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. 1d ago

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

    6d ago

    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

  3. 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
  4. 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

  5. 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
  6. Kelsey Unpacked: Exactly How We Got Global Entry for Our Family of Five for $0

    Jun 3

    Kelsey Unpacked: Exactly How We Got Global Entry for Our Family of Five for $0

    In this episode of Kelsey Unpacked, I’m sharing the unglamorous side of travel -forms, passports, government websites, and all the behind-the-scenes admin that happens before a family trip. I’m also breaking down exactly how we got Global Entry for our entire family of five for $0, why we chose it over TSA PreCheck, how the application and interview process worked, and why it may be worth doing before your next international trip. 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 Ziva Cap Cana- Dominican Republic E-Ticket- TSA Pre-Check vs. Global Entry- Credit Cards that cover Global Entry

    27 min

  7. Jun 1

    Banff - Skiing Canada’s Ski Big 3: Lake Louise, Sunshine Village & Norquay

    Kyle is back on Trip Tales! After previously sharing about his all-inclusive ski trip to Club Med in Quebec and his epic trip skiing in Austria while visiting the German Christmas markets, Kyle returns to share another incredible family ski adventure. In this episode, Kelsey sits down with Kyle to recap his family of four’s spring break ski trip to Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada in April 2026. They flew into Calgary, stayed in the walkable town of Banff, and skied Canada’s Ski Big 3: Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, and Norquay. Kyle shares tips on planning a late-season ski trip, navigating Ikon Pass options, flying with ski gear, where they stayed, favorite restaurants in Banff, and what it was really like skiing all three mountains. From wide-open bowls and incredible mountain views to poutine, rooftop hot tubs, and the cutest ski town vibes, this episode is packed with helpful logistics for anyone considering a family ski trip to Banff.  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:- Air Canada- Banff National Park- Trans-Canada Highway- Basecamp Suites Banff- Fairmont Lake Louise- Restaurants in Banff: Hello Sunshine Sushi, Bluebird Woodfired Steakhouse, Banff Ave Brewing Co.- Caesar cocktail and poutine- Banff Sunshine Village Ski & Snowboard Resort: Sunshine Mountain Lodge, Mad Trapper's Saloon 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 16m
  8. Kelsey Unpacked: My Dad’s 70th Birthday at the Indy 500 - A Wild, Rainy, Unforgettable Family Race Day!

    May 27

    Kelsey Unpacked: My Dad’s 70th Birthday at the Indy 500 - A Wild, Rainy, Unforgettable Family Race Day!

    This week on Kelsey Unpacked, I’m recapping our wild, rainy, unforgettable weekend at the Indy 500 to celebrate my dad’s 70th birthday! From race day traditions and checkered outfits to suite snacks, Black Hawk flyovers, the Snake Pit, a photo finish, and the chaos of getting 350,000 people out of one place, this was a family weekend we’ll never forget. 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: - Milestone Birthday Gift: Your Life in Newspaper Headlines https://go.shopmy.us/p-60822615

    41 min
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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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