Episode Summary: "ALWAYS BRING DUCT TAPE" FAMILY VACATION TIPS w/ MOM

Release Date: June 17, 2025
Hosts: Kelly Stumpe and Lizz St. John
Guest: Chris (Mother)

Introduction to the Episode

In this heartfelt and informative episode, Kelly and Lizz invite their mother, Chris, to share invaluable insights on planning and navigating family vacations. Drawing from Chris's extensive experience as a stay-at-home mom of five and her own adventurous upbringing, the episode offers practical tips, personal anecdotes, and heartfelt advice aimed at helping families create memorable and stress-free vacations.

Planning a Family Vacation

Selecting the Ideal Time and Destination

Chris emphasizes the importance of choosing a vacation time that aligns with everyone's schedules, especially considering activities like sports for older children. She suggests establishing a consistent vacation week each year to simplify planning and ensure everyone's availability.

Chris (04:35): "Pick a week that's convenient, that works with everybody's sports schedules... make it as simple as possible to get everybody together."

When narrowing down destinations, Chris advises families to consider their interests and preferred activities. Whether it's a water-based getaway like the Lake of the Ozarks or an active adventure, selecting a destination that caters to the family's unique preferences ensures everyone enjoys the trip.

Chris (05:19): "Pick a destination that you want. What do you guys like to do?"

Creating a Flexible Schedule

Chris advocates for a structured yet flexible itinerary. Drawing inspiration from summer camps and dude ranches, she recommends outlining daily activities while allowing room for spontaneity. This balance helps maintain a sense of routine without feeling rigid.

Chris (10:45): "Decide once, decide once. That way... it's not like hard and fast. It's an outline and a starting point."

Budgeting Tips

Cost-Saving Strategies Without Sacrificing Fun

Budgeting for a family vacation doesn't mean cutting out the fun. Chris shares several strategies to stretch dollars effectively:

• Shared Expenses: Traveling with another family can significantly reduce costs by sharing accommodations and transportation.

  Chris (07:19): "Go to vacation with another family that has kids your age... share the expense."

• Home-Cooked Meals: Limiting dining out to one meal a night and preparing the rest at your accommodation helps save money and offers healthier meal options.

  Chris (07:53): "Maybe pick one night to go out to dinner and the rest you figure out at home or do takeout."

• Utilizing Local Resources: Exploring free or low-cost activities, such as parks and nature walks, ensures plenty of entertainment without breaking the bank.

  Chris (08:00): "Every area has a park, every area has free activities to do."

Balancing Rest and Activities

Structuring Daily Schedules for Optimal Enjoyment

Balancing active pursuits with adequate rest is crucial for a harmonious family vacation. Chris suggests creating a daily agenda that includes time for morning activities, midday downtime, and evening engagements.

Chris (08:37): "We like to get up and be active, have lunch, have like downtime... ready to ramp it up again for the evening activities."

This structured approach ensures that both children and adults have time to recharge, preventing burnout and maintaining high energy levels throughout the trip.

Handling Vacation Disasters

Turning Mishaps into Memorable Stories

One of the standout moments of the episode is Chris recounting a challenging family trip to Yosemite National Park. Due to an RV mishap, the family had to navigate unexpected obstacles, including a damaged generator and an unplanned detour through Death Valley without air conditioning.

Chris (13:42): "I didn't get my first choice... So, that being said, we get there and I knew it was going to be tight, but the RV fit going in, but it did not fit going out. So on the way out of the park, we severely damaged the generator and the awning."

Despite these hurdles, Chris highlights the importance of maintaining a positive attitude. By embracing the chaos and finding humor in the situation, the family was able to adapt and create lasting memories.

Chris (22:44): "It's the only thing you can control is your attitude."

Keeping Kids Entertained During Travel

Practical Travel Hacks for Long Journeys

Keeping children engaged during lengthy car rides or flights can be challenging. Chris shares effective strategies to ensure the kids remain entertained and comfortable:

• Personal Snack Bags: Providing each child with their own stash of snacks eliminates the need for sharing and reduces conflicts.

  Chris (27:31): "I gave everybody their own pack of gum... this is your bag. Eat it at your leisure."

• Individual Activity Packs: Equipping each child with their own set of toys or crafts encourages independent play and creativity.

  Chris (28:24): "You just need to watch a screen the whole time... but save some time for the other stuff too."

Building Family Traditions

The Evolution of Meaningful Vacation Rituals

Family traditions add a layer of meaning to vacations, making them more memorable. Chris talks about how traditions naturally evolved for her family without force, emphasizing the importance of keeping things simple and enjoyable.

Chris (29:20): "Our trips evolved... they're not forced."

One notable tradition Kelly mentions is their annual meal at the Lake of the Ozarks, centered around enjoying ribs. Such simple, consistent rituals foster a sense of continuity and anticipation for future trips.

Kelly (29:55): "We're having ribs. And it's just a meal and it's nothing crazy."

Advice for Overwhelmed Moms

Letting Go of Perfection and Embracing the Journey

For moms feeling the pressure to create the "perfect" family vacation, Chris offers reassuring advice:

• Discarding Perfection: Accept that imperfections are inevitable and focus on creating positive memories despite challenges.

  Chris (32:12): "There’s no such thing [as a perfect vacation]. Put that out of your mind."

• Embracing Flexibility: Allowing for unexpected moments and maintaining a flexible mindset can transform potential stressors into enjoyable experiences.

  Chris (37:03): "You'll know your memories of it are gonna be fond if your reactions to the things that go wrong were positive."

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

The episode wraps up with a reflection on the true essence of family vacations: the moments of togetherness, the ability to adapt, and the creation of lasting memories. Chris underscores the importance of attitude, flexibility, and embracing the unexpected to ensure that every family trip, no matter how chaotic, becomes a cherished story.

Final Words from the Hosts:

Kelly (44:23): "Thank you for listening to the Carpool Podcast with Kelly and Liz. Make sure you're subscribed so you never miss an episode."

Notable Quotes

• Chris on Simplifying Planning:
  "Pick a week that's convenient, that works with everybody's sports schedules... make it as simple as possible to get everybody together." ([04:35])

• On Positive Attitude:
  "It's the only thing you can control is your attitude." ([22:44])

• Embracing Imperfections:
  "There’s no such thing [as a perfect vacation]. Put that out of your mind." ([32:12])

• Creating Memories Through Challenges:
  "You'll know your memories of it are gonna be fond if your reactions to the things that go wrong were positive." ([37:03])

Final Thoughts

"ALWAYS BRING DUCT TAPE" offers a blend of humor, practical advice, and heartfelt stories that resonate with parents navigating the complexities of family vacations. Chris's candid recounting of both triumphant and tumultuous trips serves as a relatable guide, reminding listeners that the true value of a vacation lies in the bonds strengthened and the stories created along the way.