In this episode of Ready Set Depart, I share how our family discovered that homeschooling and travel are the perfect pair. From flexible schedules to lessons that come alive in museums, parks, and historic sites, I explain how learning on the road sparks curiosity in ways a classroom can’t. You’ll also hear from Trooper, as he shares his own take on “roadschooling.” Whether you homeschool full-time or just want to add meaningful learning to your family vacations, this episode is packed with practical tips, honest stories, and encouragement to make travel part of your education journey.

Follow us on:

Instagram | Facebook

In this episode of Ready Set Depart, we explore the beauty, history, and family-friendly adventures of Mount Rainier National Park—affectionately known in the Pacific Northwest as The Mountain.

We dive into Rainier’s rich past, from its significance to Indigenous tribes and its designation as one of the first National Parks, to the mountaineers, loggers, and conservationists who helped protect it. Along the way, we share some of the most memorable experiences families can enjoy today, including:

• Iconic Views & Rustic Charm – Discover why Rainier’s snowy peak has captivated generations and how the Park’s unique “Rustic Style” buildings set the stage for National Park architecture.
  
  
  
• Family Hikes for Every Level – From the easy Trail of Shadows and Myrtle Falls walk to the trickier Narada Falls climb and the famous Wonderland Trail, there’s something for everyone.
  
  
  
• Junior & Citizen Ranger Programs – Fun and educational activities for kids (and adults!) to earn badges, patches, and learn about the Mountain’s natural wonders.
  
  
  
• Fishing & Wildlife Spotting – With free fishing inside the Park, playful marmots on the trails, and the chance to see everything from deer to mountain goats, outdoor adventures abound.
  
  
  
• Seasonal Highlights – Wildflowers in full summer bloom, cascading waterfalls, and even a ride on the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad.
  
  
  
• Travel Tips – How to avoid crowds, where to stay, and what essentials to pack for a smooth trip.
  
  
  

Whether you’re dreaming of a big hike, a scenic family walk, or just soaking up the views, Mount Rainier is a destination full of awe and adventure.

For photos, resources, and links mentioned in this episode, visit readysetdepart.com/18.

Follow us on:

Instagram | Facebook

Looking for a charming summer getaway that’s perfect for the whole family? In this episode of the Ready Set Depart podcast, we’re heading to Leavenworth, Washington—a Bavarian-themed village nestled in the Cascade Mountains, just a few hours from Seattle.

We’ll take you behind the scenes of Leavenworth’s unique transformation from a logging town to a must-visit tourist destination, and share all the best family-friendly things to do in Leavenworth during the summer.

Here’s what you’ll discover:

• Why the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm is a magical stop for animal lovers
• What makes the Leavenworth Summer Theater a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience (yes, they really perform The Sound of Music in the mountains!)
• How to ride Washington’s first alpine coaster at the Leavenworth Adventure Park
• The best hikes for all skill levels, including the scenic Old Pipeline Bed Trail
• Where to float the Wenatchee River or cool off in glacial-fed waters
• Can’t-miss eats—from authentic German food to family-friendly pizza joints
• Unique attractions like the Nutcracker Museum, fish hatchery, and minigolf
• Bonus day trip: Lake Wenatchee for boating, hiking, or relaxing on the beach
  
  

Whether you’re planning a weekend trip or just love discovering new places, this episode is packed with travel tips, personal stories, and plenty of reasons to add Leavenworth to your family’s bucket list.

Check out photos and our full list of Leavenworth travel tips at readysetdepart.com/17.

Follow us on:

Instagram | Facebook

**NOTE: Trooper just got a palette extender put in so that’s why you’ll hear a bit of a lisp today**

Traveling with pets? In this special episode, we welcome our very first guest—my sister-in-law Julie—who’s an experienced dog traveler and shares all her road trip wisdom! We compare notes on what it’s like to travel with dogs versus cats, from carriers and food stops to hotel stays and calming aids. You’ll meet Roca the rescue pup, Roger the giant cat, and hear what’s worked (and what hasn’t) on our pet-friendly adventures. Whether you’ve got a tail-wagger or a quiet kitty, this episode is full of real-life tips to make traveling with your furry family member less stressful and more fun.

Follow us on:

Instagram | Facebook

In this episode, we're heading to Northern Utah to visit one of America’s lesser-known but historically rich destinations - Golden Spike National Historical Park. This is where the East and West finally connected in 1869 with the completion of the first Transcontinental Railroad.

We’ll talk about what you’ll see at the park (yes, there are working steam trains!), what makes this place so significant, and why it’s absolutely worth the long desert drive. From Junior Ranger programs to hiking trails, dark skies, and even giant grasshoppers (thanks, Trooper!), this episode has all the tips to help you plan your visit.

Whether you’re chasing National Park stamps, planning a family road trip, or just love standing where history happened—this episode is for you!

Follow us on:

Instagram | Facebook

If you could only visit one national park in your lifetime… would you choose Yellowstone? In this episode, we’re diving into why the answer should be a big YES, plus what to do (and what to skip) to make the most of your trip. From erupting geysers and massive bison to Junior Ranger badges and wildlife traffic jams, we’re sharing our top tips for planning a day - or more - in America’s first national park.

We’ll walk you through what loop to drive, where to stop, and how to avoid common mistakes that can waste time or even put you in danger. You’ll hear about our favorite visitor centers, why we love Old Faithful, and how to stay safe (and respectful) around wild animals.

Whether you’re dreaming of spotting a wolf in Lamar Valley or just hoping to find a parking space near a flushy toilet, this episode is packed with practical advice and a whole lot of love for Yellowstone.

Grab your free Yellowstone Stops Map at readysetdepart.com/14 and let’s plan your next adventure!

Follow us on:

Instagram | Facebook

If you’ve ever wandered around the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido wondering where all the animals (or people) were—this one’s for you. In this episode, we’re sharing our hard-earned tips to help you plan a cooler, smoother, way-more-fun day at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

We cover:

• The best day (and time) to visit
• What to bring to beat the heat
• Why the African Tram should be your first stop
• A route that actually makes sense (with a free downloadable map!)
• Hidden gems like the bonsai garden and locator poles
• Must-see animals, from okapis and platypus to cheetahs and condors
• And what to skip if you’re short on time (sorry, elephant overlook)
  
  
  

Plus, we’ve created a printable Safari Park scavenger hunt to keep kids engaged while you explore. You can grab that—and our custom walking map—at readysetdepart.com/13. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or just want to make your day smoother, cooler, and more fun, this episode is for you.

Here is the link to the Zoo Cams that we talked about.

Follow us on:

Instagram | Facebook

Visiting the San Diego Zoo with kids (and maybe a stroller) can feel a bit like a workout. In this episode, we’re sharing how to make your zoo day easier, more fun, and a whole lot less uphill.

We’ll cover when to go, whether to buy tickets ahead of time, why the paper map is still your best friend, and how to hit your must-see animals without wearing everyone out. From insider tips on the best seat on the bus tour to how to actually enjoy the hills (or avoid them), we’ve got you covered.

You’ll also hear our take on the pandas (yes, they’re back!), how to feed a giraffe, and why you should definitely chat with the volunteers in red. Plus, Trooper introduces his newly renamed segment “TIPS” and shares the scoop on the Balboa Park Miniature Train.

For our full zoo plan, videos, and adorable zoo stickers, check out readysetdepart.com/zoo. Let’s make your next trip to one of the world’s best zoos one to remember—minus the sore legs.

Follow us on:

Instagram | Facebook