From die-hard non-cruisers to Disney dreamers! In this episode, Kelsey discusses exactly why she decided to book her family's FIRST Disney Cruise after years of having zero interest in cruising. Also - how she revealed the big surprise to her kids!

Mentioned in this episode:

• Disney Wish 4-night Bahamian Cruise - booked through Costco Travel
• Halloween on the High Seas
• Atlantis in the Bahamas
• Castaway Cay - Disney's private island
• My First Cruise Cabin Door Magnets 
• Disney Treats Cabin Door Magnets
• Mens, Womens & Kids Pirate Night T-shirts
• Cruise Lanyards
• Simple Disney Cruise T-shirts (Color: Columbia Blue)

Other Disney Cruise episodes mentioned:

• Episode 9. EVERYTHING You Need to Know About Disney Cruises with Erin (Who's Been on 7!)
• Episode 16. Jessica's Magical 4-Night Disney Wish Cruise to the Bahamas with Little Kids and Grandparents

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.

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Did you know Disney has two beach-front resorts at Vero Beach and Hilton Head Island?

Listen as travel planner Courtney Gibson shares everything there is to know about visiting Disney's Vero Beach Resort in Florida and Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Disney's Vero Beach Resort
• Vero Beach highlights including a new weekend character breakfast, Peter Pam themed splash pad, pirate themed mini golf course, waterslide, and sea turtle nesting & education.
• Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort
• Hilton Head highlights including: located across from Shelter Cove Marina shops & restaurants, fishing & crabbing, pools, and beach.
• Travel planner Courtney Gibson's Instagram: @pixietravelbycourtney and Email: [email protected]

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.

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Isle of Palms, just off the coast of Charleston, SC is a magical beach town that Kelsey's guest Tiffany visits every year.

Listen as Kelsey shares about her family's fall break trip to the beautiful Wild Dunes Resort on Isle of Palms, and as Tiffany share's about her annual trip to Wild Dunes with her husband for their anniversary each year.

Tiffany is a realtor in Nashville, TN and can be found on Instagram at: @soldbytiffanyb

In this episode we discuss:

• Wild Dunes Resort on Isle of Palms, SC and the difference between staying at the Boardwalk Inn, Sweetgrass Inn, and the thousands of vacation rental properties.
• Isle of Palm restaurants: Acme Low Country Kitchen, Islander 71 Fish House, and The Dinghy
• Shem Creek restaurants: Saltwater Cowboys and Red's Ice House
• Sullivan's Island restaurants: Poe's Tavern and The Obstinate Daughter
• Palmetto Carriage - Charleston horse & carriage history tour
• Boone Hall Plantation - as seen in the movie The Notebook
• Rainbow Row historic homes in Charleston
• King Street shopping in Charleston
• Charleston restaurants: Magnolias (fried green tomatoes), S.N.O.B., and Leon's Oyster Shop
• The Vendue hotel in Charleston

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.

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In this episode Kelsey's shares about her trip to celebrate her husband Joe's 40th birthday at the historic Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC.

The trip started with a stay in downtown Asheville at the Kimpton Hotel Arras, and then continued with 2 nights at the magical Omni Grove Park Inn (which was booked almost completely on points!).

The Omni Grove Park Inn is almost too spectacular for words and everyone should see it once in their lives!

Mentioned in this episode:

• The Omni Grove Park Inn
• Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card - Introductory 60,000 Bonus Points Offer
• Kimpton Hotel Arras
• DSSOLVR Tasting Room Asheville
• Wicked Weed Tasting Room
• Chai Pani - Asheville Indian restaurant
• Omni Grove Park Inn Spa
• Sunset Terrace restaurant
• Edison restaurant
• Elaine's Dueling Piano Bar

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.

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In this episode Kelsey shares everything you need to know about planning a family stay at Opryland Hotel - including all there is to know about Soundwaves Waterpark and how to make Opryland Hotel your home bass for a family trip to Nashville, TN.

Also - a helpful hack for free parking at the hotel!

Kelsey shares about other family-friendly things to do in Nashville including: the Nashville Zoo, the Adventure Science Center, and Fifth + Broadway.

Also discussed are the details about Opryland's A Country Christmas and ICE exhibit.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Gaylord Opryland Resort & Conference Center
• Soundwaves Waterpark
• Opryland Hotel Offers & Savings Page
• Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card 60,000 Bonus Points Offer
• Nashville Zoo
• Adventure Science Center
• Fifth + Broadway Shopping & Dining (and Parking)

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 interviews Laura about her family's stay at Disney World's Wilderness Lodge in both January 2020 and April 2023. Despite traveling with a 2 and 5 year old, Laura describes their stay at Wilderness Lodge as a peaceful respite from the sensory overload of the Disney parks.

If you love the Pacific Northwest or visiting National Parks - this is the Disney Resort for you!

This this episode we discuss:

• Disney's Wilderness Lodge
• Wilderness Lodge DVC Boulder Ridge Villas
• Staying in Disney Vacation Club rooms by purchasing DVC points through a 3rd party like David's Vacation Club Rentals
• An overview of Disney's Deluxe Resorts specifically discussing The Polynesian, Boardwalk Inn, and The Contemporary.
• Wilderness Lodge dining including: Story Book Dining at Artist's Point with Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs (Dopey & Grumpy) and the Evil Queen, Whispering Canyon Cafe skillets, Geyser Point.
• AddMoreMagic.com for securing coveted reservations
• Disney World rides including: Flight of Passage, Navi River Journey, Peter Pan, Astro Orbiter, Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, Alien Swirling Saucers, and Toy Story Mania.
• Former cast member Facebook group: Ear for Each Other
• Fort Wilderness, Tri-Circle-D Ranch, and Chip 'n' Dale's Campfire Sing-A-Long

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 that the iconic family-friendly JW Marriott Marco Island Resort has an adults-only side called Paradise by Sirene?

Listen in as Kelsey's shares about her and her husband's stay on the adults-only side of this beautiful resort.

In this epsiode:

• JW Marriott Marco Island Adults-Only Paradise by Sirene Suites
• Dedicated adults-only beach area
• Adults-only infinity pool on the 5th floor
• Adults-only dining (breakfast, lunch and dinner) at Tesoro
• Complimentary breakfast at Tesoro for Paradise by Sirene guests
• The Spa at the JW Marriott Marco Island
• The history of the Chickee Huts at the JW Marriott Marco Island
• Restaurants: Ario, Tesoro, Korals Sushi, Quinn's

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.

...

Listen as host Kelsey interviews her guest Jessica about her family's magical 4-night Bahamas cruise aboard the Disney Wish. Traveling with little kids and grandparents, they experienced the fun of Disney's private island, Castaway Cay, and loved their state room with a verandah balcony.

Jessica takes us through dining at the ship’s themed restaurants: 1923, Marvel, and the whimsical charm of Arendelle. Hear about the excitement of dressing up for the lively pirate night party, and how even with a gluten allergy, mom relished every meal and savored a decadent chocolate martini!

The highlight for the kids (and the adults too!) was the Aqua Mouse slide, which they couldn't resist riding multiple times in a row. Tune in to hear about all the magical moments and unforgettable experiences that made this Disney Wish cruise a perfect family trip.

In this episode:

• Disney Wish Cruise Ship
• Hyatt Regency at the Orlando Airport
• Comfort Suites Paradise Island / Atlantis day-pass hack!
• Broadway quality shows aboard the Disney Wish
• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique aboard the Disney Wish
• Jessica's financial literacy podcast with her husband: The Sugar Daddy Podcast

Jessica & Kelsey's Cruise Must-Haves:

• Sand Toys (collapsable bucket to flat pack toys!)
• Lanyard Pack
• Magnetic Hooks for walls (small ones for lanyards, heavier ones for swimsuits and towels)
• Snorkel Mask (so you don't have to rent at Castaway Cay)

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 Ryan to hear all about his couples getaway to Costa Rica. Ryan shares his experiences at the luxurious and serene Nayara Gardens in La Fortuna, nestled in the heart of the rainforest, and the stunning Hyatt Andaz Papagayo on the Pacific coast. Tune in as Ryan recounts thrilling excursions, including a guided coffee and chocolate tour, zip lining over the rainforest, an adventurous waterfall hike, and a catamaran snorkeling tour. Whether you're planning your own tropical escape or simply daydreaming, this episode is packed with inspiration and travel tips for your next adventure.

Mentioned in this episide:

• San Jose airpot vs. Liberia airport
• Costa Rica's rainy vs. dry season
• Mt. Arenal volcano
• Nayara Gardens Resort in La Fortuna
• Don Juan Arenal guided coffee & chocolate tour
• Skyline Adventure Zip Lining
• Mistico Hanging Bridges
• El Novillo del Arenal (restaurant in the town of La Fortuna)
• Hyatt Andaz Papagayo
• Ryan's YouTube video of Nayara Gardens
• Ryan's YouTube video of Hyatt Andaz Papagayo

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 and her sister Allie in this fun and informative episode as they sip champagne and share their top tips for airplane travel with babies and toddlers. Between the two of them, they have flown dozens of times with little kids and are ready to share their best tips, tricks, dos, and don'ts! Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip with your little one, this episode is packed with practical advice to make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. Tune in for expert insights and a few laughs along the way!

Travel items mentioned in this episode:

• Hands-free baby carrier
• FAA-approved car seat 
• Car seat backpack travel bag
• Travel sound machine
• Bendable travel tablet holder
• Melissa & Doug: Water WOW books, Make-a-Face, ColorBlast!
• Melissa & Dog: Mini Sketch Pads
• Puffy Sticker Pack
• Make-a-Face Sticker Sheets
• Kids headphones wireless & wired combo
• Travel stroller (not umbrella, bar for one-handed pushing, compact for gate-checking)
• Stroller hooks
• EarPlanes ear plugs for kids
• Children's Chewable Claritin

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.

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