When you see a destination on screen, something magical happens. Whether it’s the Austrian hills where Maria von Trapp twirled or the moody Pacific Northwest atmosphere where Edward and Bella fell in love, the camera has a way of making any filming location shine even brighter. As passionate travelers, it makes sense that the places we see on TV and in the movies play a part in inspiring our travel bucket lists. 

Today, host Angie Orth welcomes Rachel Chang, an entertainment and travel writer who has interviewed celebrities about their journeys. She’s visited countless filming locations, including Salzburg to explore The Sound of Music sites, Paris to see where Emily in Paris was filmed, and Atlanta to explore the neighborhood where many Marvel movies are made.

You’ll hear about “set-jetting,” the growing trend of visiting filming locations made famous by TV shows and movies. You’ll learn which locations look and feel the way they were portrayed on screen—and which ones require a little more imagination. You’ll also hear the best way to experience some of the most famous destinations, and how to respect the local communities that are home to these geographical stars. 

What You’ll Learn:

• (2:36) Destination travel in pop culture
• (6:21) Top upcoming film location destinations
• (11:07) An underrated studio tour experience
• (13:42) The most impressive locations she’s visited
• (19:06) Guided tours versus DIY 

Connect with Rachel Chang:

https://byrachelchang.com/

https://www.instagram.com/rachelschang/

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

For fans of NASCAR, there are so many destinations to visit in the United States. The only thing left to do is find the right guide—and there’s no one better than a NASCAR champion to inspire your next trip.

Drivers, start your … bucket list!  

Today, host Angie Orth is back with NASCAR champion Joey Logano, the driver of the #22 Ford Mustang anda three-time winner of the NASCAR Cup Series car for Team Penske whomost recently captured the 2024 Championship.

You’ll hear about Logano’s family road trips to popular destinations like Talladega, Alabama; and Orlando, Florida. He’ll reveal what was surprising about his honeymooning in Costa Rica, how four-wheeling with his oldest son has brought them closer together, and why it’s important  to embrace spontaneity on the road. 

What You’ll Learn:

• (0:33) A creature of habit stretching his travel boundaries
• (1:42) How Logano lost his wedding ring in Costa Rica
• (3:56) How AAA saved Christmas
• (6:56) Four-wheeler trips with his son
• (9:49) How winning NASCAR changes your travel plans

Episode Mentioned:

Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, and the Yucatan Peninsula: Tim Leffel & Lydia Carey

Connect with Joey Logano:

https://joeylogano.com

https://www.instagram.com/joeylogano

https://www.teampenske.com/drivers/index.cfm/4404/Joey_Logano

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 stands are packed with cheering crowds. Car engines are revving up. And the smells of gasoline and motor oil fill the air. 

You’re at the races—and the excitement is palpable. But it’s not simply the spectacle of cars circling the track at over 100 mph that has you excited. It’s that you had the bright idea to jump-start your vacation with a NASCAR experience. 

Today, host Angie Orth welcomes NASCAR champion Joey Logano. He is the current driver of the #22 Ford Mustang NASCAR Cup Series car for Team Penske. Logano has won the NASCAR Series Cup Championship three times, most recently capturing the 2024 Championship.

Logano talks about the emotional highs of winning and the challenges of balancing family life with a busy career that keeps him on the road. You’ll hear how a go-kart for Christmas at age 5 inspired him.. You’ll also discover his favorite experiences when traveling to different race tracks as well as a few of his top family-friendly destinations in NASCAR Country. 

What You’ll Learn:

• (3:32) Why Charlotte is a NASCAR fan’s dream
• (6:21) Great destinations with activities for kids
• (8:15) Family road trips
• (11:05) Who drives on family vacations
• (12:04) What drives him crazy on the road

Connect with Joey Logano:

https://joeylogano.com

https://www.instagram.com/joeylogano

https://www.teampenske.com/drivers/index.cfm/4404/Joey_Logano

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 do the Louisville Slugger, Chattanooga Choo Choo, and Allman Brothers Band all have in common? They’re part of the rich fabric of the Southern United States that we’ll explore in this episode of Traveling with AAA. 

Today, host Angie Orth welcomes Caroline Eubanks, author of This Is My South: The Essential Travel Guide to the Southern States. She is a seasoned travel writer who has covered the South (and beyond) for publications such as Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, National Geographic, Southern Living, Westways, and AAA Explorer. 

You’ll hear about the best places to visit and what to eat in Louisville, Kentucky; Chattanooga, Tennessee; and Macon, Georgia. We’ll explore Derby City’s famed horse race track and its iconic tasting trail. You’ll hear about the Scenic City’s famous train depot and its most delicious dessert. You’ll also discover where to find Civil War history and Southern rock ‘n’ roll in the heart of Georgia.  

What You’ll Learn:

• (2:47) The Kentucky Derby experience 
• (4:12) Basking in Bourbon in downtown Louisville 
• (10:20) The quaint Tennessee city with something for everyone
• (15:27) A must-eat sweet treat in Chattanooga
• (15:59) Where music, nature, and culture meet

Connect with Caroline Eubanks:

https://carolineeubanks.com/

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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

Spending your vacation sleeping might sound unorthodox. But the truth is that most of us aren’t getting enough sleep. Is it any wonder that sleep tourism is rising in popularity?  

Respecting the needs of the body might actually be one of the best ways to spend those coveted vacation days. 

Today, Angie Orth is back with sleep expert Dr. Rebecca Robbins and Amanda Al-Masri, Hilton’s global vice president of wellness. 

You’ll hear how to navigate an unfamiliar hotel bed and learn the most important aspects of good sleep, from pillows to lighting. You’ll get helpful tips about sleeping on planes and managing jet lag. You’ll also learn which travel accessories these industry experts can’t live without. 

What You’ll Learn:

• (0:54) Getting comfortable in a hotel bed
• (1:50) Making sure you have the right pillows
• (2:31) How to sleep on a plane
• (6:37) Getting over jet lag
• (9:32) Top travel accessories for good sleep

Connect with:

Dr. Rebecca Robbins:

https://www.rebecca-robbins.com/

https://www.instagram.com/drrebeccarobbins/

https://www.facebook.com/drrebeccarobbins/

4

Amanda Al-Masri:

2025 Hilton Trends Report on Sleep Tourism:

https://stories.hilton.com/2025trends/sleep-tourizzzm-2-0-the-next-sleep-cycle

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 you’ve been craving better shut-eye when traveling, consider the rising trend of sleep tourism.

From pillow menus to professionally hosted sleep retreats, it’s never been more exciting to plan the perfect getaway for a good night’s rest.

Today, Angie Orth welcomes two professionals who can help you plan the sleep vacation of your dreams. Dr. Rebecca Robbins is a sleep expert and author of Sleep for Success! Amanda Al-Masri is Hilton’s global vice president of wellness and oversees sleep health for the hotel brand.

You’ll hear how the latest sleep research is helping us understand how to get better rest, and how the travel industry is catering to this calming trend. You’ll learn the importance of following your circadian rhythm and discover helpful tips for getting better rest when you’re on the road or in the air. 

What You’ll Learn:

• (2:51) Effects of travel on circadian rhythm
• (6:49) The domino effect of a night of bad sleep
• (8:41) Embracing the hurkle-durkle trend
• (10:45) How hotels are responding to sleep tourism
• (17:10) The role of technology in our sleep patterns

Connect with:

Dr. Rebecca Robbins:

https://www.rebecca-robbins.com/

https://www.instagram.com/drrebeccarobbins/

https://www.facebook.com/drrebeccarobbins/

4

Amanda Al-Masri:

2025 Hilton Trends Report on Sleep Tourism:

https://stories.hilton.com/2025trends/sleep-tourizzzm-2-0-the-next-sleep-cycle

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 delicious Kona coffee culture, rich cultural history, and ever-changing natural landscape are reasons enough to start planning a visit to Hawai‘i’s Big Island. From the volcanic soil to the lush, exotic flora, there’s so much to uncover on Hawai‘i’s largest landmass. 

Today, Angie Orth is back with Rob Taylor, an expert on Hawai‘i and the creator of the LGBTQ+ family travel blog 2TravelDads. He shared his insider knowledge of the Big Island in our previous episode, and now he’s here to reveal his top five must-do experiences. 

You’ll hear about the top bucket list items that need to be on your Big Island to-do list, including unique ecological and cultural sites, family-friendly activities, and must-try local foods. You’ll hear about Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, the life-changing experience of snorkeling with manta rays, and you’ll learn about the best way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

What You’ll Learn:

• (0:48) The most incredible thing you might be able to see
• (0:57) Unmissable cultural experiences 
• (1:56) A magical family-friendly activity 
• (2:46) What to eat and where to shop for foodies
• (4:32) The one thing you must do on the Big Island

Connect with Rob Taylor:

Website: https://2traveldads.com/

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 visiting a living landscape that’s in a constant state of change. The morning birds are bursting with life, and the power of nature surrounds you. You’ve got a whole day of exploring ahead: a morning hike, a midday farm tour, and an evening of delicious food as you learn about a proud culture. There’s no place else you’d rather be in the world right now than Hawai‘i’s Big Island.  

Today, Angie Orth welcomes Rob Taylor. He is an expert on Hawai‘i who has visited countless times and has written travel guides and blogs about the best experiences travelers can have on the Big Island and beyond. He is the creator of the LGBTQ+ family travel blog 2TravelDads and the author of two books: The Road Trip Survival Guide and The Ultimate Travel Journal for Kids. 

You’ll hear about the diverse experiences and rich culture waiting to be discovered on the Big Island. We’ll explore the island’s unique landscapes, from volcanic terrains to lush coffee farms, and you’ll hear insider tips on planning the perfect itinerary. 

What You’ll Learn:

• (3:01) Why the Big Island offers so much history to explore
• (5:56) Unique landscapes and experiences 
• (15:53) Tips on when to visit 
• (18:02) A travel hack to get the best deal on flights
• (26:56) What to know about the Big Island’s cultural experiences 

Connect with Rob Taylor:

Website: https://2traveldads.com/

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 you’re planning to venture outside of the United States of America in the upcoming year, it’s a good idea to know what’s new and exciting before you narrow down your destination list. Ahead of the new year, we’re sharing the top trending international travel destinations for 2025.

Today, Angie Orth is back with Westways and AAA Explorer editor-in-chief Jim Benning and senior features editor Derrik J. Lang. They’re recommending a  handful of destinations that are offering something fresh for visitors yet still feel accessible for U.S.-based travelers.

You’ll hear about the most up-and-coming hotspots for the new year and what makes them worth a visit. We’re covering everything from arts and culture to food and pop culture, exploring fabulous places that still feel within reach. 

What You’ll Learn:

• (1:02) An art and food hub with something for everyone
• (4:10) A new non-stop tropical destination
• (6:40) The next big city destination in South Africa
• (7:57) A new railway adventure in Mexico
• (12:35) An island destination not too far from home

Connect with:

Jim Benning:

https://www.jimbenning.net/

https://www.instagram.com/jimbenning

Derrik J. Lang:

https://derrikjlang.com/

https://www.instagram.com/derrikjlang

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 you’re gearing up for another exciting year of travel, then this episode is for you. We’re taking you on an action-packed and adventurous journey across the United States of America, exploring what’s new and unique for 2025 in the world of travel. 

Today, Angie Orth welcomes Westways and AAA Explorer editor-in-chief Jim Benning and senior features editor Derrik Lang. Our very own in-house travel experts have chosen the most buzzworthy U.S. destinations for 2025, and their choices are as diverse as they are accessible.  

You’ll hear about the top U.S. destinations that are offering exciting experiences to visitors in 2025. From the most anticipated museum and theme park openings to timely events and festivals, we’re covering all of the regional bases.

What You’ll Learn:

• (1:49) An Olympic-ready west coast destination 
• (5:49) Culture and adventure in the midwest
• (9:34) Immersive arts and great eats in the Lone Star State
• (12:11) The most unmissable city in America
• (14:50) A nature-filled Southern destination 

Connect with:

Jim Benning:

https://www.jimbenning.net

https://www.instagram.com/jimbenning

Derrik J. Lang:

https://derrikjlang.com

https://www.instagram.com/derrikjlang

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