Snacks and Suitcases

Sally Stanton

Planning a family holiday should be exciting… but let’s be honest, it can also be overwhelming. From restless kids on long haul flights to finding the perfect family friendly destination, the struggle is real. That’s where Snacks and Suitcases comes in. Hosted by TV presenter, travel enthusiast, and mum Sally Stanton, this podcast dives into the joys and challenges of travelling with kids. Each episode, Sally chats with travel experts, seasoned parents, industry insiders, and even the occasional celebrity, to bring you practical tips, destination inspiration, and plenty of honest, laugh out loud moments. Whether you’re dreaming of a snow trip, theme park adventure, or tropical escape, Snacks and Suitcases is here to make travelling with kids a little less chaotic and a lot more fun. So let’s take off, because the world is waiting. And… so are the kids!

  1. 13 APR

    Livigno with Kids: Italy's Hidden Ski Gem and The Arc Skier Development Program

    We head to the stunning mountain town of Livigno in Italy, a true hidden gem in the European Alps and one of the host locations for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Sally is joined by Aussie ski industry powerhouse and mum of two, Caroline Brauer, who shares why this incredible destination completely won her over. And why she, along with her husband, former Olympic skier Jono Brauer, base their Arc Skier Development Program there.  They chat about what makes Livigno so special for families and young developing skiers. Think “hero” snow, wide open slopes, runs that literally take you to Switzerland! Short lift lines and that relaxed, welcoming vibe that makes travelling with kids so much easier. Caroline also explains how the Arc Skier Development program gives Aussie kids the chance to build their skills in a world class alpine environment, while parents enjoy a European ski holiday filled with amazing food, scenery and a little bit of indulgence. From duty free shopping to delicious Italian and Swiss inspired cuisine, Livigno offers so much more than just skiing. It is one of those places that surprises you in the best possible way. If you have some budding ski superstars or are just dreaming of a family snow trip that feels a little different, this one is definitely worth adding to your list. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Livigno: A Hidden Gem for Families 02:14 Olympic Spirit: Caroline's Experience at the Winter Olympics 05:29 The Arc Skier Development Program: Nurturing Young Talent 13:04 Family-Friendly Lavinio: A Perfect Destination 18:36 The Unique Offerings of the Arc Program 27:33 Off-Slope Activities: Fun Beyond Skiing 31:54 The Essence of Bombardino 32:44 Navigating Livigno: Language and Accommodation 36:07 Culinary Delights: The Restaurant Scene in Livigno 40:46 Off-Snow Activities: Ice Rally Driving and More 43:10 Shopping in a Duty-Free Paradise 45:12 Affordable Skiing: Lift Prices and Packages 46:31 A Perfect Day in Livigno with Kids 49:59 Packing Essentials for a Ski Trip 51:56 Exploring the ARC Ski Development Program 52:35 Kids Corner: Questions from Mini Travelers 54:23 Fast Five: Quickfire Questions with Caroline   Resources The ARC Ski - Official Website https://www.instagram.com/thearcski/ Zinermann Sports Ski Rental https://www.myholidaylivigno.com/en https://www.livigno.eu/en/   Connect Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions via Instagram.com/snacksandsuitcasespodcast/ Instagram.com/sallynanamis  Snacks and Suitcases Facebook Page Email: snacksandsuitcasespodcast@gmail.com  Subscribe, rate and share with a fellow parent who's dreaming of an alpine adventure AND... Don't forget your snacks!

    58 min
  2. 6 APR

    Japan Beyond Tokyo: Hiroshima and Miyajima with Kids

    Planning a trip to Japan with kids? Discover how to explore Hiroshima and Miyajima in a meaningful, family-friendly way. From peace memorials to floating torii gates, here’s everything you need to know before you go. In this episode, I’m joined by my friend Jo from The Tokyo Chapter to explore, two family friendly cities beyond the bright lights of Tokyo... Hiroshima and Miyajima.  We cover how to visit Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial with kids in a gentle, age-appropriate way, plus everything you need to know about Miyajima, from the famous floating torii gates to deer encounters and the best time to visit. You’ll also get practical tips on transport, where to stay, what to eat (hello okonomiyaki), and how to make it all feel easy with kids in tow. Plus, what’s trending in Japan travel right now and a fun Kids’ Corner segment. Contact Jo Instagram: The Tokyo Chapter Blog: thetokyochapter.com Resources Mama Papa Map app – Find toilets and family amenities in Japan Tablelog – Restaurant and seating info in Japan Okonomiyaki Restaurants – Hiroshima-style cooking spots Miyajima Ferry Timetable – Check tide times and ferry schedule Miyajima Seaside Hotel - Family Friendly Ryokan in Miyajima Kodomonokuni Grinpa   Connect Instagram.com/snacksandsuitcasespodcast/com/sallynanamis/ Snacks and Suitcases Facebook Page Email: snacksandsuitcasespodcast@gmail.com  Subscribe, rate and share with a fellow parent who is dreaming of Japan AND... Don't forget your snacks!

    1hr 7min
  3. 1 APR

    New Zealand’s North Island With Kids

    Snacks and Suitcases season 3 is here! We’re kicking things off with a road trip around New Zealand’s North Island. Sally is joined by Renata Wiles, a New Zealand mum and creator of Roam with Kids. An app designed to help you find the best kid (and parent) friendly playgrounds, cafes, restaurants and activities (many FREE) around New Zealand and quite possibly soon…. the world. Renata is an adventure and wildlife lover who has travelled extensively with her young family and has all the tips for a fun family holiday. She critiques Sally’s recent North Island adventure. From Auckland to Wellington.... ticking off Hobbiton, Rotorua, Taupo, Hawke’s Bay and the windy city! Plus Renata shares her must visit sights and road trips around NZ with kids. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Snacks and Suitcases 01:10 Exploring New Zealand's North Island 04:05 Meet Renata Wiles: A Kiwi Adventurer 09:43 The Birth of Roam with Kids App 12:24 Why New Zealand is Great for Kids 16:30 North Island vs. South Island Adventures 22:28 Itinerary Insights: Auckland to Wellington 28:01 Experiencing Hobbiton: A Magical Tour 36:21 The Journey: Tips for Traveling in New Zealand 38:42 Exploring Rotorua's Unique Geothermal Wonders 41:46 Family-Friendly Activities in Rotorua and Taupo 45:55 Cultural Experiences and Hidden Gems in Rotorua 49:38 Hawke's Bay: A Culinary and Family Adventure 01:01:43 Wellington: The Windy City and Its Attractions 01:05:41 Unmissable Spots and Travel Tips for New Zealand   Contact Follow Renata on Instagram: instagram.com/renataroaming/ Follow Renata on TikTok: tiktok.com/@renataroaming/ Get the Roam with Kids app https://roamwithkids.app Resources Safe Swim NZ - Check water quality and safety warnings Hobbiton Tours - Book ahead to secure your spot  Hear more of Renata's adventure's here Connect Instagram.com/snacksandsuitcasespodcast/com/sallynanamis/ Snacks and Suitcases Facebook Page Email: snacksandsuitcasespodcast@gmail.com  Subscribe, rate and share with a fellow parent who is dreaming of New Zealand AND... Don't forget your snacks!

    1hr 18min
  4. 08/12/2025

    Skiing Club Med Hokkaido with Kids: Best Family Friendly Ski Resorts in Japan

    This is the final Ski Japan episode and final episode of Snacks and Suitcases for the season.  Find out how a Club Med all inclusive ski trip in Hokkaido can be the easiest and best way to experience a ski trip with the family! Skiing and snowboarding in Japan is truly something special and Hokkaido is one of the best places in the world for families. In this final episode of the year, Sally chats with Michelle Davies from Club Med Pacific about what makes Club Med Hokkaido such an easy and memorable ski holiday with kids. We look at the different Club Med resorts including Kiroro Grand for little ones, Kiroro Peak for teens, and Tomamu for first time skiers with the bonus of the amazing Mina Mina Waterpark. Michelle also shares how much snow Hokkaido gets each season (and it's a whopping amount!) and why the long ski season makes planning around school holidays so simple. There is also time for a little Christmas spirit as Sally remembers her own white Christmas in Canada and we hear favourite festive memories from all our Ski Japan guests. It is the final episode of Snacks and Suitcases for the year and the perfect way to finish the Ski Japan series. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ski Japan Series 01:53 Exploring Club Med Resorts in Hokkaido 10:33 Choosing the Right Resort for Families 12:23 Celebrating Christmas in Japanese Ski Resorts 14:49 Booking Tips for Ski Holidays 17:09 Reflections on a White Christmas Topics We Mentioned Club Med Snow Tomamu Sahoro Kiroro Peak Kiroro Grand Club Med France Niseko United Whistler Blackomb  Connect Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions via Instagram and Facebook @snacksandsuitcasespodcast @sallynanamis Facebook Email: snacksandsuitcasespodcast@gmail.com  Subscribe, rate and share with a fellow travel loving friend! AND... Don't forget your snacks! Merry Christmas!

    24 min
  5. 01/12/2025

    Skiing Niseko with Kids: Best family friendly ski resorts in Japan

    This is the 2nd episode in the Ski Japan Series and it’s all about the snowiest and fluffiest, ski destination in Japan… Niseko! In this episode of Snacks and Suitcases, host Sally Stanton sits down with long-time Niseko devotee Christie Hampton, who has spent more than 20 winters in Japan’s most famous ski town. If you’re dreaming of that light, dry, ridiculously fluffy Hokkaido powder (that you simply cannot get in Australia), this is your ultimate family guide to skiing Niseko. Plus Christie also shares why the ski resorts in Rusutsu and Furano are also fantastic options. Christie first visited Niseko decades ago, long before it blew up into the global ski phenomenon it is today. Now, she returns every single Japanese winter with her family. Her kids have been skiing that powder since they were two years old, so she is a bona fide expert! Sally and Christie cover: Why Niseko continues to win “Best Ski Resort in Japan” year after year What first-timers need to know about weather, gear, goggles and the cold Whether Niseko is comfortable for babies and toddlers Why booking ski school (and pretty much everything possible) early is essential Where to eat, shop and explore beyond the slopes What makes Furano and Rusutsu worth adding to your itinerary Onsens (yes, we talk about mixed onsens!) and the magic of Japanese snow culture Day trip ideas, terrain advice. Christie gives a refreshingly honest, super helpful breakdown of what makes Niseko special and why so many families return year after year. If you’re tossing up whether to make Japan your next snow holiday… this episode will absolutely seal the deal. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Niseko: A Family Ski Paradise 03:01 The Allure of Niseko's Powder Snow 06:01 Skiing in Hokkaido: Comparing Resorts 10:37 Christie's Journey: From Visitor to Local 11:44 Exploring Other Hokkaido Resorts 15:33 Why Niseko is the Best Ski Area in Japan 22:01 The Changing Face of Niseko 25:19 Budget-Friendly Tips for Families 26:05 Getting Around Niseko: Transportation Tips 27:57 Activities for Non-Skiers: Food and Onsens 30:52 Exploring Onsen Culture in Japan 32:45 Family-Friendly Activities in Niseko 34:59 Day Trips and Local Attractions 37:44 Ski School Insights for Kids 42:02 Winter Weather and Clothing Essentials 48:04 Packing Tips for a Niseko Trip 49:42 Shopping and Supermarket Experiences 52:10 Quickfire Questions about Niseko   Topics  we mentioned Furano Ski Resort Rusutsu Rhythm Japan Niseko United Grand Hotel Onsen Rhythm Rides Moiwa Lodge Ren Izakaya Gyu Bar   Connect Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions via Instagram and Facebook  @snacksandsuitcasespodcast @sallynanamis Facebook Email: snacksandsuitcasespodcast@gmail.com  Subscribe, rate and share with a fellow travel loving friend! AND... Don't forget your snacks or your skis!

    56 min
  6. 24/11/2025

    Skiing Honshu with Kids: Best Family Friendly Ski Resorts in Japan

    This is the first of three snowy episodes all about skiing in Japan. If you’re dreaming of an unforgettable family ski trip to Japan, this episode is your go to guide to exploring Honshu with kids. Niseko might get all the powder hype, but Honshu has its own incredible magic. Culture filled villages, family friendly resorts and that perfect amount of adventure and charm that families love.  And the best part? Some of Honshu’s top ski spots are just a quick hop, skip and Shinkansen ride from Tokyo. Sally is joined by BBC Travel Reporter Carmen Roberts who spent eight years living, working and skiing in Japan. Carmen’s insider knowledge of family travel, easy day trip resorts, and hidden gem ski areas is very impressive. In this episode Carmen shares her top family friendly ski resorts in Honshu including: • Gala Yuzawa. The famous Shinkansen to Ski resort you can reach directly from Tokyo. • Hakuba. A huge resort area with something for every level of skier. • Nozawa Onsen. A beautiful traditional village known for incredible snow and natural hot springs. • Myoko Kogen. A favourite for families who want great snow without the big crowds (for now). They also chat about the best off-snow activities for the whole family including onsens (and onsen family etiquette) the adorable Snow Monkeys, what to pack for your family ski trip and when to travel for the best snow and the least crowds. If you are planning a family ski holiday to Japan this episode is packed with practical travel tips, resort advice, and expert insights to make your next snowy adventure unforgettable. Follow @carmenroberts_travels Ski Resorts  We Mentioned: Gala Yuzawa https://gala.co.jp/en/winter/ Hakuba https://hakuba.com/ Nozawa Onsen https://en.nozawaski.com/ Myoko Kogen https://myokoskiresort.com/ Ishiuchi https://ishiuchi.or.jp/winter/ Kagura/Naeba and Prince Hotel https://www.princehotels.com/en/ski/kagura/ Lotte Arai  https://www.lottehotel.com/arai-resort/en   Connect Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions via Instagram and Facebook  @snacksandsuitcasespodcast @sallynanamis Facebook Email: snacksandsuitcasespodcast@gmail.com  Subscribe, rate and share with a fellow travel loving friend! AND... Don't forget your onsen etiquette!

    47 min

About

Planning a family holiday should be exciting… but let’s be honest, it can also be overwhelming. From restless kids on long haul flights to finding the perfect family friendly destination, the struggle is real. That’s where Snacks and Suitcases comes in. Hosted by TV presenter, travel enthusiast, and mum Sally Stanton, this podcast dives into the joys and challenges of travelling with kids. Each episode, Sally chats with travel experts, seasoned parents, industry insiders, and even the occasional celebrity, to bring you practical tips, destination inspiration, and plenty of honest, laugh out loud moments. Whether you’re dreaming of a snow trip, theme park adventure, or tropical escape, Snacks and Suitcases is here to make travelling with kids a little less chaotic and a lot more fun. So let’s take off, because the world is waiting. And… so are the kids!

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