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 trip
• His 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 rounds
• How ADHD impacts Chase’s travel experience—and how to help teens like him stay grounded
• Why 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."

🎙️ 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

Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

👉 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!”