Trip Tales | A Family Travel Podcast

Kelsey Graves
  • 4.9 (93)
  • 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. 2d ago

    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

  2. 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=cp01- Chase Sapphire referral link:  https://www.referyourchasecard.com/19y/CFF6FUKQE5 - American Express credit cards and lounges- Capital One credit cards and lounges- Chase Sapphire credit cards and lounges- Cleveland Airport (CLE)- The Club Airport Lounges- The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett- The Lost Ticket by Freya Sampson- Priority Pass Lounge Network- Points and Miles

  3. 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 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. 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

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

  5. Sep 7

    Italy - Venice, Rome, Sorrento & Capri for a Mother-Daughter 70th Birthday Trip

    Jacki (@trips.and.dips_) is back on Trip Tales! After first joining us to share about her girls’ trip to Puerto Rico, she’s returning to take us along on a very special 10-day trip through Italy to celebrate her mom’s 70th birthday. In May 2026, Jacki and her mom kicked things off in Venice before making their way to Rome, where Jacki’s brother joined the fun, and then finished along the gorgeous Italian coast with Sorrento as their home base. We’re talking gondola rides, food tours, iconic Roman sights, Aperol Spritzes, boat days to Capri and along the Amalfi Coast, incredible meals, and beautiful hotels! 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:- Follow Jackie on Instagram @trips.and.dips_ (https://www.instagram.com/trips.and.dips_/) - VENICE: Ca' Sagredo Hotel (Hilton Small Luxury hotel), Bacaro Food Tour, St. Mark's Square, St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, Harry’s Bar (birthplace of the Bellini), Gondola rice, Rialto Bridge, Cannarigio neighborhood for dinner - ROME: Free Now (Uber equivalent), Hotel Babuino 181 (Hilton Small Luxury hotel), Spanish Steps, Ristorante Maccheroni, The Pantheon, Aperol Spritz, Palatine Hill, The Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trattoria Luzzi, Ristorante al 34, The Vatican, St. Paul’s Basilica, Trevi Fountain, Trastevere vibrant fun neighborhood,    - SORRENTO: Hilton Sorrento Palace, Capri, lunch at Hotel Syrene Capri, Ristorante Vela Bianca, Amalfi, Positano, Ischia island, Acqua Marina Seaside Restaurant at Hotel Admiral

  6. Sep 2

    Kelsey Unpacked: A Tribute to Dolly 🦋 + My Dollywood Guide

    We will always love you, Dolly! 🦋 In this special Kelsey Unpacked episode, I’m paying tribute to Dolly Parton by sharing everything I know about one of the most special places she created, Dollywood! If you’re thinking about visiting Dollywood soon, maybe even in Dolly’s memory, this is your Dollywood 101 guide. I’m sharing where to stay, DreamMore vs. HeartSong, the best rides for kids and thrill seekers, favorite foods, seasonal festivals, the Dolly Parton Experience, parking tips, what’s new at the park, 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 Mentioned in this episode:- Dollywood- Splash Country- Seasonal Festivals: I Will Always Love You Festival, Flower & Food Festival, Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, Harvest Festival, Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival- The Great Pumpkin LUMInights- Harvey’s Boo Bash!- Dollywood DreamMore Resort: whimsical, colorful, country-chic, Dolly vibes- Dollywood HeartSong Resort: rustic, lodgey, - TimeSaver Passes- Wildwood Grove: Big Bear Mountain, Dragonflier, Hidden Hollow (indoor playground), NightFlight Expedition- Country Fair- The Dollywood Express- Big Coasters: Lightening Rod, Thunderhead, Tennessee Tornado, Wild Eagle- Food at Dollywood: Grist Mill Cinnamon Bread, Hickory House BBQ, Aunt Granny’s, The Front Porch Cafe, Red’s Drive-In- The Dolly Parton Experience

    Kelsey Unpacked: A Tribute to Dolly 🦋 + My Dollywood Guide

  7. Aug 31

    Grand Canyon - 8 Days Rafting Through the Canyon, Sleeping Under the Stars & Surprisingly Gourmet Food

    Kyle is back for his fourth Trip Tales episode! After sharing about skiing in Quebec, Austria and Banff, he’s trading the slopes for the Grand Canyon. In May/June 2026, Kyle and his family of four spent eight days rafting through the Grand Canyon on a motorized rafting trip with Grand Canyon Expeditions. We talk about what it’s like to live completely off the grid for eight days, sleep under the stars beside the Colorado River, tackle rapids, hike to waterfalls and swimming holes, and cool off in the unbelievably turquoise Little Colorado River.  Kyle also shares the logistics of packing, camping and bathroom breaks — plus the surprisingly gourmet meals, from Eggs Benedict to filet mignon, that made this rugged adventure a whole lot more luxurious than expected. Even Kyle, who admits he’s not much of a camper, came home saying he’d do the entire trip again in a heartbeat! 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:- Grand Canyon Expeditions- Arizona Rafting Adventures- Start at Lee’s Ferry and end at Pierce Ferry- Little Colorado River- Deer Creek Falls and The Patio- Havasu Creek- Pumpkin Spring- Elves Chasm- Redwall Cavern- Las Vegas Bellagio Seafood Buffet

  8. Aug 26

    Kelsey Unpacked: Social Media Growth, Making Money & Getting Paid to Travel

    In this episode of Kelsey Unpacked, I’m sharing the exciting and sometimes surprisingly uncomfortable side of growing an audience. I'm talking about turning content creation into a real business and realizing that brands are actually willing to PAY you to do this. I’m taking you behind the scenes of an upcoming paid brand trip to Puerto Rico, including what the partnership covers, why saying yes felt a little scary, and why this opportunity feels like such a big milestone for me. 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:- To join KELSEY LIVE on Monday August 31st at 11AM CST: email kelsey@triptalespodcast.com and Venmo $39 to @Kelsey-Graves-1 - FAIR PLAY Book: https://amzlink.to/az0a5TP2LgJgt - FAIR PLAY Card Game: https://amzlink.to/az0zgy43Ugqno - Instagram and TikTok follower growth and monetization- Growing with Instagram Trial Reels

    Kelsey Unpacked: Social Media Growth, Making Money & Getting Paid to Travel
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4.9
out of 5
93 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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