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

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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.

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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

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Check out my favorite travel gear and my Etsy shop!

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Planning a family trip to Banff? Join Melissa as she talks with Celine of Travel Banff Canada about visiting Banff with kids - from best times to visit and where to stay to budgeting tips and must-do activities. Celine, a mom of two living in Canmore, shares insider advice on making the most of your Canadian Rockies family vacation.

Episode highlights:

• Best seasons to visit Banff with kids and which school breaks work best
• Banff vs Canmore - where should families stay?
• Realistic budgets for accommodation, food, and activities
• Must-do activities for families and hidden local gems
• Common mistakes families make when planning Banff trips
• How long to stay and nearby destinations worth adding

Whether you're planning spring break in the Rockies or a summer mountain adventure, this episode covers everything you need to know for an amazing Banff family vacation.

Where to stay in Banff with kids
Castle Mountain Chalets
Johnston Canyon Bungalows
Baker Creek by Basecamp
Pine Bungalows Jasper

00:00 Welcome to Family Travel Unpacked
00:07 Meet Celine
02:16 Best Time to Visit Banff
09:25 Traveling with Young Kids in Banff
11:03 Planning Your Banff Trip
14:54 Accommodation Options in Banff
15:39 Budgeting for Your Banff Trip
18:27 Dining in Banff
20:22 Cost of Activities and Passes
22:09 How Long Should You Stay in Banff?
22:54 Banff Day Trips and Add-Ons
27:30 Must-Do Activities in Banff
35:00 Hidden Gems and Local Tips
37:37 Common Mistakes and Tips for Families
39:40 Guidebooks and Trip Planning Services
41:56 Conclusion and Farewell

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

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Planning a family trip to the Dolomites? Learn which hiking spots work best for kids and which ones are too challenging in this practical guide.

Melissa shares honest insights from her Northern Italy trip with her 11 and 14-year-old kids, comparing family-friendly experiences like Seceda and Alpe di Siusi with more challenging hikes like Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Discover where to stay in the Dolomites with kids, driving tips for mountain roads, how to handle timed entry reservations, and whether this Instagram-famous region lives up to the hype for families.

Episode highlights:

• Best family-friendly spots: Seceda and Alpe di Siusi
• Why Tre Cime di Lavaredo is YMMV
• Essential GPS tip for navigating mountain roads
• Timed reservation requirements

Italy travel info:

• Dolomites With Kids: The World’s Most Family-Friendly Hiking
• 7 Dolomites Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Trip
• Summer Northern Italy Itinerary + Recap
• 4 Ideas to Avoid the Crowds in Venice, Italy
• Rome With Kids: Tips To Love The Eternal City
• 23 Must-Know Italy Travel Tips to Plan Your Dream Trip
• Renting a Car in Italy: La Dolce Vita on Four Wheels
• Italy Travel Apps That Will Make Your Trip Smoother
• How to Travel to Italy on a Budget

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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Planning a family trip to Italy? Learn how to create the perfect Italy with kids itinerary from a mom who's done it three times at different ages. Discover how to choose your bases, navigate transportation (trains vs rental cars), avoid tourist crowds, and find family-friendly accommodations. Plus, essential tips for managing Celiac disease in Italy, staying safe from pickpockets, and making the most of your time with practical packing advice and money-saving strategies.

Episode highlights:

• How to choose 2-3 base locations and use day trips for variety
• Trains vs rental cars: when to use each (and the ZTL zones to avoid!)
• 5 must-show-your-kids experiences: Colosseum, Venice canals, working farms, Pompeii, and the Dolomites
• Why Italy is one of the BEST countries for traveling with Celiac disease
• Pickpocket prevention strategies that actually work
• Money tips: which credit cards work best and when you actually need cash
• How the Italy experience changes from toddlers to teens

Italy travel essentials:

• Anti-theft daypack
• Portable phone charger
• Baby/toddler carrier
• Folding car seats
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• Capital One Venture X credit card

Italy travel info:

• Rome With Kids: Tips To Love The Eternal City
• Dolomites With Kids: The World’s Most Family-Friendly Hiking
• 7 Dolomites Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Trip
• Summer Northern Italy Itinerary + Recap
• 4 Ideas to Avoid the Crowds in Venice, Italy
• 23 Must-Know Italy Travel Tips to Plan Your Dream Trip
• Renting a Car in Italy: La Dolce Vita on Four Wheels
• Italy Travel Apps That Will Make Your Trip Smoother
• How to Travel to Italy on a Budget

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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Celiac travel tips for families: Learn how to safely travel internationally with food allergies. Melissa shares practical strategies for keeping your child safe while exploring the world - from choosing gluten-free friendly destinations like Costa Rica and Italy to using translation cards and leveraging cruise ships as a stress-free base. Discover why cruises work brilliantly for Celiac families, how to research hidden gluten in local cuisines, and which Facebook groups provide invaluable destination-specific advice. Plus, tips for navigating restaurants without dedicated gluten-free kitchens and using technology to decode ingredient labels abroad.

Episode Highlights:

• Why cruises are surprisingly perfect for food allergy travel
• Best destinations for Celiac families (Costa Rica, Italy, Hawaii)
• EqualEats translation cards and Google Translate camera features
• Facebook groups: Celiac Travel, Gluten Free Italy, Celiac Beach All-Inclusive Reviews
• How to order strategically in restaurants abroad
• Research tips for hidden gluten (especially barley)

EqualEats Celiac Disease translation cards

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 travel with kids gets easier when picky eaters become adventurous! Learn 8 strategies to help your children try new foods while traveling.

Struggling with picky eaters on family trips? You're not alone. In this episode of Family Travel Unpacked, Melissa shares practical strategies for encouraging kids to try new foods while traveling - without the mealtime battles.

From choosing the right timing to starting with local sweets, these proven techniques have helped countless families transform their travel dining experiences. Whether you're heading to Costa Rica, Japan, or just planning your next family vacation, these tips will help you navigate unfamiliar cuisines with confidence when you travel with kids.

Episode Highlights:

• Why timing matters when introducing exotic foods to kids
• The "sweets first" approach that actually works
• How cooking classes create adventurous eaters
• Strategic accommodations that respect kids' boundaries
• How to prevent mealtime power struggles

Perfect for parents planning family travel with young kids, tweens, or teens. Real stories, honest advice, and actionable strategies from 13+ years of family travel experience.

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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