In this episode of Snacks and Suitcases, host Sally Stanton chats with travel writer and tour founder Evie Farrell , the inspiring solo mum who left her corporate job to backpack the world with her daughter.

Evie shares the story behind Mum Pack Travel and how a one-year trip turned into three. From budgeting and packing light to schooling struggles and unforgettable global adventures, this episode is packed with honest advice and motivation for families dreaming of travel.

You'll learn:

• How Evie funded long term travel with a child
• The realities of schooling on the road
• Her top tips for budget friendly family travel
• Where to go for epic experiences with kids (China, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and more!)
• Why Club Med and cruises work brilliantly for parents!
• How travel builds resilience and independence in children

Whether you’re dreaming of a gap year with your kids, planning a family adventure, or just want to know how to travel smarter, this episode will inspire you to take the leap.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:14 The Decision to Travel

06:30 Traveling with a Child

10:16 Education on the Road

14:02 Experiences and Challenges

18:57 Memorable Moments and Lessons Learned

28:25 Affordable Family Living vs. Daycare Costs

30:17 The Ease of Traveling with Kids

32:41 From Backpacker to Influencer: A Journey of Growth

34:35 Creating Community for Solo Moms

36:57 Empowering Women Through Travel

39:32 Travelling to Luxurious Destinations

42:33 Budgeting Tips for Travelers

46:51 Travelling with Picky Eaters

52:11 The Best Age for Backpacking Adventures

54:59 Final Words of Wisdom for Parents

Topics mentioned:

Backyard to Backpack Book

Mum Pack Trips

Royal Caribbean Cruise

Find Evie on Instagram: @mumpacktravel @mumpacktrips Learn about her women and family group trips: mumpacktrips.com

Connect with Sally!

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 travel

AND... Don't forget your snacks!

Thinking about a snow holiday with your kids but not sure where to start? In this episode of Snacks and Suitcases, host Sally Stanton is joined by snow guru, fellow ex-snow reporter, and mum of two Christie Hampton. Christie has spent years living and working in ski resorts around the world and now calls the Snowy Mountains home.

Christie shares her top tips for planning a smooth and fun family ski trip

You’ll learn: What age kids should start skiing (and when to wait) What snow gear to rent vs buy The truth about ski school (and why you should “drop and run”) Pocket snacks, hot chocolate hacks & high-value bribery How to choose the right Aussie ski resort—budget or bougie Plus: genius tips like dress rehearsals, air tags, and carabiners for chaos control

From Perisher to Thredbo, Charlotte Pass and even to Japan’s powdery slopes, this episode is your ultimate guide to snow trips with little ones in tow.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Family Skiing Adventures

01:58 Christy's Journey in the Snow Industry

06:12 Building Resilience Through Skiing

12:06 Preparing for Your First Snow Holiday

16:42 Choosing the Right Age for Kids to Ski

21:20 Finding the Best Ski Resorts for Families

28:39 Luxurious Ski Holiday Destinations

29:30 Exploring Niseko: A Family Ski Destination

32:10 The Apres Ski Scene: Fun Beyond the Slopes

33:35 Activities Off the Slopes: Keeping Kids Engaged

36:46 Skiing with Kids: Tips and Hacks for Parents

46:21 Budget-Friendly Ski Holidays: Planning for Families

52:41 Preparing Kids for Skiing: Building Excitement

54:25 Final Thoughts: The Joy of Family Ski Trips

Contact Christie via christie@snowymountains.com.au

OR @snowymountainsnsw

Topics we mentioned

Tourism Snowy Mountains

Snow books for kids

Corin Forest

Charlotte Pass

Perisher Ski Resort

Thredbo

Wild Brumby Distillery

Prince Hirafutei Hotel Niseko

Livigno Ski Resort Italy

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 friend who is dreaming of snow fun with their fam!

AND... Don't forget your snacks!

Sally continues her chat with Jo from the popular blog The Tokyo Chapter, diving into the best family-friendly experiences in Japan. From must-try dishes like shabu shabu to belting out tunes in a Tokyo karaoke booth, Jo shares her top tips for travelling with kids. You'll also hear her advice on managing food allergies, visiting big-ticket attractions like TeamLab and Tokyo Disneyland, and of course, the tastiest Japanese snacks to try along the way!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Japan with Kids

01:28 Must-See Attractions and Experiences

04:45 Culinary Adventures: Shabu Shabu and Sukiyaki

10:48 Navigating Dietary Restrictions in Japan

17:09 Cultural Etiquette and Travel Tips

19:48 Tourist Attractions: Worth It or Overrated?

22:50 Interactive Art Experiences: Team Lab

24:30 Choosing Between Attractions: Team Lab vs. Disney

25:01 The Magic of Disney: A Family Perspective

30:25 Navigating Japan: Tips for First-Time Visitors

35:51 Understanding Accommodation in Japan

39:04 Weather Considerations for Traveling in Japan

41:49 Final Tips for Family Travel in Japan

Contact Jo

The Tokyo Chapter Blog: thetokyochapter.com

Follow Jo on Instagram @thetokyochapter

Or Facebook

Topics we mentioned

Kinosaki Onsen

Rainbow Karaoke

Shabu Shabu

Happy Cow App

Gluten Free in Japan Facebook Group

TeamLab

Tokyo Mart

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!

In this episode of Snacks and Suitcases, Sally sits down with Jo MacGregor, the creator of the beloved travel blog The Tokyo Chapter, to dive into everything you need to know about visiting Japan with kids. From toddler friendly itineraries to why you absolutely should bring a stroller. This episode is packed with firsthand experience and honest advice for navigating Japan as a family.

Whether you're planning your first visit or your fifth, you'll walk away with practical tips on where to stay, how to eat well without breaking the bank, and the magical details that make Japan one of the most kid-friendly travel destinations in the world.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Japan: A Family Travel Adventure

03:03 The Tokyo Chapter: A Resource for Families

06:05 Why Japan is a Family-Friendly Destination

08:54 Navigating Japan with Kids: Strollers and More

11:57 Making the Most of Your Japan Trip

14:47 Accommodation Choices: Hotels vs. Ryokans vs. Airbnbs

17:52 Luggage Forwarding: A Game Changer for Travelers

29:34 Kidzania: A Fun Experience for Kids

32:02 Choosing the Right Neighbourhood in Tokyo

35:16 Family-Friendly Accommodations in Tokyo

37:57 Exploring Harajuku: An Ideal Itinerary

41:05 Planning for Early Mornings in Tokyo

43:13 Budget-Friendly Tips for Traveling in Japan

49:11 The Importance of Playgrounds for Family Travel

• The Tokyo Chapter blog: thetokyochapter.com
• Follow Jo on Instagram @thetokyochapter
• Or Facebook
• Robot Park
• Kidzania
• Wanpaku Land
• Harajuku Itinerary
• My Mizu App

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!

Travelling with kids just got easier! Snacks and Suitcases is packed with advice, tips & laughs. Hosted by TV presenter Sally Stanton. Coming soon!