Ben Young
- Editorial Director, The Extra Mile (AAA)
- Director; Content, Brand and Publications, American Automobile Association (AAA)
Cincinnati
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Articles by Ben Young
A Phone-Free Road Trip That Led to Wrong Turns and Deep Discoveries
VIDEO The Great American Road Trip was always about the allure of the open road. There was a sense of freedom in discovering something new and relying solely on a map and your sense of direction to get from point A to point B. It was almost magical mapping out a trip across sheets of paper and capturing tangible photos to cherish every memory along the way, with a focus on the journey itself.
8 Route 66 Attractions, Great Eats, and Life Advice
I say this in all seriousness: all my life, I’ve had a set direction with every turn carefully mapped out. In fact, a recent leadership training at work documented my systematic, detailed, over-planning nature. It was a harsh reality to see that in print, dusted by the crumbs of my granola bar, recognizing how challenging it is for me to be spontaneous. As it turns out, all of my planning never truly led me to where I wanted to be. Or most importantly, what I wanted to eat.
Tax Prep Advice From The IRS
Get your financial records in order and fire up your computer: It’s tax season. This year, the IRS expects to receive more than 167 million individual income tax returns. While most people don’t look forward to filing their taxes, most taxpayers are looking forward to receiving their refunds. Last year's average tax refund was more than $3,000. The IRS worked for months to prepare for the 2023 tax season and began accepting 2023 tax returns on January 29.
Culinary Evolution on the High Seas
Amber chandeliers softly light the dining room of the Pinnacle Grill on Holland America Line’s Rotterdam, the light from the nearby glass-enclosed wine room casting a glow on the place settings. As Master Chef Rudi Sodamin enters, he scans the tables, looking for any slight imperfections. “Most cruise lines don’t have this kind of table setting—everything is white,” Sodamin says, pointing to the Pinnacle Grill’s ornate blue and white china with amber accents.
AAA Senior Vice President Participates In Viking Naming Ceremony
In a dual naming ceremony in Paris and Amsterdam, AAA Senior Vice President of Travel Services Brenda Hunsberger was one of eight women to participate in a naming ceremony for Viking’s newest fleet of ships. A naming ceremony, a tradition in the maritime world, brings luck to a new ship and the crew that sails it. In the first large-scale event since the pandemic, the naming ceremony kicks off what is expected to be an encouraging year for the river cruising industry.
Reimagining Train Travel in the US
If you’ve ever driven the stretch of I-70 west of Denver through the Rocky Mountains, you know how tightly you must grip the steering wheel. The steep hills, sharp curves and heavy traffic make enjoying the glistening snowcapped mountain peaks and rippled rock canyons nearly impossible from the driver’s seat. And unless you have a panoramic sunroof, forget about seeing where the mountains meet the crystal-clear blue sky. Enter Rocky Mountaineer.
Travel Tips Our Travel Agents Swear By
Travel is a complex subject, and it’s hard for travelers to stay up to date on rules, regulations, and the best methods to get from A to B. To help prepare you for your next adventure, we sat down with some of our longtime agents to learn their secret travel tips so you can travel confidently. WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE TRAVELING INTERNATIONALLY Have you looked at your passport lately?
What Is Tsa Precheck, And Is It Worth It?
If you’ve ever been in a long security line at an airport and wished there was a faster way to get to your flight, it’s time for you to consider TSA PreCheck. With constantly changing security regulations, TSA PreCheck serves as an expedited security screening program connecting travelers departing the United States with smarter security and a better air travel experience, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
A Well-Traveled Mother’s Secrets For Traveling With A Little One
As the mother of a four-year-old daughter, Cincinnati-based family travel blogger Stephanie Taleghani knows a thing or two about getting her family ready to hit the road, skies, and seas. Her daughter, Sophie, has already been on more than 40 trips in her life, including a cruise. So when it comes to planning and packing for a family vacation, Stephanie has a few tips to help any parent make sure things go off without a hitch.
Why Your Hotel Stay May Look Different This Summer
GUEST AND EMPLOYEE SAFETY ARE A PRIORITY AT HOTELS AS THEY OPERATE DURING THE PANDEMIC To travel, or not to travel. That's the question millions of us have faced as we choose to get vaccines and attempt to mitigate the raging cabin fever we’ve been keeping at bay for the past year. With restrictions and travel information changing by the minute, it’s been a challenge to find ways to escape the four walls of your home easily.
Why Your Hotel Stay May Look Different This Summer
GUEST AND EMPLOYEE SAFETY ARE A PRIORITY AT HOTELS AS THEY OPERATE DURING THE PANDEMIC To travel, or not to travel. That's the question millions of us have faced as we choose to get vaccines and attempt to mitigate the raging cabin fever we’ve been keeping at bay for the past year. With restrictions and travel information changing by the minute, it’s been a challenge to find ways to escape the four walls of your home easily.
The Ultimate Road Trip Bingo Game
KEEP THE KIDS ENTERTAINED IN THE CAR WITH THESE PRINTABLE BINGO CARDS May 12, 2021 | 2 min read Ben Young According to data from a 2021 Destination Analysis study, more than 54% of Americans are interested in taking a road trip this summer. With many of us getting tired of spending time within the same four walls as a result of the pandemic, road tripping offers a safer way to explore the nation while promoting social distancing that can keep us safe.
The Ultimate Road Trip Bingo Game
KEEP THE KIDS ENTERTAINED IN THE CAR WITH THESE PRINTABLE BINGO CARDS May 12, 2021 | 2 min read Ben Young According to data from a 2021 Destination Analysis study, more than 54% of Americans are interested in taking a road trip this summer. With many of us getting tired of spending time within the same four walls as a result of the pandemic, road tripping offers a safer way to explore the nation while promoting social distancing that can keep us safe.
Do You Know How To Prepare Your Car For A Road Trip?
CAR CARE EXPERT SHARES HOW TO PREP YOUR VEHICLE FOR YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE Travel experts agree—2021 will be the year of the road trip. Since many of us have been driving fewer miles each month due to pandemic restrictions, we may have forgotten to give our vehicles the TLC they deserve. Before you hit the road on your next road trip, it’s important to give your car a full inspection to make sure it’s road ready.
Do You Know How To Prepare Your Car For A Road Trip?
Travel experts agree—this will be the year of the road trip. Since many of us have been driving fewer miles each month due to pandemic restrictions, we may have forgotten to give our vehicles the TLC they deserve. Before you hit the road on your next road trip, it’s important to give your car a full inspection to make sure it’s road ready. We spoke with AAA Car Care expert Daryl Thompson to get his recommendations on how to prepare your car for your next road trip adventure.
DO YOU KNOW HOW TO PREPARE YOUR CAR FOR A ROAD TRIP?
Travel experts agree—this will be the year of the road trip. Since many of us have been driving fewer miles each month due to pandemic restrictions, we may have forgotten to give our vehicles the TLC they deserve. Before you hit the road on your next road trip, it’s important to give your car a full inspection to make sure it’s road ready. We spoke with AAA Car Care expert Daryl Thompson to get his recommendations on how to prepare your car for your next road trip adventure.
What Is The State Of Flying During The Pandemic? You May Be Surprised
WHAT IS THE STATE OF FLYING DURING THE PANDEMIC? YOU MAY BE SURPRISED INCREASED SAFETY AND CLEANLINESS STANDARDS KEY TO AIR TRAVEL IN THE AGE OF COVID-19 By Ben Young | November 02, 2020 | 9 min read It’s the great fear of the unknown and unexpected. That’s what’s keeping travelers away from our nation’s skies in the age of COVID-19. According to recent research conducted by Franklin Templeton and Gallup, 52% of American adults indicate they aren't comfortable flying.
What Is The State Of Flying During The Pandemic? You May Be Surprised
WHAT IS THE STATE OF FLYING DURING THE PANDEMIC? YOU MAY BE SURPRISED INCREASED SAFETY AND CLEANLINESS STANDARDS KEY TO AIR TRAVEL IN THE AGE OF COVID-19 By Ben Young | November 02, 2020 | 9 min read It’s the great fear of the unknown and unexpected. That’s what’s keeping travelers away from our nation’s skies in the age of COVID-19. According to recent research conducted by Franklin Templeton and Gallup, 52% of American adults indicate they aren't comfortable flying.
What Is The State Of Flying During The Pandemic? You May Be Surprised
WHAT IS THE STATE OF FLYING DURING THE PANDEMIC? YOU MAY BE SURPRISED INCREASED SAFETY AND CLEANLINESS STANDARDS KEY TO AIR TRAVEL IN THE AGE OF COVID-19 By Ben Young | November 02, 2020 | 9 min read It’s the great fear of the unknown and unexpected. That’s what’s keeping travelers away from our nation’s skies in the age of COVID-19. According to recent research conducted by Franklin Templeton and Gallup, 52% of American adults indicate they aren't comfortable flying.
The Most Beautiful Fall Roads
BEAUTIFUL ROUTES FOR THE BUCKET LIST October 02, 2020 | 6 min read Ben Young As the seasons change, the hot days of summer come to an end and are replaced with cool and crisp temperatures. Leaves on the trees begin to turn, and there’s nothing quite like the beauty of autumn. This fall, download your favorite playlist, pack some drinks and snacks in the cooler, and load up the car for a scenic road trip of the season. Here are five of the most beautiful fall roads you should travel this year.
10 Spices Every Kitchen Should Have
SPICE UP YOUR HOME COOKING WITH THESE SWEET, SMOKY, AND SAVORY FLAVORS September 09, 2020 | 5 min read Ben Young Many of us are finding ourselves cooking at home more than we ever have before. In order to make a decadent meal, you don’t have to spend a fortune on spices. But there are 10 spices that should always have in your pantry so you’re prepared to make those “quick and easy” recipes you find online.
The 10 Most Scenic Roads To Drive In America
BEAUTIFUL ROUTES FOR THE BUCKET LIST August 27, 2020 | 6 min read Ben Young Who doesn’t love the freedom and romance of taking to the open road? With millions of miles to choose from, we’re here to help you get your motor running with our list of the 10 most scenic roads to drive in America. MOUNT EVANS ROAD – COLORADO Mt. Evans Road is the highest paved road in North America and from it, you have an excellent vantage point of Colorado’s infamous snowy peaks.
5 Things Your Insurance Agent Wishes You Knew
HOW TO GET THE RIGHT POLICY THAT PROTECTS YOU August 27, 2020 | 5 min read Ben Young We’re all human, and we’re all unique. We all have unique lives, situations, and dreams—many built with sweat, discipline, and focus. So it’s essential to protect the things that you’ve worked so hard to achieve with the right insurance policy. The first step in protecting the life around you is speaking with an insurance agent who understands your hard work and sacrifice.
5 Gorgeous Hikes To Take Across The Southwest
DISCOVER HIKES FOUND IN THIS UNIQUE DESERT LANDSCAPE July 13, 2020 | 4 min read Ben Young As the weather cools off, the Southwest’s tourism industry is heating up. Thousands of travelers escape the cold and head down to Arizona, Southern Utah and New Mexico every fall, spring and winter. Discover five beautiful hikes found in this unique desert landscape. 1. TOADSTOOL HOODOOS TRAIL, KANAB, UTAH Discover the otherworldly sandstone “toadstools” of Southern Utah on the 1.8-mile Toadstool Hoodoos Trail.
The Doubletree Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe, Revealed
HILTON REVEALS OFFICIAL CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE RECIPE SO BAKERS CAN MAKE TREATS AT HOME April 13, 2020 | 5 min read Ben Young For the first time ever, DoubleTree by Hilton is sharing its official bake-at-home recipe for their well-known chocolate chip cookies. These comforting treats have been welcoming guests at DoubleTree for years, and have been front desk staple – more than 30 million of these chocolate chip cookies are consumed each year.
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