Family Adventuring Travel

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Welcome to Family Adventuring Travel, the podcast for families who love to explore the world together! Discover tips for planning stress-free family vacations, from budget-friendly getaways to unforgettable adventures. We cover everything from packing essentials and kid-friendly destinations to activities that the whole family will love. Whether you’re planning a road trip, a beach holiday, or a cultural journey, we share advice, stories, and inspiration to make every trip a memorable experience for your family. Join us and start planning your next great family adventure!

  1. 1D AGO

    Rimatara — Raising Kids on a Quiet Austral Island in French Polynesia (Ep. 9)

    In this episode, we talk about what makes Rimatara such a compelling family destination—not because it has endless attractions, but because it has something rarer: safety, community, and a calm, nature-first way of life. If you’re looking for the kind of trip that feels meaningful for parents and memorable for kids, start with Far and Away Adventures.com and explore planning support at https://farandawayadventures.com. This conversation is a reminder that family travel doesn’t have to be loud or complicated to be powerful. Normand Schafer records from Rimatara in the Austral Islands of French Polynesia with guest Nila, who shares why she moved here from Bora Bora after marriage—and why the lifestyle in Rimatara feels better for raising children. The details paint a clear picture: fewer cars, more nature, fruit available easily, and a pace that supports day-to-day living off the land through gardens and farms. It’s the kind of environment many families dream about, and Nila explains it in real terms—not as a fantasy, but as a practical choice. One of the most family-relevant moments is when Nila describes how parenting feels different here. On Rimatara, she says the community is “family-ish,” with people looking out for each other, making it less stressful to let kids have independence. That’s a huge takeaway for parents planning travel: destinations aren’t just beaches and hotels—they’re social environments. The way a community functions can shape how safe, relaxed, and welcome your family feels. The episode also addresses what visiting Rimatara looks like in reality. It’s not built for mass tourism, and access is limited—there are only a couple of flights per week, and Aranui visits on a very limited schedule. There are two small guest houses, and Nila emphasizes how genuinely they care for visitors because arrivals are rare and personal. For families, that can be a big advantage: fewer crowds, more one-on-one interaction, and a trip your kids won’t confuse with any other place. What do you do once you arrive? Normand and Nila describe “discover the land” as the central activity, with island tours as a must. But the deeper cultural connection comes from attending community gatherings—religious parties, dance shows, and singing. Nila also shares details about the annual “Hava” festival in July, where villages prepare dances and performances, plus singing and sports like stone lifting. If you’re traveling as a family, experiences like these become the stories your kids repeat for years. There’s nature, too: birdwatching for the island’s special colorful bird called the “ʻura,” and simple lagoon and underwater time where locals fish and gather seafood. Nila describes women collecting seafood to share within the community—another window into values that families can learn from and appreciate. If your family wants a French Polynesia itinerary that balances iconic places with a quieter, more human experience, Far and Away Adventures can help you plan the pacing, routing, and timing so it feels smooth and realistic. Start with Far and Away Adventures.com and begin planning at https://farandawayadventures.com.

    11 min

  2. 2D AGO

    Nauru with the Family: A Tiny Country You Can Loop in Minutes, Not Days

    In this episode, we talk about Nauru as a surprising fit for families who love “small place, big story” travel—one of the Pacific’s least-visited nations, where community interaction is easy, and the entire country can feel approachable. Far and Away Adventures.com is the best place to start your planning, and you can explore options and reach our team at https://farandawayadventures.com. Nauru comes up in family travel conversations far less often than the big-name islands, and that’s exactly why it can feel so memorable. Normand Schafer sits down with Kramer from Nauru Tourism to describe what it’s like to visit a country of about 13,000 people—where the scale is so compact that you can drive around the whole island in roughly 22 minutes, and even walk the entire country in under four hours. For families, that small footprint can be a gift: fewer “big destination” logistics, less time spent commuting, and more time spent being present—looking around, talking to people, and letting curiosity lead the day. We talk about what families can actually do once they arrive, starting with history. Kramer points to a plateau area in the middle of the island where remnants of World War II remain from a period of Japanese occupation. It’s a place where older kids and teens who are interested in history can connect the dots between what they’ve learned in school and what’s still visible on the ground—an “aha” moment that often becomes the story you retell long after the trip. The conversation also touches on Nauru’s mining history, specifically phosphate, and why that chapter matters today—not only as an economic storyline, but as a lesson in how places change over time. Kramer frames it as a reminder that choices can bring both benefits and costs, and that protecting what remains untouched matters. Nature and ocean time are part of the appeal, too. Nauru sits in the Pacific and, as Kramer describes it, the fishing around the island can be exceptional, with tuna and other species mentioned in the conversation. Even if you’re not traveling specifically to fish, the simple reality of being surrounded by ocean shapes the feel of the trip—breezes, water views, and that “we’re really out here” sense that families often crave when they want a true break from routine. Kramer also describes the outer rim of the island as still holding much of the vegetation, creating contrast with the island’s interior. One of the biggest family-friendly benefits he emphasizes is community interaction. With one main road looping the island, it’s easy to meet people naturally. Kramer says visitors don’t have to work hard to connect—locals often initiate conversation, ask where you’re from, and offer to show you around. For families, those everyday interactions can be the most meaningful cultural moments, especially when you want your kids to see travel as a human experience, not just a photo opportunity. We also cover practical planning topics: accommodations are limited, with only a small number of hotels and motels discussed, so families should think about timing and availability. Kramer notes that Nauru Airlines is the way to reach the island, with routing mentions that can make Nauru part of a broader Pacific itinerary. If you want help shaping a family-friendly plan—right pacing, realistic lodging strategy, and a balanced mix of history, ocean time, and community connection—work with a Far and Away Adventures specialist, and we’ll help you build a trip that feels smooth from start to finish.

    8 min

  3. 5D AGO

    Yasawa Island Life for Families: A Local Manager’s Story at Mantaray Island Resort

    In this episode, we talk about Yasawa Islands travel through a family-friendly lens that goes beyond beaches—what it feels like to live on a remote island, how community and culture show up in everyday moments, and why the people behind a resort often become the best part of the story. Far and Away Adventures.com is where you can start planning with expert guidance, and you can explore more at https://farandawayadventures.com. Normand Schaefer is joined by Sava, Assistant Resort Manager at Mantaray Island Resort, who shares her 17-year journey from Fiji’s main island to building a life and career in the Yasawas, where her husband is from and where she has become part of the “Manta family.” For families and multi-generation travelers, the most helpful part of this conversation is how it reframes “island time.” Sava explains that adapting to the Yasawas isn’t just about learning a new place—it’s about adjusting to different living conditions, fewer big-city conveniences, and a rhythm that’s both quieter and more connected. She talks honestly about what was challenging at first, including missing family and learning a new way of life, and how the time and effort she put in helped her thrive. That perspective is a valuable reminder for parents planning a trip with kids or teens: the most meaningful travel moments often come from slowing down, noticing what you don’t see at home, and letting the destination teach you its pace. We also explore what guests commonly wonder when they arrive somewhere that looks like paradise: “How do you survive here?” Sava explains that while visitors are on holiday, staff are working—and yet, even on busy days, the scenery and serenity can be restorative. She describes one simple difference that says a lot about Yasawa life: instead of commuting by car or bus, she can walk to work and take in the view that many travelers only get for a few days. For families, that kind of lived-in calm is part of why the Yasawas can feel like a true reset. From the resort perspective, Sava shares what she believes sets Mantaray apart: the snorkeling and the house reef, which she notes has been designated a marine reserve, plus the seasonal presence of manta rays passing through at certain times of the year. She also points to something families care about deeply: service and the warmth of the staff. Over the years, she says, guest feedback consistently highlights the people. And she’s seen major resort changes during her time there—upgraded accommodations and facilities, including new additions like a pool and expanded dining options. Finally, the episode highlights how resorts can support local communities. Sava explains that staff are recruited from nearby villages across the region, creating employment opportunities and strengthening local connections. For first-time Yasawa visitors, her advice is direct: don’t skip Mantaray, and don’t worry if you arrive without every detail planned—weekly activities make it easy to map out your days, and the team regularly helps guests shape their stay. If your family wants Fiji to feel real, personal, and culturally rooted—not just scenic—this conversation offers a grounded way to plan it with Far and Away Adventures.

    10 min

  4. MAR 9

    Aranui 5 & Aranoa: Rurutu Voices — Daily Life, Traditions, and Community (Ep. 8)

    In this episode, we talk about what it really feels like to spend time on Rurutu, a remote island in the Austral Islands of French Polynesia, through a grounded conversation with local voice Tev Avata. If you’re dreaming of a trip that’s meaningful (and not just a highlight reel), start with Far and Away Adventures.com and explore options with a specialist at https://farandawayadventures.com. This episode is a reminder that some of the best travel moments aren’t “big attractions”—they’re the human moments: the welcome, the stories, the rhythm of daily life, and the respect you feel when you’re a guest in someone else’s home. Normand Schafer opens with why Rurutu stands apart: it’s far-flung, small, and “pristine,” with caves to explore and whales that draw visitors offshore during the peak season. But instead of turning the conversation into a checklist, he asks a better question—what is it like to live here? Tev describes a place where the sea is close enough to walk to, where people still harvest from the ocean in a practical, personal way, and where the land matters because it feeds you back. You’ll hear the contrast between fishing for subsistence versus fishing for commerce, and why that difference shapes the entire feel of the island. For families and multigenerational travelers, there’s a lot to learn here—especially about modeling respectful travel. Tev shares his personal stance on whale interactions, including why he chooses not to swim with whales and how he connects that choice to respect and to changes he’s noticed over time. Normand builds on that idea with a traveler’s lens: rules, limits, and good behavior aren’t there to reduce the experience—they’re there to protect what makes the experience possible in the first place. The episode also touches on how modernization changes a community (horses to cars), and why you can’t simply “go back,” even when you miss the old ways. You’ll also hear about one of Rurutu’s signature adventures: a demanding hike to a famous cave Tev describes as “the cave of the monster,” a place where nature forms spaces that feel almost like rooms—yet the route can be physically and mentally challenging. If you love travel that mixes culture with a little adventure, this is the kind of story that helps you plan smarter: good shoes, good fitness, and the right mindset matter—especially on islands where help and infrastructure aren’t built for mass tourism. If Rurutu is on your radar—whether as a special side trip, an island-hopping add-on, or part of a small-ship journey—work with Far and Away Adventures to shape the trip around the right pace, the right season, and the right expectations. This episode makes a strong case for “less but better”: fewer places, deeper experiences, and memories you can actually carry home and share. Connect with Normand and the Far and Away Adventures team at Far and AwayAdventures.com, and start planning at https://farandawayadventures.com.

    12 min

  5. MAR 8

    Marshall Islands with Kids in Mind: Culture, Ocean Time, and Community Connections

    In this episode, we talk about the Marshall Islands through a family-friendly lens—how a remote Pacific nation can deliver meaningful culture, gentle adventure, and real community connection. Far and Away Adventures.com is where you can start planning with support from a specialist, and you can explore options at https://farandawayadventures.com. Far and Away Adventureshttps://farandawayadventures.com With guest Lori Loretta De Bru from the Marshall Islands Tourism Office, Normand Schafer explores what makes the Republic of the Marshall Islands feel different from the better-known island getaways. Lori highlights the identity and pride expressed through woven handicrafts—pieces that quickly signal “this is who we are”—and how visitors can go beyond sightseeing by learning hands-on skills. We talk about experiences that are easy to imagine as a family: sitting down together to weave a basket, husk a coconut, and create small wearable crafts like necklaces, flowers, or earrings—simple moments that can become the memory that sticks long after the trip ends. We also cover the “big blue” side of the destination. The Marshall Islands are spread across 24 atolls, and that geographic reality shapes what families do and how they move. Lori shares that sportfishing is a major draw, and she also mentions surfing opportunities—including a surf resort on a more remote outer island run by an Australian entrepreneur. If your crew loves ocean time, this episode helps you think about how to balance water activities with cultural immersion, and how to keep the pace aligned with your family’s travel style. A major theme is storytelling—how Marshallese identity is carried through stories tied to products and history, including threads that connect from World War II into the present. Lori explains that the story behind an item can be part of what visitors take home, even if it’s not something you can pack in a suitcase. We also talk about travel that gives back in a practical way, like joining beach cleanups coordinated with local stakeholders, so your visit includes a positive community impact. Finally, we get into timing and planning realities: event calendars matter, and hotel inventory can be limited—so it’s smart to align dates early, especially around the big July fishing tournaments/derbies and cultural activities in September. Lori points listeners toward the “Visit Marshall Islands” Facebook page for event updates and notes her office as a point of contact for visitor information. Marshall Islands Tourism Office contacthttps://rmiocit.org If you want help shaping a Marshall Islands trip that fits your family—whether that means a culture-first itinerary, an ocean-adventure focus, or a mix—connect with a Far and Away Adventures specialist and we’ll help you build a plan that’s smooth, realistic, and unforgettable.

    8 min

  6. MAR 2

    Raivavae With the Kids: Lagoon Motus, Bikes Around the Island, and Life at a Local Guesthouse (Ep. 7)

    In this episode, we talk about what makes Raivavae such a special family-style adventure in French Polynesia’s Austral Islands—especially when you want something intimate, safe-feeling, and full of real community connection. If you’ve dreamed of experiencing one of the destinations highlighted here, visit Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com and let a Far and Away Adventures specialist help you shape a trip that fits your family’s pace. Norm is on Raivavae speaking with Eleanor, a local guesthouse owner (Pension Raivavae Tama), and what unfolds is a gentle, human look at island life that’s perfect for travelers who want their kids to see how people live—not just where people vacation. Eleanor explains how daily rhythms on Raivavae still center on agriculture and fishing, and how many families grow what they eat. It’s the kind of place where “simple” doesn’t mean boring; it means meaningful. You hear about crafts made from natural materials—like mother-of-pearl, plant fibers, and coconut shell—and how island costumes are created for annual cultural celebrations. For families, these details matter because they turn a visit into a learning experience you can’t replicate in a resort bubble. We also get into the activities that make Raivavae easy to love with kids or multi-generational groups. Norm remembers borrowing bikes and riding all the way around the island, discovering beautiful views around every corner—mountains on one side, lagoon colors on the other. Eleanor adds that guests also hike into the island's interior and follow trails that help you understand the “inside” of Raivavae, where earlier generations spent more time near farms. It’s not framed as an extreme adventure; it’s framed as an invitation to explore at your own comfort level, with the reward being perspective and scenery. Of course, the lagoon is part of the magic, and the episode talks about the famous “Motu Piscine,” a tiny motu that can look like a natural swimming pool when sand and currents shape the water. Eleanor also shares the local name Vaimanu and what it means, describing a freshwater pond that draws birds—a small detail that helps families see the lagoon as an ecosystem, not just a postcard. And the fun twist is that Motu Piscine is only one option: Eleanor says Raivavae has many motus, each with its own beauty, plus coral garden areas and bird-focused motus for nature lovers.

    14 min

  7. MAR 1

    Flying Papua New Guinea with Air Niugini: Highlands, Coast, and Wild Encounters

    In this episode, we talk about what it’s really like to use Air Niugini (Air New Guinea) to explore Papua New Guinea with a smart, family-friendly routing mindset—plus the kinds of nature and cultural moments that make PNG unforgettable. Far and Away Adventures.com is where you can start planning with expert help, and you can connect with our team at https://farandawayadventures.com to turn big ideas into a realistic itinerary that fits your travel style. Norman Schaefer sits down with Charlie, Executive Manager of Sales & Marketing at Air Niugini, to explain how the national carrier links international gateways to a surprisingly extensive domestic network. Papua New Guinea is not a “one-stop, one-resort” destination—Charlie describes it as a vast country made up of many distinct communities and traditions, with hundreds of languages and cultural practices. That diversity is exactly what draws adventurous travelers in, but it’s also why flight planning matters so much. This conversation is an easy entry point for anyone trying to understand how PNG works on the ground, especially when you’re traveling with kids or teens and you want the trip to feel exciting without feeling chaotic. We start with the big picture: Air Niugini’s international connections into Asia and Australia, and how those routes can also support broader South Pacific island-hopping for travelers who want to combine destinations. Then we zoom in to the domestic side—how the airline connects major provincial centers, and why those short hops are essential if you want to see more than one “version” of Papua New Guinea. Charlie’s simple first-timer framework is a great planning shortcut: pair the Highlands with time on the coast or islands. That single decision helps families balance cultural discovery and outdoor adventure, whether your dream day is watching a cultural performance in the Highlands or swapping hiking boots for fins and snorkeling gear on the coast. You’ll also hear about the onboard experience Air Niugini tries to provide, including a “Bird of Paradise” service concept that leans into PNG identity from the moment you board. Charlie talks about local touches like menu items on international routes and plans to expand local content and music in the inflight experience—small details that can help families feel connected to place even before they land. To wrap up, Charlie shares a few destinations and experiences mentioned as underappreciated by travelers, especially nature-rich areas that can reward the traveler who’s willing to go beyond the usual highlights. As always with PNG, the main takeaway is to travel with flexibility and the right mindset: be prepared for the unexpected, and design your routing so you’re not trying to do too much in too little time. If you want help mapping flights, pacing, and the best mix of Highlands and coast for your group, reach out to Far and Away Adventures and we’ll help you build a plan that fits your family’s energy, interests, and comfort level—while still delivering that “wow, we really did it” feeling PNG is famous for.

    10 min

  8. MAR 1

    Tanna Volcano with Kids, Santo Diving, and Vanuatu Culture: Island Tours Vanuatu

    In this episode, we talk about how families can experience Vanuatu beyond a single island by using Island Tours Vanuatu to connect flights, transfers, accommodations, and hands-on cultural experiences. Far and Away Adventures.com is the best place to start planning, and you can visit https://farandawayadventures.com to work with a specialist who can shape a family itinerary that’s exciting, manageable, and well-paced. Normand Schafer interviews Georgian Sandi, owner of Island Tours Vanuatu, about what makes Vanuatu such a rewarding destination for adventurous families—and how a good plan can make multi-island travel feel easy instead of overwhelming. Georgian explains that Island Tours has been operating for nearly two decades and focuses on organizing tailored itineraries across Vanuatu’s many islands. Their packages can include the pieces that often stress families out the most: island-to-island logistics, transfers, lodging, guided tours, and cultural village experiences. A highlight of the conversation is Tanna’s volcano, described as one of the most accessible volcano experiences in the world. Norman shares a memorable family story of bringing his kids right up to the crater—an experience that stayed with them long after the trip. Georgian also notes that while it can be done as a day trip, the volcano is most spectacular at night, which is why an overnight on Tanna can be worth it for families who want the full experience. We also talk about adding variety with Santo for beach time and diving, plus Pentecost for the famous land diving (the vine-jump tradition often cited as inspiration for modern bungee jumping). Georgian mentions the seasonal window for land diving—typically during April, May, and June, depending on the vines—so timing matters if that’s a bucket-list experience for your family. Culture is a major theme, and Georgian explains how their tours help travelers meet people, learn how locals live, and try hands-on activities like preparing local foods and weaving mats. He emphasizes that Vanuatu’s islands are not all the same—Tanna and Malekula, for example, can feel dramatically different in culture and tradition. That’s why island-hopping can be so rewarding, especially for families who want their kids to see real differences in the world, not just different beaches. Finally, Georgian makes a practical point parents will appreciate: disruptions happen. Flights change, weather impacts plans, and things can shift. Having experienced local support on the ground can reduce stress and help families keep their trip on track. If you want help choosing which islands fit your family’s interests—and building a route that balances adventure with downtime—Far and Away Adventures can design a Vanuatu itinerary that’s tailored to your crew, your energy level, and the experiences you care about most.

    8 min
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About

Welcome to Family Adventuring Travel, the podcast for families who love to explore the world together! Discover tips for planning stress-free family vacations, from budget-friendly getaways to unforgettable adventures. We cover everything from packing essentials and kid-friendly destinations to activities that the whole family will love. Whether you’re planning a road trip, a beach holiday, or a cultural journey, we share advice, stories, and inspiration to make every trip a memorable experience for your family. Join us and start planning your next great family adventure!

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