Well-traveled With Aaa

June 21, 2022 ~ This week’s “Well-Traveled" takes you on a tour of destinations across the great American South. Preview the historic grounds of the famed Biltmore Estate in Asheville, South Carolina, ready your pallet for the spirited tastes being crafted in Kentucky’s bourbon country, and discover new ways to enjoy the storied charm of the picturesque riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas.  Experience this and more with this week's guest, Samantha Brown, the Emmy Award-winning host of PBS' “Samantha Brown’s Places to Love.”

May 17, 2021 ~ For anyone seeking a little inspiration to get back out there and start exploring the United States, there is no better guide than this month’s guest, the Emmy Award-winning host of PBS’ “Samantha Brown’s Places to Love,” Samantha Brown.  Season five of the program has been dedicated exclusively to the US, where vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, and the call of the open road offer up endless opportunities for exploration. On this edition of “Well-Traveled,” we focus on Sam’s northern stops, with highlights of can’t-miss attractions in Boston, the Jersey Shore, and New York, among others.

April 19, 2022 ~ In the grand literary tradition of adorable animal characters who introduce enthralled kids to fun spots around the world comes one particularly intrepid calico cat that stars in her own picture book series, “KeeKee’s Big Adventures.” KeeKee’s next big adventure finds her leaping from the pages of fiction to star as mascot for a series of AAA Travel initiatives aimed at helping parents perfect the family travel experience. Join us as we preview just some of these valuable insights with “KeeKee’s Big Adventures” creator, Shannon Jones.

March 15, 2022 ~ When you describe a place that’s magical, you’re probably using a figure of speech. One possible exception is Ireland. Towering seaside cliffs, rolling emerald-green landscapes, and evocative ancient architecture are just part of what make this magical land a reality. Ready to experience the luck of the Irish? Join us as we preview the culture, cuisine, cities, and countryside of the fabled Emerald Isle with Brendan Vacations expert and Ireland native, Sarah Hamilton.

February 15, 2022 ~ Whether you looking for a romantic escape for two, a long overdue family vacation with the kids, or an opportunity to reconnect with friends you haven’t seen in a while, an all-inclusive resort might be the one-stop worry free destination you’re looking for. But how do you find the right one for you, and what should you be on the lookout for when selecting your resort escape? Join us as we explore the variety of all-inclusive options with Pleasant Holidays Director of National Accounts, Chanda Vudmaska.

January 18, 2021 ~ When you think of Switzerland, soaring Alpine peaks, quaint storybook villages, and ridiculously delicious chocolates are just some of the things that might pop to mind. While any one of these could make for an amazing trip, they’re just the start of what’s on offer in this magical mountainous enclave. Preview the sites and activities – both in the country, and in those just a short ride away – with Switzerland Tourism Director of the Americas Claudio Zemp.      

December 21, 2021 ~ Bundled up under your coat and scarf, with a cup of hot mulled wine or cocoa for a hand warmer, you find yourself wondering down cobbled lanes lined with twinkle-lit chalets, each overflowing with handmade treats and treasures.  By any standard, a Christmas village experience is magical, with destination choices that dot Europe from November through December.  But which destinations top the list, and what are the attractions you should not miss while you’re there?  Start your tour here, as we speak with European holiday time expert Samantha Brown, the host of PBS’ Emmy Award-winning “Places to Love With Samantha Brown.”

November 16, 2021 ~ Time was, the term “independent traveler” conjured up images of overstuffed backpacks, under-stuffed hostel pillows, and a world’s worth of word-of-mouth bargain recommendations. While there will likely always be explorers who roll that way, independent travel has come to mean and include so much more. Hear the joys of independent travel – and get some great tips too – from the Emmy Award-winning host of PBS’ “Places to Love,” Samantha Brown.   

October 19, 2021 ~ The recent global pause showed us many instances of nature re-staking it’s claim. Reduced boating pollution giving way to jellyfish serenely swimming in the canals of Venice. South African lions napping in a road free from its usual bustling traffic. The white peaks of the Himalayas visible for the first time in decades through the typically toxic skies of Uttar Pradesh. These occurrences and more are sparking a renewed interest in sustainable travel. But do we have the will and the resources to balance environmental and sociocultural preservation with the economic impact of tourism? Get the answers and learn the green future of travel with the Emmy award-winning host of PBS’ “Places to Love,” Samantha Brown.   

September 28, 2021 ~ We all have in our cinematic minds a taste of international rail travel.  The intrigue of the Orient Express, the romance of the Budapest to Vienna route in “Before Sunrise,” and the fantasy of the Hogwarts Express over Glenfinnan Viaduct, to name a few.  But when your rail journey moves from the realm of the imaginary to real life, that’s when the true magic begins.  Get on track with some of these unforgettable experiences with Krystle Sampson of Rocky Mountain Mountaineer, and Jim Marini of Amtrak Vacation and Rail Bookers.  

September 21, 2021 ~ When most picture rail travel in the states, towering red rock canyons, scenic ocean views, and breathtaking mountain vistas might not immediately pop to mind.  These are however in fact just some of the epic experiences that await you alongside the nation’s rail system.  Preview these and more with train travel experts Krystle Sampson of Rocky Mountain Mountaineer and Jim Marini of Amtrak Vacation and Rial Bookers.

August 17, 2021 ~ There’s no one reason people fall in love with cruising. Value and variety are just a few, with options that are right for families, couples, and friends, and a seemingly endless selection of exotic and inspiring destinations.  But if you’ve never cruised before, or if it’s been some time since you’ve set sail, then what are the right options for you?  We ask industry expert John Chernesky of Princess Cruises to preview for us modern cruising, with some insider tips that will help you plan an unforgettable voyage.   

July 20, 2021 ~ Alaska offers a magnitude and magnificence that tests the limits of language.  The US’ tallest peeks, largest coastline, biggest national forest, and only artic territory.  Preview a life-altering visit to The Great Land with Holland America Lines Senior Director of Consumer Programs Bill Fletcher.

June 15, 2021 ~ Beaches packed with waddling penguins, bus-sized whales leaping from the waters, and coves filed with other worldly ice are just a few of the sites that await you on Earth’s southernmost continent.  Preview these and other Antarctica attractions with American Polar Society Board Member and travel expert Denise Landau.   

April 29, 2021 ~ It’s a globetrotting style that goes by many names: group tours, escorted vacations, and guided group travel, to name a few.  Odds are you haven’t tried it in a while, or ever for that matter.  The options however are growing, with thoughtful and innovative new ways to discover destinations together.  Join Travel Corporation Director of European Operations Gillian Cattrall and Professional Development Manager Nikki Cakebread as they guide you through some of the World’s most unforgettable group travel experiences.

April 29, 2021 ~ Travel Corporation Director of European Operations Gillian Cattrall and Professional Development Manager Nikki Cakebread talk about travel in the post-COVID era, with details on what travel providers are doing to help keep guests safe.

April 21, 2021 ~ Join us as we experience a day in the life of a river cruise, a unique kind of voyage that puts you right in the heart of the places you’re visiting.  These cultural excursions take you from wondering the local lanes and immersing yourself in the local culture, to relaxing shipboard as majestic castles, bountiful vineyards, and charming villages drift in and out of view.   Ready to set sail?!?  Preview the options with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises CEO Ellen Bettridge.

March 24, 2021 ~ Family travel means reconnecting with loved ones; both ones you see every day, and those you haven’t seen in a while.  As we move past the experiences of 2020, these kinds of trips are sure to mean more than ever.  Join Samantha Brown, Emmy Award-winning host of PBS’ “Places to Love with Samantha Brown,” as she puts her years of travel experience behind helping your family connect like never before.

March 3, 2021 ~ Join guest Samantha Brown, host of the Emmy Award-winning “Places to Love with Samantha Brown” on PBS, as she introduces us to some of the most intriguing women she’s met on the road, yet off the beaten path.  From a dancehall darling in Texas, to a beading genius in Baltimore, to the kiwi queen of competitive costuming, these women shine all types of fabulous from destinations across our globe. 

February 10, 2021 ~ If you’re a fan of paintings, sculptures, historic artifacts, or just about anything else that can be displayed in an exhibition, odds are your next trip will include a visit to a museum.  Join Samantha Brown, Emmy Award-winning host of “Samantha Brown’s Places to Love,” as she highlights some of her favorite museums, then takes us beyond to see the instillations, studios, and artisan shops that make each destination truly unique.