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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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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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!

We share our top 10 tips for planning train travel in the UK and Europe in 2025, drawing on our extensive experience travelling by rail throughout these regions.

• Do your homework by researching routes, operators, and realistic itineraries
• Consider the time of year, mobility needs, and whether the journey itself is part of your holiday
• Book tickets in advance for the best prices, weighing flexibility against savings
• Evaluate whether rail passes like Eurail or BritRail make financial sense for your specific journey
• Understand seat reservation rules, which are optional in the UK but often mandatory in Europe
• Pack light with luggage you can easily lift onto trains and store on overhead racks
• Familiarise yourself with station layouts before travel to reduce stress and avoid missed connections
• Compare first class versus standard class, as sometimes the price difference is minimal
• Plan your onward journey carefully, considering transfer times and strategically located accommodations
• Consider sleeper trains for overnight journeys to save time and accommodation costs
• Bonus tip: Research scenic routes that offer spectacular views and unique travel experiences

For UK train travel planning, check out Doug's ebook Guide to UK Train Travel.

Contact us via SpeakPipe with your questions or to inquire about Doug's train itinerary planning services.

Show Notes - Episode 54

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #42 – Discover Italy: Essential tips for first-time visitors with Dianne Bortoletto
• Episode #45 – Germany Travel Guide: Expert Tips for first-time visitors
• Episode #51 – Spain Travel Planning: 3 week itinerary [Trip Report]

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📍London Travel Planning
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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 53 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy chats with guest Tess Moone, a Perth travel blogger and content creator.

Tess shares her top five must-do experiences in Perth, Western Australia, including meeting quokkas on Rottnest Island, wine tasting in the Swan Valley, and enjoying West Coast sunsets on the beach. She also provides insights into lesser-known spots, dining recommendations, and practical travel tips for visiting Perth.

Discover what makes Perth a unique destination and the best times to visit this vibrant city. While Perth may be the world's most isolated capital city, it offers travellers a perfect blend of stunning beaches, world-class wineries, and unique wildlife experiences all within easy reach of its relaxed urban centre.

• Rottnest Island (30 minutes by ferry) is home to adorable quokkas and over 60 pristine beaches
• Perth's west coast location offers spectacular ocean sunsets best enjoyed with local fish and chips
• Swan Valley wine region is just 30 minutes from the CBD with over 40 family-run wineries to explore
• Kings Park Botanic Garden provides breathtaking city views and showcases Western Australia's unique flora
• Caversham Wildlife Park offers close encounters with native Australian animals, including kangaroos and koalas
• Hidden gems include Heirisson Island's wild kangaroos and the snorkelling-accessible Omeo shipwreck
• Summer evenings are perfect for outdoor cinema experiences at Kings Park or Northbridge rooftop
• Pinnacles Desert stargazing tour combines sandboarding, lobster tastings and BBQ under desert stars

Remember to venture beyond Perth's CBD to truly experience Western Australia's natural beauty, with numerous day trip options all within 1-2 hours of the city.

Guest - Tess Moone of Tessomewhere.com
Show Notes - Episode 53

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #46: Discovering Western Australia with Tess Moone
• Episode #20: An Introduction to Margaret River with Kerry Heaney
• Episode #32: Brisbane Day Trips: Islands, Wildlife, and Hidden Gems

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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 52 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy is joined by co-hosts Melissa and Shelly to share their expertise on the crucial topic of travel safety. Together, they explore various aspects of staying safe while travelling, addressing specific concerns for solo travellers, family travellers, and those adventuring across the globe.

From essential pre-travel research and understanding local customs to practical tips for safeguarding your belongings, the episode is packed with valuable advice. They discuss the benefits of pickpocket-proof bags, the importance of using VPNs, and how to manage money wisely while abroad.

Tracy, Shelly, and Melissa share insights from their own travel experiences, highlighting the importance of preparation, awareness, and common sense when navigating unfamiliar destinations.

⭐️ Guests - Melissa (QueenslandTravelGuide.com.au) and Shelly Marie (SoloHerWay.com)
📝 Show Notes - Episode 52

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode 43 – Finding Your Ideal Accommodation: Tips, Tricks, and Travel Tales
• Episode 39 - Planning Your Dream Trip in 2025: Expert Tips and Strategies
• Episode 47 - Pack Like a Pro: Essential Tips, Tricks + Travel Hacks
  
  

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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!

We share the highlights of our recent trip to Madrid, Seville and Barcelona, including our favorite tours, how we got around, where we stayed and what we'd do differently next time.

• Split our three weeks across Madrid, Seville, and Barcelona with a week in Portugal in between
• Had to adjust our original plans to visit northern Spain due to train strikes
• Chose apartments over hotels in Seville and Sitges (near Barcelona) for laundry facilities and flexible mealtimes
• Found Spanish metro systems intuitive and similar to London Underground
• Participated in multiple tapas tours with Devour, providing cultural context and authentic food experiences
• Experienced incredible authentic flamenco in Seville on a combined tapas and performance tour
• Took guided walking tours in Seville and Barcelona with Walks Tours, enjoyed wonderful guides sharing local history and insights
• Dealt with unusually rainy weather throughout much of our Spanish journey
• Discovered Sitges as a peaceful beachside alternative to staying in busy Barcelona

If you're considering visiting Spain in 2025, check out our detailed guides and tips on the website at globaltravelplanning.com to help plan your adventure.

📝 Show Notes - Episode 51

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #37 - Tips for first-time visitors to France
• Episode #38- Top Tips and Insights for First-Time Travellers to Tokyo, Japan
• Episode #42 - Discover Italy: Essential tips for first-time visitors with Dianne Bortoletto

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🇬🇧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 50 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy is joined by travel expert Abigail Hannah from Aotearoa Adventures to explore the enchanting landscapes and rich culture of Nepal. Whether you're a first-time visitor or just considering a trip, this episode is packed with essential tips and insights to help you navigate your adventure in this beautiful country.

From the best times to visit and how to get around, to must-see destinations like Kathmandu and Pokhara, Abigail shares her personal experiences and recommendations. Learn about the culinary delights you can't miss, including the famous Nepali momos and dal bhat, and get valuable advice on cultural etiquette to ensure a respectful and enjoyable visit.

Whether you're interested in trekking to stunning viewpoints or immersing yourself in Nepal's rich heritage, this episode will guide you in planning your perfect itinerary. Join us as we uncover the secrets of Nepal and inspire your next travel adventure!

Guest - Abigail Hannah of Aotearoa Adventures
Show notes - Episode 50

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #16 - Exploring New Zealand with Abigail Hannah
• Episode #2 - North Island New Zealand Itinerary
• Episode #3 - South Island New Zealand Itinerary

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🗺 Global Travel Planning
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🇬🇧UK Travel Planning
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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!