After sailing on 12 Caribbean cruises, travel advisor Amber McAleer or Travelmation never expected an Alaska cruise to become her favorite family vacation.

In this episode of Kids Travel Tales, Amber shares honest advice for families considering an Alaska cruise—from the best age for kids and the biggest packing mistakes to how to save money on excursions and why shoulder season may be the smartest time to sail.

Universal Kids Resort has been one of the most talked-about new theme parks of the year—but is the criticism deserved? In this episode of Kids Travel Tales, Jenn sits down with Samantha, one of the first paying guests to visit during the soft opening, to separate social media hype from the real experience.

From rides and character meet-and-greets to food, pricing, and splash pads, Samantha shares what surprised her most—and why she thinks parents should stop judging the park based on TikTok photos alone.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• Why one of the first paying guests gave Universal Kids Resort a 10 out of 10
• The best rides, themed food, and character experiences for kid
• Whether the ticket price is worth it for families with young children
• The truth about the shade, landscaping, and other viral complaints
• Why this may be the perfect first theme park before a trip to Universal Orlando

Planning a family trip to Washington, DC? From Smithsonian museum favorites to July 4th survival tips, you'll get practical advice for exploring the nation's capital with babies, toddlers, and older kids—all without breaking the bank.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• Why Washington, DC is one of the best family vacations in America
• Hot takes on the most overrated attractions (yes, even the Air & Space Museum!)
• Why you don't need a car—and how locals use the Metro
• Tips for July 4th fireworks, where to stay, and hidden gems tourists often miss