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 planner

8:13 How traveling with people from around the world adds cultural perspective

14:33 The way tour companies accommodate multi-generational families with different needs

20:20 How tour operators' local relationships eliminate decision fatigue

24:52 The essential questions to ask before booking any group tour

Connect 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-enterprises

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

Facebook: 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 food

2:22 How to politely signal you don't want conversation

5:12 Why you're never obligated to switch seats

7:01 Who controls the window shade 

9:00 The most important etiquette advice for every flight

Connect with:

Nick Leighton 

[email protected]

https://www.instagram.com/nicholasleighton/

https://www.nickleighton.com/

Leah Bonnema

https://www.instagram.com/leahbonnema/

https://www.leahbonnema.com/

Were You Raised By Wolves?

https://www.wereyouraisedbywolves.com/

https://www.instagram.com/wereyouraisedbywolves

https://www.facebook.com/wereyouraisedbywolves

https://www.youtube.com/wereyouraisedbywolves

What’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-enterprises

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

Facebook: 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 Park

19:36 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 World

58:07 Expert tips for your first whale watching adventure

Connect with:

In Santa Ana:

Logan Crow

The Frida

Art Walk

In Dana Point:

Donna Kalez

Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching

In Buena Park:

Chris Do

Knotts Berry Farm

What 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-enterprises

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

Facebook: 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 travel

13:39 The "gate lice" phenomenon and who's really to blame

22:12 The definitive rule for armrest allocation

30:02 Why personal device volume has spiraled out of control

43:25 The most outrageous etiquette question about air travel

Connect with:

Nick Leighton 

[email protected]

https://www.instagram.com/nicholasleighton/

https://www.nickleighton.com/

Leah Bonnema

https://www.instagram.com/leahbonnema/

https://www.leahbonnema.com/

Were You Raised By Wolves?

https://www.wereyouraisedbywolves.com/

https://www.instagram.com/wereyouraisedbywolves

https://www.facebook.com/wereyouraisedbywolves

https://www.youtube.com/wereyouraisedbywolves

What’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-enterprises

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

Facebook: 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 found

Connect 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-enterprises

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

Facebook: 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 yes

Connect 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

What 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-enterprises

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

Facebook: 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 buffs

2:32 Family-friendly celebrations that keep kids engaged and entertained

3:24 The most visually spectacular places to experience America's birthday

4:21 Where to uncover untold Revolutionary stories and lesser-known historical narratives

5:56 The best foodie experiences to celebrate American culinary heritage

Connect with:

Erin Gifford

https://www.eringifford.com/

https://www.instagram.com/byeringifford

Barbara Noe Kennedy

https://www.barbaranoekennedy.com/

https://www.instagram.com/barbaranoekennedy/?hl=en

What 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-enterprises

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

Facebook: 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 suspects

20:03 The international armada of tall ships touring the Atlantic coast 

26:26 What you’ll take away from this once-in-a-lifetime celebration

Connect with:

Erin Gifford

https://www.eringifford.com/

https://www.instagram.com/byeringifford

Barbara Noe Kennedy

https://www.barbaranoekennedy.com/

https://www.instagram.com/barbaranoekennedy/?hl=en

What 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-enterprises

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

Facebook: 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 Texas

5:25 Arizona's only national park along the Mother Road 

6:05 California's desert oasis and spectacular Mojave views

Connect with Karuna Eberl:

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

What’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-enterprises

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

Facebook: 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 travelers

24:30 Essential lessons from 2,500 miles on the Mother Road

Connect with Karuna Eberl:

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

Have 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-enterprises

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

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