Planning a Florida beach trip with kids doesn’t have to mean spending the whole day sitting on the sand. What if your family wants beautiful beaches, but also wants to explore, move, discover, and try something different?

In this episode, I take you to one of my family’s favorite beach destinations, Venice, Florida, and share three experiences that make this Gulf Coast town more than just a beach getaway. We talk about hunting for fossilized shark teeth, kayaking through the mangroves, and joining a local beach drum circle.

I also share two casual family-friendly places to eat, plus what to consider when visiting a popular spot like Sharky’s on the Pier, especially if your kids struggle with crowds or long waits. And if your family gets hooked on shark tooth hunting, I share how scuba diving can become a future adventure for older, properly trained kids.

Whether your family loves nature, movement, music, exploration, or simply wants more variety from a beach vacation, this episode offers practical ideas for making Venice, Florida work for your family.

Topics Covered:

• 00:00 – Introduction
• 00:21 – Welcome to Family Travel that Supports
• 01:42 – What makes Venice, Florida a great family destination
• 02:37 – #1: Hunting for shark teeth
• 04:49 – Turning beach time into a fun mission
• 06:16 – #2: Kayaking through the mangroves
• 07:21 – #3: Joining a local beach drum circle
• 09:48 – Eat #1: Tony’s Beef
• 10:16 – Eat #2: Gold Rush Barbecue
• 10:34 – Sharky’s on the Pier
• 11:44 – Tip #1: Taking shark tooth hunting underwater
• 12:08 – Exploring shark tooth scuba diving
• 13:30 – The Venice 321 recap
• 14:18 – Making meaningful family travel your own

Mentioned Links:

• Aristakat Scuba Diving Charter
• https://www.sarasotacountyparks.com

About Your Host:

Josette Bianchi, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician, mom of three, and a travel lover who believes families should feel confident exploring the world together. Through Family Travel that Supports, she shares practical tips, real-life experiences, and encouragement for families raising children with big feelings, sensory needs, or behavioral differences.

Combining her medical background with her perspective as a parent, Dr. Bianchi helps families plan flexible, sensory-friendly trips. Each episode offers simple ideas, honest stories, and helpful tools to make travel more manageable and more meaningful for neurodiverse families.

Connect with Dr. Josette Bianchi:

• Email: [email protected]; [email protected]
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josette-bianchi-40902943/
• Instagram: @familytravelthatsupports 
• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/familytravelsupport

Winter travel can bring some of the best family memories, but for families with children who have ADHD, autism, or anxiety, the cold, crowds, waiting, equipment, and unfamiliar routines can also feel overwhelming. How can you make skiing easier? What if your child doesn’t enjoy the big resort experience? And what other winter activities might be a better fit?

In this bonus episode, I share our family’s experiences with two winter activities: skiing and ice fishing. We talk about starting small with local ski parks, reducing sensory overload, renting equipment ahead of time, exploring adaptive programs, and finding instructors or guides who understand your child’s needs.

I also share why ice fishing can be a great option for children who enjoy nature, animals, exploration, or having a specific mission, and how finding the right guide can make all the difference.

Whether you're planning a winter getaway or simply looking for new activities to try with your family, this episode offers practical ideas for making winter adventures more comfortable, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone.

Topics Covered:

• 00:00 – Introduction
• 00:18 – Welcome to Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety
• 00:46 – Benefits of winter activities
• 01:31 – Starting small with skiing
• 03:19 – The benefits of smaller ski parks and camps
• 04:02 – Renting equipment ahead
• 05:47 – Discovering ice fishing as a family activity
• 06:06 – Finding the right guide for your child
• 07:11 – Planning winter activities around your child
• 08:01 – Prioritizing safety in winter activities
• 08:27 – Travel without limits

About Your Host:

Dr. Josette Bianchi is a board-certified pediatrician, mom of three, and a travel lover who believes families should feel confident exploring the world together. Through Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety, she shares practical tips, real-life experiences, and encouragement for families raising children with big feelings, sensory needs, or behavioral differences.

Combining her medical background with her perspective as a parent, Dr. Bianchi helps families plan flexible, sensory-friendly trips. Each episode offers simple ideas, honest stories, and helpful tools to make travel more manageable and more meaningful for neurodiverse families.

Connect with Dr. Josette Bianchi:

• Email: [email protected]; [email protected]
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josette-bianchi-40902943/
• Instagram: @familytravelthatsupports 

Resources:

• https://www.iloveny.com/things-to-do/winter/adaptive-skiing/
• https://adaptiveadventures.org/programs/skiing-and-snowboarding/

In this episode, I sit down with Child Aviation Expert Lia Tuso to break down the safety decisions parents need to understand before boarding. We discuss turbulence, lap-held infants, car seats, seating positions, checking versus bringing car seats onboard, and the CARES harness.

Lia also shares helpful airport resources for families traveling with ADHD, autism, anxiety, and sensory sensitivities, including sensory rooms, TSA Cares, and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard.

Whether you're preparing for your next family flight or simply want to feel more confident about flying with your kids, this episode offers practical guidance to help you travel safer and more prepared.

Topics Covered:

• 00:00 – Introduction
• 00:35 – Welcome to Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety
• 02:56 – How Lia became a child passenger safety expert
• 05:43 – Why car seat safety in cars differs from air travel
• 07:05 – How to practice before your flight
• 10:59 – The risks of lap-held infants
• 14:05 – Choosing and using car seats on planes
• 19:51 – Why you should avoid checking car seats
• 24:39 – What to do if your car seat is missing
• 26:52 – Is the CARES harness a good option?
• 29:06 – Resources for kids with sensory needs
• 33:03 – The one thing every parent should know about flying
• 35:32 – Making informed choices for safer family travel

Mentioned Links:

• Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard – A discreet way for people with non-visible disabilities to indicate that they may need additional support, patience, or understanding while traveling.
• TSA Cares provides assistance and information for travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, and other special needs.

About Our Guest:

Lia Tuso is a Child Passenger Safety Technician and international child aviation safety expert who helps families navigate car seats, airline policies, and safer air travel with children. As a mom and frequent traveler, she combines professional expertise with practical, real-world guidance to help parents travel more safely and confidently.

About Our Guest:

Lia Tuso is a Child Passenger Safety Technician and international child aviation safety expert who helps families navigate car seats, airline policies, and safer air travel with children. As a mom and frequent traveler, she combines professional expertise with practical, real-world guidance to help parents travel more safely and confidently.

Connect with Lia:

• Web: https://liatuso.com/
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/lia_tuso/?hl=en
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lia_Tuso
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liatuso/

Connect with Dr. Josette Bianchi:

• Email: [email protected]; [email protected]
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josette-bianchi-40902943/
• Instagram: @familytravelthatsupports 
• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/familytravelsupport

Did you know Riviera Maya is one of the few places where you can explore ancient Mayan ruins overlooking the Caribbean Sea and still spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach?

In this solo episode, I share what made Riviera Maya such a manageable and memorable destination for our multigenerational family. From choosing a resort that reduces decision fatigue to exploring the Mayan ruins of Tulum, wandering through the colorful streets of Valladolid, and finding simple ways to introduce kids to local culture and cuisine, you'll hear practical tips for planning a trip that meets your family where they are.

Whether you're considering your first international vacation or looking for a destination that offers both adventure and breathing room, this episode will help you create a travel experience that's enjoyable, flexible, and filled with meaningful family moments.

Topics Covered:

• 00:00 – Introduction
• 00:30 – Welcome to Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety
• 01:17 – What makes the destination easy to explore
• 02:48 – #1: Making the most of your resort
• 04:01 – Why all-inclusive works for families
• 05:06 – Choosing the right resort
• 07:17 – Kids' clubs: Finding the right fit
• 08:23 – #2: Visiting the Tulum ruins
• 09:26 – Tips for choosing family-friendly tours
• 11:09 – #3: A relaxing stop in Valladolid
• 12:24 – Eat #1: Why resort buffets are great for families
• 13:50 – Eat #2: Make time for one local meal
• 14:25 – Tip #1: Book a family photo session
• 15:10 – Meaningful travel doesn't have to be complicated

About Your Host:

Dr. Josette Bianchi is a board-certified pediatrician, mom of three, and a travel lover who believes families should feel confident exploring the world together. Through Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety, she shares practical tips, real-life experiences, and encouragement for families raising children with big feelings, sensory needs, or behavioral differences.

Combining her medical background with her perspective as a parent, Dr. Bianchi helps families plan flexible, sensory-friendly trips. Each episode offers simple ideas, honest stories, and helpful tools to make travel more manageable and more meaningful for neurodiverse families.

Connect with Dr. Josette Bianchi:

• Email: [email protected]; [email protected]
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josette-bianchi-40902943/
• Instagram: @familytravelthatsupports 

In this episode, I’m joined by theater educator, performer, and arts administrator Erica Giglio Pac to explore how families can confidently enjoy Broadway and live theater with children who have different needs.

We discuss how sensory-friendly performances work, why theater supports children’s growth and confidence, and practical ways to prepare for a positive experience. From choosing the right show to easing parent concerns, this episode offers helpful guidance for families ready to embrace the magic of live theater.

Topics Covered:

• 00:00 – Introduction
• 00:38 – Welcome to Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety
• 02:13 – Introducing our guest, Erica Giglio Pac
• 03:36 – A childhood play that inspired Erica
• 05:09 – Theater as a learning tool
• 16:38 – Reducing parent worries
• 20:19 – Sensory-friendly Broadway and NYC theater options
• 22:35 – Preparing for a first Broadway show
• 23:38 –  Tips for seats, planning, and preparation
• 26:15 – Making live theater a positive experience
• 28:01 – Long Island sensory-friendly shows
• 31:35 – Every child deserves the magic of theater

About Our Guest:

Erica Giglio Pac is an experienced school administrator, arts leader, and educator with a passion for making high-quality arts education accessible to all students. She serves as the K–12 Director of Fine, Performing, and Media Arts for the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District and is an adjunct professor in Adelphi University’s Educational Theatre program, where she helps prepare the next generation of theater educators.

Connect with Erica:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erica_giglio_pac/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-giglio-pac-23659868/

About Your Host:

Dr. Josette Bianchi is a board-certified pediatrician, mom of three, and a travel lover who believes families should feel confident exploring the world together. Through Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety, she shares practical tips, real-life experiences, and encouragement for families raising children with big feelings, sensory needs, or behavioral differences.

Connect with Dr. Josette Bianchi:

• Email: [email protected]; [email protected]
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josette-bianchi-40902943/
• Instagram: @familytravelthatsupports 

Resources:

• TDF Autism Friendly Performances: https://www.tdf.org/accessibility-services/tdf-autism-friendly-performances/
• New Victory Theater: https://www.newvictory.org/
• Lincoln Center Relaxed Performances: https://lincolncenter.org/series/accessibility-at-lincoln-center/s/Relaxed%20Performances

“When people think of Niagara Falls, they often imagine crowds, attractions, and packed schedules. But sometimes, the most memorable way to experience a famous destination is to step away from the noise and simply enjoy the wonder in front of you.”

In this episode, I wrap up our summer state park miniseries with a visit to Niagara Falls State Park in New York. While Niagara Falls is often associated with crowds, attractions, and busy itineraries, I share why the state park side offers a different experience. With open spaces, beautiful views, flexible activities, and a stronger focus on nature, it gave our family the opportunity to experience one of the world's most famous destinations without feeling pressured to do it all.

You'll also hear practical insights on navigating sensory considerations around the falls, planning for multi-generational travel, choosing experiences that fit different energy levels, and why stepping away from the crowds can sometimes lead to the most memorable family moments.

Topics Covered:

• 00:00:00 – Introduction
• 00:00:29 – Welcome to Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety
• 00:00:57 – Introduction to Niagara Falls State Park
• 00:02:22 – A memorable multi-generational family trip
• 00:04:53 – Reason #1: The falls are the attraction
• 00:05:54 – Reason #2: More space and less pressure
• 00:07:03 – Reason #3: Flexible experiences for every age
• 00:08:18 – When travel doesn’t go perfectly
• 00:09:12 – Adapting, pivoting, and making memories
• 00:09:51 – Who Niagara Falls State Park is best for
• 00:10:22 – A calmer way to experience Niagara Falls

About Your Host:

Dr. Josette Bianchi is a board-certified pediatrician, mom of three, and a travel lover who believes families should feel confident exploring the world together. Through Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety, she shares practical tips, real-life experiences, and encouragement for families raising children with big feelings, sensory needs, or behavioral differences.

Combining her medical background with her perspective as a parent, Dr. Bianchi helps families plan flexible, sensory-friendly trips. Each episode offers simple ideas, honest stories, and helpful tools to make travel more manageable and more meaningful for neurodiverse families.

Connect with Dr. Josette Bianchi:

• Email: [email protected]; [email protected]
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josette-bianchi-40902943/
• Instagram: @familytravelthatsupports
• Family Travel Resource Library available at our linktree: https://linktr.ee/familytravelsupport

In this episode, I share our family’s experience visiting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. While Shenandoah may not have the dramatic landscapes of some of the western national parks, it offers something many families truly need: accessibility, manageable hikes, scenic drives, flexible plans, and beautiful mountain views without the pressure of an overwhelming itinerary.

You’ll also hear practical tips on choosing family-friendly hikes, pairing Shenandoah with Luray Caverns, using Skyline Drive on lower-energy days, and appreciating this park for what it is instead of comparing it to other national parks.

Topics Covered:

• 00:00:00 – Introduction
• 00:00:38 – Welcome to Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety
• 00:01:35 – Introduction to Shenandoah National Park
• 00:02:48 – Place #1: Family-friendly hikes
• 00:04:37 – Limberlost Trail and accessibility
• 00:06:10 – Adaptive hiking cart information
• 00:06:37 – Place #2: Luray Caverns
• 00:08:02 – Place #3: Skyline Drive
• 00:09:07 – Eat #1: Big Meadows Lodge
• 00:10:33 – Eat #2: Gathering Grounds
• 00:11:05 – Travel tip: Appreciate Shenandoah for what it is
• 00:12:52 – Closing thoughts

About Your Host:

Dr. Josette Bianchi is a board-certified pediatrician, mom of three, and a travel lover who believes families should feel confident exploring the world together. Through Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety, she shares practical tips, real-life experiences, and encouragement for families raising children with big feelings, sensory needs, or behavioral differences.

Combining her medical background with her perspective as a parent, Dr. Bianchi helps families plan flexible, sensory-friendly trips. Each episode offers simple ideas, honest stories, and helpful tools to make travel more manageable and more meaningful for neurodiverse families.

Connect with Dr. Josette Bianchi:

• Email: [email protected]; [email protected]
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josette-bianchi-40902943/
• Instagram: @familytravelthatsupports 

Resources:

• Accessibility:https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm
• Luray Caverns:https://luraycaverns.com/
• Limberlost trail:https://www.nps.gov/places/000/limberlost-track-trail-kids-activity.htm
• https://www.kidsinparks.com/shenandoah-national-park-limberlost-trail 

“Some of the most memorable family adventures are the ones that feel exciting and full of discovery without requiring a complicated plan or an exhausting schedule.”

In this episode, I continue our summer state park miniseries with a visit to Deception Pass State Park in Washington State. I share why this beautiful destination stood out to our family and how it offers the perfect mix of movement, wildlife, outdoor exploration, and flexibility for families–especially those raising children with ADHD, autism, anxiety, and other behavioral differences. From scenic beaches and tide pools to wildlife spotting and forest trails, this park creates opportunities for adventure without the pressure of a packed itinerary.

You’ll also hear practical insights on choosing activities that match your child’s comfort level, why movement and nature can be so supportive for regulation, and how simple outdoor experiences often become the most meaningful travel memories.

Topics Covered:

• 00:00:00 – Introduction
• 00:00:10 – Welcome to Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety
• 00:00:47 – Introduction to Deception Pass State Park
• 00:01:56 – Crossing the famous bridge
• 00:03:14 – When is it best to visit?
• 00:04:02 – Movement and exploration benefits
• 00:05:06 – Bridge crossing considerations
• 00:06:31 – Flexible ways to explore
• 00:07:18 – The benefits of tide pooling
• 00:08:53 – Who this park is best for
• 00:09:54 – Simple adventures matter

About Your Host:

Dr. Josette Bianchi is a board-certified pediatrician, mom of three, and a travel lover who believes families should feel confident exploring the world together. Through Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety, she shares practical tips, real-life experiences, and encouragement for families raising children with big feelings, sensory needs, or behavioral differences.

Combining her medical background with her perspective as a parent, Dr. Bianchi helps families plan flexible, sensory-friendly trips. Each episode offers simple ideas, honest stories, and helpful tools to make travel more manageable and more meaningful for neurodiverse families.

Connect with Dr. Josette Bianchi:

• Email: [email protected]; [email protected]
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josette-bianchi-40902943/
• Instagram: @familytravelthatsupports

Resources:

• State Park website: https://deceptionpassfoundation.org/plan-your-visit/
• Kayak tours: https://www.anacorteskayaktours.com/kayaking-day-trips-srengine7/family-trips/
• Whale watching: https://deceptionpasstours.com/
• State park approved vendors: https://deceptionpassfoundation.org/vendors/

Have you ever spent months planning a family vacation only to have the biggest challenge turn out to be finding something your child will eat? For many families raising children with ADHD, autism, anxiety, ARFID, or other feeding challenges, food can become one of the most stressful parts of travel.

In this episode, I sit down with pediatric dietitian Lindsey Woller for our first expert interview on the podcast. We talk about practical strategies for preparing for travel, navigating airports and road trips, handling restaurant meals, and helping children feel more comfortable with food in new environments. Lindsey shares realistic advice that helps families reduce stress while building confidence and flexibility around eating during travel. 

Topics Covered:

• 00:00:00 – Introduction
• 00:00:43 – Welcome to Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety
• 00:01:24 – Introducing our guest, Lindsey Woller, RD
• 00:06:19 – Packing safe foods and snacks
• 00:07:57 – Previewing restaurants before your trip
• 00:10:32 – Travel day food strategies
• 00:12:47 – Preventing hangry meltdowns
• 00:14:25 – What to do once you arrive
• 00:20:45 – Letting go of perfection
• 00:23:35 – Connect with Lindsey Woller
• 00:25:35 – Closing thoughts and encouragement

About Lindsey Woller:

Lindsey Woller, RD, specializes in pediatric and family nutrition, diabetes management, enteral nutrition, sustainable weight management, and general wellness. She previously served as the pediatric dietitian at the Children's Hospital of Savannah and has additional experience in both neonatal and adult intensive care settings, giving her a broad and unique clinical perspective across the lifespan. Her passion for nutrition began while studying abroad in South Africa, where she worked in a community garden at a preschool and discovered a love for teaching children about healthy foods. Since then, she has also worked with international nutrition programs in South Africa, Ghana, and Nicaragua. These experiences strengthened her commitment to culturally inclusive nutrition and family-centered care. Lindsey also works with many families with children who have ADHD, autism and anxiety in her outpatient practice with No Diet Dietitian.

Connect with Lindsey Woller, RD:

• Web: https://nodietdietitian.com/meet-lindsey-woller

About Your Host:

Dr. Josette Bianchi is a board-certified pediatrician, mom of three, and a travel lover who believes families should feel confident exploring the world together. Through Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety, she shares practical tips, real-life experiences, and encouragement for families raising children with big feelings, sensory needs, or behavioral differences. Combining her medical background with her perspective as a parent, Dr. Bianchi helps families plan flexible, sensory-friendly trips. Each episode offers simple ideas, honest stories, and helpful tools to make travel more manageable and more meaningful for neurodiverse families.

Connect with Dr. Josette Bianchi:

• Email: [email protected]; [email protected]
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josette-bianchi-40902943/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/familytravelthatsupports/
• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/familytravelsupport

“Some of the best beach days happen when families stop trying to pack every moment with activity and finally have space to slow down, reset, and simply enjoy being together.”

In this episode, I continue our summer state park miniseries with a visit to Bahia Honda State Park in the Florida Keys. This conversation explores why slower, lower-pressure travel can feel especially supportive for families raising children with ADHD, autism, anxiety, and other behavioral differences. I share how calmer environments, flexible plans, and simpler travel days helped us feel more connected and less overwhelmed.

You’ll also hear practical insights on how water-based activities can be regulated for some children in the right environment.

Topics Covered:

• 00:00:00 - Introduction
• 00:00:10 – Welcome to Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety
• 00:01:15 – Introduction to Bahia Honda State Park
• 00:03:59 – Reason #2: Calm water and snorkelling experience
• 00:04:51 – Why water can feel regulating for some children
• 00:05:06 – Reason #3: Beautiful scenery without overplanning
• 00:05:46 – Who Bahia Honda is best suited for
• 00:06:07 – Letting go of packed itineraries and FOMO
• 00:06:40 – Closing Thoughts

About Your Host:

Dr. Josette Bianchi is a board-certified pediatrician, mom of three, and a travel lover who believes families should feel confident exploring the world together. Through Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety, she shares practical tips, real-life experiences, and encouragement for families raising children with big feelings, sensory needs, or behavioral differences.

Combining her medical background with her perspective as a parent, Dr. Bianchi helps families plan flexible, sensory-friendly trips. Each episode offers simple ideas, honest stories, and helpful tools to make travel more manageable and more meaningful for neurodiverse families.

Connect with Dr. Josette Bianchi:

• Email: [email protected]; [email protected]
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josette-bianchi-40902943/
• Instagram: @familytravelthatsupports 

Resources:

• State Park website: https://www.floridastateparks.org/BahiaHonda
• Snorkeling information: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/bahia-honda-state-park/snorkeling-bahia-honda