Trip Tales | A Family Travel Podcast

You won’t believe this episode! Kelsey chats with Maggie ( @the_traveling_tinsleys on Instagram) from Chicago about her family of 4’s trip to Gatlinburg in October 2025, and truly, everything that could go wrong did go wrong. From car troubles and a cancelled flight to urgent care, crowds, long lines, traffic, and even BEARS, this Smoky Mountains getaway turned into a full-on Trip Fail. You have t...

Kelsey is sharing the books she’s loved lately and realizing that her favorite type of read is definitely a destination-based book with a strong setting. From longtime favorite author Elin Hilderbrand and her Nantucket-filled drama, to a few other recent reads that completely pulled her in, this episode is all about the books that have felt immersive and entertaining. Buy Me A Coffee: https://buym...

Kelsey chats with Anna Haakenson ( @wanderlust.haaks on Instagram) about her family’s decision to leave their jobs as physician assistants and hit the road for over a year of full-time, slow travel with two little kids (now 6 and 3). Anna shares what slow travel actually looks like with young children, how they afford it, and why this reset has been so meaningful for their family. We zoom in on tw...

For how much we all travel, someone is bound to get sick on a trip. In this episode of Kelsey Unpacked, I’m sharing my top tips for navigating travel when sickness strikes - from what meds I actually pack, to how I mentally prepare when things don’t go according to plan. I’m also sharing a personal health update from our family about our recent journey to get to the bottom of my teenage daughter’s...

Jacki from Massachusetts ( @trips.and.dips_ on Instagram) joins Kelsey to share about her girls’ trip to Puerto Rico with 8 friends celebrating their 40th birthdays in January 2026. From pool days and piña coladas to snorkeling off a catamaran, exploring Old San Juan, and dinner at Bad Bunny’s restaurant, this trip was full of fun and memorable moments. In this episode, Jacki shares what made Puer...

From the shows I watch with Joe, to the family shows we ALL love, to my favorite guilty pleasures, I’m sharing them all in this episode! If you’re looking for a new show to watch on a flight or this Friday night, this might give you a few ideas. Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/kelseygraves Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_graves Follow me on TikTok: https://www.ti...

Kelsey recaps her family of 5’s March 2026 trip to Idaho. She shares all about Tamarack Ski Resort, the cutest newer ski resort in Idaho, with a happening base village, great restaurants, beautiful modern lodging, and family-friendly skiing that felt approachable and fun. She also talks through Boise, hot springs, what made Tamarack stand out, and why this ended up feeling like such a memorable fa...

Southwest’s new changes are here, and after several recent flights, I have thoughts. In this Kelsey Unpacked episode, I’m sharing my real-life experience navigating Southwest’s new world of seat assignments, boarding groups, overhead luggage crackdowns, baggage quirks, and yes… the coveted premium pistachios. As a family of 5 flying with points, Companion Passes, and multiple reservation numbers,...

Kelsey is thrilled to sit down with Andrea from @BNACheapFlights on Instagram and NashvilleCheapFlights.com to chat about her family of 5’s summer 2025 trip to Grand Teton National Park. From affordable Allegiant flights and an epic Airbnb with sweeping mountain views to family-friendly hikes, a pontoon boat on Jackson Lake, and a hot take on Yellowstone vs. Grand Teton! This episode is available...

I keep my podcast feed pretty curated, and these are the shows I’m actually listening to right now. From travel and celebrity interviews to beauty and wellness, I’m sharing the podcasts I love. If you’re looking for something new to listen to on your next flight, walk, or drive, this episode is full of great recommendations. Get 50% off your first month of Rent the Runway with code: RTRXKGRAVES ht...

Kyle is back on Trip Tales! You may remember him from a previous episode where he shared about his family’s all-inclusive ski trip to Club Med Charlevoix outside Quebec City. This time, Kyle, his wife, and their two boys (ages 9 and 14) from Charlottesville, Virginia traveled in December 2025 to Germany and Austria. Their adventure included exploring Munich, visiting charming small Bavarian towns,...

We all have felt it: you see your friend on an amazing trip and immediately feel that travel FOMO (and jealousy) creep in. In this episode of Kelsey Unpacked , I’m sharing 3 mindset shifts that help me get out of the comparison spiral and back into feeling content and grounded.  Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/kelseygraves Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_gra...

Kelsey chats with husband and wife travel creators Dan & Alex from Ft. Lauderdale (@travelwith.dna on Instagram) about their couples trip to Panama. Starting in Panama City’s historic Old Town (Casco Antigua) for vibrant culture, cocktails, and local eats, then heading to El Valle de Antón for the most epic spa day ever . They stayed at sister Hyatt hotels: Hotel La Compañía Casco Antigua in t...

All I wanted for my birthday was to host a Color Analysis party with my friends. We each found out our season: Summer, Spring, Winter, or Fall. And, it’s officially pushing me out of my neutral sweat set era! I’m sharing what I learned about the colors that suit me best for clothing, makeup, jewelry, and even hair and how surprisingly helpful this is when you’re shopping or getting ready for a tri...

Kelsey sits down with Joy Smith from Franklin, TN, creator of Savvy Travel Mamas ( Instagram + podcast ), to share the ultimate Harry Potter-inspired trip for a 12-year-old. After Joy’s son finished all seven books, she promised to take him to iconic filming locations and bring the magic to life and in summer 2025, they did exactly that! From London highlights and a special Harry Potter afternoon...

Joe joins the pod and together we talk about how the concept of Fair Play by Eve Rodsky quite literally changed our marriage. From dividing and conquering everyday life, to clearly divvying up household tasks, to even splitting responsibilities when it comes to travel planning, packing, and unpacking - this episode is for anyone who’s tired of carrying the entire mental load. We break down what Fa...

Sarah and her husband took the coziest Christmas-time babymoon to Asheville, NC in December 2025. After driving over from Durham, NC, they loved shopping and dining in downtown Asheville followed by a stay and spa time at the Omni Grove Park Inn. Sarah also shares about their luxe stay at The Inn on Biltmore Estate, plus the magic of the Biltmore Christmas Candlelight Tour. They squeezed in a litt...

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:...

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 Do...

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 Fol...

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...

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 f...

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 Copen...

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...

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...