Think you know California? Think again. Beyond the iconic Pacific beaches and Hollywood landmarks lies a whole other side of the Golden State filled with uninhabited islands, offbeat art installations, and otherworldly landscapes you won’t necessarily find in a guidebook.

In this episode, host Angie Orth chats with Josh McNair, the videographer and photographer behind California Through My Lens, a blog and YouTube channel dedicated to uncovering the state’s lesser-known treasures. With more than a decade of exploration under his belt and a map of over 1,500 must-visit spots, Josh is sharing his process for finding these unique destinations, from Martian-like rock formations to secret speakeasies.

You’ll hear about the joy of discovering places many locals don’t know exist, tips for perfectly timing your visits, and why protecting certain spots sometimes means not sharing them at all. Whether you’re into natural wonders, quirky roadside attractions, or tucked-away eateries, this episode will inspire you to explore deeper—maybe right in your own backyard.

What You’ll Learn:

01:51 Why California is more than its most famous landmarks

03:28 The story behind Salvation Mountain and its visionary creator

06:23 Giant Rock, alien lore, and other strange desert finds

10:33 Why hidden spots make travel more approachable and affordable

14:55 How timing can make or break your off-the-beaten-path adventure

Connect with Josh McNair:

https://www.instagram.com/californiathroughmylens/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZFRs1R9ECKDwnLy5IQzwkg

https://www.facebook.com/CaliforniaThroughMyLens/

Read the Westways story:

https://AAA.com/hiddencalifornia

CTA: Which Hidden California spot is at the top of your must-see list? 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

Traveling with a sweet tooth? Or maybe you’re craving the kind of comfort food that lingers in your memory long after your trip ends?

In this episode of Traveling with AAA, host Angie Orth is back with travel and food journalist Gerald Tan, who shares his top five incredible eats in Europe’s best-kept secret cities.

From protected pastries in Slovakia to cheesy Alpine comfort food in Liechtenstein, Gerald reveals the hidden culinary delights he has uncovered through years of off-the-beaten-path travel. You’ll discover which city invented the Kit Kat, where to find Michelin-worthy seafood on the Italian Riviera, and the one simple shift in how you ask locals for food recommendations that can unlock your best meal yet.

What You’ll Learn:

01:19 The most protected pastry in Bratislava 

03:11 A paradise for chocolate lovers 

05:14 Liechtenstein’s take on mac and cheese with a twist

06:44 What you need to know before ordering Slovakia’s most famous soup

09:38 Where to eat near Bordighera if you want Michelin-starred cuisine

Connect with Gerald Tan:

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

Website: https://boulangerry.com/

Which of these local delicacies are you MOST excited to try? 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

What if your next favorite European destination wasn’t a capital city or a tourist hotspot, but somewhere you’ve never even heard of? Maybe it’s a quiet, picturesque seaside village tucked between the French Riviera and the hills of northern Italy. Or a cliffside Sicilian town where locals eat granita for breakfast. Or perhaps even a fairytale-like walled city in northern England, complete with ghost stories and Harry Potter lore.

In this episode of Traveling with AAA, host Angie Orth welcomes Gerald Tan, travel and food journalist and host of the series T’Sol Food. Gerald shares his favorite lesser-known cities in Europe where you can escape the crowds, eat like a local, and experience culture in its most authentic form.

You’ll hear how a detour to a tiny town led to 13 scoops of gelato in 12 hours, why one city has exclusive rights to send palm fronds to the Vatican, and how hiking across an entire country in five days is actually possible. Whether you’re planning your next big trip or just dreaming of one, this episode is packed with inspiration to help you travel slower, a little off-the-beaten-path, and with more authenticity in mind.

What You’ll Learn:

01:33 The allure of smaller, less tourist-heavy destinations

03:47 Creating more authentic local connections

09:07 An Italian town with royal ties and seafront views

15:59 Where to find Diagon Alley in real life

22:38 A place with an 8,000-year wine legacy and unique geography

Connect with Gerald Tan:

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

Website: https://boulangerry.com/

What’s the most authentic, off-the-beaten-path European destination you’ve visited? 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 you’re planning your first trip to Bermuda, you’re in for a magical experience. But what sets it apart from the rest of the Caribbean? (For starters, it’s not technically in the Caribbean.) And how do you make the most of a short or long stay to experience the local culture? 

Whether you’re dreaming of pink sand beaches, cliffside golf, or cave massages, this episode is the perfect starting point for exploring one of the world’s most stunning islands. 

Today, host Angie Orth welcomes travel content creator Megan “ChiChi” Indoe, one half of the duo behind the Bobo & ChiChi travel blog. Megan has explored every corner of Bermuda and is here to share insider tips and surprising facts..

You’ll hear about Bermuda’s unique geography and history, the best ways to get around, and what makes its famous beaches glow pink. Megan also shares her favorite secret beach, the story behind the caves that inspired Fraggle Rock, and why visiting during shoulder season is the ultimate travel hack.



What You’ll Learn:

02:19 Why tiny Bermuda is actually packed with adventure

04:36 What makes Hamilton different from historic St. George

08:31 Where to find the most dramatic pink sand beaches

09:02 The hidden beach with whale-watching views

13:58 Where to experience an unforgettable massage inside a cave

Connect with Megan “Chi-Chi” Indoe:

Website: https://www.boboandchichi.com/

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/boboandchichi

CTA: What would you like to see most in Bermuda? 

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 awe on your itinerary? From massive waterfalls and architectural marvels to unexpected moments in your neighborhood, awe is everywhere–if you know where to look.

In this episode, host Angie Orth is back with health and wellness expert Sandy Cohen. She shares her top five destinations and travel experiences that left her speechless and explains what made them feel so awe-inspiring.

You’ll hear about the power of national parks, why certain landmarks like Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia can boost your mood, and how communal events like Burning Man can be equally powerful as nature. Whether you’re planning your next adventure or simply need a little wonder in your day, this episode will inspire you to seek out awe.

What You’ll Learn:

00:50 Where to find breathtaking natural landscapes

01:34 Awe-inspiring architecture in the U.S. and abroad

02:08 Historical sites that draw global visitors

02:38 How Burning Man redefined Sandy’s idea of community

03:36 A surprising moment of awe at a local 5K

Connect with Sandy Cohen:

Website: https://www.sandycohenwrites.com/

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

Podcast: https://www.innerpeacetogo.com/

Story: https://www.ace.aaa.com/publications/travel/awe-inspiring-experiences.html

Book Referenced: Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life by Dacher Keltner

CTA: What was your most recent awe-inspiring moment? 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

Travel often takes us to beautiful beaches, stunning skylines, and historic landmarks. But what if the most important aspect of escaping the ordinary is the feeling it gives us? That spine-tingling, goosebump-raising sensation you feel when you witness something breathtaking provides us with the feeling of awe. Not only is awe good for the soul, it’s also great for your physical and mental health. 

Today, host Angie Orth welcomes Sandy Cohen, a health and wellness writer, coach, and educator on a mission to make mindfulness more practical and accessible. She’s the host of the podcast Inner Peace to Go and recently wrote about the science of awe while traveling for Westways and AAA Explorer.

You’ll hear why awe may be the most powerful reason we travel in the first place, how to make room for it on your next trip, and why this fleeting feeling is worth chasing at home or abroad. From dolphin pods to street festivals, you’ll learn why awe is more accessible than you think and how it can truly change the way we experience the world.

What You’ll Learn:

06:22 The surprising health benefits of experiencing awe

08:48 Why it’s easier to find awe when you’re traveling

09:40 Travel experiences most likely to spark feelings of awe

13:16 How to be intentional about seeking these experiences

19:39 How to take the feeling home with you

Connect with Sandy Cohen:

Website: https://www.sandycohenwrites.com/

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

Podcast: https://www.innerpeacetogo.com/

Story: https://www.ace.aaa.com/publications/travel/awe-inspiring-experiences.htmlBook Referenced: Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life by Dacher Keltner

CTA: What was your most awe-inspiring travel moment? 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

Ever scroll through your camera roll and wonder why your vacation pics just don’t pop? Whether you're chasing sunsets or filming street food, this episode offers practical advice you can use now to start capturing better quality photos and videos. From finding creative angles to working with natural light, these tips will instantly turn your trips down memory lane into experiences of their own.

Today, host Angie Orth is back with Emmy-winning vlogger and travel content creator Juliana Broste. She’s back to share five expert tips that will turn your casual snaps into scroll-stopping memories. When it comes to visually telling stories about travel, her expert advice will help make your travel memories come back to life. 

You’ll learn why action brings your images to life, and how to prep for those blink-and-you'll miss-it travel moments. She shares the gear and mindset that separates a good photo from a great one. Juliana also shares her favorite trick for getting that magical “sunburst” effect in your sunset shots, plus the one thing she deletes most from her camera after every trip.

What You’ll Learn:

01:00 The No. 1 game-changing secret to capturing dynamic images

03:49 The under-$30 gadget every travel videographer should own

05:30 How to slow down for that one perfect shot

06:30 The biggest mistake almost everyone makes on vacation 

08:24 Why it’s about the moment, not the subject

Connect with Juliana Broste:

https://www.travelingjules.com

https://www.instagram.com/travelingjules

Is there a camera trick that completely changed the way you take photos and video? Share 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

Are your vacation pics collecting dust? Or not getting enough traction on social media? Maybe they just aren’t capturing moments the way you remember them? Whether you’re simply traveling with your smartphone or packing your high-end camera, this episode will change the way you approach travel photography and videography. 

Today, host Angie Orth welcomes Juliana Broste, an Emmy- and Lowell Thomas Award–winning travel vlogger and content creator. She’s an expert in visually telling stories about travel, whether it’s through photography, video, or both.

You’ll hear about Juliana’s top recommendations for travel tech, tips to avoid feeling overwhelmed by thousands of digital shots, and advice to tell a story, not just collect clips. From how to compose a photo to why editing authentically is important, this episode is full of info for both the casual traveler and the budding visual storyteller.

What You’ll Learn:

03:14 The tip that will transform how you revisit your travels

08:13 The core elements of a compelling travel photo

13:56 Why starting with your story before you hit record is the secret to a better edit

15:05 Apps to help organize decades of travel memories

26:44 Why the best travel photo is the one you don’t take

Connect with Juliana Broste:

https://www.travelingjules.com

https://www.instagram.com/travelingjules

What are your favorite travel photo tips? 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

Rides, fairytales, mythology, and epic snacks…oh my!  

Universal’s Epic Universe is making a serious splash on bucket lists everywhere. But where do you even begin to tackle such a monumental, full-on experience so that you can get the most out of your visit?

Well, just like magic, you’ve landed in the right place. This episode reveals all you need to know about planning your visit, when to go, where to stay, which ticket upgrades to splurge on, and the rides and eats that you shouldn’t miss. 

What You’ll Learn: 

1:22 The technology wow factor at Epic

1:53 Which ticket gets you the most perks

2:35 Where to stay 

3:08 How to plan your days at Epic

4:36 The best seats on popular rides

5:51 Must-eat snacks to munch on

6:39 How to make the most of an afternoon drizzle

7:14 The most underrated experience

Today, host Angie Orth is on location in Orlando with Epic Universe Theme Park Expert Jacqueline Dole. Dole is a frequent visitor to Orlando’s theme parks who shares up-to-date insider tips for visitors. Her writing has been featured in Travel + Leisure,  Food & Wine, and Condé Nast Traveler. 

You’ll hear her top tips on when to visit and where to stay to make the most of your days. She shares her favorite attractions and lays out a plan of action for tackling the park that helps you avoid the lines and get the best seats on the most exciting rides. You’ll also hear about the park’s most popular snacks and which experience she thinks deserves more fanfare. 

Connect with Jacqueline Dole:

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

Website: https://www.jacquelinedole.com/

Which snack are YOU most excited to try at Epic Universe? 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 travel insurance is just an optional expense? Think again. With Americans planning to spend $226 billion on travel this year, smart travelers are making insurance non-negotiable.

From missed flights and cruise ports to unexpected illness and injury, this episode dives deep into the myriad of travel interruptions that could upend your trip and how to protect yourself from them. 

You'll discover why more Americans than ever are prioritizing vacations, the surprising travel trends shaping 2025, and the simple safety net that could save your entire trip investment.

What You’ll Learn:

03:39 The "what could go wrong" scenarios you never considered

09:35 Daniel's $3,000 hospital nightmare in Punta Cana 

16:57 What 2020 taught us about travel priorities

28:15 The "Taylor Swift Effect" on the travel industry

40:10 The one travel rule that offers instant peace of mind

Today, host Angie Orth welcomes Daniel Durazo from Allianz Partners, a travel insurance expert with decades of industry experience. He helps guide travelers through protection strategies and shares insights from Allianz's annual Vacation Confidence Index.

You’ll learn essential strategies for protecting your travel investment and hear real-world examples of when travel insurance becomes a financial lifesaver. You’ll also hear about current travel trends, like “bleisure”, “The Taylor Swift Effect”, and “micro-cations”.

Connect with Daniel Durazo:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danieldurazo/

CTA: Have you had a travel emergency where insurance saved the day? An experience where you wish you’d had it? 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