Two Weeks, Four Backpacks, Seven Countries: The Mental Load of Travel Planning

Send us Fan MailIn this first episode of our three-part Travel with Five series, we dive into the mental load of travel planning. From researching flights a year in advance to sprinting through train stations with three kids, we unpack what it really takes to pull off a two-week, seven-country European adventure.You’ll hear:Why backpacks > suitcases when traveling in EuropeWhat went wrong (oversold trains, closed attractions, rental car chaos in Paris)How balancing kids’ preferences adds to the invisible work of trip planningThe small steps that make the biggest difference in reducing stressWhether you’re dreaming of your first big family trip or just trying to plan the next vacation, this episode is packed with travel hacks, lessons learned, and honest stories about the mental load behind the magic.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Travel Planning07:18 Navigating Family Preferences15:01 The Role of Technology in Planning20:50 Maximizing Travel Points and Budgeting26:32 Packing Strategies for Family Travel28:38 Lessons Learned from the Trip34:43 Safety and Preparedness While Traveling36:03 Community and Future EpisodesCheck us out on Instagram