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

The words “summer” and “vacation” have always gone together. Summer travel is certainly wonderful, but it’s not the only time to vacation. 

If you’re looking for great deals, fewer crowds, and more travel flexibility, then taking a trip during the winter might be right up your alley. 

Today, Angie Orth welcomes Chadner Navarro, a seasoned travel writer who has contributed to Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, The Wall Street Journal, Food & Wine, and Vogue.com. As an off-peak traveler and ski enthusiast, he’s got some great advice to share about the best travel destinations for winter. 

You’ll hear what makes the winter months a great time to travel, and where you can expect to find the best deals. You’ll hear about unique destinations where you can enjoy warmer temperatures and the coolest spots for snow sports to satisfy your adventurous spirit. 

What You’ll Learn:

• (01:28) Why winter is a great time to travel
• (05:50) Fresh winter destination ideas
• (06:51) Where to find deals for winter travel
• (13:55) Less crowded ski destinations to explore
• (16:20) How climate change is affecting off-season travel

Connect with Chadner Navarro:

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

X: https://twitter.com/chadner

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

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