Accessible Travel for All
Helping families with disabilities explore the world together
Episode 109 – The Family Vacationer with Rob and Danny
This week, we’re kicking off 2023 with a conversation that’s close to the heart—and essential for so many families. We’re joined by Jennifer Allen, founder of the blog Wonders Within Reach, to talk about accessible travel for families with children with disabilities. From wheelchair accessibility and air travel logistics to shifting expectations and embracing new travel rhythms, Jennifer shares the hard-earned wisdom and encouragement that every family deserves.
🎙️ In this episode:
- Jennifer’s personal story of adoption and receiving a life-changing diagnosis
- Why the biggest travel hurdle isn’t logistics—it’s mindset
- What makes destinations like Disney and Niagara Falls great starting points for accessible family trips
- Tips for researching accessibility online and why phone calls still matter
- How travel helps build empathy, confidence, and life perspective for all kids—regardless of ability
🧭 Jennifer offers guidance on:
- Navigating flying with a pediatric wheelchair
- Planning around accessibility (bathrooms, transportation, trails, equipment)
- How to ask better questions when websites don’t give enough info
- Why flexibility is as important as planning
- The emotional side of parenting a child with a disability, and how travel helps heal and empower
🌍 A few favorite family destinations mentioned:
- Austria (yes, just riding the train is magical)
- Niagara Falls (yes, it’s more accessible than you think!)
- Altoona, Pennsylvania (yes, because of fried mac and cheese bites)
- Paris, Yosemite, San Francisco, and five European countries—all doable with planning and patience
💬 “Disability doesn’t mean the end of adventure. It’s just a different map.” – Jennifer Allen
👩💻 More from Jennifer:
Check out WondersWithinReach.com for destination guides, accessibility tips, and thoughtful articles for families traveling with special needs. Her blog is one of the only family-focused accessibility travel resources on the internet—and it’s full of practical help and honest encouragement.
🎧 Subscribe to The Family Vacationer wherever you get your podcasts, and watch full episodes on YouTube. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok: @thefamilyvacationer
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!