Traveling with AAA

The Philippines is an archipelago of 7,641 islands, with countless reasons to return. From shaved-ice desserts and smoky Christmas snacks to heritage towns and colorful festivals, there’s always something new to discover.In this episode, host Angie Orth continues her conversation with Sarah J.C. Gillespie, an award-winning Scottish-Filipina travel writer who has been visiting the Philippines since she was two. She’s traveled back many times since then and written about the country for top publications, including Lonely Planet Philippines.Today, she shares her favorite Filipino dishes and desserts, a festival worth planning a trip around,, and the historic scenic views on her bucket list for a future visit.What You’ll Learn:00:59 The shaved-ice dessert that makes the long journey worthwhile01:28 Why this historic heritage town is an underrated destination02:40 The Christmas rice cake that brings back childhood memories03:34 The event to build your trip around if you’re a first-time traveler05:10 The next stop on Sarah’s Philippines bucket list Connect with: Sarah J.C. GillespieInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahjcgillespie/Website: https://www.sarahjcgillespie.com/What’s on your Philippines bucket list ? Tell us in the comments below!Connect with AAA:Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesPodcast: TravelingWithAAA.com

How do you sum up a country consisting of 7,641 islands? A place where every bowl of noodle soup tells a story and the oceans are filled with extraordinary marine life. One word comes to mind: Padayon. It means “to keep going” in Hiligaynon, one of the country’s many languages, and it’s a fitting invitation to keep exploring.In this episode, host Angie Orth is joined by award-winning Scottish-Filipina travel writer Sarah J.C. Gillespie. She’s been visiting the Philippines since she was two, speaks Hiligaynon, has contributed to major publications, and has an essay in Lonely Planet Philippines.Sarah takes us on an eye-opening a journey through the country’s regional cuisines, historic neighborhoods, and remarkable dive sites. From Manila’s street-food stalls to Iloilo’s La Paz batchoy and the reefs around Isla Verde, she shares the places and flavors that keep drawing her back.What You’ll Learn:04:09 How speaking Hiligaynon has benefited Sarah’s travels09:38 Where to go to learn about the island’s history and the best way to see it11:11 The foods to try for every meal of the day and why the Philippines is a special place for culinary adventure13:40 Sarah’s street-food recommendations in Manila 17:20 The story behind the infamous noodle soup: La Paz Batchoy20:04 How malls became a big deal in Filipino culture 28:17 The best island for diving and finding incredible marine life Connect with: Sarah J.C. GillespieInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahjcgillespie/Website: https://www.sarahjcgillespie.com/What Filipino dish is on your culinary bucket list? Tell us in the comments below!Connect with AAA:Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesPodcast: TravelingWithAAA.com 

The holidays are an exciting time. But between airport delays, layovers, and miles of interstate traffic, the journey can feel anything but joyful. Even with careful planning, hiccups can happen. Fortunately, there are a few tricks you can use to make your travels this season smoother and merrier.On this episode of Traveling with AAA, host Angie Orth is joined by Sal Vaglica, a New York-based travel and gear journalist whose work has appeared in publications including The Wall Street Journal and Food & Wine. His travel writing includes guides to road trips and getaways between the holidays.Sal tackles one of the biggest holiday travel questions first: booking. He outlines when to book flights and how to choose your travel dates. Closures and delays can disrupt winter travel, but Sal offers practical advice for preparing and adjusting your plans. From upgrades to driving tips and even getaways between Christmas and New Year’s, he shares the keys to stress-free holiday travel in this quick guide.What You’ll Learn:01:28 The best time to book flights for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s02:53 Travel days to avoid and why date flexibility is your best friend05:23 Sal’s advice for handling flight delays and connections 11:35 What to know about driving and winter weather 12:47 Why Sal believes the stretch between Christmas and New Year's is an underrated travel window14:28 Quick but exciting getaways to plan between the holidays16:32 Why you shouldn’t rule out a holiday road tripConnect with: Sal VaglicaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/salvaglica/Articles: https://www.insidehook.com/author/salvaglicaGot a hot holiday travel tip? 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 

Small ship cruising offers a more intimate way to explore. With fewer passengers on board, there’s more opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers and settle into life on the water.Host Angie Orth continues her conversation with Dan and Mikkel Woodruff, the founders of Sometimes Sailing and co-hosts of the Small Ship Cruise Talk podcast. They’ve taken dozens of cruises, including a small ship voyage in Alaska and a barge trip along a French canal, and devoted their podcast to sharing what they’ve learned.In this episode, the pair share the top five things to know about small ship cruising, including what to know before booking, the mistakes to avoid, unexpected perks, and what life is really like on board.What You’ll Learn:01:29 How to make the most of your time aboard a small ship cruise03:12 An onboard perk to keep in mind when packing for your trip04:03 How small ship cruising can lead to lifelong friendships05:56 The insider tip that maximizes your adventure and helps you make the most of your trip06:45 How to budget for a small ship cruiseConnect with Dan and Mikkel Woodruff:Sometimes Sailing: https://sometimessailing.comSmall Ship Cruise Talk podcast: https://smallshipcruisetalk.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/@sometimes-sailingInstagram: https://instagram.com/sometimessailingWhat do you want to explore on a small ship cruise? 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

Picture yourself sailing around a river bend, with nothing to do but take in the view.. How about gliding down a canal on a barge with just a few fellow passengers? Small ship cruising offers travelers a chance to explore with fewer crowds. Think quieter decks, familiar faces, and a more intimate journey.In this episode, host Angie Orth welcomes Dan and Mikkel Woodruff, the founders of Sometimes Sailing and the co-hosts of Small Ship Cruise Talk, a podcast dedicated exclusively to small ship cruising. Together, they’ve taken dozens of cruises and developed a love for the pace and adventure of traveling on a smaller ship.You’ll learn the dos and don’ts of small ship travel, including how to plan, budget, and pack ahead of your trip. The pair also share some of their favorite experiences and destinations, offering a firsthand look at what makes small ship cruising special.What You’ll Learn:02:11 What makes the small ship experience unique05:58 How the atmosphere differs on small and large cruise ships07:25 What an Alaskan expedition cruise is like11:39 The tiny French barge that feels like a floating boutique hotel16:34 Why the castles along the Rhine are a highlight of river cruising23:54 What you can expect to pay for a small ship trip29:16 How to choose the right small ship adventure Connect with Dan and Mikkel Woodruff:Sometimes Sailing: https://sometimessailing.comSmall Ship Cruise Talk podcast: https://smallshipcruisetalk.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/@sometimes-sailingInstagram: https://instagram.com/sometimessailingWhat’s your dream small ship cruise 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