Snacks and Suitcases: Family Travel Podcast

Sally Stanton
  • 4.9 (15)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

Snacks and Suitcases is an Australian Family travel podcast helping parents travel with kids more confidently. 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 Japan, a snow trip, cruising or caravanning with kids or even a tropical island 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!

  1. 3 days ago

    Carry On Only with 3 Kids? Packing Hacks and General Travel Tips for Every Parent

    Think packing for a family holiday is stressful? Try doing it with three kids and carry-on luggage only. Returning guest Bianca from Travel With My 3 Kids is back on Snacks and Suitcases. After sharing her Bali expertise in her first appearance, this time she's revealing the packing hacks, travel tips and mindset shifts that make family travel easier. We chat about the reality of travelling with kids, why carry-on only can actually reduce stress, and the items Bianca never leaves home without. Plus, we catch up on the latest from Bali, including the island's waste challenges and how travellers can make a positive difference. In this episode: • Why Bianca chooses carry-on only for a family of five• The packing hacks that save time, money and sanity• What she never packs anymore• How to entertain toddlers and kids on flights• Flying with babies, toddlers and neurodivergent children• The travel gear she actually recommends• The surprising item she always packs for hotel rooms• Bali's waste crisis and what tourists need to know• Airport transfer tips that make family travel easier• Budget travel strategies for families• Why low expectations can make travel more enjoyable Follow Bianca at https://www.travelwithmy3kids.com/ https://www.instagram.com/travel.with.my.3.kids/ Chapters 00:00 Packing for Family Travel: The Challenge 02:59 Traveling with Kids: Real-Life Experiences 05:50 Bali's Waste Crisis: A Tourist's Responsibility 09:10 First Flights with Kids: The Reality 11:56 Surviving Long Flights: Tips and Tricks 15:02 The Art of Carry-On Only Packing 18:01 Non-Negotiables for Family Travel 20:56 Entertainment Strategies for Kids on Flights 24:08 Adapting to Travel with Young Children 31:30 Engaging Kids During Travel 36:39 Managing Expectations on Travel Days 37:26 Health and Safety Essentials for Kids 40:08 Packing Strategies for Family Travel 46:09 Handling Airport Challenges 51:21 Travel Hacks for Parents 57:33 Final Thoughts and Reflections Connect Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions via @snacksandsuitcasespodcast@sallynanamisSnacks and Suitcases Facebook PageEmail: snacksandsuitcasespodcast@gmail.com If you’re loving the show, make sure you’re following so you never miss an episode especially if you’ve got a family trip or road trip coming up. AND... Don't forget the snacks.

    59 min

  2. 15 June

    Living in India with Kids: Expat Life & Family Travel Tips

    What is it really like raising kids in India? After sharing her flying-with-babies tips in a previous episode, listener favourite Rachel McCallum is back to give us a fascinating glimpse into her family's life as expats in Chennai, India. Rachel, her British wife Gemma and their two boys have spent the past eight years living in one of the world's most colourful, chaotic and captivating countries. From navigating culture shocks and organised traffic chaos to raising children in a multilingual, multicultural community, Rachel shares the realities of everyday family life in India. We chat about what surprised her most when she first arrived, why India often gets an unfair reputation, and how her boys are growing up surrounded by languages, cultures and friendships from all over the world. Thinking of visiting India with kids? Rachel also shares some of her favourite family-friendly destinations, including the iconic Taj Mahal and Kerala's famous houseboats. Plus, we talk food, festivals, school life, expat perks and the unique experiences that make India unlike anywhere else on Earth. In this episode we cover: • What it's really like living as an expat family in Chennai• Culture shocks and misconceptions about India• Raising kids in a multilingual and multicultural community• Family-friendly destinations in India• Visiting the Taj Mahal with children• Kerala houseboats and why everyone loves Kerala• Indian food, festivals and local traditions• International schools and expat life• Why kids are so celebrated in Indian culture• The realities of travelling India as a family Whether you're considering an overseas teaching position, planning a family trip to India or simply curious about expat life abroad, this episode offers a fascinating insider perspective on one of the world's most unforgettable destinations. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Expat Life in India 01:59 Cultural Insights and Realities of Chennai 04:21 Family Life and Kid-Friendly Activities 06:32 Health and Safety Concerns 09:51 Navigating the Medical System 11:20 The Role of Domestic Help 15:12 Raising a Family as a Same-Sex Couple 16:12 Multilingual Kids and Cultural Exposure 18:37 Education System in India 20:08 Identity and Cultural Integration 25:00 Traveling in India with Kids 26:46 Exploring the Taj Mahal: A Family Experience 29:15 Traveling in India: Tips for Families 32:49 Must-Visit Destinations in India 34:40 Cultural Experiences: Markets and Street Food 38:28 Understanding India's Diverse Festivals 42:10 School Lunches and Dietary Considerations in India 48:23 Navigating Allergies and Food Options in India Connect Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions via @snacksandsuitcasespodcast@sallynanamisSnacks and Suitcases Facebook PageEmail: snacksandsuitcasespodcast@gmail.com If you’re loving the show, make sure you’re following so you never miss an episode especially if you’ve got a family trip or road trip coming up. AND... Don't forget the snacks.

    52 min

  3. 8 June

    Caravanning around Australia with Kids | Passenger Princess Author Simone Skinner Smith

    What is it really like to pack up your life, pull the kids out of school and spend a year caravanning around Australia? This week on Snacks and Suitcases, Sally Stanton welcomes back Big Lapper and now author Simone Skinner-Smith to chat about her brand new book, Passenger Princess: Underprepared and Overcaffeinated for the Big Lap. Last time Simone joined the podcast, her family were still on the road travelling Australia in a caravan with two young boys. Now she’s back home in Sydney, reflecting on the adventure that changed her family forever. In this funny, heartfelt and honest conversation, Sally and Simone chat about: the reality of van life and caravanning around Australia with kidscoming home after a year on the roadfamily travel challenges and unexpected momentsthe emotional side of the Big Lapunforgettable characters they met around Australiaparenting, resilience and raising adventurous kidscaravan park life, road trip hacks and travel tipsself-publishing a bookwhy social media only shows half the storySimone also shares: her favourite destinations around Australiathe truth about living in a caravan full-timefunny travel disastersBig Lap packing mistakescaravan park hacksfamily travel advice for parents dreaming of doing a lap around AustraliaPlus, Simone’s son Louis joins the conversation to answer the Kid’s Corner questions! This episode also includes a short discussion relating to mental health and the Blue Tree Project in Australia. Please take care while listening with young children.  (at approx 23.26 mark) and open your heart and mind to those needing an old fashioned chat 💙 LINKS Follow Simone: @biglappers or @simoneskinnersmithBook: Passenger Princess: Underprepared and Overcaffeinated for the Big Lap available on Amazon and Kindle. https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/1923680129 Big Lap: Family Road Trip Around Australia (first episode full of tips)  https://pod.link/1819621151/episode/c2FsbHlzdGFudG9uLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tLzE4ZjdiZDkzLTg4NWEtM2I3NS1iZTIyLWU1MTIzZjFmYTg3ZA Connect Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions via @snacksandsuitcasespodcast@sallynanamisSnacks and Suitcases Facebook PageEmail: snacksandsuitcasespodcast@gmail.com   If you’re loving the show, make sure you’re following so you never miss an episode especially if you’ve got a family trip or road trip coming up. And if this episode made you smile, share it with another parent who may need that gentle nudge to set off on a big lap. Because if not now, then when? AND... Don't forget the snacks.  Hosted by Sally Stanton.

    47 min

  4. 1 June

    Mid Season Break: Family Travel Podcast back next week

    This week on Snacks and Suitcases, Sally is popping into your feed with a quick little update while the podcast takes a short mid-season breather. But no worries as she’ll be back next week with a brand new episode! In the meantime, now’s the perfect chance to catch up on any episodes you may have missed…. like road trips around New Zealand, All Inclusive Travel, Cruising with Kids plus loads more family travel ideas and tips. Thanks so much for all your support of Snacks and Suitcases. Follow @snacksandsuitcasespodcast for more family travel inspiration, travel hacks and destination ideas for parents travelling with kids. Hosted by Sally Stanton. Click for more episodes

    2 min
  5. Mid season break: The Best Family Travel Episodes to Catch Up On + Season Teaser

    26 May

    Mid season break: The Best Family Travel Episodes to Catch Up On + Season Teaser

    Snacks and Suitcases will be back very soon with more family travel tips, travelling with kids advice and celebrity travel stories. In this quick update episode, Sally Stanton shares some of the best episodes to binge while the podcast is on pause, including chats with Hamish Blake, Ada Nicodemou, Emma Watkins (Emma Memma), Sophie Falkiner and Luke Jacobz. Planning a family holiday? Catch up on popular episodes covering Japan with kids, Bali with kids, snow holidays in Australia, Japan ski resorts, Livigno in Italy, eco-friendly tiny cabin escapes and more. Plus, Sally teases an upcoming episode with Simone Skinner-Smith, returning to the podcast to chat about her new travel memoir Passenger Princess: Underprepared and Over Caffeinated for the big lap, inspired by her family’s caravan trip around Australia. Whether you’re dreaming of a big lap around Australia, a white Christmas ski holiday or your next family getaway, there’s plenty to inspire your next adventure. Follow Snacks and Suitcases for more family travel inspiration, travel hacks and destination ideas for parents travelling with kids.

    3 min
  6. How Luxury Travel Changes After Kids: Sigourney Cantelo on Burnout, Beauty & Family Holidays

    18 May

    How Luxury Travel Changes After Kids: Sigourney Cantelo on Burnout, Beauty & Family Holidays

    Beauty editor, podcast host and founder of Beauticate, Sigourney Cantelo joins Sally for a candid chat about luxury travel, travelling with kids, burnout, beauty on the go and rebuilding life after a mental health crisis. From interviewing celebrities around the world and launching one of Australia’s first beauty and wellness websites, to navigating motherhood, anxiety and family holidays with two kids, Sigourney shares the highs, challenges and lessons she’s learned along the way. They chat about Japan ski trips, Ibiza with babies, wellness retreats, favourite family-friendly luxury hotels, beauty travel essentials and why nature based travel has become so important to her wellbeing. Plus, Sigourney shares her (and her kid’s) favourite destinations, funniest travel mishaps and of course, the beauty products she never travels without. In this episode: Travel with children and evolving luxury standards Sigourney Cantelo's career journey from Vogue to entrepreneurship Mental health and burnout recovery in motherhood Travel routines and beauty essentials for busy moms The impact of nature and community on well-being Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Travel with Kids 01:08 Sigourney's Journey in Beauty and Wellness 07:14 Building BeautiKate and the Podcast 10:17 The Evolution of Luxury in Travel 13:48 Traveling Before Kids 17:01 Traveling with Kids: The First Experiences 20:10 The Challenges of Traveling with Young Children 24:45 The Reality of Family Travel 27:11 Exploring Local Destinations 29:15 Beauty Routines on the Go 30:41 The Power of Lanolin and Travel Essentials 37:05 Navigating Mental Health and Parenting 43:52 Embracing Nature and Family Life 45:10 Traveling with Kids: Experiences and Preferences 52:35 Beauty Essentials for Travel 54:41 Kids Corner: Travel Stories and Snacks 56:05 Fast Five: Quick Travel Preferences Resources https://www.instagram.com/sigourneycantelo/ https://www.instagram.com/beauticate/ Beauticate Beautiful Inside South Pacific Private - South Pacific Private Gwinganna Health Retreat - https://gwinganna.com/ Eden Health Retreat - https://eden.com.au/ Alba - https://albathermalsprings.com.au/ The Langham Gold Coast - https://www.langhamhotels.com/en/the-langham/gold-coast/ JW Marriot Gold Coast - https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/oolsp-jw-marriott-gold-coast-resort-and-spa/overview/   Connect Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions via @snacksandsuitcasespodcast @sallynanamis Snacks and Suitcases Facebook Page Email: snacksandsuitcasespodcast@gmail.com    If you’re loving the show, make sure you’re following so you never miss an episode especially if you’ve got a family trip or road trip coming up. And if this episode made you smile, share it with another parent whose idea of luxury has taken on a different meaning at this stage of life. Or… they just love a bit of good ole’ mum chat! AND... Don't forget the snacks.

    1hr 1min
  7. Bali with Kids: Where to Stay, What to Know and Real Family Travel Tips

    11 May

    Bali with Kids: Where to Stay, What to Know and Real Family Travel Tips

    Planning a Bali holiday with kids? This episode of Snacks and Suitcases is packed with tips to help make your family trip smooth, fun and stress free. Host Sally Stanton chats with Bianca from the Instagram page and blog Travel With My 3 Kids, a mum of three who knows exactly how to navigate Bali with a family in tow. From where to stay in Bali with kids to what it’s really like on the ground, this episode is full of real, relatable advice for parents. Bianca shares her experience travelling with three kids under 7 and what it’s like exploring Bali as a family, including the unexpected moments that come with travelling with kids. There’s also a personal side to this chat, as Bianca opens up about how her own childhood travel experiences shaped the way she travels with her kids today, and the story behind how she started her Instagram page and blog, Travel With My 3 Kids. And for anyone worried about Bali Belly, Sally admits she’s completely petrified, and Bianca steps in to reassure her with practical, no stress tips on how to avoid it and travel with confidence. They also dive into: The best areas to stay in Bali for families Real advice on Bali right now, including what families should know before they go What family travel actually looks like on the ground in Bali Easy ways to simplify your next family holiday It’s a relaxed, honest and super helpful conversation for any parent planning a Bali family holiday or looking to travel more confidently with kids Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Travel with Kids 02:34 Bianca's Unique Childhood and Early Travels 09:01 Overcoming Challenges: Bianca's Cancer Journey 10:49 From Passion to Profession: Blogging and Instagram 14:28 Exploring Kid-Friendly Destinations 16:50 The Allure of Bali: A Family Favorite 22:56 Navigating Food Safety and Health Concerns 27:53 Traveling Logistics: Tips for Families 29:04 Navigating Bali's Transportation 32:32 Exploring Bali: Affordable Luxury and Family-Friendly Options 35:33 Best Areas for Families in Bali 38:40 Must-Do Experiences with Kids in Bali 42:51 Family-Friendly Dining and Cultural Experiences 44:39 Kids Corner: Fun Questions and Unique Experiences 49:09 Fast Five: Quick Travel Tips and Insights   Resources Instagram: @travel.with.my.3.kids/ Blog  Travel with my 3 Kids   Connect Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions via @snacksandsuitcasespodcast @sallynanamis Snacks and Suitcases Facebook Page Email: snacksandsuitcasespodcast@gmail.com  If you’re loving the show, make sure you’re following so you never miss an episode especially if you’ve got a family trip or road trip coming up. And if this episode made you smile, share it with another parent who’s dreaming beautiful Bali! AND... Don't forget the snacks.

    55 min
  8. Bonus: Eco Luxe Tiny House With Kids Review

    6 May

    Bonus: Eco Luxe Tiny House With Kids Review

    This bite-sized bonus episode of Snacks and Suitcases sees Sally Stanton sharing her honest review of an eco luxe tiny house stay with Into the Wild Escapes. After her main episode, Sally dives deeper into what it’s really like travelling with kids to a tiny house. Joined by her daughter Piper, she shares what worked, what surprised them and why this screen free escape was such a hit. Set in Laguna in the Lower Hunter Valley, just 90 minutes from Sydney, this family getaway was all about outdoor adventure, from bike riding and kangaroo spotting to campfire cooking and stargazing. Sally also shares practical tips on what to pack, what to leave at home and why less really is more on a tiny house holiday. If you’re considering a family friendly, eco travel experience in Australia, this episode will help you decide if a tiny house stay is right for you. ✨ In this episode: Tiny house Australia with kids review Screen free family holiday ideas Packing tips for tiny house stays Laguna and Hunter Valley travel inspiration   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Tiny House Escape 01:01 Exploring the Tiny House Experience 04:54 Art and Culture in Wallamby 06:02 Animal Encounters at the Sanctuary 08:06 Family Dynamics in a Tiny Space 10:32 Lessons from the Tiny House Stay 13:49 Conclusion and Reflections on the Experience Resources Into The Wild Escapes @in2thewildaus Dried Flower Creations @driedflowercreations Wollombi General Store / Art collective Trading Post Laguna Where Pigs Fly Sanctuary @wherepigsflysanctuary    Connect Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions via @snacksandsuitcasespodcast @sallynanamis Snacks and Suitcases Facebook Page Email: snacksandsuitcasespodcast@gmail.com    If you’re loving the show, make sure you’re following so you never miss an episode especially if you’ve got a family trip or road trip coming up. And if this episode made you smile, share it with another parent who’s dreaming of switching off and going green (with a little luxury) for their next family holiday. AND... Don't forget the S’mores! And Mulled Wine!

    15 min
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4.9
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Snacks and Suitcases is an Australian Family travel podcast helping parents travel with kids more confidently. 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 Japan, a snow trip, cruising or caravanning with kids or even a tropical island 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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