Episode 198: The Family Travel Reset

Episode Overview

If your family vacations have started to feel a little too predictable — the same beach, the same rental, the same “are we even relaxed?” feeling when you get home — it might be time for a reset.

In Episode 198, Rob shares how to press pause on autopilot travel and rediscover the why behind your family’s adventures. It’s not about the next destination — it’s about what you hope to bring home: connection, laughter, and stories worth retelling.

Inspired by his upcoming book, The Family Vacationer: A Parent’s Guide to Meaningful Travel (coming November 11, 2025), Rob introduces the concept of The Family Travel Reset — a simple, practical way to make travel more intentional, more joyful, and a whole lot less stressful.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why families fall into “autopilot travel” — and how to break free
• The one question to ask before planning your next vacation: What do we really want from this trip?
• How to balance structure and spontaneity to create real connection
• The three easiest ways to reset your family’s travel mindset
• A personal story from Disney that changed how Rob plans trips forever
• A simple “Family Travel Check-In” you can do this week to reconnect and reset

Three Easy Ways to Start Your Family Travel Reset

1. Involve your kids in the planning.
2. Ask them what they want out of the trip — more pool time, less rushing, more freedom. When kids feel heard, everyone’s happier on the road.
3. Build in slow mornings.
4. Vacations shouldn’t feel like a race. Linger over breakfast, explore without an agenda, and let curiosity lead the day.
5. Redefine success.
6. Instead of asking, “Did we check everything off?” try “Did we laugh together today?” Because that’s what really matters.

Favorite Quote from This Episode

“Meaningful travel isn’t about doing more — it’s about feeling more.” — Rob Jones

From Rob’s Upcoming Book

This episode pulls from several chapters of Rob’s forthcoming book,

The Family Vacationer: A Parent’s Guide to Meaningful Travel,

releasing November 11, 2025.

The book is filled with stories, practical strategies, and gentle encouragement for parents who want travel to be less about logistics and more about connection.

Preorder information coming soon!

This Week Comes with Homework!

Do a quick Family Travel Check-In:

• Ask everyone: What’s your favorite travel memory we’ve ever made together?
• Then ask: What would make our next trip even better?

Their answers might surprise you — and might be the key to your own Family Travel Reset.

Connect with The Family Vacationer

• Instagram & Facebook: @TheFamilyVacationer
• Website: thefamilyvacationer.live
• Email: thefamilyvacationerpodcast@gmail.com

Upcoming Events

Rob’s Book Launch: The Family Vacationer: A Parent’s Guide to Meaningful Travel — coming November 11, 2025

200th Episode Celebration: Join Rob & Traci for a live recording in Orlando on December 15, 2025 — details and tickets available soon!