The Family Vacationer

• Traveling with Teens: Connection over Perfection

  Episode 192: Vacationing With Teens – How to Stay Connected with Parenting Coach Janine Mushwar Vacationing with teens can be magical—or maddening. In this episode, Rob talks with parenting coach Janine Mushwar about how to move from conflict to connection with your teenager, both at home and while traveling. If you’ve ever felt your teen slipping away, or if vacations bring out more eye-rolls than smiles, this conversation is for you. Janine shares her own journey as a mom of three very different kids and the parenting shifts she had to make when rewards, punishments, and “the old ways” stopped working. Now, as a parenting coach, she helps families find practical strategies to reduce conflict, strengthen communication, and make family trips less stressful and more meaningful. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why vacations with teens can be both magical and challengingThe importance of shifting your parenting approach during the teenage yearsHow to balance teens’ independence with family togetherness on tripsTools to de-escalate conflict in the moment (without turning the trip into a battle)Why involving teens in the planning process makes a huge differenceWays travel can strengthen connection during family transitions—like divorce, blending families, or big movesSimple but powerful mindset shifts that help parents prioritize connection over chasing a “perfect” trip About Our Guest Janine Mushwar is a parenting coach who helps moms and dads move from conflict to connection with their teens. Drawing on her own experience raising three children and supporting hundreds of families, Janine provides practical, compassionate strategies that help parents build stronger relationships with their kids. Learn more at JanineMushwar.com and check out her short, actionable videos on YouTube. Resources & Links Visit Janine’s website: JanineMushwar.comFollow Janine on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube (@JanineMushwar)Connect with The Family Vacationer on Instagram and Substack Don’t Miss Stay tuned for Rob’s upcoming book, The Family Vacationer: A Parent’s Guide to Meaningful Travel, coming soon! Plus, we’re headed toward our 200th episode—with some fun surprises along the way.

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• Dollywood

  Exploring Dollywood: Rides, Shows, and Appalachian Heritage Nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, Dollywood has earned its place as one of the top theme parks in the country—and for good reason. In this episode of The Family Vacationer, Rob sits down with Wes Ray, Vice President of Marketing for Dollywood Parks and Resorts, to explore what makes this destination so special for families. From thrilling rides like Big Bear Mountain and Dragonflier, to award-winning entertainment, Appalachian-inspired dining, and the warm hospitality that Dolly Parton herself has infused into the park, Dollywood offers something for every member of the family. You’ll also hear how guest feedback has shaped everything from wider pathways to new resort offerings, and why Dollywood consistently ranks as a #1 theme park on TripAdvisor. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The fascinating history of Dollywood and its deep ties to Appalachian culture Family-friendly rides designed with all ages in mind New additions like Wildwood Grove and Big Bear Mountain Dolly Parton’s direct influence on the park’s design and guest experience Insider tips for making the most of your visit—whether you’re coming for a day or a week What’s next for Dollywood, from resorts to new attractions Dollywood isn’t just a theme park—it’s a celebration of heritage, hospitality, and family fun. Whether you’re planning your first visit or your fiftieth, this episode will inspire your next Smoky Mountain getaway. Dollywood Dreammore Resort Heartsong Resort 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Family Vacationer on your favorite podcast platform, and follow us on Instagram and Substack for even more family travel tips and inspiration. Be on the lookout for Rob's first book, "The Family Vacationer: A Parent's Guide to Meaningful Travel." Coming soon!! Remember folks to keep your passports and your hearts open. Safe travels, everyone.

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• Regenerative Travel

  Regenerative Travel for Families with Kirsten Ovstaas If you’ve ever wondered how your family vacations could give back to the places you visit, this episode is for you. In Episode 190 of The Family Vacationer, Rob sits down with regenerative travel advocate Kirsten Ovstaas to explore how families can make travel not just sustainable—but regenerative. Regenerative travel goes beyond reducing your footprint. It’s about restoring, replenishing, and leaving a destination better than you found it. Kirsten shares practical ways families can start small, engage with local communities, and make their vacations a force for good. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The difference between sustainable and regenerative travel Why regenerative practices matter for families and kids Simple first steps—like beach cleans and local dining—that any family can do Examples of destinations offering regenerative experiences (Hawaii, British Columbia, Copenhagen, and more) How to research and choose businesses that truly benefit local communities Common misconceptions about regenerative travel (and why they’re wrong) How regenerative travel can inspire kids and shape their future values Travel memories are some of the most powerful a family can create. Imagine adding the joy of knowing your trip left a positive mark on the world. This conversation will inspire you to rethink your travel habits and embrace new ways to connect, give back, and grow together as a family. 👉 Learn more about Kirsten’s work and ReBC (Regenerative Travel British Columbia) at ReBCTravel.ca or follow them on Instagram at @ReBCTravel. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Family Vacationer and connect with us on Instagram and Substack for more family travel inspiration. Remember folks to keep your passports and your hearts open. Safe travels, everyone.

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• The Best Beach Town in the US

  Episode 188: Discover Why Destin, Florida is The Family Vacationer’s Favorite Beach Town In this episode, Rob and Traci wrap up their popular “Best Beach Towns in the US” series with their top pick: Destin and Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Known for its stunning emerald green waters and powdery white sand, Destin is a family favorite that offers more than just beautiful beaches. Jennifer Adams, President of the Destin Fort Walton Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau, joins the show to share insider tips on how families can make the most of their trip—from adventurous water activities and kid-friendly experiences to local dining favorites and seasonal festivals. She also highlights unique programs like “Little Adventures” designed to get kids unplugged and exploring nature. Whether you’re curious about the diverse beach neighborhoods, fishing fleets, or hidden gems like the Spector Islands, Jennifer covers it all. Plus, get the scoop on safety tips, eco-friendly tourism, and how Destin balances being a bustling tourist hotspot with a welcoming community vibe. Tune in for advice on the best times to visit, family lodging options, and activities that will appeal to all ages—including teens! Resources Mentioned: Visit Destin Fort Walton Beach: destinFWB.comLittle Adventures & Free Classes: adventureDFWB.com Have you visited Destin? We’d love to hear your favorite family memories from the area! Reach out to us on Instagram or Substack and join the conversation. Subscribe to The Family Vacationer wherever you get your podcasts and keep your passports and hearts open for your next adventure!

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• Isle of Palms, SC

  Episode 188 – Isle of Palms, South Carolina We’re making our next stop on The Family Vacationer’s tour of the Best Beach Towns in the US — and this time, we’re heading to a barrier island paradise just outside Charleston, South Carolina. The Isle of Palms is known for its wide, family-friendly beaches, charming local restaurants, and laid-back coastal vibe. Joining Rob is Alex Stone, President of the Isle of Palms Chamber of Commerce and CEO of Island Realty, to share insider tips on where to stay, what to do, and how to make the most of your visit. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why Isle of Palms offers the perfect mix of small-town charm and modern conveniencesFamily-friendly lodging options, from cozy cottages to resort staysThe unique character of Isle of Palms beaches and their kid-friendly tidal poolsActivities for kids, teens, and adults — from paddleboarding to shark tooth huntingLocal dining spots you won’t want to missDay trip ideas to Charleston, Sullivan’s Island, and beyondExpert tips to help you plan and book your perfect beach getaway Links from this episode: Visit Isle of Palms – Official visitor informationIsland Realty – Vacation rentals and lodging optionsCharleston Area Visitors Bureau – Regional attractions and events Coming Soon: Rob’s first Family Vacationer book! Packed with stories, tips, and inspiration to help you create unforgettable family travel memories. Stay tuned here and on our socials for the release date.

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