Kelsey sits down with Shannon to hear all about her family’s multigenerational trip to Maui, Hawaii in June 2025. Shannon, her husband, and their two young daughters (ages 3 and 5) met up with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins for a magical big family vacation. They stayed oceanfront at Honua Kai Resort, which felt more like living in Hawaii than visiting. From cousin adventures to unforgettable moments at Merriman’s Maui, Shannon shares all the details, tips, and highlights that made this Hawaii trip one full of family memories.

Mentioned in this episode:
- JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix Arizona
- Inflatable Travel Foot Rest
- Attached Travel Pillow + Blanket Set
- OUTRIGGER Honua Kai Resort & Spa
- Lahaina wildfire
- Duke's Restaurant (Hula Pie dessert!)
- Maui Brewing Company
- Cards Against Humanity
- Luau at the Sheraton Hotel Maui
- Slappy Cakes Maui
- Magical Enchanted Forest
- Honolua Bay Snorkeling
- Merriman's Restaurant at Kapalua Beach on Maui
- Monkey Pod Maui

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.

Kelsey interviews Jodie from the Learners & Makers blog and YouTube channel, who joined the podcast live from Japan! Jodie is an above-the-knee amputee who shares her love of family travel and how she navigates mobility differences while exploring the world. Together they dive into the ultimate family trip to Japan - covering Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, plus Tokyo Disney and DisneySea. From Pokémon, anime, and One Piece to karaoke, sushi, and must-try Japanese foods, Jodie shares insider tips that make Japan both magical and manageable for families. They also discuss how to navigate Japan’s train system with kids in tow. Even if Japan wasn’t on your travel list before, this episode might just change that!

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Mentioned in this episode:
- Weak Yen makes for a financially reasonable trip
- Two Tokyo airports: Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND)
- Klook: App for airport transfers and tours in Japan
- Uber and GoTaxi apps
- The Shinkansen bullet train in Japan
- The Golden Triangle: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka
- TOKYO: Ueno Park (playgrounds, zoo), Asakusa (Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo Skytree, "Kitchen Street" = Kappabashi Street, Tokyo Station, SUICA Card, PASMO card, Karaoke, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Shinto (Japanese indigenous religion), JUMP Shops (Anime, Manga), One Piece Mugiwara shops (straw hats), teamLab Museums (Planets and Borderless)
- Tokyo Disney & DisneySea (Duffy mech)
- KYOTO: Geisha, wander around Gion area (shops), Bamboo Forest, stay in a Ryokan (traditional Japanese Inn), traditional Japanese breakfast, Japanese Souffle Pancakes
- OSAKA "The Kitchen of Japan": Native foods to try = Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki ("as you like it"), baseball, Osaka river and Dotonbori, Don Quijote - Ebisu Tower Doutonbori Giant Ferris Wheel, river boat tour, Sumiyoshi Taisha shrine, Namba, Universal Studios Japan
- Recommended Japanese chain restaurant: Kura

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, itineraries, hotel reviews, restaurant recommendations, and inspiration for planning their next vacation.

Kelsey interviews Jenna about her multigenerational family road trip through the Florida Keys in April 2025. Jenna, her husband, their two boys (ages 7 and 9), and her parents hit the road from Miami, making memorable stops in Homestead, Islamorada, Marathon, Long Key, and Key West. From quirky roadside attractions to oceanfront stays and delicious local eats, this episode is packed with fun ideas for your own Florida Keys adventure. Jenna also shares details about their epic (and rocky!) journey to Dry Tortugas National Park.

Mentioned in this episode:
- Best Western Plus Miami Airport North
- Keys Fisheries, Marathon FL for stone crab
- Homestead: The Coral Castle (Edward Leedskalnin), White Lion Cafe, Robert Is Here Fruit Stand
- Overseas Highway
- Lime Tree Bay Resort - Layton / Long Key
- Islamorada: Robbie's of Islamorada (tarpon)
- Keyz Charters - 2 hour private snorkel trip to Alligator Reef Lighthouse
- Habanos oceanfront Cuban restaurant
- Crane Point Hammock Nature Center
- Key West hotels: Best Western Hibiscus Key West, Casa Marina, H2O Suites  
- Seaside Cafe at the Mansion - Lobster Bianca Pizza
- Dry Tortugas National Park & Fort Jefferson
- Key West Conch Train
- Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
- Key West Aquarium
- First Flight Restaurant
- Louie's Backyard
- Blue Heaven Brunch
- Mallory Square Sunset Celebration
- Doc's Diner
- Towne Place Suites Miami Airport

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, itineraries, hotel reviews, restaurant recommendations, and inspiration for planning their next vacation.

Kelsey chats with Jamie from @jamie.travel.tips on Instagram about her August 2024 trip to Disneyland California with her two young boys, mother-in-law, and best friend. Jamie shares exactly how she made this magical trip budget-friendly—using points to stay at the Hyatt House Anaheim Convention Center (family room with bunk beds!) and even booking park tickets on points! Tune in for favorite rides, must-try food, and practical money-saving tips straight from a former Disney cast member. 

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Mentioned in this episode:
- Purchased park tickets through Getaway Today or Undercover Tourist so your purchase codes as "Travel"
- Capital One Venture Credit Card - Travel Eraser
- Disneyland Magic Keys
- Hyatt House at Anaheim Resort/Convention Center (free breakfast)
- ART (Anaheim Regional Transportation) Shuttle to Disneyland
- Oga's Cantina
- Carnation Cafe
- Disney California Adventure Park: Web Slingers, Radiator Springs, Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, Wine Country Trattoria, San Fransokyo Square, Soarin'
- Anaheim Packing District: Food Hall

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, itineraries, hotel reviews, restaurant recommendations, and inspiration for planning their next vacation.

Kelsey sits down with Stephanie Howard from Traveling Ears Vacations (@travelingearsvacations) on Instagram, who got an exclusive preview of Epic Universe in May 2025! Stephanie takes us through the portals, explores the brand‑new lands, rides the incredible attractions, and samples the amazing food - including charcuterie boards and cocktails at the swanky rooftop bar atop the Helios Grand Hotel. She’s sharing her best tips, favorite eats, and must‑ride attractions to help you get ready for Universal Orlando’s newest park!

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Mentioned in this episode:
- Sapphire Falls
- New hotels: Helios Grand, Stella Luna, Terra Luna
- Epic Universe portals
- Super Nintendo World: Mario Kart - Bowser's Challenge, Yoshi's Adventure, Minecart Madness, Toadstool Cafe
- Dark Universe: Monsters Unchained, Curse of the Werewolf, the Burning Blade Tavern
- Helios Grand rooftop bar, Flora Taverna
- Isle of Berk | How to Train Your Dragon: Viking Training Camp playground, Hiccups Wing Gliders, Fyre Drill
- Harry Potter Ministry of Magic: K. Rammelle candy shop, Café L’air De La Sirène French restaurant
Celestial Park: Constellation Carousel, Stardust Racers
- Valet Parking

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, itineraries, hotel reviews, restaurant recommendations, and inspiration for planning their next vacation.

In this episode, Joe joins me on the pod as we share every detail of our July 2025 trip to Cabo San Lucas, including how we stayed at The Cape, A Thompson Hotel, for $0 using points.

We talk through our trip budget, why we prioritize couples trips, and the adventures that made this getaway unforgettable:

• Hiking Mt. Solmar with the legendary dog trainer Enrique
• Snorkeling and jumping off a catamaran into crystal-clear waters
• A romantic dinner at Esperanza’s Cocina del Mar
• And yes, breakfast burritos every single morning of our trip

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Southwest Business Credit Card & Personal Credit Card Referral Link

Chase Sapphire Personal Credit Card Referral Link

Chase Ink Business Credit Card Referral Link

Mentioned in this episode:
- The Cape, A Thompson Hotel, Hyatt, Cabo San Lucas Mexico
- YNAB app - You Need a Budget
- Sunny Desert Transfer or LOMAS
- Southwest Airlines Upgraded Boarding via Performance Business Credit Card
- San Jose del Cabo vs. Cabo San Lucas
- The Rooftop at The Cape Hotel
- Enrique's Mr. Solmar hike with dogs - Enrique's Facebook Page
- Enrique's hike address: Antigüa Empacadora de Cabo, Blvd. Paseo de la Marina s/n, Centro, San Lucas, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
- Brunch at Solomon's Landing
- Esperanza's Cocina del Mar
- Cabo Adventures Snorkel Excursion

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, itineraries, hotel reviews, restaurant recommendations, and inspiration for planning their next vacation.

Ryan is back on the podcast! After sharing his couples trip to Costa Rica last year on Episode 15, he returns with another couples summer getaway, this time to Placencia, Belize. The best part - this fabulous trip started as a school auction prize!

In June 2025, Ryan and three other couples headed to a stunning vacation home in Belize complete with a private chef, daily laundry service, and even a personal boat driver who took them to dinner by sea. From snorkeling adventures to a BBQ on a private island, the group relaxed and enjoyed paradise.

This episode is presented by Level 8 Luggage. Use code PreAS20 for 20% site-wide in July! I'm loving the 20-inch Luminous Carry On in Pink.

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Earn free travel by applying for my favorite travel credit card, the Chase Sapphire Preferred, with my link!

Mentioned in this episode:
- Gecko Vacation Rentals in Belize
- Island Time Gecko vacation rental home in Placencia, Belize
- Belize City
- Cessna Grand Caravan Turboprop Plane
- Manatees
- Restaurants: Barefoot Bar, Tipsy Tuna, Tutti Frutti Gelato, Omar's, Rum Fish, Placencia Yacht Club
- Turtle Inn - A Francis Ford Coppola Hideaway
- Snorkeling in Belize National Parks
- Global Entry

Kelsey sits down with Theme Park Journalist and Disney expert Carlye Wisel from the Very Amusing podcast to dive into everything you need to know about the Disney Treasure cruise ship. From the brand-new Haunted Mansion Parlor to the immersive Plaza de Coco restaurant, this episode covers it all! 

This episode is presented by Level 8 Luggage. Use code PreAS20 for 20% site-wide in July! I'm loving the 20-inch Luminous Carry On in Pink.

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Mentioned in this episode:
- Disney Cruise Line Ship: Treasure
- Disney's Contemporary Resort
- Disney Springs - Summer House on the Lake
- Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya in Disney World's Epcot 
- Disney Wish vs. Disney Treasure vs. Disney Destiny
- Plaza de Coco, Worlds of Marvel, 1923, Enchanté, Palo Steakhouse
- Haunted Mansion Parlor, Skipper Society, Periscope Pub
- Shows: Seas the Adventure, Beauty & the Beast, Moana
- Castaway Cay
- It's a Small World Nursery

In this special episode, Kelsey's kids take over to share their favorite trips, dream destinations, and honest thoughts about life with a travel content creator mom! From waterslides and connecting rooms to Summit One and the Jellycat Diner in NYC, they spill all the details on their favorite adventures — and yes, they roast Mom along the way.

They talk about the best parts of:

• Skiing in Park City, Utah
• Exploring New York City
• Disney Cruise Line
• Walt Disney World
• Universal Studios Orlando

Plus, the kids answer listener-submitted questions, share their bucket list picks (Italy and Paris!), and give real, unfiltered opinions on what makes travel fun (and sometimes not-so-fun) as a kid.

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Mentioned in this episode:
- Delta Airlines
- New York City: Sloomoo Institute, Summit One, Ellen's Stardust Diner, Ice Skating at Rockefellar Center, Jelly Cat Diner, Junior's Cheesecake, Statue of Liberty, SIX on Broadway, Trattoria Trecolori, RISE NY museum and ride, Wo-Hop in Chinatown
- Park City, Utah: Skiing at The Canyons
- Disney Cruise Wish Ship
- Disney World, Universal Studios Orlando, Islands of Adventure

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, itineraries, hotel reviews, restaurant recommendations, and inspiration for planning their next vacation.

In this episode, Kelsey sits down with Martha from The Next Chapter Travel, a company that curates small luxury trips for women. Martha shares all the details of their unforgettable 5-star journey across Ireland — from spa treatments to falconry, fine dining to pub hopping, castle stays and countryside views in October 2024,

Their itinerary highlights include Adare, Killarney, Kenmare, Cork, and Dublin, with overnight stays at some of Ireland’s most celebrated properties: Adare Manor, The Park Hotel, and Hayfield Manor. You'll hear about tastings at Jameson and Guinness, views of the iconic cliffs, and how this luxurious, all-female escape delivered the perfect blend of pampering, culture, and connection.

This episode is presented by The Next Chapter Travel.
Trip Tales listeners can get $100 OFF a trip curated by The Next Chapter Travel by using code TNCT100 at booking.

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Mentioned in this episode:
- ADARE: Adare Manor, Calendar House, falconry, The Oak Room, Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, Gus O'Connor's Pub
- KILLARNEY: Killarney National Park, Ring of Kerry, Ross Castle
- KENMARE: Park Hotel, SAMAS Spa, tea at Sheen Falls Lodge, Cromwell's Bridge, fairy tree, Kenmare Stone Circle, The Quiet Man movie
- CORK: Jameson Midleton Distillery Tour, Hayfield Manor Hotel, Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone, Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral, The Cork English Market, The Rock of Cashel, The Cashel Palace Hotel, Irish National Stud & Gardens
- DUBLIN: EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, The Shelbourne Hotel, St. Stephen's Green, Trinity College, The Book of Kells Experience, The Long Room at The Library of Trinity College Dublin, St. Patrick's Cathedral, The Church Cafe Bar
- Ashford Castle in Mayo, Ireland
- Dromoland Castle Hotel in Country Clare, Ireland
- The K Club