Episode 197: Explore America — 250 Places to Go in 2026 with Erin Gifford
Release Date: October 2025
Hosts: Rob & Traci Jones
Guest: Erin Gifford — Travel Writer & Creator of Explore America: 250 Places to Go in 2026
Episode Overview
America turns 250 years old in 2026, and what better way to celebrate than by hitting the open road? From legendary landmarks like Mount Rushmore and The Alamo to wonderfully weird stops like Lucy the Elephant in New Jersey, Rob and Traci are joined by travel writer Erin Gifford to explore the first 25 destinations featured in her brand-new guide, Explore America: 250 Places to Go in 2026.
In this inspiring, laughter-filled conversation, Erin shares her family’s cross-country road trips, her favorite historic and quirky spots, and how parents can make travel educational and fun for kids of all ages.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode
- How Erin’s 7½-week family road trip across the U.S. sparked her mission to see all 50 states (Hawaii is next!)
- Why 2026’s America 250 celebration is the perfect reason to plan a once-in-a-lifetime family trip
- Erin’s favorite kid-friendly destinations — from mermaids in Florida to buffalo safaris in South Dakota
- Tips for keeping kids engaged on long road trips
- How to balance “learning stops” like The Alamo or Gettysburg with pure fun like Wall Drug or Weeki Wachee Springs
- Her “Must-Do Checklist” method for stress-free trip planning
- The value of documenting family trips — and how a simple photo book can keep memories alive for years
About Our Guest: Erin Gifford
Erin Gifford is a travel writer and founder of GoHikeVirginia.com, a site dedicated to family-friendly trails and outdoor adventures in Virginia. She’s written for The Washington Post, AFAR, The Saturday Evening Post, and Costco Connection, and has authored several Falcon Guides, including Hiking with Kids: Virginia and Coastal Trails of Delaware, Maryland & Virginia.
Her newest project, Explore America: 250 Places to Go in 2026, celebrates the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday with 250 handpicked destinations—historic sites, national parks, small towns, and roadside oddities—perfect for families looking to explore all corners of the country.
Get the free preview and sign up for updates: 250Places.com
Follow Erin on Instagram: @byErinGifford
Rob’s Upcoming Book
Rob’s debut book, The Family Vacationer: A Parent’s Guide to Meaningful Travel, releases November 11, 2025!
Stay tuned for preorder information coming soon.
Big News — Episode 200 Celebration!
Join Rob and Traci for a live recording of our 200th episode in Orlando on December 15, 2025!
More details and ticket information coming soon at thefamilyvacationer.live and on Instagram @thefamilyvacationer.
Episode Quote
“Even if you think your kids aren’t paying attention, they’ll remember those road trip moments — the views, the laughs, the ice cream stops. That’s the magic of family travel.” — Erin Gifford
Resources & Links Mentioned
- Explore America: 250 Places to Go in 2026 — 250Places.com
- GoHikeVirginia.com — Erin’s hiking and outdoor adventure site
- National Park Junior Ranger Program — nps.gov/kids
- Mount Rushmore National Memorial — nps.gov/moru
- Weeki Wachee Springs State Park — weekiwachee.com
- Pima Air & Space Museum — pimaair.org
Connect with The Family Vacationer
- Website: thefamilyvacationer.live
- Instagram: @thefamilyvacationer
- Facebook: The Family Vacationer Podcast
The Family Vacationer
The Family Vacationer is a weekly podcast helping families travel smarter, spend better, and create lasting memories together. Hosted by Rob and Traci, the show features expert interviews, real-life stories, and practical tips for planning meaningful, family-first adventures. From hidden gems to budget hacks, it's a must-listen for parents who want stress-free, joy-filled travel.
Meet the Hosts
Growing up, Rob Jones mainly traveled to Florida for vacation. Those family trips to Orlando and the Gulf Coast are cherished memories that influence him to this day. His entire professional career has involved travel. From working in the music business to event marketing, Rob has traveled to 46 states and five countries. Rob has been married to his wife, Traci, for 16 years and they love to travel with their three children: Ruthie, Nash, and Chase.
Traci's been shaking up the Dawson County School System for four years now, injecting it with her unique brand of energy and enthusiasm. When she's not molding young minds, you'll find her co-conspiring with her sister at Seasonal Events and Design—because who doesn't love a good party?
She's a self-proclaimed beach aficionado, never meeting a sandy shore she didn't instantly click with. And let's not forget her partner-in-crime for the past eighteen years, Rob, who's been keeping up with her antics and their three beautiful troublemakers—Ruthie, Chase, and Nash. Together, they're a whirlwind of chaos, laughter, and love.
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