S2, E23: Four Dinogo Editors Reveal Their Hard-Earned Travel Tips for Families with Kids

What are the most family-friendly countries? How can you help children cope with jet lag? What should you know about routines, bedtimes, and traveling with kids in business class? In this week’s episode of Unpacked, four Dinogo editors, all parents, provide insightful answers to these questions, along with practical advice for traveling with young ones—including a clever hack from one editor to ensure her kids get enough to eat.

Transcript

Episode 23: Family Travel

Aislyn Greene, host: I’m Aislyn Greene, and welcome to Unpacked, the podcast that delves into a challenging travel topic each week. Today, we’re revisiting the intricacies of family travel. We’ll hear from various Dinogo staff members, all of whom are parents, in a discussion led by Laura Dannen Redman, our digital content director based in New York. First, let’s listen to some insights from Laura, followed by a broader group conversation.

Aislyn: Hello, Laura!

Laura Dannen Redman: Hi, Ace! Is it alright if I call you that?

Aislyn: Absolutely! For our listeners, let me clarify that’s my nickname from California. I’m not quite sure how it happened, but when I moved there, I became known as Ace. We’ll be diving into your insights and advice on traveling with kids shortly. It’s such a vast topic—how did you decide to narrow down our discussion?

Laura: It really is a huge topic. We actually started with an extensive list of subjects we wanted to cover, and I think I may have annoyed my colleagues by insisting we focus on just a few key points. We could have talked for hours! My goal was to make this feel personal, relatable, and easy to digest.

Because parenting varies widely across cultures and families, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Particularly regarding travel, I aimed for listeners to walk away with a few practical tips based on our discussions and the lessons we’ve gathered, whether they were successes or challenges.

Aislyn: Indeed! It sounds like there are plenty of valuable lessons to share.

Laura: Absolutely.

Aislyn: Without giving too much away, what would you say were your key insights?

Laura: Most of us have younger kids, typically under the age of seven. There’s often a fear of inconveniencing others when traveling with small children. We want to encourage parents to feel confident taking their little ones anywhere, regardless of age—after all, young kids are just small people eager to explore and learn about the world.

There are ways to bring a piece of home along to ease the journey for both you and your children. Be sure to catch Michelle Baran’s packing tip; it’s my favorite takeaway from the entire discussion. I won’t spoil it here, but it comes up around the halfway mark of our chat.

Aislyn: That sounds fantastic! Definitely stay tuned for that tip if nothing else. You have an exciting family trip planned for this summer. Are there any strategies you're considering implementing?

Laura: Yes, we have an entire month-long journey planned to Australia and New Zealand, and I’m really excited about it. However, I’m also feeling a bit anxious about taking the kids to the other side of the world. What will the jet lag be like? How long will it linger? My main takeaway from our discussions has been that flexibility is key. You have to be ready to adapt your plans, even if you’ve meticulously organized internal flights and set destinations.

Sometimes, you just have to embrace spontaneity, which can be tough for families accustomed to a routine since kids often thrive on consistency. I’m trying to persuade my husband to be okay with canceling some activities if we find ourselves really enjoying a particular hotel or town, allowing us to explore a bit more.

Aislyn: Absolutely! It’s so valuable to discuss this ahead of time, right? The plan is essentially to disrupt the original plan so everyone is aligned. If you’re thinking, 'We’re really enjoying this place; let’s linger a bit longer,' that’s very wise. On the next family travel episode, we’ll check back in with you to hear how it all went.

Laura: Sounds great! If we’re still around, I’ll reconnect with you in a month.

Aislyn: That sounds great! We’ll catch up with you then. Thank you so much, Laura. Now, let’s dive into the conversation, including that amazing tip Laura mentioned.

Laura: Hello, everyone! I’m Laura Dannen Redman, broadcasting from my basement-slash-playroom studio here in Brooklyn, which feels just right for today’s discussion.

I’m here to chat with some of my colleagues about family travel in 2023. I can relate to this topic because I have two adorable and energetic daughters, Hailey and Livvy, who are six and four years old. I’m going to go around and ask each of you to introduce yourselves and share a little bit about your background. Let’s add a fun fact as well. Along with where you’re from and your kids’ ages, please let us know if you prefer driving or flying with them, and why that is.

I personally prefer flying with my kids because they’ve become little city dwellers who aren’t accustomed to long car rides—20 minutes is about their limit! They behave much better on airplanes since they can watch an iPad, move around, and explore the snacks. So, flying gets my vote. Next up, Michelle.

Michelle Baran, senior travel news editor: Hi everyone! I’m Michelle Baran, the senior travel news editor at Dinogo, and I have two kids: a four-year-old daughter and a son named Niko who is almost seven. We live in the Bay Area. When it comes to choosing between driving or flying, I know it sounds like a cop-out, but I truly enjoy both for different reasons.

When it comes to driving, I love that I can load up the car with everything we might need without having to be overly strategic about our packing. We can just take it all! Plus, California has so many fantastic destinations within driving distance, which we took full advantage of during the pandemic.

On the other hand, flying allows us to explore further. However, it requires a more thoughtful approach to packing. I enjoy both options, and the kids tend to love them as well—definitely more now than they did when they were toddlers.

Laura: Great! Wonderful. Next up, Sarika.

Sarika Bansal, editorial director: Hi everyone! Thank you for having me. I’m Sarika Bansal, the editorial director, and I live in Nairobi, Kenya. I have a three-year-old daughter named Ayla.

As for whether I prefer flying or driving, I have to say I enjoy both as well. Ayla is a huge fan of airplanes; she loves the excitement of it all—greeting the flight attendants, gazing out at the clouds, sampling the snacks, and wandering around the cabin. We also love to go camping as a family, and for that, I truly cherish those little weekend road trips.

Laura: So, no one has said yet, 'I hate flying because my kids throw tantrums.' Tim, will that be you?

Tim Chester, deputy editor: Well, yes, that would be me! I actually dislike both flying and driving, but I manage to get through them. I’m Tim Chester, the deputy editor at Dinogo, based in Southern California. I have a seven-year-old son, and we accidentally ended up with two more boys who are both three and a half. I used to fly a lot with just the one, but since the other two arrived, we’ve only taken one flight in their lifetime, though another one is coming up soon.

If I had to choose, though, I definitely prefer driving. There are so many great destinations within reach in Southern California. As you mentioned, we can fill the car with everything the kids love without bothering anyone else. Plus, we can stop whenever we want and take our time, which feels much less confining than being on a plane.

Laura: That’s a great point about having your own space and not wanting to disturb others. That was a big theme during the pandemic, right? Road trips became our escape. We’ll discuss that more later and how they fit into family travel today.

To start off, I wanted to give our listeners some valuable insights on where to travel with their kids. So, what are your plans this year with your little ones? Just to note, I believe all of us have kids under seven, right? Tim, is Ollie the oldest?

I want to apologize to all of you with teenagers—we're not there yet! But I’d love to hear your insights and the kinds of trips you've taken with them, so please share your comments. I’ll start and then pass it on. Right now, I’m wrapping up plans for an exciting month in Australia and New Zealand with my entire family, including my husband and the girls.

We’re heading there primarily to attend a couple of FIFA Women’s World Cup matches. It’s a great excuse for us to work remotely while exploring Australia with the girls. I adore Australia; I studied abroad there and have visited five or six times since.

Our travel itinerary involves a loop around the country. We’re visiting Byron Bay, Cairns, then over to Perth, and back across to Tasmania. After that, we'll stop in Sydney, swing by Melbourne, and finally head to New Zealand's South Island around Queenstown before flying in and out of Auckland. I probably just overwhelmed some people with that schedule!

We know our kids will be quite active, and their routines will likely shift—if they exist at all! We’re not planning every detail; we expect plenty of relaxed days by the pool and casual walks around where we’re staying, so picking comfortable bases in each location is crucial.

Tim: Do you notice that the more you do this, the easier it is for them to adapt?

Laura: A bit, yes. We've been taking them on big trips since they were around seven months old, and thankfully, they’ve adapted well. However, while they’re used to traveling, they still struggle with things like a two-hour road trip. It’s a bit like comparing apples and oranges, really.

Is there anyone else? Michelle, I believe you have an exciting trip planned with your kids in a few weeks.

Michelle: Yes, we’re heading to Poland and Romania next week! I came up with this idea last year for my father’s 80th birthday. My mother is Polish and my father is Romanian; they immigrated to the U.S. in the late ’60s. So, it's been on my mind to visit with my family.

The pandemic and my kids' ages made it less appealing the past few years. But with my dad turning 80, the easing of pandemic restrictions, and my daughter now being four and a half—hopefully more ready for international travel—we’re finally making it happen.

It will be quite a packed itinerary. We’re starting in Warsaw, then heading to Krakow for a couple of days, followed by a flight to Bucharest. From there, we’ll take a mini road trip. Personally, I’m curious to see how my daughter handles this trip. Will she rise to the occasion and move past her toddler antics, or might we see some regression and hear her asking to go home? I’ve noticed that when we push our kids a bit too hard with a packed schedule or stretch them too far out of their comfort zones, my daughter often says things like, 'I want to go back home,' missing her familiar comforts and routine.

It's going to be epic, amazing, and a bit chaotic—all the reasons we embark on these grand adventures. Regardless of the ups and downs, we’ll create lasting memories—some wonderful, some perhaps not so much, but definitely memories.

Laura: I love that! Just this past weekend, my daughter was in New Jersey with us, and she suddenly said she wanted to go home, which felt strange since we were at grandma’s house. She wasn’t feeling well, so you never really know when those feelings will hit. I completely understand how constant changes in their environment can affect them.

Michelle: Food is another factor. My mom loves to cook Polish dishes, but my kids aren’t very familiar with that cuisine. They tend to get a bit whiny, and I find myself saying, 'Can you please try it? She made it for you!' Their response is often, 'I just want to go home.'

Laura: 'I eat mac and cheese for every meal!'

Michelle: Exactly! Balancing multiple generations during these trips is both heartwarming and challenging—all rolled into one.

Laura: Before we dive into Tim and Sarika’s travel stories, does anyone have essential items they always pack for the kids to help create a sense of home? I mean, we all know it won’t be the same as home—that’s the point of a vacation! But how do you manage to leave the house without bringing along 20 stuffed animals?

Michelle: I have a slightly embarrassing confession about my packing for this trip to Europe. Catalina, who tends to be the more challenging one, is such a picky eater. I’ve essentially packed an entire suitcase filled with foods I know she will actually eat. It’s ridiculous—

Laura: What does that entail?

Michelle: —think Cheerios, Hawaiian rolls, and even some shelf-stable milk. I mean, I’ve got milk packed in a suitcase! I never imagined I’d become that kind of parent. I always thought we’d figure it out and she’d learn to like new foods. But honestly, I just want some peace of mind knowing I have enough to keep her happy and fed for two weeks to avoid any meltdowns. My plan is to fill this extra suitcase with snacks, and as we eat through them, we’ll repack it with souvenirs to bring home.

Laura: That’s actually quite clever!

Tim: Absolutely.

Laura: How about you two?

Tim: Nothing out of the ordinary. Just mostly books.

Sarika: Yes, definitely a lot of books.

Laura: But books can be pretty heavy, right?

Tim: Right. I’m definitely not dragging a little kid's suitcase behind me.

Laura: Oh, so they each have their own little suitcases! Now here’s another debate: should we bring two big adult suitcases that the kids can ride on, or should we have everyone pack their own—can I swear here?—stuff? So you’ve opted for the smaller suitcases. What’s your next destination, Tim?

Tim: Well, my travels aren't quite as grand as yours, mostly because we’re outnumbered, three kids to two adults. Even when we just go to a local event—like we recently attended a chili cook-off—there’s always one child missing. So we’re trying to keep them more contained during our travels.

This weekend, we’re actually heading on a multi-generational trip to Legoland. We’re using an app called Turo, which is like a car-sharing service, since we need a vehicle with seven seats. I’m curious to see how that goes. Later this summer, we’re finally flying out to Cabo San Lucas.

There are two Auberge hotels nearby, both with fantastic kids’ clubs filled with activities. This raises another family travel question: how much time do you want to spend together as a family on a trip versus letting the kids have fun elsewhere while you relax? We’re planning to strike a balance, but we’re definitely looking for places where we can keep an eye on all three kids and ensure they’re engaged.

Laura: I really believe in the idea of balancing activities—one for the kids and one for the adults each day. For instance, if you’re spending a whole day at Legoland, the next day could be dedicated to a wine country visit. It’s all about finding that healthy balance.

Tim: Absolutely.

Sarika: I agree with that. It’s also because—

Laura: Sarika, how about you?

Sarika: I was just reflecting on how traveling with kids often feels like parenting in a different place that’s not as familiar. So maintaining that balance really makes a difference. As for our plans, we’ll be spending a good part of the summer in the U.S. with family, but we’ll also spend a week in London, which I’m thrilled about. My aunt lives there, and I have fond memories from my childhood there. I can’t wait to share with my daughter the experiences I had, like enjoying a soft serve ice cream with a flake.

I’m really looking forward to taking her to see the changing of the guards and other classic tourist attractions—things that seasoned travelers might dismiss as cheesy, but for a toddler, they’re truly exciting and enjoyable. I definitely want to visit a museum as well, especially since London has such incredible exhibits right now. There’s a fascinating Ai Weiwei exhibit that I’m eager to show her, even if she might not grasp everything about it.

Laura: Where will you be staying in London?

Sarika: We’ll be staying with my aunt. I feel like as an expat, a lot of our travels tend to revolve around visiting family who live far away. It’s a tough balance—while we want to enjoy quality family time, we also want to connect with family and friends we rarely get to see since they’re halfway around the world.

Laura: I think a lot of people can relate to that—balancing a vacation just for your immediate family with the need to visit loved ones, especially in the post-pandemic world. We have so many years to catch up on.

But Tim, do you find yourself going back to London often? Just to note, Tim has a distinctly Southern Californian accent.

Tim: Yes, we took that memorable trip with our first child when he was just two and a half. He was wide awake, running up and down the aisle the whole time. He finally fell asleep just as we were landing, only to wake up cranky at passport control. He was doing that odd, dizzy walking in circles while the flight attendants were trying to do their jobs, which was quite a scene.

Then he started waking up at 3:00 a.m. every day for a week, so we ended up a bit traumatized by that experience. However, we’re planning to return next summer for a month, and by then our youngest will be four and a half. I’m hoping everything goes smoothly this time, and we’re definitely going to buy three iPads for the trip.

Laura: Good luck with that! A lot of us are also taking longer trips now. Have you ever gone away for a month or even three weeks? Most of us are U.S.-based and have limited vacation time. Though Dinogo does offer a pretty flexible leave policy.

Tim: This will be my first time doing something like that.

Michelle: I remember my parents, being from Europe, would take the whole month of August off to travel. We had some amazing trips during that time! I asked them recently how they managed it—did they have vacation time? They were engineers with demanding nine-to-five jobs, so it was quite impressive how they pulled it off.

They mentioned that they took some of their time off as unpaid leave. They would coordinate everything to ensure their work was covered while they were away, but they effectively used two of those weeks as unpaid time. I thought that was quite interesting.

Tim: With kids, there are so many times they get sent home from preschool, and juggling work and parenting can be overwhelming. You might as well change the scenery and mix in some remote work with a vacation, along with holiday camps, kids’ clubs, and maybe even get some help from grandparents.

Laura: We’re actually bringing the grandparents along for part of our hike in Australia, which will give my husband and me a night off! It’s tough on vacation when you don’t have kids’ clubs; you’re essentially parenting nonstop. At least at home, there’s school to break things up.

But we all struggle with jet lag, especially with toddlers. Do you have any tips or specific destinations you avoid because of jet lag? It's definitely a nightmare.

Tim: Jet lag is a significant factor for me now. I try not to travel more than two or three hours away with the kids, if I can help it. It really has changed how I think about traveling, and I certainly wouldn’t consider any long-haul trips anymore.

Michelle: Honestly, I’m feeling pretty stressed about our trip to Europe mainly because of the jet lag. However, there’s this strong urge to go now, and it feels different from a regular vacation since this trip has a clear purpose—it’s about reconnecting with our roots rather than just a getaway.

In terms of vacations, I usually opt for destinations north or south of us, like Canada or Mexico. We can enjoy beautiful places without the pressure to work since, for me, vacation means relaxation.

This time, though, I feel a real urgency: we just have to go, and while it might be tough, I believe we can manage it. We haven't faced severe jet lag with our kids, even with a 10-hour difference in Europe. We've dealt with shorter trips, like to the East Coast, and I’ve found that kids bounce back quickly. While we might feel exhausted, my kids just need one good night’s sleep after some initial chaos, and then they’re back to normal—ready to go again.

Of course, they do get a bit hyper and tired during the travel itself, which can be tricky. But once they catch up on sleep, they’re completely recharged. I envy that because I often still feel worn out.

Sarika: For us, traveling east to west usually isn’t too bad in terms of jet lag. The tougher part is going west to east. Most of our significant trips have taken us back to the U.S., and I know from experience that the return will come with at least five days of adjustment where things won’t be easy.

I completely agree with Michelle—kids bounce back so much quicker, and it’s a bit frustrating when you’re thinking, "I’m exhausted! Can’t we just grab another hour of sleep?" But I’ve noticed that many of the strategies that help adults can also be effective for kids.

For example, I make sure they get plenty of sunlight during the day and try to limit their naps. I find myself thinking, "Okay, let’s apply what works for me to this little one and see if it does the trick!"

Tim: Has anyone tried melatonin gummies?

Laura: Not yet. Have you used them? Do they help?

Tim: Yes, and I have to admit, it’s a little concerning how well they work. They’re pretty effective.

Laura: Is it just for the kids, or do you give it to the adults too?

Tim: Only for the kids.

Laura: What I’ve started doing is booking a hotel room or Airbnb the night before a red-eye flight. I call it an investment because I’ve spent too many mornings waiting in a hotel lobby until check-in time.

I really don’t want to do that again. Even in beautiful places like Seville or Lisbon, it’s still tough at 6:00 a.m. with cranky kids. We also struggle to adjust to local time, which surprisingly works out in our favor because the kids stay up later, allowing us to sleep in. We might miss out on sunlight, but we get to enjoy dinner out, something we don’t often do at home. So I’m all for just sleeping when you’re tired, even if that makes me a bit unconventional.

Sarika: Oh, we have no schedule while traveling. Bedtime? I’m like, "It’s 10 o’clock, I guess kids should sleep?" In India, where my family is from, there’s really no set bedtime for children. The idea of putting kids down at 7:00 p.m. feels completely foreign to me. I try to stick to it because I know I should, but if it doesn’t happen, I just think, "Well, I turned out fine. It’s all good."

Tim: Hmm.

Laura: You did! Now, let’s change topics for a moment and dive into a little debate. Here’s something that’s been trending in the news: Should kids be allowed to sit in first or business class? Sarika, I remember you had an interesting take on this.

Sarika: Absolutely. First off, I get that kids don’t need as much legroom as adults do since they’re smaller. But I distinctly remember when I was eight and got upgraded to business class; I had ice cream served with a real spoon and felt so fancy!

Why should we deny children those little luxuries? They’re rare treats! It seems like part of the issue is that kids disrupt the upscale atmosphere of first and business class. To that, I’d argue that I’m grateful to be in Nairobi, where kids are embraced as part of society rather than being treated like little creatures that need to be silenced.

Parents are responsible for managing their children, bringing enough activities to keep them engaged and minimize disturbance to others. Plus, let’s be honest, many adults in business class can be quite annoying too, so I don’t see how kids are any different. That’s my somewhat rebellious viewpoint on the matter!

Laura: So, how do we address toddler-like behaviors in adults?

Sarika: Absolutely, that's a valid point.

Laura: Michelle, have you discussed this before, or did we talk about the concept of an adults-only cabin or flight?

Michelle: This topic comes up often. I recently spoke with some Delta flight attendants about the challenges of flying with children. The way I see it is that kids are individuals, too; if they’ve bought a seat, they deserve to be there. And, as Sarika pointed out, behavior is unpredictable regardless of age.

I totally understand. What I find intriguing is the assumption that, just because I'm a mom, I enjoy the sound of a crying baby. It’s not exactly music to my ears, but that doesn’t mean I believe babies shouldn’t be on the plane. Ultimately, whether it's a baby or a small child, they are still human beings traveling with their families.

I've also been thinking about another common argument regarding kids and air travel: 'Why take them along if they won’t remember the trip?' The truth is, we’re taking our children to visit family, which brings joy to older relatives who may not travel anymore. In this conversation, it’s clear how many of us are planning trips to reconnect with family.

While I feel fortunate to be able to fly with my kids, it's misleading to think I'm simply taking a baby on a vacation they won't recall. Often, when families travel with children, they’re doing so to introduce them to their relatives.

Overall, I wish there was more acceptance of children in public spaces. If you know certain sounds will bother you, maybe invest in some noise-canceling headphones. I completely understand the frustration of a toddler kicking the seat—when my kids do it, I’m mortified and try to stop them immediately. It’s unacceptable behavior.

However, dealing with a crying baby is just part of communal living. My mom often says it’s about 'the art of living together in society,' which includes everyone: babies, the elderly, people with disabilities, and others facing challenges.

I truly wish there was more of a supportive community, like what Sarika mentioned, where fellow passengers offer to assist with a baby instead of pushing them away. That’s my two cents on the matter. Clearly, I have strong feelings about this topic!

Laura: Absolutely, I agree with everything you just mentioned.

Tim: Exactly.

Laura: It really frustrates me. I believe kids can learn simply by being around new experiences, you know? Like we were discussing at the start of this podcast, I think my children are more adaptable because they enjoy discovering new things. Their curiosity might be partly genetic, but we’re also providing them with opportunities to explore, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything, even if they won’t remember much from before they turn four.

Sarika: Plus, they learn that what feels normal in one place may not be in another. Even if they can’t recall specifics, they’ll remember visiting a place where toilet paper isn’t common or where fruit is a staple for breakfast.

It’s a wonderful gift for children to grow up understanding that while places can be different, the people living there are just going about their lives.

Laura: Absolutely! Those are fantastic insights. I’d love to wrap up by sharing some of our favorite family destinations, whether in the U.S. or abroad, that you would highly recommend. Sarika, where’s your go-to spot?

Sarika: I’d recommend Kenya. It’s an amazing family-friendly destination. My daughter Ayla has been on, I think, seven or eight sMytouri trips, and she’s only three! She spots animals faster than most adults. Once we’re in the car, she knows all their names and is incredibly observant. Going on sMytouri with a child is truly one of the best experiences you can have.

Laura: That sounds amazing! Michelle, how about you?

Michelle: I’d like to highlight Vancouver, Canada. We went when Niko was just about to turn two, so we squeezed in one last trip before he outgrew the lap child age—every parent knows that moment! The best part was no jet lag since we were heading north. It gave us a taste of international travel. Some might say Canada is an easy step into international travel, but it’s still a different country with unique customs.

It’s a fantastic summer getaway, especially compared to places that are too hot and dense with trees. There’s plenty of hiking and outdoor activities. And I have to add a classic suggestion: the national parks. We got our kids national park passports to track all the parks we visit, and they are so excited to check them off!

Each national park offers junior ranger programs, which became really popular during the pandemic. These parks never lose their charm; I think they truly are one of America’s greatest treasures.

Tim: Absolutely! I took Oliver to Yosemite when he was younger, and the vast open spaces of central and southern California have been fantastic. We had a blast in Big Sur, wading through rivers and enjoying the trees. There’s also a wonderful place called Carmel Valley Ranch, which is a large, ranch-style resort in Carmel. We’ve created so many wonderful memories on those short road trips, all under two hours.

Laura: Yosemite has that amazing Evergreen Lodge. I think it was either you or Michelle who recommended it to me. I absolutely love that spot.

Michelle: It’s fantastic! Truly an excellent choice for families.

Laura: Lastly, I have to mention how much I enjoyed Portugal with young kids. It’s such a family-friendly destination. From getting priority in airport security lines to designated parking for pregnant women, everything is geared toward families. The playgrounds are incredible! I feel like half of our travels are centered around discovering new playgrounds, and we spent a lot of time at playgrounds in Lisbon.

Scotland is just as welcoming. Like you mentioned about Kenya, Sarika, they see kids as little people, not subordinates. I think a lot of Europe has that attitude. We recently traveled with them to Italy and France as well—definitely recommend those trips!

Well, I think we’ve covered everything for today. We could easily chat for another four hours, but we all have our responsibilities, especially as parents. Thank you all, happy travels, and take good care of your little ones!

Tim: Absolutely.

Sarika: Thank you very much!

Laura: Thanks, everyone!

Michelle: Goodbye, everyone!

Aislyn: That wraps up our episode for today. Thank you for tuning in! I hope parents picked up some useful tips for traveling with kids, and if you’re not a parent, I hope you gained some appreciation for the challenges of navigating the world with little ones.

I have a couple of updates from Sarika and Michelle; they’ve both taken their trips. Michelle shared that her journey went smoothly, with jet lag being far less severe than she had anticipated. As she mentioned during the episode, kids are quite resilient, and her children managed to get through most days quite well. She did note that Catalina had an epic three-hour stroller nap after waking up at 3:30 a.m., but that worked out well because it allowed them to explore while she rested.

The food suitcase was a huge success! It made it easy for the kids, especially Catalina, to transition to local cuisine without the pressure of trying unfamiliar foods while still adjusting to a new environment. As their supplies began to dwindle, they started experimenting with local snacks, discovering both Philadelphia cream cheese in Poland and Romania, which Catalina loved with pretzel sticks. She also became a fan of Romanian hot dogs, so she did try something new! They emptied the suitcase on their return, filling it with toys and travel souvenirs, making it a total win.

Sarika is currently enjoying a wonderful time in London with Ayla. She mentioned they haven’t needed to plan many activities because Ayla has been thrilled just to ride the double-decker bus and the tube. Sarika sent a photo of Ayla with an ice cream cone that was as big as her head, which we’ll share on our Instagram stories this week. They’ve met friends around the city and visited the Ai Weiwei exhibit, featuring his large-scale LEGO interpretation of Monet’s water lilies, which Ayla adored, even if she didn’t fully grasp the deeper meaning of the art.

That’s a wrap! The trips were a success, and once Laura returns from her big adventure, we’ll share how it went. If you’d like to keep up with our editors as they travel with their families, check them out on Instagram: Laura at @laura_redman, Sarika at @sarika009, Michelle at @michellehallbaran, and Tim at @timchester.

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You’ve been listening to Unpacked, a Dinogo Media production. This podcast is produced by Aislyn Greene and Nikki Galteland, with music composed by Chris Colin. Remember: The world can be complicated, and we’re here to help you make sense of it all.