Family Travel Unpacked: Make the Most of Travel With Kids – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Planning a family trip to Hawaii with kids? Melissa shares 20+ years of Hawaii experience, answering the top 5 questions about which island to choose, how to make Hawaii affordable with points & miles, hotel vs condo decisions, trip length, and handling jet lag.

Episode Highlights:

• Why Oahu (not Waikiki) is best for first-timers
• How we flew to Hawaii for $11.20 using points
• Hotel vs condo: which saves money and sanity
• Skip island-hopping on your first trip (here's why)
• Jet lag survival tips for East Coast families

Melissa has visited every Hawaiian island with her kids, including a 5-week Oahu stay and two Maui trips in 2024 alone. Get her honest, tested advice on planning an unforgettable Hawaii vacation without breaking the bank.

00:00 Welcome to Family Travel Unpacked

00:17 Why Hawaii?

01:12 Choosing the Right Island

06:12 Making Hawaii Affordable

17:16 Hotel vs. Condo: Which is Best?

21:31 Trip Length and Island Hopping

27:07 Handling Jet Lag with Kids

31:59 Conclusion and Resources

Articles Mentioned/Related:

• What's the Best Hawaiian Island for Families?
• Visiting Hawaii on a Budget: All the Tricks and Tips You Need to Know
• Is It Worth Visiting Hawaii with a Baby?
• 10+ Can't-Miss Things to Do on Oahu with Kids
• Family Activities in Maui We Absolutely Love
• Hawaii Travel Planning Resources

Affiliate Links & Resources:

Credit Cards for Earning Points:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred - All-around best credit card to save on family travel
• Capital One Venture X - Great for flexible travel points
• Amex Platinum card - Perfect for Hilton stays in Hawaii
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Card - How Melissa flew to Hawaii for $11.20

Discount Cards:

• Shaka Gold Card - $37 for discounts on Maui tours
• Go Oahu Card - Save on Oahu attractions

Don't miss this inspiring, practical travel with kids podcast hosted by family travel expert Melissa Conn, founder of The Family Voyage, certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, and mom of two who proves family travel is achievable for everyone.

Blog The Family Voyage

Get your free ebook The Busy Mom's Guide to Free Travel

Check out my favorite travel gear and my Etsy shop!

Chase Sapphire credit cards

Travel packing hack alert! Vacuum storage bags can save massive space when packing winter gear for ski trips and cold destinations like Iceland.

Host Melissa shares how her family packed carry-on only for Iceland in July using vacuum compression bags for puffy jackets, rain gear, and cold weather essentials. Learn the difference between roll-up bags and electric pump versions, plus a genius bonus tip for using them as laundry bags on any trip to make room for souvenirs.

Episode Highlights:

• How to pack winter gear in carry-ons using vacuum bags
• Electric pump vs. roll-up compression bags comparison
• What items work best (and worst) in vacuum bags
• Bonus tip: Using vacuum bags for dirty laundry and souvenirs
• Critical weight warning for discount airlines

Perfect companion to our family ski trip planning episode. Pick up your vacuum bags and digital scale to get started!

00:00 Welcome to Family Travel Unpacked
00:20 The Challenge of Winter Travel
00:36 Introducing Vacuum Storage Bags
00:51 Real-Life Examples and Tips
01:42 Types of Vacuum Bags
02:28 Bonus Uses for Vacuum Bags
03:16 Important Warnings and Final Tips
04:17 Conclusion and Next Steps

Learn to Ski Resources

Best Family Ski Resorts in Colorado

Packing for Alaska

Don't miss this inspiring, practical travel with kids podcast hosted by family travel expert Melissa Conn, founder of The Family Voyage, certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, and mom of two who proves family travel is achievable for everyone.

Blog The Family Voyage

Get your free ebook The Busy Mom's Guide to Free Travel

Check out my favorite travel gear and my Etsy shop!

Chase Sapphire credit cards

Get family travel planning tips from a mom who books 10-12 months ahead! Learn how to choose destinations based on your family's schedule, using points & miles, weather, flight routes and more. Family Travel Unpacked host Melissa shares her "Where to Go When" spreadsheet system, real examples from Costa Rica and Italy, and how to balance everyone's needs with you travel with kids - from outdoor adventure to resort pools. Perfect for families juggling school schedules, dietary restrictions, and multi-generational travel.

00:00 Welcome to Family Travel Unpacked

01:11 Understanding Travel Constraints

03:23 Flight Logistics and Planning

04:39 Balancing Family Needs and Preferences

05:26 Maximizing Points and Miles

06:34 Organizing Your Travel Plans

08:46 Weather Considerations

12:24 Making the Final Decision

14:44 Recap and Next Episode Preview

Don't miss this inspiring, practical travel with kids podcast hosted by family travel expert Melissa Conn, founder of The Family Voyage, certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, and mom of two who proves family travel is achievable for everyone.

Blog The Family Voyage

Get your free ebook The Busy Mom's Guide to Free Travel

Check out my favorite travel gear and my Etsy shop!

Chase Sapphire credit cards

Discover how to book award travel with kids by checking next year's school calendar NOW. Learn why planning 10-12 months ahead unlocks the best points and miles redemptions for family trips.

Host Melissa shares the one strategy that changed her family travel game: using next year's school district calendar to book award flights and hotels before availability disappears. Perfect for families wanting to travel on points without breaking the bank.

In this episode:

• Why your school's website holds the key to better award bookings
• How to book speculatively with cancellable point reservations
• Real example: booking Costa Rica with maximum flexibility
• When to start searching for award availability
• How early planning helps coordinate family schedules and PTO

00:00 Introduction to Quick Tip Tuesday

00:15 The Hidden Gem on Your School's Website

00:58 Why Early Planning is Crucial

02:01 Real-Life Example: Costa Rica Spring Break

03:16 Flexibility and Contingency Planning

04:04 Challenge and Action Steps

04:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Don't miss this inspiring, practical travel with kids podcast hosted by family travel expert Melissa Conn, founder of The Family Voyage, certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, and mom of two who proves family travel is achievable for everyone.

Blog The Family Voyage

Get your free ebook The Busy Mom's Guide to Free Travel

Check out my favorite travel gear and my Etsy shop!

Chase Sapphire credit cards

Travel with kids doesn't have to wait. Join host Melissa as she shares how her family travels MORE now than before having children—from Hawaii at 3 months old to a 2-year family gap year backpacking the world.

In this debut episode of Family Travel Unpacked, Melissa introduces her 8-year journey running The Family Voyage and reveals the surprising truth: family travel became intentional, frequent, and affordable after kids arrived. Learn how maternity leave trips evolved into full-time travel, why kids make you better travelers, and how strategic use of points and miles makes it all possible.

In this episode:

• How we took each kid on their first international trip at 3 months old
• Why leaving a stressful finance job led to 2 years of full-time family travel
• Our philosophy: travel doesn't have to be expensive, kids are more capable than you think, and travel is the best education
• Balancing challenging adventures with resort relaxation
• What to expect from this podcast: destination guides, points & miles strategies, and real family travel advice

00:00 Welcome to Family Travel Unpacked

01:17 Our Early Travel Experiences

02:23 Traveling with a Newborn

03:46 Expanding Our Horizons

05:03 The Big Leap: Full-Time Travel

08:26 Core Principles of Family Travel

11:09 What to Expect from This Podcast

12:15 Conclusion and Next Steps

Don't miss this inspiring, practical travel with kids podcast hosted by family travel expert Melissa Conn, founder of The Family Voyage, certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, and mom of two who proves family travel is achievable for everyone.

Blog The Family Voyage

Get your free ebook The Busy Mom's Guide to Free Travel

Check out my favorite travel gear and my Etsy shop!

Chase Sapphire credit cards

Skiing with kids doesn't have to be stressful! Learn how to plan the perfect family ski trip with expert Jessica Averett of SkiingKids.com. From choosing the right resort to handling different ability levels, ski school decisions, and packing essentials—get all the tips you need for an amazing winter vacation.

In this episode:

• Best ski resorts for families and first-timers
• Ski school vs. teaching your own kids
• Managing different skill levels in one family
• Essential gear and packing tips
• Dealing with cold, tired kids on the slopes

Whether you're planning your first family ski vacation or looking to improve your next trip, this conversation with Jessica (mom of 5 young skiers in Utah) will help you create unforgettable mountain memories without the meltdowns.

00:00 Welcome to Family Travel Unpacked
00:15 Introducing Our First Guest: Jessica Averett
01:10 Jessica's Skiing Journey and Family
02:37 Planning Your First Family Ski Trip
03:54 Choosing the Right Ski Resort
08:07 Tips for Experienced Skiers
10:24 Logistics of Planning a Ski Trip
19:22 Ski School vs. Teaching Your Kids
23:52 Benefits of Full Day Ski Programs for Kids
24:59 Managing Different Skiing Abilities in the Family
27:56 Essential Ski Gear and Rentals
32:25 Packing Tips for a Ski Trip
35:43 Dealing with Cold and Tired Kids on the Slopes
40:53 Lightning Round: Favorite Skiing Moments and Gear
42:23 Where to Find More Skiing Tips and Resources

Don't miss this inspiring, practical travel with kids podcast hosted by family travel expert Melissa Conn, founder of The Family Voyage, certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, and mom of two who proves family travel is achievable for everyone.

Blog The Family Voyage

Get your free ebook The Busy Mom's Guide to Free Travel

Check out my favorite travel gear and my Etsy shop!

Chase Sapphire credit cards

Planning multi-generational travel? Learn why booking 10-12 months ahead makes family reunion travel easier and more affordable. Melissa shares real examples from traveling with grandparents including Mexico resorts, cruises, and Hawaii trips. Discover the ideal timeline for coordinating flights, hotels, and activities when multiple families travel together.

What You'll Learn:

• Why early booking matters for multi-generational trips
• Real examples: Mexico resort (3 months out vs. cruise booked 11 months ahead)
• Securing multiple hotel rooms on points during peak seasons
• Coordinating PTO requests, flights, and rental cars across families
• When to book excursions for popular destinations
• Timeline checklist: 12-15 months discussion to 2 weeks pre-trip info share

00:00 Welcome to Quick Tip Tuesday

00:25 Listener Question: When to Start Planning?

00:47 Examples from Our Trips

01:43 Booking Early vs. Last Minute

03:10 Detailed Timeline Recommendations

05:00 Final Tips and Conclusion

Don't miss this inspiring, practical travel with kids podcast hosted by family travel expert Melissa Conn, founder of The Family Voyage, certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, and mom of two who proves family travel is achievable for everyone.

Blog The Family Voyage

Get your free ebook The Busy Mom's Guide to Free Travel

Check out my favorite travel gear and my Etsy shop!

Chase Sapphire credit cards

Multi-generational travel tips for planning successful family reunion vacations with grandparents, grandchildren, and everyone in between. Learn destination selection strategies, hotel vs. vacation rental pros/cons, activity planning for different ages and abilities, navigating money conversations, and managing group dynamics on trips spanning toddlers to seniors.

Episode Highlights:

• Choosing destinations that work for all ages and mobility levels
• Travel agent vs. DIY booking for large groups
• Hotel vs vacation rental decision-making for 6+ people
• Splitting activities by interest while staying connected as a family
• Handling the money conversation before booking
• Managing dietary restrictions and mobility needs
• Real examples from Hawaii, Caribbean cruises, and more

00:00 Welcome to Family Travel Unpacked

01:19 Choosing the Perfect Destination

04:54 Planning the Trip: Travel Agents vs. DIY

08:03 Booking Early and Getting Commitments

10:50 Hotel vs. Vacation Rental: Making the Right Choice

15:19 Flexibility in Activities and Logistics

19:31 Navigating the Money Conversations

23:30 Managing Interpersonal Dynamics

28:01 Final Tips for Multi-Generational Travel

Don't miss this inspiring, practical travel with kids podcast hosted by family travel expert Melissa Conn, founder of The Family Voyage, certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, and mom of two who proves family travel is achievable for everyone.

Blog The Family Voyage

Get your free ebook The Busy Mom's Guide to Free Travel

Check out my favorite travel gear and my Etsy shop!

Chase Sapphire credit cards

Maximize credit card travel benefits and perks with this quick guide to rental car status, Global Entry credits, and hidden airline benefits. Learn how to audit your credit cards to uncover hundreds in travel savings before your next family vacation.

In this Quick Tip Tuesday episode, Melissa shares how to maximize credit card travel benefits most families overlook. Discover how to unlock rental car status upgrades, activate TSA PreCheck and Global Entry credits, stack rideshare benefits, and create a simple system to track all your perks.

Episode highlights:

• How to status match rental car perks across brands
• Getting free Global Entry for your whole family
• Stacking rideshare credits with United and Chase cards
• Simple spreadsheet system to track card benefits
• Be mindful of advance activation

00:00 Introduction and Quick Tip Overview

00:16 Unlocking Hidden Benefits of Travel Credit Cards

00:44 Real-Life Examples of Credit Card Benefits

01:57 Maximizing Value from Credit Card Benefits

03:50 Creating a Credit Card Benefits Tracker

04:39 Automating and Tracking Your Benefits

05:24 Final Tips and Conclusion

Resources:

Chase Sapphire credit cards

United credit cards

Best Travel Credit Cards for Families

CardPointers+ App

Southwest Companion Pass

Four Reasons I LOVE Award Travel

How to get discounted rental cars

Chase Freedom credit cards

Chase Ink Business credit cards

Capital One Venture X credit card

Amex Platinum card

Don't miss this inspiring, practical travel with kids podcast hosted by family travel expert Melissa Conn, founder of The Family Voyage, certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, and mom of two who proves family travel is achievable for everyone.

Blog The Family Voyage

Get your free ebook The Busy Mom's Guide to Free Travel

Check out my favorite travel gear and my Etsy shop!

Chase Sapphire credit cards

Learn how to travel for free with your family using points and miles! Get the details on travel hacking for beginners from busy mom Melissa, who's addicted to family travel on points.

Dreaming of taking your family to Hawaii, Europe, or Costa Rica without breaking the bank? In this episode of Family Travel Unpacked, host Melissa breaks down exactly how to use credit card points and miles to cover flights and hotels for your entire family.

In this episode:

• Best starter credit cards for family travel (Chase Sapphire Preferred, Freedom Unlimited)
• How to find and book award flights using transfer partners
• Hotel strategies that work for families (Hyatt, IHG, vacation rentals)
• The Southwest Companion Pass secret (bring a family member for ~$6!)

Whether you're brand new to points and miles or ready to level up your strategy, this episode gives you actionable steps to start traveling more while spending less. Download your free ebook to jumpstart your journey today!

00:00 Introduction to Family Travel Unpacked

00:59 Challenges of Traveling with Family

01:55 Earning Points: The Basics

03:17 Maximizing Credit Card Benefits

07:10 Booking Flights with Points

14:40 Hotel Strategies for Families

17:50 Practical Tips for Traveling with Kids

19:20 Conclusion and Resources

Resources:

Chase Sapphire credit cards

Best Travel Credit Cards for Families

Southwest Companion Pass

Four Reasons I LOVE Award Travel

How to get discounted rental cars

Chase Freedom credit cards

Chase Ink Business credit cards

Capital One Venture X credit card

Don't miss this inspiring, practical travel with kids podcast hosted by family travel expert Melissa Conn, founder of The Family Voyage, certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, and mom of two who proves family travel is achievable for everyone.

Blog The Family Voyage

Get your free ebook The Busy Mom's Guide to Free Travel

Check out my favorite travel gear and my Etsy shop!

Chase Sapphire credit cards