profile

Hi! I'm Melissa of The Family Voyage.

We're a down-to-earth globe-trotting family of four always seeking the next adventure. You're just as likely to find us exploring art museums in Europe, meeting wildlife in Australia or climbing mountains in Patagonia. Our goal is to share our experiences with other families so that they can join in on the fun.

Featured Post

🧳 The FOUR things I never travel without

Travel entry:March 2025 Hey Reader, We're (sadly) back from our awesome spring break trip from Costa Rica but with the kids back at school today I've had a few minutes to breathe, unpack and sit down at my computer. As I was unpacking - which is my absolute least favorite thing about travel, without question - I realized that I'm a true creature of habit. I spend a decent amount of time packing for each trip but so often I end up bringing the same things over and over again. Since Amazon just...

Travel entry:March 2025 Hola Reader, I'm writing to you from our very sunny balcony on the last day of our amazing spring break trip to Costa Rica. Somehow the two hour time change never quite registered with my body so I've seen some incredible sunrises this week - I'm usually a sunset girl, so I'm not complaining because they've been absolutely beautiful. Costa Rica has truly been a delight and I can't wait to share more over on the blog. For now I'll share a few quick highlights: Wildlife...

Travel entry:March 2025 Hey Reader, Feeling the travel itch but not sure where to go next? Whether you’re dreaming of cherry blossoms, desert landscapes, or an ocean breeze, I’ve got you covered for an amazing trip this season! Here are three incredible trip ideas to spark your wanderlust: 🌸 Japan in Spring – Cherry blossoms, vibrant culture, and amazing food… need I say more? We loved it so much that the kids are begging to go back next year! If Japan is on your list, now’s the time to start...

Travel entry:March 2025 Hey Reader, I don't know about you, but I'm freezing my tush off over here! It's not just my imagination either - apparently most of the US has been several degrees colder than usual. The only way I've been able to make it through is by flying off to sunny destinations ✈️ Good thing we live 7 minutes from the airport! We kicked off 2025 with a big family trip to Oahu and Maui, two of our favorite places in the world. If your own trip to paradise is coming up, be sure...

Hi Hello Reader, Thank you so much for being part of our community! I hope this holiday season brings your family peace and light. With mixed emotions, I wanted to share some BIG news from my side of the internet. Unfortunately, Travel Car Seat Mom is no more... sort of. As you can see from the new header on this email, I've changed the name of my website to Travel Car Seat Expert. It's still the same content and the same expertise you've come to rely on! Back in fall 2023, Google introduced...

Hi Reader, If you're in the market for a new car seat, this weekend is a great time to save some money! There are lots of amazing deals available to meet every family's needs. A few items have already been snapped up in the last few days and are out of stock already, so be sure to grab your favorite seat quickly. Here are some of the best deals I'm seeing right now (including a few record breakers): Nuna Rava - this is the same amazing $150 that pops up every Black Friday, but it looks like...

Hey Reader, Thanks again for being here with us at The Family Voyage. I hope you are able to enjoy the long weekend in a way that lifts your spirits. I'll keep this short and sweet since I know your inbox is flooded right now. Those of you who have been following for a while know that I love gear of all types - backpacks, camera, travel clothes, electronics... you name it. I'm also finding amazing deals on travel itself, including hotels, activities and more. I've put together some of my...

WAYB Pico travel car seat, currently on sale for Black Friday

Hi Reader, If you're in the market for a new car seat, you can get your shopping done before the turkey's even in the oven! While I don't love so much marketing focus pushing so early, the reality is that you can grab some incredible deals RIGHT NOW and then not worry about items going out of stock - a few items have already been snapped up in the last few days. Plus you'll have more time for watching football, eating leftover pie straight from the tin and playing board games with family....

Hey Reader, Planning a trip soon? Don't miss my expert tips to save big on your next car rental! Whether it's for a weekend getaway or a business trip, these strategies will keep more money in your pocket. I use them myself all the time. Don't miss out on these insider secrets to finding the best deals and getting the most value for your money. Start saving now Safe travels, Melissa

Hey Reader, Ready for an amazing journey that'll dazzle everyone from toddlers to teens? Dive into our blog post, "An Incredible New York & Canada Road Trip," and turn your travel dreams into reality! Embark from the scenic Finger Lakes to the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls, and cross into Canada's breathtaking landscapes and charming cities, all through the lens of an unforgettable family adventure. We've packed this guide with the best family-friendly spots, essential tips for a smooth...