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!

Giveaway Alert:

Follow @Snacksandsuitcasespodcast on Instagram, find the giveaway post and tag a friend for your chance to win a signed copy of Ada's junior fiction series Mia Megastar!

In this episode of Snacks and Suitcases, host Sally Stanton sits down with Ada Nicodemou, Australian actress and Home and Away star, to talk all things family travel, parenting, and cultural connections.

Ada shares her love for visiting her family roots in Greece and Cyprus, along with her favourite family-friendly destinations in Australia like Port Douglas and Palm Beach, the real-life Summer Bay!

From the challenges of travelling with kids to the joys of cruising holidays, Ada gives honest tips and personal stories that will inspire any parent planning their next adventure.

The conversation also explores Ada’s passion for food and Greek cuisine, her treasured reading habits while on the road, and how her experiences on Home and Away have influenced her outlook on travel and life as a working mother.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why cruising is an ideal holiday option for families

• The importance of food and culture in Ada’s travels

• Tips for managing long flights and packing with kids

• Ada’s favourite spots in Sydney for family outings

• How travel deepens family connections and cultural heritage

• Ada’s love of reading and writing as part of her travel journey

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ada Nicodemou 01:25 Ada's Love for Travel and Family Destinations 06:53 Experiences on Home and Away and Travel Inspirations 09:40 Traveling with Kids: Tips and Challenges 19:36 Cruising Adventures and Family Fun 26:45 Cultural Connections: Cyprus and Greece 32:36 Food Memories and Culinary Adventures 37:47 Reading and Writing: Ada's Literary Journey 51:54 Local Sydney Favorites and Family Activities 56:49 Fast Five: Quick Travel Preferences

What we mentioned

Quicksilver Tours Nth Qld

Grecian Park Hotel

Grecian park Hotel near Konnos Bay in Cyprus - Ada's fave hideway

Ttappis Tavern

Ada's favourite Cheap Eats in Cyrpus

Follow Ada on Instagram @adanicodemou

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!

Planning a family trip to Japan? In this episode of Snacks and Suitcases, host Sally Stanton welcomes back Jo McGregor from The Tokyo Chapter to share her best advice for parents traveling with kids.

From booking hotels and navigating public transport to cultural experiences and must-have travel apps, Jo covers everything you need to know before taking your family to Japan. You’ll learn how to plan your trip, avoid common mistakes, and make your travels smoother and more enjoyable.

Whether you’re visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, or exploring beyond, this episode is packed with practical insights to help parents create unforgettable memories with their kids in Japan.

✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to plan and organise your family trip to Japan
• The best times of year to visit Japan with kids
• Why booking hotels in Japan often starts six months ahead
• Tips for navigating public transport with children
• How to handle cash, budgeting, and local customs
• Family-friendly activities, from Disneyland to cultural spots
• The role of apps and pocket Wi-Fi in stress-free travel
• Luggage forwarding services and how they make travel easier
• Answers to real listener questions about Japan family travel

📌 Key Takeaways:

• Japan is safe and family-friendly, but planning makes all the difference
• Public holidays can lead to crowds—plan around them
• Research airport transport before arrival
• Technology like Google Maps and Mama Papa Map are game-changers for parents
• Cultural experiences can be enjoyable for kids with the right pacing

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Season 2

00:56 Traveling to Japan with Kids

09:55 Planning Your Trip to Japan

16:24 Booking Essentials for Japan

20:00 Disneyland and Family-Friendly Activities

24:01 Cultural Experiences and Local Insights

30:03 Traveling with Kids: Tips and Tricks

37:44 Pre-Travel Preparations

46:03 Cash and Budgeting in Japan

49:33 Technology and Apps for Travelers

55:02 Listener Questions and Answers

Things we mentioned

Ecbo Luggage Storage App

https://cloak.ecbo.io/en

Mama Papa Map App

https://apps.apple.com/au/app/mamapapamap-nursing-room-map/id1117756080

Pokemon Hotel

https://mimaruhotels.com/en/news/stay-pokemonroom/

Strange Robot Dinosaur Hotels

https://group.hennnahotel.com/

What to Pack for Japan with Kids https://www.thetokyochapter.com/packing-for-tokyo-with-kids/

Contact Jo: @thetokyochapter

thetokyochapter.com

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!

Snacks and Suitcases: Travelling with Kids Podcast is taking a short break , but we’ll be back soon with fresh family travel tips, advice, and real life stories to make holidays with kids easier (and way more fun!).

Coming up in the next season.

• Japan with kids – from the basics to Osaka and Kyoto

• Disneyland with kids – how to make the magic stress-free

• All-inclusive family holidays – where to go and what to expect

• Travelling with teens – tips for keeping older kids happy on holiday

• Plus, a few Aussie celebrities reveal their favourite family travel secrets!

• We also have a super fun giveaway for the kids!

👉 Make sure you stay subscribed so you don’t miss our upcoming episodes packed with family-friendly travel ideas and expert advice.

Thank you so much for listening! 💗I'd love to hear from you, please share your questions, tips, or travel stories with me: 📸 Instagram: @snacksandsuitcasespodcast | @sallynanamis 📘 Facebook Snacks and Suitcases

or email a voice memo to 📧 Email: snacksandsuitcasespodcast@gmail.com

💙 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast with a fellow parent who’s dreaming of travel! And of course… don’t forget your snacks!

In this episode of Snacks and Suitcases, host Sally Stanton reflects on the best moments from the season, answering listener questions and sharing valuable travel tips for families. From skiing adventures in Australia to exploring the vibrant streets of Tokyo. Sally discusses practical advice for keeping kids entertained during long journeys, preventing meltdowns and travel with teens. The episode concludes with delightful travel stories shared by kids, highlighting the magic of family adventures.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Snacks and Suitcases

00:55 Community and Connection in Travel

01:53 Skiing Tips for Families

06:06 Exploring Tokyo with Kids

10:05 Cruising: A Family-Friendly Adventure

12:23 Disney and Family Travel Memories

14:38 The Impact of Travel on Children

16:26 Traveling Around Australia: A Family Journey

18:21 Embracing the Chaos of Family Travel

19:43 Keeping Kids Entertained on the Go

23:52 Preventing Meltdowns While Traveling

26:15 Engaging Teenagers in Travel

28:58 Cruise Ships and Family Fun

30:25 Kids Share Their Travel Highlights

Topics we mentioned

Montessori Travel Bag

Travel Tray

Bolt Sea Coaster

Spotto Books

Connect

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

@snacksandsuitcasespodcast @sallynanamis

Facebook Snacks And Suitcases

Email: snacksandsuitcasespodcast@gmail.com

Subscribe, review and share with a fellow parent who's dreaming of travel!

AND... Don't forget your snacks!

Podcast Alert!! There's a Dad on the podcast! A first for Snacks and Suitcases!

Sally is joined by Aussie TV favourite Luke Jacobz, who has an impressive list of credits to his name. From his iconic role as Angelo Rosetta on Home and Away, and Patrick Brewer on McLeod’s Daughters to hosting The X Factor and winning Dancing with the Stars not once but twice! Luke has also appeared on I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! and most recently as a presenter on Sydney Weekender. But these days, Luke’s playing his most important and heartwarming role yet: dad.

With an almost two-year-old daughter and baby boy on the way, Luke shares his dad life adventures and what it’s really like to travel with tiny humans. From lost teddies and long-haul flights to car snacks and Disneyland!

Plus, Luke and Sally take a fun trip down memory lane, reminiscing about their days on kids’ TV, and Luke lifts the lid on behind-the-scenes moments from Home and Away, The X Factor, and more.

We chat about:

• Travelling with a toddler (and why it’s never as easy as you think) • The unexpected joys (and chaos) of theme parks with little ones • His favourite dad hacks for road trips and flights • The importance of backup bunnies • Why California is the perfect kid-friendly destination • And yes, what’s really under the car seat...

Plus:

• Luke’s dream destinations • The snack he always packs • And whether he’s a backpack or suitcase kind of guy

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Family Travel with Luke Jacobs 01:52 Navigating Parenting and Travel 09:27 Life Changes with Parenthood 13:01 Traveling with a Toddler 20:05 California: A Family-Friendly Destination 25:14 Experiencing Disney with Kids 31:34 Lessons Learned from Travel Mistakes 38:49 Travel Tips for Parents 42:31 Future Travel Plans and Aspirations

Instagram

@LukeJacobz

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

Follow, review and share with a fellow parent who's dreaming of travel.

AND... Don't forget your snacks!