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. 9h ago

    Lesser-Known Caribbean Destinations w/ Matt Meltzer

    Most travelers see only a sliver of what the Caribbean actually has to offer. Beyond the beaches and duty-free shops lie hidden waterfalls, active volcanoes, centuries-old ruins, and cultures barely touched by tourism.  Host Angie Orth sits down 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. Recorded at the Beach House Hilton in Fort Lauderdale, the conversation explores what separates an authentic travel experience from a manufactured one, and why the Caribbean has far more to offer than white sand beaches. You'll learn how to gauge a destination's real culture before you book, and why a cruise stop rarely gives you a true sense of a place. Matt also shares blunt, practical advice for travelers ready to move beyond the usual itineraries—and explains the mindset it takes to make those trips worth the extra effort. What You’ll Learn: 7:19 The unspoiled queen of the Caribbean 12:44 The surprising history behind “Statia” 17:01 A destination that rewards hikers who are willing to work  27:08 Savannas and jungles with anteaters, giant otters, and a Wild West spirit  34:18 Secluded beaches when you push past the tourist hot spots on a popular island Connect with Matt Meltzer: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meltrez1/ Which lesser-known Caribbean destination are you most excited to explore? 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. Jul 9

    Top 5 Theme Parks You Need to Add to Your Bucket List with Zachary Laks

    Europa Park has a coaster that drops you inside the Phantom of the Opera. Knoebels,  in rural Pennsylvania, has free admission and food that tastes like a real home-cooked meal. Neither one is a household name, but they just might be the best theme park days you'll ever have. In this episode, host Angie Orth continues her conversation with Zachary Laks, travel journalist and theme park expert who has written for Fodor’s, The Points Guy, and Lonely Planet. He shares his favorite, most underrated parks worth going out of your way for.  You'll learn which European parks belong on your travel itinerary, why family-owned parks often outperform the big chains, and the single unmissable ride Zachary would book a flight for right now. What You’ll Learn: 0:26 Why Europa Park is the essential first stop for any European theme park itinerary 3:23 What keeps wooden coaster loyalists coming back to Knoebels in Pennsylvania 5:16 How to make the case for adding Efteling to a European trip 8:22 Why independent, family-owned parks deliver a guest experience the big chains can't replicate 10:01 The one ride at Silver Dollar City that Zachary would hop on a plane for today Connect with Zachary Laks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachlaks/ Website: https://www.zacharylaks.com/ Which theme park are you adding to your itinerary? 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. Jul 2

    Theme Parks Around the World with Zachary Laks

    Some of the most exhilarating theme parks in the world have no mascot and no movie franchise behind them. What they do have is decades of obsessive craftsmanship, immersive storytelling, and rides good enough to build a trip around.  In this episode, host Angie Orth is joined by Zachary Laks, a travel journalist and theme park expert who has written for Fodor’s, The Points Guy, and Lonely Planet. Before covering the world's parks, Zachary spent more than  20 years as a theater producer, which sharpened his eye for what separates a good theme park experience from an unforgettable one. You'll learn what makes a theme park memorable, which underrated domestic and European parks deserve a spot on your travel list, and why 2026 may be the most exciting year yet for thrill-seekers. What You’ll Learn: 3:18 The three qualities that separate a great theme park from a merely fun one 8:51 Why Europa Park in Germany keeps winning Best Theme Park Worldwide 16:35 What makes Silver Dollar City and other regional parks worth a road trip 21:47 Budget-friendly parks where you can stretch your dollar (or euro) 26:04 Why you should add a theme park day to your European itinerary Connect with Zachary Laks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachlaks/ Website: https://www.zacharylaks.com/ What's a theme park that surprised you? 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

  4. Jul 1

    When Travel Doesn’t Go As Expected: Top travel mishaps and how to handle them with Daniel Durazo

    You're standing at the gate, boarding pass in hand. Then the flight board flashes “cancelled”, your bag doesn't show up on the carousel, or you wake up on day two feeling under the weather in an unfamiliar place. These things can happen to even the most seasoned travelers.  Host Angie Orth welcomes back Daniel Durazo, Director of External Communications at Allianz Partners USA, for a conversation recorded at the Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront in Richmond, Virginia. Daniel is one of the most trusted voices in travel protection, helping travelers navigate everything from canceled flights to medical emergencies abroad. You'll hear how travel insurance actually works, the lesser-known benefits most travelers don't realize they have access to, and why buying coverage the moment you book is the smartest move you can make. What You’ll Learn: 2:51 Why this year has tested even the most seasoned travelers 9:25 How rising travel costs change the case for protecting your investment 14:19 The core protections of travel insurance and the lesser-known benefits  26:14 Where Americans are traveling this year and why younger travelers are driving international trips 32:02 How extreme weather and hurricane season are reshaping when and how people buy coverage Connect with Daniel Durazo: Previous Episode: Traveling Unprotected? Why Travel Insurance is Worth It with Daniel Durazo What's the closest call you've had 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. Jun 25

    Top 5 South Florida Food Destinations with Ryan Pfeffer

    South Florida’s food sceene rewards the traveler who knows where to look. Most visitors default to the famous names and never make it to the ventanitas, lunch counters, and neighborhood joints where the region shines. A thoughtful dining experience can transform a trip from good to unforgettable. In this episode, host Angie Orth gets the insider take from Ryan Pfeffer, senior editor at The Infatuation and Fort Lauderdale native, who oversees restaurant coverage across the region.You'll learn Ryan's top restaurant pick for first-time visitors to Miami, the spots where locals actually eat, and his essential stops across Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, and the Keys. What You’ll Learn: 0:13 The one Miami restaurant that captures everything great about the city's food scene right now 0:47 The under-the-radar Little Havana spot that most visitors walk right past 1:18 The must-visit picks in Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach, including a sandwich worth the hype 2:03 How to eat well in the Keys and the stops Ryan recommends along the way 2:47 Ryan's single most memorable South Florida dining experience and why it's the hardest reservation in Miami Connect with Ryan Pfeffer: Website: https://ryanpfeffer.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanpfefferoni/ What South Florida restaurant is at the top of your 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 Podcast: TravelingWithAAA.com

  6. Jun 18

    Savoring the South Florida Food Scene with Ryan Pfeffer

    South Florida's dining landscape is the product of decades of immigration. Cuban, Haitian, Colombian, Venezuelan, and dozens of other communities have each added a layer to a food culture that is continuously evolving—and few people are better equipped to make sense of it than someone who grew up eating his way through it. In this episode, host Angie Orth sits down with Fort Lauderdale native Ryan Pfeffer, Senior Editor at The Infatuation, where he oversees restaurant coverage across South Florida. With years of on-the-ground reporting from the ventanitas of Little Havana to the pop-up scene in Wynwood, Ryan brings local fluency and a journalist's instinct to the table. You'll learn how decades of immigration shaped one of the most diverse dining cultures in the country, what dishes are truly native to this region, and how to build a realistic eating itinerary without burning away half your trip in traffic. Ryan breaks down the rituals every first-time visitor should know and explains why the best meal in South Florida is rarely the most obvious one. What You’ll Learn: 3:08 How successive waves of South American and Caribbean immigration gave Miami a food identity unlike anywhere else in the country 8:17 What the cafecito ritual is, how to properly order it at a ventanita, and why it's a foundational piece of Miami culture 13:55 How to find the freshest local seafood in South Florida without falling into tourist traps 20:09 Why Palm Beach and the Florida Keys represent opposite ends of the South Florida food spectrum 25:24 The one thing Ryan says every visitor must do when eating their way through South Florida Connect with Ryan Pfeffer: Website: https://ryanpfeffer.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanpfefferoni/ What foods are you most excited to try in South Florida? 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. Jun 11

    Top 5 Food Trails in America with Kayleigh Ruller

    A perfectly smoked brisket, a lobster roll dripping with butter, a hot tamale simmered in spiced broth. America's food trails are more than great eating—they're a passport to the history, culture, and community behind every iconic dish. In this episode, host Angie Orth welcomes back food and travel expert Kayleigh Ruller for a rapid-fire countdown of her top five food trails in America. From the Mississippi Delta to the coast of Maine, Kayleigh shares the routes she considers essential for any serious food traveler. You'll hear about the cross-cultural origins of a Southern staple, discover why Northern California's dairy country is worth a detour, and hear which barbecue regions inspire the fiercest local pride. Kayleigh also reveals the food trail that surprised her most with its depth and authenticity, and names her single favorite culinary route in the country. What You’ll Learn: 0:47 The surprising cross-cultural history behind the Mississippi Delta Hot Tamale Trail 2:07 Why Marin County's cheese trail is one of America's most scenic food experiences 3:21 How BBQ trails from Kansas City to North Carolina create authentic local connection 6:51 The  food trail that surprised Kayleigh with its depth and regional pride 8:18 Kayleigh's number one food trail pick  What’s your most unmissable food trail? 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

  8. Jun 4

    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

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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
    186
  • 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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