Traveling with AAA

Auto Club Enterprises
  • 4.9 (157)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. 5d ago

    Small Ship Cruising 101 with Dan and Mikkel Woodruff

    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

  2. Oct 12

    Exploring the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza and Indian Canyons in Palm Springs

    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

  3. Oct 8

    5 Spooky Spots in the South with Kinsey Gidick

    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

  4. Oct 1

    The Most Haunted Places in the South with Kinsey Gidick

    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. Sep 24

    5 Packing Tips Every Traveler Needs with Laurie

    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/@TravelTipsbyLaurieInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/traveltipsbylaurieWebsite + 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-enterprisesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises Traveling with AAA Podcast: TravelingwithAAA.com Plan your next vacation with AAA: https://aaa.com/travel

  6. Sep 17

    Pack Like a Pro: Secrets to Smarter Travel with Laurie

    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

  7. Sep 10

    What to See in Costa Rica with Jen Ruiz

    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

  8. Sep 3

    Navigating Costa Rica with Jen Ruiz

    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! 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

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4.9
out of 5
157 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Auto Club Enterprises
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    200
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Copyright © 2022-2023 Automobile Club of Southern California and its licensors. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Traveling with AAA

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