Passport Mommy with Michelle Jerson

Michelle had such an amazing time in Kyoto, Japan, and will soon post a full episode on Kyoto. Segment one is a sneak peak into the bike tour they did with Kyoto Bike Tour, which she and her kids, ages 7 and 9, loved!!!  They explored on a bike down safe streets and saw rice fields, a bamboo forest, and monkeys! This is the only bike tour company she found that specifically had a family tour, catered to young children. Looking for a last minute getaway? Dawn Yanek talks about Myrtle Beach and why it's a great family destination! She is an author, actor, mom of two, and MomSanity.com and talks about the latest family travel trends, smart ways to save on last-minute vacations, and tips for finding the best values before school starts.Are your kids looking to ace their school or professional auditions? Kurt Domoney, founder of Broadway Kids Auditions, is a professional Broadway actor, New York City based director, choreographer, actor, and coach and has choreographed a broad spectrum of projects from musical theatre to opera. He has been a member of actors equity for 25 years and now is helping coach the next generation of Broadway performers! Listen to his conversation with Michelle about tips for giving your kids the confidence and tools to excel both on and off the stage.We are approaching flu season once again and Michelle talks with pharmacist and senior director of immunizations at Walgreens, Samantha Picking, about why getting vaccinated is so important.

Osaka - Swissotel Nankai Osaka; Arigato Travel and Culinary Food Tours; Food Activity Japan's Sushi Making ClassMichelle traveled to Japan with her two children, ages 7 and 9 and the last stop on their trip was the really fun city of Osaka. Besides the overstimulation of crane machines, pokémon stores, and amazing shopping for mom, there's a lot to explore, including the incredible food scene.  We stayed at two wonderful properties while there - one was the really fun Pokémon themed room at Mimaru in Namba North and then an the extremely central and convenient Swissotel Nankai Osaka. The Swissotel Nankai Osaka was a great last stop for shopping and a central base to then take the train back the Kansai Airport.  It also has a great indoor pool, cold/hot plunge pools and a gym.  Osaka has a great food scene and offers so many different restaurant options and markets to try a variety of local cuisine.  Arigato Travel and Culinary has amazing tour guides who will make sure you try it all.  Their Osaka food tour will leave you stuffed and educated!Food Activity Japan is a great company, located in Tokyo and Osaka, and offers sushi, chopstick making and matcha tea classes.  It is a wonderful kid friendly activitity and perfect for those days you may want a break from the outdoors.Osaka also has cultural sites to see and is a 45 minute train ride from Kyoto, so it's a great city to base yourself to explore other regions as well.  You can stock up on all your Japanese cosmetics, sunscreens, snacks and clothes, so you may want to bring an extra bag or suitcase or buy one there!

Michelle decided on a whim to head to Japan with her two kids alone for two and a half weeks.  While many people plan their trip to Japan for months and even a year, she did this with just three weeks prep.  Planning some activities and hotels befor her trip and others while there, she is going to bring you interviews with those hotels and tours she did and chat about some of their activities along the way.  This week's episode features Tokyo.  She stayed at the beautiful and conventient Shiba Park Hotel and Park Hotel Tokyo.They took an amazing tour with Tourist Japan to Mt. Fuji.  Check out their website here.It was great because they met and then the rest of the day were transported in a comfortable vehicle with a small group which is perfect when traveling with kids.  Michelle also got lost on the trains more than once so having a group show you are around saves a ton of time and makes sure you see all the great spots! In additon, they went to see a Sumo wrestling show and had dinner at Sumo Live Restaurant in Ginza, spent a couple of hours at the incredible immersive art experience, Team Labs Borderless.  They fed and cuddled with capybaras at Capybara Cafe Moffu in Harajuku.  And of course, the first stop of the trip was to the Pokémon Center in Shibuya!

Are you looking for a fabulous all inclusive getaway that both the parents and kids can enjoy? Head to Dreams Los Cabos Suites Golf Resort and Spa!  It is the perfect getaway for the entire family. Kids can enjoy the explorer's club, including the fun Master Chef Jr. program and adults can get some alone time at the adults only pool or spa.  Tons of family fun to enjoy together at the infinity pool or on the beach.  Nightly entertainment and great cuisine add to the daily fun and relaxation!  Lindsay Pullen, Direcor of Global Brands for Hyatt Inclusive Collection, joins Michelle to share more about what makes the Dreams All Inclusive properties so great for family vacations!Kelli Barret is currently starring in Beaches as Bertie White, half of the duo and their iconic friendship that transcends the years and all that life throws their way.  She talks all about the show and what makes it so special for moms and daughters, friends, and just about anyone to see together!  She is also a certified life coach and runs "Empowered Artist Coaching," a service where she helps artists lead beautfully artistic lives and gain the ability to execute that on their own terms.Every May, millions of Americans begin planning interstate moves — and every year, thousands fall victim to moving scams. As peak moving season approaches, the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is renewing its push to get free, practical resources into consumers' hands before they sign a contract or hand over a deposit. Ryan Snyder, the director of governmental and legislative affiars for the federal motor carrier safety administraion joins Michelle with tips on how to protect your move.

New Brunswick is a beautiful place to visit; full of nature and fun outdoor activities for any season!  In this episode, Neil Hodge, the media representative for New Brunswick, Marguerite Burns, the owner of In Step Adventures and Stephane Picard, the owner of Cliff Valley Astronomy join Michelle to talk about the unique advenutures and activities in New Brunswick.  Hike, bike, kayak or snowmobile by day and sleep under the stars in the dark sky at night!

Looking for a beautiful adults only or family resort in the Riviera Maya?  Grupo Lomas is a full-service tourism company. In addition to its many resorts, they offer so much more with each stay, making your time in Riviera Maya easy and inclusive! Below is what you can expect to be included:Transportation — private or shared transfers, ensuring easy arrival/departure. Experiences beyond the resort — opportunities like catamaran tours, snorkeling, beach activities, excursions to parks or eco-tours, etc.Flexibility for different traveler types — families, couples, adults-only, naturists, etc., depending on which resort you choose. Essentially, it aims to make your vacation planning “all in one” — so you don't have to piece together transport, tours, lodging, food, etc.  And it's really special because it's run by a local Mexican Mother/Daughter who believe in helping their staff fulfill their dreams for themselves and their children.Check out their various resorts and activities here.

This weekend you can still get your raffle ticket or bid on a silect auction to the Anne Saxelby Legacy Fund!  Check out their amazing organization and what they do for apprecntices around the country to preserve the farming industry.  https://www.annesaxelbylegacyfund.org/2025-raffleLearn about RPP in this week's health segment. Mary Robinson is living with generalized pustular psoriasis and Adam Friedman, MD, FAAD is the Professor and Chair of Dermatology, The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences.Author Matin Miryeganeh has written a powerfully inspiration memoir, " All Is Well." It's a memoir of loss, survival; and inner strength.  Dr. Jess Carbinp is a relationship and onlie dating expert. She talks about love languages, partcularly that of helping to clean, highlighting seventh generation products.