• Trip Tales Replay: Park City, UT – Kelsey's Winter Break Family Ski Trip at The Canyons + Bougie On-Mountain Fondue
    Dec 22 2025

    In case you missed it last year (or you’re in full holiday chaos and need an easy listen), this week is a Trip Tales Replay of my Park City ski trip recap and it’s packed with tips you can actually use to plan your own trip.

    I’m sharing all the details from our family’s winter getaway to Park City, Utah, including why skiing The Canyons side of Park City Mountain Resort is our favorite.

    Plus, you’ll get my go-to restaurants, where we ate, and how we rang in the New Year in Park City. If a Park City ski trip is on your list for this winter or next, this replay is full of great, relevant info to help you plan it.

    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

    Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mskelseygraves

    Join us in the Trip Tales Podcast Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1323687329158879

    Mentioned in this episode:
    - Trip Tales Episode - Park City, UT - The Ultimate Family Ski Guide: Why We Only Ski The Canyons Side of PCMR: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trip-tales-a-family-travel-podcast/id1731455602?i=1000678149908
    - White Amazon Ski Bibs: https://urlgeni.us/amzn/Oqhp9WhiteSkiBibs
    - Tipsy Elves Retro Ski Jacket: https://www.tipsyelves.com/products/womens-navy-retro-striped-winter-ski-jacket
    - Long Johns: https://urlgeni.us/amzn/vrNMMThermaJaneWomens
    - HESTRA Ski Gloves: https://amzlink.to/az03rZ0zIj3TW (Size 8)
    - White Ski Helmet: https://amzn.to/4gOfbYt (Size Large)
    - BlackStrap Ski Mask: https://urlgeni.us/amzn/BlackStrapSkiMask
    - Ski Goggles: https://amzn.to/48DptJc
    - Favorite family games: It's In the Bag https://amzlink.to/az08s05VqwhMb & Flip 7 https://amzlink.to/az0ecfatrzQIM
    - Restaurants: Red Tail Grill, Drafts Burger Bar, Billy Blanco's, Lookout Cabin, Pine Cone Ridge, Park City Roadhouse Grill, Main St. Pizza & Noodle, Edge Steakhouse
    - Hotels in the Canyons Village: Westgate Resort, Hyatt Centric, The Summit, The Sundial, The Pendry, Yotel Pad
    - Westgate Presidential Suite booked through StayLuxe Park City
    - Bootworks bootfitters in Park City, shin bang, Lange ski boots

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Orlando, Florida - PART 2: Kelsey’s Epic Thanksgiving Day at Evermore Resort + Magic Kingdom, Mickey’s Christmas Party & Epcot (Cue Kelsey Crying Over the Magic of Family Travel)
    Dec 15 2025

    courtneyg@pixietravelco.comKelsey’s family of five, her sister’s family of four, and their parents spent the week of Thanksgiving in Orlando in November 2025 with kids ages 4–13, all sharing a gorgeous house at Evermore Resort as their home base. In Part 1, Kelsey recapped Epic Universe, Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure. In Part 2, she's recapping Magic Kingdom, and Epcot — plus their off day / resort day on Thanksgiving, complete with an amazing holiday meal at Evermore. She shares Lightning Lane tips, favorite food and drink finds from Epcot’s Festival of the Holidays, the entire group’s first Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and all the reasons Disney World at Christmastime felt absolutely magical (including a few tears of the joy over her love of family travel).

    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

    Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mskelseygraves

    Join us in the Trip Tales Podcast Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1323687329158879

    Mentioned in this episode:
    - Kelsey's COMFRT Hoodie 15% off discount link: https://comfrt.com/KELSEY279
    - Disney Planner: Courtney Gibson (courtneyg@pixietravelco.com) and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pixietravelbycourtney/
    - Magic Kingdom: Fantasyland, Dumbo, Barnstormer, Peter Pan, Mirabel from Encanto, Storybook Circus, The Little Mermaid, It's a Small World, HIGHLIGHT: Enchanted Tales with Belle, Sword and the Stone, Pinocchio Village Haus, Haunter Mansion, Tiana's Bayou, Tony's Town Square
    - Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party: Free Christmas cookies, ornament keepsake, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Tron, Tomorrowland Speedway, Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks
    - Thanksgiving Day at Evermore Resort: Thanksgiving Meal at Evermore's Boat House, pool, waterslide, rope swing, hair braiding, trivia, flag football, stand up paddle boards, kayaks
    - Epcot: Joffrey's coffee, La Crêperie de Paris, Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, Frozen Ever After, Space 220, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Journey of Water (Inspired by Moana), Soarin, Test Track, Living with the Land, Figmemt, World Showcase: China, Mexico, Germany (Bavarian Food Stand), Italy

    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.

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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • Orlando, Florida - PART 1: Kelsey’s Epic Thanksgiving in a 7-Bedroom Evermore House + Thoughts on Epic Universe (HOLY Stardust Racers!), Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure
    Dec 8 2025

    Kelsey recaps her family’s epic Thanksgiving week in Orlando, Florida (November 2025), where 11 of them – her family of 5, her sister’s family, and her parents – all shared a 7-bedroom house at Evermore Resort. With kids ranging from 4 to 13 years old, they packed in all the fun: Express Passes at Epic Universe, Universal Studios Orlando, and Islands of Adventure, plus lots of downtime enjoying their multi-generational home base at Evermore. Kelsey shares everything you need to know about staying at Evermore Resort, how Express Passes worked for their crew, what the parks were like over Thanksgiving week, and tips to help you decide if this kind of Orlando trip is right for you.

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

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

    Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mskelseygraves

    Join us in the Trip Tales Podcast Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1323687329158879

    Mentioned in this episode:
    - Travel planner Courtney Gibson (email: courtneyg@pixietravelco.com), Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pixietravelbycourtney
    - Flip 7 card game: https://amzlink.to/az0ecfatrzQIM
    - Evermore Resort
    - Epic Universe with Express Passes
    - Ministry of Magic: Battle at the Ministry
    - Isle of Berk: Hiccup's Wing Gliders, Mead Hall for lunch
    - Celestial Park: Stardust Racers, Celestial Carousel
    - Super Mario Land
    - Dark Universe: Monsters Unchained, Curse of the Werewolf, Burning Blade Tavern
    - Helios Grand Hotel
    - Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure: Butter Beer, Seuss Landing, VelociCoaster, Mythos Restaurant, Hogwarts Express, Universal's Holiday Parade

    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.

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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • Spokane (WA), Missoula (MT) & Coeur d'Alene (ID) - Northwest Family Road Trip with Hikes, Lake Views, Playgrounds & Great Food
    Dec 1 2025

    Matthew from South Bend, Indiana, joins Kelsey to share how he and his wife planned a Pacific Northwest road trip for their family of four (with their 5-year-old son and 2-year-old daughter) to meet up with extended family in Spokane, Washington, Missoula, Montana, and Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. They chat about using hotel points and an Airbnb, favorite riverfront parks and playgrounds, easy hikes with big views, lake time, and all the delicious food stops along the way.

    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

    Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mskelseygraves

    Join us in the Trip Tales Podcast Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1323687329158879

    Mentioned in this episode:
    - Comfrt Hoodie 15% Off Discount Link: https://comfrt.com/KELSEY279
    - Snacklebox Link: https://amzlink.to/az0QsoCiIT2zv
    - Blue Sky Chicago O'hare Airport Parking
    - Going App
    - Spokane: Riverfront Park & Playground
    - Gonzaga University
    - La Quinta Inn & Suites Spokane
    - Citi Strata Premier
    - Vieuxcarre Cajun/Creole Restaurant
    - Huckleberry Milkshakes
    - St. Regis Rest Stop
    Missoula, MT: Fairfield Suites Missoula Airport, waterslides, the Old Port
    - Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card, M-Hike, Dragon's Hollow Park, Big Dipper Ice Cream, Public Library, University of Montana: Geology Building and Student Union, Tamarack Brewery
    - Coeur d'Alene: McEuen Park, Roger's Burgers, Mineral Ridge Hike, Old Wagon Trail, Tubb's Hill, Floating Island Green, Fisherman's Market & Grill

    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.

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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Trip Tales Replay: Thanksgiving on 30A - Where to Stay, Play & Eat in Florida's Panhandle
    Nov 24 2025

    This week I’m bringing back one of my favorite Thanksgiving episodes from last year about spending Thanksgiving on 30A in Florida. In this replay episode, I share all the details from my husband's family Thanksgiving trip to 30A – from the best places to stay to my favorite restaurants and must-do activities!

    Mentioned in this episode:

    • EDIT: The best donut place on 30A is called DONUT HOLE (not Donut Den as I say in the episode)
    • 30A Communities: Seaside, Alys Beach, Rosemary Beach, Watersound, Watercolor, Seacrest
    • The house we rented: Namastay on 30A
    • The Big Chill
    • Pier Park Panama City
    • Top restaurants all in Alys Beach: George's, Citizen, O-Ku Sushi, Fonville Press
    • Dusty's Oyster Bar in Panama City Beach
    • A Wicked movie moment!
    • Shannon Braswell Photography
    • Favorite family games: Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, Santa Cookie Elf Candy Snowman, It's in the Bag, Blank Slate
    • Origins Golf Course in Watersound
    • The Seaside Style shirts & sweatshirts - use code SEASIDEVIP
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    47 mins
  • San Diego - Mother-Son 12th Birthday Trip to Hotel del Coronado, La Jolla Tide Pools, San Diego Zoo & Kids Free October Perks
    Nov 17 2025

    Elizabeth, a mom of three boys from Louisiana, planned an intentional one-on-one 12th birthday trip with her oldest to San Diego in October 2025, staying at the iconic Hotel del Coronado. In this episode, she shares how they spent their days tide-pooling in La Jolla, exploring the San Diego Zoo, and hiking Torrey Pines. She also walks us through how San Diego’s Kids Free October program helped stretch their budget by making most of her son’s entry fees free, and why this trip was such a special way to celebrate turning twelve.

    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

    Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mskelseygraves

    Join us in the Trip Tales Podcast Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1323687329158879

    Mentioned in this epsiode:
    - Kelsey's COMFRT Hoodie 15% off discount link: https://comfrt.com/KELSEY279
    - Hotel del Coronado neighborhoods: The Views, The Victorian, The Cabanas, Beach Club, Shore House
    - Hotel del Coronado breakfast at The Veranda, sunsets and drinks at the Sun Deck overlooking Point Loma
    - San Diego Zoo, panda exhibit
    - Cowboy Star Steak Restaurant
    - Sunset Cliffs at Point Loma
    - Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve: Guy Fleming Trail, Razor Point Trail to Red Butte
    - Birch Aquarium in La Jolla
    - Kayak Tour with Everyday California (leopard sharks!)
    - Tide-pooling in La Jolla, Viator tour with Snorkel Matt
    - Scripps Pier tide pooling
    - Village Pizzeria Coronado Island
    - Travel Agent: Katherine Boulet


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    52 mins
  • European Christmas Markets - Mother-Daughter Trip to Berlin, Munich, Salzburg + Paris at Christmas (Is It Overrated?!)
    Nov 10 2025

    Twinkle lights, mulled wine, and cozy vibes! Genni from @travelingfranklins joins Kelsey to share everything you need to know about visiting Europe’s Christmas Markets. In December 2024, she and her mom explored Berlin, Munich, Salzburg, and Paris at Christmastime. She shares their favorite markets, the best food and drink (glühwein, wurst, pretzels, Kasespatzle), souvenir tips, and what to wear to stay warm.

    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

    Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mskelseygraves

    Join us in the Trip Tales Podcast Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1323687329158879

    Mentioned in this episode:
    - Genni's Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lazy-budget-travel-tips/id1797989736
    - Christkindl Markets
    - KLM Airlines
    - AMSTERDAM: Canal Cruise, Hop On Hop Off Tour
    - BERLIN: Moxy Airport Hotel, Bolt for taxis, Ku'damm shopping district, Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, H10 Hotel Berlin, Alexanderplatz Christmas Markets, Glühwein, Gendarmenmarkt, Christmas pyramids, Kasespatzle (German mac and cheese), Lebkuchen (German gingerbread cookies), Schmalzkuchen (German donuts)
    - MUNICH: Lufthansa Airlines, Munich Airport Christmas Market, Marienplatz Market, Mio by Amano Hotel, The Sendlinger Tor gate, traditional Bavarian restaurant: Der Pschorr, Medieval Christmas Market
    - SALZBURG: The Bavarian Pass, Old Town Salzburg, Sound of Music, Christmas Wonderland Bar + Lounge near St. Peter's Church
    - Pack bubble wrap
    - PARIS: Ladurée Paris at Christmas, The Palais-Royal, Hôtel Thérèse, Tuileries Garden, Galeries Lafayette, Christmas Illuminations Hop On Hop Off Tour

    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, Germany, Austria, 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.

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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • Whitefish, Montana - Affordable Family-Friendly Ski Trip + Glacier National Park!
    Nov 3 2025

    Kelsey talks with Danielle, whose family of four has spent two spring breaks in Whitefish, Montana (and they’re booked for a third because they love it so much). Danielle also visited in summer for a girls’ trip to the Under the Big Sky Music Festival, so she compares Whitefish in winter vs. summer and shares why it’s a repeat favorite for her family!

    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

    Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mskelseygraves

    Join us in the Trip Tales Podcast Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1323687329158879

    Mentioned in this episode:
    - Danielle's Whitefish, MT Ski Trip VRBO
    - Kelsey's COMFRT Hoodies Discount Link (X out all other offer pop-ups to keep link activated)
    - Kallispell Montana Airport
    - Under the Big Sky Music Festival
    - PA/NY Ski Resorts: Seven Springs, Peak'n Peak, Holiday Valley
    - Restaurants: Hell Roaring Saloon, Abruzzo, Jalisco Cantina, Loula's Cafe (for breakfast & Huckleberry Pie), Last Chair Restaurant & Bar
    - Glacier National Park: The Going to the Sun Road
    - Downtown Whitefish: Vibe Wellness Lounge, Stumptown Art Studio
    - Turo

    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.

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    47 mins