Traveling with AAA

View Top 200 Chart

Back to Rankings Page

Places & Travel
**Traveling with AAA**

To help you get the most of your travel experiences, Traveling with AAA takes you around the country and the world through conversations with industry pros. You’ll hear tips and tricks, travelers’ tales, and hard-won wisdom that will inspire you to plan your next adventure. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are not necessarily the views of Auto Club Enterprises/The Automobile Club of Southern California, AAA and/or its affiliates.

Latest Episodes:

Insider Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World® Sep 23, 2025

Show notes

**You can Win a trip to Walt Disney World**

The Grand Prize is for 1 winner and up to three (3) guests at Walt Disney World® Resort.

Runner-Up Prizes will be one of 10 Disney Gift Cards valued at $50.

You can enter via the form here: https://aaa-text.co/podcast

The holidays at Walt Disney World are more than twinkling lights and parades—they’re about the unforgettable little details that make each trip magical. But how do Disney insiders experience the parks during this festive season? From the best snacks to hidden spots and essential planning tips, this episode uncovers the secrets straight from the people who know the parks best.

Host Angie Orth speaks with Disney Ambassadors Serena Arvizu and Shannon Smith, multicultural marketing manager Caris Edmond, Dr. Zak Gezon, Imagineer Priya Sampath, Chef Gary Miles, and other Disney insiders. They share favorite treats, hidden hideaways, and the tips they wish every guest knew before stepping into the parks.

Whether you’re planning your first holiday visit or making a return trip to relive traditions, you’ll find inspiration in these stories of food, fun, and festive magic.

What You’ll Learn:

03:15 The “secret menu hack” that turns a Disney salad into a must-try meal

08:42 Where to find a quiet corner of EPCOT that feels like another world

14:05 The one online resource every guest should use before booking a trip

15:33 Why PhotoPass is the most underrated tool for capturing memories

17:57 The small holiday details Imagineers love—and how to spot them

Enter for your chance to win a trip to Walt Disney World® Resort via: https://aaa-text.co/podcast

Connect with AAA:

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

LinkedIn: / aaa-auto-club-enterprises

Instagram: / aaaautoclubenterprises

Facebook: / aaaautoclubenterprises

How to Celebrate the Holidays at Walt Disney World® Sep 23, 2025

Show notes

**You can Win a trip to Walt Disney World**

The Grand Prize is for 1 winner and up to three (3) guests at Walt Disney World® Resort.

Runner-Up Prizes will be one of 10 Disney Gift Cards valued at $50.

You can enter via the form here: https://aaa-text.co/podcast

From spooky nights to festive lights, Walt Disney World transforms during the fall and holiday season into something truly unforgettable. Between Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival, dazzling parades, and brand-new attractions, there’s no shortage of magic to discover.

In this episode, host Angie Orth takes us on a seasonal journey through all four parks with the help of Disney insiders. You’ll hear from Plan Disney panelist Christina, Disney Ambassadors Shannon Smith and Serena Arvizu, Marketing Strategy Manager Lisa Hain, Conservation Director Dr. Zak Gezon, and Imagineer Priya Sampath. They share holiday traditions, behind-the-scenes details, and the secrets that make this time of year so special.

Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning to create new memories, this episode is your insider’s guide to the parks during their most enchanting season.

What You’ll Learn:

03:56 How one Disney family celebrates Halloween with themed costumes every year

08:15 Why Magic Kingdom’s holiday parade is a must-see tradition

14:22 EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival highlights and the debut of GEO 82 for Disney adults

19:48 Animal Kingdom’s conservation mission and magical wildlife encounters

26:30 Behind the scenes with Imagineer Priya Sampath on creating Zootopia: Better Zoogether

Enter for your chance to win a trip to Walt Disney World® Resort via: https://aaa-text.co/podcast

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

What’s New in Cruising with Meena Thiruvengadam Sep 18, 2025

Show notes

Is the awe-inspiring open ocean or an undulating river calling your name? Today’s cruise ships are floating realms where each sunrise leads to a new adventure. From cozy thermal spas to adrenaline-pumping slides, there are cruise amenities for every kind of traveler.

In this episode, Traveling with AAA host Angie Orth welcomes cruise super-fan and travel journalist Meena Thiruvengadam to reveal the latest trends in cruising in 2025 and beyond. With nearly 20 sailings under her belt, she’s here to decode what’s next at sea, along rivers, and in ports.

You’ll learn about chef-driven dining, mood-boosting wellness sanctuaries, next-gen technology, and bucket-list itineraries ranging from Antarctica to the Mekong. You’ll also hear about smaller expedition-style ships that put passengers closer to nature, proving that the new era of cruising can be immersive, intimate, and luxurious.

What You’ll Learn:

05:00 Why cruising really has something for every style of traveler

12:30 Game-changing shipboard tech

20:15 What it’s really like to cruise Antarctica

27:45 How to choose between big-ship thrills and small-ship intimacy

35:10 Emerging destinations and next-wave trends

Connect with Meena Thiruvengadam:

Website: https://travelwithmeena.com/

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

CTA: What cruise destination or amenity are YOU most excited about? 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

Foodie Finds in Chicago with Kit Bernardi Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

If food is your favorite travel companion, Chicago may be your ultimate destination in the U.S. Beyond its iconic hot dogs and deep-dish pizza, the Windy City is bursting with flavors that tell stories of immigrant traditions, culinary innovation, and neighborhood pride. Every corner offers something delicious, whether you’re savoring a Michelin-starred tasting menu, lining up for a beloved Italian beef sandwich, or uncovering lesser-known haunts.

Today, host Angie Orth is back with Chicago insider and veteran travel journalist Kit Bernardi on the rooftop of the Virgin Hotel. She shares her top must-try food and drink experiences, from classic dishes that built Chicago’s reputation to unexpected neighborhood treasures. Kit maps out a flavorful itinerary across the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

You’ll hear about iconic bites like Italian beef, deep-dish pizza, and the famed Vienna hot dog. You’ll learn where to book for an elevated night out at award-winning spots, including a Michelin-starred brewery. You’ll also hear how to “set-jet” with a food tour that hits filming locations and beloved bakeries featured in the hit show The Bear.

What You’ll Learn:

01:13 The Chicago staples you have to try first

02:45 Michelin-starred spots and hidden cocktail bars

04:10 Where to “set-jet” The Bear

06:05 The neighborhoods that give Chicago its flavor

08:12 Blending tradition with constant reinvention

Connect with Kit Bernardi:

Website: https://kittravels.com/

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

CTA: What’s your favorite Chicago foodie find? 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

What’s New and Exciting in Chicago with Kit Bernardi Sep 04, 2025

Show notes

Dreaming of a city escape that blends world-famous architecture, lakefront beauty, rich history, and dynamic culture? Chicago has it all. From iconic skyscrapers to hidden neighborhood gems, this episode will change the way you see the Windy City.

Today host Angie Orth welcomes Kit Bernardi, a Chicago native and travel journalist, on the rooftop of the Virgin Hotel in Chicago. She’ll reveal the stories and experiences that make her hometown shine, from the Great Fire that reshaped the city to the immigrant roots that continue to define it. Kit shares insider insights that go far beyond the guidebooks.

You’ll hear about the best ways to see Chicago’s legendary skyline, when to hit the lakefront for outdoor adventures, where to explore can’t-miss museums and theaters, and how to begin a Route 66 journey. Whether you’re planning your first trip or a repeat visit, this episode is packed with tips that will help you experience Chicago like a local.

What You’ll Learn:

05:32 How the Great Chicago Fire reshaped the city

12:27 Must-see museums and surprising niche gems

15:49 Chicago’s thriving theater scene

17:53 Sports culture and the “no ketchup” hot dog rule

19:23 Starting Route 66 the classic way

Connect with Kit Bernardi:

Website: https://kittravels.com/

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

More of Kit’s Chicago Recommendations:

Neighborhoods to Visit: Hyde Park, Oak Park, Pilsen

Attractions: Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago Sports Museum, National Museum of Mexican Art, DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, The American Writers Museum, Chicago History Museum, Jane Addams Hull House Museum

CTA: What’s your favorite must-see in Chicago? 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 Hidden California Experiences with Josh McNair Aug 28, 2025

Show notes

California’s most unforgettable sights are often far from the tourist trail. They’re the ones you stumble upon by accident or hear about as a whispered recommendation: the beach crowned by a pirate tower, the candy-colored hotel room that feels like a movie set, the ethereal desert where art springs up from the sand. These are the places not on postcards, but stay etched in your memory forever.

In this episode, host Angie Orth is back with explorer and storyteller Josh McNair of California Through My Lens. Known for uncovering the unexpected, from whimsical art installations to wild desert landscapes, Josh curates a lineup of offbeat destinations tailored to every type of traveler. Whether you’re in search of mystery, history, romance, family fun, or something wonderfully weird, Josh’s picks prove that California still has plenty of surprises in store.

From Muir Woods’ towering trees and the pastel glamour of San Luis Obispo's Madonna Inn to Death Valley’s remote mining relics and the ever-changing art scene of the Salton Sea, you’ll discover places that are as unforgettable as they are unconventional.

What You’ll Learn:

00:53 Where to find mystery among ancient trees

01:42 The underrated side of Death Valley’s mining history

02:48 A pirate tower beach adventure kids will never forget

03:28 A romantic getaway at California’s most eclectic hotel

05:16 The bizarre beauty and evolving art of the Salton Sea

Episode Mentioned:

Exploring Retro Hotels with B.A. Van Sise

Connect with Josh McNair:

https://www.instagram.com/californiathroughmylens/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZFRs1R9ECKDwnLy5IQzwkg

https://www.facebook.com/CaliforniaThroughMyLens/

Read the Westways story:

https://AAA.com/hiddencalifornia

CTA: Which Hidden California type of traveler are you? Tell us where you want to go 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

Hidden California Gems with Josh McNair Aug 21, 2025

Show notes

Think you know California? Think again. Beyond the iconic Pacific beaches and Hollywood landmarks lies a whole other side of the Golden State filled with uninhabited islands, offbeat art installations, and otherworldly landscapes you won’t necessarily find in a guidebook.

In this episode, host Angie Orth chats with Josh McNair, the videographer and photographer behind California Through My Lens, a blog and YouTube channel dedicated to uncovering the state’s lesser-known treasures. With more than a decade of exploration under his belt and a map of over 1,500 must-visit spots, Josh is sharing his process for finding these unique destinations, from Martian-like rock formations to secret speakeasies.

You’ll hear about the joy of discovering places many locals don’t know exist, tips for perfectly timing your visits, and why protecting certain spots sometimes means not sharing them at all. Whether you’re into natural wonders, quirky roadside attractions, or tucked-away eateries, this episode will inspire you to explore deeper—maybe right in your own backyard.

What You’ll Learn:

01:51 Why California is more than its most famous landmarks

03:28 The story behind Salvation Mountain and its visionary creator

06:23 Giant Rock, alien lore, and other strange desert finds

10:33 Why hidden spots make travel more approachable and affordable

14:55 How timing can make or break your off-the-beaten-path adventure

Connect with Josh McNair:

https://www.instagram.com/californiathroughmylens/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZFRs1R9ECKDwnLy5IQzwkg

https://www.facebook.com/CaliforniaThroughMyLens/

Read the Westways story:

https://AAA.com/hiddencalifornia

CTA: Which Hidden California spot is at the top of your must-see list? 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

5 Must-try Eats in Europe’s Underrated Cities with Gerald Tan Aug 14, 2025

Show notes

Traveling with a sweet tooth? Or maybe you’re craving the kind of comfort food that lingers in your memory long after your trip ends?

In this episode of Traveling with AAA, host Angie Orth is back with travel and food journalist Gerald Tan, who shares his top five incredible eats in Europe’s best-kept secret cities.

From protected pastries in Slovakia to cheesy Alpine comfort food in Liechtenstein, Gerald reveals the hidden culinary delights he has uncovered through years of off-the-beaten-path travel. You’ll discover which city invented the Kit Kat, where to find Michelin-worthy seafood on the Italian Riviera, and the one simple shift in how you ask locals for food recommendations that can unlock your best meal yet.

What You’ll Learn:

01:19 The most protected pastry in Bratislava

03:11 A paradise for chocolate lovers

05:14 Liechtenstein’s take on mac and cheese with a twist

06:44 What you need to know before ordering Slovakia’s most famous soup

09:38 Where to eat near Bordighera if you want Michelin-starred cuisine

Connect with Gerald Tan:

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

Website: https://boulangerry.com/

Which of these local delicacies are you MOST excited to try? 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

Less-crowded European Destinations with Gerald Tan Aug 07, 2025

Show notes

What if your next favorite European destination wasn’t a capital city or a tourist hotspot, but somewhere you’ve never even heard of? Maybe it’s a quiet, picturesque seaside village tucked between the French Riviera and the hills of northern Italy. Or a cliffside Sicilian town where locals eat granita for breakfast. Or perhaps even a fairytale-like walled city in northern England, complete with ghost stories and Harry Potter lore.

In this episode of Traveling with AAA, host Angie Orth welcomes Gerald Tan, travel and food journalist and host of the series T’Sol Food. Gerald shares his favorite lesser-known cities in Europe where you can escape the crowds, eat like a local, and experience culture in its most authentic form.

You’ll hear how a detour to a tiny town led to 13 scoops of gelato in 12 hours, why one city has exclusive rights to send palm fronds to the Vatican, and how hiking across an entire country in five days is actually possible. Whether you’re planning your next big trip or just dreaming of one, this episode is packed with inspiration to help you travel slower, a little off-the-beaten-path, and with more authenticity in mind.

What You’ll Learn:

01:33 The allure of smaller, less tourist-heavy destinations

03:47 Creating more authentic local connections

09:07 An Italian town with royal ties and seafront views

15:59 Where to find Diagon Alley in real life

22:38 A place with an 8,000-year wine legacy and unique geography

Connect with Gerald Tan:

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

Website: https://boulangerry.com/

What’s the most authentic, off-the-beaten-path European destination you’ve visited? 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

Your Bermuda Travel Guide with Expert Megan Indoe Jul 31, 2025

Show notes

If you’re planning your first trip to Bermuda, you’re in for a magical experience. But what sets it apart from the rest of the Caribbean? (For starters, it’s not technically in the Caribbean.) And how do you make the most of a short or long stay to experience the local culture?

Whether you’re dreaming of pink sand beaches, cliffside golf, or cave massages, this episode is the perfect starting point for exploring one of the world’s most stunning islands.

Today, host Angie Orth welcomes travel content creator Megan “ChiChi” Indoe, one half of the duo behind the Bobo & ChiChi travel blog. Megan has explored every corner of Bermuda and is here to share insider tips and surprising facts..

You’ll hear about Bermuda’s unique geography and history, the best ways to get around, and what makes its famous beaches glow pink. Megan also shares her favorite secret beach, the story behind the caves that inspired Fraggle Rock, and why visiting during shoulder season is the ultimate travel hack.

What You’ll Learn:

02:19 Why tiny Bermuda is actually packed with adventure

04:36 What makes Hamilton different from historic St. George

08:31 Where to find the most dramatic pink sand beaches

09:02 The hidden beach with whale-watching views

13:58 Where to experience an unforgettable massage inside a cave

Connect with Megan “Chi-Chi” Indoe:

Website: https://www.boboandchichi.com/

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/boboandchichi

CTA: What would you like to see most in Bermuda?

Connect with AAA: