Trip Tales | A Family Travel Podcast

Kelsey Graves
  • 5.0 (71)
  • 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: The 5 Credit Cards in My Wallet That Fund My Trips

    1D AGO

    Kelsey Unpacked: The 5 Credit Cards in My Wallet That Fund My Trips

    In today’s Kelsey Unpacked, I’m opening up my wallet and sharing the 5 credit cards I’m carrying right now and why. I'm talking points, miles, and the travel perks that make trips cheaper, plus how I decide which card to use for everyday spending.  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:- Points and Miles Resources: The Points Guy, 10X Travel, Wonderland on Points podcast, Katie's Travel Tricks and the Points for Normal People podcast, @letstraveltalk on Instagram and the Travel Reward University course- My Chase Sapphire Preferred® Referral Link:https://www.referyourchasecard.com/19u/R8JPUYZV1R- My Southwest Rapid Rewards Silver or Performance Business Referral Link:https://www.referyourchasecard.com/226f/720P5CNEZR- My American Express Gold Card Referral Link:  https://americanexpress.com/en-us/referral/gold-card?ref=KELSEGm84o&xl=cp15- My Capital One Venture X Referral Link: https://i.capitalone.com/JcrIKYWpz

    35 min

  2. 3D AGO

    Northern Italy Wine Country Girls Trip - Wine Tasting, Pasta Making, Dolomites Hikes + Venice & Paris

    Kelsey chats with Heather, a mom of two from Buffalo, NY, about her girls trip through Northern Italy with a big group of friends. The trip was organized by the owners of Alchemy Wine Bar in Hamburg, NY through their Winederlust wine-centered group trips and experiences. They start in Sirmione on Lake Garda, head to storybook Verona, and make their way through Trento before spending time in the Dolomites with stops in Brixen and Selva for hiking. Along the way it’s nonstop wine tastings, fabulous Italian meals, and a pasta making class. They wrap it up in Venice, then end with a final stop in Paris.  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:- Three Girls Cafe in Boston, NY https://www.facebook.com/3girlscafe/- Alchemy Wine Bar - Hamburg, NY with Winederlust wine-centered travel experiences and group trips https://alchemybuffalo.com/- Milan, Italy- SIRMIONE: Lake Garda, Hotel Flaminia, Ca dei Frati Winery, Anselmi Winery- VERONA: Juliet's Balcony, Osteria Sgarzarie for veggie lasagna, Nicolis Winery, pasta making class booked through Cesarine.com- TRENTO: Hotel America, J. Hofstatter Winery- BRIXEN: My Arbor Spa Resort, Dolomites hike: Hiked the Tre Cime Loop and started at the Rifugio Lavaredo, Lago di Braies- SELVA: Linder Cycling Hotel, electric mountain biking tour, Le Contesse Prosecco- VENICE: The NH Collection Hotel in Murano, San Marco Square- PARIS: Hotel Dusquesne Eiffel, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame 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 5m
  3. Kelsey Unpacked: The Top 10 Makeup Products I Pack on Every Trip

    FEB 4

    Kelsey Unpacked: The Top 10 Makeup Products I Pack on Every Trip

    We all have drawers full of makeup, but only a few favorites earn a spot in our travel makeup bags. In this episode of Kelsey Unpacked, I’m sharing my top 10 makeup products that always travel with me!SHOP all my makeup products: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/3811327 SHOP my makeup products on Amazon: https://amzlink.to/az0Evn5fZIpOy 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:- Lumify eye drops- MERIT Minimalist Complexion Stick- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen (Shade: Light)- IT Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow (Shades: Light and Light Medium mixed)- SAIE Sun Melt (Shade: Light Bronze)- MERIT Bronze Balm Stick (Shade: Leo)- MERIT Flush Balm Cream Blush (Shade: Beverly Hills)- Urban Decay Mini Naked Eyeshadow Palette (Shade: Sin)- NYX Retractable Eyeliner - e.l.f. Lash 'N Roll mascara- YSL Lash Clash mascara- Maybelline Express Brow Sculpt (Shade: Medium Brown)- Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder (Shade: Medium)- Charlotte Tillbury Lip Cheat lip liner (Shade: Iconic Nude) - Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump (Shade: Cherry Blossom)- MERIT Signature Lipstick (Shade: Baby and Bespoke)

    24 min

  4. FEB 2

    Seoul, South Korea & Taipei, Taiwan - Park Hyatt Seoul, Mandarin Oriental Taipei, Lotte World With a Kid and Michelin Street Food!

    Kelsey chats with Joey from Plano, Texas, and host of the Travel Bros Podcast, about his month long Asia adventure in May 2025 with his wife, their 6 year old daughter, and his mother-in-law (who grew up in Korea). They recap two stops: Seoul, South Korea and Taipei, Taiwan, mixing luxury stays at Park Hyatt Seoul and Mandarin Oriental Taipei with real life family travel with a kiddo in tow. They talk everything from kid-friendly highlights like Lotte World (the largest indoor amusement park) to Korean baseball to fabulous food! 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:- Travel Bros Pod YouTube video of the Park Hyatt Seoul room setup: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2G-KLcpFekk- Planning around monsoon season- DMZ Tours in South Korea- SEOUL: Ganghnam District, Gimpo Airport, Park Hyatt Seoul, Starfield Library, McDonald's in Korea, Lotte World, Toys R Us, Kidzania, Lotte World Tower, Seoul Sky, Everland, Korean Baseball - Kiwoom Heroes, Gocheok Sky Dome, Vaunce Trampoline Park, Korean Kid Cafes, Korean fried chicken at Kkanbu Chicken, Bibimbap- TAIPEI: Mandarin Oriental, Dragon Boat Festival, Maokong Gondola, Mountain Tea House, Taipei Zoo, Raohe Night Market, Michelin-rated Fuzhou Black Pepper Bun, Rainbow Bridge, Gua Bao, Taipei 101, Gira Pizza, But We Love Butter- Okinawa, Japan 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
  5. Kelsey Unpacked: Skincare in the Air - Fav Tools + Products That Are Actually Making a Difference

    JAN 28

    Kelsey Unpacked: Skincare in the Air - Fav Tools + Products That Are Actually Making a Difference

    On today’s episode of Kelsey Unpacked, we’re talking Skincare in the Air, aka my fun travel tradition with my daughter. If we’re on an early morning flight, we pull out our toiletry bag and do our skincare right there in our seats. I’m sharing the tools and products that are actually making a difference for my skin in my 40s, plus my must-haves that make it into my toiletry bag. Also sharing the few things I genuinely can’t live without. 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:- SHOP skincare products on my ShopMy page: https://shopmy.us/collections/public/3657421- SHOP skincare products on Amazon: https://amzlink.to/az0C7y0tGgjIk- Megelin LED Red Light Therapy Face Mask- Medicube Kojic Acid Tumeric Glycolic Acid Pads- Therabody Theraface Depuffing Wand- Maskiss 24K Gold Eye Masks- Cetaphil Gentle Face Cleanser- La Roche-Posay Thermal Water Spray- Tula 'Spresso Energizing Eye Balm- Uncommon Beauty Glutathione Serum- Pacifica Glow Baby Serum- Youth the the People: Triple Peptide Hyaluronic Acid & Retinal and Niacinamide- Olay Pro Advanced Regenerist- La Roche-Posay Tinted Mineral Sunscreen- Hydrafacial- Dysport

    35 min

  6. JAN 26

    Denmark w/ Kids - Copenhagen, Tivoli Gardens (Walt Disney's Inspiration!), LEGO in Billund, Stroopwafels and an Amsterdam Stopover

    Kelsey chats with Michelle (@jetsetwithjohnsons on Instagram), a mom of two from Michigan (9 year old daughter and 7 year old son), about their family of four’s spring trip to Denmark in April/May 2025. They kick things off with a two day stopover in Amsterdam (stroopwafels!), then head to Billund, Denmark, the home of LEGO, where LEGO House completely blew them away. From there, it’s on to Copenhagen for classic Danish charm and a visit to Tivoli Gardens, the magical amusement park that famously inspired Walt Disney when he created Disneyland. They also take a day trip to Roskilde for the Viking Ship Museum. For their final four nights, they stayed in a Kindred home exchange in Malmö, Sweden and commuted into Copenhagen each day by train. Michelle also shares why Denmark felt like one of the most family-friendly places they’ve ever visited, especially with the great playgrounds everywhere you turn. 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:- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines- SAS Airlines- Amsterdam: King's Day, Hortus Botanicus (botanical gardens), Hyatt Regency Amsterdam, Zaanse Schans windmill village, VanWonderen Stroopwafels, Sam & Julia, Binnenhof, Hyatt Place Airport- European room occupancy rules- Billund: Home of LEGO, LEGO Land, LEGO House, Mini Chef- Kindred and Home Exchange- Copenhagen: Hotel SKT Anne (Mr. & Mrs. Smith property), Nyhaven, Amalienborg Palace, Frederick's Church (marble church), Tivoli Gardens- Roskilde: Viking Ship Museum, Roskilde Cathedral- Malmo, Sweden: Malmo Public Library, Story Hotel Malmo (Hyatt), - UE261 Law

    1h 21m
  7. Kelsey Unpacked: Vacation Ready Body - GLP-1s, Workouts, Spray Tans & Nails

    JAN 21

    Kelsey Unpacked: Vacation Ready Body - GLP-1s, Workouts, Spray Tans & Nails

    In this episode, I’m sharing my real-life “vacation ready body” routine and the things that help me feel confident heading into a trip, especially when swimsuits are involved. I’m talking about what I’m finally doing differently for myself: my GLP-1 journey (specifically tirzepatide), how it’s supported my insulin sensitivity, and the mindset shift that’s come with choosing a new kind of care for my body.  Plus, I’m breaking down my go-to glow up staples before I travel: my favorite Sun Tan City spray tan (yes, I always do double legs), the workouts I actually stick with: HOTWORX, walking with my weighted vest, and my Peloton Tread routine. 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:- Tiffany Balin, NP (https://www.instagram.com/tiffanybalin_np) with Salus Integrative (https://www.salusintegrative.health/)- Insulin Sensitivity and Hypoglycemia- GLP-1s: Tirzepatide and Semaglutide- Sun Tan City Spray Tan: Catalina tint, dark, double legs- HOTWORX- Weighted vest walks- Peloton Tread- Laser Hair Removal- Mel Robbins quote

    54 min

  8. JAN 19

    San Diego, CA - Hyatt Regency Mission Bay on Points, Waterslides, Beach, SeaWorld, USS Midway and Pool Towel Drama!

    Kelsey chats with Jen (@diveintopoints on Instagram) from Wisconsin, who lives on a hobby farm with her husband and three kids (a 6 year old daughter and 4 year old twin boys). Jen, her family, and her parents headed to San Diego in October 2025 staying at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay, booked on points. In this episode, Jen shares about the waterslides and pools their kids couldn’t get enough of, plus beach time at Mission Beach, beautiful sunset views, and their favorite moments at SeaWorld and aboard the USS Midway.  Quick note: our connection dropped at the very end of recording, so Jen’s answer to the final Trip Tales question is here in the show notes. If someone out there is considering this trip, what is it about San Diego and the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay that would make you say: Just Book It? I'd say just book it because you can't beat an easy trip to soak up the sunshine, slip down waterslides and enjoy a family friendly resort. Kids grow up too fast to not take the trip! -Jen This episode is now 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:- Link to the inflatable travel bed: https://amzlink.to/az0wCGVzlVgpS- Link to inflatable booster seat: https://amzlink.to/az0xDyfGJ0mGH- Link to collapsible beach toys: https://amzlink.to/az0f5UVVALIq8- Points and Miles, Delta and Hyatt- Hyatt Regency Mission Bay, Guest of Honor- USS Midway- Kids Free San Diego in October- Flytographer- Tecolote Playground- Mission Beach- Sea World: Dolphins, Orcas, Sea Lions- Red Marlin restaurant at the Hyatt Regency Mission 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.

    56 min
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5
out of 5
71 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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