Family Travel Radio
Eighty Family Travel Radio podcast episodes were recorded up through June of 2020. The information provided within each is invaluable; however, please keep in mind that the majority of it was recorded prior to COVID-19 shutdowns and restrictions. Enjoy the content below and stay tuned for new episodes in the future!
Inclusive family vacations: LGBTQ families
— Episode 80
Family Travel Radio believes in family vacations where all are welcome. Today’s guest helped pioneer vacation planning for LGBTQ families and their friends.
Family travel anytime: Virtual travel activities for kids
— Episode 79
Family travel isn’t canceled! Virtual travel allows your family to explore the world together—even when you’re not able to travel.
Safe family vacations: Dude ranches
— Episode 78
Learn why dude ranches are the ultimate all-inclusive vacation for families. They are also a great COVID19 vacation option for many different reasons.
Puddles, passports, and a pandemic
— Episode 77
The Sparrow family was prepared for just about anything when they left home in September 2019 for a trip around the world. One thing the San Antonio, Texas, family wasn’t ready for was a global pandemic.
The most interesting man in St. Louis explains the art of family adventure
— Episode 76
Derek Loudermilk speaks about moving a family to a new country, running a business remotely, and building community while traveling
A New York City family finds solace in the Ohio suburbs
— Episode 75
Facing the growing threat of coronavirus in mid-March, Brittany Baron and her husband Mike left their apartment in New York City with their three boys and took refuge at her in-laws home in Ohio.
Taking family time at home with LiLing Pang of Trekaroo
— Episode 74
Today we check in with LiLing Pang from her family’s home in Pacifica, CA. The coronavirus may have grounded family travel, but it can’t take away your family time. We hope you’ll join us in taking this time together to discover new ways to engage with the world—from a distance.
From wandering the world to wondering what’s next
— Episode 73
We check in with Kevin Wagar from WanderingWagars.com. Kevin and his family are currently quarantined in their home after returning from a family trip to Egypt.
Travel will go on w/Greg Kaminsky
— Episode 72
A quick check-in with Greg Kaminsky, co-founder of R Family Vacations — the first company to offer customized vacations for LGBT families and friends.
Absolutely necessary family travel – Live from the road with Erin Kirkland
— Episodes 68-71
For the foreseeable future, Family Travel Radio will focus on how social distancing due to the coronavirus threat is impacting how families are engaging with the world—and with each other.
Follow the Family Travel Association’s Facebook page for a series of discussions about how real families are making the best of a difficult situation while being socially responsible and staying healthy.
Receive an alert when we go live by turning notifications on here: https://www.facebook.com/familytravelassociation/
Engaging with the world—from a distance
— Episode 67
For the foreseeable future, Family Travel Radio will focus on how social distancing due to the coronavirus threat is impacting how families are engaging with the world—and with each other.
Follow the Family Travel Association’s Facebook page for a series of discussions about how real families are making the best of a difficult situation while being socially responsible and staying healthy.
Receive an alert when we go live by turning notifications on here: https://www.facebook.com/familytravelassociation/
Embracing the unexpected & facing the unknown
— Episode 66
Fearlessly traveling the world with her son who has cerebral palsy taught this mom a priceless lesson about embracing the unexpected and facing the unknown.
Will YOUR legacy keep traveling?
— Episode 65
Positively influencing the way a child experiences the world creates a legacy that will travel on long after you’re gone.
What will your travel legacy be? Family Travel Radio wants to know.
Families are traveling iNSIDE Europe
— Episode 64
One trip to Europe can change the way your family sees the world forever.
This episode takes you iNSIDE what matters (and what doesn’t) when planning your family’s first European family adventure.
The Family Travel Experts Go Live!
— Episode 63
This episode features two amazing moms discussing the many challenges families face when planning vacations.
The discussion, moderated by Richard D’Ambrosio, was recorded during an FTA Facebook Live event.
Real Families Talk Real Travel
— Episode 62
A five-part episode featuring brief interviews with real families about why family vacations are so important—even when they don’t go exactly according to plan…
Take the pledge to prioritize family vacations at TakeFamilyTime.com
Taking Family Time is Taking Off! — Episode 61
The #TakeFamilyTime pledge has clearly struck a nerve with families.
Take the pledge to prioritize family vacations at TakeFamilyTime.com
Pledging to Take Family Time — Episode 60
The FTA is rewarding families who commit to prioritizing family vacations.
Take the pledge to prioritize family vacations at TakeFamilyTime.com
Ancestry Travel: Exploring Your Family’s Heritage — Episode 59
Where in the world are your family’s roots?
Ancestry travel allows your family to explore the world with a purpose—to learn about the people and places that contribute to your heritage.
Nuggets of Family Travel Advice — Episode 58
With her endless nuggets of family travel advice, Ranjana Armstrong is changing the way families see (and hear) the world.
Truth About Family Travel Blogs — Episode 57
Do you read blogs to help with travel planning? By better understanding how travel blogs work, we can get a better handle on how, and if, to use the information we find in blogs when planning our family trips.
Family Glamping: Comfortably Wild Vacations — Episode 55
Prepare yourself for uncommon adventure, as the “World’s Longest Honeymooners” share their favorite glamping spots for families in North America.
Family Bonding Through Vagabonding — Episode 54
The Scott family simplified their lives by focusing less on comfort and more on what is most important to them: exploring the world and spending time together.
Mega-ship cruising: Is it right for your family? – Episode 53
Maybe you’re just not the mega-ship cruising type? It’s OK—you’re not alone.
Finland for Families – Episode 52
No matter what time of year, one-of-kind experiences await your family in Finland.
FTR Live! Making Learning Fun for Kids – Episode 51
This episode was recorded in front of a live audience at the Family Travel Association Summit at Custer State Park in South Dakota. Tune in for three unique perspectives about how the travel industry is incorporating educational opportunities into family travel experiences.
Adding Vision to Youth’s Lives – Episode 49
Teach your kids to be proud of where they come from and to take that same pride out into the world.
A Life-Changing Year Abroad – Episode 48
Raising global children means bringing travel into their education—and education into their travel.
Embracing the Tingles in Your Belly – Episode 47
Lily Huckleberry just might be your kids’ new best friend. Meet the author behind the popular children’s book character who encourages kids to be curious about the world and always ready for adventure.
From Dream to Reality: Round-the-World Trips for Families – Episode 46
Ready to dream bigger?
Visit Airtreks.com/FTR and take the first step towards making your dream of a round-the-world trip with your family a reality.
Affordable Outdoor Family Adventures – Episode 45
Affordable, adventurous family-friendly vacations full of natural beauty and outdoor activities abound in and around our national public lands.
Family Cruising with Norwegian – Episode 44
Ready to set sail? Enjoy two unique perspectives on the cruise experience on one of the most popular cruise lines for families.
Creating Your Travel Legacy – Episode 43
Travel like your legacy depends on it (because it does!).
Many years ago, Aaron Schlein’s grandmother gave him a generous gift: the gift of travel. Today, Aaron honors her legacy by sharing that gift with his own kids—and by helping other parents do the same.
What will your travel legacy be?
Families Traveling by Piggyback – Episode 42
One innovative product is helping families travel further, climb higher, and explore longer—all while smiling ear-to-ear.
Aaron Schlein chats with Bryan Lifshitz, the co-creator of the Piggyback Rider, a product that helps young children and children with special needs experience more of the world than ever before.
Affection for Planning Disney Vacations – Episode 41
Endless adventures lie beyond the horizon. A genuine affection for Disney inspired Kim Anwar to help families make their own magical memories.
Best National Parks for Families – Episode 40
Plan a visit to a U.S. National Park!
When it comes to bang for your family vacation buck, U.S. National Parks are tough to beat. In this episode, we dive deep into several of the best National Parks for families.
Why Family Vacations Matter – Episode 39
There’s just something incredible about family vacations.
Family Travel Radio is excited to announce the launch of #TakeFamilyTime, an advocacy campaign that highlights the importance of traveling as a family. #TakeFamilyTime also raises awareness about the alarming trend of American parents not using all their vacation days.
Waving the Family Travel Banner with Rainer Jenss (from the Dramatic Travels Vault) – Episode 38
Ready for a little slice of history?
This episode features the first conversation ever between Family Travel Association founder Rainer Jenss and podcast host Aaron Schlein. It was this very conversation that ultimately led to the creation of Family Travel Radio, which launched just a few months later. Aaron’s interview with Rainer originally aired in May 2018 on Dramatic Travels.
Kids Are a Trip! With Kirsten Maxwell- Episode 37
Step into the vault!
For the month of July, we’ll be featuring archived interviews from Dramatic Travels—the podcast that spawned Family Travel Radio. This week’s episode features Kirsten Maxwell from Kids are a Trip in an interview from September 2018.
Meaningful Family Vacations with Patricia Monahan – Episode 36
Step into the vault! All month, we’ll be featuring archived interviews from Dramatic Travels—the podcast that spawned Family Travel Radio.
This episode features Patricia Monahan from Our Whole Village in an interview from June 2018.
Taking your kids outside their comfort zone with Caz Makepeace – Episode 35
Step into the vault! All month, we’ll be featuring archived interviews from Dramatic Travels—the podcast that spawned Family Travel Radio.
This episode features Caz Makepeace from ytravelblog.com in an interview from May 2018.
Seeing the World Again Through a Child’s Eyes with Johnny Jet – Episode 34
Step into the vault! All month, we’ll be featuring archived interviews from Dramatic Travels—the podcast that spawned Family Travel Radio.
This week’s episode features new dad Johnny Jet from JohnnyJet.com in an interview from February 2018.
Living Proof That Families Can Travel Better, Longer and More Often – Episode 33
Head into summer with some travel hacking tips from one of the best in the business.
Family Vacations for Intrepid Travelers – Episode 32
Taking your kids to off-the-beaten-path destinations is absolutely possible and delivers an opportunity for shared adventure and growth. Discover what separates intrepid family adventures from other types of vacations.
You Can Take Your Kids Everywhere! – Episode 31
Take your kids everywhere (seriously!)
Eric Stoen is just your typical dad–who happens to have traveled to all seven continents with his kids. Tune in and learn how you can do the same.
Family Adventure Planning in the Real World – Episode 30
Family adventures await!
Having a trusted travel advisor in your corner makes it easier to step outside your comfort zone.
Family Vacations With Purpose: Discover Corps – Episode 29
Rekindle your global citizenship and immerse yourself in a purpose-filled vacation.
Vacations with Purpose are for families and friends! Each trip includes comfortable accommodations, flexibility, and fun–all while spending time volunteering with local organizations.
Traveling with Other People’s Kids: The Niece Project – Episode 28
You don’t have to have your own kids to share the gift of travel.
No kids of your own? No problem! Traveling with your nieces and nephews is a wonderful way to build relationships with them.
Capturing Family Vacation Memories – Episode 27
There are a few key ingredients that go into creating lasting family vacation memories.
Journey Jotter Books helps you build a travel journal as unique as your child, no matter what your destination or budget.
Mother and Daughter Vacations – Episode 26
Don’t wait until those rocky teen years start taking one-on-one trips with your kids.
In celebration of Mother’s Day, this episode of Family Travel Radio is all about planning and taking mother/daughter vacations. Family travel writer and podcaster Tamara Gruber is our guest.
Britain With Kids: Moments That Mattered – Episode 25, Part 5
This episode is part of Aaron Schlein’s podcast series recapping a real-life family adventure through London and the UK.
In this final installment, Aaron recaps the moments that mattered most from his family’s trip to Britain.
Family Accommodations in Britain: The AirBnB Experience – Episode 25, Part 4
This episode is part of Aaron Schlein’s podcast series recapping a real-life family adventure through London and the UK.
In this episode, Aaron discusses things to consider when selecting an Airbnb for your family in Britain.
Britain From Behind the Wheel – Episode 25, Part 3
This episode is part of Aaron Schlein’s podcast series recapping a real-life family adventure through London and the UK.
In this episode, Aaron discusses tips and tactics for driving in Britain with your family. He goes into great detail about overcoming the challenge of driving on the left side of the road.
A Family Day Trip to Stonehenge – Episode 25, Part 2
This episode is part of Aaron Schlein’s podcast series recapping a real-life family adventure through London and the UK.
In this episode, Aaron discusses his family’s full-day road trip to Stonehenge. Was it worth it?
Exploring London With Kids – Episode 25, Part 1
This episode is part of Aaron Schlein’s podcast series recapping a real-life family adventure through London and the UK.
In this episode, Aaron discusses how jet lag impacted the start of his family’s trip as well as the highs and lows of exploring London with his kids.
Britain: A Practically Perfect Family Vacation – Episode 24
Family Travel Radio is headed to Britain!
Be sure to subscribe to the podcast if you haven’t already. Aaron is also taking over the FTA’s social media during his family’s trip to London.
Fiji: Where Happiness Finds Your Family – Episode 23
A transformational experience awaits your family in Fiji. Take home beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.
Autism-Friendly Family Vacations – Episode 22
Travel is possible for ALL families—even for those with disabilities.
Many travel agents and destinations are becoming accessible to families with children with Autism and other Special Needs. There are more family vacation options than ever before!
Ethical Animal Experiences for Families – Episode 21
What better way to connect with your family on vacation than by sharing a volunteer adventure overseas!?
Animal Experience International offers safe, ethical, and authentic volunteer experiences. They only partner with locally run conservation and animal programs and make sure that all volunteering absolutely does help the animals and the environment.
Finding the Right Resort For Your Family – Episode 20
What is your family’s ideal resort experience?
Family Scuba Diving Vacations – Episode 19
Family SCUBA vacations are easy, fun, and memorable for everyone.
At Kids Sea Camp, you can help save sharks from extinction, restore ancient corals, explore sunken wrecks, jungle bike through a 200-year-old sugar plantation, take off on a magical cruise around Darwin’s Arch, kayak the Rock Islands of Palau and dive below the majestic Pitons of St. Lucia.
Family Accommodations: Resort Residences – Episode 18
Resort residences offer families the space of a home and the amenities of a hotel—without the commitment of a timeshare.
Barcelona for Families – Episode 17
Barcelona is family friendly and a great experience for kids of all ages.
This episode is all about Barcelona, Spain for families. If you’re planning a family vacation to Spain, be sure to include Barcelona! Barcelona also makes a great option when you have just a week in the winter or spring.
Family Cruise Vacations: There’s Something For Everyone! – Episode 16
Show your kids the world. Unpack once.
Once upon a time, cruising was reserved for the very wealthy. These days, cruise ships have become destinations of their own with lovely accommodations, top-notch dining, and activities for the whole family. Throw in a few exotic ports of call, and the question becomes: is there a better family vacation?
Fearlessly Planning a Family Vacation – Episode 15
You don’t have to lose your mind planning the perfect family vacation.
Sally Black from VacationKids.com demonstrates how she helps her clients fearlessly navigate the planning of a multi-generational trip. This episode was recorded live on stage at the New York Times Travel Show in New York City.
Affordable and Fun International Air Travel for Families – Episode 14
One airline is changing the game when it comes to affordable international family vacations.
Norwegian Air offers irresistibly low fares that allow parents to take their kids overseas without breaking the bank—or sacrificing safety and comfort. Anders Lindström joins us to chat about everything you need to know about your Norwegian Air experience.
We’ll also check out a fun new book from Lonely Planet Kids that prepares little ones for air travel by teaching them all about how airports work.
I Love NY Family Vacations – Episode 13
New York State is the ideal vacation destination for families with fun and unique experiences for all ages and interests from year-round outdoor activities, to cultural institutions, to exciting adventures, to one-of-a-kind, world-class attractions that you can’t find anywhere else.
Ross Levi, Executive Director and Vice President of the Division of Tourism at Empire State Development, leads the iconic I LOVE NEW YORK tourism program and helps coordinate marketing efforts to increase awareness and promote statewide tourism visitation.
Affordable Family Vacations: Mindset is the Key – Episode 12
Life-changing family vacations don’t have to break the bank. Make every day an adventure, and your kids will love being wherever they are.
In this episode, Erin Kirkland joins us to discuss affordable family vacations that don’t forsake adventure or meaningful experiences. Erin is an author, freelance writer, and Alaska’s only family travel journalist. Her guidebook series titled Alaska On the Go is required reading for families exploring the 49th state with children.
Accessible Family Vacations: Traveling “Curb Free” With Cory Lee – Episode 11
Family Travel Radio is all about helping families overcome obstacles that limit family vacation options. Today we tackle one of those obstacles head on: accessibility.
Cory was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy at the age of two, and doctors told Sandy that he would never walk. Did that stop them from traveling the world together?
Nope.
Cory and Sandy have visited six continents together. While it may be difficult at times, they’re determined to show others that anything is possible with enough determination.
The Secrets To Traveling With Reluctant Teens – Episode 10
Can it be true? Your teenager says he would rather spend time with friends than travel with you. Here’s how to take the vacation of a lifetime with your reluctant teen.
In this episode of Family Travel Radio, we’re speaking with a leading authority on traveling with teens who don’t want to travel with you. Shellie Bailey-Shah from KidTripster holds nothing back in talking about why teenagers may not want to travel with their parents. Then, Shellie shares nine specific actions you can take to win over your disinterested teen.
Dude Ranch Vacations for Families – Episode 9
Dude Ranch vacations offer authentic, transformational experiences for children and adults.
Flying with babies and toddlers – Episode 8
Flying with babies and toddlers is about more than just survival.
In this episode of Family Travel Radio, we’re tackling one of the greatest fears for parents when it comes to travel: flying with babies and toddlers. Trish McDermott joins us to share her hard-won wisdom about savoring the experience of flying with your tiniest travelers.
Multi-Generational Travel: Making The Most Of Your Most Valuable Assets – Episode 7
Experience the magic that happens when the generations come together for an unforgettable family trip.
Whether it’s simple or exotic, the shared experience of a family vacation is a powerful way to bring the generations together. In this episode, travel adviser Jessica Griscavage shares the best ways to plan your multi-generational family trip and start making memories.
Off the Beaten Path: Washington, DC & Dingle, Ireland – Episode 6
Family Travel Radio is veering off the main road to explore the hidden treasures that await your family in Washington, DC and Dingle, Ireland.
Emerging Family Destinations: Cuba, Iceland & Zimbabwe – Episode 5
Cuba, Iceland, and Zimbabwe may not immediately jump into your mind when you think about ideal family travel destinations. That is about to change.
This episode was recorded in front of a live audience at the 2018 Family Travel Association Summit in Bermuda.
Family Road Trips: Bring Back the Magic – Episode 4
Family Travel Radio is hitting the highway to rediscover the magic of the family road trip.
Today on Family Travel Radio, we’re talking about family road trips. Caroline Beteta from Visit California shares several of her favorite family adventures on the roads of the Golden State, as well as some exciting news about one of California’s most iconic highways.
Later, we’ll chat with the “King of the Road Trip” himself, author Richard Ratay. Richard shares some of his secrets for recreating the magical family road trips of yesteryear.
Unique Tours: Wild Africa & Mystical Peru – Episode 3
Discover two unique and life-changing family tours in this first installment of the “Unique Tours” series on Family Travel Radio.
Kelly Rossiter from Tauck is our guide as we travel to Africa for a life-changing family safari. Then, we’ll head to mystical Peru and explore the wondrous Machu Picchu with our kids.
Angkor Wat & Ancient Wonders for Families – Episode 2
Explore the temples of Angkor Wat and other ancient wonders with your family in this episode of Family Travel Radio.
Today on Family Travel Radio, we’re traveling to one of the majestic ancient wonders of the world—the temples of Ankor Wat in Cambodia.
Family Travel Radio is on the Air! – Episode 1
Aaron Schlein chats with FTA President & Founder, Rainer Jenss, about his vision for Family Travel Radio.
Family Travel Radio helps families like yours discover the world of possibilities that family travel has to offer. At the Family Travel Association, we celebrate the power travel has to change children’s lives. We’re here to deliver the inspiration and information you need to share the power of travel with the children in your life.
Succession Planning for Your Family Business
Family businesses can be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling for all involved. From growing up and seeing other family members work hard each day to joining a family business through marriage, there’s a lot of pride that comes from having a sta
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Social Media Best Practices for Tour Operators
Social media can be a powerful tool, but only if you know how to use it right. In a Family Travel Association Lunch & Learn with Tamay Shannon, Social Media Strategist and Founder of W2S Marketing, we looked at how you can effectively use socia
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Universal Orlando Resort Unveils New Details About the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
The destination’s third installment of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is coming to Universal Epic Universe in 2025. In 2025, Universal Orlando Resort will debut its third captivating installment of its wildly popular Harry Potter-themed la
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FTA Member Spotlight: Dude Ranch Association
The Dude Ranch Association has been around for nearly 100 years, and it’s just as relevant as ever. In fact, these relatively secluded, nature-filled destinations were perfect for the era of social distancing, and families continue to see the benef
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Six Flags and Cedar Fair Complete Merger
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, now the largest and most diverse amusement park operator in North America, has announced the successful completion of the merger of equals between Cedar Fair and former Six Flags, effective July 1, 2024. The combi
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Step Into Bluey’s World, Opening in Brisbane in November 2024
The eagerly anticipated Bluey’s World is set to open in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia on November 7, 2024, offering families an unforgettable Bluey adventure. Bluey’s World is a one-of-a-kind, immersive experience that will take visitor
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FTA Member Spotlight: Amazing Ecuador
Amazing Ecuador was founded by Paúl Peralvo and Belén Sandoval out of a love for their beautiful country. This husband and wife duo went to school for ecotourism and tourism business administration respectively, and have joined forces (along with t
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New Rule to Save Airline Passengers Millions in Hidden Junk Fees
Rule will save consumers over half a billion dollars each year in expensive, unexpected baggage, change, and cancellation fees by requiring airlines to make these costs clear upfront. The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a final rule to prot
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Are You Ready for National Travel and Tourism Week?
The annual celebration underscores travel’s essential role in driving our nation’s economy, cultivating vibrant communities and forging connections. You may already have your calendars marked, but if you didn’t, be sure you’re
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Meet the Board: Jenn Lee
Jenn Lee, Travel Planners International’s VP of Industry Engagement and Support, isn’t shy about her obsession for guiding and leading today’s entrepreneurial-minded travel advisor community. So, it was a natural fit for her to join the board o
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Meet the Board: Stephanie Lee
Stephanie Lee is the founder of Host Agency Reviews (HAR), a website that connects over 70k visitors a month to travel industry resources. HAR helps people looking to join the travel industry the roadmap to successfully start and grow their travel ag
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Meet the Board: Tamara Gruber
A former marketing executive, Tamara Gruber launched We3Travel.com in 2013 to share her passion for family travel. Now a travel writer and podcaster based in New England, Gruber works to make it easier for others to plan vacations by providing de
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