Trip Tales | A Family Travel Podcast

Kelsey Graves
  • 4.9 (88)
  • 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

    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.

  2. 6d ago

    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

  3. Jul 27

    South Africa - They Saw the Big Five! Cape Town, Wine Country and How a Safari Actually Works

    Alaina (@molars.and.miles) is an Ohio mom of three, dentist, and expert trip planner who takes an annual couples trip with her husband and another couple. After traveling to 10 countries together, their latest adventure took them all the way to South Africa in April 2025—and this may have been their most unforgettable trip yet! In just eight days, they experienced three completely different sides of South Africa: vibey Cape Town with its incredible restaurants and breathtaking scenery, a dreamy night in the Franschhoek wine country, and a thrilling luxury safari where they saw the Big Five. Alaina shares how the safari experience actually works—from early-morning game drives and animals roaming just feet away to sunset happy hours in the bush, cozy lodge dinners, and the excitement of tracking lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo. Add in beautiful hotels, unforgettable meals, a wine tram, and plenty of spontaneous travel magic, and this trip was truly a foodie and adventure lover’s dream. 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 Link to Trip Tales podcast on Apple:  Mentioned in this episode:- Alaina's Instagram: www.instagram.com/molars.and.miles and website: www.molarsandmiles.com- CAPETOWN: Cape Grace Hotel, Table Mountain, Time Out Market, Chapman's Peak drive, Boulders Beach, Simon's Town, "Just Mich" Tour Guide, Groot Constantia Wine Farm, Chef's Warehouse, Marble- FRANSCHHOEK: Babylonstoren (Cape Dutch Farm), Leeu Estates, Wine Tram- SAFARI: Hoedspruit Airport, Greater Kruger National Park, Kapama Private Game Lodge, Safari Game Drives, the Big Five 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.

  4. Jul 22

    Kelsey Unpacked: How I Grew from 19K to 66K Followers - Filming, Editing and Posting Viral Travel Reels

    I’m sharing the filming, editing and posting strategies that helped me grow from 19K to 66K followers after leaning into travel content. From iPhone settings and CapCut tips to hooks, captions and calls to action, these are the simple things that have helped my travel Reels reach more people. 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:- H.O.P.E. - Help One Person Everyday- Niche down- iPhone Video Settings: 4K and 60 Frames Per Second (FPS)- Video editing app: CapCut- Hook + Keep their attention + CTA (Call to Action)- LinkDM and ManyChat

    Kelsey Unpacked: How I Grew from 19K to 66K Followers - Filming, Editing and Posting Viral Travel Reels

  5. Jul 20

    France - You, Me & Chablis: One Magical Night in Paris and Three Days in Wine Country + Joe Joins!

    Kelsey and Joe are back from their couples trip to France - and Joe is joining at the end for the rapid fire questions! Hear about their magical night in Paris, watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle, exploring Montmartre, and squeezing as much as possible into less than 24 hours before heading into the peaceful French countryside. Then it’s on to Chablis for vineyard views, charming villages, a dreamy château, plenty of wine tastings, and a much-needed chance to slow down together.  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 Capital One Venture X Referral Link: https://i.capitalone.com/JMxfRZaqs- Chablis, France- Chateau de la Resle- Air France Premium Economy- Points and Miles- Aer Lingus- Le Parisis Hotel- JFK: The TWA Hotel and Lounge, Connie, The Paris Cafe, Capital One Lounge- EU EES Entry Exit System- Montmarte: Sacre-Coeur- Gare de Lyon- Joigny: La Station- Auxerre: Le Maison Fort, Le Sub- Chablis: William Fèvre (tasting room), Jean-Marc Brocard (vineyard), Domaine Long-Depaquit (chateau), Domaine Laroche (cave tour)- Petite Chablis, Chablis, Premier Cru, Grand Cru

  6. Jul 15

    Kelsey Unpacked: Trip Anxiety, Mom Guilt & My First Airport Lounge - I'm Ruined

    The night before our France trip, unexpected travel anxiety and mom guilt hit me hard - and then our flight was canceled! I’m unpacking what it felt like to leave the kids during a very busy week, plus the much happier story of my first airport lounge experience. Spoiler: I’m officially ruined. 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:- Chablis- Chateau de la Resle- Capital One Lounge JFK- Air France Lounge - TWA Hotel and Airplane Louge

    Kelsey Unpacked: Trip Anxiety, Mom Guilt & My First Airport Lounge - I'm Ruined

  7. Jul 13

    Yosemite & Lake Tahoe - National Park Magic, Biking, Hiking, Lake Swims & Bear Sightings!

    In this episode of Trip Tales, Kelsey chats with Kayla, a mom of three from the Atlanta area, about her family of five’s June 2025 adventure to Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe. With kids ages 12, 10, and 7, Kayla and her husband used points, miles, and Southwest Companion Passes to make this bucket-list national park trip more affordable. They flew into Fresno, explored Yosemite Valley by bike, hiked to waterfalls, stayed at the family-friendly Tenaya Lodge, wandered through the giant sequoias of Mariposa Grove, and then road-tripped on to Lake Tahoe for lake swims, kayaking, Monkey Rock, and even a few bear sightings. 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:- Hyatt Place Fresno, CA- YOSEMITE: South Entrance, Yosemite Valley, Curry Village, Vernal Falls, Mirror Lake, Village Grill, Lower Yosemite Falls, El Capitan Field, Glacier Point, Twala Meadows- Mariposa Grove: The California Tunnel, the Grizzly Tree- Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite- 4th Grade National Park Pass- Tenaya Lake- Mono Lake (Alkali Flies)- Lake Tahoe: Hotel Becket Best Western Signature, Monkey Rock, Baldwin Beach 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 8

    Kelsey Unpacked: What Your Enneagram Type Says About Your Travel Style

    I love the Enneagram, I love travel, and today we’re combining the two just for fun! In this episode, I’m breaking down all nine Enneagram types and how each one shows up on vacation! From the planners and peacekeepers to the dreamers, helpers, adventurers, and everyone in between. 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: What Your Enneagram Type Says About Your Travel Style
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4.9
out of 5
88 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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