This is the first of three snowy episodes all about skiing in Japan.

If you’re dreaming of an unforgettable family ski trip to Japan, this episode is your go to guide to exploring Honshu with kids.

Niseko might get all the powder hype, but Honshu has its own incredible magic. Culture filled villages, family friendly resorts and that perfect amount of adventure and charm that families love.

And the best part? Some of Honshu’s top ski spots are just a quick hop, skip and Shinkansen ride from Tokyo.

Sally is joined by BBC Travel Reporter Carmen Roberts who spent eight years living, working and skiing in Japan. Carmen’s insider knowledge of family travel, easy day trip resorts, and hidden gem ski areas is very impressive.

In this episode Carmen shares her top family friendly ski resorts in Honshu including:

• Gala Yuzawa. The famous Shinkansen to Ski resort you can reach directly from Tokyo. • Hakuba. A huge resort area with something for every level of skier. • Nozawa Onsen. A beautiful traditional village known for incredible snow and natural hot springs. • Myoko Kogen. A favourite for families who want great snow without the big crowds (for now).

They also chat about the best off-snow activities for the whole family including onsens (and onsen family etiquette) the adorable Snow Monkeys, what to pack for your family ski trip and when to travel for the best snow and the least crowds.

If you are planning a family ski holiday to Japan this episode is packed with practical travel tips, resort advice, and expert insights to make your next snowy adventure unforgettable.

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@carmenroberts_travels

Ski Resorts We Mentioned:

Gala Yuzawa

https://gala.co.jp/en/winter/

Hakuba

https://hakuba.com/

Nozawa Onsen

https://en.nozawaski.com/

Myoko Kogen

https://myokoskiresort.com/

Ishiuchi

https://ishiuchi.or.jp/winter/

Kagura/Naeba and Prince Hotel

https://www.princehotels.com/en/ski/kagura/

Lotte Arai

https://www.lottehotel.com/arai-resort/en

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Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions via Instagram and Facebook

@snacksandsuitcasespodcast @sallynanamis

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Email: snacksandsuitcasespodcast@gmail.com

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AND... Don't forget your onsen etiquette!

My Big Adventure: The Travel Diaries Making Screen-Free Fun Easy with Kirstin Edwards

Looking for a screen-free activity your kids will actually get excited about on the plane, in the car or at the airport? Want something educational, fun and destination specific to build anticipation before a big trip?

In this episode of Snacks and Suitcases, Sally chats with Kirstin Edwards, the Melbourne mum and creator behind My Big Adventure Travel Diaries, the beautifully designed, activity packed journals helping kids learn about the world before they even take off.

These aren’t your average travel journals. Each diary is tailored to a specific country, filled with fun facts, cultural insights, challenges, colouring and a digital element that can help kids learn the local language… PLUS a customisable airline ticket so parents can reveal a surprise trip in the cutest way possible.

Whether you’re heading to Bali, Japan, New Zealand, Thailand or Fiji, there’s a diary that turns your child's trip into a real life adventure.

Kirstin shares how the idea came to life, her own childhood dreams of travel, why she believes every family trip can be educational, and how these diaries help kids stay engaged without relying on screens. She also shares hidden gems from her last New Zealand South island escape. AND gives us a special travel tip you may NEVER have heard before!

This episode is for you if you want to: • keep kids busy and learning on long flights • build excitement before your holiday • travel screen-free without meltdowns • create meaningful keepsakes from your adventures

Get your glue sticks and glitter ready (but not your coloured pens IYKYK).

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Travel with Kids

02:59 Creating Engaging Travel Diaries

05:58 Kirsten's Journey and Background

09:02 Educational Value of Travel Diaries

12:07 Interactive Features and Activities

15:04 Traveling with Kids: Tips and Tricks

18:04 Popular Destinations and Future Plans

21:05 Balancing Fun and Education in Travel

24:03 Inspiration and Idea Generation

28:56 Traveling with Kids: Challenges and Creativity

32:12 Family-Friendly Destinations: Exploring Options

35:36 Travel Tips: Preparing for Flights with Kids

39:28 Accommodation Strategies: Booking for Convenience

41:01 New Zealand Adventures: Hidden Gems and Activities

50:22 Unique Travel Tips: Capturing Family Memories

52:01 Future Travel Plans: Exploring New Destinations

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@my_big_adventure_

Topics we mentioned

Novak Djokovic’s Regenesis

https://www.regenesis.studio/

NZ Queenstown Accommodation:

https://www.platinumqueenstown.co.nz/

Kestrell nest

https://www.highfieldfarmwoodland.com/kestrel-nest-ecohut/

Silver River Stargazing Tours

https://silverriverstargazing.com/

Imoova

https://www.imoova.com/en

Connect

Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions via Instagram and Facebook

@snacksandsuitcasespodcast @sallynanamis

Facebook

Email: snacksandsuitcasespodcast@gmail.com

Subscribe, rate and share with a fellow travel loving friend!

AND... Don't forget some coloured ink fades!

Flying with kids and mum life in India

Explosive poos, baby spews, crying toddlers, and cramped plane seats… sound familiar? In this episode of Snacks and Suitcases, host Sally Stanton dives into the realities of flying with babies and young kids.

Joined by her friend Rachel McCallum, an Australian expat living in India, the two share and compare their own stories of flying with little ones. From chaotic long-haul flights to moments of unexpected calm, they explore what actually helps make air travel with kids easier and more enjoyable.

You’ll hear practical tips on packing, managing sleep and in-flight meals, and staying calm when things don’t go to plan. Rachel also gives a glimpse into her vibrant life as a mum raising two boys in India, surrounded by colour, culture, and adventure.

So once again grab your snacks, secure that tray table, and prepare for take-off, this one’s all about keeping your cool at 30,000 feet!

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Traveling with Kids 01:03 Expert Insights from Rachel McCullen 05:12 Life as an Expat in India 09:50 Traveling with Kids: Tips and Experiences 14:11 Navigating Flights with Young Children 21:12 Final Thoughts on Family Travel 23:01 Traveling with Kids: The Early Years 24:35 The Benefits of Traveling with Children 25:40 Flying with Babies: Tips and Tricks 29:14 Navigating Long Flights with Kids 30:29 Essential Packing for Family Travel 32:01 Snacks and Entertainment on Flights 36:19 Traveling with Car Seats and Strollers 39:09 Cultural Experiences and Multicultural Upbringing 41:31 Handling Flight Challenges and Passenger Reactions 44:24 The Headphone Dilemma 48:59 Navigating Long-Haul Flights 51:32 Jet Lag Strategies for Kids 55:45 Handling Multiple Children on Flights 58:41 Coping with Takeoff and Landing Screams 01:00:28 Final Thoughts on Flying with Kids

Follow

@Rachmcc84

Connect

Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions via Instagram and Facebook

@snacksandsuitcasespodcast @sallynanamis

Facebook

Email: snacksandsuitcasespodcast@gmail.com

Subscribe, rate and share with a fellow travel loving friend!

AND... Don't forget your snacks!