NOTE TO PARENTS: We’re keeping the magic alive in this episode, so it’s completely safe to listen with little ears! I did have a few grown-up questions that I asked my guest offline—if you’re curious too, head over to our Trip Tales Podcast Community Facebook group, where I’ve shared all the behind-the-scenes answers about how the magic really unfolded.

This week on the Trip Tales Podcast, we’re heading north—way north—to Lapland, Finland! My guest Amy packed up her family of four and flew to the snowy Arctic Circle in December 2024 to experience the most magical Christmas trip imaginable.

They joined a guided tour with Canterbury Travel, met Santa in his very own home, went dog sledding with huskies, fed reindeer, played with elves, and sipped warm Finnish berry juice under twinkling lights and endless snow!

You can now watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kelseygraves

If you’d like to share about your trip on the podcast, email me at: kelsey@triptalespodcast.com

Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/kelseygraves

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_graves

Mentioned in this episode:
- Canterbury Travel Tours out of the UK
- Lapland, Finland
- Father Christmas
- Kuusamo, Finland
- Rukka Valley Ski Area
- Gatwick Airport

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.

In this episode, Kelsey sits down with Kyle from Virginia, whose family of four loved Club Med Québec-Charlevoix so much, they returned two years in a row — first over New Year’s 2024 and again in January 2025.

It’s an all-inclusive ski resort where lessons, lift tickets, food, and drinks are all included! Kyle was a first-time skier when he visited in 2023, and it’s where he learned to ski — now his whole family can’t get enough.

Tune in to hear why this resort just outside Québec City, Canada, has become their go-to winter destination, what to expect from the ski-in/ski-out experience, how the kids’ club works, what the food’s really like, and why this might just be the easiest ski trip you’ll ever plan.

Mentioned in this episode:
- Club Med Québec-Charlevoix
- Superior Family Room Review
- Ski Lessons and Kids Club
- Quebec City: Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, 1884 Toboggan Slide, Poutine!
- Baie-Saint-Paul: La Reine et le Millionnaire Dog Sledding

This episode is now available to watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kelseygraves

If you’d like to share about your trip on the podcast, email me at: kelsey@triptalespodcast.com

Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/kelseygraves

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_graves

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 regular Ryan is back! But this time he’s joined by his wife Heather for a fun couples getaway to Las Vegas in July 2025. In this episode, they share all the details from their 3-night trip, including Heather’s lifelong love of the Backstreet Boys and how Ryan scored tickets to see them at The Sphere.

They also ventured out for a Red Rock Canyon scooter tour, found great food around the Strip, and enjoyed some much-needed couple time away from their busy life with four kids back home.

This episode is now available to watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kelseygraves

If you’d like to share about your trip on the podcast, email me at: kelsey@triptalespodcast.com

Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/kelseygraves

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_graves

Mentioned in this episode:
- Capital One Venture X Lounge in Dallas
- The Paris Hotel
- The Bellagio
- The Bedford, Martha Stewart's Restaurant
- Red Rock Canyon Tour
- In-N-Out Vegas
- Gonzalez y Gonzalez restaurant in the New York, New York hotel
- Mad Apple by Cirque du Soleil
- Alexxa's brunch (NOTE: In the episode Heather calls this restaurant Amelia's and raves about the breakfast. It's actually Alexxa's.)
- Back Street Boys Immersive Experience
- Sushi Samba Vegas

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.

Join Kelsey and her bestie Danae (a Trip Tales fan fav!) as they share all the details from Danae’s family of four's dreamy 9-day New England summer adventure in August 2025. This trip was packed with coastal vibes and bucket-list stops — from three days on Block Island, a charming and approachable alternative to Nantucket, to a stop in Ogunquit, Maine for a private sailboat ride, to the show-stopping Bar Harbor Inn right at the edge of Acadia National Park.

Danae gives us the scoop on ferries, family-friendly hikes, unforgettable seafood (lobster rolls, chowder, and fresh steamers!), and why Acadia’s Great Head hike and Sand Beach were the highlight of the entire trip. You’ll also hear why the Bar Harbor Inn blew her away with unexpected touches like homemade cookies, s’mores by the fire, and an infinity pool overlooking the ocean.

This episode is available to watch on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@kelseygraves

If you’d like to share about your trip on the podcast, email me at: kelsey@triptalespodcast.com

Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/kelseygraves

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_graves

Mentioned in this episode:
- Providence, Rhode Island
- Point Judith Termindal | Block Island Ferry
- Block Island AirBNB Rental: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/52534528
- Block Island hikes: Mohegan Bluffs, Rodman's Hollow
- Block Island beaches: Andy's Way, Crescent Beach
- Block Island restaurants: The Oar, The National, The Spring House Hotel
- Block Island official drink: The Mudslide
- Ogunquit: Anchorage by the Sea Hotel, Marginal Way, Barnacle Billy's
- Boston and Newburyport, MA
- Bar Harbor: The Bar Harbor Inn, Lunch (sandwich shop), Geddy's, Galyn's, Land Bridge Hike
- 4th Grade National Park Pass
- Acadia National Park: Sunrise at Cadillac Mountain. Hikes: Great Head, Sand Beach, Jordan River Pond, Bubble Rock, Little Hunters 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.

Kelsey is joined by Kellie from @frompointstoplaces on Instagram to share her family’s Spring Break 2025 trip to the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point in Bonita Springs, Florida. Kellie, her husband, and their two daughters (ages 5 and 8) booked their stay entirely with Chase Ultimate Rewards points and spent their days enjoying multiple pools, waterslides, a lazy river, and the resort’s private island beach.

They also ventured out to nearby spots, including Marco Island for a shelling tour, Naples, and Wonder Gardens.

This episode is now available to watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kelseygraves

If you’d like to share about your trip on the podcast, email me at: kelsey@triptalespodcast.com

Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/kelseygraves

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_graves

Mentioned in this episode:
- Hyatt Regency Coconut Point in Bonita Springs, FL
- Trip Tales episode: The Chase to Hyatt Transfer Strategy That is Blowing My Mind
- My Chase Sapphire Preferred Referral Link
- RSW Fort Myers Airport
- Southwest Companion Pass
- Tanglewood Restaurant
- Iguana Mia Mexican Restaurant in Bonita Springs
- Royal Scoop Ice Cream
- Marco Island Wildlife Sightseeing & Shelling Tour
- Stan's Idle Hour Goodland, FL
- Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs
- The Emerald Coast

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.

Kelsey and her sister spent 3 nights in August 2025 at one of Cancun’s newest all-inclusives — Ava Resort — and are spilling all the details you need to know before you go. From its 17 restaurants and bars to the endless lineup of kids activities, this resort is designed for families, couples, and friend getaways alike. But the real show-stopper? A stunning 2.8-acre salt-water lagoon unlike anything else in Cancun. Plus, hear how their trip took an unforgettable turn when they ended up dancing the night away with Bachelor winner Juliana Pasquarosa!

Mentioned in this episode:
- Ava Resort All-Inclusive
- Ava Resort Airport Transfer
- 2.8 acre salt water lagoon
- Global Entry

This episode is now available to watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kelseygraves

If you’d like to share about your trip on the podcast, email me at: triptalespodcast@gmail.com

Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/kelseygraves

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_graves

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.

Kelsey sits down with Caroline to hear all about her son’s special 10th birthday adventure in June 2025 that started with a solo trip to Seattle for a Mariners baseball game, continued with a sleeper train ride to Hollywood for a day at Universal Studios, and ended with the whole family spending 5 magical nights at Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii. Caroline shares everything you need to know about visiting Aulani with kids including the Disney luau, kids clubs, food, pools, activities, and even hula-ing with Minnie Mouse.

This episode is now available to watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kelseygraves

If you’d like to share about your trip on the podcast, email me at: triptalespodcast@gmail.com

Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/kelseygraves

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_graves

Mentioned in this episode:
- Caroline's Evermore Resort (Orlando, FL) episode
- Seattle to LA via the Amtrak Coast Starlight Sleeper Train
- Silver Cloud Inn in Seattle across from Mariners stadium
- Seattle Gum Wall
- SKYJO Card Game
- Sheraton Universal Hotel in Hollywood, CA
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- Honolulu Airport: Daniel K. Inouye International
- Hele Hele shuttle
- Disney Planner: https://www.jkmousetravel.com/
- Aulani Resort: Rainbow Reef, Painted Sky, Spa, Auntie's Beach House Kids Club, Luau, Scavenger Hunt, Ama Ama, Makahiki, The Olelo Room (sushi bar),
- Pearl Harbor
- Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina: Mina's Fish House by Michael Mina
- Monkeypod
- Ko Olina, Hawaii

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.

Kelsey chats with Tracey, a travel advisor from Revival Travel Collective and @revivaltravelco on Instagram, about her family’s multigenerational trip to Ireland in June 2025. Tracey’s dad had always dreamed of returning to Ireland to find his grandparents’ home. It was also her two daughters’ (ages 9 and 7) very first international trip, making it an extra special family adventure. From Dublin to Kilkenny, Cork and the Blarney Castle, Killarney, and Galway, Tracey shares the highlights, challenges, and magical moments of exploring Ireland with kids.

Mentioned in this episode:
- Nashville Tour Co: Nashville Pedal Tavern, Nashville Toons, Beve Curated, Fab Tap
- Delta One
- Reusable Sticker Books
- Renting a car in Ireland - New Way Car Hire
- The Little Brew Cafe in Kilcullen, Ireland
- Rock of Cashel
- Kilkenny: Mount Juliet Estate, the Clubhouse Restaurant, The Hound
- Cobh, Ireland
- Blarney/Cork: Blarney Woollen Mills Hotel, Blarney Castle with kids, McCarthy name from County Cork
- Kinsale Beach town in Ireland: lunch at The White House
- Best Western hotels in America vs. Europe
- Killarney National Park
- Muckross House and Muckross Farms
- Kilkee (Kilkee cliff walk)
- Cliffs of Moher
- Galway Latin Quarter
- The Galmount Hotel in Galway, Ireland, The Murty Rabbit Restaurant
- The Lodge at Ashford Castle
- Moran's Oyster Cottage
- Clonmacnoise Monastic Site.
- DUBLIN: Dublinia Viking Museum and Christ Church Cathedral, Marlin Hotel Dublin, St Stephen's Green, La Caverna Dublin, Grafton Street, George Street Arcade

If you’d like to share about your trip on the podcast, email me at: triptalespodcast@gmail.com

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.