Trip Tales | A Family Travel Podcast - Details, episodes & analysis

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Trip Tales | A Family Travel Podcast

Kelsey Graves

Society & Culture

Frequency: 1 episode/6d. Total Eps: 180

Trip Tales is the podcast where real people share their real trip stories - 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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https://buymeacoffee.com/kelseygraves
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https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kelseygraves
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https://www.vital-spring.com/
71 shares

https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_graves
264 shares

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Score global : 42%

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Kelsey Unpacked: Christmas Cheer, a Points & Miles Plot Twist + Life Lately

Wednesday, November 4, 2026 • Duration 39:22

Christmas season is officially here, and I couldn't be happier! I'm recapping Halloween, sharing how I might be falling back in love with points and miles after booking a luxury hotel stay for FREE, and chatting about all the random things making life easier lately from family meals to outsourcing laundry. A little bit of everything in this week's Kelsey Unpacked!

The Poplin laundry service has changed my life! Use this link to get your first wash free, up to $30: https://poplin.co/?referralId=1pGuvyOfEIGWoKGEPRQW

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:

Mad Mabel – Audiobook
Geist – Nashville's festive Christmas restaurant
The Hermitage Hotel – Nashville, TN
American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts
Costco Flank Steak + Original Wish-Bone Italian Dressing
Protein Pesto Pasta Salad – Easy school lunches
Poplin Laundry Service – First wash free with link: https://poplin.co/?referralId=1pGuvyOfEIGWoKGEPRQW

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 National Parks like Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons and Yosemite. Listeners get real travel tips, itinerary recommendations, hotel reviews, restaurant recommendations, and inspiration for planning their next vacation, especially when traveling with kids.

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Michigan Road Trip - Traverse City, Ludington & the Magical Summer Getaway You Didn't Know You Needed!

Monday, November 2, 2026 • Duration 53:09

In this episode of Trip Tales, I'm joined by Tasha from Wisconsin, who packed up the car with her husband and their two boys, ages 15 and 13, for a family road trip through Traverse City and Ludington, Michigan!

We're talking charming little towns, crystal-clear lakes that look like the Caribbean, boating and fishing on beautiful Torch Lake, golfing, sand dune adventures, cherry EVERYTHING, and some of the most breathtaking sunsets you'll ever see!

Tasha shares where they stayed, what they ate, their favorite family-friendly activities, and why this surprisingly beautiful corner of Michigan completely exceeded their expectations.

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 Rapids, Michigan

Amway Grand Plaza Hotel – Curio Collection by Hilton
Rooftop pickleball at the hotel

Traverse City, Michigan

Baywatch Resort – Beachfront hotel
Downtown Traverse City – Shops, boutiques & restaurants

Torch Lake (Day Trip from Traverse City)Ludington, MichiganSilver Lake, MichiganTrip 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 National Parks like Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons and Yosemite. Listeners get real travel tips, itinerary recommendations, hotel reviews, restaurant recommendations, and inspiration for planning their next vacation, especially when traveling with kids.

Kelsey Unpacked: I'm Falling Out of Love With Points & Miles

Wednesday, October 28, 2026 • Duration 40:50

I think I'm falling out of love with points and miles... Between major Southwest changes, credit card frustrations, and nearly $2,000 tied up in travel credits, I'm starting to wonder if the savings are worth the time, effort, and headaches. I'm sharing what's gone wrong, what cards I still love, and why I'm changing my approach to travel hacking.

Plus, a little life update about the cutest Paris-themed birthday party!

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:

Elle's Paris-Themed Birthday Party
The Creator Passport Podcast – Giselle & Steven
Southwest Airlines – Companion Pass changes for 2027
Chase 5/24 and 3/24 Credit Card Rules
Southwest's Upcoming Nashville Airport Lounge
American Express Business Platinum – Fine Hotels + Resorts credits
Chase Travel Portal – Our $2,000 United Airlines travel credit headache
Steamboat Springs, Colorado – Southwest and United flight bookings
Chase Sapphire Preferred – Hyatt points transfer changes
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Capital One Venture X – Travel credits, lounge access & travel purchase eraser

Munich, Salzburg & Barcelona - The Ultimate European “Save the Marriage Trip!”

Monday, October 26, 2026 • Duration 01:19:21

It's time for another “Save the Marriage Trip!”

And this time, we're heading to EUROPE! OG Trip Tales guest Ryan is back! Ryan lives outside Cleveland, Ohio, with his wife, Heather, and their four kids. Every year, Ryan and Heather prioritize a kid-free getaway they affectionately call their “Save the Marriage Trip,” and in July 2026, they went BIG to celebrate 20 years of marriage with their very first trip to Europe!

Over eight nights, they explored Frankfurt and Munich in Germany, Salzburg, Austria, and Barcelona, Spain.

We're talking luxury hotels, lie-flat business class seats, European train travel, stunning castles, massive beer gardens, traditional German food, and one of the oldest restaurants in Europe! Plus, Ryan shares why Salzburg was the unexpected highlight of their trip, what they loved about Barcelona, and how they made some beautiful hotels more affordable using points.

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:

Frankfurt, Germany
Munich, GermanySalzburg, AustriaBarcelona, SpainFlights, Trains & TravelTrip 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 National Parks like Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons and Yosemite. Listeners get real travel tips, itinerary recommendations, hotel reviews, restaurant recommendations, and inspiration for planning their next vacation, especially when traveling with kids.

Kelsey Unpacked: Hurricane Isaias vs. Fall Break on 30A + Why I'm OVER Points & Miles!

Wednesday, October 21, 2026 • Duration 01:04:38

In this episode of Kelsey Unpacked, I'm recapping our family's trip to 30A, Florida, which almost didn't happen thanks to Hurricane Isaias! Between power outages, an uncertain vacation rental, and deciding whether to cancel or just go for it, this trip started with a whole lot of uncertainty.

I'm also giving you a full overview of all the charming little beach towns along 30A, including Seaside, Seagrove, WaterColor, Grayton Beach, Alys Beach, Rosemary Beach, and more! I'll share which areas I love for families, where to book a vacation rental, why location matters, our favorite restaurants, and tips for planning a 30A getaway with kids and teens.

PLUS, a little life and travel update: Why my husband and I are officially OVER the points and miles game! After years of maximizing credit card rewards, companion passes, and travel perks, we're feeling some serious travel hacking burnout.

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:

Quince – 10% Off in the App https://shop.quince.com/mskelseygraves
CODE: INFG-26MSKELSEYGRAVES10
30A Florida Towns – Seaside, Seagrove, WaterColor, Grayton Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, Watersound, Seacrest, Alys Beach & Rosemary Beach

Kennebunkport, Maine - An All-American 4th of July, Sailing, Lobster 14 Ways + Portland

Monday, October 19, 2026 • Duration 01:03:49

We're heading to Kennebunkport, Maine, for an All-American 4th of July filled with charming coastal towns, sailing, fireworks, and LOTS of lobster!

My guests today are Kristi and Jim from Our Life on Vacation, who spent a week exploring the beautiful coast of Maine. They stayed at a charming waterfront hotel, explored the coastline on e-bikes, kayaked the Kennebunk River, sailed aboard a gorgeous schooner, and celebrated the 4th of July with a traditional lobster bake and fireworks over the ocean.

And speaking of lobster… these two managed to eat lobster 14 different ways during their trip! From classic lobster rolls to lobster poutine, lobster ravioli, and even lobster fried rice, they're sharing their favorite restaurants and must-try dishes.

Plus, an unexpected flight cancellation turned into a bonus night in Portland, Maine, where they discovered even more great food and New England charm!

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:

KENNEBUNKPORT, MAINEPORTLAND, MAINETRAVEL TIPS & RESOURCESTrip 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 National Parks like Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons and Yosemite. Listeners get real travel tips, itinerary recommendations, hotel reviews, restaurant recommendations, and inspiration for planning their next vacation, especially when traveling with kids.

Orlando - A Magical Mother-Son Fall Trip: Harry Potter at Universal + Mickey’s Halloween Party!

Monday, October 12, 2026 • Duration 01:02:41

My guest this week is Kelsie (great name!) from Texas, who decided to turn a work trip into a special one-on-one mother-son getaway with her son, Jett!

They spent three nights in Orlando, staying at three different resorts, including Universal’s Cabana Bay, Loews Royal Pacific, and Disney’s Polynesian! They explored BOTH Universal parks with a mission to experience ALL things Harry Potter—from Hogwarts Castle and Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure to Butterbeer, wands, Diagon Alley, and the Hogwarts Express!

Then it was off to Magic Kingdom for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, complete with trick-or-treating, fireworks, and some surprisingly short ride wait times!

We’re talking Universal Express Pass tips, resort pools, traveling on points, Halloween festivities, and why these special one-on-one trips with our kids can be so memorable.

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:

Flying standby with American Airlines Buddy Passes

Kelsey Unpacked: CRAZY STORY - I Almost Lost My Driver’s License for Something I Didn’t Do!

Wednesday, October 7, 2026 • Duration 46:09

I got an official letter saying my driver’s license was going to be suspended over a traffic citation in a state I hadn’t even been to recently. What followed was two of the most bizarre hours of my life - multiple government agencies, a police officer, a mystery car, and a truly one-in-a-million case of mistaken identity. You have to hear this story!

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

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 National Parks like Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons and Yosemite. Listeners get real travel tips, itinerary recommendations, hotel reviews, restaurant recommendations, and inspiration for planning their next vacation, especially when traveling with kids.

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Michigan Road Trip - Magical Little European Towns, Mackinac Island, Sand Dunes & Chicago!

Monday, October 5, 2026 • Duration 01:34:01

My guest, Leeann (Leeann Marie Photography), is a photographer and mom of four (ages 3–12) from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She and her family piled into their minivan for an epic 14-day family road trip through Michigan and beyond!

We're exploring charming Bavarian and Dutch-inspired towns, biking around the car-free Mackinac Island, discovering the unbelievably blue waters of the Great Lakes, climbing the massive Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, enjoying adorable Michigan beach towns, and finishing with a few days of big-city fun in Chicago!

Plus, Leeann shares her tried-and-true family road trip tips, including how they organize their luggage, save money on meals, choose vacation rentals, and manage two weeks on the road with four kids!

Mentioned in this episode:

Window Room Blackout Roll: https://amzlink.to/az0bkgVdeDzVl
Family road trip tips: Packing, organizing luggage, saving money on meals, VRBO rentals, and traveling with four kids
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
Cleveland, Ohio
DETROIT: Eastern Market, Detroit Tigers baseball game, The Henry Ford Museum, Belle Isle Park
FRANKENMUTH, MICHIGAN: Bavarian-inspired town, Christmas shopping, Bavarian Inn, famous chicken dinners
ST. IGNACE, MICHIGAN: Farmhouse VRBO, Shepler's Ferry
MACKINAC ISLAND: Bike rentals, Arch Rock, Grand Hotel, Pink Pony, fudge shops, horse-drawn carriages
Torch Lake, Michigan
TRAVERSE CITY: Cherry picking, downtown shops, Traverse City Pit Spitters baseball game
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Empire Bluff Trail
HOLLAND, MICHIGAN: Dutch windmills, wooden clogs, tulip gardens
SAUGATUCK, MICHIGAN: Saugatuck Dune Rides, Oval Beach, Mount Baldhead, Kalamazoo River, Unsalted Boat Tours
Indiana Dunes National Park
CHICAGO: The Bean, Maggie Daley Park, Navy Pier, Centennial Wheel, Chicago River architecture boat tour, Willis Tower Skydeck & The Ledge, Giordano's deep-dish pizza
University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana

This episode is available to watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kelseygravesIf you’d like to share about your trip on the podcast, email me at: kelsey@triptalespodcast.comBuy Me A Coffee: Follow me on Instagram: Follow me on TikTok: Join us in the Trip Tales Podcast Community Facebook Group: 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 National Parks like Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons and Yosemite. Listeners get real travel tips, itinerary recommendations, hotel reviews, restaurant recommendations, and inspiration for planning their next vacation, especially when traveling with kids.

Kelsey Unpacked: I Finally Gave Myself Permission to Take a Break

Wednesday, September 30, 2026 • Duration 31:23

After two and a half years of perfect podcast attendance, I finally missed an episode, and I think it was good for me. I’m sharing what pushed me to finally take a break, why I’m letting go of the pressure to always publish an episode, and a few life, travel, book and podcast updates along the way.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Calamity Club
The Lost Ticket
Dancing with the Stars
30A, Florida
Isle of Palms + Wild Dunes
Steamboat, Colorado
Strawberry Park Hot Springs
Upcoming Trip Tales Awards

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

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 National Parks like Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons and Yosemite. Listeners get real travel tips, itinerary recommendations, hotel reviews, restaurant recommendations, and inspiration for planning their next vacation, especially when traveling with kids.

Trip Tales | A Family Travel Podcast - Details, episodes & analysis

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Trip Tales | A Family Travel Podcast - Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

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