Family Vacations, Minus the Stress and Meltdowns—Travel Tips from Brianna Hawes

Is planning a family vacation stressing you out before you’ve even booked the flights? You’re not alone—and this episode of Fearless and Flawed is your permission slip to stop overwhelm-booking and start travel-planning with purpose. Whether you're juggling school holidays, dietary restrictions, sensory needs, or just trying to keep everyone happy without losing your mind—this conversation is for you. This week, we're joined by Brianna Hawes, a travel advisor who’s reimagining what family travel can look like: more adventure, less anxiety. As a mom, a certified autism travel specialist, and a planning obsessive (the kind of person who lives for digging into flight schedules and hotel reviews), Brianna brings both personal experience and pro-level expertise. We dive into: Why most family vacations feel like more work, not a break—and how to flip the scriptThe hidden cost of “do-it-yourself” travel planning (spoiler: it’s not just money—it’s your sanity)What soft adventure travel is and why it’s the sweet spot between relaxing and exploringHow to create trips that work for everyone—even when family interests are wildly differentTravel tips for families with neurodivergent kids (including sensory-friendly airports and autism-certified resorts)Why dreaming about travel is not a waste of time—and how planning ahead supports mental healthThe real difference between a travel agent and a travel advisor in 2025—and why it matters Brianna also shares a personal travel horror story (involving wildfires, flight delays, rental car drama, and hotel chaos) that solidified her mission: to help families travel with confidence, clarity, and a whole lot more joy. And if you’ve ever: • Googled “best family-friendly resorts” and ended up with 74 tabs open • Been paralyzed by too many choices (and conflicting reviews) • Traveled with kids and returned home more exhausted than when you left Then get ready—because this episode will shift the way you think about travel forever. PLUS: Tips on creating forever memories, even if you don’t leave your time zone. ✨ Whether you're dreaming about zip-lining through rainforests or just looking for a hotel that won’t make you cry, this one’s for every woman trying to keep the magic in the family vacation—without sacrificing her own peace. Listen now and find out how Brianna Hawes is helping families travel smarter, not harder. 🌴 Want more of Brianna’s travel wisdom? Check out her Facebook group: Adventures and Family Travel for tips, destination ideas, and the occasional dreamy flight deal. https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinfamilytravel/