In this episode of Trip Tales, host Kelsey sits down with Julia, who has been taking her family of five to Keystone Ski Resort for years. Julia shares the story behind her family’s yearly spring break tradition, which started with her husband’s childhood trips to Keystone and continued as they created new memories with their own kids. Julia offers insider tips for planning the perfect family-friendly ski vacation, including advice on lodging, ski rentals, and lift tickets. Plus, she shares her favorite restaurants and activities beyond the slopes, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy at Keystone. 

Mentioned in this episode:

• Staying in River Run Village or the Mountain House area
• Booking accommodations through VRBO or Summit Cove 
• Lift tickets through Epic Pass
• Rent skis from Mountain Sports in Silverthorne, CO
• Proper hydration & altitude sickness
• Snack Shack Candy Shop in Keystone Village
• Favorite restaurants: Kickapoo Tavern, the Crepe Stand, Steep Brewing & Coffee Co., Snake River Saloon, Lime Mexican
• Ski School
• Warmest women's ski gloves EVER!
• Dave's Pizza in Breckenridge
• Snow Fort, Snow Tubing, Snow Shoeing, and Ice Skating in Keystone
• Kelsey's Ski Trip Must-Haves List

BUY ME A COFFEE to show your support for the Trip Tales podcast! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kelseygraves
FOLLOW: Kelsey on Instagram & TikTok
SHOP: Kelsey's Travel Favorites from her Amazon storefront.
SHARE: About your trip on the Trip Tales podcast: [email protected]

PARTNER DISCOUNT CODES
VITAL SPRING - 20% OFF premium magnesium & electrolyte replenisher Vital Spring with code KELSEY20

COZY EARTH - 40% off Bamboo Sheets that feel like hotel luxury with code: CE-KELSEYGRAVES

BLING2O - 10% OFF Bling2o kids ski or swim goggles with code: KELSEY

SPANX.COM - Use code KGRAVESXSPANX for 15% OFF full-price items and FREE SHIPPING. My current fav travel outfit is the Air Essentials Jumpsuit.

...

In this episode, host Kelsey sits down with Jaycee to chat about her family of 5's unforgettable summer 2024 adventure in Alaska. With boys aged 10, 8, and 4, Jaycee’s family flew into Anchorage, rented an RV, and embarked on a journey through some of Alaska’s most scenic destinations, including Palmer, Seward, and Soldotna. But the adventure didn’t stop there—after returning the RV, they boarded a Princess Cruise from Whittier to Vancouver, getting an up-close view of Alaska’s majestic glaciers.

Mentioned in this episode:
- WAYB Foldable Carseat
- Great Alaskan Holiday RV Rentals
- Palmer: The Springer Resort RV Park, Reindeer Farm, Matanuska River footbridge, Little Dipper Ice Cream
- Seward: Seward Resurrection Campground & RV Park, The Alaska Sea Life Center, Kayaking with sea otters via Sunny Cove Kayaking, Kenai Fjords Boat Tour, Fox Island, whale watching
- Soldotna: Kenai River Front Resort, river front RV camping & fish camp experience
- Alaskan Princess Cruise: One-way cruise from Whittier to Vancouver, transferred from Anchorage to Whittier on Pacific Alaska Tours, stopped at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay National Park, Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Mendenhall Glacier, Ketchikan, Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, Ketchikan Lumberjack Show

BUY ME A COFFEE to show your support for the Trip Tales podcast! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kelseygraves
FOLLOW: Kelsey on Instagram & TikTok
SHOP: Kelsey's Travel Favorites from her Amazon storefront.
SHARE: About your trip on the Trip Tales podcast: [email protected]

PARTNER DISCOUNT CODES
VITAL SPRING - 20% OFF premium magnesium & electrolyte replenisher Vital Spring with code KELSEY20

COZY EARTH - 40% off Bamboo Sheets that feel like hotel luxury with code: CE-KELSEYGRAVES

BLING2O - 10% OFF Bling2o kids ski or swim goggles with code: KELSEY

SPANX.COM - Use code KGRAVESXSPANX for 15% OFF full-price items and FREE SHIPPING. My current fav travel outfit is the Air Essentials Jumpsuit.

...

In this episode of Trip Tales, host Kelsey Graves interviews Jennie about her family of 4's unforgettable summer adventure to The Azores islands off the coast of Portugal. With kids ages 5 and 10, they spent their time exploring the breathtaking São Miguel Island, and Jennie was blown away by the island’s stunning beauty— from blue hydrangeas and steep cliffs to ocean overlooks, volcanic rock, and natural hot springs.

Jennie describes their trip as the perfect mix of adventure and natural beauty, saying, “Imagine Hawaii, in Europe, with some Yellowstone mixed in,” and that’s exactly what they found in The Azores.

Mentioned in this episode:
- Main island Sao Miguel
- Ponta Delgada Airport & the Hungry Whales Walking Food Tour
- SIXT rental cars
- Moon Series Azores Book and DK Top Ten Azores Guide
- Using ChatGPT to plan a trip itinerary
- Vila Franca do Campo: TERRA AZUL Whale & Dolphin Watching Excursion, AirBNB
- Caloura: Swimming pool, Bar da Caloura for fresh catch of the day seafood
- Furnas: Looks like Yellowstone! Lake Furnas, geothermal activity, active volcanic sites, boiling caldeiras, Grena Park: hiking & zipline park, Village of Furnas, Terra Nostra Botanical Garden, Pocas de Dona Beija natural hot springs
- Nordeste: More remote, giant cliffs, ocean overlooks, gardens, flowers, black sand beach, Amazing AirBNB with infinity pool that overlooks ocean.
- Povoacao: playground, mini golf, pool, snack bar, surf spot
- Ribeira Grande: Cha Gorreana Tea Factory, Tuka Tula Beach Bar: restaurant overlooking ocean
- Praia dos Moinhos: most beautiful beach with flower covered cliffs
- Sete Cidades: Volcanic lake, kayaking, sunset in Moisteros, Ponta da Ferraria thermal baths, great meal at Saca-Rolhas Taverna

BUY ME A COFFEE to show your support for the Trip Tales podcast! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kelseygraves
FOLLOW: Kelsey on Instagram & TikTok
SHOP: Kelsey's Travel Favorites from her Amazon storefront.
SHARE: About your trip on the Trip Tales podcast: [email protected]

PARTNER DISCOUNT CODES
VITAL SPRING - 20% OFF premium magnesium & electrolyte replenisher Vital Spring with code KELSEY20

COZY EARTH - 40% off Bamboo Sheets that feel like hotel luxury with code: CE-KELSEYGRAVES

BLING2O - 10% OFF Bling2o kids ski or swim goggles with code: KELSEY

SPANX.COM - Use code KGRAVESXSPANX for 15% OFF full-price items and FREE SHIPPING. My current fav travel outfit is the Air Essentials Jumpsuit.

...

In this episode, Kelsey interviews Erin, who shares why Aruba has become her family's favorite island getaway. With visits in August 2018, August 2019, November 2023, and their fourth trip already planned, Erin talks about what makes Aruba so special. From oceanfront resorts and crystal-clear waters to snorkeling with sea turtles, delicious food, and the welcoming people, Erin explains why Aruba keeps calling them back for more unforgettable adventures.
Mentioned in this episode:

• Flying Southwest Airlines to Aruba
• Wheels 2 Go Aruba Car Rental
• Holiday Inn Resort Aruba - an IHG property
  • The Sea Tower is the most recently renovated tower
• Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort
• Tres Trapi Beach for snorkeling with sea turtles
• The Dutch Pancake House
• Zeerover's for fresh catch of the day eats
• Pinchos Aruba for casual chic waterfront dining
• Azzurro for open-air ocean-front Italian dining
• Yemanja for chef-driven delicious dinner entrees including steaks and tornado potatoes!
• Bugaloe bar & grill
• Jolly Pirates Snorkel Excursion
• Aruba UTV Tours
• Pedal kayaks with Aruba Outdoor Adventures
• Safe Sea Lotion - jellyfish and sea lice blocking lotion

You can find Erin on Instagram at @erin_loves_travel and in her Facebook Group Erin Loves Travel: Points & Miles Tips (4,300 members).

BUY ME A COFFEE to show your support for the Trip Tales podcast! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kelseygraves
FOLLOW: Kelsey on Instagram & TikTok
SHOP: Kelsey's Travel Favorites from her Amazon storefront.
SHARE: About your trip on the Trip Tales podcast: [email protected]

PARTNER DISCOUNT CODES
VITAL SPRING - 20% OFF premium magnesium & electrolyte replenisher Vital Spring with code KELSEY20

COZY EARTH - 40% off Bamboo Sheets that feel like hotel luxury with code: CE-KELSEYGRAVES

BLING2O - 10% OFF Bling2o kids ski or swim goggles with code: KELSEY

SPANX.COM - Use code KGRAVESXSPANX for 15% OFF full-price items and FREE SHIPPING. My current fav travel outfit is the Air Essentials Jumpsuit.

...

In this episode of Trip Tales, host Kelsey Graves sits down with friends Dr. Judy Oskam, a professor at Texas State University and host of the Stories of Change and Creativity podcast, and Wendy Conklin, a renowned chair stylist behind the popular Instagram account @chairwhimsy. Together, they share the unforgettable experience of traveling to Amsterdam in July 2024 with their adult daughters, who have been friends since elementary school.

From strolling the cobblestone streets and exploring charming cafés to admiring the iconic canals and visiting a picturesque windmill farm in the countryside, this mother-daughter adventure was capped off with the ultimate highlight—a night to remember at the epic Taylor Swift Eras Tour concert. Judy and Wendy reminisce about the bond this trip deepened between their families and why it’s a journey they will cherish forever.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Taylor Swift Era's Tour in Amsterdam
• Sightseeing in Amsterdam including: Rijkmuseum, canal boat rides, and the Zaanse Schans Windmill Tour
• Destinations Imagined travel planner
• WestCord Art Hotel
• ibis Amsterdam Centre hotel
• Judy's favorite Chinese restaurant in Amsterdam: Wing Kee
• Famous Dutch food: Bitterballen & Kroket

BUY ME A COFFEE to show your support for the Trip Tales podcast! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kelseygraves
FOLLOW: Kelsey on Instagram & TikTok
SHOP: Kelsey's Travel Favorites from her Amazon storefront.
SHARE: About your trip on the Trip Tales podcast: [email protected]

PARTNER DISCOUNT CODES
VITAL SPRING - 20% OFF premium magnesium & electrolyte replenisher Vital Spring with code KELSEY20

COZY EARTH - 40% off Bamboo Sheets that feel like hotel luxury with code: CE-KELSEYGRAVES

BLING2O - 10% OFF Bling2o kids ski or swim goggles with code: KELSEY

SPANX.COM - Use code KGRAVESXSPANX for 15% OFF full-price items and FREE SHIPPING. My current fav travel outfit is the Air Essentials Jumpsuit.

...

In this episode, Maddi shares about her adventure renting an RV in Salt Lake City and driving it to Bozeman, Montana and back, making stops in Yellowstone, Jackson Hole and The Grand Tetons.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Maddi rented a 2019 Winnebago Revel
• Stayed overnight at the Park City RV Resort
• Park City favorites: High West Saloon, No Name Saloon, The Bridge Cafe
• Grand Teton National Park: Wildlife Adventure through Eco Tours Adventures, Moose, Bison, Jenny Lake, Snake River, TA Moultan Barn, Grizzly Bear 399 and her cubs
• Boondocking and dispersed land camping
• Dispersed RV camping at Shadow Mountain in Jackson, Wyoming
• Jackson Hole: Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, Antler Arch
• Yellowstone: Old Faithful, Granite Hot Springs, Snake River, Madison Campground, Paradise Valley, Mammoth Hot Springs, Sage Lodge
• Bozeman, Montana: Plonk Wine Bar, Bridger Brewery

This episode is presented by RVshare.

If you're dreaming of hitting the road, whether for a camping adventure, a cross-country journey, or a special event, RVshare makes it easier than ever. With RVshare, you can rent everything from luxury motorhomes to cozy camper vans, giving you all the comforts of home while you explore nature up close. RVshare connects you with trusted RV owners right in your area or at your destination, and with their secure booking system, 24-hour roadside assistance, and rental protection, you’ll be traveling with peace of mind.

Trip Tales listeners can get $30 off a booking of $500 or more by using code TRIPTALES through the end of the year (2024).

BUY ME A COFFEE to show your support for the Trip Tales podcast! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kelseygraves
FOLLOW: Kelsey on Instagram & TikTok
SHOP: Kelsey's Travel Favorites from her Amazon storefront.
SHARE: About your trip on the Trip Tales podcast: [email protected]

PARTNER DISCOUNT CODES
VITAL SPRING - 20% OFF premium magnesium & electrolyte replenisher Vital Spring with code KELSEY20

COZY EARTH - 40% off Bamboo Sheets that feel like hotel luxury with code: CE-KELSEYGRAVES

BLING2O - 10% OFF Bling2o kids ski or swim goggles with code: KELSEY

SPANX.COM - Use code KGRAVESXSPANX for 15% OFF full-price items and FREE SHIPPING. My current fav travel outfit is the Air Essentials Jumpsuit.

...

In this episode, Kelsey interviews stylist Allie Miller (from BeStyledCo) about her summer family trip (with her husband and two boys ages 11 & 8) to the island of Nantucket, paired with an adventure through Boston’s rich American history. 

Find Allie on Instagram at: @alliesmiller

• Elin Hildebrand's book & Netflix series: The Perfect Couple 
• Allie's Airbnb overlooking Hither Creek
• Madaket Millie's
• Young's Bike Rentals
• Straight Wharf Restaurant 
• Marriott on the Wharf
• Plimoth - Patuxet Museums: Mayflower II, Pilgrim Village, Wampanoag Village
• Boston Tea Party Experience
• Boston Trolley Tours, Duck Boat Tours, Whale Tours
• Tatte Bakery (Allie's favorite!)
• Nickel & Suede jewelry (code ALLIE10 for 10% OFF)
• MANDRN travel bag (code BESTYLED15 for 15% OFF)

BUY ME A COFFEE to show your support for the Trip Tales podcast! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kelseygraves
FOLLOW: Kelsey on Instagram & TikTok
SHOP: Kelsey's Travel Favorites from her Amazon storefront.
SHARE: About your trip on the Trip Tales podcast: [email protected]

PARTNER DISCOUNT CODES
VITAL SPRING - 20% OFF premium magnesium & electrolyte replenisher Vital Spring with code KELSEY20

COZY EARTH - 40% off Bamboo Sheets that feel like hotel luxury with code: CE-KELSEYGRAVES

BLING2O - 10% OFF Bling2o kids ski or swim goggles with code: KELSEY

SPANX.COM - Use code KGRAVESXSPANX for 15% OFF full-price items and FREE SHIPPING. My current fav travel outfit is the Air Essentials Jumpsuit.

...

In this episode of Trip Tales, I sit down with Kate, who shares the incredible story of her family’s spontaneous two-week adventure in Sri Lanka—a destination that wasn’t even on her bucket list but now holds a special place in her heart. What started as a surprise meet-up with her brother, who was on his own world travels, turned into an unforgettable journey for Kate, her mom, and her daughter.

Join us as Kate takes us through the magic they encountered including breathtaking beaches, majestic mountains, an awe-inspiring safari, a visit to an elephant sanctuary, the sacred golden Temple of the Tooth, and the heartwarming kindness of the Sri Lankan people. 

This episode is a testament to the beauty of unexpected adventures and the hidden gems that can turn into life-changing experiences. Whether Sri Lanka is on your radar or not, Kate’s story might just inspire you to add it to your travel bucket list!

Mentioned in this episode:

• Flying SriLankan Airlines into Colombo
• Monsoon season
• Negombo
  • Villa Shade Resort 
• Trincomalee
  • 108 Palms Beach Resort
• Pasikuda
  • The Calm Resort & Spa
• Ella
  • Homestay found through Booking.com
  • The Ella to Kandy train ride
  • Ravana Adventure Park
  • Ravana Pool Club
• Udawalawe
  • Udawalawe National Park
  • Udawalawe National Park Safari
  • Elephant Transit Home (Elephant Sanctuary)
  • Hotel in Udawalawe
• Hatton
  • Royal Majesty Bungalow
  • The Tea Plantations
• Kandy
  • Royal Botanic Gardens
  • The Temple of the Tooth
• London

BUY ME A COFFEE to show your support for the Trip Tales podcast! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kelseygraves
FOLLOW: Kelsey on Instagram & TikTok
SHOP: Kelsey's Travel Favorites from her Amazon storefront.
SHARE: About your trip on the Trip Tales podcast: [email protected]

PARTNER DISCOUNT CODES
VITAL SPRING - 20% OFF premium magnesium & electrolyte replenisher Vital Spring with code KELSEY20

COZY EARTH - 40% off Bamboo Sheets that feel like hotel luxury with code: CE-KELSEYGRAVES

BLING2O - 10% OFF Bling2o kids ski or swim goggles with code: KELSEY

SPANX.COM - Use code KGRAVESXSPANX for 15% OFF full-price items and FREE SHIPPING. My current fav travel outfit is the Air Essentials Jumpsuit< ...

Did you know you can buy Universal Orlando amusement park tickets using points?!

In this episode of Trip Tales, host Kelsey sits down with Joanna from the Wonderland on Points podcast to uncover the secrets behind her incredible budget-friendly besties trip with her daughter in June 2024. Tune in as Joanna shares how they enjoyed a 5-night stay at the Hyatt Place across from Universal Orlando, all while booking flights, park tickets, and their hotel completely on points! 

Get ready to discover tips, tricks, and insider knowledge that can help you plan an epic getaway without breaking the bank.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card - The BEST beginner points & miles credit card
• Buying Universal Orlando tickets on points through the Chase Travel Portal
• Hyatt Place Across from Universal Orlando Resorts
• Fabletics bike shorts with pockets & Teva walking sandals
• Universal Studios Orlando & Islands of Adventure parks
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• Favorite rides including:
  • Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
  • The Hogwarts Express
  • Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
  • Jurassic Park River Adventure
  • Jurassic World VelociCoaster
  • Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit ( + My Chemical Romance "Welcome to the Black Parade" song)
• Tips for managing motion sickness at Universal Orlando
• Favorite Universal Orlando food including:
  • Buffalo Chicken Tots from Green Eggs and Ham in Seuss Landing
  • Harry Potter World Chicken & Beef Pasties
• Disney Springs

You can find Joanna at @pointstowonderland on Instagram!

BUY ME A COFFEE to show your support for the Trip Tales podcast! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kelseygraves
FOLLOW: Kelsey on Instagram & TikTok
SHOP: Kelsey's Travel Favorites from her Amazon storefront.
SHARE: About your trip on the Trip Tales podcast: [email protected]

PARTNER DISCOUNT CODES
VITAL SPRING - 20% OFF premium magnesium & electrolyte replenisher Vital Spring with code KELSEY20

COZY EARTH - 40% off Bamboo Sheets that feel like hotel luxury with code: CE-KELSEYGRAVES

BLING2O - 10% OFF Bling2o kids ski or swim goggles with code: KELSEY

SPANX.COM - Use code KGRAVESXSPANX for 15% OFF full-price items and FREE SHIPPING. My current fav travel outfit is the Air Essentials Jumpsuit.

...

Join host Kelsey as she interviews Mary Ellen from the Wonderland On Points podcast about her 15 year anniversary trip to Switzerland in June 2024. Mary Ellen was able to book her dream bucket-list trip with the help of mastering credit card points using her Amex Gold and Platinum cards.

In this episode we mention:

• Flying business class on Air France into Geneva and flying out of Zurich back to the States on Iberia Air business class (all booked on points!)
• The Swiss Travel Pass
• The Lausanne Palace Hotel
• The medieval town of Gruyères
• Moléson Mountain - gorgeous flower covered mountain that feels like the Sound of Music in the town of Gruyères
• Golden Pass Railway Train
• Hotel Bernerhof in Interlaken, Switzerland
• Paragliding in Switzerland (a.k.a. The greatest 15 minutes of Mary Ellen's life!) with the company 
• The Bed & Breakfast Luzern (or Lucerne)
• Staying at the top of Mount Pilatus at the
• Via Ferrata mountain climbing
• Hyatt Place Zurich near the airport

Wonderland on Points podcast episode: Switzerland on Points
Mary Ellen's Instagram: @familytravel4thewin

BUY ME A COFFEE to show your support for the Trip Tales podcast! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kelseygraves
FOLLOW: Kelsey on Instagram & TikTok
SHOP: Kelsey's Travel Favorites from her Amazon storefront.
SHARE: About your trip on the Trip Tales podcast: [email protected]

PARTNER DISCOUNT CODES
VITAL SPRING - 20% OFF premium magnesium & electrolyte replenisher Vital Spring with code KELSEY20

COZY EARTH - 40% off Bamboo Sheets that feel like hotel luxury with code: CE-KELSEYGRAVES

BLING2O - 10% OFF Bling2o kids ski or swim goggles with code: KELSEY

SPANX.COM - Use code KGRAVESXSPANX for 15% OFF full-price items and FREE SHIPPING. My current fav travel outfit is the Air Essentials Jumpsuit.

...