Disney World During COVID

Guest Written by Felicia Troy, AAA Travel Advisor in Massachusetts.

Walt Disney World is known as the happiest place on Earth. Having been to the park several times I must agree. There is something genuine about. It’s a place where children smile bigger, parents laugh harder, and families make lifelong memories. Like every destination, COVID-19 impacted the park. For weeks, the rides were still and the gates were locked. But then the news came that the park would reopen. I knew my clients would want to know what Disney is like under these unusual circumstances. Honestly, so did I. It was decided, I would get out there to see for myself.

I stayed at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. The resort is marketed as offering a leisurely pace, providing a stay filled with vibrant colors and lush landscapes. That sounded exactly like what the doctor ordered. The resort is home to colonial forts, lively markets, pristine beaches, splashy florals, and swaying hammocks. It is also very well maintained, and sanitized!

My room was clean and clearly identified as being completely sanitized. The remote, shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner were all wrapped to show sanitization. The pools were open at the resort, but during peak times they did reach the new max capacity limit. I found myself coming across lines to get into the pool area.

Touchless menus are everywhere, and this resort embraced the technology. To order food at the hotel I used the resorts mobile app. During my stay in October, there was only one restaurant open, plus the cabana bar. Masks were mandatory around the resort unless eating. As far as transportation, there were no busses shuttling to Epcot or Hollywood Studios from my hotel. I was able to get to the parks by the Skyliner, which required timing, as most mornings there was a line of visitors looking to make it to Hollywood Studios by 10 a.m.

Usually, I would have passed on the Skyliner, but with no other transportation, I took advantage of the opportunity. Visitors who were traveling together secured their own private group ride on the gondola. Return rides were high in demand as well, and there were times where I did experience lines.

With so much to see, I started my trip with Disney Springs. I wanted to be sure I picked up some gifts for family before I was too swept up in the excitement of my trip. Disney Springs, along with the rest of the parks, took my temperature upon arrival. I was immediately greeted with a sanitizing station too. During my visit, masks were mandatory, both outside and in the stores. The one and only exception to this rule is when eating, but even then, you must be stationary. You cannot walk the park with your mask down while holding a snack and claiming to eat. The retail stores each had information posted about max capacities, and there were instances where lines formed as people waited to enter. The sidewalks were marked to help people adhere to social distancing requirements. Despite the regulations, I did enjoy myself and found those magical souvenirs for everyone back home.

Shopping and eating are only a sliver of the fun had at Disney. I always enjoy the rides. Similar to the stores, all rides at the park have social distancing markers. The extra spacing between waiting parties makes the lines look longer than they really are, and some lines stretched beyond their normal shaded coverings and into the sunlight.

One noticeable difference was how the rides that usually have interactive pieces were removed to avoid unnecessary touching. Regardless, they were as magical as I remembered, and I was always welcomed and encouraged to use the sanitizer at all the ride exits. The one thing that stuck out to me was how each ride was not wiped down after each round of use. Knowing that there was sanitizer at the exits made me feel more comfortable, but if this is something you feel uncomfortable with, I suggest bringing sanitizing wipes to clean the high touched places on your rides.

You may be happy to hear that the enchantment of the Magic Kingdom still exists and is not going anywhere anytime soon. There were spontaneous parades and characters out and about! It was also fun to catch your favorite characters waving from a balcony or joining you on a ride. Keep your eyes peeled. But somethings, COVID-19 or not, do not change. In this case, Splash Mountain continued to have the longest line. Who could go to the park without a ride on the mountain! I didn’t mind the wait, but I do recommend getting to the parks right when they open. The lines are a bit shorter and I was able to ride four main attractions within my first hour.

One benefit of social distancing was that I never felt stuck in crowds when walking around the park. Here in Magic Kingdom, most of the food options were open, as long as you made sure you were sitting and eating, not walking and eating.

During my visit, I was able to spend time at Hollywood Studios, which is the busiest of the parks. This park always sells out of park reservations, and I would imagine it has to do with the new ride "Rise of the Resistance”. For this ride, there is a virtual queue, with two opportunities per day to get placed in line, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. You must be inside the park at Hollywood Studios in order to have that opportunity. You will also need the My Disney Experience app in order to reserve your spot. Once you are placed into the queue, you will get a boarding group notification. This update will give you an approximate time to come back to experience the ride.

During my visit, this ride was the only Disney ride to have a virtual queue. Grabbing your spot seemed extremely competitive! I have heard stories of visitors who did not get in, which can make the whole process frustrating. On top of the process to get the boarding pass, you are still not guaranteed to experience the ride. It simply gives you the chance. Once your time comes, you will be scanned into the line and still have to wait a while before your ride. Regardless of the process, you DON’T want to miss out on this experience!

I must tell you this, pack plenty of masks! Also, I would highly recommend choosing a mask for comfort over fashion. We’re talking Florida, and it is going to get sweaty under there. I had wished I had more than one mask on me when I came off Splash Mountain, I was soaked.

If you’re planning a Disney vacation, I encourage you to read my two other articles, one on dining at the parks during COVID and another that takes a deeper look at traveling to, from, and around the parks. I also invite you to view my Out There! Broadcast, Disney during COVID.

AAA Travel advisors are traveling all over the globe, experiencing travel in this new, and hopefully temporary, norm. We want to offer clients a first-hand look at what they can expect as they return to travel. Whether your wanderlust is calling you to Disney, Europe, Alaska, or Japan, your travel advisor is here to help you make informed, smart travel decisions. To speak with your advisor, please call 1-800-222-7448. Tell them Felicia sent you!


Out There! Disney During Covid

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXipb6YzNDQ&feature=youtu.be

Join AAA Travel Advisor Felicia Troy as we host a roundtable discussion on Walt Disney World and traveling to Florida. Felicia will be joined by AAA National's Konni Marshall and Scott Campbell, both of whom have presently visited the parks, and Stacey Crowley, our in house Disney expert and former park employee. The panel hopes to enlighten members as to what they should expect as they plan their next trip to Florida. From changes to menus, social distancing, mask requirements, and more. Felicia and the team will walk us through the NEW best practices for planning a Disney vacation.

Felicia has also written a series of articles about her recent visit.

How COVID-19 changed Disney dining

Walt Disney World During COVID

Getting to Disney! What to expect as you head to Florida