Trip Tales | A Family Travel Podcast

Kelsey Graves
  • 4.9 (85)
  • 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. Kelsey Unpacked: My Dad’s 70th Birthday at the Indy 500 - A Wild, Rainy, Unforgettable Family Race Day!

    3d ago

    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

  2. 5d ago

    Italy with Kids - Rome, Sorrento, The Colosseum, Gladiator School, Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast & the Famous Chair Lift in Capri!

    Kelsey sits down with Kirsten (@pointstravel.md), a Pediatric ER doctor from upstate New York, to recap her family of five’s incredible trip to Italy in April 2025. They spent time in both Rome and Sorrento, with day trips to Pompeii and Orvieto, plus unforgettable adventures along the Amalfi Coast and out to Capri. In this episode, Kirsten shares what it was really like visiting Italy with kids, including touring the Colosseum, attending Gladiator School (a family favorite!) seeing the Pantheon, taking a pizza-making class, boating to Capri, exploring Pompeii, and soaking in all the pizza, gelato, history, and beautiful Italian scenery along the 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:- @pointstravel.md on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pointstravel.md/- TripIt App- Rome AirBNB: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/963857416949581312- ROME: The Colosseum, Golf Cart Tour, The Pantheon, Tiramisu & Pizza Making Class (through Eat Walk Italy), Mama Loves Rome for scavenger hunt printables, Gladiator School (by Gruppo Storico Romano), Mizio (street food, best sandwiches)- Orvieto, Italy: Duomo, Orvieto Underground, Etruscan Museum-  Trenitalia App for train tickets- Sorrento AirBNB: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/36904867 - SORRENTO: Campania Express vs. Circumvesuviana train, Holy Week, Tavern Allegra (nice Italian restaurant), Amalfi Coast Tour with Rainbow Limos to Postiano, Ravello and Amalfi, Pizzeria da Franco, Capri, Monte Solaro Chair Lift in Anacapri- Pompeii: Family tour with Alex Tour Pompeii- Capri: Iconic Faraglioni rock formations, Blue Grotto, Anacapri, Monte Solaro Chair Lift 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 14m
  3. Kelsey Unpacked: What’s Saving My Life Right Now

    May 20

    Kelsey Unpacked: What’s Saving My Life Right Now

    In the midst of May-cember chaos, I’m sharing 10 things that are saving my life right now — from new favorite beverages, clothing pieces I'm loving, and a summer dinner hack that's making life easier.  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: Bloom Energy Drinks https://amzlink.to/az0oJChLJL0Ju Protein Pop Sparking Water https://amzlink.to/az0L0wI1Ido7N Maldon Flaky Salt https://amzlink.to/az0BR1oZmg1W3And container https://amzlink.to/az0fkUBeoM6eB Cold Dinners (chicken caesar salad wraps, chicken pasta salad, chicken salad on Hawaiian rollsAE Dreamy Drape Wide Leg Pants https://go.shopmy.us/p-54593907 Aerie Jet Setter Sweat Set https://community.aerie.com/a/kelsey Boxy Flowy Amazon Ts https://amzlink.to/az0tMXSSlICst New Adidas Shoes https://go.shopmy.us/p-59298726 Cozy Earth Sheets https://go.shopmy.us/p-59270130 Voice Memos

    30 min

  4. May 18

    Disney World + Disney Treasure Cruise - The Ultimate 12-Day Disney Adventure

    Kelsey sits down with Nina from New Jersey to discuss her family of 4's epic 12-day Disney adventure in August 2025. They started their trip at Walt Disney World, staying at the new Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Resort and visiting all four parks: EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and Magic Kingdom. From there, they boarded the new Disney Treasure cruise ship for a 7-night Caribbean sailing with stops in Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, and Castaway Cay. To wrap up the trip, they spent one final night back at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. In this episode, Nina shares what it was like combining Disney World with a Disney Cruise, her family’s favorite park moments, what stood out on the Disney Treasure, and the port adventures they loved most. 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:- Nina @nina_vuetravel on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nina_vuetravel/- Waterproof Cross Body Bag: https://amzlink.to/az0Tjj2Es1BMD- Away We Go travel transportation- Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom- The Island Tower at the Polynesian Resort- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Tiana's Bayou Adventure, Moana's Journey of Water, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Soarin', Slinky Dog Dash, Tron, Brown Derby, The Plaza- Disney Treasure: Plaza de Coco, Fish Extenders, Pixie Dusting, Haunted Mansion Parlor Bar, Scat Cat Lounge, Periscope Pub, Enchante, Mickey Churro Waffles, The Neverland Challenge, Moana Stage Show, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique- Cozumel: Fury Catamaran Snorkel Excursion- Grand Cayman: Mollie's Beach Club- Jamaica: Dunn's River Falls- Castaway Cay: Stingray Encounter- The Beach Club Resort, Blizzard Beach, Stormalong Bay 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 46m
  5. Kelsey Unpacked: My Ultimate Nashville Guide - With Kids or Without!

    May 13

    Kelsey Unpacked: My Ultimate Nashville Guide - With Kids or Without!

    I'm is finally answering one of my most-asked questions: What should we do in Nashville? After years of getting texts and DMs from friends, followers, and listeners planning trips to Nashville, I'm sharing it all! This episode covers Nashville as both a family trip with kids and an adults-only getaway, including where to stay, what to do, favorite restaurants, Broadway tips, live music spots, brunch ideas, and easy add-on trips to Franklin and Leiper’s Fork. 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:- Family Friendly Hotels: Gaylord Opryland (Parking Hack: map to Regal otels:Cinemas or Dave & Busters at Opry Mills Mall -> park -> walk toward the Expo Hall and into the back of the hotel), Drury Plaza Hotel, Hyatt Place, Hyatt House, Renaissance Nashville, Graduate Nashville- Things to do with kids: Soundwaves Waterpark, Nashville Zoo, Adventure Science Center, Broadway in the morning or lunchtime, Country Music Hall of Fame, Goo Goo Chocolate Company, Fifth + Broadway & Assembly Food Hall, Grand Ole Opry / Opry House / Ryman Auditorium Tours, Centennial Park + The Parthenon, The Frist Art Museum, Putt Shack, Pop Stroke, Nashville Yards, Sounds Baseball Game, The Great Big Gameshow, Lip Lap- Places to Eat with Kids: Assembly Food Hall, Edley's BBQ, Martin's BBQ, Prince's Hot Chicken, Hattie B's Hot Chicken, Buttermilk Ranch, Puckett's, Pancake Pantry (forgot to mention in episode - iconic breakfast spot!)- Nashville Adults Trip - Where to Stay: JW Marriott, The Joseph, The 1 Hotel, Four Seasons, The Thompson, The W, The Noelle, The Bobby, The Hermitage Hotel- Adult Things to Do: Broadway, The Listening Room, Rooftops, 12th South Neighborhood, The Gulch- Rooftops: Bourbon Sky, LA Jackson, Harriet's, White Limozeen, Denim- Adults Restaurants: Bourbon Steak, Bar Taco, Epice, Chauhan Ale and Masala House, Adele's, Buttermilk Ranch, O-Ku, The Optimist- Franklin, TN: Main Street, Merridee's Bread Basket, Gray's on Main, Cullacino- Leiper's Fork, TN: Fox & Locke, Crown Winery in the Fork- Arrington Vineyards

    54 min

  6. May 11

    Ottawa & Montreal - A 40th Birthday Bucket List Trip to Skate the Rideau Canal

    Kelsey sits down with Liz from Portland, Oregon to hear all about her family’s epic winter adventure to Ottawa and Montreal in February 2025. This trip was planned as a surprise 40th birthday bucket list trip for Liz’s husband, with one very specific goal: ice skating on the Rideau Canal in Ottawa, Canada (the world's largest natural ice skating rink). As a big hockey and skating family, this was a dream experience! Liz shares what it was like visiting Ottawa with both an 18-year-old and a 1-year-old in tow, staying at the magnificent Fairmont Château Laurier, exploring the city in winter, and then continuing on to Montreal for cozy, European vibes. 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:- MONTREAL: Montreal Airport Marriott, Biosphere in Parc Jean-Drapeau on St. Helen's Island, Sonder Apollon Apartments Old Montreal, Montreal Canadians hockey game at the Bell Centre rink, La Fontaine Park - ice skating, La Grande Roue ferris wheel, Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal + the Aura Experience, STASH Cafe for Polish food.- Beau's Brewery- OTTAWA: Fairmont Chateau Laurier, Winterlude, ByWard Market, ice skating the Rideau Canal, The Brig Pub, National Gallery of Canada, Major's Hill Park- PARC OMEGA: Wolf Chalet & Lodge, Panoramic Chalet  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.

    58 min
  7. Kelsey Unpacked: Family Games We’re Loving Right Now

    May 6

    Kelsey Unpacked: Family Games We’re Loving Right Now

    I’m sharing the family games we’re loving right now! The ones we love so much, they actually come on trips with us! From ski condo game nights to beach house fun, these are the games that keep our family laughing and playing together. In this episode, I’m breaking down our favorite family games by kid and age, from elementary school to middle school to teens, plus the one game our whole family cannot stop playing. Everything mentioned is linked in the show notes so you can easily snag a new favorite for your next family game night or trip. Mentioned in this episode:- Link to all our favorite family games: https://amzlink.to/az0b1CBSWOdgx- App Store games: Charades and Imposter Who? 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

    32 min

  8. May 4

    London & Paris w/ Kids - Ted Lasso Pub, Macaron Baking Class, Eiffel Tower Magic + Disneyland Paris

    Amanda is back (she previously joined to share about her family’s trip to Bali and Singapore) and this time she’s taking us along on her family of four’s Thanksgiving week adventure to London and Paris. Amanda (@thetravelingbixlers) traveled in November 2025 with her husband and two kids, ages 7 and 6, for a magical European trip packed with iconic sights, kid-friendly fun, and a little Disney magic.  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:- Amanda @thetravelingbixlers https://www.instagram.com/thetravelingbixlers/- Air France- Amazon Travel Backpack https://amzlink.to/az0rcM72FkyB1- Kids Bluetooth headphones with audio jack https://amzlink.to/az0UtaFmc6Twm- Bluetooth audio jack transmitter for AirPods on airplane https://amzlink.to/az0jeYIoy4EYa- The Tube and London public transportation - Premier Inn London hotel- LONDON: Borough Market, Picadilly Circus, Dishoom restaurant, Westminster Abbey, Lego Store, Kings Cross Station, Jubliee Market, London Eye, Natural History Museum- RICHMOND: Ted Lasso Pub (The Prince's Head)- Eurostsar- DISNEYLAND PARIS: The Dreams Hotel, The Lion King Show, Avengers Campus, Spiderman Web Slingers, Frozen Show- PARIS: Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile, going up in the Eiffel Tower, Galeries Lafayette, Sainte-Chapelle, Notre Dame, Relais de l’Entrecôte (steak frites restaurant), Musée d'Orsay (Orsay museum), Montmartre neighborhood, Sacré-Cœur basilica, Breizh for crepes- Macaron Baking Class: https://www.viator.com/tours/Paris/Fun-Pastry-class-for-kids-and-family-in-center-of-Paris-must-do/d479-6159P29- The Foldie foldable travel bag https://amzlink.to/az0BzJ39ktSEo

    1h 44m
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4.9
out of 5
85 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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