Trip Tales | A Family Travel Podcast

Kelsey Graves
  • 4.9 (86)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Semiweekly

Trip Tales is the podcast where real people share their real trip stories - detailing 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. 4d ago

    Kelsey Unpacked: We Planned a Romantic Trip to France… Then Europe Hit 103°

    What happens when your dreamy, romantic France trip suddenly turns into a European heat wave survival mission? In this episode of Kelsey Unpacked, I’m sharing the real-time pivots we’re making before our kid-free getaway to Paris and Chablis — from confirming air conditioning at our tiny French chateau to rethinking my cute wine country outfits, packing electrolytes, and asking ChatGPT to heat-proof our itinerary. Don’t worry, we are STILL going… but the trip may involve a little less frolicking through vineyards and a little more “where is the nearest AC?” 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:- Château de la Resle- Château de la Resle was a Mr. & Mrs. Smith property in the Hyatt Hotel portfolio, and recently changed to a Design Hotel in the Marriott portfolio- Check your hotels for air-conditioning in Europe!- New EU EES (EU Entry/Exit System) at airports

    21 min

  2. 6d ago

    Southwest Road Trip with Kids - Arches National Park, the Grand Canyon, and Scottsdale

    Amy from Colorado joins me to share all about her family of five’s multigenerational Southwest road trip with her husband, their three kids (ages 3, 7 and 9), and her parents. They started in Northern Colorado and made their way to Moab, Utah to explore Arches National Park, then continued on to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon before ending with sunshine, pool time and spring training baseball in Scottsdale. On the way home, they looped back through Santa Fe, making this an epic road trip full of red rocks, big views, kid-friendly hikes, multigenerational memories and plenty of Southwest magic! 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:- MOAB: The Expedition Lodge, Moab Brewery, Fiesta Mexicana- ARCHES NATIONAL PARK: Balanced Rock, Double Arch, Windows Arch, Turret Arch, Sand Dune Arch, Delicate Arch Viewpoint- GRAND CANYON: Cameron Entrance, Yavapai Lodge, Maswik Lodge, The General Store, Mather Point, Geological Museum, Trail of Time, Bright Angel Trail, Arizona Steakhouse - Rim to Rim with 3,000 Miles to a Cure https://www.3000milestoacure.com/- SCOTTSDALE: Holiday Inn Vacation Club, Rockies Spring Training, Cien Agave restaurant, The Sugar Bowl ice cream parlor- Santa Fe 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 U.S. National Parks. Listeners get real travel tips, itinerary recommendations, hotel reviews, restaurant recommendations, and inspiration for planning their next vacation, especially when traveling with kids.

    1h 15m
  3. Kelsey Unpacked: I Took My 8-Year-Old on a Work Trip to Clearwater Beach… and She’s Joining the Pod

    Jun 24

    Kelsey Unpacked: I Took My 8-Year-Old on a Work Trip to Clearwater Beach… and She’s Joining the Pod

    I took my 8-year-old daughter, Elle, on a two-night work trip to Clearwater Beach, and it turned into the sweetest little mother-daughter getaway. I’m sharing all about our stay at the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach, the bunk bed room, pool days, gorgeous beach, sunset dinners, and what it was like bringing one kid along for the ride - plus Elle joins the pod to share her very honest review! 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:- Keyboard Clicker Fidget: https://amzlink.to/az0VtQQAhNptH- Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach- Sandwich: A Novel by Catherine Newman- Give Kids the World- Restaurants: Ocean Hai, Dock's, Crabby's- Pier 60- Lemonade Mouth movie on Disney+- Clearwater Marine Aquarium

    54 min

  4. Jun 22

    Hilton Head - Why This Family of 5 Loved It Enough to Return Two Spring Breaks in a Row!

    Angela (@angelashellhaas) from Columbus, Ohio joins Trip Tales to share about how her family of five road-tripped to Hilton Head for Spring Break in 2025 and 2026 — and why it has become one of their favorite easy family beach getaways. In this episode, Angela shares what made Hilton Head worth returning to two years in a row: spectacular sunrises, biking on the beach, wide low-tide beaches perfect for kids, relaxing beach and pool days, yummy food, and an easygoing pace that made the whole trip feel like an actual vacation. From where they stayed to favorite restaurants, bike rides, beach routines, and road trip tips, this episode is full of practical ideas for planning a laid-back Hilton Head spring break with kids. 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:- Angela on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelashellhaas/- CAVA Restaurant- Buc-ee's- Beach House Hilton Head- Hilton Grand Vacation Club Ocean Oak Resort- Coligny Plaza: Carolina Coffee and Crumbs, Sweet Al's, Piggly Wiggly, Lowcountry Celebration Park- The Village at Wexford: Java Burrito, Hilton Head Running Company- Sea Pines: Coast restaurant, Harbour Town Light House, The Quarterdeck restaurant in the light house, Salty Dog- Skull Creek: Skull Creek Dockside (takes reservations), Skull Creek Boathouse (more casual, no reservations), Hudson's on the River- Non-Seafood Restaurants: Fat Baby's Pizza, Giuseppi's Pizza, CharBar Co. Burgers & Sushi- Family Photographer: Danielle with Lamp & Light Photography 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 U.S. National Parks. Listeners get real travel tips, itinerary recommendations, hotel reviews, restaurant recommendations, and inspiration for planning their next vacation, especially when traveling with kids.

    1h 6m
  5. Kelsey Unpacked: I Figured Out TSA PreCheck Touchless ID… Kind Of

    Jun 17

    Kelsey Unpacked: I Figured Out TSA PreCheck Touchless ID… Kind Of

    I’m unpacking TSA PreCheck Touchless ID - what it is, how to set it up, and why I couldn’t actually use it thanks to my very complicated name situation. Plus, a little summer catch-up and my latest can’t-stop-watching Netflix recommendation. 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

    14 min

  6. Jun 15

    Dominican Republic - Kelsey's FULL Trip Recap of Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana All-Inclusive with Kids

    In this episode, I’m recapping our family of five’s first all-inclusive trip to the Dominican Republic and our stay at Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana. I’m sharing why we booked it, how we used points, and whether this popular resort lived up to the hype. I’ll walk through the rooms, pools, beach, food, activities, water park, Scape Park excursion, nightly shows, and all the little details you'll want to know before booking. Spoiler alert: we may not be cruise people, but we are officially all-inclusive people! 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:- Hotel Room Upgrade Guide: https://kelsey-graves.kit.com/e1c6074077- Packable Hammock Floats: https://amzlink.to/az0SlaCwsUzUA- Hyatt Ziva Cancun- How to book Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana on points- Room we originally booked: Junior Double Suite with a Sofa Bed- Southwest Airlines- Dominican Republic E-Ticket- ChatGPT Packing Lists- TSA Precheck Touchless ID- DAT Transfer- Favorite Restaurants: Tempest Table, El Mercado, Coffee Republic, Noodle & Thread, Prontoz, Journey's- Scape Park 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 U.S. National Parks. Listeners get real travel tips, itinerary recommendations, hotel reviews, restaurant recommendations, and inspiration for planning their next vacation, especially when traveling with kids.

    1h 41m
  7. Kelsey Unpacked: We Are, In Fact, All-Inclusive People!

    Jun 10

    Kelsey Unpacked: We Are, In Fact, All-Inclusive People!

    In this quick Kelsey Unpacked episode, I’m reporting back from our very first family all-inclusive vacation - and I’m happy to say that we are, in fact, all-inclusive people!!! We may not be cruise people, but this trip gave us: space to spread out, endless food and drinks, fun activities, beautiful pools, and the freedom to say yes without thinking about the bill! I’m also sharing a quick sargassum update from the Dominican Republic, what surprised me about Cap Cana, and our Global Entry success story after flying home internationally with the whole family.  A full Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana Trip Tales recap is coming next, but this is my quick first reaction while it’s all fresh! Join us in the Trip Tales Podcast Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1323687329158879 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

    26 min

  8. Jun 8

    Lima, Peru - Surf Lessons, Sandboarding, Penguins, Sea Lions & So Much More Than a Stopover

    Kelsey sits down with Kelly from @have.kids.will.adventure to talk about her family of 5’s week-long trip to Lima, Peru in February 2026. Looking for somewhere with warmer ocean water than New England in the winter, Kelly booked Lima on points without realizing just how much there would be to do with kids. In this episode, Kelly shares why her family skipped Machu Picchu this time and instead spent the week enjoying Lima as a destination all its own. They stayed in Miraflores, took surf lessons, made chocolate at a chocolate-making class, explored the city, watched stunning sunsets, and took a big day trip for penguins, sea lions, dune buggies, and sandboarding. Kelly also shares the real-life travel moments too, including a very long bus day, a VRBO elevator/key mishap, what it was like visiting Lima with kids ages 10, 8, and 5, and why Lima surprised them in the best way. 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:- Ride Safer Carseat Vest: https://amzn.to/49G9Ele- Machu Picchu- Miraflores- Parque Kennedy- Malecón de Miraflores (6-mile cliff top walking path)- Surfing lessons- ChocoMuseo - Chocolate Making Class- The Ballestas Islands - The Atacama Desert- Huacachina- Magic Water Circuit of the Reserve Park- Cabify = Uber- Huaca Pucllana Site Museum- Larco Museum- Park of the Legends Zoo

    1 hr
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4.9
out of 5
86 Ratings

About

Trip Tales is the podcast where real people share their real trip stories - detailing 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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