The Traveling Family Circus: Your Go-To Guide for Stress-Free Family Travel
Podcast dedicated to family travel, offering tips for stress-free trips, budget-friendly vacation ideas, and practical hacks for traveling with kids. Each episode features destination guides, packing advice, and real-life stories from a family of seven exploring the world together. Aimed at parents who want to make family travel easier and more enjoyable.
Episodes
#48: How To Find Cheap Flights and Save Thousands on Family Travel With Thrifty Traveler
Want to know how our family has scored $450 round-trip flights to London, 25,000-mile round-trip flights to Taiwan, and lie-flat business class to destinations like the Maldives and Japan? In this episode, I’m sharing why Thrifty Traveler Premium is one of my favorite travel tools, how I use flight deal alerts to stretch our cash and points further, and why it can be worth it even if you don’t use
#47: 9 Hours in Amsterdam With Kids: Anne Frank House, Canal Cruise & Layover Tips
What started as a six-hour Amsterdam layover turned into nine hours and one last adventure on our 19-day European trip! In this episode, I’m sharing how our family of seven left Schiphol Airport, stored our luggage, took the train into Amsterdam, cruised the canals, tried Dutch treats, explored the city, and visited the Anne Frank House with our five kids. I’m also sharing how we prepared our kids
#46: Sweden Day Trip From Copenhagen: What to See in Lund and Malmö With Kids
Come along on our family’s one-day road trip from Copenhagen to southern Sweden! We drove across the Øresund Bridge to explore Lund, search for family history in Eslöv, and spend the afternoon in Malmö. I’m sharing what we did with five kids, tips for driving from Denmark to Sweden, and how to plan an easy Sweden day trip from Copenhagen.📌 Show Notes: https://www.happylittletraveler.co/podcast/46F
#45: Copenhagen With Kids: Our Family Itinerary, Budget Tips & Must-Do Experiences
After visiting Paris and Disneyland Paris, our family of seven spent four nights exploring Copenhagen. In this episode, I'm sharing our favorite family-friendly activities, where we stayed, money-saving tips, and why Copenhagen became one of our favorite cities in Europe. From colorful Nyhavn and canal tours to castles and Bakken Amusement Park, here's everything you need to plan an unfo
#44: Disneyland Paris with Kids: Our Honest Review, What We Loved, and Why It's Worth Adding to Your Europe Itinerary
Thinking about visiting Disneyland Paris with kids? In this episode, I'm sharing our family's honest review after spending four nights in Paris and visiting both Disney parks during our three-week Europe adventure.You'll hear where we stayed, our favorite rides, money-saving planning tips, how a rainy park day became one of our favorites, and whether Disneyland Paris is worth visiti
#43: Barcelona with Kids: The Ultimate 2-Day Itinerary + Family Travel Tips
Barcelona quickly became one of our favorite family-friendly cities in Europe! After our Disney Dream Mediterranean cruise, we spent three days exploring this vibrant city with our five kids, and I'm sharing everything we learned.In this episode, you'll hear our honest tips for visiting La Sagrada Família, climbing one of its famous towers with kids, exploring Park Güell, riding the Hop-
#42: Rome With Kids: Best Things to Do, Family Travel Tips & Must-See Sights
Rome may be one of the most historic cities in the world, but is it a good destination for kids? In this episode, I share our experience visiting Rome with five kids, along with my best family travel tips, must-see attractions, Vatican advice, and favorite kid-friendly activities. Whether you have one day in Rome from a cruise stop or several days to explore, this episode will help you plan a memo
#41: Italy Cruise Ports with Kids: Rome, Pompeii, Pisa, Cagliari & Our Best Family Travel Tips
History, pizza, gelato, ancient ruins, and beautiful coastlines. In this episode, I'm taking you along on our four unforgettable Italy cruise ports aboard the Disney Dream: Cagliari, Naples, Rome, and Pisa. I'll share exactly what we did with our five kids, what excursions were worth it, what I'd do differently, and the lessons we learned along the way. From exploring Pompeii and th
#40: Disney Dream Mediterranean Cruise Review: What We Loved, What Surprised Us & Tips for Families
Was a Disney Cruise really worth the hype?In this episode, I share our family's full review of the Disney Dream Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona, including embarkation day tips, dining, kids clubs, entertainment, Pirate Night, character experiences, the AquaDuck, photo package, and all the little moments that made this trip so magical. I'll also share what surprised us, what we'd
#39: Traveling Solo with Kids: Real Tips from a Mom Who’s Visited 20+ Countries with Her Children (with Kate Team)
What does it really look like to travel internationally with your kids on your own? In this episode, I’m sitting down with Kate from Adios Team, a mom who regularly takes solo trips around the world with her two daughters. We talk about how she plans these trips, manages long travel days, keeps things running smoothly, and builds the confidence to do it again and again. If you’ve ever wondered whe
#38: How to Save Hundreds on Disney Trips (Plus Earn Free Flights & Hotels)
Disney is magical… but it can also get expensive fast. In this episode, I’m sharing simple, little-known ways to save hundreds on Disney trips and even earn free flights and hotel stays in the process. From discounted Disney gift cards to a smart credit card strategy that helped us earn thousands of points for our upcoming Disney cruise, I’m breaking down exactly what we did and how you can do it
#37: How to Plan a Multi-Country Europe Trip with Kids: Real Tips from a Family of 7
Ever wondered what it actually takes to plan a big international trip with kids? In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of our nearly 3-week European family adventure—from booking flights and using points to planning a Disney Cruise, visiting multiple countries, and managing all the moving parts as a family of seven. If you’re dreaming of a big trip but don’t know where to start, this e
#36: Oahu with Kids: North Shore, Ko Olina & Best Family Activities in Hawaii
Planning a trip to Oahu with kids? In this episode, I’m sharing our experience visiting Oahu as a family with young kids, including where we stayed on the North Shore and in Ko Olina, our favorite beaches, fun activities, and tips to make your trip easier. From shave ice in Haleiwa to calm lagoons perfect for little swimmers, this episode will help you plan a memorable and family-friendly Hawaii v
#35: How to Manage Kids Behavior on Family Trips: Our $5 Daily Reward System for Better Behavior and Easier Travel
Traveling with kids can be amazing—but it can also test everyone’s patience. In this episode, I’m sharing our simple $5-a-day reward system that helps motivate teamwork, kindness, and better behavior on family trips. Plus, I’m sharing practical tips to reduce meltdowns, keep the peace, and help the whole family enjoy traveling together.📌 Show Notes: https://www.happylittletraveler.co/podcast/episo
#34: San Diego with Kids: Legoland, SeaWorld & Our 1-Week Family Itinerary
Planning a family trip to San Diego? In this episode, I’m sharing how we spent one fun-filled week in San Diego as a family of seven, including Legoland, SeaWorld, Coronado Beach, Balboa Park, Belmont Park, and more. I’ll also share tips, favorite moments, and why San Diego is one of the best family-friendly vacation spots.The Plunge- Indoor Pool Obstacle CourseSea World- Quick Queue Jr- skip line
#33: How to Survive a Road Trip with Kids: Games, Snacks & Organization Hacks That Work
Planning a road trip with kids? After driving 1,200+ miles through 9 states with five kids (plus dozens of other road trips over the years), I’m sharing all of our best road trip tips, tricks, and hacks that actually worked—from screen-free games and snack ideas to organization must-haves and ways to keep kids happy on long drives. If you've had a bad experience in the past or think road tri
#32: Raising Outdoor Confident Kids: Why Outdoor Play Makes Family Travel Easier with Julianne Nienberg
In this episode, I’m joined by Julianne, the voice behind My Outdoorsy Mom, to talk about how to raise outdoor confident kids in a simple and realistic way. We dive into how she went from having 3 kids under 3 to creating a daily rhythm of outdoor play that transformed her home, reduced screen time, and helped her kids become more independent and regulated. We also talk about how getting kids outs
#31: Myrtle Beach with Kids: 2-Day Family Itinerary + Must Do Activities
Planning a family trip to Myrtle Beach? I’m sharing exactly how we spent 2 fun-filled days in Myrtle Beach with kids as the final stop on our 9 states in 9 days road trip.From go-karts and mini golf to beach time, Broadway at the Beach, and a unique airboat adventure, this episode is packed with family-friendly ideas to help you plan an easy, memorable trip.I’ll walk you through our real itinerary
#30: Virginia’s Historic Triangle with Kids: The Ultimate 2-Day Itinerary for Jamestown, Williamsburg & Yorktown
Exploring Virginia’s Historic Triangle with kids? In this episode, I’m sharing our 2-day experience visiting Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown as part of our 9 states in 9 days road trip with our 5 kids. From climbing aboard replica ships to walking through a living colonial town, I’ll break down what we loved, what we’d do differently, and tips to make this stop fun and manageable with kids.E
#29: Washington, DC With Kids: 2-Day Itinerary, Tips & Must-See Landmarks
In this episode, I’m sharing our experience visiting Washington, DC with kids, including our 2-day itinerary, must-see landmarks, and tips for making the most of your time. From touring the U.S. Capitol and seeing the Declaration of Independence, to exploring museums and going to the top of the Washington Monument, I’m breaking down what we did, what worked, and what I’d recommend for families. If
#28: Our East Coast 9-State Spring Break Road Trip With Kids: Family Travel Itinerary, Tips & Highlights
In this episode, I’m recapping our epic 9-state spring break road trip with kids. From flying a redeye and visiting the Statue of Liberty and Washington, DC, to exploring early American history in Virginia, flying kites in the Outer Banks, and ending with beach time in Myrtle Beach, I’m sharing our full itinerary, highlights, and what it was really like traveling this much with five kids. If you’r
#27: What’s the Best Age to Start Traveling With Kids? Family Travel Tips for Every Age
What’s the best age to start traveling with kids? In this episode, I’m breaking down what it’s really like to travel with children at every stage—from babies and toddlers to school-age kids and beyond. I share the challenges, benefits, and tips for each age group, along with why I believe any age can be a great age to travel as long as you adjust expectations. If you’re wondering when to start tra
#26: Tokyo DisneySea Guide: Our Day at Japan’s Most Unique Disney Park + Tips for Visiting [Part 2]
In this episode, I’m sharing all about our day visiting Tokyo DisneySea, one of the most unique Disney parks in the world. From ride strategy and using Premier Access passes to the best snacks, must-do rides, and tips for navigating the crowds, I’m recapping our experience and sharing helpful advice if you’re planning a visit. If Tokyo DisneySea is on your Japan itinerary, this episode will help y
#25: Our 6-Day Japan Itinerary: Tokyo, Osaka & Kyoto (+ Kid-Friendly Travel Tips) [Part 1]
In today’s episode, I’m sharing a recap of my husband Greg and my recent kid-free trip to Tokyo, Japan. From flying in Delta One suites using points, to exploring Shibuya Crossing, cuddling baby pigs, Takeshita Street, TeamLab, and Tokyo DisneySea, we’re diving into our favorite experiences, kid-friendly recommendations, and a few funny travel mishaps along the way. Even though this was one of our
#24: Traveling Internationally with Kids for the First Time: The Best Countries to Visit First & Why
Want to travel internationally with kids but not sure where to start? In this episode of The Traveling Family Circus, I’m sharing the best first international destinations for families — including London, Paris, Italy, Mexico, Canada, Japan, Spain, Australia, and Costa Rica.We’ll talk about why these countries are easier for beginners, how they minimize language barriers, and what makes them espec
#23: Is Traveling with Kids Really Worth the Stress? Why Family Travel Is Hard — and Why I’d Still Do It
Family travel can feel overwhelming — the packing, the meltdowns, the cost, the logistics. So is it actually worth it?In this episode of The Traveling Family Circus, I’m sharing the honest pros and cons of traveling with kids, what makes it hard, and why I still believe it’s one of the best investments you can make as a family. If you’ve ever wondered whether family vacations are worth the money,
#22: Behind The Scenes: How I’m Planning Our 9-State Spring Break Road Trip With Kids (and What I'm Nervous About)
We’re attempting something we’ve never done before — a nine-state spring break road trip with five kids — and I’m taking you behind the scenes of exactly how I’m planning it. From flying into Newark and driving down to Savannah, to choosing hotels, pacing drive days, packing in time blocks, and keeping everything organized in one digital hub, I share my real-life process step by step.I also break
#21: Carry-On Only Travel With Kids: How We Pack Light and Skip Checked Bags
Checked bags? Not in this family. In this episode, I share why our family of seven travels carry-on only for every trip—from three nights to three weeks—and how this strategy has made traveling with kids smoother, faster, and far less stressful. From the luggage and packing cubes we swear by to laundry-on-the-road tricks, mix-and-match outfits, and mindset shifts that keep us packing light, this e
#20: Visiting Chicago With Kids: A Family Guide to Winter Fun, Shopping, and Iconic Sights
Snow falling in downtown Chicago, shopping sprees on Michigan Avenue, ringing in the New Year from a hotel room with skyline views, and ice skating beneath the city lights—this family trip had it all. In this episode, I’m sharing our New Year’s adventure in Chicago with five kids, from staying in a spacious two-bedroom suite at the Residence Inn Downtown Loop to visiting the Willis Tower Skydeck,
#19: Why Couples Should Take Kid-Free Trips (And Why It’s Good for Your Kids Too)
Taking kid-free trips as a couple isn’t selfish—it’s intentional. In this episode, we talk about why couples need time away without kids, how kid-free travel strengthens your marriage, and why prioritizing your relationship actually benefits your children. I share our family’s experience taking annual couples trips, how we make it work with support from grandparents and caregivers, and practical t
#18: Family Hotel Cost Saving Tips That Actually Work: How to Use Points, Discounts & Deals to Pay Less
Hotels can be one of the most expensive parts of traveling with kids — but they don’t have to be. In this episode, I’m sharing practical, family-tested strategies to save hundreds (and even thousands) on hotel stays. From using points and miles with Hyatt, to leveraging family discounts on second rooms, to knowing when Priceline or Expedia can score you the best deal, this episode breaks down exac
#17: How to Plan a Family Trip Step-by-Step: Stress-Free Travel for Parents
In this episode, I’m breaking down how to plan a family trip step-by-step—from choosing the right destination and finding the best time to travel, to booking flights, hotels, activities, and building a kid-friendly itinerary that isn’t overwhelming. We’ll walk through how to choose between a hotel or Airbnb, what to look for when researching weather and packing, and how to avoid the biggest mistak
#16: French Polynesia With Kids: How to Visit Bora Bora, Tahiti & Moorea Affordably (with Irina Gaysina)
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
#15: How to Travel During the Holidays With Kids: Keeping Christmas Traditions Alive Anywhere
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 loo
#14:Southwest Companion Pass Guide: Step-by-Step Strategy to Earn BOGO Flights for Your Family
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 fle
#13: Cruising With Kids: Family Cruise Tips, Cabin Hacks & What We Learned Sailing With Little Ones
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, h
#12: One Year Around the World with Kids: The Beougher Family’s Life-Changing Adventure (with Ashley Beougher)
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 unex
#11: Exploring Paris With Kids: 3-Day Family Itinerary, Eiffel Tower Tips & London-to-Paris Eurostar Guide
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
#10: London With Kids—Family Itinerary, Harry Potter Tour, Top Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
** If this episode was helpful, please leave a review and rating. I read them all and it helps other families find this podcast. Thank you!**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 sight
#9: 10 Game-Changing Travel Apps to Make Family Travel Easier and Stress-Free
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
#8: Visiting Taiwan with Kids: Night Markets, Temples & Hidden Gems for Families (w/ Special Guests)
Is Taiwan on your bucket list? It should be! Along with a few special guests on today's episode, I'm sharing our family’s 5-day adventure through Taiwan — exploring Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Taichung with our two oldest kids. It was such a meaningful trip because my husband lived in Taiwan over 20 years ago, and we finally got to see those places together as a family. From vibrant night mar
#7: Timeshare Truths: Pros, Cons, and How to Score Discounted Resort Stays
Thinking about buying a timeshare or wondering if the one you already have is worth it? In this episode I'll break down the real pros and cons of owning a timeshare—from guaranteed vacations and resort-style amenities to hidden fees, maintenance costs, and limited flexibility. As a Marriott Vacation Club Owner myself for 4 years who has enjoyed using it for our family of 7, we have seen the
#6: Road to Hana With Kids Guide: What to See, Skip, and Pack with Kids (Maui Part 2)
Planning to drive the Road to Hana with kids? In this episode, I share the best family-friendly stops — from Twin Falls and the Garden of Eden to Black Sand Beach, Hamoa Beach, and the Seven Sacred Pools — plus tips on where to eat, what to pack, and how to avoid common mistakes. I also share our family’s 12-hour experience and why my Maui Magic for Families guide is the ultimate resource for cust
#5: Maui with Kids: Family Travel Tips, Hidden Gems, and Must-Do Experiences (Maui Part 1)
On this episode of The Traveling Family Circus, I’m sharing all about our recent trip to Maui with kids — what worked, what didn’t, and the family-friendly gems you won’t want to miss. From snorkeling with Four Winds Maui and spotting turtles at Ho‘okipa Beach, to the breathtaking sunset at Haleakalā and kid-approved food stops like Monkeypod and Ululani’s Shave Ice, I’ll walk you through our favo
#4: How to Plan the Ultimate Family Disney Vacation (with Expert Rachel Ngeam)
Planning a Disney vacation can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to. In this episode, I’m joined by Disney Vacation Specialist Rachel Ngeam, who shares exactly how to plan and execute the ultimate family Disney vacation. We cover timelines, where to stay, how to build a kid-friendly (and meltdown-proof) itinerary, Genie+/Lightning Lane strategy, dining reservations, budget-saving tips, and com
#3: Surviving Long Flights with Kids: Sleep, Snacks & Sanity-Saving Tips
Flying with toddlers and young kids can feel like a marathon in the sky—but it doesn’t have to end in exhaustion (or tears!). In this episode of The Traveling Family Circus, I’m sharing our real-life tips for surviving long flights as a big family. From what to pack in your carry-on, to how we get our kids to sleep on planes, to our favorite screen-free activities that actually keep toddlers enter
#2: Budget-Friendly Family Travel: How We Use Points and Miles to Travel for Nearly Free
What if your family’s next big adventure didn’t come with a big price tag? In this episode of The Traveling Family Circus, I am spilling the tea on how my family of seven flies and stays for nearly free using credit card points and airline miles.Whether you’re brand new to points and miles or just want to travel smarter as a big family, this episode breaks it down in mom-friendly, no-stress steps.
#1: Why We Travel: Making Memories Before They're Grown
In this first episode of The Traveling Family Circus, I’m sharing the heart behind our family’s passion for travel and why we choose to make it such a priority while our kids are still young. I’ll talk about the challenges of traveling with five kids, the lessons I learned from my own childhood experiences, and the motivation behind starting this podcast.This episode is about more than destination
Traveling Family Circus Podcast Trailer
Welcome to The Traveling Family Circus — This podcast is for families like ours—big, busy, bursting with love—and dreaming of seeing the world together before the kids grow up.I’m Jacquelyn, but my friends and family call me Jacq — I’m a full-time working mom of 5, entrepreneur, and creator of the Happy Little Traveler activity kits available on Amazon.Our family of 7 has taken dozens of trips — f
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