🎙 Episode 174: Travel for Every Body
Guest: Jennifer Allen, Wonders Within Reach
On this episode of The Family Vacationer, Rob welcomes back Jennifer Allen from Wonders Within Reach, a passionate advocate, writer, and mom to three who’s reshaping the conversation around accessible family travel.
From accessible national parks and theme parks to unexpected small towns doing big things for inclusion, Jennifer shares practical advice, inspiring stories, and essential resources for families traveling with mobility, sensory, or medical needs. Whether you're planning your first accessible getaway or looking to broaden your perspective on inclusive travel, this episode is packed with real talk and hopeful solutions.
🌟 In This Episode:
- The biggest misconceptions about accessible travel
- Top U.S. destinations and national parks that are leading the way
- What theme parks are getting right—and where they’re falling short
- Honest insights about air travel, gear, and accommodations
- How Jennifer’s family became "guinea pigs" for making travel more inclusive
- Resources, blogs, and apps to help plan accessible adventures
✈️ Key Takeaways:
- Accessibility starts with information: Many places are more inclusive than they appear—but poor online info holds families back
- Start small and plan smart: Less is more when creating an accessible, enjoyable itinerary
- Advocacy matters: Jennifer and her family work directly with destinations to improve access for all travelers
🔗 Resources Mentioned:
- Wonders Within Reach
- RentABLE
- Wheel the World
- National Ability Center
- TravelAbility’s Accessible Travel Map
📱 Connect with Jennifer:
- Website: wonderswithinreach.com
- Instagram: @wonderswithinreach
If you or someone you know is hesitant about traveling with a disability—this episode is your permission slip to go. Inclusion isn’t just a checkbox, it’s an invitation. And Jennifer shows us how to accept it.
👉 Subscribe, rate & review the show wherever you listen, and follow us on Instagram and Substack for more family travel inspiration.
🎒 Keep your hearts and your passports open — and we’ll see you out there.
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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