Avoid these 9 common family travel mistakes! From booking too late to overpacking, learn how to plan better trips with kids and save money with points & miles along the way.

Planning family travel doesn't have to be overwhelming. In this episode of Family Travel Unpacked, Melissa shares the 9 biggest mistakes families make when planning trips with kids—and exactly how to avoid them. Drawing from nearly 15 years of family travel experience, including a two-year backpacking gap year with kids, Melissa covers everything from booking timelines to packing strategies to creative flight routing.

Whether you're new to travel with kids or a seasoned family traveler, these practical tips will help you plan smoother, more affordable trips that everyone actually enjoys.

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome
00:44 Mistake #1: Waiting Too Long to Book
02:46 Mistake #2: Planning Without Everyone’s Needs in Mind
04:14 Mistake #3: Overpacking Your Itinerary
06:40 Mistake #4: Being Too Rigid With Flights & Routing
10:16 Mistake #5: Under-Researching Weather & Microclimates
12:04 Mistake #6: Overpacking Your Suitcase
14:56 Mistake #7: Not Preparing for Travel Day
16:37 Mistake #8: Not Using Points & Miles Strategically
18:31 Mistake #9: Thinking Short-Term
19:55 Wrap-Up

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Don't miss this inspiring, practical travel with kids podcast hosted by family travel expert Melissa Conn, founder of The Family Voyage, certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, and mom of two who proves family travel is achievable for everyone.

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