Whether you’re exploring the world or traveling across the States, worrying about overpacking or lost luggage is the last thing you want to do. Packing may never be your favorite part of a trip, but the right tips can make it less of a chore. That’s where Laurie and her packing expertise come in.On this episode of Traveling with AAA, host Angie Orth speaks with travel content creator and educator Laurie, who has built a career around helping people pack light. As a pilot's wife with over 20 years of travel experience, she’s picked up plenty of tricks for making the most of her luggage space and easing the stress of travel days. She shares advice on carry-on-only packing, navigating airport security, planning outfits, and keeping essentials close at hand.Her YouTube channel and blog, Travel Tips by Laurie, have become a resource for many travelers looking for efficient travel hacks. Forget schlepping a rolling suitcase through cobblestone streets or worrying about overpacking—Laurie has insightful ways to help you make the most of your travels. What You’ll Learn:7:52 The shoe packing hack that saves you valuable luggage space 10:02 Laurie’s packing strategy for women over 50 traveling to warm and cold climates13:07 The mental hurdle to tackle when attempting carry-on only travel for the first time27:01 How many outfits to pack for a week-long trip32:39 The one storage place you’re probably overlooking 43:42 Why you should consider becoming a carry-on-only travelerConnect with Laurie:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TravelTipsbyLaurieInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/traveltipsbylaurie/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@travelby_laurieWebsite + Blog: https://traveltipsbylaurie.com/What’s your biggest packing hurdle?  Tell us about it in the comments!Connect with AAA:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaa-auto-club-enterprisesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesTraveling with AAA Podcast: TravelingwithAAA.comPlan your next vacation with AAA: https://aaa.com/travel

It’s hard to imagine a more beautiful place than Costa Rica. With its hot springs, beaches, volcanoes, wildlife, and wonderful food, the country truly is the definition of paradise.Host Angie Orth continues her conversation with travel journalist, author, and TEDx speaker Jen Ruiz, who has written about her adventures for outlets such as The Washington Post, AFAR, and Condé Nast Traveler.Today she takes us to Costa Rica, sharing her favorite moments from her recent cross-country road trip, including restaurant and zip line experiences no traveler should skip.What You’ll Learn:40:29 The natural force that powers the renowned hot springs41:14 The must-see national park with an equally cool restaurant44:19 A quick guide to zip lining at one of Costa Rica’s most sought-after locations45:29 Quintessential wildlife to look out for Connect with Jen Ruiz:Instagram: https://instagram.com/jenonajetplaneX: https://www.twitter.com/jenonajetplaneFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenonajetplaneYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUhkH8oFJZxsJCxu6nGVcLQWhat’s on your Costa Rica bucket list? Zip lining, rainforest hikes, volcanoes? Tell us about it in the comments!Connect with AAA:Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesPodcast: TravelingWithAAA.com 

Costa Rica’s signature phrase, pura vida, captures the spirit of the country and its many adventures: coastlines where monkeys swing through the trees, zip lines stretching across iconic cloud forest canopies, and gorgeous views of volcanoes. Costa Rica’s natural beauty is unmatched, and it keeps travelers coming back.In this episode, host Angie Orth is joined by Jen Ruiz, a travel journalist who recently completed a road trip across Costa Rica. Her work has appeared in outlets including The Washington Post, AFAR, and Condé Nast Traveler. She’s also the author of several books, including The Solo Female Travel Book and You Need a Vacation! How to Travel with a Full-Time Job. Beyond her writing, Jen is a three-time TEDx speaker known for championing the power of solo travel.Jen recounts her cross-country trip, highlighting Costa Rica’s must-see destinations and sharing tips to make the most of your experience. From navigating potholes to hiking through the rainforest and finding the best zip line, she covers the essentials for every type of traveler seeking to explore the country.What You’ll Learn:3:45 What makes Costa Rica special and why people love coming back17:41 Why Treetopia is one of the best places to zip line in Costa Rica20:17 The must-see small town that’s filled with exciting activities25:51 What to know before visiting the national parks34:04 The best way to plan your Costa Rica tripConnect with Jen Ruiz:Instagram: https://instagram.com/jenonajetplaneX: https://www.twitter.com/jenonajetplaneFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenonajetplaneYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUhkH8oFJZxsJCxu6nGVcLQWhat’s on your Costa Rica bucket list? Zip lining, rainforest hikes, volcanoes? Tell us about it in the comments!Connect with AAA:Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesPodcast: TravelingWithAAA.com 

Some of the most memorable stops in and around Newfoundland and Labrador are also among the easiest to overlook: a tiny French territory just off the Canadian coast, a fishing village with no cell signal, and a national park often compared to Banff and Jasper. This episode takes a tour through the corners of Newfoundland and Labrador that even the most seasoned travelers could miss.Host Angie Orth continues her conversation with travel journalist Christopher Mitchell, who spent a month living in Newfoundland and Labrador as a writer-in-residence. Christopher digs deeper into the province's most underrated destinations and the moments that surprised him most.You'll learn about a French territory hiding just off the coast, why the Viking Trail is worth the drive, and which national park rivals Canada's most famous. Christopher also shares his pick for the most authentic stop on his trip and the ideal window for chasing icebergs and whales.What You’ll Learn:0:13 The French territory off the coast that most travelers don't know exists2:12 Why the Viking Trail is worth the drive5:19 The park that rivals Banff and Jasper7:34 The most authentic stop on Christopher's trip 10:56 The best window for iceberg chasing and whale watchingConnect with Christopher Mitchell:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelingmitch/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travelingmitch/Website: https://www.travelingmitch.com/What’s the best place you’ve visited that you almost missed? Let us know in the comments!Connect with AAA:Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesPodcast: TravelingWithAAA.com

In Newfoundland and Labrador, hospitality feels less like a service than a way of life. Travel through Canada’s easternmost province, and you’ll experience how deeply locals care about their home.Host Angie Orth is joined by travel journalist Christopher Mitchell, a Toronto native who spent a month living in Newfoundland and Labrador as a writer-in-residence. Christopher shares what drew him to the province and why its culture left a lasting mark on how he travels.You'll learn what sets Newfoundland and Labrador apart from the rest of Canada, with its deep Irish roots and its complicated fishing history. Christopher unpacks the region's unmatched hospitality, the patience required to travel it well, and how local traditions help visitors feel at home.What You’ll Learn:1:04 Why Christopher was drawn to Newfoundland and Labrador5:06 A hospitality story that captures the province's spirit10:48 The unforgettable trip to Battle Harbor and a surprise concert 21:52 Why respecting the weather and slowing down changes how you experience the region32:39 The tradition of “getting screeched in” and why locals want you to join the familyConnect with Christopher Mitchell:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelingmitch/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travelingmitch/Website: https://www.travelingmitch.com/What's the most memorable act of hospitality you've experienced while traveling? Share it in the comments!Connect with AAA:Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesPodcast: TravelingWithAAA.com 

Japan’s most photographed sacred sites may draw the largest crowds, but quieter temples and shrines can be just as memorable. Taking the time to explore beyond the best-known landmarks can offer visitors a broader appreciation of the country’s religious traditions, architecture, and history.In this episode, host Angie Orth continues her conversation with Chris Peskosky and Alex Murphy, the travel content creators behind It's Chris and Alex. The pair share more of their favorite discoveries from traveling through Japan, including the most underrated shrines and which temples are worth the extra effort to reach.You'll hear which shrine surprised them the most, why some of the region's most photographed sites are still worth the crowds, and the practical habits that make traveling in Japan easier. Chris and Alex also share the story behind Nara's largest Buddha statue and a piece of advice that catches almost every first-time visitor off guard.What You’ll Learn:0:17 Kyoto's most underrated shrine, dedicated to star-crossed lovers3:18 The hidden temple trek that leads to a secluded bamboo grove4:37 Why Fushimi Inari's iconic gates still live up to the hype7:07 Inside Nara's Todaiji Temple and its massive bronze Buddha10:11 The one packing tip every visitor to Japan needs to knowConnect with Chris and Alex:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itschrisandalex/Website: https://www.itschrisandalex.com/Have you been to Japan? What was your most memorable experience? Tell us in the comments! Connect with AAA:Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesPodcast: TravelingWithAAA.com

Taking time to understand local customs can help travelers explore Japan more thoughtfully and respectfully. Learning the etiquette associated with a shrine visit, an onsen soak, or even a train ride can deepen your appreciation of everyday life and traditions in Japan.Host Angie Orth talks with Chris Peskosky and Alex Murphy, the travel content creators behind It's Chris and Alex. The pair has spent extensive time exploring Japan and built a following by helping travelers experience the country the way locals do.You'll learn about etiquette at sacred sites, from approaching a torii gate to taking part in a shrine's prayer ritual. Chris and Alex also share what to expect during a traditional bathhouse visit, how to behave respectfully on Japan's famously punctual trains, and the unwritten rules for interacting with some beloved animal residents.What You’ll Learn:1:21 The traditional ryokan stay that made them fall in love with returning to Japan9:29 How to tell a shrine from a temple, and what each gate signals12:36 The proper etiquette for praying at a shrine23:17 What actually happens inside a traditional Japanese onsen31:44 Meeting Nara's famous bowing deer, and how to handle themConnect with Chris and Alex:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itschrisandalex/Website: https://www.itschrisandalex.com/What are you most excited to see and experience in Japan? Tell us in the comments!Connect with AAA:Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesPodcast: TravelingWithAAA.com

A pickleball court with the Rockies rising in the distance. A game played beside glaciers off the coast of Alaska. A lesson on the grounds of a historic château in the French countryside. For a fast-growing wave of travelers, a love of pickleball is inspiring vacation destinations at home and abroad.In this episode, host Angie Orth is joined by Joey Skladany, a travel journalist and avid pickleball player who has taken his game to some of the world's most extraordinary settings. He recently shared his favorite pickleball travel destinations for AAA Explorer and Westways magazines, and today he's breaking down why pickleball and travel are a perfect pair.Joey explains why pickleball has become the world's fastest-growing sport, which domestic and international destinations are leading the charge in pickleball-focused hospitality, and how everyday travelers can find a game or a lesson no matter where they land. From bucket-list courts at the sport's birthplace to ultra-luxury games in Jamaica, this episode covers every level of the pickleball travel experience.What You’ll Learn:3:21 Why pickleball's multigenerational appeal has made it the fastest-growing sport in the world8:54 The ultimate active traveler's retreat in the birthplace of pickleball 14:11 What makes Palm Springs one of the friendliest places to pick up a paddle21:05 Up-and-coming pickleball destinations 29:13 How to pack smart for your pickleball vacationConnect with Joey Skladany:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joeyskladany/Website: https://www.joeyskladany.com/Read more at: https://www.ace.aaa.com/pickleballHave YOU tried Pickleball? Which destination is on your bucket list? Tell us in the comments! Connect with AAA:Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Beach or no beach, island or mainland, the Caribbean refuses to fit into one neat box. The range is far more diverse than the tourism brochures let on, whether it’s a volcanic island with zero sand or a mainland destination that still feels unmistakably Caribbean.Host Angie Orth continues her conversation with Matt Meltzer, a Lowell Thomas Award-winning travel journalist and former Marine who writes about food and travel for Thrillist, Matador Network, and his own newsletter, The Leftovers Miami. You'll learn how to reframe your idea of a Caribbean vacation. Matt breaks down how much physical ability different islands really require—and how food shapes where he chooses to explore next.What You’ll Learn:0:22 The one mindset shift that opens up an entirely different kind of Caribbean trip0:57 How to approach an island with no beaches, and the wild story tied to its waters2:47 A destination that isn't even an island 4:33 What kind of fitness level you need for the region's most demanding hiking trails7:50 The flavors that shape how Matt decides where to eat and explore nextConnect with Matt Meltzer:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meltrez1/Are you planning a trip to a lesser-known Caribbean destination? Tell us in the comments! Connect with AAA:Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesPodcast: TravelingWithAAA.com

Most travelers see only a sliver of what the Caribbean actually has to offer. Beyond the beaches and duty-free shops lie hidden waterfalls, active volcanoes, centuries-old ruins, and cultures barely touched by tourism. Host Angie Orth sits down with Matt Meltzer, a Lowell Thomas Award-winning travel journalist and former Marine who writes about food and travel for Thrillist, Matador Network, and his own newsletter, The Leftovers Miami. Recorded at the Beach House Hilton in Fort Lauderdale, the conversation explores what separates an authentic travel experience from a manufactured one, and why the Caribbean has far more to offer than white sand beaches.You'll learn how to gauge a destination's real culture before you book, and why a cruise stop rarely gives you a true sense of a place. Matt also shares blunt, practical advice for travelers ready to move beyond the usual itineraries—and explains the mindset it takes to make those trips worth the extra effort.What You’ll Learn:7:19 The unspoiled queen of the Caribbean12:44 The surprising history behind “Statia”17:01 A destination that rewards hikers who are willing to work 27:08 Savannas and jungles with anteaters, giant otters, and a Wild West spirit 34:18 Secluded beaches when you push past the tourist hot spots on a popular islandConnect with Matt Meltzer:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meltrez1/Which lesser-known Caribbean destination are you most excited to explore? Tell us in the comments! Connect with AAA:Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesPodcast: TravelingWithAAA.com