With her PBS show, Samantha Brown’s Places to Love (sponsored by AAA), Brown takes viewers to some of her most-beloved destinations. But, she says, who you meet along the way is just as important as where you go: “It’s about the people and connecting with people.”

Brown’s relationship with AAA goes back to her college days when her father gave her a membership. “AAA can help you make the most of your vacation with expert advice and member benefits,” she says. “Members should check out the savings they’ll get by traveling with AAA.” She recently spoke with AAA about places and types of travel she loves.

European River Cruising

Why I Love It

In Europe, it’s easy to get caught up in the beauty and history (those castles and cathedrals!), especially when you’re floating along a river like the Rhine or Danube. That’s why I’m honored to be godmother for AmaWaterways’ river cruise ship AmaMagna, which sails through Europe. Historically, ships have a godmother who represents the soul of the ship and gives a sense of warmth and welcome.

Insider Tip

Take your time, especially with Europe. Sit down in a cafe and spend time watching the world go by with a glass of wine or espresso, and just enjoy doing nothing.

Be Sure to…

Go to the cathedral in Strasbourg, France, and visit the school of artisans whose job it is to maintain the cathedral—something they’ve been doing for many centuries.

Hill Country, Texas

Why I Love It

The food is good and hearty, and there are still dance halls where you can get twirled around by a cowboy. Spring is the best time to go because that’s when the wildflowers bloom.

Insider Tip

Take a tour of Fredericksburg’s historic one-room schools. Built by German immigrants in the 1880s to 1930s, they laid the groundwork for Texas’ public school system.

Be Sure to…

Visit the National Museum of the Pacific War, also in Fredericksburg. The city was the birthplace of Chester Nimitz, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet during World War II.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Why I Love It

There’s an amazing confluence of cultures: Spanish, Native American and the American West. You have an art scene that is really accessible. And you’re not far from one of my favorite hikes in the world—the Aspen Vista Trail.

Insider Tip

Visit in fall or spring when the temperatures are moderate. If you go in fall, take in the nearby Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the largest in the world.

Be Sure to…

Visit the artist’s collective Meow Wolf and its interactive House of Eternal Return. Dozens of rooms, secret passages and portals transport guests into other dimensions.

County Donegal, Ireland

Why I Love It

Most visitors to Ireland go to Dublin or perhaps Galway. County Donegal sees fewer travelers. People there have time to talk to you, and you can have a more personal experience.

Insider Tip

You may have heard about Ireland’s Cliffs of Moher. Less famous, but nearly three times as tall, are the Slieve League cliffs in County Donegal.

Be Sure to…

Have a drink in Leo’s Tavern in the County Donegal village of Meenaleck—and stay for the music. Opened by late musician Leo Brennan (father to the artist Enya), the pub hosts acts like Bono and The Edge, along with homegrown talent.

Samantha Brown is the Host of “Samantha Brown’s Places to Love.” Find out more at AAA Travel Info. This article appears courtesy of Auto Club Group and Pace Communications.