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 writer Erin Gifford to explore the first 25 destinations featured in her brand-new guide, Explore America: 250 Places to Go in 2026.

In this inspiring, laughter-filled conversation, Erin shares her family’s cross-country road trips, her favorite historic and quirky spots, and how parents can make travel educational and fun for kids of all ages.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

• How Erin’s 7½-week family road trip across the U.S. sparked her mission to see all 50 states (Hawaii is next!)
• Why 2026’s America 250 celebration is the perfect reason to plan a once-in-a-lifetime family trip
• Erin’s favorite kid-friendly destinations — from mermaids in Florida to buffalo safaris in South Dakota
• Tips for keeping kids engaged on long road trips
• How to balance “learning stops” like The Alamo or Gettysburg with pure fun like Wall Drug or Weeki Wachee Springs
• Her “Must-Do Checklist” method for stress-free trip planning
• The value of documenting family trips — and how a simple photo book can keep memories alive for years

About Our Guest: Erin Gifford

Erin Gifford is a travel writer and founder of GoHikeVirginia.com, a site dedicated to family-friendly trails and outdoor adventures in Virginia. She’s written for The Washington Post, AFAR, The Saturday Evening Post, and Costco Connection, and has authored several Falcon Guides, including Hiking with Kids: Virginia and Coastal Trails of Delaware, Maryland & Virginia.

Her newest project, Explore America: 250 Places to Go in 2026, celebrates the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday with 250 handpicked destinations—historic sites, national parks, small towns, and roadside oddities—perfect for families looking to explore all corners of the country.

Get the free preview and sign up for updates: 250Places.com

Follow Erin on Instagram: @byErinGifford

Rob’s Upcoming Book

Rob’s debut book, The Family Vacationer: A Parent’s Guide to Meaningful Travel, releases November 11, 2025!

Stay tuned for preorder information coming soon.

Big News — Episode 200 Celebration!

Join Rob and Traci for a live recording of our 200th episode in Orlando on December 15, 2025!

More details and ticket information coming soon at thefamilyvacationer.live and on Instagram @thefamilyvacationer.

Episode Quote

“Even if you think your kids aren’t paying attention, they’ll remember those road trip moments — the views, the laughs, the ice cream stops. That’s the magic of family travel.” — Erin Gifford

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Explore America: 250 Places to Go in 2026 — 250Places.com
• GoHikeVirginia.com — Erin’s hiking and outdoor adventure site
• National Park Junior Ranger Program — nps.gov/kids
• Mount Rushmore National Memorial — nps.gov/moru
• Weeki Wachee Springs State Park — weekiwachee.com
• Pima Air & Space Museum — pimaair.org

Connect with The Family Vacationer

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• Instagram: @thefamilyvacationer
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