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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 Svenson✈️ Want to learn how to plan an unforgettable trip to Europe without breaking the bank? Join the D.I.Y. Trip Summit online this January—completely FREE! Get tips from seasoned travellers and start planning the trip of your dreams. 👉 Register here Support the show 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe 🗺 Global Travel Planning Website - globaltravelplanning.com Instagram - Global Travel Planning YouTube - Global Travel Planning 🇬🇧UK Travel Planning Website - UKTravelPlanning.com Instagram - UK Travel Planning YouTube - UK Travel Planning 📍London Travel Planning Website - LondonTravelPlanning.com 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!

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]✈️ Want to learn how to plan an unforgettable trip to Europe without breaking the bank? Join the D.I.Y. Trip Summit online this January—completely FREE! Get tips from seasoned travellers and start planning the trip of your dreams. 👉 Register here Support the show 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe 🗺 Global Travel Planning Website - globaltravelplanning.com Instagram - Global Travel Planning YouTube - Global Travel Planning 🇬🇧UK Travel Planning Website - UKTravelPlanning.com Instagram - UK Travel Planning YouTube - UK Travel Planning 📍London Travel Planning Website - LondonTravelPlanning.com 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!

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]✈️ Want to learn how to plan an unforgettable trip to Europe without breaking the bank? Join the D.I.Y. Trip Summit online this January—completely FREE! Get tips from seasoned travellers and start planning the trip of your dreams. 👉 Register here Support the show 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe 🗺 Global Travel Planning Website - globaltravelplanning.com Instagram - Global Travel Planning YouTube - Global Travel Planning 🇬🇧UK Travel Planning Website - UKTravelPlanning.com Instagram - UK Travel Planning YouTube - UK Travel Planning 📍London Travel Planning Website - LondonTravelPlanning.com 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!

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 T✈️ Want to learn how to plan an unforgettable trip to Europe without breaking the bank? Join the D.I.Y. Trip Summit online this January—completely FREE! Get tips from seasoned travellers and start planning the trip of your dreams. 👉 Register here Support the show 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe 🗺 Global Travel Planning Website - globaltravelplanning.com Instagram - Global Travel Planning YouTube - Global Travel Planning 🇬🇧UK Travel Planning Website - UKTravelPlanning.com Instagram - UK Travel Planning YouTube - UK Travel Planning 📍London Travel Planning Website - LondonTravelPlanning.com 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!

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 ( ✈️ Want to learn how to plan an unforgettable trip to Europe without breaking the bank? Join the D.I.Y. Trip Summit online this January—completely FREE! Get tips from seasoned travellers and start planning the trip of your dreams. 👉 Register here Support the show 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe 🗺 Global Travel Planning Website - globaltravelplanning.com Instagram - Global Travel Planning YouTube - Global Travel Planning 🇬🇧UK Travel Planning Website - UKTravelPlanning.com Instagram - UK Travel Planning YouTube - UK Travel Planning 📍London Travel Planning Website - LondonTravelPlanning.com 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!

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 GemsEpisode #32: Brisbane Day Trips: Islands, Wildlife, and Hidden GemsEpisode #75 – The Ultimate Whitsundays Travel Guide: Best Islands, Whitehaven Beach + Insider Tips✈️ Want to learn how to plan an unforgettable trip to Europe without breaking the bank? Join the D.I.Y. Trip Summit online this January—completely FREE! Get tips from seasoned travellers and start planning the trip of your dreams. 👉 Register here Support the show 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe 🗺 Global Travel Planning Website - globaltravelplanning.com Instagram - Global Travel Planning YouTube - Global Travel Planning 🇬🇧UK Travel Planning Website - UKTravelPlanning.com Instagram - UK Travel Planning YouTube - UK Travel Planning 📍London Travel Planning Website - LondonTravelPlanning.com 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!

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]✈️ Want to learn how to plan an unforgettable trip to Europe without breaking the bank? Join the D.I.Y. Trip Summit online this January—completely FREE! Get tips from seasoned travellers and start planning the trip of your dreams. 👉 Register here Support the show 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe 🗺 Global Travel Planning Website - globaltravelplanning.com Instagram - Global Travel Planning YouTube - Global Travel Planning 🇬🇧UK Travel Planning Website - UKTravelPlanning.com Instagram - UK Travel Planning YouTube - UK Travel Planning 📍London Travel Planning Website - LondonTravelPlanning.com 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!

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 adventures Full 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 Tip✈️ Want to learn how to plan an unforgettable trip to Europe without breaking the bank? Join the D.I.Y. Trip Summit online this January—completely FREE! Get tips from seasoned travellers and start planning the trip of your dreams. 👉 Register here Support the show 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe 🗺 Global Travel Planning Website - globaltravelplanning.com Instagram - Global Travel Planning YouTube - Global Travel Planning 🇬🇧UK Travel Planning Website - UKTravelPlanning.com Instagram - UK Travel Planning YouTube - UK Travel Planning 📍London Travel Planning Website - LondonTravelPlanning.com 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 Schönafinger✈️ Want to learn how to plan an unforgettable trip to Europe without breaking the bank? Join the D.I.Y. Trip Summit online this January—completely FREE! Get tips from seasoned travellers and start planning the trip of your dreams. 👉 Register here Support the show 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe 🗺 Global Travel Planning Website - globaltravelplanning.com Instagram - Global Travel Planning YouTube - Global Travel Planning 🇬🇧UK Travel Planning Website - UKTravelPlanning.com Instagram - UK Travel Planning YouTube - UK Travel Planning 📍London Travel Planning Website - LondonTravelPlanning.com 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!

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 visitors✈️ Want to learn how to plan an unforgettable trip to Europe without breaking the bank? Join the D.I.Y. Trip Summit online this January—completely FREE! Get tips from seasoned travellers and start planning the trip of your dreams. 👉 Register here Support the show 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe 🗺 Global Travel Planning Website - globaltravelplanning.com Instagram - Global Travel Planning YouTube - Global Travel Planning 🇬🇧UK Travel Planning Website - UKTravelPlanning.com Instagram - UK Travel Planning YouTube - UK Travel Planning 📍London Travel Planning Website - LondonTravelPlanning.com 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 Strategies✈️ Want to learn how to plan an unforgettable trip to Europe without breaking the bank? Join the D.I.Y. Trip Summit online this January—completely FREE! Get tips from seasoned travellers and start planning the trip of your dreams. 👉 Register here Support the show 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe 🗺 Global Travel Planning Website - globaltravelplanning.com Instagram - Global Travel Planning YouTube - Global Travel Planning 🇬🇧UK Travel Planning Website - UKTravelPlanning.com Instagram - UK Travel Planning YouTube - UK Travel Planning 📍London Travel Planning Website - LondonTravelPlanning.com 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!

What do decades of adventure, jumping off moving trains in rural Australia, and raising children adopted from Russia have in common? They are all part of Laura Dilts’s remarkable travel journey, which she shares in this captivating episode of Stamped: Global Travel Stories. Laura’s travel adventures began with family road trips exploring America’s national parks while her nuclear physicist father conducted research at Los Alamos. Her childhood home regularly welcomed international visitors through her mother’s cultural organisation, creating a foundation of global curiosity that would shape her entire life. By sixteen, Laura had negotiated with her parents to visit Greece independently, working to fund half the trip herself, the first of many solo adventures that would take her across continents. Perhaps most fascinating is Laura’s nine-month Australian exchange programme, where she lived with 36 different host families across rural South Australia and Queensland. She shares hilarious stories of working on farms, encountering wildlife, and even having to jump from a moving train that “only slowed down like an escalator” at her rural stop. Her descriptions of Kangaroo Island and watching hundreds of penguins return to shore at dusk reveal hidden gems most travellers never experience. As Laura’s life evolved, so did her travel experiences, from exchange programmes to adoption journeys in Moscow, where she discovered cold so intense that sunny days were worse than cloudy ones. Now entering a new chapter as an empty-nester, Laura approaches travel with a refreshing philosophy: “Life’s too short to wait.”  After losing a friend unexpectedly at 56, she is embracing solo adventures while prioritising connections with friends worldwide, proving that at any age, the world remains full of possibilities for those willing to explore it. ⭐️ Guest - Laura Dilts 📝  Show Notes - Episode 77 🎧 Listen to next ✈️ Want to learn how to plan an unforgettable trip to Europe without breaking the bank? Join the D.I.Y. Trip Summit online this January—completely FREE! Get tips from seasoned travellers and start planning the trip of your dreams. 👉 Register here Support the show 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe 🗺 Global Travel Planning Website - globaltravelplanning.com Instagram - Global Travel Planning YouTube - Global Travel Planning 🇬🇧UK Travel Planning Website - UKTravelPlanning.com Instagram - UK Travel Planning YouTube - UK Travel Planning 📍London Travel Planning Website - LondonTravelPlanning.com 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!

The enchanting atmosphere of European Christmas markets, overnight ferry adventures, and unique cultural experiences make winter travel across the continent a magical experience. We share practical insights from our three-week December journey through Berlin, Stockholm, Helsinki, Krakow, and Budapest to help you plan a smoother winter adventure. • Berlin's Christmas markets offer an authentic German festive atmosphere with delicious food and handcrafted goods • Food tours provide valuable historical context and local tips while introducing you to regional cuisine • Stockholm's Skansen open-air museum offers a glimpse into traditional Swedish life with special Christmas activities • The overnight ferry from Stockholm to Helsinki provides a surprisingly luxurious and festive travel experience • Helsinki's snowy streets create the quintessential winter wonderland atmosphere • Zakopane makes an excellent day trip from Krakow with mountain scenery and thermal baths • Budapest's ruin bars, particularly Szimpla Kert, offer unique nightlife experiences in abandoned buildings • Pack thermal layers, hand warmers, boots with thick soles and good grip for icy conditions • Plan accommodation near public transport and research holiday closures if travelling during Christmas • Pre-book holiday meals well in advance, as restaurants have limited availability during festive periods Show notes - Episode 76 🎧 Listen to next Episode #45 – Germany Travel Guide: Expert Tips for first-time visitorsEpisode #54 Top 10 Tips for UK and Europe Train Travel in 2025 and BeyondEpisode #57 – 15 Essential Europe Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors✈️ Want to learn how to plan an unforgettable trip to Europe without breaking the bank? Join the D.I.Y. Trip Summit online this January—completely FREE! Get tips from seasoned travellers and start planning the trip of your dreams. 👉 Register here Support the show 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe 🗺 Global Travel Planning Website - globaltravelplanning.com Instagram - Global Travel Planning YouTube - Global Travel Planning 🇬🇧UK Travel Planning Website - UKTravelPlanning.com Instagram - UK Travel Planning YouTube - UK Travel Planning 📍London Travel Planning Website - LondonTravelPlanning.com 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!

The Whitsundays are a tropical paradise of 74 islands set in the heart of Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef. With crystal-clear turquoise waters, pristine white beaches, and world-class sailing, the region is one of Australia’s most iconic holiday destinations. This week, Melissa joins Tracy to share everything you need to know to plan your dream Whitsundays getaway. From the famous Whitehaven Beach with its squeaky-soft silica sand, to unforgettable sailing adventures and insider tips, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration. What you’ll learn in this episode: Where the Whitsundays are located and how to get there (Hamilton Island or Proserpine/Airlie Beach gateways)Why Whitehaven Beach is a must-see and how to plan your visitThe best times of year to travel — from whale watching in winter to stinger season considerations in summerAccommodation choices include luxury island resorts, Airlie Beach stays, and unique experiences like ReefSleepTop activities such as snorkelling, jet ski tours, Hill Inlet lookout, and sunset cruisesHidden gems beyond the main tourist trail, including Cape Gloucester, Dingo Beach, and Hideaway BayInsider planning tips, like booking Whitehaven trips early in your stay, in case of weather disruptionsFor photos and highlights from Tracy and Melissa’s visits, head to the shownotes linked below! ⭐️ Guest - Melissa Delaware from "The Queensland Travel Guide" 📝 Show Notes -Episode 75 🎧 Listen to next Episode #18 - Queensland Travel Tips: Beaches, Outback Adventures, and Hidden GemsEpisode #32 – Brisbane Day Trips: Islands, Wildlife, and Hidden Gems✈️ Want to learn how to plan an unforgettable trip to Europe without breaking the bank? Join the D.I.Y. Trip Summit online this January—completely FREE! Get tips from seasoned travellers and start planning the trip of your dreams. 👉 Register here Support the show 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe 🗺 Global Travel Planning Website - globaltravelplanning.com Instagram - Global Travel Planning YouTube - Global Travel Planning 🇬🇧UK Travel Planning Website - UKTravelPlanning.com Instagram - UK Travel Planning YouTube - UK Travel Planning 📍London Travel Planning Website - LondonTravelPlanning.com 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!

In this episode of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, host Tracy Collins is joined by her husband and regular co-host Doug Collins to share the story of their epic 10-day coast-to-coast road trip across Australia, from Brisbane to Perth. Together they talk through the logistics, highlights, surprises and practicalities of covering 4,500 kilometres (2,800 miles) through outback towns, iconic routes such as the Nullarbor, and three very different states. Tracy and Doug reflect on the planning that went into the trip, the memorable stops they made along the way, and their favourite places to stay. They also offer honest thoughts on what they might do differently next time. Expect stories of wildlife sightings, the reality of budgeting for fuel and accommodation, preparing the car for such a journey, and a few mishaps on the road (including the drama of a locked-in car key rescue). The episode wraps up with the total cost of the trip, along with practical tips to help you plan your own bucket-list Australian drive and make it as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. Show notes - Episode 74 🎧 Listen to next Episode #46 – Discovering Western Australia: Essential Insights and Travel Tips with Tess MooneEpisode #32 – Brisbane Day Trips: Islands, Wildlife, and Hidden GemsEpisode #7 – UK to Australia: Making the move with guest Karen Bleakley✈️ Want to learn how to plan an unforgettable trip to Europe without breaking the bank? Join the D.I.Y. Trip Summit online this January—completely FREE! Get tips from seasoned travellers and start planning the trip of your dreams. 👉 Register here Support the show 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe 🗺 Global Travel Planning Website - globaltravelplanning.com Instagram - Global Travel Planning YouTube - Global Travel Planning 🇬🇧UK Travel Planning Website - UKTravelPlanning.com Instagram - UK Travel Planning YouTube - UK Travel Planning 📍London Travel Planning Website - LondonTravelPlanning.com 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!