The Family Vacationer

• Hidden Gems of the South: Family Adventures Off the Beaten Path

  🎧 Episode 177: Hidden Gems of the South: Family Adventures Off the Beaten Path Looking for your next unforgettable family getaway without the airport hassle or a sky-high price tag? This week on The Family Vacationer, Rob and Traci welcome Lesli Peterson, founder of 365 Atlanta Traveler, to uncover the best underrated destinations across the Southern U.S. perfect for families seeking flexibility, fun, and meaningful travel experiences. From hiking Georgia’s hidden canyons to exploring the unexpected charm of Huntsville, Alabama, Lesli shares her favorite off-the-beaten-path destinations, travel tips for every age, and why you don’t have to leave the South—or spend a fortune—to have a memorable vacation. Plus, she reflects on her own family’s epic year-long RV adventure and the power of traveling with your kids while they still want to hang out with you. 🎒 In this episode: Why traveling with kids when they’re young matters more than you thinkFavorite lesser-known destinations like Martin County, FL and Henry County, GAThe surprising magic of places like Columbus, GA and Huntsville, ALFamily-friendly festivals you won’t want to miss (yes, even Dragon Con!)Top tips for planning budget vacations using state parksHow to stay flexible and intentional when travel plans go sidewaysThe real reward of travel writing: helping families make memories 🧭 Mentioned in this episode: 365 Atlanta Traveler – 365atlantatraveler.comLittle St. Simons IslandOkefenokee Swamp and Georgia State ParksWire & Wood Songwriters Festival (Alpharetta, GA)Dragon Con Parade (Atlanta, GA)Hot Air Balloon Festival (Helen, GA)Martin County, FLColumbus, GA dining + outdoor rec sceneRV travel tips and national park highlights 👤 Guest: Lesli Peterson is a mom, writer, and founder of 365 Atlanta Traveler, a leading site for family-friendly travel inspiration across Georgia and the Southeast. Her mission is to help families make the most of their time together through meaningful, flexible, and affordable adventures. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review wherever you listen! 📸 Follow us on Instagram @thefamilyvacationer 📰 Get bonus content and episode extras on Substack 🎒 Remember to keep your hearts and your passports open. Safe travels, everyone!

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• The Florida Keys

  🎧 Episode 176: Exploring the Florida Keys with Britt Myers Thinking the Florida Keys is just for grown-ups? Think again! In this episode, Rob chats with Britt Myers—co-founder of Keys Weekly and a passionate local advocate—to uncover what makes this legendary island chain an unexpectedly perfect destination for families. From Key Largo to Key West, Britt helps bust the myth that the Keys are only about rum and Jimmy Buffett. We explore kid-friendly beaches, eco-adventures, cultural gems, amazing eats, and the kind of laid-back island charm that welcomes families with open arms. Whether you're planning your first visit or just looking for a fresh take on this iconic road trip, this episode will inspire you to pack up the kids and hit U.S. 1. 🏝️ In This Episode: Why the Florida Keys are more than just Key West (and more family-friendly than you think)Kid-approved activities like dolphin encounters, kayaking tours, snorkeling, and biking the islandsLocal food highlights including key lime pie, conch fritters, pink shrimp, and fresh seafoodFamily-friendly festivals and seasonal events like lobster mini-season and seafood festsBritt’s must-do recommendations: The Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, eco-tours, and state parksThe arts and music scene in the Keys—including events like the Songwriters Festival and hidden-gem live music spotsHow to get there: Tips on flying into Key West or driving down from Miami 🌐 Resources & Links: Keys Weekly: Your go-to source for local news, events, and family-friendly happenings in the Florida KeysDolphin Research CenterVisit Florida Keys for additional trip planning help ✈️ Takeaway Tip: Don’t just stay put—rent a bike or a golf cart, hop on a boat, or hit the kayaking trails. The Florida Keys are meant to be explored at a laid-back pace with curiosity and an open heart. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review The Family Vacationer! You can also follow us on Instagram and Substack for bonus content and travel inspiration.

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• Decorah, IA

  🎙️ 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: @thefamilyvacationerGet 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.

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• Travel for Every Body: Wonders Within Reach

  🎙 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 travelTop U.S. destinations and national parks that are leading the wayWhat theme parks are getting right—and where they’re falling shortHonest insights about air travel, gear, and accommodationsHow Jennifer’s family became "guinea pigs" for making travel more inclusiveResources, 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 backStart small and plan smart: Less is more when creating an accessible, enjoyable itineraryAdvocacy matters: Jennifer and her family work directly with destinations to improve access for all travelers 🔗 Resources Mentioned: Wonders Within ReachRentABLEWheel the WorldNational Ability CenterTravelAbility’s Accessible Travel Map 📱 Connect with Jennifer: Website: wonderswithinreach.comInstagram: @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.

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• Going

  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 appHow Going’s team of flight experts and proprietary tech work together to find the best airfare dealsThe difference between Going’s free, premium, and elite memberships—and which is best for familiesWhy flexibility is the “secret sauce” when it comes to airfare savingsSmart booking strategies, including:Why searching for fewer seats can yield cheaper faresHow to use the “Goldilocks window” to time your purchasesThe 24-hour cancellation rule families should be taking advantage ofWhy shoulder seasons are your best friend when planning affordable travelWhat mistake fares are—and how to grab one before they disappearReal-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 AppSign Up for a Free or Premium MembershipFollow The Family Vacationer on InstagramSubscribe 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

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