Published by Tracy Collins
Embark on a journey with us around the world. The global travel planning podcast is filled with travel inspiration, itinerary ideas, real life adventures, practical tips and insights to fuel your wanderlust and help you make your travel dreams a reality.
Listen on Apple PodcastsWe talk with Paris-based wine expert Elisa about how to plan a French wine trip that fits your taste, your budget, and your travel style, whether you are wine-curious or a long-time collector. We share practical ways to choose regions, book tastings, and build a full vineyard experience that goes beyond the bottle. • France as a top wine travel destination thanks to wine, food, landscapes and culture • quick guide to Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne differences • how Elisa matches a region to your preferred styles and grape varieties • best wine region day trip from Paris with Champagne and Épernay ideas • lesser-known regions to add authenticity with Jurançon and Madiran • crowd-free alternatives near Bordeaux with Bergerac and Monbazillac • why you should book winery visits in advance and how far ahead • tasting basics for beginners and why English is usually available • tasting costs from free to premium and when buying is expected • getting around safely with tours, private drivers and Loire à Vélo cycling • how to bring bottles home with shipping and suitcase packing tips • when to visit, what harvest season is really like and festival planning • common planning mistakes with research, logistics and wine style expectations ⭐️ Guest - Elisa from France Bucket List - Wine Travel Planning 📝 Full links and photos are in the show notes at globaltravelplanning.com/episode-101 If you know someone who is planning a trip to France or who simply loves a good glass of wine, do share this episode with them. And if you enjoy the podcast, a review really does help other travellers find us. Support the show 🗺️ Free Global Trip Planner Planning a trip of your own? Grab our free Global Trip Planner, a five-step workbook with the checklists, timelines and itinerary templates Doug and I use for our own trips. 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe ☕ Enjoying the show? Support us from $3 a month and get a shoutout on air: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2252461/support 🗺 Global Travel Planning Website | Instagram | YouTube 🇬🇧 UK Travel Planning 📍 London Travel Planning Work With Us - Contact tracy@globaltravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. 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. ...
Nine months on the road with a five-month-old baby and a twelve-year-old chihuahua is ambitious. Doing it after your carefully planned French long-stay visa is rejected two days before the flight is something else entirely. In this week's episode, Tracy is joined by travel writer Riana Ang-Canning of Teaspoon of Adventure, freshly home in Vancouver after a slow travel adventure that took her family from Toronto to the Loire Valley, through London and Brighton, and on to Málaga for a first birthday in Spain. It is an honest, practical look at what long-term family travel really looks like day to day. In this episode: Riana's travel background and why long-term travel keeps calling her back Deciding to travel during parental leave, older rescue dog included Building a base-style route across Toronto, the Loire Valley, London, Brighton and Málaga Working around a last-minute French visa rejection and the Schengen 90 day limit The packing and logistics of nine months with a baby and a dog How slow travel routines make a new place feel like home quickly Finding baby-friendly and dog-friendly Airbnbs, and the hard lesson about stairs Dividing the jobs on travel days to keep the stress down What went wrong with the road trip and the electric hire car Budget tips that genuinely help, including 28 day discounts and cooking at home Letting go of the pressure to see everything and leaning into local life What is next for the family, and where to follow Riana online ⭐️ Guest - Riana from teaspoonofadventure.com 📝 Full links and photos are in the show notes at globaltravelplanning.com/episode-100 If you enjoyed this milestone episode, we would love a quick review on your favourite podcast app, and you can leave us a voice message on SpeakPipe. Support the show 🗺️ Free Global Trip Planner Planning a trip of your own? Grab our free Global Trip Planner, a five-step workbook with the checklists, timelines and itinerary templates Doug and I use for our own trips. 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe ☕ Enjoying the show? Support us from $3 a month and get a shoutout on air: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2252461/support 🗺 Global Travel Planning Website | Instagram | YouTube 🇬🇧 UK Travel Planning 📍 London Travel Planning Work With Us - Contact tracy@globaltravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. 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. ...
After more than 20 years and close to 50 countries together, Doug and I share the actual routine we follow before every international trip. Not a generic list, just the 10 things that keep us organised, connected and confident. Booking your airport transfer in advance eSIMs and VPNs, sorted before you leave home The apps we download before we fly Travel insurance and why it matters more than you think Visas and entry requirements without the overpriced sites Wise cards, cash and your currency strategy Cultural etiquette and a few useful words Staying scam aware and choosing the right bag Checking the weather and packing in layers What to book in advance, and what to leave free If you enjoy the episode, please share it with anyone planning a trip abroad and leave us a review on your favourite podcast app. Grab our free Global Trip Planner at globaltravelplanning.com/tripplanner to start planning your own. Full links and show notes at globaltravelplanning.com/episode-99 . Support the show 🗺️ Free Global Trip Planner Planning a trip of your own? Grab our free Global Trip Planner, a five-step workbook with the checklists, timelines and itinerary templates Doug and I use for our own trips. 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe ☕ Enjoying the show? Support us from $3 a month and get a shoutout on air: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2252461/support 🗺 Global Travel Planning Website | Instagram | YouTube 🇬🇧 UK Travel Planning 📍 London Travel Planning Work With Us - Contact tracy@globaltravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. 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. ...
AI can generate an itinerary in seconds. What it cannot do is sit with your story, hear what a place means to you, or notice the detail that changes everything. That is what this conversation is about. Tracy and Cate from My Germany Vacation explore why the most unforgettable trips are built on personal meaning, not perfect lists, covering: Cate's 2019 Germany road trip with Aaron and why sharing meaningful places made it extraordinary Travel as time travel, and what happens when your destination includes your own history Where AI travel planning falls short and what human expertise actually gives you The £500 design meeting story and why expert input pays for itself What Cate offers for Germany travel and what Tracy and Doug offer for UK travel: custom itineraries, consults, video reviews and more Planning a trip to the UK? Visit uktravelplanning.com for resources, podcast episodes, and to book a consult with Tracy and Doug. Planning a trip to Germany? Visit mygermanyvacation.com to explore Cate and Aaron's services. Full links and show notes at globaltravelplanning.com/episode-98 . Get in touch via the Speakpipe link in the show notes, and if you enjoyed the episode, a review on your favourite podcast app helps more travellers find the show. Support the show 🗺️ Free Global Trip Planner Planning a trip of your own? Grab our free Global Trip Planner, a five-step workbook with the checklists, timelines and itinerary templates Doug and I use for our own trips. 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe ☕ Enjoying the show? Support us from $3 a month and get a shoutout on air: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2252461/support 🗺 Global Travel Planning Website | Instagram | YouTube 🇬🇧 UK Travel Planning 📍 London Travel Planning Work With Us - Contact tracy@globaltravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. 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. ...
£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 97 Support the show 🗺️ Free Global Trip Planner Planning a trip of your own? Grab our free Global Trip Planner, a five-step workbook with the checklists, timelines and itinerary templates Doug and I use for our own trips. 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe ☕ Enjoying the show? Support us from $3 a month and get a shoutout on air: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2252461/support 🗺 Global Travel Planning Website | Instagram | YouTube 🇬🇧 UK Travel Planning 📍 London Travel Planning Work With Us - Contact tracy@globaltravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. 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. ...
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 Support the show 🗺️ Free Global Trip Planner Planning a trip of your own? Grab our free Global Trip Planner, a five-step workbook with the checklists, timelines and itinerary templates Doug and I use for our own trips. 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe ☕ Enjoying the show? Support us from $3 a month and get a shoutout on air: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2252461/support 🗺 Global Travel Planning Website | Instagram | YouTube 🇬🇧 UK Travel Planning 📍 London Travel Planning Work With Us - Contact tracy@globaltravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. 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. ...
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 Support the show 🗺️ Free Global Trip Planner Planning a trip of your own? Grab our free Global Trip Planner, a five-step workbook with the checklists, timelines and itinerary templates Doug and I use for our own trips. 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe ☕ Enjoying the show? Support us from $3 a month and get a shoutout on air: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2252461/support 🗺 Global Travel Planning Website | Instagram | YouTube 🇬🇧 UK Travel Planning 📍 London Travel Planning Work With Us - Contact tracy@globaltravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. 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. ...
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 Support the show 🗺️ Free Global Trip Planner Planning a trip of your own? Grab our free Global Trip Planner, a five-step workbook with the checklists, timelines and itinerary templates Doug and I use for our own trips. 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe ☕ Enjoying the show? Support us from $3 a month and get a shoutout on air: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2252461/support 🗺 Global Travel Planning Website | Instagram | YouTube 🇬🇧 UK Travel Planning 📍 London Travel Planning Work With Us - Contact tracy@globaltravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. 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. ...
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 China What booking high-speed trains is really like (and why Trip.com helps) How China’s passport-linked, paperless ticketing works Why nearly everything is cashless - and how to set up Alipay or WeChat before arrival Essential apps including Amap, Didi, translation tools, and VPN-enabled eSIMs How to navigate menus without English Why booking flexible hotels matters What to expect from public toilets and cultural etiquette How to structure an itinerary beyond Beijing and Shanghai Guest - Lucy England Show notes - Episode 93 🎧 Listen to next Episode #22 – A Journey to Central China: Unique Gastronomy, Stunning Landscapes, and Cultural Delights Episode #15 – Insider’s Guide for First-Time Visitors to Singapore Episode #14 – Visiting Japan: Top Tips for First-Time Travellers Support the show 🗺️ Free Global Trip Planner Planning a trip of your own? Grab our free Global Trip Planner, a five-step workbook with the checklists, timelines and itinerary templates Doug and I use for our own trips. 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe ☕ Enjoying the show? Support us from $3 a month and get a shoutout on air: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2252461/support 🗺 Global Travel Planning Website | Instagram | YouTube 🇬🇧 UK Travel Planning 📍 London Travel Planning Work With Us - Contact tracy@globaltravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. 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. ...
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 Briggs Moalboal Eco Lodge 🌴 Book a stay at Moalboal Ecolodge 🌴 Instagram – MoalBaol Ecolodge Dog Sanctuary 🐕 Instagram – Moalboal Animal Welfare Spay & Neuter Charity 🐶 Support the charity Support the show 🗺️ Free Global Trip Planner Planning a trip of your own? Grab our free Global Trip Planner, a five-step workbook with the checklists, timelines and itinerary templates Doug and I use for our own trips. 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe ☕ Enjoying the show? Support us from $3 a month and get a shoutout on air: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2252461/support 🗺 Global Travel Planning Website | Instagram | YouTube 🇬🇧 UK Travel Planning 📍 London Travel Planning Work With Us - Contact tracy@globaltravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. 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. ...
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 parks If 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 ) 📝 Show Notes - Episode 91 🎧 Listen to next Episode #38 – Top Tips and Insights for First-Time Travellers to Tokyo Japan Episode #13 – Discovering Japan: A 21 Day Itinerary Episode #14 – Visiting Japan: Top Tips for First-Time Travellers Support the show 🗺️ Free Global Trip Planner Planning a trip of your own? Grab our free Global Trip Planner, a five-step workbook with the checklists, timelines and itinerary templates Doug and I use for our own trips. 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe ☕ Enjoying the show? Support us from $3 a month and get a shoutout on air: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2252461/support 🗺 Global Travel Planning Website | Instagram | YouTube 🇬🇧 UK Travel Planning 📍 London Travel Planning Work With Us - Contact tracy@globaltravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. 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. ...
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 Switzerland Episode #61 - Lucerne Deep Dive Episode #85 – Top 10 Most Incredible Train Journeys Around the World Support the show 🗺️ Free Global Trip Planner Planning a trip of your own? Grab our free Global Trip Planner, a five-step workbook with the checklists, timelines and itinerary templates Doug and I use for our own trips. 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe ☕ Enjoying the show? Support us from $3 a month and get a shoutout on air: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2252461/support 🗺 Global Travel Planning Website | Instagram | YouTube 🇬🇧 UK Travel Planning 📍 London Travel Planning Work With Us - Contact tracy@globaltravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. 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. ...
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 expect You’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 Support the show 🗺️ Free Global Trip Planner Planning a trip of your own? Grab our free Global Trip Planner, a five-step workbook with the checklists, timelines and itinerary templates Doug and I use for our own trips. 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe ☕ Enjoying the show? Support us from $3 a month and get a shoutout on air: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2252461/support 🗺 Global Travel Planning Website | Instagram | YouTube 🇬🇧 UK Travel Planning 📍 London Travel Planning Work With Us - Contact tracy@globaltravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. 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. ...
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 Review Episode #81 - Stamped: Sinead: Trains, Travels, and Family Adventures Across 80 Countries Episode #41 – Tips for first time visitors to Peru with Ariana Svenson Support the show 🗺️ Free Global Trip Planner Planning a trip of your own? Grab our free Global Trip Planner, a five-step workbook with the checklists, timelines and itinerary templates Doug and I use for our own trips. 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe ☕ Enjoying the show? Support us from $3 a month and get a shoutout on air: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2252461/support 🗺 Global Travel Planning Website | Instagram | YouTube 🇬🇧 UK Travel Planning 📍 London Travel Planning Work With Us - Contact tracy@globaltravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. 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. ...
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 Lovers Episode 57 – 15 Essential Europe Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors Episode 74 – Brisbane to Perth Road Trip [Itinerary, Tips and Costs] Support the show 🗺️ Free Global Trip Planner Planning a trip of your own? Grab our free Global Trip Planner, a five-step workbook with the checklists, timelines and itinerary templates Doug and I use for our own trips. 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe ☕ Enjoying the show? Support us from $3 a month and get a shoutout on air: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2252461/support 🗺 Global Travel Planning Website | Instagram | YouTube 🇬🇧 UK Travel Planning 📍 London Travel Planning Work With Us - Contact tracy@globaltravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. 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. ...
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 Tips Episode #38 – Top Tips and Insights for First-Time Travellers to Tokyo Japan Episode #51 – Spain Travel Planning: 3 week itinerary [Trip Report] Support the show 🗺️ Free Global Trip Planner Planning a trip of your own? Grab our free Global Trip Planner, a five-step workbook with the checklists, timelines and itinerary templates Doug and I use for our own trips. 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe ☕ Enjoying the show? Support us from $3 a month and get a shoutout on air: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2252461/support 🗺 Global Travel Planning Website | Instagram | YouTube 🇬🇧 UK Travel Planning 📍 London Travel Planning Work With Us - Contact tracy@globaltravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. 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. ...
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 Beyond Support the show 🗺️ Free Global Trip Planner Planning a trip of your own? Grab our free Global Trip Planner, a five-step workbook with the checklists, timelines and itinerary templates Doug and I use for our own trips. 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe ☕ Enjoying the show? Support us from $3 a month and get a shoutout on air: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2252461/support 🗺 Global Travel Planning Website | Instagram | YouTube 🇬🇧 UK Travel Planning 📍 London Travel Planning Work With Us - Contact tracy@globaltravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. 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. ...
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 Adventures Episode #68 Stamped: Mandy Watson – One woman, one motto, and a world of adventure Episode #72 Stamped: Melissa Delaware – From Australian Beginnings to Global Adventures Support the show 🗺️ Free Global Trip Planner Planning a trip of your own? Grab our free Global Trip Planner, a five-step workbook with the checklists, timelines and itinerary templates Doug and I use for our own trips. 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe ☕ Enjoying the show? Support us from $3 a month and get a shoutout on air: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2252461/support 🗺 Global Travel Planning Website | Instagram | YouTube 🇬🇧 UK Travel Planning 📍 London Travel Planning Work With Us - Contact tracy@globaltravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. 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. ...
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 tours Whether 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 Gems Episode #32: Brisbane Day Trips: Islands, Wildlife, and Hidden Gems Episode #75 – The Ultimate Whitsundays Travel Guide: Best Islands, Whitehaven Beach + Insider Tips Support the show 🗺️ Free Global Trip Planner Planning a trip of your own? Grab our free Global Trip Planner, a five-step workbook with the checklists, timelines and itinerary templates Doug and I use for our own trips. 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe ☕ Enjoying the show? Support us from $3 a month and get a shoutout on air: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2252461/support 🗺 Global Travel Planning Website | Instagram | YouTube 🇬🇧 UK Travel Planning 📍 London Travel Planning Work With Us - Contact tracy@globaltravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. 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. ...
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 Tips Episode #57 – 15 Essential Europe Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors Episode #61 – Discover Lucerne, Switzerland: Top Five Things to Do [+ Hidden Gems and Insider Tips] Support the show 🗺️ Free Global Trip Planner Planning a trip of your own? Grab our free Global Trip Planner, a five-step workbook with the checklists, timelines and itinerary templates Doug and I use for our own trips. 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe ☕ Enjoying the show? Support us from $3 a month and get a shoutout on air: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2252461/support 🗺 Global Travel Planning Website | Instagram | YouTube 🇬🇧 UK Travel Planning 📍 London Travel Planning Work With Us - Contact tracy@globaltravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. 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. ...