The Family Vacationer

• Family Travel Unfiltered: Travel According to Chase

  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 tripHis 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 roundsHow ADHD impacts Chase’s travel experience—and how to help teens like him stay groundedWhy 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."

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• Ice Cream, Headphones and Thrill Rides: Travel According to Nash

  🎙️ 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 TripDestin, 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 ForgeNash 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 goodiesKid’s Travel Wisdom:Always pack headphonesPick a family meetup spot in case you get lostDon’t trust strangers—only go with someone who knows your secret family codeRapid-Fire Reviews:Disney World: Loves Star Wars and thrill rides, meh on foodDestin: Swimming with cousins, Superman ice cream, hates the wavesPigeon 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.

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• Wallace, Idaho: The Mountain Town with a Silver Lining

  🎙️ 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 communityActivities for younger kids, teens, and active familiesThe story behind the town’s “Center of the Universe” statusMust-do experiences like the Route of the Hiawatha bike trail and local festivalsUnique food and lodging options, including huckleberry treats and historic hotelsTips for visiting in all seasons, including winter sports and snowshoeingWhere to find more info and plan your trip Featured Attractions: Route of the Hiawatha – A scenic, family-friendly bike trail through tunnels and over trestlesPulaski Tunnel Trail – A hike honoring heroic firefighting history from the 1910 Great FireWallace District Mining Museum & Sierra Silver Mine TourAnnual Events – Huckleberry Festival, antique car shows, Statehood Day Parade & moreLocal eats – Pizza, ice cream, huckleberry shakes, and family-friendly menus everywhere Useful Links: Wallace Chamber of Commerce: www.wallaceid.funFacebook: Wallace Idaho ChamberSign 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!”

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• Travel More, Spend Less: Smarter Family Vacations with Karen Dawkins

  🎙️ 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 valueThe #1 mistake families make when trying to save money on vacationHow to avoid hidden costs like parking, resort fees, and baggage feesWhen and how to book flights and accommodations for maximum savingsFavorite destinations that are big on fun and low on cost (spoiler: Chattanooga!)Travel rewards, loyalty programs, and hacks to stretch your dollars furtherCreative ways to save on food without skipping great mealsThe best places to find free and low-cost activitiesAll-inclusive resorts vs. cultural immersion: how to choose what’s right for your goalsWhy Karen swears by Brits Donuts in Carolina Beach 🍩 🧭 Resources Mentioned: Family Travels on a BudgetInstagram hashtags like #FreeThingsToDoIn{CityName}National Park PassesCity attraction passes (like GoCity or CityPASS)Home2 Suites (cat-friendly & family-friendly)Costco TravelVRBO (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!

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• Hidden Gems of the South: Family Adventures Off the Beaten Path

  🎧 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 thinkFavorite lesser-known destinations like Martin County, FL and Henry County, GAThe surprising magic of places like Columbus, GA and Huntsville, ALFamily-friendly festivals you won’t want to miss (yes, even Dragon Con!)Top tips for planning budget vacations using state parksHow to stay flexible and intentional when travel plans go sidewaysThe real reward of travel writing: helping families make memories 🧭 Mentioned in this episode: 365 Atlanta Traveler – 365atlantatraveler.comLittle St. Simons IslandOkefenokee Swamp and Georgia State ParksWire & Wood Songwriters Festival (Alpharetta, GA)Dragon Con Parade (Atlanta, GA)Hot Air Balloon Festival (Helen, GA)Martin County, FLColumbus, GA dining + outdoor rec sceneRV 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!

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