Trip Tales | A Family Travel Podcast

In this episode of Kelsey Unpacked, I’m sharing the exciting and sometimes surprisingly uncomfortable side of growing an audience.

I'm talking about turning content creation into a real business and realizing that brands are actually willing to PAY you to do this.

I’m taking you behind the scenes of an upcoming paid brand trip to Puerto Rico, including what the partnership covers, why saying yes felt a little scary, and why this opportunity feels like such a big milestone for me.

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:
- To join KELSEY LIVE on Monday August 31st at 11AM CST: email [email protected] and Venmo $39 to @Kelsey-Graves-1
- FAIR PLAY Book: https://amzlink.to/az0a5TP2LgJgt
- FAIR PLAY Card Game: https://amzlink.to/az0zgy43Ugqno 
- Instagram and TikTok follower growth and monetization
- Growing with Instagram Trial Reels

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.

Heather joins Trip Tales from Westchester, New York, to share her family’s love for New Zealand - a place they’ve visited several times and love so much that they now have residency, with dreams of someday making it home.

Most recently, Heather traveled to New Zealand in March 2026 with her husband and their two kids for an adventure-packed family trip through both the South and North Islands. We talk about breathtaking Queenstown and Wanaka, bungee jumping and canyon swings, Mount Cook, geothermal adventures, Hobbiton and those iconic Hobbit houses, beautiful beaches, playgrounds, hikes and so much more.

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: [email protected]

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:

• New Zealand Residency
• Sky Couch on Air New Zealand
• North Island vs South Island
• Auckland Airport - VIP Assistance through airport
• Queenstown: Waterfront & Shopping District, Patagonia Chocolates & Ice Cream, TSS Earnslaw boat to Walter Peak Farm Tour (sheep, highland cows, etc), Shotover Jet, AJ Hackett Company (Kawarau Bridge Bungy: the original bungee jump), Kawarau Bungy Swing, Bathhouse Playground, Skyline Gondola and Luge, Fergburger, Cookie Time, Remarkables Park - Joe’s Garage restaurant
• Wanaka: Dinosaur Playground, Wild Wire Wanaka Via Feratta, the cinema, Rippon Winery, Roy’s Peak hike, Scroggin for coffee or brunch, Big Fig for lunch, Lake Bar, Black Peak gelato, 
• Omarama Clay Cliffs
• Open Hotel Alert: https://openhotelalert.com/
• Mount Cook: Mount Cook Lodge, Hermitage Hotel (brunch buffet), hiking (Hooker Valley Track), stargazing
• Lake Tekapo: Mount John Homestead, playground, feed the animals, farm tour
• Sumner Beach: Beach town outside of Christchurch, Cave Rock, Fire & Slice pizza restaurant
• Rotorua: Hell’s Gate, Geo-thermal area, mineral pools, hot springs, Redwood Forest Tree Walk
• Hobbiton: Hobbiton Movie Set Tour, Green Dragon Pub
• The Coromandel Peninsula: Hahei, Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach, Walnut Cottage Airbnb
• Matakana: Farmer’s Market, Action Ninja World
• Milford Sound

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.

This week, I’m sharing a few CONFESSIONS! Some questionable habits, some unpopular opinions, and a few things I probably shouldn’t admit out loud. 😂 From my love of McDonald’s and hatred of the beach, to outsourcing my laundry, my true crime obsession, and more!

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

Check out the Symphony app using my link: https://join.symphony.io/kelsey

Get $10 OFF Your First Poplin Laundry Service Order: https://gopoplin.com/?referralId=iL5euzJWLUSwBfZVYDCG

Get $40 OFF Mochi Health by using my referral code to join: 9T4WMV
Link to join Mochi: https://app.joinmochi.com/eligibility?ptcode=9t4wmv

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.

Amy and her husband celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary by taking their two girls, ages 8 and 4, on an almost two-week adventure through Paris, Switzerland and Milan in May 2026!Their family of four explored Paris, went to the top of the Eiffel Tower, spent a day at Disneyland Paris, then traveled by train to the Swiss Alps—where some of the most incredible mountaintop playgrounds became a highlight of the entire trip. They finished their European adventure in Milan with pasta making, iconic sights and, naturally, a few more playgrounds.Check out the Symphony app using my link: https://join.symphony.io/kelseyThis 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: [email protected] Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/kelseygravesFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_gravesFollow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mskelseygravesJoin us in the Trip Tales Podcast Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1323687329158879Mentioned in this episode:
- Yoto Mini Kids Audio Book Players: https://amzlink.to/az0LxjyOTNNw5- PARIS, FRANCE

• Air France – direct flight from Orlando to Paris
• Montmartre
• Sacré-Cœur Basilica
• Eiffel Tower
• Trocadéro – great Eiffel Tower photo spot
• Luxembourg Gardens: playground,carousel, and sailboat rentals
• Notre-Dame Cathedral
• Musée de l'Orangerie – Monet’s Water Lilies + children’s area
• Tuileries Gardens + playground

- DISNEYLAND PARIS

• Sleeping Beauty Castle
• A Million Splashes of Colour Parade
• Disney Adventure World – World of Frozen
• Toy Story Land
• Rapunzel Tangled Spin

- LAUTERBRUNNEN + SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND

• SBB Mobile App – helpful for navigating trains and transportation throughout Switzerland
• Lauterbrunnen Valley – bike rentals + biking through the valley
• Coop grocery store
• Imboden Bike Rentals
• Staubbach Falls
• Trümmelbach Falls – underground waterfalls
• Wengen – mountain village + seasonal marble runs
• Männlichen – Alpine Herdsman “Cow Playground”
• Holenstein – Treetop Playground + Alpine Horns
• Alpins in the Alps – helpful Switzerland travel resource
• Mürren – Intersport coffee shop + playground and trampoline
• Allmendhubel – Flower Playground + Flower Hike
• Gimmelwald – playground + Mountain Hostel
• Grindelwald Pfingstegg – playground, mountain coaster + Fly Line
• Bort Alpine Playground – snowplow-themed playground

- MILAN, ITALY

• The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci
• Sforza Castle: Michelangelo’s Rondanini Pietà
• Pasta + gelato-making class
• OTTO – Chinatown restaurant
• Parco Sempione
• Duomo di Milano + rooftop
• Ratana – final dinner in Milan

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.

Not for little ears. This episode is not intended for children.

In this Kelsey Unpacked, I’m sharing some thoughts on getting back into the school-year routine, reflecting on the intensity of early motherhood, and unpacking my thoughts on the Lindsay Clancy trial. A short, personal episode about motherhood, mental load, and a case I haven’t been able to stop thinking about.

Check out the Symphony app using my link: https://join.symphony.io/kelsey

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.

Kelsey is recapping her family of five’s attraction-packed summer getaway to Chicago with kids in July 2026!In just three nights, they squeezed in SO much from Lollapalooza and a Cubs game at Wrigley Field to the American Girl Store, Millennium Park and The Bean, TILT at 360 CHICAGO, the Museum of Illusions, Navy Pier and Flyover Chicago.But this trip was about more than checking off Chicago attractions. Kelsey and Joe lived in Chicago for 10 years after college, so bringing their three kids back to explore their old neighborhoods, favorite spots and some of their sweetest memories made this quick summer getaway extra special.Kelsey's link to download the Symphony savings app: https://join.symphony.io/kelseyThis 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: [email protected] Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/kelseygravesFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_gravesFollow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mskelseygravesJoin us in the Trip Tales Podcast Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1323687329158879Mentioned in this episode:
- Lollapalooza Chicago
- American Girl Store Chicago
- Hyatt House West Loop
- Piccolo Sogno
- Millenium Park: The Bean (Cloud Gate), Maggie Daley Park
- Nancy's Pizza (West Loop)
- Chicago Cubs
- Stolen Saddle in Wrigleyville
- Original Pancake House Chicago
- Museum of Illusions
- Top of the Hancock Building for Chicago 360 and TILT
- Navy Pier: Flyover Chicago ride

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.

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.

What if you could earn travel points by saving money instead of spending it?In this episode of Kelsey Unpacked, I’m joined by Symphony co-founder James Berry and COO Jennifer Styles to talk about the groundbreaking new app that is completely flipping the traditional points game on its head.We’re used to earning rewards by opening credit cards and spending money on travel, dining and everyday purchases. Symphony created an entirely new way to earn by rewarding you for saving instead. Your money can earn up to 5% APY, and you get to choose whether your rewards are paid in cash, travel points or a combination of both.We unpack how Symphony works, why it was created, how your points can grow alongside your savings and what users can expect from its upcoming airline, hotel and travel partners.I’ve already downloaded the app and funded my own account, and I was so impressed by how simple, fun and beautifully designed it is. This is such an exciting option for anyone who wants to grow their savings while also working toward future travel.This episode is sponsored by Symphony.LINK TO SYMPHONY: https://join.symphony.io/kelseyThis 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: [email protected] Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/kelseygravesFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_gravesFollow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mskelseygravesJoin us in the Trip Tales Podcast Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1323687329158879Mentioned in this episode:
- Kelsey's Symphony Link: https://join.symphony.io/kelsey
- Travel points and miles
- American Express
- Delta
- Airport Lounges
- Financial Literacy
- 5% APY Savings Account


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.

TikTok told Laura that Amsterdam was one of the most toddler-friendly cities in Europe, so she decided to find out for herself!In August 2025, Laura and her husband traveled from New Brunswick, Canada, to Amsterdam with their 2.5-year-old daughter for a full week of family adventures. And they were pleasantly surprised by just how much the city offered for little kids!Laura shares how they created a toddler-friendly rhythm with morning activities, afternoon naps and plenty of time for parks, playgrounds and snacks. From the zoo and NEMO Science Museum to biking through Vondelpark, exploring kid-friendly museums, cruising the canals and tasting their way through local markets, this trip proves that Amsterdam can be an incredible European destination - even with a toddler in tow! 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: [email protected] Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/kelseygravesFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_gravesFollow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mskelseygravesJoin us in the Trip Tales Podcast Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1323687329158879Mentioned in this episode:
- My dog's favorite cheese bones https://amzlink.to/az0E1x241YPSw
- Laura's favorite travel stroller https://amzlink.to/az0PlFvKKApuj
- Halifax Airport
- "Welcome Pickups" Transfer Company
- The Concert Hotel
- Vondelpark
- Attractions included in the iAmsterdam City Card/Pass: ARTIS Amsterdam Zoo, Moco Museum (modern art), NEMO Science Museum, STRAAT (Street Art Museum), Rijksmuseum, National Maritime Museum, Bike Rental
- Restaurants/Food: Cobra Cafe, Groot Melkhuis, Bakers & Roasters, Fabel Friet for Dutch fries
- Pizza Canal Cruise
- Albert Heijn grocery stores
- DAY TRIPS: Zaanse Schans, Leiden (Paco Ciao speakeasy-type restaurant), Delft
- NDSM Wharf & Ferry (free)
- Pancake Boat Tour
- Sarphatipark
- parkrun
- Max Euwe Centre Chess Museum 
- De Pijp neighborhood: Albert Cuyp Markt for Stroopwafels from Rudy's and Kibbeling fish bites
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.

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.

I’m sharing the simple list technique that’s helping me feel more accomplished and less overwhelmed: separating what I truly have to do each day from the non-priorities. Plus, I’m talking about Theo of Golden—the sweetest, most heartwarming book everyone is loving!Mentioned in this episode:
- Inflatable Travel Mat: https://amzlink.to/az0wCGVzlVgpS
- Amazon Index Cards: https://amzlink.to/az0Tzrefcy1tn
- Theo of Golden: https://amzlink.to/az0FbdcJ2tXpdBuy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/kelseygravesFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_gravesFollow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mskelseygravesJoin 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.

Alaina (@molars.and.miles) is an Ohio mom of three, dentist, and expert trip planner who takes an annual couples trip with her husband and another couple. After traveling to 10 countries together, their latest adventure took them all the way to South Africa in April 2025—and this may have been their most unforgettable trip yet!In just eight days, they experienced three completely different sides of South Africa: vibey Cape Town with its incredible restaurants and breathtaking scenery, a dreamy night in the Franschhoek wine country, and a thrilling luxury safari where they saw the Big Five.Alaina shares how the safari experience actually works—from early-morning game drives and animals roaming just feet away to sunset happy hours in the bush, cozy lodge dinners, and the excitement of tracking lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo. Add in beautiful hotels, unforgettable meals, a wine tram, and plenty of spontaneous travel magic, and this trip was truly a foodie and adventure lover’s dream.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: [email protected] Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/kelseygravesFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_gravesFollow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mskelseygravesJoin us in the Trip Tales Podcast Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1323687329158879Link to Trip Tales podcast on Apple: Mentioned in this episode:
- Alaina's Instagram: www.instagram.com/molars.and.miles and website: www.molarsandmiles.com
- CAPETOWN: Cape Grace Hotel, Table Mountain, Time Out Market, Chapman's Peak drive, Boulders Beach, Simon's Town, "Just Mich" Tour Guide, Groot Constantia Wine Farm, Chef's Warehouse, Marble
- FRANSCHHOEK: Babylonstoren (Cape Dutch Farm), Leeu Estates, Wine Tram
- SAFARI: Hoedspruit Airport, Greater Kruger National Park, Kapama Private Game Lodge, Safari Game Drives, the Big Five
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.

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.