🎧 Episode 182: Summer Safety Check – Tips for Road Trips, Beaches & Theme Parks Summer is here, and before we dive into our brand-new series on the Best Beach Towns in the U.S., we're pressing pause for an important summer safety check! In this solo episode, Rob shares practical tips and real-life travel wisdom to help your family stay safe and stress-free—whether you're road-tripping, lounging on the sand, or spending the day at a theme park. In this episode, Rob covers: 🚗 Road Trip Safet...
Jun 27, 2025•9 min•Season 1Ep. 183
Episode 182 – Ruthie Takes Over: Growing Up Traveling with Rob & Tracy Show Notes: In this heartwarming and hilarious episode, Rob and Traci hand the mic to their oldest daughter, Ruthie, for a personal reflection on growing up in a traveling family. From being the only child on her parents' Disney honeymoon to becoming the big sister and now a newlywed traveler herself, Ruthie shares her unique perspective on how travel has shaped her outlook and her future plans. What You’ll Hear: Ruthie’s...
Jun 20, 2025•27 min•Season 1Ep. 182
Episode 181: Family Travel Unfiltered: Travel According to Chase Description: In this special episode, Rob and Traci hand over the mic to their 14-year-old son, Chase, to get the real scoop on what it’s like to travel as a teen with your family. From surprising emotional moments to brutally honest takes on shopping, alone time, and matching family shirts—Chase doesn't hold back. If you're planning a trip with teens (or are one), this episode is filled with laughs, insight, and a fresh perspectiv...
Jun 13, 2025•18 min•Season 1Ep. 181
🎙️ Episode 180: A Kid’s-Eye View of Travel with Nash In this special episode, Rob and Traci hand the mic over to their son Nash, who shares what travel looks like from a kid’s perspective. From theme parks to veggie straws, Nash covers it all in his own honest, hilarious, and heartwarming way. Episode 180 starts now. 🧳 What We Talked About: Nash’s All-Time Favorite Trip Destin, Florida takes the crown for its mix of beach fun, ice cream, and family bonding—including cousins and grandparents! D...
Jun 06, 2025•16 min•Season 1Ep. 180
🎙️ Episode 179: Wallace, Idaho – History, Adventure & The Center of the Universe Show Notes: Looking for your next unforgettable family getaway? In this episode of The Family Vacationer , Rob and Traci head to the historic and quirky town of Wallace, Idaho —a place where silver mining history meets outdoor adventure, small-town charm, and even a claim to being the "Center of the Universe." Our guest, Shauna Hillman joins us to share what makes this mountain town a hidden gem for family trav...
May 23, 2025•30 min•Season 1Ep. 179
🎙️ Episode 178: How to Travel More for Less with Karen Dawkins Guest: Karen Dawkins, Family Travels on a Budget Series: Smart Family Travel If you’ve ever said, “We’d love to travel more, but it’s just not in the budget,” this episode is for you. Rob sits down with family budget travel expert Karen Dawkins , the creator of Family Travels on a Budget , to share smart, stress-free strategies for getting the most out of your vacation dollar — without sacrificing joy or quality . Karen's no-nonsens...
May 16, 2025•45 min•Season 1Ep. 179
🎧 Episode 177: Hidden Gems of the South: Family Adventures Off the Beaten Path Looking for your next unforgettable family getaway without the airport hassle or a sky-high price tag? This week on The Family Vacationer , Rob and Traci welcome Lesli Peterson , founder of 365 Atlanta Traveler , to uncover the best underrated destinations across the Southern U.S. perfect for families seeking flexibility, fun, and meaningful travel experiences. From hiking Georgia’s hidden canyons to exploring the un...
May 09, 2025•35 min•Season 1Ep. 177
🎧 Episode 176: Exploring the Florida Keys with Britt Myers Thinking the Florida Keys is just for grown-ups? Think again! In this episode, Rob chats with Britt Myers —co-founder of Keys Weekly and a passionate local advocate—to uncover what makes this legendary island chain an unexpectedly perfect destination for families. From Key Largo to Key West, Britt helps bust the myth that the Keys are only about rum and Jimmy Buffett. We explore kid-friendly beaches, eco-adventures, cultural gems, amazi...
May 03, 2025•39 min•Season 1Ep. 176
🎙️ Episode 175: Discovering Decorah, Iowa – Nature, Culture & Family Fun Series: Small Towns, Big Adventure Guest: Alyssa Ritter, Visit Decorah Description: In this kickoff episode of our Small Towns, Big Adventure series, we're spotlighting Decorah, Iowa —a scenic and culturally rich destination nestled in the Driftless Region of the Midwest. From its striking natural beauty to its vibrant Norwegian heritage, Decorah offers a unique and meaningful travel experience for families of all ages...
Apr 25, 2025•47 min•Season 1Ep. 175
🎙 Episode 174: Travel for Every Body Guest: Jennifer Allen, Wonders Within Reach On this episode of The Family Vacationer , Rob welcomes back Jennifer Allen from Wonders Within Reach , a passionate advocate, writer, and mom to three who’s reshaping the conversation around accessible family travel . From accessible national parks and theme parks to unexpected small towns doing big things for inclusion, Jennifer shares practical advice, inspiring stories, and essential resources for families trav...
Apr 18, 2025•29 min•Season 1Ep. 174
The Family Vacationer – Episode 173: Finding Cheap Flights for Your Next Family Adventure with Katy Nastro from Going Show Notes: Looking to stretch your travel dollars without sacrificing adventure? In this episode, Rob chats with Katy Nastro, travel expert and spokesperson for Going—the flight deal app formerly known as Scott’s Cheap Flights. Katy shares insider tips, booking strategies, and real savings numbers that can help families score affordable airfare to dream destinations. What You’ll...
Apr 11, 2025•51 min•Season 1Ep. 173
🎙️ Episode 172: Exploring Hawaii – A Family Adventure In this episode of The Family Vacationer , Rob and Traci explore Hawaii —a stunning destination rich in culture and perfect for families. They’re joined by Robin Basso , a Hawaiian travel expert, who shares tips on choosing the right island, exploring responsibly, and making the most of a Hawaiian adventure. 🌴 Why Hawaii is Great for Families Ohana Spirit: Family is at the heart of Hawaiian culture. Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy hiking, snorkel...
Apr 04, 2025•43 min•Season 1Ep. 172
🎙️ Episode 171: Exploring Saugatuck-Douglas, Michigan – The Art Coast for Families Welcome back to The Family Vacationer ! After a brief hiatus, Rob and Traci are diving back into family travel by spotlighting one of Michigan’s best-kept secrets— Saugatuck-Douglas . Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, this charming destination is known for its vibrant art scene, outdoor adventures, and small-town charm perfect for family getaways. Our guest this week is Lisa Mize Executive Director of th...
Mar 28, 2025•25 min•Season 1Ep. 171
In Episode 170 of The Family Vacationer , Rob continues the holiday destination series with a trip to Andalusia, Alabama. Joined by Melissa King and Maggie Homes from the Andalusia Chamber of Commerce, the episode highlights the city’s rich history, festive spirit, and its iconic Christmas in Candyland event. Discover why this charming Southern town is a perfect holiday getaway for families!
Dec 24, 2024•22 min•Season 1Ep. 170
**Show Notes: Episode 169 – Holiday Magic in Owosso and Shiawassee County, Michigan** Join *The Family Vacationer* as Rob spotlights Owosso and Shiawassee County, Michigan—a perfect blend of small-town charm, history, and festive spirit. Whether for a holiday getaway or a year-round family destination, this area delivers unforgettable experiences. ### **Why Visit?** - Explore rich railroading history, vibrant arts, and Curwood Castle, a landmark tied to James Oliver Curwood. - Enjoy a welcoming ...
Nov 23, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 169
Episode 168 Highlights: Introduction to Woodstock, Vermont Discover this charming town in central Vermont, near Lebanon, NH, and Rutland, VT. A brief history of Woodstock’s New England character and why it’s a great holiday destination. Wassail Weekend Preview A glimpse at the 40th Annual Wassail Weekend, held December 13–15: Wassail Scavenger Hunt : Start your holiday adventure at the “Town Smiler” with a town-wide scavenger hunt. Christmas at Billings Farm & Museum : Enjoy Victorian holida...
Nov 02, 2024•11 min•Season 1Ep. 168
Episode Title: The Lasting Power of Family Vacation Memories Episode Description: In this heartfelt episode of *The Family Vacationer*, Rob opens up about a recent personal loss and how, through creating a memorial slideshow for his dad, he discovered the profound impact family vacations had on their lives. With photos and memories bringing laughter, adventure, and cherished moments flooding back, Rob shares how these trips have become priceless pieces of his family’s legacy. Join us as we explo...
Oct 25, 2024•11 min•Season 1Ep. 167
The Family Vacationer Podcast - Episode 166: The Best Places to See the Leaves Changing in the Fall Episode Overview: In this episode of *The Family Vacationer*, Rob takes you on a colorful journey through some of the best places in the U.S. to experience the magic of fall foliage. Whether you're planning a quick weekend road trip or a longer family vacation, you'll get expert tips on the top destinations to soak in the season's vibrant colors. Topics Covered: 1. New England Fall Foliage - Explo...
Sep 14, 2024•9 min•Season 1Ep. 166
Episode 165: Tackling Overtourism – A Guide to Sustainable Travel Welcome back to The Family Vacationer. I’m your host, Rob, and today we’re diving deep into a pressing issue in the travel world: overtourism. This year has seen tourism take on new challenges, and overtourism has emerged as a major concern. But what does overtourism mean, and how can we tackle it? In this episode, we’ll explore the impact of too many tourists on our favorite destinations and discuss how we can make a positive dif...
Aug 30, 2024•12 min•Season 1Ep. 165
Episode 164 – Gainesville, FL: A Family-Friendly Destination and College Town Episode Summary: In this episode of The Family Vacationer, Rob takes you on a journey to Gainesville, Florida—a vibrant city that’s perfect for family vacations and an ideal spot for those considering the University of Florida. Whether you’re exploring the great outdoors, visiting cultural hotspots, or looking into college options, Gainesville has something for everyone. Key Topics Covered: 1. Modern History of Gainesv...
Aug 23, 2024•11 min•Season 1Ep. 164
## Show Notes: Episode 163 of The Family Vacationer Podcast - Exploring Ocala, Marion County, Florida **Welcome to the show.** "Yes. Thank you for having me. I'm excited to be on and talk about Ocala." "We're excited to talk about it." **Introduction to Ocala, Marion County** Our guest introduces Ocala as a premier family travel destination, highlighting its status as the "Horse Capital of the World" and its abundance of natural wonders. From trails and springs to outdoor adventures, Ocala offer...
Jul 31, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 163
**Episode 162: Lake City, Florida – A Perfect Family Travel Destination** **Special Guest: Konnie Patke** **Show Notes:** - Overview of Lake City, Florida as a family-friendly travel destination - Introduction of special guest Konnie Patke - **Why Lake City Stands Out for Families** - Family-friendly atmosphere with a blend of natural beauty, history, and community events - **Must-See Attractions and Activities** - Alligator Lake Park: Perfect for picnics, wildlife watching, and outdoor fun - La...
Jul 17, 2024•22 min•Season 1Ep. 162
Show Notes: Episode 161 - Discovering Macon, GA **Hosts:** Rob and Traci **Special Guest:** Gary Wheat, President and CEO of Visit Macon **Episode Summary:** In this exciting kickoff to our I-75 series, we dive into the vibrant city of Macon, GA, with the expert insights of Gary Wheat, President and CEO of Visit Macon. Rob and Traci explore what makes Macon a fantastic family travel destination, offering a perfect stop between Atlanta and Orlando. From unique attractions to hidden gems, this epi...
Jul 09, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 161
Episode 151 - Keeping Up with Family Vacation Photos Using Mylio My sincere apologies to David and Alex at Mylio for the issue with our interview recording. Look for Mylio's CEO to be on the Family Vacationer soon! **Episode Summary:** In this episode of The Family Vacationer, we dive into the ultimate solution for managing, organizing, and sharing your family vacation photos—Mylio. Host Rob takes us through the features and benefits of Mylio, making it easier than ever to keep track of your pre...
Jul 02, 2024•14 min•Season 1Ep. 160
Exploring the origins, impact, and future of resort fees in the travel industry. Episode Highlights - **Introduction to Resort Fees:** - Overview of the episode's focus on the frustration caused by resort fees. - Brief history of how resort fees started in the late 1980s and early 1990s. - **Historical Context:** - Initial introduction in popular tourist destinations like Las Vegas and Hawaii. - Expansion into more hotels and cities over the decades. - Evolution from covering amenities to becomi...
Jun 18, 2024•21 min•Season 1Ep. 159
Episode 158: Navigating Vacation with Your ADHD Teen **Introduction:** - Join hosts Rob and Traci as they dive into the intricacies of vacationing with an ADHD teen, featuring special guest Dr. Emily King. **Discussion Points:** 1. **Creating a Supportive Environment:** - Understanding the unique needs and strengths of your ADHD teen. - Tailoring the vacation setting to accommodate those needs. 2. **Preparing for Structure and Routines:** - Effective strategies for familiarizing your teen with v...
Jun 11, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 158
An end of an Era on the Family Vacationer.
Jun 04, 2024•6 min•Season 1Ep. 157
Exploring Columbia, SC with the Family Vacationer Podcast! Join us as we uncover the hidden gems and family-friendly adventures in this beautiful southern city with special guest, Kelly Barbrey! Let the journey begin!
Apr 23, 2024•25 min•Season 1Ep. 156
A quick discussion about the 2023 US Family Travel Survey. If you'd like more information about the survey, go here: https://www.sps.nyu.edu/homepage/communications/press-releases/2023/2023-family-travel-association-annual-family-travel-survey-highlights.html
Apr 04, 2024•10 min•Season 1Ep. 154
**Family Vacationer Podcast Episode 153: Traveling with Accessibility Issues** **Introduction:** - Today on the Family Vacationer, Rob welcomes back Jennifer Allen of Wonders Within Reach to discuss traveling with accessibility issues. Jennifer was also a guest on Episode 109. - Jennifer Allen is an experienced traveler passionate about ensuring all families can enjoy travel without limitations. - In this episode, Jennifer shares insights on planning accessible vacations, including consideration...
Mar 26, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 153
