Trip Tales | A Family Travel Podcast

My guest, Courtney from @pointseverywhere, is a doctor and mom of two (ages 7 and 10) from Western New York. She and her husband escaped to Santorini for four nights, and it all started with one of the most INSANE hotel booking glitches I've ever heard of!Courtney scored a luxury villa with a private infinity pool, hot tub, and jaw-dropping views for a tiny fraction of its usual points price. And the trip only got better from there!We're talking about flying Emirates Business Class for the first time, sipping incredible Greek wines at boutique wineries, hiking the famous Fira-to-Oia trail, exploring ancient ruins, and discovering why some of Santorini's best experiences are found away from the tourist crowds.Courtney also shares why visiting Santorini in April might be the ultimate travel hack, her favorite local restaurants, and tons of practical tips for planning your own Greek island escape.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:Emirates Business Class – Newark to AthensAegean Airlines – Athens to SantoriniSantorini Sky – Luxury villa in Pyrgos (booked through Hyatt / Mr & Mrs Smith)Pyrgos & Surrounding AreaMythos Restaurant – Greek food delivered to the villaMario Restaurant – Local Greek cuisineHatzidakis Winery – Boutique winery in a volcanic caveArt Space Winery – Wine tastings and art galleryEstate Argyros – Historic Santorini wineryHikes & SightseeingHeart of Santorini – Scenic hike near MegalochoriAkrotiri Archaeological Site – Ancient ruinsAncient Thera – Mountaintop ruins and hike from PerissaPerissa Black Sand BeachFira to Oia Hike – Famous 8-mile coastal trailOia – Iconic blue-domed churches, shops, and sunset viewsFira – Cliffside village, shopping, and cafésOther MentionsWolt – Food delivery app in SantoriniHyatt Points & Mr & Mrs Smith hotel booking glitch@pointseverywhere – Courtney's Instagram and podcastTrip 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.

Christmas season is officially here, and I couldn't be happier! I'm recapping Halloween, sharing how I might be falling back in love with points and miles after booking a luxury hotel stay for FREE, and chatting about all the random things making life easier lately from family meals to outsourcing laundry. A little bit of everything in this week's Kelsey Unpacked!The Poplin laundry service has changed my life! Use this link to get your first wash free, up to $30: https://poplin.co/?referralId=1pGuvyOfEIGWoKGEPRQWFollow 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:Mad Mabel – AudiobookGeist – Nashville's festive Christmas restaurantThe Hermitage Hotel – Nashville, TNAmerican Express Fine Hotels + ResortsCostco Flank Steak + Original Wish-Bone Italian DressingProtein Pesto Pasta Salad – Easy school lunchesPoplin Laundry Service – First wash free with link: https://poplin.co/?referralId=1pGuvyOfEIGWoKGEPRQWTrip 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 Trip Tales, I'm joined by Tasha from Wisconsin, who packed up the car with her husband and their two boys, ages 15 and 13, for a family road trip through Traverse City and Ludington, Michigan!We're talking charming little towns, crystal-clear lakes that look like the Caribbean, boating and fishing on beautiful Torch Lake, golfing, sand dune adventures, cherry EVERYTHING, and some of the most breathtaking sunsets you'll ever see!Tasha shares where they stayed, what they ate, their favorite family-friendly activities, and why this surprisingly beautiful corner of Michigan completely exceeded their expectations.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:Grand Rapids, MichiganAmway Grand Plaza Hotel – Curio Collection by HiltonRooftop pickleball at the hotelTraverse City, MichiganBaywatch Resort – Beachfront hotelDowntown Traverse City – Shops, boutiques & restaurantsCherry Republic – Cherry wines, chocolates, salsa & moreJet skiing on Grand Traverse BayRed Mesa Grill – Mexican restaurantTorch Lake (Day Trip from Traverse City)Torch Lake – Crystal-clear turquoise waterLuke's Landing Marina – Pontoon boat rentalFishing, tubing & boatingDockside – Waterfront restaurantTorch Lake SandbarLudington, MichiganWaterfront Airbnb overlooking the marinaLudington State Park – Beaches, dunes & hikingLost Lake Trail – Boardwalk hikeSticks – Restaurant, shrimp tacos, outdoor patio & bowlingLakeside Landing – Family golf courseDowntown Ludington – Shops & restaurantsLudington Lighthouse – Spectacular Lake Michigan sunsetsThursday night beach bonfire & live reggae musicFishing along the marinaSilver Lake, MichiganSilver Lake Sand DunesMac Wood's Dune Rides 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 think I'm falling out of love with points and miles... Between major Southwest changes, credit card frustrations, and nearly $2,000 tied up in travel credits, I'm starting to wonder if the savings are worth the time, effort, and headaches. I'm sharing what's gone wrong, what cards I still love, and why I'm changing my approach to travel hacking.Plus, a little life update about the cutest Paris-themed birthday party!If 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:Elle's Paris-Themed Birthday PartyThe Creator Passport Podcast – Giselle & StevenSouthwest Airlines – Companion Pass changes for 2027Chase 5/24 and 3/24 Credit Card RulesSouthwest's Upcoming Nashville Airport LoungeAmerican Express Business Platinum – Fine Hotels + Resorts creditsChase Travel Portal – Our $2,000 United Airlines travel credit headacheSteamboat Springs, Colorado – Southwest and United flight bookingsChase Sapphire Preferred – Hyatt points transfer changesChase Sapphire ReserveCapital One Venture X – Travel credits, lounge access & travel purchase eraserTrip 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.

It's time for another “Save the Marriage Trip!”And this time, we're heading to EUROPE! OG Trip Tales guest Ryan is back! Ryan lives outside Cleveland, Ohio, with his wife, Heather, and their four kids. Every year, Ryan and Heather prioritize a kid-free getaway they affectionately call their “Save the Marriage Trip,” and in July 2026, they went BIG to celebrate 20 years of marriage with their very first trip to Europe!Over eight nights, they explored Frankfurt and Munich in Germany, Salzburg, Austria, and Barcelona, Spain.We're talking luxury hotels, lie-flat business class seats, European train travel, stunning castles, massive beer gardens, traditional German food, and one of the oldest restaurants in Europe! Plus, Ryan shares why Salzburg was the unexpected highlight of their trip, what they loved about Barcelona, and how they made some beautiful hotels more affordable using points.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:Frankfurt, GermanyHotel: Sofitel Frankfurt OperaFrankfurt Old Town, Iron Bridge (Eiserner Steg)Munich, GermanyHotel: Andaz MunichNymphenburg Palace – Castle, gardens and historic carriagesMarienplatz – Historic square and GlockenspielAugustiner-Keller – Traditional Bavarian beer gardenTraditional German pork knuckleFruit-shaped pastries and dessertsSalzburg, AustriaHotel: Hotel Goldener HirschSt. Peter's Restaurant – Historic restaurant dating back to 803 ADMozart's BirthplaceMirabell GardensHohensalzburg Fortress – Funicular ride and panoramic viewsAugustiner Bräu Mülln – Traditional beer gardenSalzburg Card – Admission to popular attractionsBarcelona, SpainHotel: El Palace BarcelonaEl Palace rooftop restaurantSagrada Família – Guided cathedral tourWine & Tapas Walking Tour – Booked through ViatorBarcelona beachesMediterranean sunset sailing cruiseSpanish tapas, wine and sangriaFlights, Trains & TravelUnited Polaris Business Class – Newark to FrankfurtUnited Polaris Lounge – Newark AirportHigh-speed train – Frankfurt to MunichEurowings flight – Salzburg to BarcelonaTrip 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.