🎙️ Episode 175: Discovering Decorah, Iowa – Nature, Culture & Family Fun

Series: Small Towns, Big Adventure

Guest: Alyssa Ritter, Visit Decorah

Description:

In this kickoff episode of our Small Towns, Big Adventure series, we're spotlighting Decorah, Iowa—a scenic and culturally rich destination nestled in the Driftless Region of the Midwest. From its striking natural beauty to its vibrant Norwegian heritage, Decorah offers a unique and meaningful travel experience for families of all ages.

Our guest, Alyssa Ritter from the Visit Decorah shares everything you need to know to plan your trip—from outdoor adventures and indoor escapes to family-friendly restaurants, local festivals, and lodging options.

🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Where Decorah is and why its landscape is so unique

✅ Top outdoor activities for families with kids, teens, and even college students

✅ The magic of Dunning Springs, Trout Run Trail, and Upper Iowa River paddling

✅ Year-round attractions like Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, Kingpin Entertainment Center, and Sunflower Discovery Center

✅ Must-visit food spots: Mabe’s Pizza, Luna Valley Farm, Impact Coffee, and more

✅ Tips for visiting during festivals like Nordic Fest, Laura Ingalls Wilder Day, and Lawn Chair Night

✅ Where to stay: from Pulpit Rock Campground to unique vacation rentals

✅ Pro travel tips to make the most of your time in this walkable, bike-friendly town

🗓 Best Time to Visit:

Late spring through early fall (May–October) for warm weather, vibrant foliage, and full access to seasonal attractions and festivals.

🛶 Rob & Traci’s Takeaway:

Decorah is the kind of place where you can truly relax, reconnect, and create lasting memories—with no need for a vacation after your vacation. Whether you’re hiking, paddling, eating local, or immersing yourself in Nordic culture, this small town delivers big adventure.

📸 Connect with The Family Vacationer:

• Follow us on Instagram: @thefamilyvacationer
• Get behind-the-scenes content and travel tips on our Substack: thefamilyvacationer.substack.com

🎒 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow travel-loving families.

🎙 Episode 174: Travel for Every Body

Guest: Jennifer Allen, Wonders Within Reach

On this episode of The Family Vacationer, Rob welcomes back Jennifer Allen from Wonders Within Reach, a passionate advocate, writer, and mom to three who’s reshaping the conversation around accessible family travel.

From accessible national parks and theme parks to unexpected small towns doing big things for inclusion, Jennifer shares practical advice, inspiring stories, and essential resources for families traveling with mobility, sensory, or medical needs. Whether you're planning your first accessible getaway or looking to broaden your perspective on inclusive travel, this episode is packed with real talk and hopeful solutions.

🌟 In This Episode:

• The biggest misconceptions about accessible travel
• Top U.S. destinations and national parks that are leading the way
• What theme parks are getting right—and where they’re falling short
• Honest insights about air travel, gear, and accommodations
• How Jennifer’s family became "guinea pigs" for making travel more inclusive
• Resources, blogs, and apps to help plan accessible adventures

✈️ Key Takeaways:

• Accessibility starts with information: Many places are more inclusive than they appear—but poor online info holds families back
• Start small and plan smart: Less is more when creating an accessible, enjoyable itinerary
• Advocacy matters: Jennifer and her family work directly with destinations to improve access for all travelers

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

• Wonders Within Reach
• RentABLE
• Wheel the World
• National Ability Center
• TravelAbility’s Accessible Travel Map

📱 Connect with Jennifer:

• Website: wonderswithinreach.com
• Instagram: @wonderswithinreach

If you or someone you know is hesitant about traveling with a disability—this episode is your permission slip to go. Inclusion isn’t just a checkbox, it’s an invitation. And Jennifer shows us how to accept it.

👉 Subscribe, rate & review the show wherever you listen, and follow us on Instagram and Substack for more family travel inspiration.

🎒 Keep your hearts and your passports open — and we’ll see you out there.

The Family Vacationer – Episode 173: Finding Cheap Flights for Your Next Family Adventure with Katy Nastro from Going

Show Notes:

Looking to stretch your travel dollars without sacrificing adventure? In this episode, Rob chats with Katy Nastro, travel expert and spokesperson for Going—the flight deal app formerly known as Scott’s Cheap Flights. Katy shares insider tips, booking strategies, and real savings numbers that can help families score affordable airfare to dream destinations.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The origin story of Going and how it grew from a personal email list to a powerhouse travel app
• How Going’s team of flight experts and proprietary tech work together to find the best airfare deals
• The difference between Going’s free, premium, and elite memberships—and which is best for families
• Why flexibility is the “secret sauce” when it comes to airfare savings
• Smart booking strategies, including:
• Why searching for fewer seats can yield cheaper fares
• How to use the “Goldilocks window” to time your purchases
• The 24-hour cancellation rule families should be taking advantage of
• Why shoulder seasons are your best friend when planning affordable travel
• What mistake fares are—and how to grab one before they disappear
• Real-world examples of jaw-dropping deals (think NYC to Amsterdam for $334 round trip!)
• How Going plans to evolve beyond flights while still staying focused on traveler-first solutions

Helpful Links:

• Download the Going App
• Sign Up for a Free or Premium Membership
• Follow The Family Vacationer on Instagram
• Subscribe to The Family Vacationer on Substack

Quote of the Episode:

“We’re never going to send deals we wouldn’t send to our own friends and family. That’s the bestie test.” – Katy Nastro

Don’t Forget to Subscribe!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave us a review. And remember—keep your hearts and your passports open.

Connect with Rob & Traci:

Instagram: @thefamilyvacationer

Website: www.thefamilyvacationer.live