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In this episode of Kelsey Unpacked, I'm recapping our family's trip to 30A, Florida, which almost didn't happen thanks to Hurricane Isaias! Between power outages, an uncertain vacation rental, and deciding whether to cancel or just go for it, this trip started with a whole lot of uncertainty. I'm also giving you a full overview of all the charming little beach towns along 30A, including Seaside, Seagrove, WaterColor, Grayton Beach, Alys Beach, Rosemary Beach, and more! I'll share which areas I love for families, where to book a vacation rental, why location matters, our favorite restaurants, and tips for planning a 30A getaway with kids and teens. PLUS, a little life and travel update: Why my husband and I are officially OVER the points and miles game! After years of maximizing credit card rewards, companion passes, and travel perks, we're feeling some serious travel hacking burnout.  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: Quince – 10% Off in the App https://shop.quince.com/mskelseygraves CODE: INFG-26MSKELSEYGRAVES10 30A Florida Towns – Seaside, Seagrove, WaterColor, Grayton Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, Watersound, Seacrest, Alys Beach & Rosemary BeachOur Seagrove Vacation Rental – https://www.360blue.com/destinations/emerald-coast/walton-county/properties/seagrove-beach-chel-sea-lane-hideaway-80-chelsey-lane-2929Home2 Suites by Hilton – Montgomery, AlabamaShunk Gully Oyster Bar – Santa Rosa BeachBlack Bear Bread Co. – SeasideDucky's Shop of Fun – SeasideCitizen – Alys Beach (Date Night!)Buddy's Fish Market – Fresh Gulf SeafoodOther 30A Restaurants – Bud & Alley's, George's, O-Ku, Pickles & The Shrimp ShackOur Favorite Family Games: Flip 7, It's in the Bag & UNO AttackBooks I'm Reading & Listening To:Calamity Club – Finished ListeningThe Good Part – Currently ReadingMad Mabel – Currently Listening 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're heading to Kennebunkport, Maine, for an All-American 4th of July filled with charming coastal towns, sailing, fireworks, and LOTS of lobster! My guests today are Kristi and Jim from Our Life on Vacation, who spent a week exploring the beautiful coast of Maine. They stayed at a charming waterfront hotel, explored the coastline on e-bikes, kayaked the Kennebunk River, sailed aboard a gorgeous schooner, and celebrated the 4th of July with a traditional lobster bake and fireworks over the ocean. And speaking of lobster… these two managed to eat lobster 14 different ways during their trip! From classic lobster rolls to lobster poutine, lobster ravioli, and even lobster fried rice, they're sharing their favorite restaurants and must-try dishes. Plus, an unexpected flight cancellation turned into a bonus night in Portland, Maine, where they discovered even more great food and New England charm! 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: [email protected] 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: KENNEBUNKPORT, MAINE 4th of July in Kennebunkport – fireworks over the ocean, downtown shopping, coastal New England charmThe Boathouse Hotel – waterfront accommodations, rooftop bar, complimentary bikes and kayaksKennebunkport History & Walking Tour – booked through GetYourGuideCoastal Maine Outdoors – e-bike rentals, scenic coastal bikingCape Porpoise – scenic coastal bike routeGoose Rocks Beach – beautiful sandy beachGoose Rocks Dairy – ice cream stopYachtsman Marina – kayaking on the Kennebunk RiverSchooner Eleanor – scenic sailing excursion, bring your own drinks and snacksWalker's Point – Bush family summer homeSt. Ann's Episcopal Church – historic stone churchThe Lodge – 4th of July lobster bake, whole steamed lobster, Maine blueberry pieAlisson's Restaurant – lobster roll trio, lobster poutine friesBatson River Brewing & Distilling – lobster bisque, warm buttered Connecticut-style lobster rollArundel Wharf – lobster ravioli with Parmesan pesto sauce, lobster-stuffed avocadoThe Boathouse Restaurant – lobster spring roll, lobster fried riceChowder House – traditional lobster rollMabel's Lobster Claw – popular restaurant mentioned, but not visitedPORTLAND, MAINE Old Port – waterfront shopping, restaurants, historic downtownHyatt Place Portland-Old Port – hotel stay after flight cancellationThe Highroller Lobster Co. – Lobby Pop (lobster tail on a stick), Cornbread Lobby Pop (lobster corn dog), Surf & Turf BurgerEventide Oyster Co. – green curry lobster stew with sweet potatoes and mushrooms, fresh oystersTRAVEL TIPS & RESOURCES Allegiant Air – flights from Sanford, Florida to Portsmouth, New HampshireSouthwest Airlines – flight cancellation, hotel and meal reimbursementFlighty App – flight tracking and cancellation alertsUber/Lyft – transportation challenges in coastal Maine 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.

My guest this week is Kelsie (great name!) from Texas, who decided to turn a work trip into a special one-on-one mother-son getaway with her son, Jett! They spent three nights in Orlando, staying at three different resorts, including Universal’s Cabana Bay, Loews Royal Pacific, and Disney’s Polynesian! They explored BOTH Universal parks with a mission to experience ALL things Harry Potter—from Hogwarts Castle and Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure to Butterbeer, wands, Diagon Alley, and the Hogwarts Express! Then it was off to Magic Kingdom for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, complete with trick-or-treating, fireworks, and some surprisingly short ride wait times! We’re talking Universal Express Pass tips, resort pools, traveling on points, Halloween festivities, and why these special one-on-one trips with our kids can be so memorable. 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: [email protected] 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: Flying standby with American Airlines Buddy Passes Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort – Pools, Lazy River, Volcano Bay Views Loews Royal Pacific Resort – Universal Express Unlimited Passes, Water Taxi, Pool Universal Orlando Resort – Park-to-Park Tickets, Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, Hogwarts Castle, Diagon Alley Harry Potter Rides – Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts Hogwarts Express – King's Cross Station, Platform 9¾ Harry Potter Experiences – Butterbeer, Ollivanders Wand Shop, Interactive Wands, Spells Universal's Halloween Horror Nights Universal Dining – Three Broomsticks, Royal Pacific Sushi Restaurant Disney Springs – The Polite Pig BBQ, LEGO Store Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows – Island Tower Duo Studio, Lava Pool Wailulu Bar & Grill – Ahi Tuna Wontons, Smash Burger Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party – Magic Kingdom, Trick-or-Treating, Halloween Fireworks, Character Meet & Greets Magic Kingdom Rides – Tiana's Bayou Adventure, TRON Lightcycle / Run, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Disney Lightning Lane Tips & Halloween Party Strategy 'Ohana Character Breakfast at Disney's Polynesian Kelsie & Jett's Travel Adventures – Instagram @JettBound 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.

I got an official letter saying my driver’s license was going to be suspended over a traffic citation in a state I hadn’t even been to recently. What followed was two of the most bizarre hours of my life - multiple government agencies, a police officer, a mystery car, and a truly one-in-a-million case of mistaken identity. You have to hear this story! 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 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.

My guest, Leeann (Leeann Marie Photography), is a photographer and mom of four (ages 3–12) from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She and her family piled into their minivan for an epic 14-day family road trip through Michigan and beyond!  We're exploring charming Bavarian and Dutch-inspired towns, biking around the car-free Mackinac Island, discovering the unbelievably blue waters of the Great Lakes, climbing the massive Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, enjoying adorable Michigan beach towns, and finishing with a few days of big-city fun in Chicago! Plus, Leeann shares her tried-and-true family road trip tips, including how they organize their luggage, save money on meals, choose vacation rentals, and manage two weeks on the road with four kids! Mentioned in this episode:Window Room Blackout Roll: https://amzlink.to/az0bkgVdeDzVlFamily road trip tips: Packing, organizing luggage, saving money on meals, VRBO rentals, and traveling with four kidsCuyahoga Valley National Park, OhioCleveland, OhioDETROIT: Eastern Market, Detroit Tigers baseball game, The Henry Ford Museum, Belle Isle ParkFRANKENMUTH, MICHIGAN: Bavarian-inspired town, Christmas shopping, Bavarian Inn, famous chicken dinnersST. IGNACE, MICHIGAN: Farmhouse VRBO, Shepler's FerryMACKINAC ISLAND: Bike rentals, Arch Rock, Grand Hotel, Pink Pony, fudge shops, horse-drawn carriagesTorch Lake, MichiganTRAVERSE CITY: Cherry picking, downtown shops, Traverse City Pit Spitters baseball gameSleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Empire Bluff TrailHOLLAND, MICHIGAN: Dutch windmills, wooden clogs, tulip gardensSAUGATUCK, MICHIGAN: Saugatuck Dune Rides, Oval Beach, Mount Baldhead, Kalamazoo River, Unsalted Boat ToursIndiana Dunes National ParkCHICAGO: The Bean, Maggie Daley Park, Navy Pier, Centennial Wheel, Chicago River architecture boat tour, Willis Tower Skydeck & The Ledge, Giordano's deep-dish pizzaUniversity of Notre Dame, South Bend, IndianaThis 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: [email protected] 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 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.

After two and a half years of perfect podcast attendance, I finally missed an episode, and I think it was good for me. I’m sharing what pushed me to finally take a break, why I’m letting go of the pressure to always publish an episode, and a few life, travel, book and podcast updates along the way. Mentioned in this episode:The Calamity ClubThe Lost TicketDancing with the Stars30A, FloridaIsle of Palms + Wild DunesSteamboat, ColoradoStrawberry Park Hot SpringsUpcoming Trip Tales AwardsIf you’d like to share about your trip on the podcast, email me at: [email protected] 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 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.

Vancouver Island might not be on your travel radar yet…but after this episode, it will be! Riana from Teaspoon of Adventure lives in Vancouver and has visited Vancouver Island several times, and she’s here to tell us everything we need to know about this magical Canadian island. We’re talking about the charming city of Victoria, beautiful coastal towns, beaches, rainforests, incredible food, and one seriously dreamy luxury spa experience. Riana shares two different ways she’s experienced Vancouver Island: first on a couples trip in 2024 and then again in 2026 with her toddler, making this an amazing destination whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a family trip. We cover how to get to Vancouver Island (including ferry vs. seaplane!), where to stay, what to do in Victoria, the famous Tigh-Na-Mara spa and its endless tapas, plus Parksville, Sooke, Ucluelet, Tofino, Pacific Rim National Park and so much more. 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: [email protected] 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: - Riana from Teaspoon of Adventure - Vancouver Island, British Columbia - Getting to Vancouver Island: Ferry vs. seaplane - VICTORIA: Fairmont Empress, afternoon tea, BC Parliament Buildings, Royal BC Museum, Beacon Hill Park + Petting Zoo, Butchart Gardens, Fisherman’s Wharf - Victoria restaurants: Red Fish Blue Fish, Pendray Tea House, Blue Heron Bistro, The Drake - Royal Scot Hotel & Suites - PARKSVILLE: Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort, Grotto Spa + Endless Tapas, Little Mountain Lookout - COOMBS: Old Country Market + Goats on the Roof - Cathedral Grove - SOOKE: Sooke Point Ocean Cottage Resort, East Sooke Regional Park, Sooke Potholes - CHEMAINUS: Murals + small-town “Stars Hollow” vibes - DUNCAN: Totem poles - UCLUELET: Lighthouse Loop, Big Beach, Terrace Beach, Jiggers Fish & Chips, Yuki Scoops, Barkley Cafe - TOFINO: Chesterman Beach, surfing, Tacofino, Tofitian Coffee, Chocolate Tofino, Schooner Restaurant, The Shed - Pacific Rim National Park: Long Beach + Rainforest Trail 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.

Donna from New Jersey joins me to share about her family’s first cruise - a 7-night Alaska sailing aboard Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas! Donna traveled with her husband and two teenager kids, ages 13 and 15, plus her sister’s family, including her 18-year-old nephew, for a summer 2026 adventure cruising round-trip from Seattle. We’re talking about what it’s like to cruise Alaska with teenagers, what they loved about Anthem of the Seas, how to pack for unpredictable Alaska weather, and the excursions that made this trip unforgettable — from whale watching in Sitka and riding the White Pass Railroad in Skagway to seeing Dawes Glacier and visiting a summer musher’s camp in Juneau. Plus, Donna shares why, if you can swing it, she believes a balcony is a MUST for an Alaska cruise — especially when the scenery is this spectacular. 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: [email protected] 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:  - Alaska Cruise - Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas: The Key, Port Valet - On ship cruise activities: iFly, ping-pong, pickleball, bumper cars, sushi making, The Solarium,  - Seattle Marriott Waterfront - SEATTLE: Puget Sound, Pike Place Market, the original Starbucks, The Great Wheel, Bite Society cookies - How to pack for Alaska - Inside passage vs. outside passage - SITKA: Free shuttle, cute harbor town, shopping, restaurants, Sitka Sound, bald eagles, Sitka National Historical Park, Tongass National Forest, Totem Trail, whale watching tour with Captain Brad, sea lions,  - SKAGWAY: Alaska Shore Excursions: White Pass Railroad  - Dawes Glacier, Endicott Arm - JUNEAU: Summer Musher’s Camp,  - VICTORIA 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.

I’m officially hooked on airport lounge life! The food, the quiet space, the drinks, the CLEAN bathrooms!In this episode, I’m sharing exactly which credit cards I opened to get lounge access, how I’m using Priority Pass, and the perks that are making airport travel a million times better. If you’d like to share about your trip on the podcast, email me at: [email protected] 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: Capital One Venture X referral link: https://i.capitalone.com/JMxfRZaqs-American Express referral link: https://americanexpress.com/en-us/referral/business-platinum-charge-card?ref=KELSEGDw7n&xl=cp01Chase Sapphire referral link:  https://www.referyourchasecard.com/19y/CFF6FUKQE5American Express credit cards and loungesCapital One credit cards and loungesChase Sapphire credit cards and loungesCleveland Airport (CLE)The Club Airport LoungesThe Calamity Club by Kathryn StockettThe Lost Ticket by Freya SampsonPriority Pass Lounge NetworkPoints and Miles 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.

Jenn from the Kids Travel Tales podcast is sharing about a 4-night sailing on the Disney Wish with her husband and two daughters (ages 5 and 7) and the decision to go all in on Concierge Level. They paid about $3,000 more for the Concierge upgrade, but after a dining request hiccup and realizing they weren’t actually using many of the perks, Jenn started wondering: Is Disney Cruise Line Concierge really worth the extra money? We break down exactly what you get with Concierge Level, from early boarding and the private lounge to priority booking and theater seating, plus where Jenn felt the experience fell short. We also chat about dining on the Wish, Castaway Cay vs. Lookout Cay, Disney Cruise Line’s newest itineraries—including the exciting return to sailing out of New York City—and why Jenn still loves Disney cruising even if she might skip Concierge next time. 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: [email protected] 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:  - Jenn from the Kids Travel Tales podcast - Disney Wish Cruise Ship - Concierge Level - Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic, Disney Wonder - Terminal C at MCO (Jet Blue) - Away We Go Transfer - Holiday Inn Express Cocoa Beach - Palo - Castaway Cay vs. Lookout Cay 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.

I’m recapping my quick mother-son getaway to Puerto Rico with Parker over Labor Day Weekend 2026! We spent just two nights at the newly renovated Wyndham Grand Rio Mar, which recently completed a $65 million renovation, and I was so pleasantly surprised by how easy and beautiful this trip was. Puerto Rico gives you that true Caribbean vacation feeling - without needing a passport! I’m sharing my honest thoughts on the resort, the pools, water slides, beach, food, family-friendly amenities, and why I think this is such a great option for an easy, quick getaway. 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:  - Dolly All The Time book: https://amzlink.to/az0XxOaskRMCA - Earle Meets World - Dancing with the Stars - GSI Airport Transfer: https://www.gsipuertorico.com/ - Wyndham Grand Rio Mar - Club Wyndham: Margaritaville Vacation Club - Restaurants: Roots Coastal Kitchen, It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere 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.

Jacki (@trips.and.dips_) is back on Trip Tales! After first joining us to share about her girls’ trip to Puerto Rico, she’s returning to take us along on a very special 10-day trip through Italy to celebrate her mom’s 70th birthday. In May 2026, Jacki and her mom kicked things off in Venice before making their way to Rome, where Jacki’s brother joined the fun, and then finished along the gorgeous Italian coast with Sorrento as their home base. We’re talking gondola rides, food tours, iconic Roman sights, Aperol Spritzes, boat days to Capri and along the Amalfi Coast, incredible meals, and beautiful hotels! 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: [email protected] 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: Follow Jackie on Instagram @trips.and.dips_ (https://www.instagram.com/trips.and.dips_/)VENICE: Ca' Sagredo Hotel (Hilton Small Luxury hotel), Bacaro Food Tour, St. Mark's Square, St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, Harry’s Bar (birthplace of the Bellini), Gondola rice, Rialto Bridge, Cannarigio neighborhood for dinnerROME: Free Now (Uber equivalent), Hotel Babuino 181 (Hilton Small Luxury hotel), Spanish Steps, Ristorante Maccheroni, The Pantheon, Aperol Spritz, Palatine Hill, The Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trattoria Luzzi, Ristorante al 34, The Vatican, St. Paul’s Basilica, Trevi Fountain, Trastevere vibrant fun neighborhood,SORRENTO: Hilton Sorrento Palace, Capri, lunch at Hotel Syrene Capri, Ristorante Vela Bianca, Amalfi, Positano, Ischia island, Acqua Marina Seaside Restaurant at Hotel Admiral 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 will always love you, Dolly! 🦋 In this special Kelsey Unpacked episode, I’m paying tribute to Dolly Parton by sharing everything I know about one of the most special places she created, Dollywood! If you’re thinking about visiting Dollywood soon, maybe even in Dolly’s memory, this is your Dollywood 101 guide. I’m sharing where to stay, DreamMore vs. HeartSong, the best rides for kids and thrill seekers, favorite foods, seasonal festivals, the Dolly Parton Experience, parking tips, what’s new at the park, and more. 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: - Dollywood - Splash Country - Seasonal Festivals: I Will Always Love You Festival, Flower & Food Festival, Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, Harvest Festival, Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival - The Great Pumpkin LUMInights - Harvey’s Boo Bash! - Dollywood DreamMore Resort: whimsical, colorful, country-chic, Dolly vibes - Dollywood HeartSong Resort: rustic, lodgey,  - TimeSaver Passes - Wildwood Grove: Big Bear Mountain, Dragonflier, Hidden Hollow (indoor playground), NightFlight Expedition - Country Fair - The Dollywood Express - Big Coasters: Lightening Rod, Thunderhead, Tennessee Tornado, Wild Eagle - Food at Dollywood: Grist Mill Cinnamon Bread, Hickory House BBQ, Aunt Granny’s, The Front Porch Cafe, Red’s Drive-In - The Dolly Parton Experience 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.

Kyle is back for his fourth Trip Tales episode! After sharing about skiing in Quebec, Austria and Banff, he’s trading the slopes for the Grand Canyon. In May/June 2026, Kyle and his family of four spent eight days rafting through the Grand Canyon on a motorized rafting trip with Grand Canyon Expeditions. We talk about what it’s like to live completely off the grid for eight days, sleep under the stars beside the Colorado River, tackle rapids, hike to waterfalls and swimming holes, and cool off in the unbelievably turquoise Little Colorado River. Kyle also shares the logistics of packing, camping and bathroom breaks — plus the surprisingly gourmet meals, from Eggs Benedict to filet mignon, that made this rugged adventure a whole lot more luxurious than expected. Even Kyle, who admits he’s not much of a camper, came home saying he’d do the entire trip again in a heartbeat! 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: [email protected] 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: - Grand Canyon Expeditions - Arizona Rafting Adventures - Start at Lee’s Ferry and end at Pierce Ferry - Little Colorado River - Deer Creek Falls and The Patio - Havasu Creek - Pumpkin Spring - Elves Chasm - Redwall Cavern - Las Vegas Bellagio Seafood Buffet 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 this episode of Kelsey Unpacked, I’m sharing the exciting and sometimes surprisingly uncomfortable side of growing an audience. I'm talking about turning content creation into a real business and realizing that brands are actually willing to PAY you to do this. I’m taking you behind the scenes of an upcoming paid brand trip to Puerto Rico, including what the partnership covers, why saying yes felt a little scary, and why this opportunity feels like such a big milestone for me. 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: - To join KELSEY LIVE on Monday August 31st at 11AM CST: email [email protected] and Venmo $39 to @Kelsey-Graves-1 - FAIR PLAY Book: https://amzlink.to/az0a5TP2LgJgt - FAIR PLAY Card Game: https://amzlink.to/az0zgy43Ugqno  - Instagram and TikTok follower growth and monetization - Growing with Instagram Trial Reels 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.