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Japan With Kids: Bullet Trains, Luggage Forwarding & Gluten-Free Travel (Part 2) Our Japan with Kids update continues with Jo from The Tokyo Chapter, sharing practical advice on changes that could affect travelling families and answering the questions she and Sally hear most often. How do you book the bullet train (Shinkansen)? Where should you sit, and how do you take luggage on board? Or better yet, how exactly does luggage forwarding work? Jo spells it all out, breaking down the little details that make travelling in Japan with kids so much easier. In this episode: ·       How to assess whether a JR Pass suits your itinerary. ·       When Jo recommends booking bullet train seats ahead. ·       Travelling on the Shinkansen with luggage. ·       Hotel-to-hotel luggage forwarding and alternative services discussed by Jo. ·       Mount Fuji views and the pressure to book the “right” seat. ·       Family carriages and feeling comfortable travelling with babies. ·       Credit-card train payments and transit cards such as Suica and Pasmo. ·       Babysitting in Japan, including help during a Disneyland visit. ·       Gluten-free travel, restaurant research and allergy communication. ·       Why supermarkets and a kitchenette can be useful for families. ·       Baby equipment Jo would reconsider packing. ·       Jo’s Melbourne suggestions, Japanese snack pick and upcoming Okinawa episode. Travel rules, attraction access, prices and booking systems can change. Check the relevant official information for your travel dates. www.Byfood.com Babysitting services https://www.thetokyochapter.com/babysitters-in-tokyo/ Follow Jo on Instagram: @thetokyochapter www.thetokyochapter.com Follow Snacks and Suitcases on Instagram: @snacksandsuitcasespodcast Follow Host, Sally Stanton on Instagram:  @sallynanamis Enjoyed the episode? Follow the podcast and leave a rating or review to help other families discover Snacks and Suitcases. Snacks and Suitcases is an independentAustralian family travel podcast packed with practical tips, destination inspiration and real-life stories to make travelling with kids easier and more fun. AND  Don't forget your snacks!    [email protected]

Planning a trip to Japan with kids? From upcoming visa changes and tourist taxes to credit card hiccups and fines for naughty tourist behaviour, there’s plenty to keep up with. But there’s also a whole lot of fun to discover! This episode covers the family travel updates you need to know now, plus new attractions and experiences to add to your Japan wish list. Jo McGregor from The Tokyo Chapter returns to Snacks and Suitcases to help families prepare for all the above changes plus she shares new theme park advice, places to stay and explorebeyond the usual attractions. In Part 1, Sally and Jo discuss Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea planning, Universal Studios Japan, PokePark, familyaccommodation and cultural experiences, including a sumo show where children can participate AND even the opportunity to share a meal with a Japanese family. Whether it’s your first Japan family holiday or you’re heading back for more, this conversation offers practical ideas for building a trip around your children’s interests. In this episode:• Tokyo Disney planning: the app, connectivity, ride priorities and Jo’s arrival strategy• Universal Studios Japan booking considerations and Halloween with children• Pokémon attraction entry requirements discussed in the interview• Why carrying cash can help families enjoy smaller shops, stalls and activities• Family apartment hotels in Osaka and longer-stay apartments in Tokyo• Exploring Toyosu, Odaiba and different Tokyo neighbourhoods• Sharing a meal with a Japanese family• An interactive sumo experience for children• Japan travel updates, including tax-free shopping and accommodation taxes Coming in Part 2:The JR Pass, booking bullet trains, babysitting services in Japan and travelling with allergies. Travel rules, attraction access, prices and booking systems can change. Check the relevant official information for your travel dates. Follow Jo on Instagram: @thetokyochapter www.thetokyochapter.com Follow Snacks and Suitcases onInstagram: @snacksandsuitcasespodcast Follow Host, Sally Stantonon Instagram:  @sallynanamis Enjoyed the episode? Follow the podcast and leave a rating or review to help other families discover Snacks and Suitcases. Snacks and Suitcases is an independent Australian family travel podcast packed with practical tips, destinationinspiration and real-life stories to make travelling with kids easier and more fun. AND  Don't forget your snacks!  [email protected]

What if, instead of spending parental leave at home navigating feeds, naps and explosive nappies, you packed up the baby, your partner AND the family dog and headed to Europe? That’s exactly what Canadian travel writer Riana Ang-Canning from the travel blog, Teaspoon of Adventure, did. Riana and her husband used parental leave to take their baby daughter and Chihuahua Ellie on an epic nine-month adventure, including an extended stay in London and France’s LoireValley. In this episode, Sally and Riana talk about what long-term travel with a baby is really like, from flying long haul and maintaining sleep routines to slowing down, lowering expectations and learning that sometimes one activity a day is more than enough. Riana shares why they chose to buy their baby her own plane seat, the disastrous day in Normandy that completely changed the way they travelled, her favourite family experiences inEurope and why travelling slowly made such a huge difference. And they tackle that comment travelling parents hear all the time: “But your baby won’t remember it, so why bother?” Riana has the perfect answer. In this Episode: • Taking parental leave to travel with a baby• Long-term travel through Europe with a baby and dog• Flying long haul with an infant• Baby sleep and routines while travelling• Why slow travel works so well with young children• Managing expectations and travel FOMO• Family-friendly experiences in France and London• Why babies not remembering a holiday doesn’t mean it isn’t worth taking As Riana says, his is your first trip with your baby, not your last.You don’t have to see everything, travel for nine months or go halfway around the world to make incredible family memories. https://teaspoonofadventure.com/ Follow Riana on Instagram: @teaspoonofadventure Follow Snacks and Suitcases onInstagram: @snacksandsuitcasespodcast Follow Host, Sally Stanton oninstagram: @sallynanamis If you enjoyed this episode andwould like to hear more, follow Snacks and Suitcases and leave a rating or review. Snacks and Suitcases is an Australian family travel podcast packed with practical tips, destination inspiration and real-life stories to make travelling with kids easier and morefun. AND Don't forget your snacks!    [email protected]

Catriona Rowntree’s Best Family Travel Tips: Jet Lag, Screen Time & Australia With Kids What are the best family holidays in Australia? How do you reduce jet lag, manage screen time and keep children happy while travelling? For the Season 4 premiere of Snacks and Suitcases, Sally Stanton is joined by Getaway host Catriona Rowntree, one of Australia’s most experienced travel presenters and a mum of two teenage boys. After 30 years travelling the world for Getaway, Catriona has collected plenty of practical advice for travelling with babies, children and teenagers. Her number-one family holiday philosophy? Keep the kids “busy, buggered and broke!” In this warm and wonderfully honest conversation, Catriona shares what it was really like balancing motherhood with a television career that regularly took her around the world. She also reveals the travel routine that has helped her avoid jet lag, stay healthy and never take a sick day from Getaway in 30 years! What a woman! In this episode: • Catriona’s “three Bs” rule for successful family holidays• How to keep children and teenagers busy and off their screens• The truth about travelling for work when you have young children• Catriona’s experience travelling with a baby• Flying with babies and helping their ears during take-off and landing• Whether kids’ clubs are right for every child• Her practical formula for reducing jet lag• Packing tips from a professional travel presenter• Why she checks Instagram before packing for a destination• Her favourite Australian family holidays• The best destinations for active children and teenagers• Why travel can strengthen the relationship between parents and children Catriona also shares some of her favourite family destinations, including Tasmania, Queenstown, the Gold Coast,Hamilton Island, Port Douglas, Aitutaki in the Cook Islands and an unforgettable True North cruise through the Kimberley. Plus, Sally and Catriona talk about Versailles in winter, travelling through France with children, Catriona’s fridge-magnet collection and why some of the best family memories happen when everyone puts down their screens. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Catriona Roundtree and her travel career 02:18 Reflections on the Logies and her TV career 04:13 The longevity of travel TV shows and global reach 05:45 Catriona's love for travel and her early influences 08:55 Pinch me moments and memorable interviews 10:23 Adventures and adrenaline stories from her travels 11:45 Balancing motherhood and a travel career 15:30 Traveling with children:routines, challenges, and tips 19:07 Family travel destinations and activity planning 21:56 Bucket list destinations: Kimberleys, Alaska, and more 22:35 Cultural experiences and local interactions 32:23 Favourite travel spots and hidden gems 34:20 Educational travel experiences and local tours 36:24 Visiting Versailles and other European highlights 39:10 Packing, organising, and travel hacks 41:12 Jet lag prevention and sleep tips 44:26 Follow Catriona on social media and upcoming episodes Follow Catriona Rowntree on Instagram: @catrionarowntree Follow Snacks and Suitcases on Instagram: @snacksandsuitcasespodcast Follow Host, Sally Stanton: @sallynanamis If you enjoyed this episode, pretty please follow Snacks and Suitcases and leave a rating or review. Snacks and Suitcases is the Australian family travel podcast packed with practical tips, destination inspiration and real-life stories to make travelling with kids easier and way more fun! AND my last piece of advice is always ... Don't forget your snacks!    [email protected]

Think packing for a family holiday is stressful? Try doing it with three kids and carry-on luggage only. Returning guest Bianca from Travel With My 3 Kids is back on Snacks and Suitcases. After sharing her Bali expertise in her first appearance, this time she's revealing the packing hacks, travel tips and mindset shifts that make family travel easier. We chat about the reality of travelling with kids, why carry-on only can actually reduce stress, and the items Bianca never leaves home without. Plus, we catch up on the latest from Bali, including the island's waste challenges and how travellers can make a positive difference. In this episode: • Why Bianca chooses carry-on only for a family of five• The packing hacks that save time, money and sanity• What she never packs anymore• How to entertain toddlers and kids on flights• Flying with babies, toddlers and neurodivergent children• The travel gear she actually recommends• The surprising item she always packs for hotel rooms• Bali's waste crisis and what tourists need to know• Airport transfer tips that make family travel easier• Budget travel strategies for families• Why low expectations can make travel more enjoyable Follow Bianca at https://www.travelwithmy3kids.com/ https://www.instagram.com/travel.with.my.3.kids/ Chapters 00:00 Packing for Family Travel: The Challenge 02:59 Traveling with Kids: Real-Life Experiences 05:50 Bali's Waste Crisis: A Tourist's Responsibility 09:10 First Flights with Kids: The Reality 11:56 Surviving Long Flights: Tips and Tricks 15:02 The Art of Carry-On Only Packing 18:01 Non-Negotiables for Family Travel 20:56 Entertainment Strategies for Kids on Flights 24:08 Adapting to Travel with Young Children 31:30 Engaging Kids During Travel 36:39 Managing Expectations on Travel Days 37:26 Health and Safety Essentials for Kids 40:08 Packing Strategies for Family Travel 46:09 Handling Airport Challenges 51:21 Travel Hacks for Parents 57:33 Final Thoughts and Reflections Connect Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions via @snacksandsuitcasespodcast@sallynanamisSnacks and Suitcases Facebook PageEmail: [email protected] If you’re loving the show, make sure you’re following so you never miss an episode especially if you’ve got a family trip or road trip coming up. AND... Don't forget the snacks.

What is it really like raising kids in India? After sharing her flying-with-babies tips in a previous episode, listener favourite Rachel McCallum is back to give us a fascinating glimpse into her family's life as expats in Chennai, India. Rachel, her British wife Gemma and their two boys have spent the past eight years living in one of the world's most colourful, chaotic and captivating countries. From navigating culture shocks and organised traffic chaos to raising children in a multilingual, multicultural community, Rachel shares the realities of everyday family life in India. We chat about what surprised her most when she first arrived, why India often gets an unfair reputation, and how her boys are growing up surrounded by languages, cultures and friendships from all over the world. Thinking of visiting India with kids? Rachel also shares some of her favourite family-friendly destinations, including the iconic Taj Mahal and Kerala's famous houseboats. Plus, we talk food, festivals, school life, expat perks and the unique experiences that make India unlike anywhere else on Earth. In this episode we cover: • What it's really like living as an expat family in Chennai• Culture shocks and misconceptions about India• Raising kids in a multilingual and multicultural community• Family-friendly destinations in India• Visiting the Taj Mahal with children• Kerala houseboats and why everyone loves Kerala• Indian food, festivals and local traditions• International schools and expat life• Why kids are so celebrated in Indian culture• The realities of travelling India as a family Whether you're considering an overseas teaching position, planning a family trip to India or simply curious about expat life abroad, this episode offers a fascinating insider perspective on one of the world's most unforgettable destinations. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Expat Life in India 01:59 Cultural Insights and Realities of Chennai 04:21 Family Life and Kid-Friendly Activities 06:32 Health and Safety Concerns 09:51 Navigating the Medical System 11:20 The Role of Domestic Help 15:12 Raising a Family as a Same-Sex Couple 16:12 Multilingual Kids and Cultural Exposure 18:37 Education System in India 20:08 Identity and Cultural Integration 25:00 Traveling in India with Kids 26:46 Exploring the Taj Mahal: A Family Experience 29:15 Traveling in India: Tips for Families 32:49 Must-Visit Destinations in India 34:40 Cultural Experiences: Markets and Street Food 38:28 Understanding India's Diverse Festivals 42:10 School Lunches and Dietary Considerations in India 48:23 Navigating Allergies and Food Options in India Connect Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions via @snacksandsuitcasespodcast@sallynanamisSnacks and Suitcases Facebook PageEmail: [email protected] If you’re loving the show, make sure you’re following so you never miss an episode especially if you’ve got a family trip or road trip coming up. AND... Don't forget the snacks.

What is it really like to pack up your life, pull the kids out of school and spend a year caravanning around Australia? This week on Snacks and Suitcases, Sally Stanton welcomes back Big Lapper and now author Simone Skinner-Smith to chat about her brand new book, Passenger Princess: Underprepared and Overcaffeinated for the Big Lap. Last time Simone joined the podcast, her family were still on the road travelling Australia in a caravan with two young boys. Now she’s back home in Sydney, reflecting on the adventure that changed her family forever. In this funny, heartfelt and honest conversation, Sally and Simone chat about: the reality of van life and caravanning around Australia with kidscoming home after a year on the roadfamily travel challenges and unexpected momentsthe emotional side of the Big Lapunforgettable characters they met around Australiaparenting, resilience and raising adventurous kidscaravan park life, road trip hacks and travel tipsself-publishing a bookwhy social media only shows half the storySimone also shares: her favourite destinations around Australiathe truth about living in a caravan full-timefunny travel disastersBig Lap packing mistakescaravan park hacksfamily travel advice for parents dreaming of doing a lap around AustraliaPlus, Simone’s son Louis joins the conversation to answer the Kid’s Corner questions! This episode also includes a short discussion relating to mental health and the Blue Tree Project in Australia. Please take care while listening with young children.  (at approx 23.26 mark) and open your heart and mind to those needing an old fashioned chat 💙 LINKS Follow Simone: @biglappers or @simoneskinnersmithBook: Passenger Princess: Underprepared and Overcaffeinated for the Big Lap available on Amazon and Kindle. https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/1923680129 Big Lap: Family Road Trip Around Australia (first episode full of tips)  https://pod.link/1819621151/episode/c2FsbHlzdGFudG9uLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tLzE4ZjdiZDkzLTg4NWEtM2I3NS1iZTIyLWU1MTIzZjFmYTg3ZA Connect Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions via @snacksandsuitcasespodcast@sallynanamisSnacks and Suitcases Facebook PageEmail: [email protected]   If you’re loving the show, make sure you’re following so you never miss an episode especially if you’ve got a family trip or road trip coming up. And if this episode made you smile, share it with another parent who may need that gentle nudge to set off on a big lap. Because if not now, then when? AND... Don't forget the snacks.  Hosted by Sally Stanton.

This week on Snacks and Suitcases, Sally is popping into your feed with a quick little update while the podcast takes a short mid-season breather. But no worries as she’ll be back next week with a brand new episode! In the meantime, now’s the perfect chance to catch up on any episodes you may have missed…. like road trips around New Zealand, All Inclusive Travel, Cruising with Kids plus loads more family travel ideas and tips. Thanks so much for all your support of Snacks and Suitcases. Follow @snacksandsuitcasespodcast for more family travel inspiration, travel hacks and destination ideas for parents travelling with kids. Hosted by Sally Stanton. Click for more episodes

Snacks and Suitcases will be back very soon with more family travel tips, travelling with kids advice and celebrity travel stories. In this quick update episode, Sally Stanton shares some of the best episodes to binge while the podcast is on pause, including chats with Hamish Blake, Ada Nicodemou, Emma Watkins (Emma Memma), Sophie Falkiner and Luke Jacobz. Planning a family holiday? Catch up on popular episodes covering Japan with kids, Bali with kids, snow holidays in Australia, Japan ski resorts, Livigno in Italy, eco-friendly tiny cabin escapes and more. Plus, Sally teases an upcoming episode with Simone Skinner-Smith, returning to the podcast to chat about her new travel memoir Passenger Princess: Underprepared and Over Caffeinated for the big lap, inspired by her family’s caravan trip around Australia. Whether you’re dreaming of a big lap around Australia, a white Christmas ski holiday or your next family getaway, there’s plenty to inspire your next adventure. Follow Snacks and Suitcases for more family travel inspiration, travel hacks and destination ideas for parents travelling with kids.

Beauty editor, podcast host and founder of Beauticate, Sigourney Cantelo joins Sally for a candid chat about luxury travel, travelling with kids, burnout, beauty on the go and rebuilding life after a mental health crisis. From interviewing celebrities around the world and launching one of Australia’s first beauty and wellness websites, to navigating motherhood, anxiety and family holidays with two kids, Sigourney shares the highs, challenges and lessons she’s learned along the way. They chat about Japan ski trips, Ibiza with babies, wellness retreats, favourite family-friendly luxury hotels, beauty travel essentials and why nature based travel has become so important to her wellbeing. Plus, Sigourney shares her (and her kid’s) favourite destinations, funniest travel mishaps and of course, the beauty products she never travels without. In this episode: Travel with children and evolving luxury standards Sigourney Cantelo's career journey from Vogue to entrepreneurship Mental health and burnout recovery in motherhood Travel routines and beauty essentials for busy moms The impact of nature and community on well-being Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Travel with Kids 01:08 Sigourney's Journey in Beauty and Wellness 07:14 Building BeautiKate and the Podcast 10:17 The Evolution of Luxury in Travel 13:48 Traveling Before Kids 17:01 Traveling with Kids: The First Experiences 20:10 The Challenges of Traveling with Young Children 24:45 The Reality of Family Travel 27:11 Exploring Local Destinations 29:15 Beauty Routines on the Go 30:41 The Power of Lanolin and Travel Essentials 37:05 Navigating Mental Health and Parenting 43:52 Embracing Nature and Family Life 45:10 Traveling with Kids: Experiences and Preferences 52:35 Beauty Essentials for Travel 54:41 Kids Corner: Travel Stories and Snacks 56:05 Fast Five: Quick Travel Preferences Resources https://www.instagram.com/sigourneycantelo/ https://www.instagram.com/beauticate/ Beauticate Beautiful Inside South Pacific Private - South Pacific Private Gwinganna Health Retreat - https://gwinganna.com/ Eden Health Retreat - https://eden.com.au/ Alba - https://albathermalsprings.com.au/ The Langham Gold Coast - https://www.langhamhotels.com/en/the-langham/gold-coast/ JW Marriot Gold Coast - https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/oolsp-jw-marriott-gold-coast-resort-and-spa/overview/   Connect Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions via @snacksandsuitcasespodcast @sallynanamis Snacks and Suitcases Facebook Page Email: [email protected]    If you’re loving the show, make sure you’re following so you never miss an episode especially if you’ve got a family trip or road trip coming up. And if this episode made you smile, share it with another parent whose idea of luxury has taken on a different meaning at this stage of life. Or… they just love a bit of good ole’ mum chat! AND... Don't forget the snacks.

Planning a Bali holiday with kids? This episode of Snacks and Suitcases is packed with tips to help make your family trip smooth, fun and stress free. Host Sally Stanton chats with Bianca from the Instagram page and blog Travel With My 3 Kids, a mum of three who knows exactly how to navigate Bali with a family in tow. From where to stay in Bali with kids to what it’s really like on the ground, this episode is full of real, relatable advice for parents. Bianca shares her experience travelling with three kids under 7 and what it’s like exploring Bali as a family, including the unexpected moments that come with travelling with kids. There’s also a personal side to this chat, as Bianca opens up about how her own childhood travel experiences shaped the way she travels with her kids today, and the story behind how she started her Instagram page and blog, Travel With My 3 Kids. And for anyone worried about Bali Belly, Sally admits she’s completely petrified, and Bianca steps in to reassure her with practical, no stress tips on how to avoid it and travel with confidence. They also dive into: The best areas to stay in Bali for families Real advice on Bali right now, including what families should know before they go What family travel actually looks like on the ground in Bali Easy ways to simplify your next family holiday It’s a relaxed, honest and super helpful conversation for any parent planning a Bali family holiday or looking to travel more confidently with kids Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Travel with Kids 02:34 Bianca's Unique Childhood and Early Travels 09:01 Overcoming Challenges: Bianca's Cancer Journey 10:49 From Passion to Profession: Blogging and Instagram 14:28 Exploring Kid-Friendly Destinations 16:50 The Allure of Bali: A Family Favorite 22:56 Navigating Food Safety and Health Concerns 27:53 Traveling Logistics: Tips for Families 29:04 Navigating Bali's Transportation 32:32 Exploring Bali: Affordable Luxury and Family-Friendly Options 35:33 Best Areas for Families in Bali 38:40 Must-Do Experiences with Kids in Bali 42:51 Family-Friendly Dining and Cultural Experiences 44:39 Kids Corner: Fun Questions and Unique Experiences 49:09 Fast Five: Quick Travel Tips and Insights   Resources Instagram: @travel.with.my.3.kids/ Blog  Travel with my 3 Kids   Connect Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions via @snacksandsuitcasespodcast @sallynanamis Snacks and Suitcases Facebook Page Email: [email protected]  If you’re loving the show, make sure you’re following so you never miss an episode especially if you’ve got a family trip or road trip coming up. And if this episode made you smile, share it with another parent who’s dreaming beautiful Bali! AND... Don't forget the snacks.

This bite-sized bonus episode of Snacks and Suitcases sees Sally Stanton sharing her honest review of an eco luxe tiny house stay with Into the Wild Escapes. After her main episode, Sally dives deeper into what it’s really like travelling with kids to a tiny house. Joined by her daughter Piper, she shares what worked, what surprised them and why this screen free escape was such a hit. Set in Laguna in the Lower Hunter Valley, just 90 minutes from Sydney, this family getaway was all about outdoor adventure, from bike riding and kangaroo spotting to campfire cooking and stargazing. Sally also shares practical tips on what to pack, what to leave at home and why less really is more on a tiny house holiday. If you’re considering a family friendly, eco travel experience in Australia, this episode will help you decide if a tiny house stay is right for you. ✨ In this episode: Tiny house Australia with kids review Screen free family holiday ideas Packing tips for tiny house stays Laguna and Hunter Valley travel inspiration   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Tiny House Escape 01:01 Exploring the Tiny House Experience 04:54 Art and Culture in Wallamby 06:02 Animal Encounters at the Sanctuary 08:06 Family Dynamics in a Tiny Space 10:32 Lessons from the Tiny House Stay 13:49 Conclusion and Reflections on the Experience Resources Into The Wild Escapes @in2thewildaus Dried Flower Creations @driedflowercreations Wollombi General Store / Art collective Trading Post Laguna Where Pigs Fly Sanctuary @wherepigsflysanctuary    Connect Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions via @snacksandsuitcasespodcast @sallynanamis Snacks and Suitcases Facebook Page Email: [email protected]    If you’re loving the show, make sure you’re following so you never miss an episode especially if you’ve got a family trip or road trip coming up. And if this episode made you smile, share it with another parent who’s dreaming of switching off and going green (with a little luxury) for their next family holiday. AND... Don't forget the S’mores! And Mulled Wine!

If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping the city with the kids, slowing right down and reconnecting in nature but without giving up your creature comforts… this episode is for you. On this episode of Snacks and Suitcases, Sally Stanton is joined by Renee Kidd from Into The Wild Escapes to explore the rise of eco luxe tiny homes in Australia and why they are becoming one of the most popular trends in family travel. Sally and Renee dive into what makes these off-grid escapes so special. With no WiFi and limited phone reception, families are encouraged to properly switch off. These eco-friendly tiny homes are all about sustainable travel without sacrificing comfort. Set in stunning natural locations, they offer cosy accommodation with a touch of luxury. Comfy big beds, hot showers, thoughtful design and beautiful surroundings, proving that eco travel does not mean roughing it. Renee shares the story behind Into The Wild Escapes and why more families are choosing screen-free, nature-based holidays to reconnect and reset. The episode is packed with practical insights for parents looking for unique, meaningful travel experiences with kids. At the end of the episode, Sally shares her own mini review after staying in one of the tiny homes with her family. From first impressions to what surprised her most, it is an honest look at what families can expect. Plus, there is a bonus episode coming, where Sally goes deeper into her personal experience and shares extra tips for planning your own eco luxe tiny home getaway. If you are searching for family travel ideas, eco travel inspiration, outdoor holidays with kids or unique places to stay in Australia, this episode delivers plenty of inspiration. In this episode: Eco travel and green tourism for families Why tiny homes are trending in family travel The benefits of no WiFi and screen-free holidays How the outdoors becomes the entertainment for kids What eco luxe accommodation really looks like Sally’s personal tiny home review Tips before booking an off-grid stay Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Green Tourism 01:50 Exploring Luxury Eco Tiny Houses 03:33 Family-Friendly Features of Tiny Homes 08:09 The Off-Grid Experience 12:03 Connecting with Nature and Family 17:12 Stargazing and Nature's Beauty 20:12 Packing for Your Tiny Home Adventure 23:04 Preparing Kids for Screen-Free Fun 25:02 The Story Behind Tiny Home Names 26:14 International Appeal of Tiny Homes 27:45 Exploring Australian Wildlife Up Close 29:15 A Day in a Tiny House: Slow Travel Experience 33:44 Connecting with Nature: Exploring Local Communities 37:52 Unique Features of Tiny Homes 39:00 Kids Corner: Addressing Concerns About Tiny Homes 42:11 The Importance of Eco-Tourism 44:15 Why Every Family Should Experience Tiny House Living Resources Into The Wild Escapes @in2thewildaus Dried Flower Creations @driedflowercreations Wollombi General Store / Art collective Trading Post Laguna Where Pigs Fly Sanctuary @wherepigsflysanctuary    Connect Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions via @snacksandsuitcasespodcast @sallynanamis Snacks and Suitcases Facebook Page Email: [email protected]    If you’re loving the show, make sure you’re following so you never miss an episode especially if you’ve got a family trip or road trip coming up.   And if this episode made you smile, share it with another parent who’s dreaming of switching off and going green (with a little luxury) for their next family holiday.   AND... Don't forget the S’mores! And Mulled Wine!

This bonus episode of Snacks and Suitcases dives into a powerful part of my chat with Emma Watkins that deserved its own moment. We explore how Emma weaves sign language into her Emma Memma shows, and how deaf and hard of hearing children experience music through movement, rhythm and visual storytelling. From her early exposure to Auslan, to performing globally with different sign languages, and working alongside her profoundly deaf co-performer Elvin — this is a fascinating, feel-good listen. If you’re curious about inclusive performance, or want to understand how music can connect in different ways, this one’s for you. 🎧 Catch the full episode with Emma for travel, touring life and behind-the-scenes stories. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Emma Watkins and Sign Language Integration 01:20 Early Exposure to Sign Language 02:38 Cultural Differences in Sign Language 04:54 The Role of Interpreters in Performances 06:59 Connection with Deaf Audiences 09:04 Unique Approach to Children's Performance 11:04 Experiencing Music Beyond Hearing 14:03 Conclusion and Future Endeavors   Resources Emma Memma Emma Memma Jungle Picnic Tour Ability Fest Deaf West Theatre Connect Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions via Instagram.com/snacksandsuitcasespodcast/ Instagram.com/sallynanamis/ Snacks and Suitcases Facebook Page Email: [email protected]  If you’re loving the show, make sure you’re following so you never miss an episode  especially if you’ve got a family trip or road trip coming up. And if this episode made you smile, share it with another parent who’s travelling with kids (or whose kids are obsessed with Emma Memma!). AND... Don't forget your snacks!

Today’s guest is someone your kids will absolutely know… and chances are, you do too. Dr Emma Watkins, also known as Emma Memma (and of course, the first female Yellow Wiggle) joins Sally Stanton for a fun, insightful and surprisingly moving chat about life on the road as a performer, her favourite childhood holidays, and what really connects with children all over the world. From performing in over 40 cities with over 150 shows, to travelling with a small team, Emma shares what it actually takes to bring a children’s production to life on tour and how she (and her sister Hayley) keep things running smoothly along the way. We talk packing hacks, colour-coded suitcases, life on tour buses, and the reality of travelling internationally with a full production. Plus, Emma opens up about her time on The Amazing Race, her tour life in the Wiggles,  and how her journey from ballet dancer to children’s entertainer (and now Doctor!) shaped everything she does today. But what makes Emma Memma truly special is what’s happening beneath the surface. Her shows beautifully integrate music, movement and sign language, creating a space where all children, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing, can connect, learn and feel included. It’s thoughtful, intentional and incredibly powerful. You’ll also hear how much she LOVES chocolate! Plus, an extra fun Kids’ Corner featuring questions from mini travellers and a few very sweet moments along the way. 🎧 Don’t miss Thursday’s bonus episode, where Emma dives deeper into sign language, working with deaf performers, and how her shows create meaningful connections for children all over the world Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Emma Watkins 04:21 Life on Tour with Emma Memma 08:00 Experiences on The Amazing Race 12:21 Cultural Experiences in India 15:40 Life on a Tour Bus 19:01 Connecting with Local Communities 20:39 Life in the Southern Highlands 22:41 The Joy of Touring 24:10 Managing a Touring Team 25:33 The Essence of Emma Memma 27:50 The Roots of Sign Language Passion 29:30 Universal Language in Performance 31:35 Engaging Children Through Performance 34:09 The Evolution of Emma Memma 36:18 What Lights Up Children? 38:32 Supporting Parents and Educators 39:10 Collaborations with Iconic Brands 42:12 Kids Corner: Childhood Memories 47:36 Future Adventures and Travel Dreams 49:18 Rapid Fire Questions and Fun Facts   Resources Emma Memma Emma Memma Jungle Picnic Tour   Connect Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions via https://www.instagram.com/sallynanamis/ https://www.instagram.com/snacksandsuitcasespodcast/ Snacks and Suitcases Facebook Page Email: [email protected]  If you're enjoying the show, make sure you’re following so you never miss an episode especially if you’ve got a family trip or road trip coming up. And if this episode made you smile, share it with another parent who’s travelling with kids (or whose kids are obsessed with Emma Memma!). AND... Don't forget your snacks!