Traveling with Kids Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect with Jacquelyn Hunt

May 4

🎧 Listen to the full episode onApple Podcasts |Spotify |Amazon Music

You don’t have to wait

One of the biggest lies parents believe about travel is that we have to wait. Wait until the kids are older, until we have more money, until life feels less chaotic. Sound familiar?
In this episode, Jacquelyn Hunt of The Family Traveling Circus Podcast gently challenges that idea.

As a mom of five who has traveled to over 30 countries—and recently completed a 9-state road trip in 9 days—her message is simple:

You can start now.

Real-life travel (not the highlight reel)

Jacq is the first to say it’s not perfect. There are meltdowns. Plans change. Kids get tired. Of course, things don’t go as expected. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth it.

In fact, some of the best memories come from the moments that didn’t go according to plan—like getting caught in a massive downpour and playing games in the car instead.

The “1–2 things per day” rule

One of the most helpful takeaways from this episode is Jack’s approach to planning:

Pick one or two activities per day. That’s it. It’s enough structure to feel intentional—with plenty of room for rest, play, and flexibility.

Travel teaches more than we think

Traveling as a family isn’t just about seeing new places.

It teaches kids:

Flexibility
Gratitude
Patience
How to be part of a team

Because sometimes, you do things that aren’t your favorite… because someone else in your family loves them.

That’s real life—and travel is a great place to practice it.

Your kids don’t have to remember it

One of the most powerful parts of this conversation is the reminder that:

Your kids don’t have to remember the trip for it to matter. Because you will remember it.

And those shared experiences—walking through a new city, playing in a park with a view, watching something for the first time together—become part of your family story.

Start smaller than you think

You don’t need a European vacation to begin.

You can: