Traveling with AAA

Auto Club Enterprises
  • 4.9 (156)
  • 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

    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

  2. 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

  3. Aug 27

    5 Newfoundland and Labrador Spots You've Never Heard Of with Christopher Mitchell

    Some of the most memorable stops in and around Newfoundland and Labrador are also among the easiest to overlook: a tiny French territory just off the Canadian coast, a fishing village with no cell signal, and a national park often compared to Banff and Jasper. This episode takes a tour through the corners of Newfoundland and Labrador that even the most seasoned travelers could miss. Host Angie Orth continues her conversation with travel journalist Christopher Mitchell, who spent a month living in Newfoundland and Labrador as a writer-in-residence. Christopher digs deeper into the province's most underrated destinations and the moments that surprised him most. You'll learn about a French territory hiding just off the coast, why the Viking Trail is worth the drive, and which national park rivals Canada's most famous. Christopher also shares his pick for the most authentic stop on his trip and the ideal window for chasing icebergs and whales. What You’ll Learn: 0:13 The French territory off the coast that most travelers don't know exists 2:12 Why the Viking Trail is worth the drive 5:19 The park that rivals Banff and Jasper 7:34 The most authentic stop on Christopher's trip  10:56 The best window for iceberg chasing and whale watching Connect with Christopher Mitchell: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelingmitch/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travelingmitch/ Website: https://www.travelingmitch.com/ What’s the best place you’ve visited that you almost missed? Let us know 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. Aug 20

    Exploring Canada’s Newfoundland and Labrador with Christopher Mitchell

    In Newfoundland and Labrador, hospitality feels less like a service than a way of life. Travel through Canada’s easternmost province, and you’ll experience how deeply locals care about their home. Host Angie Orth is joined by travel journalist Christopher Mitchell, a Toronto native who spent a month living in Newfoundland and Labrador as a writer-in-residence. Christopher shares what drew him to the province and why its culture left a lasting mark on how he travels.  You'll learn what sets Newfoundland and Labrador apart from the rest of Canada, with its deep Irish roots and its complicated fishing history. Christopher unpacks the region's unmatched hospitality, the patience required to travel it well, and how local traditions help visitors feel at home. What You’ll Learn: 1:04 Why Christopher was drawn to Newfoundland and Labrador 5:06 A hospitality story that captures the province's spirit 10:48 The unforgettable trip to Battle Harbor and a surprise concert  21:52 Why respecting the weather and slowing down changes how you experience the region 32:39 The tradition of “getting screeched in” and why locals want you to join the family Connect with Christopher Mitchell: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelingmitch/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travelingmitch/ Website: https://www.travelingmitch.com/ What's the most memorable act of hospitality you've experienced while traveling? Share 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. Aug 13

    7 Sacred Sites in Japan You Can’t Miss with Chris Peskosky and Alex Murphy

    Japan’s most photographed sacred sites may draw the largest crowds, but quieter temples and shrines can be just as memorable. Taking the time to explore beyond the best-known landmarks can offer visitors a broader appreciation of the country’s religious traditions, architecture, and history. In this episode, host Angie Orth continues her conversation with Chris Peskosky and Alex Murphy, the travel content creators behind It's Chris and Alex. The pair share more of their favorite discoveries from traveling through Japan, including the most underrated shrines and which temples are worth the extra effort to reach. You'll hear which shrine surprised them the most, why some of the region's most photographed sites are still worth the crowds, and the practical habits that make traveling in Japan easier. Chris and Alex also share the story behind Nara's largest Buddha statue and a piece of advice that catches almost every first-time visitor off guard. What You’ll Learn: 0:17 Kyoto's most underrated shrine, dedicated to star-crossed lovers 3:18 The hidden temple trek that leads to a secluded bamboo grove 4:37 Why Fushimi Inari's iconic gates still live up to the hype 7:07 Inside Nara's Todaiji Temple and its massive bronze Buddha 10:11 The one packing tip every visitor to Japan needs to know Connect with Chris and Alex: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itschrisandalex/ Website: https://www.itschrisandalex.com/ Have you been to Japan? What was your most memorable experience? 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

  6. Aug 6

    Exploring Japan's Sacred Sites with Chris Peskosky and Alex Murphy

    Taking time to understand local customs can help travelers explore Japan more thoughtfully and respectfully. Learning the etiquette associated with a shrine visit, an onsen soak, or even a train ride can deepen your appreciation of everyday life and traditions in Japan. Host Angie Orth talks with Chris Peskosky and Alex Murphy, the travel content creators behind It's Chris and Alex. The pair has spent extensive time exploring Japan and built a following by helping travelers experience the country the way locals do.  You'll learn about etiquette at sacred sites, from approaching a torii gate to taking part in a shrine's prayer ritual. Chris and Alex also share what to expect during a traditional bathhouse visit, how to behave respectfully on Japan's famously punctual trains, and the unwritten rules for interacting with some beloved animal residents. What You’ll Learn: 1:21 The traditional ryokan stay that made them fall in love with returning to Japan 9:29 How to tell a shrine from a temple, and what each gate signals 12:36 The proper etiquette for praying at a shrine 23:17 What actually happens inside a traditional Japanese onsen 31:44 Meeting Nara's famous bowing deer, and how to handle them Connect with Chris and Alex: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itschrisandalex/ Website: https://www.itschrisandalex.com/ What are you most excited to see and experience in Japan? 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

  7. Jul 30

    Where to Play Pickleball Around the World with Joey Skladany

    A pickleball court with the Rockies rising in the distance. A game played beside glaciers off the coast of Alaska. A lesson on the grounds of a historic château in the French countryside. For a fast-growing wave of travelers, a love of pickleball is inspiring vacation destinations at home and abroad. In this episode, host Angie Orth is joined by Joey Skladany, a travel journalist and avid pickleball player who has taken his game to some of the world's most extraordinary settings. He recently shared his favorite pickleball travel destinations for AAA Explorer and Westways magazines, and today he's breaking down why pickleball and travel are a perfect pair. Joey explains why pickleball has become the world's fastest-growing sport, which domestic and international destinations are leading the charge in pickleball-focused hospitality, and how everyday travelers can find a game or a lesson no matter where they land. From bucket-list courts at the sport's birthplace to ultra-luxury games in Jamaica, this episode covers every level of the pickleball travel experience. What You’ll Learn: 3:21 Why pickleball's multigenerational appeal has made it the fastest-growing sport in the world 8:54 The ultimate active traveler's retreat in the birthplace of pickleball  14:11 What makes Palm Springs one of the friendliest places to pick up a paddle 21:05 Up-and-coming pickleball destinations  29:13 How to pack smart for your pickleball vacation Connect with Joey Skladany: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joeyskladany/ Website: https://www.joeyskladany.com/ Read more at: https://www.ace.aaa.com/pickleball Have YOU tried Pickleball? Which destination is on your bucket list? 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

  8. Jul 23

    5 Tips to See the Caribbean Differently with Matt Meltzer

    Beach or no beach, island or mainland, the Caribbean refuses to fit into one neat box. The range is far more diverse than the tourism brochures let on, whether it’s a volcanic island with zero sand or a mainland destination that still feels unmistakably Caribbean. Host Angie Orth continues her conversation with Matt Meltzer, a Lowell Thomas Award-winning travel journalist and former Marine who writes about food and travel for Thrillist, Matador Network, and his own newsletter, The Leftovers Miami.  You'll learn how to reframe your idea of a Caribbean vacation. Matt breaks down how much physical ability different islands really require—and how food shapes where he chooses to explore next. What You’ll Learn: 0:22 The one mindset shift that opens up an entirely different kind of Caribbean trip 0:57 How to approach an island with no beaches, and the wild story tied to its waters 2:47 A destination that isn't even an island  4:33 What kind of fitness level you need for the region's most demanding hiking trails 7:50 The flavors that shape how Matt decides where to eat and explore next Connect with Matt Meltzer: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meltrez1/ Are you planning a trip to a lesser-known Caribbean 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

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4.9
out of 5
156 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
    194
  • 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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