Trip Tales | A Family Travel Podcast

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.

I’m sharing the filming, editing and posting strategies that helped me grow from 19K to 66K followers after leaning into travel content. From iPhone settings and CapCut tips to hooks, captions and calls to action, these are the simple things that have helped my travel Reels reach more people.Buy 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:
- H.O.P.E. - Help One Person Everyday
- Niche down
- iPhone Video Settings: 4K and 60 Frames Per Second (FPS)
- Video editing app: CapCut
- Hook + Keep their attention + CTA (Call to Action)
- LinkDM and ManyChat

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 and Joe are back from their couples trip to France - and Joe is joining at the end for the rapid fire questions! Hear about their magical night in Paris, watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle, exploring Montmartre, and squeezing as much as possible into less than 24 hours before heading into the peaceful French countryside.Then it’s on to Chablis for vineyard views, charming villages, a dreamy château, plenty of wine tastings, and a much-needed chance to slow down together. If 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 Capital One Venture X Referral Link: https://i.capitalone.com/JMxfRZaqs
- Chablis, France
- Chateau de la Resle
- Air France Premium Economy
- Points and Miles
- Aer Lingus
- Le Parisis Hotel
- JFK: The TWA Hotel and Lounge, Connie, The Paris Cafe, Capital One Lounge
- EU EES Entry Exit System
- Montmarte: Sacre-Coeur
- Gare de Lyon
- Joigny: La Station
- Auxerre: Le Maison Fort, Le Sub
- Chablis: William Fèvre (tasting room), Jean-Marc Brocard (vineyard), Domaine Long-Depaquit (chateau), Domaine Laroche (cave tour)
- Petite Chablis, Chablis, Premier Cru, Grand Cru

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.

The night before our France trip, unexpected travel anxiety and mom guilt hit me hard - and then our flight was canceled! I’m unpacking what it felt like to leave the kids during a very busy week, plus the much happier story of my first airport lounge experience. Spoiler: I’m officially ruined.If 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:
- Chablis
- Chateau de la Resle
- Capital One Lounge JFK
- Air France Lounge- TWA Hotel and Airplane Louge


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.

In this episode of Trip Tales, Kelsey chats with Kayla, a mom of three from the Atlanta area, about her family of five’s June 2025 adventure to Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe.With kids ages 12, 10, and 7, Kayla and her husband used points, miles, and Southwest Companion Passes to make this bucket-list national park trip more affordable. They flew into Fresno, explored Yosemite Valley by bike, hiked to waterfalls, stayed at the family-friendly Tenaya Lodge, wandered through the giant sequoias of Mariposa Grove, and then road-tripped on to Lake Tahoe for lake swims, kayaking, Monkey Rock, and even a few bear sightings.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:
- Hyatt Place Fresno, CA
- YOSEMITE: South Entrance, Yosemite Valley, Curry Village, Vernal Falls, Mirror Lake, Village Grill, Lower Yosemite Falls, El Capitan Field, Glacier Point, Twala Meadows
- Mariposa Grove: The California Tunnel, the Grizzly Tree
- Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
- 4th Grade National Park Pass
- Tenaya Lake
- Mono Lake (Alkali Flies)
- Lake Tahoe: Hotel Becket Best Western Signature, Monkey Rock, Baldwin Beach
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 love the Enneagram, I love travel, and today we’re combining the two just for fun! In this episode, I’m breaking down all nine Enneagram types and how each one shows up on vacation! From the planners and peacekeepers to the dreamers, helpers, adventurers, and everyone in between.Buy 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.

Nikki Packer from Utah is back on Trip Tales, and this time she’s sharing her family’s spring break trip through England and Paris!Mostly booked on points, Nikki’s family started in London with classic sightseeing, Borough Market treats, and the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour before making their way to Oxford, Bath, and the dreamy English countryside. But the true surprise of the trip? The Cotswolds.From wandering storybook villages to hiking through meadows, exploring old churches, eating gelato on bridges, and staying in a tiny ancestral village, Nikki makes a strong case for why the Cotswolds can be a magical destination for kids — especially families who love to wander, hike, and explore without an overpacked itinerary.They ended the trip with one whirlwind, dreamy day in Paris, complete with crepes, gardens, Montmartre, and watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle!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 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_gravesJoin us in the Trip Tales Podcast Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1323687329158879Mentioned in this episode:
- Nicki Packer: @packinpoints on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/packinpoints/
- Kelsey's Hotel Upgrade Guide https://kelsey-graves.kit.com/e1c6074077
- LONDON: Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars, Tower of London (Beefeater Tour), Borough Market (viral chocolate covered strawberries!), Padella Borough Market (Italian restaurant), Thames Path, St. Jame's Park, Buckingham Palace, Parliament Square, Westminster Abbey, Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Covent Garden, Millennium Bridge, The Globe Theater
- OXFORD: Addison's Walk, Botanical Gardens, Rozana (best Mediterranean wrap of Nicki's life!)
- Blenheim Palace (Winston Churchill's childhood home)
- BATH: Abbey Hotel, The Bath Abbey Church, Bathwick Trail (The Bathwick and Claverton Down Circular, popularly known as the Bath Skyline, is a spectacular 6 to 7.5-mile loop offering sweeping views over Bath, ancient woodlands, and wildflower meadows)
- COTSWOLDS
Painswick: Painswick village, St. Mary’s Church, The 99 yew trees at St. Mary’s Church, Nikki’s family’s Airbnb was near St. Mary’s Church
Stroud: Stroud Farmers’ Market
Bourton-on-the-Water: Box Bush Gelato
Upper & Lower Slaughter: Walking path between the two villages
Other Cotswolds Villages Mentioned:  Chipping Campden, Bibury, Stow-on-the-Wold
Walks, Hikes & Scenic Stops: The Cotswolds Way, Broadway Tower, Beacon Path
Gloucester: Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucester Cathedral Cloisters — Harry Potter filming location
- PARIS: Hyatt Paris Madeleine, Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile, Eiffel Tower, Crepes, Louvre Museum, Tuileries Garden, Musée de l'Orangerie (Monet's Water Lillies), Sainte-Chapelle Cathedral, Notre Dame, Shakespeare and Company Bookstore, La Crème de Paris (crepes), Jardin du Luxembourg, Montmartre    

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.