Trip Tales | A Family Travel Podcast

Kelsey Graves
  • 4.9 (94)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated 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. 2d ago

    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.

  2. 4d ago

    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.

  3. 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.

  4. Sep 28

    Vancouver Island - Why This Canadian Island Should Be on Your Radar + a Luxury Spa!

    Vancouver Island might not be on your travel radar yet…but after this episode, it will be! Riana from Teaspoon of Adventure lives in Vancouver and has visited Vancouver Island several times, and she’s here to tell us everything we need to know about this magical Canadian island. We’re talking about the charming city of Victoria, beautiful coastal towns, beaches, rainforests, incredible food, and one seriously dreamy luxury spa experience. Riana shares two different ways she’s experienced Vancouver Island: first on a couples trip in 2024 and then again in 2026 with her toddler, making this an amazing destination whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a family trip. We cover how to get to Vancouver Island (including ferry vs. seaplane!), where to stay, what to do in Victoria, the famous Tigh-Na-Mara spa and its endless tapas, plus Parksville, Sooke, Ucluelet, Tofino, Pacific Rim National Park and so much more. 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: - Riana from Teaspoon of Adventure - Vancouver Island, British Columbia - Getting to Vancouver Island: Ferry vs. seaplane - VICTORIA: Fairmont Empress, afternoon tea, BC Parliament Buildings, Royal BC Museum, Beacon Hill Park + Petting Zoo, Butchart Gardens, Fisherman’s Wharf - Victoria restaurants: Red Fish Blue Fish, Pendray Tea House, Blue Heron Bistro, The Drake - Royal Scot Hotel & Suites - PARKSVILLE: Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort, Grotto Spa + Endless Tapas, Little Mountain Lookout - COOMBS: Old Country Market + Goats on the Roof - Cathedral Grove - SOOKE: Sooke Point Ocean Cottage Resort, East Sooke Regional Park, Sooke Potholes - CHEMAINUS: Murals + small-town “Stars Hollow” vibes - DUNCAN: Totem poles - UCLUELET: Lighthouse Loop, Big Beach, Terrace Beach, Jiggers Fish & Chips, Yuki Scoops, Barkley Cafe - TOFINO: Chesterman Beach, surfing, Tacofino, Tofitian Coffee, Chocolate Tofino, Schooner Restaurant, The Shed - Pacific Rim National Park: Long Beach + Rainforest Trail 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. Sep 21

    Alaska Cruise - Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas with Teens + Why You NEED a Balcony

    Donna from New Jersey joins me to share about her family’s first cruise - a 7-night Alaska sailing aboard Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas! Donna traveled with her husband and two teenager kids, ages 13 and 15, plus her sister’s family, including her 18-year-old nephew, for a summer 2026 adventure cruising round-trip from Seattle. We’re talking about what it’s like to cruise Alaska with teenagers, what they loved about Anthem of the Seas, how to pack for unpredictable Alaska weather, and the excursions that made this trip unforgettable — from whale watching in Sitka and riding the White Pass Railroad in Skagway to seeing Dawes Glacier and visiting a summer musher’s camp in Juneau. Plus, Donna shares why, if you can swing it, she believes a balcony is a MUST for an Alaska cruise — especially when the scenery is this spectacular. 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:  - Alaska Cruise - Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas: The Key, Port Valet - On ship cruise activities: iFly, ping-pong, pickleball, bumper cars, sushi making, The Solarium,  - Seattle Marriott Waterfront - SEATTLE: Puget Sound, Pike Place Market, the original Starbucks, The Great Wheel, Bite Society cookies - How to pack for Alaska - Inside passage vs. outside passage - SITKA: Free shuttle, cute harbor town, shopping, restaurants, Sitka Sound, bald eagles, Sitka National Historical Park, Tongass National Forest, Totem Trail, whale watching tour with Captain Brad, sea lions,  - SKAGWAY: Alaska Shore Excursions: White Pass Railroad  - Dawes Glacier, Endicott Arm - JUNEAU: Summer Musher’s Camp,  - VICTORIA 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.

    Alaska Cruise - Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas with Teens + Why You NEED a Balcony

  6. Sep 16

    Kelsey Unpacked: Lounge Life Has Me Hooked - Exactly Which Credit Cards Get Me In

    I’m officially hooked on airport lounge life! The food, the quiet space, the drinks, the CLEAN bathrooms!In this episode, I’m sharing exactly which credit cards I opened to get lounge access, how I’m using Priority Pass, and the perks that are making airport travel a million times better. 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: Capital One Venture X referral link: https://i.capitalone.com/JMxfRZaqs-American Express referral link: https://americanexpress.com/en-us/referral/business-platinum-charge-card?ref=KELSEGDw7n&xl=cp01Chase Sapphire referral link:  https://www.referyourchasecard.com/19y/CFF6FUKQE5American Express credit cards and loungesCapital One credit cards and loungesChase Sapphire credit cards and loungesCleveland Airport (CLE)The Club Airport LoungesThe Calamity Club by Kathryn StockettThe Lost Ticket by Freya SampsonPriority Pass Lounge NetworkPoints and Miles 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.

    Kelsey Unpacked: Lounge Life Has Me Hooked - Exactly Which Credit Cards Get Me In

  7. Sep 14

    Disney Wish - Is Concierge Level Worth the Extra $3,000?

    Jenn from the Kids Travel Tales podcast is sharing about a 4-night sailing on the Disney Wish with her husband and two daughters (ages 5 and 7) and the decision to go all in on Concierge Level. They paid about $3,000 more for the Concierge upgrade, but after a dining request hiccup and realizing they weren’t actually using many of the perks, Jenn started wondering: Is Disney Cruise Line Concierge really worth the extra money? We break down exactly what you get with Concierge Level, from early boarding and the private lounge to priority booking and theater seating, plus where Jenn felt the experience fell short. We also chat about dining on the Wish, Castaway Cay vs. Lookout Cay, Disney Cruise Line’s newest itineraries—including the exciting return to sailing out of New York City—and why Jenn still loves Disney cruising even if she might skip Concierge next time. 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:  - Jenn from the Kids Travel Tales podcast - Disney Wish Cruise Ship - Concierge Level - Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic, Disney Wonder - Terminal C at MCO (Jet Blue) - Away We Go Transfer - Holiday Inn Express Cocoa Beach - Palo - Castaway Cay vs. Lookout Cay 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.

    Disney Wish - Is Concierge Level Worth the Extra $3,000?

  8. Sep 9

    Kelsey Unpacked: Puerto Rico Without a Passport?! Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Mother-Son Trip

    I’m recapping my quick mother-son getaway to Puerto Rico with Parker over Labor Day Weekend 2026! We spent just two nights at the newly renovated Wyndham Grand Rio Mar, which recently completed a $65 million renovation, and I was so pleasantly surprised by how easy and beautiful this trip was. Puerto Rico gives you that true Caribbean vacation feeling - without needing a passport! I’m sharing my honest thoughts on the resort, the pools, water slides, beach, food, family-friendly amenities, and why I think this is such a great option for an easy, quick getaway. 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:  - Dolly All The Time book: https://amzlink.to/az0XxOaskRMCA - Earle Meets World - Dancing with the Stars - GSI Airport Transfer: https://www.gsipuertorico.com/ - Wyndham Grand Rio Mar - Club Wyndham: Margaritaville Vacation Club - Restaurants: Roots Coastal Kitchen, It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere 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.

    Kelsey Unpacked: Puerto Rico Without a Passport?! Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Mother-Son Trip
See All (173)

4.9
out of 5
94 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.

Information

You Might Also Like