Until I started working as an inspector, one place I never considered visiting was the remote and tiny city of Churchill, Manitoba.

But thousands of visitors flood the tiny town in October and November, for the sole reason of seeing polar bears (the town is known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World”). ... Read More

When I'm not on the road working as an anonymous AAA inspector, racking up mileage and perfecting my in-car karaoke voice, I call downtown Indianapolis my home. In a few days, Indianapolis will take center stage as host of the Super Bowl, arguably America's largest sporting event.

As Super Bowl XLVI draws near, the city and residents are excitedly preparing to welcome a vast number of visitors. As someone who works daily to inform our members about high quality hotels, restaurants and attractions, I am equally excited to share this great city. ... Read More

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

I had the great fortune of being on a trip organized by Trafalgar Tours, specifically, its Be My Guest program, which opens usually closed doors and permits travelers to utterly savor the tastes and notions of a region. On my trip, I visited gorgeous Tuscany in Italy.

Normally, I avoid group tours, but I was so busy laughing and learning on this trip that none of the usual tour group dynamics—monotone guide voices, instantly forgotten facts, half-stabs at visiting anywhere, etc.—were able to seep in. And joy of joys, there always seemed to be red wine to sip and fried zucchini flowers to munch on. ... Read More

Thousands of visitors are expected to fill the streets of Indianapolis throughout the week leading up to Super Bowl XLVI on Feb. 5, 2012.

While many of those out-of-town guests will dedicate their time in the Circle City to football-related activities, it’s important to realize that Indianapolis has many other types of attractions and offerings. ... Read More

I love most restaurants but like everyone else, a few stand out in my mind as favorites. Additionally, getting a good deal is always a bonus.

The places I mention below prove that food doesn’t need to be fancy to be good. It can be as simple as putting love in your pies, adding whimsy to hot dogs or cooking a burger just right — all of which will have people coming back for years to come.  ... Read More

Unlike Alice on an adventure in Wonderland, I don’t need a little card demanding, “Eat me!” to reach for the cake. You see, I have a raging sweet tooth. Whenever I smell freshly baked cookies, for example, my desire to eat them is like a five-year-old child having a tantrum on the floor.

The logical “parent” part of my brain lectures me on the consequences of failed exercise routines and excessive fat consumption while reminding me of the extra pounds I’ve gained lately. The five-year-old part simply doesn’t care. ... 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

Indianapolis is buzzing in anticipation of hosting Super Bowl XLVI on Feb. 5, 2012. While final preparations are still being made, it’s important for both local residents and out-of-town guests to understand how standard traffic patterns are going to change for the event, especially around Lucas Oil Stadium, the Indiana Convention Center and the Super Bowl Village along the downtown area’s Georgia Street.

In fact, the Indianapolis Host Committee has prepared a variety of tips (noted below) to help with navigation into and around the Circle City.... Read More