As a service to members who consider sustainability when selecting lodgings, we've identified AAA Approved lodgings that have been certified as eco-friendly through a recognized external certification organization. The list of recognized certifiers now totals 26 with the recent addition of state programs for Arizona, Connecticut and Oklahoma properties and two national organizations:... Read More

Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, but there's still time for one more family trip. We  polled our professional inspectors and asked their favorite places. The top 10 picks are below and, for even more great ideas, click to see the complete list of suggestions.

Crowne Plaza at Historic Union Station, Indianapolis, Indiana (Three Diamond rated)
Stay in a former railroad station in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. For extra fun, choose one of 26 guestrooms converted from authentic Pullman train cars. ... Read More

 Capture your pet’s most memorable travel moments on camera and enter your ‘best-in-travel’ photograph to the AAA PetBook photo contest before November 30, 2010.

Two winning pet photos will be chosen in January 2011 and will appear on the 2011 edition of the AAA PetBook. The first place winner will also receive $300, a $150 Best Western Travel Card®, pet treats and ... Read More

Interested in a free getaway to the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida or the Disneyland Resort in Southern California (including airfare, accommodations, tickets and a $1000 gift card) with three friends or family members? AAA Travel is offering that chance to a lucky winner this summer with the AAA Summer Sweepstakes.... Read More

There's still time for that last summer getaway . . .  Get inspired and save some money at these destinations:

Grand Hyatt New York – 15% discount Weekends with free breakfast for two through 8/31
Hilton Garden Inn New York West 35th Street – 20% weekend discount, 2 night minimum through 8/29
Le Meridien Versailles Montreal – Exclusive AAA summer rates through 8/31... Read More

 
Seeing a cruise ship under construction is a little like seeing a theatrical play in rehearsal. It’s not polished, but you can get a sense of the finished production. If a recent backstage tour of Cunard Line’s new Queen Elizabeth is any indication, the completed ship will make a grand entrance when she begins sailing in October.

Last Friday, my husband, Paul Lasley, and I joined seven other U.S. journalists... Read More

News and trends from around the web ...

How Does Your Beach Rate?
The Natural Resources Defense Council released its annual water quality survey, "Testing the Waters 2010" measuring the most popular beaches in the country by five key criteria. Full story from CBS News

The Resurgence of Bus Travel
At a time when flights are ... Read More

AAA members save this summer at participating Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, Andaz, Hyatt Place and Hyatt Summerfield Suites. Book now through September 9, 2010 at participating Hyatt Regency, Grand Hyatt and Andaz hotels and receive up to 25% off the Hyatt Daily rate. Plus, request offer code BREAKF and receive free breakfast for two daily. At Hyatt Place and Hyatt Summerfield Suites receive up to 15% off the Hyatt daily rate and as always, complimentary breakfast each day of your stay. Go to AAA.com/Hyatt to see choices and rates for your destination.
   

As a service to travelers, AAA is providing information on oil-related Gulf of Mexico beach closures as designated by local and regional officials. We are closely monitoring the situation and will be frequently updating this site. Information is also provided on AAA.com's TripTik Travel Planner. An advisory icon on a TripTik Travel Planner map (as shown here) indicates an area that has been closed by authorities due to the presence of oil.
 
Currently, the only Gulf beach closures ... Read More

This post, the first in a series, was written by Christie Hyde from AAA’s national office as she accompanies the winners of the 2010 Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills competition, students McKenzie Nordland and Jonathan Anderson of Valley City, N.D., as they travel to job shadow the Roush Fenway racing team.

The winners began their job shadow experience with Roush Fenway Racing at the team’s headquarters in Concord, N.C., with a walk through the Roush Fenway Racing Museum, which is open to the public free of charge, Monday through Friday. Then they received a special behind-the-scenes tour of the team facilities that very few are lucky enough to experience.... Read More