Episode 194: Halloween-Themed Family Travel
Pumpkin patches, ghost stories, trick-or-treating at Disney… Halloween has become more than just a night—it’s a whole travel season! In this episode of The Family Vacationer, Rob and Traci share the best family-friendly destinations and tips for celebrating Halloween in ways that are fun, memorable, and not-too-spooky.
Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:
Historic Halloween Towns – Salem, Massachusetts and Sleepy Hollow, New York, where history and legend come alive every October.
- Theme Park Magic – From Disney’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party to Universal Studios’ daytime family options, plus the fall magic of Dollywood’s Harvest Fest and Great Pumpkin LumiNights.
- Local Adventures – Pumpkin patches, flashlight corn mazes, haunted history tours, and small-town parades that make for easy weekend getaways.
- Practical Tips – Packing costumes in carry-ons, layering for chilly nights, keeping kids safe with glow sticks, and candy-collection hacks to keep little arms from getting tired.
Big News!
- Rob’s book, The Family Vacationer: A Parent’s Guide to Meaningful Travel, is coming out in December! Pre-orders open soon—stay tuned for details.
- We’re celebrating our 200th episode in Orlando at the Caribe Royale the second weekend in December. If you’ll be in Orlando, let us know—we’d love to connect!
Halloween is the perfect excuse to add a little travel to your fall calendar. Whether you’re heading to New England, a theme park, or just the local pumpkin patch, the memories you’ll make will last far longer than the candy.
Listen now and get inspired to plan your family’s spooktacular getaway!
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.
Support Us
If you like the Family Vacationer content and would like to give us a little pat on the back. How about buying us a soda? We'd love that! Rob loves Diet Dr Pepper Strawberry and Blackberry and Traci loved Cherry Coke!