Episodes

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. Today, host Angie Orth welcomes Caroline Eubanks, author of This Is My South: The Essential Travel Guide to the Southern States. She is a seasoned travel writer who has covered the South (and beyond) for publications such as Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, National Geogra...

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 ways to spend those coveted vacation days. Today, Angie Orth is back with sleep expert Dr. Rebecca Robbins and Amanda Al-Masri, Hilton’s global vice president of wellness. You’ll hear how to navigate an unfamiliar hotel bed and learn the most importan...

If you’ve been craving better shut-eye when traveling, consider the rising trend of sleep tourism. From pillow menus to professionally hosted sleep retreats, it’s never been more exciting to plan the perfect getaway for a good night’s rest. Today, Angie Orth welcomes two professionals who can help you plan the sleep vacation of your dreams. Dr. Rebecca Robbins is a sleep expert and author of Sleep for Success! Amanda Al-Masri is Hilton’s global vice president of wellness and oversees sleep hea...

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‘i’s largest landmass. Today, Angie Orth is back with Rob Taylor, an expert on Hawai‘i and the creator of the LGBTQ+ family travel blog 2TravelDads. He shared his insider knowledge of the Big Island in our previous episode, and now he’s here to revea...

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 of delicious food as you learn about a proud culture. There’s no place else you’d rather be in the world right now than Hawai‘i’s Big Island. Today, Angie Orth welcomes Rob Taylor. He is an expert on Hawai‘i who has visited countless times and has wr...

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 international travel destinations for 2025. Today, Angie Orth is back with Westways and AAA Explorer editor-in-chief Jim Benning and senior features editor Derrik J. Lang. They’re recommending a handful of destinations that are offering something fresh for v...

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. Today, Angie Orth welcomes Westways and AAA Explorer editor-in-chief Jim Benning and senior features editor Derrik Lang. Our very own in-house travel experts have chosen the most buzzworthy U.S. destinations for 2025, and their choices are as diver...

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 can book your trip and start planning your cold-weather wardrobe. Today, Traveling with AAA host Angie Orth is back with travel and space tourism writer Valerie Stimac. The Alaska native and author of Lonely Planet’s Dark Skies: A Practical Guide to A...

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 enthusiastically grabs the camera and announces that this is it. The moment you’ve been waiting for … You’re about to meet the Aurora Borealis. If you’ve been dreaming of a celestial vacation, then experiencing the majestic phenomenon of the Northern Lights s...

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. That’s why selecting souvenirs can be considered an art form. Sometimes, it’s as simple as buying a kitschy shot glass or tea towel. Other times, the objects we choose might hold deeper significance. Knowing how to select the best keepsakes at the right moment for the intended recipient ...

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 travel writer Rolf Potts. He has reported from more than seventy countries and six continents for publ...

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. However, it’s important to remember that no matter where you go, you’re still in the real world. And sometimes, the real world can get bumpy. That’s where travel advisories come in. They exist to help us make informed decisions about our destinations. But with a...

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. There are so many options to choose from when it comes to places to experience Day of the Dead, whether it’s a festive city celebration or a more traditional community event. It just comes down to deciding which one is right for you. Today, Angie Orth is back with Mathew Sandoval, a professor at...

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 traditions are both beautiful and impactful. Today, Angie Orth welcomes Lauren Cocking and Mathew Sandoval. Cocking is a Mexico City–based freelance travel writer who has written extensively about traveling in Mexico and Day of the Dead for publications such...

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. However, a bright-lights-big-city vibe isn’t the only trick that Vegas has up its sleeve. For nature lovers, the Vegas area offers a full house of fresh air and outdoor fun. Today, Angie Orth is back with Melinda Sheckells. As a Las Vegas local, she knows t...

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. Las Vegas is a city that never sleeps, especially when it comes to introducing fresh and innovative experiences like the Sphere, Spiegelworld’s DiscoShow, and Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart at AREA15. With so much to see, do, and–of course–eat, it’s a good idea to plan ahead. Today, Angie Orth welcomes ...

When you travel, you’re experiencing a new place as a visitor. You’re exploring villages, towns, and cities that others call home. Following the Golden Rule is one way to ensure you’re being a respectful traveler. But there are even more ways to boost your savvy-traveler ranking so you can navigate the unfamiliar like a pro. Today, Angie Orth is back with Molly O’Brien, an experienced travel writer who knows a thing or two about traveling courteously. She’s written for Travel + Leisure, Condé...

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. As travel has become more affordable around the globe, people are packing their bags and joining that security line at the airport, which can lead to longer wait times, more crowded flights, and busier destinations. Not only does that put stress on the most sought-after places in the trave...

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 sun on your shoulders, taking a winter vacation has never sounded better. Today, Angie Orth is back with Chadner Navarro. In our previous episode, he shared his favorite winter travel destinations. Now he’s revealing his top tips for planning off-pea...

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, Travel + Leisure, The Wall Street Journal, Food & Wine, and Vogue.com. As an off-peak traveler and sk...

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 people with the trusted guidance of an expert. Today, Angie Orth welcomes Jill Robinson, an adventure travel enthusiast who has written for Westways, AAA Explorer, Travel + Leisure, and Afar. She has traveled the world, often choosing small-group ad...

If you want to visit a unique region on the high seas, then the Canadian Maritimes should be on your bucket list. Cruising the North Atlantic is the ultimate way to experience the beauty, dive deep into the culture, and eat all of the seafood you can devour in this flavorful region of Eastern Canada. Today, Angie Orth is back with blogger and cruise expert Ilana Schattauer. She’s sharing her most valuable tips for planning and packing for your Maritimes adventure. You’ll hear about the histor...

Are you looking for lesser-known destinations that feel a world away, but do not require flying around the globe? Bonus question: Do you want to see different places but only deal with unpacking your bags once? Nestled in the northeast corner of North America, there is a region where you can explore a wide range of breathtaking landscapes, enjoy temperate weather, see historic cities, towns, and villages, and fill your plate with abundant fresh seafood. Cruising this region makes the deal even...

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 the brim. Instead, it’s about leaving room for the unexpected. In our previous episode, you heard stories about the most enriching and endearing experiences that become possible when you loosen up your itinerary. If you’re searching for more authenticit...