Trip Tales | A Family Travel Podcast

Kyle is back on Trip Tales! You may remember him from a previous episode where he shared about his family’s all-inclusive ski trip to Club Med Charlevoix outside Quebec City. This time, Kyle, his wife, and their two boys (ages 9 and 14) from Charlottesville, Virginia traveled in December 2025 to Germany and Austria.Their adventure included exploring Munich, visiting charming small Bavarian towns, wandering Christmas markets, and skiing in the Austrian Alps. Kyle shares why skiing in Europe can actually be easier and more affordable than a typical U.S. ski trip, plus tons of practical tips for families who want to make a trip like this happen.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:
- Flying Dulles to Munich
- Erding Therme indoor pool and spa in Erding, Germany
- Bad Tolz: Christmas Market, glühwein, kinderpunsch, Lake Tegernsee Christmas Markets
- Neuschwanstein Castle, Hohenschwangau Castle, Schlossbrauhaus in Schwangau
- Garmish-Partenkirchen: Dorint Sporthotel, Christmas Market, Zugspitze
- Innsbruck, Austria
- Niederau, Austria: Hotel Staffler, Skiing in Hopfgarten, Westendorf, Kitzbuhel
- Munich: Dachau, Novotel Munchen City, Hofbräuhaus München
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.

We all have felt it: you see your friend on an amazing trip and immediately feel that travel FOMO (and jealousy) creep in. In this episode of Kelsey Unpacked, I’m sharing 3 mindset shifts that help me get out of the comparison spiral and back into feeling content and grounded. 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:
- Travel Party of 5 podcast
- Points for Normal People podcast


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 chats with husband and wife travel creators Dan & Alex from Ft. Lauderdale (@travelwith.dna on Instagram) about their couples trip to Panama. Starting in Panama City’s historic Old Town (Casco Antigua) for vibrant culture, cocktails, and local eats, then heading to El Valle de Antón for the most epic spa day ever. They stayed at sister Hyatt hotels: Hotel La Compañía Casco Antigua in the Old City and Hotel La Compañía El Valle in the valley, and share why this pairing made the whole trip feel seamless and stress-free. They said this trip mixed adventure and relaxation in the best way.Mentioned in this episode:
- @travelwith.dna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelwith.dna/
- Drone footage vs. Insta 360 cameras
- The spa at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC
- Copa Airlines
- PANAMA: Casco Antigua / Casco Viejo, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hotel La Compañía Casco Antigua, Geisha coffee, Via Anna restaurant, Panama Canal tour, Miraflores, Amador Causeway
- EL VALLE DE ANTON: Hotel La Compañía El Valle Spa, Turkish Hamam, Pozo Azul Waterfall hike, India Dormida hike

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.

All I wanted for my birthday was to host a Color Analysis party with my friends. We each found out our season: Summer, Spring, Winter, or Fall. And, it’s officially pushing me out of my neutral sweat set era! I’m sharing what I learned about the colors that suit me best for clothing, makeup, jewelry, and even hair and how surprisingly helpful this is when you’re shopping or getting ready for a trip.Mentioned in this episode:
- Krystina Cortesi with @chromaticstylecolor: https://www.instagram.com/chromaticstylecolor/
- Color Analysis: Summer, Spring, Autumn, Winter
- Wonderland on Points podcastBuy 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.

Kelsey sits down with Joy Smith from Franklin, TN, creator of Savvy Travel Mamas (Instagram + podcast), to share the ultimate Harry Potter-inspired trip for a 12-year-old. After Joy’s son finished all seven books, she promised to take him to iconic filming locations and bring the magic to life and in summer 2025, they did exactly that!From London highlights and a special Harry Potter afternoon tea to the must-do Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Joy breaks down what to book early and how to plan a perfect kid-approved itinerary. Then it’s off to Scotland for jaw-dropping scenery and real-life “Hogwarts” moments, including spotting the Jacobite Steam Train (the “Hogwarts Express”) crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct and visiting the dreamy cloisters at the University of Glasgow. Tune in for practical tips, favorite moments, and the kind of trip your Harry Potter fan will 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:
- Vessi Waterproof Travel Sneaker: https://go.shopmy.us/p-44154365
- Go City Passes: https://prf.hn/click/camref:1110l7UuS
- MINNEAPOLIS: Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, Mall of America
- Air France Minneapolis to London on points
- LONDON: Holiday Inn Express Victoria, Pimlico Subway Station, The Georgian Hotel, Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studio Tour, Harry Potter Tea, Butterbeer, Tower of London, Crown Jewels, St. Paul's Catherdral, Thames River Cruise, London Eye, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, London Lego Store, Piccadilly Circus, Bread Ahead, London City Airport
- SCOTLAND: Glasgow, The Highlands, Fort William, Hogwarts Express, Jacobite Steam Train, Glenfinnan Viaduct, The Garrison Hotel, Ben Nevis Mountain, Mallaig, Fort Augustus, Loch Ness Monster (Nessie), the Cloisters at the University of Glasgow, Glasgow Airport, Scotland Rail
- WEST KILBRIDE: Joy visits her family castle, Clan Hunter Home, Hunterston Castle, William Wallace tree from Braveheart
- DUBLIN: Hyatt Centric Dublin, Go City Pass, St. Patrick's Cathedral, City Bus Tour, Guinness Tour, Marsha's Library, Aer Lingus
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.

Joe joins the pod and together we talk about how the concept of Fair Play by Eve Rodsky quite literally changed our marriage. From dividing and conquering everyday life, to clearly divvying up household tasks, to even splitting responsibilities when it comes to travel planning, packing, and unpacking - this episode is for anyone who’s tired of carrying the entire mental load.We break down what Fair Play is, how we started using it, what surprised us the most, and how it’s made our marriage feel lighter (and our trips smoother).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:
- Fair Play book by Eve Rodsky: https://amzlink.to/az0a5TP2LgJgt
- Fair Play card game: https://amzlink.to/az0zgy43Ugqno
- Skylight Calendar
- Splitting up bedtime routine
- Travel roles & responsibilities
- Skylight Max 27-inch Calendar: https://amzlink.to/az0RVZS4AExZf




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.

Sarah and her husband took the coziest Christmas-time babymoon to Asheville, NC in December 2025. After driving over from Durham, NC, they loved shopping and dining in downtown Asheville followed by a stay and spa time at the Omni Grove Park Inn. Sarah also shares about their luxe stay at The Inn on Biltmore Estate, plus the magic of the Biltmore Christmas Candlelight Tour. They squeezed in a little fresh air too with a hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This trip was cozy, romantic and full of foodie moments!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:
- Downtown Asheville North Carolina: Red Ginger Dim Sum & Tapas, Bebettes (New Orleans Coffeehouse for beignets), Asheville Community Theater (Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer), Woolworth Walk Art Gallery, The Grove Arcade
- Omni Grover Park Inn: Gingerbread House Bar, Gingerbread House Decorating Contest, Vanderbilt Wing vs. Sammons Wing, Saturday Prime Rib Buffet, Elaine's Dueling Piano Bar, Spa
- Jettie Ray's Oyster House and Dripolator Coffee House in Asheville
- Pisgah National Forest in the Blue Ridge Mountains: Rattlesnake Lodge Trail
- Biltmore: The Inn on Biltmore Estate, Candlelight Christmas Tour, Biltmore Village and Winery, Village Hotel, Legacy Museum
- George Vanderbilt


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 today’s Kelsey Unpacked, I’m opening up my wallet and sharing the 5 credit cards I’m carrying right now and why. I'm talking points, miles, and the travel perks that make trips cheaper, plus how I decide which card to use for everyday spending. 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:
- Points and Miles Resources: The Points Guy, 10X Travel, Wonderland on Points podcast, Katie's Travel Tricks and the Points for Normal People podcast, @letstraveltalk on Instagram and the Travel Reward University course
- My Chase Sapphire Preferred® Referral Link:
https://www.referyourchasecard.com/19u/R8JPUYZV1R
- My Southwest Rapid Rewards Silver or Performance Business Referral Link:
https://www.referyourchasecard.com/226f/720P5CNEZR
- My American Express Gold Card Referral Link:  https://americanexpress.com/en-us/referral/gold-card?ref=KELSEGm84o&xl=cp15
- My Capital One Venture X Referral Link: https://i.capitalone.com/JcrIKYWpz


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 chats with Heather, a mom of two from Buffalo, NY, about her girls trip through Northern Italy with a big group of friends. The trip was organized by the owners of Alchemy Wine Bar in Hamburg, NY through their Winederlust wine-centered group trips and experiences.They start in Sirmione on Lake Garda, head to storybook Verona, and make their way through Trento before spending time in the Dolomites with stops in Brixen and Selva for hiking. Along the way it’s nonstop wine tastings, fabulous Italian meals, and a pasta making class. They wrap it up in Venice, then end with a final stop in Paris. 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:
- Three Girls Cafe in Boston, NY https://www.facebook.com/3girlscafe/
- Alchemy Wine Bar - Hamburg, NY with Winederlust wine-centered travel experiences and group trips https://alchemybuffalo.com/
- Milan, Italy
- SIRMIONE: Lake Garda, Hotel Flaminia, Ca dei Frati Winery, Anselmi Winery
- VERONA: Juliet's Balcony, Osteria Sgarzarie for veggie lasagna, Nicolis Winery, pasta making class booked through Cesarine.com
- TRENTO: Hotel America, J. Hofstatter Winery
- BRIXEN: My Arbor Spa Resort, Dolomites hike: Hiked the Tre Cime Loop and started at the Rifugio Lavaredo, Lago di Braies
- SELVA: Linder Cycling Hotel, electric mountain biking tour, Le Contesse Prosecco
- VENICE: The NH Collection Hotel in Murano, San Marco Square
- PARIS: Hotel Dusquesne Eiffel, Eiffel Tower, Notre DameTrip 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.

We all have drawers full of makeup, but only a few favorites earn a spot in our travel makeup bags. In this episode of Kelsey Unpacked, I’m sharing my top 10 makeup products that always travel with me!

SHOP all my makeup products: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/3811327SHOP my makeup products on Amazon: https://amzlink.to/az0Evn5fZIpOyBuy 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:
- Lumify eye drops
- MERIT Minimalist Complexion Stick
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen (Shade: Light)
- IT Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow (Shades: Light and Light Medium mixed)
- SAIE Sun Melt (Shade: Light Bronze)
- MERIT Bronze Balm Stick (Shade: Leo)
- MERIT Flush Balm Cream Blush (Shade: Beverly Hills)
- Urban Decay Mini Naked Eyeshadow Palette (Shade: Sin)
- NYX Retractable Eyeliner 
- e.l.f. Lash 'N Roll mascara
- YSL Lash Clash mascara
- Maybelline Express Brow Sculpt (Shade: Medium Brown)
- Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder (Shade: Medium)
- Charlotte Tillbury Lip Cheat lip liner (Shade: Iconic Nude) 
- Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump (Shade: Cherry Blossom)
- MERIT Signature Lipstick (Shade: Baby and Bespoke)


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.