Trip Tales | A Family Travel Podcast

If you’ve ever traveled for a soccer tournament, dance competition, or any youth sports weekend, you know these trips are never quite what you think they’ll be. In this episode, Kelsey unpacks the good, the bad, and the ugly of youth sports travel. She also talks about the mindset shift that changed everything for her and shares practical tips to help make youth sports travel smoother, less stressful, and a lot more enjoyable. Plus, a couple funny hotel moments!Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/kelseygravesFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_gravesFollow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mskelseygravesJoin us in the Trip Tales Podcast Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1323687329158879Mentioned in this episode:- Instacart: Get $10 off when you place your first order! https://inst.cr/t/d5c55d1f0 Code: KGRAVES158EA- Amazon travel night lights: https://amzlink.to/az0mZLu9x7UtZ- Travel sound machines: https://amzlink.to/az0UC02XaLW4z- Hanging toiletry bag: https://amzlink.to/az0r965IPIWit

Kelsey chats with Paige (@packwithpaige on Instagram) from Huntsville, AL about her February 2026 trip to New Orleans for Mardi Gras with her mom and two little ones, ages 4 and 2. She was pleasantly surprised to discover such a fun, family-friendly side of Mardi Gras.In this episode, Paige shares why these were some of the best parades she has ever been to, the super fun “catches” her kids loved like beads, stuffed animals, glow wands, toys, and more, plus the delicious food and kind locals that made the trip so memorable. This episode is available to watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kelseygravesIf you’d like to share about your trip on the podcast, email me at: [email protected] Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/kelseygravesFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_gravesFollow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mskelseygravesJoin us in the Trip Tales Podcast Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1323687329158879Mentioned in this episode:- @packwithpaige: https://www.instagram.com/packwithpaige/- Uptown New Orleans- Princess Tiana and The Princess and the Frog- PARADES: Krewe of Hermes (illuminated floats & amazing throws), Krewe of Iris (all female parade, girly), Krewe of Thoth (cartoon themed), Krewe of Endymion (exceptionally long scenic floats), Krewe of Okeanos (mid-sized family-friendly parade), Krewe of Mid City (daytime Mardi Gras parade featuring bright tinfoil-covered floats and children-focused themes), Krewe of Bacchus (nighttime parade with massive animated super floats)- La Boulangerie French Bakery (sandwiches and pastries)- Pita Paradise Mediterranean Grill- PotBelly Nola (Cajun)- Cafe du Monde- Haydel's Bakery (King Cakes)- Magazine Street- Bourbon Street- French Quarter- Mardi Gras World museum- Audubon Park (zoo and aquarium)- Tiana themed birthday party- Laurel, MS: Ben and Erin Napier from the HGTV shot Home Town, Laurel Mercantile Co., Scent Library

I’m sharing my favorite online spots to shop for resortwear, easy rompers, swimsuits, cover-ups, shoes, and more. These are the places I keep going back to when I want pieces that feel cute, easy, and vacation-ready. I’ve linked everything for you in the show notes so you can browse my favorite finds for your upcoming trips!My "Shop My" Shelves: https://shopmy.us/kelseygraves/shelvesPink Lily, Cupshe, Quince, Walmart, Old Navy, Beach Riot, Lululemon, Summersalt, Athleta, Alo, Vuori, Abercrombie, Hoka, Reef, BirkenstockMy Amazon Essentials: https://amzlink.to/az0Pc3TQQrvVtCover-ups, Cloud Slides, Travel Tote, Toiletry Bag, No-Show Socks, Cross-Body BagsBuy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/kelseygravesFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_gravesFollow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mskelseygravesJoin us in the Trip Tales Podcast Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1323687329158879

You won’t believe this episode! Kelsey chats with Maggie (@the_traveling_tinsleys on Instagram) from Chicago about her family of 4’s trip to Gatlinburg in October 2025, and truly, everything that could go wrong did go wrong. From car troubles and a cancelled flight to urgent care, crowds, long lines, traffic, and even BEARS, this Smoky Mountains getaway turned into a full-on Trip Fail. You have to hear this one!This episode is available to watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kelseygravesIf you’d like to share about your trip on the podcast, email me at: [email protected] Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/kelseygravesFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_gravesFollow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mskelseygravesJoin us in the Trip Tales Podcast Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1323687329158879Mentioned in this episode:- Midway Airport in Chicago- Allegiant Airlines- Avis Rental Car- Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Cades Cove & Laurel Falls- Gatlinburg vs. Pigeon Forge vs. Sevierville Tennessee- Baht Thai Restaurant- IHG hotels- Anakeesta: The Ridge Rambler & Astra Lumina light show- Titanic MuseumTrip 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 sharing the books she’s loved lately and realizing that her favorite type of read is definitely a destination-based book with a strong setting. From longtime favorite author Elin Hilderbrand and her Nantucket-filled drama, to a few other recent reads that completely pulled her in, this episode is all about the books that have felt immersive and entertaining.Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/kelseygravesFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_gravesFollow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mskelseygravesJoin us in the Trip Tales Podcast Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1323687329158879Mentioned in this episode:- Goodreads.com- Elin Hilderbrand books: Barefoot, Winter Series (Winter Street, Winter Stroll, Winter Storms, Winter Solstice), The Rumor, The Perfect Couple, Paradise Series (Winter in Paradise, What Happens in Paradise, Trouble in Paradise), Golden Girl, The Hotel Nantucket, The Five-Star Weekend, Swan Song- The Wedding People by Alison Espach- Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall- Awake by Jen Hatmaker- The Housemaid by Freida McFadden