Kelsey is recapping her family of five’s trip to Arizona in May 2025 where they used Chase Ultimate Rewards points to cover nearly all their hotel stays! From insane views at the Grand Canyon and Horseshoe Bend to exploring Antelope Canyon and spotting animals at Bearizona, this trip was packed with adventure. And of course, it ended just right at a luxury Scottsdale resort with poolside food and drinks. Tune in to hear the full itinerary, travel tips, and the hilarious mistake Kelsey made buying her souvenir t-shirt!

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Mentioned in this episode:
- 4th Grade National Park Pass
- Bearizona
- Holiday Inn Express Grand Canyon (IHG)
- Grand Canyon: Arizona Steakhouse, Prickly Pear Margarita, Mather Point, Kolb Studio, Lookout Studio, El Tovar, General Store
- Navajo Nation, Navajo Bridge, Cliff Dwellers, Vermillion Cliffs
- Hyatt Place Page / Lake Powell
- Page: Horseshoe Bend, Lower Antelope Canyon, Ken's Lower Antelope Canyon Tours, Lake Powell Italian Deli, Grand Canyon Brewery
- Flagstaff: Urban Pine, Sweet Shoppe Candy Store
- Scottsdale, Arizona: Grand Hyatt Scottsdale

Kelsey has been to Marco Island a dozen times and in this episode, she’s sharing everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip! From the best hotels and cost-saving tips to her favorite restaurants, sunset spots, and can’t-miss activities, this is your complete guide to one of the most beautiful beach destinations in the U.S.

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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

Kelsey sits down with Raya from the Travel Party of 5 podcast to hear all about her and her husband’s much-needed couples getaway to the stunning Kimpton Seafire in Grand Cayman. From swimming in glowing bioluminescent waters to experiencing Starfish Point, their July 2024 escape was the perfect reset. They loved it so much, they’re already planning to return with the kids. If you're dreaming of turquoise waters, luxurious accommodations, and family-friendly adventure, this episode is for you.

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Mentioned in this episode:
- Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport MCO
- Grand Cayman Bioluminescent Bay Tour
- Grand Cayman Starfish Point
- Stingray City
- Cayman Turtle Centre
- IHG Fourth Night Free

Kelsey sits down with Katie from Katie’s Travel Tricks and the Points for Normal People podcast to break down two of the most popular family-friendly, all-inclusive resorts: Hyatt Ziva Cancun vs. Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana in Punta Cana. Katie has visited both properties with her kids and gives a detailed comparison of everything from the pools and food to the beaches and waterslides. Which one reigns supreme for her family and keeps them coming back? Tune in for all the insider tips, pros and cons, and the final verdict!

Mentioned in this episode:
- Happy Shuttle Cancun
- The Pyramid Suite at Hyatt Ziva Cancun
- Habaneros at Hyatt Ziva Cancun

In this episode, Kelsey sits down with Nikki from @PackinPoints to hear all about her family of 6's epic adventure across Italy and Switzerland in June 2024 — much of it paid for with points and miles! Nikki shares how they fell in love with the rolling hills of Tuscany, gives a hot take on Florence, and describes rock-jumping into crystal-clear waters in Cinque Terre. Plus, they explore a breathtaking Swiss village with literally 72 waterfalls.

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Mentioned in this episode:
- Travel Rewards University
- Delta partners: KLM & Air France
- Point.me & PointsYeah.com
- Trip Tales Episode 50: The Chase-to-Hyatt Credit Card Strategy That's Blowing My Mind & Unlocking Free Vacations
- Rental car through Capital One Venture Card
- Train from Milan to Lucerne, Switzerland
- ROME: The Tribune Hyatt Hotel, Borghese Gardens, Trevi Fountain, The Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican, Sistine Chapel, Spanish Steps, Rick Steve's Audio Tours, RESTAURANTS: Pastificio, Allegrío
- TUSCANY: Monteleone d'Orvieto village, Restaurant: Al Baciamano, Tuscan Airbnb
- FLORENCE: Lego Store, Duomo, Edoardo Gelato (best of trip!)
- CINQUE TERRE: Riomaggiore, Monterosso al Mare, The Blue Path hike, Rock jumping in Manarola
- LAKE COMO: The village of Ossuccio, Isola Comacina
- LUCERNE: Chapel Bridge, Half Fare Card, Swiss Tasty, Mount Pilatus, Golden Pass Ticket, Grindelwald, Gimmelwald
- LAUTERBRUNNEN: The village of 72 waterfalls
- Bern, Zurich: Hyatt Place The Circle, Boston: Freedom Trail

Kelsey is joined by longtime St. John visitor Christy, who has been traveling to this Caribbean gem for years with her family of four and often with a full crew of extended relatives. From the timeshare villas at The Westin to iconic beach bars like the Soggy Dollar, Christy shares her go-to beaches, can't-miss restaurants, and the boat day tradition that always steals the show. Plus, hear about the floating pizza boat you have to try and the surprising moment Kelsey wonders… is it even legal to eat shark?!

Mentioned in this episode:
- The Westin St. John Resort Villas
- Grande Bay Resort
- Crown Bay to Cruz Bay Ferry
- Facebook Group: St. John Travel & Life
- Restaurants & Bars: High Tide, Beach Bar, North Shore Deli, Morgan's Mango, Longboard, Banana Deck, Las Tapas, Woody's (for Shark Bites!)
- Painkillers
- Cruz Bay
- Beaches: Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Maho Beach
- Excursions: Catamaran snorkeling, Pizza Pi Boat, British Virgin Islands, Sunshine Daydream Boat Charters, Soggy Dollar Bar, Jost Van Dyke, Willy T's
- Shopping: Mongoose Junction, famous St. John hook bracelet

BUY ME A COFFEE to show your support for the Trip Tales podcast! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kelseygraves
FOLLOW: Kelsey on Instagram & TikTok
SHOP: Kelsey's Travel Favorites from her Amazon storefront.
SHARE: About your trip on the Trip Tales podcast: triptalespodcast@gmail.com

PARTNER DISCOUNT CODES
VITAL SPRING - 20% OFF premium magnesium & electrolyte replenisher Vital Spring with code KELSEY20

COZY EARTH - 40% off Bamboo Sheets that feel like hotel luxury with code: CE-KELSEYGRAVES

BLING2O - 10% OFF Bling2o kids ski or swim goggles with code: KELSEY

SPANX.COM - Use code KGRAVESXSPANX for 15% OFF full-price items and FREE SHIPPING. My current fav travel outfit is the Air Essentials Jumpsuit.

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In this episode, Kelsey sits down with Katie from KG Travel Co. to hear all about her spring break trip with her family of four to Las Vegas, Zion National Park, and Bryce Canyon. From transforming Vegas into a kid-friendly adventure with a scavenger hunt, to avoiding the infamous three-hour shuttle lines in Zion with a genius e-bike rental hack - Katie shares practical tips and heartwarming moments from their journey.

But the true showstopper? A stay at The Grand Ranch in Cedar City, Utah—where each cottage comes with its own backyard miniature Highland cow (yes, really). Picture feeding these gentle, fluffy friends through your window—Kelsey may or may not have teared up over family time at this magical place.

Mentioned in this episode:
- Family Conversation Cards
- Turo rental cars
- Enneagram 7
- Hilton Grand Vacations Club Elara Center Strip Las Vegas
- ChatGPT to plan trips
- New York - New York roller coaster and arcade
- AREA 15 and Meow Wolf
- Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil
- Nathan Burton Comedy Magic Show
- Las Vegas Raiders Stadium Tour
- Pinball Hall of Fame
- Mandalay Bay Aquarium
- Amalfi by Bobby Flay in Caesars Palace
- Snow Canyon State Park
- Kanarra Falls hike in Kanarraville, Utah
- Hurricane, UT - Springdale, UT - Zion National Park
- E-bikes and Angels Landing in Zion
- Slot Canyon ATV Tour

BUY ME A COFFEE to show your support for the Trip Tales podcast! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kelseygraves
FOLLOW: Kelsey on Instagram & TikTok
SHOP: Kelsey's Travel Favorites from her Amazon storefront.
SHARE: About your trip on the Trip Tales podcast: triptalespodcast@gmail.com

PARTNER DISCOUNT CODES
VITAL SPRING - 20% OFF premium magnesium & electrolyte replenisher Vital Spring with code KELSEY20

COZY EARTH - 40% off Bamboo Sheets that feel like hotel luxury with code: CE-KELSEYGRAVES

BLING2O - 10% OFF Bling2o kids ski or swim goggles with code: KELSEY

SPANX.COM - Use code KGRAVESXSPANX for 15% OFF full-price items and FREE SHIPPING. My current fav travel outfit is the Air Essentials Jumpsuit.

...

Kelsey sits down with guest Kristen, who just returned from an unforgettable 8-night trip sailing through the British Virgin Islands in February 2025. Kristen’s family of four teamed up with another family—both with kids ages 8 to 12—to charter a fully crewed catamaran called Wanderlust (photos of catamaran, and Wanderlust on Instagram) departing from the island of Tortola. With a captain and private chef on board (husband and wife team Captain Dean & First Mate / Chef Charne), they island-hopped through crystal-clear waters, snorkeled vibrant reefs, and relaxed while meals were prepared daily. Kristen shares how they found the boat, how they split costs between families, what the crew experience was like, and exactly how much a trip like this really costs.

Mentioned in this episode:
- Vital Spring Premium Magnesium, code KELSEY20 for 20% off
- Below Deck on Bravo
- Catamaran Broker: Ed Hamilton
- Ferry from St. Thomas to Red Hook in Tortola
- Soper's Hole Marina on Tortola
- Elin Hilderbrand's Winter In Paradise trilogy
- The Willy T BVI Norman Island
- Swimming and snorkeling near Peter Island
- Anegada Beach Club and Anegada lobster at The Wonky Dog
- Conch Island
- Leverick Bay, Virgin Gorda Baths
- Sweet Ice Willy's Taxi Service & Hog Heaven on Virgin Gorda
- Michael Beans Pirate Party, Leverick Bay
- Monkey Point at Guana Island
- Jost Van Dyke, The Soggy Dollar
- Ocean Spa in White Bay
- Christmas Cove off of Saint Thomas & the floating Pizza Pi

BUY ME A COFFEE to show your support for the Trip Tales podcast! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kelseygraves
FOLLOW: Kelsey on Instagram & TikTok
SHOP: Kelsey's Travel Favorites from her Amazon storefront.
SHARE: About your trip on the Trip Tales podcast: triptalespodcast@gmail.com

PARTNER DISCOUNT CODES
VITAL SPRING - 20% OFF premium magnesium & electrolyte replenisher Vital Spring with code KELSEY20

COZY EARTH - 40% off Bamboo Sheets that feel like hotel luxury with code: CE-KELSEYGRAVES

BLING2O - 10% OFF Bling2o kids ski or swim goggles with code: KELSEY

SPANX.COM - Use code KGRAVESXSPANX for 15% OFF full-price items and FREE SHIPPING. My current fav travel outfit is the Air Essentials Jumpsuit.

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