Travel with Kids

Jaksot

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  Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve Worth It for Family Travel? My Experience So Far 16.09.2026 40min

  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]
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  Galápagos with Kids: How We Did It Without a Cruise (+ What It Cost) 09.09.2026 1t 10min

  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]  
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  Ecuador with Kids: Quito, Cotopaxi & the Amazon Rainforest 02.09.2026 1t 8min

  Thinking about visiting Ecuador with kids? In this episode, I'm sharing our family's experience traveling through mainland Ecuador, including Quito, Cotopaxi National Park, and the Amazon Rainforest. Ecuador has had a special place in my heart since I first visited while studying Spanish in college, so getting to return years later with my husband and four kids was incredibly special. One of the things I love most about Ecuador is how much variety you can experience in one relatively small country. You can explore a historic city high in the Andes, stand on the equator, ride horses beneath a volcano, and venture into the Amazon Rainforest, all in the same trip. In this episode, I'm sharing what we did, what our kids loved, where we stayed, and a few things I would definitely do differently next time. We talk about: • How we flew our family of six to Ecuador using points • What it was like flying Avianca with kids • Visiting the Intiñan Equator Museum • Exploring Quito with kids • Riding the TelefériQo high above Quito • Climbing the towers of the Basílica del Voto Nacional • Dealing with Quito's high altitude as a family • Our overnight adventure in Cotopaxi National Park • Staying at Tambopaxi Lodge and horseback riding in the Andes • The mistake we made arriving at Cotopaxi National Park too late • Hiring a private driver to get around Ecuador • Traveling from Quito to the Amazon Rainforest • Staying at El Jardín Lodge & Spa in Misahuallí • Canoeing, visiting a butterfly garden, trying a blowdart, and searching for monkeys in the rainforest • What surprised us about traveling Ecuador with four kids • Tips I would give another family planning a similar trip And yes, our trip also included the Galápagos Islands, but I'm saving that entire part of our adventure for next week's episode! If Ecuador has never been on your family travel radar, I hope this episode gives you a little inspiration. It was easily one of the most memorable family trips we've ever taken. Resources Mentioned: Portugal Women's Group Trip Read my full Ecuador + Galápagos family itinerary Read my Ecuador Packing List Coming next week: I'm sharing everything you need to know about visiting the Galápagos Islands with kids, including how we planned a land-based trip, where we stayed, what we did, and whether I think the Galápagos is actually worth the cost for families. 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]
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  Travel Things I've Been Loving Lately + A Summer Travel Recap 26.08.2026 1t 9min

  Welcome back to Travel with Kids! Season 5 is officially here! After a very travel-heavy summer, I'm kicking off the new season with a catch-up episode. I'm sharing some highlights from our summer travels, what I've been up to during the podcast break, and what you can expect from Travel with Kids this season. Then we're talking about something a little different: travel things I've been loving lately. Not a packing list, but new-to-me (and truthfully kind of random) items, apps, services, etc that made travel a little easier and more enjoyable this summer.  In this episode: A quick welcome back and what's coming in Season 5 A recap of our summer travels The travel gear I've been reaching for again and again Clothes that earned a repeat spot in my suitcase A few things that have made planning and managing travel easier Some of my more random recent favorites Why Swedish candy apparently deserves a spot on a travel favorites list Some of the things mentioned: Tobiq Bags Meliae Cognac Leather Camera Purse Clean Skin Club Travel Size Clean Towels Chase Sapphire Reserve (My personal referral link, not an affiliate link).  Lemme Debloat Daily Digestive Gummies Wanderlog Skylight Calendar Walli phone case American Eagle jorts Old Navy running shorts Long-sleeve swimsuit American Eagle long-sleeve shirts Pact t-shirts Swedish candy Want all the details (and links to everything I mentioned)? Read the full blog post: Travel Things I've Been Loving Lately 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] If you enjoyed this episode, make sure you're following Travel with Kids so you don't miss what's coming in Season 5. And if you have a family travel question or an episode topic you'd love to hear this season, send me a message. I'd love to hear from you!
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  🇵🇹 COME TO PORTUGAL WITH ME! ✈️ // Portugal Group Trip Details 10.08.2026 19min

  I'm SO excited to officially announce my first women-only group trip! Join me (@amomexplores) for 8 days in Portugal, April 19–26, 2027. This trip is for women who love to travel but are ready for someone else to handle the planning for once. 😉 We'll have incredible experiences together, plenty of opportunities to make new friends, AND lots of free time built in so you can make the trip your own. 📍 WHERE WE'RE GOING Lisbon • Arrábida Natural Park • Ericeira 📅 DATES April 19–26, 2027 💰 COST (AIRFARE INCLUDED!) Double Occupancy: $4,400/person* *A note about double occupancy: roommates are not assigned. If you choose double occupancy, you must have your travel partner listed when you register.) Single Occupancy: $5,350/person ✈️ WHAT'S INCLUDED: • Round-trip airfare from a major U.S. airport (regional airports may be available for an additional cost) • Transportation throughout Portugal • Airport transfer upon arrival, depending on arrival time • All breakfasts • 3 group dinners • Attractions and activities listed on our itinerary • A local guide throughout the trip And we have SUCH a fun week planned. Think: exploring Lisbon on a walking tour, sea kayaking, group yoga, wandering through small fishing villages, eating incredible food, and experiencing the beauty of Portugal together. But I also specifically wanted this trip to have downtime. There will be time to wander on your own, find a cute café, head to the beach, book a spa treatment, shop, take a nap, or grab a few new friends and go explore. You don't have to spend every minute of every day with the group! My hope is that this trip gives you the best of both worlds: thoughtfully planned experiences with a group of women who love to travel AND the freedom to slow down and enjoy Portugal at your own pace. And yes, you can absolutely come solo! You don't need to convince a friend to come with you. Choose single occupancy and you'll have your own room for the entire trip. A quick note: This trip is being organized in partnership with Tom's Christian Tours. While both the tour company and I are Christian, this is not a faith-based or religious tour. There are no religious activities or requirements. This is simply a women's group trip focused on travel, connection, and fun. Women of all beliefs and backgrounds are absolutely welcome! Ready to come to Portugal with me? 🇵🇹 This page has all the trip details, which includes a booking link! It will also be in my Group Trip highlight on Instagram. 
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  Travel with Kids Q&A: Gratitude When Traveling, Travel Shoes, Jet Lag, and more! 27.05.2026 36min

  Today's episode is Q&A style! We're talking about: Raising kids who are grateful + how it relates to travel Barefoot shoes for travel Dealing with Jet Lag with Kids Do my kids ever get sick of taking photos on trips? Hotel rooms for families of 6 What mirrorless camera I use How to avoid overspending at your destination 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]
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  Prepping You For Summer Travel 20.05.2026 1t 12min

  Summer travel season is HERE, and in this episode, I'm sharing all of the things currently helping our family travel smoother this summer, from what I'm buying before trips to packing strategies, long haul flight survival tips, road trip favorites, and the random little things that make travel feel easier and more fun. This episode is very much a casual "travel mom chat," not a perfect packing guide or a list of strict travel rules. Just the things I genuinely love, use, and recommend right now as a mom of 4 who travels often during school breaks. In this episode, we chat about: What I always buy before a summer trip My favorite travel essentials right now Packing tips that actually help for family travel How I approach packing for a family of 6 Airport outfit formulas and what I wear on long flights Tips for helping kids sleep on overnight flights Current favorite travel books, shows, podcasts, and downloads Summer road trip essentials and snack strategies Tiny travel hacks that make a BIG difference Whether you're planning a big Europe trip, a beach vacation, a summer road trip, or just trying to survive airport travel with kids, I hope this episode helps you feel excited and prepared for summer adventures ahead. 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]
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  Alabama's Beaches with Kids (Gulf Coast and Orange Beach Family Travel Guide) 13.05.2026 49min

  Thinking about a family beach vacation that's a little more laid-back (and less crowded) than the usual Florida hotspots? In this episode, I'm sharing everything we loved about visiting Alabama's Beaches with kids from beachfront condo resorts and dolphin cruises to giant cinnamon rolls and indoor waterparks for rainy days. I honestly think this is one of the most underrated beach destinations for families in the U.S., especially for Midwest families looking for an easy direct flight to the Gulf Coast. In this episode, I'm sharing: Why Alabama's Beaches surprised us Staying at Turquoise Place with a family of 6 The best family-friendly activities in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Our experience with Sail Wild Hearts dolphin cruises Why Sandcastle University was one of the most unique activities we did Rainy day ideas including Fat Daddy's Arcade and OWA Family-friendly restaurants we loved Easy meals and take-and-bake options for condo stays Tips for planning your own Alabama beach trip with kids Links: Alabama's Beaches with Kids blog post Turquoise Place by Spectrum Resorts - use code EMILYKRAUSE for 10% off your stay! Allegiant Route Map
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  Travel Hacks for Moms + Things I've Learned as A Mom of 4 06.05.2026 54min

  Happy Mother's Day! In this episode I'm sharing my top hacks for travel with kids - all practical tips you can implement on your next trip! I'll also share a few regular life mom hacks, and then I'm diving into lessons I've learned as a mom of 4. Take what works for you, ignore what doesn't! 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]
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  Turks and Caicos Couples Getaway - Where We Stayed, Travel Tips, and More! 29.04.2026 47min

  In today's episode I'm sharing all the details of our Turks and Caicos trip - a kid-free getaway to celebrate my husband's 40th birthday!  Here's a link to where we stayed: Ocean Club East Our goal was relaxation, so we didn't do any excursions or really even any sightseeing on this trip, and Ocean Club East was the perfect place to do that.  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]
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  Europe with Kids 101 - Things I've Learned to Make The Most of Euro Summer Family Vacation 22.04.2026 48min

  Today's episode is all about having the best Euro Summer with kids! And by Euro Summer I just mean a 1-2 week vacation (maybe longer if you're lucky!).  I'm sharing what I've learned (sometimes the hard way) about packing light, what to bring to Europe in summer with kids, which ages are the best and which are the hardest for kids to explore Europe, how to structure your itinerary, and how to deal with picky eaters. If you're traveling to Europe this summer with kids, hopefully this episode gets you excited for your upcoming trip, but I also hope it helps you feel more relaxed and prepared. Here are some resources that may help! Packing Video - my capsule wardrobe Little Kid Packing Video / Big Kid Packing Video Blog Post - Packing For A Trip to Europe with One Backpack Each Blog Post - The Ultimate Guide to Planning A Trip to Europe with Kids My Travel Essentials for Europe - Amazon Idea List GROUP TRIP SURVEY: If you are interested in joining me for a women's group trip, please take 2 minutes to fill out this survey! It will help immensely to plan a trip that actually works for moms in this community: https://my.trovatrip.com/public/l/survey/emily-krause 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]
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  Family-Friendly Summer Vacation Travel Ideas for 2026 15.04.2026 50min

  Today's episode is all about sharing our favorite summer vacation destinations and itineraries for families! Summer offers warm weather and more flexibile schedules, so it feels like the whole world is open to families! It can be hard to narrow down destinations when your bucket list is long but your vacation time and budget are limited.  I'm sharing our personal vacations in this epidode, and linking all of the itineraries below! Best Summer Vacations in the USA for Families Kid-Friendly South Dakota Road Trip Itinerary Costa Rica 1 Week Itinerary for Families 2 Week Italy and Greece Itinerary for Families The Ultimate 10 Day Guatemala Itinerary with Kids 2 Week Germany and Austria Itinerary for Families 1 Week Scotland Itinerary 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]
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  Louisville, KY with Kids (Part 3 Of Our Spring Break Road Trip) 08.04.2026 23min

  This episode covers the last portion of our spring break road trip from Nashville to Gatlinburg, and finally stopping in Louisville, KY before heading home. We only had about 24 hours in Louisville, so this is by no means a comprehensive guide, but it was a great taste of this awesome city, and made me want to come back and experience all it has to offer! 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]
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  Gatlinburg with Kids - Part 2 Of Our Spring Break Road Trip (Spring vs Summer, Big Kids vs Little Kids) 01.04.2026 41min

  This episode is ALL about visiting Gatlinburg, TN with kids! We've visited twice - once in summer of 2018 with a 1, 3, and 5 year old, and now in spring of 2026 with kids ages 6-12.  Both were really fun experiences, so I'm sharing the pros and cons of visiting in spring vs summer, and which age is more fun for this type of trip. I'm also recapping everything we did in Gatlinburg for our spring break, plus a few tips for visiting. Links: Family Travel Guide to Gatlinburg blog post 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]
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  Nashville Spring Break with Kids - BEST Tips for A Nashville Family Vacation 25.03.2026 38min

  In this episode I'm covering our spring break trip to Nashville. I'll share where we stayed, what activities I think are great for little kids vs big kids, and more! Many think of Nashville as a place for bachelorette parties and girlfriend getaways, but it can also be VERY family-friendly if you do it right. We spent 2 nights there this year on spring break, but we also visited back in 2019 when the kids were much younger, plus it was during summer time.  Read my Nashville Blog Post here: https://www.emilymkrause.com/blog/fun-things-to-do-in-nashville-for-families 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]
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  Planning Your First Trip to Hawaii with Kids with Marcie Cheung (Budget, Activities, Choosing an Island, Where to Stay, and More!) 18.03.2026 38min

  Today's episode is all about how to plan your first trip to Hawaii with Certified Hawaii Destination Expert Marcie Cheung! She has visited Hawaii over 40 times, and is a wealth of knowledge on how to start planning your first trip to Hawaii if you're feeling overwhelmed. Even if you've been to Hawaii before, Marcie has lots of insider tips and personal recommendations that you may not have heard before, so be sure to tune in. You can find Marcie here: Hawaii Travel with Kids Website Hawaii Travel Made Easy podcast Hawaii Travel with Kids Instagram 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]
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  Planning, Prepping, and Packing for Spring Break 2026 11.03.2026 38min

  In today's episode, I'm walking you through exactly how I prepare for spring break trips as a mom of four so our travel days go as smoothly as possible. We're talking about what to do a few weeks before your trip and what to do a few days before you leave, from checking warm weather clothes to confirming reservations, prepping your house, and starting the packing process. A little bit of planning ahead of time makes a huge difference, especially when you're traveling 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]
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  How to Be A Travel Content Creator in 2026 04.03.2026 44min

  In today's episode I'm sharing everything I've learned over the past 8 or 9 years about running a travel content creation business and becoming a travel content creator (or travel influencer). I'm also sharing tips about how to grow your business and get work done as a mom to young kids. We're just moving into the elementary age kids stage of life, so I wanted to share what it was like and how I found time to work on my business during that season. There's so much opportunity, and this episode will discuss how you can share your personal story and point of view to stand out. It's not too late! 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]
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  Travel Is Getting EXPENSIVE. Here's What Our Family Is Doing About It. 25.02.2026 38min

  Today's episode is all about how our family is handling how EXPENSIVE travel has gotten in the last year or so.  Hotels and airfare have skyrocketed, but I'm not giving up yet! This episode contains my strategies for budgeting better, saving more, and using points and miles more strategically so we can still make our annual spring break and summer vacation happen. 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]
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  Traveling Solo With The Kids As A Mom (Tips, Logistics, and Ideas for Moms) 18.02.2026 53min

  Today's episode is all about taking solo trips with your kids as a mom. It can be scary to venture out without your partner. You can feel especially vulnerable as a woman out in the world with young kids.  But I always say it sometimes feels just as challenging to take little kids to the grocery store solo as it is to take a trip with kids solo, so why not give it a try? I'm sharing my personal thoughts, how I pack, what precautions I take, and some solo trips I've taken with my kids. Don't forget - solo mom trips can also mean meeting up with friends and their kids, or bringing a family member along as an extra set of hands. We make our own rules here! Finally - be sure to check out the Trip Tales Podcast with Kelsey Graves if you're looking to add more travel themed podcasts to your playlist.  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]