The Family Vacationer

Episode 198: The Family Travel Reset Episode Overview If your family vacations have started to feel a little too predictable — the same beach, the same rental, the same “are we even relaxed?” feeling when you get home — it might be time for a reset. In Episode 198, Rob shares how to press pause on autopilot travel and rediscover the why behind your family’s adventures. It’s not about the next destination — it’s about what you hope to bring home: connection, laughter, and stories worth retelling. Inspired by his upcoming book, The Family Vacationer: A Parent’s Guide to Meaningful Travel (coming November 11, 2025), Rob introduces the concept of The Family Travel Reset — a simple, practical way to make travel more intentional, more joyful, and a whole lot less stressful. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why families fall into “autopilot travel” — and how to break freeThe one question to ask before planning your next vacation: What do we really want from this trip?How to balance structure and spontaneity to create real connectionThe three easiest ways to reset your family’s travel mindsetA personal story from Disney that changed how Rob plans trips foreverA simple “Family Travel Check-In” you can do this week to reconnect and reset Three Easy Ways to Start Your Family Travel Reset Involve your kids in the planning. Ask them what they want out of the trip — more pool time, less rushing, more freedom. When kids feel heard, everyone’s happier on the road.Build in slow mornings. Vacations shouldn’t feel like a race. Linger over breakfast, explore without an agenda, and let curiosity lead the day.Redefine success. Instead of asking, “Did we check everything off?” try “Did we laugh together today?” Because that’s what really matters. Favorite Quote from This Episode “Meaningful travel isn’t about doing more — it’s about feeling more.” — Rob Jones From Rob’s Upcoming Book This episode pulls from several chapters of Rob’s forthcoming book, The Family Vacationer: A Parent’s Guide to Meaningful Travel, releasing November 11, 2025. The book is filled with stories, practical strategies, and gentle encouragement for parents who want travel to be less about logistics and more about connection. Preorder information coming soon! This Week Comes with Homework! Do a quick Family Travel Check-In: Ask everyone: What’s your favorite travel memory we’ve ever made together?Then ask: What would make our next trip even better? Their answers might surprise you — and might be the key to your own Family Travel Reset. Connect with The Family Vacationer Instagram & Facebook: @TheFamilyVacationerWebsite: thefamilyvacationer.liveEmail: thefamilyvacationerpodcast@gmail.com Upcoming Events Rob’s Book Launch: The Family Vacationer: A Parent’s Guide to Meaningful Travel — coming November 11, 2025 200th Episode Celebration: Join Rob & Traci for a live recording in Orlando on December 15, 2025 — details and tickets available soon!

Episode 196: Smart Money Moves for Family Vacations with Skyler Fleming For most families, the biggest obstacle to taking that dream trip isn’t time—it’s money. The good news? With a little planning and some smart financial strategies, you can make vacations happen without draining your savings or piling on debt. In this episode, Rob talks with Skyler Fleming, Certified Financial Planner and host of the Money Talks podcast. Skyler shares practical tips to help families budget, save, and plan so travel dreams can become travel memories. From avoiding credit card traps to involving kids in the budgeting process, this conversation is packed with actionable advice for making travel financially doable—and fun. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why “splurging comfortably” is possible with the right budgetThe first steps families should take when creating a vacation budgetCommon costs families forget to plan for (and how to avoid surprise expenses)How far in advance you should start saving for a big tripSimple savings strategies that won’t eat into everyday essentialsThe truth about credit card rewards—and how to use them wiselyFun ways to involve kids in vacation budgeting and decision-makingWhy planning ahead reduces pressure and makes vacations more enjoyable About Our Guest Skyler Fleming is a Certified Financial Planner and the host of the Money Talks podcast, where he helps people build strong money habits. His practical, down-to-earth approach helps families think differently about budgeting and saving so they can enjoy life—and travel—without financial stress. Learn more at MoneyTalk.show. Resources & Links Visit Skyler’s website: MoneyTalk.showListen to the Money Talks podcast on your favorite platformFollow The Family Vacationer on Instagram and Substack Don’t Miss Rob’s upcoming book, The Family Vacationer: A Parent’s Guide to Meaningful Travel, is on the way! Filled with stories and tips to help you make your trips more meaningful, it’s coming soon—stay tuned for details.

Episode 194: Halloween-Themed Family Travel Pumpkin patches, ghost stories, trick-or-treating at Disney… Halloween has become more than just a night—it’s a whole travel season! In this episode of The Family Vacationer, Rob and Traci share the best family-friendly destinations and tips for celebrating Halloween in ways that are fun, memorable, and not-too-spooky. Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode: Historic Halloween Towns – Salem, Massachusetts and Sleepy Hollow, New York, where history and legend come alive every October. Theme Park Magic – From Disney’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party to Universal Studios’ daytime family options, plus the fall magic of Dollywood’s Harvest Fest and Great Pumpkin LumiNights.Local Adventures – Pumpkin patches, flashlight corn mazes, haunted history tours, and small-town parades that make for easy weekend getaways.Practical Tips – Packing costumes in carry-ons, layering for chilly nights, keeping kids safe with glow sticks, and candy-collection hacks to keep little arms from getting tired. Big News! Rob’s book, The Family Vacationer: A Parent’s Guide to Meaningful Travel, is coming out in December! Pre-orders open soon—stay tuned for details.We’re celebrating our 200th episode in Orlando at the Caribe Royale the second weekend in December. If you’ll be in Orlando, let us know—we’d love to connect! Halloween is the perfect excuse to add a little travel to your fall calendar. Whether you’re heading to New England, a theme park, or just the local pumpkin patch, the memories you’ll make will last far longer than the candy. Listen now and get inspired to plan your family’s spooktacular getaway!

Episode 192: Vacationing With Teens – How to Stay Connected with Parenting Coach Janine Mushwar Vacationing with teens can be magical—or maddening. In this episode, Rob talks with parenting coach Janine Mushwar about how to move from conflict to connection with your teenager, both at home and while traveling. If you’ve ever felt your teen slipping away, or if vacations bring out more eye-rolls than smiles, this conversation is for you. Janine shares her own journey as a mom of three very different kids and the parenting shifts she had to make when rewards, punishments, and “the old ways” stopped working. Now, as a parenting coach, she helps families find practical strategies to reduce conflict, strengthen communication, and make family trips less stressful and more meaningful. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why vacations with teens can be both magical and challengingThe importance of shifting your parenting approach during the teenage yearsHow to balance teens’ independence with family togetherness on tripsTools to de-escalate conflict in the moment (without turning the trip into a battle)Why involving teens in the planning process makes a huge differenceWays travel can strengthen connection during family transitions—like divorce, blending families, or big movesSimple but powerful mindset shifts that help parents prioritize connection over chasing a “perfect” trip About Our Guest Janine Mushwar is a parenting coach who helps moms and dads move from conflict to connection with their teens. Drawing on her own experience raising three children and supporting hundreds of families, Janine provides practical, compassionate strategies that help parents build stronger relationships with their kids. Learn more at JanineMushwar.com and check out her short, actionable videos on YouTube. Resources & Links Visit Janine’s website: JanineMushwar.comFollow Janine on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube (@JanineMushwar)Connect with The Family Vacationer on Instagram and Substack Don’t Miss Stay tuned for Rob’s upcoming book, The Family Vacationer: A Parent’s Guide to Meaningful Travel, coming soon! Plus, we’re headed toward our 200th episode—with some fun surprises along the way.

Regenerative Travel for Families with Kirsten Ovstaas If you’ve ever wondered how your family vacations could give back to the places you visit, this episode is for you. In Episode 190 of The Family Vacationer, Rob sits down with regenerative travel advocate Kirsten Ovstaas to explore how families can make travel not just sustainable—but regenerative. Regenerative travel goes beyond reducing your footprint. It’s about restoring, replenishing, and leaving a destination better than you found it. Kirsten shares practical ways families can start small, engage with local communities, and make their vacations a force for good. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The difference between sustainable and regenerative travel Why regenerative practices matter for families and kids Simple first steps—like beach cleans and local dining—that any family can do Examples of destinations offering regenerative experiences (Hawaii, British Columbia, Copenhagen, and more) How to research and choose businesses that truly benefit local communities Common misconceptions about regenerative travel (and why they’re wrong) How regenerative travel can inspire kids and shape their future values Travel memories are some of the most powerful a family can create. Imagine adding the joy of knowing your trip left a positive mark on the world. This conversation will inspire you to rethink your travel habits and embrace new ways to connect, give back, and grow together as a family. 👉 Learn more about Kirsten’s work and ReBC (Regenerative Travel British Columbia) at ReBCTravel.ca or follow them on Instagram at @ReBCTravel. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Family Vacationer and connect with us on Instagram and Substack for more family travel inspiration. Remember folks to keep your passports and your hearts open. Safe travels, everyone.

Episode 188 – Isle of Palms, South Carolina We’re making our next stop on The Family Vacationer’s tour of the Best Beach Towns in the US — and this time, we’re heading to a barrier island paradise just outside Charleston, South Carolina. The Isle of Palms is known for its wide, family-friendly beaches, charming local restaurants, and laid-back coastal vibe. Joining Rob is Alex Stone, President of the Isle of Palms Chamber of Commerce and CEO of Island Realty, to share insider tips on where to stay, what to do, and how to make the most of your visit. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why Isle of Palms offers the perfect mix of small-town charm and modern conveniencesFamily-friendly lodging options, from cozy cottages to resort staysThe unique character of Isle of Palms beaches and their kid-friendly tidal poolsActivities for kids, teens, and adults — from paddleboarding to shark tooth huntingLocal dining spots you won’t want to missDay trip ideas to Charleston, Sullivan’s Island, and beyondExpert tips to help you plan and book your perfect beach getaway Links from this episode: Visit Isle of Palms – Official visitor informationIsland Realty – Vacation rentals and lodging optionsCharleston Area Visitors Bureau – Regional attractions and events Coming Soon: Rob’s first Family Vacationer book! Packed with stories, tips, and inspiration to help you create unforgettable family travel memories. Stay tuned here and on our socials for the release date.

The Family Vacationer - Episode 185 Destination: St. Augustine, Florida – Where History and Beaches Collide Guest: Barbara Golden, Communications Manager, Florida’s Historic Coast Heads up, eagle-eyed listeners! Yes, we also noticed we skipped Episode 185 last week... the person responsible has been politely but firmly relieved of their podcast-numbering duties. (Don't worry, we gave them a map to the Fountain of Youth as severance.) If you’re looking for a family vacation spot that blends centuries of history with sandy toes and salt air, St. Augustine is calling your name. In this episode, Rob and Traci welcome back friend of the show Barbara Golden, who takes us on a virtual tour through America’s oldest city. What You'll Learn: Why St. Augustine is more than just a beach town (spoiler: pirates AND archaeology!)The rich cultural tapestry behind the nation’s oldest continuously occupied European settlementHow to mix sun, surf, and centuries of history into one epic family vacationThe best interactive museums for kids (think: cannon fire, pirate ships, and animatronic schoolhouses)Top beaches, family-friendly activities, hidden gems, and unbeatable food spots (hello, fried shrimp and chocolate factory) Local Flavor Highlights: Where to find legendary fried shrimp and fresh-caught grouperThe scoop on must-visit dessert spots like Peace Pies and The Hyppo Gourmet PopsBest rooftop dining for ocean views (and maybe a grouper taco or two) Can't-Miss Attractions: Castillo de San Marcos and its cannon demonstrationsAnastasia State Park’s sugar-white beachesPirate and Treasure Museum, Alligator Farm, and Colonial QuarterHistoric trolley tours, kayak adventures, and beachcombing for shark teeth Where to Stay: Beachfront family favorites like Embassy Suites Oceanfront and Guy Harvey ResortCharming historic inns downtown that welcome familiesUpscale golf resorts and glamping options nearby Planning Tips: Best times to visit for weather, crowds, and festivals (like Nights of Lights ✨ and Sing Out Loud 🎶)Smart seasonal strategies (Hint: hit the beach in the morning, museums in the afternoon!)Must-know family travel tips from a local insider One Perfect Day in St. Augustine? Start with a trolley tour, explore a hands-on museum, relax on the beach, eat something unforgettable, and top it off with a Peace Pie. (You’re welcome.) Mentioned in this Episode: Florida’s Historic CoastAnastasia State ParkCastillo de San Marcos Subscribe on your favorite podcast app, and follow us on Instagram @thefamilyvacationer and Substack for more family travel inspiration. Rob's Reminder: "Remember folks to keep your passports and your hearts open." Traci’s Sendoff: "Safe travels everyone."

Episode 184: Ocean City, Maryland – A Family Beach Classic This week on The Family Vacationer, we're kicking off our new series, The Best Beach Towns in the U.S., and first up is one of the most beloved beach towns on the East Coast—Ocean City, Maryland! While we will eventually name one destination as The Family Vacationer's Best Beach Town, the truth is, whichever of these coastal gems you choose, you win. In this episode, Rob is joined by Ocean City’s Mayor Richard Meehan in a first-ever mayoral interview for the podcast! Together, they dive deep into what makes Ocean City a multigenerational vacation haven. We explore: The modern history of Ocean City, from its roots as a fishing village to a booming beach resortWhy Ocean City’s nostalgic charm continues to attract families year after yearFree, family-friendly beach access and the iconic boardwalk experienceMust-see attractions like Trimper’s Rides and Jolly Roger Amusement PierSeasonal festivals from Springfest to Winterfest of LightsHidden local favorites like biking the boardwalk and bayside crabbingInclusive amenities for families with special needsFamily-friendly dining with playgrounds at restaurants like Fishtales and RopewalkUnique accommodations including the Carousel Hotel with an ice rink!Efforts to retain Ocean City’s charm amidst modern growthExciting projects like a new bayfront park and a planned world-class sports complex Whether you're planning your first visit or your fifteenth, Ocean City delivers smiles, sunrises, and memories to last a lifetime. A special thank you to Lauren Davis, Government Relations Manager with the Mayor’s Office, for making this interview possible. Don’t forget to subscribe to The Family Vacationer on your favorite podcast platform, and follow us on Instagram and Substack for more family travel inspiration. Thank you to Scott Carpenter for the new theme song! Make sure and listen all the way to the end for the world premiere of The Family Vacationer Theme Song! Thanks, Scottie! Closing Reminder: Remember folks to keep your passports and your hearts open. Safe travels everyone!