WhereverFamily expresses its condolences on the passing of Rainer Jenss, founder, Family Travel Association, part of the inspiration behind the launch of the WhereverFamily brand. Dedicating himself as an advocate for family travel as an essential part of every child’s education, Jenss created Family Travel Association to have a collective, unified industry voice to help change the way families travel.
Jenss was publisher of National Geographic Kids between 2002 and 2008. In 2009, Jenss put his professional expertise and personal passion to the test on a year-long trip around the world with his family.
Beyond his year of travel, Jenss ventured to more than 70 countries and became an authority on the topic of family travel and how it can be used as a learning tool. In 2012, Jenss partnered with Scholastic to direct a new family travel initiative and content development for the “Smart Family Travel” feature in Parent & Child magazine. His writing and advice also appeared in Global Traveler, USA Today and The New York Times, among others.
Family Travel Association inspired families to travel and promoted all child-friendly experiences families can share together for years. The association also educates the public on all of the positive and lasting benefits travel affords young people, as well as simplifying the process of planning a trip.
Jenss is survived by his wife, Carol, and their sons, Stefan and Tyler.
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