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Top 5 Safest & Most Dangerous U.S. Cities to Visit

Ready to find out which U.S. cities top the charts for safety and which ones land on the other end of the spectrum? In this week’s episode of TravelEssary, we’re diving into the 2025 FBI crime data to uncover the top 5 safest cities and the top 5 most dangerous cities in America.

From big names like Detroit, Baltimore, St. Louis, Oakland, and Memphis (yep, they made the list) to family-friendly havens like Fishers, Indiana; Sammamish, Washington; Johns Creek, Georgia; Newton, Massachusetts; and Weston, Florida, we’re breaking down what makes each city stand out.

Plus, we’re sharing a quick update on our own journey as we transition into full-time travel life in our RV. 🚐✨ If you want to see more behind-the-scenes of our adventures, be sure to check out our TravelEssary YouTube channel.

👉 Tune in, take notes, and let’s explore the safest (and not-so-safe) places across America together.

To take a peak at Misty's book mentioned in the episode, click here - https://a.co/d/gZMCFj8

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Should You Take Toll Roads in the USA? Time, Cost & Travel Advice

In this episode of TravelEssary, we’re diving into the world of American toll roads, a topic that sparks plenty of debate among road trippers. Whether you’re a U.S. resident or an international traveler planning a road trip, understanding toll roads can save you both time and stress.

We kick things off by sharing a fun audience update, highlighting the incredible number of listeners tuning in from outside the U.S., including Australia, India, and the UK. Then we hit the main road (pun intended): toll roads in America.

Here’s what we cover:

• The pros of toll roads – faster travel times, smoother driving conditions, and scenic perks along the way.
• The cons of toll roads – costly fees, limited exits, and the confusion of navigating different state systems.
• Smart strategies for travelers – how to decide when toll roads are worth it, plus practical tips for international visitors hitting the U.S. highways.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear picture of whether toll roads fit your travel style, and how to make the most of your next American road trip.

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Rest Stop Roundup: Exploring America's Rest Areas

In this week’s episode of TravelEssary, we’re hitting the road to talk about one of the most overlooked but essential parts of long-distance travel, America’s rest stops. From simple roadside pull-offs to fully equipped service plazas, we explore the wide variety of stops you’ll encounter across the United States.

We share our experiences with:

• Basic rest areas designed for quick breaks
• Scenic overlooks that double as photo-worthy stops
• Welcome centers packed with travel information
• Service plazas offering food, fuel, and family-friendly amenities
• Truck stops that often surprise with their convenience and comfort

You’ll hear stories from Jeremy's travels through the northern states, where some rest stops are unexpectedly impressive, and we’ll share why these hidden gems make road trips more enjoyable. Plus, we invite listeners to send in recommendations for the best rest stops in the western U.S., places we can’t wait to explore on future trips.

Whether you’re planning a family road trip, full-time RV travel, or a cross-country adventure, this episode will give you new appreciation (and maybe new destinations) for the places where you pull off the highway.

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Welcome to Season 4 of the TravelEssary Podcast! In this kickoff episode, we’re gearing up for the ultimate family road trip across America, and sharing everything you need to know to get road trip ready.

Before you hit the open road, preparation is key. In this episode, we cover essential road trip prep tips every traveler should know:

• ✅ Vehicle Prep – How to check your tires, fluids, and ensure your RV or vehicle is road-ready.
• 💳 Finances & Safety – Why you should notify your bank, plan your budget, and carry some cash for emergencies.
• 🗺️ Travel Tools – The importance of having paper maps as a backup and how apps like GasBuddy can help you save money on fuel.
• 🛡️ Insurance & Coverage – Making sure you’re protected before hitting the highway.

Whether you’re planning a family RV trip, a cross-country road trip, or just a weekend getaway, these tips will help you start your travels with confidence.

👉 Be sure to stick around for next week’s episode, where we’ll dive deeper into the best travel centers, rest stops, and road trip hacks to keep your journey smooth and stress-free.

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TravelEssary Podcast – Season Four Announcement & Updates

Get ready, travelers! In this special episode of the TravelEssary Podcast, we share exciting updates as we wrap up Season 3 and roll into Season 4 of family travel adventures across America.

What’s inside this episode:

• Season 4 Launch – Starting October 1st, we’re officially hitting the road for full-time family travel. Expect more destination guides, U.S. road trip tips, and budget-friendly travel advice for families.
• New Theme Music – Our 18-year-old son Justin composed our brand-new intro! Stick around until the end to hear the full track.
• Book Release – Misty’s new book, Peace Starts Here: A Woman’s Guide to Creating a Restful, Joyful Home, recently hit the Amazon bestseller list. Plus, a companion devotional and journal are on the way. You can check that out here - https://a.co/d/6u2lIoh
• Podcast + YouTube – The podcast will continue with in-depth stories and tips, while our TravelEssary YouTube channel will feature weekly family travel vlogs every Saturday.
• Patreon Community – Join our Patreon for bonus podcast episodes, behind-the-scenes live streams, early access to new content, and exclusive digital downloads.
• Life Updates – From new work setups to a growing family travel bucket list, we’re sharing how this next chapter looks for us on the road.
• Community Call – We want your input! Share your favorite destinations, hidden gems, or family-friendly attractions (especially on the East Coast) for a chance to be featured in an upcoming episode.

Thank you for being part of the TravelEssary family travel community! Season Four is almost here. Join us for more RV life stories, road trips, and U.S. travel adventures.

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 Hi, we're Misty and Jeremy, your host of the TravelEssary podcast. We're on a mission to explore America. One stop, one story and one adventure at a time. From National Parks and hidden gems to road trip tips and family friendly travel ideas. We're sharing what we've learned along the way. And trust me, we've learned a lot, sometimes the hard way, but that just makes the stories better.

So if you're ready to discover new places, plan smarter trips, and get inspired for your next adventure, you're in the right place. Subscribe to TravelEssary wherever you get your podcast and come explore with us

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RV Stories: The Good, The Bad, & The Hilarious

In this episode of TravelEssary, we’re wrapping up Season 3 with a collection of funny and unforgettable RV stories, from our own adventures on the road and hilarious submissions from our listeners. With Jeremy out on an RV transport job, our 18-year-old son, Justin, jumps in as co-host and brings his lively commentary to the mix.

This episode is packed with the funny side of RV life, proving that full-time RV living is equal parts adventure, challenge, and comedy. As we close out Season 3, we’re excited to step fully into life on the road as full-time RVers and full-time travelers in Season 4.

If you love hearing about the ups, downs, and laugh-out-loud mishaps of RV travel, this is the episode for you. Tune in for entertainment, encouragement, and a reminder that no matter how crazy the journey gets, it’s all part of the adventure.

✨ Listen now and get ready for an exciting Season 4 of TravelEssary coming soon!

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In this episode of TravelEssary, we share how families can keep the joy of travel alive even during the busy back-to-school season. Just because schedules get packed with homework, sports, and activities doesn’t mean the adventure has to stop!

We talk about practical tips for family adventures during the school year, including:

• Embracing micro-adventures like local day trips, short hikes, and weekend getaways.
• Finding creative ways to bring the travel mindset home through global meals, travel-inspired movie nights, and pen pal connections.
• Balancing school routines with meaningful family experiences that spark curiosity and keep kids excited about exploring the world around them.

Whether you’re a full-time traveler, RV family, or just looking to make everyday life feel more adventurous, this episode will inspire you to see opportunities for exploration all year long.

Tune in to discover how to nurture a spirit of adventure even when travel slows down, and how to make memories that last well beyond the school season.

Kara and Nate on YouTube.

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