Planning a family trip to Japan? In this episode of Snacks and Suitcases, host Sally Stanton welcomes back Jo McGregor from The Tokyo Chapter to share her best advice for parents traveling with kids.

From booking hotels and navigating public transport to cultural experiences and must-have travel apps, Jo covers everything you need to know before taking your family to Japan. You’ll learn how to plan your trip, avoid common mistakes, and make your travels smoother and more enjoyable.

Whether you’re visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, or exploring beyond, this episode is packed with practical insights to help parents create unforgettable memories with their kids in Japan.

✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

📌 Key Takeaways:

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Season 2

00:56 Traveling to Japan with Kids

09:55 Planning Your Trip to Japan

16:24 Booking Essentials for Japan

20:00 Disneyland and Family-Friendly Activities

24:01 Cultural Experiences and Local Insights

30:03 Traveling with Kids: Tips and Tricks

37:44 Pre-Travel Preparations

46:03 Cash and Budgeting in Japan

49:33 Technology and Apps for Travelers

55:02 Listener Questions and Answers

Things we mentioned

Ecbo Luggage Storage App

https://cloak.ecbo.io/en

Mama Papa Map App

https://apps.apple.com/au/app/mamapapamap-nursing-room-map/id1117756080

Pokemon Hotel

https://mimaruhotels.com/en/news/stay-pokemonroom/

Strange Robot Dinosaur Hotels

https://group.hennnahotel.com/

What to Pack for Japan with Kids

Contact Jo: @thetokyochapter

thetokyochapter.com

Connect

Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or tips of your own via Instagram @snacksandsuitcasespodcast @sallynanamis

Facebook

Email: [email protected] 

Subscribe, rate and share with a fellow parent who's dreaming of Japan!

AND... Don't forget your snacks! 

Snacks and Suitcases: Travelling with Kids Podcast is taking a short break , but we’ll be back soon with fresh family travel tips, advice, and real life stories to make holidays with kids easier (and way more fun!).

Coming up in the next season.

Japan with kids – from the basics to Osaka and Kyoto

Disneyland with kids – how to make the magic stress-free

All-inclusive family holidays – where to go and what to expect

Travelling with teens – tips for keeping older kids happy on holiday

Plus, a few Aussie celebrities reveal their favourite family travel secrets!

👉 Make sure you stay subscribed so you don’t miss our upcoming episodes packed with family-friendly travel ideas and expert advice.  

Thank you so much for listening! 💗I'd love to hear from you, please share your questions, tips, or travel stories with me:

or email a voice memo to 

💙 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast with a fellow parent who’s dreaming of travel!

In this episode of Snacks and Suitcases, host Sally Stanton reflects on the best moments from the season, answering listener questions and sharing valuable travel tips for families. From skiing adventures in Australia to exploring the vibrant streets of Tokyo. Sally discusses practical advice for keeping kids entertained during long journeys, preventing meltdowns and travel with teens. The episode concludes with delightful travel stories shared by kids, highlighting the magic of family adventures.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Snacks and Suitcases

00:55 Community and Connection in Travel

01:53 Skiing Tips for Families

06:06 Exploring Tokyo with Kids

10:05 Cruising: A Family-Friendly Adventure

12:23 Disney and Family Travel Memories

14:38 The Impact of Travel on Children

16:26 Traveling Around Australia: A Family Journey

18:21 Embracing the Chaos of Family Travel

19:43 Keeping Kids Entertained on the Go

23:52 Preventing Meltdowns While Traveling

26:15 Engaging Teenagers in Travel

28:58 Cruise Ships and Family Fun

30:25 Kids Share Their Travel Highlights

Topics we mentioned

Montessori Travel Bag

Travel Tray

Bolt Sea Coaster

Spotto Books

Connect

Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with questions or tips of your own via Instagram

@snacksandsuitcasespodcast @sallynanamis

Facebook Snacks And Suitcases

Email: [email protected] 

Subscribe, review and share with a fellow parent who's dreaming of travel!

AND... Don't forget your snacks! 

Podcast Alert!! There's a Dad on the podcast! A first for Snacks and Suitcases! 

Sally is joined by Aussie TV favourite Luke Jacobz, who has an impressive list of credits to his name. From his iconic role as Angelo Rosetta on Home and Away, and Patrick Brewer on McLeod’s Daughters to hosting The X Factor and winning Dancing with the Stars not once but twice! Luke has also appeared on I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! and most recently as a presenter on Sydney Weekender. But these days, Luke’s playing his most important and heartwarming role yet: dad.

With an almost two-year-old daughter and baby boy on the way, Luke shares his dad life adventures and what it’s really like to travel with tiny humans. From lost teddies and long-haul flights to car snacks and Disneyland!

Plus, Luke and Sally take a fun trip down memory lane, reminiscing about their days on kids’ TV, and Luke lifts the lid on behind-the-scenes moments from Home and Away, The X Factor, and more.

We chat about:

• Travelling with a toddler (and why it’s never as easy as you think)

Plus:

• Luke’s dream destinations

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Family Travel with Luke Jacobs

Instagram

@LukeJacobz

Sydney Weekender

Connect

Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or tips of your own via Instagram

 @snacksandsuitcasespodcast

 @sallynanamis

Facebook

Email: [email protected] 

Follow, review and share with a fellow parent who's dreaming of travel.

AND... Don't forget your snacks! 

The Big Lap : Family Road Trip Around Australia

In this episode of Snacks and Suitcases, host Sally Stanton speaks with Simone Skinner Smith about her family's adventurous journey around Australia in a caravan. They discuss the preparation and planning involved, the challenges of van life, and the incredible experiences they've had along the way, including swimming with whale sharks and meeting unique characters like Cat Man! Simone shares insights on the importance of the caravanning community, the realities of living off-grid, and the lessons learned during their travels. The conversation highlights the joys and struggles of family travel, making it a relatable and inspiring listen for anyone considering a similar adventure.

Chapters

00:00 The Big Lap Around Australia

02:48 Preparing for the Journey

05:57 The Spark of Adventure

08:45 The Reality of Van Life

11:48 Building Community on the Road

14:47 Wild Encounters and Nature

17:45 The Kids' Experience

20:47 Living Off-Grid

23:50 Memorable Highlights

26:45 Unexpected Adventures

29:47 Lessons Learned

32:44 Family Dynamics on the Road

35:41 Final Thoughts and Advice

Contact Simone

Instagram

@biglappers

Topics we mentioned

Ku-rin-gai Chase National Park

Off The Grid Caravan Hire

Beau and Bunny's Adventures

Strange Catman of the Nullarbor

@catman6701

Connect

Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or tips of your own via Instagram @snacksandsuitcasespodcast @sallynanamis

Facebook

Email: [email protected] 

Follow, review and share with a fellow parent who's dreaming of a Big Lap!

AND... Don't forget your snacks! 

Multimedia journalist and host of the Onboard with Cruise Passenger Podcast Rose Kelly joins Sally Stanton for a fun, and myth busting chat about what it’s really like to take your kids on a cruise.

From surf simulators and skydiving tubes to bunk-bed cabins, organic and fresh food dining, to sneaky tips for boarding with kids this is your ultimate guide to cruising as a family, a big family! Yep they also cover why cruising is the perfect solution to traveling with grandparents and more!

Rose is not just a cruise pro, she’s also a mum of two girls, and she shares real-life experiences, clever hacks, and her top picks for kid friendly cruise lines. Whether you're already cruise curious or completely unsure, this episode will make you block out the noise pack your bags and set sail.

Contact Rose

– Writer forcruisepassenger.com.au

In this episode, we cover:

Connect

Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or tips of your own 

Instagram @snacksandsuitcasespodcast @sallynanamis

Facebook

Email: [email protected]

Subscribe, rate and share with a fellow parent who's dreaming of a cruise!

AND... Don't forget your snacks! 

In this episode of Snacks and Suitcases, host Sally Stanton chats with travel writer and tour founder Evie Farrell , the inspiring solo mum who left her corporate job to backpack the world with her daughter.

Evie shares the story behind Mum Pack Travel and how a one-year trip turned into three. From budgeting and packing light to schooling struggles and unforgettable global adventures, this episode is packed with honest advice and motivation for families dreaming of travel.

You'll learn:

Whether you’re dreaming of a gap year with your kids, planning a family adventure, or just want to know how to travel smarter, this episode will inspire you to take the leap.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:14 The Decision to Travel

06:30 Traveling with a Child

10:16 Education on the Road

14:02 Experiences and Challenges

18:57 Memorable Moments and Lessons Learned

28:25 Affordable Family Living vs. Daycare Costs

30:17 The Ease of Traveling with Kids

32:41 From Backpacker to Influencer: A Journey of Growth

34:35 Creating Community for Solo Moms

36:57 Empowering Women Through Travel

39:32 Travelling to Luxurious Destinations

42:33 Budgeting Tips for Travelers

46:51 Travelling with Picky Eaters

52:11 The Best Age for Backpacking Adventures

54:59 Final Words of Wisdom for Parents

Topics mentioned:

Backyard to Backpack Book

Mum Pack Trips

Royal Caribbean Cruise

Find Evie on Instagram: @mumpacktravel @mumpacktrips 

Connect with Sally!

Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or tips of your own via Instagram @snacksandsuitcasespodcast @sallynanamis

Facebook

Email: [email protected] 

Subscribe, rate and share with a fellow parent who's dreaming of travel

AND... Don't forget your snacks! 

Thinking about a snow holiday with your kids but not sure where to start? In this episode of Snacks and Suitcases, host Sally Stanton is joined by snow guru, fellow ex-snow reporter, and mum of two Christie Hampton. Christie has spent years living and working in ski resorts around the world and now calls the Snowy Mountains home.

Christie shares her top tips for planning a smooth and fun family ski trip 

You’ll learn:

From Perisher to Thredbo, Charlotte Pass and even to Japan’s powdery slopes, this episode is your ultimate guide to snow trips with little ones in tow.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Family Skiing Adventures

01:58 Christy's Journey in the Snow Industry

06:12 Building Resilience Through Skiing

12:06 Preparing for Your First Snow Holiday

16:42 Choosing the Right Age for Kids to Ski

21:20 Finding the Best Ski Resorts for Families

28:39 Luxurious Ski Holiday Destinations

29:30 Exploring Niseko: A Family Ski Destination

32:10 The Apres Ski Scene: Fun Beyond the Slopes

33:35 Activities Off the Slopes: Keeping Kids Engaged

36:46 Skiing with Kids: Tips and Hacks for Parents

46:21 Budget-Friendly Ski Holidays: Planning for Families

52:41 Preparing Kids for Skiing: Building Excitement

54:25 Final Thoughts: The Joy of Family Ski Trips

Contact Christie via [email protected]

OR @snowymountainsnsw

Topics we mentioned

Tourism Snowy Mountains

Snow books for kids

Corin Forest

Charlotte Pass

Perisher Ski Resort

Thredbo

Wild Brumby Distillery

Prince Hirafutei Hotel Niseko

Livigno Ski Resort Italy

Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or tips of your own via Instagram @snacksandsuitcasespodcast @sallynanamis

Facebook

Email: [email protected] 

Subscribe, rate and share with a friend who is dreaming of snow fun with their fam!

AND... Don't forget your snacks! 

Sally continues her chat with Jo from the popular blog The Tokyo Chapter, diving into the best family-friendly experiences in Japan. From must-try dishes like shabu shabu to belting out tunes in a Tokyo karaoke booth, Jo shares her top tips for travelling with kids. You'll also hear her advice on managing food allergies, visiting big-ticket attractions like TeamLab and Tokyo Disneyland, and of course, the tastiest Japanese snacks to try along the way!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Japan with Kids

01:28 Must-See Attractions and Experiences

04:45 Culinary Adventures: Shabu Shabu and Sukiyaki

10:48 Navigating Dietary Restrictions in Japan

17:09 Cultural Etiquette and Travel Tips

19:48 Tourist Attractions: Worth It or Overrated?

22:50 Interactive Art Experiences: Team Lab

24:30 Choosing Between Attractions: Team Lab vs. Disney

25:01 The Magic of Disney: A Family Perspective

30:25 Navigating Japan: Tips for First-Time Visitors

35:51 Understanding Accommodation in Japan

39:04 Weather Considerations for Traveling in Japan

41:49 Final Tips for Family Travel in Japan

Contact Jo

The Tokyo Chapter Blog: thetokyochapter.com

Follow Jo on Instagram @thetokyochapter

Or Facebook

Topics we mentioned

Kinosaki Onsen

Rainbow Karaoke

Shabu Shabu

Happy Cow App

Gluten Free in Japan Facebook Group

TeamLab

Tokyo Mart

Connect

Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or tips of your own via Instagram @snacksandsuitcasespodcast @sallynanamis

Facebook

Email: [email protected] 

Subscribe, rate and share with a fellow parent who's dreaming of Japan!

AND... Don't forget your snacks! 

In this episode of Snacks and Suitcases, Sally sits down with Jo MacGregor, the creator of the beloved travel blog The Tokyo Chapter, to dive into everything you need to know about visiting Japan with kids. From toddler friendly itineraries to why you absolutely should bring a stroller. This episode is packed with firsthand experience and honest advice for navigating Japan as a family.

Whether you're planning your first visit or your fifth, you'll walk away with practical tips on where to stay, how to eat well without breaking the bank, and the magical details that make Japan one of the most kid-friendly travel destinations in the world.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Japan: A Family Travel Adventure

03:03 The Tokyo Chapter: A Resource for Families

06:05 Why Japan is a Family-Friendly Destination

08:54 Navigating Japan with Kids: Strollers and More

11:57 Making the Most of Your Japan Trip

14:47 Accommodation Choices: Hotels vs. Ryokans vs. Airbnbs

17:52 Luggage Forwarding: A Game Changer for Travelers

29:34 Kidzania: A Fun Experience for Kids

32:02 Choosing the Right Neighbourhood in Tokyo

35:16 Family-Friendly Accommodations in Tokyo

37:57 Exploring Harajuku: An Ideal Itinerary

41:05 Planning for Early Mornings in Tokyo

43:13 Budget-Friendly Tips for Traveling in Japan

49:11 The Importance of Playgrounds for Family Travel   

Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or tips of your own via Instagram @snacksandsuitcasespodcast @sallynanamis

Facebook

Email: [email protected] 

Subscribe, rate and share with a fellow parent who's dreaming of Japan! AND... Don't forget your snacks!