Family Travel That Supports

Josette Bianchi

Family Travel That Supports is a podcast for real families who love to travel—and want practical advice for making travel work for their unique needs. Hosted by Josette Bianchi, MD, a dual board-certified pediatrician, mom of three, and lifelong travel lover, the podcast tackles the real challenges of traveling with kids. Through practical advice, real-life experiences, destination ideas, and expert insights, Dr. Bianchi helps families figure out what will actually work for them. She covers everything from choosing the right destination and navigating flights and travel logistics to balancing different ages, interests, budgets, and needs. She also explores neurodivergent and accessible travel, travel safety, sensory-friendly experiences, and all the unexpected moments that come with family travel. Many episodes follow a simple 3-2-1 format: three places to explore, two places to eat, and one helpful travel tip for a featured destination. Other episodes dive deeper into the questions parents are actually asking, often with insights from experts in pediatrics, child development, education, behavior, and travel. This isn't about luxury vacations, exotic destinations, or perfect family trips. It's about figuring out how to travel well—with the kids, budget, limitations, and complications you actually have. Because family travel doesn't come in one size fits all. Real families. Real travel. Real solutions.

  1. Oct 26

    Episode 17: Start with What They Love: Building Communication, Confidence & Connection Through Special Interests-with Speech Therapist Jennifer Cavallo

    In this episode of Family Travel that Supports, I talk with speech-language pathologist Jennifer Cavallo about using children’s interests, or “enthusiasms,” to support language development, emotional regulation, social connection, and learning. From fishing and animals to music and minecraft, Jennifer shares how parents can turn what their children already love into opportunities for growth without making every experience feel like a lesson. Topics Covered: 00:00 – Introduction 00:59 – Welcome to Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety 03:24 – Jennifer’s journey to speech-language pathology 04:52 – Reframing special interests as strengths and “enthusiasms” 13:09 – Travel as a natural learning experience 15:35 – Building connection through shared interests 16:43 – The Power of Playgroups 20:31 – Practicing through pretend play 21:16 – Preparing for comfort 21:41 – Using visual schedules 23:36 – Rapid Fire Round 25:27 – Helping children find their place in the world 26:28 – Connect with Jennifer Cavallo 27:45 – Building Communication, Confidence, and ConnectionAbout Our Guest: Jennifer Cavallo, M.A., CCC-SLP, is an experienced Early Intervention speech-language pathologist with more than 30 years of experience helping young children and their families build communication through the power of play. She specializes in working with children from birth to age three with speech and language delays, motor planning challenges, sensory differences, autism spectrum disorder, and other developmental communication needs. Jennifer is the creator of MILO Bear and Playtime with MILO, a play-based therapy tool inspired by Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Her work helps parents, educators, and therapists recognize and build on each child’s unique strengths to support communication, learning, and confidence. Connect with Jennifer: Web: https://milo-bear.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/Iam.jenjoyslp/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JenniferCavallo-j9k Resource: https://milo-bear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/MILO_Vacation_Social_Story_Fillable_Template_FIT-1.pptxAbout 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, she shares practical tips, real-life experiences, and encouragement for families raising children with big feelings, sensory needs, or behavioral differences. Connect with Dr. Josette Bianchi: Email: familytravelsupport@gmail.com; josettemarie@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josette-bianchi-40902943/ Instagram: @familytravelthatsupports

    Episode 17: Start with What They Love: Building Communication, Confidence & Connection Through Special Interests-with Speech Therapist Jennifer Cavallo

  2. Oct 12

    Episode 16: Montreal with Kids: A Taste of Europe, With a Whole Lot of Its Own Wonderful Personality

    What if you could give your kids a taste of Europe without the cost, long flights, and overwhelm of a full European vacation? In this episode, I’m sharing why Montreal became the perfect family-friendly compromise for our trip. We explore three places to check out, including Old Montreal and the Old Port, Atwater Market, and Mount Royal Park, along with two easy food stops that work well for families. I also share tips for balancing sightseeing with movement breaks, letting kids explore at their own pace, and finding food options that fit different needs and preferences. Most importantly, we talk about using Montreal as an opportunity to experience a different language, culture, cuisine, architecture, and history without needing a transatlantic flight. Whether you’re looking for an international-feeling getaway or simply a destination that works well for families, this 321 Montreal guide offers practical ideas to help you travel with your kids and keep wandering without limits. And stay tuned for a future episode that is dedicated to the Montreal Biodome. That one deserves its own episode. Topics Covered: 00:00 – Introduction 00:14 – Welcome to Family Travel that Supports 01:31 – Why Montreal is a great alternative to Europe 04:11 – #1: Exploring Old Montreal and the Old Port 05:21 – Family-friendly adventure at Voiles en Voiles 06:37 – #2: Exploring Marché Atwater 08:15 – #3: Visiting Mount Royal Park 09:25 – Eat #1: Exploring the food options at Atwater Market 10:41 – Eat #2: Snoopy 11:10 – Tip #1: Embracing Montreal’s culture 11:53 – The Montreal 321 recap 12:34 – Making family travel meaningful in your own wayAbout 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; josettemarie@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josette-bianchi-40902943/ Instagram: @familytravelthatsupports Linktree: https://linktr.ee/familytravelsupport

    Episode 16: Montreal with Kids: A Taste of Europe, With a Whole Lot of Its Own Wonderful Personality

  3. Sep 28

    Episode 15: What Travel Can Teach Us About Building Flexibility and Confidence in Kids-Expert Interview with Developmental Pediatrician, Cheryl Tierney, MD

    In this episode, I sit down with developmental pediatrician Dr. Cheryl Tierney to explore how parents can use travel and everyday adventures to help kids become more comfortable with change. We discuss why new experiences can feel overwhelming, how to break big challenges into smaller steps, how to build trust through successful outings, and how to recognize when a child needs a break. Dr. Tierney also shares practical strategies for building flexibility into everyday routines, preparing for moments when things go sideways, and knowing when to gently push outside a child's comfort zone. Topics Covered: 00:00 – Introduction 00:50 – Welcome to Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety 02:08 – Meet our guest, Dr. Cheryl Tierney 04:43 – Understanding flexibility as a skill 09:01 – How travel can amplify challenges 22:11 – Making room for downtime 23:28 – Handling unexpected challenges 29:43 – Why vacations don’t have to be perfect 33:19 – Turning travel into opportunities for growthMentioned Links: TSA Cares provides assistance and information for travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, and other special needs. Sensory friendly airport resources:     https://senseationalyou.com/blogs/resources/autism-friendly-airports-and-airlines-for-easy-and-safe-travel https://kidsclubaba.com/top-5-sensory-friendly-airports/ https://hdsunflower.com/us/insights/post/airports-around-the-world About Our Guest: Dr. Cheryl Tierney, MD, is a developmental-behavioral pediatrician, professor of pediatrics at Penn State College of Medicine, and Chief Medical Officer at EarlyPoint Health. With more than 26 years of experience in pediatrics, she specializes in supporting children with autism, ADHD, anxiety, executive functioning challenges, emotional regulation difficulties, and other developmental and behavioral differences. Connect with Dr. Cheryl: Web: https://earlipointhealth.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-tierney-md-mph/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. Connect with Dr. Josette Bianchi: Email: familytravelsupport@gmail.com; josettemarie@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josette-bianchi-40902943/ Instagram: @familytravelthatsupports  Linktree: https://linktr.ee/familytravelsupport

    Episode 15: What Travel Can Teach Us About Building Flexibility and Confidence in Kids-Expert Interview with Developmental Pediatrician, Cheryl Tierney, MD

  4. Sep 14

    Episode 14: Venice, Florida-Sharks' teeth, beaches, and fun: Travel in 3-2-1

    Planning a Florida beach trip with kids doesn’t have to mean spending the whole day sitting on the sand. What if your family wants beautiful beaches, but also wants to explore, move, discover, and try something different? In this episode, I take you to one of my family’s favorite beach destinations, Venice, Florida, and share three experiences that make this Gulf Coast town more than just a beach getaway. We talk about hunting for fossilized shark teeth, kayaking through the mangroves, and joining a local beach drum circle. I also share two casual family-friendly places to eat, plus what to consider when visiting a popular spot like Sharky’s on the Pier, especially if your kids struggle with crowds or long waits. And if your family gets hooked on shark tooth hunting, I share how scuba diving can become a future adventure for older, properly trained kids. Whether your family loves nature, movement, music, exploration, or simply wants more variety from a beach vacation, this episode offers practical ideas for making Venice, Florida work for your family. Topics Covered: 00:00 – Introduction 00:21 – Welcome to Family Travel that Supports 01:42 – What makes Venice, Florida a great family destination 02:37 – #1: Hunting for shark teeth 04:49 – Turning beach time into a fun mission 06:16 – #2: Kayaking through the mangroves 07:21 – #3: Joining a local beach drum circle 09:48 – Eat #1: Tony’s Beef 10:16 – Eat #2: Gold Rush Barbecue 10:34 – Sharky’s on the Pier 11:44 – Tip #1: Taking shark tooth hunting underwater 12:08 – Exploring shark tooth scuba diving 13:30 – The Venice 321 recap 14:18 – Making meaningful family travel your ownMentioned Links: Aristakat Scuba Diving Charter https://www.sarasotacountyparks.comAbout Your Host: Josette Bianchi, MD, 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, 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; josettemarie@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josette-bianchi-40902943/ Instagram: @familytravelthatsupports  Linktree: https://linktr.ee/familytravelsupport

    Episode 14: Venice, Florida-Sharks' teeth, beaches, and fun: Travel in 3-2-1

  5. Sep 7

    Bonus Episode: Winter Fun with Kids: Family Activities for ADHD, Autism & Anxiety

    Winter travel can bring some of the best family memories, but for families with children who have ADHD, autism, or anxiety, the cold, crowds, waiting, equipment, and unfamiliar routines can also feel overwhelming. How can you make skiing easier? What if your child doesn’t enjoy the big resort experience? And what other winter activities might be a better fit? In this bonus episode, I share our family’s experiences with two winter activities: skiing and ice fishing. We talk about starting small with local ski parks, reducing sensory overload, renting equipment ahead of time, exploring adaptive programs, and finding instructors or guides who understand your child’s needs. I also share why ice fishing can be a great option for children who enjoy nature, animals, exploration, or having a specific mission, and how finding the right guide can make all the difference. Whether you're planning a winter getaway or simply looking for new activities to try with your family, this episode offers practical ideas for making winter adventures more comfortable, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone. Topics Covered: 00:00 – Introduction 00:18 – Welcome to Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety 00:46 – Benefits of winter activities 01:31 – Starting small with skiing 03:19 – The benefits of smaller ski parks and camps 04:02 – Renting equipment ahead 05:47 – Discovering ice fishing as a family activity 06:06 – Finding the right guide for your child 07:11 – Planning winter activities around your child 08:01 – Prioritizing safety in winter activities 08:27 – Travel without limitsAbout 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; josettemarie@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josette-bianchi-40902943/ Instagram: @familytravelthatsupports Resources: https://www.iloveny.com/things-to-do/winter/adaptive-skiing/ https://adaptiveadventures.org/programs/skiing-and-snowboarding/

    Bonus Episode: Winter Fun with Kids: Family Activities for ADHD, Autism & Anxiety

  6. Aug 31

    Episode 13: Air Travel Safety for Kids with Child Aviation Expert Lia Tuso: What Every Parent Should Know Before Boardin

    In this episode, I sit down with Child Aviation Expert Lia Tuso to break down the safety decisions parents need to understand before boarding. We discuss turbulence, lap-held infants, car seats, seating positions, checking versus bringing car seats onboard, and the CARES harness. Lia also shares helpful airport resources for families traveling with ADHD, autism, anxiety, and sensory sensitivities, including sensory rooms, TSA Cares, and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard. Whether you're preparing for your next family flight or simply want to feel more confident about flying with your kids, this episode offers practical guidance to help you travel safer and more prepared. Topics Covered: 00:00 – Introduction 00:35 – Welcome to Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety 02:56 – How Lia became a child passenger safety expert 05:43 – Why car seat safety in cars differs from air travel 07:05 – How to practice before your flight 10:59 – The risks of lap-held infants 14:05 – Choosing and using car seats on planes 19:51 – Why you should avoid checking car seats 24:39 – What to do if your car seat is missing 26:52 – Is the CARES harness a good option? 29:06 – Resources for kids with sensory needs 33:03 – The one thing every parent should know about flying 35:32 – Making informed choices for safer family travelMentioned Links: Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard – A discreet way for people with non-visible disabilities to indicate that they may need additional support, patience, or understanding while traveling. TSA Cares provides assistance and information for travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, and other special needs.About Our Guest: Lia Tuso is a Child Passenger Safety Technician and international child aviation safety expert who helps families navigate car seats, airline policies, and safer air travel with children. As a mom and frequent traveler, she combines professional expertise with practical, real-world guidance to help parents travel more safely and confidently. About Our Guest: Lia Tuso is a Child Passenger Safety Technician and international child aviation safety expert who helps families navigate car seats, airline policies, and safer air travel with children. As a mom and frequent traveler, she combines professional expertise with practical, real-world guidance to help parents travel more safely and confidently. Connect with Lia: Web: https://liatuso.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/lia_tuso/?hl=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lia_Tuso LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liatuso/Connect with Dr. Josette Bianchi: Email: familytravelsupport@gmail.com; josettemarie@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josette-bianchi-40902943/ Instagram: @familytravelthatsupports  Linktree: https://linktr.ee/familytravelsupport

    Episode 13: Air Travel Safety for Kids with Child Aviation Expert Lia Tuso: What Every Parent Should Know Before Boardin

  7. Aug 17

    Episode 12: Riviera Maya: An approachable international trip for families: Travel in 3-2-1

    Did you know Riviera Maya is one of the few places where you can explore ancient Mayan ruins overlooking the Caribbean Sea and still spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach? In this solo episode, I share what made Riviera Maya such a manageable and memorable destination for our multigenerational family. From choosing a resort that reduces decision fatigue to exploring the Mayan ruins of Tulum, wandering through the colorful streets of Valladolid, and finding simple ways to introduce kids to local culture and cuisine, you'll hear practical tips for planning a trip that meets your family where they are. Whether you're considering your first international vacation or looking for a destination that offers both adventure and breathing room, this episode will help you create a travel experience that's enjoyable, flexible, and filled with meaningful family moments. Topics Covered: 00:00 – Introduction 00:30 – Welcome to Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety 01:17 – What makes the destination easy to explore 02:48 – #1: Making the most of your resort 04:01 – Why all-inclusive works for families 05:06 – Choosing the right resort 07:17 – Kids' clubs: Finding the right fit 08:23 – #2: Visiting the Tulum ruins 09:26 – Tips for choosing family-friendly tours 11:09 – #3: A relaxing stop in Valladolid 12:24 – Eat #1: Why resort buffets are great for families 13:50 – Eat #2: Make time for one local meal 14:25 – Tip #1: Book a family photo session 15:10 – Meaningful travel doesn't have to be complicatedAbout 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; josettemarie@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josette-bianchi-40902943/ Instagram: @familytravelthatsupports

    Episode 12: Riviera Maya: An approachable international trip for families: Travel in 3-2-1

  8. Aug 3

    Episode 11: Sensory-Friendly Broadway: How Children with ADHD, Autism, And Anxiety Can Enjoy Theater Experiences in NYC

    In this episode, I’m joined by theater educator, performer, and arts administrator Erica Giglio Pac to explore how families can confidently enjoy Broadway and live theater with children who have different needs. We discuss how sensory-friendly performances work, why theater supports children’s growth and confidence, and practical ways to prepare for a positive experience. From choosing the right show to easing parent concerns, this episode offers helpful guidance for families ready to embrace the magic of live theater. Topics Covered: 00:00 – Introduction 00:38 – Welcome to Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety 02:13 – Introducing our guest, Erica Giglio Pac 03:36 – A childhood play that inspired Erica 05:09 – Theater as a learning tool 16:38 – Reducing parent worries 20:19 – Sensory-friendly Broadway and NYC theater options 22:35 – Preparing for a first Broadway show 23:38 –  Tips for seats, planning, and preparation 26:15 – Making live theater a positive experience 28:01 – Long Island sensory-friendly shows 31:35 – Every child deserves the magic of theaterAbout Our Guest: Erica Giglio Pac is an experienced school administrator, arts leader, and educator with a passion for making high-quality arts education accessible to all students. She serves as the K–12 Director of Fine, Performing, and Media Arts for the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District and is an adjunct professor in Adelphi University’s Educational Theatre program, where she helps prepare the next generation of theater educators. Connect with Erica: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erica_giglio_pac/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-giglio-pac-23659868/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. Connect with Dr. Josette Bianchi: Email: familytravelsupport@gmail.com; josettemarie@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josette-bianchi-40902943/ Instagram: @familytravelthatsupports Resources: TDF Autism Friendly Performances: https://www.tdf.org/accessibility-services/tdf-autism-friendly-performances/ New Victory Theater: https://www.newvictory.org/ Lincoln Center Relaxed Performances: https://lincolncenter.org/series/accessibility-at-lincoln-center/s/Relaxed%20Performances

    Episode 11: Sensory-Friendly Broadway: How Children with ADHD, Autism, And Anxiety Can Enjoy Theater Experiences in NYC
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About

Family Travel That Supports is a podcast for real families who love to travel—and want practical advice for making travel work for their unique needs. Hosted by Josette Bianchi, MD, a dual board-certified pediatrician, mom of three, and lifelong travel lover, the podcast tackles the real challenges of traveling with kids. Through practical advice, real-life experiences, destination ideas, and expert insights, Dr. Bianchi helps families figure out what will actually work for them. She covers everything from choosing the right destination and navigating flights and travel logistics to balancing different ages, interests, budgets, and needs. She also explores neurodivergent and accessible travel, travel safety, sensory-friendly experiences, and all the unexpected moments that come with family travel. Many episodes follow a simple 3-2-1 format: three places to explore, two places to eat, and one helpful travel tip for a featured destination. Other episodes dive deeper into the questions parents are actually asking, often with insights from experts in pediatrics, child development, education, behavior, and travel. This isn't about luxury vacations, exotic destinations, or perfect family trips. It's about figuring out how to travel well—with the kids, budget, limitations, and complications you actually have. Because family travel doesn't come in one size fits all. Real families. Real travel. Real solutions.

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