What will your next domestic getaway look like? Imagine arriving to a gleaming new airport terminal opening its doors to California sunshine, a Midwestern city claiming its title as America's soccer capital, or the birthplace of independence preparing for the celebration of a lifetime.

2026 isn't just another year. It's a milestone moment when 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 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 Why 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

Think skiing is only for big spenders? Between pricey lift tickets, gear rentals, and mountain meals, a trip to the slopes can add up quickly. But there are ways to cut costs without cutting back on fun.

In this episode, host Angie Orth is joined by travel journalist and lifelong skier Melissa McGibbon, who grew up just minutes from Alta Ski Area in Utah. With years of experience covering ski destinations around the globe, Melissa shares insider hacks that can make skiing more affordable.

You’ll hear Melissa’s tips on scoring deals and learning how to avoid “powder panic” during the busiest part of the season. She also unpacks cultural differences from resorts around the world. You’ll discover how to save by supporting smaller, independent resorts timing a trip to help unlock more inexpensive options.

What You’ll Learn:

(02:19) The biggest misconception about skiing on a budget

(04:30) The season pass perk that can completely change your trip

(08:11) Powder panic explained—and how to avoid long lift lines

(12:22) Where to find the best budget-friendly ski destinations abroad

(24:00) The most adventurous place she’s ever skied

Connect with Melissa McGibbon:

Articles: https://www.powder.com/author/melissa-mcgibbon

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

CTA: What are your favorite money-saving ski hacks? 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