Traveling with AAA

Latest Episodes:

Smart Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Travel with Sal Vaglica Oct 29, 2026

Show notes

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: TravelingWithAAA.com

5 Things to Know About Small Ship Cruises with Dan and Mikkel Woodruff Oct 22, 2026

Show notes

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: TravelingWithAAA.com

Small Ship Cruising 101 with Dan and Mikkel Woodruff Oct 15, 2026

Show notes

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: TravelingWithAAA.com

Exploring the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza and Indian Canyons in Palm Springs Oct 12, 2026

Show notes

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: TravelingWithAAA.com

5 Spooky Spots in the South with Kinsey Gidick Oct 08, 2026

Show notes

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: TravelingWithAAA.com

The Most Haunted Places in the South with Kinsey Gidick Oct 01, 2026

Show notes

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: TravelingWithAAA.com

5 Packing Tips Every Traveler Needs with Laurie Sep 24, 2026

Show notes

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/
Instagram: https://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/travel

Pack Like a Pro: Secrets to Smarter Travel with Laurie Sep 17, 2026

Show notes

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: TravelingwithAAA.com

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

What to See in Costa Rica with Jen Ruiz Sep 10, 2026

Show notes

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: TravelingWithAAA.com

Navigating Costa Rica with Jen Ruiz Sep 03, 2026

Show notes

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!