Episodes

Episode 209 Show Notes Globe Aware: Meaningful Family Travel Through Service What if your next family vacation could do more than create memories—what if it could change lives? In Episode 209 of The Family Vacationer, Rob sits down with Kimberly from Globe Aware to explore how families can experience the world through meaningful, hands-on volunteer travel. Globe Aware offers short-term, high-impact service trips in more than 20 countries, designed specifically to help families connect with loc...

Episode 208: Before it becomes a memory There are moments in life that don’t feel important at the time. A random Tuesday night. A laugh from the next room. A kitchen conversation you barely paid attention to. And then one day… those are the moments you’d give anything to have back. This episode of The Family Vacationer is different. No tips. No destinations. No planning strategies. Just something real. 💛 What This Episode Is About After the loss of two deeply loved family members — R...

Episode 207 Show Notes — The Family Vacationer Title: Caribe Royale Orlando: Holiday Chocolate, Suites, Slides & Our First “Family Vacationer Approved” Resort Hosts: Rob & Traci Location: Caribe Royale Resort, Orlando, FL Guests: Luciano Sperduto (General Manager) + Chef David Hackett (Executive Chef) Rob and Traci record on location from Caribe Royale in Orlando for a full family-focused resort report: the suites and villas, pool time, holiday happenings, and the food scene—plus a big miles...

Episode 205: The 10-Minute Memory Check-In – A Simple Tool for Meaningful Travel What if the most important part of your next family trip isn’t where you go, where you stay, or even what you do? In this episode of The Family Vacationer, Rob shares one of the most powerful — and practical — strategies from his new book: the 10-Minute Memory Check-In. This isn’t just a tip — it’s a mindset shift. A 10-minute conversation before your next trip could be the difference between another blur of busy d...

Episode 204: Universal’s Epic Universe – What Families Need to Know Universal Orlando’s long-awaited Epic Universe park is finally here — but is it truly the future of theme park vacations, or just another stop on the map? In this episode, The Family Vacationer dives into everything families need to know before planning a visit. Rob is joined by Ashley Dennis, luxury travel advisor with Tailor My Travels, who recently experienced Epic Universe firsthand with her family. Ashley has visited all 5...

The Family Vacationer Episode 203: Christmas in Rockford, Illinois Guest: Kristen Paul, Executive Vice President, GoRockford Host: Rob Jones Episode Summary If you’re dreaming of twinkling lights, festive markets, and that perfect small-town holiday charm, you’ll love this stop in our Christmas in the U.S. series. In this episode, Rob heads to Rockford, Illinois, a city that knows how to celebrate Christmas in a big way — with dazzling light displays, heartwarming traditions, and a community t...

Episode 202: Christmas Magic and History in Natchitoches, Louisiana with Paige Alost In this episode of The Family Vacationer, we continue our Christmas in the U.S. series with a visit to Natchitoches, Louisiana (pronounced Nack-a-tish). Known as the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase, Natchitoches blends French and Creole heritage, small-town charm, and one of America’s most beloved holiday traditions—the Natchitoches Christmas Festival, now in its 99th year. Rob and Traci ...

Episode 201: Christmas in Red Lodge, Montana Looking for a holiday getaway that feels straight out of a postcard? This week on The Family Vacationer, we’re taking you to Red Lodge, Montana, a small-town winter wonderland where Christmas magic comes alive. Red Lodge, once a bustling coal-mining town in the 1800s, is now best known as the gateway to the Beartooth Highway. But come December, it transforms into a festive haven filled with twinkling lights, family traditions, and a community spirit...

Episode 199: The Best Family Thanksgiving Getaways in the U.S. Hosts: Rob & Traci Release Date: November 2025 When you think Thanksgiving, you probably picture turkey, football, and the Macy’s Parade—but what if your family celebrated somewhere new? In Episode 199, Rob and Traci explore America’s best Thanksgiving destinations—from mountain towns and colonial villages to rivers lined with glowing holiday lights. Whether you want cozy, coastal, or full-on festive, this episode is stuffed with...

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...

Episode 197: Explore America — 250 Places to Go in 2026 with Erin Gifford Release Date: October 2025 Hosts: Rob & Traci Jones Guest: Erin Gifford — Travel Writer & Creator of Explore America: 250 Places to Go in 2026 Episode Overview America turns 250 years old in 2026, and what better way to celebrate than by hitting the open road? From legendary landmarks like Mount Rushmore and The Alamo to wonderfully weird stops like Lucy the Elephant in New Jersey, Rob and Traci are joined by travel writ...

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 s...

Episode Description Rob and Traci share the very first chapter of Rob’s new book The Family Vacationer: A Parent’s Guide to Meaningful Travel. In this special episode, hear the heart behind the book, why family vacations are more important than ever, and how travel creates memories that last a lifetime. Plus, details on the podcast’s upcoming 200th episode celebration at Caribe Royale in Orlando this December. Show Notes What if your next family trip could be more than just a vacation? What i...

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 a...

Episode 193: Chasing the Sun to Tybee Island GA with Mayor Brian West When cooler weather hits, many families put away the swimsuits—but what if you packed them for a little extra sunshine instead? In this episode, Rob kicks off our Chasing the Sun series with a trip to Tybee Island, Georgia, a laid-back beach town just minutes from Savannah. Known for wide sandy beaches, small-town charm, and family-run restaurants, Tybee is the perfect place to escape the cold. Joining us is Mayor Brian West...

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 diffe...

Exploring Dollywood: Rides, Shows, and Appalachian Heritage Nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, Dollywood has earned its place as one of the top theme parks in the country—and for good reason. In this episode of The Family Vacationer, Rob sits down with Wes Ray, Vice President of Marketing for Dollywood Parks and Resorts, to explore what makes this destination so special for families. From thrilling rides like Big Bear Mountain and Dragonflier, to award-winning entertainment, Appalachi...

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. ...

Episode 188: Discover Why Destin, Florida is The Family Vacationer’s Favorite Beach Town In this episode, Rob and Traci wrap up their popular “Best Beach Towns in the US” series with their top pick: Destin and Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Known for its stunning emerald green waters and powdery white sand, Destin is a family favorite that offers more than just beautiful beaches. Jennifer Adams, President of the Destin Fort Walton Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau, joins the show to share insider...

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 s...

Episode 187: Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Alabama’s Gulf Coast: Family Fun, Fresh Seafood, and Festival Vibes Episode Description: In this episode of The Family Vacationer, Rob takes us back to two of Alabama’s most beloved beach towns—Gulf Shores and Orange Beach—for a fresh look at all they offer families. With 32 miles of white-sand beaches, exciting waterfront attractions, real fishing adventures, and a food scene worth the trip alone, this stretch of the Alabama coast proves you don’t need to...

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 cen...

Episode 186: Traverse City, MI – Best Beach Towns in the US (Freshwater Edition) Description: We’re heading north to Michigan for this stop in our Best Beach Towns in the US series—and it’s one we’ve loved before! Rob welcomes back Mike Kent from Traverse City Tourism to dive into what makes this lakefront gem one of the best beach towns in the country. From sand dunes and sailboats to cherry pie and goat yoga (yes, really), Traverse City proves you don’t need an ocean to find the ultimate fami...