Brandon Lied

Hey there, I'm Brandon Lied, a travel enthusiast, professional video creator at Steel Rock Films, and the founder of Five Bags Packed. My wife, Jamie, runs Jamie Beth Photography, and together, we're a family of five with Grayson, Hayden, and Brynn. We're here to inspire your family's travel adventures. Thanks for joining us!

Three children stand at a fence, watching a giraffe inside an enclosure at a zoo. Free zoo in Madison

Visiting the Free Zoo in Madison: Family Excursions to Henry Vilas Zoo

For many years now, our family has cherished frequent visits to the free zoo in Madison, Wisconsin: Henry Vilas Zoo. Close to my wife Jamie’s family, this remarkably free zoo has become a beloved staple of our family outings on our visits to Wisconsion. While it may be smaller than other paid zoos we’ve visited,

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A family posing on a red carpet in front of palm trees.

Ultimate Guide to Universal Studios Hollywood with Kids: Tips for an Unforgettable Family Adventure

Thinking about visiting Universal Studios Hollywood with kids? You are in the right place! Back in 2012, when Jamie and I were soaking up the Santa Monica sun, we’d occasionally make the trek to Universal Studios Hollywood for a dose of adventure. But stepping foot into the park now, it’s like entering a whole new

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Griffith observatory with kids at dusk.

Griffith Observatory With Kids: A Spectacular LA Attraction For Families

During our California winter break road trip, we found ourselves at Griffith Observatory with kids. We capped off a day that began with exploring Beverly Hills after driving down from Santa Barbara. As the sun dipped low in the sky, we made our way up to the observatory, eager to catch the sunset and soak

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