🎤 Episode Overview After nearly 15 years of family travel — including a two-year backpacking gap year with kids — I’ve made a lot of mistakes, and I’ve watched a lot of other families make the same ones. In this episode of Family Travel Unpacked, I walk through the 9 biggest planning mistakes families make … Read more
🎤 Episode Overview Los Angeles has a reputation for being sprawling and confusing — and honestly, that’s not wrong. But it’s also one of the world’s great family destinations, and after 20 years of living there and raising kids in LA, I know it pretty well. In this episode of Family Travel Unpacked, I share … Read more
🎤 Episode Overview Alaska has been on a lot of family bucket lists for a long time — and in this episode of Family Travel Unpacked, I’m finally making the case for why it’s worth it. After two land-based trips to the Last Frontier, I’m sharing the highlights (and yes, a few lowlights), covering the … Read more
🎙 Episode Overview An Alaska cruise is one of the most spectacular family trips you can take — but it also comes with a surprising number of planning decisions that can make or break the experience. In this episode of Family Travel Unpacked, I’m joined by Kim Tate of Stuffed Suitcase, a luxury travel advisor … Read more
In this episode of Family Travel Unpacked, host Melisa shares practical tips are shared for planning a family trip to Italy, emphasizing manageable itineraries, ideal transportation options, and must-see experiences. The discussion highlights the importance of fewer bases to enhance enjoyment, accommodating various children’s ages, and prioritizing interactive activities over extensive sightseeing.
In this episode of Family Travel Unpacked, host Melissa shares insights from her family trip to Costa Rica with kids, detailing the initial itinerary disrupted by an unexpected flight diversion, which led to exploring unique destinations often overlooked by families. Key topics include practical Costa Rica travel logistics like car seats, what to pack for Costa Rica, and tips for traveling with kids. Highlights are adventures in La Fortuna, relaxing at the Andaz Papagayo Peninsula, and suggestions for maximizing travel rewards.