In this episode, I’m sharing my real-life “vacation ready body” routine and the things that help me feel confident heading into a trip, especially when swimsuits are involved.

I’m talking about what I’m finally doing differently for myself: my GLP-1 journey (specifically tirzepatide), how it’s supported my insulin sensitivity, and the mindset shift that’s come with choosing a new kind of care for my body.

Plus, I’m breaking down my go-to glow up staples before I travel: my favorite Sun Tan City spray tan (yes, I always do double legs), the workouts I actually stick with: HOTWORX, walking with my weighted vest, and my Peloton Tread routine.

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Mentioned in this episode:
- Tiffany Balin, NP (https://www.instagram.com/tiffanybalin_np) with Salus Integrative (https://www.salusintegrative.health/)
- Insulin Sensitivity and Hypoglycemia
- GLP-1s: Tirzepatide and Semaglutide
- Sun Tan City Spray Tan: Catalina tint, dark, double legs
- HOTWORX
- Weighted vest walks
- Peloton Tread
- Laser Hair Removal
- Mel Robbins quote

Kelsey chats with Jen from Wisconsin, who lives on a hobby farm with her husband and three kids (a 6 year old daughter and 4 year old twin boys). Jen, her family, and her parents headed to San Diego in October 2025 staying at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay, booked on points.

In this episode, Jen shares about the waterslides and pools their kids couldn’t get enough of, plus beach time at Mission Beach, beautiful sunset views, and their favorite moments at SeaWorld and aboard the USS Midway.

Quick note: our connection dropped at the very end of recording, so Jen’s answer to the final Trip Tales question is here in the show notes. If someone out there is considering this trip, what is it about San Diego and the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay that would make you say: Just Book It?
I'd say just book it because you can't beat an easy trip to soak up the sunshine, slip down waterslides and enjoy a family friendly resort. Kids grow up too fast to not take the trip! -Jen

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:
- Link to the inflatable travel bed: https://amzlink.to/az0wCGVzlVgpS
- Link to inflatable booster seat: https://amzlink.to/az0xDyfGJ0mGH
- Link to collapsible beach toys: https://amzlink.to/az0f5UVVALIq8
- Points and Miles, Delta and Hyatt
- Hyatt Regency Mission Bay, Guest of Honor
- USS Midway
- Kids Free San Diego in October
- Flytographer
- Tecolote Playground
- Mission Beach
- Sea World: Dolphins, Orcas, Sea Lions
- Red Marlin restaurant at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay

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.

I’m sharing all the 2026 travel we have booked so far. And the star of the show: we’re going to French wine country and staying in a chateau near Chablis… because yes, I truly planned an entire trip around my favorite glass of wine. Chablis is my forever favorite, and the fact that we’re making it happen AND booking it on points and miles is just...chef’s kiss.

In this episode I’m walking you through every trip we have on the calendar:
• Marco Island, FL
• Boise, Idaho ski trip
• Indy 500
• Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic (on points!)
• And the big one: France for a chateau stay near Chablis booked with points and miles

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:
- Marco Island, Florida
- Boise, Idaho: Tamarack Ski Resort, Bogus Basin Ski Resort
- Southwest Companion Pass
- The Points for Normal People podcast with Katie: https://podcast.katiestraveltricks.com/
- Indianapolis 500 Hulman Terrace Suite
- Trip Tales Disney Cruise episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disney-wish-stuck-at-sea-my-honest-review-of-our/id1731455602
- Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana All-Inclusive in the Dominican Republic
- Trip Tales Hyatt Ziva Cancun vs. Cap Cana episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/se/podcast/cancun-vs-punta-cana-hyatt-ziva-showdown-which-family/id1731455602
- Scape Park in Punta Cana
- American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, BILT Points, Rakuten
- Unoaked Chardonnay, Chablis
- France: Paris, Chateau de la Resle
- Air France
- Aer Lingus, Dublin U.S. Pre-clearance

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 Cassandra and Chris from @thenextpursuit on Instagram about their summer road trip from Chattanooga, TN to Orlando, Florida to camp at Disney World’s Fort Wilderness Resort with their 5-year-old son in July 2025. They share their favorite Fort Wilderness moments like the campfire sing-along with s’mores, Chip and Dale, and spending time with the Disney horses at the stables. Plus, they talk about scoring free Typhoon Lagoon tickets, squeezing in a stay at Universal’s Terra Luna Resort, and experiencing Epic Universe.

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:
- Camping at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort: Chip 'N Dale's Campfire Sing-A-Long, Tri-Circle-D Ranch horses, pony rides, Trails End restaurant
- Free waterpark pass to Typhoon Lagoon
- World's Largest Peanut Monument and Carol's Sausage in Ashburn, Georgia
- Sailfish Splash Waterpark in Stuart, FL
- Universal Orlando City Walk: Cowfish Restaurant
- Terra Luna Resort
- Epic Universe: Super Mario World, Bowsers Challenge, Monsters Unchained, Curse of the Werewolf, Dragon Racers Rally, Mead Hall, Stardust Racers

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 Unpacked is here, and we’re kicking things off with something I do every single year: choosing one word to guide my entire year.

In this very first episode, I’m sharing my word for 2026, why I picked it, and what I’m hoping it brings into my life, my travel, and my work. And because we’re unpacking things a little deeper on Wednesdays, I’m also pulling back the curtain and sharing exactly how much money my podcast made in 2025, and what I’m focusing on next as Trip Tales keeps growing.

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

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

Mentioned in this episode:
- My Amazon Daily Planner: https://amzlink.to/az0epIpAZQjgO
- Fair Play book: https://amzn.to/494y1sX
- Fair Play card game: https://amzn.to/49HdpGj
- The Calm App
- HOTWORX

In this episode of Trip Tales, I’m chatting with Monica an American mom who’s been living in Norway for the past 8 years with her family. Monica is the founder of Wanderwild Family Retreats (wanderwildfamilyretreats.com) and shares her best tips for visiting Bergen with kids from fjords and funiculars to troll hikes, cozy hygge vibes, and a real life Polar Express experience. She’s packed this episode with her favorite spots and local insight and let’s just say… I’m officially booking my trip to Bergen ASAP! You can find Monica on Instagram at @wanderwildfamilyretreats (https://www.instagram.com/wanderwildfamilyretreats).

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:
- Oslo vs. Bergen
- The Bergen Line Train - a real-life Polar Express!
- Bergen International Airport
- Bryggen - historical seaport town in Bergen
- Viking history
- Island of Askoy
- The Hanseatic Hotel
- Fin.no vacation rentals
- Mount Floyen, Floibanen Funicular, Skomakerstuen Cafe
- Bergen Aquarium
- Island of Herdla
- Fjord cruises in Flam
- Norway in a Nutshell tour
- Voss Ski Resort Area
- Geirangerfjord
- Hygge lifestyle
- Pinosha salted meat
- Bergen coffee and sandwich shop: Godt Brød Vestre Torggaten
- Bergen dinner spots: Brasilia (https://brasilia.no), Cartel's (https://www.cartels.no)
- Weather in Norway

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.

This was my #1 most listened to episode of 2025! If you’re planning a trip to Marco Island, Florida (or hoping to soon) this is your complete start-to-finish guide.

I’m sharing exactly where to stay, where to eat, what to do, and the little details that make a Marco trip feel so special. I also break down my favorite sunset spots, family-friendly activities, and cost-saving tips.

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:
- Episode 1: Marco Island, FL - Staying at the Hilton with Nicole's Family of 5
- Episode 7: Marcos Island, FL - The Iconic JW Marriott Marco Island Had Jenni's Family of 4 Feeling Like They Had Left the U.S.
- Fort Myers Airport - Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)
- Punta Gorda Airport (PGD)
- JW Marriott Marco Island (10K Alley Arcarde) and Paradise by Sirene Rooms
- Marriott Crystal Shores
- Hilton Marco Island
- Calusa Spirit via Marco Island Water Sports (Dolphins!)
- Keewaydin Island
- Pirates of Marco Island, Marco Golf & Garden, Mackle Park
- Doreen's Cup of Joe, Cocomo's "U Hook It, We Cook It!", Joey's Pizza, Snook Inn (and Milton the Manatee), Oyster Society, Tesoro, Fin Bistro, Sweet Annie's
- Isle of Capri: Island Gypsy and Capri Fish House

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 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