Ready Set Depart

In this episode, we're heading to Northern Utah to visit one of America’s lesser-known but historically rich destinations - Golden Spike National Historical Park. This is where the East and West finally connected in 1869 with the completion of the first Transcontinental Railroad.

We’ll talk about what you’ll see at the park (yes, there are working steam trains!), what makes this place so significant, and why it’s absolutely worth the long desert drive. From Junior Ranger programs to hiking trails, dark skies, and even giant grasshoppers (thanks, Trooper!), this episode has all the tips to help you plan your visit.

Whether you’re chasing National Park stamps, planning a family road trip, or just love standing where history happened—this episode is for you!

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If you could only visit one national park in your lifetime… would you choose Yellowstone? In this episode, we’re diving into why the answer should be a big YES, plus what to do (and what to skip) to make the most of your trip. From erupting geysers and massive bison to Junior Ranger badges and wildlife traffic jams, we’re sharing our top tips for planning a day - or more - in America’s first national park.

We’ll walk you through what loop to drive, where to stop, and how to avoid common mistakes that can waste time or even put you in danger. You’ll hear about our favorite visitor centers, why we love Old Faithful, and how to stay safe (and respectful) around wild animals.

Whether you’re dreaming of spotting a wolf in Lamar Valley or just hoping to find a parking space near a flushy toilet, this episode is packed with practical advice and a whole lot of love for Yellowstone.

Grab your free Yellowstone Stops Map at readysetdepart.com/14 and let’s plan your next adventure!

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If you’ve ever wandered around the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido wondering where all the animals (or people) were—this one’s for you. In this episode, we’re sharing our hard-earned tips to help you plan a cooler, smoother, way-more-fun day at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

We cover:

• The best day (and time) to visit
• What to bring to beat the heat
• Why the African Tram should be your first stop
• A route that actually makes sense (with a free downloadable map!)
• Hidden gems like the bonsai garden and locator poles
• Must-see animals, from okapis and platypus to cheetahs and condors
• And what to skip if you’re short on time (sorry, elephant overlook)
  
  
  

Plus, we’ve created a printable Safari Park scavenger hunt to keep kids engaged while you explore. You can grab that—and our custom walking map—at readysetdepart.com/13. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or just want to make your day smoother, cooler, and more fun, this episode is for you.

Here is the link to the Zoo Cams that we talked about.

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Visiting the San Diego Zoo with kids (and maybe a stroller) can feel a bit like a workout. In this episode, we’re sharing how to make your zoo day easier, more fun, and a whole lot less uphill.

We’ll cover when to go, whether to buy tickets ahead of time, why the paper map is still your best friend, and how to hit your must-see animals without wearing everyone out. From insider tips on the best seat on the bus tour to how to actually enjoy the hills (or avoid them), we’ve got you covered.

You’ll also hear our take on the pandas (yes, they’re back!), how to feed a giraffe, and why you should definitely chat with the volunteers in red. Plus, Trooper introduces his newly renamed segment “TIPS” and shares the scoop on the Balboa Park Miniature Train.

For our full zoo plan, videos, and adorable zoo stickers, check out readysetdepart.com/zoo. Let’s make your next trip to one of the world’s best zoos one to remember—minus the sore legs.

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Flying with kids can be intimidating! Believe me, I know! I'm not the calmest flier anyway so the thought of adding a screaming baby to the mix was not my favorite thing. But, through trial and error, we've come up with some tips and tricks that will hopefully make your first time, or 100th time, that much better!

SHOW NOTES:
Stroller Bag for the Airplane
Car Seat Bag for the Airplane
TSA PreCheck

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Why do you need to go to Redwood National and State Parks? Let us tell you 14 reasons why this National Park needs to get put at the top of your list!

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You need to go to Olympic National Park!

Why? That’s what we’re going to talk about in this episode.

We’ll give you 12 reasons why you really need to go to Olympic National Park. 

I bet some will surprise you!

Have you ever been?

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Things happen when we’re vacationing that we can’t plan for. Hopefully they’ll just be inconvenient, but sometimes they’re a bit more serious so over the years, I have put together a list of things that I do that calm my anxiety when it comes to travel. Maybe some of these suggestions can help you!

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When I say “road trip,” does it fill you with dread or make you excited to come along?

Road trips definitely used to fill me with dread but they don’t anymore. In fact, as long as the weather is good, I actually really like them.

Listen to episode #7 of the Ready Set Depart podcast for 10 tips for your next road trip!

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We have traveled all over the world, and will continue to travel all over the world, but there is one place we will always come back to - Disneyland. Listen in on our love letter to our Happy Place!

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