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. 10H AGO

    27: What’s the Best Age to Start Traveling With Kids? Family Travel Tips for Every Age

    What’s the best age to start traveling with kids? In this episode, I’m breaking down what it’s really like to travel with children at every stage—from babies and toddlers to school-age kids and beyond. I share the challenges, benefits, and tips for each age group, along with why I believe any age can be a great age to travel as long as you adjust expectations. If you’re wondering when to start traveling as a family, this episode will help you feel more confident planning your next adventure. Other Helpful Episodes: Ep. 3: How to Survive Flights with Kids Ep. 9: Game Changing Travel Apps You Need Ep. 17: How to Plan a Family Trip Step-By-Step Ep. 12: Ashley From @TravelingGraces (Travel Journal)  ✨🧳 Family Travel Made Easy A step-by-step travel-agent-in-your-pocket planning system 📌 Show Notes  🔗 Episode page: https://www.happylittletraveler.co/podcast/episode27 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ✈️ 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

    27 min
  2. MAR 16

    26: Tokyo DisneySea Guide: Our Day at Japan’s Most Unique Disney Park + Tips for Visiting [Part 2]

    In this episode, I’m sharing all about our day visiting Tokyo DisneySea, one of the most unique Disney parks in the world. From ride strategy and using Premier Access passes to the best snacks, must-do rides, and tips for navigating the crowds, I’m recapping our experience and sharing helpful advice if you’re planning a visit. If Tokyo DisneySea is on your Japan itinerary, this episode will help you know what to expect and how to make the most of your day. Episode #26: Our 6 Day Itinerary in Tokyo, Osaka, & Kyoto  Viator: Transfer from Hotel to Tokyo Disney Klook: Tokyo Disney Tickets 📌 Show Notes  🔗 Episode page: https://www.happylittletraveler.co/podcast/episode26 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ✈️ 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 📚 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

    40 min
  3. MAR 10

    25: Our 6-Day Japan Itinerary: Tokyo, Osaka & Kyoto (+ Kid-Friendly Travel Tips) [Part 1]

    In today’s episode, I’m sharing a recap of my husband Greg and my recent kid-free trip to Tokyo, Japan. From flying in Delta One suites using points, to exploring Shibuya Crossing, cuddling baby pigs, Takeshita Street, TeamLab, and Tokyo DisneySea, we’re diving into our favorite experiences, kid-friendly recommendations, and a few funny travel mishaps along the way. Even though this was one of our annual trips without the kids, I’m also sharing plenty of family-friendly tips if you’re planning a trip to Japan with your own crew. If Japan is on your bucket list—whether as a couples getaway or a family adventure—this episode will give you a peek into what it’s really like to explore one of the most exciting cities in the world. Episode #2: How We Use Points & Miles to Travel for Nearly Free Episode #14: How to Earn Southwest Companion Pass for BOGO Flights Episode #19: Why Couples Should Take Kid-Free Trips KLOOK - Book tickets for Japan activities Viator: Private day trip from Osaka to Kyoto & Nara Viator: Osaka Food Tour 📌 Show Notes  🔗 Episode page: https://www.happylittletraveler.co/podcast/episode25 🔥 Thrifty Traveler — Flight Deal Alerts Get $20 off your first year ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ✈️ TRAVEL DEALS & SERVICES 📸 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 📚 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

    1h 4m
  4. FEB 24

    #24: Traveling Internationally with Kids for the First Time: The Best Countries to Visit First & Why

    Want to travel internationally with kids but not sure where to start? In this episode of The Traveling Family Circus, I’m sharing the best first international destinations for families — including London, Paris, Italy, Mexico, Canada, Japan, Spain, Australia, and Costa Rica. We’ll talk about why these countries are easier for beginners, how they minimize language barriers, and what makes them especially family-friendly. I also reference our Spring 2024 London and Paris trip (listen to Episodes 10 & 11 for the full breakdown!). If you’re ready to give your kids global experiences without the overwhelm, this episode will help you choose the perfect place to begin. Ep. 10: London with Kids Ep. 11: Paris with Kids 🧠 101 Sanity-Saving Tips for Traveling With Kids Packing, flights, hotels & routines made easier 📌 Show Notes  🔗 Episode page: https://www.happylittletraveler.co/podcast/episode24 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ✈️ 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 📚 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
  5. FEB 17

    #23: Is Traveling with Kids Really Worth the Stress? Why Family Travel Is Hard — and Why I’d Still Do It

    Family travel can feel overwhelming — the packing, the meltdowns, the cost, the logistics. So is it actually worth it? In this episode of The Traveling Family Circus, I’m sharing the honest pros and cons of traveling with kids, what makes it hard, and why I still believe it’s one of the best investments you can make as a family. If you’ve ever wondered whether family vacations are worth the money, effort, or stress, this episode will give you clarity and confidence before you book your next trip. 🧠 101 Sanity-Saving Tips for Traveling With Kids Packing, flights, hotels & routines made easier 📌 Show Notes  🔗 Episode page: https://www.happylittletraveler.co/podcast/episode23 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ✈️ 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 📚 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
  6. FEB 10

    #22: Behind The Scenes: How I’m Planning Our 9-State Spring Break Road Trip With Kids (and What I'm Nervous About)

    We’re attempting something we’ve never done before — a nine-state spring break road trip with five kids — and I’m taking you behind the scenes of exactly how I’m planning it. From flying into Newark and driving down to Savannah, to choosing hotels, pacing drive days, packing in time blocks, and keeping everything organized in one digital hub, I share my real-life process step by step. I also break down the tools I’m using from my Family Travel Made Easy guide, what I’m most excited about, what I’m nervous about, and why I’ll be reporting back after the trip with a full recap of what worked, what didn’t, and what I’d change next time. USA Photo Map with 50 States Family Travel Guide with Templates, Packing Lists & Digital Hub 📌 Show Notes  🔗 Episode page: https://www.happylittletraveler.co/podcast/episode22 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ✈️ 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

    39 min
  7. FEB 3

    #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
  8. 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

Trailer

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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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