The People You Go With

Family vacations are supposed to create memories—but sometimes the wildlife makes sure they’re unforgettable. 🐻🦌🐒

In this episode, we’re sharing some of our funniest and most unexpected wildlife encounters from family trips over the years. No one was actually in danger (even if it may have felt that way at the time!), but there were plenty of surprises, laughs, and stories we’re still telling today.

Because sometimes the best vacation memories are the ones you definitely didn’t plan.

Topics: Family vacations, funny wildlife encounters, unexpected animal encounters, travel stories, family travel memories, vacation mishaps, wildlife while traveling, unplanned vacation moments, funny family stories, travel adventures

Travel sounds great…until your brain starts listing everything that could possibly go wrong. 😂 In this episode of The People You Go With, we’re talking travel anxiety, whether all-inclusive resorts are actually worth it, and the idea of traveling without your usual crew. We share our own experiences, what makes us nervous, what makes travel easier, and why the “right” way to travel looks different for everyone. Whether you love an all-inclusive, would rather explore on your own, or just need a little push to take the trip—you’ll probably relate to this one.

Topics: TravelAnxiety, SoloTravel, AllInclusiveResorts , TravelTips , TravelPodcast, TravelSoloTips, Punta Cana

What happens when another documentary obsession turns into a family vacation? This time, it takes us underground to Mammoth Cave, where the kids are forced to face some very specific fears—including rabies, cows and underground rivers. Along the way, we explore one of America’s most fascinating places, sneak in a little history, and once again prove that sometimes the best family memories start with an idea everyone else wishes you’d forget.

Topics: Mammoth Cave, Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky travel, family road trip, cave tours, national parks

Thinking about taking your first cruise but worried about seasickness, picking the wrong ship—or just being trapped in the middle of the ocean? We’re talking about the fears that keep people from cruising, how to choose the cruise that’s actually right for you, and the mistakes that can turn a dream vacation into a disaster. From avoiding disappointment to keeping seasickness at bay, here’s what we wish every first-time cruiser knew before stepping onboard.

Topics: first cruise, cruise tips for beginners, choosing a cruise, seasickness, cruise mistakes, family cruising

The Outer Banks started as a family vacation and turned into a tradition we couldn’t imagine giving up. But as we’ve learned over the years, the same beach can be a very different vacation depending on the people you go with. From couples who probably shouldn’t have traveled together and best friends who became part of the family, to the activities and traditions we look forward to every year, we’re sharing the good trips, the not-so-good trips, and why we keep coming back to OBX.

Topics: Outer Banks NC, OBX vacation, North Carolina beaches, family vacation, beach trip, family travel

A trip to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula starts with one big challenge: crossing the Mackinac Bridge. Once across, being Ohio State fans in Michigan brings plenty of opportunities for a little friendly rivalry. And no trip to the U.P. would be complete without feeding an unusual obsession with shipwrecks and documentaries by diving into the story of the Edmund Fitzgerald. From bridge anxiety and football rivalries to Great Lakes legends, this road trip proves once again that sometimes the things you remember most aren't necessarily the things you planned.

Topics: Upper Peninsula Michigan, Mackinac Bridge, Great Lakes travel, Edmund Fitzgerald, Michigan road trip

A simple road trip to Cincinnati turns into more than we expected! We brave the summer heat, uncover the city’s surprising gangster history, and discover some unexpected stories along the way. It’s a reminder that sometimes you don’t need a plane ticket or an elaborate itinerary—just a full tank of gas, good company, and the open road.

Topics: Cincinnati travel, Ohio road trip, Cincinnati history, gangster history, family road trips

Traveling with a large group spanning a wide range of ages can be an adventure all its own—especially when the destination is Alaska. From Ketchikan, Juneau, and Icy Strait Point aboard the Island Princess to the wilds of Denali, we share the challenges and rewards of experiencing Alaska with a multigenerational crew. Incredible scenery, unforgettable adventures, and the ever-present possibility of crossing paths with a grizzly or moose made this a family trip we'll never forget.

Topics: Alaska travel, Alaska cruise, Princess Cruises, Inside Passage, Denali, family travel

This time on The People You Go With, we're heading to Switzerland, where I planned every detail and my two adult sons were simply along for the ride—for better or worse. We explored the Jungfrau Region of the Swiss Alps, hiked through incredible scenery, navigated the language barrier, and laughed as locals repeatedly mistook one of my sons for Swiss. And when one of the boys took on a thrilling bucket-list adventure, our Swiss trip reached a whole new level.

Topics: Switzerland travel, Swiss Alps, Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, family travel, Europe vacation

In the first episode of The People You Go With, we recap our spring break trip to St. Croix with two adults and six kids. From a bout (or two) of red eye, a nearly missed flight, and even an attempted theft, we share the good, the bad, and the unexpected along the way. We also talk about the U.S. Virgin Islands and what made beautiful St. Croix a trip we'll never forget.

Topics: St. Croix travel, US Virgin Islands, Caribbean vacation, family travel, travel stories