Trip Tales | A Family Travel Podcast

Kelsey Graves
  • 4.9 (92)
  • 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. 1d ago

    New Zealand - Bungee Jumping, Hobbit Houses & Breathtaking Beauty That Keeps This Family Coming Back

    Heather joins Trip Tales from Westchester, New York, to share her family’s love for New Zealand - a place they’ve visited several times and love so much that they now have residency, with dreams of someday making it home. Most recently, Heather traveled to New Zealand in March 2026 with her husband and their two kids for an adventure-packed family trip through both the South and North Islands. We talk about breathtaking Queenstown and Wanaka, bungee jumping and canyon swings, Mount Cook, geothermal adventures, Hobbiton and those iconic Hobbit houses, beautiful beaches, playgrounds, hikes 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: New Zealand ResidencySky Couch on Air New ZealandNorth Island vs South IslandAuckland Airport - VIP Assistance through airportQueenstown: Waterfront & Shopping District, Patagonia Chocolates & Ice Cream, TSS Earnslaw boat to Walter Peak Farm Tour (sheep, highland cows, etc), Shotover Jet, AJ Hackett Company (Kawarau Bridge Bungy: the original bungee jump), Kawarau Bungy Swing, Bathhouse Playground, Skyline Gondola and Luge, Fergburger, Cookie Time, Remarkables Park - Joe’s Garage restaurantWanaka: Dinosaur Playground, Wild Wire Wanaka Via Feratta, the cinema, Rippon Winery, Roy’s Peak hike, Scroggin for coffee or brunch, Big Fig for lunch, Lake Bar, Black Peak gelato, Omarama Clay CliffsOpen Hotel Alert: https://openhotelalert.com/Mount Cook: Mount Cook Lodge, Hermitage Hotel (brunch buffet), hiking (Hooker Valley Track), stargazingLake Tekapo: Mount John Homestead, playground, feed the animals, farm tourSumner Beach: Beach town outside of Christchurch, Cave Rock, Fire & Slice pizza restaurantRotorua: Hell’s Gate, Geo-thermal area, mineral pools, hot springs, Redwood Forest Tree WalkHobbiton: Hobbiton Movie Set Tour, Green Dragon PubThe Coromandel Peninsula: Hahei, Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach, Walnut Cottage AirbnbMatakana: Farmer’s Market, Action Ninja WorldMilford Sound 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.

  2. 6d ago

    Kelsey Unpacked: CONFESSIONS - I Love McDonald’s, Don't Love the Beach & Other Things I Probably Shouldn’t Admit

    This week, I’m sharing a few CONFESSIONS! Some questionable habits, some unpopular opinions, and a few things I probably shouldn’t admit out loud. 😂 From my love of McDonald’s and hatred of the beach, to outsourcing my laundry, my true crime obsession, and more! 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 Check out the Symphony app using my link: https://join.symphony.io/kelsey Get $10 OFF Your First Poplin Laundry Service Order: https://gopoplin.com/?referralId=iL5euzJWLUSwBfZVYDCG Get $40 OFF Mochi Health by using my referral code to join: 9T4WMVLink to join Mochi: https://app.joinmochi.com/eligibility?ptcode=9t4wmv

    Kelsey Unpacked: CONFESSIONS - I Love McDonald’s, Don't Love the Beach & Other Things I Probably Shouldn’t Admit

  3. Aug 17

    Paris, Switzerland & Milan - Disneyland Paris, Dreamy Swiss Alps Playgrounds & European Magic with Kids

    Amy and her husband celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary by taking their two girls, ages 8 and 4, on an almost two-week adventure through Paris, Switzerland and Milan in May 2026! Their family of four explored Paris, went to the top of the Eiffel Tower, spent a day at Disneyland Paris, then traveled by train to the Swiss Alps—where some of the most incredible mountaintop playgrounds became a highlight of the entire trip. They finished their European adventure in Milan with pasta making, iconic sights and, naturally, a few more playgrounds. Check out the Symphony app using my link: https://join.symphony.io/kelsey 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:- Yoto Mini Kids Audio Book Players: https://amzlink.to/az0LxjyOTNNw5 - PARIS, FRANCE Air France – direct flight from Orlando to ParisMontmartreSacré-Cœur BasilicaEiffel TowerTrocadéro – great Eiffel Tower photo spotLuxembourg Gardens: playground,carousel, and sailboat rentalsNotre-Dame CathedralMusée de l'Orangerie – Monet’s Water Lilies + children’s areaTuileries Gardens + playground- DISNEYLAND PARIS Sleeping Beauty CastleA Million Splashes of Colour ParadeDisney Adventure World – World of FrozenToy Story LandRapunzel Tangled Spin- LAUTERBRUNNEN + SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND SBB Mobile App – helpful for navigating trains and transportation throughout SwitzerlandLauterbrunnen Valley – bike rentals + biking through the valleyCoop grocery storeImboden Bike RentalsStaubbach FallsTrümmelbach Falls – underground waterfallsWengen – mountain village + seasonal marble runsMännlichen – Alpine Herdsman “Cow Playground”Holenstein – Treetop Playground + Alpine HornsAlpins in the Alps – helpful Switzerland travel resourceMürren – Intersport coffee shop + playground and trampolineAllmendhubel – Flower Playground + Flower HikeGimmelwald – playground + Mountain HostelGrindelwald Pfingstegg – playground, mountain coaster + Fly LineBort Alpine Playground – snowplow-themed playground- MILAN, ITALY The Last Supper by Leonardo da VinciSforza Castle: Michelangelo’s Rondanini PietàPasta + gelato-making classOTTO – Chinatown restaurantParco SempioneDuomo di Milano + rooftopRatana – final dinner in Milan

  4. Aug 12

    Kelsey Unpacked: Thoughts on Back to School, Motherhood, and the Lindsay Clancy Trial

    Not for little ears. This episode is not intended for children. In this Kelsey Unpacked, I’m sharing some thoughts on getting back into the school-year routine, reflecting on the intensity of early motherhood, and unpacking my thoughts on the Lindsay Clancy trial. A short, personal episode about motherhood, mental load, and a case I haven’t been able to stop thinking about. Check out the Symphony app using my link: https://join.symphony.io/kelsey 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

    Kelsey Unpacked: Thoughts on Back to School, Motherhood, and the Lindsay Clancy Trial

  5. Aug 10

    Chicago - Kelsey's Attraction-Packed 3-Day Family Getaway: Lollapalooza, American Girl, TILT & More!

    Kelsey is recapping her family of five’s attraction-packed summer getaway to Chicago with kids in July 2026! In just three nights, they squeezed in SO much from Lollapalooza and a Cubs game at Wrigley Field to the American Girl Store, Millennium Park and The Bean, TILT at 360 CHICAGO, the Museum of Illusions, Navy Pier and Flyover Chicago. But this trip was about more than checking off Chicago attractions. Kelsey and Joe lived in Chicago for 10 years after college, so bringing their three kids back to explore their old neighborhoods, favorite spots and some of their sweetest memories made this quick summer getaway extra special. Kelsey's link to download the Symphony savings app: https://join.symphony.io/kelsey 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:- Lollapalooza Chicago- American Girl Store Chicago- Hyatt House West Loop- Piccolo Sogno- Millenium Park: The Bean (Cloud Gate), Maggie Daley Park- Nancy's Pizza (West Loop)- Chicago Cubs- Stolen Saddle in Wrigleyville- Original Pancake House Chicago- Museum of Illusions- Top of the Hancock Building for Chicago 360 and TILT- Navy Pier: Flyover Chicago ride 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.

  6. Aug 5

    Kelsey Unpacked: Earn Points by SAVING Instead of Spending Money with Symphony?!

    What if you could earn travel points by saving money instead of spending it? In this episode of Kelsey Unpacked, I’m joined by Symphony co-founder James Berry and COO Jennifer Styles to talk about the groundbreaking new app that is completely flipping the traditional points game on its head. We’re used to earning rewards by opening credit cards and spending money on travel, dining and everyday purchases. Symphony created an entirely new way to earn by rewarding you for saving instead. Your money can earn up to 5% APY, and you get to choose whether your rewards are paid in cash, travel points or a combination of both. We unpack how Symphony works, why it was created, how your points can grow alongside your savings and what users can expect from its upcoming airline, hotel and travel partners. I’ve already downloaded the app and funded my own account, and I was so impressed by how simple, fun and beautifully designed it is. This is such an exciting option for anyone who wants to grow their savings while also working toward future travel. This episode is sponsored by Symphony. LINK TO SYMPHONY: https://join.symphony.io/kelsey 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:- Kelsey's Symphony Link: https://join.symphony.io/kelsey- Travel points and miles- American Express- Delta- Airport Lounges- Financial Literacy- 5% APY Savings Account

    Kelsey Unpacked: Earn Points by SAVING Instead of Spending Money with Symphony?!

  7. Aug 3

    Amsterdam - TikTok Said It Was Toddler-Friendly… So She Took Her 2-Year-Old to Find Out!

    TikTok told Laura that Amsterdam was one of the most toddler-friendly cities in Europe, so she decided to find out for herself! In August 2025, Laura and her husband traveled from New Brunswick, Canada, to Amsterdam with their 2.5-year-old daughter for a full week of family adventures. And they were pleasantly surprised by just how much the city offered for little kids! Laura shares how they created a toddler-friendly rhythm with morning activities, afternoon naps and plenty of time for parks, playgrounds and snacks. From the zoo and NEMO Science Museum to biking through Vondelpark, exploring kid-friendly museums, cruising the canals and tasting their way through local markets, this trip proves that Amsterdam can be an incredible European destination - even with a toddler in tow!  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:- My dog's favorite cheese bones https://amzlink.to/az0E1x241YPSw- Laura's favorite travel stroller https://amzlink.to/az0PlFvKKApuj- Halifax Airport - "Welcome Pickups" Transfer Company- The Concert Hotel- Vondelpark- Attractions included in the iAmsterdam City Card/Pass: ARTIS Amsterdam Zoo, Moco Museum (modern art), NEMO Science Museum, STRAAT (Street Art Museum), Rijksmuseum, National Maritime Museum, Bike Rental- Restaurants/Food: Cobra Cafe, Groot Melkhuis, Bakers & Roasters, Fabel Friet for Dutch fries - Pizza Canal Cruise- Albert Heijn grocery stores- DAY TRIPS: Zaanse Schans, Leiden (Paco Ciao speakeasy-type restaurant), Delft- NDSM Wharf & Ferry (free)- Pancake Boat Tour- Sarphatipark- parkrun- Max Euwe Centre Chess Museum - De Pijp neighborhood: Albert Cuyp Markt for Stroopwafels from Rudy's and Kibbeling fish bites 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.

  8. Jul 29

    Kelsey Unpacked: The List Technique That's Saving My Life + Theo of Golden Is Giving Me Life

    I’m sharing the simple list technique that’s helping me feel more accomplished and less overwhelmed: separating what I truly have to do each day from the non-priorities. Plus, I’m talking about Theo of Golden—the sweetest, most heartwarming book everyone is loving! Mentioned in this episode:- Inflatable Travel Mat: https://amzlink.to/az0wCGVzlVgpS- Amazon Index Cards: https://amzlink.to/az0Tzrefcy1tn- Theo of Golden: https://amzlink.to/az0FbdcJ2tXpd 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

    Kelsey Unpacked: The List Technique That's Saving My Life + Theo of Golden Is Giving Me Life
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4.9
out of 5
92 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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