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Want to travel with your family but not sure where to start? You can do it! Really!
Whether you're dreaming of a trip around the world or a weekend getaway one county over, Ready Set Depart is here to help. We share real-life tips, planning advice, and ideas to keep kids happy along the way. Let’s make travel doable, and fun, for your whole family.
31 Episodes
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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 ep...
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 ...
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...
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 e...
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 enjo...
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 Dis...
Holiday air travel can feel like a lot, especially with unpredictable weather, crowded airports, and delays popping up left and right. In this episode, I’m sharing 15 practical tips to help your family fly with a little less stress this season. We’ll talk about everything from choosing the right flight times to packing smarter, using TSA PreCheck, managing cancellations, and keeping kids happy when travel days run long. You’ll also hear simple tricks that make a difference, like monitoring yo...
Looking for the perfect winter getaway with your family? In this episode, we’re taking you to Leavenworth, Washington, one of the most magical Christmas towns in the country. Just two hours from Seattle, this Bavarian-style mountain village turns into a snowy wonderland filled with twinkling lights, cozy treats, and plenty of kid-approved fun. We’re sharing everything you need to know for a winter trip to Leavenworth: how to get there (including the train to Icicle Station), what the weather ...
Looking for the perfect gifts for travelers? In this episode of Ready Set Depart, we’re sharing our favorite cozy, clever, and carry-on ready gift ideas for family travelers of all kinds—from road trippers and National Park lovers to parents flying with kids. Whether you’re shopping for a holiday, birthday, or just because, this thoughtful traveler’s gift guide has something useful and fun for everyone on your list. And the best part? We’ve put together a full linked gift guide at readysetdep...
Packing for a family trip doesn’t have to feel overwhelming! In this episode of Ready Set Depart, I’m sharing my best family travel packing tips, from how to use packing cubes effectively to the simple ziplock bag hack for kids’ outfits that saves time and fights off the morning chaos. You’ll also hear my favorite advice for flying with babies and toddlers, like why you should always pack extra diapers, keep a change of clothes for everyone, and what to stash in your carry-on essentials. We’l...
Dreaming of a tropical getaway? In this episode of Ready Set Depart, we’re taking you to Oahu, Hawaii, the island most people picture when they think of paradise. From Waikiki’s calm waves and Friday night fireworks to hiking Diamond Head, snorkeling Hanauma Bay, and indulging in shave ice or Hula Pie, Oahu has something for every member of the family. We’ll also share fun trivia (including Hawaii’s tongue-twisting state fish), practical travel tips, and some of our favorite family memories f...
On this episode of Ready Set Depart, We’re taking you with us to Joshua Tree National Park—a place that surprised us so much, it became our family’s favorite. From funky desert towns to boulder climbing and sunrise at the Cholla Cactus Garden, Joshua Tree is weird, wonderful, and unlike anywhere else. We’ll share the hikes we loved, the animals we spotted, and the little moments that made this trip unforgettable. If you’ve ever wondered whether this desert park is worth the stop, we’ll show y...
In this episode of Ready Set Depart, I share how our family discovered that homeschooling and travel are the perfect pair. From flexible schedules to lessons that come alive in museums, parks, and historic sites, I explain how learning on the road sparks curiosity in ways a classroom can’t. You’ll also hear from Trooper, as he shares his own take on “roadschooling.” Whether you homeschool full-time or just want to add meaningful learning to your family vacations, this episode is packed with p...
In this episode of Ready Set Depart, we explore the beauty, history, and family-friendly adventures of Mount Rainier National Park—affectionately known in the Pacific Northwest as The Mountain. We dive into Rainier’s rich past, from its significance to Indigenous tribes and its designation as one of the first National Parks, to the mountaineers, loggers, and conservationists who helped protect it. Along the way, we share some of the most memorable experiences families can enjoy today, includi...
Looking for a charming summer getaway that’s perfect for the whole family? In this episode of the Ready Set Depart podcast, we’re heading to Leavenworth, Washington—a Bavarian-themed village nestled in the Cascade Mountains, just a few hours from Seattle. We’ll take you behind the scenes of Leavenworth’s unique transformation from a logging town to a must-visit tourist destination, and share all the best family-friendly things to do in Leavenworth during the summer. Here’s what you’ll discove...
**NOTE: Trooper just got a palette extender put in so that’s why you’ll hear a bit of a lisp today** Traveling with pets? In this special episode, we welcome our very first guest—my sister-in-law Julie—who’s an experienced dog traveler and shares all her road trip wisdom! We compare notes on what it’s like to travel with dogs versus cats, from carriers and food stops to hotel stays and calming aids. You’ll meet Roca the rescue pup, Roger the giant cat, and hear what’s worked (and what hasn’t)...
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 tr...
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 mista...
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 visitWhat to bring to beat the heatWhy the African Tram should be your first stopA route that actually makes sense (with a free downloadable map!)Hidden gems like the bonsai gar...
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...
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