Alaska With Kids - Cruise Edition (Part 2)

Alaska With Kids - Cruise Edition (Part 2)

Author: Melissa Conn April 7, 2026 Duration: 50:28
Alaska cruise planning for families: what it costs, which cruise line to pick, best ports, shore excursions, and more with expert Kim Tate. Expert guest Kim Tate of Stuffed Suitcase has been on roughly 10 Alaska cruises and just published a book on the subject. She joins host Melissa Conn to break down everything families need to know about planning an Alaska cruise with kids — from choosing the right ship to managing excursion logistics to setting realistic expectations about wildlife and we...

Ever feel like the idea of traveling with your family is more exhausting than the actual trip? Family Travel Unpacked: Make the Most of Travel With Kids is here to change that. Melissa Conn, the voice behind The Family Voyage, hosts this conversation, turning overwhelming itineraries into manageable adventures. Instead of generic advice, you’ll hear honest breakdowns of what works and what doesn’t, drawn from real experiences on the road. The focus is on practical, actionable ideas that build confidence, whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a months-long journey. Episodes delve into the nitty-gritty, from mastering the art of packing a single carry-on for multiple kids to navigating hotel stays that actually feel restful. Melissa explores how to leverage points and award travel to make bigger trips financially possible, and she doesn’t shy away from discussing common travel mistakes so you can avoid them. This podcast serves as a reliable resource for transforming anxiety into anticipation, helping you create trips filled with genuine connection and joy. It’s about moving beyond survival mode to discover the unique rewards that come from exploring the world together. Tune in for a dose of inspiration and the grounded strategies you need to make family travel not just doable, but deeply rewarding.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 39

Family Travel Unpacked: Make the Most of Travel With Kids
Podcast Episodes
Japan with Kids: Planning Tips & What to Expect [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:58
Planning a family trip to Japan? In this episode, Melissa shares honest insights from her family's 10-day Japan adventure with kids ages 8 and 11. She covers what worked, what didn't, and why Japan became one of their mo…
Southwest Companion Pass 2026: My Secret to Budget Travel with Kids [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:17
Southwest Companion Pass 2026 lets you fly your kids for $5.60 on every flight! Learn how to earn 135,000 points fast with credit card bonuses. Melissa breaks down everything you need to know about earning the Southwest…
Family Travel Plans for 2026: A Sneak Peek at What’s Next [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:43
Travel with kids in 2026: Get a sneak peek at our family travel plans! From Portugal to London, cruises to beach weekends, see how one family balances school schedules, sleepaway camps, and award travel to plan an incred…
Travel With Kids: Looking Back on Our 2025 Family Adventures [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:18
Join us for a special 2025 year-end review including travel with kids to 10+ destinations! Family travel expert Melissa shares her year-in-review adventures including Maui family vacation tips, Italy with teenagers, Cost…
Hacking Hotels (Family Edition) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:00
Travel rewards and credit card points strategies to save thousands on family hotels! Learn unconventional booking hacks from a family travel expert. Maximize your credit card points and travel rewards with four game-chan…
Hawaii with Kids: Five Questions People Ask Me All The Time [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:32
Planning a family trip to Hawaii with kids? Melissa shares 20+ years of Hawaii experience, answering the top 5 questions about which island to choose, how to make Hawaii affordable with points & miles, hotel vs condo dec…
The Packing Hack To Level Up Your Winter Travel With Kids [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:36
Travel packing hack alert! Vacuum storage bags can save massive space when packing winter gear for ski trips and cold destinations like Iceland. Host Melissa shares how her family packed carry-on only for Iceland in July…
Crushing Your Family Ski Trip With Jessica Averett of Skiing Kids [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:42
Skiing with kids doesn't have to be stressful! Learn how to plan the perfect family ski trip with expert Jessica Averett of SkiingKids.com. From choosing the right resort to handling different ability levels, ski school…
Your Multi-Gen Family Travel Planning Timeline [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:47
Planning multi-generational travel? Learn why booking 10-12 months ahead makes family reunion travel easier and more affordable. Melissa shares real examples from traveling with grandparents including Mexico resorts, cru…
Making Multi-Generational Travel Work for Everyone [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:00
Multi-generational travel tips for planning successful family reunion vacations with grandparents, grandchildren, and everyone in between. Learn destination selection strategies, hotel vs. vacation rental pros/cons, acti…