In this solo episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on how I actually plan our family trips — from the very first “what if?” spark all the way to having a flexible, ready-to-go itinerary on my phone. I share how I think about destinations, timing, points and budgets, balancing adventure with downtime, and why mindset matters just as much as logistics when traveling with kids.
This isn’t a step-by-step formula you have to follow, it’s simply what works for me as a mom planning trips for a family of five. My hope is that hearing my process helps you feel more confident dreaming ahead, blocking time for adventures, and creating trips that feel exciting, doable, and memorable for your family.
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What We Cover in This Episode
- How I choose destinations based on family interests, past trips, and what feels novel
- Why I love National Park + city combinations for family travel
- Why Moab and Switzerland almost worked — and what ruled them out (for now)
- Using tools like Point.me, PointsYeah, and hotel apps to check award availability
- How ChatGPT helped generate ideas — and where it fell short
- Why Colorado won, including Rocky Mountain National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park
- How I balance adventure-heavy days with slower, cozy downtime
- Mixing point redemptions & cash for hotels
- How I organize everything in a simple Google Doc
- Sharing the planning load with my husband
- Staying flexible and leaving room for spontaneity and surprise
Links & Resources Mentioned
Trip Planning & Points Tools
- Point.me: Award flight search tool to compare airline points options
- PointsYeah: Another award availability search tool
- Chase Ultimate Rewards: Flexible points used for flights and hotels
- Hyatt Place – A go-to hotel brand for families needing more space plus it includes free breakfast and they usually have a pool!
Destinations & Parks
- Rocky Mountain National Park: High-alpine scenery, family-friendly hikes, and wildlife
- Great Sand Dunes National Park: Sand sledding, Medano Creek, and dark sky stargazing
- YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park Center: Family-centered lodging near RMNP. Who knew a YMCA could be so awesome?! Horseback riding, rock climbing wall, roller skating, pool, mini golf, family activities, and so much more all with the gorgeous backdrop of the Rockies.
- Breckenridge, Colorado: Walkable downtown, summer activities, arts scene
Helpful Apps & Blogs
- National Park Trail Guide App: My favorite app for finding trails and park highlights.
- Dirt In My Shoes: In-depth national park itineraries, trail advice, and logistics.
Listen to the Full Episode
Where Should We Go this Summer? And How I Plan
→ Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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