🎧 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 220 – 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."