Fresh air, wildlife sightings, and wide-open vistas are the hallmarks of our US National Parks. There’s something so special about visiting these places, but that untamed beauty also comes with a downside. At our most popular parks, especially in summer, crowds are inevitable. So, what’s the best way to navigate the parks, and is it possible to avoid the crowds altogether? Today’s guest, Gary Arndt, has some expert tips that will help you do just that. Since 2007, Gary has practically made world...
Jun 29, 2023•22 min
There’s something magical about packing your bags, planning out your meals, and loading your friends and family into a van or RV for a road trip. You park and plant yourself in the midst of nature. One day, your front porch is a fiery red sunset overlooking the red rocks of Sedona. Another, it’s a misty seaside morning on the Santa Barbara coast. Road trips have long been an American pastime. It’s only the form they’ve taken that has changed. These days, more Americans are venturing out in fully...
Jun 15, 2023•19 min
The world has opened up again, and we’re packing our bags and taking flight to faraway places. As the summer months approach, popular destinations prepare for the busy upcoming tourist season. It should come as no surprise that Europe tops many travelers’ lists. With so many people planning European summer vacations this year, we thought it would be a good idea to call in an expert. Today, Mary Herendeen welcomes Alyson Long, a full-time world traveler and CEO of World Travel Family. She travels...
Jun 01, 2023•29 min
Writer Jessica Fender talks about Iceland’s easily accessible natural wonders, from glaciers and hot springs to the country’s gorgeous waterfalls. She also offers tips on what to see and do in Reykjavik. 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...
Apr 20, 2023•24 min
Susan Van Allen, author of 100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go , offers tips on planning the perfect tour of Italy’s food, architecture, and history. 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...
Apr 06, 2023•22 min
Kevin Allen of Hawai‘i Magazine discusses new hotels and attractions and offers tips on visiting responsibly. 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...
Mar 23, 2023•29 min
A rare total solar eclipse is coming our way in 2024. Self-confessed eclipse-chaser David Swanson offers tips for travelers making plans to see the unusual solar event. 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...
Mar 09, 2023•26 min
Travel enthusiasts Tonya and Ian Fitzpatrick discuss the importance of vacationing with your significant other. Romantic getaways, they say, can help couples reconnect through shared experiences and new perspectives. 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...
Feb 23, 2023•26 min
Andrea Zelinski and Nicole Edenedo from Travel Weekly discuss younger travelers’ growing interest in cruising and dispel myths that sometimes keep those under 40 from booking a cruise.
Feb 10, 2023•33 min
Jordan Poblete, creator of the website disneyexaminer.com, talks about Disney’s plans to celebrate its 100th anniversary, the new Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood, and more.
Jan 26, 2023•27 min
If you’ve resolved to travel more in 2023, you’re in luck. Emily Kaufman, better known as “The Travel Mom” for her website of the same name, gives tips on reaching that goal. She has great advice, not just for families, but for all travelers.
Jan 13, 2023•16 min
Photographer and podcaster Gary Arndt recommends gadgets, tools, and apps for the traveler in your life.
Dec 20, 2022•20 min
Travel writers Jim Benning and Elizabeth Harryman discuss the life-changing power of travel—and making up for lost time after pandemic-related travel restrictions lifted over the last year.
Dec 15, 2022•46 min
Travel writer Jessica Colley Clarke is married to an Irishman and considers the Emerald Isle her second home. She shares tips for travelers to fit in like a local while they experience the island’s charming towns and pubs.
Nov 23, 2022•19 min
Award-winning travel writer Elizabeth Harryman shares tricks for travel during the holidays.
Nov 10, 2022•35 min
National Geographic Travel editor-at-large Don George recounts his recent cruise to the Galápagos Islands aboard a small Celebrity ship specially designed for the archipelago and its wildlife. He says it was a life-changing and healing experience.
Oct 27, 2022•33 min
Travel writers Jim Benning and Elizabeth Harryman discuss Colombia’s emergence as a tourist destination. The South American country is known today more for its hospitality and scenic beauty than drug wars and gangsters, they say. Among the attractions discussed are world-class coffee, a gold museum, and a major bicycle event.
Oct 13, 2022•37 min
Fran Golden is the co-author of 100 Things to Do in Alaska Before You Die . Fran tells what made her fall in love with the Last Frontier, from majestic scenery to encounters with wildlife. She also narrows down her list to the No. 1 thing every visitor must do.
Sep 28, 2022•35 min
The crisp air and bright colors of fall inspire travelers to embrace the outdoors. Chez Chesak, executive director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, is an avid skier, biker, and backpacker. He offers tips on making the most of autumn’s cooler days and shares his favorite fall hiking and biking spots.
Sep 14, 2022•29 min
The Land Down Under offers just about every outdoor adventure venue imaginable, from sandy beaches to bustling cities to the harsh beauty of the outback. Pulitzer Prize–winning writer Jessica Fender tells about her experiences on a Contiki escorted tour aimed at travelers age 18 to 35. Jessica cuddled a koala at an animal sanctuary, took a surfing lesson, and climbed to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Aug 31, 2022•29 min
Travelers fall for Italy for many reasons, not least the delicious food and wine, the amazing art, and the country’s fascinating history. Author and Italy expert Susan Van Allen shares insights on making the most of any visit. She’s the author of 100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go . Not only that, she appeared in her own one-woman show, portraying 5 characters in an Italian-American family, and she was a staff writer for the Emmy Award–winning TV show, Everybody Loves Raymond ....
Aug 26, 2022•35 min
What’s it like to stay in the new Star Wars : Galactic Starcruiser hotel in Disney World? What’s new at Disneyland? Jordan Poblete, creator of the blog DisneyExaminer.com, offers tips on visiting the parks and shares his recent live-action role-playing experience as an overnight guest on Galactic Starcruiser.
Jul 28, 2022•48 min
River cruising in the U.S. is gaining in popularity for good reason. Riverboats are smaller than most ocean-going cruise ships and offer a more intimate experience. Riverboats also put you right into the rich culture of America’s heartland. Is a river cruise right for you? Guests Nick Chabarria and Elizabeth Harryman Lasley share their own experiences cruising U.S. rivers and offer insights for those considering riverboating on the Mississippi or other U.S. waterways. Nick Chabarria is a public ...
Jul 14, 2022•34 min
RVs offer a comfortable way to see the country and camp in the great outdoors, but they may not be for everyone. Brad Wright, a copy editor at Westways and AAA Explorer, recently rented an RV and explored the Oregon Coast with his wife, Daysi. He shares his experience as an RV newcomer and offers tips to others considering RV travel and exploring Oregon.
Jun 28, 2022•30 min
The popularity of all-inclusive resorts is soaring. Is an all-inclusive right for you? What’s it like to stay in one? Jack Richards, CEO and president of Pleasant Holidays, discusses the many advantages of a staying in these popular resorts.
Jun 23, 2022•26 min
The Hawaiian Islands offer something for every type of traveler, but knowing where to begin can be tricky—especially if you’ve never been. Auto Club Enterprises corporate communications manager Doug Shupe, who recently returned from his first visit to the islands, offers insights and tips for first-time visitors.
Jun 16, 2022•21 min
More than ever, travelers want to focus on their health and well-being, and resorts and other travel providers are racing to meet their needs. Jessica Fender, who writes the Ask the Traveler column in AAA Explorer and Westways , discusses the trend and offers tips to those considering their own wellness-related getaways. Jessica Fender won a Pulitzer Prize for breaking news as a newspaper reporter before trading her press pass for a boarding pass. The New Orleans–based journalist writes often fo...
May 12, 2022•20 min
Is it time to go back on the water again? We will give you the answers to safely plan your Cruise. Fran Golden is an award-winning journalist and a cruise expert chats with Mary about setting sail.
Apr 18, 2022•32 min
Hawai‘i-based journalist Rachel Ng will share the rich cultural heritage of the Hawaiian Islands, discuss activities on the different islands, and give updates on the state’s COVID protocols and requirements
Apr 16, 2022•30 min
Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon (JetSet Sarah), former editor of Caribbean Travel and Life, reveals the magic of Mexico and the Caribbean, including shopping, unusual activities, and all-inclusive resorts.
Apr 14, 2022•27 min
