This is the final Ski Japan episode and final episode of Snacks and Suitcases for the season. Find out how a Club Med all inclusive ski trip in Hokkaido can be the easiest and best way to experience a ski trip with the family!

Skiing and snowboarding in Japan is truly something special and Hokkaido is one of the best places in the world for families. In this final episode of the year, Sally chats with Michelle Davies from Club Med Pacific about what makes Club Med Hokkaido such an easy and memorable ski holiday with kids.

We look at the different Club Med resorts including Kiroro Grand for little ones, Kiroro Peak for teens, and Tomamu for first time skiers with the bonus of the amazing Mina Mina Waterpark. Michelle also shares how much snow Hokkaido gets each season (and it's a whopping amount!) and why the long ski season makes planning around school holidays so simple.

There is also time for a little Christmas spirit as Sally remembers her own white Christmas in Canada and we hear favourite festive memories from all our Ski Japan guests.

It is the final episode of Snacks and Suitcases for the year and the perfect way to finish the Ski Japan series.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ski Japan Series

01:53 Exploring Club Med Resorts in Hokkaido

10:33 Choosing the Right Resort for Families

12:23 Celebrating Christmas in Japanese Ski Resorts

14:49 Booking Tips for Ski Holidays

17:09 Reflections on a White Christmas

Topics We Mentioned

Club Med Snow

• Tomamu
• Sahoro
• Kiroro Peak
• Kiroro Grand
• Club Med France

Niseko United

Whistler Blackomb

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@snacksandsuitcasespodcast @sallynanamis

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Email: snacksandsuitcasespodcast@gmail.com

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AND... Don't forget your snacks! Merry Christmas!

This is the 2nd episode in the Ski Japan Series and it’s all about the snowiest and fluffiest, ski destination in Japan… Niseko!

In this episode of Snacks and Suitcases, host Sally Stanton sits down with long-time Niseko devotee Christie Hampton, who has spent more than 20 winters in Japan’s most famous ski town. If you’re dreaming of that light, dry, ridiculously fluffy Hokkaido powder (that you simply cannot get in Australia), this is your ultimate family guide to skiing Niseko. Plus Christie also shares why the ski resorts in Rusutsu and Furano are also fantastic options.

Christie first visited Niseko decades ago, long before it blew up into the global ski phenomenon it is today. Now, she returns every single Japanese winter with her family. Her kids have been skiing that powder since they were two years old, so she is a bona fide expert!

Sally and Christie cover:

• Why Niseko continues to win “Best Ski Resort in Japan” year after year
• What first-timers need to know about weather, gear, goggles and the cold
• Whether Niseko is comfortable for babies and toddlers
• Why booking ski school (and pretty much everything possible) early is essential
• Where to eat, shop and explore beyond the slopes
• What makes Furano and Rusutsu worth adding to your itinerary
• Onsens (yes, we talk about mixed onsens!) and the magic of Japanese snow culture
• Day trip ideas, terrain advice.

Christie gives a refreshingly honest, super helpful breakdown of what makes Niseko special and why so many families return year after year. If you’re tossing up whether to make Japan your next snow holiday… this episode will absolutely seal the deal.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to Niseko: A Family Ski Paradise

03:01 The Allure of Niseko's Powder Snow

06:01 Skiing in Hokkaido: Comparing Resorts

10:37 Christie's Journey: From Visitor to Local

11:44 Exploring Other Hokkaido Resorts

15:33 Why Niseko is the Best Ski Area in Japan

22:01 The Changing Face of Niseko

25:19 Budget-Friendly Tips for Families

26:05 Getting Around Niseko: Transportation Tips

27:57 Activities for Non-Skiers: Food and Onsens

30:52 Exploring Onsen Culture in Japan

32:45 Family-Friendly Activities in Niseko

34:59 Day Trips and Local Attractions

37:44 Ski School Insights for Kids

42:02 Winter Weather and Clothing Essentials

48:04 Packing Tips for a Niseko Trip

49:42 Shopping and Supermarket Experiences

52:10 Quickfire Questions about Niseko

Topics we mentioned

Furano Ski Resort

Rusutsu

Rhythm Japan

Niseko United

Grand Hotel Onsen

Rhythm Rides

Moiwa Lodge

Ren Izakaya

Gyu Bar

Connect

Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions via Instagram and Facebook

@snacksandsuitcasespodcast @sallynanamis

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Email: snacksandsuitcasespodcast@gmail.com

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AND... Don't forget your snacks or your skis!

This is the first of three snowy episodes all about skiing in Japan.

If you’re dreaming of an unforgettable family ski trip to Japan, this episode is your go to guide to exploring Honshu with kids.

Niseko might get all the powder hype, but Honshu has its own incredible magic. Culture filled villages, family friendly resorts and that perfect amount of adventure and charm that families love.

And the best part? Some of Honshu’s top ski spots are just a quick hop, skip and Shinkansen ride from Tokyo.

Sally is joined by BBC Travel Reporter Carmen Roberts who spent eight years living, working and skiing in Japan. Carmen’s insider knowledge of family travel, easy day trip resorts, and hidden gem ski areas is very impressive.

In this episode Carmen shares her top family friendly ski resorts in Honshu including:

• Gala Yuzawa. The famous Shinkansen to Ski resort you can reach directly from Tokyo. • Hakuba. A huge resort area with something for every level of skier. • Nozawa Onsen. A beautiful traditional village known for incredible snow and natural hot springs. • Myoko Kogen. A favourite for families who want great snow without the big crowds (for now).

They also chat about the best off-snow activities for the whole family including onsens (and onsen family etiquette) the adorable Snow Monkeys, what to pack for your family ski trip and when to travel for the best snow and the least crowds.

If you are planning a family ski holiday to Japan this episode is packed with practical travel tips, resort advice, and expert insights to make your next snowy adventure unforgettable.

Follow

@carmenroberts_travels

Ski Resorts We Mentioned:

Gala Yuzawa

https://gala.co.jp/en/winter/

Hakuba

https://hakuba.com/

Nozawa Onsen

https://en.nozawaski.com/

Myoko Kogen

https://myokoskiresort.com/

Ishiuchi

https://ishiuchi.or.jp/winter/

Kagura/Naeba and Prince Hotel

https://www.princehotels.com/en/ski/kagura/

Lotte Arai

https://www.lottehotel.com/arai-resort/en

Connect

Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions via Instagram and Facebook

@snacksandsuitcasespodcast @sallynanamis

Facebook

Email: snacksandsuitcasespodcast@gmail.com

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AND... Don't forget your onsen etiquette!

My Big Adventure: The Travel Diaries Making Screen-Free Fun Easy with Kirstin Edwards

Looking for a screen-free activity your kids will actually get excited about on the plane, in the car or at the airport? Want something educational, fun and destination specific to build anticipation before a big trip?

In this episode of Snacks and Suitcases, Sally chats with Kirstin Edwards, the Melbourne mum and creator behind My Big Adventure Travel Diaries, the beautifully designed, activity packed journals helping kids learn about the world before they even take off.

These aren’t your average travel journals. Each diary is tailored to a specific country, filled with fun facts, cultural insights, challenges, colouring and a digital element that can help kids learn the local language… PLUS a customisable airline ticket so parents can reveal a surprise trip in the cutest way possible.

Whether you’re heading to Bali, Japan, New Zealand, Thailand or Fiji, there’s a diary that turns your child's trip into a real life adventure.

Kirstin shares how the idea came to life, her own childhood dreams of travel, why she believes every family trip can be educational, and how these diaries help kids stay engaged without relying on screens. She also shares hidden gems from her last New Zealand South island escape. AND gives us a special travel tip you may NEVER have heard before!

This episode is for you if you want to: • keep kids busy and learning on long flights • build excitement before your holiday • travel screen-free without meltdowns • create meaningful keepsakes from your adventures

Get your glue sticks and glitter ready (but not your coloured pens IYKYK).

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Travel with Kids

02:59 Creating Engaging Travel Diaries

05:58 Kirsten's Journey and Background

09:02 Educational Value of Travel Diaries

12:07 Interactive Features and Activities

15:04 Traveling with Kids: Tips and Tricks

18:04 Popular Destinations and Future Plans

21:05 Balancing Fun and Education in Travel

24:03 Inspiration and Idea Generation

28:56 Traveling with Kids: Challenges and Creativity

32:12 Family-Friendly Destinations: Exploring Options

35:36 Travel Tips: Preparing for Flights with Kids

39:28 Accommodation Strategies: Booking for Convenience

41:01 New Zealand Adventures: Hidden Gems and Activities

50:22 Unique Travel Tips: Capturing Family Memories

52:01 Future Travel Plans: Exploring New Destinations

Follow

@my_big_adventure_

Topics we mentioned

Novak Djokovic’s Regenesis

https://www.regenesis.studio/

NZ Queenstown Accommodation:

https://www.platinumqueenstown.co.nz/

Kestrell nest

https://www.highfieldfarmwoodland.com/kestrel-nest-ecohut/

Silver River Stargazing Tours

https://silverriverstargazing.com/

Imoova

https://www.imoova.com/en

Connect

Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions via Instagram and Facebook

@snacksandsuitcasespodcast @sallynanamis

Facebook

Email: snacksandsuitcasespodcast@gmail.com

Subscribe, rate and share with a fellow travel loving friend!

AND... Don't forget some coloured ink fades!

Flying with kids and mum life in India

Explosive poos, baby spews, crying toddlers, and cramped plane seats… sound familiar? In this episode of Snacks and Suitcases, host Sally Stanton dives into the realities of flying with babies and young kids.

Joined by her friend Rachel McCallum, an Australian expat living in India, the two share and compare their own stories of flying with little ones. From chaotic long-haul flights to moments of unexpected calm, they explore what actually helps make air travel with kids easier and more enjoyable.

You’ll hear practical tips on packing, managing sleep and in-flight meals, and staying calm when things don’t go to plan. Rachel also gives a glimpse into her vibrant life as a mum raising two boys in India, surrounded by colour, culture, and adventure.

So once again grab your snacks, secure that tray table, and prepare for take-off, this one’s all about keeping your cool at 30,000 feet!

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Traveling with Kids 01:03 Expert Insights from Rachel McCullen 05:12 Life as an Expat in India 09:50 Traveling with Kids: Tips and Experiences 14:11 Navigating Flights with Young Children 21:12 Final Thoughts on Family Travel 23:01 Traveling with Kids: The Early Years 24:35 The Benefits of Traveling with Children 25:40 Flying with Babies: Tips and Tricks 29:14 Navigating Long Flights with Kids 30:29 Essential Packing for Family Travel 32:01 Snacks and Entertainment on Flights 36:19 Traveling with Car Seats and Strollers 39:09 Cultural Experiences and Multicultural Upbringing 41:31 Handling Flight Challenges and Passenger Reactions 44:24 The Headphone Dilemma 48:59 Navigating Long-Haul Flights 51:32 Jet Lag Strategies for Kids 55:45 Handling Multiple Children on Flights 58:41 Coping with Takeoff and Landing Screams 01:00:28 Final Thoughts on Flying with Kids

Follow

@Rachmcc84

Connect

Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions via Instagram and Facebook

@snacksandsuitcasespodcast @sallynanamis

Facebook

Email: snacksandsuitcasespodcast@gmail.com

Subscribe, rate and share with a fellow travel loving friend!

AND... Don't forget your snacks!

It's Hamish Blake

In this episode of Snacks and Suitcases, host Sally Stanton sits down with one of Australia’s biggest stars, Hamish Blake.

Known for his humour, warmth and adventurous spirit, Hamish opens up about his secret travel-agent skills, his love for cycling holidays with his kids and why he believes every family trip should leave room for a few happy mishaps.

From impromptu terrifying cliff climbs in Europe to sharing the spirit of dance with school kids in Uganda, Hamish shares what he loves about travelling with his family in the big wide world. PLUS Hamish answers a few fun travel (and Lego) questions straight from kids. This feel-good chat will inspire you to embrace adventure, laugh through the chaos, and maybe even start a few travel traditions of your own.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Hamish Blake

01:56 Travel Planning and Family Adventures

04:49 Embracing Mishaps on Family Trips

06:24 Experiences in Africa and Education

10:13 Cultural Insights from Uganda

12:03 Preparing for Travel with Kids

13:50 Cycling Adventures: A Family Tradition

20:14 The Joy of Family Bike Rides

23:28 Exploring New Destinations

28:33 Future Cycling Plans and Adventures

31:55 The Benefits of Cycling Holidays

34:31 Navigating Teenage Travel

38:40 Traveling with Kids: Tips and Tricks

41:55 Fan Questions and Fun Facts

45:36 Closing Thoughts and Final Tips

Bike tours (not affiliated)

https://www.artofbicycletrips.com/

https://www.centralcycletrail.co.nz/

https://www.australiancycletours.com.au/cycling-themes/family-friendly

https://biketourjapan.com/shimanami-kaido-setouchi-tour/

Connect

Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions via Instagram and Facebook

@snacksandsuitcasespodcast @sallynanamis

Facebook

Email: snacksandsuitcasespodcast@gmail.com

Subscribe, rate and share with a fellow travel loving friend!

AND... Don't forget your snacks!

Surprise!

This is a bite-sized BONUS episode of Snacks and Suitcases!

Host Sally Stanton continues her chat with Jo McGregor from The Tokyo Chapter. This time diving into Nara, Japan’s charming town filled with friendly bowing deer, ancient temples, and family-friendly adventures.

But it’s not all temples and rice crackers! Sally and Jo also unpack a topic every travelling parent can relate to…. tummy troubles on the road (yes, constipation)! They share practical tips for keeping everyone feeling great while eating abroad, from finding veggies in Japan to what to pack just in case.

Chapters:

00:00 – Welcome to Snacks and Suitcases: Bite-Sized Japan Bonus 00:45 – Why Nara is a Must-Visit with Kids 01:40 – Feeding the Deer (and What Not to Feed Them!) 02:20 – Temples, Shrines, and the Famous Giant Buddha 03:30 – Mochi-Pounding at Nakatani-do 04:45 – Where to Eat in Nara: Big Mountain Café & More 05:30 – The Great Veggie Hunt in Japan 07:00 – Tummy Troubles Abroad (and How to Avoid Them) 09:00 – Biking Around Nara & Family-Friendly Exploring 10:00 – Bonus Tip: A Day Trip to Kobe 11:00 – Wrap-Up and Where to Listen Next

Topics we mentioned

Info on finding veggies and salads in Japan https://www.thetokyochapter.com/when-im-craving-lots-o-veggies/

Nara recommendations for families https://www.thetokyochapter.com/nara-some-quick-tips/

What to Pack for Japan with Kids https://www.thetokyochapter.com/packing-for-tokyo-with-kids/

Contact Jo

https://www.thetokyochapter.com/

Instagram

@thetokyochapter

Connect

Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions via Instagram and Facebook

@snacksandsuitcasespodcast @sallynanamis

Facebook

Email: snacksandsuitcasespodcast@gmail.com

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

AND... Don't forget your snacks!

Jo Macgregor from The Tokyo Chapter joins host Sally Stanton again, but this time they are putting the spotlight on Osaka and Kyoto.

In this episode of Snacks and Suitcases, Sally and Jo explore the vibrant and fun city of Osaka and the cultural heart of Japan, Kyoto. They discuss the unique cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, and must-visit spots in both cities, including temples, shrines, and local cuisine. The conversation also touches on practical travel advice, such as transportation options and accommodation recommendations, making it a comprehensive guide for families planning a trip to Osaka and Kyoto.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Osaka and Kyoto: A Family Adventure

02:32 The Unique Vibe of Osaka

06:49 Family-Friendly Activities in Osaka

10:36 Cultural Experiences in Kyoto

23:02 Must-Visit Temples and Shrines in Kyoto

28:56 Exploring Temples and Shrines in Kyoto

32:00 Family-Friendly Activities and Recommendations

33:29 Duration of Stay in Kyoto

36:01 Accommodation Options in Kyoto

38:45 Navigating Kyoto: Transportation Tips

42:01 Private Tours and VIP Experiences

43:17 Crowd Management Strategies

45:46 Cultural Experiences: Kimono and More

48:06 Must-Visit Attractions for Families

51:30 Dining Recommendations in Kyoto

56:27 Final Thoughts and Travel Tips

Topics we mentioned

&Here Osaka Namba Hotel

Kids Plaza Osaka

https://www.thetokyochapter.com/kids-plaza-osaka/

Restaurant suggestions for families in Osaka https://www.thetokyochapter.com/where-to-eat-in-osaka-with-kids/ Restaurant suggestions for families in Kyoto https://www.thetokyochapter.com/kyoto-restaurants-with-kids/ Kyoto Railway Museum and the Playground next door https://www.thetokyochapter.com/kyoto-railway-museum/ Kinkakuji (Golden Pavillion) and restaurants nearby for families https://www.thetokyochapter.com/kyotos-kinkakuji-with-kids/ Kiyomizudera and family friendly options nearby https://www.thetokyochapter.com/kyotos-kiyomizudera-temple-with-kids/ Enkoji and the playground nearby https://www.thetokyochapter.com/enkoji-temple-a-big-playground-near-by-kyoto/ Arashiyama with kids https://www.thetokyochapter.com/other-japanese-cities-arashiyama-with-kids/ The Private Driver Company https://www.thetokyochapter.com/private-drivers-private-tours-in-japan-with-kids/ What to Pack for Japan with Kids https://www.thetokyochapter.com/packing-for-tokyo-with-kids/

International Manga Museum

Teamlab Biovortex Kyoto

Contact Jo

https://www.thetokyochapter.com/

Instagram

@thetokyochapter

Connect

Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions via Instagram and Facebook

@snacksandsuitcasespodcast @sallynanamis

Facebook

Email: snacksandsuitcasespodcast@gmail.com

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

AND... Don't forget your snacks!