Here is a quick show talking about some of the travel trends as it relates to family travel.

1.    National Park Visits.

2.    Beach vacations in the offseason.

3.    Family Glamping.

4.    Skip-gen travel.

5.    Guided Group Tours.

6.    All Inclusive Resorts.

7.    Return to the big cities. 

8.    The search for new.

9.    Road trips are still king. 

10. Cruising is back! 

Vacation pictures. How do you take them? What equipment do I need? Where should I store them? Better yet, how can I display them? We’re going to give you some ideas for all of that on Episode 110 of the Family Vacationer.

We cover different cell phones noted for their cameras. iPhone 14 Pro to Google Pixel.

A list for ways to take better pictures with your camera phone.

1. Lighting
2. Rule of Thirds
3. Don't forget the people!
4. Not just for the gram
5. Taking Video

Storage of Family Vacation Photos:

1. External Drives. This is one that Rob uses: My Passport
2. Photostick Omni

Display

1. Blurb, Mixbook, Mpix, and Shutterfly all give you the option of turning your vacation pictures into books.
2. Zazzle and Photobarn offer some other ways to make keepsakes out of your vacation photos.
3. We highly recommend the Skylight Photo Frame. You can email pictures straight to the frame!

Let us hear from you! How do you take, store, and display your family vacation photos? Let us know!

*We are an Amazon Affiliate, so if you happen to purchase the product through our Amazon links, we are compensated for the referral.

Accessible Travel for All

Helping families with disabilities explore the world together

Episode 109 – The Family Vacationer with Rob and Danny

This week, we’re kicking off 2023 with a conversation that’s close to the heart—and essential for so many families. We’re joined by Jennifer Allen, founder of the blog Wonders Within Reach, to talk about accessible travel for families with children with disabilities. From wheelchair accessibility and air travel logistics to shifting expectations and embracing new travel rhythms, Jennifer shares the hard-earned wisdom and encouragement that every family deserves.

🎙️ In this episode:

• Jennifer’s personal story of adoption and receiving a life-changing diagnosis
• Why the biggest travel hurdle isn’t logistics—it’s mindset
• What makes destinations like Disney and Niagara Falls great starting points for accessible family trips
• Tips for researching accessibility online and why phone calls still matter
• How travel helps build empathy, confidence, and life perspective for all kids—regardless of ability

🧭 Jennifer offers guidance on:

• Navigating flying with a pediatric wheelchair
• Planning around accessibility (bathrooms, transportation, trails, equipment)
• How to ask better questions when websites don’t give enough info
• Why flexibility is as important as planning
• The emotional side of parenting a child with a disability, and how travel helps heal and empower

🌍 A few favorite family destinations mentioned:

• Austria (yes, just riding the train is magical)
• Niagara Falls (yes, it’s more accessible than you think!)
• Altoona, Pennsylvania (yes, because of fried mac and cheese bites)
• Paris, Yosemite, San Francisco, and five European countries—all doable with planning and patience

💬 “Disability doesn’t mean the end of adventure. It’s just a different map.” – Jennifer Allen

👩‍💻 More from Jennifer:

Check out WondersWithinReach.com for destination guides, accessibility tips, and thoughtful articles for families traveling with special needs. Her blog is one of the only family-focused accessibility travel resources on the internet—and it’s full of practical help and honest encouragement.

🎧 Subscribe to The Family Vacationer wherever you get your podcasts, and watch full episodes on YouTube. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok: @thefamilyvacationer

Give Kids the World

A cost-free dream vacation for children with critical illness

Episode 108 – The Family Vacationer with Rob and Danny

In this special year-end episode, we spotlight a place where hope takes center stage: Give Kids the World Village in Kissimmee, Florida. This 89-acre nonprofit resort grants cost-free weeklong vacations to children with critical illnesses and their families—offering not just relief, but joyful memories that last a lifetime.

Rob and Danny are joined by DJ Klasi, Development Coordinator at Give Kids the World, to share the inspiring story of how the village began, how it’s grown, and the incredible experiences families can expect when they visit.

🎙️ In this episode:

• The powerful origin story of Give Kids the World, founded by Holocaust survivor Henry Landwirth
• How the resort partners with Make-A-Wish and other organizations to grant trips to Central Florida
• What a typical week looks like for a visiting family—from nightly themed parties to character meet-and-greets, pony rides, pool days, and more
• Why some families say the best part of their wish trip wasn’t the theme parks—it was staying at the village
• The impact of alumni families and how many return year after year to give back

🎁 A peek into the magic:

• 🎃 Halloween every Monday – costumes, trick-or-treating, and a kid-friendly fashion show
• 🎄 Christmas every Thursday – Santa visits with gifts for every child
• 🍿 In-house movie theater with recent Disney releases
• 🎠 Wheelchair-accessible attractions, pony rides, and daily family-friendly programming

💖 Get involved:

• Volunteer – from scooping ice cream to running attractions, every shift helps. Families can volunteer together!
• Donate – fundraisers like the Gingerbread Run or Over the Edge rappel support the village’s life-changing mission
• Spread the word – even learning about the village helps more families receive the gift of joy and hope

🌐 Visit gktw.org to learn more, donate, or sign up to volunteer.

💬 “The vibe here isn’t sadness—it’s joy. It’s magic. You leave with a full heart.” – DJ Klasi

🎧 Subscribe to The Family Vacationer wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok: @thefamilyvacationer

How's this for walking in a winter wonderland? Durango, CO is our final stop on this year's look at holiday destinations. Special Guest Rachel Welsh tells you every reason you need to visit this beautiful Colorado town in the holiday season and beyond. Listen now!

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#durangocolorado #holidaydestinations #colorado #skiingvacation #wintervacation #family #familyvacation #christmas @visitdurango @skipurg @exploredurango @durangotrails @dsngrr @durangohotsprings @11thststation @lolasplacedurango @animas_chocolate @orehousedurango @jamesranch @doubletreedurango @straterhotel @coloradotrailsranch @durangoadventures @sanjuanbrewfest 

Franklin Tennessee

Holiday charm, historic downtowns, and unforgettable Southern flavor

Episode 106 – The Family Vacationer with Rob and Danny

This week on The Family Vacationer, we head just 22 miles south of Nashville to Franklin, Tennessee—a charming town bursting with Southern hospitality and holiday magic. From Dickens-themed festivals to holiday movie marathons at the historic Franklin Theatre, Franklin is the kind of place that feels like a Hallmark movie brought to life.

Rob and Danny are joined by Matthew Maxey, Director of Public Relations for Visit Franklin, to break down what makes this destination a must-visit—especially during the holidays.

🎙️ In this episode:

• What sets Franklin apart from nearby Nashville (think: acoustic guitars over neon lights)
• The story behind Franklin’s charming downtown, its locally-owned shops, and its music roots
• A preview of the city’s signature holiday events

🎄 Holiday highlights include:

• 🎄 Franklin Tree Lighting Ceremony – Hosted by Matthew West and tied to his “Come Home for Christmas” theme song
• 📖 Dickens of a Christmas Festival – 100,000+ attendees step into a Charles Dickens novel with carolers, costumed characters, carriage rides, snow machines, and cocoa
• 🎬 Franklin Theatre Holiday Screenings – A restored 1930s cinema playing It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol, and more

🍽️ Where to eat in Franklin:

• Puckett’s Grocery – Southern classics like fried chicken and banana pudding, plus live music on site
• Biscuit Love – Located in a former flour mill home, this spot is a biscuit lover’s dream
• Bishop’s Meat & Three – A comfort food staple with Nashville hot chicken roots
• Mojo’s Tacos – Located inside The Factory at Franklin, near Five Daughters Bakery, home of the famous 100-layer donuts

🏨 Where to stay:

• The Harpeth Hotel – Downtown, walkable, and part of Hilton’s Curio Collection
• TownePlace Suites – Right next to the only American Girl store in the region, with a themed suite for doll lovers
• Pot N Kettle Cottages in Leiper’s Fork – Perfect for larger families or a cozy holiday escape
• Dark Horse Recording Studios Lodging – Stay where Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, and Keith Urban recorded

🎶 Other Franklin events & attractions:

• Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival – Curated by Justin Timberlake and Kevin Griffin, it features family-friendly music stages and world-class artists
• Main Street Festival & PumpkinFest – Spring and fall events that bring 100,000+ people to downtown
• Historic Civil War Sites – Franklin was the site of a pivotal Civil War battle, and it tells a full and inclusive story of the era, including a statue honoring U.S. Colored Troops
• Leiper’s Fork Village – Barbecue on paper plates, local art galleries, and open-mic nights that attract music industry insiders and rising stars

📲 Digital passport programs:

Franklin’s free, app-less trails make it fun to explore:

• Sweet Treats Trail – Earn rewards by visiting local bakeries and dessert shops
• Midnight Sun Scavenger Hunt – Family-friendly search for mini horse statues honoring Franklin’s equine legacy
• Haunts & Headstones, Coffee Trail, and more – Self-guided experiences for every kind of traveler

🌟 Plan your trip

Visit visitfranklin.com for travel inspiration and digital passport access.

Need help booking? Email Rob, Certified Travel Associate: [email protected] – no booking fees!

🎧 Listen to The Family Vacationer wherever you get your podcasts.

📱 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube: @thefamilyvacationer

Santa Claus Indiana

A magical Christmas town with lights, letters, and cocoa galore

Episode 105 – The Family Vacationer with Rob

We’re kicking off our annual holiday travel series with one of the most festive towns in America: Santa Claus, Indiana! With streets named after reindeer, a post office that receives thousands of letters to Santa, and holiday cheer all year long, this small but spirited town is a can’t-miss destination for Christmas-loving families.

Rob sits down with Melissa Arnold, Executive Director of the Spencer County Visitors Bureau, to talk about how this little town brings Christmas to life every December—and why families keep coming back for the holiday magic.

🎙️ In this episode:

• The legend of how Santa Claus, IN got its name (hint: a church, a gust of wind, and some excited kids)
• Why this is the only post office in the world with Santa’s name—and how you can get your cards postmarked with a special design
• A preview of the Santa Claus Christmas Celebration, which takes place over the first three weekends in December

🎄 Holiday highlights include:

• Santa Claus Land of Lights – A drive-through storybook light display about Rudolph
• Santa’s Candy Castle – Featuring roasted chestnuts, 30+ flavors of hot chocolate, and nostalgic candy
• Santa Claus Museum – Learn the town’s history and write a letter to Santa in the original post office
• Christmas Dinner (or Breakfast) with Santa – Multiple restaurants get in on the fun
• Santa Claus Christmas Parade – Floats, fun, and maybe even a 40-foot Santa
• Holiday shopping at the Santa Claus Christmas Store and Evergreen Boutique, with personalized ornaments

🍕 Where to eat:

• Frosty’s Fun Center – Pizza, sandwiches, and a kid-friendly arcade
• S&S BBQ and Pizzeria – Known for their legendary Grinch Pizza
• Santa Claus Brewing Company – Seasonal craft beer, appetizers, and great pizza

🏨 Where to stay:

• Santa’s Lodge – Festive lodging in the heart of town
• Rudolph’s Christmas Cabins at Lake Rudolph – Cozy cabins nestled in the woods
• Lincoln Pines or Mistletoe Manor – Great for larger or multigenerational families
• Standard’s Lakeside Cottages – Quaint accommodations with charm and comfort

☀️ Beyond the holidays:

Santa Claus, Indiana shines in the warmer months too!

• Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari – A beloved family theme park with free drinks, sunscreen, and parking
• Outdoor adventures – National and state parks, lakes, and hiking trails all nearby
• Year-round Christmas shopping – Stores like the Christmas Store are open in summer and fall

📍 Melissa’s favorites:

• Chestnut roasting at Santa’s Candy Castle
• The Santa Claus Land of Lights
• Annual traditions like writing letters to Santa or driving through the light display with cocoa and music

🎅 For more info:

Visit santaclausind.org

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@santaclausind #family #familytrip #familyvacation #familyvacations #holidaydestination #christmas #familyvacationer #podcast #travelpodcast @santaclausmainpostoffice @santaclausmuseum @santascandycastle #frostysfuncenter #sandsbarbeque #santaclausbrewingcompany #mistletoemanor #rudolphcottages @holidayworld 

An unexpected trip with unexpected adventures! Rob recaps his family's trip to Pigeon Forge and all the fun experiences they had. Don't miss this episode!

(Special thanks to the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism for providing VIP cards to our family. Estimated value: $1,500 per person)

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@mypigeonforge @skyflypf @wonderworks_tn #titanicmusuem @beyondthelensattractions @titanic_museum @funatthetrack @magiquestpf @lumberjackfeud @pigeonforgesnow @toyboxminigolf @topjumpusa @cravegolfclub @ockytopmountaincoaster @applewoodfarmhouse #family #familytravel #familyvacation #familyvacations #roadtrip #smokymountains

Travel Insurance. Something no one wants to talk about....until you need it. Listen today as Rob and Danny talk with Lauren Gumport, Vice President of Communications and Brand Strategy for Faye. A company that is disrupting the travel insurance industry. Information you need for your next vacation!

#travel #travelpodcast #roamtheplanet #travelgram #travelinsurance #tripinsurance @faye.travel #travelcoverage #fayetravel #withfaye

If you're looking for the best college town in the US, Chapel Hill, North Carolina is certainly in that conversation. This episode goes through everything that makes Chapel Hill one of the best college towns, from the University of North Carolina to the vibrant downtown.

" UNC Chapel Hill is the oldest public university in the country."

Patty Griffin is the communications director for the Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau and a UNC graduate. She has served on the Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership board and is a member of the Public Relations Society of America

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, is a small college town in the US that is routinely voted as one of the best college towns. The city is known for sports, music, food, and has a multicultural community. Patty Griffin, communications director for the Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau, gives an overview of the city and some of its best features. On Saturdays in fall, the city is filled with Carolina blue as fans gear up for the football game. There are festivities Downtown and on the UNC campus, including a Tar Heel Town with tailgating, music, and inflatables for kids. For basketball game days, the Dean Smith Center is full of fans and there is also a Carolina Basketball Museum on campus.