Trip Tales
The podcast where real people share about their real trips, giving you destination inspiration and practical planning tips. Join Kelsey Graves - mom of 3, travel content creator and host of the Trip Tales podcast - as she interviews real people about their real vacations covering: accommodations, dining, must-see attractions, and budget-friendly tips. Tune in and let the adventures begin!
Episodes
58 episodes
57. British Virgin Islands - Chartering a Catamaran with Two Families, Island Hopping, Crystal Waters & Chef-Cooked Meals
Kelsey sits down with guest Kristen, who just returned from an unforgettable 8-night trip sailing through the British Virgin Islands in February 2025. Kristen’s family of four teamed up with another family—both with kids ages 8 to 12—to charter...
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Episode 57
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59:34
56. Disneyland Paris – Everything You Need to Know from an American Family Living in Europe
In this episode, Kelsey sits down with expat mom Brittani, who moved from Phoenix, Arizona to the Netherlands with her family of five. As a long-time Disneyland California fan, Brittani has now visited Disneyland Paris twice (Spring 2024 and De...
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1:10:41
55. Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, Bahamas – Family of 5 Fun On a Budget (Booked With Points!)
In this episode, Kelsey chats with Mary Ellen from the Wonderland on Points podcast and @familytravel4thewin on Instagram to hear all abo...
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Episode 55
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57:26
54. The Amalfi Coast - A Month of Magic, Healing & Local Life on Italy’s Dreamiest Coast
In this heartfelt episode, Kelsey sits down with Giovanna Silvestre, author of Confused Girl and @confusedgirlla on Instagram, to tal...
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Episode 54
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47:57
53. New York City w/ Kids - Kelsey’s Trip Recap Sleeping 5 in a Room, Statue of Liberty, Summit One, SIX on Broadway, Subway Rides and MORE!
I'm back from an amazing spring break in New York City with my family of 5 and I'm sharing all the details! In this episode, you’ll hear how we made the most of 4 nights and 5 days in the Big Apple (March 2025), from iconic sights like the Stat...
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Episode 53
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1:35:38
52. Disney Cruise - Family of 5’s Disney Wish Adventure + Epic 3-Parks-In-1-Day Conquest (A Rebuttal to My Disney Cruise Experience!)
In this episode, Kelsey welcomes Katie Kinley from @katiekinleytravels to share about her experience on the Disney Wish cruise ship. Katie and her family of 5 recently sailed on ...
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Episode 52
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1:50:14
51. Costa Rica with Kids - Rappelling Down Waterfalls, Zip Lining, River Rafting, Hot Springs & Volcano Views ALL on Points!
In this episode, Kelsey sits down with Annie from @letstraveltalk on Instagram to hear about her family of 5's adventure to Costa Rica in November 2024. From beach days at the Hyatt ...
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Episode 51
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51:01
50. The Chase-to-Hyatt Credit Card Strategy That's Blowing My Mind & Unlocking Free Vacations
Kelsey's Chase Sapphire Preferred Referral LinkIn this episode, I’m sharing exactly how I’ve been booking incredible vacations for my family without spending a dime o...
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Episode 50
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20:49
49. Copper Mountain, CO - Family-Friendly Hidden Gem Ski Resort: No Crowds, No Lift Lines, and Ice Skating Under Edison Lights
Kelsey sits down with Erika to chat about her family of five’s December 2024 ski trip to Copper Mountain, just outside of Denver, CO. Having skied at many of the top U.S. ski resorts, Erika shares w...
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Episode 49
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54:19
48. TRIP FAILS Minis: Hilton from Hell | Scammed & Stuck in Orlando | Great Wolf Lodge Gone Wrong
In this Trip Fails Minisodes episode, we’re diving into three mini Trip Fails stories that didn’t quite go as planned.First, Katie shares her experience at The Kingsley in Bloomfield Hills, MI in November 2024 - a hotel that gives...
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Episode 48
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1:10:25
47. Turks & Caicos - Swanky & Serene 'Seven Stars Resort' + Top Island Eats & Excursions
Kelsey sits down with Faith, a seasoned Turks & Caicos traveler who has visited three times (May 2019, May 2022, and May 2023) - and loved Seven Stars Resort so much, she’s returned t...
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Episode 47
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56:28
46. Panama - Beaches, Rainforest, Monkeys & Christmas Fireworks with Jessica’s Family of 4
Kelsey chats with Jessica from the Sugar Daddy Podcast about her family's Christmas trip to Panama! Jessica, her husband, and their two kids spent a week in December 2024 exploring the ...
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Episode 46
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51:19
45. Spain - Mother-Daughter Adventure to Madrid, Seville & Barcelona with Delish Food, Rich Culture & Amazing Architecture
Kelsey chats with Genni from @travelingfranklins on Instagram, the Traveling Franklins blog, and the popular
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Episode 45
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1:25:48
44. Grand Canyon with Kids - Exploring the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Coral Pink Sand Dunes & Route 66
Kelsey sits down with Joy Smith from @savvytravelmamas to hear all about her mother-son adventure in July 2024. Joy shares how this trip led them to some of the most stunning natural land...
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Episode 44
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1:02:59
43. Park City, UT – Kelsey’s Trip Recap: Navigating a Ski Patrol Strike, The Canyons Side of PCMR, Bougie Fondue & Buying My Own Ski Boots!
In this episode of Trip Tales, Kelsey shares all the details from her family’s winter getaway to Park City, Utah! Tune in as she recaps why skiing on The Canyons side of Park City Mountain Resort is their favorite.But it w...
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Episode 43
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1:04:12
42. Beaches Turks & Caicos - Why This All-Inclusive Is Two Listeners' Favorite – A Rebuttal to Trip Fails Episode 36
After the buzz (and backlash) from Episode 36, where a guest shared their disappointing experience at Beaches Turks & Caicos, two passionate listeners reached out to set the record straight. They love this resort and consider it the ultimat...
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Episode 42
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1:09:39
41. Secrets Akumal - Riviera Maya, Mexico: Rosie’s Romantic Escape to the "Place of the Turtles" + a Surprise Proposal!
In this episode of Trip Tales, Kelsey sits down with Rosie from Venture's Valentina to explore her deep love for Riviera Maya, Mexico. Having visited the area six times, Rosie share...
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Episode 41
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47:14
40. Atelier (All-Inclusive) Playa Mujeres, Mexico - Kelsey’s 40th Birthday Trip Recap with Her Besties! Hilarious Stories, Shenanigans & Must-Know Resort Tips
In this milestone 40th episode, Kelsey is taking you back to her 40th Birthday Girls Trip to the all-inclusive Atelier Playa Mujeres in Mexico! Joining her are her bes...
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Episode 40
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1:02:47
39. Thanksgiving on 30A - Kelsey's Trip Recap: Where to Stay, Play & Eat + Favorite Family Games
In this episode of Trip Tales, Kelsey shares all the details from her recent Thanksgiving trip to 30A Florida. From the best (and worst) places to stay to her favorite restaurants and must-try activities, she gives an honest rundown to...
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Episode 39
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49:07
38. Park City, UT - The Ultimate Family Ski Guide: Why We Only Ski The Canyons Side of Park City Mountain Resort
In this episode of Trip Tales, host Kelsey Graves dives into everything you need to know about planning the perfect family ski trip to Park City, Utah. Growing up skiing every winter thanks to her family’s timeshare, Kelsey shares her ...
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Episode 38
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52:14
37. Disney's Aulani Resort - Stunningly Beautiful, Exceeded Expectations, Amazing Snorkeling & Exploring Jurassic Park’s Valley in Hawaii
In this episode of Trip Tales, host Kelsey sits down with Lake from the DCL Podcast and MouseGen on Instagram and
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Episode 37
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53:14
36. TRIP FAILS: Beaches Turks & Caicos - The Reality Behind the Hype: Bad Food, Rundown Pools, Poor Service & Unavailable Activities
Kelsey kicks off the very first TRIP FAILS series with guest Danae, who shares the shocking story of her family of four's spring break at Beaches Turks & Caicos in March 2023. Despite shelling out over $20K for what they thought wo...
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Episode 36
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41:52
35. Steamboat Springs, CO - Paul’s Family Ski Trip, So Good, They’re Already Booked for Next Year at Steamboat
In this episode, Kelsey sits down with guest Paul to get the inside scoop on his family’s Presidents Day Weekend ski trip to Steamboat Ski Resort. Paul shares all the details to help you plan the perfect winter getaway—from the convenience of f...
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Episode 35
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46:28
34. Disney Wish - Stuck at Sea! My HONEST Review of Our Disney Cruise After Extra Days on Board Due to Hurricane Milton + Our Favorite Magical Moments
In this episode, Kelsey shares the wild and unexpected story of her family of 5’s Disney Wish cruise during Hurricane Milton. What started as a highly anticipated family trip quickly took a turn with motion sickness, a stomach bug, and two extr...
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Episode 34
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1:37:38
33. Keystone, CO - A Family's Spring Break Ski Trip Tradition at Family-Friendly Keystone Ski Resort
In this episode of Trip Tales, host Kelsey sits down with Julia, who has been taking her family of five to Keystone Ski Resort for years. Julia shares the story behind her family’s y...
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Episode 33
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51:20