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Explore Vancouver , British Columbia

Vancouver has won many accolades as one of the top cities in the Americas, and for very good reasons. Set against a backdrop of majestic snowcapped mountains, the city lies on a peninsula that juts into the Pacific Ocean. This spectacular setting allows for a plethora of outdoor adventures, including skiing, sailing, hiking, scuba diving, fishing and more. Learn More...

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The travel information you trust, reimagined for on-the-go., find your next getaway with the tourbook guides, available for destinations across north america and the caribbean..

Since 1926, AAA members have trusted the travel information in AAA's free TourBook guides to help them plan their most memorable vacations, whether it's a cozy romantic escape, a fun family vacation or an adventure-filled trip with friends.

What you'll find in every TourBook:

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From Canada to Mexico, AAA Announces New Four Diamond Hotels and Restaurants

Two aaa five diamond hotels retain their highly distinguished designation.

WASHINGTON, DC (March 25, 2024) – Five hotels and one restaurant are the newest additions to AAA’s Four Diamonds list. Throughout the year, AAA Inspectors visit hotels and restaurants across North America, the Caribbean, and Costa Rica to verify the 4 Cs of AAA Diamonds: Cleanliness, Comfort, Cuisine, and Consistency. This month, hotels in Canada, Mexico, and Florida and a San Antonio restaurant became AAA Four Diamond properties, offering upscale amenities, remarkable service, and outstanding dining options. 

• Paradox Hotel Vancouver , Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada  
• AZUR Legacy Collection Hotel , Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada   
• Luminary Hotel & Co., Autograph Collection , Fort Myers, Florida   
• Aguascalientes Marriott Hotel , Aguascalientes, Mexico  
• Hotel Riu Palace Pacifico , Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, Mexico
• Mixtli, San Antonio, Texas   

Two AAA Five Diamond hotels continue their tradition of excellence, retaining their distinguished designation another year.  

• The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain , Manara, Arizona (AAA Five Diamonds since 2015)  
• Salamander Middleburg , Middleburg, Virginia (AAA Five Diamonds since 2022)   

Click below to view all AAA Five and Four Diamond properties:  

Five Diamond Hotels     

Five Diamond Restaurants     

Four Diamond Hotels     

Four Diamond Restaurants  

Diamond lists are updated monthly, as AAA Inspectors visit hotels and restaurants throughout the year.  

Diamond designations reflect AAA Inspectors’ commitment to quality and consistency in the hospitality industry. Diamond Inspectors are trained professionals who travel across North America to conduct unannounced, independent, in-person property inspections.     

Currently, there are approximately 130 Five Diamond hotels and 60 Five Diamond restaurants, and 1,700 Four Diamond hotels and 500 Four Diamond restaurants.  

Five Diamond properties offer ultimate luxury and leading-edge cuisine.     

Four Diamond properties offer upscale amenities and distinctive fine dining .    

Plan a visit to Diamond properties on Trip Canvas, AAA’s free travel planning tool, or connect with a AAA travel agent for recommendations and hotel reservations.  

The 4Cs of AAA Diamonds      

Cleanliness: AAA hotel inspections include ATP surface testing, the same technology used to verify cleanliness in the healthcare and food service industries.    

Comfort: Inspectors evaluate a property’s quality of experience, range of amenities, and level of hospitality.    

Cuisine: Diamond restaurants are assessed on their food, service, and vibe. Inspectors dine at these properties anonymously.    

Consistency: AAA Diamond properties – no matter the designation – have one thing in common: consistency. Unlike subjective star reviews, Diamond inspections rely on published guidelines based on industry standards.    

About AAA    

Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America’s largest membership organizations. Today, AAA provides roadside assistance, travel, discounts, and financial and insurance services to enhance the life journey of 64 million members across North America, including more than 57 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA has to offer or to become a member, visit AAA.com  

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WHAT’S COVERED, COSTS, AND TIPS ON FINDING THE BEST TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR YOUR NEEDS

March 28, 2024 | 3 min read.

Travel insurance can be an overwhelming expense to consider atop an already costly vacation. Admittedly, even as a seasoned travel industry professional with three decades of globe-trotting under my belt, I have a moment of pause each time I’m confronted with this. Ultimately, I almost always purchase some travel insurance coverage, especially when it’s a complex international trip. It’s primarily motivated by my aging parents—heaven forbid anything should happen to them—and wanting a safety net to return home at a moment’s notice without incurring massive out-of-pocket costs. This parental paranoia is just a small piece of the greater solace that travel insurance can provide, says AAA Tour Product Manager Randy Osborne. “Everyone can benefit from travel insurance,” he says. “The unexpected happens. It can provide peace of mind and reduce stress during a traumatic situation, as well as a contact to call when traveling abroad.” Osborne has seen it all. He works directly with AAA Travel Advisors and AAA’s preferred travel insurance provider, Allianz . It’s a vantage point that continually provides him with real-life cautionary travel tales. “I’ve never heard of anyone who needed and used travel insurance regretting having purchased it,” Osborne says. He says the biggest mistake people make is this: “Not getting it at all.” Here are some key things to keep in mind when navigating travel insurance   

IT’S A FINANCIAL SAFETY NET FOR YOUR VACATION INVESTMENT There is no “one-size-fits-all” travel insurance plan, says Osborne, since available plans will be based on the trip cost, vacation destination(s) and age of the traveler(s). Most comprehensive travel insurance plans, however, will include varying degrees of coverage for the following:

• Trip Cancellation: This is a predeparture benefit that provides the ability to recoup travel costs if you cannot travel. It’s typically limited to specific reasons covered in the plan. Osborne advises understanding what these covered reasons are upfront when reviewing plan options.
• Trip Interruption: This helps if you need to cut your trip short. Covered reasons typically include an illness or injury during the trip, or a family emergency at home—which, as mentioned earlier, has always been this author’s primary motivator to purchase travel insurance.
• Travel Delays: This helps to cover expenses if your travel is delayed due to a covered reason. Osborne advises understanding what constitutes a “travel delay” within the travel insurance plans you are considering.
• Medical Expenses: This helps to cover unforeseen medical expenses while traveling to destinations where your U.S.-based health insurance may not work. “Frequently, the biggest covered amounts are for medical,” Osborne says.
• Emergency Evacuation Coverage: This typically helps to cover the cost of transportation (plus related medical services and supplies) to a medical facility if you’re seriously injured or ill. The best plans will provide up to $1 million per person for medical evacuation. This can seem high, but evacuation costs can exceed tens of thousands of dollars, especially if you’re traveling to a remote destination.
• Baggage Loss or Delays: This helps to recoup costs for lost luggage, as well as damaged or stolen baggage while you are on your trip.

COMPARE PLANS

In some cases, such as when booking a cruise or a guided group tour vacation, the travel provider may require you to purchase a certain level of travel insurance before you can join the excursion. In these situations, representatives often have options that allow you to bundle travel insurance into the cost of the vacation at the time of booking. Even if this is the case, however, Osborne says it pays to shop around and compare travel insurance plans to see if there is a policy that better suits your needs.   

Most travel insurance companies, including Allianz Insurance, have easy-to-use websites that highlight several levels of travel insurance for your trip. These quotes can be used as baselines for building upon or removing elements. Gather a few online quotes, then speak over the phone with a representative to customize.    

SEEK PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE

Allow a AAA Travel Advisor to guide you through the process and identify a travel insurance policy that works for your needs, risk tolerance, and budget. The best part: This service is free.

PURCHASE EARLY FOR THE MOST BENEFITS

You’ll get the best and most comprehensive coverage if you purchase travel insurance within the first 14 days of making a trip deposit. (That clock starts ticking once you put a down payment on any part of the vacation.) The biggest benefits include:  

• Trip Cancellation: The earlier you buy travel insurance, the sooner you are protected—even before you step on that plane, train, or cruise ship. “Often I get calls from travelers who didn’t expect to need insurance and then have a [medical] diagnosis before travel that prevents them from going,” Osborne says.
• Better Trip Cancellation Coverage Options: Many travel insurance companies offer more covered reasons for trip cancellation if you purchase it within 14 days of making an initial trip deposit.
• Pre-Existing Medical Conditions: If you have a pre-existing medical condition, most travel insurance will not cover medical situations due to this condition that arise during your travels— that is, unless you purchase comprehensive travel insurance coverage within the first 14 days of making a trip deposit.

ASSESS MEDICAL COVERAGE CAREFULLY, ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE A PRE-EXISTING CONDITION

Most U.S.-based health insurance plans won’t offer medical coverage on non-U.S. soil. Even if you have outstanding health insurance, it may not be very helpful during an international vacation where unexpected medical and health issues arise. This is certainly the case if you’re traveling to more remote areas with limited medical facilities or your vacation includes high-risk excursions and activities. Osborne says it’s important to understand whether travel insurance you’re considering offer primary or secondary medical coverage, and to assess which is best for you.   

If you have a pre-existing medical condition or chronic health problems, medical coverage is an especially critical piece of the policy to scrutinize, Osborne says. He recommends consulting a travel insurance specialist so that you are covered accordingly.

UNDERSTAND WHAT IS NOT COVERED IN THE POLICY It’s easy to focus on what’s included when comparing trip insurance plans. Osborne recommends paying close attention to what is excluded from coverage, too.

Case and point: I recently read about a couple who booked a return flight home after their original flight had been cancelled. When the couple filed a claim with their insurance provider to recoup this cost of this new flight, they learned that this specific scenario was not covered under the policy. (The flight was cancelled due to crew not arriving on time, and the airline was able to rebook the couple on a less-desirable flight home, which the couple declined.)

Clearly understanding the exclusions—and this could be achieved with a simple phone call to the insurance provider’s customer service—could have prevented this financial oops. BE

Find An Agent

AAA Travel Advisors can provide vacation planning guidance to make your next trip unforgettable. Find a Travel Advisor       

CAREFUL RELYING ON CREDIT CARD TRAVEL INSURANCE Just as you should not rely on your U.S.-based health insurance to cover you while traveling internationally, it’s wise to not make assumptions about a credit card that offers travel insurance as one of its perks. Osborne advises reviewing the credit card’s travel insurance coverage amount; the medical coverage policy; whether all trip purchases need to be made with that credit card; and if approved claims results in a cash refund or a travel credit.  

   EPIDEMIC AND PANDEMIC COVERAGE IS AVAILABLE The events of 2020 turned travel on its head, and also impacted the travel insurance industry. As a result, travel insurance companies evolved and most now offer epidemic and pandemic coverage options. “Having coverage for quarantine is at the forefront of people’s minds now,” says Osborne, pointing to the out-of-pocket costs that came with many travelers having to quarantine in a vacation destination when Covid-19 was at a peak.    BUDGET FOR TRAVEL INSURANCE The average cost of travel insurance is 5% – 6% of your trip costs, according to Forbes Advisors’ analysis of travel insurance rates. If you’re planning an international, bucket-list vacation—and want to protect your investment in the unfortunate event that things go sideways—it’s wise to keep this cost in mind when creating your trip budget. “As much as we don’t want to think about the unexpected, things happen and having the coverage you need when you need it can be a huge benefit,” says Osborne. “If you need it, you will never regret having it.

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Hike to these 10 scenic waterfalls in northern new england.

By Gina DeCaprio Vercesi

March 26, 2024

As winter snows melt in Northern New England’s mountains, hundreds of waterfalls throughout the area get ready to put on a spectacular show. Although the region’s cascades tend to be most dramatic from April to mid-June, snowy winters and summer storms help keep the waters flowing into August and beyond.

Here are 10 of Northern New England’s prettiest waterfalls you can hike to for a perfect warm-weather adventure.

Map by Cynthia Geskes

Jump to: Maine | New Hampshire | Vermont

1. Jewell Falls, Portland

In Portland, a short trek to Jewell Falls can make you forget that you’re within an urban area. Photo by Bailey O’Brien

One of Portland’s best-kept secrets sits within the 85-acre Fore River Sanctuary just a few miles from downtown. A short hike leads through the woods to Jewell Falls, named in honor of Tom Jewell, co-founder of the nonprofit Portland Trails. The water flows over the rocks in a series of horsetails and streams.

After visiting the falls, wander the sanctuary’s 5.6-mile trail network, which winds through forest, grassy lowlands, and a saltwater marsh with excellent bird watching.

For a longer trek, start at the trailhead where Congress and Frost streets intersect, and follow an old canal towpath into the sanctuary.

Round-trip: About 1 mile from the trailhead at Rowe Avenue.

Level: Easy.

You may also like:  10 relaxing cruise tours on Northern New England’s waterways

2. Katahdin Stream Falls, Millinocket

In Baxter State Park, the winding path to Katahdin Stream Falls is part of the Appalachian Trail. Photo by Ross Knowlton Nature Photography/Alamy Stock Photo

This short, scenic hike along the Hunt Trail in Baxter State Park leads to Katahdin Stream Falls, a beautiful, multitiered cascade that tumbles through a verdant gorge at the base of Mount Katahdin.

Paper birch trees and mossy granite boulders line the path—part of the 2,198-mile Appalachian Trail —which winds through the forest before opening to reveal the sparkling waters of Katahdin Stream. After about a mile, a wooden footbridge crosses the stream and the falls soon come into view.

Round-trip: 2.2 miles from the Katahdin Stream Campground.

Level: Easy (to the falls, then it gets steeper).

You may also like:  5 can’t-miss national treasures in New England

3. Little Wilson Falls, Elliotsville

Near Elliotsville, Little Wilson Falls tumbles down a series of smooth, slate steps. The pool at its base is deep enough for swimming. Photo by Greg Parsons

One of Maine’s tallest waterfalls, 3-tiered Little Wilson Falls surges through an imposing gorge before tumbling down a series of smooth, slate steps. The hike to the falls follows Little Wilson Stream, arriving first at the 18-foot lower falls and a fantastic pool that’s deep enough for swimming.

Another third of a mile leads to the middle falls, which feed additional swimming holes, making this entire stretch a favorite spot for locals. For the real spectacle, continue through the forest for about a mile to the upper falls—a long, thin horsetail that drops nearly 50 feet over a steep, bedrock cliff.

Round-trip: 2.4 miles from the lot on Little Wilson Falls Road.

Level: Moderate.

You may also like:  7 New England wildlife refuges with gorgeous water views

4. Dunn Falls, Andover

The path to Dunn Falls branches off from the Appalachian Trail. Dogs are permitted if they are leashed. Photo by Greg Parsons

A series of cascades and horsetails burble between the rocks as you approach Dunn Falls ’ lower falls, which plunge nearly 80 feet between towering granite walls. Set out along the Appalachian Trail to the blue-blazed Cascade Trail, which follows the West Branch of the Ellis River.

Continue along the Cascade Trail for another quarter mile to the equally lovely upper falls and 2 pools perfect for a refreshing dip. A smattering of smaller, unnamed falls rounds out the trip.

Round-trip: 2.5 miles from the lot on Andover Road.

You may also like:  6 places in Northern New England to reconnect with nature

New Hampshire

5. arethusa falls, hart’s location.

In Crawford Notch State Park, Arethusa Falls is beautiful during foliage season. It’s also popular with ice climbers. Photo by Pat & Chuck Blackley/Alamy Stock Photo

This popular hike in Crawford Notch State Park treats you to 3 waterfalls—Bemis Brook, Coliseum, and Arethusa—the last of which is considered New England’s tallest single-drop waterfall. Follow the Bemis Brook Trail’s yellow blazes to Fawn Pool, where you can dip your toes in the cool mountain water for a spell before continuing on to Coliseum Falls.

From there, the rugged trail climbs steeply until it meets the blue-blazed Arethusa Trail, which will have you traipsing through native hardwood forest for another half mile to the main event: Arethusa Falls , a graceful, nearly 200-foot tall cataract that spills spectacularly over a granite cliff.

Round-trip: 3 miles from the Arethusa Falls trailhead off US 302. Note: $5 recreation fee; the parking area has a drop box.

Level: Moderate to strenuous.

You may also like:  6 drives with stunning views in Northern New England

6. Bridal Veil Falls, Franconia

In White Mountain National Forest, photographers love how water flowing over Bridal Veil Falls resembles the lacy wedding garment. Photo by Paul Mozell/Alamy Stock Photo

One of the most photographed waterfalls in White Mountain National Forest, Bridal Veil Falls takes its name from its distinctive shape. Don’t be daunted by the length of this hike—the trail’s beautiful scenery and gentle grade make the miles pass quickly.

After about a mile, you’ll get your first glimpse of Coppermine Brook, which ripples alongside the trail for the remainder of the hike. A wooden bridge crosses the stream a short distance from the base of the falls, a bit past the 2-mile mark. Spend some time exploring the area—the granite ledges surrounding the falls are great picnic spots.

Round-trip: 5 miles from the Coppermine Trail trailhead on Coppermine Road off SR 116.

You may also like:  9 stellar scenic byways in Northern New England

7. Garfield Falls, Pittsburg

Watch for logging trucks on the way to remote Garfield Falls, whose lower falls are surrounded by massive rock outcroppings. Photo by VIKVAD/Alamy Stock Photo

Head into the remote wilderness of the Great Northern Woods to find Garfield Falls on the East Branch of the Dead Diamond River. From US 3, follow Magalloway Road, a well-traveled dirt road, for 13 miles deep into Pittsburg’s logging territory.

From the trailhead, a short path leads through the woods and down a set of wooden steps to the lower falls—a 40-foot cascade surrounded by massive rock outcroppings. Follow the river up and around the rocks to the upper falls, where multiple pools are popular for swimming during the warm summer months.

Round-trip: 1 mile from the trailhead on Magalloway Road.

You may also like:  10 stunning lakes in Northern New England

8. Bartlett Falls, Bristol

Just outside of Bristol, Bartlett Falls spills 15 feet over a ledge of bedrock into a huge pool along the New Haven River. Photo by Greg Parsons

Few places make a more perfect place to spend a hot summer’s day than Bartlett Falls , which spills 15 feet over a ledge of bedrock into an enormous swimming hole. Other ledges surrounding the pool are good places for jumping into the sparkling New Haven River below.

The waterfalls’ easy access from adjacent Lincoln Road makes it a popular warm-weather destination for locals and visitors. Pack a picnic and plan to spend a few hours swimming and exploring. Afterward, swing by the Village Creeme Stand in Bristol for a quintessential Vermont summer treat.

Round-trip: Depends on the Lincoln Road parking situation.

You may also like:  6 New England lighthouses where you can spend the night

9. Falls of Lana, Salisbury

Near Salisbury, the Falls of Lana offer swimming holes at 2 levels. The upper pool gets a lot of sun; the lower one is more shaded. Photo by Greg Parsons

Tucked away in the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area , the Falls of Lana is a multitiered cascade with swimming holes and a beautiful stream. From its parking area off State Route 53, the Silver Lake Trail follows an old birch- and hemlock-lined carriage road.

Just beyond the large pipe that delivers water from Silver Lake to a nearby hydroelectric plant, a rugged side trail surrounded by rock walls leads down to Sucker Brook, where the falls descend in a configuration of horsetails and streams. For a longer hike, continue for another mile to Silver Lake, which is circled by a 2.5-mile trail.

Round-trip: 1 mile from the lot off SR 53.

You may also like:  5 waterfront New England spots for a romantic winter weekend

10. Moss Glen Falls, Stowe

With a 125-foot drop, Moss Glen Falls near Stowe is Vermont’s tallest. Photo by Greg Parsons

A series of boardwalks leads through lush, riparian forest to Moss Glen Falls , Vermont’s tallest waterfall. This is prime beaver habitat, but sightings are rare, even though numerous fallen trees and chewed stumps provide ample evidence of the flat-tailed rodents.

After about a quarter mile, a fork in the trail leads to 2 viewpoints of the magnificent, 125-foot cataract. The right fork follows Moss Glen Brook to the falls’ base, where the lower falls tumble over a series of granite steps. The left fork climbs to a precipitous overlook, where the upper falls rush through a rocky gorge.

Round-trip: 0.6 miles from the lot on Moss Glen Falls Road.

New York–based journalist Gina DeCaprio Vercesi writes about food, drink, and travel with an emphasis on history and conservation.

You may also like:

• Vermont Route 100: The quintessential New England road trip
• 6 wonderful and weird roadside attractions in Northern New England

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