Traveling with AAA

Switzerland is known for precision, with trains that arrive to the minute, watches accurate to fractions of a second, and chocolate engineered to perfection. So what's a hot air balloon doing in the mix? Turns out, the country that prides itself on timeliness also embraces drifting wherever the wind takes you. In this episode, host Angie Orth welcomes back travel writer Crai Bower to count down his top five most unexpected discoveries in Switzerland, each one worth a spot on your itinerary.You'll hear about the food traditions worth seeking out, a cultural obsession hiding in plain sight, and what Crai believes best captures Switzerland's quirky spirit.What You’ll Learn:0:23 Why watching raclette melt over an open fire is a can't-miss Swiss food moment1:50 The pickled food culture that surprised even a seasoned traveler3:05 The facade paintings of Lucerne and why they're worth slowing down for3:43 How a timekeeping-obsessed culture also became the birthplace of hot air ballooning7:20 What Switzerland's four national languages and cultural mix feel like on the groundConnect with Crai Bower:InstagramWhat are YOU most excited to experience in Switzerland? Tell us in the comments! Connect with AAA:Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Switzerland is famous for precision watches, world-class skiing, and secretive banking—but there's a stranger, more fascinating side to this small, landlocked country that most travelers overlook. This episode digs into the Switzerland that doesn't make it into the guidebooks—like a carnival where crowds are rewarded with root vegetables, and a train called "Express" that takes its time on purpose. Host Angie Orth is joined by award-winning travel writer Crai Bower, who recently covered the country for Westways and AAA Explorer magazines. This journalist's eye for the offbeat will have you looking at Switzerland in a new way. You'll hear how Switzerland's four official languages and cultural influences shape each city's personality, why the country is more budget-friendly than its reputation suggests, and which experiences make it worth visiting year-round.What You’ll Learn:05:53 The Swiss museums worth adding to your itinerary09:03 What makes the Glacier Express one of the world's great train journeys 12:23 The folklore and mythology rooted in Switzerland's Alpine landscape20:31 Inside Basel Fasnacht: a three-day carnival unlike anything else in Europe26:43 Why Switzerland is one of the easiest countries to navigate without a carConnect with Crai Bower:InstagramWhat’s the quirkiest thing you’ve experienced in Switzerland? Tell us in the comments! Connect with AAA:Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

What kind of destination for deepening a friendship? And when the goal is reconnecting with someone you love, does it really matter where you go? In this episode, host Angie Orth is back with actor, director, and New York Times bestselling author Andrew McCarthy. His 10,000-mile journey across America to rekindle foundational friendships is chronicled in his latest book, Who Needs Friends.McCarthy offers practical advice for anyone hoping to reconnect through travel, including the one thing that instantly changes the dynamic between two people, and why the destination itself may matter less than you thinkWhat You’ll Learn:00:32 – The ideal type of destination for deepening any relationship00:54 – The simplest thing you can do to set the stage for a real, meaningful conversation01:13 – Why where you go matters far less than you think when the goal is reconnection01:37 – The unexpected everyday experience McCarthy swears by for fostering genuine connection on the road03:02 – Why building a small routine while traveling changes the way you experience a placeConnect with Andrew McCarthy:Website: https://andrewmccarthy.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewtmccarthyEpisodes Mentioned:The Art of Pilgrimage with Andrew McCarthy: https://podcast.show/travelingwithaaa/episode/132461820/Top 5 Tips for Walking the Camino de Santiago with Andrew McCarthy: https://podcast.show/travelingwithaaa/episode/132461821/What’s your BEST travel connecting story? Tell us about it in the comments!Connect with AAA:Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaa-auto-club-enterprisesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

When was the last time you actually saw your closest friends? Texts and social media can help you stay connected, but chances are, it’s been too long since you’ve been together in person. The same was true for actor, director, and New York Times bestselling author Andrew McCarthy. A pointed question from his teenage son sparked an unplanned, 10,000-mile road trip across America; Without GPS or an itinerary, he packed a bag and an old-school map, determined to reconnect with the people who helped shape him.In this episode, host Angie Orth sits down with Andrew McCarthy to explore the deeply human themes behind his latest book, Who Needs Friends, which chronicles his journey across back roads to reignite decades-old friendships.What You’ll Learn:01:22 – The moment that launched a 10,000-mile journey08:35 – How to pitch a travel story15:26 – Why showing up in a friend's world fosters reconnection23:45 – Andrew's pick for America's most overlooked destination32:22 – An incremental approach to getting out of your comfort zoneConnect with Andrew McCarthy:Website: https://andrewmccarthy.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewtmccarthyEpisodes Mentioned:The Art of Pilgrimage with Andrew McCarthy: https://podcast.show/travelingwithaaa/episode/132461820/Top 5 Tips for Walking the Camino de Santiago with Andrew McCarthy: https://podcast.show/travelingwithaaa/episode/132461821/Where would YOU go to reconnect with old friends? Tell us about it in the comments!Connect with AAA:Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaa-auto-club-enterprisesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Your group tour is booked and departure day is approaching. Then the reality hits: you're about to spend nine days with a group of strangers. For many travelers, the built-in social time and structured schedule of group travel can feel overwhelming—before you’ve even left home.In this episode, host Angie Orth continues her conversation with award-winning travel journalist Sheeka Sanahori, who shares five practical tips drawn from her recent European group tour. Whether it’s breaking the ice with strangers or communicating your needs clearly, Sheeka offers straightforward strategies to help nervous first-timers feel confident and prepared.You'll hear Sheeka's journalist trick for more comfortable social interactions, how to ensure your dietary needs are recognized, and how to position yourself for iconic photos—without getting the rest of the tour group in the shot. If you're anxious about the social dynamics or worried about maintaining your travel style within a group setting, these tips will help you make the most of your group travel experience.What You’ll Learn:0:35 The journalist-mode trick that makes socializing with strangers easier1:31 Why communicating your needs to the tour guide benefits everyone2:07 How to confirm dietary restrictions so nothing slips through the cracks4:24 The positioning strategy for capturing photos on group excursions5:43 The one piece of advice Sheeka wishes she knew before her first group tripConnect with Sheeka Sanahori:Website: https://www.sheekasanahori.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheeka.sanahori/What’s your advice for taking the group-travel plunge? Tell us in the comments! Connect with AAA:Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaa-auto-club-enterprisesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

If you’re a traveler who loves to craft detailed itineraries, group travel may sound like your worst nightmare. But what if it’s exactly what you need? Surrendering the logistics can feel scary at first—but it may be the most reliable way to secure the mental break a vacation is meant to provide.In this episode, host Angie Orth welcomes award-winning travel journalist Sheikha Sanahuri, who recently took her family on a group tour through Europe. As someone who typically plans every detail of her family trips, Sheikha shares what it was like to experience travel from the other side—as a participant rather than the planner.You'll discover how group trips solve common multi-generational travel challenges, from accommodating different accessibility needs to handling dietary restrictions across language barriers. Sheikha breaks down tour packages, reveals the biggest misconceptions about group travel, and explains how to find flexibility within structured itineraries. What You’ll Learn:2:04 Why group travel feels like a vacation for the family planner8:13 How traveling with people from around the world adds cultural perspective14:33 The way tour companies accommodate multi-generational families with different needs20:20 How tour operators' local relationships eliminate decision fatigue24:52 The essential questions to ask before booking any group tourConnect with Sheeka Sanahori:Website: https://www.sheekasanahori.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheeka.sanahori/Have YOU been on a group tour? Where did you go? Tell us about it in the comments! Connect with AAA:Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaa-auto-club-enterprisesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Maybe it’s the aisle seat passenger who reaches across you to adjust the window shade. Or the stranger who wants to trade your carefully selected seat for their middle seat in the last row. How about the tuna-and-egg sandwich enthusiast who seems oblivious to the issue in an enclosed space? These are the scenarios that test even the most patient traveler's resolve.In this episode, host Angie Orth is back with Nick Leighton and Leah Bonnema, co-hosts of the etiquette podcast Were You Raised By Wolves? Together, they count down the top five trickiest air travel etiquette dilemmas—the ones that spark the most heated debates and leave polite travelers wondering what's actually acceptable.You'll hear their verdict on bringing pungent food aboard, strategies for deflecting chatty seatmates without being rude, and why you're never obligated to give up your seat. They'll settle the window shade war once and for all, explain the concept of staying in your bubble, and share the single most important reminder every passenger needs before boarding.What You’ll Learn:0:32 The "scent bubble" rule for airplane food2:22 How to politely signal you don't want conversation5:12 Why you're never obligated to switch seats7:01 Who controls the window shade 9:00 The most important etiquette advice for every flightConnect with:Nick Leighton [email protected]://www.instagram.com/nicholasleighton/https://www.nickleighton.com/Leah Bonnemahttps://www.instagram.com/leahbonnema/https://www.leahbonnema.com/Were You Raised By Wolves?https://www.wereyouraisedbywolves.com/https://www.instagram.com/wereyouraisedbywolveshttps://www.facebook.com/wereyouraisedbywolveshttps://www.youtube.com/wereyouraisedbywolvesWhat’s the biggest airline etiquette violation you’ve experienced? Tell us about it in the comments!Connect with AAA:Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaa-auto-club-enterprisesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Whether you’re taking in world-class entertainment, strolling gallery-lined streets, or heading out on the ocean in search of marine life, Orange County has something for everyone. Its diverse communities each tell their own story, reflecting a distinct and dynamic side of California that demands a closer look.In this episode, host Angie Orth explores three Orange County communities with locals who know them best. Chris Do, Entertainment Manager at Knott's Berry Farm, discusses Buena Park's central location and the evolution of one of America's first theme parks. Logan Crow of the Frida Cinema shares how Santa Ana's collaborative arts culture creates a vibrant downtown unlike anywhere else. And Donna Kalez, owner of Dana Wharf Sport Fishing and Whale Watching, explains how Dana Point earned its title as the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World.You'll hear about Knott's Berry Farm's growth from a roadside berry stand to an amusement park with seasonal festivals and incredible food. You'll discover Santa Ana's monthly Art Walk, the Frida Cinema's mission as Orange County's only nonprofit cinema, and the city's expansive mural program. You'll also learn why Dana Point's unique coastline attracts whales and dolphins year-round, what to expect on a whale-watching excursion, and the best times to spot whales, dolphins, and maybeeven orcas.What You’ll Learn:3:40 Why every boysenberry in the world traces back to Buena Park19:36 The monthly Art Walk that transforms downtown Santa Ana into a creative hub 35:07 Inside Santa Ana's diverse gallery scene46:43 Why Dana Point is the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World58:07 Expert tips for your first whale watching adventureConnect with:In Santa Ana:Logan CrowThe FridaArt WalkIn Dana Point:Donna KalezDana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale WatchingIn Buena Park:Chris DoKnotts Berry FarmWhat are YOU most excited to see and do in Orange County? Tell us in the comments! Connect with AAA:Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaa-auto-club-enterprisesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Whether that guy in seat 32B is shouting into his speakerphone while you’re trying to read, or a stranger's bare feet appear inches from your tray table, air travel has become a tricky social experiment in a very confined shared space. When etiquette rules collide at 30,000 feet, what’s the best way to handle these situations when there’s no way out?In this episode, host Angie Orth welcomes Nick Leighton and Leah Bonnema, co-hosts of the wildly popular etiquette podcast Were You Raised By Wolves? Leighton, a producer and former journalist, and Bonnema, a comedian, tackle the social decorum disasters that unfold in airports and airplanes with humor and honesty. You'll hear their take on reclining seat controversies, why "gate lice" is an airline problem more than a passenger one, and the shocking foot-tickling incident that landed in their inbox. They'll share strategies for politely reclaiming your space, explain why middle seat passengers deserve both armrests, and reveal the one change that would solve most air travel etiquette disasters.What You’ll Learn:1:44 Why etiquette matters more than ever in air travel13:39 The "gate lice" phenomenon and who's really to blame22:12 The definitive rule for armrest allocation30:02 Why personal device volume has spiraled out of control43:25 The most outrageous etiquette question about air travelConnect with:Nick Leighton [email protected]://www.instagram.com/nicholasleighton/https://www.nickleighton.com/Leah Bonnemahttps://www.instagram.com/leahbonnema/https://www.leahbonnema.com/Were You Raised By Wolves?https://www.wereyouraisedbywolves.com/https://www.instagram.com/wereyouraisedbywolveshttps://www.facebook.com/wereyouraisedbywolveshttps://www.youtube.com/wereyouraisedbywolvesWhat’s YOUR biggest air travel pet peeve? Tell us about it in the comments!Connect with AAA:Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaa-auto-club-enterprisesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Just as music brings us together and teaches us about the world, so too do music venues—many of which are spectacular destinations in their own right. These venues transcend the performance, shaping our understandings of music, history, and place.In this episode, host Angie Orth is back with travel writer and musician Edmund Vallance to share five music venues worth building an entire trip around. From historically significant spaces to acoustic marvels and intimate clubs where legends are born, Edmund reveals the venues that have moved him most and why they're worth traveling across continents to experience.You'll discover why a gospel service in Harlem belongs on every traveler's bucket list, learn about an ancient Greek theatre in Sicily where world-class artists still perform under the stars, and hear about Berlin's surprisingly affordable classical music scene. Edmund also shares his favorite outdoor venue in Austin and reveals the unpretentious London basement club where music history continues to unfold every night.What You’ll Learn:0:32 Why the Gospel Harlem Tour is an unforgettable emotional experience 1:18 The ancient Greek theatre where Bob Dylan, Diana Ross, and Ray Charles performed 1:58 Berlin Philharmonic's incredible acoustics and surprisingly affordable ticket prices 2:52 Austin's Stubbs barbecue joint and outdoor venue 3:45 London's Notting Hill Arts Club, where future legends are foundConnect with Edmund Vallance:Journalism: http://www.edmundvallance.com/Music: http://www.edvallance.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edmundvallance/Listen to his music on Spotify Have you traveled for music? Tell us where you’ve been in the comments! Connect with AAA:Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaa-auto-club-enterprisesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

The lights dim, the crowd stirs, and the show you traveled for kicks into gear. In that moment, your vacation becomes something more: you're feeling the heartbeat of the city. Live music can transform a destination into an unforgettable experience, taking you on a deeper journey through its history and culture.In this episode, host Angie Orth welcomes travel writer and musician Edmund Vallance to explore how music shapes the way we experience the world. Edmund shares stories from his adventures chasing live performances across continents, from seeing Lou Reed in a tiny Porto venue to watching the Sex Pistols in Las Vegas. As both a performer and a passionate fan, he reveals how music can unlock a destination's true character.You'll discover why Gen Z is leading the charge in concert travel and hear about iconic venues from Red Rocks in Colorado to Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London. You’ll learn how music museums can turn you into a fan—even if you've never heard the artist before. Edmund also shares practical tips for finding serendipitous musical moments that can change how you see a place, plus his bucket list of must-visit music destinations—from Santiago de Cuba to Vienna's Mozart houses.What You’ll Learn:3:36 How music festivals like South by Southwest can become the cornerstone of an unforgettable trip 9:25 Why having one central concert can reshape an entire destination 14:38 Seattle's essential music sites for Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana fans 20:48 New York's historic jazz venues to celebrate Miles Davis' centennial year 25:00 How to find life-changing musical moments through randomness and saying yesConnect with Edmund Vallance:Journalism: http://www.edmundvallance.com/Music: http://www.edvallance.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edmundvallance/Listen to his music on SpotifyWhat musical experience would you travel anywhere for? Tell us in the comments! Connect with AAA:Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaa-auto-club-enterprisesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Imagine fireworks lighting up colonial cobblestones, tall ships gliding past centuries-old shores, and neon signs illuminating the American story in unexpected places. The United States is turning 250, and with celebrations unfolding coast to coast, the hardest part isn't finding a party—it's choosing which one to attend.In this episode, host Angie Orth reconnects with travel experts Barbara Noe Kennedy and Erin Gifford to break down the best America 250 destinations for every type of traveler.You'll discover where history buffs can experience multiple eras of American heritage in one trip, and which destinations balance education and entertainment for families. You’ll also learn about places where foodies can taste their way through America's culinary traditions. Along the way, you'll encounter visually stunning celebrations and hidden stories that deserve a spotlight during this historic anniversary year.What You’ll Learn:1:19 The ultimate destinations for history buffs2:32 Family-friendly celebrations that keep kids engaged and entertained3:24 The most visually spectacular places to experience America's birthday4:21 Where to uncover untold Revolutionary stories and lesser-known historical narratives5:56 The best foodie experiences to celebrate American culinary heritageConnect with:Erin Giffordhttps://www.eringifford.com/https://www.instagram.com/byeringiffordBarbara Noe Kennedyhttps://www.barbaranoekennedy.com/https://www.instagram.com/barbaranoekennedy/?hl=enWhat are YOUR plans for America 250? Tell us in the comments! Connect with AAA:Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaa-auto-club-enterprisesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

America is turning 250 years old, and the nation is marking the milestone by revisiting overlooked stories, opening archives, and gearing up for a year packed full of celebrations. Washington's personal copy of the U.S. Constitution will emerge from the vaults, while in Boston Harbor, an international fleet of tall ships will arrive with billowing sails—just as they did when a revolution was born.In this episode, host Angie Orth welcomes travel experts Erin Gifford and Barbara Noe Kennedy to break down the biggest milestone celebration of our lifetime. Erin has written the guide "Explore America: 250 Places to Go in 2026," while Barbara has covered the most compelling events and untold stories emerging across the country. Together, they reveal where to find the best celebrations nationwide.You'll discover the National Archives' new exhibits, explore the untold history of Williamsburg's First Baptist Church, and find out how to avoid crowds during America's year-long birthday festivities. This episode is your complete guide to celebrating a quarter-millennium of American history.What You’ll Learn:2:17 Why this milestone matters in America's story 9:31 Philadelphia's two-week festival, featuringfree concerts and unique events 15:50 Unexpected stops beyond the usual suspects20:03 The international armada of tall ships touring the Atlantic coast 26:26 What you’ll take away from this once-in-a-lifetime celebrationConnect with:Erin Giffordhttps://www.eringifford.com/https://www.instagram.com/byeringiffordBarbara Noe Kennedyhttps://www.barbaranoekennedy.com/https://www.instagram.com/barbaranoekennedy/?hl=enWhat are YOUR plans for America 250? Tell us in the comments! Connect with AAA:Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaa-auto-club-enterprisesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Every mile marker tells a different story, and each state along Route 66 offers its own slice of Americana. From restored gas stations frozen in time to desert craters that challenge your sense of scale, knowing where to stop can transform a long drive into an unforgettable adventure.In this episode, host Angie Orth is back with travel journalist and filmmaker Karuna Eberl to break down Route 66 state by state. Fresh from her 2,448-mile journey across eight states, Karuna shares her top picks for the most unmissable attractions from Illinois to California, helping you prioritize where to spend your time along America's Mother Road.You'll discover hidden gems in small towns and learn why one Kansas stop is a must for Pixar fans. You’ll also hear about the automobile-themed Texas landmark that may be the most iconic stop along the whole route. Karuna explains why supporting these roadside stops is so important for the future of Route 66, making it a pilgrimage for centuries to come.What You’ll Learn:1:23 Illinois's best historical architecture 2:16 Why Kansas's 13-mile stretch is a must for Cars movie fans 3:26 A defining Route 66 landmark in Texas5:25 Arizona's only national park along the Mother Road 6:05 California's desert oasis and spectacular Mojave viewsConnect with Karuna Eberl:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quixotictravelersWhat’s your favorite stop on Route 66? Tell us in the comments! Connect with AAA:Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaa-auto-club-enterprisesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Picture yourself cruising past vintage motels with glowing vacancy signs, stopping for pie at a chrome-trimmed diner, and discovering roadside museums that tell stories most travelers speed right past. Today’s Route 66 isn’t about getting from point A to point B. It's about embracing the journey as America's most iconic highway turns 100.In this episode, host Angie Orth welcomes Karuna Eberl, a travel journalist and filmmaker who just completed the entire 2,448-mile journey from Illinois to California. Karuna wrote the latest cover stories for AAA Explorer and Westways, documenting her three-week adventure through eight states, visiting local eateries, historic motor courts, and small-town museums that preserve a century of American history.You'll learn how long you need to enjoy Route 66 and why slowing down transforms the experience. She also shares the cultural landmarks that make this highway a living time capsule and practical tips on where to stay and how to navigate the route.What You’ll Learn:3:35 Why slowing down transforms the Route 66 experience 8:13 Mid-century Americana's roadside diners and motor lodges 13:41 Must-see roadside attractions 19:12 The historic motor courts that connect travelers24:30 Essential lessons from 2,500 miles on the Mother RoadConnect with Karuna Eberl:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quixotictravelersHave you driven Route 66? Tell us about your experience in the comments! Connect with AAA:Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaa-auto-club-enterprisesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises