Travel with Kids

You asked, I'm answering! In today's episode of Travel with Kids, I'm sitting down for a casual Q&A to answer questions submitted by listeners and Instagram followers. We're chatting about everything from taking young kids to Europe and surviving long flights and time changes to choosing our next family vacation, bucket list destinations, and the trips I wish we'd taken when our kids were younger. I'm also sharing some of our upcoming travel plans, what holds me back from visiting certain destinations, and a few practical tips I've learned from traveling with four kids. In this episode, we're talking about: ✈️ Traveling internationally with young kids, including long flights and jet lag 🌎 How we decide where to travel next as a family 📍 Destinations on my bucket list and places we haven't visited yet 🧳 Trips I wish we'd taken when our kids were little 🏨 Hotel sleep, picky eaters, and other real-life family travel challenges ☀️ Spring break ideas, Wisconsin getaways, and traveling with points and miles Whether you're planning your first international trip with kids or just love talking about travel, grab a cup of coffee and join me for this casual conversation about all things family travel! FIND ME AT: Blog: http://www.emilymkrause.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amomexplores/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amomexplores EMAIL ME AT:  [email protected]

Today's episode is a little different! Instead of sharing a destination guide or travel tips, we're having a casual catch-up about life, motherhood, travel, and everything in between. I'm sharing what I'm loving lately, what I'm officially over, and what I'm looking forward to as we wrap up 2026. From the joys and challenges of traveling with four kids to balancing family life with running a travel business, we're chatting about what's been on my mind lately. Plus, I'm sharing a peek at our upcoming holiday travels, exciting plans for 2027, and what's next for A Mom Explores. Grab a cup of coffee and let's catch up! FIND ME AT: Blog: http://www.emilymkrause.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amomexplores/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amomexplores EMAIL ME AT:  [email protected]

Ever wonder how family travel creators actually make money? In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on the different income streams behind A Mom Explores and sharing what's working for me in 2026. You might be surprised to hear that my biggest source of income isn't Instagram or brand deals. It's still my blog! I'm talking about how seasonal that income can be, why I've been pitching more brand partnerships this year, and what happened when my Facebook views and earnings dropped after two really strong months. I also answer a listener question about capturing content on family trips, especially when older kids aren't thrilled about waiting while you get your B-roll! In this episode, I'm sharing: Why blogging is still my biggest income source How pitching has helped me land more brand deals The challenge of scheduling tourism board partnerships around school, sports, and family life My experience with Facebook and TikTok creator monetization How affiliate links fit into my business Why I continue podcasting even though it isn't a major money maker My hopes for group trips and YouTube, plus the reality of having limited time A listener question about balancing content creation and family time on trips Whether you're a fellow creator or just curious about what goes on behind the scenes, I hope you enjoy this peek into the business side of family travel! FIND ME AT: Blog: http://www.emilymkrause.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amomexplores/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amomexplores EMAIL ME AT:  [email protected]

Traveling with tweens and teens comes with more opinions, later mornings, and some of the funniest moments you'll share as a family. In this episode of Travel with Kids, I'm sharing what I love about traveling with older kids, how our trips have changed, and what they still need even after they've outgrown strollers and nap schedules. From carrying their own luggage to understanding the history behind the places we visit, there's so much to appreciate about this stage. And yes, you might actually get to relax a little, too! In this episode, we're talking about: Why older kids make such fun travel companions. How their interests can make a destination more meaningful. Giving tweens and teens a voice in planning the trip. Adjusting your itinerary for kids who want to sleep in. The freedom that comes with kids who can entertain themselves on flights, road trips, and hotel breaks. Why afternoon downtime still matters, even when nobody needs a nap. Whether you're already traveling with tweens and teens or wondering what family trips will look like as your kids grow, I hope this episode gives you something to look forward to. Links: Portugal Trip FIND ME AT: Blog: http://www.emilymkrause.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amomexplores/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amomexplores EMAIL ME AT:  [email protected]  

Looking for a Christmas getaway that your kids will remember for years? In this episode of Travel with Kids, I'm sharing festive destinations we've visited, plus the Christmas trips still on my bucket list! From Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party to big-city decorations and cozy mountain towns, we're talking about different ways to experience the season as a family, including Vail when you don't ski! Destinations covered in this episode: 🎄 Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party: A festive night at Walt Disney World and a special way to celebrate with your kids. 🏰 Asheville, North Carolina: Christmas at the Biltmore Estate and our family's holiday getaway. 🗽 New York City: Iconic decorations, holiday experiences, and the excitement of NYC at Christmas. 🌆 Chicago, Illinois: A festive big-city trip with Christmas markets, ice skating, and plenty of hot chocolate. 🏔️ Vail, Colorado: A mountain-town Christmas with plenty to enjoy—even if skiing isn't part of your plans. ✨ St. Augustine, Florida: Nights of Lights and a warmer-weather option for a holiday getaway. ❄️ Leavenworth, Washington: We visited this Bavarian-style town in March, but it left me dreaming about a return trip at Christmas! I'm also sharing the destinations on my Christmas travel bucket list: Quebec City, European Christmas markets, especially in Germany, Lapland in Finland, Park City, and possibly a cozy Vermont getaway. Whether you're planning this year's holiday trip or collecting ideas for the future, come dream with me about where to make your next Christmas memories! LINKS: Blog Post: Magical Christmas Trips to Take in the USA with Kids   FIND ME AT: Blog: http://www.emilymkrause.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amomexplores/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amomexplores EMAIL ME AT:  [email protected]

Thinking about visiting Copenhagen, Denmark with kids? From colorful Nyhavn and Danish pastries to castles and rides at Tivoli Gardens, this city was a highlight of my birthday trip with my two oldest kids! In this episode of Travel with Kids, I'm sharing our Copenhagen experience and ideas for putting together your own family itinerary with time for the big sights and a few pastry stops along the way. In this episode: Exploring Nyhavn and seeing Copenhagen from the water on a canal tour Visiting the Danish Architecture Center with kids Making time for Danish pastries Exploring Strøget and Rosenborg Castle Spending a day at Tivoli Gardens Taking a day trip to Malmö, Sweden Whether Copenhagen is your main destination or part of a bigger Denmark trip, this episode will help you start planning a city break with your kids.

If you have LEGO-loving kids, Billund, Denmark might just deserve a spot on your family travel bucket list! In this episode, I'm sharing everything you need to know about visiting Billund with kids. We traveled to Denmark for a special birthday trip with my two oldest kids, and Billund was the perfect first stop, especially because one of those birthdays was celebrated at LEGOLAND! We'll talk about what it's actually like to visit the home of LEGO, how LEGO House compares to LEGOLAND, how much time I'd recommend spending in Billund, and what our experience was like getting around without a car. In this episode, I cover: Why we decided to include Billund in our Denmark trip Getting to Billund and what the town is actually like Our experience at LEGO House and why it's so much more than a museum Our favorite LEGOLAND rides, including Minifigure Speedway, Flying Eagle, and The TEMPLE What it was like celebrating a birthday at LEGOLAND Getting around Billund without renting a car How many days I recommend spending in Billund How we combined Billund with Copenhagen for a larger Denmark itinerary If your family loves LEGO or you're looking for a European destination that feels especially fun and manageable with school-age kids, this episode will help you decide whether Billund belongs on your itinerary. And stay tuned for the next episode, where I'll share our Copenhagen itinerary with kids, including Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn, a canal tour, castles, pastries, and even a day trip to Sweden! FIND ME AT: Blog: http://www.emilymkrause.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amomexplores/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amomexplores EMAIL ME AT:  [email protected]

Planning a trip to New York City with kids? In this episode of Travel with Kids, I'm sharing the exact itinerary from my recent NYC trip with my 13- and 11-year-olds! We packed a LOT into just a few days in the city, including some of New York's most iconic sights, a Broadway show, amazing food, and a few experiences that were especially fun with tweens and teens. In this episode, I'm walking you through our itinerary day by day, sharing what worked, what I'd recommend for families, and how I'd plan a first trip to NYC with older kids. We'll talk about: • Where we stayed and why the location worked so well for our trip • Exploring Times Square and grabbing a classic New York slice at Joe's Pizza • Seeing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway • Visiting the Statue of Liberty and what I'd recommend knowing before you go • Riding the SeaGlass Carousel in Battery Park • Visiting the 9/11 Memorial & Museum with older kids • Exploring Chinatown • Walking the Brooklyn Bridge and catching sunset from Pier 35 • Trying a classic NYC bagel at Ess-a-Bagel • Visiting SUMMIT One Vanderbilt • How much you can realistically fit into three days in New York City • Tips for planning an NYC trip with tweens and teens One of the things I loved about visiting NYC at this age is that my kids were old enough to handle LOTS of walking and long sightseeing days, but they were still excited about all of the classic New York experiences. If NYC is on your family travel bucket list, I hope this episode gives you a realistic starting point for building your own itinerary—whether you have three days in the city or you're just looking for ideas that older kids will actually enjoy. 🎧 Listen to the full episode for our complete NYC itinerary, favorite experiences, and tips for visiting New York City with kids. Links: Portugal Trip FIND ME AT: Blog: http://www.emilymkrause.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amomexplores/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amomexplores EMAIL ME AT:  [email protected]

I signed up for the Chase Sapphire Reserve when it was offering a huge 150,000-point welcome bonus. At the time, I figured I would take advantage of the bonus and benefits and then reevaluate whether a credit card with a $795 annual fee actually made sense for me. But after traveling with it for a while…I think I'm keeping it. This isn't a complicated points-and-miles breakdown or an attempt to calculate every dollar of value I've gotten from the card. Instead, I'm sharing how I've actually used the Chase Sapphire Reserve as a mom who travels frequently with kids. Use my Chase Sapphire Reserve Referral Link! - Earn 100,000 bonus points with Sapphire Reserve® or 75,000 bonus points with Sapphire Preferred®. I can be rewarded if you apply here and are approved for either card.  In this episode, I'm talking about: How we used the $300 annual travel credit toward a hotel in the Galápagos Islands Using the StubHub credit to help pay for a Broadway show in NYC Why Priority Pass lounge access has become one of my favorite family travel perks The airport lounges we've visited in the Galápagos, Colombia, JFK, and Copenhagen How lounge access can save money on airport food when traveling as a family Using the DoorDash and Lyft benefits How I stacked hotel credits for an upcoming Christmas trip My dilemma about how to use my second $250 Edit hotel credit The $300 dining credit I still haven't used A few additional Chase Sapphire Reserve benefits worth knowing about Why I think this card might actually make sense for the way I travel, despite that $795 annual fee Most importantly, I'm sharing why I don't think you should spend extra money just to use a credit card benefit. For me, the value comes from using these perks toward trips, meals, transportation, and experiences I was already planning to pay for. I came for the 150,000-point bonus. I might be staying for the airport lounges, travel credits, Broadway tickets, hotel perks, and everything else that has made traveling with kids just a little bit easier. Mentioned in this episode: Chase Sapphire Reserve Priority Pass airport lounges The Edit by Chase Travel StubHub credit Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables DoorDash and Lyft benefits Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit Credit card benefits, annual fees, offers, and terms can change. Always check the current card terms and benefits before applying, and never spend more than you otherwise would just to earn points or use a credit. FIND ME AT: Blog: http://www.emilymkrause.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amomexplores/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amomexplores EMAIL ME AT:  [email protected]

Did you know you can visit the Galápagos Islands without taking a cruise? Before planning our family trip to Ecuador, I honestly assumed a Galápagos cruise was the only realistic way to experience the islands. And with a family of six, I also assumed it would be WAY out of our budget. Then I started researching land-based Galápagos trips. Instead of sleeping on a boat, we stayed in hotels and Airbnbs on the inhabited islands, took a ferry between islands, planned our own activities, and booked a snorkeling excursion to Kicker Rock. It gave us more flexibility with the kids and allowed us to experience the Galápagos for significantly less than many of the cruise options I had researched. In this episode of Travel with Kids, I'm breaking down exactly how we planned our 5-day, 4-night Galápagos trip with four kids, including what worked, what didn't, and what I would change if we did it again. We'll talk about: Why we chose a land-based Galápagos trip instead of a cruise The pros and cons of land-based travel with kids How many days I think you REALLY need in the Galápagos Why we chose Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal Our complete 5-day Galápagos itinerary Flying into one island and out of another What it's actually like taking the inter-island ferries with kids Seeing giant Galápagos tortoises on Santa Cruz Visiting Tortuga Bay Our Kicker Rock snorkeling tour—and why it ended up being the highlight of our trip How our first-time snorkelers handled snorkeling in the open ocean The island I really regret skipping What I would do differently if I planned this trip again How much our Galápagos trip cost for a family of six Whether I would choose a land-based trip again—or splurge on a cruise next time Our land-based Galápagos trip cost around $7,000 for our family of six, including our flights to Ecuador, flights between mainland Ecuador and the Galápagos, accommodations, transportation, park fees, excursions, food, and other expenses. We used miles for part of our international airfare, but I break down those costs in the episode so you can get a better idea of what to budget for your own trip. And while I LOVED the freedom of traveling the Galápagos this way, my biggest regret is that we didn't stay longer. If I were planning this trip again, I would give ourselves at least 6–7 nights so we could add Isabela Island and another snorkeling excursion. If the Galápagos Islands have always felt too expensive, too complicated, or like a destination you need to save until your kids are older, I hope this episode shows you that there's another way to experience this incredible destination as a family. Read the full Galápagos with Kids guide: https://www.emilymkrause.com/blog/galpagos-with-kids-how-we-planned-our-land-based-galpagos-islands-trip FIND ME AT: Blog: http://www.emilymkrause.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amomexplores/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amomexplores EMAIL ME AT:  [email protected]