The Traveling Family Circus: Your Go-To Guide for Stress-Free Family Travel

Jacq Hunt | Family Travel Tips | Traveling With Kids

Welcome to The Traveling Family Circus, your go-to podcast for stress-free family travel tips, budget-friendly vacation ideas, and must-know hacks for traveling with kids.  Tune in each week for destination guides, packing tips, and real-life stories from a family of seven exploring the world together and making memories.

  1. 1D AGO

    #21: Carry-On Only Travel With Kids: How We Pack Light and Skip Checked Bags

    Checked bags? Not in this family. In this episode, I share why our family of seven travels carry-on only for every trip—from three nights to three weeks—and how this strategy has made traveling with kids smoother, faster, and far less stressful. From the luggage and packing cubes we swear by to laundry-on-the-road tricks, mix-and-match outfits, and mindset shifts that keep us packing light, this episode is packed with practical tips you can use on your next family vacation. AWAY LUGGAGE: Get $40 off your first suitcase with this link :) Favorite Packing Cubes & Packing Items EPISODE 10: London With Kids EPISODE 15: Traveling During the Holidays/ Christmas 📌 Show Notes  🔗 Episode page: https://www.happylittletraveler.co/podcast/episode21 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ✈️ TRAVEL DEALS & SERVICES 🔥 Thrifty Traveler — Flight Deal Alerts Get $20 off your first year 📸 Flytographer — Vacation Photos Get $25 off your first session 🎒 Happy Little Traveler Activity Kits (Amazon) Screen-free entertainment for flights & travel days 🎁 FREE TRAVEL RESOURCES 📱 Must-Have Wi-Fi Free Apps + Travel Apps Guide Stress-free travel days for everyone 🧠 101 Sanity-Saving Tips for Traveling With Kids Packing, flights, hotels & routines made easier 📚 SIGNATURE FAMILY TRAVEL GUIDES ✨🧳 Family Travel Made Easy A step-by-step travel-agent-in-your-pocket planning system 🖍️ Printable Kids' Travel Activities 65+ screen-free pages to keep kids happy on flights & on-the-go 🌎 SHOP & FOLLOW 🛍️ Amazon Store Front: Our Travel Favorites Website: HappyLittleTraveler.co

    21 min

  2. JAN 27

    #20: Visiting Chicago With Kids: A Family Guide to Winter Fun, Shopping, and Iconic Sights

    Snow falling in downtown Chicago, shopping sprees on Michigan Avenue, ringing in the New Year from a hotel room with skyline views, and ice skating beneath the city lights—this family trip had it all. In this episode, I’m sharing our New Year’s adventure in Chicago with five kids, from staying in a spacious two-bedroom suite at the Residence Inn Downtown Loop to visiting the Willis Tower Skydeck, the American Girl store and café, Millennium Park, Lincoln Park Zoo, and hunting for the perfect slice of deep-dish pizza. You’ll hear how we balanced packed sightseeing days with slow afternoons, why flexibility is key when traveling with kids, and what made winter in Chicago surprisingly magical. I’m also rounding up other must-do family attractions like Navy Pier, top museums, and river cruises so you can plan your own kid-friendly Chicago getaway.  💸 FREEBIE: Get Your Next Vacation for (Almost) Free Beginner points & miles guide for families EPISODE 2: Beginner Guide to Point & Miles EPISODE 10: London With Kids EPISODE 15: Traveling During the Holidays/ Christmas 📌 Show Notes  🔗 Episode page: https://www.happylittletraveler.co/podcast/episode20 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ✈️ TRAVEL DEALS & SERVICES 🔥 Thrifty Traveler — Flight Deal Alerts Get $20 off your first year 📸 Flytographer — Vacation Photos Get $25 off your first session 🎒 Happy Little Traveler Activity Kits (Amazon) Screen-free entertainment for flights & travel days 🎁 FREE TRAVEL RESOURCES 📱 Must-Have Wi-Fi Free Apps + Travel Apps Guide Stress-free travel days for everyone 🧠 101 Sanity-Saving Tips for Traveling With Kids Packing, flights, hotels & routines made easier 📚 SIGNATURE FAMILY TRAVEL GUIDES ✨🧳 Family Travel Made Easy A step-by-step travel-agent-in-your-pocket planning system 🖍️ Printable Kids' Travel Activities 65+ screen-free pages to keep kids happy on flights & on-the-go 🌎 SHOP & FOLLOW 🛍️ Amazon Store Front: Our Travel Favorites Website: HappyLittleTraveler.co

    33 min

  3. JAN 20

    #19: Why Couples Should Take Kid-Free Trips (And Why It’s Good for Your Kids Too)

    Taking kid-free trips as a couple isn’t selfish—it’s intentional. In this episode, we talk about why couples need time away without kids, how kid-free travel strengthens your marriage, and why prioritizing your relationship actually benefits your children. I share our family’s experience taking annual couples trips, how we make it work with support from grandparents and caregivers, and practical tips to plan guilt-free, kid-free getaways. If you’ve ever felt hesitant about traveling without your kids, this episode will give you the encouragement and permission you need. 💸 FREEBIE: Get Your Next Vacation for (Almost) Free Beginner points & miles guide for families EPISODE 2: Beginner Guide to Point & Miles 📌 Show Notes  🔗 Episode page: https://www.happylittletraveler.co/podcast/episode19 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ✈️ TRAVEL DEALS & SERVICES 🔥 Thrifty Traveler — Flight Deal Alerts Get $20 off your first year 📸 Flytographer — Vacation Photos Get $25 off your first session 🎒 Happy Little Traveler Activity Kits (Amazon) Screen-free entertainment for flights & travel days 🎁 FREE TRAVEL RESOURCES 📱 Must-Have Wi-Fi Free Apps + Travel Apps Guide Stress-free travel days for everyone 🧠 101 Sanity-Saving Tips for Traveling With Kids Packing, flights, hotels & routines made easier 📚 SIGNATURE FAMILY TRAVEL GUIDES ✨🧳 Family Travel Made Easy A step-by-step travel-agent-in-your-pocket planning system 🖍️ Printable Kids' Travel Activities 65+ screen-free pages to keep kids happy on flights & on-the-go 🌎 SHOP & FOLLOW 🛍️ Amazon Store Front: Our Travel Favorites Website: HappyLittleTraveler.co

    22 min

  4. JAN 13

    #18: Family Hotel Cost Saving Tips That Actually Work: How to Use Points, Discounts & Deals to Pay Less

    Hotels can be one of the most expensive parts of traveling with kids — but they don’t have to be. In this episode, I’m sharing practical, family-tested strategies to save hundreds (and even thousands) on hotel stays. From using points and miles with Hyatt, to leveraging family discounts on second rooms, to knowing when Priceline or Expedia can score you the best deal, this episode breaks down exactly how to book smarter without sacrificing comfort. If you want to stretch your travel budget further and make family trips more affordable, this episode is for you.  💸 FREEBIE: Get Your Next Vacation for (Almost) Free Beginner points & miles guide for families EPISODE 2: Beginner Guide to Point & Miles 📌 Show Notes  🔗 Episode page: https://www.happylittletraveler.co/podcast/episode18 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ✈️ TRAVEL DEALS & SERVICES 🔥 Thrifty Traveler — Flight Deal Alerts Get $20 off your first year 📸 Flytographer — Vacation Photos Get $25 off your first session 🎒 Happy Little Traveler Activity Kits (Amazon) Screen-free entertainment for flights & travel days 🎁 FREE TRAVEL RESOURCES 📱 Must-Have Wi-Fi Free Apps + Travel Apps Guide Stress-free travel days for everyone 🧠 101 Sanity-Saving Tips for Traveling With Kids Packing, flights, hotels & routines made easier 📚 SIGNATURE FAMILY TRAVEL GUIDES ✨🧳 Family Travel Made Easy A step-by-step travel-agent-in-your-pocket planning system 🖍️ Printable Kids' Travel Activities 65+ screen-free pages to keep kids happy on flights & on-the-go 🌎 SHOP & FOLLOW 🛍️ Amazon Store Front: Our Travel Favorites Website: HappyLittleTraveler.co

    25 min

  5. JAN 6

    #17: How to Plan a Family Trip Step-by-Step: Stress-Free Travel for Parents

    In this episode, I’m breaking down how to plan a family trip step-by-step—from choosing the right destination and finding the best time to travel, to booking flights, hotels, activities, and building a kid-friendly itinerary that isn’t overwhelming. We’ll walk through how to choose between a hotel or Airbnb, what to look for when researching weather and packing, and how to avoid the biggest mistake families make: overplanning. I’ll also share easy destination ideas for beginners, from Disney trips to beach vacations to national parks. You’ll hear how I personally plan every trip for our family of seven and how my guide, Family Travel Made Easy, can simplify the entire process with planning checklists, itineraries, destination ideas, and a digital travel organizer to keep everything in one place. Other Helpful Episodes: Ep. 3: How to Survive Flights with Kids Ep. 9: Game Changing Travel Apps You Need Ep. 5: Maui with Kids Ep. 10: London with Kids Ep. 11: Paris with Kids  ✨🧳 Family Travel Made Easy A step-by-step travel-agent-in-your-pocket planning system 📌 Show Notes  🔗 Episode page: https://www.happylittletraveler.co/podcast/episode17 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ✈️ TRAVEL DEALS & SERVICES 🔥 Thrifty Traveler — Flight Deal Alerts Get $20 off your first year 📸 Flytographer — Vacation Photos Get $25 off your first session 🎒 Happy Little Traveler Activity Kits (Amazon) Screen-free entertainment for flights & travel days 🎁 FREE TRAVEL RESOURCES 📱 Must-Have Wi-Fi Free Apps + Travel Apps Guide Stress-free travel days for everyone 💸 Get Your Next Vacation for (Almost) Free Beginner points & miles guide for families 🧠 101 Sanity-Saving Tips for Traveling With Kids Packing, flights, hotels & routines made easier 📚 SIGNATURE FAMILY TRAVEL GUIDES 🖍️ Printable Kids' Travel Activities 65+ screen-free pages to keep kids happy on flights & on-the-go 🌎 SHOP & FOLLOW 🛍️ Amazon Store Front: Our Travel Favorites Website: HappyLittleTraveler.co

    31 min
  6. #16: French Polynesia With Kids: How to Visit Bora Bora, Tahiti & Moorea Affordably (with Irina Gaysina)

    12/16/2025

    #16: French Polynesia With Kids: How to Visit Bora Bora, Tahiti & Moorea Affordably (with Irina Gaysina)

    In this episode, I’m joined by Irina from On Points with Kids, who just returned from an incredible family trip to French Polynesia — exploring Bora Bora, Tahiti, and Moorea with her kids. Irina shares how her family made this dream destination affordable using points and miles, along with practical tips for planning, choosing family-friendly resorts, and keeping travel days smooth. We chat about kid-friendly activities, favorite experiences on the islands, and how to make a bucket-list trip like this both memorable and attainable for families. 🌴✈️ Irina's Website: On Points With Kids Instagram: @OnPointsWithKids ✨🧳 Family Travel Made Easy A step-by-step travel-agent-in-your-pocket planning system 📌 Show Notes  🔗 Episode page: https://www.happylittletraveler.co/podcast/episode16 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ✈️ TRAVEL DEALS & SERVICES 🔥 Thrifty Traveler — Flight Deal Alerts Get $20 off your first year 📸 Flytographer — Vacation Photos Get $25 off your first session 🎒 Happy Little Traveler Activity Kits (Amazon) Screen-free entertainment for flights & travel days 🎁 FREE TRAVEL RESOURCES 📱 Must-Have Wi-Fi Free Apps + Travel Apps Guide Stress-free travel days for everyone 💸 Get Your Next Vacation for (Almost) Free Beginner points & miles guide for families 🧠 101 Sanity-Saving Tips for Traveling With Kids Packing, flights, hotels & routines made easier 📚 SIGNATURE FAMILY TRAVEL GUIDES 🖍️ Printable Kids' Travel Activities 65+ screen-free pages to keep kids happy on flights & on-the-go 🌎 SHOP & FOLLOW 🛍️ Amazon Store Front: Our Travel Favorites Website: HappyLittleTraveler.co

    42 min

  7. 12/09/2025

    #15: How to Travel During the Holidays With Kids: Keeping Christmas Traditions Alive Anywhere

    Today I’m talking all about traveling with kids during the holidays—Thanksgiving, Christmas, or both—and how to keep your family traditions alive even when you’re far from home. I’m sharing our Christmas in Puerto Rico with 12 family members (yes, Santa still found us!), how we recreated the magic with stockings, pajamas, a mini “felt” Christmas tree, cookie decorating, and games, plus what it looks like to celebrate Christmas in places like Tulsa with extended family while still protecting our own core traditions. You’ll hear practical tips for making any holiday away from home feel special, ideas for what to pack, how to plan ahead with groceries and gifts, and a simple checklist to help your family enjoy the season—whether you’re around the tree at home or opening presents after a morning at the beach. ✨🧳 Family Travel Made Easy A step-by-step travel-agent-in-your-pocket planning system 📌 Show Notes  🔗 Episode page: https://www.happylittletraveler.co/podcast/episode15 Felt Christmas Tree (travel friendly) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ✈️ TRAVEL DEALS & SERVICES 🔥 Thrifty Traveler — Flight Deal Alerts Get $20 off your first year 📸 Flytographer — Vacation Photos Get $25 off your first session 🎒 Happy Little Traveler Activity Kits (Amazon) Screen-free entertainment for flights & travel days 🎁 FREE TRAVEL RESOURCES 📱 Must-Have Wi-Fi Free Apps + Travel Apps Guide Stress-free travel days for everyone 💸 Get Your Next Vacation for (Almost) Free Beginner points & miles guide for families 🧠 101 Sanity-Saving Tips for Traveling With Kids Packing, flights, hotels & routines made easier 📚 SIGNATURE FAMILY TRAVEL GUIDES 🖍️ Printable Kids' Travel Activities 65+ screen-free pages to keep kids happy on flights & on-the-go 🌎 SHOP & FOLLOW 🛍️ Amazon Store Front: Our Travel Favorites Website: HappyLittleTraveler.co

    36 min

  8. 12/02/2025

    #14:Southwest Companion Pass Guide: Step-by-Step Strategy to Earn BOGO Flights for Your Family

    In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how to earn the Southwest Companion Pass so you can fly a child or family member for nearly free for up to two full years. I’ll walk you through what the Companion Pass is, why timing is everything, and the exact strategy I recommend— with step by step instructions. I’ll also share how my husband and I both earned it, how we used it so two of our kids flew free for almost 2 years, and extra ways to top off your points using shopping portals, flights, hotels, and rentals. If you’ve ever wanted to hack Southwest for big family savings, this episode is your step-by-step game plan. Southwest Credit Card Sign Up (referral link) ✨🧳 Family Travel Made Easy A step-by-step travel-agent-in-your-pocket planning system 📌 Show Notes  🔗 Episode page: https://www.happylittletraveler.co/podcast/episode14 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ✈️ TRAVEL DEALS & SERVICES 🔥 Thrifty Traveler — Flight Deal Alerts Get $20 off your first year 📸 Flytographer — Vacation Photos Get $25 off your first session 🎒 Happy Little Traveler Activity Kits (Amazon) Screen-free entertainment for flights & travel days 🎁 FREE TRAVEL RESOURCES 📱 Must-Have Wi-Fi Free Apps + Travel Apps Guide Stress-free travel days for everyone 💸 Get Your Next Vacation for (Almost) Free Beginner points & miles guide for families 🧠 101 Sanity-Saving Tips for Traveling With Kids Packing, flights, hotels & routines made easier 📚 SIGNATURE FAMILY TRAVEL GUIDES 🖍️ Printable Kids' Travel Activities 65+ screen-free pages to keep kids happy on flights & on-the-go 🌎 SHOP & FOLLOW 🛍️ Amazon Store Front: Our Travel Favorites Website: HappyLittleTraveler.co

    29 min
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About

Welcome to The Traveling Family Circus, your go-to podcast for stress-free family travel tips, budget-friendly vacation ideas, and must-know hacks for traveling with kids.  Tune in each week for destination guides, packing tips, and real-life stories from a family of seven exploring the world together and making memories.

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