Where are you celebrating New Year’s Eve this year?

It’s a question that feels exciting and a bit nerve-racking at the same time. 

New Year’s Eve is both a beginning and an end. It’s bidding farewell to the year that’s passed, and welcoming the new one in the best way possible. Naturally, we want to celebrate in a place that feels special.

Today, Angie Orth welcomes a pair of trusted travel experts to help you answer the big NYE questions. Lee Abbamonte has celebrated in some of the biggest and brightest cities in the U.S. and abroad, and Alexandra Baackes loves to explore how different cultures around the world ring in the new year. 

You’ll hear about unique celebrations in global destinations. You’ll get an honest rundown of what it’s like to party in some of the most famous and iconic New Year’s Eve events in the U.S. and abroad. And most importantly, you’ll discover the type of celebration that inspires you to solidify your New Year’s plans, whether you’re traveling to an exotic locale or keeping it local. 

What You’ll Learn:

• (02:22) How Australia makes New Year's Eve celebrations accessible for all bedtimes
• (03:54) Thoughts on those big-city celebration destinations
• (06:07) New Year's Eve advice for anyone trying to decide how to celebrate
• (08:16) Why you should leave room for the unexpected
• (11:48) A fun U.S. New Year's destination that feels off the big-party radar

Connect with Lee Abbamonte:

Website: https://www.leeabbamonte.com/

Connect with Alexandra Baackes:

Website: https://www.alexinwanderland.com/

Connect with AAA:

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

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

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

Holding on to the memories of the places we travel through souvenirs is an act of preservation. They are the physical manifestations of our travel experiences captured through the things we buy, collect, and even photograph along the way. 

Souvenirs are meaningful not only for ourselves, but they’re also a way of sharing those stories with others when we return home.

Today, Angie Orth welcomes travel writer Rolf Potts. He has reported from more than seventy countries and six continents for publications including National Geographic Traveler, The New Yorker, Slate.com, the New York Times Magazine, and the Travel Channel. He is the author of Souvenir (Object Lessons), a book that explores the cultural history of travel souvenirs. 

You’ll learn the history of bringing objects home from travel journeys through the ages, and how souvenirs have evolved as access to travel has expanded and changed. You’ll hear about a Japanese-inspired tradition that imparts a deeper connection between the objects we choose and the people we gift them to, and you’ll learn how to be a more discerning shopper when it comes to selecting souvenirs. 

What You’ll Learn:

• (03:03) The definition of a souvenir
• (07:39) A deeper way to think about souvenirs
• (10:47) How photography has influenced our travel memories
• (14:57) Advice on choosing ethical, meaningful souvenirs
• (16:42) When to buy souvenirs on your trip

Connect with Rolf Potts:

https://rolfpotts.com

https://www.instagram.com/rolfpotts/

https://x.com/rolfpotts

https://www.facebook.com/rolf.potts

Connect with AAA:

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

https://clubadventures.com/

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

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

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

Where will you find yourself in 2026? Will you be sipping coffee in a 400-year-old cobblestone square? Watching ice canoe racers battle across a frozen river? Or perhaps waking at sunrise for wellness rituals in a city that celebrates the dawn?

Whether you’re looking for centuries-old European charm, vibrant Asian street markets, or Australian coastal wonders, 2026 is the year for extraordinary international experiences in destinations that may not be on your radar yet.

In this episode, host Angie Orth is back with Jim Benning, Editor-in-Chief of Westways, and Derrik Lang, Editor-in-Chief of AAA Explorer, for part two of their annual destination series. While part one explored the best domestic getaways, this episode ventures beyond borders to uncover five international destinations that are having major moments in the year ahead.

You'll discover why Quebec City is more than just a winter wonderland, thanks to its year-round festivals and indigenous cultural centers, and how Guadalajara embraces mariachi and tequila culture. You’ll also hear why Umbria is considered Italy's “green heart,” why Hanoi's luxury hotel scene is booming, and how new direct flights are making Brisbane easier to reach than ever.

What You’ll Learn:

03:20 North America's most European-feeling destination

11:30 Visiting the “most Mexican city in Mexico” 

14:56 Italy's green heart: agritourism, wellness retreats, and the world's largest chocolate festival

19:10 From backpackers paradise to emerging luxury destination

21:58 Brisbane's wellness culture and the groundbreaking Ngaro track 

Going abroad in 2026? Tell us where you’re headed 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

What will your next domestic getaway look like? Imagine arriving at a gleaming new airport terminal bathed in  California sunshine, stepping into a Midwestern city claiming its title as America's soccer capital, or  watching the birthplace of independence prepare for the celebration of a lifetime.

2026 is shaping up to be  a milestone year, one  in which  extraordinary—yet often overlooked—destinations are rewriting their stories with billion-dollar renovations, world-class events, and experiences you won't want to miss.

In this episode, host Angie Orth welcomes two AAA insiders who spend their days tracking trends and scouting destinations: Jim Benning, Editor-in-Chief of Westways, and Derrik Lang, Editor-in-Chief of AAA Explorer. Recording from the historic Ace Garage in Tustin, California, they reveal the domestic destinations that deserve a spot on your 2026 travel list.

You'll discover why San Diego's new airport terminal and NASCAR debut make it more than just a beach town, and how Kansas City is transforming with adaptive architecture and high-profile athletics. You’ll hear what makes Santa Fe's art scene timeless, how Lexington is redefining its identity beyond horses and bourbon, and how Philadelphia is preparing for America's 250th birthday.

What You’ll Learn:

3:41 San Diego's multi-billion dollar airport renovation and first-ever NASCAR race 

6:25 The soccer capital of the USA and the FIFA World Cup 

8:27 The innovative Rock Island Bridge project 

18:54 Lexington's transformation beyond horses and bourbon

22:13 Philadelphia's year-long America 250 celebration

Where are YOU planning to go in 2026? 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 decision you make on a trip—where you stay, what you eat, how you get around—has an impact on the place you visit. Whether it’s an Airbnb that displaces a local resident or a tour bus that crowds neighborhood streets, the travel choices we make ripple through communities in ways we might not notice. But what if small, thoughtful shifts could transform your trips into meaningful exchanges that actually benefit the people who call these destinations home?

In this episode, host Angie Orth is back with Daniel Maurer, journalist, travel writer, and author of The Future of Travel. Daniel shares his top five strategies for responsible travel. He shares practical tips that help you avoid tourist traps, find authentic experiences, and ensure your money supports local communities.

You'll discover how to choose accommodations that don't harm housing markets, how to spot the red flags of “tourist” restaurants, and how to experience authentic culture when you travel. Daniel also reveals why connecting with locals is the secret to unlocking the most memorable travel experiences.

What You’ll Learn:

00:55 How to book accommodations with the local economy in mind 

02:39 The art of finding authentic tours and activities while avoiding over-hyped tourist traps

03:48 Daniel's rules for identifying locally-owned restaurants 

04:55 Transportation choices that support communities without crowding out residents

06:21 The one mindset shift that transforms how you travel and connect with people

Connect with Daniel Maurer:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-maurer-2331685

X: https://x.com/moscamaurer

Book: https://mhpbooks.com/books/the-future-of-travel

What's your best tip for supporting local economies while traveling? Share 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

In some of the world’s most coveted destinations, tourism is fueling a crisis that's pushing locals out of their own neighborhoods. Venice's new tourist taxes and Barcelona's growing anti-tourism protests show how beloved destinations are fighting back against over-tourism. And as travelers, it's time we listen.

In this episode, host Angie Orth welcomes Daniel Maurer, a James Beard Award-winning food and travel journalist who has contributed to the New York Times, New York Magazine's Eater, and Atlas Obscura. As the former editor of Grub Street and author of the new book The Future of Travel, Daniel shares firsthand experiences from his digital nomad journey across Spain, Japan, and beyond—witnessing both the beauty of cultural exchange and the burden of mass tourism.

You'll learn how to travel with respect for local communities, with insights that will show you why Catalan speakers aren't being snobbish and why that to-go coffee cup matters more than you think. Daniel reveals practical ways to lighten your footprint, connect authentically with locals, and travel with reciprocity in mind. You’ll discover what gives him hope for the future of travel and how Anthony Bourdain's philosophy can transform the way you experience the world.

What You’ll Learn:

3:30 Why Barcelona became ground zero for anti-tourism protests and what travelers need to understand before going

7:08 How tourist taxes and etiquette campaigns are reshaping popular destinations 

13:35 The role technology should (and shouldn't) play in authentic travel experiences

18:32 How to move through destinations with reverence rather than extraction

21:44 What connecting with locals teaches us about breaking down stereotypes and misconceptions

Connect with Daniel Maurer:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-maurer-2331685

X: https://x.com/moscamaurer

Book: https://mhpbooks.com/books/the-future-of-travel

What are your thoughts on responsible travel? Share them 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 Nashville is all about music? Think again. Beyond the honky-tonk guitar riffs lies a city that’s quickly becoming one of the country’s most celebrated culinary destinations. With late-night bites that hit just right and inventive takes on Southern classics, Nashville’s kitchens are humming with the same creative energy that fuels its stages.

In this episode, host Angie Orth welcomes Nashville-based food writer Jackie Gutierrez-Jones, who knows the city’s dining scene inside and out. Jackie shares her insider picks for where to eat, sip, and indulge across Nashville, highlighting how the city’s chefs are blending Southern tradition with global influences. She also shares which must-try dishes define the local dining experience.

You’ll hear about the foods that are putting Nashville on the map—from crispy hot chicken and soulful “meat and three” plates to inventive offerings like Thai barbecue and Japanese milk bread sandwiches. Jackie also takes us through a foodie day in East Nashville, complete with coffee stops, cocktails, and an omakase dinner. She shares how the city’s creativity and community spirit make it one of the most exciting places to eat in America today.

What You’ll Learn:

02:06 The meal that made Jackie realize Nashville’s food scene was ready to blow up

03:06 How cultural fusion is reshaping Southern cuisine

05:03 The must-try dishes that define Nashville’s dining experience

06:05 The spicy history of hot chicken

09:35 A full-day foodie itinerary through East Nashville

Connect with Jackie Gutierrez-Jones:

Instagram: @jaxwriteswords

Website: https://www.jaxwrites.com

Which Nashville foods are you most excited to try? 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

Welcome to this milestone moment for Traveling with AAA! It’s our 100th episode, and to celebrate, we’re at the legendary Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee,  celebrating a century of country music history.

In this episode, host Angie Orth joins Grand Ole Opry Vice President and Executive Producer Dan Rogers to uncover what makes the Opry a cultural cornerstone. Then, country music star and Nashville native Deana Carter stops by to share what it’s like performing in the iconic circle, her favorite local spots, and why the Opry will always feel like home.

You’ll learn about the history of the Grand Ole Opry and the generations of artists who’ve made it the heart of country music for 100 years. You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at the backstage magic that brings multi-generational artists together, the emotional invitations presented to new members, and the surprise performances that make the Opry experience so special. 

What You’ll Learn:

4:02 The story behind the Opry’s move and the meaning of the circle

6:31 Why backstage at the Opry feels like a family reunion

10:25 How artists are invited to join the Grand Ole Opry

16:06 Tips for first-time visitors to the Opry

25:55 Deana Carter’s must-see Nashville music and food spots

Connect with:

Grand Ole Opry Vice President and Executive Producer Dan Rogers

Instagram: @opry

Website: https://www.opry.com

Deana Carter

Instagram: @deanatunes

Website: https://www.deana.com

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

Who would you love to see perform on stage at the Grand Ole Opry? 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 safaris and scuba diving to vineyards and vibrant art scenes, South Africa offers a variety of experiences for travelers and adventure seekers. Seeing the Big Five might be the most well-known reason to visit, but the country's spectacular beauty goes far beyond the bush.

Traveling with AAA host Angie Orth chats with Alexandra Owens, a seasoned travel journalist who focuses on outdoor adventures, sustainability, and cultural storytelling. Her work highlights how conservation and tourism intersect across South Africa as well as how travelers can explore responsibly while immersing themselves in nature, food, and culture.

In this episode, Alexandra shares practical advice for first-time travelers to South Africa—from visas and vaccines to packing for multiple climates—and paints a vivid picture of what it’s like to experience the country’s vast natural landscape. You’ll also hear about South Africa’s rich wine history, the rise of female safari guides, and the growing trend of sustainable “bush-to-table” dining.

What You’ll Learn:

01:35 What to know before your first trip to South Africa

03:18 Experiencing the magic of a safari 

07:01 How “guilt-free” safaris are reshaping sustainable tourism 

16:22 The story behind South Africa’s wine revival 

19:18 Scuba diving, marine safaris, and penguin encounters

Connect with Alexandra Owens:

Website: https://www.alexandraowens.com/

What do you want to see most in South Africa? 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

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