The Family Vacationer

• Red Lodge, MT

  Episode 201: Christmas in Red Lodge, Montana Looking for a holiday getaway that feels straight out of a postcard? This week on The Family Vacationer, we’re taking you to Red Lodge, Montana, a small-town winter wonderland where Christmas magic comes alive. Red Lodge, once a bustling coal-mining town in the 1800s, is now best known as the gateway to the Beartooth Highway. But come December, it transforms into a festive haven filled with twinkling lights, family traditions, and a community spirit that makes the holidays unforgettable. Joining us is Sherry Weimer, director of the Red Lodge Chamber of Commerce, who shares why families should plan a Christmas trip to this hidden gem. In this episode, you’ll hear about: The Red Lodge Christmas Stroll — a Hallmark-worthy tradition with parades, fire pits, caroling, and Santa’s grand entrance. Family-friendly winter fun at Red Lodge Mountain, from skiing to skating in the town park.The best cozy stops for cocoa, pastries, and kid-approved treats (don’t miss the monster ice cream sandwich!).How local shops and restaurants keep the holiday spirit alive with decorated windows, late-night shopping, and tasty surprises. Unique Red Lodge holiday experiences, like Santa skiing on Christmas Day.Where to stay — from historic hotels to mom-and-pop motels, B&Bs, and Airbnbs.Insider tips for planning your family’s first Christmas trip to Red Lodge. If you’ve ever dreamed of celebrating Christmas in a storybook setting, Red Lodge might just be the perfect destination for your family. Plan your trip: redlodge.com Don’t forget — we’ll be circling back to our special Episode 200 in December! Plus, stay tuned for details on Rob’s upcoming book, The Family Vacationer: A Parent’s Guide to Meaningful Travel, coming soon.

  --------  

  18:47

  --------

  18:47
• Thanksgiving Trip Ideas

  Episode 199: The Best Family Thanksgiving Getaways in the U.S. Hosts: Rob & Traci Release Date: November 2025 When you think Thanksgiving, you probably picture turkey, football, and the Macy’s Parade—but what if your family celebrated somewhere new? In Episode 199, Rob and Traci explore America’s best Thanksgiving destinations—from mountain towns and colonial villages to rivers lined with glowing holiday lights. Whether you want cozy, coastal, or full-on festive, this episode is stuffed with ideas for a holiday you’ll truly be thankful for (and yes, the dad jokes are fully baked). 🗺 Top Thanksgiving Destinations Plymouth, Massachusetts – Where it all began! Enjoy parades, concerts, and a hands-on history experience at the Plymouth Patuxet Museums, complete with a traditional feast served 17th-century style. Asheville, North Carolina – The Biltmore Estate sparkles with lights and decorations by Thanksgiving. Add Blue Ridge hikes and farm-to-table dining for the ultimate mountain holiday. Williamsburg, Virginia – Step back in time at Colonial Williamsburg. Dine in historic taverns by candlelight, then head to Busch Gardens’ Christmas Town for lights and thrills. Smoky Mountains, Tennessee – Cozy cabins, Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas, and mountain views for miles. Feast first, hike later! San Antonio, Texas – Celebrate along the River Walk under glowing lights. Try Tex-Mex twists on the holiday meal—like turkey enchiladas—and don’t miss the Ford Holiday River Parade. Santa Fe, New Mexico – Classic Thanksgiving meets Southwestern flair with green chile mashed potatoes and pumpkin empanadas. Explore art markets, museums, and the historic plaza. Charleston, South Carolina – History, charm, and Southern cooking at its best. Feast on sweet potato pie and stroll the Battery afterward for “gravy steps.” Mackinac Island, Michigan – No cars, just peace. Arrive by ferry, enjoy quiet island charm, and dine at historic inns before winter sets in. Lake Tahoe, CA/NV – Ski if it’s snowing, hike if it’s not. Resorts serve full Thanksgiving dinners—perfect for families who love adventure and cozy evenings. Branson, Missouri – Silver Dollar City’s Christmas lights, live holiday shows, and hearty meals make Branson a cheerful, family-friendly choice. Bonus Picks: Stowe (VT) for a snowy New England vibe, Lancaster County (PA) for a slower pace, and St. Augustine (FL) for warm-weather lights. ✨ Thanksgiving Travel Tips Book early—popular spots fill fast.Leave early if you’re driving.Let someone else cook. Restaurant feasts taste better when you’re not washing dishes!Kids won’t remember perfect stuffing—they’ll remember the laughter and stories. 💬 Favorite Quotes “Kids won’t remember if the stuffing was perfect. They’ll remember the trip, the laughter, and the stories.” — Rob “It’s Thanksgiving and a mountain retreat all in one—just watch out for bears. They’re not great at sharing dessert.” — Traci 📚 Announcements 🎉 Rob’s New Book: The Family Vacationer: A Parent’s Guide to Meaningful Travel releases Nov. 11, 2025 — filled with stories and tips for travel that connects. Pre-orders open soon! 🎙 Episode 200 Live in Orlando! Join Rob & Traci at Caribe Royale, Dec. 13–15, 2025, for a live recording of The Family Vacationer’s 200th episode! 🌍 Connect Instagram & Facebook: @TheFamilyVacationer Website: thefamilyvacationer.live Email: [email protected]

  --------  

  12:45

  --------

  12:45
• Family Travel Reset

  Episode 198: The Family Travel Reset Episode Overview If your family vacations have started to feel a little too predictable — the same beach, the same rental, the same “are we even relaxed?” feeling when you get home — it might be time for a reset. In Episode 198, Rob shares how to press pause on autopilot travel and rediscover the why behind your family’s adventures. It’s not about the next destination — it’s about what you hope to bring home: connection, laughter, and stories worth retelling. Inspired by his upcoming book, The Family Vacationer: A Parent’s Guide to Meaningful Travel (coming November 11, 2025), Rob introduces the concept of The Family Travel Reset — a simple, practical way to make travel more intentional, more joyful, and a whole lot less stressful. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why families fall into “autopilot travel” — and how to break freeThe one question to ask before planning your next vacation: What do we really want from this trip?How to balance structure and spontaneity to create real connectionThe three easiest ways to reset your family’s travel mindsetA personal story from Disney that changed how Rob plans trips foreverA simple “Family Travel Check-In” you can do this week to reconnect and reset Three Easy Ways to Start Your Family Travel Reset Involve your kids in the planning. Ask them what they want out of the trip — more pool time, less rushing, more freedom. When kids feel heard, everyone’s happier on the road.Build in slow mornings. Vacations shouldn’t feel like a race. Linger over breakfast, explore without an agenda, and let curiosity lead the day.Redefine success. Instead of asking, “Did we check everything off?” try “Did we laugh together today?” Because that’s what really matters. Favorite Quote from This Episode “Meaningful travel isn’t about doing more — it’s about feeling more.” — Rob Jones From Rob’s Upcoming Book This episode pulls from several chapters of Rob’s forthcoming book, The Family Vacationer: A Parent’s Guide to Meaningful Travel, releasing November 11, 2025. The book is filled with stories, practical strategies, and gentle encouragement for parents who want travel to be less about logistics and more about connection. Preorder information coming soon! This Week Comes with Homework! Do a quick Family Travel Check-In: Ask everyone: What’s your favorite travel memory we’ve ever made together?Then ask: What would make our next trip even better? Their answers might surprise you — and might be the key to your own Family Travel Reset. Connect with The Family Vacationer Instagram & Facebook: @TheFamilyVacationerWebsite: thefamilyvacationer.liveEmail: [email protected] Upcoming Events Rob’s Book Launch: The Family Vacationer: A Parent’s Guide to Meaningful Travel — coming November 11, 2025 200th Episode Celebration: Join Rob & Traci for a live recording in Orlando on December 15, 2025 — details and tickets available soon!

  --------  

  8:55

  --------

  8:55
• 250 for the 250th

  Episode 197: Explore America — 250 Places to Go in 2026 with Erin Gifford Release Date: October 2025 Hosts: Rob & Traci Jones Guest: Erin Gifford — Travel Writer & Creator of Explore America: 250 Places to Go in 2026 Episode Overview America turns 250 years old in 2026, and what better way to celebrate than by hitting the open road? From legendary landmarks like Mount Rushmore and The Alamo to wonderfully weird stops like Lucy the Elephant in New Jersey, Rob and Traci are joined by travel writer Erin Gifford to explore the first 25 destinations featured in her brand-new guide, Explore America: 250 Places to Go in 2026. In this inspiring, laughter-filled conversation, Erin shares her family’s cross-country road trips, her favorite historic and quirky spots, and how parents can make travel educational and fun for kids of all ages. What You’ll Hear in This Episode How Erin’s 7½-week family road trip across the U.S. sparked her mission to see all 50 states (Hawaii is next!)Why 2026’s America 250 celebration is the perfect reason to plan a once-in-a-lifetime family tripErin’s favorite kid-friendly destinations — from mermaids in Florida to buffalo safaris in South DakotaTips for keeping kids engaged on long road tripsHow to balance “learning stops” like The Alamo or Gettysburg with pure fun like Wall Drug or Weeki Wachee SpringsHer “Must-Do Checklist” method for stress-free trip planningThe value of documenting family trips — and how a simple photo book can keep memories alive for years About Our Guest: Erin Gifford Erin Gifford is a travel writer and founder of GoHikeVirginia.com, a site dedicated to family-friendly trails and outdoor adventures in Virginia. She’s written for The Washington Post, AFAR, The Saturday Evening Post, and Costco Connection, and has authored several Falcon Guides, including Hiking with Kids: Virginia and Coastal Trails of Delaware, Maryland & Virginia. Her newest project, Explore America: 250 Places to Go in 2026, celebrates the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday with 250 handpicked destinations—historic sites, national parks, small towns, and roadside oddities—perfect for families looking to explore all corners of the country. Get the free preview and sign up for updates: 250Places.com Follow Erin on Instagram: @byErinGifford Rob’s Upcoming Book Rob’s debut book, The Family Vacationer: A Parent’s Guide to Meaningful Travel, releases November 11, 2025! Stay tuned for preorder information coming soon. Big News — Episode 200 Celebration! Join Rob and Traci for a live recording of our 200th episode in Orlando on December 15, 2025! More details and ticket information coming soon at thefamilyvacationer.live and on Instagram @thefamilyvacationer. Episode Quote “Even if you think your kids aren’t paying attention, they’ll remember those road trip moments — the views, the laughs, the ice cream stops. That’s the magic of family travel.” — Erin Gifford Resources & Links Mentioned Explore America: 250 Places to Go in 2026 — 250Places.comGoHikeVirginia.com — Erin’s hiking and outdoor adventure siteNational Park Junior Ranger Program — nps.gov/kidsMount Rushmore National Memorial — nps.gov/moruWeeki Wachee Springs State Park — weekiwachee.comPima Air & Space Museum — pimaair.org Connect with The Family Vacationer Website: thefamilyvacationer.liveInstagram: @thefamilyvacationerFacebook: The Family Vacationer Podcast

  --------  

  36:46

  --------

  36:46
• Saving for Vacation

  Episode 196: Smart Money Moves for Family Vacations with Skyler Fleming For most families, the biggest obstacle to taking that dream trip isn’t time—it’s money. The good news? With a little planning and some smart financial strategies, you can make vacations happen without draining your savings or piling on debt. In this episode, Rob talks with Skyler Fleming, Certified Financial Planner and host of the Money Talks podcast. Skyler shares practical tips to help families budget, save, and plan so travel dreams can become travel memories. From avoiding credit card traps to involving kids in the budgeting process, this conversation is packed with actionable advice for making travel financially doable—and fun. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why “splurging comfortably” is possible with the right budgetThe first steps families should take when creating a vacation budgetCommon costs families forget to plan for (and how to avoid surprise expenses)How far in advance you should start saving for a big tripSimple savings strategies that won’t eat into everyday essentialsThe truth about credit card rewards—and how to use them wiselyFun ways to involve kids in vacation budgeting and decision-makingWhy planning ahead reduces pressure and makes vacations more enjoyable About Our Guest Skyler Fleming is a Certified Financial Planner and the host of the Money Talks podcast, where he helps people build strong money habits. His practical, down-to-earth approach helps families think differently about budgeting and saving so they can enjoy life—and travel—without financial stress. Learn more at MoneyTalk.show. Resources & Links Visit Skyler’s website: MoneyTalk.showListen to the Money Talks podcast on your favorite platformFollow The Family Vacationer on Instagram and Substack Don’t Miss Rob’s upcoming book, The Family Vacationer: A Parent’s Guide to Meaningful Travel, is on the way! Filled with stories and tips to help you make your trips more meaningful, it’s coming soon—stay tuned for details.

  --------  

  25:29

  --------

  25:29

Weitere Kinder und Familie Podcasts

Trending Kinder und Familie Podcasts

Über The Family Vacationer