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Packing for Europe with kids doesn’t have to mean hauling half your closet across the ocean. Let’s get real: one of the most daunting parts of international travel with kids is the bags. I’m a little maniacal about my lists in the weeks leading up to a trip, and it’s taken a whole lot of trial and embarrassing error to land on a system that works for our family. You should see my checklists and post-it notes and highlighters. I've spent years fumbling through suitcases, car seats and obsessing over supplies for "what if somebody gets sick". On our July trip to Europe, I jotted down tips in real time, as it was happening, and built this solo episode from my notes. It's a good one to save and listen to before you roll out your luggage. I’m walking you through how I build our family packing list for Europe, from that very first list to the last zipper. I wanted to give more meaning and context, so this one goes beyond the suitcase. We talk about the mindset that turned packing from a dreaded chore into a fun challenge for me (something our wildfire taught me), and how to get your whole household ready before you peace out for the airport. It's a lot about cognitive offload, lightening your mental load (you know, my love language as a millennial mom): being purposeful about putting pieces in place ahead of time so you can stop second-guessing. The goal here is to get you to the "settle in and enjoy it" phase faster. IN THIS EPISODE “Forced minimalism”: what losing every possession in our wildfire taught me about packing light and choosing fewer, better piecesStart with the type of trip, then set your goal: how your bag count shapes decisions from there on outWhy I start two to three weeks out (I love to ease into a trip) The questions I ask before packing medicine plus where I don't cut corners What to bring vs. what to buy when you land My capsule wardrobe for travel, and why it doesn’t have to be all neutrals. Life is too short to leave your pretty dresses at home!Planning for laundry so you’re not packing for two full weeksKids’ clothes, shoes, and the bright-color trick for spotting each other in a crowded airportPeace-of-mind safety steps: AirTags, an ID bracelet for little ones, and the itinerary I send to our emergency contactsGetting kids excited before you go, kids’ activities for long flights, and the toiletry-bag hack that keeps all those little pieces from exploding in their backpacksHousehold prep: depleting the fridge, checking passports MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Hatch travel sound machineAnker battery packDolly Parton’s Imagination LibraryDr. Bronner’s soap (I love the lavender)Seventh Generation laundry detergent sheetsCONNECT Instagram: @untethered_childhoodEmail: [email protected] light where you can, bring what makes you feel like yourself, and let the rest work itself out once you land. Keep raising explorers.

Ischia: Italy's laid-back island, waiting to be discovered. Off the coast of Naples, there's an island with over a hundred natural hot springs, a castle that lights up the night sky, and a pace of life that makes you forget where you left your phone. Ischia is the lesser-known island in the Bay of Naples: lush, volcanic, and wonderfully unfussy. The people pull you in like you're one of their own, and the kids on the beach will have yours playing ball with them before lunch hits the table. In this solo episode, Jordan cracks open her travel journal from five days on Ischia with her husband, two kids, and her in-laws, the slow, sunny ending to a faster-paced trip through Italy. The first half gives you a feel for the island: the spa day, the castle, the food, the little fishing village. The second half covers the nuts and bolts: where to stay, how to get around, and what she'd do differently next time. IN THIS EPISODE Where Ischia sits in the Bay of Naples, and why it's a natural fit for families who want to settle inA full day at Negombo: 14 thermal pools carved into rock and caves, a cove full of yachts, and a lunch "kiosk" that turned out to be something much betterHow a grilled chicken leg and an orange Italian Fanta made a little boy proud as a peacockGiardini Ravino, a garden built from a sea captain's 40-year plant collection, with peacocks roaming the grounds (plus a heads-up for toddlers and cacti)Sant'Angelo, the car-free fishing village where kids can roam and playCastello Aragonese, first built in 474 BC: pirate stories, dungeons, and how to tour itConiglio all'ischitana, the slow-braised rabbit dish + the island history behind itThree fave restaurants Rooftop aperitivo with a castle viewGetting around: walkable streets, a stroller-friendly town, cash-only taxis, and a very memorable rental carWhat's on the list for next time -- yay for learnings!DESTINATIONS COVERED — ISCHIA, ITALY Ischia Porto (Via Roma, Corso Vittoria Colonna)Ischia Ponte and Castello AragoneseForio and Giardini RavinoSant'AngeloNegombo thermal park WHERE WE STAYED + ATE Villa DurrueliDortasAurasPorcavacca Steakhouse RESOURCES Coming soon: our episode on navigating Italy's ferries with kidsInstagram: @untethered_childhoodEmail: [email protected] places ask you to keep everything running. Some just let you be there. Keep raising explorers. Memories don't burn.

Okay, y'all. You voted, and Argentina won! So we went deep. We're building a three-week trip to Argentina together, and by the time we hit the end of the world (Ushuaia, that is), you're going to want to book it. Argentina is one of those countries that's almost impossible to encapsulate in one sentence: jungle waterfalls, wine country at the foot of the Andes, glaciers, penguins, a lake town that looks like it was picked up out of Switzerland. So we're not summing it up. We're going stop by stop, and I've got the two best people to walk us through it. Kathleen Hall and Melanie Marsell are the powerhouse duo behind Explore the Americas, a women-owned family travel company built around Latin America. Together they've designed more than 3,000 trips, personally tested over 500 properties, and been featured in Travel + Leisure, HuffPost, and Authority Magazine. Melanie is a proud tica who grew up on a farm in rural Costa Rica and has been working in Costa Rican tourism since 2011. Kathleen started out as a biologist, came to Costa Rica to study abroad eleven years ago, took a job at the beach, planned to stay a year... and never left! What keeps things extra interesting is they have opposing viewpoints on some travel areas, so we really get some flavor here. Kathleen's a Brazil gal, Melanie's a Chile gal, and it makes for the most fun conversation. Oh, and Melanie recorded our episode 38 weeks pregnant. I always say mamas on the brink of delivery get stuff DONE, y'all! I pulled up my map, we got to work, and I only butchered a few pronunciations along the way. (Kathleen gave my "Buenos Aires" an 8 out of 10. I'll take it!) In this episode: The Buenos Aires neighborhoods they send every family toEstancias, gauchos, and asado, just an hour outside the cityIguazú Falls: why the Argentine side puts you in the falls, the boat ride that's a whole lot more than mist, and the famous walkway not to plan your trip aroundMendoza, which Melanie calls a hidden gem for families: horseback riding in the Andes, the Vendimia harvest festival, and a winery tour that sends you home with a bottle your kid designedBariloche and Northern Patagonia: lakes, paddleboarding, and a chocolate tour with major Willy Wonka energyEl Calafate and the Perito Moreno Glacier, and why you don't have to be an "ultimate trekker" to do Patagonia El Chaltén for you hiking familiesHopping over to Chile for Torres del Paine (and puma tracking!)Ushuaia: the End of the World train, penguins, and the Beagle ChannelWhy Argentina is a jet lag win for US families: one time zone, about an hour off EasternGetting around a very long country, including the two-airport mistake in Buenos AiresBabysitting, when to go, visas, and vaccinesWe briefly get into a Disney comparison, and I promise it's not the same ole tired comparison argument you've heard over and over againDestinations — ARGENTINA (+ A LITTLE CHILE & BRAZIL) Buenos Aires: Palermo, Recoleta, tango dinner showsEstancias outside Buenos AiresIguazú Falls and the Devil's Throat (Garganta del Diablo)MendozaBarilocheEl Calafate and the Perito Moreno GlacierEl Chaltén and Fitz RoyTorres del Paine, ChileUshuaia, Tierra del Fuego National Park, and the Beagle ChannelGuests: Kathleen Hall and Melanie Marsell, co-founders of Explore the Americas exploretheamericastravel.com | Instagram: @exploretheamericastravel Email: [email protected] Follow along on Instagram: @untethered_childhood and email - [email protected] ¡Vamos! We're raising explorers together.

Have you ever been curious about the science behind novelty and child development? Why a food they've never had before, or hearing a language they don't recognize, can light up their brain? Well today, we're breaking it all down! Dr. Jacqueline Harding is an internationally recognized child development expert whose career spans advising the UK government, practitioners, and parents, and shaping the children's TV shows kids grow up on, from Peter Rabbit to Teletubbies! In this conversation, she and Jordan dig into the science behind her latest book, The Brain That Loves to Laugh: A Visual Guide to Humour and Human Connection in the Early Years — why laughter drops cortisol and reverses the stress response, and what she calls the "triangle": the shared attention, eye gaze, and closeness that build real connection between a parent and child, whether you're across the table or across an ocean. From there, they get into novelty: how new places, new people, and new languages activate a child's brain in ways familiar routines can't, and why that novelty is what makes travel memories stick. They talk about why resilience is something kids learn by watching how the adults around them handle a setback (canceled flights included!) and why it's never too late to reconnect with a child. Of course, we had to save some time at the end to get Dr. Harding's list of favorite spots for a family trip to England (her homeland), from a whirlwind day in London to slower days in the Oxfordshire countryside. Key Takeaways: Hope, humor, and human connection as what Dr. Harding calls essential nutrients for a developing brainThe "triangle" (shared attention, eye gaze, and close proximity)The brain's "Velcro for negative, Teflon for positive" wiring, and why kids need an abundance of good experiences How novelty from traveling opens up a child's brain from a narrow "spotlight" of focus to a wider "lantern" of creative awarenessThe NASA-funded creativity studyNeuroplasticity and why it's never too late to reconnect with a childModeling resilience for kids during travel setbacks Why children need to feel safe before they can be creative or take social risks Dr. Harding's recommendations for a family trip to England: London highlights (Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Big Ben, Oxford Street, the Thames at night, Hyde Park, London Zoo) and slower days exploring the Oxfordshire countrysideAbout the GuestDr. Jacqueline Harding is an internationally recognized child development and education expert who advises the UK government, practitioners, and parents. She's the founder of Tomorrow's Child and TCTV, chair of the Bright Start Foundation, and an Honorary Visiting Research Fellow at Middlesex University, and previously served as a BBC Education Editor, government consultant, and headteacher. She's worked on children's TV shows including Peter Rabbit, Teletubbies, Clangers, BBC's BeddyByes and My First, and CBeebies Parenting, and recently consulted with Disney and Mattel on the Toy Story 5 toy line. She's the author of more than 40 books, including her trilogy The Brain That Loves to Play, The Brain That Loves to Laugh, and Little Brains Love to Talk, alongside children's books. She's a mother of four and grandmother of nine, and lives just outside Oxford, England. Dr. Jacqueline Harding's website: drjacquelineharding.comFollow Untethered Childhood on Instagram: @untethered_childhood

Bali with Kids: Alison Emerick's Guide to Family Travel in IndonesiaThe island that overwhelms you on arrival — and is nearly impossible to leave. There's a place where restaurant staff hold your baby so you can finish your meal, where kids aren't just tolerated but celebrated, and where six months planned turned into three years lived. That's Bali, according to today's guest. Alison Emerick's family spent three years living in Bali — sandwiched between two years in Singapore and their current home in Lisbon — moving there when her kids were just three and five years old. She's walking through everything a first-time family needs to know: how to survive the flight, where to actually stay, which beaches are worth it (spoiler — not many), and what happens when your kid splits her chin open! Meet Alison Alison is a writer, photographer, and American mom of two now living in Lisbon after nearly seven years abroad — first in Singapore, then three years in Bali. She's the founder of Semicurated Life and the author of a comprehensive Bali Family Guide covering neighborhoods, sample itineraries, and safety information for families. Before any of it, she studied French and International Studies and teaching English in Japan through the JET Program. In This Episode: Where Bali is in this great big world, and how to get thereSurviving the long-haul flight: overnight legs, screens without guilt, and why Singapore Airlines tops her listThe airport "taxi mafia" and why a prearranged private driver is worth arranging in advanceHealth and safety on the ground: dengue, rabies, motorbike accidents, and the reality of pay-before-they-treat-you healthcare — including the day her daughter split her chin open and needed stitches under anesthesiaArea-by-area breakdown: Sanur vs. Nusa Dua vs. the South Bali resort towns vs. UbudWhy Ubud disappoints more families than it delights, and where she sends people insteadIsland-hopping options: Nusa Lembongan for the beaches Bali itself doesn't really deliver, and Flores for Komodo dragons and some of the best snorkeling of their time in IndonesiaWhat things actually cost: villas, private drivers, food delivery, childcare, massagesThe daily offerings (canang sari) woven into everyday Balinese life, and what they taught her kidsWhen to go: the wet-versus-dry season breakdown, and her least-favorite month to visit Links + Resources  Follow Alison’s adventures on Instagram: @semicuratedlife  Alison’s Bali Family Guide: https://stan.store/semicuratedlife/p/get-my-bali-guide-for-families-now Semicuratedlife site: https://semicuratedlife.com/ Questions or episode ideas? [email protected] Follow the show: Instagram @untethered_childhood

Italy is one of those countries you dream about taking your kids for years....because, it's Italy! If you're itching for a family trip to Italy, we have some ideas and starting points for you. There are 20 distinctive regions, and today we're zooming into Southern Italy - the CAMPANIA region! This "happy land" is the region that gave us Amalfi Coast, Naples, Pompeii, and Sorrento. Luigi Panella is a Southern Italian luxury chauffeur who was born and raised in Campania and has spent the last 15 years guiding families through the region he knows through and through. He's the kind of guide who doesn't just drive you somewhere, he tells you what you're standing on. I've trusted him with two of my own Italy trips, including one with two very small kids, and he is a big reason those trips worked so well for us. This episode is a window into what a Southern Italy trip for a family could look like, the sweet hidden stops along the coast, the food, and how to approach it with kids. It's an insider's guide. I truly think if you go with your kids, it'll leave a lasting impression on all of you. Wherever you are in your planning — just dreaming or actively researching — we hope you leave feeling inspired. Andiamo! In This EpisodeWhy the Romans called Southern Italy's Campania region Campania Felix — the Happy Land — and why it still earns that nameThe mindset shift Luigi says will make or break your Italy trip: come as a traveler, not a tourist, and choose one or two regions to really sink intoThe case Luigi makes for ditching the car and seeing the Amalfi Coast by boat with young kids (from the man who's driven that road hundreds of times)Where to base your family on the Amalfi Coast, and how to hop between villages by ferry like a localThe layers hiding underneath the coast's 13 towns — including an ancient Roman villa buried beneath a church in Positano, the cave at Conca dei Marini (La Grotta dello Smeraldo), and why Ravello inspired a Wagner operaWhy Luigi calls Naples a "giant playground of history and flavors" — and what it takes to see it that waySorrento as the ideal family home base: stroller-friendly, walkable, connected by train, and deeply localWhy kids love Pompeii (the volcano backdrop, the Romans' big cobblestones, the sense of a city frozen in time)Making the case for Matera — a UNESCO World Heritage city where people lived in caves until the 1950s — and its neighbor Alberobello and its iconic trulli stone housesLuigi's cheat sheet for spotting a tourist trap restaurant vs. the real thing (short menu, slow pasta, dinner at 7:30)What Southern Italy's food culture teaches kids about slowing down, lingering at the table, and what it means when someone says prendiamoci un caffè Links + Resources🌐 Luigi Panella: luigipanella.com 📱 Instagram: @LuigiPanellaLuxuryChauffeurs 📩 Questions or feedback? [email protected] 📱 Follow along: @untethered_childhood You go to Italy for the views. You leave with something deeper. Keep raising explorers.

You did not come this far to leave without knowing about luggage forwarding. Part 2 of our Japan series with Jo MacGregor is here — and this one is all about the stuff that actually makes or breaks a trip. Phrases to teach your kids before you land. The konbini experience that her kids sprint toward the second they touch down. Omakase with children (yes, really). Playgrounds that look like they were designed by a giant who loved Godzilla. And the luggage forwarding system that will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about traveling with kids. If you missed Part 1, go back and start there — it's a full three-week itinerary, city by city. This episode picks up where that one left off. IN THIS EPISODE Two mistakes families make when planning a Japan trip (and one of them will surprise you)Why Jo says strollers are non-negotiable Are kids actually treated like celebrities in Japan? Jo gives an honest, nuanced answerWhat to do if your family has gluten-free needs — including a Facebook group Jo recommends and a kitchen hack that changes the equationHow to read a room, Japanese-style: the cultural motto Jo uses with her own kids everywhere they travelJapanese phrases to teach your kids before the flight lands (including the one that will make every waiter light up)Konbini culture — what it is, why whole YouTube channels are dedicated to it, and why it might become the highlight of your kids' tripOmakase explained: what it actually means in Japan versus what we think it means, and how to do it smartly with a familyThe playgrounds. We talk about the playgrounds.Sumo and baseball — the seasonal schedule you need if either of these is on your listLuggage forwarding: the system that lets you travel like a local and pack like a human beingWhat Jo would say to a family the night before their first Japan trip if they called her in a panic LINKS + RESOURCES thetokyochapter.com — Jo updates her area guides constantly with new finds. Bookmark it! Jo on Instagram @thetokyochapter Find me at @untethered_childhood or [email protected]

Japan has been peeking out of your bucket list for years. Today we're handing you the map — and for the next hour, we are transporting you there. We are thrilled and honored to bring Jo MacGregor to the show for a special two-part series on Japan. Jo is a mom, language aficionado, Japan expert, and the author behind The Tokyo Chapter — the most-read Japan with kids blog out there. She is precisely what you need if you're interested in Japan — she brings a level of detail that will make your heart smile and immediately put you at ease.  She fell in love with Japan at fifteen as a full-immersion exchange student, spent most of her twenties living and working there (hotel concierge, ballet school, you name it), met her Scottish husband in Japan, and then moved back with babies. She's been going back three to four times a year ever since, keeping every restaurant rec, every playground tip, every detail on her blog FRESH and CURRENT. She lives in Melbourne now. She leaves no stone unturned. When you'll meet her you'll get it. You'll understand why I say we need a Jo MacGregor on every continent!! Here's what makes Jo different from every other Japan resource you'll find: her blog is the tips, the findings, and the honest mistakes — so you don't have to make them. Their life in and out of Japan is colorful and adventurous, and also beautifully normal and relatable.  This is Part 1 of a two-part Japan series. Today: the destinations and a full three-week family itinerary, city by city. Part 2 next week covers the practical details — what to book and when, those legendary Japanese playgrounds, convenience store culture, phrases you can practice with your kids and more. So make sure you come back next week! IN THIS EPISODE Jo's three-week family itinerary: Tokyo → Takayama → Kanazawa → Kyoto → Hiroshima → Miyajima → back to TokyoHow a fifteen-year-old exchange student became the internet's most trusted Japan-with-kids resourceWhat Japan smells, sounds, and feels like before you've even formed a thoughtFuturistic and modern meets old world elegance — the striking contrasts that make this country unlike anywhere else on earthTakayama: dreamy mix of old wooden streets and mountain air where time slowsRyokans, onsens, and the story of Jo's son who was a terrible sleeper — until Japan fixed him overnightHow to take your kids to Hiroshima in a way that's honest and age-appropriate LINKS + RESOURCES thetokyochapter.com — free area guides for every city in the itinerary, broken down neighborhood by neighborhood. Start here. Jo on Instagram @thetokyochapter — real-time tips, kids on trains, convenience store runs, all of it. Find me on Instagram @untethered_childhood or at [email protected] — tell me where you want to go next. Part 2 with Jo drops next week.

What if this was the year you made the swap? Same budget. Same week off. Just somewhere new — a little outside your comfort zone, but not as far as you might think. This week I'm sitting down with my real-life friend (and one of the savviest travel minds I know) Marion Donat, a travel advisor with Fora Travel who has a way of making international family travel feel less scary and way more possible. She's a mom of two based in Texas, and Marion and I have known each other for nearly two decades — I've admired her adventures and her work for a long time. In this episode, we dig into two destinations Marion keeps coming back to for families: Belize and Mexico City. Ready to be surprised? Both are closer, easier, and more affordable than you'd expect. What You'll Learn in This Episode Ever since I started thinking about my own philosophy around family travel, one thing has gnawed at me: why do we keep going back to the same places? What are we missing?Why Belize might be an awesome gateway international destination for American families (think: English spoken everywhere, US dollars accepted, short direct flights, same time zone, and nurse sharks your kids will talk about forever)Why Mexico City is more manageable than it sounds for families, and how to find neighborhoods where you feel the city, not just see itHow staying in a short-term apartment rental puts you right in the middle of local life — pool, soccer field, supermarket downstairs, and allThe only Michelin-starred taco stand in the world—and why Marion's son still begs to go backHow Marion balances building a packed itinerary with leaving room to actually breathe and wanderWhat Marion hopes her kids carry with them from all of this travel when they grow up — this one will stay with you About Marion Donat: Marion Donat is a travel advisor with Fora Travel specializing in international trips for families with young kids. She has a background in hospitality and corporate meeting planning—which basically means she has spent her whole career figuring out how to make travel work, beautifully, for other people. Marion grew up in Newport, Arkansas (small world!) and traces her love of travel back to sitting around her grandmother's kitchen table as a little girl, hearing stories about Buenos Aires and African safaris, and thinking I want that. These days, she's the person who helps families stop scrolling "someday" destinations and start actually booking them. Instagram: @mcd.travelsMarion Donat — Fora Travel Destinations Covered: Belize: San Pedro / Ambergris CayeBarrier Reef snorkelingSwimming with nurse sharksMayan ruins + howler monkeys + carpenter antsFishing for your lunchGolf cart transportation (kids lose their minds over this) Mexico City (CDMX): Roma Norte neighborhoodThe best children's museum Marion's family has ever visitedMuseo Nacional de Antropología (giant artifacts that made her kids feel tiny in the best way)Lucha libre wrestling at Arena MéxicoFrida Kahlo MuseumThe only Michelin-rated taco stand in the worldDay trip option: Teotihuacán pyramids + hot air balloons Thanks for listening to Untethered Childhood. We're raising explorers together. I'll see you next time.

You Don't Get Extra Time if You Give it Away: Peru with Heather Greenwood Davis Some conversations stay with you. This is one of them. In this episode of Untethered Childhood, host Jordan Neri sits down with Heather Greenwood Davis, a travel journalist, on-air personality, and mother of two who left a law career behind to build a life around storytelling and travel. In 2011, Heather, her husband Ish, and their two sons spent an entire year traveling the world together — 29 countries, six continents, 365 days. National Geographic named them their 2012 Travelers of the Year. In this episode, we hear about what that time taught her kids and what it taught her as a mother. About Our Guest: Heather Greenwood Davis is a force — she's been kicking doors wide open. She was the first Black woman to hold a travel column at both of Canada's national newspapers, The Toronto Star and The Globe and Mail. For over 20 years, she's told travel stories that encourage parents to raise global citizens without sacrificing their own dreams. Her work has appeared in National Geographic (where she's been a contributing editor and columnist), Travel+Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, and AFAR. She's appeared on and hosted travel segments on Good Morning America, CBS Sunday Morning, CTV's The Social, and CHCH Morning Live. She's won multiple gold awards for her writing, was named the Family Travel Association's Person of the Year, and was a finalist for Global Travel Writer of the Year. Heather's approach to travel and parenting comes down to this: we each get a life, and living yours fully isn't something to apologize for. She believes the world is kind and that the best thing you can do for your kids is show them — by example — what it looks like to be fulfilled. What We Cover: How Heather left a law career to return to journalism and travel writing and why creating that space changed everythingPeru as the family test drive before the year-long trip — what surprised them and what they learned about their kidsWhy Heather believes the best trips leave breathing room instead of packing every minuteRaising global citizens at home, even before you book a flightThe truth about motherhood no one says out loud: being fulfilled as a person makes you a better parent Destination: Peru LimaOllantaytamboMachu PicchuCuscoMirafloresRecommended tour company: G Adventures (partners with National Geographic) — gadventures.comHotel recommendation: SUMAQ Machu Picchu Hotel — family owned, incredible personal service, right at the bus stop to Machu Picchu — sumaqhotelperu.com Resources: Heather Greenwood Davis: heathergreenwooddavis.comInstagram: @byheathergdTV: CTV's The Social, CHCH Morning LivePublications: National Geographic, AFAR, Travel+Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, The Globe and MailG Adventures family tours: gadventures.com Untethered Childhood: Instagram: @untethered_childhoodEmail us your topic ideas: [email protected]

Think Ecuador might be too ambitious for a family trip? Kevin Wagar would disagree—and after hearing about his family's two-week adventure, you might too. Kevin is a journalist, photographer, and dad of two who's taken his sons to over a dozen countries since they were toddlers. He and his wife Christina plan trips around activities that build confidence, and Ecuador delivered: volcanoes, cloud forests, the Galapagos Islands, and the Amazon rainforest. In this episode, Kevin walks us through their itinerary, sharing why Ecuador turned out to be such a memorable trip. About Our Guest: Kevin Wagar is a journalist, photographer, and travel writer based just outside Toronto, Ontario. He's the creator behind Wandering Wagars, where he documents family adventures. Kevin's approach to travel is rooted in curiosity and intention. His family chooses culture and meaningful experiences over convenience and routine. They're happiest hiking through wild landscapes, sharing meals that tell a story, and staying in places with character. For Kevin, travel is about learning how the world works, understanding different perspectives, and growing together as a family. His work exists to show other families what's possible when you choose to travel with purpose. In this episode, we dig into these places in Ecuador: Quito: Valley of the Volcanoes, incredible food scene, equator museumsOtavalo: Textile market, animal market, Indigenous music workshopsCotopaxi National Park: Wild horses, volcano views, rustic lodge experienceQuilotoa: Crater lake, steep kayaking adventure, downhill mountain biking disaster (in the best way)Galapagos Islands: Small boat cruises, marine iguanas, sea lions, hawks, snorkelingEcuadorian Amazon (via Coca): La Selva Lodge, piranha fishing, canopy walks, Indigenous community visits Resources: Wandering Wagars: www.wanderingwagars.com Detailed Ecuador itinerary with accommodation recommendationsYouTube videos showing the Quilotoa hike, Galapagos wildlife, Amazon adventuresInstagram: @wanderingwagarsUntethered Childhood Instagram: @untethered_childhood

Want to see wildlife with your kids but not sure where to start planning? This episode is your roadmap. Host Jordan Neri sits down with Dearbhaile Ni Dhubhghaill, a zoologist, conservationist, and founder of This Wildlife of Mine. Dearbhaile has worked with cheetahs in Namibia, sea turtles in Cape Verde, and researched wildlife on every single continent. We're diving deep into two family-friendly destinations: Namibia (Africa's best-kept secret for safaris) and Australia's East Coast. Dearbhaile walks through exactly how to plan these trips—where to go, what to expect, how to research ethical experiences, and why some of the best wildlife encounters require a little patience and a willingness to "earn it." This isn't about checking boxes or getting Instagram shots. It's about fostering empathy in your kids, teaching them to observe and wait, and giving them experiences that books and documentaries just can't replicate. What You'll Learn: What a cassowary is and why your kids will think they're seeing dinosaursWhy Namibia beats South Africa and Kenya for family safaris (hint: you won't be surrounded by dozens of other vehicles)The red flags to watch for when researching wildlife experiences How to self-drive through Etosha National Park and actually see leopards in the wildWhy Australia's East Coast is one of the best road trips in the world for wildlifeWhy stillness and silence in places like Namibia might be exactly what your overstimulated family needs About Our Guest: Dearbhaile Ni Dhubhghaill is a zoologist, conservationist, writer, photographer, and founder of This Wildlife of Mine. She graduated top of her class at University College Dublin with a degree in zoology and animal biology, earning the zoology medal for her achievements, and continued her studies at Linköping University in Sweden focusing on applied ethology and animal biology. Her real education? The field. She's worked as a researcher at the Cheetah Conservation Fund in Namibia, as a field research assistant with OSA Conservation in Costa Rica, in wildlife rehabilitation in Ontario and Malawi, and studied kestrels in Spain. She's been to every continent and now lives in a medieval town in Italy (next door to a castle, naturally). Most importantly? She has an infectious passion for animals and a gift for making wildlife conservation feel approachable, not intimidating. Untethered Childhood Instagram: @untethered_childhood This Wildlife of Mine: www.thiswildlifeofmine.com Travel blog with wildlife-focused destination guidesInstagram: @thiswildlifeofmine_ Destinations Discussed: Namibia: Etosha National Park, Skeleton Coast, Caprivi StripAustralia: Fraser Island (K'gari), Great Barrier Reef, Whitsunday Islands, Cape Tribulation, Brisbane to Cairns stretch

Is anxiety about how your kids will sleep holding you back from booking that international trip? You're not alone—and this episode is here to change that. Host Jordan Neri sits down with Dr. Erin Flynn-Evans, a Harvard-trained sleep scientist with over 15 years of experience in sleep medicine, to tackle one of parents' biggest travel fears: jet lag and sleep disruption. Dr. Flynn-Evans breaks down the science of circadian rhythms in a way that's actually practical (not overwhelming!) and shares actionable strategies for helping your kids—and yourself—adjust to new time zones. From understanding why your toddler is wide awake at 2 a.m. in Paris to learning which items actually matter on your packing list, this conversation is packed with expert insights that will make you feel equipped and confident to plan that trip you've been putting off. What You'll Learn: The science behind circadian rhythms and what's actually happening in your child's body during jet lagSpecific strategies for eastward vs. westward travel Why traveling with infants might actually be easier than you thinkHow to embrace cultural norms (hello, 10 p.m. Italian dinners!) without derailing sleepThe essential vs. unnecessary items for your travel packing listHelpful phrases to use when negotiating with your wide-awake four-year-old at 2 a.m.How to protect your own energy while managing your kids' sleep schedules abroadWhy Dr. Flynn-Evans believes the transformative power of travel is worth the temporary disruption About Our Guest: Dr. Erin Flynn-Evans is a Harvard-trained sleep scientist who worked in the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital for over 15 years. She's a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Society for Research on Biological Rhythms, with 65 published peer-reviewed articles examining the effects of sleep loss and circadian misalignment. She's co-author of "Baby Sleep Science Guide: Overcoming the Four-Month Sleep Regression" and co-founder of Baby Sleep Science, a resource center providing parents with customized, science-backed sleep solutions. She holds a PhD from the University of Surrey in the UK and a Master in Public Health from Harvard School of Public Health. Most importantly? She's a mom of two who has traveled the globe with her kids and has a refreshing perspective on integrating motherhood with her career. Key Takeaways: ✈️ Light is your secret weapon: Use bright morning light when traveling east, evening light when traveling west to help reset circadian rhythms 🌍 Embrace the culture: Sometimes staying on home time and enjoying late dinners abroad is easier than forcing a shift 👶 Infants are portable: Young babies' flexible sleep schedules can actually make them easier travel companions than older kids 🧳 Pack smart, not heavy: Familiar sleep cues (sleep sack, lovey) matter more than recreating your entire home routine ⏰ Compromise is key: Start with later bedtimes when traveling east, gradually shift earlier each day 🛏️ Routines still matter: Maintain shortened versions of bedtime routines to signal sleep time 💡 Creative solutions work: Aluminum foil on windows in Iceland's 24-hour daylight? Totally valid! Resources Mentioned: Baby Sleep Science: www.babysleepscience.com Free blog with comprehensive sleep resourcesFree jet lag travel guides for planning your trips

In this episode of the Untethered Childhood Podcast, host Jordan Neri speaks with environmental scientist and regenerative tourism expert Susana Shankar (Sooz) about the significance of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They explore how these sites serve as transformative travel experiences for families, fostering global citizenship and environmental responsibility. Sooz shares her personal journey into regenerative tourism, the importance of understanding UNESCO designations, and how travel can be a powerful teacher for children. The conversation also highlights kid-friendly UNESCO sites, cultural and natural heritage experiences, and the value of agritourism. Destinations covered: 🇦🇺 Kakado National Park, Australia🇮🇹 Cinque Terre, Italy🇨🇦 Canadian Rockies Chapters 00:00 Introduction to UNESCO World Heritage Sites02:54 Transformative Travel Experiences05:49 The Journey to Regenerative Tourism08:59 Personal Impact of Travel11:46 Understanding UNESCO Designations14:55 The Importance of UNESCO Sites17:59 UNESCO Sites as Living Classrooms21:05 Kid-Friendly UNESCO Destinations24:04 Cultural Highlights: Cinque Terre30:00 Natural Wonders: Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks37:21 Traveling to UNESCO Sites: A Journey Begins39:01 Exploring Mixed UNESCO Sites: Kakadu National Park44:37 Cultural Immersion: Learning from Indigenous Communities46:19 Raising Global Citizens: The Role of Education in Travel52:13 Conversations on Conservation: Teaching Kids Responsibility01:01:23 Agritourism: Connecting Kids with Food and Nature01:09:03 Keeping the Spirit Alive: Post-Travel Reflections

Meet Jordan Neri, your host and conversation starter for Untethered Childhood. A mom raising two little explorers, Jordan shares the personal story behind why she started this podcast. After losing her home in Colorado's Marshall wildfire, she opens up about the profound reset that led her family to reprioritize experiences over possessions—and why she's passionate about helping millennial parents rethink international travel with young kids. This season, we're bringing experts to the table to break down what makes an adventure worthwhile: connection. And connection starts with conversations. So if you're curious about taking your kids on a meaningful international adventure, this is her story, her why, and an invitation to learn right alongside her.