Traveling with kids can be amazing—but it can also test everyone’s patience. In this episode, I’m sharing our simple $5-a-day reward system that helps motivate teamwork, kindness, and better behavior on family trips. Plus, I’m sharing practical tips to reduce meltdowns, keep the peace, and help the whole family enjoy traveling together.

Planning a family trip to San Diego? I’m sharing how we spent one fun-filled week in San Diego as a family of seven, including Legoland, SeaWorld, Coronado Beach, Balboa Park, Belmont Park, and more. I’ll also share tips, favorite moments, and why San Diego is one of the best family-friendly vacation spots.

Planning a road trip with kids? After driving 1,200+ miles through 9 states with five kids, I’m sharing all of our best road trip tips, tricks, and hacks that actually worked—from screen-free games and snack ideas to organization must-haves and ways to keep kids happy on long drives.

I’m joined by Julianne, the voice behind My Outdoorsy Mom, to talk about how to raise outdoor confident kids in a simple and realistic way. We dive into how she went from having 3 kids under 3 to creating a daily rhythm of outdoor play that transformed her home, reduced screen time, and helped her kids become more independent and regulated. We also talk about how getting kids outside—even while traveling—can make your days smoother and more enjoyable. If you’re a busy parent looking for practical ways to get your kids outside more, this episode is full of practical and easy-to-implement ideas.

Planning a family trip to Myrtle Beach? I’m sharing exactly how we spent 2 fun-filled days in Myrtle Beach with kids as the final stop on our 9 states in 9 days road trip.

From go-karts and mini golf to beach time, Broadway at the Beach, and a unique airboat adventure, this episode is packed with family-friendly ideas to help you plan an easy, memorable trip.

I’ll walk you through our real itinerary, where we stayed, what we loved, and tips to make Myrtle Beach work for your family—whether you want a packed schedule or a relaxed getaway.

Plus, I’m sharing additional things to do in Myrtle Beach with kids so you can customize your trip based on your family’s style.

Exploring Virginia’s Historic Triangle with kids? In this episode, I’m sharing our 2-day experience visiting Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown as part of our 9 states in 9 days road trip. From climbing aboard replica ships to walking through a living colonial town, I’ll break down what we loved, what we’d do differently, and tips to make this stop fun and manageable with kids.

I’m sharing our experience visiting Washington, DC with kids, including our 2-day itinerary, must-see landmarks, and tips for making the most of your time. From touring the U.S. Capitol and seeing the Declaration of Independence, to exploring museums and going to the top of the Washington Monument, I’m breaking down what we did, what worked, and what I’d recommend for families. If you’re planning a trip to DC, this episode will help you feel prepared and inspired.

I’m recapping our epic 9-state spring break road trip with kids. From flying a redeye and visiting the Statue of Liberty and Washington, DC, to exploring early American history in Virginia, flying kites in the Outer Banks, and ending with beach time in Myrtle Beach, I’m sharing our full itinerary, highlights, and what it was really like traveling this much with five kids. If you’re planning a family road trip, this episode will give you inspiration and helpful tips to make it happen.

What’s the best age to start traveling with kids? In this episode, I’m breaking down what it’s really like to travel with children at every stage—from babies and toddlers to school-age kids and beyond. I share the challenges, benefits, and tips for each age group, along with why I believe any age can be a great age to travel as long as you adjust expectations. If you’re wondering when to start traveling as a family, this episode will help you feel more confident planning your next adventure.

I’m sharing all about our day visiting Tokyo DisneySea, one of the most unique Disney parks in the world. From ride strategy and using Premier Access passes to the best snacks, must-do rides, and tips for navigating the crowds, I’m recapping our experience and sharing helpful advice if you’re planning a visit. If Tokyo DisneySea is on your Japan itinerary, this episode will help you know what to expect and how to make the most of your day.

I’m sharing a recap of my husband Greg and my recent kid-free trip to Tokyo, Japan. From flying in Delta One suites using points, to exploring Shibuya Crossing, Takeshita Street, TeamLab, and Tokyo DisneySea, we’re diving into our favorite experiences, travel tips, and some funny mishaps along the way. If Japan is on your bucket list, this episode will give you a peek into what it’s really like to explore one of the most exciting cities in the world.

Want to travel internationally with kids but not sure where to start? I’m sharing the best first international destinations for families — including London, Paris, Italy, Mexico, Canada, Japan, Spain, Australia, and Costa Rica.

We’ll talk about why these countries are easier for beginners, how they minimize language barriers, and what makes them especially family-friendly. I also reference our Spring 2024 London and Paris trip (listen to Episodes 10 & 11 for the full breakdown!).

If you’re ready to give your kids global experiences without the overwhelm, this will help you choose the perfect place to begin.

Family travel can feel overwhelming — the packing, the meltdowns, the cost, the logistics. So is it actually worth it?

In this episode of The Traveling Family Circus, I’m sharing the honest pros and cons of traveling with kids, what makes it hard, and why I still believe it’s one of the best investments you can make as a family. If you’ve ever wondered whether family vacations are worth the money, effort, or stress, this episode will give you clarity and confidence before you book your next trip.

We’re attempting something we’ve never done before — a nine-state spring break road trip with five kids — and I’m taking you behind the scenes of exactly how I’m planning it. From flying into Newark and driving down to Savannah, to choosing hotels, pacing drive days, packing in time blocks, and keeping everything organized in one digital hub, I share my real-life process step by step.

I also break down the tools I’m using from my Family Travel Made Easy guide, what I’m most excited about, what I’m nervous about, and why I’ll be reporting back after the trip with a full recap of what worked, what didn’t, and what I’d change next time.

Checked bags? Not in this family. In this episode, I share why our family of seven travels carry-on only for every trip—from three nights to three weeks—and how this strategy has made traveling with kids smoother, faster, and far less stressful. From the luggage and packing cubes we swear by to laundry-on-the-road tricks, mix-and-match outfits, and mindset shifts that keep us packing light, this episode is packed with practical tips you can use on your next family vacation.

Snow falling in downtown Chicago, shopping sprees on Michigan Avenue, ringing in the New Year from a hotel room with skyline views, and ice skating beneath the city lights—this family trip had it all. In this episode, I’m sharing our New Year’s adventure in Chicago with five kids, from staying in a spacious two-bedroom suite at the Residence Inn Downtown Loop to visiting the Willis Tower Skydeck, the American Girl store and café, Millennium Park, Lincoln Park Zoo, and hunting for the perfect slice of deep-dish pizza.

You’ll hear how we balanced packed sightseeing days with slow afternoons, why flexibility is key when traveling with kids, and what made winter in Chicago surprisingly magical. I’m also rounding up other must-do family attractions like Navy Pier, top museums, and river cruises so you can plan your own kid-friendly Chicago getaway.

Taking kid-free trips as a couple isn’t selfish—it’s intentional. In this episode, we talk about why couples need time away without kids, how kid-free travel strengthens your marriage, and why prioritizing your relationship actually benefits your children. I share our family’s experience taking annual couples trips, how we make it work with support from grandparents and caregivers, and practical tips to plan guilt-free, kid-free getaways. If you’ve ever felt hesitant about traveling without your kids, this episode will give you the encouragement and permission you need.

Hotels can be one of the most expensive parts of traveling with kids — but they don’t have to be. In this episode, I’m sharing practical, family-tested strategies to save hundreds (and even thousands) on hotel stays. From using points and miles with Hyatt, to leveraging family discounts on second rooms, to knowing when Priceline or Expedia can score you the best deal, this episode breaks down exactly how to book smarter without sacrificing comfort. If you want to stretch your travel budget further and make family trips more affordable, this episode is for you.

I’m breaking down how to plan a family trip step-by-step—from choosing the right destination and finding the best time to travel, to booking flights, hotels, activities, and building a kid-friendly itinerary that isn’t overwhelming. We’ll walk through how to choose between a hotel or Airbnb, what to look for when researching weather and packing, and how to avoid the biggest mistake families make: overplanning. I’ll also share easy destination ideas for beginners, from Disney trips to beach vacations to national parks.

In this episode, I’m joined by Irina from On Points with Kids, who just returned from an incredible family trip to French Polynesia — exploring Bora Bora, Tahiti, and Moorea with her kids. Irina shares how her family made this dream destination affordable using points and miles, along with practical tips for planning, choosing family-friendly resorts, and keeping travel days smooth. We chat about kid-friendly activities, favorite experiences on the islands, and how to make a bucket-list trip like this both memorable and attainable for families.