If you're planning a trip to Los Angeles with kids, this episode is your insider playbook. Melissa lived in LA for 20 years, raised her kids there, and still visits multiple times a year — including just last week, when she visited two attractions for the very first time. From navigating LAX to booking hotels on points to finding the best things to do in LA with kids across the Westside, Downtown, and beyond, this is the honest, practical guide you've been looking for.

In This Episode:

• Why LA trips need to be planned by zone — and how to avoid the traffic trap
• The LAX curbside pickup hack that will save your sanity
• When to rent a car (and when the Metro actually wins)
• Where to stay in LA with kids — from budget-friendly to points redemptions
• The Getty Center, Warner Brothers Studio Tour, Grand Central Market, Academy Museum, and more
• A complete 4-day LA itinerary you can actually pull off
• How to pair LA with Disneyland like a pro

Whether you're planning a standalone LA trip or combining it with Disneyland or San Diego, this episode will help you make the most of one of the world's great family destinations. Find detailed guides and hotel reviews at thefamilyvoyage.com and losangelestraveler.com.

Timestamps

• 00:00 Welcome to LA
• 01:22 The lay of the land
• 05:12 Getting Around LA
• 08:08 Where to Stay in LA with Kids
• 13:27 Best Things to Do in LA with Kids
• 28:03 Sample 4-Day Itinerary
• 30:01 More Resources and Wrap

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Top resources to plan your trip to LA with kids:

• 16 of the Best Hotels in Los Angeles for Families
• Fun Things To Do In Los Angeles With Kids
• 7 Awesome Things to do in LA With Teens
• Visiting The Getty Center: Tips For A Great Visit
• Warner Brothers Studio Tour + Tips
• 15 Universal Studios Hollywood Tips You NEED To Read
• Should I Rent A Car In Los Angeles? Honest Pros and Cons
• MUST-READ Tips for Renting a Car in Los Angeles
• Los Angeles Airports: Which Is The Best?

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.

Blog The Family Voyage

Get your free ebook The Busy Mom's Guide to Free Travel

Check out my favorite travel gear and my Etsy shop!

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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

Our favorite packing cubes

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.

Blog The Family Voyage

Get your free ebook The Busy Mom's Guide to Free Travel

Check out my favorite travel gear and my Etsy shop!

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Family summer vacations don't have to mean sweltering heat. Discover 5 cool-weather destinations perfect for travel with kids this summer.

In this episode of Family Travel Unpacked, host Melissa shares real experiences from epic family road trips and international adventures where summer temps stay comfortable. From Alaska's midnight sun and bear viewing to Iceland's glaciers, plus drivable trips through Michigan's Upper Peninsula and a NY-Canada loop through Quebec City and Niagara Falls—these destinations deliver adventure without the August misery.

Episode Highlights:

• Alaska: Dog sledding, Lake Clark bear viewing, Kenai Fjords cruise (10+ days)
• Iceland: Private glacier hiking, whale watching in Húsavík (10-11 days)
• NY & Canada: Finger Lakes to Quebec City to Toronto road trip (2 weeks)
• Michigan: Mackinac Island, Pictured Rocks, Tahquamenon Falls (10 days)
• Australia: Great Barrier Reef & Daintree Rainforest in their winter (3-4 weeks)

Plus honest budgeting tips, points & miles strategies, and age recommendations for each destination. Full itineraries and resources at thefamilyvoyage.com.

00:00 Welcome + Why Cool-Weather Summer Trips Are the Move
01:20 Destination #1: Alaska — Epic Wildlife, Long Days & Road Trip Planning
07:02 Destination #2: Iceland — Road Trip Basics, Weather & Who It’s Best For
12:28 Destination #3: New York State + Canada Road Trip Overview
16:42 Destination #4: Michigan Road Trip — Mackinac Island to the U.P.
21:05 Destination #5: Australia — A Winter-in-July Family Adventure Plan
26:30 Wrap-Up: The 5 Cool-Weather Summer Family Vacation Picks

Alaska:
Things to do in Alaska with kids
10 Day Alaska Itinerary
AK Husky Adventures
Kenai Fjords cruise

Iceland
Best Iceland Tours & Activities
Glacier Encounter - 10% off with code THEFAMILYVOYAGE10
Whale watching in Husavik

New York & Canada Road Trip
New York & Canada Road Trip Itinerary

Michigan
Michigan Road Trip Itinerary
Things to do in Munising
Things to do in Houghton

Australia
1-4 Week Australia Itineraries
How to get to Australia on miles

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.

Blog The Family Voyage

Get your free ebook The Busy Mom's Guide to Free Travel

Check out my favorite travel gear and my Etsy shop!

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