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!

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 conveniences
• Family-friendly lodging options, from cozy cottages to resort stays
• The unique character of Isle of Palms beaches and their kid-friendly tidal pools
• Activities for kids, teens, and adults — from paddleboarding to shark tooth hunting
• Local dining spots you won’t want to miss
• Day trip ideas to Charleston, Sullivan’s Island, and beyond
• Expert tips to help you plan and book your perfect beach getaway

Links from this episode:

• Visit Isle of Palms – Official visitor information
• Island Realty – Vacation rentals and lodging options
• Charleston 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.

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 go far for a perfect family vacation.

Whether you're planning your next summer escape or looking for a fall festival getaway, this episode has the insider tips, hotel recommendations, and safety advice to make your trip unforgettable.

What You’ll Learn:

• Family-friendly attractions at The Wharf (ferris wheel, VR arcade, zipline, laser light shows, and more)
• Where to stay: Beach Club Resort & Spa, Turquoise Place, Perdido Beach Resort, and other family faves
• Fishing in Gulf Shores: What you can catch inshore, nearshore, and deep sea
• Dining with kids: Lulu’s, The Gulf, Cobalt, Doc’s Seafood, and more
• Can’t-miss festivals like the National Shrimp Festival, Frank Brown Songwriters Festival, and Hangout Fest
• Beach safety tips, sea turtle awareness, and local delivery options

Resources:

• GulfShores.com
• The Wharf at Orange Beach
• LuLu's
• 
  

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 settlement
• How to mix sun, surf, and centuries of history into one epic family vacation
• The 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 grouper
• The scoop on must-visit dessert spots like Peace Pies and The Hyppo Gourmet Pops
• Best rooftop dining for ocean views (and maybe a grouper taco or two)

Can't-Miss Attractions:

• Castillo de San Marcos and its cannon demonstrations
• Anastasia State Park’s sugar-white beaches
• Pirate and Treasure Museum, Alligator Farm, and Colonial Quarter
• Historic trolley tours, kayak adventures, and beachcombing for shark teeth

Where to Stay:

• Beachfront family favorites like Embassy Suites Oceanfront and Guy Harvey Resort
• Charming historic inns downtown that welcome families
• Upscale 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 Coast
• Anastasia State Park
• Castillo 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 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 family beach getaway.

In This Episode:

1. The stunning freshwater setting of Grand Traverse Bay
2. A short modern history: from cherry capital to wine country
3. The unique microclimate, sandy soil, and how it supports both cherries and world-class wine
4. Sleeping Bear Dunes: 60 miles of shoreline and national acclaim
5. Family-friendly beach options, paddleboarding, kayaking, and yes—fishing!
6. Accessibility and inclusion: the first autism-certified travel destination in the Midwest
7. Traverse City’s booming food scene: from farm-to-table to food trucks and cherry pie flights
8. Summer festivals including the 100th National Cherry Festival that's coming in 2026
9. Why shoulder season might be your best time to visit
10. Mike’s favorite childhood summer memory—and how families can make their own
11. The #1 thing every first-time visitor should do before leaving town

Mentioned in the Episode:

• TraverseCity.com – Plan your trip and explore all the activities, trails, and events
• Traverse City Food & Wine – August culinary celebration
• Moomers Ice Cream, Cherry Republic, Farm Club, Right Brain Brewery
• Chateau Chantal's “Jazz at Sunset”
• National Cherry Festival – celebrating 100 years in 2025!
• Autism Certified Designation – commitment to sensory-friendly experiences

Follow Us!

➡️ Subscribe to The Family Vacationer wherever you get your podcasts

📸 Follow us on Instagram: @thefamilyvacationer

📬 Get more travel tips on our Substack

Rob’s Reminder:

"Remember folks to keep your passports and your hearts open."

Traci’s Tagline (even when off this week):

"Safe travels everyone."