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.

I’m breaking down exactly how to earn the Southwest Companion Pass so you can fly a child or family member for nearly free for up to two full years. I’ll walk you through what the Companion Pass is, why timing is everything, and the exact strategy I recommend— with step by step instructions. I’ll also share how my husband and I both earned it, how we used it so two of our kids flew free for almost 2 years, and extra ways to top off your points using shopping portals, flights, hotels, and rentals. If you’ve ever wanted to hack Southwest for big family savings, this episode is your step-by-step game plan.

In this episode, I’m diving into everything you need to know about cruising with kids and cruising as a family — from choosing the right ship and itinerary to onboard tips that make your vacation fun, smooth, and stress-less. I’m sharing our experience cruising with little ones on Carnival and Royal Caribbean (and our plans for a Disney cruise next year!), plus what to look for in a cruise line, how to pick the best cabin, why we often choose an interior room with young kids, and how to make the most of kids clubs, dining options, shows, and sea days.

I also break down our Thanksgiving cruise out of Galveston with over 20 family members, including how we handled sick kiddos, motion sickness, excursions in Costa Maya and Cozumel, and the travel-medicine essentials I always bring onboard.

I’m joined by the incredible Ashley from @TravelingGraces, who—along with her husband and two kids—spent an entire year traveling around the world! Ashley shares what inspired their family to take the leap, how they planned a full year abroad, and what life on the road really looked like as they explored multiple continents and over 22 countries. From funny travel stories and unexpected adventures to practical tips on budgeting, schooling, and keeping family life balanced while traveling full-time, this conversation is packed with inspiration and real-world advice for families who dream of seeing more of the world together.

I’m sharing how we explored Paris with kids — from taking the Eurostar from London, to staying at a hotel with an Eiffel Tower view using points, to our favorite kid-friendly Paris experiences. We visited the Louvre with kids, went to the top of the Eiffel Tower, took a Seine cruise, enjoyed rich hot chocolate at Carette, and spent a magical morning at Luxembourg Gardens with the sweetest carousel tradition. I’m breaking down our 3-day family itinerary, stroller and museum tips, what we’d do again, and the moments that made Paris unforgettable with little ones. If you're planning a London & Paris family trip or dreaming of visiting Paris with kids someday, this episode will help you feel prepared and excited for a magical and smooth adventure in the City of Light. 🇫🇷✨

I’m sharing everything you need to know about exploring London with kids — including our family-friendly itinerary, what we loved, what we wouldn’t do again, and the insider tips that made our trip easier and more magical. From iconic sights like Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge to unexpected kid-approved gems (plus our incredible Harry Potter Studio Tour experience!), I walk you through how we planned our days, how we navigated the city as a family, and the mistakes we made so you don’t have to. Whether you’re dreaming of a London trip with your little ones or already planning one, this episode will help you feel prepared, excited, and confident about visiting one of the world’s most amazing cities with kids in tow.

I’m sharing my top 10 game-changing travel apps that make family travel easier, smoother, and way less stressful — from finding flight deals and planning road trips to booking family-friendly stays and keeping everyone organized along the way. These are the exact apps I use to simplify travel days and make every trip feel effortless. 

And read ‘till the end, because I’m also sharing 5 bonus apps that help you maximize your points and miles to save big on future family vacations!

Is Taiwan on your bucket list? I'm sharing our family’s 5-day adventure through Taiwan — exploring Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Taichung with our two oldest kids. It was such a meaningful trip because my husband lived in Taiwan over 20 years ago, and we finally got to see those places together as a family. From vibrant night markets and stunning temples to unexpected moments and kid-friendly highlights, we're walking you through everything we did, what we loved, and tips to help you plan your own Taiwan trip with kids.

Thinking about buying a timeshare or wondering if the one you already have is worth it? In this episode I'll break down the real pros and cons of owning a timeshare—from guaranteed vacations and resort-style amenities to hidden fees,  maintenance costs, and limited flexibility.  As a Marriott Vacation Club Owner myself for 4 years who has enjoyed using it for our family of 7, we have seen the good and bad side and are here to spill the tea.

Whether you’ve been tempted by a “free vacation” presentation or are simply curious if a timeshare could fit your family’s travel style, this episode will give you the full picture so you can make an informed choice.

Planning to drive the Road to Hana with kids? In this episode, I share the best family-friendly stops — from Twin Falls and the Garden of Eden to Black Sand Beach, Hamoa Beach, and the Seven Sacred Pools — plus tips on where to eat, what to pack, and how to avoid common mistakes.

I’m sharing all about our recent trip to Maui with kids — what worked, what didn’t, and the family-friendly gems you won’t want to miss. From snorkeling and spotting turtles at Ho‘okipa Beach, to the breathtaking sunset at Haleakalā and kid-approved food stops like Monkeypod and Ululani’s Shave Ice, I’ll walk you through our favorite experiences that made the trip memorable.

In this first episode of The Traveling Family Circus, I’m sharing the heart behind our family’s passion for travel and why we choose to make it such a priority while our kids are still young. I’ll talk about the challenges of traveling with five kids, the lessons I learned from my own childhood experiences, and the motivation behind starting this podcast.

This episode is about more than destinations — it’s about connection. You’ll hear why I believe family travel is one of the best ways to make lasting memories, why we only get so many summers with our kids, and how you can start prioritizing family time in ways that matter most. I’ll also share some insights and tips to help your own family travel more smoothly and meaningfully.

Flying with toddlers and kids doesn’t have to be a disaster! As of frequent flyer with 5 kids, I’m sharing my best tips for surviving long flights with little ones—from keeping them entertained to helping them sleep (and staying sane yourself). Whether you’re planning your first big trip or just want to make flying easier, this one’s packed with real advice from a mom of five who’s been there!

Planning a Disney vacation can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to. I’m joined by Disney Vacation Specialist Rachel Ngeam, who shares exactly how to plan and execute the ultimate family Disney vacation. We cover timelines, where to stay, how to build a kid-friendly (and meltdown-proof) itinerary, dining reservations, budget-saving tips, and common mistakes to avoid.