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.

Follow

@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

Connect

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

Follow

@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!

It's Hamish Blake

In this episode of Snacks and Suitcases, host Sally Stanton sits down with one of Australia’s biggest stars, Hamish Blake.

Known for his humour, warmth and adventurous spirit, Hamish opens up about his secret travel-agent skills, his love for cycling holidays with his kids and why he believes every family trip should leave room for a few happy mishaps.

From impromptu terrifying cliff climbs in Europe to sharing the spirit of dance with school kids in Uganda, Hamish shares what he loves about travelling with his family in the big wide world. PLUS Hamish answers a few fun travel (and Lego) questions straight from kids. This feel-good chat will inspire you to embrace adventure, laugh through the chaos, and maybe even start a few travel traditions of your own.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Hamish Blake

01:56 Travel Planning and Family Adventures

04:49 Embracing Mishaps on Family Trips

06:24 Experiences in Africa and Education

10:13 Cultural Insights from Uganda

12:03 Preparing for Travel with Kids

13:50 Cycling Adventures: A Family Tradition

20:14 The Joy of Family Bike Rides

23:28 Exploring New Destinations

28:33 Future Cycling Plans and Adventures

31:55 The Benefits of Cycling Holidays

34:31 Navigating Teenage Travel

38:40 Traveling with Kids: Tips and Tricks

41:55 Fan Questions and Fun Facts

45:36 Closing Thoughts and Final Tips

Bike tours (not affiliated)

https://www.artofbicycletrips.com/

https://www.centralcycletrail.co.nz/

https://www.australiancycletours.com.au/cycling-themes/family-friendly

https://biketourjapan.com/shimanami-kaido-setouchi-tour/

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!

Surprise!

This is a bite-sized BONUS episode of Snacks and Suitcases!

Host Sally Stanton continues her chat with Jo McGregor from The Tokyo Chapter. This time diving into Nara, Japan’s charming town filled with friendly bowing deer, ancient temples, and family-friendly adventures.

But it’s not all temples and rice crackers! Sally and Jo also unpack a topic every travelling parent can relate to…. tummy troubles on the road (yes, constipation)! They share practical tips for keeping everyone feeling great while eating abroad, from finding veggies in Japan to what to pack just in case.

Chapters:

00:00 – Welcome to Snacks and Suitcases: Bite-Sized Japan Bonus 00:45 – Why Nara is a Must-Visit with Kids 01:40 – Feeding the Deer (and What Not to Feed Them!) 02:20 – Temples, Shrines, and the Famous Giant Buddha 03:30 – Mochi-Pounding at Nakatani-do 04:45 – Where to Eat in Nara: Big Mountain Café & More 05:30 – The Great Veggie Hunt in Japan 07:00 – Tummy Troubles Abroad (and How to Avoid Them) 09:00 – Biking Around Nara & Family-Friendly Exploring 10:00 – Bonus Tip: A Day Trip to Kobe 11:00 – Wrap-Up and Where to Listen Next

Topics we mentioned

Info on finding veggies and salads in Japan https://www.thetokyochapter.com/when-im-craving-lots-o-veggies/

Nara recommendations for families https://www.thetokyochapter.com/nara-some-quick-tips/

What to Pack for Japan with Kids https://www.thetokyochapter.com/packing-for-tokyo-with-kids/

Contact Jo

https://www.thetokyochapter.com/

Instagram

@thetokyochapter

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 parent who's dreaming of Japan!

AND... Don't forget your snacks!

Jo Macgregor from The Tokyo Chapter joins host Sally Stanton again, but this time they are putting the spotlight on Osaka and Kyoto.

In this episode of Snacks and Suitcases, Sally and Jo explore the vibrant and fun city of Osaka and the cultural heart of Japan, Kyoto. They discuss the unique cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, and must-visit spots in both cities, including temples, shrines, and local cuisine. The conversation also touches on practical travel advice, such as transportation options and accommodation recommendations, making it a comprehensive guide for families planning a trip to Osaka and Kyoto.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Osaka and Kyoto: A Family Adventure

02:32 The Unique Vibe of Osaka

06:49 Family-Friendly Activities in Osaka

10:36 Cultural Experiences in Kyoto

23:02 Must-Visit Temples and Shrines in Kyoto

28:56 Exploring Temples and Shrines in Kyoto

32:00 Family-Friendly Activities and Recommendations

33:29 Duration of Stay in Kyoto

36:01 Accommodation Options in Kyoto

38:45 Navigating Kyoto: Transportation Tips

42:01 Private Tours and VIP Experiences

43:17 Crowd Management Strategies

45:46 Cultural Experiences: Kimono and More

48:06 Must-Visit Attractions for Families

51:30 Dining Recommendations in Kyoto

56:27 Final Thoughts and Travel Tips

Topics we mentioned

&Here Osaka Namba Hotel

Kids Plaza Osaka

https://www.thetokyochapter.com/kids-plaza-osaka/

Restaurant suggestions for families in Osaka https://www.thetokyochapter.com/where-to-eat-in-osaka-with-kids/ Restaurant suggestions for families in Kyoto https://www.thetokyochapter.com/kyoto-restaurants-with-kids/ Kyoto Railway Museum and the Playground next door https://www.thetokyochapter.com/kyoto-railway-museum/ Kinkakuji (Golden Pavillion) and restaurants nearby for families https://www.thetokyochapter.com/kyotos-kinkakuji-with-kids/ Kiyomizudera and family friendly options nearby https://www.thetokyochapter.com/kyotos-kiyomizudera-temple-with-kids/ Enkoji and the playground nearby https://www.thetokyochapter.com/enkoji-temple-a-big-playground-near-by-kyoto/ Arashiyama with kids https://www.thetokyochapter.com/other-japanese-cities-arashiyama-with-kids/ The Private Driver Company https://www.thetokyochapter.com/private-drivers-private-tours-in-japan-with-kids/ What to Pack for Japan with Kids https://www.thetokyochapter.com/packing-for-tokyo-with-kids/

International Manga Museum

Teamlab Biovortex Kyoto

Contact Jo

https://www.thetokyochapter.com/

Instagram

@thetokyochapter

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 parent who's dreaming of Japan!

AND... Don't forget your snacks!

Are you all in on "All Inclusive Travel"? If you're still unsure, this episode may just convince you to jump head first into one of the easiest, cruisiest ways to vacay!

In this episode of Snacks and Suitcases, host Sally Stanton explores the world of all-inclusive travel with Michelle Davies, the General Manager of Club Med Pacific and New Emerging ESAP Markets (with a job title like this you know she's your go to gal when it comes to Club Med!) They discuss the unique offerings of Club Med, including kids clubs, gourmet dining, and a variety of activities that cater to families, like snorkelling, tennis, trapeze, excursions, foam parties, water parks and MORE. The conversation also addresses common misconceptions about all-inclusive resorts, highlighting their value and flexibility. You'll learn about the appeal of these vacations for families (especially in the snow) the extensive amenities available, and the exciting destinations that Club Med offers, including upcoming resorts in South Africa. The episode concludes with personal insights and recommendations for family travel.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to All-Inclusive Travel

02:59 Exploring Club Med's Unique Offerings

06:52 The Appeal of All-Inclusive for Families

10:22 Activities and Amenities at Club Med

17:00 Myth-Busting All-Inclusive Misconceptions

24:00 The Value of All-Inclusive Packages

31:58 Kids Clubs and Family Activities

34:22 Multi-Generational Travel at Club Med

38:55 Popular Destinations for Aussie Families

43:51 Personal Favourites and Closing Thoughts

Topics we mentioned

Club Med

Club Med Marrakech

Club Med South Africa

Club Med Hokkaido

Club Med Val Thorens

Connect

Contact Club Med Australia

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

Instagram @snacksandsuitcasespodcast

@sallynanamis

Snacks and Suitcases Facebook Page

Email: snacksandsuitcasespodcast@gmail.com

Subscribe, rate and share with a fellow parent who's dreaming of an "All-Inclusive" escape

AND... Don't forget your snacks!

In this bite-sized episode of Snacks and Suitcases, host Sally Stanton chats with her daughter Piper to see the school holidays through a kid’s eyes. They share fun stories about their favourite school holiday activities in Sydney, dream about upcoming family adventures in New Zealand, and relive the thrills of Tokyo DisneySea. Piper also reveals her top holiday recommendation again…. visiting Japan’s famous dog cafés! Full of giggles, travel inspo, and honest kid takes, this episode is perfect for parents and kids dreaming up their next school holiday adventure OR even if it’s just exploring their own backyard.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to School Holidays

00:48 Reflections on Holiday Activities

03:42 Kids' Perspectives on Fun

05:11 Travel Dreams and Future Plans

07:29 Favorite Travel Experiences

08:58 Virtual Reality Adventures

09:51 Fast Five with Piper

Topics we mentioned

Back To The Future The Musical

Australian Botanic Garden

Horizon Of Khufu

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

Snacks and Suitcases Facebook Page

Email: snacksandsuitcasespodcast@gmail.com

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

AND... Don't forget your snacks!