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	Titre	Date	Durée
	Repeat Trips with Kids: When Going Back Is the Smarter Move	17 Oct 2026	00:25:22
Is it worth taking your kids back to a vacation destination you've already visited? In this episode, I share why repeat family trips are often the smarter move, especially for multigenerational travel, plus the honest downsides and how to make a return trip to Costa Rica, Hawaii, Italy, Alaska, Puerto Rico, or Amsterdam feel brand new. Every family trip we have planned for the next six months is a repeat destination: Miami, New York, Costa Rica, a mystery state, and Amsterdam and Paris. In this episode, I explain why that's not a rut. Going back lets you scout logistics for a big group, explore new regions, see a place through older kids' eyes, and travel with a lot less planning stress. In this episode: Why I scout destinations with just the four of us before planning winter break for our extended family of about 13 Lessons from Riviera Maya, Hawaii, and Costa Rica: group transportation, restaurant reservations, accessible hotels, pacing, drive times, and car-sickness routes Going deeper on a return visit: Rome versus the Dolomites in Italy, three very different Alaska trips, and two Puerto Rico trips that felt like different destinations Amsterdam with a newborn and a toddler versus Amsterdam with two teens How familiarity makes family travel easier, including knowing where to find Celiac-safe, gluten-free food The downsides of repeat vacations: less novelty, limited school breaks, changed expectations, and why Celiac would make a return trip to Japan harder Questions to ask before choosing a new destination or a return trip Simple ways to make a repeat trip feel fresh Timestamps 00:00 — Every trip is a repeat 02:00 — Why go back? 02:36 — Scouting for big groups 07:48 — Going deeper 11:56 — Same place, older kids 14:44 — The comfort of familiarity 16:47 — The downsides 21:02 — New or return? 21:55 — Making it feel fresh 23:59 — Wrap-up Related Episodes S1 Ep. 45 — Alaska With Kids: Anchorage Edition with My Teen S1 Ep. 35 — From Tot to Teen: How Travel With Kids Changes Through the Stages S1 Ep. 37 — Portugal with Kids: Itinerary, Tips and My Honest Take S2 Ep. 2 — London with Kids S2 Ep. 5 — Azores with Kids: The Full São Miguel Guide Hawaii vs Costa Rica: Showdown in Paradise Dolomites With Kids: What Families Need to Know Making Multi-Generational Travel Work for Everyone Celiac Travel Tips for Families Destination Guides Costa Rica travel planning Hawaii travel planning Where to stay on Oahu Best resorts in Riviera Maya for families Summer Northern Italy itinerary + recap Alaska travel planning hub Puerto Rico with kids Things to do in Miami with kids NYC attractions for kids Points & Miles Best credit cards for family 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
	Travel Tools I Use for Every Trip	02 Oct 2026	00:24:52
What apps and websites make planning a family trip with points and miles easier? In this episode, I walk through the exact tools I use for every trip, from finding award seats and nonstop routes to organizing the itinerary and getting through travel day with kids. It started with a mistake. This morning I discovered I'd booked a return flight a full month too late, and a tool I've had for almost 20 years would have caught it. So here's my whole toolkit, in the order I use it, including the ones I should be using more. In this episode: Why Thrifty Traveler Premium's deal alerts and credit card benefit tracker are worth the subscription My backwards search trick on FlightsFrom to find nonstop gateways from any destination How I use PointsYeah, PointsPath Pro, and seats.aero to find award seats, plus the programs PointsYeah is missing Why you should always confirm award space with the airline before transferring points The Google Sheets layout I use to build every itinerary, plus the shared doc that stores all our loyalty numbers How TripIt keeps confirmations in one place (and how it would have caught my mistake) Where AI fits in my planning, and where it doesn't The United, Hilton, and Avis app features that make travel days easier The Allyz app from our annual Allianz policy, and when to compare policies on Squaremouth Earning extra on tours, rental cars, and cash hotel stays with shopping portals and CardPointers Deal Alerts & Card Benefits Thrifty Traveler Premium (save $20 with code THEFAMILYVOYAGE) Route Finding FlightsFrom FlightConnections Award Search PointsYeah PointsPath seats.aero Trip Organizing TripIt Travel Insurance Squaremouth (compare travel insurance policies) Shopping Portals & Card Offers Rakuten TopCashback Capital One Shopping CardPointers (lifetime plan discount) From The Family Voyage Fall Break Destinations for Families Best credit cards for family 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
	Azores with Kids: The Full São Miguel Guide	25 Sep 2026	00:25:58
How many days do you actually need in the Azores with kids, and is São Miguel worth the trip? This is the full São Miguel guide — flights and points, renting a car, where to stay, the best hot springs and waterfalls, whale watching, and the honest story of how our four days actually went, weather included. We paired this trip with a stop in London (full recap in Season 2, Episode 2), and if you want the complete points and miles breakdown for the whole ten-day trip, that's back in Season 1, Episode 42. This episode is just about São Miguel: what it's like, what to do, where to stay, and what we'd change next time. In this episode: Why the Azores feel nothing like mainland Portugal, even though they're technically part of it How long you actually need on São Miguel (we had four days — here's why that wasn't quite enough) Best time of year to visit and how the island's microclimates can wreck a tight itinerary The points and miles breakdown for getting to and from São Miguel, plus why renting a car is non-negotiable Where to stay: the DoubleTree by Hilton in Lagoa on points, plus Pedras do Mar and Senhora da Rosa for cash bookings Scenic lookouts, waterfalls, hot springs (including the one that's nearly impossible to book), whale and dolphin watching, and a pineapple farm Our actual day-by-day itinerary, weather setbacks and all A split family verdict: how Jacob, Shoshana, Ronnie, and Melissa each felt about the island differently Timestamps 00:00 — Intro & Recap of the Trip 00:52 — Why the Azores Aren't Mainland Portugal 04:03 — How Long You Actually Need 06:07 — Best Time of Year to Visit 07:16 — Flights, Points & Renting a Car 10:50 — Where to Stay on São Miguel 13:18 — Best Things to Do 20:04 — Our Actual Day-by-Day Itinerary 22:39 — Family Verdict & What We'd Change Links The Full Guide São Miguel, Azores Travel Guide — full write-up with the map, packing list, and activity details mentioned in this episode Related Episodes S1 Ep. 42 — How We Planned London & Azores on Points S1 Ep. 49 — London vs. Azores Recap: A Kid's Take S2 Ep. 2 — London with Kids: What We Loved, What Surprised Us, and What We'll Do Differently Next Time Where We Stayed DoubleTree by Hilton Lagoa — booked on points, full Hilton transfer math in the guide Pedras do Mar Resort & Spa — splurgier north coast pick Senhora da Rosa — cash booking, pool table and a pineapple-greenhouse hot tub Things to Do Poça da Dona Beija hot springs Caldeira Velha tickets — book the moment your dates are set, slots go fast Whale & dolphin watching tour SpotAzores live weather cams (São Miguel) Car Rental Discover Cars — São Miguel local rental options Flight Deals SAVE $20 on Thrifty Traveler Premium 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
	The Sapphire Saga: Why I'm Not Sorry for Spending $800 on a Credit Card Annual Fee	18 Sep 2026	00:19:50
Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve still worth its $795 annual fee after the 2025 overhaul — and what does the Chase Sapphire Preferred's new 4:3 Hyatt transfer ratio mean for your points? This episode breaks down every change to both Sapphire cards this year, why Melissa upgraded back to the Reserve with no welcome bonus, and exactly how she used Chase's "The Edit" hotel program to book two rooms for four nights in Amsterdam for 100,000 points and fifty dollars. In this episode: What the Chase Sapphire Reserve looked like in 2016 vs. what it costs and covers now Why Melissa and her husband downgraded to Freedom Unlimited in 2023 — and why that trick doesn't work anymore The Chase Sapphire Preferred's June 2026 overhaul: the Hyatt transfer ratio drop, the doubled hotel credit, and what's grandfathered until October Three reasons Melissa upgraded to the $795 Reserve without a welcome bonus A full breakdown of The Edit: split reservations, price-matching, and stacking Points Boost to book Amsterdam's Kimpton De Witt for next to nothing Why Melissa isn't sure she'll keep chasing Hyatt Globalist status, and what that means for her hotel strategy going forward Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome 03:15 Chase Sapphire Reserve Refresh 04:51 Chase Sapphire Preferred Refresh 09:08 Why I Upgraded Again 13:16 Chase Travel's The Edit (My Booking Hacks) 18:13 More Resources and Wrap Up Resources: Chase Sapphire Preferred: What's Changing and What You Should Do About It 3 Reasons I Upgraded to the Chase Sapphire Reserve (Even Without a Bonus) Case Study: The Edit Shines in Amsterdam Cards mentioned Chase Sapphire Reserve / Preferred Chase Ink Business Preferred / Sapphire Reserve for Business Chase Freedom Unlimited General resources Best Credit Cards for Family Travel Free Travel resource page 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
	Reflecting on Full-Time Family Travel, Nine Years Later	04 Sep 2026	00:05:29
Nine years ago this month, Melissa's family packed up the car and set off on what was supposed to be a one-year adventure — and turned into almost two. In this reflective episode, she looks back at what actually stuck: the deep family bond that full-time travel built, why "owning your happiness" became a lasting family value, and how those lessons still shape the way they travel. In this episode: The 2017 family trip that turned into two years on the road The two biggest takeaways from full-time travel — and why neither one is really about travel at all How those lessons still show up in how the family plans trips today, even short ones Why this isn't a "quit your job" pitch, and small, realistic ways to build in a pause without upending your life 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
	London with Kids: What We Loved, What Surprised Us, and What We'll Do Differently Next Time	28 Aug 2026	00:18:12
Family travel to London with kids: what we loved, what surprised us, and what we'd do differently on our next trip We just spent five days in London with the kids, and rather than walk you through a stop-by-stop itinerary (that's what the blog article is for), this episode is the honest debrief: each of our four favorite things from the trip, where we ate, what caught us off guard about the city, and what's already on the list for next time. IN THIS EPISODE Where we stayed near King's Cross and why the location mattered more than the room size Each of our four top picks: Harrods, the Tower of London and Changing of the Guard, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, and two West End/Globe shows Where we ate - afternoon tea at the Ampersand, Hobson's Fish & Chips, a 100% gluten-free splurge at Niche, and Mango Indian What surprised us about London, good and bad What we'd do differently on our next visit Timestamps 00:00 — Introduction 02:11 — Getting There & Getting Around 04:34 — Where We Stayed 07:00 — The Highlights: Our Four Favorite Things 15:32 — Food Highlights 12:36 — What Surprised Me 16:02 — What We'd Do Differently Next Time Resources Our 5 Day London With Kid Itinerary Where to Stay in London with Kids on Points (by Program) Changing of the Guard guided tour Tower of London tickets Episode 42 — How We Planned London & Azores on Points Episode 49 — London + Azores: A Kid's Take Best Credit Cards for Family Travel Join the newsletter Coming Soon on the Blog Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: Tips & Tricks 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
	19 Perfect Fall Break Destinations for Families (Region by Region)	21 Aug 2026	00:27:03
Episode Description My most popular article of the year — now an episode. A region-by-region fall break guide for families, plus four spots that didn't make the original article. East Coast Fall Break Escapes: New York City · Finger Lakes · Washington DC · Colonial Williamsburg · Philadelphia · Boston · Sarasota · Orlando · Iceland Midwest Fall Break Favorites: Chicago · Cleveland · Louisville · St. Louis · Aruba & Curaçao Mountain/West Fall Break Options: Arizona · San Diego · Yosemite · Hawaii · La Paz, Mexico Plus: why fall beats spring break and summer for weather, crowds, and price — and how we use points and miles to book most of it without a strict budget. Season 2 of Family Travel Unpacked starts here. Hit follow so you don't miss what's next. Timestamps 00:00 — Season Two Kickoff 01:48 — Why Fall Break Works 04:21 — East Coast Fall Break Escapes 15:49 — Midwest Fall Break Favorites 20:41 — Mountain/West Fall Break Options 26:23 — Wrapping Up Resources Awesome Fall Break Destinations for Families East Coast NYC attractions for kids: Finger Lakes with kids Watkins Glen hiking tips Best things to do in DC with kids Williamsburg, Jamestown & Yorktown itinerary Colonial Williamsburg tips Fun things to do in Sarasota with kids Orlando with tweens Tips for Universal Studios Orlando Best Iceland tours Visiting Iceland on a budget Midwest Louisville weekend itinerary Lexington, KY weekend itinerary (Louisville day trip) Day trips from Cleveland St. Louis with kids Mountain/West Scottsdale & Phoenix with kids 8 great things to do in Arizona with kids San Diego with kids Where to stay in San Diego with kids Things to do on Oahu with kids Things to do on Maui with kids Things to do on Kauai with kids Big Island 5 Day Itinerary 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 for FREE? Yes please! (Replay)	11 Aug 2026	00:27:13
Our Trip Fell Apart (But Our Points Didn't) — Plus How to Travel for Free with Kids A Southwest delay killed our Charleston beach trip — but because it was booked on points, we walked away without losing a dime. Here's exactly how we unwound three different award bookings, plus a full breakdown of how to earn and use points to travel with kids for free. Melissa was supposed to be recapping a family beach getaway to Wild Dunes, a Hyatt resort near Charleston. Instead, a cascading Southwest delay forced a last-minute cancellation — and this episode walks through how to cancel an award flight, an award hotel stay, and a rental car booking without eating the cost. Then it's a deep dive into the credit card and points strategy that makes free family travel possible in the first place. In This Episode How to cancel an award flight and get every point back What really happens when you cancel a hotel award stay inside the cancellation window Two ways to avoid a last-minute hotel cancellation fee Why rental car bookings through travel portals (Capital One, Chase, Priceline) can get complicated Why earning points is harder for families than solo travelers The fastest way to earn points: credit card sign-up bonuses Best starter cards for family travel (Chase Sapphire Preferred, Ink Business) How to search and book award flights (Google Flights, PointsYeah, AwardTool, airline alliances) What a repositioning flight or drive is, and when it's worth it The Southwest Companion Pass strategy for families Hotel points strategy for families (Hyatt, IHG, Hilton, Choice) Practical tips for booking flights and hotel rooms with kids Chapters 00:00 Intro & catching up 01:00 The Wild Dunes trip and the cancellation cascade 03:00 Unwinding the points: flight, hotel, and rental car 08:30 Why points are harder to use for families 09:30 Earning points: sign-up bonuses and transferable points 13:00 Booking award flights (tools, alliances, repositioning) 18:30 The Southwest Companion Pass 20:30 Hotel strategies: Hyatt, IHG, Hilton, Choice 25:00 Practical tips and wrap-up 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
	Philadelphia Recap: 24 Hours in the City of Brotherly Love	28 Jul 2026	00:09:17
Planning a weekend trip to Philadelphia? We spent 24 hours in the city using points for flights and a free hotel night, hitting Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and some of the best Israeli food in the country. We flew nonstop on American using Alaska Atmos points, stayed at the Hyatt Centric Rittenhouse Square on a free night certificate, and packed in a museum, three restaurants, and a same-day Independence Hall reservation — all in one night. In this episode: Booking nonstop American flights with Alaska Atmos points (9,000 for first class out, 4,500 for economy home) A free night at the Hyatt Centric Rittenhouse Square using a Hyatt credit card certificate The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History's exhibit on the Jewish merchants who supplied the American Revolution Dinner at Zahav, brunch at Dizengoff, and lunch at Goldie — three spots from chef Michael Solomonov's CookNSolo group Booking a same-day Independence Hall tour through recreation.gov Where past Philly trips with the kids fit in — the Franklin Institute, the Academy of Natural Sciences, and the Museum of the American Revolution Timestamps (estimated — confirm against final recording before publishing) 00:00 — Intro 01:15 — How we booked it: Alaska Atmos points 03:00 — Past Philly trips & who it's for 04:30 — Weitzman Museum exhibit 06:00 — Zahav, Dizengoff, and Goldie 08:00 — Independence Hall in 25 minutes 09:30 — Liberty Bell and Rittenhouse Square 11:00 — Hyatt Centric review + outro 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
	Boston With Kids Recap: Taking a Bite of Beantown	21 Jul 2026	00:09:24
Boston with kids doesn't have to mean one long trip — after two separate weekend visits in the same year, here's what's worth doing, where to stay on points, and the one expense that caught us off guard. In this episode 50 recap, I compare two Hyatt Regency stays booked on free night certificates, share the Alaska Atmos points trick that got us into first class for less than economy, and break down where to eat, tour, and skip the rideshare surprise that cost us the most. In this episode: Why we're recapping two different Boston trips — one with our daughter last summer, one solo-parent-turned-family-reunion this year — in a single episode Booking first class on American Airlines for just 9,000 Alaska Atmos points each, because airfare spiked and economy award seats disappeared Hyatt Regency Boston vs. Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor: same category 4 free night certificate, two completely different trips Boston Tea Party Museum and a guided Freedom Trail walking tour — why paying for a guide beat doing it ourselves in our 20s The surprise expense Getting around Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor without a car: the shuttle, the $2.40 ferry, and why weekends are trickier than weekdays Who Boston is best for, from toddlers to a no-kids weekend away Boston travel resources Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum Freedom Trail guided tour Duck boat tour Hyatt Place Boston/Seaport 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
	London vs. Azores Recap: A Kid's Take	14 Jul 2026	00:11:03
Wondering whether London or the Azores is the better pick for your next family trip? In this episode of Family Travel Unpacked, my 12 year old takes over as our tween travel expert and gives her honest, unfiltered review of both destinations, from Harrods and the West End in London to hiking, hot tubs, and Europe's only tea plantation in São Miguel, the Azores. We just got back from London and the Azores, and this trip felt like two completely different vacations back to back — a huge European capital followed by a small, nature-focused island. Shoshana breaks down what surprised her, her favorite hotel, how gluten-free eating (she has Celiac disease) compared between the two, and which destination won her over in the end. We also booked this entire trip on points, covering flights and hotels for basically nothing out of pocket until we landed. The full breakdown of the 600,000-plus points we used is back in Episode 42, and full-length, in-depth episodes on London and the Azores individually are coming later this summer and into fall. In this episode: What it's really like traveling with a tween through London vs. São Miguel, Azores Hotel reviews: The Standard London vs. DoubleTree by Hilton São Miguel Must-do family activities in London, including the Jellycat store at Harrods and the West End show Hadestown Why São Miguel felt like "the Hawaii of the Atlantic" — hiking, the rooftop and indoor pools, and Europe's only tea plantation Navigating gluten-free and Celiac-friendly eating in London and the Azores, including a splurge-worthy dinner at Niche Gluten Free Shoshana's honest verdict: London or São Miguel, and what she'd do differently next time A reminder that this trip was booked almost entirely on points — full breakdown in Episode 42 Timestamps: 00:00 — Intro & the Episode 42 points recap 01:23 — Bringing in our tween travel expert 02:16 — London highs and lows 04:00 — Azores highs and lows 06:09 — Gluten-free travel: London vs. the Azores 08:04 — Wrapping up 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
	The Ins and Outs of Unaccompanied Minor Travel	07 Jul 2026	00:29:09
Kids Flying Alone? Everything Parents Need to Know About Unaccompanied Minor Travel Can kids fly alone — and how does it actually work? This episode covers everything parents need to know about domestic unaccompanied minor travel, from airline policies and fees to what really happens at the airport. Melissa shares firsthand experience from multiple solo flights her own kids have taken, breaks down the rules for every major US carrier, and explains how to use points to book UNMR tickets. Jacob and Shoshana also join to share advice directly for kids about to take their first solo flight. In this episode: What unaccompanied minor (UNMR) service is and which ages it applies to Age-based nonstop vs. connecting rules — and why United is the strict outlier Fee structures and policies for American, Delta, United, Southwest, and Alaska How to book UNMR flights with points — and when partner bookings get complicated Credit cards that can offset the $150 UNMR fee (Amex Platinum, Hilton Aspire, Citi Strata Elite, and more) The airport process step by step: two-hour arrival, gate passes, regular security (no PreCheck/CLEAR), waiting until the plane is airborne What to have ready before you get to the check-in counter What to tell your child if the pickup adult isn't there when they land Baggage strategy: backpacks only, ship the big bags for camp trips Keeping in touch: Apple Watch, Apple Cash, Airalo eSIM, FlightAware Jacob and Shoshana's advice for kids taking their first solo flight Timestamps: 01:30 — What UNMR service is 03:45 — Airline policies and fees 09:00 — Accompanying adult age rules 09:45 — Booking with points 12:30 — Credit cards that offset the fee 13:30 — The airport process 21:00 — Preparing your child 25:15 — Jacob and Shoshana's advice 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
	6 Sneaky Ways We Rack Up Travel Points (No New Cards Required)	30 Jun 2026	00:17:43
Six low-effort habits for earning more travel points and miles as a family - no new credit cards required. In this episode, you'll learn six specific strategies to earn extra points and miles without opening a single new credit card. From shopping portals and smarter everyday spending to a gift card trick that can fund hundreds of thousands of points a year, this episode covers it all, including a couple of strategies most people never think to try. In this episode: How shopping portals and browser extensions stack bonus points on every online purchase Why the Chase Freedom Unlimited beats the Sapphire cards for everyday spending — and how to combine points across cards The office supply store gift card trick that can add tens of thousands of points a year How the Paze digital wallet is currently offering a huge bonus on Chase cards Why watching your email and mailbox for targeted offers can pay off in a big way How Card Pointers Plus automatically finds and activates credit card offers How to ask for retention offers when an annual fee comes due Why referral links are a win-win for you and your friends Timestamps 00:00 — Intro 01:15 — Shopping portals 04:10 — Smarter daily spend cards & gift card strategy 09:17 — Targeted offers 11:08 — Card Pointers Plus 12:35 — Retention offers 15:01 — Referral bonuses 17:04 — Wrap-up Links & Resources Shopping Portals & Cash Back Rakuten (sign up and get a $50 bonus) TopCashback (sign up and get a $10 bonus) Doctor of Credit (for gift card deals) - Staples and Office Depot Paze merchant directory Tools Card Pointers Plus Credit Cards Mentioned Chase Sapphire Preferred / Reserve Chase Freedom Unlimited Chase Ink Business cards United credit cards Related Reading Chase Sapphire Preferred: What's Changing and What You Should Do About It The Southwest Companion Pass Trick Free ebook: The Busy Mom's Guide to Free 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
	What to Pack for Alaska (BONUS EPISODE)	24 Jun 2026	00:08:08
Packing for Alaska? There are a few items that most people overlook — and after three trips, Melissa knows exactly what they are. In this bonus episode, she shares the five things she never travels to Alaska without, including one she loves so much she packed a spare pair for a friend. In this episode: Why rain pants belong on every Alaska packing list (even if it doesn't rain) The collapsible lunch containers that save Alaska days The bug protection hack that doesn't touch your liquid allowance What to actually look for in waterproof hiking shoes for families Why binoculars are non-negotiable in Alaska What to pack: Rain pants: women's in multiple lengths \| kids Insect repellant shirt Silicone collapsible lunch containers Waterproof hiking shoes: Columbia men's \| Columbia women's \| Adidas teen \| kids Binoculars Alaska travel planning resources: Full Alaska packing list Alaska itinerary eBook All Alaska 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
	Alaska With Kids: Anchorage Edition with My Teen (Part 3)	23 Jun 2026	00:37:04
Thinking about visiting Alaska with teens? My 14-year-old son joins me for a mother-son Alaska recap — and spoiler: he caught a king salmon just 12 hours after landing and hasn't stopped talking about it since. We cover four days of adventures based entirely out of Anchorage, and I break down how we pulled off the whole trip on points without paying for flights or hotels out of pocket and highlight our favorite things to do in Anchorage and on day trips. In this episode: • King salmon fishing on the Knik River (yes, we both caught one) • Biking the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail — 25 miles, multiple moose, and a very dramatic race back to the bike shop • The Phillips Cruises 26 Glacier Cruise out of Whittier, including calving glaciers and a whole lot of sea otters • Driving the Turnagain Arm: eagles at Bird Point and wildlife at Beluga Point • A scenic float into the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge • The Alaska Native Heritage Center — surprisingly not just educational • Where to eat in Anchorage (the halibut and chips at 49th State Brewing deserve their own billing) • How we booked this entire trip in five weeks on Alaska miles, Southwest points, and Hyatt points Timestamps: 00:00 — Intro 01:44 — King salmon fishing near Anchorage 06:07 — Biking the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail 10:39 — Phillips 26 Glacier Cruise from Whittier 17:29 — Alaska Native Heritage Center + Eagle River Nature Center 20:16 — Kenai River float into the National Wildlife Refuge 23:00 — Where to eat in Anchorage 25:47 — Alaska with a teen wrap up 28:50 — Flights, hotel, and rental car logistics 36:21 — Wrapping up Resources: Alaska travel planning hub Anchorage guide Day trips from Anchorage Renting a car in Alaska Alaska packing list Rental car savings Alaska itinerary eBook Award travel: How to travel free with kids Best credit cards for family travel Southwest Companion Pass guide Related episodes: • Ep. 17 — Southwest Companion Pass basics • Ep. 32 — Alaska by land • Ep. 41 — Companion Pass + World of Hyatt Activities mentioned: Knik River fishing charter Phillips Cruises 26 Glacier Cruise Alaska Native Heritage Center Kenai Rever float trip, Cooper Landing 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
	Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Recap & Mini Review	16 Jun 2026	00:04:45
Get the quick highs and lows in this Grand Hyatt Scottsdale review + recap episode, all in less time that it takes to drink your morning coffee! Find out if this could be the right resort for your trip to Scottsdale with kids - and what might be the biggest drawback for many families. Check prices at Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Amex Platinum Card for The Hotel Collection bookings: $300 statement credit, $100 property credit, breakfast for 2, guarantee 4pm late checkout, room upgrade Arizona with kids resources: Things to do in Phoenix and Scottsdale with kids Best Scottsdale Resorts For Families Best Scottsdale Family-Friendly Rentals For An Amazing Stay Royal Palms Resort & Spa Review: Is It the Best Romantic Getaway In Phoenix? How to Spend the Perfect Weekend in Scottsdale (Without the Kids!) 8 Great Things to do in Arizona with Kids Your essential Arizona packing list Saguaro National Park visitors guide 7 Fun Things To Do In Tucson With Kids 3 Exciting Ways to Do a Day Trip to Sedona from Phoenix Fun things to do in Flagstaff with kids Where to stay in Flagstaff with kids 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
	What's in My Carry-On? Travel Essentials for Your Next Trip	09 Jun 2026	00:13:57
My carry-on has evolved over years of family travel - and at this point, it's pretty dialed in. This episode breaks down exactly what's in my bag, from the backpack I choose to the credit cards I pack and why. A few of these might surprise you! In this episode: How I choose the right backpack for every trip The power adapter I use every single day — at home and abroad Why I think carefully about which credit cards to pack (and make a list) What I bring to actually get some sleep on overnight flights The carry-on essential I'm still experimenting with Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome and summer travel updates 01:25 Choosing the right carry-on backpack 03:00 Power adapter and plane outlet hack 04:13 Cables and battery packs 05:23 Laptop and camera gear 06:32 Sunglasses and the beach rule 07:19 Snack strategy 08:06 Picking the right travel credit cards 10:38 Water bottle and hydration 11:30 Plane comfort essentials 12:41 Sleep tips and wrap-up Resources: Backpacks: Travelon anti-theft backpack REI Flash 22 REI Trail 25 Tech & Power: TESSAN 100W multi-country USB/plug adapter Clip on portable phone/watch charger iWalk portable battery Camera set: Olympus OM-D E-M10 body Olympus M.Zuiko 14-150 mm F4-5.6 II Lens Olympus spare battery Sunglasses: Knockaround sunglasses Goodr sunglasses Earbuds: Anker SoundCore X20 noise-canceling earbuds Water: Half-liter insulated water bottle CamelBak hydration bladder 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
	How We Planned London & Azores on Points	02 Jun 2026	00:17:30
This summer our family is heading to London and the Azores — and before we go, I'm walking you through exactly how we're paying for it with points and miles. From 32,500 AA miles per person to a $1 flight (yes, really), this episode breaks down every flight and every hotel booking and shows you what this trip would have cost in cash versus what we're actually paying out of pocket. If you've ever wondered whether the points and miles game is worth it for a family, this one's for you. IN THIS EPISODE Why we paired London and the Azores together — and why we couldn't squeeze in a second island How booking nine months out locked us into an ideal one-stop itinerary at 32,500 AA miles per person The one-dollar flight from London to São Miguel — and why departure taxes matter more than you think How we'll get home from the Azores with United miles and a cardholder deal Finding a four-person hotel room in London (harder than it sounds) How we used Amex points — a currency we were flush with but not using enough — to cover our Azores hotel stay The full cash value of this trip vs. what we're actually paying TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome and Points Preview 01:32 Trip Setup and Constraints 03:22 Flights to London with AA Miles 06:36 Avios Deal and UK Departure Taxes 08:04 Flying Home from the Azores 10:36 London Hotel: The Standard with Hyatt Points 13:23 Azores Hotel: DoubleTree with Amex and Hilton Points 15:16 Total Costs and Takeaways 16:46 Wrapping Up Credit Cards Chase Sapphire Preferred Chase Sapphire Reserve Capital One Venture X Amex Gold Card Amex Platinum Card Award Search Tools PointsYeah AwardTool More Resources Best Credit Cards for Family Travel How to Travel Free with Kids Episode 30 – Portugal on Points Episode 14 – Hacking Hotels Episode 7 - Travel with kids for FREE? Yes please! 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
	The Magic Combo: Southwest Companion Pass + World of Hyatt Points	26 May 2026	00:34:28
Southwest Companion Pass + World of Hyatt points = endless family travel possibilities. Here's how to make them work together. What happens when you combine the Southwest Companion Pass with World of Hyatt points? You get one of the most versatile family travel strategies out there — whether you're looking for an easy long weekend at a Texas resort, a ski trip in Colorado, an eco-adventure in Costa Rica, or an all-inclusive in Jamaica. In this episode I'm breaking down how these two programs work together, walking through some of my favorite properties across several trip types, and sharing honest real-world experience from stays I've actually done with my family. In this episode: How the Southwest Companion Pass works — and why having two in one household is a game-changer The best tip for saving even more on Southwest fares after you book How Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer to World of Hyatt at 1:1 — and why that matters Three ways to earn a Category 1-4 free night certificate from the Chase World of Hyatt card What Hyatt's new five-tier award chart means for families (and the silver lining for cert holders) Easy long weekend getaways: Florida, Texas, New Mexico, California Family adventure trips: Costa Rica, Joshua Tree, skiing, Hawaii and why Anchorage is suddenly on the table All-inclusives: the properties, AND the important caveats families need to know before booking Timestamps 00:00 — Welcome 01:42 — Earning the Southwest Companion Pass and Saving More After You Book 05:20 — Chase, Hyatt Points and Free Night Certificates 07:36 — Understanding Hyatt's New Award Chart 09:12 — Easy Long Weekend Getaways 18:31 — Family Adventure Trips 28:19 — All-Inclusive Resorts 32:27 — Wrap-Up Resources Southwest Southwest credit cards How to earn the Southwest companion pass Episode 17 — Southwest Companion Pass deep dive Chase / Hyatt Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card World of Hyatt award chart Hotel Reviews on The Family Voyage Andaz Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Hyatt Regency Waikiki Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress 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
	Clash of the (Sort of) Ninety-Five Dollar Travel Credit Cards	19 May 2026	00:25:51
Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Capital One Venture X — which travel credit card is right for your family? Melissa breaks down annual fees, earning rates, transfer partners, lounge access, and real-world redemptions to help you decide. Spoiler: you'll probably want both. In this episode: Why the Venture X's $395 annual fee is effectively comparable to the Sapphire Preferred's $95 — and how the math works The Capital One travel portal price match trick that actually works Current welcome bonuses How the Chase Freedom Unlimited pairs with the Sapphire Preferred to maximize everyday earning Transfer partners: why Chase and Capital One complement each other rather than compete What's changing with World of Hyatt's award chart and what it means for your redemptions Capital One Offers: the underrated feature that scored Melissa's family 10k bonus points on an Expedia booking and 5k on StubHub — plus a jaw-dropping theme park ticket offer Lounge access: what the recent guest policy changes mean for families The Chase 5/24 rule, Capital One's inquiry sensitivity, and the right order to open these cards How to freeze a credit bureau before applying to improve your Capital One approval odds How Ronnie and Melissa divide the cards in their household — and how she uses his Venture X at Target, the grocery store and all around town Timestamps 00:00 Welcome 02:18 Why Compare the Capital One Venture X vs Chase Sapphire Preferred? 03:37 Annual Fee Math Explained 07:01 Bonuses and Real Examples 08:22 Earning Rates and Strategy 11:45 Portals vs Transfer Partners 16:41 CapitalOne Offers Hack 18:34 Premium Perks 21:44 Application Tips 24:11 Final Recommendations Credit Cards Chase Sapphire Preferred Chase Freedom Unlimited Chase Ink Business Preferred Capital One Venture X (Personal) Capital One Venture X Business Award Search Tools PointsYeah AwardTool Articles Free travel resources Best Credit Cards for Family Travel Get your free ebook 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
	Europe with Kids: A Beginners Guide	12 May 2026	00:28:14
Planning a family trip to Europe but not sure where to start? In this episode Melissa breaks down everything you need to know to plan your first family trip to Europe — from choosing the right destination for your family to getting around once you're there without losing your mind. With nine trips to Europe across more than a decade of family travel, Melissa has done it every way imaginable: road trips, trains, ferries, budget flights, and everything in between. She shares which countries work best for first-timers and why, what to expect logistically, and how to use points and miles to bring the cost of a family trip to Europe within reach. In this episode: The single most important mindset shift for a first Europe trip with kids What you need to know about passports and travel authorizations before you book A destination-by-destination breakdown of the best countries for first-time Europe families - including Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Greece, France, and Iceland How to get around Europe with kids How to use points and miles to significantly reduce your costs Practical on-the-ground tips: adapters, eSIMs, travel insurance, and more 00:00 Welcome 02:11 Big picture planning 05:35 Best destinations for a first family trip to Europe 17:57 Getting around Europe with kids 22:30 Europe on a budget 24:27 Logistical tips for your family trip to Europe 26:08 Do you need travel insurance? 27:11 Final thoughts and where to go from here Articles Europe with Kids — Complete Destination Hub Should you bring your car seat to Europe? Ireland with Kids Travel Guide Where to Go in Italy with Kids Spring Portugal with Kids Itinerary, Recap and (Slight) Regrets Greece with Kids: Where Should You Go? Athens with Kids in One Day (or Two) Naxos with Kids Visiting Crete with Kids Paris with Kids Best Iceland Tours Travel Insurance & Gear Squaremouth (compare insurance plans) Universal travel power adapter Airalo eSIM (use code MELISS0517) 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
	Road Trip with Kids: How to Plan, Pack & Actually Enjoy the Drive	05 May 2026	00:27:39
With summer airfare through the roof, road trips are having a major moment — and honestly, they deserve it. In this episode, Melissa shares her best family road trip tips from two cross-country drives and multiple thousand-mile trips with her kids: how to plan your route, pack the car smart, keep everyone happy on long driving days, and use points, miles, and credit card perks to save big on hotels and gas. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & why road trips make sense this summer 01:41 – Route planning: apps, mindset & building in buffer 06:04 – Packing the car: comfort, gear & staying organized 13:55 – Food & entertainment on the road 19:53 – Saving money: gas, tolls, hotels & park passes Credit cards mentioned: Chase Sapphire Preferred Capital One Venture X United Explorer Card Gear mentioned in this episode: Cigarette lighter USB power strip Inflatable footrest Mini cutting board & knife Portable jump starter & battery pack Yoto Mini Toniebox USB mini vacuum Apps & tools: Roadtrippers Wanderlog GasBuddy CardPointers Road trip guides on The Family Voyage: Michigan Road Trip Itinerary New York & Canada Road Trip Road Trip Tips with Kids Have a question or a topic you'd like covered? Reach out at melissa@thefamilyvoyage.com or find me on Facebook/Instagram at @thefamilyvoyage. If this episode was helpful, share it with a family who's figuring out their summer plans — and don't forget to leave a five-star review wherever you listen. It helps other families find the show! 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
	Portugal with Kids: Itinerary, Tips and My Honest Take	28 Apr 2026	00:28:01
Family travel to Portugal with kids: honest recap of our spring break family trip to Portugal covering Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais and Porto. We just got back from nine nights in Portugal with our kids and this episode covers everything — what worked, what surprised us, and what you need to know before you go. We share our full itinerary across Lisbon and Porto, a night in Cascais after a Sintra day trip, our honest take on navigating Celiac disease in Portugal, why our whole family liked Porto better than Lisbon, a private Douro Valley day trip, and a few things we'd do differently. Links to all tours, hotels, and resources mentioned are below. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Introduction 4:00 Lisbon with kids 17:30 Sintra and Cascais 21:00 Jewish history tour and Day 5 in Lisbon 23:30 Porto with kids 27:00 Douro Valley day trip 28:30 Wrapping up LINKS Tours & Experiences 2-hour Lisbon tuk tuk tour Lisbon food tour Quake Lisbon Oceanário de Lisboa Private Sintra day trip Pena Palace Park and/or Interior Moorish Castle in Sintra Jewish Lisbon tour Daytrip – Douro Valley private day trip Tile painting workshop in Porto Livraria Lello in Porto Where to Stay Hyatt Regency Lisbon Hotel Baia, Cascais Líbere Porto Laranjais Resources Portugal With Kids Itinerary Best Things to Do in Lisbon With Kids Where to Stay in Lisbon With Kids Where to Stay in Porto With Kids Books The Girl with the Secret Name Rick Steves Portugal 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
	Five Travel Tips for Savvy Travelers in 2026	21 Apr 2026	00:23:58
Airfare is up, Hyatt's award chart is changing, TSA lines are about to get longer, and your passport might expire sooner than you think. Here are five things savvy travelers are doing right now — and why each one matters for your family. These travel tips cover a mix of time-sensitive moves and things you've probably been meaning to do. Some apply to everyone; at least one is pretty niche (I'll tell you upfront if it's probably not for you). But if even two or three of these strike a chord, this episode is worth your time. In this episode: Why World of Hyatt members should book award stays before May 20th — and what the award chart changes actually mean How to book flights right now without locking yourself into a bad deal What credit card protections, travel insurance, and EU261 can do for you when things go wrong — and what happened when I had none of the above (episode 33) Why summer 2026 airport lines are going to be brutal — and how TSA Precheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR can get you through faster How to audit your family's passports and set smart calendar reminders so you're never caught off guard Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome 00:49 #1 Lock in Hyatt Stays 06:04 #2 Book Flexible Flights 08:36 #3 Protect Yourself 13:11 #4 Beat Summer Security Lines 20:19 #5 Audit Your Passports 23:00 Quick Recap & Farewell Family-friendly Hyatt stays to book now Andaz Papagayo Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Booking flexible flights Four Reasons I LOVE Award Travel (Other Than Free Stuff) United Explorer card Alaska Atmos Ascent card Travel insurance Compare options here Skipping security lines Discounted CLEAR+ membership IHG Premier card (cheapest TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit) Amex Platinum card (CLEAR+ credit) 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
	From Tot to Teen: How Travel With Kids Changes Through the Stages	14 Apr 2026	00:23:16
Travel with kids changes as you go - from gear and sleep schedules to school calendars and hotel choices. Listen up to find out what 15 years has taught us. From baby's first lap infant flight to a teen texting friends from Portuguese hilltops, family travel looks completely different at every stage. Melissa gets personal in this one, sharing real stories from nearly 15 years on the road with her two kids, why she hates beach trips with babies, a two-year full-time travel adventure, the trip that turned into a COVID quarantine nightmare, and what it's actually like to travel with tweens and teens today. Whether you're just getting started with a baby or trying to hold onto the family travel years before your kid heads to high school, this episode will meet you where you are. In this episode: Why condo resorts and vacation rentals are perfect for babies and toddlers (and when to switch to hotels) The stroller and gear setup that worked for traveling with two young kids How the full-time travel years shaped the way the family travels today Why you should use your school schedule flexibility window while you have it How to build trips around your tween's actual interests — food tours, local sports, craft workshops What shifts when you're traveling with a teenager Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome 01:31 Travel with a baby 06:58 Travel with a toddler 08:21 Travel with school age kids 14:01 Travel with tweens 17:45 Travel with teens 20:33 Wrapping up How to travel with car seats Expert tips for flying with a baby Useful travel gifts for families 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
	Alaska With Kids - Cruise Edition (Part 2)	07 Apr 2026	00:50:28
Alaska cruise planning for families: what it costs, which cruise line to pick, best ports, shore excursions, and more with expert Kim Tate. Expert guest Kim Tate of Stuffed Suitcase has been on roughly 10 Alaska cruises and just published a book on the subject. She joins host Melissa Conn to break down everything families need to know about planning an Alaska cruise with kids — from choosing the right ship to managing excursion logistics to setting realistic expectations about wildlife and weather. In this episode: Cruise vs. land: what each format does better for families Roundtrip vs. one-way Alaska itineraries — and the Gulf of Alaska crossing Glacier Bay vs. other glacier experiences: is it worth planning around? Best Alaska cruise lines for kids programming What a realistic Alaska cruise actually costs for a family Shore excursions: cruise line vs. independent booking, and one third-party resource Kim trusts Seattle vs. Vancouver embarkation - including the two Seattle piers most families don't know about How to use companion passes to offset flight costs Lightning round: Kim's favorite SEA lounge, best Alaska wildlife sighting, what she always eats and more! Already explored Alaska by land? Melissa has too — listen to Episode 32 for the land trip breakdown, then come back to this one for the cruise deep dive. 00:00 Welcome and Meet Kim Tate 04:14 Alaska Cruise Planning Preliminaries 06:01 Cruise vs Land Experiences 07:03 Alaska Cruise Itineraries 11:36 What's the Best Alaska Cruise for Families and Kids? 15:24 Weather and Cancellations 18:55 Realistic Alaska Cruise Trip Costs 22:26 Choosing Your Ideal Alaska Cruise 30:37 Alaska Shore Excursions 37:14 Embarkation: Seattle vs Vancouver 39:54 Why Use a Travel Advisor 42:39 Lightning Round 48:17 Wrap Up How to work with Kim Connect via Stuffed Suitcase, Facebook or Instagram Alaska Cruises - The Ultimate Guide Plan your Alaska trip All my Alaska resources Anchorage & Kenai Peninsula Itinerary eBook Shore Excursions Group Entry-level binoculars Upgraded binoculars 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
	Surprise! When Flights Go Wrong (and How to Protect Yourself)	27 Mar 2026	00:15:32
Flight cancelled abroad? Here's what to do when travel disruptions hit. I'm sharing 3 mistakes I made on our Portugal spring break plus one backup flight trick every traveler needs to know. Two cancelled flights, two mechanical failures, a sprint through Dulles, and a late-night Lyft from DC to Baltimore - that's how our Portugal spring break ended. I'm sharing what went wrong, three planning mistakes I made, and one backup flight trick that saved us. 00:00 Welcome and Updates 01:11 Portugal Trip Plan 02:28 United Rebooking Chaos Begins 03:51 Stranded in Lisbon 05:05 Fighting for a Better Route 08:04 Backup Flight Trick 10:55 My Travel Mistakes 14:06 EU261 Claims and Wrap Up Resources Chase Sapphire Preferred Capital One Venture X Travel insurance comparison CardPointers+ 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
	Alaska With Kids - Road Trip Edition (Part 1)	20 Mar 2026	00:22:52
Planning a road trip to Alaska with kids this summer? Don't miss this episode for the highlights (and lowlights) of visiting The Last Frontier on a family trip. Find out why Alaska is worth the effort, who it’s best for, and how to book flights using points and miles. Host Melissa outlines top regions and stops along with highlights like dog sledding, a Kenai Fjords boat tour, Lake Clark bear viewing, Byron Glacier, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage. 00:00 Welcome and Alaska Preview 01:16 Why Alaska for Families 02:32 Booking your Alaska family trip 05:56 Road Trip Tips 08:02 Anchorage Essentials 10:09 Girdwood 12:01 Kenai Peninsula Highlights 14:30 Anchorage Day Trips 18:24 Top Experiences to Prioritize 19:54 Final Planning and Packing Tips 21:59 Wrap Up and Next Episode Links 10-day Alaska itinerary Alaska with kids Anchorage travel guide Day trips from Anchorage Renting a car in Alaska Alaska travel tips 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
	Hawaii vs Costa Rica: Showdown in Paradise	13 Mar 2026	00:21:06
Hawaii vs Costa Rica for families: a real comparison of cost, activities, logistics and accessibility — plus which one we chose for our winter break. If you've been going back and forth between Hawaii and Costa Rica for your family's next trip, this episode is for you. I've taken my family to both destinations. After an embarrassing amount of research comparing both destinations for our upcoming winter break, I'm sharing everything so you don't have to do it yourself. We cover flights and time zones, a detailed cost breakdown, activities for families, logistics and itinerary planning, the best time to visit each destination, accessibility considerations, and which destination we chose for this winter. In This Episode: Why where you live completely changes the flights and time change math Accommodations: why Costa Rica wins on cash but Hawaii wins on points How to search for award flights (and what the tools miss) Activities: where Hawaii wins and where Costa Rica pulls ahead Why itinerary planning in Costa Rica is a completely different challenge than Hawaii Seasonality: what "dry season" actually means and where to go when Accessibility: what traveling with a grandparent taught me about these two destinations Our final decision for winter break — and why Whether you're planning for next spring break or still dreaming, this comparison will help you figure out which destination is right for your family. Find the full blog post and more planning resources at thefamilyvoyage.com. Links Credit Cards Chase Sapphire Preferred Capital One Venture X Amex Platinum Award Search Tools PointsYeah AwardTool Articles Why I Love the Southwest Companion Pass (and How to Get One) Best Credit Cards for Family Travel All free travel resources Hawaii vs. Costa Rica for Families All Hawaii resources All Costa Rica 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
	Portugal on Points: A Case Study	07 Mar 2026	00:18:51
Award travel case study: how our family is booking Portugal flights and hotels for 4 people using points — and spending under $1,000 out of pocket. Ever wonder what it actually looks like to build a trip from scratch using points and miles? In this episode, I walk you through exactly how I planned our family's upcoming spring break trip to Portugal — flights, hotels, layovers, and all the creative problem-solving in between. This one was inspired by coffee with a local friend who had done a great job earning points but couldn't figure out how to actually use them. Sound familiar? We're covering Lisbon, Cascais, and Porto, with four nights in each of the first and last stops. I'll tell you which programs I used, how many points each piece cost, where I got creative (Southwest to DC, anyone?), and what I would do differently next time. If you've been sitting on a stash of points and wondering how to turn them into a real trip, this episode will show you how. In This Episode: Why Portugal in March — and how a band concert blew up my original plan Two different strategies to fly between the US and Portugal on points Three different tricks for booking accommodations for free How traveling as a couple is different than traveling as a family The four lessons I'll carry into every future award booking New to points and miles? Start with Episode 7 (fundamentals) and Episode 8 (credit card benefit hunting) before this one. Credit Cards Chase Sapphire Preferred Capital One Venture X Amex Platinum Citi Strata Elite United Explorer Articles How United Is Changing the Game (But Still Letting You Win) Why I Love the Southwest Companion Pass (and How to Get One) Best Credit Cards for Family Travel All free travel resources Award Travel Tools PointsYeah AwardTool 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
	LA with Kids: A Mom's Insider Guide	27 Feb 2026	00:31:13
If you're planning a trip to Los Angeles with kids, this episode is your insider playbook. Melissa lived in LA for 20 years, raised her kids there, and still visits multiple times a year — including just last week, when she visited two attractions for the very first time. From navigating LAX to booking hotels on points to finding the best things to do in LA with kids across the Westside, Downtown, and beyond, this is the honest, practical guide you've been looking for. In This Episode: Why LA trips need to be planned by zone — and how to avoid the traffic trap The LAX curbside pickup hack that will save your sanity When to rent a car (and when the Metro actually wins) Where to stay in LA with kids — from budget-friendly to points redemptions The Getty Center, Warner Brothers Studio Tour, Grand Central Market, Academy Museum, and more A complete 4-day LA itinerary you can actually pull off How to pair LA with Disneyland like a pro Whether you're planning a standalone LA trip or combining it with Disneyland or San Diego, this episode will help you make the most of one of the world's great family destinations. Find detailed guides and hotel reviews at thefamilyvoyage.com and losangelestraveler.com. Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to LA 01:22 The lay of the land 05:12 Getting Around LA 08:08 Where to Stay in LA with Kids 13:27 Best Things to Do in LA with Kids 28:03 Sample 4-Day Itinerary 30:01 More Resources and Wrap Chase Sapphire credit cards Chase Freedom credit cards (no fee) Top resources to plan your trip to LA with kids: 16 of the Best Hotels in Los Angeles for Families Fun Things To Do In Los Angeles With Kids 7 Awesome Things to do in LA With Teens Visiting The Getty Center: Tips For A Great Visit Warner Brothers Studio Tour + Tips 15 Universal Studios Hollywood Tips You NEED To Read Should I Rent A Car In Los Angeles? Honest Pros and Cons MUST-READ Tips for Renting a Car in Los Angeles Los Angeles Airports: Which Is The Best? 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
	9 Common Family Travel Planning Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)	22 Feb 2026	00:20:48
Avoid these 9 common family travel mistakes! From booking too late to overpacking, learn how to plan better trips with kids and save money with points & miles along the way. Planning family travel doesn't have to be overwhelming. In this episode of Family Travel Unpacked, Melissa shares the 9 biggest mistakes families make when planning trips with kids—and exactly how to avoid them. Drawing from nearly 15 years of family travel experience, including a two-year backpacking gap year with kids, Melissa covers everything from booking timelines to packing strategies to creative flight routing. Whether you're new to travel with kids or a seasoned family traveler, these practical tips will help you plan smoother, more affordable trips that everyone actually enjoys. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome 00:44 Mistake #1: Waiting Too Long to Book 02:46 Mistake #2: Planning Without Everyone’s Needs in Mind 04:14 Mistake #3: Overpacking Your Itinerary 06:40 Mistake #4: Being Too Rigid With Flights & Routing 10:16 Mistake #5: Under-Researching Weather & Microclimates 12:04 Mistake #6: Overpacking Your Suitcase 14:56 Mistake #7: Not Preparing for Travel Day 16:37 Mistake #8: Not Using Points & Miles Strategically 18:31 Mistake #9: Thinking Short-Term 19:55 Wrap-Up Our favorite packing cubes 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
	Cool Summer Family Vacations: Alaska, Iceland, Michigan & Beyond \| Travel With Kids	17 Feb 2026	00:27:22
Family summer vacations don't have to mean sweltering heat. Discover 5 cool-weather destinations perfect for travel with kids this summer. In this episode of Family Travel Unpacked, host Melissa shares real experiences from epic family road trips and international adventures where summer temps stay comfortable. From Alaska's midnight sun and bear viewing to Iceland's glaciers, plus drivable trips through Michigan's Upper Peninsula and a NY-Canada loop through Quebec City and Niagara Falls—these destinations deliver adventure without the August misery. Episode Highlights: Alaska: Dog sledding, Lake Clark bear viewing, Kenai Fjords cruise (10+ days) Iceland: Private glacier hiking, whale watching in Húsavík (10-11 days) NY & Canada: Finger Lakes to Quebec City to Toronto road trip (2 weeks) Michigan: Mackinac Island, Pictured Rocks, Tahquamenon Falls (10 days) Australia: Great Barrier Reef & Daintree Rainforest in their winter (3-4 weeks) Plus honest budgeting tips, points & miles strategies, and age recommendations for each destination. Full itineraries and resources at thefamilyvoyage.com. 00:00 Welcome + Why Cool-Weather Summer Trips Are the Move 01:20 Destination #1: Alaska — Epic Wildlife, Long Days & Road Trip Planning 07:02 Destination #2: Iceland — Road Trip Basics, Weather & Who It’s Best For 12:28 Destination #3: New York State + Canada Road Trip Overview 16:42 Destination #4: Michigan Road Trip — Mackinac Island to the U.P. 21:05 Destination #5: Australia — A Winter-in-July Family Adventure Plan 26:30 Wrap-Up: The 5 Cool-Weather Summer Family Vacation Picks Alaska: Things to do in Alaska with kids 10 Day Alaska Itinerary AK Husky Adventures Kenai Fjords cruise Iceland Best Iceland Tours & Activities Glacier Encounter - 10% off with code THEFAMILYVOYAGE10 Whale watching in Husavik New York & Canada Road Trip New York & Canada Road Trip Itinerary Michigan Michigan Road Trip Itinerary Things to do in Munising Things to do in Houghton Australia 1-4 Week Australia Itineraries How to get to Australia on miles 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
	Banff with Kids with Celine Brewer of Travel Banff Canada	08 Feb 2026	00:42:26
Planning a family trip to Banff? Join Melissa as she talks with Celine of Travel Banff Canada about visiting Banff with kids - from best times to visit and where to stay to budgeting tips and must-do activities. Celine, a mom of two living in Canmore, shares insider advice on making the most of your Canadian Rockies family vacation. Episode highlights: Best seasons to visit Banff with kids and which school breaks work best Banff vs Canmore - where should families stay? Realistic budgets for accommodation, food, and activities Must-do activities for families and hidden local gems Common mistakes families make when planning Banff trips How long to stay and nearby destinations worth adding Whether you're planning spring break in the Rockies or a summer mountain adventure, this episode covers everything you need to know for an amazing Banff family vacation. Where to stay in Banff with kids Castle Mountain Chalets Johnston Canyon Bungalows Baker Creek by Basecamp Pine Bungalows Jasper 00:00 Welcome to Family Travel Unpacked 00:07 Meet Celine 02:16 Best Time to Visit Banff 09:25 Traveling with Young Kids in Banff 11:03 Planning Your Banff Trip 14:54 Accommodation Options in Banff 15:39 Budgeting for Your Banff Trip 18:27 Dining in Banff 20:22 Cost of Activities and Passes 22:09 How Long Should You Stay in Banff? 22:54 Banff Day Trips and Add-Ons 27:30 Must-Do Activities in Banff 35:00 Hidden Gems and Local Tips 37:37 Common Mistakes and Tips for Families 39:40 Guidebooks and Trip Planning Services 41:56 Conclusion and Farewell 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
	Dolomites with Kids: What Families Need to Know	03 Feb 2026	00:13:09
Planning a family trip to the Dolomites? Learn which hiking spots work best for kids and which ones are too challenging in this practical guide. Melissa shares honest insights from her Northern Italy trip with her 11 and 14-year-old kids, comparing family-friendly experiences like Seceda and Alpe di Siusi with more challenging hikes like Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Discover where to stay in the Dolomites with kids, driving tips for mountain roads, how to handle timed entry reservations, and whether this Instagram-famous region lives up to the hype for families. Episode highlights: Best family-friendly spots: Seceda and Alpe di Siusi Why Tre Cime di Lavaredo is YMMV Essential GPS tip for navigating mountain roads Timed reservation requirements Italy travel info: Dolomites With Kids: The World’s Most Family-Friendly Hiking 7 Dolomites Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Trip Summer Northern Italy Itinerary + Recap 4 Ideas to Avoid the Crowds in Venice, Italy Rome With Kids: Tips To Love The Eternal City 23 Must-Know Italy Travel Tips to Plan Your Dream Trip Renting a Car in Italy: La Dolce Vita on Four Wheels Italy Travel Apps That Will Make Your Trip Smoother How to Travel to Italy on a Budget 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
	Your Italy with Kids Game Plan	31 Jan 2026	00:46:41
Planning a family trip to Italy? Learn how to create the perfect Italy with kids itinerary from a mom who's done it three times at different ages. Discover how to choose your bases, navigate transportation (trains vs rental cars), avoid tourist crowds, and find family-friendly accommodations. Plus, essential tips for managing Celiac disease in Italy, staying safe from pickpockets, and making the most of your time with practical packing advice and money-saving strategies. Episode highlights: How to choose 2-3 base locations and use day trips for variety Trains vs rental cars: when to use each (and the ZTL zones to avoid!) 5 must-show-your-kids experiences: Colosseum, Venice canals, working farms, Pompeii, and the Dolomites Why Italy is one of the BEST countries for traveling with Celiac disease Pickpocket prevention strategies that actually work Money tips: which credit cards work best and when you actually need cash How the Italy experience changes from toddlers to teens Italy travel essentials: Anti-theft daypack Portable phone charger Baby/toddler carrier Folding car seats Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card Capital One Venture X credit card Italy travel info: Rome With Kids: Tips To Love The Eternal City Dolomites With Kids: The World’s Most Family-Friendly Hiking 7 Dolomites Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Trip Summer Northern Italy Itinerary + Recap 4 Ideas to Avoid the Crowds in Venice, Italy 23 Must-Know Italy Travel Tips to Plan Your Dream Trip Renting a Car in Italy: La Dolce Vita on Four Wheels Italy Travel Apps That Will Make Your Trip Smoother How to Travel to Italy on a Budget 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
	Celiac Travel Tips for Families	27 Jan 2026	00:12:48
Celiac travel tips for families: Learn how to safely travel internationally with food allergies. Melissa shares practical strategies for keeping your child safe while exploring the world - from choosing gluten-free friendly destinations like Costa Rica and Italy to using translation cards and leveraging cruise ships as a stress-free base. Discover why cruises work brilliantly for Celiac families, how to research hidden gluten in local cuisines, and which Facebook groups provide invaluable destination-specific advice. Plus, tips for navigating restaurants without dedicated gluten-free kitchens and using technology to decode ingredient labels abroad. Episode Highlights: Why cruises are surprisingly perfect for food allergy travel Best destinations for Celiac families (Costa Rica, Italy, Hawaii) EqualEats translation cards and Google Translate camera features Facebook groups: Celiac Travel, Gluten Free Italy, Celiac Beach All-Inclusive Reviews How to order strategically in restaurants abroad Research tips for hidden gluten (especially barley) EqualEats Celiac Disease translation cards Helpful Facebook groups: Celiac Travel Gluten Free Italy Celiac Beach All-Inclusive Reviews 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: Picky Eater Edition	23 Jan 2026	00:11:24
Family travel with kids gets easier when picky eaters become adventurous! Learn 8 strategies to help your children try new foods while traveling. Struggling with picky eaters on family trips? You're not alone. In this episode of Family Travel Unpacked, Melissa shares practical strategies for encouraging kids to try new foods while traveling - without the mealtime battles. From choosing the right timing to starting with local sweets, these proven techniques have helped countless families transform their travel dining experiences. Whether you're heading to Costa Rica, Japan, or just planning your next family vacation, these tips will help you navigate unfamiliar cuisines with confidence when you travel with kids. Episode Highlights: Why timing matters when introducing exotic foods to kids The "sweets first" approach that actually works How cooking classes create adventurous eaters Strategic accommodations that respect kids' boundaries How to prevent mealtime power struggles Perfect for parents planning family travel with young kids, tweens, or teens. Real stories, honest advice, and actionable strategies from 13+ years of family travel experience. 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
	Icon of the Seas: A Kid's Take	20 Jan 2026	00:12:22
Icon of the Seas from a kid's perspective! 11-year-old Shoshana shares her honest review of cruising with kids, from soft serve to Celiac dining. What does an 11-year-old really think about Icon of the Seas? In this Quick Tip Tuesday episode, I interview my daughter Shoshana about her week on the world's largest cruise ship. She shares unfiltered opinions on everything from the shows and food to why she skipped kids club. Plus, her advice for other tweens considering a cruise! Episode Highlights: Why the 3-minute Sprinkles soft serve run became her favorite thing Honest take on Adventure Ocean from a tween who didn't go Cruising with Celiac disease - real kid perspective on gluten-free dining Her favorite port (spoiler: it might surprise you!) What she'd tell other 11-year-olds about Icon of the Seas Perfect for families wondering if Icon of the Seas works for tweens and kids with dietary restrictions! More tips for cruisers: 6 Cruise Cabin Hacks to Make Your Stateroom More Livable Smooth Sailing: 6 Must-Do Tasks Before Your Cruise 5 Reasons You Might Hate Cruising (+ 7 Reasons You Might Love It) 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
	All About Icon of the Seas: Review, Pros, Cons and Everything In Between	18 Jan 2026	00:41:41
Icon of the Seas review: honest multigenerational cruise tips for 12 travelers ages 4-78. Western Caribbean ports, dining, shows & staterooms. We're just back from a week on Icon of the Seas with our crew of twelve! I'm sharing what worked (and what didn't) for our multigenerational cruise over New Years. From our perfect Deck 8 balcony setup to managing the water slide crowds, this comprehensive Icon of the Seas review covers everything families need to know. Episode Highlights: Why Icon of the Seas neighborhoods make crowds manageable with 7600+ passengers Our connected balcony hack for multigenerational travel Reality check on Category 6 water slides and timing strategy Honest take on kids club age groupings (the weakest part of Icon) Western Caribbean ports: Costa Maya, Roatan, Cozumel & CocoCay Dining variety from Main Dining Room to Izumi Sushi lunch deal Entertainment winners: Lou's Jazz n Blues, The Passing Zone, Aqua Action Critical arcade spending limit tip (our biggest mistake!) Mobility solutions for grandparents on cruises More tips for cruisers: Icon of the Seas Review: Pros, Cons and Everything In Between 6 Cruise Cabin Hacks to Make Your Stateroom More Livable Smooth Sailing: 6 Must-Do Tasks Before Your Cruise 5 Reasons You Might Hate Cruising (+ 7 Reasons You Might Love It) 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
	Visiting Hiroshima with Kids: An Honest Guide	13 Jan 2026	00:05:09
Visiting Hiroshima with kids: Should families tour the A-bomb sites? Melissa shares honest advice on navigating Japan with kids, including age-appropriate preparation strategies and what to expect at the Peace Memorial Museum. Learn which books helped her family prepare, how her 8 and 10-year-old handled the experience, and practical tips for making the right choices for your children. In this episode: Best books to prepare kids for visiting Hiroshima What to see at Peace Memorial Park (outdoor memorials vs. museum) How to handle the intense Peace Memorial Museum with different ages Real experience: How an 8-year-old and 10-year-old navigated the sites Alternative options for younger children Practical admission and planning tips 00:00 Introduction to Family Travel Unpacked 00:14 Discussing Hiroshima with Kids 00:55 Preparing for the Visit 01:24 Exploring Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park 02:08 Navigating the Peace Memorial Museum 04:01 Practical Tips and Final Thoughts 04:52 Conclusion and Additional Resources Japan travel planning resources for families Visiting the A-Bomb Sites in Hiroshima with Kids 10 Japan Cultural Activities & Attractions For Your Bucket List How to Choose a Family-Friendly Ryokan in Japan Essential Japan Itinerary: 10 Days of Family-Friendly Travel Best Things to do in Japan With Kids: A Kid’s Take 9 Tips for Japan Travel You Can’t Afford To Miss Things to do in Tokyo With Kids: Itinerary for 4 Days of Old and New The Best Hotels in Tokyo for Families (and How to Choose Yours) Visiting Kyoto With Kids: 2+ Day Itinerary + Must-Read Travel Tips Best Family Hotels in Kyoto What to Pack for Japan in Spring (and What to Leave at Home) 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
	Japan with Kids: Planning Tips & What to Expect	09 Jan 2026	00:22:58
Planning a family trip to Japan? In this episode, Melissa shares honest insights from her family's 10-day Japan adventure with kids ages 8 and 11. She covers what worked, what didn't, and why Japan became one of their most memorable trips despite being the hardest to plan. In this episode: Why you need to plan early Transportation strategy Kid-approved Japan activities Real talk about jet lag, language barriers, and managing expectations Why you can't see everything in one trip (and why that's okay) Whether you're dreaming about Japan with kids or actively planning your itinerary, this episode gives you the realistic, practical guidance you need. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to Family Travel Unpacked 02:31 Challenges of Planning a Japan Trip 08:46 Must-Try Activities and Experiences 13:00 Japanese Cuisine: A Culinary Adventure 15:02 The Realities of Traveling in Japan 20:12 Final Thoughts and Resources Activities: Buy your Japan Rail Pass Tokyo cooking class teamLab Planets Tea ceremony Japan planning resources: 9 Tips for Japan Travel You Can’t Afford To Miss Essential Japan Itinerary: 10 Days of Family-Friendly Travel (Plus Optional Extension) Best Things to do in Japan With Kids: A Kid’s Take What to Pack for Japan in Spring Things to do in Tokyo With Kids: Itinerary for 4 Days of Old and New The Best Hotels in Tokyo for Families Visiting Kyoto With Kids: 2+ Day Itinerary + Must-Read Travel Tips Best Family Hotels in Kyoto Pokemon Things to do in Japan 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
	Southwest Companion Pass 2026: My Secret to Budget Travel with Kids	06 Jan 2026	00:07:17
Southwest Companion Pass 2026 lets you fly your kids for $5.60 on every flight! Learn how to earn 135,000 points fast with credit card bonuses. Melissa breaks down everything you need to know about earning the Southwest Companion Pass in 2026 - the ultimate family travel hack that lets you bring a companion on every Southwest flight for just $5.60 in taxes. Despite Southwest's recent changes, the Companion Pass remains one of the best travel rewards for families who want to travel more without breaking the budget. In this Quick Tip Tuesday episode, you'll learn exactly how to earn your Companion Pass using two Southwest credit cards, why January 2026 is the perfect time to start, and how this travel hack has enabled our family of four to take trips to Hawaii, Costa Rica, and countless weekend getaways we couldn't otherwise afford. Episode Highlights: What the Southwest Companion Pass is and how it works Step-by-step credit card strategy to earn 136,000+ qualifying points Real examples: Hawaii, Costa Rica and more family trips for just taxes Southwest's 2025 changes Perfect combination of Southwest credit cards Total cost analysis: $400 in fees for $1500+ in travel value 00:00 Welcome to Quick Tip Tuesday 00:26 Introducing the Southwest Companion Pass 01:02 What is the Southwest Companion Pass? 02:29 How to Earn the Companion Pass 02:52 Credit Card Strategies for Earning Points 05:10 Why Now is the Best Time to Get the Companion Pass 06:54 Conclusion and Additional Resources Compare Southwest credit cards here* Complete Companion Pass Guide Free Travel Resources & Ebook This is a referral link. When you apply for a credit card through this link, I may earn a commission or bonus at no cost to you. This helps support the free content on this site. I only recommend products and services I personally use and believe will benefit families traveling with kids. 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
	Family Travel Plans for 2026: A Sneak Peek at What’s Next	30 Dec 2025	00:04:43
Travel with kids in 2026: Get a sneak peek at our family travel plans! From Portugal to London, cruises to beach weekends, see how one family balances school schedules, sleepaway camps, and award travel to plan an incredible year of family travel adventures across Europe, the US, and beyond. Join Melissa from Family Travel Unpacked as she reveals her 2026 travel lineup, including: First-time visits to Portugal (Lisbon & Porto) and the Azores London with kids and East Coast summer camp logistics Budget-friendly tips for family cruise vacations Balancing resort relaxation with outdoor adventures Planning around school calendars and extracurriculars Whether you're looking for inspiration or practical strategies for travel with kids, this quick episode shows how real families make adventure happen! Episode Highlights: January Caribbean cruise with extended family March Portugal debut (Lisbon & Porto) June birthday weekend in Scottsdale + London & Azores trip Creative July camp pickup travel hack Mysterious late-fall adventure in the works 00:00 Welcome to Family Travel Unpacked 00:14 Sneak Peek at 2026 Travel Plans 00:33 January: Caribbean Cruise 00:53 February: Back to LA 01:06 March: Exploring Portugal 01:32 June: Scottsdale and London Adventures 02:48 July: Creative Summer Plans 03:15 August: Relaxing Beach Getaway 03:28 Fall: Busy Weekends and Special Plans 03:54 Conclusion: Looking Forward to 2026 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: Looking Back on Our 2025 Family Adventures	26 Dec 2025	00:12:18
Join us for a special 2025 year-end review including travel with kids to 10+ destinations! Family travel expert Melissa shares her year-in-review adventures including Maui family vacation tips, Italy with teenagers, Costa Rica with kids, and budget-friendly family trips using points. Discover family travel planning strategies, traveling with kids who have Celiac disease, multi-generational family vacation ideas, and underrated destinations for families. Learn how to balance adventure travel with kids and resort relaxation for the perfect family getaway! Episode Highlights: Family travel to Maui: Andaz Wailea resort review & sea turtle snorkeling with kids Travel with kids to Costa Rica: Best Celiac-friendly family destination Italy family travel: Rome with teenagers & Dolomites hiking with kids Budget family travel tips: Miami, St. Louis & Colonial Williamsburg with kids Family vacation planning: Balancing adventure and relaxation when traveling with children Multi-generational family travel 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:25 Reflecting on a Year of Travel 00:49 Winter in Maui 02:13 A Weekend in Miami 03:30 Spring Break in Costa Rica 04:19 Summer in Wisconsin and St. Louis 05:46 Italian Adventures 07:13 Quick Trips to Chicago and Boston 08:00 Colonial Williamsburg and Virginia 08:47 Family Time in Los Angeles 10:25 Year-End Reflections and Future Plans 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
	Hacking Hotels (Family Edition)	23 Dec 2025	00:10:00
Travel rewards and credit card points strategies to save thousands on family hotels! Learn unconventional booking hacks from a family travel expert. Maximize your credit card points and travel rewards with four game-changing hotel strategies. Melissa reveals how her family uses points transfer bonuses, hotel credits, and smart booking tactics to slash accommodation costs on trips to the Azores, Porto, and beyond. In this episode: Save 50%+ booking multiple rooms with travel rewards vs. expensive suites Master credit card points transfers like Amex to Hilton 1:2 and Citi to iPrefer 1:4 Stack hotel credits from Chase, Amex, Citi, United, and Capital One cards Access luxury perks using credit card points through Fine Hotels & Resorts and more Perfect for families wanting to maximize travel rewards, stretch credit card points further, and unlock insider hotel booking strategies. 00:00 Welcome to Family Travel Unpacked 00:13 Unconventional Hotel Savings Strategies 00:35 Strategy 1: Book Multiple Rooms 01:41 Strategy 2: Optimize Points Transfer Ratios 04:11 Strategy 3: Maximize Hotel Credits 06:16 Strategy 4: Luxury Hotel Booking Programs 09:29 Conclusion and Additional Resources Free travel resources for families Amex Platinum personal - Hilton status, FHR credits Amex Platinum business - Hilton status and quarterly credits, FHR credits Chase Sapphire Preferred - $50 annual hotel credit Chase Sapphire Reserve - $300 annual travel credit, The Edit hotel credits Capital One Venture X - $300 annual travel credit, Premier Collection hotels United Explorer & Business - two $50 hotel credits per year 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
	Hawaii with Kids: Five Questions People Ask Me All The Time	19 Dec 2025	00:32:32
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
	The Packing Hack To Level Up Your Winter Travel With Kids	16 Dec 2025	00:04:36
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
	Crushing Your Family Ski Trip With Jessica Averett of Skiing Kids	12 Dec 2025	00:43:42
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
	Your Multi-Gen Family Travel Planning Timeline	09 Dec 2025	00:05:47
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

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