Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism & Anxiety

Episode 10: Shenandoah National Park: Easy Adventure for Neurodivergent Families-Travel in 3-2-1

In this episode, I share our family’s experience visiting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. While Shenandoah may not have the dramatic landscapes of some of the western national parks, it offers something many families truly need: accessibility, manageable hikes, scenic drives, flexible plans, and beautiful mountain views without the pressure of an overwhelming itinerary. You’ll also hear practical tips on choosing family-friendly hikes, pairing Shenandoah with Luray Caverns, using Skyline Drive on lower-energy days, and appreciating this park for what it is instead of comparing it to other national parks. Topics Covered: * 00:00:00 – Introduction * 00:00:38 – Welcome to Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety * 00:01:35 – Introduction to Shenandoah National Park * 00:02:48 – Place #1: Family-friendly hikes * 00:04:37 – Limberlost Trail and accessibility * 00:06:10 – Adaptive hiking cart information * 00:06:37 – Place #2: Luray Caverns * 00:08:02 – Place #3: Skyline Drive * 00:09:07 – Eat #1: Big Meadows Lodge * 00:10:33 – Eat #2: Gathering Grounds * 00:11:05 – Travel tip: Appreciate Shenandoah for what it is * 00:12:52 – Closing thoughts About Your Host: Dr. Josette Bianchi is a board-certified pediatrician, mom of three, and a travel lover who believes families should feel confident exploring the world together. Through Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety, she shares practical tips, real-life experiences, and encouragement for families raising children with big feelings, sensory needs, or behavioral differences. Combining her medical background with her perspective as a parent, Dr. Bianchi helps families plan flexible, sensory-friendly trips. Each episode offers simple ideas, honest stories, and helpful tools to make travel more manageable and more meaningful for neurodiverse families. Connect with Dr. Josette Bianchi: * Email: familytravelsupport@gmail.com [familytravelsupport@gmail.com]; josettemarie@gmail.com [josettemarie@gmail.com] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josette-bianchi-40902943/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/josette-bianchi-40902943/] * Instagram: @familytravelthatsupports  [https://www.instagram.com/familytravelthatsupports/] Resources: * Accessibility:https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm [https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm] * Luray Caverns:https://luraycaverns.com/ [https://luraycaverns.com/] * Limberlost trail:https://www.nps.gov/places/000/limberlost-track-trail-kids-activity.htm [https://www.nps.gov/places/000/limberlost-track-trail-kids-activity.htm] * https://www.kidsinparks.com/shenandoah-national-park-limberlost-trail  [https://www.kidsinparks.com/shenandoah-national-park-limberlost-trail]

State Park Series #4: State Park Summer Mini-Series-Deception Pass State Park: Wildlife Scavenger Hunts, Tidepools, and Breathtaking Views in the Pacific Northwest

“Some of the most memorable family adventures are the ones that feel exciting and full of discovery without requiring a complicated plan or an exhausting schedule.” In this episode, I continue our summer state park miniseries with a visit to Deception Pass State Park in Washington State. I share why this beautiful destination stood out to our family and how it offers the perfect mix of movement, wildlife, outdoor exploration, and flexibility for families–especially those raising children with ADHD, autism, anxiety, and other behavioral differences. From scenic beaches and tide pools to wildlife spotting and forest trails, this park creates opportunities for adventure without the pressure of a packed itinerary. You’ll also hear practical insights on choosing activities that match your child’s comfort level, why movement and nature can be so supportive for regulation, and how simple outdoor experiences often become the most meaningful travel memories. Topics Covered: * 00:00:00 – Introduction * 00:00:10 – Welcome to Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety * 00:00:47 – Introduction to Deception Pass State Park * 00:01:56 – Crossing the famous bridge * 00:03:14 – When is it best to visit? * 00:04:02 – Movement and exploration benefits * 00:05:06 – Bridge crossing considerations * 00:06:31 – Flexible ways to explore * 00:07:18 – The benefits of tide pooling * 00:08:53 – Who this park is best for * 00:09:54 – Simple adventures matter About Your Host: Dr. Josette Bianchi is a board-certified pediatrician, mom of three, and a travel lover who believes families should feel confident exploring the world together. Through Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety, she shares practical tips, real-life experiences, and encouragement for families raising children with big feelings, sensory needs, or behavioral differences. Combining her medical background with her perspective as a parent, Dr. Bianchi helps families plan flexible, sensory-friendly trips. Each episode offers simple ideas, honest stories, and helpful tools to make travel more manageable and more meaningful for neurodiverse families. Connect with Dr. Josette Bianchi: * Email: familytravelsupport@gmail.com [familytravelsupport@gmail.com]; josettemarie@gmail.com [josettemarie@gmail.com] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josette-bianchi-40902943/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/josette-bianchi-40902943/] * Instagram: @familytravelthatsupports [https://www.instagram.com/familytravelthatsupports/] Resources: * State Park website: https://deceptionpassfoundation.org/plan-your-visit/ [https://deceptionpassfoundation.org/plan-your-visit/] * Kayak tours: https://www.anacorteskayaktours.com/kayaking-day-trips-srengine7/family-trips/ [https://www.anacorteskayaktours.com/kayaking-day-trips-srengine7/family-trips/] * Whale watching: https://deceptionpasstours.com/ [https://deceptionpasstours.com/] * State park approved vendors: https://deceptionpassfoundation.org/vendors/ [https://deceptionpassfoundation.org/vendors/]

Episode 9: Traveling with Kids Who Have Eating Challenges with Lindsey Woller

Have you ever spent months planning a family vacation only to have the biggest challenge turn out to be finding something your child will eat? For many families raising children with ADHD, autism, anxiety, ARFID, or other feeding challenges, food can become one of the most stressful parts of travel. In this episode, I sit down with pediatric dietitian Lindsey Woller for our first expert interview on the podcast. We talk about practical strategies for preparing for travel, navigating airports and road trips, handling restaurant meals, and helping children feel more comfortable with food in new environments. Lindsey shares realistic advice that helps families reduce stress while building confidence and flexibility around eating during travel.  Topics Covered: * 00:00:00 – Introduction * 00:00:43 – Welcome to Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety * 00:01:24 – Introducing our guest, Lindsey Woller, RD * 00:06:19 – Packing safe foods and snacks * 00:07:57 – Previewing restaurants before your trip * 00:10:32 – Travel day food strategies * 00:12:47 – Preventing hangry meltdowns * 00:14:25 – What to do once you arrive * 00:20:45 – Letting go of perfection * 00:23:35 – Connect with Lindsey Woller * 00:25:35 – Closing thoughts and encouragement About Lindsey Woller: Lindsey Woller, RD, specializes in pediatric and family nutrition, diabetes management, enteral nutrition, sustainable weight management, and general wellness. She previously served as the pediatric dietitian at the Children's Hospital of Savannah and has additional experience in both neonatal and adult intensive care settings, giving her a broad and unique clinical perspective across the lifespan. Her passion for nutrition began while studying abroad in South Africa, where she worked in a community garden at a preschool and discovered a love for teaching children about healthy foods. Since then, she has also worked with international nutrition programs in South Africa, Ghana, and Nicaragua. These experiences strengthened her commitment to culturally inclusive nutrition and family-centered care. Lindsey also works with many families with children who have ADHD, autism and anxiety in her outpatient practice with No Diet Dietitian. Connect with Lindsey Woller, RD: * Web: https://nodietdietitian.com/meet-lindsey-woller [https://nodietdietitian.com/meet-lindsey-woller] About Your Host: Dr. Josette Bianchi is a board-certified pediatrician, mom of three, and a travel lover who believes families should feel confident exploring the world together. Through Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety, she shares practical tips, real-life experiences, and encouragement for families raising children with big feelings, sensory needs, or behavioral differences. Combining her medical background with her perspective as a parent, Dr. Bianchi helps families plan flexible, sensory-friendly trips. Each episode offers simple ideas, honest stories, and helpful tools to make travel more manageable and more meaningful for neurodiverse families. Connect with Dr. Josette Bianchi: * Email: familytravelsupport@gmail.com [familytravelsupport@gmail.com]; josettemarie@gmail.com [josettemarie@gmail.com] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josette-bianchi-40902943/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/josette-bianchi-40902943/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/familytravelthatsupports/ [https://www.instagram.com/familytravelthatsupports/] * Linktree: https://linktr.ee/familytravelsupport [https://linktr.ee/familytravelsupport]

State park series #3: State Park Summer Mini-Series-Bahia Honda State Park: Calm and gorgeous beaches in the Florida Keys

“Some of the best beach days happen when families stop trying to pack every moment with activity and finally have space to slow down, reset, and simply enjoy being together.” In this episode, I continue our summer state park miniseries with a visit to Bahia Honda State Park in the Florida Keys. This conversation explores why slower, lower-pressure travel can feel especially supportive for families raising children with ADHD, autism, anxiety, and other behavioral differences. I share how calmer environments, flexible plans, and simpler travel days helped us feel more connected and less overwhelmed. You’ll also hear practical insights on how water-based activities can be regulated for some children in the right environment. Topics Covered: * 00:00:00 - Introduction * 00:00:10 – Welcome to Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety * 00:01:15 – Introduction to Bahia Honda State Park * 00:03:59 – Reason #2: Calm water and snorkelling experience * 00:04:51 – Why water can feel regulating for some children * 00:05:06 – Reason #3: Beautiful scenery without overplanning * 00:05:46 – Who Bahia Honda is best suited for * 00:06:07 – Letting go of packed itineraries and FOMO * 00:06:40 – Closing Thoughts About Your Host: Dr. Josette Bianchi is a board-certified pediatrician, mom of three, and a travel lover who believes families should feel confident exploring the world together. Through Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety, she shares practical tips, real-life experiences, and encouragement for families raising children with big feelings, sensory needs, or behavioral differences. Combining her medical background with her perspective as a parent, Dr. Bianchi helps families plan flexible, sensory-friendly trips. Each episode offers simple ideas, honest stories, and helpful tools to make travel more manageable and more meaningful for neurodiverse families. Connect with Dr. Josette Bianchi: * Email: familytravelsupport@gmail.com [familytravelsupport@gmail.com]; josettemarie@gmail.com [josettemarie@gmail.com] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josette-bianchi-40902943/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/josette-bianchi-40902943/] * Instagram: @familytravelthatsupports  [https://www.instagram.com/familytravelthatsupports/] Resources: * State Park website: https://www.floridastateparks.org/BahiaHonda [https://www.floridastateparks.org/BahiaHonda] * Snorkeling information: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/bahia-honda-state-park/snorkeling-bahia-honda [https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/bahia-honda-state-park/snorkeling-bahia-honda]

Episode 8: San Diego, California: Sunshine, Sensory-Friendly Fun & Family Flexibility- Travel in 3-2-1

“A good family vacation is not about checking every attraction off a list. It is about creating enough space for connection, rest, movement, and the little moments your kids will actually remember.” In this episode, let’s head to San Diego and explore the kind of travel that feels flexible, realistic, and supportive for families raising children with ADHD, autism, anxiety, or sensory needs. I talk about how a thoughtful balance of activity and downtime can make a trip feel less overwhelming. You’ll also hear practical tips for avoiding overscheduling, creating calmer transitions, and leaving room to pivot when needed. Because sometimes the most meaningful parts of a trip are the simplest ones: a beach picnic, a quiet walk on a trail, or observing animals at the zoo. Topics Covered: * 00:00:00 – Introduction * 00:00:24 – Welcome to Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety * 00:01:28 – Why San Diego works for low-stress family travel * 00:02:13 – The importance of slowing down and doing less * 00:03:38 – Stop #1: Coronado Island beaches * 00:05:29 – Stop #2: San Diego Zoo * 00:06:36 – Managing overstimulation at big attractions * 00:08:45 – Stop #3: Cabrillo National Monument * 00:10:52 – Food Stop #1: Clayton’s Coffee Shop * 00:11:17 – Food Stop #2: The Taco Stand * 00:12:16 – Travel tip: Build buffer time into your days * 00:13:23 – Meeting your kids where they are while traveling About Your Host: Dr. Josette Bianchi is a board-certified pediatrician, mom of three, and a travel lover who believes families should feel confident exploring the world together. Through Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety, she shares practical tips, real-life experiences, and encouragement for families raising children with big feelings, sensory needs, or behavioral differences. Combining her medical background with her perspective as a parent, Dr. Bianchi helps families plan flexible, sensory-friendly trips. Each episode offers simple ideas, honest stories, and helpful tools to make travel more manageable and more meaningful for neurodiverse families. Connect with Dr. Josette Bianchi: * Email: familytravelsupport@gmail.com [familytravelsupport@gmail.com]; josettemarie@gmail.com [josettemarie@gmail.com] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josette-bianchi-40902943/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/josette-bianchi-40902943/] * Instagram: @familytravelthatsupports  [https://www.instagram.com/familytravelthatsupports/] * Linktree (click here to access our Family Travel Resource Library): https://linktr.ee/familytravelsupport [https://linktr.ee/familytravelsupport] Resources: * Beach accessibility:https://www.sandiego.org/article/san-diego-beach-wheelchairs [https://www.sandiego.org/article/san-diego-beach-wheelchairs] * San Diego Zoo:https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/ [https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/] * Cabrillo Monument:https://www.nps.gov/cabr/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm [https://www.nps.gov/cabr/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm] * Crown City Inn:https://www.crowncityinn.com/ [https://www.crowncityinn.com/] * Accessible attractions (including zoo, Cabrillo):https://www.sandiego.org/plan-your-trip/visitors-centers-information/disabled-visitor-resources-for-san-diego-attractions   [https://www.sandiego.org/plan-your-trip/visitors-centers-information/disabled-visitor-resources-for-san-diego-attractions]