To help you get the most of your travel experiences, Traveling with AAA takes you around the country and the world through conversations with industry pros. You’ll hear tips and tricks, travelers’ tales, and hard-won wisdom that will inspire you to plan your next adventure. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are not necessarily the views of Auto Club Enterprises/The Automobile Club of Southern California, AAA and/or its affiliates.
You don’t need specialized training or extra time off to make a meaningful environmental impact while you travel. Wherever you’re headed—whether it’s a national park, a coastal town, or a dark-sky destination—there's a meaningful volunteer experien
What if your next \ vacation was about more than just recharging your batteries—what if you could leave the place a little better than you found it?? A little intention can turn any trip into a chance to protect the places we love.
Switzerland is known for precision, with trains that arrive to the minute, watches accurate to fractions of a second, and chocolate engineered to perfection. So what's a hot air balloon doing in the mix? Turns out, the country that prides itself on t
Switzerland is famous for precision watches, world-class skiing, and secretive banking—but there's a stranger, more fascinating side to this small, landlocked country that most travelers overlook.
This episode digs into the Switzerland that doesn't
When was the last time you actually saw your closest friends? Texts and social media can help you stay connected, but chances are, it’s been too long since you’ve been together in person.
The same was true for actor, director, and New York Times be
Your group tour is booked and departure day is approaching. Then the reality hits: you're about to spend nine days with a group of strangers. For many travelers, the built-in social time and structured schedule of group travel can feel overwhelming—
If you’re a traveler who loves to craft detailed itineraries, group travel may sound like your worst nightmare. But what if it’s exactly what you need? Surrendering the logistics can feel scary at first—but it may be the most reliable way to secure t
Maybe it’s the aisle seat passenger who reaches across you to adjust the window shade. Or the stranger who wants to trade your carefully selected seat for their middle seat in the last row. How about the tuna-and-egg sandwich enthusiast who seems obl
Whether you’re taking in world-class entertainment, strolling gallery-lined streets, or heading out on the ocean in search of marine life, Orange County has something for everyone. Its diverse communities each tell their own story, reflecting a disti
Whether that guy in seat 32B is shouting into his speakerphone while you’re trying to read, or a stranger's bare feet appear inches from your tray table, air travel has become a tricky social experiment in a very confined shared space.
Just as music brings us together and teaches us about the world, so too do music venues—many of which are spectacular destinations in their own right. These venues transcend the performance, shaping our understandings of music, history, and place.
The lights dim, the crowd stirs, and the show you traveled for kicks into gear. In that moment, your vacation becomes something more: you're feeling the heartbeat of the city. Live music can transform a destination into an unforgettable experience, t
Imagine fireworks lighting up colonial cobblestones, tall ships gliding past centuries-old shores, and neon signs illuminating the American story in unexpected places. The United States is turning 250, and with celebrations unfolding coast to coast,
America is turning 250 years old, and the nation is marking the milestone by revisiting overlooked stories, opening archives, and gearing up for a year packed full of celebrations. Washington's personal copy of the U.S. Constitution will emerge from
Every mile marker tells a different story, and each state along Route 66 offers its own slice of Americana. From restored gas stations frozen in time to desert craters that challenge your sense of scale, knowing where to stop can transform a long dri
Picture yourself cruising past vintage motels with glowing vacancy signs, stopping for pie at a chrome-trimmed diner, and discovering roadside museums that tell stories most travelers speed right past. Today’s Route 66 isn’t about getting from point
Holding on to the memories of the places we travel through souvenirs is an act of preservation. They are the physical manifestations of our travel experiences captured through the things we buy, collect, and even photograph along the way.
Where will you find yourself in 2026? Will you be sipping coffee in a 400-year-old cobblestone square? Watching ice canoe racers battle across a frozen river? Or perhaps waking at sunrise for wellness rituals in a city that celebrates the dawn?
What will your next domestic getaway look like? Imagine arriving at a gleaming new airport terminal bathed in California sunshine, stepping into a Midwestern city claiming its title as America's soccer capital, or watching the birthplace of indepen
Every decision you make on a trip—where you stay, what you eat, how you get around—has an impact on the place you visit. Whether it’s an Airbnb that displaces a local resident or a tour bus that crowds neighborhood streets, the travel choices we make
In some of the world’s most coveted destinations, tourism is fueling a crisis that's pushing locals out of their own neighborhoods. Venice's new tourist taxes and Barcelona's growing anti-tourism protests show how beloved destinations are fighting ba
Think Nashville is all about music? Think again. Beyond the honky-tonk guitar riffs lies a city that’s quickly becoming one of the country’s most celebrated culinary destinations. With late-night bites that hit just right and inventive takes on South
Welcome to this milestone moment for Traveling with AAA! It’s our 100th episode, and to celebrate, we’re at the legendary Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, celebrating a century of country music history.
From safaris and scuba diving to vineyards and vibrant art scenes, South Africa offers a variety of experiences for travelers and adventure seekers. Seeing the Big Five might be the most well-known reason to visit, but the country's spectacular beaut
Dreaming of fresh powder and mountain views, but worried about the price tag? Ski trips often come with costly lift tickets, gear, lodging, and meals—but that doesn’t mean they’re out of reach. With the right hacks, you can enjoy a winter getaway wit
Think skiing is only for big spenders? Between pricey lift tickets, gear rentals, and mountain meals, a trip to the slopes can add up quickly. But there are ways to cut costs without cutting back on fun.
From eerie side streets to quirky haunted bars, ghost tours can turn familiar places into something extraordinary—even extrasensory. They’re part history lesson, part theater, and part entertainment.
When the sun dips below the horizon and the city goes quiet, history becomes more pronounced. From creaking hotel corridors to shadowy alleys, the stories told after dark can reveal the true spirit of a place.
Cruising offers access to some of Earth’s most magical destinations—and the added convenience of unpacking only once while you travel. Whether you dream of witnessing penguins in Antarctica or floating past storybook villages on the Rhine, it’s time
Is the awe-inspiring open ocean or an undulating river calling your name? Today’s cruise ships are floating realms where each sunrise leads to a new adventure. From cozy thermal spas to adrenaline-pumping slides, there are cruise amenities for every
If food is your favorite travel companion, Chicago may be your ultimate destination in the U.S. Beyond its iconic hot dogs and deep-dish pizza, the Windy City is bursting with flavors that tell stories of immigrant traditions, culinary innovation, an
Dreaming of a city escape that blends world-famous architecture, lakefront beauty, rich history, and dynamic culture? Chicago has it all. From iconic skyscrapers to hidden neighborhood gems, this episode will change the way you see the Windy City.
California’s most unforgettable sights are often far from the tourist trail. They’re the ones you stumble upon by accident or hear about as a whispered recommendation: the beach crowned by a pirate tower, the candy-colored hotel room that feels like
Think you know California? Think again. Beyond the iconic Pacific beaches and Hollywood landmarks lies a whole other side of the Golden State filled with uninhabited islands, offbeat art installations, and otherworldly landscapes you won’t necessaril
What if your next favorite European destination wasn’t a capital city or a tourist hotspot, but somewhere you’ve never even heard of? Maybe it’s a quiet, picturesque seaside village tucked between the French Riviera and the hills of northern Italy. O
If you’re planning your first trip to Bermuda, you’re in for a magical experience. But what sets it apart from the rest of the Caribbean? (For starters, it’s not technically in the Caribbean.) And how do you make the most of a short or long stay to e
Is awe on your itinerary? From massive waterfalls and architectural marvels to unexpected moments in your neighborhood, awe is everywhere–if you know where to look.
In this episode, host Angie Orth is back with health and wellness expert Sandy Cohen
Travel often takes us to beautiful beaches, stunning skylines, and historic landmarks. But what if the most important aspect of escaping the ordinary is the feeling it gives us? That spine-tingling, goosebump-raising sensation you feel when you witne
Ever scroll through your camera roll and wonder why your vacation pics just don’t pop? Whether you're chasing sunsets or filming street food, this episode offers practical advice you can use now to start capturing better quality photos and videos. Fr
Are your vacation pics collecting dust? Or not getting enough traction on social media? Maybe they just aren’t capturing moments the way you remember them? Whether you’re simply traveling with your smartphone or packing your high-end camera, this epi
Rides, fairytales, mythology, and epic snacks…oh my!
Universal’s Epic Universe is making a serious splash on bucket lists everywhere. But where do you even begin to tackle such a monumental, full-on experience so that you can get the most out of y
Think travel insurance is just an optional expense? Think again. With Americans planning to spend $226 billion on travel this year, smart travelers are making insurance non-negotiable.
From missed flights and cruise ports to unexpected illness and i
Stunning pyramids and well-preserved ancient artifacts are reason enough to make Egypt a bucket-list destination. But Egypt offers a rich tapestry of experiences that stretches far beyond its iconic monuments. Pristine coral gardens bloom in the wate
Picture yourself on a sunset cruise, traveling along the same waters that have carried pharaohs, merchants, and dreamers for over five millennia. The Nile River echoes a rhythm as old as civilization itself, where the lifeblood of Egypt flows through
Over the past decade, public art projects have brightened up big cities and small towns alike. Tired old building facades have become blank canvases where local artists have made names for themselves and put their hometowns on the map.
Taking the scenic route can often lead to the most memorable surprises during a trip. Roadside fruit stands, amazing antique stores, and frozen-in-time accommodations can leave lasting impressions.
An off-the-beaten-path hotel or motel room can be more than just a place to rest your travel-weary head at night. These one-of-a-kind properties can be destinations unto themselves, offering both unique charm and local history. Modern interstates hav
Travel can be a great motivator to explore the unknown while pushing your limits. Expanding your comfort zone takes a bit of bravery. The more you challenge yourself, the easier it becomes to do it the next time, learning more about what you’re capab
Travel often takes us to unfamiliar places, challenging the norms that we’re used to facing. Whether we’re navigating unknown streets, trying new foods, or doing our best to communicate with people in different languages, these experiences broaden ou
The captivating beauty of Sicily is well known, especially since being featured in the second season of HBO’s The White Lotus. Even before its recent surge in popularity, the island has long been a favorite destination for foodies, history buffs, and
Imagine yourself soaking up the sun on a sandy beach. You’ve got an addictive murder mystery in one hand and a negroni in the other. It’s a postcard-worthy paradise right out The White Lotus, and you’re loving every minute of it. Sicily’s delicious f
Food is more than just sustenance—it can be a journey, a source of connection, and a window into different cultures. The profound experience of sourcing food firsthand helps us have more appreciation for our meals.
What if you had to hunt, fish, or forage for every meal? In today's global food system, sourcing every ingredient would require a lot of time, effort, and miles. The series From Scratch shines a light on where our food comes from through the lens of
Craving an unforgettable family adventure but feeling overwhelmed by the choices? The world is filled with places where families seeking to escape the ordinary can embark on extraordinary journeys together.
A big family adventure may sound like a great idea, but the planning and perceived stress of family travel could feel overwhelming. Fortunately, there’s a network of parents who have been there, done that, and keep going back for more. They have figu
You’ve packed your camera, rain boots, and passport. You’re ready for your Irish road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way. But before the rubber hits the road, you need to know the lay of the land. What are the most unmissable stops, where are the best
Imagine winding your way along a rugged coastline, pulling over to see towering cliffs plunging into the Atlantic Ocean. Sheep-dotted hills roll out before you, and colorful villages beckon you to stop and explore their charming pubs and local cultur
Film and TV have done more than make us laugh and cry. They inspire us to become explorers of new places. Visiting destinations we’ve seen only through the camera lens puts us in the shoes of our most beloved characters. Their stories become part of
When you see a destination on screen, something magical happens. Whether it’s the Austrian hills where Maria von Trapp twirled or the moody Pacific Northwest atmosphere where Edward and Bella fell in love, the camera has a way of making any filming l
For fans of NASCAR, there are so many destinations to visit in the United States. The only thing left to do is find the right guide—and there’s no one better than a NASCAR champion to inspire your next trip.
What do the Louisville Slugger, Chattanooga Choo Choo, and Allman Brothers Band all have in common? They’re part of the rich fabric of the Southern United States that we’ll explore in this episode of Traveling with AAA.
Spending your vacation sleeping might sound unorthodox. But the truth is that most of us aren’t getting enough sleep. Is it any wonder that sleep tourism is rising in popularity?
Respecting the needs of the body might actually be one of the best w
The delicious Kona coffee culture, rich cultural history, and ever-changing natural landscape are reasons enough to start planning a visit to Hawai‘i’s Big Island. From the volcanic soil to the lush, exotic flora, there’s so much to uncover on Hawai‘
Imagine visiting a living landscape that’s in a constant state of change. The morning birds are bursting with life, and the power of nature surrounds you. You’ve got a whole day of exploring ahead: a morning hike, a midday farm tour, and an evening o
If you’re planning to venture outside of the United States of America in the upcoming year, it’s a good idea to know what’s new and exciting before you narrow down your destination list. Ahead of the new year, we’re sharing the top trending internati
If you’re gearing up for another exciting year of travel, then this episode is for you. We’re taking you on an action-packed and adventurous journey across the United States of America, exploring what’s new and unique for 2025 in the world of travel.
You’ve decided to go for it and plan a wintery journey to gaze up at the stars. And, if you’re lucky, you might even witness the Aurora Borealis with your own eyes. Now, it’s time to narrow down your list of potential dark-sky destinations, so you ca
Picture yourself bundled up in a warm puffy coat, sipping a thermos of hot mulled wine. You’re looking up at the clear night sky, freckled with bright stars in every direction. Suddenly, you notice a hazy fog forming due north. Your guide enthusiasti
Souvenirs are more than objects. They’re how we jog our memories to reflect on the experiences we’ve had exploring the world. They are also thoughtful gestures that let people back home know they are important.
Holding on to the memories of the places we travel through souvenirs is an act of preservation. They are the physical manifestations of our travel experiences captured through the things we buy, collect, and even photograph, along the way.
One of the best aspects of travel is that it offers us an opportunity to escape. Whether it’s from your job or from day-to-day life, going on vacation is your chance to shake up the ordinary, discover new places, and see amazing things.
Are you ready to experience the vibrant colors and rich cultural heritage of Día de Los Muertos? If the sweet smell of pan de muerto is already luring you in, then it’s time to settle on a destination.
If a rich dose of cultural heritage tempts your travel appetite, then visiting a destination where Día de Los Muertos is celebrated might add a new dimension to your worldview. From intricate ofrendas to colorful papel picado, the holiday’s tradition
For a city located in the Mojave desert, Las Vegas certainly is a land of plenty. Plenty to do, that is. From bustling casinos to high-caliber entertainment to some of the hottest restaurants in the country, it’s got something for everyone.
Las Vegas has long been the ultimate destination for fun.Whether you’re into the glamorous shows, high energy of the casinos, or countless options for delicious restaurants, Las Vegas has you covered.
Travel isn’t what it used to be. Flights, hotels, and experiences have become more accessible, and there are a growing number of people exploring the world, choosing to make travel a priority in their lives.
If you had a busy summer, you could possibly open up a whole new world of opportunity and adventure with winter travel to unique and unexpected places. Whether it’s scoring deals at a lesser-known ski resort or heading further south for some winter s
Do you crave a little adrenaline rush every now and then? What about a sense of community? Have you ever considered combining those desires for your next getaway?
Small-group adventure tours are a wonderful way to experience new places and meet new
There’s more to travel than ticking the boxes and experiencing the “must-sees.” Often, the moments we remember most fondly are the encounters that we did not expect.
That’s the concept behind slow travel. It’s about not packing your schedule to th
While we all love to discover different places when we travel, we often plan trips using the same formulaic method: We research, book, and then research and book some more.
On one hand, it makes sense. We want to see as much as we can in the short
Traveling is about seeing unique architecture, exploring new cultures, and basking in the uniqueness of the world. Perhaps most importantly, it’s also about what you’ll eat and drink along the way.
Today, Angie Orth is back with Mark Baker, a freela
You’ve seen Buckingham Palace and Big Ben in London. You’ve taken the elevator to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. You’ve marveled at the grandeur of the Colosseum in Rome. But there’s so much more yet to discover.
Interconnected networks throughout Europe make rail travel one of the best and most romantic ways to see the continent, whether it’s winding through the dramatic Swiss Alps, absorbing the natural solitude of the Scottish Highlands, or glimpsing the l
The American road trip is a quintessential pastime. But if you’re looking for something a bit more international, there are spectacular drives all around the world that are just waiting to be explored.