In this episode of Snacks and Suitcases, host Sally Stanton catches up with fellow TV presenter and seasoned traveller Sophie Falkiner to talk all things travel, parenting, and the wild world behind travel TV.

Sophie’s career has taken her gorilla trekking in Africa, chasing the Northern Lights, and visiting some of the most spectacular destinations on the planet. She also shares her love story with Africa….including the time she got pashed by a giraffe on her honeymoon! Plus her passion for boating on Sydney’s Pittwater and why the simplest family moments often mean the most.

Travelling for TV isn’t always as glamorous as it looks. Sophie and Sally reveal the reality of long days, unpredictable conditions and some very questionable on-camera meals (think snake and even prairie oysters!).

Off-screen, Sophie’s love of exploring has shaped her personal life too. She’s raised her kids to be just as curious and adventurous. Now as a teenager and a young adult, they’re fearless travellers in their own right.

This episode is packed with family and teen travel inspiration, behind-the-scenes TV tales, and lots of stories that prove TV travel isn’t always red carpet glamorous, but when it’s good, it’s downright unforgettable, just like travelling with kids!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Travel with Kids

02:43 Sophie Faulkner's Journey in TV and Travel

05:43 The Thrill of Travel and Adventure

08:44 Memorable Travel Experiences and Encounters

11:56 Behind the Scenes of Travel TV

14:48 Family Life and Parenting Challenges

17:47 Traveling with Kids: Tips and Recommendations

20:42 Strange Foods and Culinary Adventures

23:35 Personal Travels and Honeymoon in Africa

26:31 Traveling with Teenagers

29:22 Balancing Work and Family Life

32:41 Favorite Family Holidays and Destinations

35:29 Traveling with Kids: The Reality

38:27 Fast Five Questions with Sophie

41:38 Conclusion and Future Travels

Contact

Instagram

@sophie_falkiner

@sydneyweekender

www.Sydneyweekender.com.au

Connect

Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or tips of your own via Instagram @snacksandsuitcasespodcast

@sallynanamis

Snacks and Suitcases Facebook Page

Email: snacksandsuitcasespodcast@gmail.com

Subscribe, rate and share with your fellow travel loving friends.

AND... Don't forget your snacks!

A must listen for anyone planning a Disneyland adventure!

Host Sally Stanton is joined by Let's Go Mum founder and Disneyland expert Barbara Bryan to chat, which Disneyland has just the right amount of magic for you and your family.

Together they explore Disney parks around the world, from Disneyland California and Walt Disney World to Epcot, Shanghai Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland.

Barbara shares insider tips on the best rides for kids of every age, how to beat the crowds, where to find the yummiest Disney snacks and why staying at a Disney hotel can make the whole experience even more magical. You will hear how to plan your Disney trip like a pro, from budgeting and booking tickets to timing your visit for the shortest queues.

They also talk about accessibility for neurodivergent families, hidden gems in each park and the unforgettable moments that make Disney holidays so special. This episode is packed with practical tips and playful stories to help you plan your ultimate Disney family adventure.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to Disneyland: A Magical Journey Begins

02:18 Meet the Expert: Barbara Bryan's Disney Adventures

04:45 The Allure of Disneyland: Family Fun and Memories

07:47 Exploring the Disney Parks: A Global Overview

11:07 Disney World vs Disneyland: A Tale of Two Parks

14:49 Epcot: A Culinary and Cultural Experience

16:33 Orlando: Beyond Disney - A City of Fun

17:41 Planning Your Disney Trip: Tips for Families

19:02 Shanghai Disneyland: The Newest Disney Experience

21:20 Tokyo Disneyland: A Budget-Friendly Gem

23:51 Hong Kong Disneyland: A Family-Friendly Park

29:28 Anticipating Disneyland Paris: What to Expect

31:13 The Future of Disney: New Parks and Attractions

36:38 Choosing the Right Disney Park for Your Family

39:11 The Thrill of Disney Rides

40:38 Choosing the Right Disney Park

41:32 Best Times to Visit Disney Parks

43:37 Navigating Crowds and Queues

45:08 Booking Park Tickets: Tips and Tricks

47:25 Understanding Express Passes and VIP Services

49:09 Staying at Disney Hotels: Worth It?

51:27 Accessibility for Neurodivergent Families

53:02 Top Rides for Kids

55:29 Disney's Scary Attractions

57:26 Best Kept Disney Secrets

59:29 Unique Disney Snacks and Food Experiences

01:01:57 Baby-Friendly Disney Parks

01:04:11 Handling Long Queues with Kids

01:05:46 Disney on a Budget

01:08:31 Affordable Disney Hotels

01:10:17 Final Tips for a Magical Disney Experience

Contact Barbara

Let's Go Mum Australian Family Travel

Instagram

@letsgomum

Facebook

Let's Go Mum Facebook

Youtube

Let's Go Mum Youtube Channel

Connect

Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or tips of your own via Instagram @snacksandsuitcasespodcast

@sallynanamis

Snacks and Suitcases Facebook Page

Email: snacksandsuitcasespodcast@gmail.com

Subscribe, rate and share with a fellow parent who's dreaming of Disney!

AND... Don't forget your snacks!

We LOVE Sydney!

In this episode of Snacks and Suitcases, TV presenter and radio favourite Lizzy Lovette joins host Sally Stanton to co-host a deep dive into their hometown of Sydney, Australia. As fellow Sydney Weekender reporters (and mums), they share why Sydney is one of the world’s best family destinations.

From must-see icons like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge to hidden gems only locals know, Lizzy and Sally swap tips on outdoor adventures, cultural hotspots, kid-approved dining, and unique experiences you won’t want to miss. For first-time visitors or locals looking for fresh ideas, this episode is your ultimate family guide to exploring Sydney.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Sydney: A Family Destination

02:43 Exploring Sydney's Iconic Sites

05:44 Family-Friendly Activities in Sydney

08:34 Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

11:41 Unique Experiences for Kids

14:37 Cultural and Artistic Adventures

17:41 Food and Dining with Kids

20:34 Outdoor and Nature Activities

23:35 Adrenaline-Pumping Adventures

26:21 Relaxing Getaways and Mini-Breaks

29:34 Tips for First-Time Visitors

32:22 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Contact Lizzy Lovette

Instagram

@lizzylovette

Topics we mentioned

Whalebridge Restaurant

Sydney Harbour Bridgeclimb

May Gibbs Nutcote

High N Dry Burgers

The Ark Haberfield

Kids Night Out

Sydney Weekender

Connect

Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or tips of your own via Instagram @snacksandsuitcasespodcast @sallynanamis

Facebook

Email: snacksandsuitcasespodcast@gmail.com

Subscribe, rate and share with a fellow parent who's dreaming of Japan!

AND... Don't forget your snacks!