Page 11 - AAA Northway – AAA Now! – January/February 2017

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Currency Values Create Opportunity
For the past few years, the U.S. dollar exchange rates have been favorable for Americans traveling abroad. While travel can be expensive any time, choose a country where the exchange rate favors the dollar and your budget will go a bit further.
Rates listed below are from September 26, 2016.
For example, in 2011, travelers were getting 1.03 Australian dollars for every U.S. dollar, whereas this year they are getting 1.31 AUD for every U.S. dollar. A hotel room that cost 250 AUD per night would have cost $242 USD in 2011 but only $191 USD in 2016 — a savings of 27%!
Here are four other destinations where the currency value against the dollar has taken a dip in the past five years.1
Russia
In 2011, $1 USD bought 32 Russian rubles but
in September 2016, travelers received twice as much for each dollar ($1 USD = 64 RUB). Traveler's tip: The summer may be a better time to visit the world's largest country, in terms of weather.
United Kingdom
Following last June's "Brexit" referendum, the value of the Great British pound fell to historic lows. In 2011, travelers received 0.64 GBP for every dollar. In September 2016, the green back went 20% further when one dollar was worth 0.77 pounds.
Japan
The value of the yen has adjusted significantly since 2011 when the country's northeastern shore was hit by a 9.0 magnitude earthquake and 100-foot high tsunami. In 2011, $1 USD bought 76 Japanese yen but five years later, U.S. travelers were able to get 32% more for their dollar (100 JPY per U.S. dollar).
South Africa
The South African rand also experienced a significant drop in recent years so now might be a great time to go on an African safari. In 2011, $1 USD was worth 8.08 South African rand. In 2016, U.S. travelers spent 69% less on trips, getting 13.68 ZAR for every dollar.
1. Oanda.com, "Currency table," 26 September 2016.
What’s Happening
January 14, 2017
Long Lake Winter Carnival
Cardboard Sled Racing, Coronation of the King and Queen, Sledding, Free Ice Skating, Ladies’ Frying
Pan Toss, Wacky Hat Competition, Men’s Caber Toss. Fireworks at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy a day outside in the fresh air. This is an anything-goes weather event! http://mylonglake.com/calendar-of-events-20122013-2/ winter/
January 20 – January 29, 2017
Glacier Ice Bar & Lounge
Bolton Landing, Adirondacks
An unforgettable experience – 18,000 pounds of crystal-clear ice transformed, featuring exquisite carvings. It’s the hottest and the coolest! Come see this spectacular site, enjoy a cocktail and warm up next to the fireplace at Caldwell’s, or mingle at La Bella Vita where they are serving hors d’ oeuvres and authentic Italian specialties. Please remember, visits to the Glacier Ice Bar and Lounge are made if weather permits. http://www.thesagamore.com/ice-bar-lounge
February 4, 2017
Annual Saratoga Chowderfest
Saratoga’s Annual Chowderfest is one of the area’s most highly anticipated events of the year. Family- friendly, fun and utterly delicious, Chowderfest features more than 70 vendors who open their doors to the public and serve hot bowls of chowder to event goers!
http://discoversaratoga.org/chowderfest
February 12, 2017
Cupid’s Chase
Binghamton, NY
Community Options, Inc. invites runners, walkers, and rollers (baby strollers and wheelchairs) to help make difference in the lives of people with disabilities by participating in our annual Cupid’s Chase 5K. http://www.comop.org/cupidschase/
February 12, 2017
Fort Ticonderoga Fort Fever Series
Ticonderoga, Adirondacks
The Fort Fever series highlights Fort Ticonderoga’s history, collections, landscape and the latest research conducted by museum staff. http://www.fortticonderoga.org/
February 18 – February 19, 2017
Fire & Ice Festival
Tupper Lake, Adirondacks
Celebrate all the things that are wonderful about winter in New York’s Adirondack Mountains during the 3rd Annual Fire & Ice Festival in Tupper Lake. Enjoy two days of non-stop festivities, including, but not limited to: ski races, winter golf tournament, dog-sled rides, horse-drawn sleigh rides, snowmobile events, fireworks, fire dancers, live music and more! http://www.tupperlake.com/events/fire-ice-winter-fest
February 18, 2017
Krazy Downhill Derby
Chestertown, Adirondacks
Wacky Winter Family Fun without motors or jet power! Build and enter your sled; compete for prizes for the fastest, most creative, and funniest sled. Four people per sled, helmets are required. Prince and Princess contest, free continental breakfast, basket raffle; food and coffee available. http://www.northwarren.com/index/siteevent-details- action/id.43/title.krazy-downhill-derby-
March 4, 2017
Parade Day Mile
Binghamton, Central New York
The Parade Day Mile is a regionally elite event that brings in professional runners to the Binghamton area. The race is USA Track and Field certified and includes a Men’s Elite, Women’s Elite and Open & Children’s race.
http://www.paradedaymile.com/
january/february 2017
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