Podcast Alert!! There's a Dad on the podcast! A first for Snacks and Suitcases!

Sally is joined by Aussie TV favourite Luke Jacobz, who has an impressive list of credits to his name. From his iconic role as Angelo Rosetta on Home and Away, and Patrick Brewer on McLeod’s Daughters to hosting The X Factor and winning Dancing with the Stars not once but twice! Luke has also appeared on I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! and most recently as a presenter on Sydney Weekender. But these days, Luke’s playing his most important and heartwarming role yet: dad.

With an almost two-year-old daughter and baby boy on the way, Luke shares his dad life adventures and what it’s really like to travel with tiny humans. From lost teddies and long-haul flights to car snacks and Disneyland!

Plus, Luke and Sally take a fun trip down memory lane, reminiscing about their days on kids’ TV, and Luke lifts the lid on behind-the-scenes moments from Home and Away, The X Factor, and more.

We chat about:

• Travelling with a toddler (and why it’s never as easy as you think) • The unexpected joys (and chaos) of theme parks with little ones • His favourite dad hacks for road trips and flights • The importance of backup bunnies • Why California is the perfect kid-friendly destination • And yes, what’s really under the car seat...

Plus:

• Luke’s dream destinations • The snack he always packs • And whether he’s a backpack or suitcase kind of guy

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Family Travel with Luke Jacobs 01:52 Navigating Parenting and Travel 09:27 Life Changes with Parenthood 13:01 Traveling with a Toddler 20:05 California: A Family-Friendly Destination 25:14 Experiencing Disney with Kids 31:34 Lessons Learned from Travel Mistakes 38:49 Travel Tips for Parents 42:31 Future Travel Plans and Aspirations

Instagram

@LukeJacobz

Sydney Weekender

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

Facebook

Email: snacksandsuitcasespodcast@gmail.com

Follow, review and share with a fellow parent who's dreaming of travel.

AND... Don't forget your snacks!

The Big Lap : Family Road Trip Around Australia

In this episode of Snacks and Suitcases, host Sally Stanton speaks with Simone Skinner Smith about her family's adventurous journey around Australia in a caravan. They discuss the preparation and planning involved, the challenges of van life, and the incredible experiences they've had along the way, including swimming with whale sharks and meeting unique characters like Cat Man! Simone shares insights on the importance of the caravanning community, the realities of living off-grid, and the lessons learned during their travels. The conversation highlights the joys and struggles of family travel, making it a relatable and inspiring listen for anyone considering a similar adventure.

Chapters

00:00 The Big Lap Around Australia

02:48 Preparing for the Journey

05:57 The Spark of Adventure

08:45 The Reality of Van Life

11:48 Building Community on the Road

14:47 Wild Encounters and Nature

17:45 The Kids' Experience

20:47 Living Off-Grid

23:50 Memorable Highlights

26:45 Unexpected Adventures

29:47 Lessons Learned

32:44 Family Dynamics on the Road

35:41 Final Thoughts and Advice

Contact Simone

Instagram

@biglappers

Topics we mentioned

Ku-rin-gai Chase National Park

Off The Grid Caravan Hire

Beau and Bunny's Adventures

Strange Catman of the Nullarbor

@catman6701

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

Facebook

Email: snacksandsuitcasespodcast@gmail.com

Follow, review and share with a fellow parent who's dreaming of a Big Lap!

AND... Don't forget your snacks!

Multimedia journalist and host of the Onboard with Cruise Passenger Podcast Rose Kelly joins Sally Stanton for a fun, and myth busting chat about what it’s really like to take your kids on a cruise.

From surf simulators and skydiving tubes to bunk-bed cabins, organic and fresh food dining, to sneaky tips for boarding with kids this is your ultimate guide to cruising as a family, a big family! Yep they also cover why cruising is the perfect solution to traveling with grandparents and more!

Rose is not just a cruise pro, she’s also a mum of two girls, and she shares real-life experiences, clever hacks, and her top picks for kid friendly cruise lines. Whether you're already cruise curious or completely unsure, this episode will make you block out the noise pack your bags and set sail.

Contact Rose

– Writer forcruisepassenger.com.au – Instagram/Facebook:@RoseKellyOfficial

In this episode, we cover:

• Why cruises aren’t just for retirees • What’s really on board: kids clubs with dodgems, mini golf, laser tag & surf simulators • Cabin tips: adjoining rooms, bunks for kids & must-request extras • What to pack (and what to leave at home) when cruising with babies and toddlers • Healthy food onboard – yes, your kids can still get their veggie sticks • What you didn’t know you’d love about cruising (spoiler: it's the crew) • Seasickness, safety, strollers, snacks and surprising perks • How to fast-track boarding with little ones • The truth about cruise ship jails (yep, they exist!) • The joy of unpacking once and visiting multiple destinations • Why cruising might be the most affordable family holiday you’ve never considered

Connect

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

Instagram @snacksandsuitcasespodcast @sallynanamis

Facebook

Email: snacksandsuitcasespodcast@gmail.com

Subscribe, rate and share with a fellow parent who's dreaming of a cruise!

AND... Don't forget your snacks!