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

    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

  2. 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

  3. JAN 6

    Southwest Companion Pass 2026: My Secret to Budget Travel with Kids

    Southwest Companion Pass 2026 lets you fly your kids for $5.60 on every flight! Learn how to earn 135,000 points fast with credit card bonuses. Melissa breaks down everything you need to know about earning the Southwest Companion Pass in 2026 - the ultimate family travel hack that lets you bring a companion on every Southwest flight for just $5.60 in taxes. Despite Southwest's recent changes, the Companion Pass remains one of the best travel rewards for families who want to travel more without breaking the budget. In this Quick Tip Tuesday episode, you'll learn exactly how to earn your Companion Pass using two Southwest credit cards, why January 2026 is the perfect time to start, and how this travel hack has enabled our family of four to take trips to Hawaii, Costa Rica, and countless weekend getaways we couldn't otherwise afford. Episode Highlights: What the Southwest Companion Pass is and how it worksStep-by-step credit card strategy to earn 136,000+ qualifying pointsReal examples: Hawaii, Costa Rica and more family trips for just taxesSouthwest's 2025 changesPerfect combination of Southwest credit cardsTotal cost analysis: $400 in fees for $1500+ in travel value00:00 Welcome to Quick Tip Tuesday 00:26 Introducing the Southwest Companion Pass 01:02 What is the Southwest Companion Pass? 02:29 How to Earn the Companion Pass 02:52 Credit Card Strategies for Earning Points 05:10 Why Now is the Best Time to Get the Companion Pass 06:54 Conclusion and Additional Resources Compare Southwest credit cards here* Complete Companion Pass Guide Free Travel Resources & Ebook *This is a referral link. When you apply for a credit card through this link, I may earn a commission or bonus at no cost to you. This helps support the free content on this site. I only recommend products and services I personally use and believe will benefit families traveling with kids. 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

    7 min

  4. 12/30/2025

    Family Travel Plans for 2026: A Sneak Peek at What’s Next

    Travel with kids in 2026: Get a sneak peek at our family travel plans! From Portugal to London, cruises to beach weekends, see how one family balances school schedules, sleepaway camps, and award travel to plan an incredible year of family travel adventures across Europe, the US, and beyond. Join Melissa from Family Travel Unpacked as she reveals her 2026 travel lineup, including: First-time visits to Portugal (Lisbon & Porto) and the AzoresLondon with kids and East Coast summer camp logisticsBudget-friendly tips for family cruise vacationsBalancing resort relaxation with outdoor adventuresPlanning around school calendars and extracurricularsWhether you're looking for inspiration or practical strategies for travel with kids, this quick episode shows how real families make adventure happen! Episode Highlights: January Caribbean cruise with extended familyMarch Portugal debut (Lisbon & Porto)June birthday weekend in Scottsdale + London & Azores tripCreative July camp pickup travel hackMysterious late-fall adventure in the works00:00 Welcome to Family Travel Unpacked 00:14 Sneak Peek at 2026 Travel Plans 00:33 January: Caribbean Cruise 00:53 February: Back to LA 01:06 March: Exploring Portugal 01:32 June: Scottsdale and London Adventures 02:48 July: Creative Summer Plans 03:15 August: Relaxing Beach Getaway 03:28 Fall: Busy Weekends and Special Plans 03:54 Conclusion: Looking Forward to 2026 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

  5. 12/26/2025

    Travel With Kids: Looking Back on Our 2025 Family Adventures

    Join us for a special 2025 year-end review including travel with kids to 10+ destinations! Family travel expert Melissa shares her year-in-review adventures including Maui family vacation tips, Italy with teenagers, Costa Rica with kids, and budget-friendly family trips using points. Discover family travel planning strategies, traveling with kids who have Celiac disease, multi-generational family vacation ideas, and underrated destinations for families. Learn how to balance adventure travel with kids and resort relaxation for the perfect family getaway! Episode Highlights: Family travel to Maui: Andaz Wailea resort review & sea turtle snorkeling with kidsTravel with kids to Costa Rica: Best Celiac-friendly family destinationItaly family travel: Rome with teenagers & Dolomites hiking with kidsBudget family travel tips: Miami, St. Louis & Colonial Williamsburg with kidsFamily vacation planning: Balancing adventure and relaxation when traveling with childrenMulti-generational family travel 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:25 Reflecting on a Year of Travel 00:49 Winter in Maui 02:13 A Weekend in Miami 03:30 Spring Break in Costa Rica 04:19 Summer in Wisconsin and St. Louis 05:46 Italian Adventures 07:13 Quick Trips to Chicago and Boston 08:00 Colonial Williamsburg and Virginia 08:47 Family Time in Los Angeles 10:25 Year-End Reflections and Future Plans 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. 12/23/2025

    Hacking Hotels (Family Edition)

    Travel rewards and credit card points strategies to save thousands on family hotels! Learn unconventional booking hacks from a family travel expert. Maximize your credit card points and travel rewards with four game-changing hotel strategies. Melissa reveals how her family uses points transfer bonuses, hotel credits, and smart booking tactics to slash accommodation costs on trips to the Azores, Porto, and beyond. In this episode: Save 50%+ booking multiple rooms with travel rewards vs. expensive suitesMaster credit card points transfers like Amex to Hilton 1:2 and Citi to iPrefer 1:4Stack hotel credits from Chase, Amex, Citi, United, and Capital One cardsAccess luxury perks using credit card points through Fine Hotels & Resorts and morePerfect for families wanting to maximize travel rewards, stretch credit card points further, and unlock insider hotel booking strategies. 00:00 Welcome to Family Travel Unpacked 00:13 Unconventional Hotel Savings Strategies 00:35 Strategy 1: Book Multiple Rooms 01:41 Strategy 2: Optimize Points Transfer Ratios 04:11 Strategy 3: Maximize Hotel Credits 06:16 Strategy 4: Luxury Hotel Booking Programs 09:29 Conclusion and Additional Resources Free travel resources for families Amex Platinum personal - Hilton status, FHR credits Amex Platinum business - Hilton status and quarterly credits, FHR credits Chase Sapphire Preferred - $50 annual hotel credit Chase Sapphire Reserve - $300 annual travel credit, The Edit hotel credits Capital One Venture X - $300 annual travel credit, Premier Collection hotels United Explorer & Business - two $50 hotel credits per year 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

    10 min

  7. 12/19/2025

    Hawaii with Kids: Five Questions People Ask Me All The Time

    Planning a family trip to Hawaii with kids? Melissa shares 20+ years of Hawaii experience, answering the top 5 questions about which island to choose, how to make Hawaii affordable with points & miles, hotel vs condo decisions, trip length, and handling jet lag. Episode Highlights: Why Oahu (not Waikiki) is best for first-timersHow we flew to Hawaii for $11.20 using pointsHotel vs condo: which saves money and sanitySkip island-hopping on your first trip (here's why)Jet lag survival tips for East Coast familiesMelissa has visited every Hawaiian island with her kids, including a 5-week Oahu stay and two Maui trips in 2024 alone. Get her honest, tested advice on planning an unforgettable Hawaii vacation without breaking the bank. 00:00 Welcome to Family Travel Unpacked 00:17 Why Hawaii? 01:12 Choosing the Right Island 06:12 Making Hawaii Affordable 17:16 Hotel vs. Condo: Which is Best? 21:31 Trip Length and Island Hopping 27:07 Handling Jet Lag with Kids 31:59 Conclusion and Resources Articles Mentioned/Related: What's the Best Hawaiian Island for Families?Visiting Hawaii on a Budget: All the Tricks and Tips You Need to KnowIs It Worth Visiting Hawaii with a Baby?10+ Can't-Miss Things to Do on Oahu with KidsFamily Activities in Maui We Absolutely LoveHawaii Travel Planning ResourcesAffiliate Links & Resources: Credit Cards for Earning Points: Chase Sapphire Preferred - All-around best credit card to save on family travelCapital One Venture X - Great for flexible travel pointsAmex Platinum card - Perfect for Hilton stays in HawaiiSouthwest Rapid Rewards Card - How Melissa flew to Hawaii for $11.20Discount Cards: Shaka Gold Card - $37 for discounts on Maui toursGo Oahu Card - Save on Oahu attractions 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

    33 min

  8. 12/16/2025

    The Packing Hack To Level Up Your Winter Travel With Kids

    Travel packing hack alert! Vacuum storage bags can save massive space when packing winter gear for ski trips and cold destinations like Iceland. Host Melissa shares how her family packed carry-on only for Iceland in July using vacuum compression bags for puffy jackets, rain gear, and cold weather essentials. Learn the difference between roll-up bags and electric pump versions, plus a genius bonus tip for using them as laundry bags on any trip to make room for souvenirs. Episode Highlights: How to pack winter gear in carry-ons using vacuum bagsElectric pump vs. roll-up compression bags comparisonWhat items work best (and worst) in vacuum bagsBonus tip: Using vacuum bags for dirty laundry and souvenirsCritical weight warning for discount airlinesPerfect companion to our family ski trip planning episode. Pick up your vacuum bags and digital scale to get started! 00:00 Welcome to Family Travel Unpacked 00:20 The Challenge of Winter Travel 00:36 Introducing Vacuum Storage Bags 00:51 Real-Life Examples and Tips 01:42 Types of Vacuum Bags 02:28 Bonus Uses for Vacuum Bags 03:16 Important Warnings and Final Tips 04:17 Conclusion and Next Steps Learn to Ski Resources Best Family Ski Resorts in Colorado Packing for Alaska 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
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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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