Afleveringen
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£25 for a 14-hour sleeper train with beds, a sink, and power points. £6.50 for a seven-hour scenic ride across central Türkiye. If you've ever assumed Türkiye is a fly-and-spend destination, this episode is here to change that picture entirely.
Tracy is joined by Sinead, a York-based travel blogger and passionate train traveller, to walk through her family's 12-day loop: Istanbul, down to the Aegean coast and the ruins of Ephesus, overnight to Konya, across to Cappadocia, up to Kayseri, into Ankara, and back to Istanbul. Mostly by train, on a real budget, with honest advice on what it actually costs.
✅ Building a Türkiye itinerary around each person's must-sees
✅ Booking Turkish rail through TCDD, sleeper availability, and mid-route delays
✅ What train travel is actually like, from sleepers to high-speed first class
✅ Visiting Ephesus and why the scale and preservation stand out
✅ Hiking in Cappadocia, finding cave churches, and watching balloons at sunrise for free
✅ A low-cost mosaic lamp workshop that turned out to be a trip highlight
✅ Eating well for less and saving money on flights with a reverse search strategy
✅ Packing light, carrying lira, using Revolut or Wise, and choosing an eSIM
If this episode has got you thinking about your own adventure, our free workbook, Plan Your Dream Trip with Ease, is a brilliant place to start.
If you enjoyed the show, leaving a review on your favourite podcast app helps more travel lovers find us.
Guest - Sinead Camplin from Map Made Memories and York Travel Expert
Show notes - Episode 97Support the show
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Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support! -
Scotland's Outer Hebrides don't forgive poor planning. Ferries sell out, accommodation is limited, and the roads demand your full attention. But get it right and you're rewarded with some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. In this episode Tracy has just returned from Lewis, Harris, and Skye and is sharing exactly how she put the trip together so you can do the same.
We cover the full route from the Midlands up through Glencoe to Ullapool, what the CalMac ferry crossing to Stornoway is actually like, and why you absolutely book ferries before anything else. We also get into the realities of driving on single-track roads with passing places, livestock on the road, Sunday closures, and Scottish Gaelic road signs.
Then it's the good stuff: the beaches of Lewis and Harris that genuinely stop you in your tracks, the Callanish Standing Stones, the blackhouses at Carloway, local Harris Tweed, and a couple of restaurants and places to stay that are worth going out of your way for. We finish with an honest conversation about Skye, what it's like now, whether it's still worth it, and how it compares to the quieter islands.
Part 2 on Mull and Iona is coming soon. Subscribe so you don't miss it.
Show notes - Episode 96
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
-
Travel has shaped everything about who I am, and I wanted to get personal and answer the questions you’ve been sending in: why I travel so much, how it all began, what destinations I love most, and how I actually plan a trip without turning it into a stressful project. If you enjoy honest stories and practical travel planning, this solo chat is for you.
I talk through the places that keep calling me back, including Morocco, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa and Scotland, plus the destinations that still tug at my heart when I think about the memories and the people I met. You’ll hear why I’m not interested in ticking off countries, how returning for a deeper experience changes your itinerary, and why Morocco in particular completely exceeded my expectations, from the souks to the Sahara to the Atlas Mountains.
We also get into the planning side: what I always do when I arrive (food tours are my favourite first move), the biggest mistake travellers make when building an itinerary, and how I break trip planning into clear steps so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. I also share how I balance booking the essentials with leaving room for spontaneity, plus five travel tips I live by, including shoulder season travel, travel insurance, staying central, booking key experiences early, and learning a few words of the local language.
If you've got a trip on the horizon, download our free trip planning workbook - it'll help you turn all of this into a plan you can actually use.And if you enjoyed this episode, sharing it with a fellow traveller is the best way to help more people find the show.
Show notes - Episode 95
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Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support! -
Narelle Mather joins Tracy to share how she planned and took a three-and-a-half-week multi-country train trip through Europe with her husband, sister, and a close friend.
Starting in London and finishing in Warsaw, the group travelled through France, Switzerland, Austria, and Poland using a first-class Eurail pass bought at a discount more than a year in advance.
Narelle covers everything from choosing routes and booking seat reservations to managing luggage, finding accommodation near stations, and eating well across different countries.
She also shares some deeply meaningful stops along the way, including the Australian war memorials in Normandy, Auschwitz-Birkenau, and the Eagle's Nest near Salzburg.
Show notes - Episode 94
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Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support! -
How to Plan an Independent Trip to China: Trains, Apps, Payments & Real Tips
When you think of China, you probably think of Beijing, Shanghai, or the Great Wall. But planning an independent trip across such a vast and culturally different country can feel overwhelming.
In this episode of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy Collins is joined by traveller Lucy, who shares insights from her recent independent adventure across China with her long-time travel partner Joe.
Together, Tracy and Lucy unpack what it is really like on the ground, from high-speed rail journeys and cashless payments to language barriers, food discoveries, and cultural surprises. Lucy also reflects on how travelling as a pair shaped their experience, from planning logistics to navigating busy stations and unfamiliar technology.
Moving beyond the “big three” cities, Lucy and Joe explored destinations such as Pingyao and Yangzhou, offering honest insight into what first-time visitors truly need to know before they go.
If China feels exciting but intimidating, this episode will give you practical tools and the confidence to plan your own independent adventure.
In this episode you’ll learn:
How to realistically plan long-distance travel across ChinaWhat booking high-speed trains is really like (and why Trip.com helps)How China’s passport-linked, paperless ticketing worksWhy nearly everything is cashless - and how to set up Alipay or WeChat before arrivalEssential apps including Amap, Didi, translation tools, and VPN-enabled eSIMsHow to navigate menus without EnglishWhy booking flexible hotels mattersWhat to expect from public toilets and cultural etiquetteHow to structure an itinerary beyond Beijing and ShanghaiGuest - Lucy England
Show notes - Episode 93🎧 Listen to next
Episode #22 – A Journey to Central China: Unique Gastronomy, Stunning Landscapes, and Cultural DelightsEpisode #15 – Insider’s Guide for First-Time Visitors to SingaporeEpisode #14 – Visiting Japan: Top Tips for First-Time TravellersSupport the show
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Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support! -
In this episode of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, host Tracy Collins and co-host Doug Collins swap roles with special guest interviewer Amanda Kendle as they share their firsthand trip report from the Philippines.
The conversation centres on their ten-night stay at Moalboal Eco Lodge, located a few hours southwest of Cebu. Tracy and Doug share what it was like staying in an eco-conscious accommodation and why this peaceful corner of the Philippines made such a strong impression on them during their first visit to the country.
Along the way they discuss the warmth and friendliness of the Filipino people, local culture and cuisine, and what daily life was like during their stay in Moalboal. From snorkelling experiences to relaxed eco lodge living, the episode offers an honest look at travelling in this part of the Philippines.
They also talk about the practical side of visiting the country, including arriving in Cebu, getting around, money and connectivity, and some of the cultural surprises they encountered, including the local love of karaoke and the visible commitment to animal welfare in many communities.
If you are curious about the Philippines or interested in sustainable travel experiences, this trip report offers an authentic glimpse into what it is really like to stay in an eco lodge and explore this beautiful part of the world.
Show notes - Episode 92
🎧 Listen to next
Episode #29– From England to the Philippines: The Journey Behind Moalboal Ecolodge with Angie BriggsMoalboal Eco Lodge
🌴 Book a stay at Moalboal Ecolodge🌴 Instagram – MoalBaol EcolodgeDog Sanctuary
🐕 Instagram – Moalboal Animal WelfareSpay & Neuter Charity
🐶 Support the charitySupport the show
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Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support! -
This week Tracy is joined by Japan travel specialist Helen Foster to share expert advice on visiting Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea, and Universal Studios Japan in Osaka.
If you are planning your first Japan trip and considering adding a theme park, this episode covers what you really need to know before you go.
Helen draws on nine trips to Japan to explain how each park differs, how ticketing systems work, what catches first-time visitors out, and whether Japan’s theme parks are worth it if you are not a huge “theme park person”.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• The differences between Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea, and Universal Studios Japan
• How far in advance you need to book tickets and hotels
• How Disney Premier Access and Universal Express Pass work
• Common planning mistakes to avoid
• Whether you need a full day for a theme park
• What to expect during busy seasons like Golden Week
• Cultural differences inside Japanese theme parksIf you want to avoid long queues, understand the booking systems, and plan a stress-free visit, this episode will help you do exactly that.
⭐️ Guest - Helen Foster (Japlanease)
Episode #38 – Top Tips and Insights for First-Time Travellers to Tokyo JapanEpisode #13 – Discovering Japan: A 21 Day ItineraryEpisode #14 – Visiting Japan: Top Tips for First-Time Travellers
📝 Show Notes - Episode 91
🎧 Listen to nextSupport the show
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Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support! -
What makes Switzerland one of the most breathtaking countries in the world to explore by train?
This week Tracy is joined by Switzerland travel expert Carolyn, founder of Holidays to Switzerland, to talk about the scenic rail journeys and mountain excursions that draw visitors back again and again.
From iconic panoramic trains like the Glacier Express and Bernina Express to shorter but equally spectacular routes such as the Lucerne–Interlaken Express, this episode dives into how Switzerland’s rail network turns travel days into unforgettable experiences. Carolyn shares her favourite train journeys, tips for planning around start and end points, and why flexibility is key when dealing with Alpine weather.
They also discuss common mistakes travellers make, including overpacking and forgetting to book seat reservations on panoramic trains, plus practical advice on using the Swiss Travel Pass and regional rail passes to help manage costs in one of Europe’s most expensive destinations.
You’ll also hear how to choose the right mountain excursions, whether you prefer cogwheel railways, funiculars or cable cars, and why allowing time in each base makes all the difference to your experience.
If Switzerland is on your list, this episode will help you plan smarter, travel lighter, and be prepared to be amazed at every turn.
Guest - Carolyn of Holidays to Switzerland
Show notes - Episode 90🎧 Listen to next
Episode #6 - An introduction to SwitzerlandEpisode #61 - Lucerne Deep DiveEpisode #85 – Top 10 Most Incredible Train Journeys Around the WorldSupport the show
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Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support! -
This week Tracy is joined by seasoned travel podcaster and traveller Chris Christensen, host of the Amateur Traveler podcast, to share his recent experience travelling through the Peruvian Amazon.
Together, they explore why this vast and remote region is far more accessible than many travellers expect. Drawing on Chris’s small-group river expedition, the conversation offers a clear-eyed look at what it’s really like to travel the Amazon, from river life and wildlife encounters to village visits and the realities of logistics, comfort, and daily routines.
Chris explains how the Peruvian Amazon differs from the coastal and Andean parts of Peru many travellers are familiar with, what surprised him most about the trip, and why the experience felt adventurous without being as difficult or intimidating as expected.
• Why much of Peru lies in the Amazon basin
• How to reach the Peruvian Amazon via Lima, Iquitos, and the river port
• What it’s like spending a week on a small Amazon river boat
• How seasonal water levels shape routes, fishing, and daily life
• Blackwater lakes, piranha fishing, and safe swimming
• Wildlife encounters including birds, sloths, monkeys, and pink dolphins
• What village visits and local life along the river are really like
• Food on board and sharing a traditional village meal
• Mobility needs, skiffs, stairs, and uneven terrain
• What to pack for heat, insects, and wildlife viewing
• Why the Amazon is more accessible than many travellers expectYou’ll find links to Chris’s detailed article about the Peruvian Amazon and his Amateur Traveler podcast in the show notes globaltravelplanning.com/episode-89
⭐️ Guest - Chris Christensen from Amateur Traveler
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Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support! -
Ever wondered what it actually takes to reach Antarctica and what it feels like when your boots hit the ice? We open up the journey, from long-haul hops to Ushuaia and life aboard a small HX Expeditions hybrid ship to the reality of the Drake Passage, then unpack how strict biosecurity and expert-led briefings make this fragile place accessible without losing what makes it special.
From the first glide through the Lemaire Channel to five unforgettable landings, we share practical detail on zodiacs, group rotations, and why “penguin highways” must be respected. Expect honest gear talk, thermals, waterproof trousers and sunblock over bulky ski wear, plus notes on seasickness, balcony cabins, and how the science centre turns downtime into discovery. We also get real about cost, value, and choosing a responsible operator that prioritises smaller groups and environmental impact.
Guest travellers Karen and David add vivid moments, whales surfacing beside a silent ship, the shock of a polar plunge, and stepping onto the mainland at an Argentine base. We compare Antarctica with the Falkland Islands, weigh when to go, and highlight wildlife spotted from deck. If you’re planning your first polar cruise or simply curious about the White Continent, this is a grounded guide to going prepared and coming home with more than photos.
📝 Show Notes - Episode 88
🎧 Listen to next
Episode #86 - Around the World in 2025: Global Travel Planning’s Year in ReviewEpisode #81 - Stamped: Sinead: Trains, Travels, and Family Adventures Across 80 CountriesEpisode #41 – Tips for first time visitors to Peru with Ariana SvensonSupport the show
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Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support! -
Planning a great trip in 2026 shouldn’t feel like a second job. We’re kicking off the year with a clear roadmap for slower, more intentional travel—fewer destinations, deeper experiences, and practical steps that make every day on the road feel easier and more rewarding.
Tracy shares what’s ahead on Podcast, from Antarctica reflections and the Peruvian Amazon to Morocco, the Philippines, and a deep dive into Switzerland’s most scenic train routes. We talk about shifting from country‑counting to meaningful time in places you love, using food tours as a doorway into local culture, and designing itineraries that match your pace.
We also spotlight the journey itself. Trains across Europe, road trips to Scotland’s islands, and the allure of motorhomes all feature as ways to turn transit into part of the experience. Tracy opens up about last year’s travel intensity, why she’s prioritising rest and longer stays in 2026.And to supercharge your Europe goals, Michelle Chang from Intentional Travelers joins us to announce the free DIY Trip Summit - three focused days of expert sessions on slow travel, budgeting with miles and points, multigenerational planning, and on‑the‑ground tactics across Europe and the UK.
Ready to swap overwhelm for clarity and joy? Press play, grab your free ticket to the DIY Trip Summit using the link in our show notes, and tell us where you’re headed in 2026.📝 Show Notes - Episode 87
🎧 Listen to next
Episode 85 – Top 10 Most Incredible Train Journeys Around the World for Travel LoversEpisode 57 – 15 Essential Europe Travel Tips for First-Time VisitorsEpisode 74 – Brisbane to Perth Road Trip [Itinerary, Tips and Costs]Support the show
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Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support! -
This week Tracy and Doug reflect on a year filled with global adventures, practical travel advice, and behind-the-scenes stories from life on the road and behind the microphone.
From Tracy reaching her seventh continent to shared reflections on travelling at pace, they look back on some of their favourite destinations of 2025, including Sri Lanka, Spain, Malaysia, Morocco, and more, along with standout podcast episodes and memorable moments from the year.
Listeners will enjoy a candid conversation about what it is really like to record a podcast from hotel rooms around the world, how the Global Travel Planning community has grown to listeners in 138 countries, and the realities of adapting travel plans when things do not go to plan.
The episode also includes cultural observations, practical transport insights, particularly for train travel lovers, and honest reflections on both the rewards and challenges of constant travel.
Whether you are actively planning your next trip or simply dreaming of future adventures, this episode offers inspiration, thoughtful insights, and practical tips to help you travel smarter and with confidence.
📝 Show Notes - Episode 86
🎧 Listen to next
Episode #59 – Sri Lanka Travel Planning 3 Week Itinerary + Essential Travel TipsEpisode #38 – Top Tips and Insights for First-Time Travellers to Tokyo JapanEpisode #51 – Spain Travel Planning: 3 week itinerary [Trip Report]Support the show
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Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support! -
Epic landscapes deserve an equally epic way to travel. We’re diving into the romance and reality of rail: why trains make holidays start at the platform, how sleepers turn miles into memories, and which routes around the world are worth planning your next adventure around.
We start with five reasons trains win: lower emissions and real sustainability gains, genuine comfort with room to move, dining cars and proper beds on night services, centre-to-centre arrivals that beat transfers, and the human connection that long-haul flights often erase. From there, we share our top 10 rides: Norway’s Flåm Railway twisting from fjord to mountain, Scotland’s Highlander leg of the Caledonian Sleeper, the Night Riviera to Penzance with a seaside breakfast, Vietnam’s Reunification Express and its restful private berths, and Japan’s immaculate Shinkansen that makes precision feel effortless. Add New Zealand’s TranzAlpine across the Southern Alps, Switzerland’s UNESCO Bernina route, Sri Lanka’s lush Ella to Kandy journey with open windows and waves, India’s Nilgiri Mountain Railway “toy train,” and Amtrak’s unhurried yet soulful Coast Starlight.
We also open our notebook of dreams. The Ghan across Australia’s red centre calls with big skies and outback tones. Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer tempts us with glass-domed cars through the Rockies. And South Africa’s Rovos Rail pairs classic carriages with sweeping views to Cape Town and beyond. Along the way we share booking tips, comfort hacks, and how to swap premium expresses for local trains without losing the scenery. If you’re craving slow travel, rail itineraries, sleeper train advice, or scenic routes that deliver real immersion, this conversation is your map.
Got a favourite rail journey we missed? Tell us on Speakpipe and help shape a future episode.📝 Show Notes - Episode 85
🎧 Listen to next
Episode 141 – Caledonian Sleeper Update [+ Route Choices and Travel Tips]Episode 171 – Guide to the Night Riviera Sleeper Train (London to Penzance)Episode 54 - Top 10 Tips for UK and Europe Train Travel in 2025 and BeyondSupport the show
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Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support! -
This week, the mic is flipped. Tracy invites her friend and fellow podcaster Amanda Kendle (The Thoughtful Travel Podcast) to quiz her about the moments that shaped a lifetime of travel. From a grandmother’s pack of postcards that sparked obsession to the Gerald Durrell books that made strangers feel familiar, and a teenage long haul to London that dissolved fear at the airport gate.
What unfolds is an honest map of how curiosity becomes confidence, and why the best lessons hide in everyday routines.
Tracy gets personal and practical: her most vivid early memory isn’t a landmark, but a gîte in rural France, scooters with local kids and river swims that turned language doubt into determination. That thread leads to a year in the French Alps, fluent French, markets by Lake Geneva, and home cooking that treats a meal like a celebration.
They explore the difference between postcard cities and lived-in places. Paris doesn’t top her list, while Malta keeps calling back with blue coves, local buses, and child-friendly evenings on the promenade. And then there is Northumberland, with castles, Lindisfarne’s shifting tides, Hadrian’s Wall, and Barter Books, an overlooked stretch that trades queues for calm.
There is a wow moment too: a self-confessed non-hiker finding awe and peace on New Zealand’s Hooker Valley Track, with swing bridges, winter light, and a glacier-fed lake at the end of a boardwalk. Iceland still tempts, though cost and crowds keep it on the wish list.
And because great travel often depends on the smallest details, Tracy shares one unglamorous but essential tip: wear comfortable shoes you have already broken in. Simple, sensible, and the difference between wonder and blisters.
If you enjoy thoughtful travel stories, candid destination advice, and reflections that make your next trip smoother and richer, hit follow, share this episode, and leave a quick review on your favourite app. Your support helps more curious travellers find the show.
Guest host - Amanda Kendle (The Thoughtful Travel Podcast)
Show notes - Episode 84
🎧 Listen to next
Episode #63 Stamped: Amanda Kendle - How Thoughtful Travel Shapes a Life of Meaningful AdventuresEpisode #68 Stamped: Mandy Watson – One woman, one motto, and a world of adventureEpisode #72 Stamped: Melissa Delaware – From Australian Beginnings to Global AdventuresSupport the show
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Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support! -
This week host Tracy Collins is joined by Queensland expert Melissa, who shares her insider knowledge of where and when to experience Australia’s most iconic wildlife.
Together they uncover the magic of seeing animals in their natural habitats - from kangaroos hopping along the beach at Cape Hillsborough to whales breaching off Hervey Bay, turtles nesting on the Great Barrier Reef islands, and cassowaries striding through the Daintree.
You’ll learn:
• How to match your Queensland itinerary with the wildlife you most want to see
• The best seasons and times of day for spotting whales, turtles, kangaroos and more
• Where to find koalas, cassowaries, platypuses and other rare species in the wild
• How to plan safe and ethical wildlife experiences that support conservation
• Tips for getting around Queensland, from self-drive routes to guided toursWhether you’re dreaming of sunrise with kangaroos, swimming beside turtles, or catching sight of an elusive platypus, this episode is your go-to guide for planning unforgettable and responsible wildlife encounters in Queensland.
⭐️ Guest - Melissa Delaware from "The Queensland Travel Guide"
📝 Show Notes -Episode 83🎧 Listen to next
Episode #18: Queensland Travel Tips: Beaches, Outback Adventures, and Hidden GemsEpisode #32: Brisbane Day Trips: Islands, Wildlife, and Hidden GemsEpisode #75 – The Ultimate Whitsundays Travel Guide: Best Islands, Whitehaven Beach + Insider TipsSupport the show
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Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support! -
From Christmas markets and snowy city breaks to planning for icy adventures like Antarctica, this Ladies Who Travel episode is all about embracing the magic of cold-weather travel.
Join Tracy and guest co-host Melissa as they share personal stories from winter trips across Europe, the UK, and Australia, including cosy fireside escapes, a daughter’s first experience of snow, and the surprising joys of travelling when the crowds have gone.
You’ll learn how to pack and layer for cold destinations, why mindset matters when temperatures drop, and how to plan realistic itineraries when daylight hours are short. The hosts also reveal their favourite winter getaways and bucket-list dreams, from New York at Christmas to Lapland’s snowy wonderland.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to travel in winter or are preparing for your own frosty adventure, this episode will inspire you to see the beauty in the chill, make the most of seasonal experiences, and enjoy the comfort and connection that only cold-weather travel can bring.
⭐️ Guest Co-host - Melissa (QueenslandTravelGuide.com.au)
📝 Show Notes - Episode 82🎧 Listen to next
Episode #76 – Europe in December: Route, Highlights and Winter Travel TipsEpisode #57 – 15 Essential Europe Travel Tips for First-Time VisitorsEpisode #61 – Discover Lucerne, Switzerland: Top Five Things to Do [+ Hidden Gems and Insider Tips]Support the show
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Website - LondonTravelPlanning.com
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Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support! -
In this episode, host Tracy Collins is joined by lifelong traveller Sinead, who shares how a childhood love of caravan holidays and the travel stories of Michael Palin sparked a passion that led her to visit more than 80 countries.
Despite not driving, fearing flying, and getting seasick, Sinead found her freedom through train travel and a deep curiosity about the world. She talks about her early adventures in Ireland and Mallorca, her first big leap travelling through India, and what it was like to take a two-and-a-half-year global trip in the 1990s with only guidebooks and a backpack.
Sinead also reveals how she, her husband and their three children spent a year travelling around the world by train, including memorable journeys such as the Trans-Siberian Railway and a route from Hong Kong to the UK. Along the way, she shares pinch-yourself moments like the roar of Iguazu Falls, stargazing in Mongolia, and connecting with welcoming communities in Samoa.
You’ll learn:
• Practical tips for family rail travel and backpacking with kids
• How to pack light and stay flexible on the road
• Why destinations like North Macedonia and Mongolia deserve a spot on your list
• The mindset that turns challenges into adventuresFull of warmth, honesty, and inspiring stories, this episode celebrates curiosity, connection, and the idea that it is never too late to explore.
Guest - Sinead Camplin from Map Made Memories and York Travel Expert
Show notes - Episode 81🎧 Listen to next
Episode #3 - Visiting York, EnglandEpisode #17 - Best day trips from YorkEpisode #54 - Top 10 Tips for UK and Europe Train Travel in 2025 and BeyondSupport the show
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🇬🇧UK Travel Planning
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Instagram - UK Travel Planning
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📍London Travel Planning
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Work With Us - Contact [email protected] for brand partnerships and business inquiries.
Thank you ❤️
Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support! -
Tracy is joined in this week's episode by travel expert Cate from My Germany Vacation to dive into the magical world of German Christmas markets. From iconic cities like Berlin, Cologne, and Munich to charming small-town markets in Rothenburg, Regensburg, and Esslingen, Cate shares her decades of experience to help you plan a festive getaway filled with culture, food, and unforgettable memories.
Discover how to choose between Germany’s countless markets, the best times to visit, and what to pack for cold winter evenings. Learn which foods and drinks you simply must try - like Glühwein, Lebkuchen, and roasted almonds - plus tips for avoiding “food fatigue” when market-hopping. Cate also explains why smaller, local markets often outshine the big-name ones, and how to balance busy itineraries with slowing down to savour the holiday spirit.
Packed with personal stories, hidden gem recommendations, and practical advice, this episode will inspire and prepare you to make the most of Germany’s yuletide traditions.
⭐️ Guest - Cate Brubaker from My Germany Vacation
📝 Show Notes - Episode 80🎧 Listen to next
Episode #45 – Germany Travel Guide: Expert Tips for first-time visitorsEpisode #37 - Tips for first-time visitors to FranceEpisode #6: Discovering Switzerland with Swiss travel expert Carolyn SchönafingerSupport the show
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Work With Us - Contact [email protected] for brand partnerships and business inquiries.
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Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support! -
Portugal captivates visitors with its dramatic coastlines, colourful cities, and relaxed pace of life that creates an immediate sense of welcome. We explore this diverse country with Julie Fox, a British writer who has lived in central Portugal since 2007 and helps travellers discover authentic experiences beyond the typical tourist trail.
Portugal offers remarkable geographical diversity, from the green, tradition-rich north to the sun-drenched Alentejo and the dramatic coastlines of the AlgarveWhile no longer a “cheap” destination, Portugal continues to offer excellent value, especially for food and wineFirst-time visitors should resist trying to cover too much ground – 7 to 10 days split between Lisbon and Porto provides a perfect introductionLesser-known alternatives often provide better experiences than overcrowded “must-see” attractions such as Pena PalacePortugal’s culinary highlights include pastéis de nata, Serra da Estrela cheese, octopus dishes, and unique liqueurs such as ginjinha and Licor BeirãoBring comfortable, non-slip shoes, as Portuguese cobblestones are notoriously slippery even in dry weatherThe best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons (March–April, October–November) when crowds are smaller and temperatures more comfortableFor more Portugal travel tips and itinerary ideas, visit Julie’s website at JulieDawnFox.com
Guest - Julie Dawn Fox from JulieDawnFox.com
Show notes - Episode 79🎧 Listen to next
Episode 42– Discover Italy: Essential tips for first-time visitors Episode 45 – Germany Travel Guide: Expert Tips for first-time visitorsEpisode 57 – 15 Essential Europe Travel Tips for First-Time VisitorsSupport the show
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Work With Us - Contact [email protected] for brand partnerships and business inquiries.
Thank you ❤️
Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support! -
Every traveller carries a mental list of places they long to see, from childhood dreams to newly discovered wonders. These bucket lists reveal our deepest fascinations and evolve as our relationship with travel changes.
Tracy and new permanent co-host Melissa share their own wishes, from African safaris to singing along while landing in Anchorage, Alaska. They reflect on how priorities shift over time. Many start with iconic sights, then find deeper joy in slower, more immersive trips to less visited places. As Melissa says of a month in India, “What surprised me wasn’t the destinations or attractions, but the interactions we had with people.”
Our rapidly growing Ladies Who Travel community (5,000+ members in six weeks) echoes this shift. Members are organising meet-ups across continents and joining group trips to Morocco, helping each other realise dreams like the Northern Lights, European Christmas markets, or long-awaited Greece.
Whether you keep a written list or a mental one, this episode celebrates destinations that call to you. As Tracy says of finally seeing the Golden Gate Bridge after nearly forty years, “Sometimes you don’t get to them straight away. But eventually you can, and that dream never went away.”
Ready to turn your travel dreams into reality? Join our vibrant community of women travellers and discover how shared wanderlust creates lifelong friendships and unforgettable adventures.
⭐️ Co-host - Melissa (QueenslandTravelGuide.com.au)
📝 Show Notes - Episode 78🎧 Listen to next
Episode #39 - Planning Your Dream Trip in 2025: Expert Tips and StrategiesEpisode #56 – Essential Tips for Surviving Long Haul Flights Episode #47– Pack Like a Pro: Essential Tips, Tricks + Travel HacksSupport the show
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Work With Us - Contact [email protected] for brand partnerships and business inquiries.
Thank you ❤️
Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support! - Laat meer zien
