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Thinking about visiting Copenhagen, Denmark with kids? From colorful Nyhavn and Danish pastries to castles and rides at Tivoli Gardens, this city was a highlight of my birthday trip with my two oldest kids! In this episode of Travel with Kids, I'm sharing our Copenhagen experience and ideas for putting together your own family itinerary with time for the big sights and a few pastry stops along the way. In this episode: Exploring Nyhavn and seeing Copenhagen from the water on a canal tour Visiting the Danish Architecture Center with kids Making time for Danish pastries Exploring Strøget and Rosenborg Castle Spending a day at Tivoli Gardens Taking a day trip to Malmö, Sweden Whether Copenhagen is your main destination or part of a bigger Denmark trip, this episode will help you start planning a city break with your kids.

If you have LEGO-loving kids, Billund, Denmark might just deserve a spot on your family travel bucket list! In this episode, I'm sharing everything you need to know about visiting Billund with kids. We traveled to Denmark for a special birthday trip with my two oldest kids, and Billund was the perfect first stop, especially because one of those birthdays was celebrated at LEGOLAND! We'll talk about what it's actually like to visit the home of LEGO, how LEGO House compares to LEGOLAND, how much time I'd recommend spending in Billund, and what our experience was like getting around without a car. In this episode, I cover: Why we decided to include Billund in our Denmark trip Getting to Billund and what the town is actually like Our experience at LEGO House and why it's so much more than a museum Our favorite LEGOLAND rides, including Minifigure Speedway, Flying Eagle, and The TEMPLE What it was like celebrating a birthday at LEGOLAND Getting around Billund without renting a car How many days I recommend spending in Billund How we combined Billund with Copenhagen for a larger Denmark itinerary If your family loves LEGO or you're looking for a European destination that feels especially fun and manageable with school-age kids, this episode will help you decide whether Billund belongs on your itinerary. And stay tuned for the next episode, where I'll share our Copenhagen itinerary with kids, including Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn, a canal tour, castles, pastries, and even a day trip to Sweden! FIND ME AT: Blog: http://www.emilymkrause.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amomexplores/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amomexplores EMAIL ME AT:  [email protected]

Planning a trip to New York City with kids? In this episode of Travel with Kids, I'm sharing the exact itinerary from my recent NYC trip with my 13- and 11-year-olds! We packed a LOT into just a few days in the city, including some of New York's most iconic sights, a Broadway show, amazing food, and a few experiences that were especially fun with tweens and teens. In this episode, I'm walking you through our itinerary day by day, sharing what worked, what I'd recommend for families, and how I'd plan a first trip to NYC with older kids. We'll talk about: • Where we stayed and why the location worked so well for our trip • Exploring Times Square and grabbing a classic New York slice at Joe's Pizza • Seeing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway • Visiting the Statue of Liberty and what I'd recommend knowing before you go • Riding the SeaGlass Carousel in Battery Park • Visiting the 9/11 Memorial & Museum with older kids • Exploring Chinatown • Walking the Brooklyn Bridge and catching sunset from Pier 35 • Trying a classic NYC bagel at Ess-a-Bagel • Visiting SUMMIT One Vanderbilt • How much you can realistically fit into three days in New York City • Tips for planning an NYC trip with tweens and teens One of the things I loved about visiting NYC at this age is that my kids were old enough to handle LOTS of walking and long sightseeing days, but they were still excited about all of the classic New York experiences. If NYC is on your family travel bucket list, I hope this episode gives you a realistic starting point for building your own itinerary—whether you have three days in the city or you're just looking for ideas that older kids will actually enjoy. 🎧 Listen to the full episode for our complete NYC itinerary, favorite experiences, and tips for visiting New York City with kids. Links: Portugal Trip FIND ME AT: Blog: http://www.emilymkrause.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amomexplores/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amomexplores EMAIL ME AT:  [email protected]

I signed up for the Chase Sapphire Reserve when it was offering a huge 150,000-point welcome bonus. At the time, I figured I would take advantage of the bonus and benefits and then reevaluate whether a credit card with a $795 annual fee actually made sense for me. But after traveling with it for a while…I think I'm keeping it. This isn't a complicated points-and-miles breakdown or an attempt to calculate every dollar of value I've gotten from the card. Instead, I'm sharing how I've actually used the Chase Sapphire Reserve as a mom who travels frequently with kids. Use my Chase Sapphire Reserve Referral Link! - Earn 100,000 bonus points with Sapphire Reserve® or 75,000 bonus points with Sapphire Preferred®. I can be rewarded if you apply here and are approved for either card.  In this episode, I'm talking about: How we used the $300 annual travel credit toward a hotel in the Galápagos Islands Using the StubHub credit to help pay for a Broadway show in NYC Why Priority Pass lounge access has become one of my favorite family travel perks The airport lounges we've visited in the Galápagos, Colombia, JFK, and Copenhagen How lounge access can save money on airport food when traveling as a family Using the DoorDash and Lyft benefits How I stacked hotel credits for an upcoming Christmas trip My dilemma about how to use my second $250 Edit hotel credit The $300 dining credit I still haven't used A few additional Chase Sapphire Reserve benefits worth knowing about Why I think this card might actually make sense for the way I travel, despite that $795 annual fee Most importantly, I'm sharing why I don't think you should spend extra money just to use a credit card benefit. For me, the value comes from using these perks toward trips, meals, transportation, and experiences I was already planning to pay for. I came for the 150,000-point bonus. I might be staying for the airport lounges, travel credits, Broadway tickets, hotel perks, and everything else that has made traveling with kids just a little bit easier. Mentioned in this episode: Chase Sapphire Reserve Priority Pass airport lounges The Edit by Chase Travel StubHub credit Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables DoorDash and Lyft benefits Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit Credit card benefits, annual fees, offers, and terms can change. Always check the current card terms and benefits before applying, and never spend more than you otherwise would just to earn points or use a credit. FIND ME AT: Blog: http://www.emilymkrause.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amomexplores/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amomexplores EMAIL ME AT:  [email protected]

Did you know you can visit the Galápagos Islands without taking a cruise? Before planning our family trip to Ecuador, I honestly assumed a Galápagos cruise was the only realistic way to experience the islands. And with a family of six, I also assumed it would be WAY out of our budget. Then I started researching land-based Galápagos trips. Instead of sleeping on a boat, we stayed in hotels and Airbnbs on the inhabited islands, took a ferry between islands, planned our own activities, and booked a snorkeling excursion to Kicker Rock. It gave us more flexibility with the kids and allowed us to experience the Galápagos for significantly less than many of the cruise options I had researched. In this episode of Travel with Kids, I'm breaking down exactly how we planned our 5-day, 4-night Galápagos trip with four kids, including what worked, what didn't, and what I would change if we did it again. We'll talk about: Why we chose a land-based Galápagos trip instead of a cruise The pros and cons of land-based travel with kids How many days I think you REALLY need in the Galápagos Why we chose Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal Our complete 5-day Galápagos itinerary Flying into one island and out of another What it's actually like taking the inter-island ferries with kids Seeing giant Galápagos tortoises on Santa Cruz Visiting Tortuga Bay Our Kicker Rock snorkeling tour—and why it ended up being the highlight of our trip How our first-time snorkelers handled snorkeling in the open ocean The island I really regret skipping What I would do differently if I planned this trip again How much our Galápagos trip cost for a family of six Whether I would choose a land-based trip again—or splurge on a cruise next time Our land-based Galápagos trip cost around $7,000 for our family of six, including our flights to Ecuador, flights between mainland Ecuador and the Galápagos, accommodations, transportation, park fees, excursions, food, and other expenses. We used miles for part of our international airfare, but I break down those costs in the episode so you can get a better idea of what to budget for your own trip. And while I LOVED the freedom of traveling the Galápagos this way, my biggest regret is that we didn't stay longer. If I were planning this trip again, I would give ourselves at least 6–7 nights so we could add Isabela Island and another snorkeling excursion. If the Galápagos Islands have always felt too expensive, too complicated, or like a destination you need to save until your kids are older, I hope this episode shows you that there's another way to experience this incredible destination as a family. Read the full Galápagos with Kids guide: https://www.emilymkrause.com/blog/galpagos-with-kids-how-we-planned-our-land-based-galpagos-islands-trip FIND ME AT: Blog: http://www.emilymkrause.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amomexplores/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amomexplores EMAIL ME AT:  [email protected]

Thinking about visiting Ecuador with kids? In this episode, I'm sharing our family's experience traveling through mainland Ecuador, including Quito, Cotopaxi National Park, and the Amazon Rainforest. Ecuador has had a special place in my heart since I first visited while studying Spanish in college, so getting to return years later with my husband and four kids was incredibly special. One of the things I love most about Ecuador is how much variety you can experience in one relatively small country. You can explore a historic city high in the Andes, stand on the equator, ride horses beneath a volcano, and venture into the Amazon Rainforest, all in the same trip. In this episode, I'm sharing what we did, what our kids loved, where we stayed, and a few things I would definitely do differently next time. We talk about: • How we flew our family of six to Ecuador using points • What it was like flying Avianca with kids • Visiting the Intiñan Equator Museum • Exploring Quito with kids • Riding the TelefériQo high above Quito • Climbing the towers of the Basílica del Voto Nacional • Dealing with Quito's high altitude as a family • Our overnight adventure in Cotopaxi National Park • Staying at Tambopaxi Lodge and horseback riding in the Andes • The mistake we made arriving at Cotopaxi National Park too late • Hiring a private driver to get around Ecuador • Traveling from Quito to the Amazon Rainforest • Staying at El Jardín Lodge & Spa in Misahuallí • Canoeing, visiting a butterfly garden, trying a blowdart, and searching for monkeys in the rainforest • What surprised us about traveling Ecuador with four kids • Tips I would give another family planning a similar trip And yes, our trip also included the Galápagos Islands, but I'm saving that entire part of our adventure for next week's episode! If Ecuador has never been on your family travel radar, I hope this episode gives you a little inspiration. It was easily one of the most memorable family trips we've ever taken. Resources Mentioned: Portugal Women's Group Trip Read my full Ecuador + Galápagos family itinerary Read my Ecuador Packing List Coming next week: I'm sharing everything you need to know about visiting the Galápagos Islands with kids, including how we planned a land-based trip, where we stayed, what we did, and whether I think the Galápagos is actually worth the cost for families. FIND ME AT: Blog: http://www.emilymkrause.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amomexplores/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amomexplores EMAIL ME AT:  [email protected]

Welcome back to Travel with Kids! Season 5 is officially here! After a very travel-heavy summer, I'm kicking off the new season with a catch-up episode. I'm sharing some highlights from our summer travels, what I've been up to during the podcast break, and what you can expect from Travel with Kids this season. Then we're talking about something a little different: travel things I've been loving lately. Not a packing list, but new-to-me (and truthfully kind of random) items, apps, services, etc that made travel a little easier and more enjoyable this summer.  In this episode: A quick welcome back and what's coming in Season 5 A recap of our summer travels The travel gear I've been reaching for again and again Clothes that earned a repeat spot in my suitcase A few things that have made planning and managing travel easier Some of my more random recent favorites Why Swedish candy apparently deserves a spot on a travel favorites list Some of the things mentioned: Tobiq Bags Meliae Cognac Leather Camera Purse Clean Skin Club Travel Size Clean Towels Chase Sapphire Reserve (My personal referral link, not an affiliate link).  Lemme Debloat Daily Digestive Gummies Wanderlog Skylight Calendar Walli phone case American Eagle jorts Old Navy running shorts Long-sleeve swimsuit American Eagle long-sleeve shirts Pact t-shirts Swedish candy Want all the details (and links to everything I mentioned)? Read the full blog post: Travel Things I've Been Loving Lately FIND ME AT: Blog: http://www.emilymkrause.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amomexplores/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amomexplores EMAIL ME AT:  [email protected] If you enjoyed this episode, make sure you're following Travel with Kids so you don't miss what's coming in Season 5. And if you have a family travel question or an episode topic you'd love to hear this season, send me a message. I'd love to hear from you!

I'm SO excited to officially announce my first women-only group trip! Join me (@amomexplores) for 8 days in Portugal, April 19–26, 2027. This trip is for women who love to travel but are ready for someone else to handle the planning for once. 😉 We'll have incredible experiences together, plenty of opportunities to make new friends, AND lots of free time built in so you can make the trip your own. 📍 WHERE WE'RE GOING Lisbon • Arrábida Natural Park • Ericeira 📅 DATES April 19–26, 2027 💰 COST (AIRFARE INCLUDED!) Double Occupancy: $4,400/person* *A note about double occupancy: roommates are not assigned. If you choose double occupancy, you must have your travel partner listed when you register.) Single Occupancy: $5,350/person ✈️ WHAT'S INCLUDED: • Round-trip airfare from a major U.S. airport (regional airports may be available for an additional cost) • Transportation throughout Portugal • Airport transfer upon arrival, depending on arrival time • All breakfasts • 3 group dinners • Attractions and activities listed on our itinerary • A local guide throughout the trip And we have SUCH a fun week planned. Think: exploring Lisbon on a walking tour, sea kayaking, group yoga, wandering through small fishing villages, eating incredible food, and experiencing the beauty of Portugal together. But I also specifically wanted this trip to have downtime. There will be time to wander on your own, find a cute café, head to the beach, book a spa treatment, shop, take a nap, or grab a few new friends and go explore. You don't have to spend every minute of every day with the group! My hope is that this trip gives you the best of both worlds: thoughtfully planned experiences with a group of women who love to travel AND the freedom to slow down and enjoy Portugal at your own pace. And yes, you can absolutely come solo! You don't need to convince a friend to come with you. Choose single occupancy and you'll have your own room for the entire trip. A quick note: This trip is being organized in partnership with Tom's Christian Tours. While both the tour company and I are Christian, this is not a faith-based or religious tour. There are no religious activities or requirements. This is simply a women's group trip focused on travel, connection, and fun. Women of all beliefs and backgrounds are absolutely welcome! Ready to come to Portugal with me? 🇵🇹 This page has all the trip details, which includes a booking link! It will also be in my Group Trip highlight on Instagram.

Today's episode is Q&A style! We're talking about: Raising kids who are grateful + how it relates to travel Barefoot shoes for travel Dealing with Jet Lag with Kids Do my kids ever get sick of taking photos on trips? Hotel rooms for families of 6 What mirrorless camera I use How to avoid overspending at your destination FIND ME AT: Blog: http://www.emilymkrause.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amomexplores/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amomexplores EMAIL ME AT:  [email protected]

Summer travel season is HERE, and in this episode, I'm sharing all of the things currently helping our family travel smoother this summer, from what I'm buying before trips to packing strategies, long haul flight survival tips, road trip favorites, and the random little things that make travel feel easier and more fun. This episode is very much a casual "travel mom chat," not a perfect packing guide or a list of strict travel rules. Just the things I genuinely love, use, and recommend right now as a mom of 4 who travels often during school breaks. In this episode, we chat about: What I always buy before a summer trip My favorite travel essentials right now Packing tips that actually help for family travel How I approach packing for a family of 6 Airport outfit formulas and what I wear on long flights Tips for helping kids sleep on overnight flights Current favorite travel books, shows, podcasts, and downloads Summer road trip essentials and snack strategies Tiny travel hacks that make a BIG difference Whether you're planning a big Europe trip, a beach vacation, a summer road trip, or just trying to survive airport travel with kids, I hope this episode helps you feel excited and prepared for summer adventures ahead. FIND ME AT: Blog: http://www.emilymkrause.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amomexplores/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amomexplores EMAIL ME AT:  [email protected]

Thinking about a family beach vacation that's a little more laid-back (and less crowded) than the usual Florida hotspots? In this episode, I'm sharing everything we loved about visiting Alabama's Beaches with kids from beachfront condo resorts and dolphin cruises to giant cinnamon rolls and indoor waterparks for rainy days. I honestly think this is one of the most underrated beach destinations for families in the U.S., especially for Midwest families looking for an easy direct flight to the Gulf Coast. In this episode, I'm sharing: Why Alabama's Beaches surprised us Staying at Turquoise Place with a family of 6 The best family-friendly activities in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Our experience with Sail Wild Hearts dolphin cruises Why Sandcastle University was one of the most unique activities we did Rainy day ideas including Fat Daddy's Arcade and OWA Family-friendly restaurants we loved Easy meals and take-and-bake options for condo stays Tips for planning your own Alabama beach trip with kids Links: Alabama's Beaches with Kids blog post Turquoise Place by Spectrum Resorts - use code EMILYKRAUSE for 10% off your stay! Allegiant Route Map

Happy Mother's Day! In this episode I'm sharing my top hacks for travel with kids - all practical tips you can implement on your next trip! I'll also share a few regular life mom hacks, and then I'm diving into lessons I've learned as a mom of 4. Take what works for you, ignore what doesn't! FIND ME AT: Blog: http://www.emilymkrause.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amomexplores/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amomexplores EMAIL ME AT:  [email protected]

In today's episode I'm sharing all the details of our Turks and Caicos trip - a kid-free getaway to celebrate my husband's 40th birthday!  Here's a link to where we stayed: Ocean Club East Our goal was relaxation, so we didn't do any excursions or really even any sightseeing on this trip, and Ocean Club East was the perfect place to do that.  FIND ME AT: Blog: http://www.emilymkrause.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amomexplores/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amomexplores EMAIL ME AT:  [email protected]

Today's episode is all about having the best Euro Summer with kids! And by Euro Summer I just mean a 1-2 week vacation (maybe longer if you're lucky!).  I'm sharing what I've learned (sometimes the hard way) about packing light, what to bring to Europe in summer with kids, which ages are the best and which are the hardest for kids to explore Europe, how to structure your itinerary, and how to deal with picky eaters. If you're traveling to Europe this summer with kids, hopefully this episode gets you excited for your upcoming trip, but I also hope it helps you feel more relaxed and prepared. Here are some resources that may help! Packing Video - my capsule wardrobe Little Kid Packing Video / Big Kid Packing Video Blog Post - Packing For A Trip to Europe with One Backpack Each Blog Post - The Ultimate Guide to Planning A Trip to Europe with Kids My Travel Essentials for Europe - Amazon Idea List GROUP TRIP SURVEY: If you are interested in joining me for a women's group trip, please take 2 minutes to fill out this survey! It will help immensely to plan a trip that actually works for moms in this community: https://my.trovatrip.com/public/l/survey/emily-krause FIND ME AT: Blog: http://www.emilymkrause.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amomexplores/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amomexplores EMAIL ME AT:  [email protected]

Today's episode is all about sharing our favorite summer vacation destinations and itineraries for families! Summer offers warm weather and more flexibile schedules, so it feels like the whole world is open to families! It can be hard to narrow down destinations when your bucket list is long but your vacation time and budget are limited.  I'm sharing our personal vacations in this epidode, and linking all of the itineraries below! Best Summer Vacations in the USA for Families Kid-Friendly South Dakota Road Trip Itinerary Costa Rica 1 Week Itinerary for Families 2 Week Italy and Greece Itinerary for Families The Ultimate 10 Day Guatemala Itinerary with Kids 2 Week Germany and Austria Itinerary for Families 1 Week Scotland Itinerary with Kids FIND ME AT: Blog: http://www.emilymkrause.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amomexplores/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amomexplores EMAIL ME AT:  [email protected]