Sample 14 picks below, and access more ideas on the complete list of AAA Inspectors’ Favorite Places for Romance.

What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than a romantic getaway or private dinner with that special someone? Cupid can be found at hotels and restaurants throughout the U.S. and Canada all year. But for those seeking an exceptional opportunity to cozy up to a sweetheart this February, AAA inspectors have compiled their favorite places for romance.

Read about private retreats, sumptuous spa treatments and intoxicating gardens in settings ranging from a historic mansion to seaside cottages. Discover places to enjoy mouthwatering meals and exotic specialties served in hideaways that span from a rooftop oasis to a Moroccan palace. ... Read More

AAA Travel cruise experts say cruising remains a popular choice for North American vacationers. More than 16 million cruise passengers sailed the world’s waterways last year, according to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and a passenger total in excess of 17 million is forecast for 2012.

While most AAA Travel cruise passengers remain loyal to cruising, the Costa Concordia tragedy has sparked debate about cruise safety in some industry and public sectors. ... Read More

AAA’s Las Vegas eTourBook guide was awarded the 2012 Non-Fiction Publishing Innovation Award from Digital Book World. The Publishing Innovation Awards honor publishers of the most innovative ebooks, enhanced ebooks and book apps in 14 categories.

Currently 91 AAA eTourBook guides are available, with 10 additions planned for release by the end of February. Each title in the series highlights a top North American travel destination and provides detailed information, listings for AAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants, AAA Editor’s Picks for attractions, events and nightlife, and other proprietary travel information available exclusively through AAA. ... Read More

AAA announced today the 126 lodgings and 53 restaurants that earned the AAA/CAA Five Diamond Award® designation for 2012. These select establishments represent just 0.3 percent of the total 59,000 AAA/CAA Approved and Diamond Rated lodgings and restaurants.

Among the 16 new additions for 2012 are first-ever Five Diamond establishments for Rhode Island and Antigua. In the restaurant category, New York tops the list for growth with three new Five Diamond establishments. California is the only state to grow in both categories, with two additional lodgings and one restaurant. ... Read More

Unsure of what’s happening Martin Luther King Jr. Day? For ideas of things to do this January 16, check out the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Events blog post. 

Popular activities include cook-offs, commemorations and celebrations. The calendar of events list is compiled by AAA travel editors. Search for additional event listings at AAA.com/travel. ... Read More

A federal holiday since 1986, Martin Luther King Jr. Day this year is on January 16th. Throughout the U.S., there will be parades, marches or tributes to celebrate the life and accomplishments of the honored Civil Rights activist.

The calendar of events list below is compiled by AAA travel editors. Search for additional event listings at AAA.com/travel.

ALABAMA
Jan. 16 BIRMINGHAM Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday—The museum offers free admission and events throughout the day. Location: Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. Contact: (205) 328-9696 ext. 211. Free.... Read More

Although the end of December is quickly approaching, there’s still time to enjoy fun, festive December holiday events. Christmas has been a national holiday in the U.S. since 1870, and with that rich history and tradition, there is no shortage of opportunities to enjoy the holiday celebrations.

The December Holiday Events list was selected from AAA’s Calendar of Events and has been modified to reflect activities that are currently taking place. ... Read More

AAA has added 10 new eTourBook guide titles to its list of 91 electronic publications. All ebooks are available free to members and can be downloaded at AAA.com/ebooks. The new titles are:

• Atlantic City
• Blue Ridge Parkway
• Cincinnati
• Detroit
• Lake Tahoe
• Monterey Peninsula
• Okanagan Valley
• Olympic National Park
• Reno
• Tucson... Read More

Universal Orlando is marking the 10th anniversary of its partnership with the Macy’s Holiday Parade, which uses many of the elements seen in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The parade is included in normal park admission, and AAA/CAA members can save on tickets at AAA.com/Universal, club offices or the gate.... Read More

Relax, kick back and enjoy this festive season by engaging in some of the exciting December holiday activities selected from AAA’s Calendar of Events!

Whether you’re home for the holidays or traveling in the U.S., Canada or Puerto Rico, you’ll find plenty of ideas from AAA’s event staff on the December Holiday Events list.... Read More