Ready Set Depart

Lassen Volcanic National Park in Northern California is one of the most underrated national parks and in this episode, I’m sharing why it’s such a great destination for families. Located near Redding, this Park offers geothermal features similar to Yellowstone, but with far fewer crowds and a more manageable size for kids. I walk you through how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do, including scenic pull-offs, easy hikes like Devastation Trail, and must-see spots like Sulphur Works. I also share practical travel tips, from preparing kids for hydrothermal areas to making the most of the Junior Ranger program. If you’re looking for a family-friendly National Park that’s beautiful, unique, and off the beaten path, Lassen should be on your list.

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You’ve probably heard people say they want to see the cherry blossoms in Washington, DC, but did you know that visiting during the National Cherry Blossom Festival doesn’t always mean you’ll actually see the blooms? In this episode, I’m breaking down the difference between peak bloom and the festival so you can plan your trip at the right time. I’ll walk you through when to go, where to stay, how to get around with kids, and what a realistic day might look like. Plus, I’m sharing what to do if you miss peak bloom (because your trip can still be amazing). If a spring trip to DC is on your list, this episode will help you feel prepared and excited to go.

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In this episode of Ready Set Depart, we’re heading to Sequoia National Park in California - home to some of the largest trees on Earth and one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes you can experience as a family. From how to get there and where to stay, to what you absolutely shouldn’t miss once you arrive, we’re sharing everything you need to know to plan your trip with confidence. If you’re looking for a national park adventure that feels both manageable and unforgettable, Sequoia might be the perfect place to start.

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Spring break is here, flights are expensive, and family travel can add up fast. In this episode of Ready Set Depart, I’m sharing five practical ways we save money every time we travel as a family. From hotel and airline rewards to discounted gift cards, smarter flight timing, and simple grocery strategies, these small shifts can make a big difference in your overall travel budget. I’m also talking about why adventure doesn’t have to be far from home to be meaningful. If you want to travel more without spending more, this episode is for you.

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Planning a family trip to San Diego and feeling overwhelmed by all the options? In this episode, we break it all down by handing out gold, silver, and bronze medals to the best things to do in San Diego with kids, from museums and animals to food, outdoor spots, and day trips. We share what surprised us, what we’d skip, and what we think is truly worth a gold medal, with Trooper serving as our official judge. Whether you’re planning a spring break trip or just dreaming about sunshine, this episode will help you build a San Diego itinerary your whole family will enjoy.

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In this episode of Ready Set Depart, we’re talking all about Dinosaur National Monument and why it’s such a great trip for families with kids. I’m sharing how to get there, where to stay, and what I’d actually focus on if you’re visiting with children, starting with the can’t-miss Quarry Exhibit Hall where dinosaur bones are still visible right in the rock. We also cover easy hikes, scenic drives, petroglyphs, and a few fun stops in Vernal before you even enter the Monument. Trooper joins me to share what stood out to him most, including touching real dinosaur bones and trying some memorable geocaching. If your family loves dinosaurs but you want an adventure that’s exciting without being overwhelming, this episode is for you.

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In this episode of the Ready Set Depart Podcast, I share a family-friendly itinerary for a long weekend in Victoria, British Columbia. From whale-filled ferry rides across the Salish Sea to Afternoon Tea at the historic Empress Hotel, I walk you through exactly how to plan an easy, memorable trip just across the Canadian border. I also share practical tips on transportation, passport requirements, and traveling without a car, along with kid-approved stops like gardens, farms, and the Royal BC Museum. This episode is perfect for families looking for a relaxed first international trip that blends wildlife, walkable sights, and simple planning.

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This episode takes you to Niagara Falls with me and Trooper as we share the surprising facts we learned while planning our family trip. We cover what makes the Falls so powerful (including a water-flow comparison you can actually picture), plus the history, engineering, and a few wild stories from the past. We get practical with what to do and see, including our honest take on Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, Prospect Point, and tips for visiting in every season. We also share a few fun extras like black squirrels, nighttime illumination and fireworks, and nearby stops like Buffalo, Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, and Lockport’s “Flight of Five” locks. Whether you’re planning a trip or just dreaming about one, this is the episode for you!

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Planning a family adventure doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In this episode of Ready Set Depart, we walk through how to turn a travel dream into a realistic, memory-making adventure for your family in 2026. From choosing dates and destinations to budgeting, hyping up your kids, and keeping your sanity while you travel, this episode is packed with practical tips you can actually use. You’ll hear real-life examples, planning strategies that lower stress, and simple ways to slow down and enjoy the journey. If you want to plan a family trip that works for your kids, your budget, and your energy, this episode will help you get started.

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Planning a family trip to Disneyland? In this episode of the Ready Set Depart podcast, I’m sharing practical Disneyland tips and tricks to help families plan transportation, choose where to stay, navigate the parks with kids of all ages, and save time once inside. Along the way, you can play a fun “guess the ride” game featuring sound clips from rides at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, with a chance to win travel-themed stickers. From flying into the best airport and using the Disneyland app to stroller tips, Lightning Lane strategy, and mobile ordering food, this episode is packed with real-life advice. If you’re heading to Disneyland with kids and want to feel prepared and relaxed, this is an episode you’ll want to save for your trip.

Remember to send your answers to [email protected]

Here is the link to prepaid parking at the Disneyland Resort.

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