Snacks and Suitcases

We head to the stunning mountain town of Livigno in Italy, a true hidden gem in the European Alps and one of the host locations for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Sally is joined by Aussie ski industry powerhouse and mum of two, Caroline Brauer, who shares why this incredible destination completely won her over. And why she, along with her husband, former Olympic skier Jono Brauer, base their Arc Skier Development Program there. 

They chat about what makes Livigno so special for families and young developing skiers. Think “hero” snow, wide open slopes, runs that literally take you to Switzerland! Short lift lines and that relaxed, welcoming vibe that makes travelling with kids so much easier.

Caroline also explains how the Arc Skier Development program gives Aussie kids the chance to build their skills in a world class alpine environment, while parents enjoy a European ski holiday filled with amazing food, scenery and a little bit of indulgence.

From duty free shopping to delicious Italian and Swiss inspired cuisine, Livigno offers so much more than just skiing. It is one of those places that surprises you in the best possible way.

If you have some budding ski superstars or are just dreaming of a family snow trip that feels a little different, this one is definitely worth adding to your list.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to Livigno: A Hidden Gem for Families

02:14 Olympic Spirit: Caroline's Experience at the Winter Olympics

05:29 The Arc Skier Development Program: Nurturing Young Talent

13:04 Family-Friendly Lavinio: A Perfect Destination

18:36 The Unique Offerings of the Arc Program

27:33 Off-Slope Activities: Fun Beyond Skiing

31:54 The Essence of Bombardino

32:44 Navigating Livigno: Language and Accommodation

36:07 Culinary Delights: The Restaurant Scene in Livigno

40:46 Off-Snow Activities: Ice Rally Driving and More

43:10 Shopping in a Duty-Free Paradise

45:12 Affordable Skiing: Lift Prices and Packages

46:31 A Perfect Day in Livigno with Kids

49:59 Packing Essentials for a Ski Trip

51:56 Exploring the ARC Ski Development Program

52:35 Kids Corner: Questions from Mini Travelers

54:23 Fast Five: Quickfire Questions with Caroline

 

Resources

The ARC Ski - Official Website

https://www.instagram.com/thearcski/

Zinermann Sports Ski Rental

https://www.myholidaylivigno.com/en

https://www.livigno.eu/en/

 

Connect

Thank you so much for listening.

Please feel free to reach out with any questions via Instagram.com/snacksandsuitcasespodcast/

Instagram.com/sallynanamis 

Snacks and Suitcases Facebook Page

Email: [email protected] 

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AND... Don't forget your snacks!

Bite Sized Bonus Episode

Kurashiki with Kids: Japan Off the Beaten Track

Join Sally and Jo Macgregor from the Tokyo Chapter for this bonus Bite Sized episode, as they explore the charming Japanese town of Kurashiki. Covering its history, attractions, and travel tips for families. Discover why Kurashiki is a perfect off-the-beaten-path destination for a cultural and scenic experience with kids.

 

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Kurashiki: A Hidden Gem in Japan

01:37 Personal Connection to Kurashiki

04:11 Cultural Highlights and Unique Experiences

07:34 Travel Tips and Accessibility

09:32 Conclusion and Future Adventures

 

Contact

Follow Jo on Instagram: instagram.com/thetokyochapter

Visit thetokyochapter.com

Resources

Kurashiki Tourism Official Site - https://www.kurashiki-tabi.jp/en/

Ohara Museum of Art - https://www.ohara.or.jp/en/

Japanese Denim - https://en.japantravel.com/okayama/denim-in-kurashiki/12345

 

Connect

Instagram.com/snacksandsuitcasespodcast/com/sallynanamis/

Snacks and Suitcases Facebook Page

Email: [email protected] 

Subscribe, rate and share with a fellow parent who is dreaming of Japan

AND... Don't forget your snacks!

Planning a trip to Japan with kids? Discover how to explore Hiroshima and Miyajima in a meaningful, family-friendly way.
From peace memorials to floating torii gates, here’s everything you need to know before you go.

In this episode, I’m joined by my friend Jo from The Tokyo Chapter to explore, two family friendly cities beyond the bright lights of Tokyo... Hiroshima and Miyajima. 

We cover how to visit Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial with kids in a gentle, age-appropriate way, plus everything you need to know about Miyajima, from the famous floating torii gates to deer encounters and the best time to visit.

You’ll also get practical tips on transport, where to stay, what to eat (hello okonomiyaki), and how to make it all feel easy with kids in tow.

Plus, what’s trending in Japan travel right now and a fun Kids’ Corner segment.

Contact Jo

Instagram: The Tokyo Chapter

Blog: thetokyochapter.com

Resources

Mama Papa Map app – Find toilets and family amenities in Japan

Tablelog – Restaurant and seating info in Japan

Okonomiyaki Restaurants – Hiroshima-style cooking spots

Miyajima Ferry Timetable – Check tide times and ferry schedule

Miyajima Seaside Hotel - Family Friendly Ryokan in Miyajima

Kodomonokuni

Grinpa  

Connect

Instagram.com/snacksandsuitcasespodcast/com/sallynanamis/

Snacks and Suitcases Facebook Page

Email: [email protected] 

Subscribe, rate and share with a fellow parent who is dreaming of Japan

AND... Don't forget your snacks!

Snacks and Suitcases season 3 is here!

We’re kicking things off with a road trip around New Zealand’s North Island.

Sally is joined by Renata Wiles, a New Zealand mum and creator of Roam with Kids. An app designed to help you find the best kid (and parent) friendly playgrounds, cafes, restaurants and activities (many FREE) around New Zealand and quite possibly soon…. the world.

Renata is an adventure and wildlife lover who has travelled extensively with her young family and has all the tips for a fun family holiday. She critiques Sally’s recent North Island adventure. From Auckland to Wellington.... ticking off Hobbiton, Rotorua, Taupo, Hawke’s Bay and the windy city! Plus Renata shares her must visit sights and road trips around NZ with kids.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Snacks and Suitcases
01:10 Exploring New Zealand's North Island
04:05 Meet Renata Wiles: A Kiwi Adventurer
09:43 The Birth of Roam with Kids App
12:24 Why New Zealand is Great for Kids
16:30 North Island vs. South Island Adventures
22:28 Itinerary Insights: Auckland to Wellington
28:01 Experiencing Hobbiton: A Magical Tour
36:21 The Journey: Tips for Traveling in New Zealand
38:42 Exploring Rotorua's Unique Geothermal Wonders
41:46 Family-Friendly Activities in Rotorua and Taupo
45:55 Cultural Experiences and Hidden Gems in Rotorua
49:38 Hawke's Bay: A Culinary and Family Adventure
01:01:43 Wellington: The Windy City and Its Attractions
01:05:41 Unmissable Spots and Travel Tips for New Zealand

 

Contact

Follow Renata on Instagram: instagram.com/renataroaming/

Follow Renata on TikTok: tiktok.com/@renataroaming/

Get the Roam with Kids app

https://roamwithkids.app

Resources

Safe Swim NZ - Check water quality and safety warnings

Hobbiton Tours - Book ahead to secure your spot

 Hear more of Renata's adventure's here

Connect

Instagram.com/snacksandsuitcasespodcast/com/sallynanamis/

Snacks and Suitcases Facebook Page

Email: [email protected] 

Subscribe, rate and share with a fellow parent who is dreaming of New Zealand

AND... Don't forget your snacks!

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

 Connect

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

@snacksandsuitcasespodcast @sallynanamis

Facebook

Email: [email protected] 

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

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