In this episode, I’m joined by Irina from On Points with Kids, who just returned from an incredible family trip to French Polynesia — exploring Bora Bora, Tahiti, and Moorea with her kids. Irina shares how her family made this dream destination affordable using points and miles, along with practical tips for planning, choosing family-friendly resorts, and keeping travel days smooth. We chat about kid-friendly activities, favorite experiences on the islands, and how to make a bucket-list trip like this both memorable and attainable for families. 🌴✈️

Irina's Website: On Points With Kids

Instagram: @OnPointsWithKids

Today I’m talking all about traveling with kids during the holidays—Thanksgiving, Christmas, or both—and how to keep your family traditions alive even when you’re far from home. I’m sharing our Christmas in Puerto Rico with 12 family members (yes, Santa still found us!), how we recreated the magic with stockings, pajamas, a mini “felt” Christmas tree, cookie decorating, and games, plus what it looks like to celebrate Christmas in places like Tulsa with extended family while still protecting our own core traditions. You’ll hear practical tips for making any holiday away from home feel special, ideas for what to pack, how to plan ahead with groceries and gifts, and a simple checklist to help your family enjoy the season—whether you’re around the tree at home or opening presents after a morning at the beach.

✨🧳 Family Travel Made Easy
A step-by-step travel-agent-in-your-pocket planning system

📌 Show Notes

🔗 Episode page: https://www.happylittletraveler.co/podcast/episode15

Felt Christmas Tree (travel friendly)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

✈️ TRAVEL DEALS & SERVICES

🔥 Thrifty Traveler — Flight Deal Alerts
Get $20 off your first year

📸 Flytographer — Vacation Photos
Get $25 off your first session

🎒 Happy Little Traveler Activity Kits (Amazon)
Screen-free entertainment for flights & travel days

🎁 FREE TRAVEL RESOURCES

📱 Must-Have Wi-Fi Free Apps + Travel Apps Guide
Stress-free travel days for everyone

💸 Get Your Next Vacation for (Almost) Free
Beginner points & miles guide for families

🧠 101 Sanity-Saving Tips for Traveling With Kids
Packing, flights, hotels & routines made easier

📚 SIGNATURE FAMILY TRAVEL GUIDES

🖍️ Printable Kids' Travel Activities
65+ screen-free pages to keep kids happy on flights & on-the-go

🌎 SHOP & FOLLOW

🛍️ Amazon Store Front: Our Travel Favorites

Website: HappyLittleTraveler.co

In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how to earn the Southwest Companion Pass so you can fly a child or family member for nearly free for up to two full years. I’ll walk you through what the Companion Pass is, why timing is everything, and the exact strategy I recommend— with step by step instructions. I’ll also share how my husband and I both earned it, how we used it so two of our kids flew free for almost 2 years, and extra ways to top off your points using shopping portals, flights, hotels, and rentals. If you’ve ever wanted to hack Southwest for big family savings, this episode is your step-by-step game plan.

Southwest Credit Card Sign Up (referral link)

✨🧳 Family Travel Made Easy
A step-by-step travel-agent-in-your-pocket planning system

📌 Show Notes

🔗 Episode page: https://www.happylittletraveler.co/podcast/episode14

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

✈️ TRAVEL DEALS & SERVICES

🔥 Thrifty Traveler — Flight Deal Alerts
Get $20 off your first year

📸 Flytographer — Vacation Photos
Get $25 off your first session

🎒 Happy Little Traveler Activity Kits (Amazon)
Screen-free entertainment for flights & travel days

🎁 FREE TRAVEL RESOURCES

📱 Must-Have Wi-Fi Free Apps + Travel Apps Guide
Stress-free travel days for everyone

💸 Get Your Next Vacation for (Almost) Free
Beginner points & miles guide for families

🧠 101 Sanity-Saving Tips for Traveling With Kids
Packing, flights, hotels & routines made easier

📚 SIGNATURE FAMILY TRAVEL GUIDES

🖍️ Printable Kids' Travel Activities
65+ screen-free pages to keep kids happy on flights & on-the-go

🌎 SHOP & FOLLOW

🛍️ Amazon Store Front: Our Travel Favorites

Website: HappyLittleTraveler.co

In this episode, I’m diving into everything you need to know about cruising with kids and cruising as a family — from choosing the right ship and itinerary to onboard tips that make your vacation fun, smooth, and stress-less. I’m sharing our experience cruising with little ones on Carnival and Royal Caribbean (and our plans for a Disney cruise next year!), plus what to look for in a cruise line, how to pick the best cabin, why we often choose an interior room with young kids, and how to make the most of kids clubs, dining options, shows, and sea days.

I also break down our Thanksgiving cruise out of Galveston with over 20 family members, including how we handled sick kiddos, motion sickness, excursions in Costa Maya and Cozumel, and the travel-medicine essentials I always bring onboard. You'll learn packing hacks like using magnetic hooks, blackout curtains, portable toddler beds, and snack containers — along with real-life tips that help families save money, stay organized, and enjoy the journey. Whether you’re planning your very first cruise or leveling up your next one, this episode is packed with practical advice and encouragement for unforgettable family cruise adventures.

🚢✨🧳 Family Travel Made Easy
A step-by-step travel-agent-in-your-pocket planning system

📌 Show Notes

🔗 Episode page: https://www.happylittletraveler.co/podcast/episode13

Dolphin Encounter in Cozumel

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

✈️ TRAVEL DEALS & SERVICES

🔥 Thrifty Traveler — Flight Deal Alerts
Get $20 off your first year

📸 Flytographer — Vacation Photos
Get $25 off your first session

🎒 Happy Little Traveler Activity Kits (Amazon)
Screen-free entertainment for flights & travel days

🎁 FREE TRAVEL RESOURCES

📱 Must-Have Wi-Fi Free Apps + Travel Apps Guide
Stress-free travel days for everyone

💸 Get Your Next Vacation for (Almost) Free
Beginner points & miles guide for families

🧠 101 Sanity-Saving Tips for Traveling With Kids
Packing, flights, hotels & routines made easier

📚 SIGNATURE FAMILY TRAVEL GUIDES

🖍️ Printable Kids' Travel Activities
65+ screen-free pages to keep kids happy on flights & on-the-go

🌎 SHOP & FOLLOW

🛍️ Amazon Store Front: Our Travel Favorites

Website: HappyLittleTraveler.co

02:53 Choosing the Right Cruise Line

05:17 Cruise Line Comparisons: Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival

15:58 Cruising with Extended Family

16:23 Choosing the Right Cabin for Families

25:39 Onboard Tips for Families

26:33 Cruising with Kids: Making the Most of Kids Club

32:46 Dealing with Sick Kids on Vacation

41:24 Packing Essentials for a Family Cruise

In this episode, I’m joined by the incredible Ashley from @TravelingGraces, who—along with her husband and two kids—spent an entire year traveling around the world! Ashley shares what inspired their family to take the leap, how they planned a full year abroad, and what life on the road really looked like as they explored multiple continents and over 22 countries. From funny travel stories and unexpected adventures to practical tips on budgeting, schooling, and keeping family life balanced while traveling full-time, this conversation is packed with inspiration and real-world advice for families who dream of seeing more of the world together.

Ashley's Backpack Packing Info

Traveling Graces Website

Instagram: @TravelingGraces

📌 Show Notes

🔗 Episode page: https://www.happylittletraveler.co/podcast/episode12

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

✈️ TRAVEL DEALS & SERVICES

🔥 Thrifty Traveler — Flight Deal Alerts
Get $20 off your first year

📸 Flytographer — Vacation Photos
Get $25 off your first session

🎒 Happy Little Traveler Activity Kits (Amazon)
Screen-free entertainment for flights & travel days

🎁 FREE TRAVEL RESOURCES

📱 Must-Have Wi-Fi Free Apps + Travel Apps Guide
Stress-free travel days for everyone

💸 Get Your Next Vacation for (Almost) Free
Beginner points & miles guide for families

🧠 101 Sanity-Saving Tips for Traveling With Kids
Packing, flights, hotels & routines made easier

📚 SIGNATURE FAMILY TRAVEL GUIDES

🧳 Family Travel Made Easy
A step-by-step travel-agent-in-your-pocket planning system

🖍️ Printable Kids' Travel Activities
65+ screen-free pages to keep kids happy on flights & on-the-go

🌎 SHOP & FOLLOW

🛍️ Amazon Store Front: Our Travel Favorites

Website: HappyLittleTraveler.co

In this episode, I’m sharing how we explored Paris with kids — from taking the Eurostar from London, to staying at a hotel with an Eiffel Tower view using points, to our favorite kid-friendly Paris experiences. We visited the Louvre with kids, went to the top of the Eiffel Tower, took a Seine cruise, enjoyed rich hot chocolate at Carette, and spent a magical morning at Luxembourg Gardens with the sweetest carousel tradition. I’m breaking down our 3-day family itinerary, stroller and museum tips, what we’d do again, and the moments that made Paris unforgettable with little ones. If you're planning a London & Paris family trip or dreaming of visiting Paris with kids someday, this episode will help you feel prepared and excited for a magical and smooth adventure in the City of Light. 🇫🇷✨

Zoe - The Petite Guide

📌 Show Notes

🔗 Episode page: https://www.happylittletraveler.co/podcast/episode11

Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile

Zoe Double Stroller (our favorite!)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

✈️ TRAVEL DEALS & SERVICES

🔥 Thrifty Traveler — Flight Deal Alerts
Get $20 off your first year

📸 Flytographer — Vacation Photos
Get $25 off your first session

🎒 Happy Little Traveler Activity Kits (Amazon)
Screen-free entertainment for flights & travel days

🎁 FREE TRAVEL RESOURCES

📱 Must-Have Wi-Fi Free Apps + Travel Apps Guide
Stress-free travel days for everyone

💸 Get Your Next Vacation for (Almost) Free
Beginner points & miles guide for families

🧠 101 Sanity-Saving Tips for Traveling With Kids
Packing, flights, hotels & routines made easier

📚 SIGNATURE FAMILY TRAVEL GUIDES

🧳 Family Travel Made Easy
A step-by-step travel-agent-in-your-pocket planning system

🖍️ Printable Kids' Travel Activities
65+ screen-free pages to keep kids happy on flights & on-the-go

🌎 SHOP & FOLLOW

🛍️ Amazon Store Front: Our Travel Favorites

Website: HappyLittleTraveler.co

In this episode, I’m sharing everything you need to know about exploring London with kids — including our family-friendly itinerary, what we loved, what we wouldn’t do again, and the insider tips that made our trip easier and more magical. From iconic sights like Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge to unexpected kid-approved gems (plus our incredible Harry Potter Studio Tour experience!), I walk you through how we planned our days, how we navigated the city as a family, and the mistakes we made so you don’t have to. Whether you’re dreaming of a London trip with your little ones or already planning one, this episode will help you feel prepared, excited, and confident about visiting one of the world’s most amazing cities with kids in tow.

📌 Show Notes

🔗 Episode page: https://www.happylittletraveler.co/podcast/episode10

The Drawing Room Afternoon Tea

* Brigits Bakery (bus tour afternoon tea)

London City Pass (save on attractions)

Harry Potter Studio Tour

Air BnB We Stayed At (2 bedroom apartment)

Zoe Double Stroller (our favorite!)

Hatch 77 Restaurant

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

✈️ TRAVEL DEALS & SERVICES

🔥 Thrifty Traveler — Flight Deal Alerts
Get $20 off your first year

📸 Flytographer — Vacation Photos
Get $25 off your first session

🎒 Happy Little Traveler Activity Kits (Amazon)
Screen-free entertainment for flights & travel days

🎁 FREE TRAVEL RESOURCES

📱 Must-Have Wi-Fi Free Apps + Travel Apps Guide
Stress-free travel days for everyone

💸 Get Your Next Vacation for (Almost) Free
Beginner points & miles guide for families

🧠 101 Sanity-Saving Tips for Traveling With Kids
Packing, flights, hotels & routines made easier

📚 SIGNATURE FAMILY TRAVEL GUIDES

🧳 Family Travel Made Easy
A step-by-step travel-agent-in-your-pocket planning system

🖍️ Printable Kids' Travel Activities
65+ screen-free pages to keep kids happy on flights & on-the-go

🌎 SHOP & FOLLOW

🛍️

Today I’m sharing my top 10 game-changing travel apps that make family travel easier, smoother, and way less stressful — from finding flight deals and planning road trips to booking family-friendly stays and keeping everyone organized along the way. These are the exact apps I use to simplify travel days and make every trip feel effortless.

And stick around until the end, because I’m also sharing 5 bonus apps that help you maximize your points and miles to save big on future family vacations!

FREEBIE: Must Have Parent Travel Apps & WIFI Free Apps for Kids

Family Travel Made Easy- Step-by-step roadmap for stress-free family travel & planning

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

* SHOW NOTES*: https://www.happylittletraveler.co/podcast/episode9

FREEBIE: Points &. Miles Guide- Get your next vacation or almost free

Thrifty Traveler Flight Deal Alerts (Get $20 off)

Happy Little Traveler Activity Kits (Amazon)

Flytographer- Get $25 off your first session

INSTAGRAM: @Traveling_Family_Circus_

LINKS & RESOURCES:

Freebie: Get Your Next Vacation for (almost) Free

Freebie: 101 Sanity Saving Tip for Traveling With Kids (Packing, Flying, Hotels, etc)

Printable Travel Activities for Kids: 65+ printable pages to keep kids engaged and entertained

Website: HappyLittleTraveler.co

Amazon Store Front: Our Travel Favorites