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. 6d ago

    Food Trails Across America with Kayleigh Ruller

    Every place has a flavor that tells its story, and that story might be reason enough to plan a trip. That’s the idea behind a food trail—a travel journey dedicated to the best food or drink in a destination. You might spend a weekend chasing barbecue across  North Carolina, or work your way up the Maine coast one lobster roll at a time. Food trails can transform a meal into a full-on adventure, offering travelers a deeply personal way to connect with a place, its people, and its history. In this episode, host Angie Orth is joined by food and travel writer Kayleigh Ruller, a contributor to Food & Wine, Eater, and the Charlotte Observer, based in New York and North Carolina. With years of experience exploring culinary cultures across the country, Kayleigh brings both local expertise and a journalist's curiosity to the growing phenomenon of food trail travel. You'll learn what makes a food trail more than just eating your way through a city, how to plan one that fits your schedule and appetite, and why the best food trails are often the ones you build yourself. Kayleigh shares her own standout trails, her most memorable food trail experiences, and thoughtful guidance on how to engage respectfully with the cultural traditions you encounter along the way. What You’ll Learn: 3:22 What a food trail actually is and how to plan the perfect one around your interests 7:16 The most memorable food trail experiences Kayleigh has had 12:46 California food trails you have to try 20:33 Unexpected food trails worth building a whole trip around 27:06 How to engage respectfully with cultural cuisines and food traditions Is there a food trail you’re excited about? Tell us in the comments!  Connect with Kayleigh Ruller: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayleighruller/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kayleighruller3383 Connect with AAA: Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

    30 min

  2. May 28

    Top 5 Must-See Spots in Indianapolis with Sampson Levingston

    Indianapolis has a way of hiding its best secrets in plain sight; bald eagles soaring over a river trail in the middle of downtown, an all-Black art fair that caught the attention of the New York Times, and a no-frills jazz bar where you can soak up the sounds of the city every Monday night. Host Angie Orth is back with Indianapolis local and Through 2 Eyes founder Sampson Levingston for a closer  look at the city—like its diverse restaurant scene, quiet waterways, and art spaces.Sampson shares where to uncover the real heart of Indy. You'll discover where to find some of the most authentic soul food and, of course, that legendary shrimp cocktail. You'll also learn where to connect with nature in the middle of the city, how a 2020 art fair became a national story, and why Indiana's deep love for high school basketball is unlike anything else in the country. What You’ll Learn: 0:54 The restaurants that best reflect Indianapolis's true culinary diversity 2:24 An urban trail where you can spot bald eagles, foxes, and deer  4:06 The all-Black art fair that caught the attention of national press 6:27 An unmissable Monday night jazz spot  9:02 Why Indianapolis's signature dish tells the story of how the city was born Connect with Sampson Levingston: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sampson_2/ Tour Website: https://www.through2eyes.com/ Tour Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/walkandtalkindy/: What do YOU love about Indianapolis? 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

    12 min

  3. May 21

    Exploring Indianapolis with Scott McLaughlin and Sampson Levingston

    Each May,  33 IndyCars scream around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway at 245 mph while  400,000 fans pack the stands. But there’s more to the city than the famous race that bears its name. Indianapolis rewards the curious, whether you're chasing checkered flags or chasing a bit of history. In this episode, host Angie Orth sits down with two guests who know Indianapolis from completely different vantage points. Scott McLaughlin, the New Zealand-born IndyCar superstar and driver of the No. 3 AAA Travel Chevrolet for Team Penske, joins Angie trackside at the legendary Speedway. Then, Sampson Levingston, founder of Through 2 Eyes and the force behind Indy's celebrated Walk and Talk Tours, takes her through the  neighborhoods, monuments, and overlooked histories that make this city unforgettable. You'll hear what it feels like to stand on the grid as 400,000 fans go silent for Taps, discover a golf course where you can swing a seven iron while IndyCars fly past at race speed, and learn why Indianapolis is one of the most walkable, perfectly planned capitals in the country. From the legacy of America's first self-made woman millionaire, to the hidden stories of Indiana Avenue, this episode will change what you look for the next time you visit Indy. What You’ll Learn: 3:14 Why race day at IMS moves even the most seasoned drivers to tears 11:42 The only golf course in the world where IndyCars are part of the back nine 22:18 The surprising history of Monument Circle and what Lady Victory is really watching over 29:49 How Madam C.J. Walker built an empire and left an enduring legacy 41:18 A local's guide to the perfect Indianapolis itinerary Connect with Scott McLaughlin: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smclaughlin93/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smclaughlin93 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Smclaughlin93 Website: https://www.scott-mclaughlin.com/ Connect with Sampson Levingston: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sampson_2/ Tour Website: https://www.through2eyes.com/ Tour Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/walkandtalkindy/: What are YOU most excited to discover in Indianapolis? 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

    40 min

  4. May 18

    The Pet Owner's Guide to Stress-Free Travel with Scott Taylor

    Traveling with furry friends can be a great adventure—when you’re prepared for it They can get carsick on the highway, bolt at the airport, or eat something they shouldn’t while you’re distracted by a beautiful view. The difference between a smooth trip and a stressful one almost always comes down to what you know before you leave home. Host Angie Orth sits down with Scott Taylor, president of Spot Pet Insurance, at the company's Miami headquarters. Scott brings industry expertise and hard-won personal experience, including what happens when a Labrador gets his paws on a club sandwich, toothpicks included. You’ll hear how to prepare for traveling with pets, including pre-trip vet visits,airline policies, and destination research. He shares on-the-road safety tips and explains how financial planning makes it easier to say yes when your pet needs emergency care. What You’ll Learn: 1:19 How a $10,000 vet bill made the case for pet insurance 8:17 Road trip packing essentials for pet owners 13:57 What to actually ask when booking a pet-friendly property 20:10 Why a GPS collar is worth it when you're far from home 29:02 How to choose the right pet insurance policy Connect with Scott Taylor: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scotttaylor714 Spot Pet Insurance: https://spotpet.com/ Have you had a pet emergency while traveling? How did you handle it? 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

    36 min

  5. May 14

    5 Underrated Spots for a Summer Vacation with Tykesha Spivey Burton

    The best summer trip might be one you’ve never considered. From a pedestrian-only mountain village in British Columbia to a cabin on the edge of the Shenandoah Valley, some of North America's most rewarding summer destinations rarely make the usual shortlists. Host Angie Orth sits down with family travel expert Tykesha Spivey Burton, founder of Mama Wanderlust, for a rapid-fire rundown of five unexpected summer destinations with great outdoor access, local culture, great food, and bang for your buck.  You'll find out which small towns offer a quieter alternative to the summer crowds,  which cities punch above their weight for foodies, and why the obvious pick isn’t always the best one.  What You’ll Learn: 0:31 Why Whistler, BC is a standout summer pick for outdoor adventure and cultural connection 2:00 The Maryland ski town that's surprisingly peaceful in peak summer 2:39 A Shenandoah Valley cabin getaway that keeps costs low and the pace slow 3:20 Two underrated picks for culture seekers   4:55 The foodie destinations worth a special trip, including one with a UNESCO gastronomy distinction Connect with Tykesha Spivey Burton: Website: https://tykeshaspiveyburton.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewanderlustmomma/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MommaWanderlust What’s your favorite off-season summer destination? 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

    7 min

  6. May 7

    Under-the-Radar Summer Getaways with Tykesha Spivey Burton

    Cool summer temperatures, a mountain view, and no waitlist for dinner—that's what a summer vacation can look like when you trade the crowded beach for somewhere unexpected. Ski towns, lakeside cabins, and quiet small towns don't just shine in their off-season; they offer families more room to breathe, more flexibility, and the kind of unhurried togetherness that's hard to find at a peak-season hotspot. In this episode, host Angie Orth sits down with Tykesha Spivey Burton, founder of Mama Wanderlust and a family travel expert who has taken her kids from the mountains of British Columbia to the shores of Kauai. A self-described slow traveler and mid-Atlantic local, Tykesha brings a practical, multi-generational perspective to family trips that work across every age and travel style. You'll hear why ski resort towns make surprisingly good  summer destinations, how to navigate trips when your kids want completely different things, and why off-the-beaten-path spots tend to be easier on the budget than the usual summer hotspots. This episode is full of fresh ideas and smart strategies for a summer trip worth remembering. What You’ll Learn: 0:39 Why less-crowded destinations give families more flexibility, better upgrades, and room to be spontaneous 3:16 How ski resort towns like Deep Creek, Maryland and Whistler, BC transform into low-key family havens in summer 6:03 How to keep everyone happy when traveling with kids at different ages  11:28 Why Kauai is one of the best summer island escapes 17:44 Budget strategies that work Connect with Tykesha Spivey Burton: Website: https://tykeshaspiveyburton.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewanderlustmomma/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MommaWanderlust What are your favorite under-the-radar summer destinations? Share them 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

    21 min

  7. Apr 30

    Exploring Uncharted Territory with Rick Steves

    Before the guidebooks, the PBS show, and 60 published titles, there was a 23-year-old piano teacher with a hard-bound journal, a Pentax camera, and a one-way ticket to Istanbul. In 1978, Rick Steves  traveled the old overland route  from Istanbul to Kathmandu. The notes and photos he brought home  became the seed  of  a career  spent showing Americans a smarter way to see the world.  In this episode, host Angie Orth sits down with legendary travel writer and TV host Rick Steves to discuss his newest book, On the Hippie Trail: Istanbul to Kathmandu and the Making of a Travel Writer. Rick shares the stories and lessons from that trip, and what they still have to offer travelers today. You'll hear Rick's take on the difference between a tourist, a traveler, and a pilgrim; why culture shock is something to seek out rather than avoid; and how the world has changed since the days of money belts and bus tickets from bucket shops. He'll also point you toward the destinations where that original spirit of adventure is still very much intact. What You’ll Learn: 1:24 Rick's life before the guidebooks, and the trip that set everything in motion  7:26 Tourist, traveler, or pilgrim: how to raise the bar on any trip 9:29 Istanbul then and now and why it's still one of the world's most underrated cities 13:45 The travel lesson from 1978 that Rick still teaches today 21:54 Where to find that hippie trail spirit in the modern world Connect with Rick Steves: Website: https://www.ricksteves.com/ Monday Night Travel free webinars (archived + live): https://www.ricksteves.com  On the Hippie Trail (book): https://www.ricksteves.com/about-rick/hippie-trail-book Instagram: https://instagram.com/ricksteveseurope/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ricksteves LinkedIn: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ricksteves X: https://twitter.com/RickStevesEur What’s the most profound travel experience you’ve had? 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

    26 min

  8. Apr 23

    Top 5 Voluntourism Experiences for Every Traveler

    You don’t need specialized training or extra time off to make a meaningful environmental impact while you travel.  Wherever you’re headed—whether it’s  a national park, a coastal town, or a dark-sky destination—there's a meaningful volunteer experience waiting. In this episode, host Angie Orth is back with sustainability and travel writer Amy Brecount White, who counts down her top five voluntourism experiences perfectly suited for every traveler. You'll hear about the easiest entry points for giving back, including beach cleanups to trail restoration events, and how to find opportunities wherever your travels take you. Amy shares why even a short morning of volunteering can become the most memorable part of a trip, and how showing up for a place you love might just change the way you travel forever. What You’ll Learn: 0:35 How to look for volunteerism opportunities  2:09 Trail maintenance events at national parks, including Yosemite's annual facelift 3:32 Wildlife monitoring and citizen science opportunities for repeat visitors 5:11 How to get involved in native plant restoration and invasive species removal 9:48 Amy's most meaningful voluntourism experience and why it still stays with her Connect with Amy Brecount White: Website: https://amybrecountwhite.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amybrecountwhite/ Ready to give back on your next trip? Tell us what you want to do 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

    12 min
See All (179)

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
    179
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Copyright © 2022-2023 Automobile Club of Southern California and its licensors. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Traveling with AAA

You Might Also Like