Trip Tales | A Family Travel Podcast

Kelsey Graves
  • 4.9 (96)
  • Places & Travel
  • Semiweekly

Trip Tales is the podcast where real people share their real trip stories - where they went, how they got there, where they stayed, what they ate, the activities they loved, and what they’d do differently next time. Each week features a new guest and a new destination to inspire your next vacation. Hosted by Kelsey Graves - mom of 3 and travel content creator.

  1. 5d ago

    Kelsey Unpacked: I'm Falling Out of Love With Points & Miles

    I think I'm falling out of love with points and miles... Between major Southwest changes, credit card frustrations, and nearly $2,000 tied up in travel credits, I'm starting to wonder if the savings are worth the time, effort, and headaches. I'm sharing what's gone wrong, what cards I still love, and why I'm changing my approach to travel hacking. Plus, a little life update about the cutest Paris-themed birthday party! If you’d like to share about your trip on the podcast, email me at: kelsey@triptalespodcast.com Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/kelseygraves Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_graves Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mskelseygraves Join us in the Trip Tales Podcast Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1323687329158879 Mentioned in This Episode:Elle's Paris-Themed Birthday PartyThe Creator Passport Podcast – Giselle & StevenSouthwest Airlines – Companion Pass changes for 2027Chase 5/24 and 3/24 Credit Card RulesSouthwest's Upcoming Nashville Airport LoungeAmerican Express Business Platinum – Fine Hotels + Resorts creditsChase Travel Portal – Our $2,000 United Airlines travel credit headacheSteamboat Springs, Colorado – Southwest and United flight bookingsChase Sapphire Preferred – Hyatt points transfer changesChase Sapphire ReserveCapital One Venture X – Travel credits, lounge access & travel purchase eraser Trip Tales is a travel podcast sharing real vacation stories and trip itineraries for family travel, couples getaways, cruises, and all-inclusive resorts. Popular episodes feature destinations like Marco Island Florida, Costa Rica with kids, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani in Hawaii, Beaches Turks & Caicos, Park City ski trips, Aruba, Italy, Ireland, Portugal’s Azores, New York City, Alaska cruises, and National Parks like Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons and Yosemite. Listeners get real travel tips, itinerary recommendations, hotel reviews, restaurant recommendations, and inspiration for planning their next vacation, especially when traveling with kids.

  2. Oct 26

    Munich, Salzburg & Barcelona - The Ultimate European “Save the Marriage Trip!”

    It's time for another “Save the Marriage Trip!” And this time, we're heading to EUROPE! OG Trip Tales guest Ryan is back! Ryan lives outside Cleveland, Ohio, with his wife, Heather, and their four kids. Every year, Ryan and Heather prioritize a kid-free getaway they affectionately call their “Save the Marriage Trip,” and in July 2026, they went BIG to celebrate 20 years of marriage with their very first trip to Europe! Over eight nights, they explored Frankfurt and Munich in Germany, Salzburg, Austria, and Barcelona, Spain. We're talking luxury hotels, lie-flat business class seats, European train travel, stunning castles, massive beer gardens, traditional German food, and one of the oldest restaurants in Europe! Plus, Ryan shares why Salzburg was the unexpected highlight of their trip, what they loved about Barcelona, and how they made some beautiful hotels more affordable using points. This episode is available to watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kelseygraves If you’d like to share about your trip on the podcast, email me at: kelsey@triptalespodcast.com Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/kelseygraves Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_graves Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mskelseygraves Join us in the Trip Tales Podcast Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1323687329158879 Mentioned in This Episode: Frankfurt, Germany Hotel: Sofitel Frankfurt OperaFrankfurt Old Town, Iron Bridge (Eiserner Steg)Munich, Germany Hotel: Andaz MunichNymphenburg Palace – Castle, gardens and historic carriagesMarienplatz – Historic square and GlockenspielAugustiner-Keller – Traditional Bavarian beer gardenTraditional German pork knuckleFruit-shaped pastries and dessertsSalzburg, Austria Hotel: Hotel Goldener HirschSt. Peter's Restaurant – Historic restaurant dating back to 803 ADMozart's BirthplaceMirabell GardensHohensalzburg Fortress – Funicular ride and panoramic viewsAugustiner Bräu Mülln – Traditional beer gardenSalzburg Card – Admission to popular attractionsBarcelona, Spain Hotel: El Palace BarcelonaEl Palace rooftop restaurantSagrada Família – Guided cathedral tourWine & Tapas Walking Tour – Booked through ViatorBarcelona beachesMediterranean sunset sailing cruiseSpanish tapas, wine and sangriaFlights, Trains & Travel United Polaris Business Class – Newark to FrankfurtUnited Polaris Lounge – Newark AirportHigh-speed train – Frankfurt to MunichEurowings flight – Salzburg to Barcelona Trip Tales is a travel podcast sharing real vacation stories and trip itineraries for family travel, couples getaways, cruises, and all-inclusive resorts. Popular episodes feature destinations like Marco Island Florida, Costa Rica with kids, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani in Hawaii, Beaches Turks & Caicos, Park City ski trips, Aruba, Italy, Ireland, Portugal’s Azores, New York City, Alaska cruises, and National Parks like Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons and Yosemite. Listeners get real travel tips, itinerary recommendations, hotel reviews, restaurant recommendations, and inspiration for planning their next vacation, especially when traveling with kids.

  3. Oct 21

    Kelsey Unpacked: Hurricane Isaias vs. Fall Break on 30A + Why I'm OVER Points & Miles!

    In this episode of Kelsey Unpacked, I'm recapping our family's trip to 30A, Florida, which almost didn't happen thanks to Hurricane Isaias! Between power outages, an uncertain vacation rental, and deciding whether to cancel or just go for it, this trip started with a whole lot of uncertainty. I'm also giving you a full overview of all the charming little beach towns along 30A, including Seaside, Seagrove, WaterColor, Grayton Beach, Alys Beach, Rosemary Beach, and more! I'll share which areas I love for families, where to book a vacation rental, why location matters, our favorite restaurants, and tips for planning a 30A getaway with kids and teens. PLUS, a little life and travel update: Why my husband and I are officially OVER the points and miles game! After years of maximizing credit card rewards, companion passes, and travel perks, we're feeling some serious travel hacking burnout.  Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/kelseygraves Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_graves Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mskelseygraves Join us in the Trip Tales Podcast Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1323687329158879 Mentioned in This Episode: Quince – 10% Off in the App https://shop.quince.com/mskelseygraves CODE: INFG-26MSKELSEYGRAVES10 30A Florida Towns – Seaside, Seagrove, WaterColor, Grayton Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, Watersound, Seacrest, Alys Beach & Rosemary BeachOur Seagrove Vacation Rental – https://www.360blue.com/destinations/emerald-coast/walton-county/properties/seagrove-beach-chel-sea-lane-hideaway-80-chelsey-lane-2929Home2 Suites by Hilton – Montgomery, AlabamaShunk Gully Oyster Bar – Santa Rosa BeachBlack Bear Bread Co. – SeasideDucky's Shop of Fun – SeasideCitizen – Alys Beach (Date Night!)Buddy's Fish Market – Fresh Gulf SeafoodOther 30A Restaurants – Bud & Alley's, George's, O-Ku, Pickles & The Shrimp ShackOur Favorite Family Games: Flip 7, It's in the Bag & UNO AttackBooks I'm Reading & Listening To:Calamity Club – Finished ListeningThe Good Part – Currently ReadingMad Mabel – Currently Listening Trip Tales is a travel podcast sharing real vacation stories and trip itineraries for family travel, couples getaways, cruises, and all-inclusive resorts. Popular episodes feature destinations like Marco Island Florida, Costa Rica with kids, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani in Hawaii, Beaches Turks & Caicos, Park City ski trips, Aruba, Italy, Ireland, Portugal’s Azores, New York City, Alaska cruises, and National Parks like Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons and Yosemite. Listeners get real travel tips, itinerary recommendations, hotel reviews, restaurant recommendations, and inspiration for planning their next vacation, especially when traveling with kids.

  4. Oct 19

    Kennebunkport, Maine - An All-American 4th of July, Sailing, Lobster 14 Ways + Portland

    We're heading to Kennebunkport, Maine, for an All-American 4th of July filled with charming coastal towns, sailing, fireworks, and LOTS of lobster! My guests today are Kristi and Jim from Our Life on Vacation, who spent a week exploring the beautiful coast of Maine. They stayed at a charming waterfront hotel, explored the coastline on e-bikes, kayaked the Kennebunk River, sailed aboard a gorgeous schooner, and celebrated the 4th of July with a traditional lobster bake and fireworks over the ocean. And speaking of lobster… these two managed to eat lobster 14 different ways during their trip! From classic lobster rolls to lobster poutine, lobster ravioli, and even lobster fried rice, they're sharing their favorite restaurants and must-try dishes. Plus, an unexpected flight cancellation turned into a bonus night in Portland, Maine, where they discovered even more great food and New England charm! This episode is available to watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kelseygraves If you’d like to share about your trip on the podcast, email me at: kelsey@triptalespodcast.com Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/kelseygraves Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_graves Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mskelseygraves Join us in the Trip Tales Podcast Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1323687329158879 Mentioned in this episode: KENNEBUNKPORT, MAINE 4th of July in Kennebunkport – fireworks over the ocean, downtown shopping, coastal New England charmThe Boathouse Hotel – waterfront accommodations, rooftop bar, complimentary bikes and kayaksKennebunkport History & Walking Tour – booked through GetYourGuideCoastal Maine Outdoors – e-bike rentals, scenic coastal bikingCape Porpoise – scenic coastal bike routeGoose Rocks Beach – beautiful sandy beachGoose Rocks Dairy – ice cream stopYachtsman Marina – kayaking on the Kennebunk RiverSchooner Eleanor – scenic sailing excursion, bring your own drinks and snacksWalker's Point – Bush family summer homeSt. Ann's Episcopal Church – historic stone churchThe Lodge – 4th of July lobster bake, whole steamed lobster, Maine blueberry pieAlisson's Restaurant – lobster roll trio, lobster poutine friesBatson River Brewing & Distilling – lobster bisque, warm buttered Connecticut-style lobster rollArundel Wharf – lobster ravioli with Parmesan pesto sauce, lobster-stuffed avocadoThe Boathouse Restaurant – lobster spring roll, lobster fried riceChowder House – traditional lobster rollMabel's Lobster Claw – popular restaurant mentioned, but not visitedPORTLAND, MAINE Old Port – waterfront shopping, restaurants, historic downtownHyatt Place Portland-Old Port – hotel stay after flight cancellationThe Highroller Lobster Co. – Lobby Pop (lobster tail on a stick), Cornbread Lobby Pop (lobster corn dog), Surf & Turf BurgerEventide Oyster Co. – green curry lobster stew with sweet potatoes and mushrooms, fresh oystersTRAVEL TIPS & RESOURCES Allegiant Air – flights from Sanford, Florida to Portsmouth, New HampshireSouthwest Airlines – flight cancellation, hotel and meal reimbursementFlighty App – flight tracking and cancellation alertsUber/Lyft – transportation challenges in coastal Maine Trip Tales is a travel podcast sharing real vacation stories and trip itineraries for family travel, couples getaways, cruises, and all-inclusive resorts. Popular episodes feature destinations like Marco Island Florida, Costa Rica with kids, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani in Hawaii, Beaches Turks & Caicos, Park City ski trips, Aruba, Italy, Ireland, Portugal’s Azores, New York City, Alaska cruises, and National Parks like Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons and Yosemite. Listeners get real travel tips, itinerary recommendations, hotel reviews, restaurant recommendations, and inspiration for planning their next vacation, especially when traveling with kids.

  5. Oct 12

    Orlando - A Magical Mother-Son Fall Trip: Harry Potter at Universal + Mickey’s Halloween Party!

    My guest this week is Kelsie (great name!) from Texas, who decided to turn a work trip into a special one-on-one mother-son getaway with her son, Jett! They spent three nights in Orlando, staying at three different resorts, including Universal’s Cabana Bay, Loews Royal Pacific, and Disney’s Polynesian! They explored BOTH Universal parks with a mission to experience ALL things Harry Potter—from Hogwarts Castle and Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure to Butterbeer, wands, Diagon Alley, and the Hogwarts Express! Then it was off to Magic Kingdom for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, complete with trick-or-treating, fireworks, and some surprisingly short ride wait times! We’re talking Universal Express Pass tips, resort pools, traveling on points, Halloween festivities, and why these special one-on-one trips with our kids can be so memorable. This episode is available to watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kelseygraves If you’d like to share about your trip on the podcast, email me at: kelsey@triptalespodcast.com Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/kelseygraves Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_graves Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mskelseygraves Join us in the Trip Tales Podcast Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1323687329158879 Mentioned in this episode: Flying standby with American Airlines Buddy Passes Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort – Pools, Lazy River, Volcano Bay Views Loews Royal Pacific Resort – Universal Express Unlimited Passes, Water Taxi, Pool Universal Orlando Resort – Park-to-Park Tickets, Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, Hogwarts Castle, Diagon Alley Harry Potter Rides – Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts Hogwarts Express – King's Cross Station, Platform 9¾ Harry Potter Experiences – Butterbeer, Ollivanders Wand Shop, Interactive Wands, Spells Universal's Halloween Horror Nights Universal Dining – Three Broomsticks, Royal Pacific Sushi Restaurant Disney Springs – The Polite Pig BBQ, LEGO Store Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows – Island Tower Duo Studio, Lava Pool Wailulu Bar & Grill – Ahi Tuna Wontons, Smash Burger Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party – Magic Kingdom, Trick-or-Treating, Halloween Fireworks, Character Meet & Greets Magic Kingdom Rides – Tiana's Bayou Adventure, TRON Lightcycle / Run, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Disney Lightning Lane Tips & Halloween Party Strategy 'Ohana Character Breakfast at Disney's Polynesian Kelsie & Jett's Travel Adventures – Instagram @JettBound Trip Tales is a travel podcast sharing real vacation stories and trip itineraries for family travel, couples getaways, cruises, and all-inclusive resorts. Popular episodes feature destinations like Marco Island Florida, Costa Rica with kids, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani in Hawaii, Beaches Turks & Caicos, Park City ski trips, Aruba, Italy, Ireland, Portugal’s Azores, New York City, Alaska cruises, and National Parks like Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons and Yosemite. Listeners get real travel tips, itinerary recommendations, hotel reviews, restaurant recommendations, and inspiration for planning their next vacation, especially when traveling with kids.

  6. Oct 7

    Kelsey Unpacked: CRAZY STORY - I Almost Lost My Driver’s License for Something I Didn’t Do!

    I got an official letter saying my driver’s license was going to be suspended over a traffic citation in a state I hadn’t even been to recently. What followed was two of the most bizarre hours of my life - multiple government agencies, a police officer, a mystery car, and a truly one-in-a-million case of mistaken identity. You have to hear this story! Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/kelseygraves Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_graves Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mskelseygraves Join us in the Trip Tales Podcast Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1323687329158879 Trip Tales is a travel podcast sharing real vacation stories and trip itineraries for family travel, couples getaways, cruises, and all-inclusive resorts. Popular episodes feature destinations like Marco Island Florida, Costa Rica with kids, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani in Hawaii, Beaches Turks & Caicos, Park City ski trips, Aruba, Italy, Ireland, Portugal’s Azores, New York City, Alaska cruises, and National Parks like Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons and Yosemite. Listeners get real travel tips, itinerary recommendations, hotel reviews, restaurant recommendations, and inspiration for planning their next vacation, especially when traveling with kids.

  7. Oct 5

    Michigan Road Trip - Magical Little European Towns, Mackinac Island, Sand Dunes & Chicago!

    My guest, Leeann (Leeann Marie Photography), is a photographer and mom of four (ages 3–12) from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She and her family piled into their minivan for an epic 14-day family road trip through Michigan and beyond!  We're exploring charming Bavarian and Dutch-inspired towns, biking around the car-free Mackinac Island, discovering the unbelievably blue waters of the Great Lakes, climbing the massive Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, enjoying adorable Michigan beach towns, and finishing with a few days of big-city fun in Chicago! Plus, Leeann shares her tried-and-true family road trip tips, including how they organize their luggage, save money on meals, choose vacation rentals, and manage two weeks on the road with four kids! Mentioned in this episode:Window Room Blackout Roll: https://amzlink.to/az0bkgVdeDzVlFamily road trip tips: Packing, organizing luggage, saving money on meals, VRBO rentals, and traveling with four kidsCuyahoga Valley National Park, OhioCleveland, OhioDETROIT: Eastern Market, Detroit Tigers baseball game, The Henry Ford Museum, Belle Isle ParkFRANKENMUTH, MICHIGAN: Bavarian-inspired town, Christmas shopping, Bavarian Inn, famous chicken dinnersST. IGNACE, MICHIGAN: Farmhouse VRBO, Shepler's FerryMACKINAC ISLAND: Bike rentals, Arch Rock, Grand Hotel, Pink Pony, fudge shops, horse-drawn carriagesTorch Lake, MichiganTRAVERSE CITY: Cherry picking, downtown shops, Traverse City Pit Spitters baseball gameSleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Empire Bluff TrailHOLLAND, MICHIGAN: Dutch windmills, wooden clogs, tulip gardensSAUGATUCK, MICHIGAN: Saugatuck Dune Rides, Oval Beach, Mount Baldhead, Kalamazoo River, Unsalted Boat ToursIndiana Dunes National ParkCHICAGO: The Bean, Maggie Daley Park, Navy Pier, Centennial Wheel, Chicago River architecture boat tour, Willis Tower Skydeck & The Ledge, Giordano's deep-dish pizzaUniversity of Notre Dame, South Bend, IndianaThis episode is available to watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kelseygraves If you’d like to share about your trip on the podcast, email me at: kelsey@triptalespodcast.com Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/kelseygraves Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_graves Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mskelseygraves Join us in the Trip Tales Podcast Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1323687329158879 Trip Tales is a travel podcast sharing real vacation stories and trip itineraries for family travel, couples getaways, cruises, and all-inclusive resorts. Popular episodes feature destinations like Marco Island Florida, Costa Rica with kids, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani in Hawaii, Beaches Turks & Caicos, Park City ski trips, Aruba, Italy, Ireland, Portugal’s Azores, New York City, Alaska cruises, and National Parks like Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons and Yosemite. Listeners get real travel tips, itinerary recommendations, hotel reviews, restaurant recommendations, and inspiration for planning their next vacation, especially when traveling with kids.

  8. Sep 30

    Kelsey Unpacked: I Finally Gave Myself Permission to Take a Break

    After two and a half years of perfect podcast attendance, I finally missed an episode, and I think it was good for me. I’m sharing what pushed me to finally take a break, why I’m letting go of the pressure to always publish an episode, and a few life, travel, book and podcast updates along the way. Mentioned in this episode:The Calamity ClubThe Lost TicketDancing with the Stars30A, FloridaIsle of Palms + Wild DunesSteamboat, ColoradoStrawberry Park Hot SpringsUpcoming Trip Tales AwardsIf you’d like to share about your trip on the podcast, email me at: kelsey@triptalespodcast.com Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/kelseygraves Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_graves Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mskelseygraves Join us in the Trip Tales Podcast Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1323687329158879 Trip Tales is a travel podcast sharing real vacation stories and trip itineraries for family travel, couples getaways, cruises, and all-inclusive resorts. Popular episodes feature destinations like Marco Island Florida, Costa Rica with kids, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani in Hawaii, Beaches Turks & Caicos, Park City ski trips, Aruba, Italy, Ireland, Portugal’s Azores, New York City, Alaska cruises, and National Parks like Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons and Yosemite. Listeners get real travel tips, itinerary recommendations, hotel reviews, restaurant recommendations, and inspiration for planning their next vacation, especially when traveling with kids.

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4.9
out of 5
96 Ratings

About

Trip Tales is the podcast where real people share their real trip stories - where they went, how they got there, where they stayed, what they ate, the activities they loved, and what they’d do differently next time. Each week features a new guest and a new destination to inspire your next vacation. Hosted by Kelsey Graves - mom of 3 and travel content creator.

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