Family Travel Unpacked: Make the Most of Travel With Kids

Melissa Conn
  • 4.7 (13)
  • 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. 5d ago

    London vs. Azores Recap: A Kid's Take

    Wondering whether London or the Azores is the better pick for your next family trip? In this episode of Family Travel Unpacked, my 12 year old takes over as our tween travel expert and gives her honest, unfiltered review of both destinations, from Harrods and the West End in London to hiking, hot tubs, and Europe's only tea plantation in São Miguel, the Azores. We just got back from London and the Azores, and this trip felt like two completely different vacations back to back — a huge European capital followed by a small, nature-focused island. Shoshana breaks down what surprised her, her favorite hotel, how gluten-free eating (she has Celiac disease) compared between the two, and which destination won her over in the end. We also booked this entire trip on points, covering flights and hotels for basically nothing out of pocket until we landed. The full breakdown of the 600,000-plus points we used is back in Episode 42, and full-length, in-depth episodes on London and the Azores individually are coming later this summer and into fall. In this episode: What it's really like traveling with a tween through London vs. São Miguel, AzoresHotel reviews: The Standard London vs. DoubleTree by Hilton São MiguelMust-do family activities in London, including the Jellycat store at Harrods and the West End show HadestownWhy São Miguel felt like "the Hawaii of the Atlantic" — hiking, the rooftop and indoor pools, and Europe's only tea plantationNavigating gluten-free and Celiac-friendly eating in London and the Azores, including a splurge-worthy dinner at Niche Gluten FreeShoshana's honest verdict: London or São Miguel, and what she'd do differently next timeA reminder that this trip was booked almost entirely on points — full breakdown in Episode 42Timestamps: 00:00 — Intro & the Episode 42 points recap  01:23 — Bringing in our tween travel expert  02:16 — London highs and lows 04:00 — Azores highs and lows 06:09 — Gluten-free travel: London vs. the Azores  08:04 — Wrapping up 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

  2. Jul 7

    The Ins and Outs of Unaccompanied Minor Travel

    Kids Flying Alone? Everything Parents Need to Know About Unaccompanied Minor Travel Can kids fly alone — and how does it actually work? This episode covers everything parents need to know about domestic unaccompanied minor travel, from airline policies and fees to what really happens at the airport. Melissa shares firsthand experience from multiple solo flights her own kids have taken, breaks down the rules for every major US carrier, and explains how to use points to book UNMR tickets. Jacob and Shoshana also join to share advice directly for kids about to take their first solo flight. In this episode: What unaccompanied minor (UNMR) service is and which ages it applies toAge-based nonstop vs. connecting rules — and why United is the strict outlierFee structures and policies for American, Delta, United, Southwest, and AlaskaHow to book UNMR flights with points — and when partner bookings get complicatedCredit cards that can offset the $150 UNMR fee (Amex Platinum, Hilton Aspire, Citi Strata Elite, and more)The airport process step by step: two-hour arrival, gate passes, regular security (no PreCheck/CLEAR), waiting until the plane is airborneWhat to have ready before you get to the check-in counterWhat to tell your child if the pickup adult isn't there when they landBaggage strategy: backpacks only, ship the big bags for camp tripsKeeping in touch: Apple Watch, Apple Cash, Airalo eSIM, FlightAwareJacob and Shoshana's advice for kids taking their first solo flightTimestamps: 01:30 — What UNMR service is03:45 — Airline policies and fees09:00 — Accompanying adult age rules09:45 — Booking with points12:30 — Credit cards that offset the fee13:30 — The airport process21:00 — Preparing your child25:15 — Jacob and Shoshana's adviceDon'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

  3. Jun 30

    6 Sneaky Ways We Rack Up Travel Points (No New Cards Required)

    Six low-effort habits for earning more travel points and miles as a family - no new credit cards required. In this episode, you'll learn six specific strategies to earn extra points and miles without opening a single new credit card. From shopping portals and smarter everyday spending to a gift card trick that can fund hundreds of thousands of points a year, this episode covers it all, including a couple of strategies most people never think to try. In this episode: How shopping portals and browser extensions stack bonus points on every online purchaseWhy the Chase Freedom Unlimited beats the Sapphire cards for everyday spending — and how to combine points across cardsThe office supply store gift card trick that can add tens of thousands of points a yearHow the Paze digital wallet is currently offering a huge bonus on Chase cardsWhy watching your email and mailbox for targeted offers can pay off in a big wayHow Card Pointers Plus automatically finds and activates credit card offersHow to ask for retention offers when an annual fee comes dueWhy referral links are a win-win for you and your friendsTimestamps 00:00 — Intro 01:15 — Shopping portals 04:10 — Smarter daily spend cards & gift card strategy 09:17 — Targeted offers 11:08 — Card Pointers Plus 12:35 — Retention offers 15:01 — Referral bonuses 17:04 — Wrap-up Links & Resources Shopping Portals & Cash Back Rakuten (sign up and get a $50 bonus) TopCashback (sign up and get a $10 bonus)Doctor of Credit (for gift card deals) - Staples and Office DepotPaze merchant directoryTools Card Pointers PlusCredit Cards Mentioned Chase Sapphire Preferred / ReserveChase Freedom UnlimitedChase Ink Business cardsUnited credit cardsRelated Reading Chase Sapphire Preferred: What's Changing and What You Should Do About ItThe Southwest Companion Pass Trick Free ebook: The Busy Mom's Guide to Free TravelDon'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

  4. Jun 24

    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

  5. Jun 23

    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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

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4.7
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

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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