Page 5 - AAA Every Day – AAA Hudson Valley – March/April 2020

EDITORIAL
Editor-in-chief: Emily Gnacik Managing Editor: John T. Garcia
ADVERTISING
Travel Agency Manager: John Kusek Advertising Coordinator: Emily Gnacik
AAA Every Day, Volume 2, Issue 1
(USPS 019-081/ISSN 23725389) is the official publication of AAA Hudson Valley, 618 Delaware Ave., Albany, NY 12209-1096. It is published bimonthly (except for July/August) by AAA Hudson Valley. Periodicals Mail postage paid
at Albany, NY, and additional mailing offices. Subscriptions: members: $2 annually included in principal membership dues.
For information: Members call 518-426-1000.
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Printed in the USA. Copyright©2020 by AAA Every Day. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue expressly forbidden without permission of the publisher. AAA Every Day assumes no responsibility
for unsolicited manuscripts, photography or artwork and reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertising material. Advertisements in this publication, except those for AAA club services or products,
do not necessarily carry the endorsement
of individual clubs or the publishers of AAA Every Day. TripTik and TourBook are registered trademarks of AAA.
AAA Every Day Circulation: 86,000
Recycling used magazines is one of the easiest ways to help the environment. We encourage our readers to support recycling efforts in their communities.
Have fun on vacation, but be prepared
Michele Van Epps
Vacation time in March and April allows older teens and young adults to venture out on their own and live their best life. However, the anticipation of these grand adventures often leads to leaving without doing the proper amount of research and preparation.
Here are some helpful tips for the spring breakers in your household to help encourage safety and security while traveling. Hint: These tips are useful for seasoned travelers, too!
Check the weather ahead of time. You can’t know for sure what the forecast holds for the whole trip, but at least you’ll be able to pack appropriately. If you’re headed to a colder climate, pack plenty of layers. If you’re headed to a tropical spot, make sure to pack sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen.
Know about your destination before you get there. Just like any trip you take, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the culture, hotspots and lay of the land before you arrive. Taking a map with you is helpful just in case you don’t have cell service or GPS. If you’re going somewhere that another language is spoken, it’s essential to learn the local lingo for things like “Hello,” “Please,” “Thank you,” “No” and “Where is?” Also, figure out where the U.S. Embassy is, just in case you need it.
Take a friend with you. Whether you’re going out on the town, swimming on the beach or just visiting the restroom, it’s a good idea not to go alone. Having a buddy is an excellent way to make sure at least one other person knows where you are at all times.
Stay hydrated. In hot weather, we often treat ourselves to fancy beach drinks, but we also need to remember drinking plenty of water is vital. This is especially true when getting lots of sun exposure. Both cocktails and heat will dehydrate you quickly.
Keep your money and valuables inside a locked safe. Taking small amounts of currency with you and leaving flashy jewelry behind
is best when heading out for the day. Put the rest of your cash, credit cards, jewelry and passport in the safe and make sure to lock it before you leave. Using the do not disturb sign also can help deter unwanted guests, but we also recommend making sure any balcony or other entrance to your room is locked. While housekeeping might be allowed in, you want to discourage any unwelcome visitors.
Be aware of your surroundings. In addition to the research you do before, always be on your guard while out and keep track of where you are. It’s helpful to grab the business card from the hotel lobby and put it in your wallet so that you always have the address and phone number. When traveling abroad, it’s also essential to know the local emergency equivalent of 911.
No matter where you are going, have fun and stay safe!
Michele Van Epps is the President and CEO of AAA Hudson Valley.
MAR/APR 2020 I 5
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Photo: Shutterstock: Shift Drive
Universal
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One Epic Vacation
...with you all the way!
The Magazine of AAA Hudson Valley Mar/Apr 2020