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 free
• The 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 connection
• The three easiest ways to reset your family’s travel mindset
• A personal story from Disney that changed how Rob plans trips forever
• A simple “Family Travel Check-In” you can do this week to reconnect and reset

Three Easy Ways to Start Your Family Travel Reset

1. Involve your kids in the planning.
2. 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.
3. Build in slow mornings.
4. Vacations shouldn’t feel like a race. Linger over breakfast, explore without an agenda, and let curiosity lead the day.
5. Redefine success.
6. 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: @TheFamilyVacationer
• Website: thefamilyvacationer.live
• Email: [email protected]

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 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

• Website: thefamilyvacationer.live
• Instagram: @thefamilyvacationer
• Facebook: The Family Vacationer Podcast

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 budget
• The first steps families should take when creating a vacation budget
• Common costs families forget to plan for (and how to avoid surprise expenses)
• How far in advance you should start saving for a big trip
• Simple savings strategies that won’t eat into everyday essentials
• The truth about credit card rewards—and how to use them wisely
• Fun ways to involve kids in vacation budgeting and decision-making
• Why 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.show
• Listen to the Money Talks podcast on your favorite platform
• Follow 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 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 if it could be truly meaningful?

In this episode of The Family Vacationer Podcast, Rob and Traci pull back the curtain on Rob’s brand-new book, The Family Vacationer: A Parent’s Guide to Meaningful Travel, coming this December. Rob reads the opening chapter, setting the stage for why family vacations matter more than ever in today’s busy, screen-filled world.

You’ll hear:

• The personal story behind why Rob wrote this book.
• How family vacations act as “time capsules” of connection and memory.
• Why it’s not about perfect trips but about being intentional.
• A glimpse at the practical tools, stories, and strategies parents will find in the book.
• Insights from past podcast guests, including Dr. Steven Johnson (Ep. 151), whose family road trip was designed to preserve powerful “sight memories” for his son.

Rob and Traci also share details about the podcast’s upcoming 200th episode celebration happening at Caribe Royale in Orlando this December. If you’re in the area, they’d love to connect with you!

Family travel is messy, unpredictable, and imperfect—but it’s also where some of the most lasting memories are made. This sneak peek will inspire you to see family vacations in a whole new light.

Links & Resources

• Pre-order details for The Family Vacationer: A Parent’s Guide to Meaningful Travel coming soon.
• Listen to Episode 151: A Race Against Blindness with Dr. Steven Johnson for more on meaningful memory-making.
• Join us for our 200th episode celebration at Caribe Royale Orlando the second weekend in December!

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss future episodes—and updates on the book launch!

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 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, who shares insider tips on:

• Why Tybee feels worlds away from bigger beach destinations
• Family-friendly activities like lighthouse climbs, dolphin tours, kayaking, and surfing lessons
• Seasonal highlights including Pirates Fest, the Christmas parade, and the springtime Beach Bum Parade (a massive island-wide water fight!)
• Local restaurants that make Tybee a food lover’s paradise—think fresh-off-the-dock seafood, pizza joints with live music, and creative coastal dining
• Where to stay, from 1950s-style family hotels to unique vacation rentals

Whether you’ve got little ones, adventurous teens, or just need a slower coastal pace, Tybee has something for everyone.

📖 Don’t forget: Rob’s upcoming book The Family Vacationer: A Parent’s Guide to Meaningful Travel releases this December. Packed with stories and strategies, it’s your guide to making every trip more intentional and rewarding.

👉 Resources & Links:

• Visit Tybee – Tourism site with events, lodging, and planning info
• City of Tybee – Local updates and community events
• Follow The Family Vacationer on Instagram 

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 challenging
• The importance of shifting your parenting approach during the teenage years
• How to balance teens’ independence with family togetherness on trips
• Tools to de-escalate conflict in the moment (without turning the trip into a battle)
• Why involving teens in the planning process makes a huge difference
• Ways travel can strengthen connection during family transitions—like divorce, blending families, or big moves
• Simple 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.com
• Follow 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.

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, Appalachian-inspired dining, and the warm hospitality that Dolly Parton herself has infused into the park, Dollywood offers something for every member of the family. You’ll also hear how guest feedback has shaped everything from wider pathways to new resort offerings, and why Dollywood consistently ranks as a #1 theme park on TripAdvisor.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The fascinating history of Dollywood and its deep ties to Appalachian culture

Family-friendly rides designed with all ages in mind

New additions like Wildwood Grove and Big Bear Mountain

Dolly Parton’s direct influence on the park’s design and guest experience

Insider tips for making the most of your visit—whether you’re coming for a day or a week

What’s next for Dollywood, from resorts to new attractions

Dollywood isn’t just a theme park—it’s a celebration of heritage, hospitality, and family fun. Whether you’re planning your first visit or your fiftieth, this episode will inspire your next Smoky Mountain getaway.

Dollywood

Dreammore Resort

Heartsong Resort

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Family Vacationer on your favorite podcast platform, and follow us on Instagram and Substack for even more family travel tips and inspiration.

Be on the lookout for Rob's first book, "The Family Vacationer: A Parent's Guide to Meaningful Travel." Coming soon!!

Remember folks to keep your passports and your hearts open.

Safe travels, everyone.

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: 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 tips on how families can make the most of their trip—from adventurous water activities and kid-friendly experiences to local dining favorites and seasonal festivals. She also highlights unique programs like “Little Adventures” designed to get kids unplugged and exploring nature.

Whether you’re curious about the diverse beach neighborhoods, fishing fleets, or hidden gems like the Spector Islands, Jennifer covers it all. Plus, get the scoop on safety tips, eco-friendly tourism, and how Destin balances being a bustling tourist hotspot with a welcoming community vibe.

Tune in for advice on the best times to visit, family lodging options, and activities that will appeal to all ages—including teens!

Resources Mentioned:

• Visit Destin Fort Walton Beach: destinFWB.com
• Little Adventures & Free Classes: adventureDFWB.com

Have you visited Destin? We’d love to hear your favorite family memories from the area! Reach out to us on Instagram or Substack and join the conversation.

Subscribe to The Family Vacationer wherever you get your podcasts and keep your passports and hearts open for your next adventure!