All Of It: Your Most Memorable Family Vacations

Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Nithya Chambers, Executive Editor of Lonely Planet
Release Date: August 6, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of All Of It, hosted by Alison Stewart of WNYC, the conversation centers around memorable family vacations. Alongside Nithya Chambers, the Executive Editor of Lonely Planet, they explore the essence of what makes family trips unforgettable, sharing personal anecdotes, listener stories, and expert insights on planning the perfect getaway.

The Essence of a Memorable Family Vacation

Nithya Chambers emphasizes the importance of collective enjoyment and flexibility in family travels. She states at [02:34]:

"A memorable family vacation is first of all just doing something that you all wanted to do together and making the time and creating the space for your family to be together."

Chambers highlights the balance between planning and spontaneity, noting that while it's beneficial to have a focus, it's equally important to allow moments of togetherness to unfold naturally.

Guest Personal Experiences

Nithya Chambers' Summer Plans ([03:45]):
Chambers shares her unique approach to balancing staycations with short drives, making the most of local attractions such as:

• Camping at Toby Hanna State Park in Eastern Pennsylvania
• Enjoying New York City’s offerings like the Central Park Pool and Queens Night Market
• Visiting Grandparents in Maryland and indulging in local delicacies like steamed blue crabs
• Upcoming Trip to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons, adhering to their tradition of visiting national parks annually

Simon’s Adventure with Newfoundlands ([05:49] - [10:01]):
Producer Simon narrates a humorous and heartwarming story about transporting two large Newfoundland dogs from New Jersey to Chicago. Facing challenges like accommodating the dogs on a shared pet charter flight and sleepless nights at Dubois, Pennsylvania, Simon and his brother successfully delivered the dogs, showcasing the unexpected joys and obstacles that can arise during family trips.

Listener Stories

Chris from Castleton, New York ([13:37]):
Shared an amusing experience from Great Falls, Montana, where his family enjoyed a unique water show featuring mermaids and mermen at the Sip and Dip Lounge. This quirky attraction transformed an ordinary night into a memorable adventure.

Allison from Newburgh ([15:09]):
Described a backpacking trip to Leconte Lodge in the Smoky Mountains with her family’s young child. Despite challenging conditions like torrential rain, her parents’ adaptability led to cozy moments in a boat under the stars, turning potential frustration into cherished memories.

Raina from Quebec ([19:15]):
Recounted a New Year’s Eve trip to Quebec City where a last-minute restaurant experience turned into an unexpected dance party, delighting the family and surpassing their initial disappointment about the lack of reservations.

Pilar, AOI Producer ([22:14]):
Took her family on a quest to find the best key lime pie in Florida, tasting at least 15 varieties. The journey underscored the fun in shared goals and the joy of the search itself, regardless of finding a definitive "best" pie.

Erin from Randolph, New Jersey ([24:02]):
Narrated adventures where unplanned events led to profound family connections, such as discovering ancestral roots in Ireland and creating intimate moments during unexpected weather disruptions in Lake George.

Debbie from the Bronx ([26:21]):
Shared a 1974 family trip to Savannah, Georgia, highlighting the warmth and hospitality received regardless of the family's racial background. The trip included cultural and historical explorations, reinforcing family bonds and creating lasting memories.

Expert Insights on Planning Family Vacations

Nithya Chambers offers practical advice for families planning their trips:

• Balancing Activities:
  At [10:22], Chambers advises maintaining a mix of kid-friendly and adult-friendly activities, suggesting one primary activity per day to ensure it appeals to all generations.

• Flexibility with Group Dynamics:
  For larger groups, she recommends allowing the family to split into smaller pods based on interests and energy levels, ensuring everyone enjoys their experience without feeling overwhelmed.

• Tour Guides:
  Chambers advocates for incorporating local tour guides into the itinerary. She shares her positive experience in Mexico City, where guided tours enhanced cultural understanding and introduced the family to unique local experiences they might have otherwise missed [12:09].

• National Parks and Nature:
  Emphasizing the value of national parks, Chambers highlights their affordability, the immersive experience of nature, and the opportunity for families to disconnect and bond [16:59]. She recommends the national parks pass and the accompanying stamp book as engaging activities for children.

• International Travel Tips:
  Advises multi-generational travel to destinations like India and Jamaica to expose children to their heritage and foster deeper family connections. Chambers warns against whirlwind trips and encourages staying longer in one place to fully absorb and enjoy the environment [20:30].

Concluding Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Nithya Chambers reflects on the shared stories, emphasizing the lasting impact of family vacations:

"It's about making the space to disconnect and to have a new experience with people that you love. And I think, like, the stories themselves just prove, like, how long that lasts with you, no matter how small it might seem when you're carving it out." ([27:53])

Chambers underscores the significance of intentional family time, whether through grand adventures or simple local explorations, and how these experiences weave into the fabric of family history and personal growth.

Final Remarks

All Of It beautifully captures the multifaceted nature of family vacations, blending expert advice with heartfelt stories. Whether it's navigating the logistics of traveling with pets or embracing the unexpected turns of a journey, the episode offers valuable insights for listeners seeking to create their own memorable family adventures.

Join the Conversation:
Listeners are encouraged to share their own family vacation stories or seek advice by calling 212-433-96 433 WNYC or messaging on social media. Share your experiences and become part of the All Of It community, celebrating the diverse tapestry of family journeys.