Dreaming of fresh powder and mountain views, but worried about the price tag? Ski trips often come with costly lift tickets, gear, lodging, and meals—but that doesn’t mean they’re out of reach. With the right hacks, you can enjoy a winter getaway without draining your bank account.

In this episode, host Angie Orth is back with travel journalist Melissa McGibbon, who shares her top five hacks for saving money on your next ski trip. From finding affordable flights and off-site gear rentals to knowing the best times of year for deals, Melissa shows how small shifts in planning can mean big savings on the slopes.

You’ll hear practical advice for beginners and seasoned skiers alike, along with clever ways to balance convenience and cost. Whether you’re skiing late in the season, splurging on one memorable meal, or picking the right kind of lift pass, this episode has you covered for ski season. 

What You’ll Learn:

(00:46) The best time to book flights and where to keep an eye on prices

(01:17) Accommodation hacks that save money 

(01:46) Why late-season skiing can mean better deals and sunnier days

(02:49) How to approach food choices without overspending

(03:37) Tips for saving on lift tickets and gear rentals

Connect with Melissa McGibbon:

Articles: https://www.powder.com/author/melissa-mcgibbon

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missmliss/

CTA: How do you save money when you hit the slopes? Tell us in the comments! 

Connect with AAA:

Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaa-auto-club-enterprises

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Think skiing is only for big spenders? Between pricey lift tickets, gear rentals, and mountain meals, a trip to the slopes can add up quickly. But there are ways to cut costs without cutting back on fun. 

In this episode, host Angie Orth is joined by travel journalist and lifelong skier Melissa McGibbon, who grew up just minutes from Alta Ski Area in Utah. With years of experience covering ski destinations around the globe, Melissa shares insider hacks that can make skiing more affordable. 

You’ll hear Melissa’s tips on scoring deals and learning how to avoid “powder panic” during the busiest part of the season. She also unpacks cultural differences from resorts around the world. You’ll discover how to save by supporting smaller, independent resorts timing a trip to help unlock more inexpensive options.

What You’ll Learn:

(02:19) The biggest misconception about skiing on a budget

(04:30) The season pass perk that can completely change your trip

(08:11) Powder panic explained—and how to avoid long lift lines

(12:22) Where to find the best budget-friendly ski destinations abroad

(24:00) The most adventurous place she’s ever skied

Connect with Melissa McGibbon:

Articles: https://www.powder.com/author/melissa-mcgibbon

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missmliss/

CTA: What are your favorite money-saving ski hacks? Tell us in the comments! 

Connect with AAA:

Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaa-auto-club-enterprises

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

From eerie side streets to quirky haunted bars, ghost tours can turn familiar places into something extraordinary—even extrasensory. They’re part history lesson, part theater, and part entertainment.

However, not all tours are created equal, and some offer experiences that go far beyond the usual gimmicks. It’s all about knowing which tours are worth including in your travel plans. In this episode, host Angie Orth is joined again by travel journalist and former paranormal investigator Jennifer Billock. Together, they uncover which ghost tours deliver top-notch storytelling, where to go for deep historical dives with a spooky twist, and how to find destinations that are meaningful and mysterious.

You’ll hear about tours that combine humor and history, battlefield sites crawling with spirits, and Jennifer’s own chilling encounter at the Lizzie Borden House. Whether you’re a casually curious traveler or someone who doesn’t easily scare, this episode will help you choose your next unforgettable ghostly adventure.

What You’ll Learn:

00:54 Why London’s Ghost Bus Tour is equal parts funny and fascinating

01:20 How historic battlefields blend real history with an eerie atmosphere

01:41 Chicago’s Devil in the White City and Milwaukee’s Brew City Ghost Tours

02:35 A deeply emotional and haunting experience in Cambodia

03:26 Jennifer’s unsettling late-night encounter at the Lizzie Borden House

Connect with Jennifer Billock:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferjoanbillock

CTA: Have you ever been spooked on a ghost tour? 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-enterprises

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

When the sun dips below the horizon and the city goes quiet, history becomes more pronounced. From creaking hotel corridors to shadowy alleys, the stories told after dark can reveal the true spirit of a place.

Ghost tours can help us see the personal side behind the places we visit, balancing goose bumps with grounded history. You leave these places with more than a fright. You gain context that enriches the travel experience.

In this episode, host Angie Orth is joined by travel journalist and former paranormal investigator Jennifer Billock. Together, they explore what makes a ghost tour truly worthwhile, balancing spine-tingling tales with historical accuracy. Whether you’re a skeptic, true believer, or simply curious, this conversation will help you find tours that are memorable for all the right reasons.

You’ll hear about haunted hot spots in New Orleans, Chicago, Michigan, and beyond; tips on how to be a respectful paranormal tourist; and tours that can actually deepen your connections by blending history, storytelling, and mystery.



What You’ll Learn:

00:00 Why haunted places hook us 

02:19 The rise of  paranormal tourism and why interest is growing worldwide

06:18 The Bourbon Orleans Hotel and other can’t-miss New Orleans ghost sites

10:27 Chicago’s Iroquois Theater fire and how tours balance history with chills

17:03 Ghost tour etiquette: honoring the past and making sure nothing “follows” you home

Connect with Jennifer Billock:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferjoanbillock

CTA: Ex: What’s the scariest ghost tour you’ve ever been on? 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-enterprises

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Cruising offers access to some of Earth’s most magical destinations—and the added convenience of unpacking only once while you travel. Whether you dream of witnessing penguins in Antarctica or floating past storybook villages on the Rhine, it’s time to chart your next unforgettable voyage.

Traveling with AAA host Angie Orth is back with cruise expert and travel journalist Meena Thiruvengadam to share her favorite bucket-list cruises, from polar extremes at the edge of the world to often overlooked destinations closer to home.

You’ll discover how unique ships can feel like Nordic-style hotels at sea, and why the Great Lakes are a surprisingly enchanting destination. You’ll also hear about the majestic fjords of Norway, onboard dining splurges that are worth the money, and a river itinerary that feels like stepping into a fairy tale.

What You’ll Learn:

00:48 The place at the top of Meena’s list of unforgettable destinations

03:09 The surprising beauty of cruising the Great Lakes

04:41 How Norway’s fjords and northern lights deliver authentic magic

06:13 Why specialty dining is worth the splurge on board

07:13 The Rhine River itinerary that feels like sailing through a fairy tale

Connect with Meena Thiruvengadam:

Website: https://travelwithmeena.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meenathiru

CTA: What’s your bucket-list cruise destination? Tell us in the comments! 

Connect with AAA:

Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaa-auto-club-enterprises

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

**You can Win a trip to Walt Disney World**

The Grand Prize is for 1 winner and up to three (3) guests at Walt Disney World® Resort. 

Runner-Up Prizes will be one of 10 Disney Gift Cards valued at $50.

You can enter via the form here: https://aaa-text.co/podcast

The holidays at Walt Disney World are more than twinkling lights and parades—they’re about the unforgettable little details that make each trip magical. But how do Disney insiders experience the parks during this festive season? From the best snacks to hidden spots and essential planning tips, this episode uncovers the secrets straight from the people who know the parks best.

Host Angie Orth speaks with Disney Ambassadors Serena Arvizu and Shannon Smith, multicultural marketing manager Caris Edmond, Dr. Zak Gezon, Imagineer Priya Sampath, Chef Gary Miles, and other Disney insiders. They share favorite treats, hidden hideaways, and the tips they wish every guest knew before stepping into the parks.

Whether you’re planning your first holiday visit or making a return trip to relive traditions, you’ll find inspiration in these stories of food, fun, and festive magic.

What You’ll Learn:

03:15 The “secret menu hack” that turns a Disney salad into a must-try meal

08:42 Where to find a quiet corner of EPCOT that feels like another world

14:05 The one online resource every guest should use before booking a trip

15:33 Why PhotoPass is the most underrated tool for capturing memories

17:57 The small holiday details Imagineers love—and how to spot them

Enter for your chance to win a trip to Walt Disney World® Resort via: https://aaa-text.co/podcast

Connect with AAA:

Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa

LinkedIn:   / aaa-auto-club-enterprises  

Instagram:   / aaaautoclubenterprises  

Facebook:   / aaaautoclubenterprises 

**You can Win a trip to Walt Disney World**

The Grand Prize is for 1 winner and up to three (3) guests at Walt Disney World® Resort. 

Runner-Up Prizes will be one of 10 Disney Gift Cards valued at $50.

You can enter via the form here: https://aaa-text.co/podcast

From spooky nights to festive lights, Walt Disney World transforms during the fall and holiday season into something truly unforgettable. Between Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival, dazzling parades, and brand-new attractions, there’s no shortage of magic to discover.

In this episode, host Angie Orth takes us on a seasonal journey through all four parks with the help of Disney insiders. You’ll hear from Plan Disney panelist Christina, Disney Ambassadors Shannon Smith and Serena Arvizu, Marketing Strategy Manager Lisa Hain, Conservation Director Dr. Zak Gezon, and Imagineer Priya Sampath. They share holiday traditions, behind-the-scenes details, and the secrets that make this time of year so special.

Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning to create new memories, this episode is your insider’s guide to the parks during their most enchanting season.

What You’ll Learn:

03:56 How one Disney family celebrates Halloween with themed costumes every year

08:15 Why Magic Kingdom’s holiday parade is a must-see tradition

14:22 EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival highlights and the debut of GEO 82 for Disney adults

19:48 Animal Kingdom’s conservation mission and magical wildlife encounters

26:30 Behind the scenes with Imagineer Priya Sampath on creating Zootopia: Better Zoogether

Enter for your chance to win a trip to Walt Disney World® Resort via: https://aaa-text.co/podcast

Connect with AAA:

Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaa-auto-club-enterprises

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Is the awe-inspiring open ocean or an undulating river calling your name? Today’s cruise ships are floating realms where each sunrise leads to a new adventure. From cozy thermal spas to adrenaline-pumping slides, there are cruise amenities for every kind of traveler.

In this episode, Traveling with AAA host Angie Orth welcomes cruise super-fan and travel journalist Meena Thiruvengadam to reveal the latest trends in cruising in 2025 and beyond. With nearly 20 sailings under her belt, she’s here to decode what’s next at sea, along rivers, and in ports.

You’ll learn about chef-driven dining,  mood-boosting wellness sanctuaries, next-gen technology, and bucket-list itineraries ranging from Antarctica to the Mekong. You’ll also hear about smaller expedition-style ships that put passengers closer to nature, proving that the new era of cruising can be immersive, intimate, and luxurious. 

What You’ll Learn:

05:00 Why cruising really has something for every style of traveler

12:30 Game-changing shipboard tech 

20:15 What it’s really like to cruise Antarctica 

27:45 How to choose between big-ship thrills and small-ship intimacy

35:10 Emerging destinations and next-wave trends

Connect with Meena Thiruvengadam:

Website: https://travelwithmeena.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meenathiru

CTA: What cruise destination or amenity are YOU most excited about? Tell us in the comments! 

Connect with AAA:

Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaa-auto-club-enterprises

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

If food is your favorite travel companion, Chicago may be your ultimate destination in the U.S. Beyond its iconic hot dogs and deep-dish pizza, the Windy City is bursting with flavors that tell stories of immigrant traditions, culinary innovation, and neighborhood pride. Every corner offers something delicious, whether you’re savoring a Michelin-starred tasting menu, lining up for a beloved Italian beef sandwich, or uncovering lesser-known haunts.

Today, host Angie Orth is back with Chicago insider and veteran travel journalist Kit Bernardi on the rooftop of the Virgin Hotel. She shares her top must-try food and drink experiences, from classic dishes that built Chicago’s reputation to unexpected neighborhood treasures. Kit maps out a flavorful itinerary across the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods. 

You’ll hear about iconic bites like Italian beef, deep-dish pizza, and the famed Vienna hot dog. You’ll learn where to book for an elevated night out at award-winning spots, including a Michelin-starred brewery. You’ll also hear how to “set-jet” with a food tour that hits filming locations and beloved bakeries featured in the hit show The Bear.

What You’ll Learn:

01:13 The Chicago staples you have to try first

02:45 Michelin-starred spots and hidden cocktail bars

04:10 Where to “set-jet” The Bear

06:05 The neighborhoods that give Chicago its flavor

08:12 Blending tradition with constant reinvention

Connect with Kit Bernardi:

Website: https://kittravels.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kitbernardi/

CTA: What’s your favorite Chicago foodie find? 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-enterprises

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Dreaming of a city escape that blends world-famous architecture, lakefront beauty, rich history, and dynamic culture? Chicago has it all. From iconic skyscrapers to hidden neighborhood gems, this episode will change the way you see the Windy City.

Today host Angie Orth welcomes Kit Bernardi, a Chicago native and travel journalist, on the rooftop of the Virgin Hotel in Chicago. She’ll reveal the stories and experiences that make her hometown shine, from the Great Fire that reshaped the city to the immigrant roots that continue to define it. Kit shares insider insights that go far beyond the guidebooks.

You’ll hear about the best ways to see Chicago’s legendary skyline, when to hit the lakefront for outdoor adventures, where to explore can’t-miss museums and theaters, and how to begin a Route 66 journey. Whether you’re planning your first trip or a repeat visit, this episode is packed with tips that will help you experience Chicago like a local.

What You’ll Learn:

05:32 How the Great Chicago Fire reshaped the city

12:27 Must-see museums and surprising niche gems

15:49 Chicago’s thriving theater scene

17:53 Sports culture and the “no ketchup” hot dog rule

19:23 Starting Route 66 the classic way

Connect with Kit Bernardi:

Website: https://kittravels.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kitbernardi/

More of Kit’s Chicago Recommendations: 

Neighborhoods to Visit: Hyde Park, Oak Park, Pilsen 

Attractions: Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago Sports Museum, National Museum of Mexican Art, DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, The American Writers Museum, Chicago History Museum, Jane Addams Hull House Museum 

CTA: What’s your favorite must-see in Chicago? 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-enterprises

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises