October 3, 2025 • 9 mins
Episode Description
Rob and Traci share the very first chapter of Rob’s new book The Family Vacationer: A Parent’s Guide to Meaningful Travel. In this special episode, hear the heart behind the book, why family vacations are more important than ever, and how travel creates memories that last a lifetime. Plus, details on the podcast’s upcoming 200th episode celebration at Caribe Royale in Orlando this December.
Show Notes
What if your next family trip could be more than just a vacation? What if it could be truly meaningful?
In this episode of The Family Vacationer Podcast, Rob and Traci pull back the curtain on Rob’s brand-new book, The Family Vacationer: A Parent’s Guide to Meaningful Travel, coming this December. Rob reads the opening chapter, setting the stage for why family vacations matter more than ever in today’s busy, screen-filled world.
You’ll hear:
- The personal story behind why Rob wrote this book.
- How family vacations act as “time capsules” of connection and memory.
- Why it’s not about perfect trips but about being intentional.
- A glimpse at the practical tools, stories, and strategies parents will find in the book.
- Insights from past podcast guests, including Dr. Steven Johnson (Ep. 151), whose family road trip was designed to preserve powerful “sight memories” for his son.
Rob and Traci also share details about the podcast’s upcoming 200th episode celebration happening at Caribe Royale in Orlando this December. If you’re in the area, they’d love to connect with you!
Family travel is messy, unpredictable, and imperfect—but it’s also where some of the most lasting memories are made. This sneak peek will inspire you to see family vacations in a whole new light.
Links & Resources
- Pre-order details for The Family Vacationer: A Parent’s Guide to Meaningful Travel coming soon.
- Listen to Episode 151: A Race Against Blindness with Dr. Steven Johnson for more on meaningful memory-making.
- Join us for our 200th episode celebration at Caribe Royale Orlando the second weekend in December!
👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss future episodes—and updates on the book launch!
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:04):
What if your next family trip could be more than
just a vacation, What if it could be truly meaningful.
Today on The Family Vacationer, Rob will be giving you
a sneak peek at the very first chapter of his
brand new book, coming this December.
Speaker 2 (00:19):
Episode one starts right now.
Speaker 3 (00:23):
Welcome to The Family Vacationer with Robin.
Speaker 1 (00:26):
Tracy, your go to podcast for families.
Speaker 2 (00:29):
On the move. Hey friends, I'm Rob and I'm Tracy.
Speaker 1 (00:35):
Welcome to episode of The Family Vacationer, the podcast helping
families make their travel more meaningful and memorable.
Speaker 3 (00:43):
And today is a really special episode because I get
to share something that I've been working on for what
feels like forever, my new book, The Family Vacationer, A
Parent's Guide to Meaningful Travel, which comes out this December.
Speaker 2 (00:59):
Yes, and we are so excited about it.
Speaker 1 (01:01):
And in this episode, Rob's going to read the very
first chapter so you can get a taste of what
the book is all about. But before we get to that,
a quick reminder, that's right.
Speaker 3 (01:11):
We are also celebrating our two hundredth podcast episode this
December at Caribe Royale in Orlando. We'll be there the
second weekend in December, So if you're going to be
in the Orlando area in that time, or if you
live in the Orlando area, we'd love to connect with you.
It's going to be a really fun milestone celebration.
Speaker 1 (01:31):
All right, Rob, let's talk about this book. What made
you want to write The Family Vacationer in the first place.
Speaker 3 (01:37):
That's a great question and one that I asked myself
repeatedly as I was trying to write it. The podcast
has been such a journey since we started, and it's
taken us to many places that I really didn't expect
it to. I don't have to tell anyone that's listening
how divided our country is right now, our world is
right now, but hopefully one commonality is that we all
(01:58):
love our kids and we want to make as many
positive memories with them as we can. When my dad
passed this past October, I was pulling together pictures to
celebrate his life, and it hit me how many of
those pictures and memories were from our family vacations. Plus,
I was convinced, and my wife would probably agree, I
was doing it wrong. There was one Disney trip, especially
(02:21):
where I was calling down our oldest son, Chase, every
five minutes, and it was making everyone miserable. Tracy, you
and I were bickering because of it, and he has
this meltdown while we're in line to get Mickey's autograph,
and I start chasing him, start chasing him like you know,
Homer Simpson chasing Bart beginning of the Simpsons kind of
(02:43):
thing through the line, and it just it kept hitting me.
There's got to be a better way to do this.
So the podcasts and by extension, the book are about
the search to find that better way.
Speaker 1 (02:56):
And I think that's what's so exciting about the book.
Speaker 2 (02:59):
It's not just a vice.
Speaker 1 (03:00):
It's stories, examples, and strategies that real families can use.
Speaker 2 (03:06):
So without further ado, let's get into it.
Speaker 3 (03:09):
Chapter one, Why family vacations matter more than ever. If
the last few years have taught us anything, it's that
our time together is fragile. It's easy to assume they'll
always be another summer, another school break, another chance to
hit the road. But the truth is there's no guarantee,
(03:30):
and that realization has shaped how I see family vacations.
They're not just getaways, they're time capsules. When I think
about my own childhood, some of my clearest memories with
my dad came from those rare trips we took together
as a family. My dad worked hard, hard enough that
we didn't see him a lot during the week, but
(03:52):
on vacation we saw the full version of him, the funny,
music loving, beach walking version who like floud and told
stories and bad jokes. It stuck with me, not the destination,
but the connection. That's what I want for my kids now,
and it doesn't take a fancy trip or an instagram
(04:14):
worthy itinerary to make that happen. Sometimes it's to look
on their face the first time they see the ocean,
the way everyone finally breathes in unison on a hike,
or even the silence that follows a meltdown once everyone
decides okay, let's reset. Those are the real souvenirs, the
(04:38):
memories that outlast the magnets and the T shirts. We've
spoken with so many people on the podcast who've reinforced
how important family vacations can be. In episode one fifty one,
we spoke with doctor Stephen Johnson about how his family
took a summer road trip through the Pacific Northwest and
Canada to Glacier Nash Park, knowing his son Luke would
(05:02):
lose his vision. The purpose of that trip was to
stockpile powerful visual memories. They stopped for parades, did fossil digs,
visited national parks, all tied to the idea that travel
preserves meaningful memories. And let's be honest, those meaningful memories
are getting harder to create. Between screens, sports, schedules, and
(05:27):
the general pace of modern life. Our families are often
running in parallel, close in proximity, but disconnected in spirit.
Family vacations, even short ones, force us into the same space,
doing the same thing at the same time. That's rare
and powerful. Yes they can be stressful, Yes they can
(05:50):
be expensive, but the value isn't in how often you go.
It's in what you build when you get there. That's
what we've tried to pack on the Family Vacation or podcast,
not just where to go, but how to go with
kids of different ages, with special needs, with limited budgets
and real life constraints. We've had episodes where we dug
(06:13):
deep into those questions. How do you make a trip
fun for everyone in the family, What do you do
when the toddler melts down and the team checks out?
Can you really make meaningful memories when you're sleep deprived
and over caffeinated. There are no perfect answers, but there
are better ways to approach it, and that's what this
(06:35):
book will explore. So if you're ready to trade guilt
for grace, chaos for connection, and perfection for presence, let's
get started.
Speaker 1 (06:46):
I love that, And what really stands out to me
is how approachable it is. It's not about doing everything perfectly.
It's about being intentional and making memories even if things
don't go exactly the way we plan exactly.
Speaker 3 (07:00):
And again, when you read a nonfiction book, I think
there's an assumption from the reader that the person writing
the book is some sort of expert. That is not
the case here. I'm a parent, a dad like many
of you listening, that just wants to connect with my
kids in the era of constant screen consumption. I'm trying
to figure it all out like you are, and trying
to bring in people smarter than me to talk about options.
(07:23):
Family travel is messy, it's unpredictable, but that's part of
the story. What matters is the connection, and that's what
this book is all about. Pointing parents and reminding all
of us to see the bigger picture and present some
potential tools to make travel both fun and meaningful.
Speaker 1 (07:41):
And I know our listeners are going to connect to
this too, because I'm sure, like us, so many of
you have the experience that shrips you remember most weren't
always the biggest or most expensive. They were the ones
with stories that you.
Speaker 2 (07:56):
Still laugh about.
Speaker 3 (07:58):
So here's the deal. The book officially come out in December,
but pre orders are opening really soon. If you've been
following this podcast and you want even more ideas, strategies
and inspiration for making your family trips more intentional, this
book is for.
Speaker 1 (08:14):
You, and you know we'll keep you updated on where
to pre order and how to be the first to
grab a copy.
Speaker 3 (08:20):
And that's going to do it for today's episode. Thanks
so much for letting me share the first chapter of
the Family Vacation or a Parent's Guide to Meaningful Travel.
I can't wait for you to read the rest, and don't.
Speaker 1 (08:31):
Forget We'll be in Orlando at the Karriba Royale the
second weekend in December for our two hundredth episode celebration.
Speaker 2 (08:40):
If you're nearby, drop us a line. We'd love to
see you there.
Speaker 3 (08:44):
Remember folks, keep your passports and your hearts open.
Speaker 1 (08:48):
Safe travels everyone.
Speaker 3 (08:56):
I've got it here, he says. And the hotel spaces,
amusement park rides and water slides, the mountains, ranges and
seasonal changes. I'm here to serve. I'm the Ferry vacation
nes I've got skin full on other beach places and
(09:25):
hotel spaces, amusement park rides and water slides,
What if your next family trip could be more than
just a vacation, What if it could be truly meaningful.
Today on The Family Vacationer, Rob will be giving you
a sneak peek at the very first chapter of his
brand new book, coming this December.
Speaker 2 (00:19):
Episode one starts right now.
Speaker 3 (00:23):
Welcome to The Family Vacationer with Robin.
Speaker 1 (00:26):
Tracy, your go to podcast for families.
Speaker 2 (00:29):
On the move. Hey friends, I'm Rob and I'm Tracy.
Speaker 1 (00:35):
Welcome to episode of The Family Vacationer, the podcast helping
families make their travel more meaningful and memorable.
Speaker 3 (00:43):
And today is a really special episode because I get
to share something that I've been working on for what
feels like forever, my new book, The Family Vacationer, A
Parent's Guide to Meaningful Travel, which comes out this December.
Speaker 2 (00:59):
Yes, and we are so excited about it.
Speaker 1 (01:01):
And in this episode, Rob's going to read the very
first chapter so you can get a taste of what
the book is all about. But before we get to that,
a quick reminder, that's right.
Speaker 3 (01:11):
We are also celebrating our two hundredth podcast episode this
December at Caribe Royale in Orlando. We'll be there the
second weekend in December, So if you're going to be
in the Orlando area in that time, or if you
live in the Orlando area, we'd love to connect with you.
It's going to be a really fun milestone celebration.
Speaker 1 (01:31):
All right, Rob, let's talk about this book. What made
you want to write The Family Vacationer in the first place.
Speaker 3 (01:37):
That's a great question and one that I asked myself
repeatedly as I was trying to write it. The podcast
has been such a journey since we started, and it's
taken us to many places that I really didn't expect
it to. I don't have to tell anyone that's listening
how divided our country is right now, our world is
right now, but hopefully one commonality is that we all
(01:58):
love our kids and we want to make as many
positive memories with them as we can. When my dad
passed this past October, I was pulling together pictures to
celebrate his life, and it hit me how many of
those pictures and memories were from our family vacations. Plus,
I was convinced, and my wife would probably agree, I
was doing it wrong. There was one Disney trip, especially
(02:21):
where I was calling down our oldest son, Chase, every
five minutes, and it was making everyone miserable. Tracy, you
and I were bickering because of it, and he has
this meltdown while we're in line to get Mickey's autograph,
and I start chasing him, start chasing him like you know,
Homer Simpson chasing Bart beginning of the Simpsons kind of
(02:43):
thing through the line, and it just it kept hitting me.
There's got to be a better way to do this.
So the podcasts and by extension, the book are about
the search to find that better way.
Speaker 1 (02:56):
And I think that's what's so exciting about the book.
Speaker 2 (02:59):
It's not just a vice.
Speaker 1 (03:00):
It's stories, examples, and strategies that real families can use.
Speaker 2 (03:06):
So without further ado, let's get into it.
Speaker 3 (03:09):
Chapter one, Why family vacations matter more than ever. If
the last few years have taught us anything, it's that
our time together is fragile. It's easy to assume they'll
always be another summer, another school break, another chance to
hit the road. But the truth is there's no guarantee,
(03:30):
and that realization has shaped how I see family vacations.
They're not just getaways, they're time capsules. When I think
about my own childhood, some of my clearest memories with
my dad came from those rare trips we took together
as a family. My dad worked hard, hard enough that
we didn't see him a lot during the week, but
(03:52):
on vacation we saw the full version of him, the funny,
music loving, beach walking version who like floud and told
stories and bad jokes. It stuck with me, not the destination,
but the connection. That's what I want for my kids now,
and it doesn't take a fancy trip or an instagram
(04:14):
worthy itinerary to make that happen. Sometimes it's to look
on their face the first time they see the ocean,
the way everyone finally breathes in unison on a hike,
or even the silence that follows a meltdown once everyone
decides okay, let's reset. Those are the real souvenirs, the
(04:38):
memories that outlast the magnets and the T shirts. We've
spoken with so many people on the podcast who've reinforced
how important family vacations can be. In episode one fifty one,
we spoke with doctor Stephen Johnson about how his family
took a summer road trip through the Pacific Northwest and
Canada to Glacier Nash Park, knowing his son Luke would
(05:02):
lose his vision. The purpose of that trip was to
stockpile powerful visual memories. They stopped for parades, did fossil digs,
visited national parks, all tied to the idea that travel
preserves meaningful memories. And let's be honest, those meaningful memories
are getting harder to create. Between screens, sports, schedules, and
(05:27):
the general pace of modern life. Our families are often
running in parallel, close in proximity, but disconnected in spirit.
Family vacations, even short ones, force us into the same space,
doing the same thing at the same time. That's rare
and powerful. Yes they can be stressful, Yes they can
(05:50):
be expensive, but the value isn't in how often you go.
It's in what you build when you get there. That's
what we've tried to pack on the Family Vacation or podcast,
not just where to go, but how to go with
kids of different ages, with special needs, with limited budgets
and real life constraints. We've had episodes where we dug
(06:13):
deep into those questions. How do you make a trip
fun for everyone in the family, What do you do
when the toddler melts down and the team checks out?
Can you really make meaningful memories when you're sleep deprived
and over caffeinated. There are no perfect answers, but there
are better ways to approach it, and that's what this
(06:35):
book will explore. So if you're ready to trade guilt
for grace, chaos for connection, and perfection for presence, let's
get started.
Speaker 1 (06:46):
I love that, And what really stands out to me
is how approachable it is. It's not about doing everything perfectly.
It's about being intentional and making memories even if things
don't go exactly the way we plan exactly.
Speaker 3 (07:00):
And again, when you read a nonfiction book, I think
there's an assumption from the reader that the person writing
the book is some sort of expert. That is not
the case here. I'm a parent, a dad like many
of you listening, that just wants to connect with my
kids in the era of constant screen consumption. I'm trying
to figure it all out like you are, and trying
to bring in people smarter than me to talk about options.
(07:23):
Family travel is messy, it's unpredictable, but that's part of
the story. What matters is the connection, and that's what
this book is all about. Pointing parents and reminding all
of us to see the bigger picture and present some
potential tools to make travel both fun and meaningful.
Speaker 1 (07:41):
And I know our listeners are going to connect to
this too, because I'm sure, like us, so many of
you have the experience that shrips you remember most weren't
always the biggest or most expensive. They were the ones
with stories that you.
Speaker 2 (07:56):
Still laugh about.
Speaker 3 (07:58):
So here's the deal. The book officially come out in December,
but pre orders are opening really soon. If you've been
following this podcast and you want even more ideas, strategies
and inspiration for making your family trips more intentional, this
book is for.
Speaker 1 (08:14):
You, and you know we'll keep you updated on where
to pre order and how to be the first to
grab a copy.
Speaker 3 (08:20):
And that's going to do it for today's episode. Thanks
so much for letting me share the first chapter of
the Family Vacation or a Parent's Guide to Meaningful Travel.
I can't wait for you to read the rest, and don't.
Speaker 1 (08:31):
Forget We'll be in Orlando at the Karriba Royale the
second weekend in December for our two hundredth episode celebration.
Speaker 2 (08:40):
If you're nearby, drop us a line. We'd love to
see you there.
Speaker 3 (08:44):
Remember folks, keep your passports and your hearts open.
Speaker 1 (08:48):
Safe travels everyone.
Speaker 3 (08:56):
I've got it here, he says. And the hotel spaces,
amusement park rides and water slides, the mountains, ranges and
seasonal changes. I'm here to serve. I'm the Ferry vacation
nes I've got skin full on other beach places and
(09:25):
hotel spaces, amusement park rides and water slides,
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