The Traveling Family Circus: Your Go-To Guide for Stress-Free Family Travel
Welcome to The Traveling Family Circus, your go-to podcast for stress-free family travel tips, budget-friendly vacation ideas, and must-know hacks for traveling with kids. Tune in each week for destination guides, packing tips, and real-life stories from a family of seven exploring the world together and making memories.
Episodes
34 episodes
#33: How to Survive a Road Trip with Kids: Games, Snacks & Organization Hacks That Work
Planning a road trip with kids? After driving 1,200+ miles through 9 states with five kids (plus dozens of other road trips over the years), I’m sharing all of our best road trip tips, tricks, and hacks that actually worked—from screen-free gam...
#32: Raising Outdoor Confident Kids: Why Outdoor Play Makes Family Travel Easier with Julianne Nienberg
In this episode, 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 dail...
#31: Myrtle Beach with Kids: 2-Day Family Itinerary + Must Do Activities
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, ...
#30: Virginia’s Historic Triangle with Kids: The Ultimate 2-Day Itinerary for Jamestown, Williamsburg & Yorktown
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 with our 5 kids. From climbing aboard replica ships t...
#29: Washington, DC With Kids: 2-Day Itinerary, Tips & Must-See Landmarks
In this episode, 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 Declarati...
#28: Our East Coast 9-State Spring Break Road Trip With Kids: Family Travel Itinerary, Tips & Highlights
In this episode, 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 Out...
#27: What’s the Best Age to Start Traveling With Kids? Family Travel Tips for Every Age
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...
#26: Tokyo DisneySea Guide: Our Day at Japan’s Most Unique Disney Park + Tips for Visiting [Part 2]
In this episode, 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 ...
#25: Our 6-Day Japan Itinerary: Tokyo, Osaka & Kyoto (+ Kid-Friendly Travel Tips) [Part 1]
In today’s episode, 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, cuddling baby pigs, Takeshita Street, TeamLab,...
#24: Traveling Internationally with Kids for the First Time: The Best Countries to Visit First & Why
Want to travel internationally with kids but not sure where to start? In this episode of The Traveling Family Circus, I’m sharing the best first international destinations for families — including London, Paris, Italy, Mexico, Canada, ...
#23: Is Traveling with Kids Really Worth the Stress? Why Family Travel Is Hard — and Why I’d Still Do It
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, w...
#22: Behind The Scenes: How I’m Planning Our 9-State Spring Break Road Trip With Kids (and What I'm Nervous About)
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 hot...
#21: Carry-On Only Travel With Kids: How We Pack Light and Skip Checked Bags
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...
#20: Visiting Chicago With Kids: A Family Guide to Winter Fun, Shopping, and Iconic Sights
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...
#19: Why Couples Should Take Kid-Free Trips (And Why It’s Good for Your Kids Too)
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 yo...
#18: Family Hotel Cost Saving Tips That Actually Work: How to Use Points, Discounts & Deals to Pay Less
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...
#17: How to Plan a Family Trip Step-by-Step: Stress-Free Travel for Parents
In this episode, 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 o...
#16: French Polynesia With Kids: How to Visit Bora Bora, Tahiti & Moorea Affordably (with Irina Gaysina)
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 ...
.png)
#15: How to Travel During the Holidays With Kids: Keeping Christmas Traditions Alive Anywhere
Today I’m talking all about traveling with kids during the holidays—Thanksgiving, Christmas, or both—and how to keep your family traditions alive even when you’re far from home. I’m sharing our Christmas in Puerto Rico with 12 family mem...
#14:Southwest Companion Pass Guide: Step-by-Step Strategy to Earn BOGO Flights for Your Family
In this episode, 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 ...
#13: Cruising With Kids: Family Cruise Tips, Cabin Hacks & What We Learned Sailing With Little Ones
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...
#12: One Year Around the World with Kids: The Beougher Family’s Life-Changing Adventure (with Ashley Beougher)
In this episode, 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 ins...
.png)
#11: Exploring Paris With Kids: 3-Day Family Itinerary, Eiffel Tower Tips & London-to-Paris Eurostar Guide
In this episode, 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 L...
#10: London With Kids—Family Itinerary, Harry Potter Tour, Top Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
** If this episode was helpful, please leave a review and rating. I read them all and it helps other families find this podc...
#9: 10 Game-Changing Travel Apps to Make Family Travel Easier and Stress-Free
Today 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 ...