Family Travel Unpacked: Make the Most of Travel With Kids

Melissa Conn
  • 5.0 (6)
  • 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. 3D AGO

    Dolomites with Kids: What Families Need to Know

    Planning a family trip to the Dolomites? Learn which hiking spots work best for kids and which ones are too challenging in this practical guide. Melissa shares honest insights from her Northern Italy trip with her 11 and 14-year-old kids, comparing family-friendly experiences like Seceda and Alpe di Siusi with more challenging hikes like Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Discover where to stay in the Dolomites with kids, driving tips for mountain roads, how to handle timed entry reservations, and whether this Instagram-famous region lives up to the hype for families. Episode highlights: Best family-friendly spots: Seceda and Alpe di SiusiWhy Tre Cime di Lavaredo is YMMVEssential GPS tip for navigating mountain roadsTimed reservation requirementsItaly travel info: Dolomites With Kids: The World’s Most Family-Friendly Hiking7 Dolomites Mistakes That Can Ruin Your TripSummer Northern Italy Itinerary + Recap4 Ideas to Avoid the Crowds in Venice, ItalyRome With Kids: Tips To Love The Eternal City23 Must-Know Italy Travel Tips to Plan Your Dream TripRenting a Car in Italy: La Dolce Vita on Four WheelsItaly Travel Apps That Will Make Your Trip SmootherHow to Travel to Italy on a BudgetDon'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

    13 min

  2. 6D AGO

    Your Italy with Kids Game Plan

    Planning a family trip to Italy? Learn how to create the perfect Italy with kids itinerary from a mom who's done it three times at different ages. Discover how to choose your bases, navigate transportation (trains vs rental cars), avoid tourist crowds, and find family-friendly accommodations. Plus, essential tips for managing Celiac disease in Italy, staying safe from pickpockets, and making the most of your time with practical packing advice and money-saving strategies. Episode highlights: How to choose 2-3 base locations and use day trips for varietyTrains vs rental cars: when to use each (and the ZTL zones to avoid!)5 must-show-your-kids experiences: Colosseum, Venice canals, working farms, Pompeii, and the DolomitesWhy Italy is one of the BEST countries for traveling with Celiac diseasePickpocket prevention strategies that actually workMoney tips: which credit cards work best and when you actually need cashHow the Italy experience changes from toddlers to teensItaly travel essentials: Anti-theft daypackPortable phone chargerBaby/toddler carrierFolding car seatsChase Sapphire Preferred credit cardCapital One Venture X credit cardItaly travel info: Rome With Kids: Tips To Love The Eternal CityDolomites With Kids: The World’s Most Family-Friendly Hiking7 Dolomites Mistakes That Can Ruin Your TripSummer Northern Italy Itinerary + Recap4 Ideas to Avoid the Crowds in Venice, Italy23 Must-Know Italy Travel Tips to Plan Your Dream TripRenting a Car in Italy: La Dolce Vita on Four WheelsItaly Travel Apps That Will Make Your Trip SmootherHow to Travel to Italy on a BudgetDon'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

    47 min

  3. JAN 27

    Celiac Travel Tips for Families

    Celiac travel tips for families: Learn how to safely travel internationally with food allergies. Melissa shares practical strategies for keeping your child safe while exploring the world - from choosing gluten-free friendly destinations like Costa Rica and Italy to using translation cards and leveraging cruise ships as a stress-free base. Discover why cruises work brilliantly for Celiac families, how to research hidden gluten in local cuisines, and which Facebook groups provide invaluable destination-specific advice. Plus, tips for navigating restaurants without dedicated gluten-free kitchens and using technology to decode ingredient labels abroad. Episode Highlights: Why cruises are surprisingly perfect for food allergy travelBest destinations for Celiac families (Costa Rica, Italy, Hawaii)EqualEats translation cards and Google Translate camera featuresFacebook groups: Celiac Travel, Gluten Free Italy, Celiac Beach All-Inclusive ReviewsHow to order strategically in restaurants abroadResearch tips for hidden gluten (especially barley)EqualEats Celiac Disease translation cards 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

    13 min

  4. JAN 23

    Travel With Kids: Picky Eater Edition

    Family travel with kids gets easier when picky eaters become adventurous! Learn 8 strategies to help your children try new foods while traveling. Struggling with picky eaters on family trips? You're not alone. In this episode of Family Travel Unpacked, Melissa shares practical strategies for encouraging kids to try new foods while traveling - without the mealtime battles. From choosing the right timing to starting with local sweets, these proven techniques have helped countless families transform their travel dining experiences. Whether you're heading to Costa Rica, Japan, or just planning your next family vacation, these tips will help you navigate unfamiliar cuisines with confidence when you travel with kids. Episode Highlights: Why timing matters when introducing exotic foods to kidsThe "sweets first" approach that actually worksHow cooking classes create adventurous eatersStrategic accommodations that respect kids' boundariesHow to prevent mealtime power strugglesPerfect for parents planning family travel with young kids, tweens, or teens. Real stories, honest advice, and actionable strategies from 13+ years of family travel experience. 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

    11 min

  5. JAN 20

    Icon of the Seas: A Kid's Take

    Icon of the Seas from a kid's perspective! 11-year-old Shoshana shares her honest review of cruising with kids, from soft serve to Celiac dining. What does an 11-year-old really think about Icon of the Seas? In this Quick Tip Tuesday episode, I interview my daughter Shoshana about her week on the world's largest cruise ship. She shares unfiltered opinions on everything from the shows and food to why she skipped kids club. Plus, her advice for other tweens considering a cruise! Episode Highlights: Why the 3-minute Sprinkles soft serve run became her favorite thingHonest take on Adventure Ocean from a tween who didn't goCruising with Celiac disease - real kid perspective on gluten-free diningHer favorite port (spoiler: it might surprise you!)What she'd tell other 11-year-olds about Icon of the SeasPerfect for families wondering if Icon of the Seas works for tweens and kids with dietary restrictions! More tips for cruisers: 6 Cruise Cabin Hacks to Make Your Stateroom More LivableSmooth Sailing: 6 Must-Do Tasks Before Your Cruise5 Reasons You Might Hate Cruising (+ 7 Reasons You Might Love It)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

    12 min

  6. JAN 18

    All About Icon of the Seas: Review, Pros, Cons and Everything In Between

    Icon of the Seas review: honest multigenerational cruise tips for 12 travelers ages 4-78. Western Caribbean ports, dining, shows & staterooms. We're just back from a week on Icon of the Seas with our crew of twelve! I'm sharing what worked (and what didn't) for our multigenerational cruise over New Years. From our perfect Deck 8 balcony setup to managing the water slide crowds, this comprehensive Icon of the Seas review covers everything families need to know. Episode Highlights: Why Icon of the Seas neighborhoods make crowds manageable with 7600+ passengersOur connected balcony hack for multigenerational travelReality check on Category 6 water slides and timing strategyHonest take on kids club age groupings (the weakest part of Icon)Western Caribbean ports: Costa Maya, Roatan, Cozumel & CocoCayDining variety from Main Dining Room to Izumi Sushi lunch dealEntertainment winners: Lou's Jazz n Blues, The Passing Zone, Aqua ActionCritical arcade spending limit tip (our biggest mistake!)Mobility solutions for grandparents on cruisesMore tips for cruisers: 6 Cruise Cabin Hacks to Make Your Stateroom More LivableSmooth Sailing: 6 Must-Do Tasks Before Your Cruise5 Reasons You Might Hate Cruising (+ 7 Reasons You Might Love It)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

    42 min

  7. JAN 13

    Visiting Hiroshima with Kids: An Honest Guide

    Visiting Hiroshima with kids: Should families tour the A-bomb sites? Melissa shares honest advice on navigating Japan with kids, including age-appropriate preparation strategies and what to expect at the Peace Memorial Museum. Learn which books helped her family prepare, how her 8 and 10-year-old handled the experience, and practical tips for making the right choices for your children. In this episode: Best books to prepare kids for visiting HiroshimaWhat to see at Peace Memorial Park (outdoor memorials vs. museum)How to handle the intense Peace Memorial Museum with different agesReal experience: How an 8-year-old and 10-year-old navigated the sitesAlternative options for younger childrenPractical admission and planning tips 00:00 Introduction to Family Travel Unpacked 00:14 Discussing Hiroshima with Kids 00:55 Preparing for the Visit 01:24 Exploring Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park 02:08 Navigating the Peace Memorial Museum 04:01 Practical Tips and Final Thoughts 04:52 Conclusion and Additional Resources Japan travel planning resources for families Visiting the A-Bomb Sites in Hiroshima with Kids10 Japan Cultural Activities & Attractions For Your Bucket ListHow to Choose a Family-Friendly Ryokan in JapanEssential Japan Itinerary: 10 Days of Family-Friendly TravelBest Things to do in Japan With Kids: A Kid’s Take9 Tips for Japan Travel You Can’t Afford To MissThings to do in Tokyo With Kids: Itinerary for 4 Days of Old and NewThe Best Hotels in Tokyo for Families (and How to Choose Yours)Visiting Kyoto With Kids: 2+ Day Itinerary + Must-Read Travel TipsBest Family Hotels in KyotoWhat to Pack for Japan in Spring (and What to Leave at Home)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 min

  8. JAN 9

    Japan with Kids: Planning Tips & What to Expect

    Planning a family trip to Japan? In this episode, Melissa shares honest insights from her family's 10-day Japan adventure with kids ages 8 and 11. She covers what worked, what didn't, and why Japan became one of their most memorable trips despite being the hardest to plan. In this episode: Why you need to plan earlyTransportation strategyKid-approved Japan activitiesReal talk about jet lag, language barriers, and managing expectationsWhy you can't see everything in one trip (and why that's okay)Whether you're dreaming about Japan with kids or actively planning your itinerary, this episode gives you the realistic, practical guidance you need. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to Family Travel Unpacked 02:31 Challenges of Planning a Japan Trip 08:46 Must-Try Activities and Experiences 13:00 Japanese Cuisine: A Culinary Adventure 15:02 The Realities of Traveling in Japan 20:12 Final Thoughts and Resources Activities: Buy your Japan Rail PassTokyo cooking classteamLab PlanetsTea ceremonyJapan planning resources: 9 Tips for Japan Travel You Can’t Afford To MissEssential Japan Itinerary: 10 Days of Family-Friendly Travel (Plus Optional Extension)Best Things to do in Japan With Kids: A Kid’s TakeWhat to Pack for Japan in SpringThings to do in Tokyo With Kids: Itinerary for 4 Days of Old and NewThe Best Hotels in Tokyo for FamiliesVisiting Kyoto With Kids: 2+ Day Itinerary + Must-Read Travel TipsBest Family Hotels in KyotoPokemon Things to do in JapanDon'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

    23 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 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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