Traveling with AAA

The holidays are an exciting time. But between airport delays, layovers, and miles of interstate traffic, the journey can feel anything but joyful. Even with careful planning, hiccups can happen. Fortunately, there are a few tricks you can use to make your travels this season smoother and merrier.

On this episode of Traveling with AAA, host Angie Orth is joined by Sal Vaglica, a New York-based travel and gear journalist whose work has appeared in publications including The Wall Street Journal and Food & Wine. His travel writing includes guides to road trips and getaways between the holidays.

Sal tackles one of the biggest holiday travel questions first: booking. He outlines when to book flights and how to choose your travel dates. Closures and delays can disrupt winter travel, but Sal offers practical advice for preparing and adjusting your plans. From upgrades to driving tips and even getaways between Christmas and New Year’s, he shares the keys to stress-free holiday travel in this quick guide.

What You’ll Learn:

01:28 The best time to book flights for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s

02:53 Travel days to avoid and why date flexibility is your best friend

05:23 Sal’s advice for handling flight delays and connections

11:35 What to know about driving and winter weather

12:47 Why Sal believes the stretch between Christmas and New Year's is an underrated travel window

14:28 Quick but exciting getaways to plan between the holidays

16:32 Why you shouldn’t rule out a holiday road trip

Connect with: Sal Vaglica

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salvaglica/

Articles: https://www.insidehook.com/author/salvaglica

Got a hot holiday travel tip? Tell us about it in the comments!

Connect with AAA:

Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Podcast: http://travelingwithaaa.com

Small ship cruising offers a more intimate way to explore. With fewer passengers on board, there’s more opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers and settle into life on the water.

Host Angie Orth continues her conversation with Dan and Mikkel Woodruff, the founders of Sometimes Sailing and co-hosts of the Small Ship Cruise Talk podcast. They’ve taken dozens of cruises, including a small ship voyage in Alaska and a barge trip along a French canal, and devoted their podcast to sharing what they’ve learned.

In this episode, the pair share the top five things to know about small ship cruising, including what to know before booking, the mistakes to avoid, unexpected perks, and what life is really like on board.

What You’ll Learn:

01:29 How to make the most of your time aboard a small ship cruise

03:12 An onboard perk to keep in mind when packing for your trip

04:03 How small ship cruising can lead to lifelong friendships

05:56 The insider tip that maximizes your adventure and helps you make the most of your trip

06:45 How to budget for a small ship cruise

Connect with Dan and Mikkel Woodruff:

Sometimes Sailing: https://sometimessailing.com/

Small Ship Cruise Talk podcast: https://smallshipcruisetalk.com/

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@sometimes-sailing

Instagram: https://instagram.com/sometimessailing

What do you want to explore on a small ship cruise? Tell us in the comments!

Connect with AAA:

Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Podcast: http://travelingwithaaa.com

Picture yourself sailing around a river bend, with nothing to do but take in the view.. How about gliding down a canal on a barge with just a few fellow passengers? Small ship cruising offers travelers a chance to explore with fewer crowds. Think quieter decks, familiar faces, and a more intimate journey.

In this episode, host Angie Orth welcomes Dan and Mikkel Woodruff, the founders of Sometimes Sailing and the co-hosts of Small Ship Cruise Talk, a podcast dedicated exclusively to small ship cruising. Together, they’ve taken dozens of cruises and developed a love for the pace and adventure of traveling on a smaller ship.

You’ll learn the dos and don’ts of small ship travel, including how to plan, budget, and pack ahead of your trip. The pair also share some of their favorite experiences and destinations, offering a firsthand look at what makes small ship cruising special.

What You’ll Learn:

02:11 What makes the small ship experience unique

05:58 How the atmosphere differs on small and large cruise ships

07:25 What an Alaskan expedition cruise is like

11:39 The tiny French barge that feels like a floating boutique hotel

16:34 Why the castles along the Rhine are a highlight of river cruising

23:54 What you can expect to pay for a small ship trip

29:16 How to choose the right small ship adventure

Connect with Dan and Mikkel Woodruff:

Sometimes Sailing: https://sometimessailing.com/

Small Ship Cruise Talk podcast: https://smallshipcruisetalk.com/

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@sometimes-sailing

Instagram: https://instagram.com/sometimessailing

What’s your dream small ship cruise destination? Tell us in the comments!

Connect with AAA:

Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Podcast: http://travelingwithaaa.com

Imagine a museum with interactive exhibits that highlight the rich culture of the land it rests on and its first inhabitants. Now imagine a world-class spa with sacred hot mineral springs set against picturesque desert scenery. That is exactly the treat you’re in for at the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza, a destination dubbed one of the world's greatest places by Time magazine.



In this episode, host Angie Orth welcomes Anthony W. Purnel, vice chairman of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, to discuss the Indian Canyons in Palm Springs. As a descendant of the Patencio family, Anthony speaks about the history of the Agua Caliente people deeply rooted in the land.

You’ll learn all about the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum and its artefacts dating back more than 8,400 years, and The Spa at Séc-he with healing waters that have been flowing for more than 12,000 years. Beyond the one-of-a-kind experiences, the conversation will inspire you to visit and to see the land here in a whole new light.

What You’ll Learn:

1:10 Discover what makes the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza unique

8:42 The history of the Kawasick clan and Patencio family in Palm Springs

11:11 Why the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum’s interactive exhibits are a must-see destination

23:56 The significance of The Spa at Séc-he and why it’s one of the top-ranked spas in the world

32:02 Anthony’s tips for planning your visit to Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza

36:08 The story behind the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza’s unique architecture

Connect with Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza:

Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza website: https://aguacalienteculturalplaza.com/

Indian Canyons website: https://www.indian-canyons.com/

What’s on your Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza itinerary? Cultural Museum? Hot Springs? Tell us in the comments!

Connect with AAA:

Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Podcast: http://travelingwithaaa.com

Haunted houses and ghost tours are having a moment right now, and the South has become one of the best destinations for both.

Host Angie Orth continues her conversation with travel writer and passionate Southern explorer Kinsey Gidick. She was once the editor-in-chief of the Charleston City Paper in South Carolina and now contributes to publications such as AAA Explorer, Travel + Leisure, Smithsonian Magazine, Wall Street Journal, Garden & Gun, and Fodor’s Travel.

This time, Kinsey counts down her five favorite haunts in the South: a Richmond cemetery steeped in history, a hotel that offers good value and a chilling story, a scary stop for nature lovers, the region's most underrated haunted city, and her pick for a ghostly long weekend.

What You’ll Learn:

00:50 Why this Richmond, Virginia cemetery tops Kinsey’s list for seriously spooky places

01:58 The hotel that gives you the most bang for your buck and a chilling story to tell

03:23 Where to go if you love nature and want a scare

04:45 The most underrated city for haunting experiences

05:47 Kinsey’s top location for a long ghostly weekend

Connect with: Kinsey Gidick

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kgidick/

Website:https://www.kinseygidick.com/

What city is on your bucket list? Tell us about it in the comments!



Connect with AAA:

Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Podcast: http://travelingwithaaa.com

Looking for a little fright on your next trip? In the South, you can take a ghost tour through a historic cemetery, visit a battlefield with a ghostly reputation, or spend the night in a supposedly haunted hotel.

On this episode of Traveling with AAA, host Angie Orth speaks with Kinsey Gidick, a travel writer who has spent years exploring the South. Drawing on her recent National Geographic story about Charleston’s haunted spots, Kinsey shares tales of hotel apparitions, historic cemeteries, and a restaurant with an unexpected bathroom visitor

The conversation ventures beyond Charleston to a remote Virginia state park, Civil War battlefields, Colonial Williamsburg, and historic canal lockhouses where travelers can spend the night. Kinsey explains what draws visitors to these places, suggests how to plan a Charleston getaway, and offers advice for finding a ghost tour with a knowledgeable storyteller.

A former editor-in-chief of the Charleston City Paper, Kinsey contributes to AAA Explorer, Travel + Leisure, Smithsonian Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Garden & Gun, and Fodor’s Travel. She also once worked at a Charleston inn where guests regularly arrived at her desk with ghost stories of their own.

What You’ll Learn:

02:45 The history and charm that make the South an exciting destination

05:33 The Confederate ghost of Charleston, South Carolina, Kinsey explored for her story

08:28 Why haunted hotels are having a moment right now

10:27 What to know about the historic cemetery walking tours in Charleston

15:07 Spooky sights to check out in Virginia

17:14 Kinsey’s recommendations for battlefield tours

29:28 Kinsey’s tips for vetting ghost and haunted house tours

Connect with: Kinsey Gidick

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kgidick/

Website:https://www.kinseygidick.com/

What kind of spooky adventure are you into? Tell us about it in the comments!

Connect with AAA:

Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Podcast: http://travelingwithaaa.com

Packing for a trip is rarely fun. In fact, it can be downright stressful. Fortunately, Laurie has the keys to success. As a pilot's wife, she’s traveled the world, often on standby, and picked up lots of tricks along the way. Her passion became a business, and today she shares her knowledge with thousands of followers across her YouTube channel, Travel Tips by Laurie, and blog by the same name.

In this episode, Laurie sits down with host Angie Orth to share some of her favorite packing tips. She covers her favorite type of luggage, her non-negotiable carry-on items, and the number one thing travelers should stress less about when packing for a trip.

What You’ll Learn:

00:29 Laurie’s favorite luggage and bag brands

01:34 The tech items no woman should be without when traveling alone

02:43 Packing with compression cubes 101

05:55 Laurie’s favorite carry-on items, including an astronaut-approved eyeglass cleaner

Connect with Laurie:

• YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@TravelTipsbyLaurie
• Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/traveltipsbylaurie
• Website + Blog: https://traveltipsbylaurie.com/

Connect with Angie Orth:

• Website +Blog:https://angieaway.com/https://angieaway.com//
• Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/angieaway/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/angieaway

Connect with AAA:

• LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaa-auto-club-enterprises
• Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises
• Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Traveling with AAA Podcast: TravelingwithAAA.com

Plan your next vacation with AAA:https://aaa.com/travelhttps://aaa.com/travel

Whether you’re exploring the world or traveling across the States, worrying about overpacking or lost luggage is the last thing you want to do. Packing may never be your favorite part of a trip, but the right tips can make it less of a chore. That’s where Laurie and her packing expertise come in.

On this episode of Traveling with AAA, host Angie Orth speaks with travel content creator and educator Laurie, who has built a career around helping people pack light. As a pilot's wife with over 20 years of travel experience, she’s picked up plenty of tricks for making the most of her luggage space and easing the stress of travel days. She shares advice on carry-on-only packing, navigating airport security, planning outfits, and keeping essentials close at hand.

Her YouTube channel and blog, Travel Tips by Laurie, have become a resource for many travelers looking for efficient travel hacks. Forget schlepping a rolling suitcase through cobblestone streets or worrying about overpacking—Laurie has insightful ways to help you make the most of your travels.

What You’ll Learn:

7:52 The shoe packing hack that saves you valuable luggage space

10:02 Laurie’s packing strategy for women over 50 traveling to warm and cold climates

13:07 The mental hurdle to tackle when attempting carry-on only travel for the first time

27:01 How many outfits to pack for a week-long trip

32:39 The one storage place you’re probably overlooking

43:42 Why you should consider becoming a carry-on-only traveler

Connect with Laurie:

YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@TravelTipsbyLaurie

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/traveltipsbylaurie

Website + Blog: https://traveltipsbylaurie.com/

What’s your biggest packing hurdle? Tell us about it in the comments!

Connect with AAA:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaa-auto-club-enterprises

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Traveling with AAA Podcast:https://www.ace.aaa.com/travel/information/traveling-with-aaa-podcast/episode-7-hawaii-for-first-timers.htmlTravelingwithAAA.com

Plan your next vacation with AAA:https://aaa.com/travelhttps://aaa.com/travel

It’s hard to imagine a more beautiful place than Costa Rica. With its hot springs, beaches, volcanoes, wildlife, and wonderful food, the country truly is the definition of paradise.

Host Angie Orth continues her conversation with travel journalist, author, and TEDx speaker Jen Ruiz, who has written about her adventures for outlets such as The Washington Post, AFAR, and Condé Nast Traveler.

Today she takes us to Costa Rica, sharing her favorite moments from her recent cross-country road trip, including restaurant and zip line experiences no traveler should skip.

What You’ll Learn:

40:29 The natural force that powers the renowned hot springs

41:14 The must-see national park with an equally cool restaurant

44:19 A quick guide to zip lining at one of Costa Rica’s most sought-after locations

45:29 Quintessential wildlife to look out for

Connect with Jen Ruiz:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/jenonajetplane

X: https://www.twitter.com/jenonajetplane

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenonajetplane

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUhkH8oFJZxsJCxu6nGVcLQ

What’s on your Costa Rica bucket list? Zip lining, rainforest hikes, volcanoes? Tell us about it in the comments!

Connect with AAA:

Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Podcast: http://travelingwithaaa.com

Costa Rica’s signature phrase, pura vida, captures the spirit of the country and its many adventures: coastlines where monkeys swing through the trees, zip lines stretching across iconic cloud forest canopies, and gorgeous views of volcanoes. Costa Rica’s natural beauty is unmatched, and it keeps travelers coming back.

In this episode, host Angie Orth is joined by Jen Ruiz, a travel journalist who recently completed a road trip across Costa Rica. Her work has appeared in outlets including The Washington Post, AFAR, and Condé Nast Traveler. She’s also the author of several books, including The Solo Female Travel Book and You Need a Vacation! How to Travel with a Full-Time Job. Beyond her writing, Jen is a three-time TEDx speaker known for championing the power of solo travel.

Jen recounts her cross-country trip, highlighting Costa Rica’s must-see destinations and sharing tips to make the most of your experience. From navigating potholes to hiking through the rainforest and finding the best zip line, she covers the essentials for every type of traveler seeking to explore the country.

What You’ll Learn:

3:45 What makes Costa Rica special and why people love coming back

17:41 Why Treetopia is one of the best places to zip line in Costa Rica

20:17 The must-see small town that’s filled with exciting activities

25:51 What to know before visiting the national parks

34:04 The best way to plan your Costa Rica trip

Connect with Jen Ruiz:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/jenonajetplane

X: https://www.twitter.com/jenonajetplane

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenonajetplane

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUhkH8oFJZxsJCxu6nGVcLQ

What’s on your Costa Rica bucket list? Zip lining, rainforest hikes, volcanoes? Tell us about it in the comments!

Connect with AAA:

Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Podcast: http://travelingwithaaa.com

Some of the most memorable stops in and around Newfoundland and Labrador are also among the easiest to overlook: a tiny French territory just off the Canadian coast, a fishing village with no cell signal, and a national park often compared to Banff and Jasper. This episode takes a tour through the corners of Newfoundland and Labrador that even the most seasoned travelers could miss.

Host Angie Orth continues her conversation with travel journalist Christopher Mitchell, who spent a month living in Newfoundland and Labrador as a writer-in-residence. Christopher digs deeper into the province's most underrated destinations and the moments that surprised him most.

You'll learn about a French territory hiding just off the coast, why the Viking Trail is worth the drive, and which national park rivals Canada's most famous. Christopher also shares his pick for the most authentic stop on his trip and the ideal window for chasing icebergs and whales.

What You’ll Learn:

0:13 The French territory off the coast that most travelers don't know exists

2:12 Why the Viking Trail is worth the drive

5:19 The park that rivals Banff and Jasper

7:34 The most authentic stop on Christopher's trip

10:56 The best window for iceberg chasing and whale watching

Connect with Christopher Mitchell:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelingmitch/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travelingmitch/

Website: https://www.travelingmitch.com/

What’s the best place you’ve visited that you almost missed? Let us know in the comments!

Connect with AAA:

Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Podcast: http://travelingwithaaa.com

In Newfoundland and Labrador, hospitality feels less like a service than a way of life. Travel through Canada’s easternmost province, and you’ll experience how deeply locals care about their home.

Host Angie Orth is joined by travel journalist Christopher Mitchell, a Toronto native who spent a month living in Newfoundland and Labrador as a writer-in-residence. Christopher shares what drew him to the province and why its culture left a lasting mark on how he travels.



You'll learn what sets Newfoundland and Labrador apart from the rest of Canada, with its deep Irish roots and its complicated fishing history. Christopher unpacks the region's unmatched hospitality, the patience required to travel it well, and how local traditions help visitors feel at home.

What You’ll Learn:

1:04 Why Christopher was drawn to Newfoundland and Labrador

5:06 A hospitality story that captures the province's spirit

10:48 The unforgettable trip to Battle Harbor and a surprise concert

21:52 Why respecting the weather and slowing down changes how you experience the region

32:39 The tradition of “getting screeched in” and why locals want you to join the family

Connect with Christopher Mitchell:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelingmitch/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travelingmitch/

Website: https://www.travelingmitch.com/

What's the most memorable act of hospitality you've experienced while traveling? Share it in the comments!

Connect with AAA:

Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Podcast: http://travelingwithaaa.com

Japan’s most photographed sacred sites may draw the largest crowds, but quieter temples and shrines can be just as memorable. Taking the time to explore beyond the best-known landmarks can offer visitors a broader appreciation of the country’s religious traditions, architecture, and history.

In this episode, host Angie Orth continues her conversation with Chris Peskosky and Alex Murphy, the travel content creators behind It's Chris and Alex. The pair share more of their favorite discoveries from traveling through Japan, including the most underrated shrines and which temples are worth the extra effort to reach.

You'll hear which shrine surprised them the most, why some of the region's most photographed sites are still worth the crowds, and the practical habits that make traveling in Japan easier. Chris and Alex also share the story behind Nara's largest Buddha statue and a piece of advice that catches almost every first-time visitor off guard.

What You’ll Learn:

0:17 Kyoto's most underrated shrine, dedicated to star-crossed lovers

3:18 The hidden temple trek that leads to a secluded bamboo grove

4:37 Why Fushimi Inari's iconic gates still live up to the hype

7:07 Inside Nara's Todaiji Temple and its massive bronze Buddha

10:11 The one packing tip every visitor to Japan needs to know

Connect with Chris and Alex:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itschrisandalex/

Website: https://www.itschrisandalex.com/

Have you been to Japan? What was your most memorable experience? Tell us in the comments!

Connect with AAA:

Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Podcast: http://travelingwithaaa.com

Taking time to understand local customs can help travelers explore Japan more thoughtfully and respectfully. Learning the etiquette associated with a shrine visit, an onsen soak, or even a train ride can deepen your appreciation of everyday life and traditions in Japan.

Host Angie Orth talks with Chris Peskosky and Alex Murphy, the travel content creators behind It's Chris and Alex. The pair has spent extensive time exploring Japan and built a following by helping travelers experience the country the way locals do.



You'll learn about etiquette at sacred sites, from approaching a torii gate to taking part in a shrine's prayer ritual. Chris and Alex also share what to expect during a traditional bathhouse visit, how to behave respectfully on Japan's famously punctual trains, and the unwritten rules for interacting with some beloved animal residents.

What You’ll Learn:

1:21 The traditional ryokan stay that made them fall in love with returning to Japan

9:29 How to tell a shrine from a temple, and what each gate signals

12:36 The proper etiquette for praying at a shrine

23:17 What actually happens inside a traditional Japanese onsen

31:44 Meeting Nara's famous bowing deer, and how to handle them

Connect with Chris and Alex:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itschrisandalex/

Website: https://www.itschrisandalex.com/

What are you most excited to see and experience in Japan? Tell us in the comments!

Connect with AAA:

Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Podcast: http://travelingwithaaa.com

A pickleball court with the Rockies rising in the distance. A game played beside glaciers off the coast of Alaska. A lesson on the grounds of a historic château in the French countryside. For a fast-growing wave of travelers, a love of pickleball is inspiring vacation destinations at home and abroad.

In this episode, host Angie Orth is joined by Joey Skladany, a travel journalist and avid pickleball player who has taken his game to some of the world's most extraordinary settings. He recently shared his favorite pickleball travel destinations for AAA Explorer and Westways magazines, and today he's breaking down why pickleball and travel are a perfect pair.

Joey explains why pickleball has become the world's fastest-growing sport, which domestic and international destinations are leading the charge in pickleball-focused hospitality, and how everyday travelers can find a game or a lesson no matter where they land. From bucket-list courts at the sport's birthplace to ultra-luxury games in Jamaica, this episode covers every level of the pickleball travel experience.

What You’ll Learn:

3:21 Why pickleball's multigenerational appeal has made it the fastest-growing sport in the world

8:54 The ultimate active traveler's retreat in the birthplace of pickleball

14:11 What makes Palm Springs one of the friendliest places to pick up a paddle

21:05 Up-and-coming pickleball destinations

29:13 How to pack smart for your pickleball vacation

Connect with Joey Skladany:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joeyskladany/

Website: https://www.joeyskladany.com/

Read more at: https://www.ace.aaa.com/pickleball

Have YOU tried Pickleball? Which destination is on your bucket list? Tell us in the comments!

Connect with AAA:

Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Beach or no beach, island or mainland, the Caribbean refuses to fit into one neat box. The range is far more diverse than the tourism brochures let on, whether it’s a volcanic island with zero sand or a mainland destination that still feels unmistakably Caribbean.

Host Angie Orth continues her conversation with Matt Meltzer, a Lowell Thomas Award-winning travel journalist and former Marine who writes about food and travel for Thrillist, Matador Network, and his own newsletter, The Leftovers Miami.

You'll learn how to reframe your idea of a Caribbean vacation. Matt breaks down how much physical ability different islands really require—and how food shapes where he chooses to explore next.

What You’ll Learn:

0:22 The one mindset shift that opens up an entirely different kind of Caribbean trip

0:57 How to approach an island with no beaches, and the wild story tied to its waters

2:47 A destination that isn't even an island

4:33 What kind of fitness level you need for the region's most demanding hiking trails

7:50 The flavors that shape how Matt decides where to eat and explore next

Connect with Matt Meltzer:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meltrez1/

Are you planning a trip to a lesser-known Caribbean destination? Tell us in the comments!

Connect with AAA:

Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Podcast: http://travelingwithaaa.com

Most travelers see only a sliver of what the Caribbean actually has to offer. Beyond the beaches and duty-free shops lie hidden waterfalls, active volcanoes, centuries-old ruins, and cultures barely touched by tourism.

Host Angie Orth sits down with Matt Meltzer, a Lowell Thomas Award-winning travel journalist and former Marine who writes about food and travel for Thrillist, Matador Network, and his own newsletter, The Leftovers Miami. Recorded at the Beach House Hilton in Fort Lauderdale, the conversation explores what separates an authentic travel experience from a manufactured one, and why the Caribbean has far more to offer than white sand beaches.

You'll learn how to gauge a destination's real culture before you book, and why a cruise stop rarely gives you a true sense of a place. Matt also shares blunt, practical advice for travelers ready to move beyond the usual itineraries—and explains the mindset it takes to make those trips worth the extra effort.

What You’ll Learn:

7:19 The unspoiled queen of the Caribbean

12:44 The surprising history behind “Statia”

17:01 A destination that rewards hikers who are willing to work

27:08 Savannas and jungles with anteaters, giant otters, and a Wild West spirit

34:18 Secluded beaches when you push past the tourist hot spots on a popular island

Connect with Matt Meltzer:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meltrez1/

Which lesser-known Caribbean destination are you most excited to explore? Tell us in the comments!

Connect with AAA:

Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Podcast: http://travelingwithaaa.com

Europa Park has a coaster that drops you inside the Phantom of the Opera. Knoebels, in rural Pennsylvania, has free admission and food that tastes like a real home-cooked meal. Neither one is a household name, but they just might be the best theme park days you'll ever have.

In this episode, host Angie Orth continues her conversation with Zachary Laks, travel journalist and theme park expert who has written for Fodor’s, The Points Guy, and Lonely Planet. He shares his favorite, most underrated parks worth going out of your way for.

You'll learn which European parks belong on your travel itinerary, why family-owned parks often outperform the big chains, and the single unmissable ride Zachary would book a flight for right now.

What You’ll Learn:

0:26 Why Europa Park is the essential first stop for any European theme park itinerary

3:23 What keeps wooden coaster loyalists coming back to Knoebels in Pennsylvania

5:16 How to make the case for adding Efteling to a European trip

8:22 Why independent, family-owned parks deliver a guest experience the big chains can't replicate

10:01 The one ride at Silver Dollar City that Zachary would hop on a plane for today

Connect with Zachary Laks

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachlaks/

Website: https://www.zacharylaks.com/

Which theme park are you adding to your itinerary? Tell us in the comments!

Connect with AAA:

Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Podcast: http://travelingwithaaa.com

Some of the most exhilarating theme parks in the world have no mascot and no movie franchise behind them. What they do have is decades of obsessive craftsmanship, immersive storytelling, and rides good enough to build a trip around.

In this episode, host Angie Orth is joined by Zachary Laks, a travel journalist and theme park expert who has written for Fodor’s, The Points Guy, and Lonely Planet. Before covering the world's parks, Zachary spent more than 20 years as a theater producer, which sharpened his eye for what separates a good theme park experience from an unforgettable one.

You'll learn what makes a theme park memorable, which underrated domestic and European parks deserve a spot on your travel list, and why 2026 may be the most exciting year yet for thrill-seekers.

What You’ll Learn:

3:18 The three qualities that separate a great theme park from a merely fun one

8:51 Why Europa Park in Germany keeps winning Best Theme Park Worldwide

16:35 What makes Silver Dollar City and other regional parks worth a road trip

21:47 Budget-friendly parks where you can stretch your dollar (or euro)

26:04 Why you should add a theme park day to your European itinerary

Connect with Zachary Laks

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachlaks/

Website: https://www.zacharylaks.com/

What's a theme park that surprised you? Share it in the comments!

Connect with AAA:

Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Podcast: http://travelingwithaaa.com

You're standing at the gate, boarding pass in hand. Then the flight board flashes “cancelled”, your bag doesn't show up on the carousel, or you wake up on day two feeling under the weather in an unfamiliar place. These things can happen to even the most seasoned travelers.

Host Angie Orth welcomes back Daniel Durazo, Director of External Communications at Allianz Partners USA, for a conversation recorded at the Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront in Richmond, Virginia. Daniel is one of the most trusted voices in travel protection, helping travelers navigate everything from canceled flights to medical emergencies abroad.



You'll hear how travel insurance actually works, the lesser-known benefits most travelers don't realize they have access to, and why buying coverage the moment you book is the smartest move you can make.

What You’ll Learn:

2:51 Why this year has tested even the most seasoned travelers

9:25 How rising travel costs change the case for protecting your investment

14:19 The core protections of travel insurance and the lesser-known benefits

26:14 Where Americans are traveling this year and why younger travelers are driving international trips

32:02 How extreme weather and hurricane season are reshaping when and how people buy coverage

Connect with Daniel Durazo:

Previous Episode: Traveling Unprotected? Why Travel Insurance is Worth It with Daniel Durazo

What's the closest call you've had while traveling? Share it in the comments!

Connect with AAA:

Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Podcast: http://travelingwithaaa.com