Traveling with AAA

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, taking you on a deeper journey through its history and culture. In this episode, host Angie Orth welcomes travel writer and musician Edmund Vallance to...

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, the hardest part isn't finding a party—it's choosing which one to attend. In this episode, host Angie Orth reconnects with travel experts Barbara Noe...

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 the vaults, while in Boston Harbor, an international fleet of tall ships will arrive with billowing sails—just as they did when a revolution was born....

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 drive into an unforgettable adventure. In this episode, host Angie Orth is back with travel journalist and filmmaker Karuna Eberl to break down Route 66...

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 A to point B. It's about embracing the journey as America's most iconic highway turns 100. In this episode, host Angie Orth welcomes Karuna Eberl, a t...

The words “summer” and “vacation” have always gone together. Summer travel is certainly wonderful, but it’s not the only time to vacation.  If you’re looking for great deals, fewer crowds, and more travel flexibility, then taking a trip during the winter might be right up your alley.  Today, Angie Orth welcomes Chadner Navarro, a seasoned travel writer who has contributed to Condé Nast Traveler, T...

Where are you celebrating New Year’s Eve this year? It’s a question that feels exciting and a bit nerve-racking at the same time.  New Year’s Eve is both a beginning and an end. It’s bidding farewell to the year that’s passed, and welcoming the new one in the best way possible. Naturally, we want to celebrate in a place that feels special. Today, Angie Orth welcomes a pair of trusted travel expert...

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.  Souvenirs are meaningful not only for ourselves, but they’re also a way of sharing those stories with others when we return home. Today, Angie Orth welcomes tra...

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? Whether you’re looking for centuries-old European charm, vibrant Asian street markets, or Australian coastal wonders, 2026 is the year for extraordinary in...

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 independence prepare for the celebration of a lifetime. 2026 is shaping up to be  a milestone year, one  in which  extraordinary—yet often overlooked—destina...

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 ripple through communities in ways we might not notice. But what if small, thoughtful shifts could transform your trips into meaningful exchanges tha...

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 back against over-tourism. And as travelers, it's time we listen. In this episode, host Angie Orth welcomes Daniel Maurer, a James Beard Award-winning f...

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 Southern classics, Nashville’s kitchens are humming with the same creative energy that fuels its stages. In this episode, host Angie Orth welcomes Nashvill...

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. In this episode, host Angie Orth joins Grand Ole Opry Vice President and Executive Producer Dan Rogers to uncover what makes the Opry a cultural cornerstone. Then, country music star and Na...

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 beauty goes far beyond the bush. Traveling with AAA host Angie Orth chats with Alexandra Owens, a seasoned travel journalist who focuses on outdoor adventu...

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 without draining your bank account. In this episode, host Angie Orth is back with travel journalist Melissa McGibbon, who shares her top five hacks for s...

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.  In this episode, host Angie Orth is joined by travel journalist and lifelong skier Melissa McGibbon, who grew up just minutes from Alta Ski Area in Utah. With years of experience covering ski des...

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. However, not all tours are created equal, and some offer experiences that go far beyond the usual gimmicks. It’s all about knowing which tours are worth including in your travel plans. In this episode...

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. Ghost tours can help us see the personal side behind the places we visit, balancing goose bumps with grounded history. You leave these places with more than a fright. You gain context that e...

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 to chart your next unforgettable voyage. Traveling with AAA host Angie Orth is back with cruise expert and travel journalist Meena Thiruvengadam to sh...

**You can Win a trip to Walt Disney World** The Grand Prize is for 1 winner and up to three (3) guests at Walt Disney World® Resort.  Runner-Up Prizes will be one of 10 Disney Gift Cards valued at $50. You can enter via the form here: https://aaa-text.co/podcast The holidays at Walt Disney World are more than twinkling lights and parades—they’re about the unforgettable little details that make eac...

**You can Win a trip to Walt Disney World** The Grand Prize is for 1 winner and up to three (3) guests at Walt Disney World® Resort.  Runner-Up Prizes will be one of 10 Disney Gift Cards valued at $50. You can enter via the form here: https://aaa-text.co/podcast From spooky nights to festive lights, Walt Disney World transforms during the fall and holiday season into something truly unforgettable....

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 kind of traveler. In this episode, Traveling with AAA host Angie Orth welcomes cruise super-fan and travel journalist Meena Thiruvengadam to reveal th...

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, and neighborhood pride. Every corner offers something delicious, whether you’re savoring a Michelin-starred tasting menu, lining up for a beloved Italia...

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. Today host Angie Orth welcomes Kit Bernardi, a Chicago native and travel journalist, on the rooftop of the Virgin Hotel in Chicago. She’ll reveal the st...