🎙️ Episode 180: A Kid’s-Eye View of Travel with Nash

In this special episode, Rob and Traci hand the mic over to their son Nash, who shares what travel looks like from a kid’s perspective. From theme parks to veggie straws, Nash covers it all in his own honest, hilarious, and heartwarming way.

Episode 180 starts now.

🧳 What We Talked About:

• Nash’s All-Time Favorite Trip
• Destin, Florida takes the crown for its mix of beach fun, ice cream, and family bonding—including cousins and grandparents!
• Disney World vs. Destin vs. Pigeon Forge
• Nash sets the record straight on sibling preferences, shares his love for Star Wars rides, and admits Tower of Terror might not be as scary as it looks.
• The Perfect Vacation Day (Nash-Style)
• Wake up at 6 AM. Hit Disneyland. Eat seafood. Sleep by 10 PM. No fireworks needed.
• Road Trip Hacks for Kids (By a Kid)
• 🎵 Blast music (until the grown-ups complain)
• 🎧 Bring headphones
• 🍿 Favorite snack? Veggie straws and gas station goodies
• Kid’s Travel Wisdom:
• Always pack headphones
• Pick a family meetup spot in case you get lost
• Don’t trust strangers—only go with someone who knows your secret family code
• Rapid-Fire Reviews:
• Disney World: Loves Star Wars and thrill rides, meh on food
• Destin: Swimming with cousins, Superman ice cream, hates the waves
• Pigeon Forge: Water parks are awesome, Titanic Museum? Not so much

🎧 Special Guest:

Nash – 9 years old, experienced family traveler, thrill ride connoisseur, and veggie straw enthusiast.

📣 Connect With Us!

Got a young traveler in your family with strong opinions like Nash? We’d love to hear from them!

Send a voice note or message on Instagram or Substack.

🔗 Follow us on Instagram: @thefamilyvacationer

📰 Subscribe on Substack: The Family Vacationer

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👉 Remember to keep your hearts and your passports open. Safe travels, everyone.

🎙️ Episode 179: Wallace, Idaho – History, Adventure & The Center of the Universe

Show Notes:

Looking for your next unforgettable family getaway? In this episode of The Family Vacationer, Rob and Traci head to the historic and quirky town of Wallace, Idaho—a place where silver mining history meets outdoor adventure, small-town charm, and even a claim to being the "Center of the Universe."

Our guest, Shauna Hillman joins us to share what makes this mountain town a hidden gem for family travelers. From biking the famous Route of the Hiawatha, to hiking historic trails like the Pulaski Tunnel Trail, and discovering fascinating local museums, Wallace offers something for every age group.

Shauna gives us a full picture of Wallace’s evolution—from surviving a devastating downtown fire in 1972 and preserving its historic identity, to thriving today as a family-friendly destination surrounded by 600 miles of national forest.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• What makes Wallace a “teacup town” and why its mining roots are still central to the community
• Activities for younger kids, teens, and active families
• The story behind the town’s “Center of the Universe” status
• Must-do experiences like the Route of the Hiawatha bike trail and local festivals
• Unique food and lodging options, including huckleberry treats and historic hotels
• Tips for visiting in all seasons, including winter sports and snowshoeing
• Where to find more info and plan your trip

Featured Attractions:

• Route of the Hiawatha – A scenic, family-friendly bike trail through tunnels and over trestles
• Pulaski Tunnel Trail – A hike honoring heroic firefighting history from the 1910 Great Fire
• Wallace District Mining Museum & Sierra Silver Mine Tour
• Annual Events – Huckleberry Festival, antique car shows, Statehood Day Parade & more
• Local eats – Pizza, ice cream, huckleberry shakes, and family-friendly menus everywhere

Useful Links:

• Wallace Chamber of Commerce: www.wallaceid.fun
• Facebook: Wallace Idaho Chamber
• Sign up for the Wallace Wednesday newsletter at the Chamber site for updates and events.

Subscribe & Connect:

Don’t forget to subscribe to The Family Vacationer, leave us a review, and follow us on Instagram and Substack for even more family travel tips and destination inspiration.

“Remember to keep your hearts and your passports open. Safe travels, everyone!”

🎙️ Episode 178: How to Travel More for Less with Karen Dawkins

Guest: Karen Dawkins, Family Travels on a Budget

Series: Smart Family Travel

If you’ve ever said, “We’d love to travel more, but it’s just not in the budget,” this episode is for you.

Rob sits down with family budget travel expert Karen Dawkins, the creator of Family Travels on a Budget, to share smart, stress-free strategies for getting the most out of your vacation dollar — without sacrificing joy or quality. Karen's no-nonsense, realistic approach has been featured in USA Today, HuffPost, and more.

🎧 In This Episode:

• Why budget travel isn’t about spending the least — it’s about getting the most value
• The #1 mistake families make when trying to save money on vacation
• How to avoid hidden costs like parking, resort fees, and baggage fees
• When and how to book flights and accommodations for maximum savings
• Favorite destinations that are big on fun and low on cost (spoiler: Chattanooga!)
• Travel rewards, loyalty programs, and hacks to stretch your dollars further
• Creative ways to save on food without skipping great meals
• The best places to find free and low-cost activities
• All-inclusive resorts vs. cultural immersion: how to choose what’s right for your goals
• Why Karen swears by Brits Donuts in Carolina Beach 🍩

🧭 Resources Mentioned:

• Family Travels on a Budget
• Instagram hashtags like #FreeThingsToDoIn{CityName}
• National Park Passes
• City attraction passes (like GoCity or CityPASS)
• Home2 Suites (cat-friendly & family-friendly)
• Costco Travel
• VRBO (transparent pricing & family space)

💬 Final Thought:

“Plan with your goal in mind, not just your destination. Let the experience guide the budget — not the other way around.”

👉 Subscribe, review, and share this episode with friends or family looking to make travel part of their lifestyle — even on a budget.

🎒 Keep your hearts and your passports open — and safe travels from The Family Vacationer!