Kelsey and her sister spent 3 nights in August 2025 at one of Cancun’s newest all-inclusives — Ava Resort — and are spilling all the details you need to know before you go. From its 17 restaurants and bars to the endless lineup of kids activities, this resort is designed for families, couples, and friend getaways alike. But the real show-stopper? A stunning 2.8-acre salt-water lagoon unlike anything else in Cancun. Plus, hear how their trip took an unforgettable turn when they ended up dancing the night away with Bachelor winner Juliana Pasquarosa!

Mentioned in this episode:
- Ava Resort All-Inclusive
- Ava Resort Airport Transfer
- 2.8 acre salt water lagoon
- Global Entry

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: [email protected]

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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.

Kelsey sits down with Caroline to hear all about her son’s special 10th birthday adventure in June 2025 that started with a solo trip to Seattle for a Mariners baseball game, continued with a sleeper train ride to Hollywood for a day at Universal Studios, and ended with the whole family spending 5 magical nights at Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii. Caroline shares everything you need to know about visiting Aulani with kids including the Disney luau, kids clubs, food, pools, activities, and even hula-ing with Minnie Mouse.

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: [email protected]

Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/kelseygraves

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_graves

Mentioned in this episode:
- Caroline's Evermore Resort (Orlando, FL) episode
- Seattle to LA via the Amtrak Coast Starlight Sleeper Train
- Silver Cloud Inn in Seattle across from Mariners stadium
- Seattle Gum Wall
- SKYJO Card Game
- Sheraton Universal Hotel in Hollywood, CA
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- Honolulu Airport: Daniel K. Inouye International
- Hele Hele shuttle
- Disney Planner: https://www.jkmousetravel.com/
- Aulani Resort: Rainbow Reef, Painted Sky, Spa, Auntie's Beach House Kids Club, Luau, Scavenger Hunt, Ama Ama, Makahiki, The Olelo Room (sushi bar), 
- Pearl Harbor
- Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina: Mina's Fish House by Michael Mina
- Monkeypod
- Ko Olina, Hawaii

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.

Kelsey chats with Tracey, a travel advisor from Revival Travel Collective and @revivaltravelco on Instagram, about her family’s multigenerational trip to Ireland in June 2025. Tracey’s dad had always dreamed of returning to Ireland to find his grandparents’ home. It was also her two daughters’ (ages 9 and 7) very first international trip, making it an extra special family adventure. From Dublin to Kilkenny, Cork and the Blarney Castle, Killarney, and Galway, Tracey shares the highlights, challenges, and magical moments of exploring Ireland with kids.

Mentioned in this episode:
- Nashville Tour Co: Nashville Pedal Tavern, Nashville Toons, Beve Curated, Fab Tap
- Delta One
- Reusable Sticker Books
- Renting a car in Ireland - New Way Car Hire
- The Little Brew Cafe in Kilcullen, Ireland
- Rock of Cashel
- Kilkenny: Mount Juliet Estate, the Clubhouse Restaurant, The Hound
- Cobh, Ireland
- Blarney/Cork: Blarney Woollen Mills Hotel, Blarney Castle with kids, McCarthy name from County Cork
- Kinsale Beach town in Ireland: lunch at The White House
- Best Western hotels in America vs. Europe
- Killarney National Park
- Muckross House and Muckross Farms
- Kilkee (Kilkee cliff walk)
- Cliffs of Moher
- Galway Latin Quarter
- The Galmount Hotel in Galway, Ireland, The Murty Rabbit Restaurant
- The Lodge at Ashford Castle
- Moran's Oyster Cottage
- Clonmacnoise Monastic Site.
- DUBLIN: Dublinia Viking Museum and Christ Church Cathedral, Marlin Hotel Dublin, St Stephen's Green, La Caverna Dublin, Grafton Street, George Street Arcade

If you’d like to share about your trip on the podcast, email me at: [email protected]

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.

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