We all go through hard times in our lives. Whether it’s a tough breakup, losing a job, or losing someone you love, these are experiences that change our paths in unexpected ways.

When you pair those changes with a little thirst for adventure, then what we do to mark these changes can become an event in itself.

Pilgrimage offers us a literal path through the hard times. It’s a rare time-out that allows us to take space, process our feelings, and shift into the next phase of who we’re becoming.

Today, Angie Orth welcomes actor, director, and award-winning travel writer Andrew McCarthy.

You might remember him from the “brat pack” hits Pretty in Pink and St. Elmo’s Fire. These days, he’s equally acclaimed for his travel writing in publications like The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, The Atlantic, Time, and Travel+Leisure. He joins us today, live from the Dallas Travel Show, to share his experiences walking the Camino de Santiago, recounted in his most recent book Walking with Sam: A Father, a Son, and Five Hundred Miles Across Spain

You’ll learn what defines a pilgrimage, and what makes these experiences so transformative for people. You’ll hear about McCarthy’s first solo journey on the Camino, and what it was like for him to share the same path with his son decades later. You’ll also learn how to plan and what to pack if you’re ready to embark on your own pilgrimage of self-discovery.

What You’ll Learn:

• The art of pilgrimage and the history of the Camino (1:43)
• Why he embarked on his first pilgrimage (4:31)
• How the journey changed his relationship with his son (10:25)
• Why he wants to do the Camino again (14:54)
• The most profound thing he experienced on the trail (17:29)

Resources:

AAA Interview: https://www.ace.aaa.com/publications/travel/international-destinations/andrew-mccarthy-spain.html?zip=90266

Connect with Andrew McCarthy:

Website: https://andrewmccarthy.com/

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/andrewtmccarthy

X: https://twitter.com/andrewtmccarthy

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndrewTMcCarthy

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

Whether you’re visiting the Empire City for the first time or the fifth time, this is one destination where you will always be spoiled for choice.

And for that very reason, it’s always good to have a plan.

Today, Angie Orth is back with New York native and travel guide author Pauline Frommer. The author of the best-selling Frommer's EasyGuide to New York City and Frommer's New York City Day by Day is here to share her top 5 insider tips for visiting NYC.

You’ll learn where you can get great views of the city without having to deal with crowds. She shares her favorite neighborhood and her top local spots where you can find the best of two iconic must-eat foods. You’ll also hear insider tips for finding and buying unique pieces of art.

What You’ll Learn:

• A little-known island where you can capture unique views of NYC (0:47)
• Where to find the best bagel in the city (1:24)
• A gallery hack to see what’s on the cutting edge in the art world (1:48)
• Her favorite New York neighborhood and what (and who) you’ll see there (2:55)
• Something about New York that might surprise you (4:30)

Resources:

Little Island: https://littleisland.org/

Bagel Bob’s: https://www.bagelbobs.com/

Emily’s: https://www.emmysquaredpizza.com/location/emily-west-village/

Connect with Pauline Frommer:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frommerpauline/?hl=en

Website: www.frommers.com

The Frommer Travel Show: https://www.frommers.com/podcast

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

Sky-high city spires, a global exploration of cuisine, and more museums and galleries than you can count.

There is no place in the United States that’s more iconic, more historically significant, or more culturally diverse than New York City.

It’s been a bucket list travel destination for over a century. But with so much to do and see, you need to have a really good plan if you want to make the most of your visit to this fascinating city.

Today, Angie Orth welcomes Pauline Frommer, co-president of Frommer Media and editorial director of Frommer's Guidebooks. She’s the author of the best-selling Frommer's EasyGuide to New York City and Frommer's New York City Day by Day. Frommer is also co-host of The Travel Show podcast.

You’ll hear the best travel tips for visiting New York City, including hotel tips to help you navigate the competitive hunt for accommodation. You’ll discover the best way to see the top sights in New York City and learn about a few worthwhile stops that are a little off the beaten path.

What You’ll Learn:

• The historical and cultural significance of New York (2:45)
• Managing recent changes to hotels and accommodation rentals (7:45)
• How to tackle the city and make the most of your visit (9:08)
• Lesser-known areas of New York ripe for discovery (12:33)
• Pauline’s top 3 travel tips for New York City (14:52)

Resources:

Global tourism statistics: https://wttc.org/Portals/0/Documents/Reports/2020/Global%20Economic%20Impact%20Trends%202020.pdf?ver=2021-02-25-183118-360

The Thirsty Gallerina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thirstygallerina/?hl=en

Caveat Comedy Club: https://caveat.nyc/

Pauline’s tips on booking hotels: https://www.frommers.com/blogs/arthur-frommer-online/blog_posts/nyc-hotel-rates-are-shocking-now-here-s-why-plus-how-to-pay-less

Connect with Pauline Frommer:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frommerpauline/?hl=en

Website: www.frommers.com

The Frommer Travel Show: https://www.frommers.com/podcast

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