Trip Tales | A Family Travel Podcast

This week on Kelsey Unpacked, I’m recapping our wild, rainy, unforgettable weekend at the Indy 500 to celebrate my dad’s 70th birthday! From race day traditions and checkered outfits to suite snacks, Black Hawk flyovers, the Snake Pit, a photo finish, and the chaos of getting 350,000 people out of one place, this was a family weekend we’ll never forget.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:
- Milestone Birthday Gift: Your Life in Newspaper Headlines https://go.shopmy.us/p-60822615




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 sits down with Kirsten (@pointstravel.md), a Pediatric ER doctor from upstate New York, to recap her family of five’s incredible trip to Italy in April 2025. They spent time in both Rome and Sorrento, with day trips to Pompeii and Orvieto, plus unforgettable adventures along the Amalfi Coast and out to Capri.In this episode, Kirsten shares what it was really like visiting Italy with kids, including touring the Colosseum, attending Gladiator School (a family favorite!) seeing the Pantheon, taking a pizza-making class, boating to Capri, exploring Pompeii, and soaking in all the pizza, gelato, history, and beautiful Italian scenery along the way!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:
- @pointstravel.md on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pointstravel.md/
- TripIt App
- Rome AirBNB: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/963857416949581312
- ROME: The Colosseum, Golf Cart Tour, The Pantheon, Tiramisu & Pizza Making Class (through Eat Walk Italy), Mama Loves Rome for scavenger hunt printables, Gladiator School (by Gruppo Storico Romano), Mizio (street food, best sandwiches)
- Orvieto, Italy: Duomo, Orvieto Underground, Etruscan Museum
-  Trenitalia App for train tickets
- Sorrento AirBNB: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/36904867
- SORRENTO: Campania Express vs. Circumvesuviana train, Holy Week, Tavern Allegra (nice Italian restaurant), Amalfi Coast Tour with Rainbow Limos to Postiano, Ravello and Amalfi, Pizzeria da Franco, Capri, Monte Solaro Chair Lift in Anacapri
- Pompeii: Family tour with Alex Tour Pompeii
- Capri: Iconic Faraglioni rock formations, Blue Grotto, Anacapri, Monte Solaro Chair Lift


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.

In the midst of May-cember chaos, I’m sharing 10 things that are saving my life right now — from new favorite beverages, clothing pieces I'm loving, and a summer dinner hack that's making life easier. 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:

1. Bloom Energy Drinks https://amzlink.to/az0oJChLJL0Ju 
2. Protein Pop Sparking Water https://amzlink.to/az0L0wI1Ido7N 
3. Maldon Flaky Salt https://amzlink.to/az0BR1oZmg1W3
   And container https://amzlink.to/az0fkUBeoM6eB 
4. Cold Dinners (chicken caesar salad wraps, chicken pasta salad, chicken salad on Hawaiian rolls
5. AE Dreamy Drape Wide Leg Pants https://go.shopmy.us/p-54593907 
6. Aerie Jet Setter Sweat Set https://community.aerie.com/a/kelsey 
7. Boxy Flowy Amazon Ts https://amzlink.to/az0tMXSSlICst 
8. New Adidas Shoes https://go.shopmy.us/p-59298726 
9. Cozy Earth Sheets https://go.shopmy.us/p-59270130 
10. Voice Memos

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 sits down with Nina from New Jersey to discuss her family of 4's epic 12-day Disney adventure in August 2025.They started their trip at Walt Disney World, staying at the new Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Resort and visiting all four parks: EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and Magic Kingdom. From there, they boarded the new Disney Treasure cruise ship for a 7-night Caribbean sailing with stops in Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, and Castaway Cay. To wrap up the trip, they spent one final night back at Disney’s Beach Club Resort.In this episode, Nina shares what it was like combining Disney World with a Disney Cruise, her family’s favorite park moments, what stood out on the Disney Treasure, and the port adventures they loved most.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:
- Nina @nina_vuetravel on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nina_vuetravel/
- Waterproof Cross Body Bag: https://amzlink.to/az0Tjj2Es1BMD
- Away We Go travel transportation
- Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom
- The Island Tower at the Polynesian Resort
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Tiana's Bayou Adventure, Moana's Journey of Water, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Soarin', Slinky Dog Dash, Tron, Brown Derby, The Plaza
- Disney Treasure: Plaza de Coco, Fish Extenders, Pixie Dusting, Haunted Mansion Parlor Bar, Scat Cat Lounge, Periscope Pub, Enchante, Mickey Churro Waffles, The Neverland Challenge, Moana Stage Show, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
- Cozumel: Fury Catamaran Snorkel Excursion
- Grand Cayman: Mollie's Beach Club
- Jamaica: Dunn's River Falls
- Castaway Cay: Stingray Encounter
- The Beach Club Resort, Blizzard Beach, Stormalong Bay
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 is finally answering one of my most-asked questions: What should we do in Nashville?After years of getting texts and DMs from friends, followers, and listeners planning trips to Nashville, I'm sharing it all! This episode covers Nashville as both a family trip with kids and an adults-only getaway, including where to stay, what to do, favorite restaurants, Broadway tips, live music spots, brunch ideas, and easy add-on trips to Franklin and Leiper’s Fork.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:
- Family Friendly Hotels: Gaylord Opryland (Parking Hack: map to Regal otels:Cinemas or Dave & Busters at Opry Mills Mall -> park -> walk toward the Expo Hall and into the back of the hotel), Drury Plaza Hotel, Hyatt Place, Hyatt House, Renaissance Nashville, Graduate Nashville
- Things to do with kids: Soundwaves Waterpark, Nashville Zoo, Adventure Science Center, Broadway in the morning or lunchtime, Country Music Hall of Fame, Goo Goo Chocolate Company, Fifth + Broadway & Assembly Food Hall, Grand Ole Opry / Opry House / Ryman Auditorium Tours, Centennial Park + The Parthenon, The Frist Art Museum, Putt Shack, Pop Stroke, Nashville Yards, Sounds Baseball Game, The Great Big Gameshow, Lip Lap
- Places to Eat with Kids: Assembly Food Hall, Edley's BBQ, Martin's BBQ, Prince's Hot Chicken, Hattie B's Hot Chicken, Buttermilk Ranch, Puckett's, Pancake Pantry (forgot to mention in episode - iconic breakfast spot!)
- Nashville Adults Trip - Where to Stay: JW Marriott, The Joseph, The 1 Hotel, Four Seasons, The Thompson, The W, The Noelle, The Bobby, The Hermitage Hotel
- Adult Things to Do: Broadway, The Listening Room, Rooftops, 12th South Neighborhood, The Gulch
- Rooftops: Bourbon Sky, LA Jackson, Harriet's, White Limozeen, Denim
- Adults Restaurants: Bourbon Steak, Bar Taco, Epice, Chauhan Ale and Masala House, Adele's, Buttermilk Ranch, O-Ku, The Optimist
- Franklin, TN: Main Street, Merridee's Bread Basket, Gray's on Main, Cullacino
- Leiper's Fork, TN: Fox & Locke, Crown Winery in the Fork
- Arrington Vineyards

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 sits down with Liz from Portland, Oregon to hear all about her family’s epic winter adventure to Ottawa and Montreal in February 2025.This trip was planned as a surprise 40th birthday bucket list trip for Liz’s husband, with one very specific goal: ice skating on the Rideau Canal in Ottawa, Canada (the world's largest natural ice skating rink). As a big hockey and skating family, this was a dream experience!Liz shares what it was like visiting Ottawa with both an 18-year-old and a 1-year-old in tow, staying at the magnificent Fairmont Château Laurier, exploring the city in winter, and then continuing on to Montreal for cozy, European vibes.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:
- MONTREAL: Montreal Airport Marriott, Biosphere in Parc Jean-Drapeau on St. Helen's Island, Sonder Apollon Apartments Old Montreal, Montreal Canadians hockey game at the Bell Centre rink, La Fontaine Park - ice skating, La Grande Roue ferris wheel, Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal + the Aura Experience, STASH Cafe for Polish food.
- Beau's Brewery
- OTTAWA: Fairmont Chateau Laurier, Winterlude, ByWard Market, ice skating the Rideau Canal, The Brig Pub, National Gallery of Canada, Major's Hill Park
- PARC OMEGA: Wolf Chalet & Lodge, Panoramic Chalet 
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 family games we’re loving right now! The ones we love so much, they actually come on trips with us! From ski condo game nights to beach house fun, these are the games that keep our family laughing and playing together.In this episode, I’m breaking down our favorite family games by kid and age, from elementary school to middle school to teens, plus the one game our whole family cannot stop playing. Everything mentioned is linked in the show notes so you can easily snag a new favorite for your next family game night or trip.Mentioned in this episode:
- Link to all our favorite family games: https://amzlink.to/az0b1CBSWOdgx
- App Store games: Charades and Imposter Who?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.

Amanda is back (she previously joined to share about her family’s trip to Bali and Singapore) and this time she’s taking us along on her family of four’s Thanksgiving week adventure to London and Paris.Amanda (@thetravelingbixlers) traveled in November 2025 with her husband and two kids, ages 7 and 6, for a magical European trip packed with iconic sights, kid-friendly fun, and a little Disney magic. 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:
- Amanda @thetravelingbixlers https://www.instagram.com/thetravelingbixlers/
- Air France
- Amazon Travel Backpack https://amzlink.to/az0rcM72FkyB1
- Kids Bluetooth headphones with audio jack https://amzlink.to/az0UtaFmc6Twm
- Bluetooth audio jack transmitter for AirPods on airplane https://amzlink.to/az0jeYIoy4EYa
- The Tube and London public transportation
- Premier Inn London hotel
- LONDON: Borough Market, Picadilly Circus, Dishoom restaurant, Westminster Abbey, Lego Store, Kings Cross Station, Jubliee Market, London Eye, Natural History Museum
- RICHMOND: Ted Lasso Pub (The Prince's Head)
- Eurostsar
- DISNEYLAND PARIS: The Dreams Hotel, The Lion King Show, Avengers Campus, Spiderman Web Slingers, Frozen Show
- PARIS: Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile, going up in the Eiffel Tower, Galeries Lafayette, Sainte-Chapelle, Notre Dame, Relais de l’Entrecôte (steak frites restaurant), Musée d'Orsay (Orsay museum), Montmartre neighborhood, Sacré-Cœur basilica, Breizh for crepes
- Macaron Baking Class: https://www.viator.com/tours/Paris/Fun-Pastry-class-for-kids-and-family-in-center-of-Paris-must-do/d479-6159P29
- The Foldie foldable travel bag https://amzlink.to/az0BzJ39ktSEo

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 not scared of AI - I’m here for it! In this episode, I’m sharing 7 ChatGPT prompts that will change how you plan travel.From finding family-friendly hotels that actually sleep everyone, to building smarter itineraries, choosing restaurants, decoding wine lists, finding off-the-beaten-path road trip stops, creating your own self-guided tours, and even building a realistic packing list — these are the exact ways I use AI to make travel planning easier.Follow 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:
- ChatCPT vs. Claude
- Good Pictures, Bad Pictures book https://amzlink.to/az0N6Ccop6uZb
- ChatGPT prompts to copy and paste:1. Use AI to find your next trip destination or hotel
I’m planning a family trip and need help narrowing down destination and hotel ideas. We are a family of [number] with kids ages [ages], flying from [home airport]. We want a trip that feels [relaxing/adventurous/beachy/luxury/budget-friendly]. We need hotels that sleep [number] in one room, with features like [waterslide, beachfront, kids club, kitchen, points-friendly]. Give me 10 ideas with specific hotels and why each would work.2. Use AI to build a starter itinerary
We are visiting [destination] for [number] days and staying at [hotel/neighborhood]. Create a starter itinerary that groups attractions by location so we’re not wasting time. We want to include [attractions, restaurants, tours, museums, parks, shows]. Organize each day by area, suggest the best order, and note when we need reservations or tickets.3. Use AI to find restaurants with a specific vibe
I’m looking for restaurants in [destination/neighborhood] near [landmark or hotel]. I want something that feels [bougie/vibey/romantic/fun/local/kid-friendly], serves [type of food], and is within [walking distance/short Uber]. Give me 8 options, explain the vibe, include what to order if known, and tell me which one you’d pick.4. Use AI to decode wine lists and menus
I’m going to upload a restaurant menu. Help me find the can’t-miss items. I like [preferences], I don’t love [things to avoid], and we are ordering for [adults/kids/family/date night]. Tell me what you’d order, what seems special, and what I can skip.5. Use AI to find off-the-beaten-path stops on a road trip
We are driving from [Point A] to [Point B] with [kids/adults/teens]. Help me find the best stops to break up the drive. We are interested in [restaurants, scenic stops, short hikes, roadside attractions, coffee shops, playgrounds]. Organize by where they fall along the drive, how far they are from the route, and which are most worth it.6. Use AI to create your own self-guided tour
Create a self-guided [food/walking/history/photo/family-friendly] tour of [city/neighborhood]. We will start at [starting point] and want it to last about [amount of time]. Include [coffee, snacks, landmarks, shops, historic stops, photo spots, local favorites]. Put everything in walking order with a short explanation of each stop, and make it easy to copy into my Notes app.7. Use AI to create a packing list
I’m packing for a trip to [destination] from [dates] with [who is going/kids’ ages]. Our itinerary includes [activities, restaurants, excursions, beach days, theme parks, hiking, skiing, nicer dinners]. Create a realistic packing list organized by person and category. Include clothing, shoes, toiletries, travel day items, activity-specific items, and things people often forget.

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.

Kristen from Massachusetts is back on Trip Tales! She previously shared all about her family’s catamaran trip through the British Virgin Islands, and this time she’s taking us to Mont Tremblant, Quebec.Kristen, a mom of two, traveled with her family of four, including her 10-year-old daughter and 9-year-old son, plus a few other families, for a Presidents Day weekend ski trip in February 2026. Mont Tremblant is just north of Montreal, and Kristen shares why it felt like a European ski vacation without actually flying to Europe.From the cozy European-style base village to hearing French spoken all around them, eating crepes, skiing as a family, and soaking up the charming winter vibes, this trip felt special, memorable, and surprisingly attainable.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:
- Kristen's previous BVIs by Catamaran episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/british-virgin-islands-chartering-a-catamaran-with/id1731455602?i=1000704284005
- Heated Vest Link: https://go.shopmy.us/p-54614828
- Mont Tremblant VRBO: https://www.vrbo.com/3645640
- MONT TREMBLANT: South side (village side) vs. North side, Navigation recommendation: When you get off the shuttle bus, do not go to the first gondola (which heads to a casino). INSTEAD - go through a tunnel toward ski school and get on the Flying Mile Quad chairlift.
- Mont Tremblant restaurants: La Pizzateria, Lucille's, Le Refuge du Trappeur (Trapper's Cabin on the mountain), La Rustique, Le Sushi Shack, Mogouyan (ramen), La Maison de Crepes
- Ice climbing excursion
- Scandinave Spa Mont Tremblant
- MONTREAL: Old Montreal, AC Marriott, La Grande Roue de Montreal, Maggie Oakes restaurant in the Hotel Willam Gray, Creperie Maison Bagatelle, Sammi & Soupe Dumpling
- Marriott Bonvoy credit card

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.