We LOVE Sydney!

In this episode of Snacks and Suitcases, TV presenter and radio favourite Lizzy Lovette joins host Sally Stanton to co-host a deep dive into their hometown of Sydney, Australia. As fellow Sydney Weekender reporters (and mums), they share why Sydney is one of the world’s best family destinations.

From must-see icons like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge to hidden gems only locals know, Lizzy and Sally swap tips on outdoor adventures, cultural hotspots, kid-approved dining, and unique experiences you won’t want to miss. For first-time visitors or locals looking for fresh ideas, this episode is your ultimate family guide to exploring Sydney.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Sydney: A Family Destination

02:43 Exploring Sydney's Iconic Sites

05:44 Family-Friendly Activities in Sydney

08:34 Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

11:41 Unique Experiences for Kids

14:37 Cultural and Artistic Adventures

17:41 Food and Dining with Kids

20:34 Outdoor and Nature Activities

23:35 Adrenaline-Pumping Adventures

26:21 Relaxing Getaways and Mini-Breaks

29:34 Tips for First-Time Visitors

32:22 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Contact Lizzy Lovette

Instagram

@lizzylovette

Topics we mentioned

Whalebridge Restaurant

Sydney Harbour Bridgeclimb

May Gibbs Nutcote

High N Dry Burgers

The Ark Haberfield

Kids Night Out

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

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

AND... Don't forget your snacks!

Giveaway Alert:

Follow @Snacksandsuitcasespodcast on Instagram, find the giveaway post and tag a friend for your chance to win a signed copy of Ada's junior fiction series Mia Megastar!

In this episode of Snacks and Suitcases, host Sally Stanton sits down with Ada Nicodemou, Australian actress and Home and Away star, to talk all things family travel, parenting, and cultural connections.

Ada shares her love for visiting her family roots in Greece and Cyprus, along with her favourite family-friendly destinations in Australia like Port Douglas and Palm Beach, the real-life Summer Bay!

From the challenges of travelling with kids to the joys of cruising holidays, Ada gives honest tips and personal stories that will inspire any parent planning their next adventure.

The conversation also explores Ada’s passion for food and Greek cuisine, her treasured reading habits while on the road, and how her experiences on Home and Away have influenced her outlook on travel and life as a working mother.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why cruising is an ideal holiday option for families

• The importance of food and culture in Ada’s travels

• Tips for managing long flights and packing with kids

• Ada’s favourite spots in Sydney for family outings

• How travel deepens family connections and cultural heritage

• Ada’s love of reading and writing as part of her travel journey

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ada Nicodemou 01:25 Ada's Love for Travel and Family Destinations 06:53 Experiences on Home and Away and Travel Inspirations 09:40 Traveling with Kids: Tips and Challenges 19:36 Cruising Adventures and Family Fun 26:45 Cultural Connections: Cyprus and Greece 32:36 Food Memories and Culinary Adventures 37:47 Reading and Writing: Ada's Literary Journey 51:54 Local Sydney Favorites and Family Activities 56:49 Fast Five: Quick Travel Preferences

What we mentioned

Quicksilver Tours Nth Qld

Grecian Park Hotel

Grecian park Hotel near Konnos Bay in Cyprus - Ada's fave hideway

Ttappis Tavern

Ada's favourite Cheap Eats in Cyrpus

Follow Ada on Instagram @adanicodemou

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

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

AND... Don't forget your snacks!

Planning a family trip to Japan? In this episode of Snacks and Suitcases, host Sally Stanton welcomes back Jo McGregor from The Tokyo Chapter to share her best advice for parents traveling with kids.

From booking hotels and navigating public transport to cultural experiences and must-have travel apps, Jo covers everything you need to know before taking your family to Japan. You’ll learn how to plan your trip, avoid common mistakes, and make your travels smoother and more enjoyable.

Whether you’re visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, or exploring beyond, this episode is packed with practical insights to help parents create unforgettable memories with their kids in Japan.

✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to plan and organise your family trip to Japan
• The best times of year to visit Japan with kids
• Why booking hotels in Japan often starts six months ahead
• Tips for navigating public transport with children
• How to handle cash, budgeting, and local customs
• Family-friendly activities, from Disneyland to cultural spots
• The role of apps and pocket Wi-Fi in stress-free travel
• Luggage forwarding services and how they make travel easier
• Answers to real listener questions about Japan family travel

📌 Key Takeaways:

• Japan is safe and family-friendly, but planning makes all the difference
• Public holidays can lead to crowds—plan around them
• Research airport transport before arrival
• Technology like Google Maps and Mama Papa Map are game-changers for parents
• Cultural experiences can be enjoyable for kids with the right pacing

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Season 2

00:56 Traveling to Japan with Kids

09:55 Planning Your Trip to Japan

16:24 Booking Essentials for Japan

20:00 Disneyland and Family-Friendly Activities

24:01 Cultural Experiences and Local Insights

30:03 Traveling with Kids: Tips and Tricks

37:44 Pre-Travel Preparations

46:03 Cash and Budgeting in Japan

49:33 Technology and Apps for Travelers

55:02 Listener Questions and Answers

Things we mentioned

Ecbo Luggage Storage App

https://cloak.ecbo.io/en

Mama Papa Map App

https://apps.apple.com/au/app/mamapapamap-nursing-room-map/id1117756080

Pokemon Hotel

https://mimaruhotels.com/en/news/stay-pokemonroom/

Strange Robot Dinosaur Hotels

https://group.hennnahotel.com/

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

Contact Jo: @thetokyochapter

thetokyochapter.com

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

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

AND... Don't forget your snacks!