Travel with Kids

In 2022 I started taking my kids on one-on-one birthday trips that focused on one of their interests.  I've continued this practice through 2026, and don't have any plans to stop! It's become one of my favorite traditions with the kids, and we love planning their birthday trips together throughout the year. Whenever I talk about our birthday trips on social media, I get a lot of questions about how often we do them and whether we still celebrate their birthday at home on a birthday trip year.  Today I'm answering all of the birthday trip questions I normally get, and sharing ideas for birthday trips we've done in the past based on interests like LEGO, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and princesses.  FIND ME AT: Blog: http://www.emilymkrause.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amomexplores/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amomexplores EMAIL ME AT:  hello@amomexplores.com

In this Q&A episode, I'm answering some of the most common (and most honest) questions I get from you about traveling with kids and building a family travel business. From the logistics of flying with strollers and car seats to a candid look at how my content creation business almost failed (and what helped me recover) this episode is a mix of practical tips and real talk. ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode 🧳 Taking a stroller on an airplane Can you bring a stroller as a carry-on? Gate-check vs. checking at the counter, what airlines allow, and what's actually worth hauling through the airport. 🌍 Have we ever felt unsafe or unwelcome while traveling? An honest conversation about destinations that felt welcoming (and ones that didn't), how we assess safety as a family, and trusting your instincts while traveling abroad. 📉 How my content creation business almost failed, and how I recovered A behind-the-scenes look at a really tough season in my business, what went wrong, and the key shifts that helped me rebuild and keep going. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Excursions with young kids: managing the adult-to-kid ratio How we decide whether an excursion is worth it with little kids, when we split up, and realistic expectations when there are more kids than adults. 🚗 Taking four car seats to EuropeI weigh in on this topic, even though we don't have extensive experience with it.  🏨 Booking hotel rooms for a family of six using pointsStrategies for finding rooms that actually fit big families FIND ME AT: Blog: http://www.emilymkrause.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amomexplores/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amomexplores EMAIL ME AT:  hello@amomexplores.com

Sharing all of my best spring break ideas for families in the USA! I've broken my ideas up into multiple categories: Our family's spring break trips Midwest East Coast West Coast Warm Weather USA Florida International Links: Spring Break Blog Posts FIND ME AT: Blog: http://www.emilymkrause.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amomexplores/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amomexplores EMAIL ME AT:  hello@amomexplores.com

In this episode I'm sharing which aspects of family travel are worth the splurge (in my opinion), and which aspects I always try to save on. The categories include: Destinations Flights Hotels Transportation Souvenirs Experiences + Tours and more! This lighthearted episode is meant to get you thinking about where you can cut corners and when to be a big spender on family vacation.  FIND ME AT: Blog: http://www.emilymkrause.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amomexplores/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amomexplores EMAIL ME AT:  hello@amomexplores.com

I'm sharing how I use points and miles for a family of 6 who can only travel during popular travel times like spring break and summer vacation. I am certainly not a points and miles expert - there are so many other podcasts out there who are so much more knowledgeable. I just wanted to share how I use points and miles as a normal person who only dabbles in the hobby to offset some of the costs of traveling with a big family.  Related Episode: How to Use Points and Miles for Your Next Family Vacation FIND ME AT: Blog: http://www.emilymkrause.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amomexplores/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amomexplores EMAIL ME AT:  hello@amomexplores.com

Today I'm just chatting about my phrase of the year, my goals for 2026, and our potential travel plans even though I have nothing booked yet. FIND ME AT: Blog: http://www.emilymkrause.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amomexplores/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amomexplores EMAIL ME AT:  hello@amomexplores.com

In this episode, I'm sharing what changed my life in 2025 for the better, what lessons I learned from what didn't work, and sharing a quick recap of the trips we took in 2025 -and giving them superlative awards. FIND ME AT: Blog: http://www.emilymkrause.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amomexplores/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amomexplores EMAIL ME AT:  hello@amomexplores.com

Happy Christmas Eve! Dropping a little lore today by sharing what got me into travel in the first place, and why I continued to prioritize travel when we started having kids, even though we were on a TIGHT budget.  FIND ME AT: Blog: http://www.emilymkrause.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amomexplores/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amomexplores EMAIL ME AT:  hello@amomexplores.com

In today's episode we're talking all about what to do in Vail, Colorado with kids in winter time if you don't ski! Whether you're visiting at Christmas time to get in the Christmas spirit, or during January-March, there's so much to do and see in this scenic mountain town beyond the slopes.  I'll cover how to get to Vail, where to stay in Vail with Kids, and what to do in winter other than ski! Links: Blog Post: The Ultimate Guide to Vail in Winter with Kids for Non-Skiers FIND ME AT: Blog: http://www.emilymkrause.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amomexplores/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amomexplores EMAIL ME AT:  hello@amomexplores.com

In today's episode, I'm answering questions from an Instagram Q&A box! We have a few questions about planning trips (how far in advance to book, best way to budget for a trip, and how to decide on destinations), and a few content creation tips (how to improve short form video, and how to grow a travel instagram account). Links: Going Thrifty Traveler Podcast Episode: Journey from 0-100K on Instagram Podcast Episode: Travel On A Budget with A Bigger Family FIND ME AT: Blog: http://www.emilymkrause.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amomexplores/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amomexplores EMAIL ME AT:  hello@amomexplores.com

Today I'm sharing my opinion on several "controversial" travel topics I've seen online, from babies on planes, to overcrowded tourist destinations, and fast travel vs slow travel. FIND ME AT: Blog: http://www.emilymkrause.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amomexplores/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amomexplores EMAIL ME AT:  hello@amomexplores.com

Chicago is one of the most festive cities in the USA to visit at Christmas time with kids, so in today's episode I'm sharing all of the fun things to do with kids in Chicago at Christmas. I'll share the hotel we stayed at, top things to do from the Christmas Markets to epic ice skating spots, where to get hot chocolate, and more! Reels: Chicago at Christmas 24 Hours in Chicago - Day 1 Vlog FIND ME AT: Blog: http://www.emilymkrause.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amomexplores/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amomexplores EMAIL ME AT:  hello@amomexplores.com

After living in Florida for 5 years and exploring so much of the state as a travel writer and content creator, then taking several Florida vacations after moving back up to the Midwest, I have so many Florida vacation suggestions for families that I needed to talk about it for almost an hour! In this episode we talk about: Amelia Island St. Augustine / Flagler Beach Fort Lauderdale Miami Florida Keys Fort Myers, Sanibel, and Captiva Tampa, St. Pete, Clearwater Destin + 30A Pensacola Here are all of my blog posts on Florida destinations if you want to dig deeper: https://www.emilymkrause.com/florida-travel  FIND ME AT: Blog: http://www.emilymkrause.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amomexplores/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amomexplores EMAIL ME AT:  hello@amomexplores.com

In today's episode, I'm sharing what I look for in a hotel stay as a mom of 4 and travel creator. I'm talking about both my hotel pet peeves ("resort fees" I'm looking at you), and also spendng some time on my favorite small touches that make a big impact during a hotel stay. FIND ME AT: Blog: http://www.emilymkrause.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amomexplores/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amomexplores EMAIL ME AT:  hello@amomexplores.com

Have you ever considered traveling to Milwaukee with Kids? I know it might not be at the top of everyone's travel bucket list, but you might be surprised at how much there is to do here, especially in the summertime! Plus you could easily combine Milwaukee with a trip to Chicago, Wisconsin Dells, or Indiana Dunes NP.  Today we're talking about how to get to Milwaukee, where to stay in Milwaukee with kids, and the top things to do in the greater Milwaukee area as a family. Links: The Best Things to Do In Milwaukee with Kids Blog Post Drury Plaza Hotel Downtown Milwaukee Milwaukee Family Travel Guide Video FIND ME AT: Blog: http://www.emilymkrause.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amomexplores/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amomexplores EMAIL ME AT:  hello@amomexplores.com

Just jumping into your feed with a quick podcast update.  Working on getting my voice back - podcast episodes may still appear in your feed if I'm having a good voice week! In the meantime, don't forget to check out my blog and social media accounts for more travel tips and trip ideas! FIND ME AT: Blog: http://www.emilymkrause.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amomexplores/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amomexplores EMAIL ME AT:  hello@amomexplores.com

In today's episode we're talking about parenting on family vacation when the kids are complaining, bored, or simply not interested in participating.  So much time, effort, decision making, and money go into making a family vacation happen, but parents can end up feeling underappreciated when the rest of the family is whining or unsatisfied.  I'm discussing how I handle that feeling and those situations when we travel as a family. As a mom of 4, I've definitely learned a thing or 2 along the way.  I'm also talking about how to be proactive about making sure we walk away from family trips feeling like we've grown closer and actually created memories together.  FIND ME AT: Blog: http://www.emilymkrause.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amomexplores/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amomexplores EMAIL ME AT:  hello@amomexplores.com

On today's epidsode I'm answering all of your questions from IG Stories about our Disney World trip this summer! We're discussing... the best age to take your kids to Disney World favorite and least favorite rides what's worth the splurge and where you can cut corners logistics with extended family ...and more! Links: Packing Reel Cars Family Suite Reel Disney Surprise Reel   Calpak Luka Duffel Clear Plastic Snack Containers Disney Amazon Favorites FIND ME AT: Blog: http://www.emilymkrause.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amomexplores/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amomexplores EMAIL ME AT:  hello@amomexplores.com

In this episode I'm sharing all about our extended family trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. We spent 6 nights at the Art of Animation Resort as a family of 6, plus my parents, sisters, and their families. In total there were 17 of us on a multigenerational trip to Disney. I'm sharing how we planned the trip, how we did Disney on a budget, and how we managed to enjoy our park days with that many people! Links: Packing Reel Cars Family Suite Reel Disney Surprise Reel   Calpak Luka Duffel Clear Plastic Snack Containers Disney Amazon Favorites FIND ME AT: Blog: http://www.emilymkrause.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amomexplores/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amomexplores EMAIL ME AT:  hello@amomexplores.com

Wisconsin Dells with Kids: Beyond the Waterparks Ready to plan a Wisconsin Dells trip that isn't just slides and splash pads? In this episode, I'm sharing family-friendly ideas that go beyond the waterparks—think scenic hikes, slot canyons, animal encounters, historic stops, and cozy kid-approved eats.  Resources Instagram Reel (Travel Guide): https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMdseKdSFFF/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Blog Post (Full Guide): https://www.emilymkrause.com/blog/wisconsin-dells-family-travel-guide-fun-things-to-do-in-the-dells-with-kids Work with me / stay connected FIND ME AT: Blog: http://www.emilymkrause.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amomexplores/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amomexplores EMAIL ME AT: hello@amomexplores.com