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."

Episode 184: Ocean City, Maryland – A Family Beach Classic

This week on The Family Vacationer, we're kicking off our new series, The Best Beach Towns in the U.S., and first up is one of the most beloved beach towns on the East Coast—Ocean City, Maryland! While we will eventually name one destination as The Family Vacationer's Best Beach Town, the truth is, whichever of these coastal gems you choose, you win.

In this episode, Rob is joined by Ocean City’s Mayor Richard Meehan in a first-ever mayoral interview for the podcast! Together, they dive deep into what makes Ocean City a multigenerational vacation haven. We explore:

• The modern history of Ocean City, from its roots as a fishing village to a booming beach resort
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• Why Ocean City’s nostalgic charm continues to attract families year after year
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• Free, family-friendly beach access and the iconic boardwalk experience
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• Must-see attractions like Trimper’s Rides and Jolly Roger Amusement Pier
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• Seasonal festivals from Springfest to Winterfest of Lights
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• Hidden local favorites like biking the boardwalk and bayside crabbing
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• Inclusive amenities for families with special needs
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• Family-friendly dining with playgrounds at restaurants like Fishtales and Ropewalk
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• Unique accommodations including the Carousel Hotel with an ice rink!
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• Efforts to retain Ocean City’s charm amidst modern growth
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• Exciting projects like a new bayfront park and a planned world-class sports complex

Whether you're planning your first visit or your fifteenth, Ocean City delivers smiles, sunrises, and memories to last a lifetime.

A special thank you to Lauren Davis, Government Relations Manager with the Mayor’s Office, for making this interview possible.

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

Thank you to Scott Carpenter for the new theme song! Make sure and listen all the way to the end for the world premiere of The Family Vacationer Theme Song! Thanks, Scottie!

Closing Reminder:

Remember folks to keep your passports and your hearts open.

Safe travels everyone!

🎧 Episode 182: Summer Safety Check – Tips for Road Trips, Beaches & Theme Parks

Summer is here, and before we dive into our brand-new series on the Best Beach Towns in the U.S., we're pressing pause for an important summer safety check! In this solo episode, Rob shares practical tips and real-life travel wisdom to help your family stay safe and stress-free—whether you're road-tripping, lounging on the sand, or spending the day at a theme park.

In this episode, Rob covers:

🚗 Road Trip Safety:

• Essential car prep before hitting the road
• Emergency kit must-haves
• Why rest stops matter (and how to plan them)
• Car seat safety tips that might surprise you
• Keeping long drives calm and kid-friendly

🏖️ Beach Safety:

• Sunscreen is just the start: sun protection layers that work
• What to know about rip currents and ocean swimming
• Hydration tips for hot, salty days
• Why sand safety and wildlife awareness are so important

🎢 Theme Park Safety:

• How to ID your kids and prevent separations
• Staying cool and hydrated on high-energy days
• Planning breaks to avoid overstimulation and meltdowns
• Budgeting for comfort that makes a big difference

Next Week:

We kick off our series on America's Best Beach Towns—places packed with nostalgia, family fun, and unforgettable memories. As Rob says, this might sound like a competition, but when it comes to these destinations, every choice is a win.

🎙️ Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and sign up for our Substack newsletter for behind-the-scenes stories and family travel inspiration.

👉 Subscribe, share, and leave us a review wherever you listen!

"Keep your passports and your hearts open." – Rob

"Safe travels, everyone." 

Episode 182 – Ruthie Takes Over: Growing Up Traveling with Rob & Tracy

Show Notes:

In this heartwarming and hilarious episode, Rob and Traci hand the mic to their oldest daughter, Ruthie, for a personal reflection on growing up in a traveling family. From being the only child on her parents' Disney honeymoon to becoming the big sister and now a newlywed traveler herself, Ruthie shares her unique perspective on how travel has shaped her outlook and her future plans.

What You’ll Hear:

• Ruthie’s earliest travel memories (hint: lots of princess dresses!)
• The shift in family dynamics when her younger brothers arrived
• A near-death lazy river experience that still gets laughs
• How childhood travel routines have influenced her adult travel style
• Her most cherished family trips—and why she’d relive them in a heartbeat
• Ruthie’s vision for traveling with her husband and future family

Whether you’re a parent, a kid reflecting on your travel roots, or a newlywed figuring out your own journey, this episode is filled with relatable laughs, heartfelt stories, and some solid travel wisdom.

Don't Miss:

• Tips on making travel meaningful even when finances are tight
• The two hotel items you should always sanitize
• Why planning doesn’t kill spontaneity—it empowers it

Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on Instagram @TheFamilyVacationer for behind-the-scenes fun. And don’t forget to check out our Substack for bonus content and travel tips.

Episode 181: Family Travel Unfiltered: Travel According to Chase

Description:

In this special episode, Rob and Traci hand over the mic to their 14-year-old son, Chase, to get the real scoop on what it’s like to travel as a teen with your family. From surprising emotional moments to brutally honest takes on shopping, alone time, and matching family shirts—Chase doesn't hold back. If you're planning a trip with teens (or are one), this episode is filled with laughs, insight, and a fresh perspective on family vacations.

What You’ll Hear:

• Chase’s honest reaction to hearing “We’re going on a trip tomorrow”
• Why the car ride might be his favorite part of the trip
• His all-time favorite family vacation memory (hint: it involves Universal and a magical feeling)
• The teen truth about shopping on vacation (parents, take notes)
• What teens really want on trips (spoiler: space and snacks)
• The inside scoop on favorite parks, beach habits, and vacation speed rounds
• How ADHD impacts Chase’s travel experience—and how to help teens like him stay grounded
• Why bringing one friend can make a trip better, but more than one might be a recipe for drama

Episode Highlights:

• 🎢 Favorite rides and parks (Disney vs. Universal showdown!)
• 🌊 Beach vs. pool debates, and why go-karts never get old
• 🎧 Teens and unplugging—surprising takes from Chase
• 🧠 Real talk about anxiety, ADHD, and teen mental health while traveling

Subscribe & Connect:

Be sure to subscribe, follow us on Instagram and Substack, and share this episode with a parent trying to turn eye rolls into enthusiasm. Because yes, your teen is listening—even if they’ve got their headphones in.

Closing Notes:

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

"Safe travels, everyone."

🎙️ Episode 180: A Kid’s-Eye View of Travel with Nash

In this special episode, Rob and Traci hand the mic over to their son Nash, who shares what travel looks like from a kid’s perspective. From theme parks to veggie straws, Nash covers it all in his own honest, hilarious, and heartwarming way.

Episode 180 starts now.

🧳 What We Talked About:

• Nash’s All-Time Favorite Trip
• Destin, Florida takes the crown for its mix of beach fun, ice cream, and family bonding—including cousins and grandparents!
• Disney World vs. Destin vs. Pigeon Forge
• Nash sets the record straight on sibling preferences, shares his love for Star Wars rides, and admits Tower of Terror might not be as scary as it looks.
• The Perfect Vacation Day (Nash-Style)
• Wake up at 6 AM. Hit Disneyland. Eat seafood. Sleep by 10 PM. No fireworks needed.
• Road Trip Hacks for Kids (By a Kid)
• 🎵 Blast music (until the grown-ups complain)
• 🎧 Bring headphones
• 🍿 Favorite snack? Veggie straws and gas station goodies
• Kid’s Travel Wisdom:
• Always pack headphones
• Pick a family meetup spot in case you get lost
• Don’t trust strangers—only go with someone who knows your secret family code
• Rapid-Fire Reviews:
• Disney World: Loves Star Wars and thrill rides, meh on food
• Destin: Swimming with cousins, Superman ice cream, hates the waves
• Pigeon Forge: Water parks are awesome, Titanic Museum? Not so much

🎧 Special Guest:

Nash – 9 years old, experienced family traveler, thrill ride connoisseur, and veggie straw enthusiast.

📣 Connect With Us!

Got a young traveler in your family with strong opinions like Nash? We’d love to hear from them!

Send a voice note or message on Instagram or Substack.

🔗 Follow us on Instagram: @thefamilyvacationer

📰 Subscribe on Substack: The Family Vacationer

Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

👉 Remember to keep your hearts and your passports open. Safe travels, everyone.

🎙️ Episode 179: Wallace, Idaho – History, Adventure & The Center of the Universe

Show Notes:

Looking for your next unforgettable family getaway? In this episode of The Family Vacationer, Rob and Traci head to the historic and quirky town of Wallace, Idaho—a place where silver mining history meets outdoor adventure, small-town charm, and even a claim to being the "Center of the Universe."

Our guest, Shauna Hillman joins us to share what makes this mountain town a hidden gem for family travelers. From biking the famous Route of the Hiawatha, to hiking historic trails like the Pulaski Tunnel Trail, and discovering fascinating local museums, Wallace offers something for every age group.

Shauna gives us a full picture of Wallace’s evolution—from surviving a devastating downtown fire in 1972 and preserving its historic identity, to thriving today as a family-friendly destination surrounded by 600 miles of national forest.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• What makes Wallace a “teacup town” and why its mining roots are still central to the community
• Activities for younger kids, teens, and active families
• The story behind the town’s “Center of the Universe” status
• Must-do experiences like the Route of the Hiawatha bike trail and local festivals
• Unique food and lodging options, including huckleberry treats and historic hotels
• Tips for visiting in all seasons, including winter sports and snowshoeing
• Where to find more info and plan your trip

Featured Attractions:

• Route of the Hiawatha – A scenic, family-friendly bike trail through tunnels and over trestles
• Pulaski Tunnel Trail – A hike honoring heroic firefighting history from the 1910 Great Fire
• Wallace District Mining Museum & Sierra Silver Mine Tour
• Annual Events – Huckleberry Festival, antique car shows, Statehood Day Parade & more
• Local eats – Pizza, ice cream, huckleberry shakes, and family-friendly menus everywhere

Useful Links:

• Wallace Chamber of Commerce: www.wallaceid.fun
• Facebook: Wallace Idaho Chamber
• Sign up for the Wallace Wednesday newsletter at the Chamber site for updates and events.

Subscribe & Connect:

Don’t forget to subscribe to The Family Vacationer, leave us a review, and follow us on Instagram and Substack for even more family travel tips and destination inspiration.

“Remember to keep your hearts and your passports open. Safe travels, everyone!”

🎙️ Episode 178: How to Travel More for Less with Karen Dawkins

Guest: Karen Dawkins, Family Travels on a Budget

Series: Smart Family Travel

If you’ve ever said, “We’d love to travel more, but it’s just not in the budget,” this episode is for you.

Rob sits down with family budget travel expert Karen Dawkins, the creator of Family Travels on a Budget, to share smart, stress-free strategies for getting the most out of your vacation dollar — without sacrificing joy or quality. Karen's no-nonsense, realistic approach has been featured in USA Today, HuffPost, and more.

🎧 In This Episode:

• Why budget travel isn’t about spending the least — it’s about getting the most value
• The #1 mistake families make when trying to save money on vacation
• How to avoid hidden costs like parking, resort fees, and baggage fees
• When and how to book flights and accommodations for maximum savings
• Favorite destinations that are big on fun and low on cost (spoiler: Chattanooga!)
• Travel rewards, loyalty programs, and hacks to stretch your dollars further
• Creative ways to save on food without skipping great meals
• The best places to find free and low-cost activities
• All-inclusive resorts vs. cultural immersion: how to choose what’s right for your goals
• Why Karen swears by Brits Donuts in Carolina Beach 🍩

🧭 Resources Mentioned:

• Family Travels on a Budget
• Instagram hashtags like #FreeThingsToDoIn{CityName}
• National Park Passes
• City attraction passes (like GoCity or CityPASS)
• Home2 Suites (cat-friendly & family-friendly)
• Costco Travel
• VRBO (transparent pricing & family space)

💬 Final Thought:

“Plan with your goal in mind, not just your destination. Let the experience guide the budget — not the other way around.”

👉 Subscribe, review, and share this episode with friends or family looking to make travel part of their lifestyle — even on a budget.

🎒 Keep your hearts and your passports open — and safe travels from The Family Vacationer!

🎧 Episode 177: Hidden Gems of the South: Family Adventures Off the Beaten Path

Looking for your next unforgettable family getaway without the airport hassle or a sky-high price tag? This week on The Family Vacationer, Rob and Traci welcome Lesli Peterson, founder of 365 Atlanta Traveler, to uncover the best underrated destinations across the Southern U.S. perfect for families seeking flexibility, fun, and meaningful travel experiences.

From hiking Georgia’s hidden canyons to exploring the unexpected charm of Huntsville, Alabama, Lesli shares her favorite off-the-beaten-path destinations, travel tips for every age, and why you don’t have to leave the South—or spend a fortune—to have a memorable vacation. Plus, she reflects on her own family’s epic year-long RV adventure and the power of traveling with your kids while they still want to hang out with you.

🎒 In this episode:

• Why traveling with kids when they’re young matters more than you think
• Favorite lesser-known destinations like Martin County, FL and Henry County, GA
• The surprising magic of places like Columbus, GA and Huntsville, AL
• Family-friendly festivals you won’t want to miss (yes, even Dragon Con!)
• Top tips for planning budget vacations using state parks
• How to stay flexible and intentional when travel plans go sideways
• The real reward of travel writing: helping families make memories

🧭 Mentioned in this episode:

• 365 Atlanta Traveler – 365atlantatraveler.com
• Little St. Simons Island
• Okefenokee Swamp and Georgia State Parks
• Wire & Wood Songwriters Festival (Alpharetta, GA)
• Dragon Con Parade (Atlanta, GA)
• Hot Air Balloon Festival (Helen, GA)
• Martin County, FL
• Columbus, GA dining + outdoor rec scene
• RV travel tips and national park highlights

👤 Guest:

Lesli Peterson is a mom, writer, and founder of 365 Atlanta Traveler, a leading site for family-friendly travel inspiration across Georgia and the Southeast. Her mission is to help families make the most of their time together through meaningful, flexible, and affordable adventures.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review wherever you listen!

📸 Follow us on Instagram @thefamilyvacationer

📰 Get bonus content and episode extras on Substack

🎒 Remember to keep your hearts and your passports open. Safe travels, everyone!

🎧 Episode 176: Exploring the Florida Keys with Britt Myers

Thinking the Florida Keys is just for grown-ups? Think again! In this episode, Rob chats with Britt Myers—co-founder of Keys Weekly and a passionate local advocate—to uncover what makes this legendary island chain an unexpectedly perfect destination for families.

From Key Largo to Key West, Britt helps bust the myth that the Keys are only about rum and Jimmy Buffett. We explore kid-friendly beaches, eco-adventures, cultural gems, amazing eats, and the kind of laid-back island charm that welcomes families with open arms. Whether you're planning your first visit or just looking for a fresh take on this iconic road trip, this episode will inspire you to pack up the kids and hit U.S. 1.

🏝️ In This Episode:

• Why the Florida Keys are more than just Key West (and more family-friendly than you think)
• Kid-approved activities like dolphin encounters, kayaking tours, snorkeling, and biking the islands
• Local food highlights including key lime pie, conch fritters, pink shrimp, and fresh seafood
• Family-friendly festivals and seasonal events like lobster mini-season and seafood fests
• Britt’s must-do recommendations: The Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, eco-tours, and state parks
• The arts and music scene in the Keys—including events like the Songwriters Festival and hidden-gem live music spots
• How to get there: Tips on flying into Key West or driving down from Miami

🌐 Resources & Links:

• Keys Weekly: Your go-to source for local news, events, and family-friendly happenings in the Florida Keys
• Dolphin Research Center
• Visit Florida Keys for additional trip planning help

✈️ Takeaway Tip:

Don’t just stay put—rent a bike or a golf cart, hop on a boat, or hit the kayaking trails. The Florida Keys are meant to be explored at a laid-back pace with curiosity and an open heart.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review The Family Vacationer! You can also follow us on Instagram and Substack for bonus content and travel inspiration.