Planning a family holiday should be exciting… but let’s be honest, it can also be overwhelming. From restless kids on long haul flights to finding the perfect family friendly destination, the struggle is real.
That’s where Snacks and Suitcases comes in. Hosted by TV presenter, travel enthusiast, and mum Sally Stanton, this podcast dives into the joys and challenges of travelling with kids. Each episode, Sally chats with travel experts, seasoned parents, industry insiders, and even the occasional celebrity, to bring you practical tips, destination inspiration, and plenty of honest, laugh out loud moments.
Whether you’re dreaming of a snow trip, theme park adventure, or tropical escape, Snacks and Suitcases is here to make travelling with kids a little less chaotic and a lot more fun.
So let’s take off, because the world is waiting.
And… so are the kids!
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Japan with Kids: More Tips from The Tokyo Chapter - Part 2 Food, Fun and Family Travel Tips
Season 1 · Episode 2
Monday, June 23, 2025 • Duration 47:58
Sally continues her chat with Jo from the popular blog The Tokyo Chapter, diving into the best family-friendly experiences in Japan. From must-try dishes like shabu shabu to belting out tunes in a Tokyo karaoke booth, Jo shares her top tips for travelling with kids. You'll also hear her advice on managing food allergies, visiting big-ticket attractions like TeamLab and Tokyo Disneyland, and of course, the tastiest Japanese snacks to try along the way!
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Japan with Kids
01:28 Must-See Attractions and Experiences
04:45 Culinary Adventures: Shabu Shabu and Sukiyaki
10:48 Navigating Dietary Restrictions in Japan
17:09 Cultural Etiquette and Travel Tips
19:48 Tourist Attractions: Worth It or Overrated?
22:50 Interactive Art Experiences: Team Lab
24:30 Choosing Between Attractions: Team Lab vs. Disney
25:01 The Magic of Disney: A Family Perspective
30:25 Navigating Japan: Tips for First-Time Visitors
35:51 Understanding Accommodation in Japan
39:04 Weather Considerations for Traveling in Japan
Subscribe, rate and share with a fellow parent who's dreaming of Japan!
AND... Don't forget your snacks!
Japan with Kids: Real Tips from The Tokyo Chapter - Part 1 From strollers to snacks and Tokyo hotels—what every parent needs to know.
Season 1 · Episode 1
Monday, June 16, 2025 • Duration 52:06
In this episode of Snacks and Suitcases, Sally sits down with Jo MacGregor, the creator of the beloved travel blog The Tokyo Chapter, to dive into everything you need to know about visiting Japan with kids. From toddler friendly itineraries to why you absolutely should bring a stroller. This episode is packed with firsthand experience and honest advice for navigating Japan as a family.
Whether you're planning your first visit or your fifth, you'll walk away with practical tips on where to stay, how to eat well without breaking the bank, and the magical details that make Japan one of the most kid-friendly travel destinations in the world.
Chapters
00:00 Welcome to Japan: A Family Travel Adventure
03:03 The Tokyo Chapter: A Resource for Families
06:05 Why Japan is a Family-Friendly Destination
08:54 Navigating Japan with Kids: Strollers and More
11:57 Making the Most of Your Japan Trip
14:47 Accommodation Choices: Hotels vs. Ryokans vs. Airbnbs
17:52 Luggage Forwarding: A Game Changer for Travelers
29:34 Kidzania: A Fun Experience for Kids
32:02 Choosing the Right Neighbourhood in Tokyo
35:16 Family-Friendly Accommodations in Tokyo
37:57 Exploring Harajuku: An Ideal Itinerary
41:05 Planning for Early Mornings in Tokyo
43:13 Budget-Friendly Tips for Traveling in Japan
49:11 The Importance of Playgrounds for Family Travel
Welcome to Snacks and Suitcases: Travelling with kids made easy!
Season 1
Monday, June 9, 2025 • Duration 01:36
Travelling with kids just got easier! Snacks and Suitcases is packed with advice, tips & laughs. Hosted by TV presenter Sally Stanton. Coming soon!
Family Snow Trips: The Ultimate Guide to Gear, Packing & Keeping Kids Happy
Season 1 · Episode 3
Monday, June 30, 2025 • Duration 57:51
Thinking about a snow holiday with your kids but not sure where to start? In this episode of Snacks and Suitcases, host Sally Stanton is joined by snow guru, fellow ex-snow reporter, and mum of two Christie Hampton. Christie has spent years living and working in ski resorts around the world and now calls the Snowy Mountains home.
Christie shares her top tips for planning a smooth and fun family ski trip
You’ll learn:
What age kids should start skiing (and when to wait)
What snow gear to rent vs buy
The truth about ski school (and why you should “drop and run”)
Pocket snacks, hot chocolate hacks & high-value bribery
How to choose the right Aussie ski resort—budget or bougie
Plus: genius tips like dress rehearsals, air tags, and carabiners for chaos control
From Perisher to Thredbo, Charlotte Pass and even to Japan’s powdery slopes, this episode is your ultimate guide to snow trips with little ones in tow.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Family Skiing Adventures
01:58 Christy's Journey in the Snow Industry
06:12 Building Resilience Through Skiing
12:06 Preparing for Your First Snow Holiday
16:42 Choosing the Right Age for Kids to Ski
21:20 Finding the Best Ski Resorts for Families
28:39 Luxurious Ski Holiday Destinations
29:30 Exploring Niseko: A Family Ski Destination
32:10 The Apres Ski Scene: Fun Beyond the Slopes
33:35 Activities Off the Slopes: Keeping Kids Engaged
36:46 Skiing with Kids: Tips and Hacks for Parents
46:21 Budget-Friendly Ski Holidays: Planning for Families
52:41 Preparing Kids for Skiing: Building Excitement
Skiing Club Med Hokkaido with Kids: Best Family Friendly Ski Resorts in Japan
Episode 15
Monday, December 8, 2025 • Duration 23:41
This is the final Ski Japan episode and final episode of Snacks and Suitcases for the season. Find out how a Club Med all inclusive ski trip in Hokkaido can be the easiest and best way to experience a ski trip with the family!
Skiing and snowboarding in Japan is truly something special and Hokkaido is one of the best places in the world for families. In this final episode of the year, Sally chats with Michelle Davies from Club Med Pacific about what makes Club Med Hokkaido such an easy and memorable ski holiday with kids.
We look at the different Club Med resorts including Kiroro Grand for little ones, Kiroro Peak for teens, and Tomamu for first time skiers with the bonus of the amazing Mina Mina Waterpark. Michelle also shares how much snow Hokkaido gets each season (and it's a whopping amount!) and why the long ski season makes planning around school holidays so simple.
There is also time for a little Christmas spirit as Sally remembers her own white Christmas in Canada and we hear favourite festive memories from all our Ski Japan guests.
It is the final episode of Snacks and Suitcases for the year and the perfect way to finish the Ski Japan series.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Ski Japan Series
01:53 Exploring Club Med Resorts in Hokkaido
10:33 Choosing the Right Resort for Families
12:23 Celebrating Christmas in Japanese Ski Resorts
Skiing Niseko with Kids: Best family friendly ski resorts in Japan
Season 2 · Episode 14
Monday, December 1, 2025 • Duration 55:55
This is the 2nd episode in the Ski Japan Series and it’s all about the snowiest and fluffiest, ski destination in Japan… Niseko!
In this episode of Snacks and Suitcases, host Sally Stanton sits down with long-time Niseko devotee Christie Hampton, who has spent more than 20 winters in Japan’s most famous ski town. If you’re dreaming of that light, dry, ridiculously fluffy Hokkaido powder (that you simply cannot get in Australia), this is your ultimate family guide to skiing Niseko. Plus Christie also shares why the ski resorts in Rusutsu and Furano are also fantastic options.
Christie first visited Niseko decades ago, long before it blew up into the global ski phenomenon it is today. Now, she returns every single Japanese winter with her family. Her kids have been skiing that powder since they were two years old, so she is a bona fide expert!
Sally and Christie cover:
Why Niseko continues to win “Best Ski Resort in Japan” year after year
What first-timers need to know about weather, gear, goggles and the cold
Whether Niseko is comfortable for babies and toddlers
Why booking ski school (and pretty much everything possible) early is essential
Where to eat, shop and explore beyond the slopes
What makes Furano and Rusutsu worth adding to your itinerary
Onsens (yes, we talk about mixed onsens!) and the magic of Japanese snow culture
Day trip ideas, terrain advice.
Christie gives a refreshingly honest, super helpful breakdown of what makes Niseko special and why so many families return year after year. If you’re tossing up whether to make Japan your next snow holiday… this episode will absolutely seal the deal.
Chapters:
00:00 Welcome to Niseko: A Family Ski Paradise
03:01 The Allure of Niseko's Powder Snow
06:01 Skiing in Hokkaido: Comparing Resorts
10:37 Christie's Journey: From Visitor to Local
Sophie Falkiner on Family Travel Tips, Travelling with Teens & Her Life as a Travel TV Presenter
Season 2 · Episode 5
Monday, October 6, 2025 • Duration 01:01:11
In this episode of Snacks and Suitcases, host Sally Stanton catches up with fellow TV presenter and seasoned traveller Sophie Falkiner to talk all things travel, parenting, and the wild world behind travel TV.
Sophie’s career has taken her gorilla trekking in Africa, chasing the Northern Lights, and visiting some of the most spectacular destinations on the planet. She also shares her love story with Africa….including the time she got pashed by a giraffe on her honeymoon! Plus her passion for boating on Sydney’s Pittwater and why the simplest family moments often mean the most.
Travelling for TV isn’t always as glamorous as it looks. Sophie and Sally reveal the reality of long days, unpredictable conditions and some very questionable on-camera meals (think snake and even prairie oysters!).
Off-screen, Sophie’s love of exploring has shaped her personal life too. She’s raised her kids to be just as curious and adventurous. Now as a teenager and a young adult, they’re fearless travellers in their own right.
This episode is packed with family and teen travel inspiration, behind-the-scenes TV tales, and lots of stories that prove TV travel isn’t always red carpet glamorous, but when it’s good, it’s downright unforgettable, just like travelling with kids!
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Travel with Kids
02:43 Sophie Faulkner's Journey in TV and Travel
05:43 The Thrill of Travel and Adventure
08:44 Memorable Travel Experiences and Encounters
11:56 Behind the Scenes of Travel TV
14:48 Family Life and Parenting Challenges
17:47 Traveling with Kids: Tips and Recommendations
20:42 Strange Foods and Culinary Adventures
23:35 Personal Travels and Honeymoon in Africa
Disneyland Around the World: The Best Parks for your family
Season 2 · Episode 4
Monday, September 29, 2025 • Duration 01:16:14
A must listen for anyone planning a Disneyland adventure!
Host Sally Stanton is joined by Let's Go Mum founder and Disneyland expert Barbara Bryan to chat, which Disneyland has just the right amount of magic for you and your family.
Together they explore Disney parks around the world, from Disneyland California and Walt Disney World to Epcot, Shanghai Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland.
Barbara shares insider tips on the best rides for kids of every age, how to beat the crowds, where to find the yummiest Disney snacks and why staying at a Disney hotel can make the whole experience even more magical. You will hear how to plan your Disney trip like a pro, from budgeting and booking tickets to timing your visit for the shortest queues.
They also talk about accessibility for neurodivergent families, hidden gems in each park and the unforgettable moments that make Disney holidays so special. This episode is packed with practical tips and playful stories to help you plan your ultimate Disney family adventure.
Chapters:
00:00 Welcome to Disneyland: A Magical Journey Begins
02:18 Meet the Expert: Barbara Bryan's Disney Adventures
04:45 The Allure of Disneyland: Family Fun and Memories
07:47 Exploring the Disney Parks: A Global Overview
11:07 Disney World vs Disneyland: A Tale of Two Parks
14:49 Epcot: A Culinary and Cultural Experience
16:33 Orlando: Beyond Disney - A City of Fun
17:41 Planning Your Disney Trip: Tips for Families
19:02 Shanghai Disneyland: The Newest Disney Experience
21:20 Tokyo Disneyland: A Budget-Friendly Gem
23:51 Hong Kong Disneyland: A Family-Friendly Park
Sydney for Kids: Best Activities, Hidden Gems & Family Tips
Episode 9
Monday, September 22, 2025 • Duration 59:02
We LOVE Sydney!
In this episode of Snacks and Suitcases, TV presenter and radio favourite Lizzy Lovette joins host Sally Stanton to co-host a deep dive into their hometown of Sydney, Australia. As fellow Sydney Weekender reporters (and mums), they share why Sydney is one of the world’s best family destinations.
From must-see icons like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge to hidden gems only locals know, Lizzy and Sally swap tips on outdoor adventures, cultural hotspots, kid-approved dining, and unique experiences you won’t want to miss. For first-time visitors or locals looking for fresh ideas, this episode is your ultimate family guide to exploring Sydney.
Ada Nicodemou on Family Travel, Greece, Cyprus and parenting tips!
Season 2 · Episode 2
Monday, September 15, 2025 • Duration 58:45
Giveaway Alert:
Follow @Snacksandsuitcasespodcast on Instagram, find the giveaway post and tag a friend for your chance to win a signed copy of Ada's junior fiction series Mia Megastar!
In this episode of Snacks and Suitcases, host Sally Stanton sits down with Ada Nicodemou, Australian actress and Home and Away star, to talk all things family travel, parenting, and cultural connections.
Ada shares her love for visiting her family roots in Greece and Cyprus, along with her favourite family-friendly destinations in Australia like Port Douglas and Palm Beach, the real-life Summer Bay!
From the challenges of travelling with kids to the joys of cruising holidays, Ada gives honest tips and personal stories that will inspire any parent planning their next adventure.
The conversation also explores Ada’s passion for food and Greek cuisine, her treasured reading habits while on the road, and how her experiences on Home and Away have influenced her outlook on travel and life as a working mother.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why cruising is an ideal holiday option for families
The importance of food and culture in Ada’s travels
Tips for managing long flights and packing with kids
Ada’s favourite spots in Sydney for family outings
How travel deepens family connections and cultural heritage
Ada’s love of reading and writing as part of her travel journey
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Ada Nicodemou
01:25 Ada's Love for Travel and Family Destinations
06:53 Experiences on Home and Away and Travel Inspirations
09:40 Traveling with Kids: Tips and Challenges
19:36 Cruising Adventures and Family Fun
26:45 Cultural Connections: Cyprus and Greece
32:36 Food Memories and Culinary Adventures
37:47 Reading and Writing: Ada's Literary Journey
51:54 Local Sydney Favorites and Family Activities
56:49 Fast Five: Quick Travel Preferences
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