DONT LEAVE HOME WITHOUT THEM

For those who already belong to AAA..this is not news. For decades they have provided members with invaluable resources and savings for everything travel related. But in this new era where every dollar counts, taking advantage of their expertise can mean huge savings on that summer vacation. The range of services has expanded through the years. We all think about the maps and travel itineraries they can crank out for the traveler. But the scope of their ability to save consumers money has ballooned through the years. From booking hotels and flights..to crafting the ever popular "stay-cation"...AAA has seen a spike in membership.

CARLOADS OF SAVINGS

Jim McPherson has been a fixture in AAA offices in Connecticut for years. If there is a way to cut costs on travel...he is the one to talk to. And we did just that for his perspective on shaving a few bucks off trips near and far. We discussed the pros and cons of renting a car as opposed to packing the family into your personal vehicle. He noted that many people have leased cars and have to watch their mileage carefully. If they go over the pre-set mileage in the lease agreement, they will get hit with substantial fees. Couple that with sinking car rental rates and the choice is clear. He says AAA can secure rental cars for as low as 25 dollars a day with unlimited mileage.

SAVING BY STAYING..OR GOING

The big trend these days is staying close to home for vacations. Fortunately for Connecticut residents, we have a plethera of fun spots to hit..well within our reach. And the smart planner can grab discount tickets through AAA and other travel agencies to a myriad of hotspots. From Mystic's Aquariums and Seaports to Lake Compounce in Bristol to Six Flags in Massachusetts, savvy planners can enjoy the fun at a fraction of the regular cost. Karen Christiana of AAA says the key is to plan ahead. Give them enough time and they can wrangle hot deals on local hotspots or hotspots like Florida. It's a buyers market and hotels and resorts like Disney world and Universal Orlando are practically begging for business. Plan ahead and you can get a lot of vacation for a little amount of money. For more info on AAA and their services...their website is very helpful at www.discover.aaa.com

A SAD FAREWELL...

Over the weekend, the FOX61 family lost an amazing friend and colleague. Alice Morrin was killed in the tragic murder/suicide in Vernon late Sunday night. We lost more than anyone can imagine. Alice was such a pure soul and her smile and friendship lit up the newsroom every single day. She was so key in creating this segment for FOX61 and she always put her heart into every assignment she produced. I had the honor having Alice in my life for the last 14 months. Everyday, without fail, she was there with encouraging words and a spirit that captured every heart in the newsroom. She was smart, compassionate, joyful and caring. She put everyone else's needs first. She was genuine and real and everyone, and I mean EVERYONE in the FOX61 family loved her. She would bring her two beautiful daughters into the newsroom for visits and they were the shining light in her life. They adored their Mom. Her youngest daughter even appeared in one of our news segments and was so incredible. In her final days, Alice was given a promotion..she would become the executive assistant to Rich Graziano, our general manager and publisher of the Hartford Courant. Rich couldn't have made a better choice and she was so thrilled with the trust he had placed in her. For that, I thank you Rich. She was bubbling with excitement over her new job. Her final days were filled with hope for the future. We will NEVER forget you Alice and we will miss you every minute of our lives.