Family Travel Unpacked: Make the Most of Travel With Kids

Melissa Conn
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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. 2D AGO

    Cool Summer Family Vacations: Alaska, Iceland, Michigan & Beyond | Travel With Kids

    Family summer vacations don't have to mean sweltering heat. Discover 5 cool-weather destinations perfect for travel with kids this summer. In this episode of Family Travel Unpacked, host Melissa shares real experiences from epic family road trips and international adventures where summer temps stay comfortable. From Alaska's midnight sun and bear viewing to Iceland's glaciers, plus drivable trips through Michigan's Upper Peninsula and a NY-Canada loop through Quebec City and Niagara Falls—these destinations deliver adventure without the August misery. Episode Highlights: Alaska: Dog sledding, Lake Clark bear viewing, Kenai Fjords cruise (10+ days)Iceland: Private glacier hiking, whale watching in Húsavík (10-11 days)NY & Canada: Finger Lakes to Quebec City to Toronto road trip (2 weeks)Michigan: Mackinac Island, Pictured Rocks, Tahquamenon Falls (10 days)Australia: Great Barrier Reef & Daintree Rainforest in their winter (3-4 weeks)Plus honest budgeting tips, points & miles strategies, and age recommendations for each destination. Full itineraries and resources at thefamilyvoyage.com. 00:00 Welcome + Why Cool-Weather Summer Trips Are the Move 01:20 Destination #1: Alaska — Epic Wildlife, Long Days & Road Trip Planning 07:02 Destination #2: Iceland — Road Trip Basics, Weather & Who It’s Best For 12:28 Destination #3: New York State + Canada Road Trip Overview 16:42 Destination #4: Michigan Road Trip — Mackinac Island to the U.P. 21:05 Destination #5: Australia — A Winter-in-July Family Adventure Plan 26:30 Wrap-Up: The 5 Cool-Weather Summer Family Vacation Picks Alaska: Things to do in Alaska with kids 10 Day Alaska Itinerary AK Husky Adventures Kenai Fjords cruise Iceland Best Iceland Tours & Activities Glacier Encounter - 10% off with code THEFAMILYVOYAGE10 Whale watching in Husavik New York & Canada Road Trip New York & Canada Road Trip Itinerary Michigan Michigan Road Trip Itinerary Things to do in Munising Things to do in Houghton Australia 1-4 Week Australia Itineraries How to get to Australia on miles 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

    27 min

  2. FEB 8

    Banff with Kids with Celine Brewer of Travel Banff Canada

    Planning a family trip to Banff? Join Melissa as she talks with Celine of Travel Banff Canada about visiting Banff with kids - from best times to visit and where to stay to budgeting tips and must-do activities. Celine, a mom of two living in Canmore, shares insider advice on making the most of your Canadian Rockies family vacation. Episode highlights: Best seasons to visit Banff with kids and which school breaks work bestBanff vs Canmore - where should families stay?Realistic budgets for accommodation, food, and activitiesMust-do activities for families and hidden local gemsCommon mistakes families make when planning Banff tripsHow long to stay and nearby destinations worth addingWhether you're planning spring break in the Rockies or a summer mountain adventure, this episode covers everything you need to know for an amazing Banff family vacation. Where to stay in Banff with kids Castle Mountain Chalets Johnston Canyon Bungalows Baker Creek by Basecamp Pine Bungalows Jasper 00:00 Welcome to Family Travel Unpacked 00:07 Meet Celine  02:16 Best Time to Visit Banff 09:25 Traveling with Young Kids in Banff 11:03 Planning Your Banff Trip 14:54 Accommodation Options in Banff 15:39 Budgeting for Your Banff Trip 18:27 Dining in Banff 20:22 Cost of Activities and Passes 22:09 How Long Should You Stay in Banff? 22:54 Banff Day Trips and Add-Ons 27:30 Must-Do Activities in Banff 35:00 Hidden Gems and Local Tips 37:37 Common Mistakes and Tips for Families 39:40 Guidebooks and Trip Planning Services 41:56 Conclusion and Farewell 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

  3. FEB 3

    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

  4. JAN 31

    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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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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