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Tech, Teens, & Travel: Finding Balance on the Road

In this episode of TravelEssary, we’re joined by our son, Justin, for a real conversation about life on the road and how we balance technology in our full-time travel lifestyle.

From managing screen time to staying connected with friends and family, we dive into the benefits and challenges of tech while traveling. We share how our family uses technology to enhance our adventures (without letting it take over) and what it’s really like for a teen living life on the move.

You’ll also hear how we plan our travels, make space for unplugged family time, and find joy in exploring new places while still keeping up with school, work, and everything in between.

If you’ve ever wondered how to strike a balance between Wi-Fi and wanderlust, this one’s for you.

🎧 Listen now to hear:

• How our family handles technology on the road
• Justin’s perspective on teen life and travel
• Tips for balancing connection and presence
• How we stay grounded while living life on the go

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The Hidden Benefits of Family Travel
Looking for inspiration for your next family adventure? In this episode of TravelEssary, we explore the real benefits of family travel, from stronger bonds and better communication to building confidence and resilience in kids.

We share stories from our own travels and practical tips for traveling with kids, staying flexible when plans change, and turning every trip into an unforgettable learning experience. This episode will remind you why family adventure travel is one of the best ways to grow together.

🎧 Listen now to discover how exploring the world as a family can shape hearts, minds, and lifelong memories.

#FamilyTravel #TravelWithKids #FamilyAdventure #TravelEssary #RoadTripLife #RVFamily #FamilyBonding #ExploreTogether

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7 Ways to Improve Your Next Vacation

Ready to make your next vacation truly unforgettable? In this episode of TravelEssary, we share seven simple, practical, and game-changing travel tips to help you get the most out of your next trip.

We dive into how to plan your trip without overplanning, pack smarter (and lighter!), find hidden local gems, and wake up early to experience destinations in a whole new way. Plus, we share the importance of building in rest time, capturing memories without missing the moment, and trying something new wherever you go.

As full-time travelers, we also open up about staying safe on the road, maintaining privacy, and embracing every moment of the journey.

If you love family travel, RV life, and exploring the U.S., this episode is packed with inspiration and real-world advice to make your next vacation smoother, safer, and more meaningful.

🎧 Listen now and start planning your best trip yet!

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Top 5 Safest & Most Dangerous U.S. Cities to Visit

Ready to find out which U.S. cities top the charts for safety and which ones land on the other end of the spectrum? In this week’s episode of TravelEssary, we’re diving into the 2025 FBI crime data to uncover the top 5 safest cities and the top 5 most dangerous cities in America.

From big names like Detroit, Baltimore, St. Louis, Oakland, and Memphis (yep, they made the list) to family-friendly havens like Fishers, Indiana; Sammamish, Washington; Johns Creek, Georgia; Newton, Massachusetts; and Weston, Florida, we’re breaking down what makes each city stand out.

Plus, we’re sharing a quick update on our own journey as we transition into full-time travel life in our RV. 🚐✨ If you want to see more behind-the-scenes of our adventures, be sure to check out our TravelEssary YouTube channel.

👉 Tune in, take notes, and let’s explore the safest (and not-so-safe) places across America together.

To take a peak at Misty's book mentioned in the episode, click here - https://a.co/d/gZMCFj8

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Should You Take Toll Roads in the USA? Time, Cost & Travel Advice

In this episode of TravelEssary, we’re diving into the world of American toll roads, a topic that sparks plenty of debate among road trippers. Whether you’re a U.S. resident or an international traveler planning a road trip, understanding toll roads can save you both time and stress.

We kick things off by sharing a fun audience update, highlighting the incredible number of listeners tuning in from outside the U.S., including Australia, India, and the UK. Then we hit the main road (pun intended): toll roads in America.

Here’s what we cover:

• The pros of toll roads – faster travel times, smoother driving conditions, and scenic perks along the way.
• The cons of toll roads – costly fees, limited exits, and the confusion of navigating different state systems.
• Smart strategies for travelers – how to decide when toll roads are worth it, plus practical tips for international visitors hitting the U.S. highways.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear picture of whether toll roads fit your travel style, and how to make the most of your next American road trip.

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Rest Stop Roundup: Exploring America's Rest Areas

In this week’s episode of TravelEssary, we’re hitting the road to talk about one of the most overlooked but essential parts of long-distance travel, America’s rest stops. From simple roadside pull-offs to fully equipped service plazas, we explore the wide variety of stops you’ll encounter across the United States.

We share our experiences with:

• Basic rest areas designed for quick breaks
• Scenic overlooks that double as photo-worthy stops
• Welcome centers packed with travel information
• Service plazas offering food, fuel, and family-friendly amenities
• Truck stops that often surprise with their convenience and comfort

You’ll hear stories from Jeremy's travels through the northern states, where some rest stops are unexpectedly impressive, and we’ll share why these hidden gems make road trips more enjoyable. Plus, we invite listeners to send in recommendations for the best rest stops in the western U.S., places we can’t wait to explore on future trips.

Whether you’re planning a family road trip, full-time RV travel, or a cross-country adventure, this episode will give you new appreciation (and maybe new destinations) for the places where you pull off the highway.

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Welcome to Season 4 of the TravelEssary Podcast! In this kickoff episode, we’re gearing up for the ultimate family road trip across America, and sharing everything you need to know to get road trip ready.

Before you hit the open road, preparation is key. In this episode, we cover essential road trip prep tips every traveler should know:

• ✅ Vehicle Prep – How to check your tires, fluids, and ensure your RV or vehicle is road-ready.
• 💳 Finances & Safety – Why you should notify your bank, plan your budget, and carry some cash for emergencies.
• 🗺️ Travel Tools – The importance of having paper maps as a backup and how apps like GasBuddy can help you save money on fuel.
• 🛡️ Insurance & Coverage – Making sure you’re protected before hitting the highway.

Whether you’re planning a family RV trip, a cross-country road trip, or just a weekend getaway, these tips will help you start your travels with confidence.

👉 Be sure to stick around for next week’s episode, where we’ll dive deeper into the best travel centers, rest stops, and road trip hacks to keep your journey smooth and stress-free.

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TravelEssary Podcast – Season Four Announcement & Updates

Get ready, travelers! In this special episode of the TravelEssary Podcast, we share exciting updates as we wrap up Season 3 and roll into Season 4 of family travel adventures across America.

What’s inside this episode:

• Season 4 Launch – Starting October 1st, we’re officially hitting the road for full-time family travel. Expect more destination guides, U.S. road trip tips, and budget-friendly travel advice for families.
• New Theme Music – Our 18-year-old son Justin composed our brand-new intro! Stick around until the end to hear the full track.
• Book Release – Misty’s new book, Peace Starts Here: A Woman’s Guide to Creating a Restful, Joyful Home, recently hit the Amazon bestseller list. Plus, a companion devotional and journal are on the way. You can check that out here - https://a.co/d/6u2lIoh
• Podcast + YouTube – The podcast will continue with in-depth stories and tips, while our TravelEssary YouTube channel will feature weekly family travel vlogs every Saturday.
• Patreon Community – Join our Patreon for bonus podcast episodes, behind-the-scenes live streams, early access to new content, and exclusive digital downloads.
• Life Updates – From new work setups to a growing family travel bucket list, we’re sharing how this next chapter looks for us on the road.
• Community Call – We want your input! Share your favorite destinations, hidden gems, or family-friendly attractions (especially on the East Coast) for a chance to be featured in an upcoming episode.

Thank you for being part of the TravelEssary family travel community! Season Four is almost here. Join us for more RV life stories, road trips, and U.S. travel adventures.

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You can follow us on:
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Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/TravelEssary