Doug and Tracey share their top tips for first-time visitors to Europe, drawing from over 50 years of combined travel experience across the continent in various seasons, budgets, and travel styles.

• Consider timing your visit carefully – avoid Southern Europe in July/August due to extreme heat and crowds
• Choose fewer destinations and explore them more deeply, rather than rushing through multiple countries
• Look into transportation options that suit your travel style – trains offer comfortable and scenic journeys
• Book ahead for popular attractions to avoid disappointment and long queues
• Take a food tour early in your trip to learn about local customs and discover hidden gems
• Pack light but smart – consider the reality of cobblestone streets and hotels without lifts
• Prepare for local weather conditions with appropriate clothing and accessories
• Plan your money strategy with multiple cards and minimal cash in most European countries
• Stay connected with an eSIM and download WhatsApp for communication with hotels and tour guides
• Be vigilant about scams and pickpockets, especially in major tourist destinations
• Learn a few basic phrases in local languages as a sign of respect
• Research accommodation carefully, looking for your must-have amenities
• Embrace cultural differences in opening hours, dining times, and local customs
• Consider the different electrical outlets and bring appropriate adapters

Always purchase comprehensive travel insurance – if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.

Show notes - Episode 57

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #6: Discovering Switzerland with Swiss travel expert Carolyn Schönafinger
• Episode #26: Discovering Authentic Norway: Scenic Routes, Local Culture, and Year-Round Adventures
• Episode #37 - Tips for first time visitors to France

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Website - LondonTravelPlanning.com

Work With Us - Contact tracy@globaltravelplanning.com 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!

Dreading your next long-haul flight? In this month’s “Ladies Who Travel” episode of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy is joined by Melissa and Shelly, who collectively have logged thousands of hours in the air. Listen as they share their practical tips and hard-won wisdom to help make marathon journeys not just bearable—but genuinely enjoyable!

The conversation kicks off by addressing a common dilemma: Is it better to endure one ultra-long flight or break the journey into shorter segments? While conventional wisdom might suggest multiple flights, Tracy, Melissa, and Shelly make a compelling case for direct routes—like the 17-hour Perth-to-London flight—provided you can secure the right seat. Tracy openly admits, "I hate flying," making her strategies especially valuable for fellow nervous flyers.

Access to premium cabins emerges as a transformative factor in long-haul comfort. Beyond the expected luxuries, the hosts highlight practical considerations that can justify the extra cost—such as increased baggage allowances, potentially offsetting upgrade expenses for extended trips. For those on tighter budgets, they discuss strategic "point hacking," timing upgrade bids wisely, and identifying flights truly worth the premium investment.

In the segment on carry-on essentials, expect insights that go beyond the usual recommendations. Yes, noise-cancelling headphones make the list, but have you considered bringing an adapter to connect them to the plane’s entertainment system? Or organizing your items in small pouches to avoid rummaging through your bag mid-flight?

Perhaps the most valuable part is the deep dive into managing jet lag—a real challenge when crossing multiple time zones, especially to and from Australia. Tracy, Melissa, and Shelly acknowledge the difficulty and offer concrete strategies for minimizing recovery time. Their unanimous advice never to drive immediately after a long-haul flight could genuinely save lives.

Whether you're a frequent flyer or planning your first intercontinental adventure, this episode will transform potentially miserable travel hours into a manageable—and even enjoyable—part of your journey.

⭐️ Guests - Melissa (QueenslandTravelGuide.com.au) and Shelly Marie (SoloHerWay.com)

🗒 Show notes -

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🇬🇧UK Travel Planning
Website - UKTravelPlanning.com
Instagram - UK Travel Planning
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📍London Travel Planning
Website - LondonTravelPlanning.com

Work With Us - Contact tracy@globaltravelplanning.com 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 episode 55 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy sits down with Abigail from Aotearoa Adventures and her husband Isaac, sharing an insider’s guide to Kathmandu, Nepal.

Isaac, who spent his childhood in Kathmandu, joins Abigail to showcase their favourite temples, markets, festivals, and authentic experiences in Nepal’s bustling capital.

Together, they recount fond personal stories, offer cultural insights, and deliver practical recommendations for both first-time and seasoned travellers.

Listeners will discover the must-see highlights from UNESCO heritage sites to vibrant local neighborhoods teeming with artisans, explore the city’s dynamic food scene—hello, momos!—and hear essential tips for navigating transport, understanding local customs, and maximising time in Kathmandu.

The episode also covers festival timing, the best neighbourhoods to wander, and little-known traveler mistakes to avoid. Whether you’re planning a trek or a laid-back cultural immersion, this is your blueprint for an unforgettable Kathmandu adventure.

Guest - Abigail Hannah of Aotearoa Adventures and her husband Isaac
Show notes - Episode 55

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #50 - Tips for first time visitors to Nepal
• Episode #16 - Exploring New Zealand with Abigail Hannah
• Episode #3 - South Island New Zealand Itinerary

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🗺 Global Travel Planning
Website - globaltravelplanning.com
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🇬🇧UK Travel Planning
Website - UKTravelPlanning.com
Instagram - UK Travel Planning
YouTube - UK Travel Planning

📍London Travel Planning
Website - LondonTravelPlanning.com

Work With Us - Contact tracy@globaltravelplanning.com 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!