Traveling with AAA

Latest Episodes:

Top 5 Retro Hotel Experiences for Your Bucket List May 22, 2025

Show notes

Taking the scenic route can often lead to the most memorable surprises during a trip. Roadside fruit stands, amazing antique stores, and frozen-in-time accommodations can leave lasting impressions.

Across the United States, retro motels and hotels are making a comeback. Not only are they filled with nostalgia, but many have received luxurious facelifts that combine comfort with local charm. Today, host Angie Orth is back with photographer, author, and road tripper B.A. Van Sise. His interest in retro hotels and motels has landed him in several unique, lesser-known accommodation options dotted throughout America.

You’ll discover which retro hotels and motels should be on your bucket list. You’ll hear about why retro hotels and motels like the Madonna Inn and Clown Motel are worth taking the road less traveled. You’ll learn how going retro makes traveling fresh and fun.

What You’ll Learn:

(0:39) A totally over-the-top experience
(1:52) Where to take a step back in time
(2:57) An unusual retro stay
(3:52) Where to road trip your way through the past
(4:08) Unexpected places to find retro accommodations

Connect with B.A. Van Sise:

https://bavansise.format.com/

https://www.instagram.com/b.a.vansise/

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

Exploring Retro Hotels with B.A. Van Sise May 15, 2025

Show notes

An off-the-beaten-path hotel or motel room can be more than just a place to rest your travel-weary head at night. These one-of-a-kind properties can be destinations unto themselves, offering both unique charm and local history. Modern interstates have bypassed many such fun and funky accommodations, but the significance of retro hotels and motels across America still has a place in history—and the future.

Today, host Angie Orth welcomes photographer, author, and road warrior B.A. Van Sise, r. When traveling, his preferred way to stay is retro, rediscovering the past through the hotels and motels that unapologetically remind us of times gone by.

You’ll hear how retro accommodations not only offer nostalgic experiences but also serve as vital pieces of local history in their respective communities. You’ll learn where to find some of the best retro stays, and how embracing their individuality and character helps preserve these relics of hospitality for future generations.

What You’ll Learn:

(2:40) Defining retro hotels and motels
(7:00) The allure of nostalgia in travel
(14:48) The evolution of roadside hospitality
(22:32) Experiencing America beyond the highways
(24:23) The importance of preserving retro hotels

Connect with B.A. Van Sise:

https://bavansise.format.com/

https://www.instagram.com/b.a.vansise/

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 Tips to Expand Your Travel Comfort Zone with Jeff Jenkins May 08, 2025

Show notes

Travel can be a great motivator to explore the unknown while pushing your limits. Expanding your comfort zone takes a bit of bravery. The more you challenge yourself, the easier it becomes to do it the next time, learning more about what you’re capable of in the process.

Today, host Angie Orth is back with Jeff Jenkins, the man behind the popular Chubby Diaries blog and host of the National Geographic Channel travel adventure series Never Say Never. As a content creator and travel journalist, he’s been motivating audiences to overcome their fears about travel.

You’ll hear his top tips for safely embarking on new adventures away from home. You’ll also learn how he overcame his biggest fears and when he knew he reached—and accepted—his personal limit.

What You’ll Learn:

(1:10) Examining your comfort zone
(1:53) A safety-first mentality
(3:32) The mantra he travels by
(4:37) His current comfort zone challenge
(9:36) Expert advice for pushing your boundaries

Connect with Jeff Jenkins:

https://chubbydiaries.com/

https://www.instagram.com/chubbydiaries/

Traveling with AAA: Has Social Media Ruined Travel? Featuring Jeff Jenkins

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 Travel Outside Your Comfort Zone with Jeff Jenkins May 01, 2025

Show notes

Travel often takes us to unfamiliar places, challenging the norms that we’re used to facing. Whether we’re navigating unknown streets, trying new foods, or doing our best to communicate with people in different languages, these experiences broaden our horizons and expand the boundaries of our comfort zones.

Today, host Angie Orth welcomes Jeff Jenkins, content creator, travel journalist, and host of the National Geographic Channel adventure travel series Never Say Never. His popular blog, Chubby Diaries, helps people overcome their personal fears about travel, proving that exploring the world and experiencing adventure is possible for everyone.

You’ll hear how Jenkins developed his personal philosophy on travel and how ambitious goal-setting has become a road map for following through on his dreams. He shares how overcoming his fears has changed him. You’ll learn how tackling your fears and pushing your boundaries through travel can inspire personal growth and lead to self-discovery.

What You’ll Learn:

(1:46) Granting yourself permission to dream
(5:19) Why we often don’t challenge our comfort zones
(11:27) Setting personal goals for travel
(14:27) Putting it down on paper
(19:35) Balancing adventure with relaxation

Connect with Jeff Jenkins:

https://chubbydiaries.com/

https://www.instagram.com/chubbydiaries/

Traveling with AAA: Has Social Media Ruined Travel? Featuring Jeff Jenkins

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

The Most Unique Experiences in Sicily with Jo Piazza Apr 24, 2025

Show notes

The captivating beauty of Sicily is well known, especially since being featured in the second season of HBO’s The White Lotus. Even before its recent surge in popularity, the island has long been a favorite destination for foodies, history buffs, and anyone who appreciates the relaxed pace and authenticity of this warm and welcoming locale.

Today, host Angie Orth is back with Jo Piazza, a former travel editor and the author of The Sicilian Inheritance. The page-turning murder mystery is inspired by her own family’s story, taking readers on a visceral journey through the colorful villages of this iconic Italian destination.

You’ll hear about Piazza’s deep love for Sicily, from the culinary delights to the rich culture. She shares the most authentic food experiences and how to seek out opportunities for cultural immersion to enrich your visit. You’ll discover the importance of community and connection in Sicilian culture and what makes it the perfect destination for families.

What You’ll Learn:

An authentic foodie experience (0:52)
How to immerse yourself in village culture (2:36)
Exploring the history of Sicily (3:26)
What a typical day in the life looks like (4:43)
Why you should bring an empty bag to Sicily (7:06)

Connect with Jo Piazza:

https://www.jopiazza.com/

https://www.instagram.com/jopiazzaauthor/

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 to Eat, See, and Experience in Sicily with Jo Piazza Apr 17, 2025

Show notes

Imagine yourself soaking up the sun on a sandy beach. You’ve got an addictive murder mystery in one hand and a negroni in the other. It’s a postcard-worthy paradise right out The White Lotus, and you’re loving every minute of it. Sicily’s delicious food, rich culture, and laid-back attitude is everything a vacation should be.

Today, host Angie Orth welcomes Jo Piazza, a former travel editor and the author of The Sicilian Inheritance. She became intimately familiar with the iconic Italian island while researching a captivating story about her family history.

You’ll hear about Piazza’s Sicilian roots and the murder mystery that inspired her best-selling book. You’ll explore the history that has shaped the destination. She also dishes on culinary delights, travel tips, and the beauty of Sicily's landscapes.

What You’ll Learn:

What makes Sicily unique from mainland Italy (4:11)
Culinary indulgences (6:09)
Travel tips for exploring the island (10:03)
The perfect Sicily itinerary (13:35)
Tips for first-time visitors (18:14)

Connect with Jo Piazza:

https://www.jopiazza.com/

https://www.instagram.com/jopiazzaauthor/

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 DIY Food Experiences with David Moscow Apr 10, 2025

Show notes

Food is more than just sustenance—it can be a journey, a source of connection, and a window into different cultures. The profound experience of sourcing food firsthand helps us have more appreciation for our meals.

Travel allows us time to connect more deeply with what’s on our plates. Through foraging, hunting, and fishing, a simple meal becomes transformative.

Today, host Angie Orth is back with David Moscow. He’s an actor, producer, and host of the culinary travel series From Scratch. For five seasons, he’s been showing viewers what it takes to source the everyday ingredients that we find in restaurants.

You’ll hear about his experiences sourcing food from various cultural perspectives, highlighting the importance of understanding where our food comes from. He shares his most memorable culinary adventures, family-friendly food activities, and the emotional journey of hunting and cooking.

What You’ll Learn:

A cultural field to table destination (0:51)
How to involve kids in finding food (2:26)
A rough and rustic sourcing adventure (3:21)
The experience that started it all (3:45)
One destination he keeps going back to (5:35)

Connect with David Moscow:

https://www.instagram.com/davidraphaelmoscow/

https://www.facebook.com/davidmoscowactor/

https://www.discoverfromscratch.com

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

Foraging, Fishing, and Hunting with David Moscow Apr 03, 2025

Show notes

What if you had to hunt, fish, or forage for every meal? In today's global food system, sourcing every ingredient would require a lot of time, effort, and miles. The series From Scratch shines a light on where our food comes from through the lens of travel, culture, community, and the environment.

Today, host Angie Orth welcomes David Moscow, the actor and producer best known for his roles in Big and Newsies. He’s hosted the culinary travel series From Scratch for five (going on six) seasons.

You’ll hear about his adventures sourcing food in Utah, the Pacific Northwest, Denver, and California. He shares stories about foraging, fishing, and hunting for each ingredient in the chef-inspired dishes featured on the show. You’ll hear about his journey from acting to exploring sustainable food practices, and he serves up recommendations on how to have more in-depth food-finding experiences during your travels.

What You’ll Learn:

From actor to sustainable food champion (3:13)
Exploring Utah’s culinary heritage (6:01)
Edible treasures of the Pacific Northwest (9:12)
The Denver food scene (14:51)
How food impacts the community and the environment (18:21)

Connect with David Moscow:

https://www.instagram.com/davidraphaelmoscow/

https://www.facebook.com/davidmoscowactor/

https://www.discoverfromscratch.com

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 Family Adventure Travel Destinations with Kevin Wagar Mar 27, 2025

Show notes

Craving an unforgettable family adventure but feeling overwhelmed by the choices? The world is filled with places where families seeking to escape the ordinary can embark on extraordinary journeys together.

Today, host Angie Orth is back with Kevin Wagar, a professional travel photographer blogger, and family travel expert. His blog, Wandering Wagars, documents his family’s thrilling adventures together, inspiring others to see the world with their kids.

You’ll learn about family adventures through the diverse landscapes of the American Southwest and undiscovered regions of Canada. .You’ll also hear about a very unique experience for animal lovers, and what it was like for the Wagars to visit family halfway around the world in the Philippines.

What You’ll Learn:

(1:05) A great U.S. destination for first-timer family trips
(1:49) An undiscovered destination on our doorstep
(3:52) Where to take the family for a fun international adventure
(5:28) The most unique trip they’ve experienced together
(8:36) A far-flung destination that’s great for kids

Connect with Kevin Wagar:

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

Website: https://wanderingwagars.com

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

The Joy of Family Adventure Travel with Kevin Wagar Mar 20, 2025

Show notes

A big family adventure may sound like a great idea, but the planning and perceived stress of family travel could feel overwhelming. Fortunately, there’s a network of parents who have been there, done that, and keep going back for more. They have figured out how to make family adventure travel fun for everyone on board.

Today, host Angie Orth welcomes Kevin Wagar, a professional photographer and blogger who has traveled the world, embarking on adventures near and far with his family. His blog, Wandering Wagars, provides helpful advice for planning family travel adventures, whether it’s riding camels in Egypt or cave tubing in Belize.

You’ll hear what inspired his family travel blog as well as the most common misconceptions people have about going on the road with the whole family. He shares how he juggles the logistics of travel with the busy lives of his young kids. You’ll also hear his perspectives on the importance of planning and seeking professional travel assistance to ensure the best experience for everyone.

What You’ll Learn: