The Family Vacationer

• Ocean City, MD

  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 resortWhy Ocean City’s nostalgic charm continues to attract families year after yearFree, family-friendly beach access and the iconic boardwalk experienceMust-see attractions like Trimper’s Rides and Jolly Roger Amusement PierSeasonal festivals from Springfest to Winterfest of LightsHidden local favorites like biking the boardwalk and bayside crabbingInclusive amenities for families with special needsFamily-friendly dining with playgrounds at restaurants like Fishtales and RopewalkUnique accommodations including the Carousel Hotel with an ice rink!Efforts to retain Ocean City’s charm amidst modern growthExciting 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!

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• 9 Minute Summer Safety Check!

  🎧 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 roadEmergency kit must-havesWhy rest stops matter (and how to plan them)Car seat safety tips that might surprise youKeeping long drives calm and kid-friendly 🏖️ Beach Safety: Sunscreen is just the start: sun protection layers that workWhat to know about rip currents and ocean swimmingHydration tips for hot, salty daysWhy sand safety and wildlife awareness are so important 🎢 Theme Park Safety: How to ID your kids and prevent separationsStaying cool and hydrated on high-energy daysPlanning breaks to avoid overstimulation and meltdownsBudgeting 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." 

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• Full Circle with Ruthie: Packing Memories, Planning Futures

  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 arrivedA near-death lazy river experience that still gets laughsHow childhood travel routines have influenced her adult travel styleHer most cherished family trips—and why she’d relive them in a heartbeatRuthie’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 tightThe two hotel items you should always sanitizeWhy 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.

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• 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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