From the Q&A mailbox:
We want to see the fall colors in the Smoky Mountains. What do you suggest?

Do some planning quickly, as it's a popular time in western North Carolina, eastern Tennesee and of course, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary. The timing of peak fall color varies with weather and altitude, but this page can give you some idea - look at early October to early November. Take a look at these free online AAA planning resources:
Smoky Mountains AAA Drive Trip      Blue Ridge Parkway Travel Guide   Great Smoky Mountain National Park Travel Guide ... Read More

The inbox is full and here's some of our recent questions - and the answers provided by AAA experts across the country. Click here to submit yours.

What are travel conditions in Nashville, has all the flooding been cleaned up?
The music is playing in Nashville! From a travel perspective everything is up and running with ... Read More

From the Q&A mailbox:

Question: Do you know about the Oyster Card that is sold for travel in London? How does it compare to the TravelCard that is also sold?

Answer: The Oyster Card is a convenient way of paying for London public transportation by loading a dollar (well, pound) amount onto a plastic 'smartcard' and having individual fares deducted by the electronic readers at tube stations and on buses and trains. A refundable deposit of £3 ... Read More

 From the Q&A mailbox:
Question:  David writes: We would like to plan a train trip from Chicago to Seattle and Vancouver.

Answer: A train trip is a wonderful way to experience the beauty of the Northwest. Amtrak has a route on the Empire Builder from Chicago to Seattle that travels daily along major portions of the Lewis & Clark trail. This route will take you through the plains of North Dakota, over the spectacular Gassman Coulee Trestle and into Big Sky country in Montana. Once you reach Seattle, Amtrak has continuing service to Vancouver on the Amtrak Cascades route. ... Read More

From the Q&A mailbox:
Question: Kim asks, We are considering a road trip from Detroit to Philadelphia for a summer vacation. We are a family of 4 with two boys ages 13 and 11. Is there enough to do in Philly for the kids aside from all of the history stuff? Any suggestions on where we could stop midpoint for a day or two to break up the trip? Thanks.
Answer: (from the AAA account manager for the area, Matt Lyle): Hi, Kim! Besides all the 'history stuff,' there is plenty for your family to do in Philadelphia. ... Read More

From the Q&A mailbox:
Question: E. L. McLean writes: We live in Washington State and wish to spend ten days driving in western Canada, with emphasis on the mountains. Please suggest a route.
Answer: (from AAA Washington travel counselor Jeff Howe):  Choosing where to drive in western Canada is about as easy as selecting the best option on a dessert buffet; it’s all beautifully presented and will leave you immensely satisfied at the end, but how to attack it? I've put together a TripTik routing for you, complete with maps, directions and distances between places, click on the map below to see it and here are my observations and advice regarding this route: ... Read More

From the Q&A email:
Question:  Raymond writes: My wife and our daughter will be traveling in France for two weeks. Does AAA have have a phone card for calling from France to the U.S. or what do you suggest? ... Read More

Question: Megan asks, Do you have any tips for visiting and staying near Hersheypark in Pennsylvania?

Answer: Matt Lyle, AAA account manager, has been visiting Hershey for 13 years and says:
• When you get to town, roll down your windows… the town smells like chocolate.... Read More

 
Question: My husband and I were hoping to take our 3 kids (ages 7,9 and 12) on a driving vacation this August. We were hoping to combine Cedar Point, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cooperstown and Niagara Falls. Since we will be leaving from Chicago, can you suggest an order of attractions or are we planning to visit too many different spots in the course of 9 days? Also, which side of Niagara Falls would you recommend?

Answer: This sounds like an ideal vacation for your family and nine days may be... Read More

Question: Karen B. Jones posted on our FaceBook page: We're in Kansas and thinking of going somewhere in the northeast this summer. But we don't know the area at all (that's why we're going!). We want to get there by train and use a rental car once we're in the area. We have two girls, ages 5 and 2. Where would you recommend we visit? Anybody know any gems that we just "have" to include?... Read More