The Family Vacationer

• Traverse City, MI

  Episode 186: Traverse City, MI – Best Beach Towns in the US (Freshwater Edition) Description: We’re heading north to Michigan for this stop in our Best Beach Towns in the US series—and it’s one we’ve loved before! Rob welcomes back Mike Kent from Traverse City Tourism to dive into what makes this lakefront gem one of the best beach towns in the country. From sand dunes and sailboats to cherry pie and goat yoga (yes, really), Traverse City proves you don’t need an ocean to find the ultimate family beach getaway. In This Episode: The stunning freshwater setting of Grand Traverse BayA short modern history: from cherry capital to wine countryThe unique microclimate, sandy soil, and how it supports both cherries and world-class wineSleeping Bear Dunes: 60 miles of shoreline and national acclaimFamily-friendly beach options, paddleboarding, kayaking, and yes—fishing!Accessibility and inclusion: the first autism-certified travel destination in the MidwestTraverse City’s booming food scene: from farm-to-table to food trucks and cherry pie flightsSummer festivals including the 100th National Cherry Festival that's coming in 2026 Why shoulder season might be your best time to visitMike’s favorite childhood summer memory—and how families can make their ownThe #1 thing every first-time visitor should do before leaving town Mentioned in the Episode: TraverseCity.com – Plan your trip and explore all the activities, trails, and eventsTraverse City Food & Wine – August culinary celebrationMoomers Ice Cream, Cherry Republic, Farm Club, Right Brain BreweryChateau Chantal's “Jazz at Sunset”National Cherry Festival – celebrating 100 years in 2025!Autism Certified Designation – commitment to sensory-friendly experiences Follow Us! ➡️ Subscribe to The Family Vacationer wherever you get your podcasts 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @thefamilyvacationer 📬 Get more travel tips on our Substack Rob’s Reminder: "Remember folks to keep your passports and your hearts open." Traci’s Tagline (even when off this week): "Safe travels everyone."

  --------  

  47:07

  --------

  47:07
• 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!

  --------  

  28:07

  --------

  28:07
• 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." 

  --------  

  9:08

  --------

  9:08
• 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.

  --------  

  26:46

  --------

  26:46
• 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."

  --------  

  18:18

  --------

  18:18

Weitere Kinder und Familie Podcasts

Trending Kinder und Familie Podcasts

Über The Family Vacationer