Family Travel Unpacked: Make the Most of Travel With Kids

Melissa Conn
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Places & Travel

Family Travel Unpacked is a family travel podcast for parents who want to travel with kids more easily, confidently, and joyfully. Hosted by Melissa from The Family Voyage, each episode breaks down real-life family travel strategies, smart planning tips, and destination inspiration so travel with kids actually feels doable. From packing hacks and family vacation planning to hotel tips, points and award travel for families, and travel mistakes to avoid, you’ll laugh, learn, and walk away ready to plan your next stress-free family trip.

  1. 19 hrs ago

    What to Pack for Alaska (BONUS EPISODE)

    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 daysThe bug protection hack that doesn't touch your liquid allowanceWhat to actually look for in waterproof hiking shoes for familiesWhy binoculars are non-negotiable in AlaskaWhat to pack: Rain pants: women's in multiple lengths | kidsInsect repellant shirtSilicone collapsible lunch containersWaterproof hiking shoes: Columbia men's | Columbia women's | Adidas teen | kidsBinocularsAlaska travel planning resources: Full Alaska packing listAlaska itinerary eBookAll 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

    8 min

  2. 1d ago

    Alaska With Kids: Anchorage Edition with My Teen (Part 3)

    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

    37 min

  3. Jun 16

    Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Recap & Mini Review

    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 kidsBest Scottsdale Resorts For FamiliesBest Scottsdale Family-Friendly Rentals For An Amazing StayRoyal 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 KidsYour essential Arizona packing listSaguaro National Park visitors guide7 Fun Things To Do In Tucson With Kids3 Exciting Ways to Do a Day Trip to Sedona from PhoenixFun things to do in Flagstaff with kidsWhere to stay in Flagstaff with kidsDon'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

    5 min

  4. Jun 9

    What's in My Carry-On? Travel Essentials for Your Next Trip

    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 tripThe power adapter I use every single day — at home and abroadWhy I think carefully about which credit cards to pack (and make a list)What I bring to actually get some sleep on overnight flightsThe carry-on essential I'm still experimenting withTimestamps: 00:00 Welcome and summer travel updates01:25 Choosing the right carry-on backpack03:00 Power adapter and plane outlet hack04:13 Cables and battery packs05:23 Laptop and camera gear06:32 Sunglasses and the beach rule07:19 Snack strategy08:06 Picking the right travel credit cards10:38 Water bottle and hydration11:30 Plane comfort essentials12:41 Sleep tips and wrap-upResources: Backpacks: Travelon anti-theft backpackREI Flash 22REI Trail 25Tech & Power: TESSAN 100W multi-country USB/plug adapterClip on portable phone/watch chargeriWalk portable batteryCamera set: Olympus OM-D E-M10 bodyOlympus M.Zuiko 14-150 mm F4-5.6 II LensOlympus spare batterySunglasses: Knockaround sunglassesGoodr sunglassesEarbuds: Anker SoundCore X20 noise-canceling earbudsWater: Half-liter insulated water bottleCamelBak hydration bladderDon'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

    14 min

  5. Jun 2

    How We Planned London & Azores on Points

    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 islandHow booking nine months out locked us into an ideal one-stop itinerary at 32,500 AA miles per personThe one-dollar flight from London to São Miguel — and why departure taxes matter more than you thinkHow we'll get home from the Azores with United miles and a cardholder dealFinding 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 stayThe full cash value of this trip vs. what we're actually payingTIMESTAMPS 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 PreferredChase Sapphire ReserveCapital One Venture XAmex Gold CardAmex Platinum CardAward Search Tools PointsYeahAwardToolMore Resources Best Credit Cards for Family TravelHow to Travel Free with KidsEpisode 30 – Portugal on PointsEpisode 14 – Hacking HotelsEpisode 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

    18 min

  6. May 26

    The Magic Combo: Southwest Companion Pass + World of Hyatt Points

    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-changerThe best tip for saving even more on Southwest fares after you bookHow Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer to World of Hyatt at 1:1 — and why that mattersThree ways to earn a Category 1-4 free night certificate from the Chase World of Hyatt cardWhat 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, CaliforniaFamily adventure trips: Costa Rica, Joshua Tree, skiing, Hawaii and why Anchorage is suddenly on the tableAll-inclusives: the properties, AND the important caveats families need to know before bookingTimestamps 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 passEpisode 17 — Southwest Companion Pass deep diveChase / Hyatt Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card World of Hyatt award chartHotel Reviews on The Family Voyage Andaz Costa Rica at Peninsula PapagayoHyatt Regency Lost PinesHyatt Regency WaikikiHyatt Regency Coconut PointHyatt Regency Grand CypressDon'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

    34 min

  7. May 19

    Clash of the (Sort of) Ninety-Five Dollar Travel Credit Cards

    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 worksThe Capital One travel portal price match trick that actually worksCurrent welcome bonusesHow the Chase Freedom Unlimited pairs with the Sapphire Preferred to maximize everyday earningTransfer partners: why Chase and Capital One complement each other rather than competeWhat's changing with World of Hyatt's award chart and what it means for your redemptionsCapital 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 offerLounge access: what the recent guest policy changes mean for familiesThe Chase 5/24 rule, Capital One's inquiry sensitivity, and the right order to open these cardsHow to freeze a credit bureau before applying to improve your Capital One approval oddsHow Ronnie and Melissa divide the cards in their household — and how she uses his Venture X at Target, the grocery store and all around townTimestamps 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

    26 min

  8. May 12

    Europe with Kids: A Beginners Guide

    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 kidsWhat you need to know about passports and travel authorizations before you bookA destination-by-destination breakdown of the best countries for first-time Europe families - including Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Greece, France, and IcelandHow to get around Europe with kidsHow to use points and miles to significantly reduce your costsPractical on-the-ground tips: adapters, eSIMs, travel insurance, and more00:00 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

    28 min
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Family Travel Unpacked is a family travel podcast for parents who want to travel with kids more easily, confidently, and joyfully. Hosted by Melissa from The Family Voyage, each episode breaks down real-life family travel strategies, smart planning tips, and destination inspiration so travel with kids actually feels doable. From packing hacks and family vacation planning to hotel tips, points and award travel for families, and travel mistakes to avoid, you’ll laugh, learn, and walk away ready to plan your next stress-free family trip.

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