Traveling with AAA

Latest Episodes:

How to Choose the Best African Safari with Sherwin Banda May 23, 2024

Show notes

You’re dreaming about seeing African wildlife up close and personal (safely, of course), sleeping under the stars, and waking up to the tantalizing smells of breakfast being cooked over the coals of a hot campfire.

There’s just one problem …

How do you narrow it down when there’s an entire continent to explore?

Today, Angie Orth welcomes Sherwin Banda back for another all-you-need-to-know safari session. As an expert in just about every type of safari you could dream up, the president of African Travel shares his top recommendations to help you nail down the right experience for your needs and budget.

You’ll hear about the wide breadth of safari experiences across the continent of Africa. You’ll get the best recommendations of which countries to visit based on what you want to see and do, whether you’re the type who likes to rough it, or if you’re looking for a more high-touch excursion.

What You’ll Learn:

The most majestic wildlife safari and where to see it (0:47)
Where you’ll find the most breathtaking landscapes (1:49)
A safari for the outdoorsy type (2:49)
Where to safari in the lap of luxury (3:40)
The ultimate safari destination for foodies (5:19)

Connect with Sherwin Banda:

African Travel: https://africantravelinc.com/

X: https://twitter.com/sherwinbanda?lang=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WeKnowAfrica

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherwin-banda-8177a85

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sherwin.banda/

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

Best Places in Africa to Go on Safari with Sherwin Banda May 16, 2024

Show notes

Have you ever felt the call of the wild?

There’s only one way to see the wild animals of the African landscape in their element, capture photographs of otherworldly landscapes, and sleep under the stars—all while knowing you’re perfectly safe and secure.

You take an African safari.

Today, Angie Orth welcomes Sherwin Banda, a safari expert and president of tour operator African Travel. His commitment to inclusion has made the organization a leader in providing breathtaking and authentic journeys that are tailored to each client’s desires, travel style, and budget.

You’ll hear what it’s like to experience the extraordinary journey of an African safari. You’ll learn which part of Africa is best suited for what you’re looking for based on wildlife viewing and level of comfort, from budget-conscious minimalist to all-out luxury. You’ll also learn how to pack and prepare for your big adventure, and why Africa will send you home a changed person.

What You’ll Learn:

Defining what makes the safari experience so unique (2:48)
How much time you should plan for a safari (7:12)
Where to go based on your requirements and desires (10:43)
How to prepare for a safari (15:43)
Why the safari experience feels life-changing for so many people (18:21)

Connect with Sherwin Banda:

African Travel: https://africantravelinc.com/

X: https://twitter.com/sherwinbanda?lang=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WeKnowAfrica

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherwin-banda-8177a85

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sherwin.banda/

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

Top 5 Tips for Walking the Camino de Santiago with Andrew McCarthy May 09, 2024

Show notes

Lucky you…you’re all packed and ready for an adventure!

But this is a different kind of trip.

The Camino de Santiago is a journey that changes you.

Today, Angie Orth is back with actor, director and award-winning travel writer Andrew McCarthy.

In the previous episode, he shares his experiences walking the Camino de Santiago with his son, the he explores in his book Walking with Sam: A Father, a Son, and Five Hundred Miles Across Spain.

In this episode, you’ll learn everything you need to know before you start your own pilgrimage on this famous trail through Spain. He shares his tips for packing,

What You’ll Learn:

His number one tip for walking the trail (0:33)
Why you should take a minimalist approach to packing (0:53)
Staying comfortable when you’re spending so much time on your feet (1:50)
McCarthy’s thoughts on technology along the trail (2:16)
What to let go of mentally before you go (3:37)

Resources:

AAA Interview: https://www.ace.aaa.com/publications/travel/international-destinations/andrew-mccarthy-spain.html?zip=90266

Connect with Andrew McCarthy:

Website: https://andrewmccarthy.com/

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/andrewtmccarthy

X: https://twitter.com/andrewtmccarthy

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

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

The Art of Pilgrimage with Andrew McCarthy May 02, 2024

Show notes

We all go through hard times in our lives. Whether it’s a tough breakup, losing a job, or losing someone you love, these are experiences that change our paths in unexpected ways.

When you pair those changes with a little thirst for adventure, then what we do to mark these changes can become an event in itself.

Pilgrimage offers us a literal path through the hard times. It’s a rare time-out that allows us to take space, process our feelings, and shift into the next phase of who we’re becoming.

Today, Angie Orth welcomes actor, director, and award-winning travel writer Andrew McCarthy.

You might remember him from the “brat pack” hits Pretty in Pink and St. Elmo’s Fire. These days, he’s equally acclaimed for his travel writing in publications like The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, The Atlantic, Time, and Travel+Leisure. He joins us today, live from the Dallas Travel Show, to share his experiences walking the Camino de Santiago, recounted in his most recent book Walking with Sam: A Father, a Son, and Five Hundred Miles Across Spain

You’ll learn what defines a pilgrimage, and what makes these experiences so transformative for people. You’ll hear about McCarthy’s first solo journey on the Camino, and what it was like for him to share the same path with his son decades later. You’ll also learn how to plan and what to pack if you’re ready to embark on your own pilgrimage of self-discovery.

What You’ll Learn:

The art of pilgrimage and the history of the Camino (1:43)
Why he embarked on his first pilgrimage (4:31)
How the journey changed his relationship with his son (10:25)
Why he wants to do the Camino again (14:54)
The most profound thing he experienced on the trail (17:29)

Resources:

AAA Interview: https://www.ace.aaa.com/publications/travel/international-destinations/andrew-mccarthy-spain.html?zip=90266

Connect with Andrew McCarthy:

Website: https://andrewmccarthy.com/

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/andrewtmccarthy

X: https://twitter.com/andrewtmccarthy

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

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

Top 5 Tips for a New York City Visit with Pauline Frommer Apr 25, 2024

Show notes

Whether you’re visiting the Empire City for the first time or the fifth time, this is one destination where you will always be spoiled for choice.

And for that very reason, it’s always good to have a plan.

Today, Angie Orth is back with New York native and travel guide author Pauline Frommer. The author of the best-selling Frommer's EasyGuide to New York City and Frommer's New York City Day by Day is here to share her top 5 insider tips for visiting NYC.

You’ll learn where you can get great views of the city without having to deal with crowds. She shares her favorite neighborhood and her top local spots where you can find the best of two iconic must-eat foods. You’ll also hear insider tips for finding and buying unique pieces of art.

What You’ll Learn:

A little-known island where you can capture unique views of NYC (0:47)
Where to find the best bagel in the city (1:24)
A gallery hack to see what’s on the cutting edge in the art world (1:48)
Her favorite New York neighborhood and what (and who) you’ll see there (2:55)
Something about New York that might surprise you (4:30)

Resources:

Little Island: https://littleisland.org/

Bagel Bob’s: https://www.bagelbobs.com/

Emily’s: https://www.emmysquaredpizza.com/location/emily-west-village/

Connect with Pauline Frommer:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frommerpauline/?hl=en

Website: www.frommers.com

The Frommer Travel Show: https://www.frommers.com/podcast

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

Expert NYC Travel Advice with Pauline Frommer Apr 18, 2024

Show notes

Sky-high city spires, a global exploration of cuisine, and more museums and galleries than you can count.

There is no place in the United States that’s more iconic, more historically significant, or more culturally diverse than New York City.

It’s been a bucket list travel destination for over a century. But with so much to do and see, you need to have a really good plan if you want to make the most of your visit to this fascinating city.

Today, Angie Orth welcomes Pauline Frommer, co-president of Frommer Media and editorial director of Frommer's Guidebooks. She’s the author of the best-selling Frommer's EasyGuide to New York City and Frommer's New York City Day by Day. Frommer is also co-host of The Travel Show podcast.

You’ll hear the best travel tips for visiting New York City, including hotel tips to help you navigate the competitive hunt for accommodation. You’ll discover the best way to see the top sights in New York City and learn about a few worthwhile stops that are a little off the beaten path.

What You’ll Learn:

The historical and cultural significance of New York (2:45)
Managing recent changes to hotels and accommodation rentals (7:45)
How to tackle the city and make the most of your visit (9:08)
Lesser-known areas of New York ripe for discovery (12:33)
Pauline’s top 3 travel tips for New York City (14:52)

Resources:

Global tourism statistics: https://wttc.org/Portals/0/Documents/Reports/2020/Global%20Economic%20Impact%20Trends%202020.pdf?ver=2021-02-25-183118-360

The Thirsty Gallerina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thirstygallerina/?hl=en

Caveat Comedy Club: https://caveat.nyc/

Pauline’s tips on booking hotels: https://www.frommers.com/blogs/arthur-frommer-online/blog_posts/nyc-hotel-rates-are-shocking-now-here-s-why-plus-how-to-pay-less

Connect with Pauline Frommer:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frommerpauline/?hl=en

Website: www.frommers.com

The Frommer Travel Show: https://www.frommers.com/podcast

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

5 Unique Roadside Attractions with Valerie Bromann Apr 11, 2024

Show notes

When you get bitten by the roadside-attraction bug, stopping to see these unique structures, and learning the stories behind them, can quickly become an obsession.

But with such a big country to explore and countless highways to cover, it can be a bit overwhelming to know where to start.

Today, Angie Orth is back with roadside-attraction expert Valerie Bromann. The

founder of the blog Silly America shares her top tips and favorite stops for exploring the wacky and wonderful on your next road trip.

You’ll hear about some of Valerie’s favorite roadside attractions and how you can hit several of them for fun photo ops all in one go. You’ll learn which stops might appeal to you most, from nature-focused to kid-friendly, and more. You’ll also hear what you can expect to see along America’s Route 66 during the 2026 centennial celebration.

What You’ll Learn:

A unique place to stop and send a postcard home (0:48)
Why roadside attractions are great for kids (1:40)
The best stop for nature lovers (2:33)
Discovering classic Americana along a single route (3:01)
Valerie’s personal favorite roadside attraction (3:43)
BONUS: The biggest upcoming road trip event to plan for now (4:47)

Resources:

The 2026 Route 66 Centennial

http://www.kansastravel.org/balloftwine.htm

https://www.bigthingssmalltown.com/rocking-chair

https://carhenge.com/

https://www.bigthingssmalltown.com/

https://route66roadfest.com/

Connect with Valerie Bromann:

Website: https://www.valeriebromann.com/

Silly America: https://sillyamerica.com/valerie-bromann/

Search by State: https://sillyamerica.com/blog/category/roadside-attractions/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/sillyamerica

YouTube: http://youtube.com/sillyamerica

X: http://twitter.com/sillyamerica

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sillyamerica

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

Connect with AAA:

Article: Route 66 Road Trip: The spirit of Route 66 is still alive and kicking, if you know where to look for it.

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

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

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

Weird Roadside Attractions with Valerie Bromann Apr 04, 2024

Show notes

Do you ever wonder how big the World’s Largest Ball of Twine actually is? Have you ever been curious about all those strong and unreasonably tall muffler men standing outside of gas stations along Route 66?

If you answered “Yes!” to either of these, then your curiosity has probably steered you toward the exit signs of many of America’s weird and wonderful roadside attractions.

Today, Angie Orth welcomes Valerie Bromann. As an avid road-tripper who has visited hundreds of roadside attractions, she always pulls over for a ‘world’s largest’ anything. This curiosity inspired her to found her blog, Silly America, where she photographs and writes about weird tourist destinations. She offers helpful itineraries and advice to inspire you and add a little more fun and funkiness to your next road trip.

You’ll hear about when she first became interested in these iconic curiosities, and the history of how they got started. She shares her top must-see roadside attractions, along with some of the best forgotten highways where you can take in several sights in a single stretch. She also explains why roadside attractions are such an important part of American culture, and how they are being celebrated for the upcoming centennial of Route 66.

What You’ll Learn:

The first roadside attraction that sparked her interest (1:58)
Celebrating the centennial of America’s most famous road trip (4:00)
Valerie’s must-see roadside attractions (5:06)
New roadside attractions that are drawing in visitors (11:50)
The significance of roadside attractions in American culture (15:23)

Resources:

Article: Route 66 Road Trip: The spirit of Route 66 is still alive and kicking, if you know where to look for it

World’s Largest Ball of Twine: http://www.kansastravel.org/balloftwine.htm

World’s Largest Rocking Chair: https://www.bigthingssmalltown.com/rocking-chair

Carhenge: https://carhenge.com/

Big Things Small Town: https://www.bigthingssmalltown.com/

Midpoint Cafe: https://www.facebook.com/MidpointCafe/

AAA Route 66 Road Fest: https://route66roadfest.com/

Connect with Valerie Bromann:

Website: https://www.valeriebromann.com/

Silly America: https://sillyamerica.com/valerie-bromann/

Search by State: https://sillyamerica.com/blog/category/roadside-attractions/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/sillyamerica

YouTube: http://youtube.com/sillyamerica

X: http://twitter.com/sillyamerica

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sillyamerica

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

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

Top 5 Safety Tips for Avoiding Disasters When Traveling Solo with Angie Orth Mar 28, 2024

Show notes

Traveling solo is exhilarating! But while the narratives that you encounter on social media may all look perfect, planning with safety and comfort in mind can make or break any trip.

Safety is paramount, and the more you do in advance to prepare for the unknowns, the better you’ll feel going into it. The outcome can often depend on how prepared you are for your next solo voyage.

For smart solo travelers, laying the groundwork during the planning phase makes all the difference.

Today, Angie Orth shares her top 5 safety tips for avoiding potential disasters when you’re hitting the road solo.

You’ll hear her personal experience from years of solo travel. She shares what she’s learned the hard way, and how a handful of planning hacks have helped her avoid potential travel disasters. You’ll learn how to navigate safety factors for any destination, and why budgeting for the worst-case scenario is always a smart move.

What You’ll Learn:

How to be prepared for the unknown (1:19)
Meeting people the smart way (2:23)
A booking tip to manage your arrival time (2:53)
Researching your destination in advance (3:19)
One thing you should never skimp on in your budget (3:50)

Connect with Angie:

Website: https://angieaway.com/

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/angieaway/

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@angieaway

X: https://twitter.com/angieaway

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/thejetsisters

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

Book: Flirting With Disaster: True Travel Tales of Fear, Failure, and Faith by Angie Orth

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

The Joy of Solo Travel with Angie Orth Mar 21, 2024

Show notes

Do you love to travel, but don’t love waiting on other people to commit? Do you feel like you often have to skip things you’re interested in because your travel partner(s) aren’t interested in the same experiences?

Then the biggest trend in travel might be just what you’re looking for.

Solo travel is on the rise. So if you’ve been flirting with the idea of hitting that “book now” button, without having to coordinate with others or compromise on what you really want to see and do, then this episode is for you!

Today, Angie Orth shares the many joys of solo travel, and why this one-person globe-trotting trend is on the rise.

You’ll hear why booking solo is becoming more popular, and how travel companies are accommodating travel for one. You’ll learn what’s motivating people to book a seat for one, and how the stigma is shifting. You’ll also hear expert tips for staying safe and learn where to start if you’re thinking of taking the solo travel plunge.

What You’ll Learn: