Traveling with AAA

Latest Episodes:

5 Ways to Support Local Economies When You Travel with Daniel Maurer Nov 27, 2025

Show notes

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 that actually benefit the people who call these destinations home?

In this episode, host Angie Orth is back with Daniel Maurer, journalist, travel writer, and author of The Future of Travel. Daniel shares his top five strategies for responsible travel. He shares practical tips that help you avoid tourist traps, find authentic experiences, and ensure your money supports local communities.

You'll discover how to choose accommodations that don't harm housing markets, how to spot the red flags of “tourist” restaurants, and how to experience authentic culture when you travel. Daniel also reveals why connecting with locals is the secret to unlocking the most memorable travel experiences.

What You’ll Learn:

00:55 How to book accommodations with the local economy in mind

02:39 The art of finding authentic tours and activities while avoiding over-hyped tourist traps

03:48 Daniel's rules for identifying locally-owned restaurants

04:55 Transportation choices that support communities without crowding out residents

06:21 The one mindset shift that transforms how you travel and connect with people

Connect with Daniel Maurer:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-maurer-2331685

X: https://x.com/moscamaurer

Book: https://mhpbooks.com/books/the-future-of-travel

What's your best tip for supporting local economies while traveling? Share in the comments!

Connect with AAA:

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

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

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

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

How to Be a Thoughtful Traveler with Daniel Maurer Nov 20, 2025

Show notes

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 food and travel journalist who has contributed to the New York Times, New York Magazine's Eater, and Atlas Obscura. As the former editor of Grub Street and author of the new book The Future of Travel, Daniel shares firsthand experiences from his digital nomad journey across Spain, Japan, and beyond—witnessing both the beauty of cultural exchange and the burden of mass tourism.

You'll learn how to travel with respect for local communities, with insights that will show you why Catalan speakers aren't being snobbish and why that to-go coffee cup matters more than you think. Daniel reveals practical ways to lighten your footprint, connect authentically with locals, and travel with reciprocity in mind. You’ll discover what gives him hope for the future of travel and how Anthony Bourdain's philosophy can transform the way you experience the world.

What You’ll Learn:

3:30 Why Barcelona became ground zero for anti-tourism protests and what travelers need to understand before going

7:08 How tourist taxes and etiquette campaigns are reshaping popular destinations

13:35 The role technology should (and shouldn't) play in authentic travel experiences

18:32 How to move through destinations with reverence rather than extraction

21:44 What connecting with locals teaches us about breaking down stereotypes and misconceptions

Connect with Daniel Maurer:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-maurer-2331685

X: https://x.com/moscamaurer

Book: https://mhpbooks.com/books/the-future-of-travel

What are your thoughts on responsible travel? Share them in the comments!

Connect with AAA:

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

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

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

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

Must-Eat Foods in Nashville, Tennessee with Jackie Gutierrez-Jones Nov 13, 2025

Show notes

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 Nashville-based food writer Jackie Gutierrez-Jones, who knows the city’s dining scene inside and out. Jackie shares her insider picks for where to eat, sip, and indulge across Nashville, highlighting how the city’s chefs are blending Southern tradition with global influences. She also shares which must-try dishes define the local dining experience.

You’ll hear about the foods that are putting Nashville on the map—from crispy hot chicken and soulful “meat and three” plates to inventive offerings like Thai barbecue and Japanese milk bread sandwiches. Jackie also takes us through a foodie day in East Nashville, complete with coffee stops, cocktails, and an omakase dinner. She shares how the city’s creativity and community spirit make it one of the most exciting places to eat in America today.

What You’ll Learn:

02:06 The meal that made Jackie realize Nashville’s food scene was ready to blow up

03:06 How cultural fusion is reshaping Southern cuisine

05:03 The must-try dishes that define Nashville’s dining experience

06:05 The spicy history of hot chicken

09:35 A full-day foodie itinerary through East Nashville

Connect with Jackie Gutierrez-Jones:

Instagram: @jaxwriteswords

Website: https://www.jaxwrites.com

Which Nashville foods are you most excited to try? Tell us about it in the comments!

Connect with AAA:

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

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

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

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

Celebrating the Grand Ole Opry's 100th Anniversary in Nashville, Tennessee Nov 06, 2025

Show notes

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 Nashville native Deana Carter stops by to share what it’s like performing in the iconic circle, her favorite local spots, and why the Opry will always feel like home.

You’ll learn about the history of the Grand Ole Opry and the generations of artists who’ve made it the heart of country music for 100 years. You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at the backstage magic that brings multi-generational artists together, the emotional invitations presented to new members, and the surprise performances that make the Opry experience so special.

What You’ll Learn:

4:02 The story behind the Opry’s move and the meaning of the circle

6:31 Why backstage at the Opry feels like a family reunion

10:25 How artists are invited to join the Grand Ole Opry

16:06 Tips for first-time visitors to the Opry

25:55 Deana Carter’s must-see Nashville music and food spots

Connect with:

Grand Ole Opry Vice President and Executive Producer Dan Rogers

Instagram: @opry

Website: https://www.opry.com

Deana Carter

Instagram: @deanatunes

Website: https://www.deana.com

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

Who would you love to see perform on stage at the Grand Ole Opry? Tell us in the comments!

Connect with AAA:

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

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

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

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

South Africa for the Curious Traveler: Wildlife, Wine, & Conservation with Alexandra Owens Oct 30, 2025

Show notes

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 adventures, sustainability, and cultural storytelling. Her work highlights how conservation and tourism intersect across South Africa as well as how travelers can explore responsibly while immersing themselves in nature, food, and culture.

In this episode, Alexandra shares practical advice for first-time travelers to South Africa—from visas and vaccines to packing for multiple climates—and paints a vivid picture of what it’s like to experience the country’s vast natural landscape. You’ll also hear about South Africa’s rich wine history, the rise of female safari guides, and the growing trend of sustainable “bush-to-table” dining.

What You’ll Learn:

01:35 What to know before your first trip to South Africa

03:18 Experiencing the magic of a safari

07:01 How “guilt-free” safaris are reshaping sustainable tourism

16:22 The story behind South Africa’s wine revival

19:18 Scuba diving, marine safaris, and penguin encounters

Connect with Alexandra Owens:

Website: https://www.alexandraowens.com/

What do you want to see most in South Africa? Tell us in the comments!

Connect with AAA:

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

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

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

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

Top 5 Hacks for Saving Money on Your Next Ski Vacation with Melissa McGibbon Oct 23, 2025

Show notes

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 saving money on your next ski trip. From finding affordable flights and off-site gear rentals to knowing the best times of year for deals, Melissa shows how small shifts in planning can mean big savings on the slopes.

You’ll hear practical advice for beginners and seasoned skiers alike, along with clever ways to balance convenience and cost. Whether you’re skiing late in the season, splurging on one memorable meal, or picking the right kind of lift pass, this episode has you covered for ski season.

What You’ll Learn:

(00:46) The best time to book flights and where to keep an eye on prices

(01:17) Accommodation hacks that save money

(01:46) Why late-season skiing can mean better deals and sunnier days

(02:49) How to approach food choices without overspending

(03:37) Tips for saving on lift tickets and gear rentals

Connect with Melissa McGibbon:

Articles: https://www.powder.com/author/melissa-mcgibbon

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

CTA: How do you save money when you hit the slopes? Tell us in the comments!

Connect with AAA:

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

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

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

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

Affordable Ski Destinations with Melissa McGibbon Oct 16, 2025

Show notes

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 destinations around the globe, Melissa shares insider hacks that can make skiing more affordable.

You’ll hear Melissa’s tips on scoring deals and learning how to avoid “powder panic” during the busiest part of the season. She also unpacks cultural differences from resorts around the world. You’ll discover how to save by supporting smaller, independent resorts timing a trip to help unlock more inexpensive options.

What You’ll Learn:

(02:19) The biggest misconception about skiing on a budget

(04:30) The season pass perk that can completely change your trip

(08:11) Powder panic explained—and how to avoid long lift lines

(12:22) Where to find the best budget-friendly ski destinations abroad

(24:00) The most adventurous place she’s ever skied

Connect with Melissa McGibbon:

Articles: https://www.powder.com/author/melissa-mcgibbon

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

CTA: What are your favorite money-saving ski hacks? Tell us in the comments!

Connect with AAA:

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

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

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

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

Top 5 Ghost Tour Experiences with Jennifer Billock Oct 09, 2025

Show notes

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, host Angie Orth is joined again by travel journalist and former paranormal investigator Jennifer Billock. Together, they uncover which ghost tours deliver top-notch storytelling, where to go for deep historical dives with a spooky twist, and how to find destinations that are meaningful and mysterious.

You’ll hear about tours that combine humor and history, battlefield sites crawling with spirits, and Jennifer’s own chilling encounter at the Lizzie Borden House. Whether you’re a casually curious traveler or someone who doesn’t easily scare, this episode will help you choose your next unforgettable ghostly adventure.

What You’ll Learn:

00:54 Why London’s Ghost Bus Tour is equal parts funny and fascinating

01:20 How historic battlefields blend real history with an eerie atmosphere

01:41 Chicago’s Devil in the White City and Milwaukee’s Brew City Ghost Tours

02:35 A deeply emotional and haunting experience in Cambodia

03:26 Jennifer’s unsettling late-night encounter at the Lizzie Borden House

Connect with Jennifer Billock:

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

CTA: Have you ever been spooked on a ghost tour? Tell us about it in the comments!

Connect with AAA:

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

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

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

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

World’s Best Ghost Tours with Jennifer Billock Oct 02, 2025

Show notes

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 enriches the travel experience.

In this episode, host Angie Orth is joined by travel journalist and former paranormal investigator Jennifer Billock. Together, they explore what makes a ghost tour truly worthwhile, balancing spine-tingling tales with historical accuracy. Whether you’re a skeptic, true believer, or simply curious, this conversation will help you find tours that are memorable for all the right reasons.

You’ll hear about haunted hot spots in New Orleans, Chicago, Michigan, and beyond; tips on how to be a respectful paranormal tourist; and tours that can actually deepen your connections by blending history, storytelling, and mystery.

What You’ll Learn:

00:00 Why haunted places hook us

02:19 The rise of paranormal tourism and why interest is growing worldwide

06:18 The Bourbon Orleans Hotel and other can’t-miss New Orleans ghost sites

10:27 Chicago’s Iroquois Theater fire and how tours balance history with chills

17:03 Ghost tour etiquette: honoring the past and making sure nothing “follows” you home

Connect with Jennifer Billock:

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

CTA: Ex: What’s the scariest ghost tour you’ve ever been on? Tell us about it in the comments!

Connect with AAA:

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

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

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

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

Top 5 Bucket-List Cruises with Meena Thiruvengadam Sep 25, 2025

Show notes

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 share her favorite bucket-list cruises, from polar extremes at the edge of the world to often overlooked destinations closer to home.

You’ll discover how unique ships can feel like Nordic-style hotels at sea, and why the Great Lakes are a surprisingly enchanting destination. You’ll also hear about the majestic fjords of Norway, onboard dining splurges that are worth the money, and a river itinerary that feels like stepping into a fairy tale.

What You’ll Learn:

00:48 The place at the top of Meena’s list of unforgettable destinations

03:09 The surprising beauty of cruising the Great Lakes

04:41 How Norway’s fjords and northern lights deliver authentic magic

06:13 Why specialty dining is worth the splurge on board

07:13 The Rhine River itinerary that feels like sailing through a fairy tale

Connect with Meena Thiruvengadam:

Website: https://travelwithmeena.com/

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

CTA: What’s your bucket-list cruise destination? Tell us in the comments!

Connect with AAA:

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